to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. VVhat is the third Inference A. The glorious priviledge of believers who are under a better covenant establisht upon better promises Heb. 8.6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant which is establisht upon better promises Q. 10. VVhat is the last Inference A. That we should pity the unregenerate especially our own among them and labour to plant them in the second Adam Of the Fall of Man Quest. 13. DID our first Parents continue in the estate wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freeedom of their own wâ—ll fell from thee estate wherein they were created by sinning against God Q. 1. How doth it appear that man is fallen A. By the Scripture History an account of it in Gen. 3.6 7. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eat And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves Aprons and they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees if the garden And the sad experience we all have of it in our own selves Rom. 5.12 Therefore 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. 2. How could man fall since he was made upright A. Though he was upright yet his will was mutable and by abusing that liberty he fell Eccles. 7.29 Lo this only have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Q. 3. How did God leave him to abuse the freedom of will A. Not by inclining him to abuse it but by with-holding that further grace which he was no way obliged to continue to him Q. 4. Did the will of man lose its liberty to good by the Fall A. Yes it did and is so wounded that it cannot without preventing and regenerating grace put forth one spiritual and saving act Eph. 2.8 9 10. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of our selves it is the gift of God Not of works lest any man should boast for we are all his workmanship created in Christ Iesus unto good works c. Q. 5. VVhat was the aggravation of Adam's Sin A. It was aggravated in his being a publick innocent person so newly placed in a State of Happiness and Liberty Q 6. What is the first inference from the Fall A. That the best Creature left to himself cannot be long safe as the Angels and Adam Psal. 49.12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not he is like the beast that perish Q. 7. What is the second Inference A. That since man could not be his own keeper he can be much less his own Saviour 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our sâ—lves but our sufficiency is of God Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That it is impossible for the covenant of works to justify any one Rom. 3.20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight 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 condemned sin in the flesh Q. 9. What is the last Inference A. What cause have we to bless God for Christ who recovered us when the Fall left us helpless Rom. 5.6 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Of Sin Quest. 14. WHAT is Sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God Q. 1. What is meant by the Law A. The Commands and Rules flowing from God's Soveraignty whereby his will is manifested and the Creature bound to obedience Q. 2. Where is this Law written A. It is written either in the heart Rom. 2.15 Which shews the work of the law written in their hearts which we call the law of nature Or in the Bible which we call the written Moral Law Q. 3. What conformity is due to this Law of God A. A two fold conformity is due to it First Internal in our hearts Secondly External in our lives and the want of either is sin 1 Ioh. 3.4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Q 4. How doth it appear that the want of internal conformity is sin A. Because the Law requires it Mark 12.30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength for this is the first commandment And condemns the want of it Rom. 7.7 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 Q 5. Is nothing a sin but what is against God's Law A No nothing can be a sin but what God hath either expresly or by consequence forbidden in his word Q 6 Wherein lies the evil of transgressing God's Laws A. The evil of sin principally lies in offence and wrong done to God whose soveraignty it labours to shake off and despises his will Psal. 31.4 Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight Q. 7. VVhat further evil is in sin A. It highly wrongs the Sinner's Soul by defacing defiling and damning it Prov. 8.36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul all they that hate me love death Q. 8. VVherein is the evil of sin manifested A. It 's manifested in the death of Christ the terrors of Conscience and torments of Hell Q. 9. VVhat course must the Sinner take to recover himself out of his misery A. Repentance towards God faith towards Christ and both evidenced by new obediencâ— Acts 20.21 Testifying both to the Jew and also to the Greeks repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 10. VVhat may we infer from hence A. That we have infinite cause to bless God for Christ's satisfaction of the Law for our Sins Of the Tree of Knowledge Quest. 15. WHat is the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created A. The sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit Q. 1 VVhy was this Tree called the Tree of Knowledge A.
Not from any natural efficacy it had to give knowledge but the Knowledge he should have by eating or not eating was experimental Knowledge i. â— Knowledge to his Sorrow Q. 2. VVhy did God forbid him this Tree A. First For the discovery of his dominion over man Secondly For the trial of his subjection and obedience Thirdly For the aggravation of his sin if he should eat Q. 3. VVhat evil was there in eating of it A. There was a twofold Evil the evil of Sin and the evil of Punishment both very great Q. 4. What was the Evil of Sin A. A threefold Evil of Sin First Against God called disobedience Rom. 5.19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners Secondly Against himself Soul Body and Estate Thirdly Against his Posterity 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 5. What was the Evil of Punishment First Loss of God's Image Secondly Horror of Conscience Thirdly Sorrow on the Female Sex Fourthly Curse on the Creature Fifthly Expulsion from Paradise Sixthly Death both of Body and Soul Q 6. What is the first Instruction from it A. To take heed of small beginnings of Temptations and resist it in the first motions Iam. 3.5 Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth Q. 6. What is the second Inference A. Not to hold a parly with the tempter See 2 Cor. 11.3 But I fear lest by any means as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That Satan's policy lies much in the choice of his tempting instruments as Eve and Peter c. Q. 9. VVhat is the fourth Inference A. A necessity of keeping strong-guards on our Senses Isa. 33.15 That stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil he shall dwell on high his place of defence shall be the munition of rocks Q. 10. VVhat is the fifth Inference A That Covenant-breaking is a heinous sin which God will punish Hos. 8.1 He shall come as an Eagle against the house of the Lord because they have transgressed my covenant and trespassed against my laws Q. 11. VVhat is the last Inference A. That the corruption of our nature is much seen in desiring forbidden things Rom. 7.7 VVhat 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 Of the Fall of Adam and ours in him Quest. 16. DId all Mankind fall in Adam's first transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam not only for himself but for his posterity all mankind descending from him by ordinary Generation sinned in him and fell with him in his first transgression Q. 1. Did no man ever escape the Sin of Adam A. Yes The man Christ Jesus did and he only Heb. 7.26 For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners Q. 2. Why was not Christ tainted with it A. Because he came into the world in an extraordinary way Mat. 1.18 Now the birth of Christ was on this wise when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost Q. 3. How doth it appear all others are tainted with it A. It appears by Scripture-Testimony 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 And experience of the best men Rom. 7.21 I find then a law that when I would do good evil is present with me Q. 4. How came all men to fall with Adam A. Because all were included in Adam 's Covenant as a Man's Covenant includes his Children before they be born or the treason of the father affects his posterity Q. 5. What infer you from hence A. The stupendious wisdom of God in sending Christ in our nature and yet without the sin and taint of it 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the wisdom of God Q. 6. What is the second Inference A. Hence we learn the admirable love of Christ in taking our nature with all the sinless Infirmities thereof 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 condemned sin in the flesh Q. 7. What is the third Inference A. The necessity of our Union with Christ in order to our participation of his Righteousness and Redemption 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive Q. 8. What is the fourth Inference A. Hence we learn the malignant and mortal nature of sin in as much as our sin defiled and destroyed a whole world Q. 9. What is the fifth Inference A. That though all be not equally sensible of their need yet one sinner needs Christ as much as another Q. 10. What is the last Inference A. That no man hath any cause or reason to boast of the goodness of his nature since the best were by nature under the same sin and misery as the worst Eph. 2.3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath even as others Of Original Sin Quest. 17. INto what Estate did the Fall bring Mankind A. The Fall brought Mankind into an Estate of Sin and Misery Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that Estatâ— whereinto Man fell A. The fulness of that Estate whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adamâ—s first Sin the want of original Righteousness and corruption of his â—â—ole Nature which is commonly called original Sin together with all actual Transgressions which proceed from sin Q. 1. How many sorts of Sin are all men under A. All men are guilty before God of two sorts of Sin of Original and Actual Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Eccles. 7.20 For there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Q. 2. How can we be guilty of Adam's first Sin A. We are guilty of it because Adam sinned not only as a single but also as a publick Person and representative of all Mankind Rom. 5.15 16 17. But not as the offence so also 〈◊〉 the free gift for if through the offence of one many be dead much more the grace of God and the gift by grace which is by one maâ— Iesus Christ hath abounded unto many and not as it was by one that sinned so is the gift for the judgment was by one to condemnation Q 3. How else came we under his guilt A. We are guilty of
