26.12 Phil. 2.13 Eph. 2.8 2 Tim. 1.1 1 Cor. 11.25 Isa 55.3.49.8 Jesus Christ doth all for his People that procures their Salvation and all in them to make them lay hold of this Salvation and so gives the Covenant of Grace as a Free Promise or Testament to them in his Blood therefore he is call'd the Covenant Question 11. How doth Jesus Christ according to the Covenant of Grace make up the Breach between God and Man Answer Heb. 7.22 2 Cor. 5.21 Jesus Christ makes up the Breach between God and Man as his People's Surety in their Stead being made under the Law obeying it perfectly in his Life Gal. 4.4 5. Matth. 5.17 Gal. 3.13 1 Cor. 15.3 4. Rom. 1.3 4. and 4.25 and dying the shameful Death of the Cross under the Curse of it and rising again the Third Day he so fulfill'd all Conditions of Life and Salvation for them Question 12. Why was it needful that Jesus Christ should be God and Man to make up this Breach Answer It was needful that Christ should be Man to obey the Law Heb. 2.14 16. and die under its Curse in the same Nature that sinn'd and also God to support him under Acts 20.28 and give a value to all that he did and suffer'd for the Salvation of his People Question 13. Is there no Salvation to be had but by Jesus Christ God-Man Answer There is no Salvation in any other but Jesus Christ Acts 4.12 Isa 43.11 Rom. 4.25 for there is none other Name under Heaven given among Men whereby we must be sav'd but by Jesus Christ who died for our Sins and rose again for our Justification The Fifth Lesson About the Application of Redemption Question 1. WILL Jesus Christ save all Men Answer Jesus Christ so saves all the World from present destruction Psal 36.6 with 1 Tim. 4.10 Heb. 2.9 10. Rom. 9.27 1 Tim. 4 10. that all men have some outward Benefits by his Ransom but he doth only save a certain number from Eternal Death whence he is said specially to save them that believe Question 2. Who are those that Jesus Christ will save from Eternal Death Answer Jesus Christ saves none from Eternal Death but the Elect Joh. 17.2 9 12 19. Rom. 11.5 7. 2 Thess 2.11 14. those that were chosen to Salvation before the foundation of the World the rest die in their Sins and are damn'd notwithstanding all the good things they enjoy in this life by Christ Luke 16.25 Question 3. How comes it that only some are elected Answer It pleas'd God of his own Will Ephes 4.5 11. Rom. 9.11 to 24. Prov. 16.4 1 Pet. 2.8 9. for the manifestation of his glory to chuse some to everlasting life and to appoint others to Condemnation nor doth he give any other account of his doings Jude 4. Job 33.13 but his own Sovereign Will and Pleasure Question 4. But did not God chuse the Elect for some good he saw in them more than in the rest Answer There could be no more good foreseen in the Creature than what God did fore-ordain 2 Tim. 1.9 therefore God chose not â—â—y for foreseen good in them Rom. 9.18 Matth. 20.15 Job 9.12.40.2 but he had Mercy on whom he would have Mercy and whom he would he harden'd and who may say to him what doest thou Question 5. What difference then is here between the Elect and others that we may know them Answer There is no difference beween the Elect and others by Nature Rom. 3.9 Gal. 3.10 22.23 24. and are alike the Children of Wrath under Sin shut up under the Law till Faith comes Rom. 11.5 6. 1 Cor. 4.7 Gal. 1.15.2.16.3.24 the difference is made only by Grace which causeth the Elect in the time appointed to believe in Christ that they may be justified by Faith in him Question 6. But if I am Elect may I not live as I will and yet be saved Answer All that are elected to Salvation are elected also to the Means of Salvation 2 Thess 2.13 1 Pet. 1.2 being chose to be sav'd 〈◊〉 Faith in Christ and Sanctification of the Spirit unto Obedience which Faith all the Elect shall have to purifie their hearts Rom. 6.17 18. Acts 15.9 11. Rom. 8.1.14 so that they cannot live after the flesh Question 7 Are the Elect then sav'd for their Faith and Obedience Answer The Elect are not sav'd for their Faith and Obedience Titus 3.5 Eph. 2.8 9 10. Rom. 8.6 14. Joh. 3.18.36.10.3.26 but they are sav'd thro' Faith in Christ in a way of Obedience unto him and whosoever live all their life as they list and do never come to Christ by Faith nor obey him they are not elected and can never be sav'd Question 8. But are none sav'd without Faith in Christ Answer GOD hath appointed only one way of Salvation John 3.18.36 Eph. 2.5.8 Gal. 3.22.24 Acts 13.39 48 2 Sam. 12.23 Psal 22.9 10.71.5 6. Luke 1.37.44.18.16.17 Rom. 4.16 Heb. 11.6 and that is by Grace thro' faith in Jesus Christ so that without or before Faith none are justified even the Elect that die in their infancy have Faith wro't in them by the Spirit of GOD by which they trust in Christ and all that do not thus come to Christ by true Faith being already condemn'd the Wrath of God abideth on them Question 9. How did the Elect of Old come to Christ before he was born in the World Answer The Elect of Old came to Christ Heb. 13.8 Acts 15.9 11. and were sav'd by faith in him even as we are now Rom. 3.22.25.4.22.24 Heb. 11.13.7.25 only they believ'd in Christ as to come and we believe in Christ as already come and now in Heaven at the Right Hand of God where he ever liveth to make Intercession Question 10. What is that Faith by which we come to Christ Answer Faith is a Grace wro't by the Spirit of GOD thro' his Word 2 Cor. 4.17 Rom. 10.10 17 1 Thes 1.5 9. Phil. 3.3 8. Eph. 1.13.3.17 Joh. 17.20 21. 