us which most resembles God and therefore our chief regard and care should be for them whatever becomes of the vile Body Mat. 16.26 For what is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lose his own Soul Or what shall a man give in Exchange for his Soul Q. 7. What further Truth may be inferr'd hence A. That men should beware of spiritual Sins as well as of gross and outward Sins for there is a filthiness of the Spirit as well as of the Flesh. 2 Cor. 7.1 Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and as God sees them so he greatly abhors them as Sins that defile the noblest part of man on which he stamp'd his own Image Q. 8. What also may be inferr'd from hence A. Hence we learn that spiritual Worship is most agreeable to his Nature and Will and the more spiritual it is the more acceptable it will be to him Iohn 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Externals in worship are of little regard with God as places habits gestures c. Apply this First To Superstitious men Isa. 66.1 2 3. Secondly To Children that say a Prayer but mind not to whom nor what they say Of God's Infinity Quest. 1. WHat is the sense and meaning of this Word Infinity A. It signifies that which hath no bounds or limits within which it is contained as all created things are Q. 2. In how many respects is God infinite A. God is infinite or boundless in three respects First In respect of the perfection of his Nature his Wisdom Power and Holiness exceed all measures and limits as 1 Sam. 2.2 There is none holy as the Lord c. Secondly In respect of time and place no time can measure him Isa. 57.15 Thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity 1 Kings 8.27 Behold the Heaven of heavens cannot contain thee how much less this House which I have built The Heaven of heavens contains all created Beings but not the Creator Thirdly In respect of his Incomprehensibleness by the understanding of all creatures Iob. 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection Q 3. If God be thus Infinite and no understanding can comprehend him How then is it said in 1 John 3.2 VVe shall see him as he is A. The meaning is not that glorified Saints shall comprehend God in their understandings but that they shall have a true apprehensive Knowledge though not a comprehensive Knowledge of God and that we shall see him immediately and not as we do now thorow a glass darkly Q. 4. What is the first Lesson to be learnt from God's Infinity A. That therefore men should tremble to sin even in secret Psal. 139.11 If I say surely the darkness shall cover me even the Night shall be light about me Q. 5. What is the second Instruction from hence A. The second Instruction is That there is an infinite evil in sin objectively consider'd as it is committed against an Infinite God and therefore it deserves Eternal Punishment and no satisfaction can possibly be made for it but by the Blood of Christ. 1 Pet. 1.18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold but with the precious Blood of Christ. Q. 6. What is the third Instruction from God's Infinity A. The third Instruction is That those who are reconciled to God in Christ need not fear his ability to perform any mercy for them for he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think Ephes. 3.20 And those that are not reconciled are in a very miserable condition having infinite Power set on work to punish them 2 Thes. 1.9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. 7. What is the fourth Instruction from God's Infinity A. That no place can bar the access of gracious Souls to God They are as near him in a Dungeon as when at Liberty and that he knows their thoughts when their tongues cannot utter them Eternal Quest. 1. WHat is it to be Eternal as God is A. The Eternity of God is to be without beginning and without end Psal. 90.2 From everlasting to everlasting thou art God Q. 2. How doth God's Eternity differ from the Eternity of Angels and Humane Souls A. It differs in two respects First In this That tho Angels and the Souls of men shall have no end yet they had a beginning which God had not Secondly Our Eternity is by gift from God or by his appointment but his Eternity is necessary and from his own Nature Q. 3. In what sense is the Covenant called an everlasting Covenant A. The Covenant is called an Everlasting Covenant 2 Sam. 23.5 because the mercies of it conveyed to believers as pardon peace and salvation are mercies that shall have no end Q. 4. In what sense is the Gospel Everlasting A. The Gospel is called the Everlasting Gospel Rev. 14.6 because the effects thereof upon the Souls it sanctifies will abide in them for ever Q. 5. In what sense is the Redemption of Christ called the Eternal Redemption A. The Redemption of Christ is called Eternal Redemption in Heb. 9.12 because those whom he redeems by his Blood shall never more come into condemnation Iohn 5.24 He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life Q. 6. VVhy is the last Iudgment of the world by Christ called Eternal Iudgment A. The last Judgment is called Eternal Judgment not because God judged men from Eternity or because the Day of Judgment shall last to Eternity but because the consequences of it will be Everlasting Joy or Misery to the Souls of Men therefore it 's called eternal judgment Heb. 6.2 Q 7. VVhat may wicked men learn from the Eternity of God A. Hence wicked men may see their own misery in the perfection of it that they will have an eternal Enemy to avenge himself upon them for ever in the world to come 2 Thess. 1.9 VVho shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. Q. 8. VVhat may good men learn from it A. That their joy and happiness will be perfect and endless who have the Eternal God for â—heir portion Psalm 16.11 In thy presence is fulness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Q. 9. VVhat may all men good and had learn from it A. All men may learn three things from the Eternity of God First That their life is a thing of nought compared with God Psal. 39.5 Mine age is nothing before thee Secondly That sins or duties long since committed or performed are all present before God Thirdly That God can never want opportunity to do his work and carry
