30. 22. upon the apprehension of Gods mercy in Christ to such as are penitent n Ioel 2. 12. 13. he so grieves for o Ier. 31. 18. 19. and hates his sins p 2 Cor. 7. 11. as that he turns from them all to God q Acts 26. 28. Ezek. 14. 6. 1 Kin. 8. 47. 48. purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the wayes of new obedience r Psal 119. 6 19. 12. Luk. 1. 6. 2 Kin. 23. 25 Q. Wherein do justification and Sanctification differ A. Although Sanctificati-be inseparably joyned with Iustification Å¿ 1 Cor. 6. 11. 1 Cor. 1. â—â— yet they differ in that God in Iutification imputeth the righteousnesse of Christ t Rom. 4. 6 8 in sanctification his spirit infuseth grace and enableth to the exercise therof u Ezek 36 27 in the former sin is pardoned w Rom. 3. 24 25 in the other it is subdued x Rom. 6. 6 14 the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God and that perfectly in this life that they never fall into condemnation y Rom. 8. 33 34 the other is neither equall in all z 1 Ioh. 1. 12 13 14 Heb. 5. 12 13 14 nor in this life perfect in any a 1 Ioh. 1. 8 10 but growing up to perfection b 2 Cor. 7. 2 Phil. 3. 12 13 14 Q. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in beleevers A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit whereby they are often foiled with temptations and fall into many sins c Rom. 7. 18. 23 Mar. 14 66 to the end Gal. 2. 11 12 are hindered in all their spirituall services d Heb. 12. 1 and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God e Isa 64. 6 Exod 28 38 Q. May not true beleivers by reason of their imperfections and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with fall away from the state of Grace A. True Beleevers by reason of the unchangeable love of God f Ier. 31. 3 and his Decree Covenant to give them perseverance g 2 Tim. 2. 19 Heb. 13. 20 21 2 Sam. 23. 5 their inseparable union with Christ h 1 Cor. 18. 9 his continuall intercession for them i Heb. 7. 25 Luk. 22. 32 and the spirit and seed of God abiding in them k 1 Ioh. 3. 9 1 Ioh. 2. 27. can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace l Ier 32. 40 Ioh. 10. 28 but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation m 1 Pet. 1. 5 Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation A. Such as truly believe in Christ and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him n 1 Iohn 2. 3 may without extraordinary revelation by faith grounded upon the truth of Gods promises by the spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces in which the promises of life are made o 1 Cor. 2. 12 1 Ioh. 3. 4 18 19 21 24 1 Iohn 4. 13 16 Heb. 6. 11 12 and bearing witnesse with their spirits â—hat they are the children of God p Rom. 8. 16 be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace shall persevere therein unto salvation q 1 Ioh. 5. 1 Q. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace and that they shall be saved A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith r Eph. 1 13 true believers may wait long before they obtain it Å¿ Isa 50. 10 Psal 88. throughout and after the enjoyment thereof may have it weakned and intermitted through manifold distempers sins temptations and desertions t Psal 77. 1 to 12 Cant. â— 2 3 6 Psal 58. â—â— Psal 31. 22 Psal 22. 1. yet are they never left without such a presence support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair u Ioh 3 9 Iob 13 15 Ps â—3 15 23. Isa 54. 7 8 9 10 Q. What is the Communion in Glory which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ A. The Communion in glory which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ is in this life w 2 Cor. 3. 18 immediately after death x Luk. 23. 43 and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgement y 1 Thes 4. 17 Q. What is the Communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the Invisible Church enjoy in this life A. The members of the Invisible Church have communicated to them in this life the first fruits of glory with Christ as they are members of him their head so in him are interessed in that glory which he is fully possessed of z Eph. 2. 5. 6 and as an earnest thereof enjoy the sense of Gods love a Rom. 5. 5 with 2 Cor. 1. 22 peace of conscience joy in the holy Ghost and hope of glory b Rom. 5 1 2 Rom. 14. 