having Dominion over all the earthly Creatures Gen. 1.27 28. Q. What did God give to Adam at the first A. He gave him a pleasant Paradise and a Law That of every Tree in the Garden he might eat but of the Tree of Knowledg of Good and Evil he should not eat for in the Day he eat thereof he should surely die Gen. 2.17 Q. How came Adam to break the Law given unto him A. By the Woman's yielding to the Serpent did take and eat of the forbidden Fruit and she gave to her Husband and he did eat Gen. 3.6 Q. Did Eve being tempted or provoked to eat by the Serpent or Adam by the Woman excuse their Sin A. No for God passeth Sentence upon them both and also upon the Serpent Q. What Misery fell they under as their Punishment A. To the Woman God saith I will greatly multiply thy Sorrows and thy Conceptions in Sorrow shalt thou bring forth Children and thy desire shall be to thy Husband and he shall rule over thee Gen. 3.16 Q. What did God say to Adam A. Because thou hast hearkened to the Voice of thy Wife the Ground shall be cursed for thy sake Thorns and Thistles shall it bring forth thou shalt in the sweat of thy Face eat thy Bread until thou return unto the Dust for Dust thou art and unto Dust thou shalt return He was also ashamed of his Nakedness feared to appear before his Maker turned out of Paradise and Cherubims set to keep the Way of the Tree of Life with flaming Swords that he might not eat thereof lest he live for ever Gen. 3.17 18 19 22 23 24. Q. Here is sad News of Death and Mortality and Pain and losing of a pleasant Paradise How came the happy News of Life immortal and enjoying of a heavenly Paradise A. Through a second Adam Christ Jesus who hath abolished Death and hath brought Life and Immortality unto Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 Heb. 2.14 1 Cor. 15.22 Gen. 3.15 Q. What is Jesus Christ A. The Son of God the Saviour of poor lost worthless straying Sinners Q. How may that appear A. By the Wonders wrought at his Conception at his Birth by himself whilst on Earth personally at his Transfiguration at his Baptism at his Death at his Resurrection Q. What was wrought in a miraculous way at his Conception A. Mary with Child by the Holy Ghost and not after any ordinary manner Mat. 1.16 Joseph being espoused unto her thought to put her away not knowing what was done but an Angel appeared to satisfy him and directed him to call his Name Jesus for he should save his People from their Sins Mat. 1.21 Q. What Wonder was done at his Birth A. A Star arose out of the East which the Wise-men followed till it stood still over the Place where the young Child lay Mat. 2.10 Q. What else was done at his Birth A. Their rejoicing and worshipping of him Herod's cruel Design frustrated as relating to the killing of the Babe by the Lord 's appearing unto them in a Dream and sending them another way Mat. 2.12 Q. What else was wonderful A. An Angel appearing unto two Shepherds in great Glory saying Fear not for I bring you glad Tidings which shall be to all People for unto you is born this Day in the City of David a Saviour Christ the Lord. Q. What else was wrought wonderfully at his Birth A. A heavenly Host immediately appearing praising God and saying Glory to God in the Highest on Earth Peace Good-will towards Men Luke 2.9 10 11 12 13 14. Q. What Wonders were wrought in his Life-time A. Disputing with the Doctors at twelve Years of Age rebuking violent Diseases and they departed by the Word of his Mouth Joh. 4.10 turned Water into Wine John 2.9 raised the Dead cleansed the Lepers the Lame walk the Blind see the Deaf hear the Dumb speak Mat. 11.5 Rather than he will give Offence causeth Money to be taken out of a Fish's Mouth Mat. 17.27 Q. What else was wrought by Christ in his Life-time A. The Wind and the Sea obey him and are calm at his Command Mat. 8.26 27. Five thousand fed with five Loaves and two little Fishes Mat. 14.19 20 21. Q. What was wonderful at his Baptism A. The Spirit of God lighting upon him as a Dove as he came out of the Water testifying that he was the Son of God in whom he was well-pleased Mat. 3.16 Also at his being transfigured upon the Mount his Face did shine as the Sun and his Raiment white as the Light a bright Cloud over-shadowed them and a Voice out of the Cloud saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased hear ye him Mat. 17.2 Q. What was done at his Death A. The Vail of the Temple rent to signify the End of those Types he being the Substance Heb. 9.11 and Darkness over all the Earth from the 6th Hour to the 9th Hour Luke 23.44 the Earth did quake and the Rocks rent and the Graves were opened and many of the dead Bodies of the Saints which slept arose after his Resurrection and went into the holy City Mat. 27.51 52 53. Q. What Wonders were wrought at his Resurrection A. A great Earthquake an Angel descending from Heaven and came and rolled the Stone from the Door and sat upon it his Countenance like Lightning and his Raiment white as Snow and for fear of him the Keepers did shake and became as dead Men telling the Women that Christ was risen shewing them the Place where the Lord lay and said unto them Go quickly and tell his Disciples he is risen from the Dead Matth. 