6. HOW many Persons are there in the Godhead A. There are three Persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in Power and Glory Q. 1. VVhat mean you by the word Godhead A. It is the Nature Essence or Being of God as the Apostle speaks Acts 17.29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone graven by art and mans device Q. 2. VVhat is a Person in the Godhead A. It is the Godhead distinguished by personal Properties each person having his distinct personal Properties Heb. 1.3 VVho being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person upholding all things by the word of his power Q. 3. How doth it appear there are three persons and no more A. First From Christ's Baptism Matt. 3.16 17. And Iesus when he was baptized went up straitway out of the water and Io the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him and lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased Q. 4. How else in the second place doth it appear A. From the Institution of our Baptism Mat. 28.19 Go ye therefore teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the father of the son and of the holy ghost Q. 5. VVhat is the third Proof from Scripture A. From the Apostolical Benediction 2 Cor. 13.14 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Where three distinct blessings are wisht from the three divine persons in the Godhead Grace from Christ Love from the Father and Communion with the Spirit Q. 7. What farther evidence is there of it in the Scripture A. From plain positive assertions of the Scripture asserting First A Trinity of Persons Secondly A Unity of Essence 1 Ioh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the father the word and the holy Ghost and these three are one Q. 7. VVhat is the first Instruction from the Trinity A. That the Doctrine of the Gospel concerning Christ is fully confirmed and ratified by three witnesses from Heaven who are above all exceptions 1 Ioh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the father the word and the Holy Ghost Q. 8. What is the second Instruction from the Trinity A. Hence we learn the true order and manner of worshipping God in the Son Ioh. 16.23 Whatsoever ye shall ask the father in my name he will give it you And by the Spirit Eph. 6.18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit Q. 9. What is the third Instruction from the Trinity A. That the Covenant of Grace conveys a rich portion to Believers in making over all three persons to them Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people Q. 10. What is the fourth Instruction from the Trinity A. That as it is the duty of all the Saints to give distinct glory to the three persons in the Godhead so it will be a special part of their blessedness in Heaven to contemplate the distinct benefits received from them all Rev. 1.5 And from Iesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Of God's Decrees Quest. 7. WHat are the Decrees of God A. The Decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his will whereby for his own glory he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass Q. 1. What things are Decreed of God A. All things whatsoever come to pass even the smallest Eph. 1.11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all thing after the counsel of his own will Q. 2. What is the End of God's Decrees A. The Glory of his own Name Eph. 1.11 12. Who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will that we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ. Q. 3. But there are some evil things done in the World do they fall under God's Decree A. Though God doth neither approve them nor necessitate men to commit them yet he doth permit and suffer them to be done and will turn them to his own Glory Acts 4.27 28. For of a truth against thy holy child Iesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel are gathered together for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done Q. 4. Who are the Objects of God's Special Decrees A. Angels and Men are the Objects of God's Special Decrees 1 Tim. 5.21 I charge thee before God and the Lord Iesus Christ and the elect angels that thou observe these things c. Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect Q. 5. What is the First Property of God's Decrees A. That they are most wise Acts of God laid in the depth of Wisdom and Counsel Rom. 11.33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out Q. 6. What is the Second Property of God's Decrees A. The Decrees of God are most free all flowing from the meer pleasure of his Will Rom. 9.18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth Q 7. What is the Third Property of God's Decrees A. They are most firm and stable 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his Zech. 6.1 Q. 8. What is the fourth Property of God's Decrees A. They are eternal and before all time Acts 15.18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world Q. 9. VVhat is th Fifth Property of God's Decrees A. They are most pure and altogether unspotted of sin 1 John 1.5 This is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you That God ie light and in him is no darkness at all Q. 10. VVhat is the First Instruction from God's Decrees A. That we ought to ascribe nothing to Chance but to the appointment or providence of God Prov. 16.33 The lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Q. 11. VVhat is the Second Instruction from God's Decrees A. That God's hand is to be acknowledged in the greatest Afflictions that befalls us 2 Sam. 16.11
Author of Sanctification A. God only Iude ver 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father Q. 3. What is the instrument of it A. The Word of God Iohn 17.17 Sanctify them througâ— thy truth thy word is truth Q. 4 What part of man is sanctified A. Every part both of the Soul and Body 1 Thes. 5.23 And the very God of peace sanctâ—â—y you wâ—olly and I pray God your whole spirit soul and body be prâ—served blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ Q. 5. Is Sanctification perfected at once A. No but by degrees 2 Pet. 3.18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ. Q. 6. VVhen will it be made perfect A. When we come to Heaven and not before 1 Cor. 13.10 11. But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away Q. 7. What are the signs of true Sanctification A. When it runs into all parts of our Conversation 1 Pet. 1.15 But as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Secondly And continues to the end Rev. 22.11 Let him that is holy be holy still Q. 8. What is the inseparable companion of Sanctification A. Righteousness towards men Luke 1.74 75. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life Q. 9. What is opposite to Sanctification A. All filthiness of Flesh and Spirit 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit Q. 10. What is the priviledge of the sanctified A. They are all elected and shall be glorified 1 Pet. 1. 2 4 Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the father through sanctification of the spirit to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you Q. 11. What is the case of them who live and die unsanctified A. They shall never see God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and boliness without which no man shall see the Lord. Q. 12. What differenceth true from pretended Sanctification A. True Sanctification purgeth the heart from the love of sin Rom. 7.15 For that which I do I allow not And the life from the dominion of sin â—om â—â— 19. As ye have yielded your members servants to 〈◊〉 and to iniquity unto iniquity even so now yield youâ— members servants to righteousness unto holiness Q. 13. May great sinners be sanctâ—fied A. Yes the Spirit of God can sanctify the vilest heart 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified Of Assurance the fruit of Iustification Quest. 36. WHAT are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or â—low from Iustification Adoption and Sanctification A. The benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from Iustification Adoption and Sanctification are assurance of God's love peace of Conscience joy in the Holy Ghost increase of Grace and perseverance therein to the end Q. 1. Is Assurance possible to be attained in this Life A. Yes for fome have had it Cant. 6.3 I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine And all Christians are commanded to strive for it 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather â—rethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure Q. 2. How many sorts of assurance are there A. There is an objective Assurance 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his And a subjective or personal Assurance Gal. 2.20 Who loved me and gave himself for me Q. 3. Is personal Assurance perfect in this Life A. No it admits of doubts and fears which interrupts it and it is not always at one height 1 Cor. 13.10 When that which is psrfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away Q. 4. On what Testimony is personal Assurance built A. Upon the Testimony of God's Spirit witnessing with ours Rom. â— 16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God Q. 5. Doth the Spirit make use of signs in us to 〈◊〉 us A. Yes Ordinarily he doth 1 Iohn 3.14 We know thâ—â— we are passed from death to life because we love the brethren Aâ— ver 24. Hereby we know that he abideth in us by the spirit whicâ— he hath given us Q. 6. How is true assurance discerned from presumption A. True assurance humbles the Soul Gal. 2.20 I 〈◊〉 crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Chriâ—â— liveth in me And makes the Soul afraid of Sin 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse 〈◊〉 selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness iâ— the fear of God Q. 7. What is the usual season of Assurance A. The time of greatest sufferings for Christ. 1 Pet. 4.14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ happy 〈◊〉 ye for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you Q. 8. Is personal Assurance absolutely necessary to Salvation A. No a man may be saved and in Christ without it Isa. 