1 John 5.12 in the heart of a poor Sinner by which the Sinner is made to renounce all Sin and other Confidence and to trust to and rest upon Christ alone for Salvation whereby he is united to Christ and so having the Son hath Life Question 11. What accompanies the Souls believing in Christ Answer Every one that believes in Christ with the heart is effectually call'd by the Spirit of Christ 1 Cor. 1.9 2 Tim. 1.9 John 1.12 Gal. 3.26 Rom. 8.2.15.30 and so is by Faith a Child of God justified adopted sanctify'd and shall be glorify'd Question 12. How is a Sinner justify'd what 's Justification Answer In Justification the Righteousness of Christ is by the Free Grace of God imputed to the believing Sinner Rom. 3.21 to 27 4.23 24. Gal. 2.16.3.22 23. Acts 13.38 39 2 Cor. 5.21 Isa 60.21 Rom. 5.1.19 and only to him that
THE Catechism OR BRIEF INSTRUCTION In the Faith AND Order Of the Gospel For the CHURCH of CHRIST Meeting at Horsly-Down in Southwark 1 JOHN II. I have written unto you Fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you Young Men because ye are strong and the Word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one I have written unto you Little Children because your sins are forgiven you for his Name sake and ye have known the Father LONDON Printed for the Use of the Church 1700. THE CONTENTS OF THE Catechism THIS Catechism contains Seven Lessons which by degrees lead into the Knowledge of the Truth as it is in JESUS The First Lesson opens with a Discovery of God that his Awe may be upon the Heart The Second Lesson speaks of the Decrees of God and his Creation that in some measure they may be understood Afterwards The Third Lesson makes known the Fall of Man with the Bitter Fruits of it to humble and abase the heart before God And then in The Fourth Lesson Comfort is administred from the Glad Tidings of Redemption by the Person of Christ And that this Salvation may not only be heard of but felt The Fifth Lesson explains the Manner of the Application of this Redemption by Faith to the Soul which savingly experienc'd will draw forth Desires to understand The Sixth Lesson In which the good Old Law and Gospel of God are briefly cleared up and distinguisht the good knowledge whereof will lead down to The Seventh and last Lesson containing some Light about The great Duty of glorifying God in his Churches which hereafter if God will may be more fully Explain'd This great Duty all Christians should covet to understand since in the Church only can they give most Glory to Christ and partake most of his Glory in this Life And thro' these Gates of Heaven upright Souls have an abundant Entrance administred to them into the Eternal Joy of their Lord and Master with a brief Account whereof the Catechism concludes The Former Part of the Catechism contains those Truths that are more generally receiv'd which are given in shorter Lessons and shorter Answers as Milk for Babes By the good Digestion of which the Capacity will be enlarg'd to receive the Truths that follow which are contain'd in larger Lessons and longer Answers that the Truth might be kept in an intire Proposition and not mangled by many Questions and for this there was a more special Necessity in the instruction about glorifying God in his Churches Which is the strong meat belonging to them that are of more full age who by reason of Use have their Sences exercise to discern both good and evil Upon this strong man the spiritual man will heartily feed for only Babes 〈◊〉 carnal feed altogether upon Milk The First Lesso n. Of GOD. Question 1. WHAT are You Answer By Nature I am a poor lost Sinner against God Rom. 3.9 to 20. Eph. 2.1.3.12 Question 2. What is God Answer GOD is the Eternal John 4.24 Rom. 1.20 Isa 44.24 Dan. 4.35 1 Tim. 6.16 Almighty Spirit who made All things by His Power and orders All things by his Providence whom no Man hath seen or can see Question 3. How then shall we know God Answer Rom. 1.19 20. Psal 19. all Psal 138.2 GOD is known partly by conscience within us and by his Works without us But more fully by his Written Word Question 4. How shall we know God Conscience within us Answer GOD hath shown all Men somewhat of Himself by Natural Reason Rom. 2.14 15. Prov. 20.27 Rom. 1.21 and Conscience within them witnessing â—ho darkly that there is a Just and â—oly God Question 5. How do the Works of God make him known Answer Psalm 8. all Jer. 10.12 Acts 14.17 Rom. 1.20 The Heavens the Earth the Seas and all things therein shew forth the Power Wisdom and Goodness of GOD the Maker of all so that All are without Excuse Question 6. How doth the Written Word reveal God more clearly Answer 1 John 5.7 Isa 43.10 11. 