do believe in Christ with their hearts and obey him in their lives Q. 107. Who are Heart-covenanters with God A. Those who truly repent of their sins against God Renounce the World the Flesh and the Devil and take God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost for their only God and chief Good their Father Redeemer and Sanctifier and give up themselves to fear love and obey him according to his Word and this unto the Death Isa 44.5 and 56.4 Q. 108. How may we know that we are in Covenant with God A. We may know it by these three things 1. By our sincere consenting to the Covenant or choosing the living and true God to be our God and giving up our selves to be his People Q. 109. How else A. 2. By our holy care to keep Covenant with God and to perform the Duties which he requireth of us therein Q. 110. How else A. 3. By God's gracious performance of the Promises of his Covenant to our Souls in giving us the Saving Blessings promised to his Covenant-People Q. 111. What are the Blessings which God hath promised in the Covenant of Grace A. God hath promised grace and glory all that is needful and good both temporal spiritual and eternal Blessings Psal 84.11 1 Tim. 4.8 Q. 112. What he the Spiritual Blessings that God hath promised to them in this life A. These especially God hath promised to give them 1. His Holy Spirit to teach sanctifie assist guide and comfort them Ezek. 36.27 John 14.16 17 26. Q. 113. What else A. The enlightning of their Minds with Saving Knowledge Isa 54.13 Heb. 8.11 Q. 114. What else A. The renewing of their Wills or Hearts Ezek. 36.26 and 11.19 20. Q. 115. What else A. The putting of his Law in their inward Parts and writing it in their hearts Heb. 8.10 Q. 116. What else A. The putting his Fear in their hearts to keep them from departing from him Jer. 32.40 Q. 117. What else A. The Justification of their Persons pardoning their Sins and Accepting them as Righteous in Christ Isa 53.11 Jer. 31.34 Rom. 3.24 25 26. Q. 118. What else A. The Sanctification of their Natures Ezek. 36.25 Q. 119. What else A. Adoption to be the Children of God 2 Cor. 6.18 Q. 120. How may we know whether we have the Spirit of God or no A. We may know it by the Operations Fruits or Effects of the Spirit in us which are such as these Light Life Love Liberty Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Repentance Hope Meekness and Temperance 2 Cor. 4.6 2 Cor. 3.6 Gal. 2.20 and 5.22 23. Q. 121. How may we know whether we have a new Heart A. 1. By the uprightness singleness and sensibleness or tenderness of our hearts Psal 7.10 Ezek. 11.19 2. By the Conformity of our Hearts to the Law of God when it is the bent desire delight of our Hearts to do the Will of God and please him in every thing Psal 119.6 8 16. Acts 13.22 Psal 40.8 Q. 122. Who must judge of this inward invisible Right to the Lord's Supper A. Every particular Christian ought to examine and judge of his own inward and invisible Right by the help of God's Spirit and the Rule of his Word 1 Cor. 11.28 1 Cor. 2.11 12. Q 123. Wâ—at is a Gospel-fitness or preparedness for this Ordinance A. There is a twofold Gospel fitness for it 1. A fitness of our State or Condition 2. A fitness of our Frame or Disposition Both these must be had to make us worthy Guess at this Holy Table of the Lord. Q. 124. Who are in a fit State or Condition for this Ordinance A. All such and only such as are in a state of Saving Grace or the Childern of God by Regeneration and so qualified with those Graces that are needful and useful for a right receiving of this Ordinance and a spiritual profiting by it 2 Cor. 13.5 Q. 125. What is Saving-Grace A. Saving Grace is a Principle of Spiritual Life wrought in the Hearts of God's Elect by the Holy Spirit and usually by the Ministry of the Word whereby they are effectually inclined and enabled and do sincerely endeavour to obey the whole revealed Will of God in Heart Lip and Life 2 Pet. 1.4 Eph. 4.18 Col. 3.16 Heb. 12.28 John 17.17 Rom. 15.16 1 Cor. 4.15 Heb. 13.12 Q. 126. How may we know that we have Saving-Grace A. We may know it by the good Fruits and Effects of it which are especially these two 1. Saving Grace turns the Heart from all sin and sets it against sin so that such a Man doth not only forbear sin but hates it and seeks the utter destruction of it in his Heart and Life by all good means Ezek. 18.30 Psal 119.104 Matth. 26.41 Col. 3.5 2. Saving Grace turns the Heart unto God and Godliness strongly and constantly inclines it to that which is good and makes us fit and ready to and active in good Works enables us cheerfully to obey the Will of God's Precept and patiently to submit to the Will of his Providence Eph. 2.10 Isa 55.7 Psal 119 112. Tit. 3.1 Acts 21.13 Tit. 2.14 Q. 127. What are the particular Graces or gracious Qualifications that fits us for a worthy partaking of the Lord's Supper A. They are especially these seven Knowledge Faith Repentance Love New Obedience Thankfulness Holy Desire or a Spiritual Appetite to this Ordinance 128. What Knowledge should we have A. A competent measure of Knowledge of the Fundamental or Principal Truths of the Christian Religion or of such things as are revealed in the holy Scriptures necessary to make us wise unto Salvation Prov. 19.2 Eph. 1.17 Col. 1.9 3.10 Q. 129. What are the Truths that we should especially know A. Some Truths concerning God some concerning Man some concerning the Covenant between God and Man and some concerning the Sacraments or Seals of the Covenant Q 130. What should we know concerning God A. We should know something concerning his Essence or Nature something concerning his Will and something concerning his Worship Q. 131. What should we know concerning the Essence or Nature of God A. These four things 1. That God is or that there is a God Heb. 11.6 Q. 132. What else A. 2. That God is One or that there is only One true God and no more Deut. 6.4 Jer. 10.10 Q. 133. What else A. That this One God subsisteth in three distinct Persons called by distinct Names in Scripture The Father the Son and the Holy Ghost or Spirit Matth. 28.19 1 Joh. 5.7 Q. 134. What else A. 4. That this One God is a most pure invisible Spirit or a Being that cannot be seen by our Eyes John 4.24 1 Tim. 1.17 and 6.16 Q. 135. By What hath God made himself known to us A. God hath made himself known to us two ways 1. By his written Word 2. By his Works Q. 136. What doth the Word make known to us concerning the Nature of God A. The Word