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upâ—â— his God Q. 9. What is the fruit of Assurance A. Joy unspeakable amidst outward Troubles Rom. 5.11 And not only so but we also joy in God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom we have now received the atonement Q. 10. What sins usually eclipse our Assurance A. Negligence in duty starves it 2 Pet. 1.10 Give diligence to make your calling and election sure For if ye do these things ye shall never fall And sinning against light stabs it Psal. 51.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bonâ— which thou hast broken may rejoyce Q. 11. What is the first Inference from this Doctrine A. That no unregenerate Person can have any Assurance for it is the fruit of Justification Adoption and Sanctification Q. 12. What is the second inference A. That all the Joys of Heaven are not to come buâ— â—ome communicated in this life 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 13. What is the third inference A. That assured Believers need to be circumspect persons that they grieve not the Spirit Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the holy spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption Of Peace of Conscience Quest. 1. WHat doth the word Peace signify in Scripture A. In the Language of the Old Testament it signifies all temporal good 1 Sam. 25.6 Peace be both to thee and peace be to thine house and peace be unto
and prayer some concomitant as due diligence and retention and some subsequent as practise Q. 3. What is due preparation â—or hearing A. It consists in serious consideration of the greatness and holiness of that God whom we approach in hearing the Word Acts 10.33 Now therefore we are all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God And awing the heart even to a degree of holy trembling thereby Isa. 66.2 To him will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word Q. 4. What 's the principal consideration thus to awe the heart A. The Word is in its own nature an heart-searching Word Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joynts and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart And that eventually 't will be the savour of Life or Death to us 2 Cor. 2.16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death and to the other the savour of life unto life c. Q. 5. What else belongs to due preparation to hear A. The discharging of the heart from worldly cares Matth. 13.7 And some fell among thorns and the thorns sprang up and choaked them And carnal lusts Iam. 1.21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the engraffed word which is able to save your souls Q. 6. What 's the third act of due preparation A. Longing after the Word for further communications of Grace by it 1 Pet. 2.2 As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby Isa. 2.3 And many people shall go and say come ye and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord to the house of the God of Iacob and he will teach us of his wayes and we will walk in his paths for out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem Q. 7. What 's the second antecedent duty of hearing A. Prayer is an antecedent duty to hearing the Word and that both for the assistance of the Minister 2 Thess. 3.1 Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you And our own illumination Psal. 119.18 Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law Q. 8. What else should we pray for A. That God would pour out his Spirit with the Word according to that promise Prov. 1.23 I will pour out my spirit unto you I will make known my words unto you Q. 9. Doth unpreparedness for the Word alwayes hinder its efficacy on the heart A. No God sometimes is found of them that sought him not Isa. 65.1 I was found of them that sought me not c. But it is a sin to neglect it and needs a pardon of God Q. 10. What 's the first motive to prepare for solemn duties A. That it argues the sincerity of the heart and in that case God will be merciful to infirmities 2 Chron. 30.18 19. For a multitude of the people even a multitude of Ephraim and Manasseth Issachar and Zebuluâ— had not cleansed themselves yet did eat the passover but not as it is written Wherefore Hezekiah prayed for them saying the good Lord be merciful towards him that prepareth his whole heart to seek the Lord God the God of his fathers though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary Q. 11. What 's the second motive A. 'T is a sweet sign that God will make that duty successful for which the heart is prepared Psal. 10.17 Thou preparest their heart thou bendest thine ear to them Q. 12. What 's the third motive to preparation A. The majesty and jealousie of God to whom we approach obliges us to solemn preparation Heb. 12.28 29. Whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear for our God is a consuming fire Q. 13. But must a man neglect the duty if his heart be not duly prepared for it A. No for that would be to add a new sin to a former and aggravate it the more Q. 14. In what manner must the prepared heart go to the word A. Not in dependance on its own preparations but upon the Spirits assistance Psal. 71.16 I will go forward in the strength of the Lord God c. Q. 15. What 's the first act of Faith due to the Word A. The assenting act of Faith is required to the Word read or preached whereby we acknowledge it to be of Divine Authority 2 Tim. 3.16 And without controversie great is the mistery of godliness God was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit seen of angels preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world received up into glory 2 Pet. 1.21 For the prophesie came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Q. 16. What 's the second act of Faith required of us A. An applying act of Faith is also required of us Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that we through patience and comâ—ort of the scriptures might have hope Q. 17. What 's the first end in applying the Word A. It is first to be applyed to our conviction both of sin and misery Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles men and brethren what shall we do Q. 18. What 's the second end or use of applying it A. It must be applyed for our guidance and direction to Christ Iohn 6.4 5. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me Q. 19. What 's the third use to which it must be applyed A. We must apply it for our direction through the whole course of Christian Duties 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts Q. 20. What other use must we apply it to A. It must be applyed for our comfort in all inward and outward troubles Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope Q. 21. On what account are we to receive it with love A. We are to love it for its Authors sake because it 's the Word of God Psalm 119.159 Consider how I love thy precepts c. Q. 22. What 's the second motive of love to the Word A. The holiness and purity of it deserves and engages our love to it Psal. 119.140 Thy word is very pure therefore thy
AN EXPOSITION OF THE Assemblies Catechism WITH PRACTICAL INFERENCES From each QUESTION As it was carried on in the Lords Days Exercises in DARTMOUTH In the First Year of Liberty 1688. By IOHN FLAVELL Preacher of the Gospel in DARTMOUTH 2 Tim. 1.13 Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Iesus LONDON Printed for Tho. Cockerill at the Three Legs in the Poultry over against Stocks-Market 1692. And because the Answers therein are some of them pretty large and Treat of the most profound Mysteries of our Religion therefore several Persons have bestowed their good and laudable Pains some in descanting more largely and proving by Scriptural Reasons the Particulars and one has shewn the harmony thereof with the Articles and Homilies of the Church of England designed I suppose to remove the prejudice which some have taken against it Others have parted the Questions and Answers into several little ones under each to make them more intelligible to younger ones and more easy to be remembred Among whom Worthy Orthodox and Excellent Mr. Iohn Flavell may be ranked who among other of his many and most profitable Labours applied himself to the chewing of this Bread of Life or crumbling it into smaller pieces for the Cenveniency of Children and indeed of all wherein as in all his other Works he hath shewn himself a Workman that needs not to be ashamed There needs no other recommendations to this Posthumus Piece but the worthy Author's Name he was removed before he had compleatly finished it he had prepared his Questions and Answers upon the second Petition of the Lord's Prayer but lived not to propose them in the publick Congregation God then translated him into his Kingdom of Glory above while he was so industriously endeavouring to promote the Kingdom of Grace below The other five remaining Questions and Answers to compleat the Work were done by a ruder hand as may easily be discerned by any observant Reader who will find himself transfer'd from a plain clear and delightful Stile method and manner into more rough disorderly and unpleasant ones for who indeed could equal this Divine Labourer Not the Compleater who would account himself to have made very great Attainments in Divinity and Usefulness if he were left but a few furlongs behind him Let the Reader use and peruse this Piece and he will see cause to bless God for the Author VALE TO THE READER THE Divine Providence having unexpectedly cast my Lot for a few Days in Dartmouth where that blessed man of God Mr. John Flavell did for many years honour Christ and was honoured by him I have been favoured with a sight of that most judicious Explication of the Assemblies Catechism which is emitted herewith Being desired to testify my Respect to the worthy Author by Prefacing this Excellent Labour of his with a few Lines I can truly say as sometimes Beza of Calvin Now Mr. Flavell is dead Life will be less sweet