learn you from Gods infinite Knowledge A. We must walk before God and serve him in truth and with a perfect heart and a willing mind doing that which is good in his sight for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth aâ— the imaginations of the thoughts 1 Chron. 28.9 Isa. 38.3 Acts 1.24 all things are naked and opened unto his eyes with whom we have to do Hâ—b 4.13 Prov. 5.21 all our ways are before him Psal. 119.168 Q What sin are you here especially to avoid A We must lay aside all guile and hypocrisies 1. Pet. 2. â— and not draw nigh unto God with our mouth and honour him with our â—â—ps having our hearts far from him Mat. 15.7 for the hypocrites hope shall perish Iob 8.13 Q. What duty owe you to God as an Almighty God A. We must stand in aw of God and not sin Psal 4.4 and fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell Mat. 10 28. by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil Prov. 16.6 Q. Doth not Gods Almightiness encourage you against other fears A. We must not fear what man can do unto us Heb. 13.6 if God be for us who can be against us Rom. 8.31 let us therefore be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Eph 6.10 not staggering at the Promises of God through unbelief Rom. 4.20 seeing we are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation 1 Pet. 1.5 See Gen. 15 1. Psal. 56.40 Prov. 3.25 26. Isa. 49.4 Q. What duty owe you to God as he is aholy God A. It is our Duty to be holy as God is holy Lev. 11 44. 1 Ioh. 3.3 in all manner of Conversation 1 Pet 1.15 2 Cor. 7.1 abhorring that which is evil and cleaving to that which is good Rom. 12.9 abstaining from all appearance of evil 1 Thes. â— 22 and worshipping him in the beauty of holiness 1 Chron. 16.22 Psal 29.2.69.9 Q. What is our Duty to God as he is just A. Because God doth justly we must bear the indignation of the Lord Mic. 7.9 and not despise his chastening Iob 5.17 nor faint when we are rebuked of him Heb. 12.5 nor complain for the punishment of our sins Lam. 3.39 but confess that he doth right and we do wickedly Neh. 9.33 Dan. 9.14 Q What special kind of sins doth God's Iustice warn you to avoid A. We must pray that God would keep us back from presumptuous sins Psal. 19.13 for the soul that doth presemptuosly reproacheth the Lord Num. 15.30 let us therefore work out our Salvation with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 Q. What doth the Goodness and Mercy of God chiefly teach you A. The goodness of God should lead us to Repentance Rom. 2.4 and to praise the Lord and give thanks unto him because his Mercy endureth for ever Ps. 106.1 and to love him who loved us first 1 Ioh. 14.19 Q. How ought you to love God A. We must love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind and with all our strength Mat. 22.38 Mark 12.30 having none in heaven but him and desiring none upon earth besides him Psal. 73. â—â— Q. How ought you to express your love to God A. This is the love of God that we keâ—p 〈◊〉 Commandments 1 Ioh. 5.3 Q. What love is inconsâ—stent with the love of God A. If any man love the world the love of the Fâ—â—her is not in him 1 Iohn 2.15 Q. Can a man love God and not love his Brother A. If any man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a liar 1 Ioh. 4.20 Q. What duty learn you from God's Truth and Faithfulness A. Because God is faithful let Patience have her perfect work Iam. 1.4 and let us hope to the end 1 Pet. 1.13 and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Rom. 5.2 and of eternal life which God that cannot lie hath promised before the world began Tit. 1.2 Q. What is the proâ—er effect of this hope A. Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as God is pure 1 Iohn 3.3 having therefore these promises let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit perfecting Holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Q. What doth God's faithfulness teach us in time of affliction and temptation A. When we suffer according to the Will of God let us commit the keeping of our souls in well-doing to him as unto a Faithful Creator 1 Pet. 4.19 for God is faithful who will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able but will with the Temptation make us a way to escape that we may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 2 Thes. 3.3 Q What special Duties owe you to God as Governour of the World A. Our duty to God as our Governor is to fear him and keep his Commandments Eccl 12.14 to walk humbly with him Micah 6.8 to submit our selves to him Iames 4.7 saying it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good 1 Sam. 3.18 not our will but his be done Luke 22.42 assuring our selves that all things work together for good to them that love him Rom. 8.28 Q. What doth God's care and Providence teach you A. We must be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let our requests be made known unto God Phil. 4.6 casting all