betwixt these sinful pleasures here and the fear of eternal vengeance hereafter 5. Their combat how hot soever is still joyned with a custome and purpose of sinning so that they lay down the Cudgels to sin saying This is my nature and I must do it 2 Pet. 2.14 Now the combat in regenerate men is 1. Fierce and in the purpose of the heart against all sin though sometimes it be defective in some act or acts 2. In this combat they disallow the evil they do not onely from a principle of natural conscience which in some sins carnal men may do but also from a principle of spiritual life because it is contrary to the life which they live 3. They groan under their evils with many a sign and tear in secret yea such evils as the world takes no notice of as dead-hartedness declining of affection to God want of former feelings hard ness of heart unbelief coldness and distraction in good duties vain hopes vain fears carking cases lumpishness in Gods service risings of revenge also the tricks the soul hath had to keep off convincement in suffering times also the by-ends in the good it hath done One wears a chain as an ornament another as a fetter and would fain be rid of it so wicked men wear their lusts as ornaments to them but Gods people wear them as the heaviest chain 4. If in the combat the Flesh get the upper hand and they fall they cannot be quiet till they have turned to God and recovered their acquaintance with him Psalm 51.8 9 10 11 12. but carnal men are not troubled but add sin to sin Gen. 37.24 Q. Whether it be possible for a Christian to be assured of his union with Christ and of his acceptation into favour with God A. Yes 1. because the Scripture bids us prove our spirituall estate 2 Cor. 13.4 Gal. 6.4 1 Cor. 11.28 Now the Spirit would not bid us search for that which could not be found 2. Because the Scripture reveales unto us many evidences of our assurance some taken from our union with Christ and some from the in-dwelling of the Spirit in us Q. What markes or signs doth the Scripture reveal to evidence our union with Christ A. The most demonstrative signe or at least one of them is soveraigne love to God to the Lord better then any enjoyment of Lands Liberties Life Wife and Children Mat. 10.37 Luke 9.23 14.26 Mat. 16.24 which evidence if you leave out the soul may be deceived in others severed from this For whosoever believes in Christ his faith doth work by love Gal. 5.4 yea by a love of this measure Heb. 11.25 26 27 35. Q. What are the Witnesses that witness a Christians good condition to God-ward A. They are two 1. The witness of Gods Spirit 2. The witness of our regenerated Spirits Rom. 8.16 The Spirit beareth witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God Q. What doth the Spirit witness A. It witnesses God is our Father for we having received the Spirit of adoption thereby cry Abba Father Rom. 8.15 it witnesses the things that are freely given us of God 1 Cor. 2.9 12. Q. After what manner doth the Spirit witnesse A. Two wayes First by the impressions and stamps which like a Seal upon the Wax it maketh upon the soul Ephes 1.13 Secondly by the fruits and effects thereof Q What are the impressions or stamps the Spirit maketh upon the soul A. They are two First the stamp of Holiness whereby the Spirit changeth the Saints into the image of God from one glorious grace into another 2 Cor. 3.18 so that as a seal destroyes that image that was in the Wax before so doth the seal or stamps of the Spirit destroy corruption in the soul in respect of the reign of it and set up grace in the reign thereof Rom. 6.14 This same stamp of Holiness being throughout 1 Thess 5.23 and consisting in a change of the whole man 2 Cor. 3.18 and especially in a transformation of the minde Rom. 12.2 and will Acts 9.6 is one of the impressions of the Spirit Secondly the impression of Comfort and Feeling Psal 51.8.12 this being given of the Spirit Eph. 1.13 as an occasional refreshing not as daily food for the soul to feed upon Psal 6.8 Psal 31.22 doth shew the Spirit of God is in us 2 Cor. 1.3 yet doth not the want of his feeling prove that the Spirit of God is not in us for God doth sometimes hide himself from the soul Isa 45.15 Psal 51.8 the Spirit in respect of this feeling is one of the three witnesses that testifies Christ to be our Saviour 1 John 5.8 Q. whether is a Christians assurance and feeling all one A. No The word and promise of a powerful faithful and willing God with the Notes and Evidences of a Christians good estate as they are laid down in the Scripture are the grounds of a Christians assurance and comfortable feelings are the Crown thereof A poor deserted soul that hath little feeling may have a soveraign love of God fear of sin and an absolute purpose against it Psal 44.18 19. yea he may have uprightness of heart Job 1.1 compared with chap. 6.4 yea