and Death less bitter to me My heart bleeds to look on this desolate Place and not to see him that whilst living was the glory of it But neither the Author nor his Writings stand in need of the commendation of others much less of mine His Works already published have made his Name precious in both Englands and it will be so as long as the Earth shall endure There are some considerations which may cause the Reader to expect and he will not find himself disappointed therein that which is extraordinary in this little Manuel for the Author's Heart was very much engaged in doing this Service for Christ in thus feeding his Lambs And he did himself design the Publication of what is here committed to the Press and was very desirous with an holy submission to the Will of God to have perfected this Work before his Decease but had strange intimations that he should finish his Course before that could be done When he did viva voce deliver his Meditations there were many Enlargements and lively Passages which are not here inserted nevertheless here is as much as he thought needful for publick view not being willing that his Book should be Voluminous In his last Catechetical Exercise concerning Hallowing the Name of God he was exceedingly enlarged but he must himself go into the Kingdom of Glory when he intended to have discoursed on that Petition Thy Kingdom come He also began some Meditations on the Joys of Heaven But before he had an opportunity to express what had been in his Heart the Lord Iesus said unto him Enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord. And thus doth it happen many times to the eminent and holy Servants of God Another Consideration recommending what comes herewith is that it was amongst Mr. Flavell's last Works The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Last Sayings of wise and great Men have been esteemed Oraculous and the Scripture puts an Emphasis on the last Words of David the sweet singer of Israel 2 Sam. 23.1 Not that those were the last words that ever David spake only they were written not long before his Death when he was come near Heaven So was what is now put into the Reader 's Hand written by Mr. Flavell not long before his translation to the World of Souls where the Spirits of Iust men are made perfect There was a more than ordinary presence of God with him to his last and in his last Days not the last Sermon that he preached which was June 21. 1691. He did more than once surprize his Hearers with an Intimation that that might be the last time he should speak to them in the Name of the Lord. And was not then the Secret of the Lord with him Dartmouth will know and Devonshire will know that there has been a Prophet among them And now my Soul bleeds to Look on the dear Flock of God which are as Sheep without a Shepherd The Lord Iesus the great Shepherd of the Sheep bave compassion on them and give them a Shepherd like to his blessed Servant Flavell who did for many years feed them with Knowledge and with Understanding Dartmouth March the 21th 1691 2. Increase Mather AN EXPOSITION OF THE Assemblies Shorter Catechism 1 Question Of Man's Chief End WHat is the Chief End of Man A. Man's Chief End is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever Q. 1. Seeing a Chief supposeth an inferior End What is that inferior End for which man was made A. It was prudently soberly and mercifully to govern use and dispose of other Creatures in the Earth Sea and Air over which God gave man the Dominion Gen. 1.26 And God said Let us make man in our Image after our likeness and let them have domonion over the Fish of the Sea and over the Fowl of the Air and over the Cattel and over all the Earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the Earth So Psal. 8.6 Thou madest him to have dominion over
on his designs in the world All time is in the hand of the Eternal God Rev. 12.12 The devil is come down unto you having great wrath because he kiâ—weth that he hath but a short time Of God's Vnchangeableness Quest. 1. WHAT Scriptures plainly assert this Attribute A. Exod. 3.14 And God said unto Moses I AM that I AM. Dan 6.26 For he is the living God and stedfast for ever Iam. 1.17 With whom is no varâ—ableness neither shadow of turning Q. 2. Whence doth God's Immutability flow A. The Immutability of God flows from the perfection of his Nature to which nothing can be added and from which nothing can be taken away If any thing could be added to make him better than he is or if any thing could be taken away to make him less good than he is then he were not the chiefest Good and consequently not God Q 3. By what other Argument prove you his Immutability A. I prove it from the Eternity of God If God be eternal he must be immutable for if he change by addition of something to him he had not before then there is something in God which he had not from Eternity And if he change by diminution then there was something in God from Eternity which now is not but from everlasting to everlasting he is the same God and therefore changeth not Q. 4. Bus it is said God repents and Repentance is a change How then is he unchangeable and yet repents A. In those Phrases God speaks to us as we must speak of and to him not properly but after the manner of men and it only notes a change in his outward providence not in his nature Q. 5. But how could God become man and yet no change made on him A. There is a twofold change one active made by God that we allow He made a change upon our nature by uniting it to Christ but a passive change made upon God we deny The nature of man was made more excellent but the Divine Nature was still the same Q 6. VVhat is the first Instruction from God's Immutability A. That those that are most unchangeable in holiness are most like God Let him that is holy be holy still Q. 7. VVhat is the second Instruction from hence A. That the happiness of God's people is firm and sure being still upon the word of an unchangeable God Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed Heb. 6.18 Q. 8. VVhat is the third Instruction from this Attribute A. That the hopes of all wicked men are vain being built upon a presumption that God will not deal with them as he hath threatned he will do Q. 9. VVhat is the last Instruction from God's Immutability A. That Christians may take as much encouragement now from the nature word and providence of God as the Saints in any former Generation did or might do for he is the same now he was then Of God's Wisdom Quest. 1. How manifold is the wisdom of God A. There is a personal and essential wisdom of God the personal wisdom is the Son of God 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God Col. 2.3 In whom are laid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge The essential wisdom of God is the essence of God of which this Question speaks Q. 2. VVhat is the Essential wisdom of God A. The Essential wisdom of God is his most exact and perfect knowledge of Himself and all his Creatures and his ordering and disposing them in the most convenient manner to the Glory of his own Name Ephes. 1.11 According to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the councel of his own will Q 3. VVhat is the first property of God's wisdom A. The first property is he is only wise Rom. 16.27 To God only wise be glory And whatsoever wisdom is in Angels or Men is all derived and borrowed from God but his from none Isa. 40.14 VVith whom took he counsel and who instructâ—d him and taught him in the path of judgment and taught him knowledge and shewed to him the way of understanding Q. 4. VVhat is the second property of God's wisdom A. The second property is That he is incomprehensible in his wisdom Rom. 11.33 34. Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God c. Q. 5. VVhat is the third property of the wisdom of God A. The third property is That God is perfectly wise which no Creatures no not the very Angels in Heaven are Iob 4.18 And his Angels he chargeth with folly Q. 6. VVhat is the most glorious and eminent discovery of the wisdom of God A. The most glorious display of the wisdom of God was in the work of our Redemption by Jesus Christ. Col. 2.3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the wisdom of God Q. 7. VVhat is the first Instruction from God's wisdom A. The first Instruction is That God is a fit object of our trust dependance and resignation Isa. 30.18 And therefore will the Lord wait that he may be gracious unto you and therefore will he be exalted that he may have mercy upon you for the Lord is a God of judgment blessed are all they that wait for him Q. 8. VVhat is the second Instruction from hence A. The second Instruction is That it is a dangerous arrogancy in the Creature either to prescribe unto God and direct his Maker Iob 21.22 Shall any teach God knowledge seeing he judgeth those that are high Or to quarrel with his providences as not so fit and convenient as they should be Iob 40.2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him He that reproveth God let him answer it Q. 9. What is the third Instruction from it A. That the people of God have much reason to quiet and encourage themselves when crafty and subtil Enemies surround them For the foolishness of God is wiser than man 1 Cor. 1.25 Q. 10. What is the fourth Instruction from God's wisdom A. The fourth Instruction is That the true way to wisdom is to be sensible of our own folly 1 Cor. 3.18 If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world let him become a fool that he may be wise And to apply our selves by prayer to God the fountain of it Iam. 1.5 If any man lack wisdom let him ask it of God Q 11. What is the last Instruction from God's wisdom A. That the study of Christ and of the Scriptures is to be preferred to all other studies in the world Col. 2.3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge And the Scriptures contain all that Wisdom which is for our Salvation 1 Cor. 2.7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory Of God's Power Quest. 1. WHat is the Power of God A.
