THE Catechism OR BRIEF INSTRUCTION In the Faith AND Order Of the Gospel For the CHURCH of CHRIST Meeting at Horsly-Down in Southwark 1 JOHN II. I have written unto you Fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you Young Men because ye are strong and the Word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one I have written unto you Little Children because your sins are forgiven you for his Name sake and ye have known the Father LONDON Printed for the Use of the Church 1700. THE CONTENTS OF THE Catechism THIS Catechism contains Seven Lessons which by degrees lead into the Knowledge of the Truth as it is in JESUS The First Lesson opens with a Discovery of God that his Awe may be upon the Heart The Second Lesson speaks of the Decrees of God and his Creation that in some measure they may be understood Afterwards The Third Lesson makes known the Fall of Man with the Bitter Fruits of it to humble and abase the heart before God And then in The Fourth Lesson Comfort is administred from the Glad Tidings of Redemption by the Person of Christ And that this Salvation may not only be heard of but felt The Fifth Lesson explains the Manner of the Application of this Redemption by Faith to the Soul which savingly experienc'd will draw forth Desires to understand The Sixth Lesson In which the good Old Law and Gospel of God are briefly cleared up and distinguisht the good knowledge whereof will lead down to The Seventh and last Lesson containing some Light about The great Duty of glorifying God in his Churches which hereafter if God will may be more fully Explain'd This great Duty all Christians should covet to understand since in the Church only can they give most Glory to Christ and partake most of his Glory in this Life And thro' these Gates of Heaven upright Souls have an abundant Entrance administred to them into the Eternal Joy of their Lord and Master with a brief Account whereof the Catechism concludes The Former Part of the Catechism contains those Truths that are more generally receiv'd which are given in shorter Lessons and shorter Answers as Milk for Babes By the good Digestion of which the Capacity will be enlarg'd to receive the Truths that follow which are contain'd in larger Lessons and longer Answers that the Truth might be kept in an intire Proposition and not mangled by many Questions and for this there was a more special Necessity in the instruction about glorifying God in his Churches Which is the strong meat belonging to them that are of more full age who by reason of Use have their Sences exercise to discern both good and evil Upon this strong man the spiritual man will heartily feed for only Babes 〈◊〉 carnal feed altogether upon Milk The First Lesso n. Of GOD. Question 1. WHAT are You Answer By Nature I am a poor lost Sinner against God Rom. 3.9 to 20. Eph. 2.1.3.12 Question 2. What is God Answer GOD is the Eternal John 4.24 Rom. 1.20 Isa 44.24 Dan. 4.35 1 Tim. 6.16 Almighty Spirit who made All things by His Power and orders All things by his Providence whom no Man hath seen or can see Question 3. How then shall we know God Answer Rom. 1.19 20. Psal 19. all Psal 138.2 GOD is known partly by conscience within us and by his Works without us But more fully by his Written Word Question 4. How shall we know God Conscience within us Answer GOD hath shown all Men somewhat of Himself by Natural Reason Rom. 2.14 15. Prov. 20.27 Rom. 1.21 and Conscience within them witnessing â—ho darkly that there is a Just and â—oly God Question 5. How do the Works of God make him known Answer Psalm 8. all Jer. 10.12 Acts 14.17 Rom. 1.20 The Heavens the Earth the Seas and all things therein shew forth the Power Wisdom and Goodness of GOD the Maker of all so that All are without Excuse Question 6. How doth the Written Word reveal God more clearly Answer 1 John 5.7 Isa 43.10 11. 