our care upon him who careth for us 1 Pet. 5.7 Prov. 16.3.3.6 Q. May we run upon needless dangers trusting to God's Providence A. No it is written thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God Mat. 4.7 Q. May we be idle neglecting the works of our Calling trusting in God's Providence A. If any man will not work neither let him eat 2 Thes. 3.10 we must not be slothful in business Rom. 12.11 but work with our own hands 1 Thes. 4.11 Q. Is all moderate care to provide for our selves and Families unlawful A. If any man provide not for his own especially for those of his own House he hath denyed the Faith and is worse than an Infidel 1 Tim. 1.8 Q. In what sense then must we be careful for nothing A. We must not take thought for the Morrow Mat. 6.34 saying what shall we eat or what shall we drink or wherewithal shall we be cloathed v. 31. neither be of doubtful mind Luke 12.29 but praying God to establish the work of our hands upon us Psal. 90.17 commit our wayes unto the Lord trusting also in him and he will bring it to pass Psal. 37.5 Q. Must we not be content with the Portion which God gives us A. Our Conversation must be without Covetousness and we must be content with such things as we have for God hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13.5 Q. What is it to be content A. To be content is to know every where and in all things both to be full and to be
us all Isa. 53.6 Q. How did Christ Offer himself for uâ— A. Christ humbled himself and became Obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 redeeming us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us Gal. 3.13 Q. VVhat curse do you mean A. It is written curâ—ed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the Law to do them Gal. 3.10 Q VVhy would God have Christ to dye for us A. God set forth Christ to be a propitiatiâ—n through Faith in his Blood to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of sins that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus Rom. 3.25 26. Q. Did Christ truly satisfie God's justice for our sins A. Christ is the propitiation for our sins 1 Iohn 2.2 he gave his Life a Ransom for many Mat. 20.28 he was offered to bear the sins of many Heb. 9.28 the chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed Isa. 53.5.1 Pet. 2.24 Q. For whom did Christ dye A. Câ—rist by the grace of God did taste Death for every man Heb. 2.9 he gave himself a Ransom for all 1 Tim. 2.6 and is the propitiation for the sins of the whole World 1 Iohn 2.2 2 Cor. 5.14 Q. VVhat became of Christ when he dyed A. He was buried and rose again the third day 1 Cor. 15.4 his Soul was not left in Hell neither did his Flesh see Corruption Acts 2 3â— but God raised him up having loosed the pains of Death because it was not possible he should be held of it Acts 2.24 Q. VVas Christ to dye any more A. Christ being raised from the dead dyeth no more Death hath no more dominion over him Rom. 6.9 Q. VVhither went Christ after he rose again A. He was received up into Heaven and sat down on the Right Hand of God Mark 16.19 Q. VVhat mean you by the Right Hand of God A. The Right Hand of Power Luke 22.69 and Majesty Heb. 8.1 Q. Doth Christ anyâ—hing in Heaven for us as an High-Priest A. When he hâ—d by himself purged ouâ—â—ns he sat down on thâ— Riâ—â—t Hand of the Mâ—jesty on High Heb. 1.3 not entring into the Holy places made wâ—th hands which are the Figures of the true but into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 Q. VVhat doth he do in the presence of God for us A. If any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father even Jesus Christ the Righteous 1 Iohn 2.1 who is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them Heb. 7.25 Q. Doth Christ any thing else for us as an High-Priest A. God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless us in turning away every one of us from his Iniquities Acts 3.26 Q. VVhat is the third Office to which Christ was anointed A. Christ is the blessed and onely Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim. 6.15 Q. VVhat is Christ's Kingly Power A. All Power is given unto Christ in Hâ—aven and in Earth Mat. 28.18 God hâ—th highly exalted him and given him a Name above every Name that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in Heaven and things in Earth and things under the Earth Phil. 2.9 10. Q. Is Christ our Law giver A. Christ is that one Law giver who is able to save and to destroy Iames 4.12 Isa. â—3 22 Q. Doth Christ as a King protect his People A. None shall pluck Christ's Sheep out of his hands Iohn 10.28 Q. VVhat Honourable Priviledges doth Christ's Subjects enjoy A. Christ maketh his Subjects a Royal Priest Hood â— Pet. 2.9 Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1.6 Q. Hath Christ any reward in store for his Subjects A. Christ's reward is with him to give to every Man as his Work shall be Rev. 22.12 If we be faithful unâ—o Death