28.2 3 4 5 6 7. Q. How long was it from his Death to his Ascension A. Forty Days speaking to them of the things concerning the Kingdom of God Act. 1.3 Q. What was done at his Ascension A. Two Men standing by the Disciples in white Apparel testifying that the same Jesus whom they had seen ascend into Heaven should so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Acts 1.11 Q. What was done after his Ascension A. The Disciples being together and praying upon the Day of Pentecost they received the Promise of the Spirit and were filled with the Holy Ghost so as that they were able to speak to the understanding of all Nations and Gifts bestowed upon them and others for the Edification of the Church perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry this appears from these Scriptures Acts 2.3 Eph. 4.8 1 Cor. 12.7 Q. VVhat did the Lord Jesus come into the VVorld to do A. He came to seek and save them that were lost to give the knowledg of Salvation and Remission of Sins to give Light to them that sat in Darkness and the shadow of Death to guide our Feet in the Path of Peace Luk. 19.10 1.77 78 79. 24.47 and to destroy the Works of the Devil 1 John 3.8 Q. How came Man into his
A NEW and USEFUL CATECHISM Very necessary and teachable both for Children and young Christians Wherein is contained by way of Question and Answer a brief Discovery of these Things 1. What is God 2. How he may be known 3. What Man's State is by reason of the Fall of Adam and his own actual Sins 4. What Christ is and the glorious Remedy God hath provided for Sinners in sending his Son into the World 5. That the Scriptures are the undoubted Mind and Will of God for Men and Christians to walk by evident by six Reasons 6. What our Duty is to Christ in Matter of Worship and holy Conversation 7. Some few Questions and Answers relating to the Duty of Children and Servants in particular The third Edition Corected and Amended with large Additions by MANASSETH KING Pastor to the Church of Christ in Coventry Parents bring up your Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Ephes 6.4 London Printed in the Year 1693. TO THE READER FOr as much as I have observed that among the many great and little Books there have been scarce any that have minded this Work of publishing any thing tending to the instructing of Youth in the Things of the Lord in such a way as may be by Parents or Masters easily by way of Question asked and by way of Answer easily learned by Children or Servants I have therefore as one of those that bear good-will to the Education of Youth and the Edification of others and so far as I know my own Heart to the eternal Salvation of all whom Jesus Christ hath died for have singly in this intended the Glory of God in whose Hand is all our Breaths and do humbly offer this as tending thereto in this ensuing Dialogue desiring that if my Knowledg may not be so great as others nor my Judgment so regulated according to the Scriptures of Truth as others that it may not prejudice them against what Truth they may find nor hinder but rather further them to the bringing forth a more excellent Piece of this Nature and then I am sure God will have the Glory Souls may have the Benefit many Families that too much yea I judg sinfully neglect the instructing of their Children or Servants under their Charge receive more Benefit not knowing as the Apostle saith but thou O Man mayst save thy Wife So what knowest thou O Father but thou by thy care in bringing up thy Child in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord mayest save thy Child thy Servant thy Patterns or Examples being daily agreeable to thy Instruction and thy neglect of this Duty may be sad upon the Day of thy Account when the Blood of any poor Soul living in thy Family may be required at thy Hand because thou didst not do thy utmost in the use of the Means God hath appointed to reclaim them from Evil and the Snares of Death and to bring them to the understanding of the Will and Work of God appointed for them to observe Among the rest of those great Endeavours of many of the Lord's People in other things I do here present thee with a few Questions and Answers grounded upon Scripture which I shall beg thy Esteem of no farther than thou findest them agree with the Law and Testimony Isa 8. and desire from my Soul that every Man and Woman Child and Servant may learn to know the Things that