1 Thess 1.9 Psal 83.18 Psal 96.5 1 Cor. 8.4.6 The Written Word of God reveals That there are Three in Heaven the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit and these Three are One Living and True GOD whose Name alone is JEHOVAH and all other Gods are Idols Question 7. How can it be that there are Three Persons in the Godhead and yet but ONE God Answer Job 11.7 8.9.36.26.37.19 23 24. Prov. 30.4 5. 'T is impossible for any Man to comprehend the unsearchable Mystery of the Trinity in Unity or Three Persons in the Godhead We should therefore readily believe whatsoever GOD reveals of Himself in His Word since none in all his Creation can find him out to Perfection 2 Chro. 20.20 The Second Lesson About the Decrees and Creation Question 1. WHY did God create all things Answer GOD the Father Son Isa 57.15 1 Tim. 6.16 Col. 1.16 Rev. 4.11 and Holy Spirit Blessed and Happy in the Enjoyment of Himself from all Eternity Decreed to Create all things to show forth his Glory in Christ Jesus Question 2. What are God's Eternal Decrees Answer Acts 15.18.17.26 Isa 14.24.46.10 GOD's Eternal Decrees are his Purpose and his Counsel in himself before any thing was fore-ordaining all Persons and Things that ever should be Question 3. When did God make all things Answer Gen. 1.1.9 10 31. In the beginning God created the Heaven the Earth the Seas and all things therein in Six Days Question 4. Of what did God make all things Answer Job 26.7 Heb. 11.3 GOD made all things of Nothing so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Question 5. How did God create all things Answer John 1.3 Heb. 1.2 10. Col. 1.16 GOD created all things by his Son Jesus Christ whom he appointed Lord and Heir of all Question 6. In what State did God make all things Answer Gen. 1.27.31 Eccl. 7.29 GOD made Angels and Man and all things very good Question 7. What are Angels Answer Heb. 1.7.14 Psal 103.20.104.4 Angels are Ministring Spirits mighty in Strength to wait about the Throne of GOD and to do all his Commands Question 8. What Creature is Man Answer GOD form'd Man of the Dust of the ground Gen. 2.7 Matth. 10.28 Gen. 1.27 Eccl. 7.29 Gen. 3.20 and gave him an immortal Soul so God created Man in his own Image upright Male and Female Created he them and they were call'd Adam and Eve Question 9. What did God do with Man when he made him Answer The Lord God took Man and put him into the Garden of Eden Gen. 2.8.16 17 and gave him a Law * Note 'T was a Law given to Man not a Covenant of Works made with Man forbidding him to eat of the Tree of Knowledge for in the day he eat thereof
believes for which Suretiship-Righteousness all his Sins are pardon'd and he is accounted perfectly righteous in the sight of God and so being justified by faith hath Peace with GOD. Question 13. How are we Adopted what is Adoption Answer In Adoption GOD by his free Grace takes the poor Sinner out of the sinful Family of the First Adam Acts 26.18 Rom. 8.15.17 Gal. 4.7 John 1.12 1 John 3.1 2. Matth. 3.17 1 Cor. 3.21 23 and makes him a Child of God and Joint-heir with Christ the Second Adam his well-beloved Son in whom he hath a right to all the Priviledges of the Sons of GOD. Question 14. How are Believers sanctified what is Sanctification Answer Rom. 8.29 Eph. 4.23 24. 2 Cor. 5.17 1 Joh. 4.19 2 Cor. 7.11 Ezek. 36.31 Rom. 6.17 21 22. In Sanctification the Holy Spirit restores the Image of GOD in the heart of a poor Sinner making him a New Creature renewing the Spirit of his Mind in all Holiness and true Righteousness to love God to repent of all Sin by loathing it and turning from it and with the heart to obey the Law of God Question 15. When are Believers glorify'd what 's Glorification Answer Glorification is the enjoyment of God for ever in Heaven by them who have in this life done his holy will John 17.5 24. Acts 13.36 2 Cor. 5.1 2 4. Heb. 2.10 1 Cor. 15 chap. Phil. 3.21 Matth. 