he will give us a Crown of Life Rev. 2.10 Q. VVhat shall be done to Christ's Enemies A. Christ must Reign till he hath put all Enemies under his Feet 1 Cor. 15.15 Q. What are these Enemies of Christ A. The Enemies of Christ are Sin which hath reigned unto Death Rom. 5.21 Sathan the Prince of this World Iohn 12.13 the Children of disobedience Eph. 2.2 and Death which reigned by sin Rom. 5.17 Q. What did Christ do for his People when he went away into Heaven A. When Christ ascended up on High he gave gifts unto men Eph. 4.8 Q. What was the chief gift which Christ then gave A. Christ sent the promise of his Father Luke 24.49 Acts 1.4 even the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost Iohn 14.26 to be with us for ever Iohn 14.16 Q. To what more especial end did Christ send the Holy Ghost A. Christ sent the Holy Ghost to guide his Apostles into all Truth Iohn 16.13 to teach them all things and bring all things to their remembrance whatsoever he had said unto them Iohn 14.26 Q. What other gifts gave Christ to his People A. Christ gave Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the Body of Christ Eph. 4.11 12. Q. What mean you by the Body of Christ A. God gave Christ to be Head over all things to the Church which is his Body Eph. 1.22 23. Col. 1.18 Q. What mean you by the Church A. The Church is the Flock Acts 20.28 1 Pet. 5.2 and the House of God 1 Tim. 3.15 those that are called to be Sainâ—s Rom. 1.7 the whole Family of Heaven and Earth named of Christ Eph. 3.15 Q. Is there but one Church of Christ A. There is but one Fold and one Shepherd Iohn 10.16 Q. Are there not many Congregation of Christians A. We being many are one Body 1 Cor. 10.17 and every one Members one of another Rom. 12.5 Q. In what respects are all Christians one Church A. We are all built upon the same Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone Eph. 2.20 21. having one Spirit one Hope one Lord one Faith one Baptism Eph. 4.4 5. all partaking of one Bread 1 Cor. 10.17 bound to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace Eph. 4.3 Q. What doth God require of us in this new Covenant A. God requires of us Repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 20.21 Q. What mean you by Repentance A. Repentance is a turning from all our sins that we have committed Ezek. 18.2 30. unto the Lord Isa. 55.7 amending our wayes and our doings Ier. 7.5 Q. Is not sorrow for sin a part of Repentance A. We must be sorry after a godly manner for godly sorrow worketh Repentance not to be Repented of 2 Cor. 7.9 10. Q. What else must accompany this godly sorrow A. We must hate every
what could be more worthy of God to reveal or necessary for man to know than the things contained in these books Seeing now that the World hath ever believed that there is a God and that the very Being Order Beauty variety use and working of all things make it highly reasonable so to believe Seeing there have been Prophesies and Miracles such as cannot be conceived possible without a God Seeing that we have Books which pretend to make known God and his Will unto us and that it is most reasonable if there be a God to believe he should some way make this known unto us and seeing that the men whose names these books do bear cannot reasonably be denyed oncâ— to have been and to have written them neither can be suspected either of Ignorance or falshood Seeing they write of one Jesus Christ their Master and Teacher and it cannot be denyed that such an one there was and that he said he came from God and confirmed what he said by many wonderful Works and Miracles which none can imagine that any power less than Gods could do And seeing that the Doctrine which he taught was spread over a great part of the World in a very short time by men of vulgar Rank mean Occupations and little Learning and less Authority without all outward force or compulsion without all pomp of seculiar Learning but with all plainness and simplicity of speech and that against the Religion then in possession and highly magnified against the Learning then in great esteem against all the beloved Lusts and worldly Interests of men and the violent endeavours of powerful and Learned Adversaries And seeing these men had nothing to bear them out against all this but the Miracles which they wrought and the purity of their Lives and Doctrines Seeing the Doctrines of these Books are so evidently much for the glory of God so full of all Holiness so much conducing to the good of mankind so satisfactory to the minds of men in things not otherwise to be known by man and finally such as being once received makes the professors thereof a most comfortable and chearful being here by giving them hopes of an eternal happy being hereafter I cannot chuse but be fully perswaded both that there is a God and that the Scriptures are the Word of God and a standing Rule of believing and honouring and serving God in such a way as he