The Communicants Instructor OR A SACRAMENTAL Catechism IN WHICH The Nature of the Covenant of Grace and the visible Seals thereof viz. Baptism and the Lord's Supper with the Gospel Qualifications of worthy Receivers are opened with all plainness and clearness by way of Question and Answer Recommended to the Use of the Younger and more Ignorant sort especially to such as desire Admission to and would worthily Partake of the Lord's Supper with a Request to the Charitable That they would make it a Piece of their Spiritual Alms to the Poor By George Day Minister of the Gospel Heb. 5.12 For when for the time ye ought to be Teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of Milk and not of strong Meat LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1700. The EPISTLE to the READER Christian Reader THO' Baptism and the Supper of the Lord be sacred Ordinances and Christ's own Institutions yet such is the sin and shame of this degenerate Age That Multitudes under the Christian Profession live in a careless Omission of them and not a few in a prophane Conâ—â—mpt and Opposition against them The Fault of the former sort proceeds from gross Ignorance of the spiritual Nature Vse and Ends of these Ordinances That of the latter from a Spirit prepossessed and prejudiced with Error Now tho' I have little hopes of doing any good upon the Erronious by this brief and slender Piece seeing their Malignity against the Truths which they disown will probably encline them to reject it with disdain on the first sight of the Title Page without vouchsafing it a sober perusal yet the hopes of being somewhat serviceable to the Ignorant especially to such as are desirous of spiritual Knowledge and are willing to be instructed have at length prevailed with me to comply with the Request of Christian Friends in exposing this mean Essay to publick View I know there are many excellent Helps of this kind already extant and therefore this may well be thought needless and I confess this very Consideration hath suppressed these Meditations for many years by me but observing divers Tracts that speak much of the Lord's Supper say little or nothing of Baptism tho' this being the initiating Ordinance and first seal of the Gospel Covenant ought first to be considered and well understood I have therefore endeavoured to open both these holy Ordinances distinctly together with the Nature of the Covenant of Grace to which they are annexed as its visible signs and seals I have made it my Business to gather the most material and soul-concerning Truths that I find scattered in many excellent Authors that have written on this Subject and contracted them that I might give thee much in a little and croud as much precious Matter into these few Pages as I well could without prejudice to the sense and with due regard to weaker Memories that a little Pains and Patience may make much Truth thine own I have also endeavoured to express my sense of things with the greatest plainness and clearness I could using words and phrases that may easily be understood by persons of mean Capacity and studiously declining others having observed in Teaching both Young and Old that the want of understanding the true meaning tho' but of one word in a Sentence hath made the whole unintelligible and so unprofitable to them Thou wilt find to most of the Answers scripture Proofs subjoined tho' only referr'd to for brevities sake therefore pray turn to them and see with thine own eyes how clearly and fully these Truths are confirmed by the holy Scriptures and so the reason why thou should'st believe them for we ought to make no Position or Assertion an Article of our Christian Faith but what is founded on a Divine Attestation and bottomed on the written Word of God which is the only perfect and perpetual Rule of our Christian Faith and Practice I have purposely chosen to give thee this Help in a Catechistical method by way of Question and Answer for these Reasons 1. Because it is the most easie plain familiar way of instructing the Ignorant and therefore like to he the more profitable 2. Because it is of great Antiquity having been used not only in the Christian but also in the Jewish Church yea some of the Learned trace its Foot steps back to the beginning of time concluding that it was practised by Adam himself who catechised or instructed his Sons in the Doctrine of Man's Fall of the Seed of the Woman and of worshipping of God by offering sacrifices c. Read Willet Downham Greenham Pemble and others on this Subject 3. Because the neglect of Catechising for 20 or 〈◊〉 years last past which we should reflect on with â—ame and grief hath been one great cause of the â—ecay of Knowledge in our days there being maâ—y thousands of adult and grown Persons and maâ—y of them Parents and Governours of Families â—osly ignorant of the very Fundamentals of the â—hristian Faith which they profess and that tho' me of them have sate under the preaching of the â—ord a long time Indeed 't is an Observation I â—â—ve often made and am confirmed in it by daily exerience That uncatechised Heads understand but â—ittle of the most excellent Sermons they bear and therefore it is not to be thought strange that they grow little the wiser by them O that this were duly considered and might prove a cogent Argument to Ministers and Governours of Families for the Revival of this useful Exercise among us And because my words may have little weight let me here take leave humbly to mind my Reverend Brethren of a serious and weighty Passage of a great Divine now in Glory Prouble Vind. Grat. Praef. p. 13 14. I could heartily wish said he that those Ministers among us whom either Ease or Pride have made careless in this Office of Caâ—â—chising would be pleas'd to look abroad into such Congregations where this course is held and to compare them with their own and others where 't is neglected they should soon perceive how fair and open a passage is made for preaching to follow after where diligent Catechising hath gone before and on the other side how hopeless their Endeavours is who labour to imprint in the Heads of their People the Knowledge of Conclusions before they have learned the Principles of Divinity If these Men complain and say We have spent our strength in vain and our Labour without profit preaching long and seeing little Reformation I will not pity them who are likâ— unwise Nurses that when their Children thrive not lay the Blame upon their sickly Bodies when the Fault is in their own indiscretion who feed them not with Childrens Bread but forcâ— upon them stronger Meat which they cannoâ— digest but vomit up again Thus he To this hearty wish of his
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