he may have faith in Christ Psal 22.1 yea an earnest thirsting after Christ Cant. 5.6 Now shall I have a purpose to deny credit wealth and life for Christ yea and have all the forementioned gracious fruits and shall I not have grounds of assurance that my estate is good to God-ward When Christ asked Peter whether he loved him he did not say Lord thou knowest we cannot tell whether we love thee or no but said Thou knowest that I love thee Q. Whew doth the Spirit seal the soul with comfort A. First when the soul is cast down in humiliation and earnestly longs for the light of Gods countenance Job 22.29 Isa 29.19 Secondly upon self-denial of that which is pleasant or suffering that which is painful Mat. 19.27 Thirdly after conflict with corruptions or other temptations and victory over them Apoc. 2.17 Fourthly when a believer takes paines with his heart and puts forth his strength in duty Hosea 12.4 Q What are the effects and fruits whereby the Spirit witnesses his in-being in the soul A. They are divers as 1. An inablement of the soul to do things above nature as to love the Lord Soveraignly to love our enemies to love the godly for the Image of God in them 2. When the Spirit is combating in us against all that is sin Gal. 5.17 so that we do not onely suppress the same but also lust after graces contrary thereunto 3. As the beames of the Sun shew forth the presence of the Sun so the sighs groans and meltings in holy hearts evidence that the Spirit is in them Zach. 12.10 Rom. 8.26 Q. What is the testimony of our own spirit A. It is the Testimony of a renewed Conscience witnessing us no be in the state of grace upon sufficient grounds Rom.
A Soul-searching CATECHISM Wherein is opened and explained Not onely the Six Fundamental Points set down Heb. 6.1 But also many other Questions of highest concernment in Christian Religion Wherein is strong meat for those that are grown and milk for babes in a very short Catechism at the end exceeding needful for all Families in these ignorant and unsetled Times Written by Christopher Blackwood a servant of CHRIST The second Edition with Addition 1 Thess 5.21 Prove all things hold fast that which is good 2 Tim. 1.12 Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard Luke 1.3 4. It seemed good to me to write that thou mightst know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed LONDON Printed by J.C. for Giles Calvert at the black Spread-Eagle at the West-end of Pauls 1653. The Epistle to the READER TO preach unto people and not to catechize them I take to be a building without laying a foundation Hence the Apostle first laid the foundation of the six Principles Heb. 6.1 2. Not laying again the foundation of Repentance from dead works of Faith towards God of the doctrine of Baptisms and Laying on of hands of the Resurrection of the dead and of the eternal Judgment After which Pattern I have proposed unto thee the Reader a form I trust of sound words wherein thou mayst instruct thy Family That thou mayst do it the better to thine own comfort and their edification take these Directions First Cause thy children and servants to commit to memory the short Catechism which is at the end of the Book Secondly Every time thou dost catechize in thy Family which I would have thee to do once every week at least read and explain to them one or two of the larger questions and do them and me that favour as to turn to the places of Scripture which for brevity sake I could not write down and read them unto them and shew them how the alleadged Scriptures prove the point in hand Thirdly If thy servants and children be more towardly or more ingeniously bred or more quick witted let them learn without book the larger Catechism but if they be more slow and uncapable let them onely learn the second and oft read and expound to them the former remembring that narrow-mouth'd vessels can receive liquors poured into them onely by degrees Fourthly Pray for a blessing upon the Instruction without which thy pains will not be effectual If thou art different in judgement from me in some one Point proposed yet let not that hinder thee from informing others in the rest of the Points wherein we are agreed If upon pretence of errour in some one Point thou shalt conceal the whole from thy Family for fear they should be drawn away with error take heed that the things herein contained which thou acknowledgest sound be not a witness against thy mis-guided Zeal mingled with Cruelty in the day of the Lord. And forasmuch as thou livest in times wherein many for want of sound Principles laid at first go a whoring from God after sundry dangerous and destructive Errours let it be thy care to train up thine in their youth in the way of Truth that they may not depart from it when they are old So heartily desiring that the Spirit of Grace would make these Instructions home to thy heart which I present to thy eye and ear I take my leave and rest Thine affectionate friend in the bowels of Jesus Christ Christopher Blackwood A Short Catechism As at all times useful so especially in these unsetled times Quest WHat grounds have you to prove there is a God Answ 1. By his Creation of Heaven and Earth Psal 19 1. 