And David said to Abishai and to all his servants Behold my son which came forth of my bowels seeketh my life how much more now may this Benjamite do it let him alone and let him curse for the Lord hath bidden him Q. 12. VVhat is the last Instruction from God's Decrees A. That we ought to be thankful to God for all the good and patient under all the evils that befall us Iob 2.10 Shall we receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive evil Of the Creation Quest. 9. WHAT are the Works of Creation A. The Work of Creation is God's making all things of nothing by the Word of his Power in the space of Six Days and all very good Q 1. VVhat is it to create A. To create is to give a Being to that which had no Being or to bring something out of nothing Heb. 11.3 Through Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things that do appear Q. 2. How did God create the world A. By his infinite Power executed in his Word of Command Psalm 33.6.9 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth for he spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast Q. 3. What Attributes of God shine forth in the Creation A. The Wisdom of God shines forth gloriously not only in their formation but dependance one upon another Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Q. 4. What may we learn from the Creation A. That God perfectly knows all that is in the Creature be it never so secret Psalm 94.8 9. Understand O ye brutish among the people and ye fools when will ye be wise He that planted the ear shall he not hear he that formed the eye shall he not see Q. 2. What 's the Second Instruction from the Creation A. That God is the rightful owner of us all and may do what he will with us Rom. 9.20 Nay but O man who art thou that repliest against God! Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast thou made me thus Hath not the porter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel to honour and another to dishonour Q. 6. What is the Third Instruction from the Creation A. That God only is the proper Object of Worship Ier. 10. 11. Thus shall he say unto them The Gods that have not made the heavens and the earth even they shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens Q. 7. What is the Fourth Instruction from hence A. That Christians should not fear the power of Creatures since they derive their Being and Power from God Isa. 54.16 17. Behold I have created the Smith that bloweth the coals in the fire that bringeth forth an instrument for his work and I have created the waster to destroy no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper Q. 8. What is the Fifth Instruction hence A. That Atheism is a sin against Natural Light and Reason Rom. 1.20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and godhead so that they are without excuse Q 9. What is the Sixth Instruction hence A. That God's Glory is the end of all Being Col. 1.16 For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and for him Q. 10. What is the Seventh Instruction hence A. That there is an unnatural rebellion in sin smiting at him that made and preserves our Being Isa. 1.2 I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against me Q. 11. What is the Eighth Instruction from hence A. That God can in a moment revive and save the Church when at the lowest ebb Isa. 65.18 Behold I create Ierusalem a rejoycing and her people a joy Q 12 What is the last Instruction from hence A. That it is easy with God to revive a dejected Soul Isa. 57.19 I create the fruit of the lips Peace peace to him that is far off and tâ— him that is near saith the Lord and I will heal him Of Man's Creation Quest. 10. HOW did God create Man A. God created Man Male and Female after his own Image in Knowledge Righteousness and Holiness wiâ—h dominion over the Creatures Q. 1. How did God create Man A. God created man in his own Image Gen. 1.27 So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them Q. 2. What is meant by the Image of God A. Not a resemblance of God in any bodily Shape or Figure but in holiness Eph. 4.24 And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Q. 3. In what Graces did Man resemble God A. In such a knowledge of God himself and the Creatures which made him happy Col. 3.10 And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Q. 4. In what other Graces did this Image consist A. In Righteousness as well as Holiness Eph. 4.24 And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Q. 5. What is the First Inference from hence A. The deplorable misery of the Fall Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q 6. VVhat is the Second Instruction hence A. The beauty of Holiness which is the Image of God and the Excellency of Man Psalm 16.3 But to the saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight Q 7. VVhat is the Third Instruction from hence A. We have infinite cause to bless God for Christ who repairs this lost Image in his people Eph. 4.23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind Q 8. VVhat is the Fourth Instruction from hence A. That the despisers of Holiness are the despisers of God for Holiness is God's Image Q 9 VVhat 's the Fifth Instruction from hence A The excellency of Sanctification which defaces the Image of Satan and draws the Image of God upon the Soul of maâ— Of Divine Providence Qest. 1 WHAT are God's Works of Providence A. God's Works of Providence are his just holy wise and powerful preserving and governing all his Creatures and all their Actions Q 1 How doth it appear there is a Divine Providence A. It appears by plain Scripture Testimonies Heb. 1.3 Upholding all things by the word of his power Col. 1.17 By him all things consist Luke 12.6 7.
his Sin by Generation for we were in his loyns as treason stains the blood of the posterity or the parents Leprosie the Children Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapeâ— in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q 4. Wherein doth it consist A. It consists in two things First In our aversation and enmity to that which is good Rom. 7.18 In me that is in my flesh there dwelleth no good thing Secondly In proneness to that which is evil Rom. 7.14 But I am carnal sold under sin Q 5. Is this corruption of Nature in all Men A. Yes In all meer men and women none exempted Rom. 3.10 and 23. As it is written There is none righteous no not one for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Q. 6. In what part of our Nature doth this Sin abide A. It abides in the whole man in every part of man both Soul and Body Gen. 6.5 God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually 1 Thes. 5.23 Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 7. How is the Body infected by it A. In the readiness of the bodily members to further sin and its temptations in the Soul Rom. 3.13 14 15. Their throat is an open sepulcher with their tongues they have used deceit the poyson of Asps is under their lips whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness their feet are swift to shedblood Q. 8. What learn we from Original Sin A. To bear patiently the miseries we see on our Children and their death also without murmuring Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. What is the second Instruction A. It teaches us humility and should be matter of confession and humiliation when we sin actually Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q. 10. What is the third Instruction A. It should provoke parents to use their utmost diligence for the conversion of their Children who draw sin from them Q 11. What is the last Instruction A. It teaches us the necessity of Regeneration and should provoke us greatly to desire it Of Man's Misery Quest. 19. WHat is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost communion with God are under his wrath and curse and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of Hell for ever Q. 1. What communion had God with Man before the Fall A. Man then enjoyed the gracious presence and favour of God with him which was better than life Q. 2. How doth it appear this was lest by the Fall A. It appears by Scripture-Testimony That Adam lost it as to himself Gen. 3.8 And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden And we in him Eph. 2.12 At that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Q. 3. Was this the only misery that came by the Fall A. No Man did not only lose communion with God but fell under his wrath and curse Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 4. Doth the wrath and curse of God then lie on all Men A. It lies on all the unregenerate in the world Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which is written in the book of the law to do them But believers are delivered from it by Christ. 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus which delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 5. How are the miseries of Man by the Fall divided A. They are divided into the miseries of this world and of the world to come Q 6. What are the miseries that come on them in thss world A. The miseries of life as Sickness Pain Poverty on the Body Fear Trouble Sorrow on the Mind and at last Death it self Rom. 6. ult The wages of sin is death Q. 7. What are the Miseries after this Life A. The Pains and Torments of Hell for ever Psal. 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into hell Q. 8. What are the Torments of Hell A. Pain of Loss and Pain of Sense Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire Q. 9. What learn you from hence A. The woful State of the unconverted Miserable here and miserable to Eternity Q. 10. What else learn we hence A. The great salvation Believers have by Christ from all this misery Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him Of the Salvation of God's Elect and of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 20. DID God leave all Mankind to perish in the State of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life diâ— enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a redeemer Q. 1. Are some Persons chosen to salvation and others left A. Yes God hath chosen some to salvation and passed by others as the Scriptures speak See Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called And Jude v. 4. For there are certian men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men c. Q 2. Did God chuse some because he foresaw they would be better than others A. No God's choice was not on foreseen works but meerly of his grace and good pleasure of his will Eph. 1.5.6 Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace Q. 3. Is this Election of God made in time and that according as men use their free will or from Eternity A. Election is an Eternal act of God before the world was and depends not on Man's using his free-will as appears from Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Q. 4. Shall all that be Elected be called and saved A. Yes the Scripture is full and plain for it Acts 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called c. Q. 5. By whom are the Elect saved A.
