Elders if need be 2d Deacons to take Care of the outward Affairs of the Church Acts 6.2 3. 1 Tim. 3. all These Officers to be chosen by the Church from among themselves Acts 14.23 and by them to be ordain'd or set a part to their Work with Fasting and Praying without laying on of Hands Profit not 1 Cor. 12.7 Edifie not 1 Cor. 14.12 26 that Ceremony being no more to be us'd than washing of Feet or anointing with Oyl because the glorious Gifts that once attended it are long since ceas'd SECT V. Of the Right Ordinances of a Church Question 7. What are the Right Ordinances of a Church of Christ Answer Typify'd Ezek. 40.39 40 41 42. chap. 46.3 Ezek. 47.12 The Right Ordinances for the Worship of GOD in the Church are Eight Four being more general to be dispens'd every first day of the Week in which all may join And four more special to be confin'd to or kept within the pale of the Church and dispens'd according to the Months Question 8. What are the Four general Ordinances in which all may join Answer The Four general Ordinances are Praise Prayer Preaching And Contribution 1st Praise Psal 150.6 Eph. 5.19 Col. 3.16 By singing only the Psalms Hymns and Songs indited by the Spirit and contain'd in the Scripture 2. Prayer By the help of the Spirit without humane forms Psalm 65.2 Rom. 8.26 Matth. 6.7 9. according to the Pattern given by our Lord to his Disciples 3. Preaching By rightly dividing 2 Tim. 4.2 Acts 28.23 expounding and applying the Scriptures of Truth 4. Contribution By laying by in Store 1 Cor. 16.1 3. Heb. 13.16 as God prospers each Week to be Communicated at the Publick Gatherings Question 9. What are the Four special Ordinances confin'd only to the Church Answer The four special Ordinances confin'd by Christ within the Pale of his Church Matth. 7.6 Cant. 4.12 Matth. 16.19 Eph. 4.11 16. typify'd Eze. 46.21 24 Acts 20.28 1 Pet. 5.2 are the Two Seals call'd Sacraments and the Two Keys of the Church the Seals to be dispens'd to each Church by their own Pastour only and the Keys by their own Pastour or Elders Question 10. What are the Seals of the Church Answer The Seals of the Church are Two Baptism And the Lords Supper 1st Baptism for every Believer or Church-Member Act. 2.39 41. chap. 16.15 33. Isa 44.3 Rev. 14.1 Matth. 28.19 with Isa 52.15 1 Cor. 10.1.2 and their immediate infant-seed by sprinkling or pouring Water only on the Face in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit 2. The Lords Supper for such only in a Church as can examine themselves wherein Bread and Wine is receiv'd according to the Institution of Christ by all the Church sitting together in the Evening time Question 11. How are Baptism and the Lord's Supper call'd Seals Answer Baptism and the Lord's Supper are Seals of the Covenant 1 Cor. 10.2 3 4 that is of the Church-Covenant as they Seal to all an outward relation in the Church tho' to the Elect only they Seal Salvation 1st Baptism Seals to Church-Members Gal. 3.27 1 Cor. 1.2 7.14 with 12.12 Heb. 12.24 Ezek. 36.25 1 Pet. 3.21 and their Seed an outward relation to Christ in the Church Covenant and to the Elect also their saving-relation to Christ by his Blood sprinkled And his Spirit pour'd upon them 2. The Lords Supper seals to Church-Members 1 Cor. 10.16 17 and 11.26 their outward Relation to Christ in the Church tho' only the Elect are seal'd to Salvation therein by Christ's Body broken and his Blood shed for them Luke 22.19 20. trusted to by Faith and signify'd by the Bread and Wine Question 12. What are the Keys of the Church Answer The Keys committed by Christ to his Church are two Matth. 