Author of Sanctification A. God only Iude ver 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father Q. 3. What is the instrument of it A. The Word of God Iohn 17.17 Sanctify them througâ— thy truth thy word is truth Q. 4 What part of man is sanctified A. Every part both of the Soul and Body 1 Thes. 5.23 And the very God of peace sanctâ—â—y you wâ—olly and I pray God your whole spirit soul and body be prâ—served blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ Q. 5. Is Sanctification perfected at once A. No but by degrees 2 Pet. 3.18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ. Q. 6. VVhen will it be made perfect A. When we come to Heaven and not before 1 Cor. 13.10 11. But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away Q. 7. What are the signs of true Sanctification A. When it runs into all parts of our Conversation 1 Pet. 1.15 But as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Secondly And continues to the end Rev. 22.11 Let him that is holy be holy still Q. 8. What is the inseparable companion of Sanctification A. Righteousness towards men Luke 1.74 75. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life Q. 9. What is opposite to Sanctification A. All filthiness of Flesh and Spirit 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit Q. 10. What is the priviledge of the sanctified A. They are all elected and shall be glorified 1 Pet. 1. 2 4 Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the father through sanctification of the spirit to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you Q. 11. What is the case of them who live and die unsanctified A. They shall never see God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and boliness without which no man shall see the Lord. Q. 12. What differenceth true from pretended Sanctification A. True Sanctification purgeth the heart from the love of sin Rom. 7.15 For that which I do I allow not And the life from the dominion of sin â—om â—â— 19. As ye have yielded your members servants to 〈◊〉 and to iniquity unto iniquity even so now yield youâ— members servants to righteousness unto holiness Q. 13. May great sinners be sanctâ—fied A. Yes the Spirit of God can sanctify the vilest heart 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified Of Assurance the fruit of Iustification Quest. 36. WHAT are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or â—low from Iustification Adoption and Sanctification A. The benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from Iustification Adoption and Sanctification are assurance of God's love peace of Conscience joy in the Holy Ghost increase of Grace and perseverance therein to the end Q. 1. Is Assurance possible to be attained in this Life A. Yes for fome have had it Cant. 6.3 I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine And all Christians are commanded to strive for it 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather â—rethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure Q. 2. How many sorts of assurance are there A. There is an objective Assurance 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his And a subjective or personal Assurance Gal. 2.20 Who loved me and gave himself for me Q. 3. Is personal Assurance perfect in this Life A. No it admits of doubts and fears which interrupts it and it is not always at one height 1 Cor. 13.10 When that which is psrfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away Q. 4. On what Testimony is personal Assurance built A. Upon the Testimony of God's Spirit witnessing with ours Rom. â— 16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God Q. 5. Doth the Spirit make use of signs in us to 〈◊〉 us A. Yes Ordinarily he doth 1 Iohn 3.14 We know thâ—â— we are passed from death to life because we love the brethren Aâ— ver 24. Hereby we know that he abideth in us by the spirit whicâ— he hath given us Q. 6. How is true assurance discerned from presumption A. True assurance humbles the Soul Gal. 2.20 I 〈◊〉 crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Chriâ—â— liveth in me And makes the Soul afraid of Sin 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse 〈◊〉 selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness iâ— the fear of God Q. 7. What is the usual season of Assurance A. The time of greatest sufferings for Christ. 1 Pet. 4.14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ happy 〈◊〉 ye for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you Q. 8. Is personal Assurance absolutely necessary to Salvation A. No a man may be saved and in Christ without it Isa. 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upâ—â— his God Q. 9. What is the fruit of Assurance A. Joy unspeakable amidst outward Troubles Rom. 5.11 And not only so but we also joy in God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom we have now received the atonement Q. 10. What sins usually eclipse our Assurance A. Negligence in duty starves it 2 Pet. 1.10 Give diligence to make your calling and election sure For if ye do these things ye shall never fall And sinning against light stabs it Psal. 51.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bonâ— which thou hast broken may rejoyce Q. 11. What is the first Inference from this Doctrine A. That no unregenerate Person can have any Assurance for it is the fruit of Justification Adoption and Sanctification Q. 12. What is the second inference A. That all the Joys of Heaven are not to come buâ— â—ome communicated in this life 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 13. What is the third inference A. That assured Believers need to be circumspect persons that they grieve not the Spirit Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the holy spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption Of Peace of Conscience Quest. 1. WHat doth the word Peace signify in Scripture A. In the Language of the Old Testament it signifies all temporal good 1 Sam. 25.6 Peace be both to thee and peace be to thine house and peace be unto