of a trumpet Q. 11. VVhat doth his ascension teach us A. Heavenly-mindedness Col. 3.1 2. If ye them be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God set your affections on things above and not oâ— things on the earth And an encouragement in our Christian race Heb. 12.1 2. VVherefore seeing we also are compasâ—ed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every â—eight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with â—atience the race that is set before us looking unto Iesus the auâ—hor and finisher of our faith VVho for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is sate down at the right hand of the Throne of God The Second Part of the 28th Question of Christ's Exaltation Quest. 1. WHat was the Third degree of Christ's Exaltation A. His sitting at God's right hand in Heaven Heb. 1.3 VVhen he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the majesty on high Q. 2. VVhat doth God's right hand signify A. A State of Honour Heb. 1.13 But to which of the angels said he at any time Sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool And Power Mat. 26.64 Hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power Q. 3. VVhat is implied in Christ's sitting there A. That his work on earth is finished Heb. 10.11 12. But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sin for ever sate down on the right hand of God Q. 4. VVhat else doth it signify A. Christ's power over all enemies Psal. 110.2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Sion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies Q. 5. VVhat learn we from Christ's sitting there A. The high honour Believers are advanced to by Christ. Eph. 2.6 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Iesus Q. 6. VVhat is the last step of Christ's Exaltation A. His coming to Judgment Acts 10.42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be judge of quick and dead Q. 7. It is certain there shall be a Iudgment-day A. Yes the Scripture assures it 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. And every man's conscience witnesses to it Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ according to my Gospel Q. 8. What is the first property of Christ's Iudgment A. It will be awful and solemn 1 Thes. 4.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-angel and with the Trâ—mp of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Q. 9. VVhat is the second Property of it A. It will be exact and critical Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ according to my Gospel Mat. 12.36 But I say unto you That every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of Iudgment Q. 10. What is the third Property of it A. It will be an universal Judgment Rev. 20.12 And I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the books were opened Q. 11. How is this a part of Christ's Exaltation A. He now acts in the fulness of his Kingly Power Mat. 25.34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand Come ye blessed of my father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world And this will rowl away the reproach of his enemies Rev. 1.7 Behold he cometh with clouds and every eye shall see him and they also which pierced him Q. 12. What learn we from Christ's being Iudge A. That Believers shall not be cast in Judgment Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus Q. 13. What learn we hence A. The deplorable State of Christless Persons Luke 19.27 But those mine enâ—mies that would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me Q. 14. What else learn we from Christ's Iudgment A To give all diligence to be found of him in peace 2 Pet. 3.14 Wherefore beloved seeing that ye lock for such things â—e diligent that ye may be sound of him in peace Of the Application of Christ. Quest. 29. HOW are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made parâ—akers of the Redemption purchased by Chriâ—t by the effectual Application of it to us by his Holy Spirit Q. 1. What did our Redemption cost Christ A. It cost him his own Blood to obtain it Heb. 9.12 Neither by the blood of Goats and Calves but by his own blood he entred once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us Q. 2. Can none have the benefit of it exceept it be applied to them A. No if Christ be not applied we cannot be saved Iohn 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become theâ— Sons of God even to them that believe on his name Q. 3 Whos 's work or office is it to apply Christ to us A. It 's the office and work of God's Spirit Tit. 3.45 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Q. 4. Wâ—at Means doth the Spirit use in applying Christ A. The external means he makes use of is the Ministry of the Gospel 1 Cor. 3.5 Who then is Paul and who is Apollo but Ministers by whom ye believed Q. 5. Is this sâ—fficient of it self A. No the Blessing and Power of the Spirit must accompany it or Christ cannot be applied 1 Thes. 1.5 6. For our Gospel came not unto you in word only but also in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake And ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the Holy Ghost Q. 6. To whom doth the Spirit apply Christ A. To those that were given him of the Father before the world was Acts 13.48 And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed John 14.17 Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Q. 7. Is the Application of Christ to a Soul finisht at once A. Tho the first act of Faith unites the Soul to Christ yet it is a continued act 1 Pet. 2.4 To whom coming as unto a living stone Q. 8. What learn you from hence A. What a
and have worshipped and have sacrificed thereunto and said these be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt Deut. 4.15 16. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire lest ye corrupt your selves and make you a graven image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female Q. 2. What is the second Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. The second Sin against this Commandment is Will-worship consisting in the addition of mans inventions to the Worship of God as a part thereof Matth. 15.9 But in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Col. 2.20 21 22 23. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world why as though living in the world are ye subject to ordinances Touch not taste not bandle not Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will-worship and humility and neglecting of the body not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh Q. 3. But if those additions be for the more decent worshipping of God is it not allowed by 1 Cor. 14.40 Let all things be done decently and in order A. No That Scripture commands that Gods Institutions be regularly and decently performed but not that we invent Ceremonies that are symbolical to make them more decent than Christ left them Q. 4. Why is the second Commandment left out in all the publick Offices of the Popish Church A. Because it expresly condemns their Idolatrous Images kneeling at the Sacrament Prayers to Saints and all their Superstitious Crosses Surplices Chrisme as sinful Q. 5. Do they not clear themseâ—ves from Idolatry by telling us they only worship God before or by them but not the Images themselves A. No they do not for the use of Images in Gods Worship is expresly condemned in this Commandment and if this would excuse the Papists it had also excused the Israelites in worshipping the Calâ— Exod. 32.4 And they said these 〈◊〉 thy Gods O Israel that brought thee up out of the land of Egypt Q. 6. What 's the first Reason annexed to the second Commandment A. The first Reason annexed is Gods Sovereignty I the Lord which shews that it belongs to God only to institute his own Worship and make it effectual and therefore to do that in his Worship which he never commanded is sinful and dangerous Ier. 7.31 And they have built the high places of Tophâ—t which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire which I commanded them not neither came it into my heart Q. 7. What 's the second Reason annexed to the second Commandment A. The second Reason is Gods Propriety in us he is our God and we belong to him and therefore to corrupt his Worship greatly aggravates our Sin Hos. 9.1 Rejoyce not O Israel for joy as other people for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God c. Q. 8. What 's the third Reason annexed to the second Commandment A. The jealousie of God over his Worship and Worshippers so that this sin of corrupting his Worship will dreadfully incense his wrath as it did Levit. 10.1 2. And Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron took either of them his censer and put fire thereon and offered strange fire before the Lord which he commanded them not And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they dyed before the Lord. Q. 9. What 's the first Instruction from the second Commandment A. That it is an hainous sin to neglect the Worship of God in that manner he hath appointed us to Worship him as in Prayer Ier. 10.25 Pour out thy fury upon the Heathen that know thee not and upon the families that call not on thy name Hearing the Word Prov. 28.9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law even his prayer shall be abomination Q. 10. What 's the second Instruction from the second Commandment A. That those that suffer for endeavouring to preserve the purity of Gods Ordinances and non-conformity to the contrary injunctions of men have a good warrant to bear them out in all such Sufferings Deut. 4.2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you neither shall you diminish ought from it that ye may keep the Commandments of the Lord your God which I command you c. Q. 11. What 's the third Instruction from the second Commandment A. That it is highly sinful and dangerous to innovate and prescribe by Humane Authority such symbolical Rites in the Worship of God as he never appointed or allowed in his Word Matth. 15.9 But in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Q. 12. What 's the fourth Instruction hence A. Hence we learn how much Parents and Children are obliged to worship God constantly spirâ—tually and agreeably to his Will revealed in his Word otherwise the jealousie of God will visit them both in the way of Judgment For as Obedience entails a Blessing so Disobedience entails a Curse on Posterity Exod. 34 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose name is jealous is a jealous God Of the third Commandment Quest. 53. WHich is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain Quest. 54. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of Gods Names Titles Attributes Ordinances Word and Works Quest. 55. What is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known Quest. 56. What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his Righteous Iudgment Q. 1. How doth this Commandment differ from the first and second A. The first hath respect to the object of Worship forbidding us to worship any other but God The second respects the means of Worship forbidding us to worship God by any other means than what he hath prescribed But the third respects the manner of his Worship â—orbidding all careless or profane use of his Name and commanding an holy reverence from us in all our solemn addresses to him or ordinary mention of his Name Maâ— 1.6 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master If I then be a father where is mine honour and if I be a master where is my fear saith the Lord of hosts unto you O Priests that despise my name And ye