his Sin by Generation for we were in his loyns as treason stains the blood of the posterity or the parents Leprosie the Children Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapeâ— in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q 4. Wherein doth it consist A. It consists in two things First In our aversation and enmity to that which is good Rom. 7.18 In me that is in my flesh there dwelleth no good thing Secondly In proneness to that which is evil Rom. 7.14 But I am carnal sold under sin Q 5. Is this corruption of Nature in all Men A. Yes In all meer men and women none exempted Rom. 3.10 and 23. As it is written There is none righteous no not one for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Q. 6. In what part of our Nature doth this Sin abide A. It abides in the whole man in every part of man both Soul and Body Gen. 6.5 God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually 1 Thes. 5.23 Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 7. How is the Body infected by it A. In the readiness of the bodily members to further sin and its temptations in the Soul Rom. 3.13 14 15. Their throat is an open sepulcher with their tongues they have used deceit the poyson of Asps is under their lips whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness their feet are swift to shedblood Q. 8. What learn we from Original Sin A. To bear patiently the miseries we see on our Children and their death also without murmuring Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. What is the second Instruction A. It teaches us humility and should be matter of confession and humiliation when we sin actually Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q. 10. What is the third Instruction A. It should provoke parents to use their utmost diligence for the conversion of their Children who draw sin from them Q 11. What is the last Instruction A. It teaches us the necessity of Regeneration and should provoke us greatly to desire it Of Man's Misery Quest. 19. WHat is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost communion with God are under his wrath and curse and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of Hell for ever Q. 1. What communion had God with Man before the Fall A. Man then enjoyed the gracious presence and favour of God with him which was better than life Q. 2. How doth it appear this was lest by the Fall A. It appears by Scripture-Testimony That Adam lost it as to himself Gen. 3.8 And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden And we in him Eph. 2.12 At that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Q. 3. Was this the only misery that came by the Fall A. No Man did not only lose communion with God but fell under his wrath and curse Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 4. Doth the wrath and curse of God then lie on all Men A. It lies on all the unregenerate in the world Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which is written in the book of the law to do them But believers are delivered from it by Christ. 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus which delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 5. How are the miseries of Man by the Fall divided A. They are divided into the miseries of this world and of the world to come Q 6. What are the miseries that come on them in thss world A. The miseries of life as Sickness Pain Poverty on the Body Fear Trouble Sorrow on the Mind and at last Death it self Rom. 6. ult The wages of sin is death Q. 7. What are the Miseries after this Life A. The Pains and Torments of Hell for ever Psal. 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into hell Q. 8. What are the Torments of Hell A. Pain of Loss and Pain of Sense Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire Q. 9. What learn you from hence A. The woful State of the unconverted Miserable here and miserable to Eternity Q. 10. What else learn we hence A. The great salvation Believers have by Christ from all this misery Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him Of the Salvation of God's Elect and of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 20. 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 diâ— 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 Q. 1. Are some Persons chosen to salvation and others left A. Yes God hath chosen some to salvation and passed by others as the Scriptures speak See Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called And Jude v. 4. For there are certian men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men c. Q 2. Did God chuse some because he foresaw they would be better than others A. No God's choice was not on foreseen works but meerly of his grace and good pleasure of his will Eph. 1.5.6 Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace Q. 3. Is this Election of God made in time and that according as men use their free will or from Eternity A. Election is an Eternal act of God before the world was and depends not on Man's using his free-will as appears from Eph. 1.4 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 Q. 4. Shall all that be Elected be called and saved A. Yes the Scripture is full and plain for it Acts 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called c. Q. 5. By whom are the Elect saved A.
12.10 15. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preâ—eâ—â—ing one another Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep Q. 7. What 's the first Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It directly and especially forbids all sinful and inordinate desires and motions after other Mens enjoyments Col. 3.5 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Q. 8. What 's the second Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all cruelty and incompassionateness to others in necessity and keeping back from them that relief which is made theirs by Gods command Prov. 11.24 There is that with-holdeth more than is meet but it tendeth to poverty Lev. 19.9 10. And when ye reap the harvest of your land thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger I am the Lord your God Q. 9. What is the third Sin forbidden in this Command A. It forbids the detaining of the Hirelings Wages when it is due Hab. 2.9 10 11. Wo to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house that he may set his nest on high that he may be delivered from the power of evil Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people and hast sinned against thy soul. For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the beam out of the timber shall answer it Q. 10. What 's the fourth Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all inward grudgings at and envyings of the enjoyments of others whether they be inward Goods of the Mind or outward belonging to the Body 1 Cor. 13.4 Charity envieth not c. Q. 11. What 's the mischief of Covetousness A. It distracts the Heart in Duties Ezek. 33.31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh and they sit before thee as my people and they hear thy words but they will not do them for with their mouth they show much love but their heart goeth after their covetousness Provokes the wrath of God Isa. 57.17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and smote him c. And where it reigns it becomes Idolatry Col. 3.5 And covetousness which is Idolatry Q. 12. What 's the first Inference hence A. It calls all men to humiliation for the inordinacy of their Affections towards the World their discontent with their own and envyings of others conditions Q. 13. What 's the second Inference hence A. As ever we would keep clear from this sin let us make God our portion Psal. 16.5 6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot And labour to get the Soul-satisfying comforts of his Spirit Iohn 4.14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst c. 2 Cor. 6.10 As having nothing and yet possessing all things Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. If God have given us a sufficiency of the things of this life for our necessity let us be satisfied though we want other things for our delight 1 Tim. 6.8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content And relieve our selves by an expectation of those better things laid up in Heaven for us if we be believers Iam. 2.5 Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Of keeping the Law Quest. 82. IS any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the Commandments of God but doth dayly break them in Thought Word and Deed. Q. 1. Wherein doth thâ— perfect keeping of Gods Law consist A. It consists in the perfect and constant conformity of the internal and external Actions of Heart and Life to every Command of God Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Matth. 