1 Thess 1.9 Psal 83.18 Psal 96.5 1 Cor. 8.4.6 The Written Word of God reveals That there are Three in Heaven the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit and these Three are One Living and True GOD whose Name alone is JEHOVAH and all other Gods are Idols Question 7. How can it be that there are Three Persons in the Godhead and yet but ONE God Answer Job 11.7 8.9.36.26.37.19 23 24. Prov. 30.4 5. 'T is impossible for any Man to comprehend the unsearchable Mystery of the Trinity in Unity or Three Persons in the Godhead We should therefore readily believe whatsoever GOD reveals of Himself in His Word since none in all his Creation can find him out to Perfection 2 Chro. 20.20 The Second Lesson About the Decrees and Creation Question 1. WHY did God create all things Answer GOD the Father Son Isa 57.15 1 Tim. 6.16 Col. 1.16 Rev. 4.11 and Holy Spirit Blessed and Happy in the Enjoyment of Himself from all Eternity Decreed to Create all things to show forth his Glory in Christ Jesus Question 2. What are God's Eternal Decrees Answer Acts 15.18.17.26 Isa 14.24.46.10 GOD's Eternal Decrees are his Purpose and his Counsel in himself before any thing was fore-ordaining all Persons and Things that ever should be Question 3. When did God make all things Answer Gen. 1.1.9 10 31. In the beginning God created the Heaven the Earth the Seas and all things therein in Six Days Question 4. Of what did God make all things Answer Job 26.7 Heb. 11.3 GOD made all things of Nothing so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Question 5. How did God create all things Answer John 1.3 Heb. 1.2 10. Col. 1.16 GOD created all things by his Son Jesus Christ whom he appointed Lord and Heir of all Question 6. In what State did God make all things Answer Gen. 1.27.31 Eccl. 7.29 GOD made Angels and Man and all things very good Question 7. What are Angels Answer Heb. 1.7.14 Psal 103.20.104.4 Angels are Ministring Spirits mighty in Strength to wait about the Throne of GOD and to do all his Commands Question 8. What Creature is Man Answer GOD form'd Man of the Dust of the ground Gen. 2.7 Matth. 10.28 Gen. 1.27 Eccl. 7.29 Gen. 3.20 and gave him an immortal Soul so God created Man in his own Image upright Male and Female Created he them and they were call'd Adam and Eve Question 9. What did God do with Man when he made him Answer The Lord God took Man and put him into the Garden of Eden Gen. 2.8.16 17 and gave him a Law * Note 'T was a Law given to Man not a Covenant of Works made with Man forbidding him to eat of the Tree of Knowledge for in the day he eat thereof
believes for which Suretiship-Righteousness all his Sins are pardon'd and he is accounted perfectly righteous in the sight of God and so being justified by faith hath Peace with GOD. Question 13. How are we Adopted what is Adoption Answer In Adoption GOD by his free Grace takes the poor Sinner out of the sinful Family of the First Adam Acts 26.18 Rom. 8.15.17 Gal. 4.7 John 1.12 1 John 3.1 2. Matth. 3.17 1 Cor. 3.21 23 and makes him a Child of God and Joint-heir with Christ the Second Adam his well-beloved Son in whom he hath a right to all the Priviledges of the Sons of GOD. Question 14. How are Believers sanctified what is Sanctification Answer Rom. 8.29 Eph. 4.23 24. 2 Cor. 5.17 1 Joh. 4.19 2 Cor. 7.11 Ezek. 36.31 Rom. 6.17 21 22. In Sanctification the Holy Spirit restores the Image of GOD in the heart of a poor Sinner making him a New Creature renewing the Spirit of his Mind in all Holiness and true Righteousness to love God to repent of all Sin by loathing it and turning from it and with the heart to obey the Law of God Question 15. When are Believers glorify'd what 's Glorification Answer Glorification is the enjoyment of God for ever in Heaven by them who have in this life done his holy will John 17.5 24. Acts 13.36 2 Cor. 5.1 2 4. Heb. 2.10 1 Cor. 15 chap. Phil. 3.21 Matth. 