say wherein have we despised thy name Q. 2. What is the first thing especially required in the third Commandment A. It requires the most aweful and reverential frame of our hearts in all our approaches to God Psal. 89.7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to he had in reverence of all them that are about him And in his Worship Ioh. 4.24 God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth Q. 3. What 's the second thing required in this Commandment A It requires truth in our witness-bearing as knowing God seeth our hearts and is witness to all that we think or speak Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth â—alsly by my name c. Q. 4. What 's the third thing required in this Commandment A. That in all our Appeals to God in secret or doubtful matters we be sure that the Appeal be necessary aweful and true Ier 17.16 As for me I have not hastened from being a pastour to follow thee neither have I desired the woful day thou knowest that which came out of my lips was right before thee Psal. 139.23 24 Search me O God and know my heart try me and know my thoughts And set if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting Q. 5. What doth this Commandment especially forbid A. It forbids and condemns all profane Oaths as most injurious to the Name of God Matth. 5.34 37. Swear not at all neither by heaven for it is Goâ—s throne c. but let your communication be yea yea nay nay for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil Q. 6. VVhat is the danger of profane or false Swearing A. Such are reckoned Enemies to God Psal. 139.20 Thine enemies take thy name in vain The Curse of God enters into such Families Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the hoâ—se of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name c. And the Lord will not hold them guiltless Q. 7. VVhat else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids and condemns all heedless wandering and drowsie performance of Gods Worship Isa. 29.13 14. VVherefore the Lord said forasmuch as this people drew near me with their mouth and with their lips do honour me bâ—t have removed their heart far from me and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men Therefore behold I will proceed to do a marvellous work amongst this people even a marvellous work and a wonder for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid And 2 Kings 10.31 But Iehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart for he departed not from the sins of Ieroboam which made Israel to sin Q. 8. What other sin is forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all light and irreverent use of the Scriptures especially in our jests or by way of scoffing Ier. 17.15 Behold they say unto me where is the word of the Lord let it come nowe Jer. 6.10 Behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach they have no delight in it Q. 9. By what Argument doth God enforce the third Commandment on men A. That the breakers of this Command shall surely be punished by the Lord either in this life Deut. 28.58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name The Lord thy God Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sickness and of long continuance Or in that to come Rom. 2.5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God Except they repent and reform Q. 10. What 's the first Instruction from the third Commandment A. That great and infinite is the Patience of God in forbearing provoking Sinners so long as he doth Romans 9.22 VVhat if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Q. 11. VVhat 's the second Instruction from hence A. That God is to be justified in the severest of his Judgments by which at any time he manifests his displeasure against the profaneness of the World Hos. 4.1 2 3. Hear the word of the Lord ye children of Israel for the Lord hath a controversie with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth nor mercy nor knowledge of God in the land By swearing and lying and killing and stealing and committing adultery they break out and bloud toucheth bloud Therefore shall the land â—ourn and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven yea the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away Q. 12. What 's the third Instruction from hence A. That God takes special notice of and greatly delighteth in them that fear and reverence his Name Isa. 66.5 Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word Your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said let the Lord be glorified but he shall appeaâ— to your joy and they shall be ashamed Mal. 3.16 And a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name Q. 13. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That those Parents have much to answer for that by their Examples teach or by their Negligence encourage their Children to profane Gods Name Ier. 5 7. How shall I pardon thee for this Thy children have forsaken me and sworn by them that are no Gods c. Of the Sabbath Quest. 57. WHich is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid-servant nor thy Cattle nor thy Stranger which is within thy Gates For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Quest. 58. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be an holy Sabbath unto the Lord. Quest. 59. Which day of the seven hath God
appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God hath appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the World which is the Christian Sabbath Q. 1. What special marks of honour hath God set upon this fourth Commandment A. God hath set four peculiar marks of honour on it 1. It is the largest of all the Commands 2. It hath a solemn Memento prefixed to it 3. It is delivered both positively and negatively which the rest are not And 4. It is enforced with more Arguments to strengthen the Command on us than any other Q. 2. Wâ—y will God have a Sabbath observed on Earth A. God will have a Sabbath on Earth to give us therein an Emblem of that Eternal Sabbath in Heaven wherein his people shall be serving him and praising him without interruption or mixture of any other business throughout Eternity Hâ—b 4.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God Q 3. For what other Reasons will God have a Sabbath A. He will have a Sabbath for the honour of his name Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pâ—easure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words For the good of Mens Souls Mark 2.27 And he said unto them the sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath And in mercy to the Bodies of Men and Beasts Q. 4. Is this Commandment Moral and Perpetual or Ceremonial and Temporary A. It is and must needs be Moral and not Ceremonial because all the Reasons that enforce it are perpetual and the Sabbath continued when the Ceremonial Law ceased and was vanished Matth. 24.20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter neither on the sabbath day Q. 5. What day of the seven is the Christian Sabbath A. The first day of the Week is our Sabbath since the Resurrection of Christ. This is the day which was foretold to be our Sabbath Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it The Lord hath marked it for himself by setting his own Name on it Rev. 1.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lords day And the Apostles and Primitive Church constantly set it apart to Religious uses and ends Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them c. 1 Cor. 16.2 Vpon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Q. 6. When doth the Christian Sabbath begin A. It appears that this day is not to be reckoned from evening to evening but from morning to morning because the Christian Sabbath must begin when the Jewish Sabbath ended but that ended towards the morning Matth. 28.1 In the end of the sabbath as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre Q. 7. What is the ground of changing the day A. The solemn commemoration of our Redemption by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead is the ground of translating the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the Week Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Mark 16.9 Now when Iesus was risen early the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven devils Q. 8. Is it the whole day or only some hours of the day that are set apart for God A. Not a part but the whole day is the Lords and it is as dangerous to halve it with God in point of time as it was for Annanias and Sapphira to halve their dedicated Goods and bring in but a part Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day is the Command Q. 9. Is there any other day holy besides this A. No day but this is holy by Institution of the Lord yet dayes of Humiliation and Thanksgiving may be lawfully set apart by men on a Call of Providence but Popish Holy-dayes are not warrantable nor to be observed Gal. 4.10 Ye observe dayes and months and times and years Q. 10. But seeing every day should be a Sabbath to a Christian what needs any other set time A. Though Christians must walk every day with God yet every day cannot be a Sabbath because God calls us to other Duties on those dayes but will have this to be a solemn and entire day to himself Q. 11. But if a man scruple the change of the Sabbath may he not keep both dayes weekly A. No for then by doing more than God requires he breaks a plain Command Six days shalt thou labour Q. 12. At what time should Christians be up and at their Duties on the Lords day A. As early in the morning as their strength will permit to prepare by private for publick Duties yet the publick are not to be entrenched on by private Duties Acts 10.33 Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Of the Sabbath Quest. 60. HOw is the Sabbath to be Sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be Sanctified by an holy reâ—ting all that day even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy Quest. 61. What are the Sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the Duties required and the profaning the day by Idleness or doing that which is in it self sinful or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about our worldly employments or recreations Quest. 62. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own employment his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day Q. 1. VVhat is the Rest which God requires on the Sabbath A. It is not a meer natural or civil but an holy rest resembling the rest in Heaven wherein the Mind is most active and busie in the work of God though the Body be at rest and the Spirit not wearied with its work Rev. 4.8 And the four beaâ—â—s had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Q. 2. May