22.37 38 39. Iesus said unto him thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind This is the first and great Commandment And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Q. 2. But if a man commit no external act against the Law may he not be said perfectly to keep it although in mind or thought he should transgress A. No for an inward motion of sin in the Heart that never breaks forth into act is a violation of the Law and brings the Soul under the curse of it Matth. 5.21 22. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whâ—soever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with hâ—s brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment c. And ver 27 28. Ye have heard that it was 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 Q. 3. May not a man keep the Law if he keep some of its Commands though he cannot keep every one of them punctually A. No he cannot for the transgression of any one Command in the least degree is a breach of all and brings the curse of the whole upon a Mans Soul Iam. 2.10 For who soever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Q. 4. Was the Law never kept by any since it was made A. Yes Adam in his innocent state kept it for he was made upright Eccles. 7.29 God made man upright c. And Christ perfectly kept it Matth. 5.17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Q. 5. What 's the first Reason why no meer man in this life can fulfil and keep the law of God perfectly A. It is because the Law of God is perfect and the best of Men in this life are imperfect Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is perfect c. Eccles. 7.20 For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not Q. 6. But may not Men perfectly keep it when regenerate and born of God A. No because even in the regenerate there is a Law of Sin which wars against the Law of God Gal. 5.17 For the flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh c. Rom. 7.22 23. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man But I see another law in my members warring against the law
of my mind c. And though they are said not to sin 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin c. that is not to be taken absolutely but comparatively as they once did and others still do Q. 7. But did not Christ command the young man to keep the Law A. 'T is true that Christ did put the young man upon this task Matth. 19.17 If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments But it was not on a supposition that he was able to do it but to convince him of the impossibility of Justification that way Q. 8. But doth not the Apostle say that the righteousness of the laâ—â— is fulfilled in Believers A. 'T is true that the Apostle doth say so Rom. 8.4 but the meaning is not that we fulfil it in our own persons by our compleat obedience to it but it is fulfilled in us by our union with Christ who perfectly kept it and that Righteousness of the Law which is in Christ becomes ours by Gods imputation of it to us Rom. 4.23 24. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him But for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him that raised up Iesus our Lord from the dead Q 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Justification by our own Works is utterly impossible to the holiest of Men Gal. 2.16 For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquities O Lord who shall stand Q. 10. What 's the second Inference from hence A. Hence we learn what an infinite Mercy it is that God sent Jesus Christ made under the Law Gal. 4.4 5. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law c. To do that for us we could never do for our selves Rom. 8.3 4. For what the law could not do in that it was weak thâ—ough the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit Q. 11. What 's the third Inference from hence A. That the dreadful Curse must needs lye on all Unbelievers that are out of Christ Iohn 3.36 He that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him And seek their Justification by the deeds of the Law Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse c. Q. 12. What 's the fourth Inference from hence A. What a deluge of sin and misery brake in upon the whole World by the fall of Adam and all his Posterity being by him plunged under both Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man siâ— entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 13. What 's the fifth Inference from hence A. That the Popish Doctrines of Merits and Works of Supererogation are false and groundless Doctrines springing out of the ignorance aud pride of mans heart Q. 14. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That all Gods people should sigh under their unhappy necessity of sinning Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death And long to be with Christ in the perfect state Hebr. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Of the inequality of Sin Quest. 83. ARe all Transgressions of the Law equally hainous A. Some Sins in themselves and by reason of several Aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God than others Q. 1 Whence ariseth the first difference of sin A. The first difference betwixt one sin and another ariseth from the immediate object against which the sin is committed on this account sins immediately committed against God are more heinous than sins committed immediately against Man 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the Iudge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him And all sins of the First Table are greater than those of the Second yet there are crying sins against the Second Q. 2. What 's the first sin noted for an heinous sin A. The sin of Murder is in Scripture set down for an heinous and crying sin in its own nature Gen. 4.10 The voice of thy brothers blood cryeth unto me from the earth Q. 3. What other sin is noted for a crying sin A. The sin of Oppression is noted in Scripture for a crying sin Hab. 2.11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the oâ—am out of the timber shall answer it Especially the oppression of the Widow and Fatherless Exod. 22.22 23. Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child If thou afflict them in any wise and they cry at all unto me I will surely hear their cry Q. 4. What is reckoned in Scripture an heinous sin against the First Table A. The sin of Atheism or denying the Being of God is a sin of the first magnitude Iob 31.28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the Iudge for I should have denyed the God that is above This was the sin of Pharaoh Exod. 5.2 And Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Q. 5. What other sin is heinous in Gods account A. The sin of Idolatry is a most heinous sin and goes nearer to the heart of God than other sins do Ezek. 6.9 And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives because I am broken with their whâ—rish heart which hath departed from me and with their eyes which go a whoring after their idols and they shall loath themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations Jer. 44.4 Oh do not this abominable thing that I hate Q. 6. What 's the most heinous of all the sins in the world A. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the most heinous of all other sins and shall never be forgiven by Him Matth. 12.31 All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men Q. 7. From whence doth this Scripture aggravate sin A The Spirit of God in Scripture aggravates and estimates sin from the degree of light and knowledge Men sin against Luke 12.47 And that servant which knew his Lords will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes John 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 Q. 8. What 's the second thing that aggravates sin A. The more Mercies any man
us richly all things to enjoy Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life Q. 17. Wherefore is the Bread called our Bread A. Not because we are absolute Lords and Possessors of it for so 't is Gods only Psal. 24.1 2. The earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof the world and they that dwell therein For he hath founded it upon the Seas and estabilished it upod the floods Psal. 50.10 12. for every beast of the forrest is mine and the cattle upon a thousand hills If I were hungry I would not tell thee for the world is mine and the fulness thereof But 1. Because we must have a Covenant right to it and 2. A civil right we must come lawfully and honestly by and so keep the good things of this life 2 Thes. 3.10 For even when we were with you this we commanded you that if any would not work neither should â—e eat Q. 18. Having prayed for our daily Bread need we to labour and endeavour to get it A. Yes we must labour in good and honest callings Gods blessing and Mans industry must concur towards the present maintenance of life Psal. 128.1 2. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord that walketh in his ways for thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands happy shalt thou be and it shall be well with thee Prov. 10.4 22. He becometh poor that dealeth with aslack hand but the hand of the diligent maketh rich The blessing of the Lord maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it Q. 19. What is the first Inference from it A. That we must not seek great matters for our selves neither make them the matter of prayer to God nor the end and design of our labours and callings among Men. Q. 20. What is a second Inference from hence A. That having Food and Rayment we must be therewith content and therefore thankful 1 Tim. 6.8 And having food and rayment let us be therewith content 1 Thes. 5.18 In every thing give thanks Q. 21. What is the third Inference A. That we ascribe not our success in the World to our own skill and industry for the wisest and most industrious do sometimes labour in the fire and put their gain in a bag of holes but to Gods free donation to us and to his Blessing upon our endeavours Gen. 33.5 11. And he lift up his eyes and saw the the women and the children and said who are those with thee And he said the children which God hath graciously given thy Servant Take I pray thee my blessing that is brought to thee because God hath dealt graciously with me and because I have enough Deut 28.3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city and blessed shalt thou be in the field ver 6. Blessed shalt thou when thou comest in and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out Concerning forgiveness of Sins Quest. 