makes known to us the Names Titles and Attributes of God by which his Nature is in some measure discovered Q. 137. What are the Names or Titles of God A. He is called Jehovah Jah and in Scripture which signifieth his Essence or Self-existence that he hath his Being in and of himself and gives Being to all other Beings He is the Eternal I am He is called God Almighty or All-sufficient The most High God Possessor of Heaven and Earth The Lord of Hosts The God of Gods The King of Kings and Lord of Lords These and many other Titles are given to God in Scripture Exod. 6.3 and 34.6 Gen. 17.1 and 14.19 Exod. 3.1 Isa 14.27 Deut. 10.17 1 Tim. 6.16 Q. 138. What are the Attributes of God A. God's Attributes are certain Properties Perfections or Excellencies in his Nature or Essence whereby he is distinguished from all other Beings Q. 139. How are God's Attributes distinguished each from other A. They are distinguished into two sorts his Absolute and his Relative Attributes Q. 140. Which are God's Absolute Attributes A. Such as are only in God and of which there is no Resemblance in any Creatures Q. 141. Which is the first A. His Simplicity or Freedom from all Composition He is a most absolute simple and pure Spirit without Body Parts or Passions Deut. 4.15 16. Luke 24.39 Q. 142. Which is the second A. His Infinity God is infinite that is without Bounds of Place Time or Perfection He is in all places at once yet not comprehended in any place He was before all Time is in all Time and will be when Time shall be no more And so perfect that he cannot be more perfect in all Excellencies And therefore no Man nor Angel can fully understand and comprehend what God is Psal 147.5 Jer. 23.23 1 Kings 8.27 Psal 139.7 c. Psal â—0 2 and 145.3 Job 11.7 8 9. Q. 143. Which is the third A. His All-sufficiency God is sufficient or himself and for all his Creatures and â—ust needs be so seeing he is infinite in Wisdom Power Goodness in all Perections Gen. 17.1 2 Cor. 11.8 12.9 Q. 144. Which is the fourth A. His Independency God hath no â—ependence on any other Being but all other Beings have their whole dependence on him both for Subsistence Supplies Powers and Actions Acts 17.25 Neh. 9.6 Rom. 11.36 Q. 145. Which is the fifth A. His Immutability or Unchangeableness God is always the same and subject to no Change Mal. 3.6 Jam. 1.17 Heb. 13.8 Q. 146. Which are God's Relative Attributes A. Such of which there is some Resemblance in the reasonable Creatures Angels and Men. Q. 147. Which be they A. 1. His Life He is the Living God Psal 42.2 Q. 148. Which is another A. 2. His Will He worketh all things according to the Councel of his Will Eph. 1.11 Q. 149. Which another A. 3. His Wisdom and Knowledge Hâ— is the only wise God 1 Tim. 1.17 Q. 150. Which is another A. 4. His Power Which signifie both 1. His Authority and Dominion oveâ— all his Creatures Psal 103.19 Dan. â— 34 35. Jude v. 25. 2. His Strength or Might He can do what ever he will Job 42.1 2. Matth. 19.26 Q. 151. Which is another A. 5. His Holiness He is most holy and pure Psal 23.3 Isa 6.3 Q. 152. Which is another A. 6. His Justice He is most Just and Righteous Deut. 32.4 Psal 11.7 and 92.15 Q. 153. Which is another A. 7. His Goodness He is most good This comprehends both 1. The Love 2. The Graciousness 3. The Mercy 4. The Patience of God Psal 119.68 Exod. 34.6 1 Joh. 4.8 Psal 103.8 and 145.8 Q. 154. Which is another A. 8. His Truth and Faithfulness He â—s most true both in Himself his Word â—nd Works John 17.3 Deut. 32.4 John 17.17 Psal 33.4 Q. 155. Are these Relative Attributes â—n God as they are in Man A. No. In God they are his very Esâ—ence or Nature for whatever is in God is God But in Man they are Quaties In God they are most perfect he 〈◊〉 so merciful and just that he cannot be â—ore so But in Man they are imperfect are but some degrees of Mercy and Justice in him 1 John 4.8 Q. 156. What are the Works of God whereby he makes himselfe known A. They are either 1. His Works before time call'd his Decrees whereby he purposed in himself from all Eternity what he would do in time 2. His Work in time which are the Executions oâ— Performances of his Decrees which comprehend both his Works of Creation and his Works of Providence Eph. 1.11 Heb. 11.3 and 1.3 Psal 103.19 Q. 157. What may we learn of God bâ— his Works A. By the Works of God we may learâ— somewhat of the glorious Perfections 〈◊〉 his Nature his Wisdom Power Holine 〈◊〉 Justice Goodness and Truth but hâ— Holy Word discovers them more cleaâ—ly and fully to us Rom. 1.20 Ps 104.2 Q. 158. What is a Person in the Diviâ— Nature A. A Person in the Divine Nature is distinct Subsistence or Being having tâ— whole Nature of God but distinguishâ— each from other by their order inconâ— municable Properties and manner 〈◊〉 working John 14.9 10. Heb. 1.3 Q. 159. What is the Order of the Holy Trinity A. God the Father is the first