25.34 c. 1 Thess 4.17 whose Souls at death are made perfect in Holiness and their bodies being rais'd in Glory at the great day both Soul and Body shall be united and they being openly acknowledg'd by Christ shall be for ever with the Lord The Sixth Lesson About the Law and the Gospel Question 1. HOW shall we know the whole Will of God that we may do it Answer The whole Will of God is reveal'd in his written Word Hos 8.12 Isa 8.20 Eph. 2.20 1 Tim. 4.7 Tit. 1.14 Gal. 6.16 2 Tim. 3.15.17 containing all the Books of the Old and New Testament the Apocrypha being to be rejected as profane Old Wives Fables which turn from the Truth This Word is the perfect Rule or Canon which is able to make even a Child wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Jesus Christ Question 2. Why are the Scriptures call'd the Old and the New Testament Answer The Scriptures are call'd the Old and New Testament as they testifie of the whole Will of God Isa 8.20 both under the first Testament Heb. 8.6 to 13. or Church-Covenant before Christ came in the Flesh and since under the Second Testament or Church-Covenant enlarg'd and renew'd by Christ wherein 1st Col. 2.14 All the outward Levitical Ceremonies in the first Church-Covenant are taken away 2dly Rom. 15.8 Yet all their Spiritual Priviledges in that Covenant are confirm'd to us and our Seed 3dly 2 Cor. 3.7 11. And glorious Additions are made of Gospel-Grace to the Church Question 3. How shall we know the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God Answer Mat. 16.17 John 16.3 1 John 2.20 ch 5.6 Luke 24.32 1 Cor. 2.14 2 Pet. 1.19.21 The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are only known aright to be the Word of God by the witnessing of the Spirit of God in the Heart to the Testimony which they give of their heavenly Majesty and undoubted Divinity Question 4. How shall we come to understand the Mind of God in his Word Answer 1 Tim. 4.13.15 Acts 37.11 John 5.39 Ps 119.9 18. Eph. 1.17 18. 1 Cor. 2.12 13. We shall come to a right Understanding of the Mind of God in his Word by diligent reading hearing searching and meditating therein will constant Prayer to God for Wisdom comparing Scripture with Scripture by the help of the Holy Spirit Question 5. But will not the Learning of Men help to understand the Word of God Answer A knowledge of the Hebrew and the Greek Tongues in which the Scriptures were first written may be of use to understand the Letter of them Col. 2.8 1 Cor. 8.1 2. ch 1.19 21. ch 2.4 10 11. Luke 24.45 but Philosophy and other Learning puffs up and leads from a dependance on the Spirit who only can open our Understanding in the Scriptures Question 6. What are the chief Parts of the Word of God Answer The whole Word of God may be divided into Law and Gospel Isa 8.20 with 1 Cor. 2.1 Luke 24.27 with Act. 10.43 Gal. 3.8 10. Psal 119.96 both which are to be found both in the Old Testament and in the New the Historical and every other part of the Word referring and having a respect some way or other either to Law or Gospel Question 7. What is the Law Answer The Law consists of all the Commands and Threatnings in all the Bible Psal 119.96 1 Tim. 1.8 9.10 Gal. 3.10 Exod. 20. all Mat. 5 6 and 7 chap. not only in the Old Testament but in the New also all which are briefly summ'd up in the Ten Commandments given by Moses and explained by Christ his Apostles and Prophets Question 8. What is the Summ of the Ten Commandments Answer The Ten Commandments briefly summ up our Duty to God and Man Eccles 12.13 Deut. 10.12 13. with Mat. 22.37 38 39 40. Rom. 13.10 all which are contained in these Words of our Saviour Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind and with all thy Strength and thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self for Love is the fulfilling of the Law Question 9. How shall we aright understand the Ten Commandments Answer By knowing these three Things we may come to a good Understanding of the Commands 1st Psal 119.128 Deut. 6.13 with Lev. 26.1 That every Command for Duty forbids the contrary Sin and every Command which forbids Sin obliges to the contrary Duty 2. By knowing that every Command reacheth the very Heart Rom. 7.5 7 8 14. Mat. 5.21 22 27 28. Prov. 24.9 Gen. 6.5 2 Cor. 10.5 not only