I subjoyn another Thâ—â— all the Pastors of Churches may fully and faithfully obey that Precept of the Chief Shepherd John 21.15 16. requiring them to feed his Lambs as well as his Sheep I shall close with a word or two of Counsel Reader if thou art yet weak in spiritual Knowledge and willing to be instructed that thou mayst be made wise to Salvation let me beseech thee to follow this faithful Advice 1. Labour for a distinct and methodical Knowledge of the great Foundation-Truths of the Christian Religion those first Principles of the Oracles of God drawn up to thine hand in many more general Catechisms especially I recommend to thy use that excellent Catechism of the Assembly of Divines both shorter and larger a little Labour will commit the lesser to thy memory and read the other with diligence to explain that with Mr. Lyes Mr. Doolittles and Mr. Vincents Explanations The Knowledge of these Truths will prepare thee to read the holy Scriptures and hear Sermons with Vnderstanding and Profit Next I offer thee the serious perusal of this Sacramental Catechism in the composure of which I have purposely left out several Questions very proper to have been inserted because they are already answered in the Assemblies Catechism Say not thou art too old to learn a Catechism if ignorant unless thou thinkest thy self also too old to go to Heaven and so too old to learn the way thither Be not ashamed of using the means to get Knowledge but be â—shamed of thy Ignorance and blush to bear a Child of Seven years old that hath been well catechised give a better account of the Christian Faith than many of 30 40 or of 50 years of Age can do 2. Pray earnestly and daily for the inward teachings of God's holy Spirit in and with the outward teachings of the Word without this tho thoâ— may'st fill thy Head with the Notions of Truth ye thou wilt never feel the saving Impressions of theâ— on thy heart but remain a stranger to the life anâ— power of Godliness Read those precious promises and humbly plead them in prayer Prov. 1.23 Isaâ— 59.21 Luk. 11.13 3. And lastly Believe the Truths which thou haâ—â—â—earnt and live according to the Rule of them Le Knowledge and Practice as an holy Taine gâ—â—â—nd in hand and stilt keep pace each with other â—â—â—h of them are required as necessary qualification to entitle thee to true happiness John 13 17. O dâ— not aim at any thing short of that The Experimental and Practical Christian will be found to be the wisest and best in the great discriminating Day Thaâ— thou may'st be such an one and that thy Meditation may contribute somewhat thereto is the sincere anâ— fervent Prayer of Decemb. 19. 1691. Thine and the Churche in Christ George Day A SACRAMENTAL Catechism Quest 1. WHat is a Sacarment in general Answ A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance of Divine Institution annexed to the Covenants which God hath made with Men wherein by outward and sensible signs the Promises of the Covenant are represented sealed and applied to God's Covenant-people and they are bound to obey him Gen. 17.10 Rom. 4.11 Q. 2. Are these Ordinances call'd by the name of Sacraments in the holy Scriptures A. No. Yet seeing it is a word very fit to signifie the thing to which it is applied it may lawfully be used Q. 3. What is the original and proper signification of the word Sacrament A. As it was used of old in a civil sense it signified an Oath taken in War by Souldiers to their General whereby they were bound to perform the Duties of that Relation Q. 4. Why are the Seals of God's Covenants called Sacraments A. Because by our receiving them we are bound as it were by an Oath to perform the Duties of God's Covenant-people Rom. 6.3 4 5. Q. 5. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. Two The one is an outward visible sign or thing signifying which may be seen by the Eye of the Body as Water in Baptism and Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper The other is the inward and spiritual grace or thing signified which can only be seen by the Eye of the Soul or by Faith and that is Christ with all his saving Benefits Matth. 3.11 1 Pet. 3.21 Rom. 2.28 29. Q. 6. Do all those who receive the outward signs receive the inward grace also A. No. For wicked and graceless persons may receive the outward signs but not the inward grace with them none but true believers receive them both Q. 7. What is a Covenant in the general A. A Covenant is a solemn Contract or Agreement between several persons two at the least wherein they do mutually bind themselves each to other in certain Articles to both their Contents and usually confirmed by signs and seals Gen. 21.27 1 Sam. 18 3. Q 8. Hath God ever made a Covenant with Man A. Yes Tho God be infinitely above Man yet he hath been pleased through condescending grace to deal with Man in this familiar way of Covenanting as a Man with his Friend Gen. 15.18 Q. 9. VVhat Covenants hath God made with Man A. Two especially The first called the Covenant of Works The second The Covenant of Grace Gal. 4.23 24. Q. 10. What is the Covenant of Works A. That Covenant which God made with our first Parents Adam and Eve in the estate of Innocence and in them with all their Children wherein God promised perfect happiness to them upon Condition of their perfect Obedience to him and threatned them with Death on their Disobedience Gen. 2.16 17. Gal. 3.12 Q. 11. Why is this called the Covenant of Works A. Because it required the Works of Man's Obedience to the whole Law of God as the Condition of his Life and Happiness Lev. 18.5 Q. 12. Had our first Parents sufficient strength to perform that Condition and keep that Covenant with God A. Yes Our first Parents being created upright and perfect had sufficient power to perform perfect Obedience to the Law of God and so to keep his Covenant Eccl. 7.29 Q. 13. Did our first Parents keep their Covenant with God A. No. Our first Parents brake their Covenant with God by complying with the Temptation of Satan in eating the forbidden Fruit and thereby brought themselves and all the Children descending from them by ordinary Generation into an estate of sin and misery Gen. 3. begin Rom. 5.12 Q. 14. Doth God suffer Adam and all his Children to perish in their sinful and miserable state A. No. God did of his own free grace from all Eternity elect some of fall'n Mankind to everlasting life and gave them to Jesus Christ that they might be recoveted and saved by him Eph. 1.4 Q. 15. Did the Lord Jesus Christ then undertake to be a Saviour to them A. Yes There was an Eternal Compact or Agreement between God the Father and God the Son which is commonly called the Covenant of Redemption wherein God the Father gave the
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
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