18.18 Fellowship And Censure 1st Fellowship Acts 2.42 Isa 2.42 Jer. 51.10 Psal 40.9 10.66.16 1 Cor. 14.12.29 31.34 in Church-Meetings is the Key for opening the Door of the Church to let in the Righteous that keep the Truth in which their Experiences are given in to the Church and the Brethren's Gifts are also exercis'd in Praying and Prophecying 2. Censure is the Key to shut the Door of the Church upon Offenders Matth. 11.15.18 Thess 5.14 2 Thess 3.6 1 Cor. 5.4.5 Psal 149.6.9 Jude 22 23. By Admonition By Withdrawing or By Cutting off in Excommunication as the Offence doth require SECT VI. Of the Right Order of a Church Question 13. What is the right Order of a Church of Christ Answer All the right Order of a Church must be taken from the written Word of God Psal 119.128 Gal. 6.16 with Mal. 4.6 2 Tim. 3 15 17 Ephes 2.20 2 Pet. 3.2 Gal. 6.16 Isa 8.20 Matth. 15.9 Zech. 7.12 Jer. 8.8 9. both from the Old Testament and New which together are the compleat Rule and Canon whereby all things must be order'd in the Church and by this Rule or Canon of the Prophets and Apostles the old Testament and the new the whole Israel of God must walk as ever they 'd have the Peace of God with them therefore all Orders Rules and Canons given by Popes Councils or any other whatsoever are confusion if not according to this Word SECT VII Of the right Ends of a Church Question 14. What are the right Ends of a Church of Christ Answer The Glory of God Ephes 3.21 1 Cor. 14.26 Col. 2.3 4. Phi. 25.10 11 Psalm 110.3 Isa 45.23 with Rom. 14.11 Ezek. 20.37 Rev. 14.1 1 John 4.3 Matth. 12.30 and the mutual Edification of his Saints without any regard to human Interest are the only right Ends all true Churches should set before them to advance which 't is the Duty of every one that hath Faith in the Heart openly to profess a willing Subjection to Christ in his Church so coming under the Bond of the Church-Covenant they take the Father's Mark in the Forehead and such only are visible Christians for he that is not for Christ by open Profession is against him Question 15. What time hath God allotted to his Church for worshipping him Answer The Lord hath appointed in his word one Day in seven for his solemn Service Gen. 2.3 Ezod 20.9 10. Matth. 12.8 Joh. 20.19 20. Acts 20.7 Rev. 1.10 Psal 118.24 Heb. 4.7 11. typify'd Ezek. 43.27 and Numb 29.35 which Day before Christ's Resurrection was the last Day of the Week but is since by the Lord of the Sabbath chang'd to the First-Day in Scripture call'd the Lord's-Day because on that Day our Lord rested from his work of Redemption therefore all Christians should keep the Lords-Day as a holy rest from Sin by attending on Christ in his publick Worship and resting in his Grace Question 16. But is there no other time for worshipping God in publick Answer The Lord hath commanded us to redeem the time Ephes 5.16 2 Tim. 4.2 as Acts 13.42 Margent Prov. 8.34 Psal 84.4 10. and to wait on him out of Season as well as in Season therefore every good Christian should improve all Opportunities on any Day of the Week for hearing the Word of God and worshipping him in the Assemblies of his Saints Question 17. But is a Christian only to worship God in publick Answer GOD hath made it the Duty of all Men to study his holy Word John 5.39 Mat. 6.5 6 7. Gen. 18.19 Jos 24.15 Eph. 6.4 18. figur'd 1 Chr. 16.40 43 Jer. 10.25 and to pray unto him in secret as well as to worship him in publick Therefore Masters of Families and Parents should instruct their Children and Servants in the holy Fear of God praying daily with their Families for the Curse of God resteth upon all those Families that Call not upon his Name Question 18. And shall all in Christ's visible Church on Earth be glorify'd in Heaven Answer There are in Christ's visible Church Two sorts of Worshippers 1st Such as Worship God hypocritically in the outward only Eze. 33.31 33. Matth. 24.51 who shall be cast down into Hell as Deceivers of others and their own Souls 2. Such as Worship God uprightly John 4.24 Matth. 