THE Principles of the Doctrine of Christ Vnfolded in two short CATECHISMES Wherein those principles of Religion are explained the knowledge whereof is required by the late Ordinance of Parliament before any person bee admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper For the use of the Congregation at Fordham in the County of Essex By John Owen Pastor there Come yee children hearken unto me I will teach you the feare of the Lord Psal. 34.11 LONDON Printed by R. Cotes for Philemon Stephens at the guilded Lion in Pauls Church-yard 1645. TO My loving Neighbours and Christian Friends at FORDHAM Brethren MY hearts desire and request unto God for you is that yee may bee saved I say the truth in Christ also I lye not my conscience bearing mee witnesse in the Holy Ghost that I have great heavinesse and continuall sorrow in my heart for them amongst you who as yet walk disorderly and not as beseemeth the Gospel little labouring to acquaint themselves with the mystery of godlinesse for many walk of whom I have told you often weeping and now tell you again with sorrow that they are the enemies of the crosse of Christ whose end is destruction whose God is their belly who minde earthly things You know Brethren how I have been amongst you and in what manner for these two yeers past and how I have kept back nothing to the utmost of the dispensation to mee committed that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and taught you publickly and from house to house testifying to all repentance towards God and faith towards our Lorâ— Jesus Christ Now with what sincerity this hath bin by mee performed with what issue and successe by you received God the righteous Judge will one day declare for before him must both you and I appear to give an account of the dispensation of the glorious Gospel amongst us in the mean while the desire of my heart is to bee sâ—rvant to the least of you in the work of the Lord And that in any way which I can conceive profitable unto you either in your persons or your families Now amongst my indevours in this kinde after the Ordinance of publick Preaching the Word there is not I conceive any more needfull as all will grant that know the estate of this place how taught of late dayes how full of grossely ignorant persons then Catechising which hath caused me to set aside some houres for the compiling of these following which also I have procured to bee Printed meerly because the least part of the Parish are able to read it in writing my intention in them being principally to hold out those necessary truths wherein you have been in my Preaching more fully instructed as they are the use of them I shall briefly present unto you 1. The lesser Catechisme may bee so learned of the younger sort that they may bee ready to answer to every question thereof 2. The greater will call to minde much of what hath been taught you in publick especially concerning the person aâ—â— Offices of Jesus Christ 3. Out of that you may have help to instruct your families in the lesser being so framed for the most part that a Chapter of the one is spent in unfolding a question of the other 4. The texts of Scripture quoted are dâ—ligently to bee sought out and pondered that you may know indeed whether these things are so 5. In â—eading the Word you may have light into the meaning of many places by considering what they are here produced to confirme 6. I have been sparing in the doctrine of the Sacraments because I have already been so frequent in examinations about them 7. The handling of morall duties I have wholly omitted because by Gods assistance I intend for you a briefe explication of the Lords Prayer and the ten Commandements with some Articles of the Creed not unfolded in these by themselves by the way of Question and Answer Now in all this as the paines hath been mine so I pray that the benefit may bee yours and the praise his to whom alone any good that is in this or any thing else is to bee ascribed Now the God