Person God the Son is the second Person and God the Holy Ghost is the third Person Q. 160. What are their incommunicable Properties A. It is the Property of the Father to beget the Son the Property of the Son to be begotten of the Father and the Property of the Spirit to proceed from the Father the Son Joh. 1.14 and 15.26 Q. 161. What is their manner of working A. God the Father worketh from himself God the Son worketh from the Father God the Holy Ghost worketh both â—rom the Father and the Son John 5.26 Q. 162. VVhat should we know concerning the first Person in the Trinity A. Four things especially 1. That he is called God the Father â—ecause he is the Father of the Lord Jeâ—â—s Christ by an inconceivable Generatiâ—n and because he is the Father of all â—ther Beings by Creation John 20.17 â—eb 12.9 Rom. 11.36 Q. 163. VVhat else A. 2. That he created all things in the beginning of time and having made man after his own Image he covenanted or promised to continue him in his happiness provided man continued in his Obedience Gen. 1.27 31. and 2.16 17. Q. 164. VVhat else A. 3. That Man breaking that Covenant by his Disobedience and so making himself liable to Death it pleased God to pitty his fall'n and sinful Creature to contrive a way of Salvation for him by virtue of a second Covenant in and through the Lord Jesus Christ as a Redeemer Gen. 3.15 John 3.16 Q. 165. VVhat else A. 4. That God the Father first promised in the fulness of time sent forth his only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ into the World to be Man's Redeemer
VVhy did Christ change the Administration of the Covenant A. For his own glory and the Churches good for 1. Those Ordinances under the Old Covenant were more dark difficult costly and weak than these under the New Covenant 2. Those Ordinances became unsuitable and unserviceable to the Church after Christ's coming in the flesh because they signified Christ to come therefore when Christ the Substance of them was come those Sadows must be done away Q. 45. How hath God confirmed the Covenant of Grace A. God hath confirmed it by 4 things 1. By his Word of Promise Gen. 17.7 2. By his Oath Gen. 22.16 17. Hebr. 6.13 14 17 18. 3. By the death of Christ Heb. 9.16 17. 4. By the Signs and Seals of the Covenant Rom. 4.11 Q. 46. VVhat are the Signs and Seals of the New covenant of grace now in Gospel days A. The Signs and Seals of the New Covenant are Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. 47. VVhy are these Ordinances called Signs and Seals of the Covenant A. Because they are of the same signification and use to the Covenant of Grace as Signs and Seals put to Covenants between Man and Man use to be Q. 48. VVhat is their signification use A. These Ordinances as Signs do signifie the Grace and Good-will of God in Christ to his Covenant-people and as Seals do confirm conveigh and apply the Grant of the Covenant or a Right to all the Blessings promised therein to Belieâ—ers and their engagement to Obedience 1 Pet. 3.21 Rom. 6.3 4. Gal. 3.27 Q. 49. Do these Sacraments certainly â—ork grace in all that receive them A. No. It is evident that many of â—ose who are baptized and have receiâ—ed the Lord's Supper live and dye in a â—aceless state Acts 8.23 Luke 13.26 27. Q 50. Who then do receive saving beneby the Sacraments A. Those only receive saving benefit the Sacraments to whom the holy Spiâ—â—â— of God doth bless them working in â—â—d by them on their Hearts as he doth 〈◊〉 all God's Elect 1 Cor. 3.7 Q. 51. What is Baptism A. Baptism is an holy Ordinance of frist wherein the washing with Water 〈◊〉 or into the Name of the Father the 〈◊〉 and the Holy Ghost signifies and seals 〈◊〉 ingrafting into Christ Remission of 〈◊〉 by his Blood and Regeneration by Spirit and whereby the Persons bapâ—â—ed are solemnly entred into the visible Church and into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only God's Covenant-people Matth. 28.19 Gal. 3.27 Mark 1.4 Rev. 1.5 Tit. 3.5 Eph. 5.26 1 Cor. 12.13 Rom. 6.4 5. Q. 52. What be the Parts of Baptism A. They are two The outward and visible part signifying and the inward and spiritual part signified Q 53. What is the outward signifying part of Baptism A. The outward signifying part of Baptism consists in the washing the Body with the Element of Water and the use of the words of Institution i e. Baptizing c. Q. 54. What is the inward part signifieâ— by the outward signs A. 1. By the washing with Water iâ— signified two things the washing awaâ— of the guilt of our sins or our Pardon and Justification procured by the blood oâ— Christ and the washing away of the filtâ— of sin or our Sanctification by the Spirâ—â— of Christ in the work of Regeneration Rom. 1.5 John 3.5 2 By the words of Institution i e. Baâ—tizing in the Name of the Father Son 〈◊〉 Holy Ghost two things are also signifieâ— 1. That Ministers have Authoriâ— both from God the Father Son and Holy Ghost to administer Baptism 2. That the Persons baptized do enter into an holy Covenant with God the Father Son and Holy Ghost i e. They take this only living and true God to be their own and only God and give up themselves if grown Persons or are given up by their Parents if Infants to this God to be his Covenant-servants Matth. 28.18 19. 2 Cor. 8.5 Q. 55. What are the special Ends of Baptism A. The special Ends of Baptism are of two sorts 1. Such as respect God and so it is to be 1. A Sign to signifie the Grace of the Covenant and 2. A Seal to confirm the Grant of the Covenant Rom. 4.11 Col. 2.11 12. Acts 22.16 Eph. 5.26 2. Such as respect Man and so it is to be 1. A Badge of our Christian Profession 2. A Bond to oblige us to perform the Duties of the Covenant Gal. 5.3 Rom. 8.12 1 Pet. 3.21 Q. 56. To whom is Baptism to be Administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church of Christ until they are instructed in the Christian Religion and profess Faith in Christ and Obedience unto him But the Infants of such as are Members of the visible Church are to be baptized Matth. 