105. WHat doth we pray for in the fifth Petition A. In the fifth Petition which is and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pardon all our Sins which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by this grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others Q. 1. Why doth this Petition immediately follow the former A. To teach that all temporal and corporal good things without special and Spiritual ones are little worth Psal. 4.6 There be many that say who will shew us any good Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us Psal. 17.14 15. From men which are thy hand O Lord from men of the world which have their portion in this life and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure they are full of children and leave the rest of their substance to their babes As for me I will behold thy face in righteousness I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Q. 2. Why is it annexed to the former with the Copulative and A. To teach that to be one minute in the confluence of all earthly good things without the pardon of Sin is a very dangerous and dreadful condition Luke 12.16 20. And he spake a parable unto them saying the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully but God said unto him thou fool this night shall thy soul be required of thee then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided Q. 3. Why is forgiveness of Sins placed in the front of spiritual Blessings A. Because till sin be pardoned we are under wrath and can have no special saving Grace applyed to us till we are accepted till we are in Christ we have no Covenant right to the blessings of Christ Matt. 11.28 come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest ver 30. for my yoke is easie and my burden is light John 15.4 5. abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the Vine no more can ye except ye abide in me 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 ver 7. if ye abide in me and my words abide in you ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you John 3. ult He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Q. 4. Why do we pray for forgiveness cannot we make amends for our sins and be freed from their guilt without pardon A. No all that we can ever do or suffer can never expiate the guilt of the least sin Psal. 49.7 8. None of them can by any means redeem his brother nor give to God a ransom for him For the redemption of their soul is precious and it ceaseth for ever 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the judge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall entreat for him Q 5. Does God then freely and out of meer Grace forgive us A. Yes without any respect had to any thing we can do or be Isa. 43.25 I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake and will not remember thy sins Rom. 9.15 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion Ver. 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will be hardneth Q. 6. How doth God forgive sins A. 1. Universally all sins Exod. 34.6 7. And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed the Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin Jer. 33.8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity whereby they have
treacherous and false and see no change we are not bound to trust them if they be and remain wicked and profane we must not associate with them Psal. 26.5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers and will not sit with the wicked Ver. 4. I have not sate with vain persons neither will I go in with dissemblers Q. 21. What then must we do to such A. We must heartily forgive them all their injuries we must love them with the love of benevolence pray for them and be ready aud willing to do them all good both of Body and Soul Mat. 5.44 45. But I say unto you love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them which dispitefully use you and persecute you That you may be the children of your father which is in heaven for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust Q. 22. If we forgive others shall we be forgiven our selves A. We shall if out of obedience to God and love to Christ we do it Q. 23. What is the first Inference from hence A. That except our sins be forgiven we are lost and undone creatures and therefore we must never be contented till we are pardoned Q. 24. What is a second Inference A. That God is a God of love goodness and pardon seeing he will not pardon us if we do not pardon others but will if we do so Q. 25. What is a third Inference A. That if we live in hatred when we pray the Lords Prayer we pray for our own damnation Mat. 18.22 Iesus saith unto him I say not unto thee until seven times but until seventy times seven Ver. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Of Gods leading us into Temptation Quest. 106. WHat do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into Temptation but deliver us from evil we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to Sin or support and deliver us when we are tempted Q. 1. Why is this Petition joyned to the former with the copulative And A. Because 't will be but little advantage to have former sins pardoned and to be left to the power and practice to the love and trade of sin for for the future Ezek. 18.26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness and committeth iniquity and dyeth in them for his iniquity that he hath done shall he dye Q. 2. What is meant by Temptation A. In general a tryal or probation of what is in us or of what we will do Q. 3. What is meant by Temptation here A. Temptation to sin and wickedness Q. 4. How may we be said to be tempted to sin A. 1. Effectually by our selves and our own hearts Iam. 1.14 15. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth sorth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death 2. Formally with an intention to draw into sin and so we are tempted of the Devil 1 Chron. 21.1 And satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel Mat. 4.1 3. Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil And when the tempter came to him he said if thou be the son of God command that these stones be made bread 3. Innocently and blamelesly and so God is said to tempt 2 Sam. 24.1 And again the anger of the Lord was kinaled against Israel and he moved David against them to say go number Israel and Iudah Q. 5. How many wayes may God be â—aid to tempt to evil A. 1. By withdrawing his Grace either common or special 2 Chron. 32.31 Howbeit in the business of the embassadors of the princes of Babylon who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land God left him to try him that he might know all that was in his heart 2. By permitting Satan and wicked men to tempt 2 Sam. 24.1 He moved David against them to say go number Israel and Iudah With 1 Chron. 21.1 Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David Mat. 4.1 Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil 3. By presenting oecasions in his Providence which he knows will be abused to sin as in the fall of Adam the hardening of Pharaoh c. Q. 6. What do we beg in this Petition A. We beg that we may not any of these or any other ways whereby the holy God may be said to lead into temptation be led thereinto Psal. 141.4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity and let me not eat of their dainties Psal. 19.13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me then shall I be upright and I shall be innocent from the great transgression Q. 7. What is meant by evil A. Some understand it of the Devil but the best meaning is Sin which is the evil of evils and makes the Devil evil and is the worst of evils the Devil can bring upon us and is usually so understood in Scripture Psal. 97.10 Ye that love the Lord hate evil Isa. 1.16 Cease to do evil Amos 5.15 Hate the evil and love the good Rom. 12.9 Abhor that which is evil Q. 8. What by deliverance from evil is meant A. That if God sees meet to permit us to be tempted by Satan and the wicked without or by our own hearts within to sin or occasionally by his Providence that he will not leave us but undertake for us that we may not be led into sin thereby but by his Grace be made more than conquerors Psal. 51.10 Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me Psal. 119.133 Order my stepâ— in thy word and let not any iniquity havâ— dominion over me According to his promise 1 Cor. 10.13 But God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able 2 Cor. 12.9 And he said unto me my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness Q. 9. What is the first Inference A. That sin is the worst of evils Q. 10. What 's the second Inference A. That without Gods Grace we can never withstand but shall be overcome by every temptation 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Joh. 15.5 For without me ye can do nothing Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. That we must do all we can to keep our selves from Temptation and to engage the Grace of God with us in Temptation by