forbidding the outward Sin and commanding outward Obedience but even the Thoughts and Motions of Sin within us are forbidden and the Obedience of the Heart is required therein 3. By considering that any Transgression of the Law 1 John 3.4 James 2.10 Mat. 23.23 or the least want of whatsoever the Law requires is Sin Question 10. Can any Man obey the Commandments perfectly Answer Those that think the Law forbids only outward Sins Mat. 19 20. Rom. 7.9 10 11. and know not the Spirituality of it they think that they can perform all but such as feel that the Command reacheth the very Heart Jer. 4.14 Prov. 23.16 Rom. 3.10 20. Eccl. 7.20 forbidding every sinful Thought and commanding us even in our Spirit to fear God they know and are sure that no meer Man can perfectly keep the Law Question 11. Why then were the Commands
given by Moses if no Man can perfectly obey them Answer Moses did not give the Law as a Covenant of Works that we should obey it for Life Gal. 3.24 but as a Schoolmaster for Three Ends 1st To shew us our miserable State by Nature Rom. 3.9 19. chap. 7.8 that we are all Sinners against the holy Law of God 2. To make us despair of Salvation in our selves Rom. 3.19 20. chap. 5.20 and to fly to Christ for help 3. The Law was given as a Rule of Life Psal 119.45 105 133. to order all our Conversation by at all times And this is the only right Use of the Law 1 Tim. 1.8 Question 12. What is the Gospel Answer Luke 2.10.11 Acts 20.24 Rom. 10.15 with Isa 52.7 Acts 13.23 39. chap. 3.18 The Gospel is the Glad Tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ containing all the free Promises and Invitations of Grace whether in the Old Testament or in the New Question 13. But are not Faith Repentance and Love the Commands of the Gospel Answer Acts 20.24 1 Tim. 1.5.10 Psal 19.7 8 9. Mat. 22.37 40. Mark 1.15 Gal. 3.24 The Gospel strictly taken for Glad Tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ hath no Commands Faith Repentance Love and all Duties whatsoever being commanded by the Law yet in preaching the Gospel these Commands must be urg'd to lead to Christ Question 14. But is not the Gospel a new Law offering Salvation on the easier Terms of our sincere Obedience Answer Mat. 5.17 18 19 20 Luke 16.17 Phil. 3.9 Gal. 2.16 21. It is the Heresie of the Papists and their Followers to say that the good old righteous Law of God is taken away to make room for a new Gospel Law by our sincere Obedience whereto any can be sav'd for if Righteousness comes by our Obedience to any Law Christ is dead in vain Question 15. But are not Faith Repentance and New Obedience reckoned for our Gospel Righteousness Answer Gal. 2.16 Rom. 3.20 21 22. Jer. 23.6 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 7.11 Eph. 4.22 24. The only Righteousness for which a Sinner is sav'd is the Righteousness of Christ receiv'd by Faith and imputed to us the Act of Faith doth not justifie but Christ the Object by Faith apprehended and rested upon and this Faith is ever accompanied with true Repentance and new Obedience Question 16. Then those that receive the Gospel are to do good Works Answer Those that receive the Gospel Tit. 2.11 12.3.8 14. 1 Cor. 10.31 1 Tim. 1.5 8 9. Rom. 7.12 22. 1 Cor. 9.21 Mat. 5.19 should be careful to maintain good Works done from a Principle of Faith unto God's Glory but all Commands for all good Works with all Threatnings for the neglect thereof are from the Law which is the Rule of Life to all Question 17. How shall we walk according to this Rule that we may glorifie God Answer Christ hath set up his Churches 1 Pet. 2.3 5 9 12. Luke 1.6 Mat. 12.50 Acts 2.42.11.26 Gal. 6.16 Mal. 4.4 2 Cor. 9.13 in which we should walk blameless in all the Ordinances and Commands of God not being partial in his Law but esteeming the Commands as highly in the Old Testament as in the New both being our Rule and such only are call'd Christians in the Scripture and to be accounted visible Believers who profess their Subjection to Christ in his Church The Seventh Lesson About Glorifying God in his Churches Question 1. WHat is the Church of Christ Answer The Church of Christ is either 1st The Catholick Church Eph. 1.22 23.5.25 27. 