28.19 Acts 2.41 Gen. 17.7 10. Acts 2.38 39. Q. 57. How may it be proved that the Infants of Church-Members have a Right to Baptism A. It may be proved by these Arâ—guments 1. By their Covenant Relation to God Those that are in Covenant have a right to the Signs and Seals of the Covenant But the Children of believing Parents are in Covenant Therefore they have a right to the Signs and Seals of it Gen. 17.7 Deut. 29.10 11 12 13 14 15. Q. 58. Have Infants then a Right to the Lord's Supper also and should they receive it A. The Infants of Believers have a remote tho' not an immediate and actual right to the Lord's Supper therefore may not receive it in their Infancy for want of a capacity to discern the Lord's Body or to understand the Nature Use and Ends of that Ordinance and to use it accordingly Q. 59. Should they not then be kept from Baptism also for the same Reason seeing they understand not that Ordinance A. No. For they are as capable of Receiving this Ordinance of Baptism as the Jewish Infants were of Circumcision at 8 days old and ought to be baptized because Baptism comes in the room of Circumcision and as that was the Sacrament of Initiation or Entrance into the Church and into the Covenant so is this Matt. 28.19 20. Col. 2.11.12 Q. 60. By what other Argument is it proved A. 2. By the Command of our Lord Jesus Christ requiring his Apostles and in them all Gospel-Ministers to Disciple all Nations Baptizing them and Infants are a very considerable part of Nations Q. 61. But must they not believe first and then be baptized as Mark 16.16 And how can Infants believe A. Adult or grown Persons without the Church must first be instructed in the Doctrine of Christ and believe in him before they are admitted to Baptism as Acts. 2.38 39 40 41. But the Infants of Church-Members may be baptized tho' they do not actually believe because they are the Children of Believers seeing Children are parts of their Parents are accounted but as one Person with them both by the Laws of God and Man as the Root Branches are but one
2. Complying with some Temptations to Sin or indulging and nourishing some Corruption in our Souls The Examination of the Grace we want Q. 325. How may we know what Grace we want A. By looking into our Souls and seeing what Grace we have already and whether that be in a growing or decaying state Q. 325. What are the usual wants of gracious Souls A. Such as these They usually want quickning Grace and strengthning Grace to enable them to withstand Temptations mortifie Corruptions perform Duties bear their Burdens the confirmation of the Covenant of Grace and of their mystical Union to Christ their Head the Assurance of the Love of God of an Interest in Christ and his Benefits and of the Pardon of their Sins and Peace with God through Christ Ps 119.159.28.116 35.3 Matth. 9.2 Q. 326. Why should we examine our selves about our spiritual wants before we come to the Lord's Supper A. Because it is needful that we should come with a due sense of our spiritual wants to this and other Ordinances and with Desires and Prayers unto God for the Supplies of them John 5.6 Luke 18.35 36 39 â—0 41. Rev. 3.17 18. Q. 327. What other Duty should be performed to fit us for the Lord's Supper A. We should endeavour to get our Graces quickned and stirred up in us or prepared to be acted and exercised on their proper Objects 2 Tim. 1.6 Q 328. Why should our Graces be quickned and stirred up before this Ordinance A. Because our Graces are to be acted and exercised in partaking of this holy Ordinance and so need quickning to it Q. 329. How may our knowledge be quickned A. 1. By labouring for a more clear distinct and full Knowledge of spiritual things 2. By meditating on those spiritual things that we do know their Excellency Necessity and Usefulness to us Q. 330. How may Faith be quickned A. 1. By feeding on Christ in a Promise and meditating on the freeness fulness firmness and sweetness of the Promises 2. By considering believing Christ's gracious Invitations and assurance of refreshment and benefit to those that come to him in his own way Matt. 11.28 John 7.37 Q. 331. How may Repentance be quickned A. By searching out our special Sins since the last Sacrament confessing them to God with shame and sorrow of heart judging and condemning our selves for them and begging pardon of them and power against them through Grace for time to come Prov. 28.13 James 4.9.10 Psal 51.1 2 c. Q. 332. How may our Love to God Father Son and Spirit be quickned A. By meditating on the infinite Love of God the Father in giving Christ the Love of Christ in giving himself to dye for us and the Love of the Holy Spirit in revealing Christ to us and in us John 3.19 Gal. 2.20 Rom. 15.30 Q. 333. How may our Love to other Christians be quickned A. 1. By remembring the New Command of Christ requiring it 2. By considering our near and spiritual Relation to them as being our Brethren and Fellow-members of Christ's Mystical Body 3. By beholding the Image of God upon them John 13.34 Hebr. 13.1 1 Cor. 15.49 1 John 5.1 Q. 334. How may Love to our Enemies be quickned A. 1. By considering the Command of Christ requiring it 2. By considering the Example of Christ who loved us when we were his Enemies so as to dye for us Mat. 5.44 Gal. 2.20 Rom. 5.8.10 Q. 335. How may our Obedience be quickned A. 1. By