25.34 c. 1 Thess 4.17 whose Souls at death are made perfect in Holiness and their bodies being rais'd in Glory at the great day both Soul and Body shall be united and they being openly acknowledg'd by Christ shall be for ever with the Lord The Sixth Lesson About the Law and the Gospel Question 1. HOW shall we know the whole Will of God that we may do it Answer The whole Will of God is reveal'd in his written Word Hos 8.12 Isa 8.20 Eph. 2.20 1 Tim. 4.7 Tit. 1.14 Gal. 6.16 2 Tim. 3.15.17 containing all the Books of the Old and New Testament the Apocrypha being to be rejected as profane Old Wives Fables which turn from the Truth This Word is the perfect Rule or Canon which is able to make even a Child wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Jesus Christ Question 2. Why are the Scriptures call'd the Old and the New Testament Answer The Scriptures are call'd the Old and New Testament as they testifie of the whole Will of God Isa 8.20 both under the first Testament Heb. 8.6 to 13. or Church-Covenant before Christ came in the Flesh and since under the Second Testament or Church-Covenant enlarg'd and renew'd by Christ wherein 1st Col. 2.14 All the outward Levitical Ceremonies in the first Church-Covenant are taken away 2dly Rom. 15.8 Yet all their Spiritual Priviledges in that Covenant are confirm'd to us and our Seed 3dly 2 Cor. 3.7 11. And glorious Additions are made of Gospel-Grace to the Church Question 3. How shall we know the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God Answer Mat. 16.17 John 16.3 1 John 2.20 ch 5.6 Luke 24.32 1 Cor. 2.14 2 Pet. 1.19.21 The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are only known aright to be the Word of God by the witnessing of the Spirit of God in the Heart to the Testimony which they give of their heavenly Majesty and undoubted Divinity Question 4. How shall we come to understand the Mind of God in his Word Answer 1 Tim. 4.13.15 Acts 37.11 John 5.39 Ps 119.9 18. Eph. 1.17 18. 1 Cor. 2.12 13. We shall come to a right Understanding of the Mind of God in his Word by diligent reading hearing searching and meditating therein will constant Prayer to God for Wisdom comparing Scripture with Scripture by the help of the Holy Spirit Question 5. But will not the Learning of Men help to understand the Word of God Answer A knowledge of the Hebrew and the Greek Tongues in which the Scriptures were first written may be of use to understand the Letter of them Col. 2.8 1 Cor. 8.1 2. ch 1.19 21. ch 2.4 10 11. Luke 24.45 but Philosophy and other Learning puffs up and leads from a dependance on the Spirit who only can open our Understanding in the Scriptures Question 6. What are the chief Parts of the Word of God Answer The whole Word of God may be divided into Law and Gospel Isa 8.20 with 1 Cor. 2.1 Luke 24.27 with Act. 10.43 Gal. 3.8 10. Psal 119.96 both which are to be found both in the Old Testament and in the New the Historical and every other part of the Word referring and having a respect some way or other either to Law or Gospel Question 7. What is the Law Answer The Law consists of all the Commands and Threatnings in all the Bible Psal 119.96 1 Tim. 1.8 9.10 Gal. 3.10 Exod. 20. all Mat. 5 6 and 7 chap. not only in the Old Testament but in the New also all which are briefly summ'd up in the Ten Commandments given by Moses and explained by Christ his Apostles and Prophets Question 8. What is the Summ of the Ten Commandments Answer The Ten Commandments briefly summ up our Duty to God and Man Eccles 12.13 Deut. 10.12 13. with Mat. 22.37 38 39 40. Rom. 13.10 all which are contained in these Words of our Saviour Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind and with all thy Strength and thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self for Love is the fulfilling of the Law Question 9. How shall we aright understand the Ten Commandments Answer By knowing these three Things we may come to a good Understanding of the Commands 1st Psal 119.128 Deut. 6.13 with Lev. 26.1 That every Command for Duty forbids the contrary Sin and every Command which forbids Sin obliges to the contrary Duty 2. By knowing that every Command reacheth the very Heart Rom. 7.5 7 8 14. Mat. 5.21 22 27 28. Prov. 24.9 Gen. 6.5 2 Cor. 10.5 not only forbidding the outward Sin and commanding outward Obedience but even the Thoughts and Motions of Sin within us are forbidden and the Obedience of the Heart is required therein 3. By considering that any Transgression of the Law 1 John 3.4 James 2.10 Mat. 23.23 or the least want of whatsoever the Law requires is Sin Question 10. Can any Man obey the Commandments perfectly Answer Those that think the Law forbids only outward Sins Mat. 19 20. Rom. 7.9 10 11. and know not the Spirituality of it they think that they can perform all but such as feel that the Command reacheth the very Heart Jer. 4.14 Prov. 23.16 Rom. 3.10 20. Eccl. 7.20 forbidding every sinful Thought and commanding us even in our Spirit to fear God they know and are sure that no meer Man can perfectly keep the Law Question 11. Why then were the Commands