17 as on the contrary the sense of Gods revenging wrath horrour of conscience and a fearfull expectation of judgement are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death c Gen. 4. 13 Mat. 27 4 Heb. 10. 27 Rom. 2. 9 Mat. 9. 44 Q. Shall all men die A Death being threatned as the wages of sin d Rom. 6. 25 it is appointed unto all men once to die e Heb 9 27 for that all have sinned f Rom. 5. 12 Q. Death being the wages of sin why are not the righteous delivered from death seeing all their sins are for given in Christ A. The righteous shall be delivered from death it self at the last day and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it g 1 Cor. 15 26 56 Heb 2. 15 so that although they die yet it is out of Gods love h Isa 57. 1 2 2 Kin. 22. 20 to free them perfectly from sin and misery i Rev. 14. 13 Eph. 5. 27 and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory which they then enter upon k Luk. 23. 43 Phil. 1. 23 Q. What is the commnuion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death A. The communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death is in that their souls are then made perfect in holinesse l Heb. 12. 23 and received into the highest heavens m 2 Cor. 5. 1 6 8 Phil. 1. 23 with Acts 3. 21. and Eph. 4. 10 where they behold the face of
to the Throne of Grace with boldnesse e Eph. 3. 12 Rom. 5. 2 are enabled to cry Abba Father f Gal 4. 6 are pitied g Psa 103. 13 protected h Prov. 14. 16 Mat 6. 30 32 1 Pet. 5. 7 provided for i and chastened by him as by a Father k Heb. 12. 6 yet never cast off l Lam. 3. 31 but sealed to the day of redemption m Eph. 4. 20 and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation o 1 Pet. 1 3 4. Heb. 1. 14 n Heb. 6. 12 CHAP. XIII Of Sanctification THey who are effectually called and Regenerated having a new heart and a new spirit created in them are further sanctified really and personally through the vertue of Christs death and resurrection a 1 Cor. 6. 11 Acts 20. 32 Phil. 3. 1â— Rom. 6. 5 6 by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them b Iohn 17 17 Eph. 5. 26 2 Thes 2. 13 the domininion of the whole body of sinne is destroyed c Rom. 6. 6 14. and the severall lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified d Gal. 5. 24 Rom. 8. 13 and they more and more quickned and strengthened in all saving graces e Col 1. 11 Ephes 3. 16 17 18 19 to the practice of true holiness without which no man shall see the Lord f 2 Cor. 7. 1 Heb. 12. 14 II. This Sanctification is throughout in the whole man g 1 Thes 5 2â— yet imperfect in this life there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part h 1 Ioh 1. 10 Rom. 7. 18 23. Phil. 5. 12 whence ariseth a continuall and irreconcileable warre the flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh i Gal. 5 17 1 Pet. 2. 11 III. In which warre although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail k Rom. 7. 23 yet through the continuall supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ the regenerate partdoth overcome l Rom. 6 14 1 Iohn 5. 4 Eph. 4. 15 16 and so the Saints grow in grace m 2 Pet. 3 18 2 Cor 3 18 perfecting holinesse in the fear of God n 2 Cor. 7. 1 CHAP. XIV Of Saving Faith THe grace of Faith whereby the elect are inabled to believe to the saving of their soules a Heb. 10. 39 is the Work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts b 2 Cor. 4. 13 Eph 1. 1â— 18. 19 Eph. 2. 8 and is ordinarily wrought by the Ministry of the Word c Rom. 1â— 14. 17 by which also and by the administration of the Sacraments and Prayer it is increased and strengâ—hened d 1 Pet. 2. 2 Acts 20. 32 Rom. 4. 11 Luk. 17. 5 Rom 1. 16 17. II. By this Faâ—th a Christian believeth to be true whatsover is revealed in the Word for the authority of God himself speaking therein e Iohn 4. 42 1 Thes 2. 13 1 Iohn 5. 10 Acts 24. 14 and acting differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth yeelding obedience to the Commands f Rom 16. 26 trembling at the threatnings g Isa 60. 2 and imbracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come h Heb 11. 13 1 Tim. 4. 8 But the principall acts of saving faith are Accepting Receiving and Resting upon Christ alone for Iustification Sanctification and Eternall life by vertue of the Covenant of Grace i Iohn 1. 10 Acts 16. 31 Gal. 2. 29 Acts 15. â—1 III. This faith is different in degrees weak or strong k Heb. 5. 