of heaven continue that peace love and amity amongst our selves which hitherto hath ben unshaken in these divided times and grant that the Scepter and Kingdome of his Son may bee gloriously advanced in your hearts that the things which concern your peace may not bee hidden from your eyes in this your day which is the daily prayer of From my Study Septem. the last Your servant in the work of the Lord J.O. THE Lesser Catechisme Question WHence is all truth concerning God and our selves to bee learned Answ. From the holy Scripture the Word of God Q. What doe the Scriptures teach that God is A. An eternall infinite most holy Spirit giving beeing to all things and doing with them whatsoever hee pleaseth Q. Is there but one God A. One onely in respect of his essence and being but one in three distinct persons of Father Son and Holy Ghost Quest What else is held forth in the Word concerning God that wee ought to know A. His Decrees and his Works Q What are the Decrees of God concerning us A. His eternall purposes of saving some by Jesus Christ for the praise of his glory and of condemning others for their sins Q. What are the works of God A. Acts or doings of his power whereby hee createth sustaineth and governeth all things Q. What is required from us towards Almighty God A. Holy and spirituall obedience according to his Law given unto us Q. Are wee able to doe this of our selves A. No in no wise being by nature unto every good work reprobate Q. How came wee into this estate being at the first created in the image of God in righteousnesse and innocency A. By the fall of our first Parents breaking the Covenant of God losing his grace and deserving his curse Q. By what way may wee bee delivered from this miserable estate A. Onely by Jesus Christ Q. What is Iesus Christ A. God and man united in one person to bee a Mediator between God and man Q. What is hee unto us A. A King a Priest and a Prophet Q. Wherein doth bee exercise his Kingly power towards us A. In converting us unto God by his Spirit subduing us unto his obedience and ruling in us by his grace Q. In what doth the exercise of his Priestly office for us chiefely consist A. In offering up himself an acceptable sacrifice on the crosse so satisfying the justice of God for our sins removing his curse from our persons and bringing us unto him Q. Wherein doth Christ exercise his propheticall Office towards us A. In revealing to our hearts from the bosome of his Father the way and truth whereby wee must come unto him Q. For whose sake doth Christ perform all these A. Onely for his Elect. Q. In
what condition doth Jesus Christ exercise these Offices A. Hee did in a low estate of humiliation on earth but now in a glorious estate of exaltation in heaven Q. What is the Church of Christ A. The universall company of Gods Elect called to the adoption of children Q. How come wee to bee members of this Church A. By a lively faith Q. What is a lively faith A. An assured resting of the soule upon Gods promises of mercy in Jesus Christ for pardon of sins here and glory hereafter Q. How come wee to have this faith A. By the effectuall working of the spirit of God in our hearts freely calling us from the state of Nature to the state of Grace Q. Are wee accounted righteous for our faith A. No but onely for the righteousnesse of Christ freely imputed unto us and laid hold of by faith Q. 1. Is there no more required of us but faith onely A. Yes repentance also and holinesse Q. 2. What is repentance A. A forsaking of all sin with godly sorrow for what wee have committed Q. 3. What is that holinesse which is required of us A. Universall obedience to the will of God revealed unto us Q. What are the priviledges of beleevers A. First union with Christ secondly adoption of children thirdly communion of Saints fourthly right to the seales of the new Covenant fifthly Christian liberty sixtly resurrection of the body to life eternall Q. 1. What are the Sacraments or seales of the new Covenant A. Visible