considering the Holiness Justice and goodness of Christ's Commands 2. By considering the Blessings promised to the Obedient and the Punishments threatned to the disobedient Rom. 7.12 Job 36.11 12. Jer. 7.23 Q. 336. How may our Thankfulness to God be quickned A. 1. By considering the many great and rich Blessings which he hath bestowed on us in the Covenant of Grace And 2. Our own great unworthiness of the least of them 1 Cor. 3.22 Rom. 8.32 1 Cor. 2.9 Gen. 32.10 Eph. 3.8 Q. 337. How may our holy Desires or spiritual Appetite be quickned A. By considering our want of spiritual Food and of refreshment and Nourishment by it 2. By considering the sweetness suitableness and sufficiency of the spiritual Provisions which Christ hath made for us in this Ordinance 3. By considering the Promises which God hath made to refresh and satisfie hungry and thirsty Souls Psal 40.17 John 6.55.56 Psal 81.10 107.9 Q. 338. What other Duty should be performed to fit us for the Lord's Supper A. We should solemnly seek the Lord by Prayer 1. For the pardon of former Neglects of this Ordinance and sinful Failings in our partaking of it and of present unfitness for it 2. For the holy Preparation of our Hearts for this Ordinance Communion with God in it and Communications of Grace and spiritual Nourishment from him by it 2 Chron. 30.18 19 20. Prov. 16.1 Q. 339. Why should we thus solemnly seek the Lord before this Ordinance A. 1. Because it is needful both to sanctifie our selves for this Ordinance and to have this Ordinance sanctified to us for Prayer is the means to both 1 Sam. 16.5 1 Tim. 4.5 2. Because the spiritual Benefit of this and all Ordinances comes alone from God which is to be obtained by Prayer James 1.17 Matth. 7.7 Q. 340. What other Duty should be performed to fit us for the Lord's Supper A. We should hope for and expect God's gracious Answer to our Prayers in his meeting and blessing us in this Ordinance Ps 42.5 119.166 62.5 Q. 341. What ground have we for this hope A. God's holy Word wherein he hath freely promised to meet and bless his People in his Ordinance Exod. 20.24 Matth. 18.24 Psal 130.5 Of our Duties in partaking Q. 342. What is required of us in partaking of the Lord's Supper A. Two things especially 1. A sober and reverent behaviour of the Body 2. A serious and gracious disposition of the Soul Rom. 12 1. 1 Cor. 6.20 Q. 343. What gesture of Body should we use in the Act of Receiving standing sitting or kneeling A. Sitting seems to be the most proper Gesture of the Body in the Act of Receiving as being most agreeable to the Example of Christ and his Apostles who sate or sate-leaning which was then the Table-gesture amongst the Jews But Christians should not rigidly impose any gesture on each other nor uncharitably Censure each other for difference of Perswasion or Practice in this or such like Circumstances if a due Reverence be observed Matth. 26.20 Luke 14.18 22. Rom. 14.2 5 23 19. 1 Cor. 14.40 Q. 344. Wherein consists the gracious disposition of the Soul in partaking of this Ordinance A. 1. In coming to this holy Ordinance with a deep self-humbling sense of our own vileness and unworthiness of so great a Priviledge because of our sins Eph. 3.18 Tim. 1.15 Luke 15.19 Q. 345. Wherein else A. 2. In animating at right ends in the use of this Ordinance such as the preserving
Elect unto God the Son as to a Redeemer and he engaged to perform the work of their Redemption Isa 59.20 21. Psal 89.3 4 19 20 c. Q. 16. Did God make another Covenant with Man after the first was broken A. Yes God was pleased to make a second Covenant with Man called the Covenant of Grace Gen. 17.2 7. Q. 17. VVhat is this Covenant of Grace A. The Covenant of Grace is that which God made with Man in his fall'n sinful state wherein God thro' the Merits and Mediation of Jesus Christ promiseth Pardon and Life unto all penitent and believing sinners Acts 2.37 and 16.30 Q. 18. VVhy is this call'd the Covenant of Grace A. 1. Because all that is promised in it is the fruit of God's free grace in Christ to sinners 2. Because it is the free grace of God that inclined God to make it and that perswades and enables us to consent to it and to keep it Eph. 2.8 Q. 19. What is the condition of this Covenant on Man's part A. The great comprehensive Condition of its Faith in Jesus Christ which if it be true and saving is accompanied with Repentance and all other Graces in the Heart and brings forth new Obedience in the Life John 3.16 Acts 20.21 James 2.18 Q 20. How can it be call'd a Covenant of Grace if it is Conditional A. Very well For 1. It is an Act of God's free grace and infinite Condescension in God to make a Covenant with Man his Creature whatever the Condition be 2. The Condition it self is gracious Faith in Christ 3. God himself hath graciously undertaken for both Parts of the Covenant his own and ours too and by his grace perswades and enables us to consent to the Covenant and perform the condition of it Q. 21. Is any Man able to perform this Condition in his own strength A. No. we are in our natural state both unwilling to consent to and unable to perform the Condition of this Covenant but God is pleased to make his Elect both willing and able by his special Grace Psal 110.3 2 Cor. 3.5 and 12.9 Phil. 4.13 Q. 22. What are the Differences between the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace A. These Ten especially 1. The Covenant of Works was made between God and the first Adam with all his Natural Seed i.e. all Mankind But the Covenant of Grace was made between God and the second Adam i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ and all his Spiritual Seed i e. All God's Elect which are