belong to their Peace and may escape the Snares of Death in which I desire to remain one that am commanded to love my Neighbour as my self Manasseth King The Child's Instructor OR Brother Benjamin Keach 's Verses O Child most dear encline thine Ear And hearken to God's Voice His Counsel take and that will make God's Angels to rejoice Be not like those that Grace oppose And give their Minds to play But let thy Mind be well inclin'd In seeking Wisdom's Way Learn in thy Youth God's holy Truth Christ's blessed Cross to bear And so shalt thou though hated now In Heaven have a share Don't lie nor swear to steal don't dare Have a care of such Evils For such must die and in Hell lie With damned Souls and Devils In a right way thou must obey Thy Father and thy Mother As also right in God's dear sight To love Sister and Brother Let not vain Pleasure nor earthly Treasure Thy Soul seek and desire For these things know God will o'rthrow with his consuming Fire Spend all thy Days in righteous Ways God's holy Name to hallow That at thy last thy Days being past A blessed End may follow And though thou die and in Grave lie Yet Christ will thee awake And Angels send thee to attend And into 's Kingdom take Where thou shalt rest with Saints the best And pray that so may I And have the Crown of bless'd Renown God's Name to magnify That thou with Christ in Paradise For ever mayest dwell Thus do thou pray both Night and Day And so dear Child farewel A New and Useful CATECHISM QUestion What is God Answer A Spirit a King Immortal only Wise Holy Merciful Just All-seeing a Heart-searching Jehovah Joh. 4.24 1 Tim. 6.15 1 Pet. 1.15 Ephes 2.4 Psal 86.5 Prov. 15.3 Isa 45.21 Quest How may he be known Answ By his Works Attributes and his Word Rom. 2.14 15. Micah 7.18 Isa 9.6 Job Chap. 38 39. Exod. 34.6 7 8. Quest What are his Works Answ He made Heaven Earth the Sea and all that in them is in six Days and rested the seventh Day and saw all things to be exceeding Good Quest What is wonderful in his Works further A. His making all Things of Nothing his preserving all things by his Mercy Power calleth for the Waters out of the Sea poureth them out upon the Earth Amos 5.8 Gives the Sun for a Light by Day and the Moon and Stars by Night giveth the Rainbow as a Sign that the World shall be no more drowned placing Virtue and Operation in every Herb Tree Plant for the use and benefit of his Creature Man And for a further discovery take notice of Job 38 39 Chapters Gen. 9.13 Gen. 1.28 29 30. Quest What are his Attributes Answ His Wisdom his Holiness his Justice his Mercy his Faithfulness his Allseeingness and his Infiniteness in them and Immortality and Immutability 1 Tim. 6.15 1 Cor. 10.13 Rev. 15.4 Psal 139.2 Quest What is his Word Answ That which declareth him so to be and proceedeth from himself Psal 19.1 2 3 4 5 6 7. Quest Why did God create all things Answ For his Pleasure all things are and were created Rev. 4.11 Quest Did God create any Man on purpose to damn him Answ No for he saith As I live I desire not the Death of a Sinner but rather that he may turn and live Ezek. 18.22 23 24. 33.11 Q. What was Man made of A. Dust of the Earth Gen. 2.7 Q. After what manner was he made A. He is said to be created after God's own Image
your own Hearts What am I what do I whither go I O Souls as it is the Wisdom of Men to set their House in order and to make their Wills in disposing of what they have so let it be thy Work to set thy Heart in order that thou mayest have nothing to do but to die when thou comest to struggle with thy last Enemy and Time must be here no longer O remember the golden Sands of Time are running out apace and the Glass of Time will never be turned till it be turned in eternal Weal or Wo. XI Consider of Judgment to come O Soul if Death take thee Secure Carnal Hypocritical Murmuring unfaithful to thy Light Disobedient or Lukewarm or a Backslider or Covetous or a Complier with some secret Sins as Death takes you so Judgment will find you and all the Manifestations of God to you shall be discovered when the Books shall be opened And no sooner the Judg shall speak but Conscience shall say True Lord and God himself will be a swift Witness against thy secret Sins not repented of Act. 3.19 Mal. 3.5 Remember this was one great Doctrine that the Apostles of our Lord were to preach and testify That it was he that was ordained of God to be the Judg of Quick and Dead Acts 10.42 O young Man remember for the Desire of thine Eyes and the Way of thine Heart for these things God will bring thee into Judgment Eccles 11.9 O Christians grudg not one against another yea behold the Judg stands at the Door Jam. 5.9 Have fervent Charity one to another that is the Bond of Perfectness and be diligent that ye may be found of him in Peace without spot and blameless 2 Pet. 