us which most resembles God and therefore our chief regard and care should be for them whatever becomes of the vile Body Mat. 16.26 For what is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lose his own Soul Or what shall a man give in Exchange for his Soul Q. 7. What further Truth may be inferr'd hence A. That men should beware of spiritual Sins as well as of gross and outward Sins for there is a filthiness of the Spirit as well as of the Flesh. 2 Cor. 7.1 Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and as God sees them so he greatly abhors them as Sins that defile the noblest part of man on which he stamp'd his own Image Q. 8. What also may be inferr'd from hence A. Hence we learn that spiritual Worship is most agreeable to his Nature and Will and the more spiritual it is the more acceptable it will be to him Iohn 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Externals in worship are of little regard with God as places habits gestures c. Apply this First To Superstitious men Isa. 66.1 2 3. Secondly To Children that say a Prayer but mind not to whom nor what they say Of God's Infinity Quest. 1. WHat is the sense and meaning of this Word Infinity A. It signifies that which hath no bounds or limits within which it is contained as all created things are Q. 2. In how many respects is God infinite A. God is infinite or boundless in three respects First In respect of the perfection of his Nature his Wisdom Power and Holiness exceed all measures and limits as 1 Sam. 2.2 There is none holy as the Lord c. Secondly In respect of time and place no time can measure him Isa. 57.15 Thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity 1 Kings 8.27 Behold the Heaven of heavens cannot contain thee how much less this House which I have built The Heaven of heavens contains all created Beings but not the Creator Thirdly In respect of his Incomprehensibleness by the understanding of all creatures Iob. 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection Q 3. If God be thus Infinite and no understanding can comprehend him How then is it said in 1 John 3.2 VVe shall see him as he is A. The meaning is not that glorified Saints shall comprehend God in their understandings but that they shall have a true apprehensive Knowledge though not a comprehensive Knowledge of God and that we shall see him immediately and not as we do now thorow a glass darkly Q. 4. What is the first Lesson to be learnt from God's Infinity A. That therefore men should tremble to sin even in secret Psal. 139.11 If I say surely the darkness shall cover me even the Night shall be light about me Q. 5. What is the second Instruction from hence A. The second Instruction is That there is an infinite evil in sin objectively consider'd as it is committed against an Infinite God and therefore it deserves Eternal Punishment and no satisfaction can possibly be made for it but by the Blood of Christ. 1 Pet. 1.18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold but with the precious Blood of Christ. Q. 6. What is the third Instruction from God's Infinity A. The third Instruction is That those who are reconciled to God in Christ need not fear his ability to perform any mercy for them for he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think Ephes. 3.20 And those that are not reconciled are in a very miserable condition having infinite Power set on work to punish them 2 Thes. 1.9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. 7. What is the fourth Instruction from God's Infinity A. That no place can bar the access of gracious Souls to God They are as near him in a Dungeon as when at Liberty and that he knows their thoughts when their tongues cannot utter them Eternal Quest. 1. WHat is it to be Eternal as God is A. The Eternity of God is to be without beginning and without end Psal. 90.2 From everlasting to everlasting thou art God Q. 2. How doth God's Eternity differ from the Eternity of Angels and Humane Souls A. It differs in two respects First In this That tho Angels and the Souls of men shall have no end yet they had a beginning which God had not Secondly Our Eternity is by gift from God or by his appointment but his Eternity is necessary and from his own Nature Q. 3. In what sense is the Covenant called an everlasting Covenant A. The Covenant is called an Everlasting Covenant 2 Sam. 23.5 because the mercies of it conveyed to believers as pardon peace and salvation are mercies that shall have no end Q. 4. In what sense is the Gospel Everlasting A. The Gospel is called the Everlasting Gospel Rev. 14.6 because the effects thereof upon the Souls it sanctifies will abide in them for ever Q. 5. In what sense is the Redemption of Christ called the Eternal Redemption A. The Redemption of Christ is called Eternal Redemption in Heb. 9.12 because those whom he redeems by his Blood shall never more come into condemnation Iohn 5.24 He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life Q. 6. VVhy is the last Iudgment of the world by Christ called Eternal Iudgment A. The last Judgment is called Eternal Judgment not because God judged men from Eternity or because the Day of Judgment shall last to Eternity but because the consequences of it will be Everlasting Joy or Misery to the Souls of Men therefore it 's called eternal judgment Heb. 6.2 Q 7. VVhat may wicked men learn from the Eternity of God A. Hence wicked men may see their own misery in the perfection of it that they will have an eternal Enemy to avenge himself upon them for ever in the world to come 2 Thess. 1.9 VVho shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. Q. 8. VVhat may good men learn from it A. That their joy and happiness will be perfect and endless who have the Eternal God for â—heir portion Psalm 16.11 In thy presence is fulness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Q. 9. VVhat may all men good and had learn from it A. All men may learn three things from the Eternity of God First That their life is a thing of nought compared with God Psal. 39.5 Mine age is nothing before thee Secondly That sins or duties long since committed or performed are all present before God Thirdly That God can never want opportunity to do his work and carry
of the righteous judgment of God Q. 6. What is the Third Evidence of God's Iustice A. The Third Evidence of the Justice of God is in making good all the mercies he hath promised to believers exactly to a tittle 1 Iohn 1.19 If we confess our sins he is faithfull and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 2 Tim. 4.8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge will give me at that day Q. 7. What is the First inference from God's Iustice A. That sinners have no cause to complain of God's Judgments though they be never so terrible or durable 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 judgment of God Q. 8. What is the Second Inference from God's Iustice A. That without doubt there is a Judgment to come in the next Life otherwise God would not have the glory of his Justice Eccles. 3.16 17. I saw under the sun the place of judgment that wickedness was there and the place of righteousness that iâ—iquity was there I said in mine heart God shall judge the righteous and the wicked Q. 9. What is the Third Inference from God's Iustice A. That penitent and believing sinners need not doubt of the forgiveness of their sins 1 Iohn 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness Q. 10. What is the Last Inference from it A. The Last Inference is That meekness and patience under afflictions is our unquestionable Duty and murmuring against God is a great sin and evil Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Of Gâ—d's Goodness Quest. 1. WHAT is the Goodness of God A. It is an Essential Property of his Nature whereby he is absolutely and perfectly good in himself and the Fountain of all communicated Goodness to the Creature Psalm 119.68 Thou art good and dost good teach me thy Statutes Q 2. How doth the Goodness of God differ from the Mercy of God A. It differs in its Objects for Misery is the Object of Mercy but Goodness extends to the Creatures that are happy as well as miserable as the Angels Psal. 145.9 The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Q. 3. What is the First Property of God's Goodness A. That all his other Attributes flow out of it as their Fountain The other Acts of God are but the Effluxes of his Goodness Exod. 33.19 And he said I will make all my goodness pass before thee and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will shew mercy unto whom I will shew mercy Exod. 34.6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Q 4 What is the Second Property of the Divine Goodness A. That it is supream and perfect in it self so as the goodness of no Creature is or can be Luke 18.19 None is good save one and that is God And consequently above all additions from the Creature Psalm 16.2 O my soul thou hast said unto the Lord my goodness extendeth not unto thee Q. 5. What is the Third Property of God's Goodness A. That it is communicative with pleasure and delight to the Creature No Mother draws out her Breast to an hungry Child with more pleasure than God doth his Goodness to the Saints Psalm 145.9 The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Q. 6. In what Acts hath God first manifested his Goodness A. He hath manifested it in the creation and government of the World Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all Q 7. What was the principal Work in which God hath manifested his Goodness to men A. The principal manifestation of God's Goodness was in the Work of Redemption by Christ. Rom. 5.8 God commended his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us 1 John 4.8 9. In this was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten son into the world that we might live through him Q. 8. But are not the Iudgments of God on the wicked and his Afflictions on the Saints impeachments of his goodness A. No It is the property of Goodness to hate and punish Evil in the impenitent Exod 34.7 Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the guilty c. And the Afflictions of the Saints flow from his Goodness and end in their true and eternal good Heb 12.6 For whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Psalm 119.