seales of Gods spirituall promises made unto us in the blood of Jesus Christ Q. 2. Which bee they A. Baptism and the Lords Supper Q. What is Baptisme A. An holy Ordinance whereby being sprinkled with water according to Christs institution wee are by his grace made children of God and have the promises of the Covenant sealed unto us Q. What is the Lords Supper A. An holy Ordinance of Christ appointed to communicate unto beleevers his body and blood spiritually being represented by bread and wine blessed broken powred out and received of them Q. 2. Who have a right unto this Sacrament A. They onely who have an interest in Jesus Christ by faith Q. What is the communion of Saints A. An holy conjunction between all Gods people partakers of the same Spirit and members of the same mysticall body Q. What is the end of all this dispensation A. The glory of God in our salvation Glory bee to God on high THE Greater Catechisme CHAP. I. Of the Scripture Question 1. WHat is Christian Religion Answ. The only a way of (1) (2) knowing God aright and b living unto him a Joh. 14.5 â—oh 17.3 Act. 4.12 b Col. 1.10 2 Cor. 5.15 Gal. 2.19 20. Q. 2. Whence is it to bee learned A. From the holy (3) Scripture onely Isa. 8.20 Joh. 5.39 Q. 3. What is the Scripture A. The books of the a Old and b New (4) (5) (6) Testament c given by inspiration from God containing all things necessary to bee beleeved and done that God may bee worshipped and our soules saved a Isa. 8.20 Rom. 3.2 b Rev. 22.19 20. c 2 Tim. 2.16 17. Psal. 19.7 8. Jer. 7.31 Joh. 20.31 Q. 4. How know you them to bee the word of God A. By the a testimony (7) of Gods Spirit working faith in my heart to close with that b heavenly Majesty and cleare divine truth that shineth in them a Matth. 16.17 Joh. 16.13 1 Thess. 2.13 1 Joh. 2.20 1 Joh. 5.6 b Luk 24.32 1 Cor. 2.14 Heb. 4.12 2 Pet. 1.19 CHAP. II. Of God Q. 1. What doe the Scriptures teach concerning God A. First what hee is or his Nature secondly what hee doth or his Works Exod. 3.14 Isa. 44.6 Heb. 1.1 2 3. Heb. 11.6 Q. 2. What is God in himselfe A. An a eternall b infinite c (1) (2) (3) incomprehensible d spirit e giving beeing to all things and doing with them whatsoever hee pleaseth a Deut. 33.37 Isa. 57.15 Revel. 1.8 b 1 King 8.27 Psal. 139.2 3 4 5. c. c Exod. 32.20 1 Tim. 6.16 d Joh. 4 24. e Gen. 1.1 Psal. 115.3 135.6 Isa. 46.10 Joh. 5 17. Heb. 1.2 Q. 3. Doe wee here know God as hee is A. No his glorious beeing is not of us in this life to bee comprehended Exod. 33.23 1 Cor. 13.12 Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefely made known unto us in the word A. First by his f Names secondly by his g Attributes or properties f Exod. 3.14 ch. 6.3 Psa. 83.18 g Exo. 34.6 7. Mat. 5.48 Q. 5. What are the names of God A. Glorious titles which hee (4) hath given himselfe to hold forth his excellencies unto us with some perfections wherby hee will reveale himselfe Exod. 3 14 15. 6.3 34.6 7. Gen. 17.1 Q. 6. What are the Attributes of God A. His infinite perfections in being and working Revelat. 4.8 9 10 11. Q. 7. What are the chiefe attributes of his beeing A. a Eternity b infinitenesse c simplicity (1) (2) or purity d all-sufficiency e perfectnesse f immutability g life h will and i understanding a Deut. 33.37 Psal. 93.2 Esa. 57.15 Revel. 1.11 b 1 King 8.27 Psal. 139.1 2 3 4.8 9. c Exod. 3.14 d Gen. 17.1 Psal. 135.4 5. e Joh. 11.7 8 9. Rom. 11.33 34 35 36. f Mal. 3.6 Jam. 1.17 g Judg 8.19 1 Sam. 25.34 2 King 3.14 Ezek. 14.16 16.48 Mâ—tth 16.16 Act. 24.15 1 The 1.9 h Dan. 11.3 Esa. 46.10 Ephes. 1.5.11 Jam. 1.18 i Psal. 7.2 139 2. 147.4 Ier. 11.20 Heb. 4.13 Q. 8. What are the attributes which usually are ascribed to him in his works or the acts of his will A. k Goodnesse l power m (3) (4) justice n mercy o holinesse p wisdome and the like which hee delighteth to exercise towards his creatures for the praise of his glory k Psal. 119 68. Mat. 19.17 l Exod. 15.11 Psal. 62.10 Revel. 19.1 m Zeph. 3.5 Psal. 11.7 Ierem. 