3.14 Mat. 18.34 35. O do not hide your Talents but improve your Measures given and remember it will be sad to have that Sentence pass Take that unprofitable Servant cast him into utter Darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 25.30 O forget not to think of his appearing that will certainly render to every one according to his Works Mat. 16.27 Rev. 22.12 O Soul think oft of that Jesus that died for you will shortly come to judg you the last Trump sounding the Judg descending holy Angels attending Graves opening the Dead rising Hypocrites Unbelievers disobedient Persons weeping wailing secret Counsels of all Hearts shall be discovered Therefore live in this present Day with a holy preparation for that Day in taking heed to thy Thoughts 1 Cor. 4.5 Eccles 12.14 Take heed to thy Words Mat. 12.36 O take heed of idle Words Swear not at all it 's forbidden Mat. 5.34 Jam. 5.12 Take heed of Lying Cursing Backbiting Railing Grievous Words stir up Wrath Prov. 15.1 Look to your Actions and do not omit what God commands nor dare to commit what he forbids Eternal Judgment is a Christian Principle Heb. 6.2 And now that ye may be helped to mind these things I come to the last thing propounded and that is Prayer XII O poor young Man hast thou cause to flee youthful Lusts to follow after Righteousness Faith Charity Peace and keep such Company as call on God out of a pure Heart 1 Tim. 2.11 Hast thou poor Soul a Devil to resist a World to over come some Corruptions to mortify a deceitful Heart to watch over a Gospel to obey a Kingdom to obtain O Souls watch and pray make Conscience of secret Prayer and be earnest for those things Jabez begged of God 1 Chron. 4.10 For your encouragement remember He that seeks God early shall find him O a blessed Promise Prov. 8.17 Pray earnestly for the divine Operations of the holy Spirit with the blessed Fruits of it Christ hath promised if they that are evil know how to give good things to their Children how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Spirit to them that ask it Luke 11.13 O pray for Wisdom as Servants to discharge your Duty in your Places that the Name and Doctrine of God be not blasphemed O pray for Wisdom as Freemen that you may always be concerned in serving God in true Holiness and Righteousness all your Days O pray for a Faith of a right kind and say as the Apostles Lord increase our Faith mind what Christ hath done is a doing and will do As to a married State pray for Wisdom to discharge your relative Duties Husband to Wife and Wife to Husband living in the Fear of God As to your State unmarried devote your selves so much the more to wait on and serve the Lord if Virgin Disciples as John the beloved Disciple is said by some Authors to be and holy Paul If in a prosperous Condition beg a humble thankful charitable Heart remembring you are Stewards for God And as to your State in meeting with Adversity beg Patience Contentment admire the least Mercy under the greatest Misery Lam. 3.22 As to your State if persecuted beg Wisdom Courage Constancy of him that gives Strength to them that have no Might As to your Duty in preparing for Death O pray that you may have your Light shining your Lamps burning and you like Men waiting for the coming of the Lord and be filled with his Spirit waiting praying for the blessed Influences of the Spirit of God upon your Souls using all the means you can to obtain it And if Messengers hearing that you have received the Word pray for you that you may receive the Holy Ghost join heartily with them and in laying gentle Hands on you if you receive more of the Spirit you will be more for the Honour of God the Comfort of your Brethren and walk as Lights in the World and be as Salt in the Earth O labour to have Salt in your selves and Peace one with another Mark 9.50 I shall close up this little Matter with those words 1 Pet. 1.17 If you call on the Father who without respect of Persons judgeth according to every Man's Work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear Yea give all diligence to those seven things that lead to the Kingdom 2 Pet. 1. consider 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 verses And labour to live so as you may wish when your Eyes come to be closed and when you come to Judgment Eccles 11.9 12.14 And pray for the Lord's Labourers and I will beg that Truth may live in your Souls when I am dead and may shortly meet those that fear God and keep his Commandments in never-ending Glory FINIS