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy Stà tutes Q. 9. What may we infer from the Goodness of God A. The first thing is that Sin hath made our Natures base and disingenuous in that we take no notice of his Goodness Isa. 1.3 The ox knoweth his owner and the ass his masters crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not consider And answer not the design of it Rom. 2.4 Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance Q. 10. What is the Second Inference from the Goodness of God A. That therefore God is the fittest Object of our delight and love and of our trust and confidence 1. Of our Delight and Love Psalm 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication 2. Of our Trust and Confidence Psalm 34 8. O taste and see that the Lord is good blessed is the man that trusteth in him Q. 11. What is the Third Inference from God's Goodness A. That Christians should imitate God in his Goodness in charity to our Enemies Matt. 5.44 45. But I say unto you Love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you that ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven Q. 12. What is the Last Inference from God's Goodness A. That Christians have great encouragement to go to God for pardon in case of sin Psalm 130.4 But there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared and for refuge of dangers Nahum 1.7 The Lord is good a strong hold in the day of trouble he knoweth them that trust in him Of God's Truth Quest. 1. WHAT is the Truth of God A. It is an Essential Property of his Nature whereby he is perfectly faithful in himself and in all that he hath spoken Deut 32.4 He is the rock his work is perfect for all his ways are judgment a God of truth
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings and not one of them is forgotten before God but even the very hairs of your head are all numbred Q 2 How else is Providence evidenced A. By Scripture Emblems as Iacob 's Ladder Gen. 28.12 13. Ana he dreamed and behold a ladder set upon the earth and the top of it reached to heaven behold the Angels of God ascended and descended on it And Ezekiel 's wheels Ezek 1.20 VVhithersoever the spirit was to go they went thither was their spirit to go and the wheels were lifted up over against them for the spirit of the liviâ—g creature was in the wheels Q. 3. VVhat further Scripture evidence is there A The sure accomplishment of Scripture Predictions as Israel 's Captivity and Deliverance from Egypt and Babylon Christ's Incarnation the Rise and Ruin of the Four Monarchies Dan. 2.31 Thou O King sawest and behold a great Image whose brightnest was excellent stood before thee and the form thereof was terrible Dan. 7.3 And four great beasts came up from the Sea diverse one from the other Q 4. VVhat is it's first Act about the Creatures A. It sustains preserves provides for them Psalm 145.15 16. The eyes of all wait upon thee and thou givest them their meat in due season thou openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing and defendest them from danger Psalm 36. 6. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains thy judgments are a great deep O Lord thou preservest man and beast Q. 5. VVhat is the Second Act of Providence about the Creatures A. It rules and governs the Creatures and their Actions Psalm 66.7 He ruleth by his power for ever his eyes behold the nations let not the rebellions exalt themselves Q. 6. How manifold is Divine Providence A. It is common and general over all or special and peculiar to some men 1 Tim 4.10 VVho is the saviour of all men especially of those that believe Q. 7. How is Providence exercised about sinful Actions A. In permitting them Acts 4.16 In restraining them Psalm 76.10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain And over-ruling them to good Gen. 50.20 But as for you ye thought evil against me but God meant it unto good to bring to pass as it is this day to save much people alive Q. 8. VVhat are the Properties of Providence A. It is 1 holy Psalm 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works 2 Wise. Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all 3. Powerful Dan. 4.35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing and he doth according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him what dost thou Q. 9. VVhat is the First Instruction from it A. That God's people are safe amidst all their enemies and dangers 2 Chron. 16.9 For the eyes of the Lords run to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose hearts are perfect towards him Q. 10. VVhat is the Second Instruction A. That Prayer is the best expedient to prosperity and success of our lawful affairs Psalm 145.18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Q. 11. VVhat is the Third Instruction from it A. That God's people should rest quietly in the care of his providence for them in all their straits Matt. 6.26 Behold the fowls of the air for they sow not neither do they reap nor gather into barns yet our heavenly father feedeth them are ye not much better than they Q. 12. VVhat is the last Instruction from it A. That it is no small priviledge to be adopted Children of God and the Members of Christ for all is ordered for their eternal Good Eph. 1.22 23. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all Of the Covenant of Works Quest. 12. WHAT special Art of Providence did God exercise towards Man in the estate wherein he was created A. When God had created Man he entred into a Covenant of Life with him upon condition of perfect obedience forbidding him to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil upon pain of Deaâ—h Q. 1. What was God's Covenant with Adam before the Fall A. It was to give Life and Happiness upon condition of perfect personal Obedience Gal. 3.12 The law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Q. 2. Was this Covenant made only with Adam or with him and his Posterity A. It was made with him and all his natural Posterity descending in the ordinary way of Generation from him Rom. 4.12 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 v. 14 and 18. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression who is the figure of him that was to come Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life Q. 3. Was Adam able to preform the obedience required of him in that Covenant A. Yes for he was made upright Eccles. 7.29 God made man upright but they have sought out themselves many inventions Q. 4. Had this Covenant any Mediator A. No he neither had nor needed any Mediator for satisfaction because no sin was in him nor intercession for he wanted nothing Q. 5. Did this Covenant admit of no repentance nor accept any short Endeavours A. No it did not but sentenceth and curseth the Transgressors of it for the least breach Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Q. 6. How was the threatning fulfilled of dying in the day he eat seeing he lived 930 years A. He died spiritually that day and though the sentence on his body was respited in order to posterity yet then his body received the death wound of which afterward he died Q. 7. What is the first Inference from Adam's Covenant A. Miserable are all they that grow on the natural root of the first Adam Gal. 4.21.22 Tell me ye that desire to be under the law Do ye not hear the law for it is wrrtten That Abraham had two sons the one by a Bond-maid the other by a Free-woman Q. 8. VVhat is the second Inference A. That God is just in all the punishments and miseries that came upon Man yea Infants that never sinned after his similitude Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam
to his work Q. 8. What 's the third thing forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all unlawful Weights and Measures which is no better than Theft in Gods account Mic. 6.10 11. Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked and the scant measure that is abominable Shall I count them pure with the wicked ballances and with the bag of deceitful weights Q. 9. What 's the fourth Sin forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all Family frauds by Children Prov. 28.24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother and saith it is no transgression the same is the companion of a destroyer Or Servants Tit. 2.9 10. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters Not purloining but shewing all good fidelity c. Q. 10. What 's the fifth thing forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all tempting of or encouraging others to defraud those who have any trust committed to them Psal. 50.18 When thou sawest a thief then thou consentedst with him Prov. 29.24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul c. Q. 11. What 's the sixth thing forbidden in this Command A. It forbids the taking away of anothers Goods by open Robbery by Sea or Land Iob 5.5 And the robber swalloweth up their subâ—tance Or clandestinely and privately 1 Pet. 4.15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or as a thief c. Q. 12. What is the danger of this sin A. It brings Mens Souls Bodies and Estates under the Curse of God Zech. 5. â— 4. Then said he unto me This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it I will bring it â—orth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief c. Q. 13. What 's the first Instruction hence A. Let all that are guilty of this sin repent and restore as they expect Mercy from God Eph. 4.28 Let him that stole steal no more c. Luke 19.8 And Zâ—cheus stood and said unto the Lord Behold Lord the half of my goods I give to the poor and if I have taken away any thing from any man by false accusation I restore him four fold Q 14. What 's the last Inference from hence A. To excite all to whom God hath given a competency of the things of the World that they bless God for keeping them from the temptations of this sin Prov. 30.8 9. Give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Of the ninth Commandment Quest. 