12.1 Rom. 1.32 n Psal. 130.7 Rom. 9.15 Ephes. 2.4 o Exod. 15.11 Iosh. 24.19 Hab. 1.13 Revel. 4.8 p Rom. 11.33 16.17 CHAP. III. Of the holy Trinity Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these properties doe belong A. a One onely in respect of his Essence and being but one b in three distinct persons of Father Sonne and holy Ghost a Deut. 6.4 Matth. 19.17 Ephes. 4.5 6. b Gen. 1.7 1 Ioh. 5.7 Matth. 28.19 Q. 2. What mean you by Person A. A distinct manner of (1) (2) (3) subsistence or beeing distinguished from the other Persons by its own properties Ioh. 5.17 Heb. 1.3 Q. 3. What is the distinguishing property of the person of the Father A. To bee of himself onely the fountain of the God-head Ioh. 5.26 27. Ephes. 1.3 Q. 4. What is the property of the Son A. To be begotten of his Father from eternity Psal. 2.7 Ioh. 1.14 3.16 Q. 5.
all this A. Divers as first a internally and effectually by his Spirit writing his Law in our hearts secondly b outwardly and instrumentally by the Word Preached a Jer. 31.32 33. 2 Cor. 3.3 1 Thess. 4.9 Heb. 8.10 b Joh. 20.31 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephes. 4.8 9 10 11 12 13. 2 Pet. 1.21 CHAP. XIV Of the twofold estate of Christ Q. 1. In what estate or condition doth Christ exercise these Offices A. In a twofold estate first of humiliation (1) (2) (3) or abasement secondly of exaltation or glory Phil. 2.8 9 10. Q. 2. Wherein consisteth the state of Christs humiliation A. In three things first a in his incarnation or being born of woman secondly b his obedience or fulfilling the whole Law Morall and Ceremoniall thirdly in his c passion or induring all sorts of miseries even death it self a Luk. 1.35 Ioh. 1.14 Rom. 1.3 Gal. 4.4 Heb. 2.9 14. b Matth. 3.15 5.17 Luk. 2.21 Ioh. 8.46 2 Cor. 5. 21. 1 Pet. 1.19 1 Ioh. 3.5 c Psa. 53.4 5 6. Heb. 2.9 1 Pet. 2.21 Q. 3. Wherein consists his exaltation A. In first his resurrection secondly Ascension thirdly sitting at the right hand of God by all which hee was declared to bee the Son of God with power Mat. 28.18 Rom. 1.4 4 4. Ephes. 4.9 Phil. 2.9 10. 1 Tim. 3.16 CHAP. XV Of the persons to whom the benefits of Christs Offices doe belong Q. 1. Vnto whom doe the saving benefits of what Christ performeth in the execution of his Offices belong A. Onely to his Elect (1) (2) (3) Joh. 17.9 Esa. 63.9 Heb. 3.6 10.21 Q. 2. Dyed hee for no other A. None in respect of his Fathers eternall purpose and his own intention of removing wrath from them procuring grace and glory for them Act. 20.28 Matth. 20.28 26.28 Heb. 9.28 Joh. 11.51 52. Esa. 53.12 Ioh. 3.16 10 11 12 13 15. Ephes. 5.25 Rom. 8.32.34 Gal. 3.13 Ioh. 6.37.39 Rom. 4.25 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Q. 3. What shall become of them for whom Christ dyed not A. Everlasting torments for their sinnes their portion in their owne place Mark 16.16 Ioh. 3.36 Matth. 25.41 Act. 1.25 Q. 4. For whom doth he make intercession A. Onely for those who from eternity were given him by his Father Ioh. 17. Heb 7.24 25. CHAP. XVI Of the Church Q. 1. How are the Elect called in respect of their obedience unto Christ and union with him A. His Church Act. 20.28 Ephes. 5.32 Q. 2. What is the Church of Christ A. The whole company of Gods (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Elect a called b of God c by the Word and Spirit d out of their naturall condition to the dignity of his children and e united unto Christ their Head by faith in the bond of the Spirit a Act. 2.47 1 Tim. 5.21 Heb. 12.22 23 24. b Rom. 1.5 6. Rom. 9 11.24 1 Cor. 4.15 2 Tim. 1.9 c Act. 16.14 Ioh. 3.8 1 Cor. 4.15 1 Pet. 1.23 Heb. 8.10 d Ephes. 2.11 12 13. Col. 1.13 Heb. 2.14 15. 1 Pet. 2.9 e Ioh. 17.21 Ephes. 2.18 19 20 21 22. Q. 3. Is this whole Church alwayes in the same state A. No one part of it is Militant the other Triumphant Q. 4. What is the Church Militant A. That portion of Gods Elect which in their generation cleaveth unto Christ by Faith and fighteth against the world flesh and devill Ephes. 