2. By the confession of all Nations Rom. 1.20 no people so barbarous that are without a God though most men are ignorant of the true God Psal 19.3 3. By the order of causes of every effect there must needs be a cause till we come to the first universal cause 1 Cor. 8.6 4. By the Consciences of wicked men who having sinned are afraid of being punish'd by some supream Judg Rom. 2.15 John 8.9 5. By the Providence of God seen 1. in dispensing punishments to the ungodly Psal 9.16 and rewards to the righteous Psal 58.11 2. In making provision for all Creatures Psal 10 4. throughout 3. In the fitting one thing for another as the eye and colour and light and the air a thin body through which colours are sent to the eye 4 The actions of unreasonable creatures above their ability as the Ant Spider c. the ordering of contraries to unity 6. There is a Devil that suggests evil therefore there is a God that suggests good motions and though he be not seen no more is the winde or soul of man Qu. What are we to consider in God Ans 1. His nature 2. his kingdom 3. his worke Qu. What are we to consider concerning his nature Answ The Unity of the Essence together with the Trinity of Subsistence how that the Godhead subsisteth in the being of Father Son and Holy Ghost yet they are not three Gods but one 1 John 5.7 Matth. 28.19 Qu. Can we understand God in his essence as he is Answ No further then he hath revealed himself yet we know him by considering all the perfections that are in any creature as wisdom justice bounty holiness mercy strength and ascribing them all to him 2. By removing all the imperfections that are in any creature from him so we say God cannot die nor suffer nor sin Qu. How prove you the Father to be God Answ 1 Cor. 8.6 There is to us but one God the Father Gal. 1.1 God the Father who raised him from the dead 1 Pet. 1.2 Through the foreknowledg of God the Father Jude 1. Qu. How prove you the Son to be God Answ Because the Scripture calls him God over all blessed for ever Rom. 9.5 Phil. 2.6 He thought it no robbery to be equal with God Besides none but God could make the world now Christ made the world 1 Joh. 1.3 10. Col. 1.15 16. Heb. 1.2 Also the Saints have pray'd unto him as well as unto the Father Acts 7.59 Steven cry'd Lord Jesus receive my spirit Heb. 1.6 When he bringeth his first begotten into the world he saith Let all the Angels of God worship him Qu. How prove you the Holy Ghost to be God Answ Because we are baptized into his name and received into Covenant by him as well as by the Father and Son and he promises pardon of sin and eternal life Matth. 28.19 Again the Scripture calls him God Act. 5.3 4. Why hath Satan filled thy heart to lye to the Holy Ghost thou hast not lyed unto men but unto God 1 Cor. 3.16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God compared with 1 Cor. 6.19 Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost he that in one place is called the Holy Ghost in the other is called
an increase of the Spirit on baptized persons 2 Tim. 1.6 Q. Whether is laying on of hands after baptism an ordinance of force obliging Christians in these times A. Reserving others of Gods servants to their light who think otherwise and acknowledging a dark revelation of this in comparison of other Fundamentals and professing ingenuously I could not suffer so much in the witness of this point as I could in plainer points and Articles as of those concerning the fall of man redemption by Christ the resurrection and the last judgement c. and declaring that though Teachers may not teach nor people believe any thing which hath not some footing in the word of God yet may they speak of things which they know but weakly These things being premised I shall acknowledge laying on of hands on baptized persons after baptisme to be an Apostolical institution or an Ordinance of Jesus Christ Q. What grounds have you to prove laying on of hands after Baptisme to be an Apostolical institution A. These First because the Apostle makes it one of the six principles Heb. 6.1 or word of the beginning of Christ as in the Greek nay he makes it a foundation-point as well as Repentance Faith Baptisme Resurrection and last Judgement Now these being Fundamentals wherein all converted persons are to be practical in the belief how can imposition of hands be excluded from being so received It is absurd to think that one of these six principles should cease in a short time and the other five to remaine till the end of the world and