will graciously accept and eternally reward The chief Heads of the Christian Faith expressed in an Homely and familiar Verse for the easier committing them to memory THere is a God the world did always own it Nature declares it and God's Word hath shewn it The Scriptures giv'n of God by inspiration Are the great Rule of Faith and Conversation There 's but one God in Persons three The Father the eternal Son And Holy Ghost and all these be In Person three in Essence one God is a Spirit infinite In Wisdome Pow'r and Purity Most just most good and to whose sight Our very thoughts all open lie God made the World and every thing God preserves all things is their Lord And Rules all as the Sov'raign King All things obey his Mighty Word God in 's own Image Man did frame With knowledge and a pow'r to do God's Will without both sin and shame And made him Lord of all below To Adam God a Law did give Which if he kept not he should die But if he kept it he should live And so should his Posterity Man brake God's Law and all Mankind By that first breach are much the worse All born in sin and sin doth bind All under a most heavy Curse All are by Nature ignorant A verse from good inclin'd to evil Title to happiness all want And all made subject to the Devil God's wrath upon us all doth lie No strength to help our selves we have We perish all eternally Except God's mercy do us save God did on us compassion take When by our selves we were undone God meerly for his mercy's sake Resolv'd to save us by his Son The Son did down from Heaven come To save us who by sin were lost Was conceiv'd in a Virgin 's Womb By vertue of the Holy Ghost Thus God the Son the eternal Word Man's Nature took and Man became Even Jesus Christ our onely Lord We have Salvation in his Name Jesus in whom no sin was seen Did thus become the Mediator Of a new Covenant between Us Sinners and our just Creator God did Anoint his Christ to be A Priest a Prophet and a King And by these Offices all thâ—â—e He doth to us Salvation bring Christ as a Prophet hath made known His Father's will to men that they In him might find Salvation If they his Gospel would obey As Priest Christ offen'd Sacrifice Himself upon the Cross did die His blood was of our souls the price Which did God's Justice satisfie Christ bury'd was and rose again The third day and to Heav'n is gone He doth at God's right hand remain For us makes intercession As King Christ gives us Laws and all His Enemies he shall subdue Sin Sathan Death destroy and shall Judge all men and give all their due A Crown of Glory he will give To them that serve him faithfully And in his Kingdom they shall live Triumphing after victory Upon the day of Pentecost Th' Apostles met with one accord Christ sent on them the Holy Ghost T' enable them to Preach his Word Th' Apostles did to all men Preach Pardon of Sins through Christ alone Who did receive what they did teach Them they Baptized every one Baptism's the Sacrament whereby Men own the Covenant of Grace And God doth Seal who cannot lie Pardon to them who Christ embrace Baptismal washing signifies Our cleansing by the Holy Spirit And whom the Spirit Sanctifies They are God's Sons and shall inherit Believers and none else but they In this new Covenant have part They who believe learn to obey For Faith doth purifie the heart Faith works by Love and Love constrains To hate all sin to bear Christ's Cross To keep Christ's Laws t' endure all pains And count all things for Christ but loss Christ's Spirit doth by his Word beget This saving Faith and woen 't is bred It by the same word farther yet To strength and growth is nourished To strengthen Faith yet more the Lord Hath giv'n unto us Heav'nly Food He hath commanded in his Word To eat his Body drink his Blood By Bread and Wine blest and recived With true Repentance Faith and Pray'r God Seals all Benefits believed Which by Christ's death once purchas'd werâ— We by this Feast and joynt Communion Our selves one Body testifie Members knit in a sacred Union By the blest Spirit of Unitie Believers all one Church do make One Faith one Baptism and one Bread One God one Spirit one Lord we take Christ of this Body th' only Head Whoso in this Communion die For ever happy are and blest Their Souls return to God on high In Earth their Bodies sleep and rest At the last day Christ shall appear In Glory to be Judge of all All who are dead or then live here He to his Judgment-Seat shall call Then shall all Bodies rise again And with their Souls receive their doom Well-doers shall in joy remain Who have done ill to Woe shall come The Righteous with God shall rest From Labors Sins all Evils free With everlasting Glories blest Such as cannot expressed be The Wicked shall be sent to Hell From God and Comfort banished With Devils in Flames unquenchable There roaring in a Firy Bed Thou who to fear an Hell would'st have no cause Fear God hate Sin Love Christ keep his Laws FINIS