6.11 12. Heb. 11.13 14. 12.1.4 Q. 5. What is the Church Triumphant A. That portion of Gods people who having fought their fight and kept the Faith are now in heaven resting from their labours 6 Ephes. 5.27 Revel. 3.21 ch. 14.13 Q. 6. Are not the Church of the Jews before the birth of Christ and the Church of the Christians since two Churches A. No essentially they are but one differing onely in some outward administrations Ephes. 2.12 13 14 15 16. 1 Cor. 10.3 Gal. 4.26 27. Heb. 11.15.26.40 Q. 7. Can this Church bee wholly overthrown on the earth A. No unlesse the Decree of God may bee changed and the promise of Christ faile Matth. 16.18 28.20 Ioh. 14.16 Ioh. 17. 1 Tim. 3.15 2 Tim. 2.19 CHAP. XVII Of Faith Q. 1. By what meanes doe wee become actuall members of this Church of God A. By a lively justifying Faith (1) whereby wee are united unto Christ the head thereof Act. 2.47 13.48 Heb. 11.6 12.22 23. 4.2 Rom. 5.1 2. Ephes. 2.13 14. Q. 2. What is a justifying Faith A. A a gracious resting upon (2) the free promises of God in Jesus Christ for mercy b with a firm perswasion of heart that God is a reconciled Father unto us in the Son of his love a 1 Tim. 1.16 Ioh 13.15 19.25 Rom. 4.5 b Heb. 4.16 Rom. 8.38 39. Gal. 2.20 2 Cor. 5.20 21. Q. 3. Have all this Faith A. None but the Elect of God Tit. 1.1 Ioh. 10.26 Matth. 13.11 Act. 13.48 Rom. 8.30 Q. Doe not then others beleeve that make profession A. Yes with first historicall Faith or a perswasion that the things writen in the Word are true James 2.9 secondly temporary Faith which hath some joy of the affections upon unspirituall grounds in the things beleeved Matth. 13.20 Mark 6.20 Joh. 2.23 24. Act. 8.13 CHAP. XVIII Of our Vocation or Gods calling us Q. 1. How come wee to have this saving Faith A. It is freely bestowed upon us and wrought in us by the Spirit of God in our vocation or calling Ioh. 6.29.44 Ephes. 2.8 9. Phil. 1.29 2 Thess. 1.11 Q. 2. What is our vocation or this calling of God A. The free gracious (1) (2) act of Almighty God whereby in Jesus Christ hee calleth and translateth us from the state of Nature sinne wrath and corruption into the state of grace and union with Christ by the mighty effectuall working of his Spirit in the preaching of the Word Col. 1.12 13. 2 Tim. 1.9 Deut. 30.6 Ezek. 36.26 Matth. 11.25 26. Joh. 1.13 3.3.8 Ephes. 1.19 Col. 2.12 1 Cor. 4.7 Jam. 1.18 2 Pet. 2.20 Act. 16.14 Q. 3. What doe wee our selves perform in this change or work of our conversion A. Nothing at all being meerly (3) wrought upon by the free grace and Spirit of God when in our selves wee have no ability to any thing that is spiritually good Matth. 7.18 10.20 Joh. 1.13 15.5 1 Cor. 12.3 1 Cor. 2.5 2 Cor. 3.5 Ephes. 2.1.8 Rom. 8.26 Phil. 1.6 Q. 4. Doth God thus call all and every one A. All within the â—pale of the Church are outwardly called by the Word none effectually but the Elect Mat. 22.14 Rom. 8.30 CHAP. XIX Of Justification Q. 1. Are wee accounted righteous and saved for our Faith when wee are thus freely called A. No but meerely by the imputation of the righteousnesse of Christ apprehended and applyed by Faith for which alone the Lord accepts us as holy and righteous Esa. 43.25 Rom.
1.17 Mark 16.16 Ephes. 5.26 Q. 3. How doe our Sacraments differ from the Sacraments of the Jewes A. Accidentally onely in things concerning the outward matter and form as their number quality clearnesse of signification and the like not essentially in the things signified or grace confirmed 1 Cor. 10.1 2 3 c. Joh. 6.35 1 Cor. 5.7 Phil. 3.3 Col. 2.11 CHAP. XXIII Of Baptisme Q. 1. Which are these Sacraments A. Baptisme and the Lords Supper Q. 2. What is Baptisme A. An a holy action appointed (1) (2) of Christ whereby being sprinkled with water in the name of the whole Trinity by a lawfull Minister of the Church b wee are admitted into the family of God c and have the benefits of the blood of Christ confirmed unto us a Matth. 28.19 Mark 16.15 16. b Act. 2.41 8.37 c Act. 2.38 39. Joh. 3.5 Rom. 6.3 4 5. 