2 Thes 2.1 consisting of all and only the Elect which is and will be invisible till the Judgment-Day Or 2dly The visible Church which consisted first in Families Gen. 17.7 10. Acts 7.38 Rev. 1.11 then in the whole Nation of the Jews and since Christ ascended it consists in particular Congregations Question 2. What makes a Congregation a true Church of Christ Answer More generally and briefly two Things go to the due Constitution of every Church of Christ Scripture Faith Col. 2.5 6. and Order without both which there can be no true Church But more largely and particularly to the regular Constitution of every true Church these * Prov. 9.1 These are the Churches Seven Pillars Seven things are necessary Right Foundation Matter Form Officers Ordinances Order and Ends. SECT I. Of the Right Foundation of a Church Question 3. What is the Right Foundation of a Church of Christ Answer The right Foundation of every true Church Mat. 16.18 Isa 26.4 Marg. Eph. 2.20 2 Pet. 3.2 P s 18.2 2. Col. 2.19 1 Pet. 2.4.5 1 Cor. 3.11 is the Person of Christ the Rock of Ages on whom the Church is built according to the Precepts and Practices of the Apostles and Prophets Christ himself being the only Support and Head thereof on whom the Faith of the Church stands and all other Foundations of Money Power and Policy not being of God will fall SECT II. Of the right Matter of a Church Question 4. What is the right Matter of a Church of Christ Answer Rom. 10.9 10. 1 Cor. 1.10.7.14 Jer. 32.39 Deut. 29.10 12. 1 Cor. 14.23 and 11.20 Deut. 4.37 Psal 102.27 28. Ezek. 16.20 21. Luke 18.16 So many professing Believers of one Mind and one Judgment with their immediate Infant-Seed as can conveniently assemble together to worship in one place and no more are the only right Matter of a visible Church of God who loving the Fathers chose their Children after them therefore the Infant-Seed with Believers stand in a Relation to God in his Church for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven SECT III. Of the Right Form of a Church Quest 5. What is the right Form of a Church of Christ Answer Psal 50.5 Deut. 29.1 9 15. 2 Cor. 8.5 with 2 Chron. 23.16 and 34.31 The only right forming of a Church is by Covenant in which all do give up themselves and their Children to the Lord and to each other by his Will to be the Lord's People and to walk after him in all his ways by such a Covenant were the Churches both in the Old and in the New Testament form'd Neh. 10.1 29. with Act 11.23 Jer. 50.5 with Act. 9.26 Heb. 8.6.13 Eph. 4.3 with Ezek. 20.37 Neh. 9.38 Ezek. 43.11 call'd in God's Word the First and Second Covenant and this being the Bond of the Churches Peace it is most expedient to have written in our sight that we may keep it and do it SECT IV. Of the right Officers of a Church Quest 6. Who are the right Officers of a Church of Christ Answer Christ hath appointed for each Church only two sorts of Officers Phil. 1.1 A Pastor Deacon and 1st A Pastor Eph. 4.11 1 Pet. 5.2.3 Acts 20.28 1 Cor. 12.28 or Bishop not to Lord over but to feed teach and rule that Flock to which he is related assisted in his Work by
Elders if need be 2d Deacons to take Care of the outward Affairs of the Church Acts 6.2 3. 1 Tim. 3. all These Officers to be chosen by the Church from among themselves Acts 14.23 and by them to be ordain'd or set a part to their Work with Fasting and Praying without laying on of Hands Profit not 1 Cor. 12.7 Edifie not 1 Cor. 14.12 26 that Ceremony being no more to be us'd than washing of Feet or anointing with Oyl because the glorious Gifts that once attended it are long since ceas'd SECT V. Of the Right Ordinances of a Church Question 7. What are the Right Ordinances of a Church of Christ Answer Typify'd Ezek. 40.39 40 41 42. chap. 46.3 Ezek. 47.12 The Right Ordinances for the Worship of GOD