only some of Mankind Q. 23. What is another A. 2. That was made with Man in a state of Innocency This was made with Man in a state of sin Q. 24. What is another A. 3. The Condition of that was perfect Obedience the Condition of this is Faith Q. 25. What is another A. 4. Under that Man was entrusted with the keeping of himself and his own happiness under this he is kept by the power of God Q. 26. VVhat is another A. 5. Under that Man was to be justified by his own Righteousness under this by the Righteousness of Christ Q. 27. VVhat is another A. 6. Under that the least sin was a breach of the Covenant under this nothing but Unbelief and final Perseverance therein is a breach of the Covenant Q. 28. VVhat is another A. 7. That promised not pardon to the sinner upon Repentance this doth Q. 29. VVhat is another A. 8. That was of use only for a little time untill Man's Fall this hath been of use ever since and will be to the end of the World Q. 30. VVhat is another A. 9. That was especially designed for the glory of God's Justice this for the Glory of God's Mercy Q. 31. VVhat is another A. 10. That had no Mediator or Surety this hath a Mediator and Surety the Lord Jesus Christ Q. 32. VVhat doth Christ do as Mediator of the Covenant A. Christ as Mediator of the Covenant being himself both God and Man performs the great Work of Reconciling God and Man whom sin had made Enemies and brings them into a Covenant of Grace and Peace each with other 1 Tim. 2.5 Hebr. 8.6 c. 9.15 Q. 33. VVhat doth Christ do as the Surety of the Covenant A. Christ as the Surety of the Covenant undertakes to see the Covenant faithfully and fully performed i e. That God shall perform his Promises to his Elect and that they shall perform the condition of the Covenant unto God Hebr. 7.22 Q. 34. Hath the Covenant of Grace been always the same or divers A The Covenant of Grace hath been always the same as to the Substance of it but it hath been different as to the manner of its Administration or Dispensation so is distinguished into the Old New Covenant of Grace Jer. 31.31 Hebr. 8.13 Q. 35. Which is called the Old Covenant of Grace A. That which was Administred before the Coming of Christ in the Flesh Q. 36. Which is call'd the New Covenant of Grace A. That which is Administred since the Coming of Christ in the Christian Church Q. 37. VVherein doth the Administration of the New Covenant differ from that of the Old A. 1. In the easiness of it That was Administred by Promises Prophesies Sacrifices and other Types which were costly painful and burthensome Sacrificâ—e But this is administred by the preaching of the Word and dispensing of the Sacraments Baptism and the Lord's Supper which are sewer in number and more eâ—sily performed Gal. 5.1 Acts 15.9 Q. 38. VVherein else A 2. In the clearness of it That was Administred by dark Types and Figures which were shadows of good things then to come but this is Administred by light and clear Ordinances by which Christ and his Benefits are more plainly revealed to us Hebr. 10.1 2 Tim. 1.10 2 Cor. 3.18 Q. 39. VVherein else A. 3. In the efficacy and power of it That was weak and unprofitable incomparison of this Because the Spirit of God was not given to the Church in so large a measure before Christ as it is since Hebr. 7.18 Acts 2.17 John 7.39 Q. 40. VVherein else A. 4. In the visible Seals of it That had Circumcision the Passover for its Seals this hath Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. 41. VVherein else A. 5. In the Latitude and Extent of it That extended peculiarly to the Jews this extends both to the Jews and Gentiles Rom. 9.4 Eph. 2.12 13 14 15. Col. 3.11 Mark 16.15 Acts 10.34 35 36. Q. 42. VVherein else A. 6. In the Duration and Continuance of it That was to continue but until Christ came in the Flesh but this is to continue untill Christ comes in glory Q. 43. Who changed the Administration of the Covenant A. The Lord Jesus Christ himself who is the only Head and Lawgiver of his Church and so hath power to Alter or Add lay aside or set up such Laws and Ordinances in it as he pleaseth Heb. 8.8 9 10. James 4.12 Q. 44.
A. We should have a competent Knowledge of the Divine Institution Spiritual Nature holy use and ends of them But these things have been already opened Thus much of Knowledge Q 189. What is that Faith which a worthy Partaker of the Lord's Supper should have A. A Saving Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Q. 190. What is a Saving Faith in Christ A. Saving Faith in Christ is a special Gift of God to his Elect whereby they knowing and assenting to the Truth of God's Record touching Christ in the Word do Receive the Lord Jesus Christ for their only Saviour and trust in him for Salvation on his own Terms Eph. 2.8 John 17.3 1 John 5.10 11. John 1.12 Eph. 1.12 Luke 9.23 Q. 191. Why is Faith needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because Faith must be the Eye of the Soul to see Christ in it the Hand of the Soul to Receive the Spiritual Mouth and Stomach to feed upon him and digest him as our Spiritual Food for our Nourishment and Growth in Grace Q. 192. What is that Repentance a worthy Partaker should have A. True Repentance is a special Gift of God to his Elect arising from a clear sight and deep sense of sin and a knowledge and belief of the Mercy of God in Christ whereby they do both confess their sins to God with shame and sorrow for them and hatred of them and turn from them unto God both in Heart and Life Acts 11.11 5.31 2.37 Acts 3.19 26. Prov. 28.13 Joel 2.12 13. Psal 119.104 Q. 193. Why is Repentance needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because in this Ordinance we come to renew our Covenant with God and to receive a sealed Pardon of our sins which none can do but true Penitents Q. 194. VVhat is that Love a worthy Partaker should have A. Holy Love is a Spiritual Affection whereby the Souls of God's People are carried out toward God and toward one another and toward all that is good Matth. 