1 Cor. 12.13 Q. 3. To whom doth this Sacrament belong A. Unto all to whom the promise of the Covenant is made that is to beleevers and to their seed Act. 2.39 Gen. 17.11 12. Act. 16.15 Rom. 4.10 11. 1 Cor. 7.14 Q. 4. How can Baptisme seale the pardon of all sins to us all our personall sins following it A. Inasmuch as it is a seale of that promise which gives pardon of all to beleevers Act. 2.39 Rom. 4.11 12. CHAP. XXIV Of the Lords Supper Q. 1. What is the Lords Supper A. An a holy action instituted and (1) appointed by Christ b to set forth his death c and communicate unto us spiritually his body and blood by Faith being d represented by bread and wine e blessed by his Word and Prayer f broken (2) powred out and received of beleevers a Mat. 26.20 21 Luk. 22.14 15 16 17 18 19 20. 1 Cor. 11 23 24. b Luk. 22.19 1 Cor. 11.25 26. c Mark 14.22 23 24. 1 Cor. 11.24 25. Joh. 6.63 d 1 Cor. 11.23 25. e 1 Cor. 11.24 Mat. 26.26 f Mat. 26.26 Mark 14.22 Luk. 22.19 Q. 2. When did Christ appoint this Sacrament A. On the night wherein hee was betrayed to suffer 1 Cor. 11.23 Q. 3. Whence is the right use of it to bee learned A. From the Word (3) practice and actions of our Saviour at its institution Q. 4. What were the actions of our Saviour to bee imitated by us A. First blessing the elements by prayer secondly breaking the bread and powring out the wine thirdly distributing them to the receivers sitting in a Table gesture Matth. 26.26 Mark 14.22 Luk. 22.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.23 24. Q. 5. What were the words of Christ A. First of command Take eate secondly of promise This is my body thirdly of institution for perpetuall use This doe c. 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Q. 6. Who are to bee (4) (5) receivers of this Sacrament A. Those onely have a true right to the signes who by Faith have an holy interest in Christ the thing signifyed 1 Cor. 11.27 28 29. Joh. 6.63 Q. 7. Do the elements remain bread and wine still after the blessing of them A. Yes all the spirituall change is wrought by the Faith of the Receiver not the words of the giver to them that beleeve they are the body and blood of Christ Joh. 6.63 1 Cor. 10.4 11.29 CHAP. XXV Of the Communion of Saints the fifth priviledge of beleevers Q 1. What is the communion of Saints A. An holy conjunction (1) between all Gods people wrought by their participation of the same spirit whereby wee are all made members of that one body whereof Christ is the head Câ—nt 6.9 Ier. 32.39 Ioh. 17.22 1 Cor. 12.12 Ephes. 4.3 4 5 6.13 1 Ioh. 1.3.6 7. Q. 2. Of what sort is this union A. First a spirituall and internall in the injoyment of the same spirit and graces which is the union of the Church Catholick secondly b externall and ecclesiasticall in the same outward Ordinances which is the union of particular Congregations a 1 Cor. 12.12 13. Ephes. 2.16 19 20 21 22. 1 Cor. 10.17 Ioh. 17.11.21 22. Ioh. 10.16 Heb. 2.11 b 1 Cor. 1.10 11. Rom. 12.5 1 Cor. 12.27 28. Ephes. 4.11 12 13. Phil. 2.2 Col. 3.15 1 Pet. 3.8 CHAP. XXVI Of particular Churches Q. 1. What are particular Churches A. Peculiar a assemblies (1) (2) of Professors in one place b under Officers of Christs institution c injoying the Ordinances of God d and leading lives beseeming their holy calling a Act. 11.26 1 Cor. 4.17 11.12 2 Cor. 1.1 b Act. 20.17.28 14.23 2 Cor. 8.23 Heb. 13.17 c 1 Cor. 1.5 Revel. 2.1 2 3. d 2 Thess. 3.5.6.11 Gal. 6.16 Phil. 3.18 1 Thess. 2.12 Q. 2. What are the Ordinary Officers of such Churches A. First a Pastors or Doctors (3) to teach and exhort secondly b Elders to assist in rule and government thirdly c Deacons to provide for the poore a Rom. 12.7 8. Ephes. 4.11 1 Cor. 12.28 b Rom. 12.8 1 Tim. 5.17 c Act. 6.2 3. Q. 3. What is required of these Officers especially the chiefest or Ministers A. a That they bee faithfull in the Ministry committed unto them b sedulous in dispensing the Word c watching for the good of the soules committed to them d going before them in an example of all godlinesse and holinesse of life a 1 Cor. 4.2 Act. 20.18 19 20. b 2 Tim. 2.15 4.1 2 3 4 5. c Tit. 1.13 1 Tim. 4.15 16. d Tit. 2.7 1 Tim. 4.12 Matth. 