yet the Apostle calls them all by the name of a Foundation and places it betwixt Faith and Repentance the Resurrection and the last Judgement so that there is no coming to slight it it being fenced on every side Q. But seeing we acknowledge a laying on of hands in Ordination do we not acknowledge these six principles A. No reason can be brought why laying on of hands in ordination should be from this Text acknowledged and the other after Baptisme on baptized persons excluded Nay it seemeth that laying on of hands on baptized persons should be primarily meant because the Apostle seemeth to couple these foundation-Principles so that as faith and Repentance go together and the Resurrection and last Judgement so Baptism and Imposition of go together Q. But whether is there my command for laying on of hands A. There is as much commandment for laying on of hands on baptized persons after Baptisme as on persons ordained to Office for both of them we finde Apostolical practice Secondly the Apostle calling it a foundation that was first laid as appears in these words Not laying again the Foundation hath a virtual command in it Q. What other ground have you for laying on of hands A. We have the practice of the Apostles Acts 8.14 15 16 17. The Apostles Peter and John laid their hands on those Samaritans whom Philip had baptized as verse 17. Then laid they their hands on them The Antecedent to this Pronoune Relative Them could be no other then the baptized Samaritans See also Acts 19.6 Obj. But in these examples there were visible gifts given but there is not so in yours in these times therefore your laying on of hands is not the same with theirs A. Those visible gifts given were no parts of the Ordinance much less essentialities but onely the crowns and ornaments of it God hereby confirming the truth of that doctrine and powerfulness of that person into whose name they were baptized Secondly it is a mistake to think that alwayes when the Apostles laid on hands visible gifts were given for Paul laid his hands on Timothy and God conveyed nothing therein save inward gifts and graces 2 Tim. 1.6 Stir up the gift which was given thee by the laying on of the hands of me So in the Greek If any man say these gifts were conveyed on Timothy by Paul in ordination and not after Baptism A. The contrary appears because the gift given Timothy in ordination was by the hands of all the Eldership 1 Tim. 14.14 but this gift was given in laying on of hands by Paul alone Therefore the laying on of hands after Baptisme is meant in this place Q. But if laying on of hands after Baptisme be an ordinance of Christ what is conveyed in it A. An increase of the Spirit so that as the Spirit is conveyed in the use of prayer and preaching Luke 11.13 Acts 10.44 and Baptisme Gal. 3.28 and the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 10.16 so also is an increase of the Spirit conveyed in laying no of hands 2 Tim. 1.6 Stir up the gift which is in thee which was given thee by the laying on of my hands See he had the gift or grace of God in him before and now in laying on of Pauls hands it was increased yet is not laying on of hands the onely or principal part of this Ordinance but praise is the principal part in the use whereof the other being adjoyned these fore-named Gifts and Graces of the Spirit are conveyed I take it to be vehiculum spiritus or a channel to convey the increases of the spirit to believing hearts Q. But what promise is there that there shall be an increase of the Spirit given in laying on of hands A. 1. A Command is enough to receive an Ordinance though there were no promise annexed concerning any benefit and we have proved a virtual Command out of Heb. 6.2 2. What promise there is of laying on of hands by the Elders the same is here yet is it acknowledged by all that the Spirit is conveyed in the increases in the Elders laying on of hands 3. Example of the conveyance of the Spirit into the Samaritans and into Timothy his heart in the laying on of hands is an encouraging ground for baptized persons to submit thereto and expect the like benefit 4. There is a promise of the increase of the Spirit to the prayer of Faith whenever poured out Luk. 11.13 and why not to the prayer of Faith when now poured out now the promise of the Holy Ghost being made to all baptized ones Acts 2.38 39. such may well pray in faith for the same Q. But whether are these promises bound to the laying on of hands so that then when hands are laid on and by that means the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit are conveyed when the Churches Apostle or Apostles lay on their hands we must not invent a meanes through which promises must be applyed A. 1. The promise is bound to the prayer of faith 2. That not onely in but by laying on of hands the Spirit is conveyed appears 2 Tim. 1.6 3. No man can say that either Baptisme Supper or imposition of hands apply the promise it is the Spirit and Faith alone that apply the promise yet is laying on of hands such a means as the Apostle calls a foundation and a means through which both on Gods behalf and our behalf the promise may