13 14. Rom. 4 19 20 Mat. 6 30 Mat. 8. 10 may be often and many wayes assayled and weakned but gets the victory l Luk. 22. 31 32. Eph. 6. 16 1 Ioh. 5. 4 5 growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ m Heb. 6. 11 12. Heb. 10 22. Col. 2. 2 who is both the Author and finisher of our faith n Heb. 12. 2 CHAP. XV. Of Repentance unto life REpentance unto life is an evangelâ—call grace a Zec. 12. 10 Acts 11. 18 the Doctrine whereof is to bee preached by every Minister of the Gospel as well as that of faith in Christ b Luke 24 47. Mark 1 15. Acts 20 21. II. By it a sinner out of the sight and sense not only of the danger but also of the filthinesse and odiousnesse of his sins as contrary to the holy nature and righteous Law of God and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent so grieves for and hates his sins as to turn from them all unto God c Eze. 18. 30 31. Eze. 36. 31 Isa 30. 22 Psal 51. 4 Ier 31. 18. 19 Ioel 2. 12 13 Amos 5. 15 Psal 119. 128 2 Cor. 7. 11 purposing and endeavourâ—ng to walk with him in all the wayes of his Commandments d Psal 119 6 59 106 Luk. 1. 6 2 Kin 23. 25 III. Although Repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin or any cause of the pardon thereof e Eze. 36 31 32. Eze. 16 61 62 63 which is the act of Gods free grace in Christ f Hos 14. 2 4 Rom. 3. 24 Ephes 1. 7 yet is it of such necessity to all sinners that none may expect pardon without it g Luk. 13 â— 5. Acts 17 30 31 Rom. 5. 21 IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation h Rom. 6. 23 Mat. 12. 36 so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent i Isa 5â— 7 Rom. 8 1 Isa 1. 16 â—â— V. Men ought not to content themselves with a generall repentance but it is every mans duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins particularly k Psal 19 13 Luke 19. 8 1 Tim. 1 13 15 VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God praying for the pardon thereof l Psal 51. 4 5 7 9 14 Psal 32. 5 6 upon which and the forsaking of them he shall finde mercy m Pro. 28. 13 1 Iohn 1. 9 so he that scandalizeth his Brother or the Church of Christ ought to be willing by a private or publique confession and sorrow for his sinne to declare his repentance to those that are offended n Iam. 5. 16 Luk 17. 3. 4 Iosh 7. 19 Psal 51 throughout who are thereupon to be reconciled to him and in love to receive him o â— Cor. 2. â— CHAP. XVI Of Good Works GOod Works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy Word a Micah 6. 8 Rom. 12 2 Heb 13. 21 and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised by men out of blinde zeal or upon any pretence of good intention b Mat. 15. 9 Isa 29. 13 1 Pet. 1. 18 Rom. 10 2
being very and eternall God of one Substance and equall with the Father did when the fulnesse of time was come take upon Him mans nature k Iohn 1 1 14. 1 Iohn 5. 20. Phil. 2. 6. Gal. 4. 4 with all the Essentiall properties and common infirmities thereof yet without sin l Heb. 1. 14 16 17. Heb. 4. 15 being conceived by the Power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary of her substance m Luke 1. 27 31 35. Gal. 4. 4. So that two whole perfect and distinct Natures the God-head and the Man-hood were inseparably joyned together in one Person without Conversion Composition or Confusion n Luke 1. 35 Col. 2. 9 Rom. 9. 5 1 Pet. 3. 18 1 Tim. 3. 16 Which person is very God and very Man yet one Christ the only Mediator between God and Man o Rom. 1. 3 4 1 Tim. 2. 5 III. The Lord Iesus in his humane nature thus united to the divine was sanctified and anointed with the holy Spirit above measure p Psal 45. 7 Iohn 3. 34 having in him all the treasures of Wisdom and knowledge q Col. 2. 3 in whom it pleased the Father that all fulnesse should dwell r Col. 1. 19 to the end that being holy harmless undefiled and full of grace and truth Å¿ Heb. 7. 16 Iohn 1. 14 he might be thorowly furnished to execute the Office of a Mediator and surety t Acts 10. â—8 Heb. 12. 24 Heb. 7. 22 Which Office he took not unto himself but was thereunto called by his Father u Heb. 5. 4 5 who put all power and judgement into his hand and gave him commandment to execute the same * Ioh. 5. 22 27. Mat. 28 18 Act. 2. 36 IV. This Office the Lord Iesus did most willingly undertake x Psal 40. 7 8. with Heb. 10. 5. to 11 Iohn 10. 18 Phil. 2. 