not any works of our civil Calling be ordinarily done on that day A. No it is sinful to put our hands ordinarily to our Callings on that day and God usually punishes it Neh. 13.15 16 17 18. In those dayes saw I in Iudah some treading wine-presses on the sabbath and bringing in sheaves and lading asses as also wine grapes and figs and all manner of burdens which they brought into Ierusalem on the sabbath day and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals There dwelt men of Tyre also therein which brought fish and all manner of ware and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Iudah and in Ierusalem Then I contended with the nobles of Iudah and said unto them What evil thing is this that ye do and profane the sabbath day Did not your fathers thus and did not our God bring all this evil upon us and upon this city yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath Q. 3. May we not refresh our Bodies by Recreations or our Minds by thoughts of Earthly Business or Discourses on that day A. Recreations of the Body which are lawful on other days are sinful on this day and all the Recreations of the Mind allowed on this day are Spiritual and Heavenly Isa. 58.13 14. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Iacob thy father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Q. 4. What works may lawfully be done on that day A. Christs example warrants works of necessity and works of mercy but no other Matth. 12.3 4. But he said unto them have ye not read what David did when he was an hungred and they that were with him How he entered into the house of God and did eat the shew-bread which was not lawful for him to eat neither for them which were with him but only for the priests And ver 7. But if ye had known what this meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice c. Q. 5. What are the holy Duties of the Sabbath A. The publick Worship of God in reading and hearing the Word preached Isa. 66.23 And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another and from one sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me saith the Lord. Luke 4.16 And as his custom was he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day and stood up for to read And Prayer Acts 16.13 14. And on the sabbath day we went out of the city by a river side where prayer was wont to be made c. And receiving the Sacrament Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them c. Q. 6. At private Duties in our Families required as well as publick on the Sabbath A. Yes it is not enough to sanctifie the Sabbath in publick Ordinances but God requires it to be sanctified in Family and private Duties Lev. 23.3 But the seventh day is the sabbath of rest an holy convocation ye shall do no work therein it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings Q. 7. With what frame of Spirit are all Sabbath duties both publick and private to be performed A. They are to be performed with Spiritual delight Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight c. And all grudging at and weariness of Spiritual exercises is a sin forbidden Mal. 1.13 Ye said also behold what a weariness is it and ye have snuffed at it saith the Lord of hosts and ye brought that which was torn and the lame and the sick thus ye brought an offering should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord Amos 8.5 When will the new moon be gone that we may sell corn and the sabbath that we may set foâ—th wheat c. Q. 8. What is the first Reason annexed to this Command A. The first Reason is the sufficient and large allowance of time God hath given us for our civil Callings and earthly business Six days in the week is a large allowance Q. 9. What is the second Reason annexed to this fourth Command A. The second Reason is Gods sanctifying and separating this day by a special Command and Institution for his service so that to profane this time is to sin against an express Divine Statute Q. 10. What 's the third Reason annexed to this Command A. The third Reason is Gods own Example who rested the seventh day from all his works and blessed this day by vertue of which Blessing we are encouraged to sanctifie it Q. 11. Is it not enough to sanctifie this day in our own persons A. No if God hath put any under our Authority their profaning the Sabbath will become our sin though we be never so strict in the observation of it our selves Q. 12. May we continue our civil Employments to the last moment of our common time A. Except Necessity or Mercy urge us we ought to break off before and allow some time to prepare for the Sabbath Luke 23.54 And that day was the preparation and the sabbath drew on Q. 13. What is the first Inference fâ—om hence A. That we have all great cause to be humbled for our Sabbath transgressions either in our unpreparedness for it our want of delight and spirituality in it or the due government of our Families as God requires Q. 14. What is the second Inference from hence A. That Christians on the Sabbath day have a fair occasion and help to realâ—ize to themselves the Heavenly state in which they are to live abstract from the World and God is to be all in all to them Of the fifth Commandment Quest. 63. WHich is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Quest. 64. What is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the Honour and performing the Duties belonging to every one in their several places and relations as superiors inferiors or equals Quest. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations Quest. 66. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shall serve for Gods glory and their own
wavering c. 4. As to our fervency in Prayer Jam. 5.16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much Q. 6. Are these external rules and directions sufficient in themselves to enable us to pray acceptably A. In respect of external direction they are sufficient and we need no other outward rules than what the Scriptures furnish but besides that the internal helps and assistances of the Spirit are necessary to the offering up acceptable Prayer Rom. 8.26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us c. Q. 7. But doth the Scripture only furnish us with general rules of direction for Prayer A. No it furnishes us also with an excellent pattern and example of Prayer composed by Christ for our direction Mattâ— 6.9 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art iâ— heaven c. Q. 8. Are Christians tyed by a necessity to use that form of words or was it only intended for a directory to them A. That form of words may be lawfully used but it 's plain its intention was to regulate our Petitions by it and thereforâ— they that use it in spells and charms as the Papists or thoâ— that think nothing is Prayer but that form of words 〈◊〉 Christs intention in it Q. 9. How doth it appear it was not Christs intention strictly 〈◊〉 â—ind us to that very form of words in our Prayers A. Divines give us these reasons against it 1. Because thiâ— Prayer is set down diversly by the Evangelist Matth 6. 1â—â— 12. Thy kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heavenâ—â— And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors And Luke 11.3 4. Give us day by day our daily bread and forgive us 〈◊〉 sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us and lead 〈◊〉 not into temptation but deliver us from evil 2. Christ and 〈◊〉 Apostles did not alwayes use this form of words afterwards as appears by his Prayer at Lazarus his grave John 11. and that for his Apostles John 17. 3. Because these words Matth. 6.9 After this manner c. plainly shew its use wa◠〈◊〉 tended for a directory to us Q. 10 What 's the first Inference from hence A. Hence we learn the fulness and compleatness of the Scriâ—â—tures not only for the guiding and setling of our Faith in things that are to be believed but also of our whole practice in every Duty we are to perform Q. 11. What 's the second Inference hence A. Hence we are informed how necessary it is to acquaint our selves with the mind of God revealed in his Word that we may guide our selves in Prayer both for matter and manner thereby and not utter to God words without knowledge Q. 12. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That those who neglect all Prayer and those that satisfie themselves with a form of Prayer which they utter without knowledge or affection do greatly sin against God And that it is the duty of all Christians from a sense of their own sins wants and mercies to be often with God in prayer guiding themselves in that spiritual duty by such inward and outward helps as his word and spirit are able to furnish them with Of the Preface to the Lords Prayer Quest. 100. WHat doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer which is our Father which art in Heaven teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence as Children to a Father ready to help us and that we should pray with and for others Q. 1. What doth the word Father import in this Preface A. It imports the Spirit of Adoption to be the principle of all acceptable prayers Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath given forth the spirit of his son into our hearts crying Abba Father Q. 2. What 's the first benefit or heâ—p we have in Prayer from the Spirit of Adoption A. He excites our Spirits to seek God in prayer Psal. 27.8 when thou saidest seek ye my face my heart said unto thee thy face Lord will I seek Q. 3. What 's the second Assistance he gives us in prayer A. He indites and suggests sutable and acceptable matter to us in prayer Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us c. Q. 4. What 's the third Benefit we have by him in prayer A. He fills our Souls with spiritual and Holy affections in prayer and helps us to act his Graces in our Duties Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should ask as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession â—or us with groanings which cannot be uttered Q. 5. What else doth this word Father import A. It imports that Holy confidence which Believers may and ought to draw near to God with all as Children to a Father Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Q. 6. Doth it only Signify our relation and Confidence A. No it also signifies the reverential fear of God which ought at all times to be on our hearts especially in Prayer Mal. 1.6 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master If then I be a Father where is my honour and if I be a Master where is my fear Q. 7. What is further imported in this word Father A. It imports Gods willingness and readiness to grant the best Mercies to his people that seek them duly at his hand Matth. 7.11 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him Q. 8. Why is he here called our Father A. To signify to us that it is not only our duty to pray secretly by and for our selves but also with and for others Eph. 6.18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Q. Why is God said here to be in Heaven A. It is to note his Soveraign power and dominion over all as a ground-work of faith in prayer Q. 9.10 What else doth it import A. The great distance between God and us which should fill our hearts with an holy awe of him Eccles. 5.2 God is in Heaven and thou upon Earth therefore let thy words be few Q. 11. What 's the first Inference from hence A. It shews us what a sad case all those are in that have no special interest in God as a Father Q. 12. What 's the second Inference A. It shews us what a glorious Priviledge the Lord Jesus Christ hath purchased for and setled on his people Heb. 4.15 16. For we