be applyed because we read Believers to have received the promise herein we say not of laying on of hands that it is a means through which the promise must be God being a free Agent but a means through which the promise may be and hath been conveyed into the soul as in Timothy his case appears Lest any man think this a new Doctrine let him consult the Fathers who oft mention laying on of hands after Baptisme Tertul de Baptismo Cap. 8. Cyprian Epist ad Inbaianum Also his Epistle ad Stephanum Tertul. lib. de resurrect Cap. 8. Aug. l. 3. Cont. Donatistas Cont. literas Petilliani Melchiades ad Episc Hispan Fabianus Epist 2. ad Episcop Orientis Ambros de his qui Myster initiantur cap. 7. lib. 3. de sacramento cap. 2. Vrbanus 2 Epist ad omnes Orthodox Clemens Constit Apostol l. 7. c. 16 17. Euseb Histor l. 6. c. 35. with others and Estius in Heb. 6.1 saith that all antiquity teacheth laying on of hands after Baptisme Q. But seeing the Apostles who laid on hands after Baptism were such Apostles as were immediately called of Christ as Peter and John Act. 8.17 and Paul Act. 19.5 6. how will it hold from them to the Apostles of the Churches A. Very well For first Apostles of the Churches though they have not an immediate call from Christ personally on earth yet they have a call from him vertually in that since his ascension into heaven He gave some to be Apostles Eph. 4.12 for the work of the Ministery that is to do what belonged to their office What difference betwixt persons called to an office by Christ immediately as the eleven were and persons called by him mediately by the Church when one and the same end is designed them which is the work of the Ministery the perfecting the Saints the edifying of the body of Christ and to witness Christ his resurrection Acts 1.22 Eph. 4.12 13. I would be gladly informed if any man could and would whether there be any essential difference betwixt the twelve Apostles and the Apostles of the Churches and wherein that difference doth consist If any man think it was because the eleven were inspired to be pen-men of Scripture I answer All of them were not nor the Apostles onely If any man think the doing of miracles I answer They alone did not do them but many believers also Mark 16.17 2. Matthias though chosen mediately of the Church had the same power in dispensations that the eleven had 3. If imposition after Baptisme were confined to Apostles onely that were immediately called it would have been in vain for the Apostle to have called it a foundation and to have conjoyn'd it with such necessary truths as Faith and the Resurrection was seeing the persons that had the power of administring them were all in a short time to be dead 4. Every Church of Christ have the same power that the first Church had both for Officers and Ordinances Mat. 18.17 18 19. the first Church therefore having Officers to dispense any office as Apostles Acts 1.26 Prophets Act. 15.27 32. Evangelists as Philip Acts 6.5 other Churches may chuse having fitting persons the like Officers and they being chosen may execute acts that belong to the respective Offices so that as the first Church continuing in the Apostles doctrine Act. 2.42 of which laying on of hands was part Heb. 6.1 did chuse an Apostle Acts 1.26 and the Church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas who before the sending seem to have been of the number of the Prophets Act. 13.1 2 3. so may other Churches send out gratious and able men neither let any man say the Prophets at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas for the whole Church fasted and acted in the business Q. Who are this Church of Christ and what is the essential note of them A. They are a company of Saints 1 Cor. 1.2 1 Cor. 14.33 Gal. 1.22 Rev. 1.20 into which societies here on Earth though some Hypocrites creep yet till God discover them they are looked upon as Saints the Saintship of which company joyned together in bodies respectively leaving others to their light I take to be the essential note of the Church because holiness is the most special difference of the Church from the world Of the Lords Supper Q. WHat must a Christian do that he may receive worthily and preparedly A. As he must examine himself whether he be in Christ and the Spirit of God dwell in him 1 Cor. 11.28 2 Cor. 13.5 Also it is very expedient I will not say the not doing it is sinful that every time before a person receives the said person judge it self before the Lord for what it hath done amiss 1 Cor. 11.13 but in any wise before thou comest examine