5.16 Act. 25. Q. 4. What is required in the people unto them A. Obedience a to their message and Ministery b honour and love to their persons c maintenance to them and their families a 2 Cor. 5.20 Rom. 6.17 Heb. 13.17 2 Thess. 3.14 Rom. 16.19 2 Cor. 10.4 5 6. b 1 Cor. 4.1 Gal. 4.14 1 Tim. 5.17 18. c Luk. 10.7 Jam. 5.4 1 Tim. 5.17 18. 1 Cor. 9.9 10 11 12 13. Chap. 1. Of the Greater Chap. 2. Chap. 3. Chap. 4. Chap. 5 6. Chap. 7. Chap. 8. Chap. 9. Chap. 10. Chap. 11. Chap. 12. Chap. 13. Chap. 14. Chap. 15. Chap. 16. Chap. 17. Chap. 18. Chap. 19. Chap. 20. Chap. 21. Chap. 22. Chap. 23. Chap. 24. Chap. 25. (1) Every one out of this way everlastingly damned (2) The life of Religion is in the life (3) Popish traditions are false lights leading from God (4) The authority of the Scripture dependeth not on the authority of the Church as the Papists blaspheme (5) All humane inventions unnecessary helps in the worship of God (6) The Word therefore is the sole directory for faith worship and life (7) This alone perswadeth inwardly convinceth the heart of the divine verity of the Scripture other motives also there are from without and unanswerable arguments to prove the truth of them as I their antiquity 2 preservation from fury 3 prophesies in them 4 the holinesse and Majesty of their Doctrine agreeable to the nature of God 5 Miracles 6 the testimony of the Church
a c Prophet a Psal. 2.6 b Psal. 110.4 c Deut. 18.15 Q. Hath hee these Offices peculiarly by nature A. No hee onely received them for the present dispensation untill the work of redemption bee perfected Psal. 110.1 Act. 2.36 10.42 1 Cor. 13.12 15.27 28. Phil. 2.9 Heb. 3.2.6 2.7 8 9. Q. 3. Wherein doth the Kingly Office of Christ consist A. In a twofold power first his power of ruling in and over his Church secondly his power of subduing his enemies Psal. 110.3 4 5 6 7. Q. 4. What is his ruling power in and over his people A. That supreme authority which (3) (4) for their everlasting good hee useth towards them whereof in generall there bee two acts first a internâ—ll and spirituall in converting their soules unto him making them unto himself a willing obedient persevering people secondly b externall and ecclesiasticall in giving perfect Laws and Rules for their government as gathered into holy societies under him a Esa. 53.12 59.20 21. with Heb. 8.10 11 12. Esa. 61.1 2. Ioh. 1.16 12.32 Mark 1.15 Mat. 28.20 2 Cor. 10.4 5. b Mat. 16.19 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephes. 4.8 9 10 11 12 13 14. 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Revel. 22.18 19. Q. 5. How many are the acts of his Kingly power towards his enemies A. Two also first a internall by the (5) mighty working of his Word and the spirit of bondage upon their hearts convincing amazing terrifying their consciences hardning their spirits for ruine secondly b externall in judgements and vengeance which oft times hee beginneth in this life and will continue unto eternity a Psal. 110. Ioh. 6.46 8 59. 9.41 12.40 2 Cor. 10.4 5 6. 1 Cor. 5.6 1 Tim. 1.20 b Mark 16.16 Luk. 19.21 Act. 13.11 Revel. 17.14 CHAP. XII Of Christs Priestly Office Q. 1. By what meanes did Jesus Christ undertake the Office of an eternall Priest A. By a the Decree Ordination and will of God his Father b whereunto hee yeelded voluntary obedience so c that concerning this there was a compact and Covenant between them a Psal. 110.4 Heb. 4.5 6. 7.17 18. b Esa. 50.4 5 6. Heb. 10 5 6 7 8 9 10. c Psal. 2.7 8. Esa. 53.8 10 11 12. Phil. 2.7 9. Heb. 12.2 Ioh. 17.2 4. Q. 2. Wherein doth his execution of this Office consist A. In bringing his people unto God Heb. 2.10 and 4 15. and 7.25 Q. 3. What are the parts of it A. First a oblation secondly b intercession (1) a Heb. 9.13 b Heb. 7.25 Q. 4. What is the oblation of Christ A. The a offering up of himselfe upon the Altar of the Crosse an holy propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of all the Elect throughout the world as b also the presentation of himself for us in Heaven sprinkled with the blood of the Covenant a Esa. 53.10.12 Ioh. 3.16 11.51 52. 