lost miserable Estate A. By Sin Q. VVhat is Sin A. It is the Transgression of the Law Rom. 7.7 1 Joh. 3.4 Q. VVhat Means hath Christ used to seek and save them that are lost A. He hath by the means of Death redeemed us from him that had the Power of Death even the Devil and deliver'd them who thrô fear of Death were all their Life-time subject to Bondage He was wounded for our Iniquities broken for our Transgressions the Chastisement of our Peace was upon him and thrô his Stripes we are healed He poured out his Soul unto Death and made Intercession for Transgressors Q. Did he do this for all Men A. Yea all have like Sheep gone astray and the Lord hath laid upon him the Iniquity of us all Q. How doth it appear that Christ died for all Men A. From the Types under the Law from the Testimony of all the Prophets from the Testimony of an Angel and of the Heavenly Host from the Testimony of Christ and his Holy Apostles Q. How from Types doth it appear that Christ died for all Men A. As the Paschal Lamb being slain was a Sign of Safety and Deliverance to Israel so Jesus Christ is called the Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World and is called the Lamb of God that taketh away the Sins of the World and that saveth all that believe from Wrath to come Rev. 13.8 Joh. 1.29 1 Thess 1.10 Q. How else A. By the brazen Serpent that as truly as it was lifted up by Moses for the healing of all that were stung or bitten so Christ is held forth and lifted up for the comfort of every poor distressed Sinner that whosoever believeth might not perish but have eternal Life John 3.14 15 16. Q. How else by the Manna A. That as the Manna fell for all Israel to gather and be nourished in the eating of it so Jesus Christ came the true Bread from Heaven to give his Flesh for the Life of the World that all those that believe on Jesus Christ and feed on him by Faith might be nourished up to eternal Life John 6.51 Q. How else doth it appear A. By the Testimony of an Angel saying Fear not I bring you glad Tidings which shall be to all People for unto you is born this Day in the City of David a Saviour Christ the Lord Luke 2.10 11 12. Q. How else A. Immediately a Heavenly Host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest Peace good Will towards Men Luk. 2.13 14. Q. How else doth it appear A. By the Testimony of all the Prophets Acts 10.47 To him give all the Prophets witness that whosoever believeth in him should have remission of Sins Q. How else doth it appear A. From the Testimony of Christ who saith The Bread which I give is my Flesh which I give for the Life of the World John 6.51 By the Testimony of his Apostles who thus judg that if one died for all then they which live should not live to themselves but unto him that died for them and rose again 2 Cor. 5.14 Who say that he by the Grace of God tasted Death for every Man Heb. 2.9 Who gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due Time And this Truth Paul was ordained a Preacher of among the Gentiles 1 Tim. 2.6 7. Who say that he is not only a Propitiation for our Sins but for the Sins of the whole World 1 John 2.2 Q. What farther Means doth he use to seek and save them that are lost or are by reason of Sin in a damnable Condition if dying therein A. He rose again for the Justification of poor sinful Man in which he hath given assurance unto Man of his Resurrection and that there is a Day that he must come to Judgment Acts 17.31 Also appointing that the Gospel should be preached to every Creature Mark 16.13 16. Also affording his Spirit to convince Men of Sin if they believe not John 16.8 9. Also by the glorious Benefits of his Ascension did and doth furnish Men with Gifts for the Work of the Ministry to be Ambassadors for Christ to beseech Souls to be reconciled Ephes 4.11 12 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Q. What farther Means doth he use to bring Men to Happiness A. By virtue of his Intercession Vengeance is staid from coming speedily and suddenly upon Men Luke 13.8 Isa 53.12 Also his patient waiting upon Men from time to time Warnings given by his Severity upon some promising Happiness and Eternal Life if they believe and obey threatning Eternal Death and Damnation if they believe not and are disobedient Prov. 1.20 Jer. 13.27 Mat. 11.21 John 3.36 1 Cor. 10.12 Q. Did Jesus Christ die for all Men that they might be saved A. Yea for he complaineth saying Ye will not come unto me that you might have Life and he came not to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved And John came to bear witness of that Light that all Men through him might believe John 5.40 3.17 1.7 Q. Are Men saved only by the Death of Christ A. They are said to be reconciled by his Death but saved by his Life Rom. 5.10 Q. What is that which renders Men Enemies unto God and under his Wrath A. Evil wicked Works Col. 1.21 Ephes 2.2 11. Q. What are the Works of the Flesh A. Adultery Fornication Uncleanness Lasciviousness Idolatry Witchcraft Hatred Variance Emulation Wrath Strife Sedition Heresies Envying Drunkenness Murders Reviling Q. Shall any such inherit the Kingdom of Heaven A. No. Gal. 5 19 20. 