in the Church are Eight Four being more general to be dispens'd every first day of the Week in which all may join And four more special to be confin'd to or kept within the pale of the Church and dispens'd according to the Months Question 8. What are the Four general Ordinances in which all may join Answer The Four general Ordinances are Praise Prayer Preaching And Contribution 1st Praise Psal 150.6 Eph. 5.19 Col. 3.16 By singing only the Psalms Hymns and Songs indited by the Spirit and contain'd in the Scripture 2. Prayer By the help of the Spirit without humane forms Psalm 65.2 Rom. 8.26 Matth. 6.7 9. according to the Pattern given by our Lord to his Disciples 3. Preaching By rightly dividing 2 Tim. 4.2 Acts 28.23 expounding and applying the Scriptures of Truth 4. Contribution By laying by in Store 1 Cor. 16.1 3. Heb. 13.16 as God prospers each Week to be Communicated at the Publick Gatherings Question 9. What are the Four special Ordinances confin'd only to the Church Answer The four special Ordinances confin'd by Christ within the Pale of his Church Matth. 7.6 Cant. 4.12 Matth. 16.19 Eph. 4.11 16. typify'd Eze. 46.21 24 Acts 20.28 1 Pet. 5.2 are the Two Seals call'd Sacraments and the Two Keys of the Church the Seals to be dispens'd to each Church by their own Pastour only and the Keys by their own Pastour or Elders Question 10. What are the Seals of the Church Answer The Seals of the Church are Two Baptism And the Lords Supper 1st Baptism for every Believer or Church-Member Act. 2.39 41. chap. 16.15 33. Isa 44.3 Rev. 14.1 Matth. 28.19 with Isa 52.15 1 Cor. 10.1.2 and their immediate infant-seed by sprinkling or pouring Water only on the Face in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit 2. The Lords Supper for such only in a Church as can examine themselves wherein Bread and Wine is receiv'd according to the Institution of Christ by all the Church sitting together in the Evening time Question 11. How are Baptism and the Lord's Supper call'd Seals Answer Baptism and the Lord's Supper are Seals of the Covenant 1 Cor. 10.2 3 4 that is of the Church-Covenant as they Seal to all an outward relation in the Church tho' to the Elect only they Seal Salvation 1st Baptism Seals to Church-Members Gal. 3.27 1 Cor. 1.2 7.14 with 12.12 Heb. 12.24 Ezek. 36.25 1 Pet. 3.21 and their Seed an outward relation to Christ in the Church Covenant and to the Elect also their saving-relation to Christ by his Blood sprinkled And his Spirit pour'd upon them 2. The Lords Supper seals to Church-Members 1 Cor. 10.16 17 and 11.26 their outward Relation to Christ in the Church tho' only the Elect are seal'd to Salvation therein by Christ's Body broken and his Blood shed for them Luke 22.19 20. trusted to by Faith and signify'd by the Bread and Wine Question 12. What are the Keys of the Church Answer The Keys committed by Christ to his Church are two Matth. 18.18 Fellowship And Censure 1st Fellowship Acts 2.42 Isa 2.42 Jer. 51.10 Psal 40.9 10.66.16 1 Cor. 14.12.29 31.34 in Church-Meetings is the Key for opening the Door of the Church to let in the Righteous that keep the Truth in which their Experiences are given in to the Church and the Brethren's Gifts are also exercis'd in Praying and Prophecying 2. Censure is the Key to shut the Door of the Church upon Offenders Matth. 11.15.18 Thess 5.14 2 Thess 3.6 1 Cor. 5.4.5 Psal 149.6.9 Jude 22 23. By Admonition By Withdrawing or By Cutting off in Excommunication as the Offence doth require SECT VI. Of the Right Order of a Church Question 13. What is the right Order of a Church of Christ Answer All the right Order of a Church must be taken from the written Word of God Psal 119.128 Gal. 6.16 with Mal. 4.6 2 Tim. 3 15 17 Ephes 2.20 2 Pet. 3.2 Gal. 6.16 Isa 8.20 Matth. 