to finde good grounds of thy union with Christ without which neither presume to come to baptism nor the Supper lest they prove means of thy final hardness and impenitency Q. What was the end wherefore the Lords Supper was instituted A. For the continual remembrance of Christ his death which we desire to shew forth to all men out of conscience so his command 1 Cor. 11.25 26. and more particularly for the remembrance of the new Testament or Covenant which is established in his death wherein remission of sins is bequeathed to believers Mat. 26.28 1 Cor. 11.25 Which I take with submission to better judgement to be the prime end yea as to me seemeth the onely end of this institution Q. What mean you by calling the Lords Supper the new Testament in the blood of Christ A. I mean that whereas these was an old Covenant of works which all men transgressing are condemned Rom. 5.12 Gal. 3.10 Rom. 10.5 God was pleased to make a new Covenant with all the elect to accept the sacrifice of Christs death as a satisfaction to his justice for our breaches of the first Covenant Heb. 10.14 16 18. Heb. 9.15 Which Covenant is not onely presented to us by the Gospel in audible words but also visibly to our sense in the signs of the Covenant so that as the Rainbow was a witness or sign betwixt God and the Earth that he would no more drown it and if he did his bow should witness against him and as the blood of the passover sprinkled upon the Israelites posts Exod. 27.7 was a signe betiwxt God and the people that God would spare them vers 13. and if he did not that blood should witness against him and as in covenants among men they confirme them with some signs of memorial that when they forget the bargain it may be said unto them This is your hand or signe so as in Baptisme so in the Lords Supper for one and the same thing for number is signified in both God for the strengthning our belief appoints signs as witnesses against him if he go about to break his covenant and as witnesses against us if we forget our duty of faith repentance self-denial
preserved If An Argument from man were any thing material I might adde that the Iewish Bible who are the utterest enemies of Christianity their old Testament agrees with ours and for the truth of the Iewish Bible they have testimony from the Samaritans who were enemies to them and an irreconciliable rent made betwixt them yet in the Samaritan Bible as some of the learned affirme there is no difference at all to any purpose Also the consent of the godly Fathers and Christians from Christ his time who have from hand to hand delivered them to us and enlightned them with their commentaries whose commentaries we have to shew in every age well-nigh from the Apostles time some of whom confirmed the truth with their Lives and Liberty A short Catechisme FOR BABES Q. HOw doth it appear that there is a God A. From the creatiâ—n of heaven and earth Psal 19.1 Rom. 1.20 Q. What is God A. A Spirit John 4.23 immortal 1 Tim. 6.16 infinite 1 Kings 8.27 knowing all things Heb. 4.13 and present everywhere Psalme 139.7 8 9. Q. How doth this God subsist A. In the being of Father Son and Spirit who are all one God 1 Iohn 5.7 Q. Whether is the Father Son or Spirit greatest A. There is an equality of glory eternity and power in the Father Son and Spirit Rom. 9.5 Phil. 2.6 Matth. 28.19 1 Iohn 5.7 Q. How did God make man at first A. Pure and holy Gen. 1.26 Eccles 7.29 but we all fell in our first parents Rom. 5.12 13 14. Q What befell unto us by Adams fall A. The judgement came upon all to condemnation Rom. 5.15 16. Q. What is the condition of every man since the fall of Adam A. Dead in trespasses and sins and by nature children of wrath Eph. 2.1 3. Q What way is there to come out of this miserable condition A. Onely by Jesus Christ Acts 4.12 Q. What are we to consider especially in Christ A. 1. His natures 2. His offices Q. What are the natures of Christ A. They are two 1. His Godhead 2. His Manhood Q. Why was it needful that he should be God A. That he might make the sufferings of his Manhood of infinite worth and vertue Heb. 9.14 Act. 20.28 Q. Why was it needful that he should be man A. That he might dye and satisfie Gods justice in the same nature that had offended Matthew 20.28 1 Corinthians 15.21 22. Q. What are the offices of Christ A. They are three Q. Which are they A. His Kingly Priestly and Prophetical office Q Why was Christ a King A. That he may reign in the hearts of his people Luk. 19.27 and in the Churches Psal 2.6 Q. Why was he a Prophet A. To reveale his Fathers will so that are to hear him in all things Acts 3.22 Mat. 17.5 Q. Why was he a Priest A. To offer sacrifice for the sins of his people Heb. 8.3 Q. What sacrifice did Christ offer A. His own body on the cross Heb. 9.25 26. wherewith he appears in Gods presence for his people Heb. 9.24 his blood