say wherein have we despised thy name Q. 2. What is the first thing especially required in the third Commandment A. It requires the most aweful and reverential frame of our hearts in all our approaches to God Psal. 89.7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to he had in reverence of all them that are about him And in his Worship Ioh. 4.24 God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth Q. 3. What 's the second thing required in this Commandment A It requires truth in our witness-bearing as knowing God seeth our hearts and is witness to all that we think or speak Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth â—alsly by my name c. Q. 4. What 's the third thing required in this Commandment A. That in all our Appeals to God in secret or doubtful matters we be sure that the Appeal be necessary aweful and true Ier 17.16 As for me I have not hastened from being a pastour to follow thee neither have I desired the woful day thou knowest that which came out of my lips was right before thee Psal. 139.23 24 Search me O God and know my heart try me and know my thoughts And set if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting Q. 5. What doth this Commandment especially forbid A. It forbids and condemns all profane Oaths as most injurious to the Name of God Matth. 5.34 37. Swear not at all neither by heaven for it is Goâ—s throne c. but let your communication be yea yea nay nay for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil Q. 6. VVhat is the danger of profane or false Swearing A. Such are reckoned Enemies to God Psal. 139.20 Thine enemies take thy name in vain The Curse of God enters into such Families Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the hoâ—se of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name c. And the Lord will not hold them guiltless Q. 7. VVhat else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids and condemns all heedless wandering and drowsie performance of Gods Worship Isa. 29.13 14. VVherefore the Lord said forasmuch as this people drew near me with their mouth and with their lips do honour me bâ—t have removed their heart far from me and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men Therefore behold I will proceed to do a marvellous work amongst this people even a marvellous work and a wonder for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid And 2 Kings 10.31 But Iehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart for he departed not from the sins of Ieroboam which made Israel to sin Q. 8. What other sin is forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all light and irreverent use of the Scriptures especially in our jests or by way of scoffing Ier. 17.15 Behold they say unto me where is the word of the Lord let it come nowe Jer. 6.10 Behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach they have no delight in it Q. 9. By what Argument doth God enforce the third Commandment on men A. That the breakers of this Command shall surely be punished by the Lord either in this life Deut. 28.58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name The Lord thy God Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sickness and of long continuance Or in that to come Rom. 2.5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God Except they repent and reform Q. 10. What 's the first Instruction from the third Commandment A. That great and infinite is the Patience of God in forbearing provoking Sinners so long as he doth Romans 9.22 VVhat if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Q. 11. VVhat 's the second Instruction from hence A. That God is to be justified in the severest of his Judgments by which at any time he manifests his displeasure against the profaneness of the World Hos. 4.1 2 3. Hear the word of the Lord ye children of Israel for the Lord hath a controversie with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth nor mercy nor knowledge of God in the land By swearing and lying and killing and stealing and committing adultery they break out and bloud toucheth bloud Therefore shall the land â—ourn and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven yea the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away Q. 12. What 's the third Instruction from hence A. That God takes special notice of and greatly delighteth in them that fear and reverence his Name Isa. 66.5 Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word Your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said let the Lord be glorified but he shall appeaâ— to your joy and they shall be ashamed Mal. 3.16 And a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name Q. 13. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That those Parents have much to answer for that by their Examples teach or by their Negligence encourage their Children to profane Gods Name Ier. 5 7. How shall I pardon thee for this Thy children have forsaken me and sworn by them that are no Gods c. Of the Sabbath Quest. 57. WHich is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid-servant nor thy Cattle nor thy Stranger which is within thy Gates For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Quest. 58. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be an holy Sabbath unto the Lord. Quest. 59. Which day of the seven hath God