27.37.39 John 13.34 1 John 2.15 2 Cor. 5.14 Rom. 15.30 2 Thess 2.10 Q. 195. Ought we not also to Love our very Enemies and such as hate us A. Yes Christ hath commanded us to Love our Enemies with a Love of Good-will so as to forbear revenging our selves on them and to desire and endeavour their good though not with a Love of Delight Matth. 5.44 45. Rom. 12.19 20. Q. 196. VVhy is love needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance is a Love-feast and a Love token between Christ his Church in which they do as it were seal their Affections each to other appointed to keep in memory Christ's Love to Believers and to encrease their Love to him and the want of this Love brings Men under the severest Curse Rev. 1.5 1 Cor. 11.24 1 Cor. 16.22 Q. 197. VVhat is that New Obedience that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. New Obedience is an unfeigned desire and purpose of the Soul seconded with a careful endeavour of Life in and by the grace and strength of Christ to yeild sinâ—ere constant universal Obedience to â—he whole revealed Mind Will of God â—â—yned with an humiliation for our Failings and Defects a desire to be found in the Righteousness of Christ and to be accepted of God only in for through the perfect Obedience of Christ Psal 119.5 8 30 31 32. Phil. 4.13 Psal 119.6 104 112. 2 Chron. 30.18 19. Phil. 3.9 Q. 198. Why is it called New Obedience A. Because 't is only perform'd by New Creatures that is by such as are renewed after the Image of God and by new strength from Christ and because it is required by the New Testament or Covenant 2 Cor. 5.17 Rom. 12.2 Phil. 4.13 Q. 199. Why is this New Obedience needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance being a Seal of the New Covenant binds us to this New Obedience so that without it our partaking of this Ordinance would be but dissembling and because without this Obedience all our Profession of Religion and outward Performances will be rejected of God as vain and hypoâ—ritical and abominable Ezech. 11.19 23. Jer. 31.33 1. Sam. 15.22 Tit. 1.16 Q. 200. What is that Thankfulness that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Thankfulness is a due and heart-affecting sense of the Love of God in giving Christ to us of the Love of Christ in giving himself for us and of the Love of the Spirit in revealing Christ in us with a cheerful acknowledgment of the same with our Lips and Lives John 3.16 Gal. 2.20 2 Cor. 9 1â— 1 Tim. 1.17 Rom. 15.13 Eph. 1.17 Q. 201. What should Believers be especially thankful for at this Ordinance A. They should be especially thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ and for the Covenant of Grace together with all the Blessings and Benefits given in and with them to Believers Eph. 1.3 2 Cor. 9.15 Q. 202. Why is this Thankfulness needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because Christ himself gave Thanks to God in the Institution of this Ordinance and because the very matter use and ends of this Ordinance engaged us to Thankfulness in that it representeth sealeth and applieth Jesus Christ to us as the Spiritual Food of our Souls 1 Cor. 11.24 Deut. 8.10 1 Thess 5.18 Q 203. What is that holy Desire or spiritual Appetite that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Holy Desire is a spiritual hungering and thirsting after the Lord Jesus Christ as the Food of our Souls for our Nourishment and Growth in Grace Isa 55.1 Hagg. 2.7 Isa 26.8 9. Matth. 5.6 Q. 204. Why is this holy Desire or Appetite needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance being a Spiritual Feast or Supper cannot profit us without a spiritual hunger or thirst after the Provisions set before us therein neither shall we taste any spiritual sweetness in it nor get Refreshment and Nourishment by it for this is promised only to those who have this Appetite Matth. 5.6 Luke 1.52 Q. 205. Who are in a fit frame or disposition for this Ordinance A. Such who being truly gracious have some Scripture-Evidence thereof and have got their Souls into a serious humble and holy disposition to draw near to God and to hold Communion with him James 4.8 9 10. Q. 206. How may we get into a new frame or disposition A. We may get into a sit frame or disposition of Spirit for this holy Ordinance 1. By examining our selves 2. By quickning and stirring up our Graces 3. 〈◊〉 praying for Spiritual Blessings 4. By hoping for them and expecting of them from God through Christ Q. 207. Concerning what should we examine our selves A. We should examine our selves both concerning our Sins and concerning our Graces 1 Cor. 11.28 Lam. 3.40 2 Cor. 13.5 28. Q. 208. What should we examine concerning