25.46 John 17.24 with the heart as well as outwardly these shall be glorify'd with God for ever in Heaven Question 19. But when will the difference between the good and the bad appear Answer The Word of God declares that in the latter day Christ shall have a glorious Kingdom 2 Tim. 4.1 Dan. 2.44 Rev. 21.10.20.2 Mal. 3.17 18.4.1.3 Rev. 20.12 13 14. 2 Cor. 5.10 Math. 13.41 43.25.31 to end call'd the New Jerusalem when Satan being Chain'd up a Thousand Years we shall discern between the precious and the vile and all the Dead being rais'd in the day of Judgment shall be Sentenc'd by him the wicked into Everlasting Fire with the Devil and his Angels but the righteous he will receive into Glory with himself for ever AMEN 1 John 5.21 Little Children keep your selves from Idols Amen! 2 3 John 4. I have no greater Joy than to hear that my Children walk in Truth as We have receiv'd a Commandment from the Father Jude 24 25. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the Presence of his Glory with exceeding Joy To the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen FINIS
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
he should surely die The Third Lesson About the Fall and the Fruits of it Question 1. HOW long did Man continue Upright Answer Man that was in Honour Ps 49.12 Heb. Gen. 3.6 Eccl. 7.29 abode not for a Night but by sinning against God self from his Innocency and Uprightness Question 2 How came Man to fall by Sin Answer Man being left to the Freedom of his own Will Ge. 3.6 7 8 13 fell into Sin thro' the Temptation of that old Serpent John 8.44 the Devil in transgressing the Law giv'n him by God Question 3. What Creature is the Devil Answer The Devil was once an Angel of Light but rebelling against GOD Job 4.18 2 Pet. 2.4 Jude 6. 1 Tim. 3.6 1 Pet. 5.8 and drawing other Angels with him they were all condemn'd into Hell for their Pride and now these Devils go about as roaring Lions seeking whom they may devour Question 4. What was that Sin by which the Devil tempted Man to fall from God Answer The Devil in the Serpent tempted the Woman to eat of the forbidden fruit Gen. 3.1 to 7. 1 Tim. 2.14 2 Cor. 11.3 and She being first deceiv'd tempted her Husband to eat with her by which they both fell from God Question 5. What follow'd Man's falling from God Answer Adam and Eve falling from GOD Gen. 2.17.3.16.19 Rom. 5.12.8.22 receiv'd the Sentence of Death that is dreadful Misery to themselves to their Posterity and to all the Creation subjected to them Question 6. What special Misery came on Adam and Eve by the Fall Answer Assoon as Adam and Eve fell they died spiritually Rom. 3.24 Gen. 3.7 10.16.19.23.24 that is they lost the Image of GOD in their Souls and they saw that they were Naked or expos'd to all manner of Death and were driven out of Paradice Question 7. What Misery came on Adams Posterity by his Fall Answer 1 Co. 15.21 22 Rom. 5.12 14 17 18. All Mankind being the Sons and Daughters of Adam and in his Loins sinn'd in him and so Death past upon them all therefore all are born in spirituall Death under the Sentence of eternal Death and undergo the natural death of the Body Question 8. I find then that the death of the Body is the fruit of Sin But what is that spiritual Death all are born in Answer The spiritual death all are born in Rom. 3.9 19. Psal 51.5 Rom. 3.10 14. Ephes 4.18 Titus 1.15 Zech. 7.12 Titus 3.3 Psalm 58.3 is the loss of God's Image in the Soul all being conceiv'd in Sin and born without any Righteousness full of all evil having their minds blinded their Consciences defil'd their Hearts harden'd their Wills corrupted their Affections perverted and going astray from the Womb and all this is call'd Original Sin Question 9. What is that Eternal Death to which all are expos'd Answer Rom. 3.9 with 6.23 Rom. 5.12 14. Isa 1.9 Rom. 9.29.11.5 7. 