have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find gracec to help in time of need Q. 13. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That the seeing Believers have a Father in Heaven they should never fear wants whilst they live nor be afraid to die since Death brings them to Heaven their Fathers house Of Sanctifying Gods Name Quest. 101. WHat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first Petition which is hallowed be thy Name we pray that God would enable us and others to gloryfy him in all that whereby he maketh himself known and that he would dispose all things to his own glory Q. 1. Is there any word full enough perfectly to express what God is A. No his Name is secret Iudg. 13.18 And the Angel of the Lord said unto him why askest thou thus after my name seeing it is secret A Name which none can tell Prov. 30.4 what is his name and what is his sons name if thou canst tell A Name above every Name Phil. 2.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name But the Name by which he more especially manifests himself is the name I am Exod. 3.14 And God said unto Moses I am that I am And he said thus shalt thou say unto the Children of Israel I am hath sent me unto you Q. 2. What doth the Name of God I am signify to us A. It signifies to us first the reality of his being in opposition to Idols which are but imaginary and Phantastick things 1 Cor. 8.4 We know that an Idol is nothing in the world c. God is not only the most perfect being but the root of all other beings Q. 3. What else doth this Name I am import A. It imports both the perfection and eternity of Gods being I am implies he hath not that now which he had not formerly and that he shall not afterwards have what he hath not now And that there is neither beginning End or succession with God whose name is I am Q. 4. But what are we here to understand by the name of God A. All those things are here intended by which he manifests himself to the Creature as his Word Works and Ordinances but especially his glorious Attributes Exod. 34.5 6. The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Q. 5. What is it to Hallow or Sanctify his Name A. Not to infuse any holiness into him which he had not before so he Sanctifies us but to manifest and acknowledge the holiness of God Isa. 29.23 But when he seeth his Children the work of my hands in the midst of him they shall sanctify my name and sanctify the holy one of Iacob and shall fear the God of Israel Q. 6 Why Hallwed or Sanctified rather than Glorified Why that word rather than this Because his Holiness is the beauty and lustre of his other Attributes His Greatness appears in his Holiness Isa. 12.6 great is the holy one of Israel in the midst of thee So doth his Power Luke 1.49 For â—e that is mighty hath done to me great things and holy is his name And therefore his Holiness is that Attribute which Angels single out especially to celebrate Isa. 6.3 And one cried unto another and said holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts c. And so do men also as it is the cause why they should glorify him Exod. 15.11 Who is like thee glorious in holiness c. Q. 7. What 's the first thing we are to intend in this Petition A. The meaning is that God would so dispose and order all thiâ—gs in the World as may best promote and advance the glory of his Name on which account we may Pray for the defeat of Gods Enemies Psal. 83.16 17 18. Fill their faces with shame that they may seek thy name O Lord. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them be put to shame and perish That men may know that thou whose name alone is Jehovah art the most high over all the Earth And the deliverance of his Church and people Psal. 79.9 Help us O God of our Salvation for the glory of thy name and deliver us and purge away our sins for thy names sake Q. 8. What 's the second Thing we are to intend in it A. That God would fit us for and use us in the most serviceable capacity for the glorifying of his Name Psal. 67.1 2 3. God be merciful unto us and bless us and cause his face to shine upon us That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee Q. 9. What 's the third Thing intended in this Petition A. That God may not only glorify his own Name and use us to glorifie it but that it should be our endeavour and joy to have it glorfied by others all the World over Psal. 145.4 5 6. One generation shall praise thy works to another and shall declare thy mighty acts I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty and of thy wondrous works And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts and I will declare thy greatness Q. 10. Why must our Hearts be so intently set upon the Sanctification of Gods Name A. Because this is the ultimate end of our own and every other being Rom. 11.36 for of him and through him and to him arâ— all things to whom be glory for ever Amen And the particular end of God in our Effectual calling 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a Royal Priest-hood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light Q. 11. What 's the first Inference from hence A. That the dishonour of Gods Name must needs be a cutting Affliction to a gracious Soul Psal. 42.10 As with a sword in my bones my enemies reproach me while they say dayly unto me where is their God Q. 12. What 's the second Inference from hence A. That it is a dreadful infatuation and spiritual judgment upon those men that think they glorifie God in doing those things which his Soul hateth Isa. 66.5 Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said let the Lord be glorified but he shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed And Iohn 16.2 They shall put you out of the Synagogues yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God service Q. 13. What is the third Inference from hence A. That it should be indifferent to a
the doing of this Will of Providence in Heaven A. 1. As 't is done by the Sun Moon and Stars Psal. 119.89 Thy word is setled in heaven Vers 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances Psal. 19.6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven and his circuit unto the ends of it and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof 2. As 't is done by Angels Psal. 104.4 Who maketh the angels spirits his ministers a flaming fire Heb. 1. ult Are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation Q. 4. How do these perform the Will of Gods Providence A. 1. The Heavenly bodies do it evenly constantly and unweariedly Psal. 104.19 He appointeth the moon for seasons the sun knoweth his going down 2. The Angels do speedily voluntarily chearfully and so knowingly Psal. 103.21 Ye ministers of his that do his pleasure Q. 5. Must we be agents in this Providential Will A. Yes we must Acts 13.36 For David after he had served his generation by the will of God fell on sleep Q. 6. How must we do it A. By imploying our abilities faculties and interests in the Duties of our particular Callings and by moving constantly prudently and vigorously in our own sphere and so imitate those in Heaven Q. 7. Why do we pray that Gods Will of Providence may be done by us A. Because we are his Creatures and the most noble instruments of the inferiour World and therefore we should be willing to be acted by him and active for him and because this Will of Providence is alwayes just good and true and for his own Glory Psal. 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works Psal. 119.89 For ever O Lord thy word is setled in heaven Ver. 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances for all are thy servants Q. 8. What other Will of God is here meant A. The Will of his Precepts and this is chiefly intended Q. 9. And how is this Will of God done in Heaven A. By the Angels 't is done universally chearfully constantly humbly thankfully loyally readily Psal. 103.20 Bless the Lord ye his angels that excel in strength that do his commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word And so 't is done by the Saints in Heaven Rev. 7.15 Therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple And 22.3 And his servants shall serve him Q. 10. Do we pray then that we may thus do the Will of God A. Yes for though we cannot perfectly without sin do it yet that is our Duty Matth. 5. ult Be ye therefore perfect even as your father which is in heaven is perfect And in all other particulars we may and we must imitate them herein Psal. 119.6 Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments Ver. 14. I have rejoyced in the way of thy testimonies as much as in all riches Ver. 60. I made hasâ—e and delayed not to keep thy commandments Ver. 112. c. I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes alway even unto the end Q. 11. How must we know Gods Will A. Not notionally and rationally only but spiritually also 1 Cor. 2.14 They are spiritually discerned Q. 12. Why is knowing Gods will placed here before doing it c. A. Because the Understanding is the leading Faculty without which 't is impossible there should be any Obedience Prov. 19.2 Also that the soul be without knowledge it is not good Jer. 5.4 Therefore I said surely these are poor they are foolish for they know not the way of the Lord nor the judgment of their God Q. 13. Why pray we to God for this knowledge can we not know it of our selves A. No 't is the special gift and grace of God Gal. 1.15 16. But when it pleased God who separated me from my mothers womb and called me by his grace to reveal his son in me that I might preach him among the heathen immediateâ—y I conferred not with flesh and blood Eph. 1.17 19. That the God of our Lord Iesus Christ the father of glory may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power Eph. 5.8 For ye were sometimes darkness but now are ye light in the Lord. Q. 14. Why do we pray that we may obey can we not do it of our own free will when we know it A. No for our Wills are stubborn and rebellious against Gods Commands as well as our Minds ignorant of them Rom. 8.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be Ezek. 36.25 26. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Phil. 2.13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Q. 15. What is meant by submitting to Gods Will A. 1. Either a voluntary subjection of Soul and a preparedness actually to do his Will Or 2. a voluntary and silent submission to his Will of Providence in affliction but in this particular we cannot imitate those in Heaven because no cross ever befals them Q. 16. Why is Will added in all things A. Because partial Obedience is no Obedience he that does not obey God in every thing obeys him in nothing Iam. 2.10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Q. 17. Why do we pray that God by his Grace would work this Will in us and by us A. Because 't is Free-grace that determines it 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Iesus before the world began And efficacious Grace that works it in us and enables us to do it Eph. 5.8 For ye were sometimes darkness but now are ye light in the Lord. Ver. 10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Q. 18. What is the first Inference from hence A. That 't is Mans glory and felicity to be conformed to the Will of God Prov. 12.26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour Psal. 19.10 11. More to be desired are they than gold yea then much fine gold sweeter also then honey and the honey-comb Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward Q. 19. What is the second Inference A. That we must mortifie