no hope and without God in the world Q. 14. Wâ—at â—s the last Instruction hence A. That those that perish in the midst of Ordinances and means of Salvation will perish with aggravated perdition Matth. 11.23 And thou Capernaum which art exalted unto heaven shalt be brought down to hell for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day Of the Word read and heard Quest. 89. HOw is the Word made effectual to Salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading but especially the preaching of the Word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and building them up in holiness and comfort through Faith unto Salvation Q. 1. What mean you by the Word A. By the Word is meant the Word of God consigned to writing in the Books of the Old and New Testament which though it be ministred by men yet it is no other than the very Word of God and as such to be received 1 Thess. 2.13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God c. Q. 2. Whence is the efficacy of this Word A. It is wholly from the Spirit of God that it becomes effectual to any mans Salvation 1 Cor. 3 6 7. I have planted and Apollo watered but God gave the increase So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Q. 3. Is the reading of the Scripture an Ordinance of God for mens Salvation A. Yes it is Deut. 17.19 And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them And in reading of it God sometimes comes in by his Spirit to mens conversion Acts 8.27 28 29. And he arose and went and behold a man of Ethiopia an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians who had the charge of all her treasure and had come to Ierusalem for to worship was returning and sitting in his chariot read Isaias the prophet Then the spirit said to Philip go near and joyn thy self to his chariot c. Q. 4. Is the hearing of the Word a means of Salvation A. Yes it is Isa. 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live c. 1 Cor. 1.21 It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe Q. 5. To what end is the Word useful to men A. The first end and use of the Word is to convince men of their sin and misery out of Christ 1 Cor 14.24 25. But if all prophesie and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest c. Q. 6. What is it useful for besides conviction A. 'T is useful for conversion as well as conviction Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul c. Acts 26.18 To turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God c Q. 7. Doth the Word convince and convert all that hear it A. No but those only that are ordained to Eternal Life Acts 13.48 As many as were ordained to eternal life believed Q. 8. What else is the Word useful for A. To build up the Saints to perfection in Christ Eph. 4.11 12 13. And he gave some apostles and some prophets and some evangelists and some pastours and teachers for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness in Christ. Acts 20.32 And now brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified Q. 9. May the common people read the Scriptures A. Yes 't is a duty commanded by Christ Ioh. 5.39 Search the scriptures c. and commended by the Apostle Acts 17.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures dayly whether those things were so Q. 10. Is it their duty or liberty also to preach it A. No it is not for besides abilities for that work there must be a call Rom. 10.14 15. How shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they preach except they be sent c. Q. 11. What 's the first Instruction from hence A. That the enjoyments of the Scripture and an able faithful Ministry to expound and apply them is a special Mercy to any people Psal. 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Iacob his statutes and judgments unto Israel he hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not knows them Q. 12. What 's the second Instruction A. That men cannot expect Special and Spiritual Blessings from God in the wilful neglect of the Ordinances Prov. 28.9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law even his prayer shall be abomination Q. 13. What 's the third Inference A. That sad is their condition who sit all their dayes under the Word to no purpose at all 2 Cor. 4.3 4. If our gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine into them Q. 14. What 's the last Inference A. That Christs Ordinances and Ministers should be most welcome to the people to whom God sends them Isa. 52.7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings that publisheth peace that publisheth salvation that saith unto Zion thy God reigneth Of the manner of Hearing Quest. 90. HOw is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to Salvation A. That the Word may become effectual to Salvation we must attend thereunto with Diligence Preparation and Prayer receive it with Faith and Love lay it up in our Hearts and practise it in our Lives Q. 1. If the matter we read or hear be good is not that enough for our salvation A. No God requires that the Word be read and heard in a due manner and the manner of hearing is of special regard with God Luke 8.18 Take â—eed therefore how ye hear c. Q. 2. How many things belong to the due manner of hearing A. Three sorts of Duties belong to it some antecedent as preparation