8 which that he might discharge he was made under the Law y Gal. 4. 4. and did perfectly fulfill it z Mat. 3. 15 Mat. 5. 17 indured most grievous torments immediatly in his Soul a Mat. 26. 37 38. Luke 22 44. Mat. 27 46. Mat. 26. 27 chapters and most painfull sufferings in his body b was crucified and died c Phil. 28. was buried and remained under the power of death yet saw no corruption d Act. 2. 23 24 27. Act. 13. 37. Rom. 6. 9. On the third day he arose from the dead e 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. with the same body in which he suffered f Iohn 20. 25 27. with which also he ascended into Heaven and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father g Mark 16 19. making intercession h Rom. 8. 34 Heb. 9. 24. Heb. 7. 25. and shall return to judge men and Angels at the end of the World i Rom. 14. 9 10. Acts 1. 11. Acts 10. 42. Mat. 13. 40 41 42. Iude v. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 4 V. The Lord Iesus by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself which he through the eternall Spirit once offered up unto God hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father k Rom. 5. Heb. 9. 14. 16. Heb. 10. 1 4. Eph. 5. 2 Rom. 3. 25 26. and purchased not only reconciliation but an everlasting inheritance in the Kingdome of Heaven for all those whom the Father hath given unto him l Dan 9. â—4 26. Col. 1. 19 20. Eph 1. 11 14. Iohn 17. 2. Heb. 9. 12 15. VI. Although the work of Redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his Incarnation yet the vertue efficacy and benefits thereof were communicated unto the Elect in all ages successively from the beginning of the world in and by those promises types and sacrifices wherein he was revealed and signified to be the seed of the Woman which should bruise the Serpents head and the Lamb slaine from the beginning of the world being yesterday and to day the same and for ever m Gal 14 5. Gen. 3. 15. Rev. 13. 8. Heb. 13. 8. VII Christ in the work of Mediation acteth according to both Natures by each Nature doing that which is proper to it self n Heb. 9. 14. 1 Pet. â— 18. yet by reason of the unity of the Person that which is proper to one Nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the Person denominated by the other Nature o Acts 20. 25 Ioh 3. 1 â— Ioh. 3. 16. VIII To all those for whom Christ hath purchased Redemption he doth certainly and estectually apply and communicate the same p Ioh. 6. 3â— 39. Ioh. â—0 15 16. making intercession for them q 1 Ioh. 2 1. 2 Rom 8. 34 and revealing unto them in and by the Word the mysteries of salvation r Ioh. 15 13 15. Eph. 1. 7 8 9. Iohn 17. 6. effectually perswading them by his Spirit to beleeve and obey and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit Å¿ Iohn 14. 16. Heb. 12 2. 2 Cor. 4. 13. Rom. 8. 9. 14. Rom. 15. 18 19. Ioh. 17. 17. overcoming all their enemies by his Almighty Power and Wisdom in such manner and wayes as are most consonant to his wonderfull and unsearchable dispensation t Psal 110. 1 1 Cor. 15. 25 26. Mal. 4. 2 3. Col. 2. 15. CHAP. IX Of Free-will GOD hath indued the Will of man with that naturall liberty that is neither forced nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined to do good or evâ—â— a Mat. 17. 12. Iam. 1. 14. Deut. 30. 19 II. Man in his state of Innocency had freedom and power to will and to do that which was good and well-pleasing to God b Eccles 7 29. Gen. 1 26. but yet mutably so that hee might fall from it c Gen. 2. 16 17. Gen. 3. 6 III. Man by his fall inâ—o a state of sin hath wholly lost all ability of Will to any spirituall good accompanying salvation d Rom. 5. 6 Rom. 8. 7 Iohn 15. 5 so as a naturall man being altogether averse from that good e Rom. 3. â—0 12. and dead in sin f Eph. 2. 1. 5 Col. 2. 13 is not able by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself thereunto g Ioh. 6. 44 65. Eph 2 â— 2. 3. 4 5. 1 Cor. 8. 14 Titus 3. 3 4 5. IV. When God converts a sinner and tanslates him into the state of grace he freeth him from his naturall bondage under sin h Col. 1. 13 Ioh. 8. 34 36 and by his grace alone inables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good i Phil. 2. 13 Rom. 6. 18 22. yet so as that by reason of his remaining corruption he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good but doth also will that which is evill k Gal. 5. 17 Rom. 7. 15 19 21 V. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone in the