17.19 Heb. 9.13 14. b Heb. 9.24 Q. Whereby doth this oblation doe good unto us A. Divers wayes first in that it satisfyed the justice of God secondly it redeemed us from the power of sin death and hell thirdly it ratifyed the new Covenant of grace fourthly it procured for us grace here and glory hereafter by all which means the peace and reconciliation betweene God and us is wrought Ephes. 2.14 15. Q. 6. How did the oblation of Christ satisfie Gods justice for our sin A. In that for us hee underwent the (2) punishment due to our sin Esa. 53.4 5 6. Ioh. 10.11 Rom. 3.25 26. 4.25 1 Cor. 15.3 2 Cor. 5.21 Ephes. 5.2 1 Pet. 2.24 Q. 7. What was that punishment A. The wrath of God the curse (3) of the Law the paines of hell due to sinners in body and soule Gen. 2.17 Deut. 27.27 Esa. 59.2 Rom. 5.12 Ephes. 2.3 Ioh. 3.36 Hâ—b. 2.14 Q. Did Christ undergoe all these A. Yes in respect of the greatnesse (4) and extremity not the eternity and continuance of those paines for it was impossible hee should bee holden of death Matth. 26.38 39. Mark 14.33 15.34 Gal. 3.13 Ephes. 2.16 Col. 1.20 Heb. 5.7 Psal. 18 5. Q. 9. How could the punishment of one satisfie for the offence of all A. In that hee was not a meere (5) man onely but God also of infinite more value then all those who had offended Rom. 5.9 Heb. 9.26 1 Pet. 3.18 Q. 10. How did the oblation of Christ redeem us from death and hell A. First a by paying a ransome (6) to God the Judge and Law-giver who had condemned us secondly b by overcomming and spoyling Satan death and the powers of hell that detained us captives a Matth. 20.28 Ioh. 6.38 Mark 10.4 5. Rom. 3.25 1 Cor. 6.20 Gal. 3.13 Ephes. 1.7 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 10.9 b Ioh. 5.24 Col. 2.13 14 15. 1 Thess. 1.10 Heb. 2.14 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Q. 11. What was the ransome that Christ paid for us A. His own pretious blood Act. 20.28 1 Pet. â— 19 Q. 12. How was the new Covenant ratifyed in his blood A. By being accompanyed with (7) his death for that as all other Testaments was to bee ratifyed by the death of the Testator Gen. 22.18 Heb. 9.16 8.10 11 12. Q. 13. What is this new Covenant A. The gratious free immutable promise of God made unto all his Elect fallen in Adam to b give them Jesus Christ and c in him mercy pardon grace and glory d with a restipulation of Faith from them unto this promise and new obedience a Gen. 3.15 Ier. 31.32 33 34. 32.40 Heb. 8.10 11 12. b Gal. 3.8.16 Gen. 12.3 c Rom. 8.32 Ephes. 1.3 4. d Mar. 16.16 Ioh. 1.12 10.27 28. Q. 14. How did Christ procure for us grace faith and glory (9) A. By the way of purchase (8) and merit for the death of Christ deservedly procured of God that hee should blesse us with all spirituall blessings needfull for our comming unto him Esa. 53.11 12. Ioh. 17.2 Act. 20.28 Rom. 5.17 18. Ephes. 2.15 16. 1.4 Phil. 1.29 Tit. 2.14 Revel. 1.5 6. Q. 15. What is the intercession of Christ A. His continuall soliciting (10) of God on our behalf begun here in fervent prayers continued in Heaven by appearing as our advocate at the Throne of Grace Psal. 2.8 Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.25 9.24 10.19 20 21. 1 Joh. 2.1 2. Joh. 17. CHAP. XIII Of Christs Propheticall Office Q. 1. Wherein doth the propheticall Office of Christ consist A. In his Embassage (1) from God to man revealing from the bosome of his Father the whole mystery of godlinesse the way and Truth whereby wee must come unto God Matth. 5. Joh. 1.18 3.32 10.9.14 14.5 6. 17.8 18.37 Q. 2. How doth hee exercise this Office towards us A. By making known (2) the whole Doctrine of truth unto us in a saving and spirituall manner Deut. 18.18 Esa. 42.6 Heb. 3.1 Q 3. By what means doth hee perform