our Sins A. We should examine both what our Sins are and how they are aggravated by their several Circumstances Jer. 8.6 Q 209. How may we come to know our Sins A. We may come to know our Sins 1. By comparing our Hearts and Lives with the Laws of God which shew us both the Duties we should perform and the sins we should avoid Rom. 3.20 7.7 2. By praying to God to discover our sins to us Job 13.23 Q 210. What should we examine our selves concerning our Graces A. We should examine our selves both touching the Grace we have and touching the Grace we want 2 Cor. 13.5 Q. 211. What should we examine â—â—ching the Grace we have A. We should examine both the truth of our Grace and the growth of it Q. 212. How may we know whether our knowledge of spiritual Truths be a true saving knowledge A. By the Properties Effects and Companions of it in the Soul Q. 213. What be the Properties of it A. It is joyned with an high prizing of this knowledge it self and the things that we know 1 Cor. 2.2 Phil. 3.8 Rom. 7.12 Q. 214. What is another A. It is joyned with an humbling sense of our own Ignorance and Sinfuâ—ness Job 42.5 6. Prov. 30.2 Q. 215. What is another A. It is joyned with a Love to and Delight in the Spiritual Truths known Psal 119.97 Rom. 7.22 Q. 216. What is another A. It is accompanied with earnest Desires and diligent Endeavours after more Spiritual Knowledge Psal 119.33 34 40. Prov. 2.3 4. 2 Pet. 3.18 Q. 217. What is another A. It is accompanied with an Experience or spiritual Sense of those Truths that are to be experienced as of the convincing converting comforting quickning and confirming power of the Word and Spirit of God Phil. 1.9 Psal 34.8 1 Pet. 2.3 Heb. 5.14 Psal 19.7 8. 119.50 Acts 20.32 Q. 218. VVhat is another A. It changeth the Soul into the same Image of Holiness that is in the Word of God 2 Chron. 3.18 Rom. 12.2 Q. 219. VVhat is another A. It is joyned with the practise of known Duties and the forbearing of known sins John 13.17 1 John 2.3 4. Psal 119.100 101. Q. 220. What is another A. It is joyned with a readiness to teach others the knowledge of spiritual things Psal 34.11 John 1.41 45 46. John 4.28 29. Q 221. How may we know whether our Faith be true and saving A. By the manner in which it is wrought by its nature and by its properties or effects Q 222. How is Faith wrought in the Soul A. The Spirit of God ordinarily prepareth the Heart for it by the Law of God and then worketh it by the Gospel Q. 223. How doth the Spirit prepare the heart for Faith by the Law A. These several ways 1. It shews and convinces the Soul of its sinful and miserable Estate by nature John 16.7 Rom. 3.20 2. It humbles the Soul under the serious consideration of its sin and misery 2 Kings 22.19 3. It works in the Soul a despair of getting out of this condition by its own power or the help of any other Creatures Acts 4.12 4. It causeth in the Soul a fear of the wrath of God due to him for sin Gen. 3.10 5. It convinceth the Soul of its need of a Saviour Matth. 9.12 Q. 224. How doth the Spirit of God work Faith by the Gospel A. These several ways 1. It shews to the Soul the Lord Jesus Christ as an All-sufficient and only Saviour provided by God and offered to sinners John 3.16 2. It begets in the Soul an high esteem of this Saviour and earnest desires after him above all other things Cant. 5.10 3. It convinceth the Soul that it is his duty to believe in or close with the Lord Jesus Christ for his Saviour 1 John 3.23 4. It begets in the soul some hope of obtaining an Interest in this Saviour Psal 119.116 5. It works in the Soul a Resolution to seek after this Saviour and to be at any care and cost to obtain an interest in him Cant. 3.2 6. It takes the Soul wholly off from resting on his own Righteousness for Justification before God Phil. 3.9 Q. 225. Wherein doth the Essence or Nature of Faith consist A. It consists in two things 1. In a receiving of an whole Christ or of Christ in all his Offices the Soul being made willing to be taught and ruled as well as reconciled by him John 1.12 2. In â—â—â—sting on Christ or trusting in him aâ—â— for compleat and eternal Salvation Eph. 1.12 Q. 226. What be the Properties Fruits or Effects of Faith A. Faith helps to soften and melt the heart into godly sorrow for sin Zech. 12.10 Isa 53.5 6. Q. 227. What is another property of it A. Faith helps to purifie or cleanse the Heart from the love of sin by arguing against it from the Word of God and by applying the Blood of Christ to the Soul Acts 15.9 John 17.17 Zech. 13.1 Q. 228. What is another A. Faith makes a Man obedient to the Will of God and fruitful in good Works Rom. 16.26 Gal. 5.6 Heb. 11.8 9 17. Q. 229. What is another A. Faith maintains the Christian's spiritual Life as it applies Christ and the Promises to the soul and helps the soul to live in an holy dependance upon him and them Rom. 1.17 Gal. 2.20 Q. 230. What is another A. Faith makes the Word of God profitable and effectual to the Soul 1 Thess 2 13. Rom. 1.16 Heb. 4.2 Q. 231. What is another A. Faith helps the Soul to dâ—â—â— nigh to God in holy Duties with humâ—â—â—oldness and confidence of access to him and acceptance with him through Christ Eph. 3.12 Heb. 4.16 10.22 Q. 232. What is another A. Faith helps the Soul to bear the burden of Troubles and Afflictions and keep it from fainting and sinking under them Psal 27.13 Heb. 11.35 Job 13.15 Q. 233. VVhat is another A. Faith helps the Soul to resist and conquer its spiritual Enemies Sin Satan and the World Acts 26.18 1 Pet. 5.9 Eph. 6.16 1 John 5.4 Heb. 11.24.25 26. Q. 234. VVhat is another A. Faith helps the Soul to spiritual Joy and Peace Rom. 5.1 2 and 15.13 Q. 235. What is another A. Faith is of a growing and persevering Nature encreaseth in Measure and endures to the end 2 Thess 1 3 Rom. 1.17 Luke 22.32 Heb. 10.39 Rev. 2.20 The Examination of Repentance Q. 236. How may we know whether our Repentance be true and saving A. By the manner of its working by its Nature and by its Fruits Effects and Companions Q. 237. In what manner is Repentance wrought A. The Spirit of God ordinarily worketh a sight and sense of sin in the Soul by the Law and an apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ offered to sinners by the Gospel and herewith powerfully affects the Heart and effectually inclines it to turn from sin unto God Rom. 3.20 7.7 2 Cor. 5.19 Acts 2.37 26.18