sue out a Divorce m Mat. 5. 31 32. And after the Divorce to marry another as if the offending party were dead n Mat. 19. 9 Rom. 7. â— 3 VI. Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments unduely to put asunder those whom God hath joyned together in marriage yet nothing but Adultery or such wilfull desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church or Civil Magistrate is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of Marriage o Mat. 19. 8 9. 1 Cor. 7. 15. Mat 19. 6. Wherein a publick and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed And the Persons concerned in it not left to their own wills and discretion in their own case p Deut. 24. 1 2 3 4. CHAP. XXV Of the Church THe Catholick or Vniversall Church which is invisible consists of the whole number of the Elect that have bin are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the Head thereof and is the Spouse the Body the fulnesse of Him that filleth all in all a Eph. 1. 10 22 23 Eph. 5. 23 27. 32 Col. 1. 18 II. The visible Church which is also Catholick or Vniversall under the Gospell not confined to one Nation as before under the Law consists of all those throughout the World that professe the true Religion b 1 Cor. 1 2 1 Cor. 12 12 13. Psal 2. 8 Rev. 7. 9 Rom. 15. 9 10 11 12 and of their children c 1 Cor. 7. 14. Acts 2 39. Ezek. 16. 20 21. Rom. 11 16. Gen. 3. 15. Gen. 17. 7 and is the Kingdome of the Lord Iesus Christ d Mat. 13. 47 Isa 9. 7 â— Eph. 1. 19 the House and Family of God e Eph 2. 15 out of which there is no ordinary possibility of Salvation f Acts 2. 47 III. Vnto this Catholick Visible Church Christ hath given the Ministery Oracles and Ordinances of God for the gathering and perfecting of the Saints in this life to the end of the world aâ—d doth by his own presence and Spirit according to his promise make them effectuall thereunto g 1 Cor 12 28. Eph. 4 11 12 13 Mat. 28. 19 20. Isa 50. 21 IV. This Catholick Church hath bin sometimes more sometimes lesse visible h Rom. 11. 3 4. Rev. 12. 6 14. And particular Churches which are Members thereof are more or lesse as pure according as the Doctrine of the Gospel is taught and imbraced Ordinances administred and publick worship performed more or less purely in them i Rev. 2. 3 chapters 1 Cor. 5. 6 7 V. The purest Churches under Heaven are subject both to mixture and errour k 1 Cor 13. 12. Rev. 2. 3 chapters Mat. 13. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 47 and some have so degenerated as to become no Churches of Christ but Synagogues of Satan l Rev. 18. 2 Rom. 11. 18 19 20 21 22 Neverthelesse there shall be alwayes a Church on Earth to Worship God according to his will m Mat. 16 18 Psâ—l 72. 17 Psâ—l 102. 28 Mat 28. 19 20 VI. There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Iesus Christ n Col. 1. 18 Eph 1. 22 Nor can the Pope of Rome in any sence be head thereof but is that Antichrist that man of sin and Sun of Perdition that exalteth himself in the CHurch against Christ and all that is called God o Mat. â—3 8 9 10 2 Thess 2. 3 4 8. 9 Rev. 13. 6. CHAP. XXVI Of the Communion of Saints ALL Saints that are united to Iesus Christ their Head by his Spirit and by Faith have fellowship with him in his graces Sufferings Death Resurrection and Glory a 1 Iohn 1 Eph 3. 16 17 18 19 Iohn 1. 16 Eph. 2 5 6 Phil. 3. 10 Rom. 6. 5 6 2 Tim. 2 12 And being united to one another in love they have communion in each others gifts graces b Eph. 4. 15 16. 1 Cor. 12 7. 1 Cor 3. 21 22 23 Col. 2. 19. and are obliged to the performance of such duties publick and private as do conduce to their mutuall good both in the inward and outward man c 1 Thes â— 11. 14 Rom. 1 11 12 14. 1 Iohn 3. 16 17 18. Gal. 6. 10. II Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God and in performing such other spirituall services as tend to their mutuall edification d Heb. 10 24 25. Acts 2. 42 46 Isa 2 3 1 Cor. 11 20 as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their severall abilities and necessities Which Communion as God offereth opportunity is to be extended unto all those who in every place call upon the Name of the Lord Iesus e Acts 2. 44 45. 1 Iohn 3. â—7 2 Cor. 8 9. chapters Acts 11. 