1 Cor. 6.9 Ephes 5.6 Q. Will not Omissions of Good hinder from Eternal Life as well as Commissions of Evil A. Yea for Christ saith the not giving to him when he was an hungry the not clothing of him when he was naked the not visiting of him when he was sick the not coming unto him when he was in Prison he will take this want of Mercy to his little Ones that believe as done to himself and these shall go away into everlasting Destruction Mat. 25.41 42 43. Q. What is required of all Men guilty of committing Evil or omitting Good A. Confessing their Sins before the Lord and being humbled for them with a Resolution to forsake them through a constant watchfulness against them Prov. 28.13 Luk. 24.27 Acts 17.30 2 Cor. 7.10 Q. VVhat Rule hath God left us to guide and direct what to avoid what to believe and what to do A. The Holy Scriptures which are able to make the Man of God wise unto Salvation and to furnish him to every good Work and are profitable for Instruction Correction Comfort Acts 24.14 17.11 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Q. How may it appear that they are the Mind of God for us to walk by A. 1. By the wonderful Miracles wrought to confirm the Words spoken by Christ and his Apostles and Prophets recorded therein 2. By the constant fulfilling of the Prophecies and Promises therein contained 3.
are said to be chosen before the Foundation of the World in Christ A. Christ is called a Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World yet not slain many thousand Years after till he was a Man in the Flesh so Men are said to be chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the World yet not chosen till they have the Sanctification of the Spirit and believe the Truth 2 Thess 2.13 He hath set apart the Godly for himself Psal 4.3 Q. How are Men said to be ordained of old to Condemnation A. Not as Men but as wicked ungodly Men who turn the Grace of God into Wantonness denying our Lord Jesus Christ and the only Lord God Jude 4. Q. How doth this farther appear A. Because that God manifesteth upon Oath that he desireth not the Death of a Sinner but that he may turn and live Q. How doth it appear that God doth not ordain any to Destruction but as they are wicked and abuse his Grace A. By his lamenting the Ruin of them that have perished and had the things hid from their Eyes that pertain to their everlasting Peace Matth. 23.37 Luke 19.41 42. Also by the Lord minding that Man's Destruction is of himself Hos 13.9 Acts 13.46 Also for this Cause God shall send them strong Delusions and for this Cause he gave them up to vile Affections so that there was a Cause of their Ruin when they had a being and not before they had a being 2 Thess 2.10 11. Rom. 1.14 Psal 81.10 11. Q. What are Childrens Duty towards their Parents A. Children obey your Parents in all things for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord Col. 3.20 compared with Ephes 6.1 2. Exod. 20.12 Q. What is the Danger of disobeying slighting or making light of Parents A. Some eminent Judgments have taken hold of those that have so done and it doth much provoke the Lord. Q. What Judgments have fallen upon Children for making light of their Parents A. Ham the Father of Canaan for his Contempt of his Father Noah was cursed and was Servant to the rest of his Brethren Gen. 9.22 23 27. Q. What else befel disobedient Children A. He that smote his Father or he that cursed or reviled his Father was according to the Law of God to be put to Death Exod. 21.15 17. His Lamp to be put out in obscure Darkness that curseth Father or Mother Prov. 20.20 Q. How doth it appear that some eminent Judgment is likely to fall on them A. The Eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it Prov. 30.17 Disobedience to Parents is reckoned up among the Sins that God hath punished Ezek. 22.7 14. among the Sins that God will punish and that which makes the Days with other Evils perilous 2 Tim. 3.2 Q. Are Parents to be obeyed in any thing actually that contradicts the Mind of the Father of Spirits A. In this respect we must honour God more than Father or Mother or Governours as Christ saith Call no Man Father for one is your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 23.9 Q. What Privilege have those Children that are obedient to their Parents in the Lord A. It is called the first Commandment with Promise Ephes 6.3 God blessed the Rekabites the Sons of Jonadah and honoured them highly because they did not violate their Father's Command but observed it Jer. 35.5 6 7 8 9 compared with the 18 19 verses Q. What was done to the Children that mocked the Prophet because of his bald Head A. They were cursed and two Bears came forth out of the Wood and slew forty two Children 2 Kings 2.23 24. Q. What may this Judgment