speaking good things Q. What is faith A. A taking of Christ as a Lord and a Saviour and resting upon his satisfaction Rom. 7.4 Joh. 1.12 Rom. 10.7.8 Q. What accompanies Justifying faith without which it is not in the soul A. An holy disposition or intention of heart to confess the truth of God though with the loss of all we have in the world Rom. 10.10 Mat. 10.32 Q. What is repentance A. A thorow change of the purposes of the heart whereby they are universally set against all sin with an hatred of it Rom. 12.2 Act. 2.38 Isa 30.22 Q. What measure of love must we love the Lord with A. With a sovergaine love better then father or mother son or daughter yea then our own lives Mat. 10.37 38 39. Q. What denial of Christ is that which shuts persons out of heaven A. Habitual denial or denial of Christ in the purporse of our hearts when we for the saving of our lands liberties country or lives will deny Christ or any part of his truth Mat. 10.33 2 Tim. 2.12 Q. What doth the Scripture reveal concerning spiritual Life A. That whereas we are all dead men by Adams sin and our own when God pardons we are alive Rom. 5.18 Q. What other life hath believers A. A life of holiness whereby believing souls are quickned up to all the wayes of God Rom. 6.13 Q. What ought to be the ground of a Christian mans obedience A. The command of Christ which is the bond of the conscience Rom. 1.14 Act. 20.22 Q. What other ground is there A. The love of God from whence our obedience ought to flow John 14.15 2 Cor. 5.15 Q. What doth the Scripture reveal of the combat of flesh and Spirit A. The flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that we cannot do the good we would do Gal. 5.17 Q. What may comfort in this combat A. That we hate the evil that we do and love the good we do and hunger and third to do the good we do not Rom. 7.15 16 17 18 19. Q. What is the danger of sinning against conscience A. Such shall be punished with many stripes Luk. 12.48 Q. What is it to live by faith A. To rest on Gods promise for every good thing without using unlawful means Psal 84.11 12. Isa 28.16 Q. What is the new Covenant A. It is Gods work whereby he not onely pardons all the sins of all the Elect and gives them eternal life through the satisfaction of Christ but also promiseth to take away their stony hearts and writes his laws in their hearts and causes them to rellish and savour good things and vouchsafes to be their God and takes them to be his people Heb. 8.10 11 12. Q. What is prayer A. Pouring out of the soul before God 1 Sam. 1.15 Psal 62.2 Q. What are the parts of prayer A. They are sometimes divided in four parts 1 Tim. 2.1 yet may we reduce them to three parts first confession of sins Secondly petition for grace and favors Thirdly thanksgiving for benefits To which we may add intercessions to turn away judgement Q. What principal Properties ought there to be in an holy prayer A. It ought to be offered from a believing soul Mat. 21.22 in the name of Christ Joh. 16.23 24. from the Spirit assisting with sighs and groans Rom. 8.26 for things according to the will of God 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. What is baptisme A. It is a sign of a believers fellowship with Christ in his death burial and resurrection that as his body is buried in water so his sins are buried through the satisfaction of Christ and as he riseth out of the water so he is bound to walk with Christ in newness of life Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. Col. 2.12 Q. Who are the persons to be baptized A. Those who are made Disciples and make profession of their faith and repentance Mat. 28.19 Mark 16.15 16. Heb. 10.22 Act. 1.37 38. Q. What is the end why the Lords Supper was appointed A. For the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of Christs death and remission of sins which believers have therein 1 Cor. 11.25.26 Q. What must a Christian do that he may receive worthily or preparedly A. He must examine himself whether he be in Christ and whether the Spirit of God dwell in him 1 Cor. 11.28 Q. What is the danger of unworthy receiving A. Temporal judgement if they repent eternal if they repent not Q. Wherefore are hands laid upon believers after baptism A. That they may receive a further increase of the Spirit therein 2 Tim. 1.6 Q. What is revealed concerning the resurrection of the dead A. That all shall rise againe the godly to the resurrection of eternal life the wicked to the resurrection of eternal damnation Dan. 12.2 Joh. 5.28 Q. With what bodies shall the Saints arise A. with the same body in number but with more glorious qualities 1 Cor. 15.42 43 44 53. Phil. 3.21 Q. VVhat follows the resurrection A. The last judgement wherein all shall be judged of every thing done in the body whether it be good or evil Joh. 6.40 John 5.28 2 Cor. 5.10 Revel 20.12 13 14. FINIS