15.9 Zech. 7.12 Jer. 8.8 9. both from the Old Testament and New which together are the compleat Rule and Canon whereby all things must be order'd in the Church and by this Rule or Canon of the Prophets and Apostles the old Testament and the new the whole Israel of God must walk as ever they 'd have the Peace of God with them therefore all Orders Rules and Canons given by Popes Councils or any other whatsoever are confusion if not according to this Word SECT VII Of the right Ends of a Church Question 14. What are the right Ends of a Church of Christ Answer The Glory of God Ephes 3.21 1 Cor. 14.26 Col. 2.3 4. Phi. 25.10 11 Psalm 110.3 Isa 45.23 with Rom. 14.11 Ezek. 20.37 Rev. 14.1 1 John 4.3 Matth. 12.30 and the mutual Edification of his Saints without any regard to human Interest are the only right Ends all true Churches should set before them to advance which 't is the Duty of every one that hath Faith in the Heart openly to profess a willing Subjection to Christ in his Church so coming under the Bond of the Church-Covenant they take the Father's Mark in the Forehead and such only are visible Christians for he that is not for Christ by open Profession is against him Question 15. What time hath God allotted to his Church for worshipping him Answer The Lord hath appointed in his word one Day in seven for his solemn Service Gen. 2.3 Ezod 20.9 10. Matth. 12.8 Joh. 20.19 20. Acts 20.7 Rev. 1.10 Psal 118.24 Heb. 4.7 11. typify'd Ezek. 43.27 and Numb 29.35 which Day before Christ's Resurrection was the last Day of the Week but is since by the Lord of the Sabbath chang'd to the First-Day in Scripture call'd the Lord's-Day because on that Day our Lord rested from his work of Redemption therefore all Christians should keep the Lords-Day as a holy rest from Sin by attending on Christ in his publick Worship and resting in his Grace Question 16. But is there no other time for worshipping God in publick Answer The Lord hath commanded us to redeem the time Ephes 5.16 2 Tim. 4.2 as Acts 13.42 Margent Prov. 8.34 Psal 84.4 10. and to wait on him out of Season as well as in Season therefore every good Christian should improve all Opportunities on any Day of the Week for hearing the Word of God and worshipping him in the Assemblies of his Saints Question 17. But is a Christian only to worship God in publick Answer GOD hath made it the Duty of all Men to study his holy Word John 5.39 Mat. 6.5 6 7. Gen. 18.19 Jos 24.15 Eph. 6.4 18. figur'd 1 Chr. 16.40 43 Jer. 10.25 and to pray unto him in secret as well as to worship him in publick Therefore Masters of Families and Parents should instruct their Children and Servants in the holy Fear of God praying daily with their Families for the Curse of God resteth upon all those Families that Call not upon his Name Question 18. And shall all in Christ's visible Church on Earth be glorify'd in Heaven Answer There are in Christ's visible Church Two sorts of Worshippers 1st Such as Worship God hypocritically in the outward only Eze. 33.31 33. Matth. 24.51 who shall be cast down into Hell as Deceivers of others and their own Souls 2. Such as Worship God uprightly John 4.24 Matth. 25.46 John 17.24 with the heart as well as outwardly these shall be glorify'd with God for ever in Heaven Question 19. But when will the difference between the good and the bad appear Answer The Word of God declares that in the latter day Christ shall have a glorious Kingdom 2 Tim. 4.1 Dan. 2.44 Rev. 21.10.20.2 Mal. 3.17 18.4.1.3 Rev. 20.12 13 14. 2 Cor. 5.10 Math. 13.41 43.25.31 to end call'd the New Jerusalem when Satan being Chain'd up a Thousand Years we shall discern between the precious and the vile and all the Dead being rais'd in the day of Judgment shall be Sentenc'd by him the wicked into Everlasting Fire with the Devil and his Angels but the righteous he will receive into Glory with himself for ever AMEN 1 John 5.21 Little Children keep your selves from Idols Amen! 2 3 John 4. I have no greater Joy than to hear that my Children walk in Truth as We have receiv'd a Commandment from the Father Jude 24 25. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the Presence of his Glory with exceeding Joy To the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen FINIS