of God teach Parents A. Much to caution and instruct their Children to take heed of despising reproaching or mocking any though wanting any thing in Person or Substance that others enjoy Q. What was done to Gehazi for Covetousness and Lying A. The Leprosy of Naaman the Syrian clave to him and his Seed for ever and he went out white as a Leper 2 King 5.25 27. Q. What was done to Ananias and Saphira for lying A. They fell down both dead at the Apostles Feet Acts 5.1 2 3. Q. What must be the Portion of Liars A. They shall have their part in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone that tormenteth for ever and ever Rev. 21.8 Q. What did Moses say to the Brethren that strove with each other A. Rebuked them saying Wherefore smitest thou thy Fellow And Abraham said to Lot when their Herdsmen were at strife Let there be no Strife between me and thee for we be Brethren Exod. 2.13 Gen. 13.8 It was the Charge of Joseph to his Brethren saying See that you fall not out by the way Gen. 49.24 Q. VVhat is the Duty of Servants to their Masters A. Servants be subject to your Masters with all fear not only to the Good and Gentle but also to the Froward 1 Pet. 2.18 19 20 21. Q. But what Service ought a Person to perform to those whom he engageth to serve A. Diligently faithfully humbly behaving himself in his outward Business avoiding Eye-service purloyning or taking little Matters without Consent or Knowledg of his Master or stubbornly answering again or despising or slighting of them because they are Brethren Ephes 6.6 7 8. 1 Tim. 6.1 Titus 2.9 10. Q VVhat Encouragement hath a Servant to be subject to the Froward to be Faithful to be Humble Diligent avoiding Eye-service not answering again A. The Grace of God in sending his Son to die teacheth those Lessons Titus 2.11 also knowing that whatsoever good Thing any Man doth the same he shall receive of the Lord whether Bond or Free Also the Law of Equity which the Law of God gives a being unto would have Servants do as they would be done by and so Masters to deal by their Servants as they would have their own Children when they come to be Servants dealt by considering those words Mat. 7.2 Mark 4.24 What measure you meet shall be measured to you again Therefore let Master and Servant Father and Child all prepare according to the Measures of Knowledg received doing the Will of God from the Heart And this shall be the Conclusion of the Matter Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole Duty of Man Eccles 12.13 Remember thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth say daily What am I what do I whither go I Thy last Hour and Eternal Judgment do not forget THE END APPENDIX May 1693. BEing desired by Brethren to reprint this short Catechism and moved thereto at the Association of several Messengers and Elders assembled together at Nantwich April 19 1693. And looking upon my poor Endeavours to be far short of what might be done in order to the instructing of Youth and what some have done yet in answer to the desire of that Christian Assembly and the fervent Desires of many in
given to admire the Giver and to love things given so far as you may honour the Giver Prov. 3.9 Honour the Lord with thy Substance and there is promised an Increase O Soul if the Streams be sweet what is the Fountain And if the Creature be sweet what is the Creator O Souls serve God with all labour to love God above all and be content to be at his dispose in all 1 Chron. 29.14 Mat. 10.37 Isa 39.7 8. Job 1.21 Consider in great Prosperity you live upon Alms have nothing but what the great God gives you and live daily on his bountiful Benevolence and as he descends with Favours to you so do you ascend with Thankfulness to him Give us this Day our daily Bread our Lord teacheth us to pray and cannot we live well one Day without Bread then let 's ask it every Day and be thankful for it David rose at Midnight to praise God but it 's hardly some Mens Mid-day Work Hide not your Face from your own Flesh While some poor Relations are in Want if thou hast Prosperity look not with a scornful but with a pitiful Eye upon them Thy own Friend and thy Father's Friend do not forget Isa 58.7 Prov. 27.10 Job in his Prosperity caused the Widow to sing and pulled the Poor out of the Jaw-teeth of the Wicked And the Blessings of them that were ready to perish came upon him read the 31st Chapter of Job O how hath the Abuse of Prosperity and growing Proud overturned Sodom Ezek. 16.49 brought down that great Monarch Nebuchadnezzar overturned Belshazzar smote Herod with Worms for taking the popular Applause of the People who died immediately Acts 12.23 Those that slight Christ's Work and Way for the love of these worldly things shall never taste of his Supper Luke 14. 