1 Thess 5.9 All the Children of Adam by Nature are born under the Sentence of Eternal Death which is being separated from GOD for ever in Hell this all deserve and would feel if the Lord had not chosen in Christ a remnant to escape the Wrath to come Question 10. What Misery came on the rest of the Creation by Adam's Fall Answer The Ground was cursed for Adam's sake Gen. 3.17 18. Rom. 8.20 22. and so brings forth Briars and Thorns yea because of this the whole Creation groaneth Question 11. Can any Man help himself out of this miserable State Answer There is no Man can by any Means redeem his own Soul Psal 49.7 8. Hosea 13.9 nor give to GOD a Ransom for himself or for any of the Creation from this dreadful Misery The Fourth Lesson About Redemption by the Person of CHRIST Question 1. DID God leave all Men in this miserable condition to perish for ever Answer GOD did not leave all Men to perish in their Misery Gen. 3.8 15. with Heb. 2.14 16. but presently upon Adam's Fall reveal'd to him Salvation by Jesus Christ the Seed of the Woman Question 2. Who is Jesus Christ Answer Jesus Christ is the only Begotten Son of God John 3.16 1 Tim. 3.16 Matth. 1.21 23 God and Man in One Person the only Saviour of Sinners Question 3. How can Jesus Christ be God and Man in One Person Answer This is the great Mystery of Godliness 1 Tim. 3.16 Heb. 2.14.7.26 Matth. 1.23 that Jesus Christ being Very God took on him the Nature of Man yet without Sin and so in One Person is both God and Man Question 4. How did Jesus Christ the Son of God take our Nature upon him Answer Luke 1.35 Matth. 1.18.2.1 The Holy Spirit overshadowing the Virgin Mary she conceiv'd and that Holy Thing that was Born of her in Bethlehem in Judea Luke 1.32 was Jesus Christ the Son of the Most High God! Question 5. Why was Jesus Christ Born into the World Answer Jesus Christ came into the World to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15.2.5 as being Mediatour between God and Men. Question 6. How doth Jesus Chrisi save Sinners Answer Jesus Christ saves Sinners freely by his Grace Ephes 2.8 Titus 3.4 5. 2 Tim. 1.9 Isa 52.3 Heb. 7.24 25. Acts 3.20 26. Psalm 110. all and 2.2 6. without any Conditions or Qualifications done by them he being the only Priest to atone for them by the Sacrifice of himself the true Prophet to teach them by his Word and Spirit by which also as King he Rules them Question 7. How is Jesus Christ Mediatour between God and Men Answer Jesus Christ is the Mediatour between God and Men Heb. 9.14 15. Eph. 2.13 16. as he makes up the Breach between an offended God and offending Men according to the Everlasting Covenant of Grace Question 8. What is the Everlasting Covenant of Grace Answer The Covenant of Grace is the Eternal Agreement of the Father with the Son Psal 89.3.28 to 38. Isa 53.10 11. Psal 40.6 8. in which the Father on the part of the Godhead promis'd to the Son Eternal Life for all the Elect upon his performing all Conditions Isa 26.12 for and in them that shall be sav'd Question 9. But is not the Covenant of Grace made with Men Answer The Covenant of Grace is made only with Jesus Christ as the Head and Representative of the Elect Zeeh. 9.11 Isa 42.6 Eph. 1.10 Isa 55.1 3. Ezek. 16.6 Psal 50.5 Jer. 31.31 33. Heb. 8.6 13. to whom when they believe 't is made over as a Promise in a gracious Church-Covenant founded upon it and made with the Saints before Christ came in the flesh and since by him renew'd to the Church and their Seed which is call'd the first and second Covenant Question 10. But are not Men to perform some of the Conditions of the Covenant of Grace Answer No Man can perform any one Condition of the Covenant for Salvation 2 Cor. 3.5 Isa