29 30. III. This Communion which the Saints have with Christ doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his God-head or to be equall with Christ in any respect either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous f Col 1. 18 19. 1 Cor. 8 6. Isa 42 8 1 Tim 6 15 16. Psal 45 7. with Heb. 1. 8 9. Nor doth their Communion one with another as Saints take away or in fringe the title or propriety which each man hath in goods and possessions g Exod. 20. 15 Eph 4 28 Acts 5. 4. CHAP. XXVII Of the Sacraments SAcraments are holy Signes and Seales of the Covenant of Grace a Rom. 4. 11 Gen. 17. 7 10 immediatly instituted by God b Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor 11. 23. to represent Christ and his Benefits and to confirm our interest in him c 1 Cor. 10 16. 1 Cor 25 26. Gal. 3. 27. as also to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church and the rest of the World d Rom. 15. 8 Exod. 12. 48 Gen. 34. 14 and solemnly to engage them to the Service of God in Christ according to his Word e Rom. 6. 3 4. 1 Cor. 10. 16 21. II. There is in every Sacrament a spirituall relation or Sacramentall union between the Signe and the Thing signified whence it comes to passe that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other f Gen. 17. 10 Mat. 26. 27 28. Tit. 3. 5 III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the Sacraments rightly used is not conferred by any power in them neither doth the efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it g Rom 2. 28 29. 1 Pet. 3. 21 but upon the work of the Spirit h Mat. 3. â—â— 2 Cor. 12. 13 and the word of institution which contains together with a precept authorizing the use thereof a promise of benefit to worthy receivers i Mat. 26. 27 â—8 Mat. 28. 19 â—0 IV. There be only two Sacraments ordained
Cor. 1. 9 Q. What is effectuall Calling A. Effectuall Calling is the work of Gods almighty power and grace i Ioh. 5. 25 Eph. 1. 18 19 20. 2 Tim. 1. 8. 9 where by out of his free and especiall love to his Elect and from nothing in them moving him thereunto k Tit. 3. 4 5 Eph. 2. 4 5 7 8 9. Rom. 9. 11. he doth in his accepted time invite and draw them to Iesus Christ by his Word and Spirit l 2 Cor. 5. 20 with 2 Cor. 6. 1 2 Ioh. 6. 44 2 Thes 2. 13 14 savingly inlightning their minds m Acts 26 18 1 Cor. 2. 10 12 renewing powerfully determining their wils n Ezek. 11 19. Eze. 36. 26 27 Iohn 6. 4â— so as they although in themselves dead in sin are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call and accept and imbrace the grace offered and conveyed therein o Eph 2. 5 Phil. 2. 13 Deut. 30. 6 Q. Are the Elect only effectually called A. All the Elect and they onely are effectually called p Acts 13. 48 although others may be and often are outwardly called by the ministery of the Word q Mat. 22. 14 and have some common operations of the Spirit r Mat. 7. 22 Mat. 13. 20 21. Heb. 6. 4 5 who for their wilfull neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them being justly left in their unbelief do never truly come to Iesus Christ Å¿ Ioh. 12. 38 39 40 Acts 28. 25 26 27 Ioh. 6. 64 65. Ps 81 11 12. Q. What is the Communion in Grace which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ A. The Communion in grace which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ is their partaking of the vertue of his Mediation in their justification t Rom. 8. 30 Adoption u Eph. 1. 5 Sanctification and whatever else in this life manifests their Vnion with him w 1 Cor 1. 30 Q. What is Iustification A. â—ustification is an act of Gods free grace unto sinners x Rom. 3. 22 24. 25 Rom. 4. 5 in which he pardoneth all their sins accepteth accounteth their persons righteous in his sight y 2 Cor. 2. 5 19 21 Rom. 3. 22 24 25 27 28 not for any thing wrought in them or done by them z Tit. 3 5. 1 Eph. 1. 7 but only for the perfect obedience full satisfaction of Châ—ist by God imputed to them a Rom. 5. 17 18 19 and received by faith alone b Acts 10. 43 Gal. 2. 16 Phil. 3. 9 Q. How is Iustification an act of Gods free Grace A. Although Christ by his Obedience and death did make a proper reall and full satisfaction to Gods Iustice in the behalf of them that are justified c Rom. 5 8 9 10 19 yet in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a Surety which he might have demanded of them did provide this Surety his own only son d 1 Tim. 2 5 6 Heb. 10. 