76. WHich is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is Thou shalt not bear false witneâ—s against thy Neighbour Quest. 77. What is required in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of Truth between man and man and of our own and our Neighbours good names especially in witness-bearing Quest. 78. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth or injurious to our own or our Neighbours good name Q. 1. What is the general scope and aim of the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Command aimes chiefly at the preservation and promoting of Truth amongst Men Zech. 8.16 Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour c. This being of indispensable necessity to the subsistence and welfare of Humane Society Eph. 4.25 Wherefore pâ—tting away lying speak every man truth with his neigâ—bâ—ur for we are members one of another Q. 2. What is the first thing required particularly in this Command A. This Command requires every Man to take care of preserving his own good Name by ordering his Conversation in universal Integrity 1 Pet. 3.15 16. But sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts and be ready alwayes to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear Having a good conscience that whereas they speak evil of you as of evil doers they may be ashamed that falsly accuse your good conversation in Christ. Q. 3. What 's the second thing required in this Commandment A. It requires all due care to preserve the good Name and Honour of other Men as well as our own for Christians are not to be of narrow and private Spirits which center only in their own interests and concernments Phil. 2.4 Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Q. 4. How are we to preserve the good Names of others A. We are to preserve the good Names of othes by an inward esteem of all the good that is in them Phil. 2.3 In lowliness of miâ—d let each esteem other better than themselves And manifesting our inward esteem of them by a wise and seasonable expression thereof for their encouragement in the wayes of Godliness Rom. 1.8 First I thank my God through Iesus Christ for you all that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world Q. 5. How else are we to defend other Mens Names A. By our readiness to receive with joy the reports of that good that is in them 3 Epist. Iohn 3. For I rejoyced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee even as thou walkest in the truth And discountenancing all reproaches maliciously vented against them Psal. 15.3 Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour Q. 6. But what if the report be evidently true A. In that case we are to grieve for their miscarriages as the effect and fruit of our love to their Souls 2 Cor. 2.4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears not that ye should be grieved but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you And to discharge our Duties privately and faithfully in order to their recovery Mat. 18.15 16 17. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone c. Winking at and concealing in love their lesser and common infirmities 1 Pet. 4.8 And above all things have fervent chaâ—ity among your selves for charity shall cover the multitude of sins Q. 7. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. It forbids us to injure others by raising or receiving Lyes and false Reports which are highly injurious to their good Names Col. 3.9 Lye not one to another c. Q. 8. What else is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. It especially forbids Perjury or false Swearing whereby not only the Names but Estates and Lives of the innocent are injured and ruined Psal. 35.11 False witnesses did rise up they laid to my charge things that I knew not Prov. 19.5 A false witness shall not be unpunished and he that
speaketh lies shall not escape A sin which God will punish Mal. 3.5 And I will come near to you to judgment and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against false swearers c. Q. 9. What else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all whisperings and back-bitings of others secretly 2 Cor. 12.20 Lest there be debates envyings wraths strifes back-bitings whisperings c. And all Tale-carrying from one to another to our Neighbours injury Levit. 19.16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people c. And 1 Tim. 5.13 And not only idle but taâ—lers also and busie-bodies speaking things which they ought not Q. 10. What else doth the ninth Commandment forbid A. It forbids all rash and unwarrantable judging of other Mens Hearts and final Estates which is usually accompanied with ignorance of our own Matth. 7.1 3. Iudge not that ye be not judged And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye Q. 11. What else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids the eclipsing of the true worth and honour of others by a proud exalting of our selves 1 Cor. 13.4 5. Charity envieth not charity vaunteth not it self is not puffed up c. Or by crying up one to the disparagement of another good Man 1 Cor. 3.4 5. For while one saith I am of Paul and another I am of Apollo are ye not carnal c. Q. 12. What is the first Inference from hence A. That the best Christians have cause to be humbled for the sins of the Tongue whereby God is dishonoured and others are injured Iam. 3.2 If any man offend not in word the same is a perâ—ect man and able also to bridle the whole body And ver 5.6 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth And the tongue is a fire a world of iniquity so is the tongue amongst our members that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature and it is set on fire of hell Q. 13. What 's the second Inference from hence A. 'T is our great concernment to walk with that Piety and Justice towards God and Men as to cut off all just occasions of reproach from our own Names 2 Cor. 11.12 But what I do that I will do that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion c. 1 Tim. 5.14 I will therefore that the younger women marry bear children guide the house give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully Q. 14. What 's the third Inference from this Commandment A. To bless God that our Names are kept sweet and honourable in the World among good Men 3 Epis Iohn 12. Demetrius hath a good report of all men c. Or if we be reproached it is by none but wicked Men and that for our Duty to God Dan. 6.5 Then said thâ—se men we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel except we find it against him concerning the law of his God Of the tenth Commandment Quest. 79. WHich is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours Wife nor his Man-servant nor his Maid-servant nor his Oxe nor his Ass nor any thing that is thy Neighbours Quest. 80. What is required in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition with a right and charitable frame of Spirit towards our Neighbour and all that is his Quest. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate envying or grieving at the good of our Neighbour and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his Q. 1. What is the principal scope and aim of the tenth Commandment A. It is to prevent all occasions of transgressing the other Precepts of the second Table by restraining this sin of Covetousness in the heart Psal. 119.35 36. Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments for therein do I delight Incline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness Q. 2. What doth this tenth Command require of us in reference to our selves A. It requires of us perfect contentment and satisfaction with that estate and condition wherein God hath placed us in the World Hebr. 13.5 Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have c. Reckoning it to be good for us to be in that state we are though never so low or afflicted Psal. 119.67 Before I was afflicted I went astray but now have I kept thy word And ver 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes Q. 3. Is contentment with Gods appointments attainable in this life A Some Christians have attained to a very great measure and eminent degree of Contentment in the midst of changeable and afflictive Providences Phil. 4.11 I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content Psal. 16.5 6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage Q. 4. Is there no danger of the sin of discontent in a full and prosperous condition A. Fulness of the World secures no Man from the sin of Discontentment with his own or coveting that which is anothers because the desires enlarge as the Eâ—tate doth Psal. 62.10 If riches increase set â—â—t your hearts upon them An instance whereof we have in Ahab 1 Kings 21.4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Iezreelite had spoken to him for he had said I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers and he laid him dâ—wn upon his bed and turned away his face and would eat no bread Q. 5. VVhence doth Discontent with our condition spring A. It springs partly from our ignorance of Gods wisdom and love in ordering all for our good Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God c. Partly from our inconsiderateness of the vanity of the Creature 1 Tim. 6.7 8. For we broâ—ght nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out And having food and raiment let us be therewith content And partly from our Unbelief Matth. 6.31 32. Therefore take no thought saying what shall we eat or what shall we drink or where withal shall we be cloathed for after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things Q. 6. Is contentment with our own estate all that this Commandment requires A. No it requires a charitable frame of Spirit towards our Neighbours also Rom.
profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithful that hath promised Heb. 6.18 That by two immutable things in which it was impossibâ—e for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us Q. 5. What encourages the Faith of the Saints A. The manifold sweet and sensible experiences of others Psal. 74.14 Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in pieces and gavest him to be meat for the people inhabiting the wilderness And especially their own experiences Joshua 23.14 Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you all are come to pass unto you and not one thing hath failed thereof Q. 6. What 's the first sign of a weak Faith A. Staggerings in our assent to Divine Truths argue the weakness of Faith Rom. 4.20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith c. Q. 7. What 's the second sign of weak Faith A. Inability to trust God in time of danger evidenced by sinful haste to avoid it Isa. 28.16 He that believeth shall not make haste Q. 8. What 's the third sign of a weak Faith A. When we cannot live purely by Faith except we have some sensible encouragement John 20.25 Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and thrust my hand into his side I will not believe Q. 9. What 's the fourth sign of a weak Faith A. When a new temptation makes us easily let go our former confidence Luke 24.21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel and besides all this to day is the third day since these things were done Q. 10. What 's the fifth sign of a weak Faith A. The prevalence of carnal fears in times of trouble argues weak Faith Matth. 8.26 And he faith unto them why are ye fearful O ye of little faith c. Q. 11. What 's the sixth sign of a weak Faith A. Too much carefulness and anxiety about the things of this Life Matth. 6.30 Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field which to day is and to morrow is cast into the oven shall he not much more cloath you O ye of little faith Q. 12. What 's the first benefit of a strong Faith A. A strong Faith gives much Glory to God Rom. 4.19 20. And being not weak in faith he considered not his own body now dead when he was about an hundred years old neither yet the deadness of Sarahs womb He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God Q. 13. What 's the second benefit of a strong Faith A. It gives the Soul the ravishing foresight and foretasts of Heaven upon Earth 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 14. What 's the last office Faith doth for a Believer in this World A. It supports and encourages him at Death by the Promises when all other Comforts fail Heb. 11.13 These all dyed in faith not having received the promises but having seen them aâ—ar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth Of Saving Repentance Quest. 87. WHat is Repentance unto Life A. Repentance unto Life is a saving Grace whereby a Sinner out of a true sense of his sin and apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience Q. 1. Who is the Author of saving Repentance A. The Spirit of God is the Author of it the Heart by Nature is so hard that none but the Spirit can break it Ezek. 36.26 27. A new heart also will I give and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you c. Q. 2. In what act doth all true Repentance begin A. It begins in a true sight and sense of sin and the danger and misery we are in by sin Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts c. Q. 3. Why doth God work such a sense of sin and misery A. He doth it to make Christ desirable in the sinners eyes that he may fly to him Matth. 9.12 13. But when Jesus heard that he said unto them they that â—e whole need not a Physitian â—ut they that are sick But go ye and learn what that meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice for I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Q. 4. Is the â—ight of sin sufficient to Repentance A. No there must be apprehension of Mercy and forgiveness with God or else no man can sincerely repent Rom. 2.4 Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance And this Mercy must be discerned in and through Christ Zech. 12.10 And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first-born Q. 5. Wherein doth Repentance chiefly consist A. It consists in real inward sorrow for sin as committed against God Psal. 51.3 4. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight c. A loathing of our selves for it Ezek. 36.31 And shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations And of our best Duties as sinful and insufficient things Isa. 64.5 6. We are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags c. Q. 6. Wherein else doth it consist A. In turning from sin as well as grieving for it Isa. 55.7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts c. Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy Q. 7. Is turning from sin sufficient A. No that is but the negative part of Religion there must be also a sincere turning to God Psal. 119.59 I thought â—n my wayes and turned my feet unto thy testimonies Acts 11.23 And exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Q. 8. Is all sorrow for sin saving A. No there is a Repentance that doth no good Matth. 27.3 Then Iudas which had betrayed him when he saw that he was condemned repented himself c. And a Repentance unto Life Acts 11.18 Then hath God also to the
sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned and whereby they have transgressed against me Hos. 14.2 Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously 2. Compleatly and perfectly Isa. 43.25 I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake and will not remember thy sins Psal. 103.12 As far as the east is from the west so faâ— hath he removed our transgressions from us Mic. 7.19 He will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all our sins into the depths of the sea Isa. 38.17 For thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back 3. Everlastingly Ier. 31.34 For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more Heb. 8.12 and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more Q. 7. But doth not God punish them afterward whom he haâ— justified and forgiven A. No not with a proper and vindictive punishment but he brings evil upon them for their sins as a Father chastises his Child and other sorts of afflictions for their spiritual good He may be angry as a Father with those he has pardoned but never hate them as a condemning Judge Psal. 89.28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Ver. 34. My covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Q. 8. How can God be said freely to pardon all our sins when we pray it may be done for Christs sake does not that imply that Christ has satisfied God for our sins and deserved our remission A. Yes it does so for the Lord Christ by his Life and Death did satisfie Divine Justice and did merit our forgiveness but if he did so we did not so our sins cost him dear but their pardon cost us nothing our pardon is perfectly free to us though due to Christ for God gave Christ freely for us God accepts of his merits and applyes them to us freely Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Iesus Christ. Q. 9. But is there nothing required from us as the condition of pardon and if so how can it be absolutely free A. There are required Repentance from Sin and Faith in the Lord Christ Luke 13.3 But except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Joh. 3. ult And he that believeth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him This is required from us towards our pardon but yet 't is free 1. Because God freely ordains thus to pardon 2. Because both these are the free gifts of God Acts 11.18 Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life Eph. 2.8 For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Q. 10. When then are our sins forgiven A. Just upon our closure with Christ by Faith in that very moment Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus Q. 11. Why do we pray in the answer for the forgiveness of all our sins A. Because if the least guilt should remain upon us 't would exclude from Gods favour and lodge us in everlasting burnings Rom. 6. ult For the wages of sin is death Q. 12. What are the priviledges and blessings that accompany pardon A. Justification is accompanied with Adoption John 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 With the Spirit and Principle of all Grace and Holiness 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the spirit of our God With an infallible title to Eternal Glory Iohn 3.16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Rom. 8.30 Whom he justified them he also glorified Q. 13. How may we know that we are pardoned and justified A. Ordinarily by our Sanctification by our loathing of Sin our contempt of the World our valuing of Christ our love and thankfulness to God c. 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are sanctified Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death Gal. 6.14 By whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world 1 Pet. 2.7 Vnto you therefore which believe he is precious Luke 7.47 Her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much Q. 14. What is meant by Our is it only such sins as we have personally and actually committed A. No but also Adams sin which is ours by imputation Rom. 5.19 By one mans disobedience many were made sinners And original sin which is ours by inhesion Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me And other mens sins which we have made ours by exciting them to them not hindering of them silence at them and other ways 2 Sam. 12.9 Thou hast killed Vriah the Hittite with the sword and hast taken his wife to be thy wife and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon 1 Tim. 5.22 Neither be partaker of other mens sins Q. 15. Wherefore are sins called debts A. Because they are a non-payment of Gods dues a non-performance of our duty which makes us lyable to the arrest of Death and to the prison of Hell Q. 16. Why do we plead our own forgiveness of others A. Not as any merit of our own pardon but either as an incouragement to our selves to beg pardon seeing such evil envious and malignant persons are enabled to forgive others much more may we hope the good and gracious God will forgive us Or as a condition without which we can have no pardon and with which we shall Mat. 6.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you Q. 17. How do others trespass against us A. When they injure us either in our Persons or Names or Families or Estates or Souls c. 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the judge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him Q. 18. Can we forgive our Neighbours freely fully and perfectly as God doth forgive us A. We cannot Q. 19. What then is the meaning of Gods forgiving us as we forgive others A. Not as to the quantity and perfection of forgiveness buâ— as to the sincerity and quality thereof Mat. 18. ult So likewisâ— shall my heavenly father do also unto you if ye from yoar hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. 20. Are we always bound to manifest outwardly our love and forgiveness to all our enemies and to behave our selves towards them as friends A. No if we have experienced them to be