18-24 How have some for the love of this World and the things therein forsook the Assembly of the true Church and the divine Institutions and fallen in with a false Church a false Ministry and countenanced a company of vain Traditions in the pretended Worship of God and for fear of humane Fury fell under the Fury of divine everlasting Vengeance and are in danger without true Repentance for rejecting Light to be cast into utter Darkness O Souls tremble at that Word that saith They shall drink of the Lord's Wrath poured out without Mixture Rev. 14.9 10. Consider Moses Heb. 11.24 the three Children Dan. 3. Daniel's Case Peter and John's Case Acts 4.5 Antipas his Case and the Church's Courage in that Day Rev. 2.13 The Case of Stephen and all the blessed Martyrs Some were in great Prosperity outwardly but did not neglect what God commanded nor cowardly comply sinfully but hazarded all even Life it self Watch and pray in these things that Prosperity be not your Ruine by complying with sinful Temptations while you shall dare to put a Blot upon God's Not Touch not taste not handle not after the Commands and Doctrines of Men Col. 2.21 VIII As to Adversity or being in a poor low Condition in this World remember these things 1. That Godliness with Contentment is great Gain As it is not the bigness of the Cage that makes the Bird to sing without a secret Instinct so it is not having little of this World that should cast thee down since commanded by the Lord to be content with such things as ye have Heb. 13.5 2. Consider A little with the Fear of God is better than the Riches of many Wicked Psal 37.16 Consider Eccles 4.6 Prov. 16.8 Consider dear Souls it 's better to be in the meanest Condition in this World that possible may be with the Enjoyment of Christ and Truth than in the highest Condition without him and it In a word it 's better to suffer with him than reign without him Consider it 's better to be with a Lazarus in his Rags and Sores keeping Integrity than to be with a Dives in his Riches and Robes in a State of Wickedness and Sensuality Psal 73.12 Luke 15.19 20 21 22. Have some their Beds of Ivory stately Places of Rest O but poor Believer hast thou Rest from the damning Guilt of Sin Rest from the Curse of the Law Rest from an accusing Conscience through Faith in Christ Mat. 11.28 O wouldst thou part with this for theirs Surely no. Have they the Fat of the Flock and their curious Dainties And what if thou hast mean Food and coarse Bread but art partaker of Christ by Faith as the true Bread of Life and art nourished by him up to Eternal Life John 6.51 54. O dost thou enjoy the Fulness of God's House Christ as held forth in his Word and Ordinances Surely poor Soul thou couldest not part with him for all the Epicurean's Dainties Have they their Wine in Bowls and thou the Water of Affliction yet art refreshed with his Love that is better than Wine yea better than Life Cant. 4.10 O how hath the Wine of his Love cheared thy wounded Spirit when nothing else would avail Psal 63.3 Do Men in their Pomp chant to the Sound of the Viol and have their melodious Sounds O but poor Soul hast thou heard the joyful Sound of Remission of Sins and Everlasting Life through a dear Redeemer and art framing thy Soul and Body to the teaching of this joyful Sound O be content thy Enjoyments are far beyond theirs Consider Psal 89.15 O the blessed sound of the Gospel in the Benefits of his Death Resurrection Ascension and Intercession may make thee exceeding joyful Poor Soul have they their choice Ointments and Perfumes and thou hast thy smoaky House and poor Enjoyments Yet Soul consider if thou hast the Anointings of God's Spirit this is far beyond what they enjoy 1 John 2.27 The Spirit quickens the Spirit comforts the Spirit leads into Truth Take heed of that Spirit that leads from Gospel-Institutions and Commands that 's a Cheat of the Devil The holy Apostles say He that is of God heareth us and hereby know we the Spirit of Truth from the Spirit of Error 1 John 4.6 The Spirit witnesseth with our Spirits that we are the Sons of God and sealeth us to the Day of Redemption And Soul is not this far beyond all the pleasant Artificial Savours in the World Well be content Soul if you have your Hell here and your Heaven hereafter it 's well enough Rejoice in hope of the Glory of God Rom. 5.2 Though poor in this World yet if rich in Faith thou art happy Jam. 2.5 And now I beseech you take heed of those things that bring some into a low poor Estate in this World I shall give some Hints at some of them 1. Beware of Slothfulness this brings Poverty like an armed Man on some Prov. 6.11 2. Beware of Suretyship Why should thy Bed be taken from under thee Prov. 6.1 22.27 3. Take heed of lustful sinful Desires of strange Women though their Lips drop as an Hony-comb such have been a Snare to many A Dart hath