10 Mat. 20. 28 Dan. 9. 24 26 Isa 53. 4 5 6 10 11 12 Heb. 7. 22 Rom. 8. 32 1 Pet. 1. 18 19 imputing his righteousnesse to them e 2 Cor. 5. 21 requiâ—ing no thing of them for their Iustification but Faith f Rom. 3. 24 25 which also is his gift g Eph. 2. 28 their Iustification is to them of free grace h Eph. 1. 7 Q. What is Iustifying Faith A. Iustifying Faith is a saving grace i Heb. 10. 39 wrought in the heart of a Sinner by the Spirit k 2 Cor. 4. 13 Eph. 1. 17 18 19 and work of God l Ro. 10. 14 17 whereby he being convinced of his sin and misery and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition m Acts 2. 3 Acts 16. 30 Ioh. 16. 8 9 Rom. 5. 6 Eph 2. 1 Acts 4. 12 not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel n Eph. 1. 13 but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousnes therein held forth for pardon of sin o Ioh. 1. 12 Acts 16. 31 Acts 10 43 and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation p â—hil 3. 19 A8 15. 11 Q. How doth Faith justifie a sinner in the sight of God A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God not because of those other graces which do alwayes accompany it or of good works that are the fruits of it q Gaâ— 3. 11 Rom. 3. 28. nor as if the grace of Faith or any act thereof were imputed to him for his justification r Rom. 4. 5 with Rom. 10 10 but only as it is an Instrument by which he receiveth and applyeth Christ and his righteousnesse Å¿ Ioh. 1 12 Phil. 3. 9 Gal. 2. 16 Q What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God t Ioh. 3. 1 in and for his onely Son Iesus Christ u Eph. 1. 5 Gal. 4. 4 6 whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children w Ioh 1. 12 have his name put upon them x 2 Cor. 6 18 Rev 3 12 the Spirit of his Son given to them y Gal 4 6 are under his fatherly care and dispensations z Psal 10 13 Prov 14 26 Mat 6 32 admitted to all the liberties priviledges of the sons of God made heires of all the promises and fellow heires with Christ in glory a Heb. 6 13 Rom 8 17 Q. What is Sanctification A. Sanctication is a work of Gods grace whereby they whom God hath before the foundation of the world chosen to be holy are in time through the powerfull working of his Spirit b Eph. 1. 4. 1 Cor. 6. 11. 2 Thes 2. 13. applying the death refurrection of Christ unto them c Rom. 6. 4 5 6. renewd in their whole man after the image of God d Eph. 4. 23. 24. having the seeds of repentance unto life of al other saving graces put into their hearts e Acts 11. 18. 1 Iohn 3. 9. and those graces so stirred up increased strengthened f Iude v. 20. Heb. 6. 11 12. Eph. 3. 16 17. 18. 9. Col 1. 10 11. as that they more and more die unto sin and rise unto newnesse of life g Rom. 6. 4 6 14. Gal. 5. 24. Q What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace h 2 Tim. 2. 25 wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit i Zach. 12 10. Word of God k Acts 11. 18. 20 2â— whereby out of the sight and sense not only of the danger l Ezek. 18. 28. 30 32. Luk. 15. 17 18 Hos 2. 6 7 but also of the filthinesse and odiousnesse of his sins m Ezek. 36. 31 Isa
which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil d Mat. 6. 13 acknowledging that the most wise righteous and gracious God for divers holy and just ends may so order things that we may be assaulted foiled for a time led captive by temptations e 2 Chr. 32. 31 that Sathan f 1 Chr. 11. 1 the world g Luk. 21. 34 Mar. 4. 19 and the flesh are ready powerfully to draw us aside and insnare us h Iam. 1. 14 and that we even after the pardon of our sinnes by reason of our corruption i Gal. â— 17 weaknesse and want of watchfulnesse k Mat. 26. 41 are not onely subject to be tempted and forward to expose our selves unto temptations l Mat. â—6 66 70 71 72 Gal. 2. 11. to 15 2 Chr. 18. 3 with â— Chr. 19. 2 but also of our selves unable and unwilling to resist them to recover out of them and to improve them m Rom. 7. 23 24. 1 Chr 21 1 2 3 4 2 Chr. 16. 7. 8 9 16 and worthy to be left under the power of them n Ps 81. 11 12 we pray that God would so over-rule the world and all in it o Ioh. 17. 15. subdue the flesh p Psal 51. 10 Psal 119. 13â— and restrain Sathan q 2 Cor. 12 7 8 order all things r 1 Cor. 1â— 12 13 bestow and blesse all meanes of grace Å¿ Heb. 13 20 23 and quicken us to watchfulnesse in the use of them that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin t Mat. 26. 41. Psal 19. 13 or if tempted that by his spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation u â—ph 3. 14 15 16 17. 1 Thes 3. 13 Iude v. 24 or when fallen raised again and recovered out of it w Psal 51. 12 and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof x 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 10 that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected y 2 Cor. 13 7. 9 Sathan trodden under our feet z Rom. 16. 20 Zech. 3. 2 Luk. 22 31 32 and we fully freed from sin temptation and all evil for ever a Ioh. 17. 15 1 Thes 5. 23 Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory forever Amen b Mat. 6. 13 teacheth us to enforce our Petitions with arguments c Rom. 15. 30 which are to be taken not from any worthinesse in our selves or in any other creature but from God d Dan. 9. 4 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 and with our prayers to joyn praises e Phil. 4. 6 ascribing to God alone eternall soveraignty omnipotency and glorious excellency f Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13 in regard whereof as he is able and willing to help us g Eph. 3. 20 21 Luk. 12. 13 so wee by faith are emboldned to plead with him that hee would h 2 Chr. 20 6. 11 and quietly to rely upon him i Chr. 14. 12 that he will fulfill our requests and to testifie this our desire and assurance we say Amen k 2 Cor. 14 16 Rev. 22. 20 21 COR. BURGES Prolocutor pro tempore HENRY ROBROUGH Scriba ADONIRAM BYFIELD Scriba FINIS THE SHORTER CATECHISM First agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at WESTMINSTER And now approved by the General ASSEMBLY of the Kirk of Scotland to be a part of Uniformity in Religion between the Kirks of Christ in the three Kingdoms QUESTION WHat is the chief end of man A. Mans chief end is to glorifie God a 1 Cor. 10 31. Rom. 11. 36 and to enjoy him for ever b Psal 73 24 to the end Q. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scripture of the Old and New Testament c 2 Tim. 3 16. Eph. 2 20 is the onely rule to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him d 1 Ioh. 1 3 4 Q. VVhat do the Scriptures principally teach A. The Scriptures principally teach What man is to beleeve concerning God and what duty God requires of man e 2 Tim. 1 13. 3. 16 Q. VVhat is God A. God is a Spirit f Joh. 4. 24 infinite g Job 11 7 8 9 eternal h Psa 90. 2 and unchangeable i Jam. 1. 17 in his being k Exo 3. 14 wisdom l Psa 147. 5 power m Rev. 4. 8 holiness n Rev. 15. 4 justice goodness and truth o Exod. 34 6 7 Q. Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onely the living and true God p Deu. 6. 4 Jer. 10. 10 Q. How many Persons are there in the God-head A. There are three Persons in the God-head the Father the Son and the holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in power and glory q 1 Joh. 5. 7 Mat. 28. 19 Q. What are the decrees of God A. The Decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his Will whereby for his own glory he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass r Eph. 1. 4 11. Rom. 9. 22 23 Q. How doth God execute his decrees A. God executeth his Decrees in the Works of Creation and Providence Q. What is the Work of Creation A. The Work of Creation is Gods making all things of nothing by the Word of his Power in the space of six days and all very good s Gen. 1. Chap Heb. 11. 3 Q. How did God create man A. God created man male and female after his own image in knowledg righteousness and holiness with dominion over the creatures t Gen. 1 26 27 28 Col. 3 10 Eph. 4 24 Q. What are Gods Works of Providence A. Gods Works of Providence are his most holy u Ps 145. 17 wise w Psa 104 24. Isa 28 29 and powerful preserving x Heb. 1. 3 and governing all his creatures and all their actions y Ps 103. 19 Mar. 10. 29 30 31 Q. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein be 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 knowledg of good and evil upon pain of death z Gal. 3. 12 Gen. 2. 17 Q. Did our first Parents continue in the estate wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own will fell from the estate wherein they were created by sinning against God a Gen. 3. 6 7 8 13 Eccl. 7 29 Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto