Word and Spirit of God a 1 Ioh. 1 9 b Rom. 8.13 14. Eph. 2.2 Ier. 44.17.6 And if the blind lead the blind they both fall into the ditch a Blind rule is a blind guide Q. How thirdly may it be knowne A. Because they were never converted neither doe they see why or from what such as be borne and bred up in the true ReligioÌ„ should be converted such people are yet in their naturall state Ioh. 8.33 34.36 Ioh 3.4 7. Luk. 15.7 Act. 3.19 Q How fourthly may people be convinced to be under sinne and without grace A. Because sin is no burthen to to them they were never pricked in their hearts not soundly humbled under their naturall condition A man may finde many faults in himselfe by coÌ„mon grace but to feel and bewaile the rotteÌ„nesse sink of iniquity that is in our hearts the contrarieties that be in our nature against God and the workings of corruption this we cannot discover but by the sanctifying Spirit of God Rom. 7.7 9. Q. How fiftly doth it appeare that men want Grace A. Because they discerns not betweene pretious and vile as between the state of Nature the state of Grace between civill honesty saving Grace Let them tell what the differences be Num. 16.3 Eze. 22.26 Esa 5.20 Joh. 3.4 1 Cor. 2.13 14. Spirituall things must be spiritually discerned you must not heare a Sermon as you would heare a speech c. Q. How sixtly may this be proved A. Because they cannot bring you one promise out of the Scripture nor one mark of a saved one of which they can say this doth belong to me But the lesse they know of the Word of God the better they thinke of themselves and the lesse they search their owne hearts the greater is their assurance These are deluded ones Sound Christians can bring promises and evidences that they are in the state of Grace such as these Rom. 8.1 2 13. 1 Joh. 3.14 1 Joh. 5.1 2. 1 Thes 5.5 6. Q. How lastly may a carnall person be convinced to be under sin A. Because they are not in Christ this you must know that it is not enough for a man to doe his best and what he can but if he be not in Christ the Law layeth hold on him he is under the curse No body is safe by doing his best Eph. 2.12 1 Thes 1.10 the Law is a cruell Master it lookes not what we can doe it accepts not of repentings c. but unless we be in Christ Jesus it curseth all our imperfections Gal. 3.10 1 Joh. 5.11 12. Q. This is the case of man by nature and of all the sons of Adam What must we doe to escape wrath A. We must get into the Covenant of Grace made to us in Christ the promised seed Gal. 3.13 26. Rom. 10.4 Gal. 4.4 5. CAP. VI. Of the Covenant of Grace and our Redemption by Christ Third head of Christian doctrine Q WHat is the Covenant of Grace A. It is Gods free Charter and Grant wherein he bestoweth remission of sinnes and the Kingdome of Heaven in and for the death of Christ Jesus or it is a contract betweene God and man concerning reconciliation and life everlasting to be given and received by faith in Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 5.19 Gen. 17.4 7. There is Gospell in that Rom. 4.16 17. Gal. 3.8 Deu. 26.17 18. The matter covenanted is life and reconciliation the conveyance it is a gift by Christ the instrument and mean to receive it is faith all our right and title to Heaven comes this way from the love of the Father through the merit of the Son made ours by faith Eph. 15. Rom. 5.21 Rom. 3.22 24 Eph. 2.8 Q. What is the true difference between the Covenant of Workes and the Covenant of Grace A. The Law or Covenant of Workes offereth salvation to them that keepe it perfectly in their own persons that is to them that be without sinne and have a righteousnesse of their owne a personall perfect perpetuall Obedience Rom. 10.5 Luk. 10.28 Q. Explaine that farther A. The Law considers not what we can doe now neither doth it accept of sorrowes for doing amisse but it is satisfied only with a full and compleat obedience If thou say I doe my best c. that is no content to the Law the Law requires that all our works be holy without any touch of the flesh Rom. 7.14 2 Cor. 3.7 9. Gal. 3.10 It curseth every failing Q. How doth the Gospel offerus salvation A. By the righteousnesse of Christ thâ— Mediator so that the humbled soule resting on Christ by faith is justified and â— peace with God though we be not perfectly holy Rom. 3.25 26 27. Gal. 2.1 2 Cor. 5.19 Rom. 4.16 1 Tim. 1.15 This the priviledge of the Gospell that wheâ— we faile yet if we repent and turnet God God accepts our persons and thâ— greatest sin shall not condemne us thâ— Law knowes no such thing Gal. 3.12 Of justification by faith in Christ Jesus Q. 1. Then Christ doth not justify us â— giving grace and ability to keep the Law A. No for then Justification wereaâ— works and not of Grace besides there no such b ability given to any living Grace is given whereby we subdue or corruptions The Covenant with Adam was of workes though all he had was given him and strive to please God bâ— not to fulfill the Law perfectly a Eph. 7 8 9 10. b 1 Joh. 1.8 9. Act. 5.31 Acâ— 15.11 That which I fetch with my penâ—â— is not a gift but our righteousnesse is 〈◊〉 gift Rom. 5.17 Q. 2. Doth he save us by joyning 〈◊〉 merits to our workes as if we were justified partly by workes and partly by faiâ—â— in Christ A. No we are justified by faith without the deeds of the Law and Christ will not have any to bejoyned with him in that businesse Rom. 3.21 27 28. Rom. 11.6 Esa 64.6 Jer. 23.6 Esa 63.3 Rom. 4 5 6. Heb. 7.25 Heb. 9.26 Gal. 5.4 To a sinners justification Christ is all in all or none at all Q. 3. Doth the New Covenant save as by changing the condition of workes into faith and sincere obedience as if the act of believing and obeying should be in stead of perfect obedience to the Law A. By no meanes The righteousnesse by which we are justified is 1. The righteousnesse of a God 2. Imputed to us residing in the person of Christ 3. Every way able to answer the Law See Phil. 39 2 Cor. 5.21 Ro 3.21 22 26. But our faith and sincere obedience is 1. But the righteousnesse of a man 2. Inherent noâ— imputed 3. No way able to answer the Law The New Covenant doth not change workes into workes workes perfect incompleat iâ—to workes imperfect But it changeth workes of our own performing into workes performed for us by Christ for faith doth not justifie as it is a grace wrought in us working in us but as it is an
instrument whereby the soule layeth hold on Christ 'T is the object of faith that saveth us God gives Christ and thou must receive him and the hand to take him is faith Heb. 10.10 Rom. 9.32 with Rom. 10.3 4. Joh 6.35 Joh. 1.12 1 Joh. 5 11 12. Col. 1.20 Rom. 4.5 6 7 16. The righteousnesse of Christ is the onely righteousnesse by which we stand justified before God and Faith is the onely Meanes by which Christs righteousnesse is made ours and this faith doth justify not as it acteth upon our heartâ— to subdue lusts but as it acteth upon Christ's bloud as the meat that is eateâ—â— doth feed the medicine received doth cure the disease even so he that eateth me shall live by me saith Christ Joh. 6 57. Q. You say that you cannot be save by the Law What then is the onely way left to inherit eternall life A. Christ is the way the truth and thâ— life He was made sinne for us that wâ— might be made the righteousnesse of Goâ— in him John 14.6 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Cor. 1 3â— This is the Covenant of Grace this 〈◊〉 the Word of eternall life Joh. 6.68 Q. When was this Covenant first madâ— with mankind A In a Paradise immediately afteâ— the fall of Adam and it was renued bâ— with Abraham declared by Moses c anâ— the Prophets till at last it was confirme by the death of Christ the promiser anâ— testator a Heb. 11.4 Gen. 3.14 b Gen 17.4 11. c Exod. 24.8 Heb. 9.19 20. Gaâ— 3.16 17. Q. Were the Fathers before the comeing of Christ saved by faith in him A. Yes we and they doe all drink of the same Spirituall Rock which is Christ being all children of faith and of the promise 1 Cor. 10.1 2 3. Rom. 4.12 Rom. 9.8 Gal. 3.29 Heb. 11.4 Heb. 9.15 Rom. 1.1 2. with 1 Pet. 3.18 19. 1 Pet. 4.6 Q. Then the Old and New Testament be all one for substance A. They are so Christ is the substance of both and they are but severall waies of setting down the Covenant of Grace the one teaching to believe in Christ that was to come the other shewing more clearly all things fulfilled in Christ now come according as was promised and prefigured Q. By this it appeares that the Covenant of Grace is a most free Covenant not grounded upon any condition on our parts not upon any thing that we can doe or suffer A. It is a most free and gratious Covenant all the promises be made good to us in Christ Eph. 3.12 2 Cor. 1â— 20 2 Tim. 1. â— and we have nothing to doe but to embrace Christ and that grace also God promiseth to worke in us The Covenant of workes was conditionall grounded on mans owne obedience This New Covenant whereby we are restored againe into Gods favour is called a Covenant of Grace because the remission of sins the favour of God and life everlasting are the free gift of God given us in Christ not for any thing in us or done by us but for the onely obedience oâ— Jesus Christ the Mediator Eph 2.8 Ro. 5.21 WheÌ„ once we have Christ by Faith we are made New Creatures to bring forth fruit unto God Eph. 2.10 Rom 7.4 But we can challenge nothing of justification and life as a debt or as from the hand of justice but onely as as meer gift of grace Goâ— doth performe all things to us not for anything is us but for his Christ And thoâ— conditionall expressions If ye mortify thâ— deed of the flesh ye shall live c. such promises doe tell us who shall live not why they shall live Lastly that first Covenant is mended Christ the Mediator oâ— the New Covenant makes it good by enabling us to performe the condition thereof which Moses could not doe he gave the Law but could not give graceâ— c. Jer. 31.33 Heb. 8.9 10. Deut. 5.27 29. Heb 7.22 CAP. VII Of promises to Christ the Mediator the Head of the Covenant of Grace IN the Covenant of Grace there be three parties contracting and covenanting 1. God the party offended 2ly Man the party offending and to be reconciled 3ly Christ the reconciler and peace-maker between them both Q. The first party contracting in this New Covenant is God himselfe The first Party in the New Covenant What hath he done for Mankind A. The Lord hath done three gratious Acts for us His goodnesse and love towards us appeareth in three things Q. 1. What is the first gratious act of God in this Covenant of peace A. It is the free giving of his Son to take our nature that he might redeem us It was the Fathers will he should have a body and the Sons willingnesse to undertake it Heb. 5.4 5. Heb. 10.5 7 9. Joh. 3.16 Esa 9.6 Q. 2. What is the second gratious Act of God in this New Covenant A. God hath established the Covenant of our Redemption in and with his Son Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 5.19 God in Christ reconciling c. God did not send his Son empty into the world but furnished him with Testimonies promises of his favour for the comfort of Christ himselfe and oâ— us his people Joh. 10.36 Heb. 1.6 Therâ— was a Covenant betwixt God and Chriâ—â— our head touching the work of Redemption the Lord promising some things â— Christ and requiring some things oâ— Christ 1 Tim. 3.16 Gal 3.16 19. Geâ— 12.3 Q. How many sorts of promises there in the New Covenant A. Two sorts some be made to Chriâ—â— the Mediator and some unto all sucâ— persons as doe or shall embrace Chriâ—â— offered unto them Q. What things did God promiseâ— Christ Himselfe Of Gods promises to Christ as our Head and Mediâ—tor A. Three things 1. God promised to â— to him a Father to fill him with the Holy Ghost and with power to goe througâ— with the work of our redemption Heb. 5 6. Act. 10.38 Ep 1.22 Esa 11.2 Esa 49. Q. What 2ly doth God promise to him A. 2. God promiseth him acceptance victâ—ry and successe in all his undertakings 〈◊〉 man Mat. 3.17 Ioh. 5.20 21. Esay 42.6 53.11 Act. 2.27 Q. In what particulars shall Christ have successe and power to blesse his people A. In five particulars I God sayes to him Thou shalt a teach them 1. Conversion 2. Adoption 3. Sanctification and turne them to the Lord. 2ly Thou b shalt make them my sonnes and doughters 3ly And thou c shalt have the spirit to bestow on them a Mal 4.6 Luk. 1.16 17. Ioh 6.45 Esay 61 1 2. b Ioh 6.40 1.12 c 15.26 Luk. 24.49 Q. In what else shall Christ have successe A. 4ly Thou shalt a give them peace whilst they live in this world 4. Peace in our justification 5. Glorification 5 yl And b raise them up at the last day to eternall glory a Ioh 10.16 28 29. 14.27 16.33 b Ioh. 6.37 40. Rom 8.11 Q These are Gods promises to his Son What
Reprobation is the like eternall purpose of God whereby he leaveth others in their sinnes to perish for ever to the praise of his glorious justice Vocation signifieth that work of grace whereby God calleth his elect out of their sins to receive the Gospell that is unto faith and repentance Conversion signifieth Gods turning of a sinner from darknesse to light from sin to grace from love of the world to love of God from carelesnesse to conscience of pleasing God Justification signifieth Gods gracious act accepting of a sinner into his favour not imputing unto him his sinnes in and for the righteousnesse and death of Christ or it is Gods gracious act whereby he reconcileth an humbled sinner to himselfe forgiving his sins freeely fully for Christs sake Regeneration is the begetting of a spirituall life of grace in the soule by the seed of Gods word received into the heart and made effectuall by the holy Ghost whereby we are become new Creatures to bring forth fruit unto God the fruits of holynesse and righteousnesse Sanctification signifieth the clensing of our Natures it is the grace of God infused into our hearts whereby of unholy people we are made holy in our thoughts words and actions Adoption signifieth Gods making Sons of us that were not Sons before or it is the translation of Sinners from a servile condition under sinne and Satan to be the Sonnes of God in and with Christ to enjoy the priviledges and inheritance of Sonnes Glorification signifies the state of Gods children in heaven Redemtion signifies Christs delivering of our Soules from sin wrath by paying of a price even the price of his bloud for us Mediation signifieth that gracious work of Christ setting himselfe between God and us makeing peace procuring our acceptance with his father both of our persons and actions Propitiation signifieth the removing of wrath and making of God favourable to us in Christ Christs active obedience signifieth his perfect fulfilling of the Law for us Christs passive obedience is his suffering of death and undergoing of the punishment due to our sinnes by both which he satisfied the justice of God in our behalfe being put under the Law that he might save them that were under the Law By the Law is meant the covenant of Workes the way and offer of salvation to them that perfectly fulfill the Law of God in their own persons By the Gospel is meant the covenant of Grace that is Gods gracious purpose and promise of bringing men to salvation by Jesus Christ The Old Testament is the doctrine of salvation through Christ taught by Moses and the Prophets and set forth under certain figures and ceremonies shadowing forth the death of Christ and the benefits of Christ who was then to come The New Testament is the same Doctrine of salvation by Christ taught nakedly without such figures shadowes shewing expresly the death and benefits of Christ already come and exhibited in the flesh Leveticall we meane any Ordinance about Gods publicke worship delivered by Moses till the Messias should come By Legall we understand that which the Law of Moses doth require as legall righteousnesse is such a compleat righteousnes in every circumstance as the Law doth require By Evangelicall we understand that which the Gospell doth require and accept as Evangelicall righteousnesse is the righteousnesse of the Mediator accepted on our behalfe Legall perfection is to be free from sin in every kinde and degree thereof Evangelicall perfection is to be free from guile and hypocrisie when in uprightnesse of heart we frame our selves to the whole will of God Legall repentance is a sorrow for sin arising from fear of wrath such a sorrow the Law can work Evangelicall repentance is such a sorrow for sin as ariseth from love of God and hatred of sin which the Spirit of Adoption begets in us because we displease our Father and dishonour our God By the Image of God in men is meant to be like God in holinesse and righteousnesse By the fall of man is meant the first sin of Adam and Eve whereby they fell from that state of holinesse and happinesse wherein they were at first created and plunged themselves and their posterity into sin and misery By Flesh in Scripture is meant the unregenerate heart of man and that remainder of corruption which is found even in regenerate persons whereby they are hindred from doing the good they would By Spirit is meant the new Man the renewed heâ—rt and soule of Man which opposeth it selfe against all sin When we speak of a naturall Man of the state of Nature we doe not mean Heathens or Fooles but all even the best wisest among Christians that be not regenerate effectually called forasmuch as they be in no better case then Heathens When we speak of a Spirituall Man we meane one that is regenerate led by the Spirit of God minding Spirituall things in the first place and temporall things in a spirituall manner When we speake of a Carnall Man we meane them that are led by Carnall and corrupt Principles and doe follow after Earthly things with greatest earnestnesse and delight and Spirituall things in a formall and carelesse manner A Sincere Christian is one that walketh with God and to God uprightly making conscience of every duty and of every sin according to that measure of knowledge which he hath received and doth not hide his eyes from any part of Gods will neither is willingly ignorant of any part of his duty An Hypocrite in Scripture is not one that doth professe Religion and separate himselfe from the sinnes of others but it is any one that knoweth Truth and doth not obey it sincerely and universally but is partiall and halting with God in points of obedience approving himselfe to man rather then to God By Civill honesty which we teach cannot bring men to heaven we doe not condemne justice and honesty in mens dealings But we mean meere civill honest men that is deluded formall Christians who being free from grosse sins and outwardly conformed to good orders do flatter themselves in a morall righteousnesse without faith or any assurance of their particular interest in Christ or any endeavour to attaine thereunto By Common Graces we mean such gifts of Gods spirit as be common to the elect and reprobate as gifts of Miracles of Prophesying and other abilities to spirituall duties By Saving Graces we mean the speciall worke and fruits of the renewing Spirit which whosoever hath received is undoubtedly saved By Restraining Grace we meane that power of Gods word on the conscience whereby men do outwardly forbeare evill though they doe not inwardly hate it Humiliation is the wounding and casting downe of the conscience with feare in a sense apprehension of the curse of God belonging to our sinfull state all former hopes of being in Gods favour in a good case being now discovered to be utterly false and unsound Self-deniall signifieth the
creature for religious use no testimony of reverence to be given to them of Will-worship of the parts of Gods worship and the right manner of performing the same Cap. 31. Of taking Gods name in vaine in or without an oath of conditions of a lawfull Vow and Oath Cap. 32. Of the Sabbath day the institution change and celebration the duties for sanctifying of the Rest Cap. 33. Duties of Parents and Children Cap. 34. Duties of Masters and Servants of rulers and Subjects Cap. 35. Duties of husband and Wife Cap. 36. Of Murther in the heart tongue gesture c. Cap. 37. Of Adultery in the heart tongue gesture c. Cap. 38. Of Theft Oppression Restitution Cap. 39 Of Truth Falshood in our words kinds of lying dissimulation of defending ones good name Cap. 40. Of concupiscence and first motions to evill how evill thoughts not consented unto be sinfull How it may be discovered whether evill thoughts doe arise from our owne corrupt hearts or from Satan Cap. 41. Of the meanes of working and increasing Grace How to hear the Word of God to our comfort and salvation Cap. 42. Of Prayer what it is to whom and for whom to be made Of Prayer in the Spirit and other conditions required in an acceptable prayer Cap. 43. Of the Lords Prayer of sanctifying Gods Name Cap. 44. Of Christs Spirituall Kingdome and doing Gods will Cap. 45. Of our daily bread what it is and how given Cap. 46. Of forgivenesse of sinnes what it is to whom granted signes that we forgive others Cap. 47. Of Temptations how God is said to lead into temptation of the right manner of giving praise to God Cp. 48. Of the right use abuse of the Lords Prayer of stinted Prayer of the Spirit of Prayer how to judge whether our Prayers be heard Cap. 49. Of the seales of the Covenant How the Spirit doth seale and witnesse with our spirits Of the nature Author and efficacy of the Sacraments in generall Cap. 50. Of Baptisme what it is to be baptized in the Name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost Of Baptizing of Infants and the benefit of Baptisme to them Cap. 51 Of the Lords Supper Of Transubstantiation and the Reall Presence Of the sacrifice of the Masse and of the true use and end of the Lords Supper Cap. 52. Of right participation of the Lords Supper what we must doe before we come when we be there and after we have received how to find that we have received aright of receiving in a mixt cōgregation An Appendix 1. Vnfolding certaine termes used in sermons and English Bookes 2. Shewing the markes of Gods Children 3. Containing some generall Rules and Principles of Holy Life CAP. I. Of the state of Man by Creation and of the Covenant of Nature WHat should be the first and great care of every man in this World Ans To a know God betimes to serve him aright and to b provide for the eternall salvation of our poore soules a Eccl. 12.1 1 Chron 28.9 b Luc. 10.42 John 6.27 Esa 55.2 1 Tim. 6.18 19. Q. What is mans chiefest happinesse in this world A. It is to enjoy God by faith to walk with him to know our selves to be in his favour here and that we shall for ever live with him after death Without this we are as miserable as the Beasts Gen. 15. 1. Lam. 3.24 Eccl. 2.1 11 13. No earthly thing can make one happy Jer. 9.23 24. Eccl. 12.13 Math. 16 26. 1 Cor. 15.19 Eph. 2.12 Q. How shall a man attain to this true Happinesse A. Only by the Scriptures which are able to make us wise to Salvation Ioh. 5.39 46. Luke 16.29 31 Iohn 14.6 2 Tim. 3.15 Q. How are we assured that the Scripture is Gods-Word A. Not onely by the Testimony of the Church which cannot universally deceive but especially by the Testimony of the Spirit working strange and supernaturall effects in us by the Word giving us such joy contentment and satisfaction touching spirituall and eternall things by way of tast and feeling as is not possible for humane reason to doe Ioh. 4.42 Ioh. 6.68 69. 1 Thes 1.5 2 Pet. 1.18 21. 2. Cor. 4.6 Foure heads of Christian doctrine Q. What be those Parts or heads of Christian Doctrine delivered in Scripture the knowledge whereof maketh us happy A. There be foure generall heads of it 1. The Doctrine of mans creation and state of innocency 2ly Of the fall and misery of man 3ly Of mans deliverance and redemption by Jesus Christ and of the means to partake of Christ 4. How the redeemed ought to live These Truthes bring us to Humiliation Justification and Sanctification Act. 20.20 Q. God in the beginning created Adam and Eve in what state did he make them at first A. God made them upright after his own likenesse Of the state of Man by Creation i.e. in an holy and happy estate free from sin and misery Gen. 1.27 Col. 3.10 Eccles 7.29 Q. Wherein consisted the Image of God in which man was created A. It stood in two things First in that Dominion Honour and Excellency which Adam had over the creatures Gen. 1.26 Gen. 2.20 Gen. 9.6 This was externall Joh. 10.34 God is the great King and Lord of all things and all in Authority doe beare his Image 1 Cor. 11.7 Rom. 13.4 Q. Wherein chiefely did that Image of God consist A. In Holinesse and Righteousnesse wherein man was like unto God himselfe their whole soules and bodies being filled with the fulnesse of Grace Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10 Q. If Adam had not sinned should he have died A. No For death came in by sinne as the wages of it Rom. 5.12 Gen. 2.17 Q. Also if he had continued upwright he should have been saved without the help of a Mediatour Of the first Covenant made with Adam A. It is true for so God Covenanted with him and in token thereof Gave him to eat of the tree of Life Gen. 2.9 16. Gen. 3.22 24. Rev. 2.7 Q. Declare more plainly the Covenant made with Adam before he fell A. It was a Covenant of Workes wherein life was promised upon condition of his continuing without sin in perfect obedience Rom. 10.5 Gal. 3.12 Rev. 22.14 Doe this and live Q. But could Adam at that time have been saved by his own inherent righteousnesse was he able to keepe that Covenant A. Yes For Adam was the Sonne of God perfect in holinesse righteousnesse and Heire of Heaven even as the holy Angels are Luk 3.38 Gen. 1.27 31. Adam had a whole will no ignorance no corruption to strive against the Spirit Q. Can any man since the fall be saved by that Covenant A. No Because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and therefore must look for salvation by another that is by Christ Jesus Rom. 3.22 23. Rom. 8.3 Heb. 8.8 Gal. 3.10 Q. Must any be judged that is stand or fall by that Covenant of Workes A. Yes all
a carnall man sinne is pleasing and duty a burthen the duties of the Law being brought and pressed on the soule doe shew how hollow and rotten we are which otherwise we should never have mistrusted by our selves Ro. 7.9 9 10 13. Rom. 8.7 Q. What fourth worke of the Law bringeth a sinner to Christ A. It worketh wrath that is it laies the curse upon us it proclaims the judgement of God against us for every sin It curseth every disobedience it tels every soule of us thou art a domned creature c. Ro. 1.18 Rom. 4.15 2 Cor. 3.7 9. The Law is full of rigour 1. It accepts of no obedience but what is every way full and perfect 2. The Law admits of no excuses It accepts of none of our sorrows 3. The Law regards not what we can doe but what we should doe All that be under the Law must doe it or dye This is the case of all that be out of Christ the Law curseth them Q. How fiftly doth the Law drive us unto Christ A. When we see that we are shut up and cannot winde our selves out of Gods wrathfull hands the soul even drowned with sorrow and feare is constrained to goe to Christ upon the invitation of the Gospell The soule does hereupon consult and advise with it selfe what to doe to be saved and so at length resolves to goe to Christ this is one use of the Morall Law viz. to make us see 1. How vile we are 2. How weak we are 3. How wicked we are what enemies to God and goodnesse 4. How cursed we are 5. And so to consult within our selves and to resolve to goe to Christ as that prodigall did Luk. 15.17 18. and those Lepers 2 King 7.3 4. Thus the Law and the Gospell worke together for our salvation it is not in me to save you saith the Law therefore seeke further It is in me to save you saith the Gospell therefore rest in me Act. 2.37 Mat. 11.28 Rom. 8.15 And so the soule is converted and drawn unto Christ by the Gospell being driven from the Law by the Law it selfe CAP. XXVIII Of the second end and use of the Morall Law Q. WEE have seene the first maine use of the Morall Law What is the second A. To be a perpetuall rule of obedience and holinesse Second Use of the Morall Law and it is therefore called the Morall Law Mat. 19.17 Rom. 2.25 Rom. 7.12 Heb. 8.10 1 Tim. 1.5 8. Jam. 2.10 11. The Law shewes us what is good and what is bad Q. Our obedience is but in part here What be the properties of that obedience which God will accept of his servants True obedience what A. 1. It must be a free a loving submitting of the b inward and outward man to the c whole will of God with an intention d and desire to please and approve our selves to him in every thing we doe This is the nature of true obedience a the ground and rule of obedience is the will of God b the creature obeying is the inward and outward man c the manner is free without compulsion d the end and aime of all is to please God not men or our selves and by these properties true obedience is differenced from meer civill honesty restraining grace in hypocrites a Mat. 15.9 Esa 1.12 b Rom. 6.13 17. c Psal 40.8 119.6 80. Mat. 5.20 Jam. 2.10 d H. s 7.14 Zach. 7.5 6 Rom. 14.6 Joh. 5.30 John 7.18 Esay 10.7 Mat. 6.6 Q. Is there any worthinesse in our works to procure to us Gods favour A. None at all our best works done before we be regenerate are utterly corrupt and cannot please God The evill tree cannot bring forth good fruit Joh. 3.6 Rom. 8.8 Mat. 7.18 Phil. 3.8 Q. But what say you of the workes we performe after regeneration A. Though God in mercy for Christs sake doe accept of our endeavours to please him yet our very best workes are stained with many imperfections And therefore have need of forgivenesse c. Luk. 17.10 Rom. 7.21 Esa 64.6 Tit. 3.5 Mat. 20.10 14. When the Scripture speaks of rewarding our workes Mat. 10.42 and Mat. 6.6 It is a reward of Grace not of Debt Neh. 13.22 Remember me and spare me The rewards of God must needs be full of Grace seeing he promiseth to reward Begging and praying and a cup of cold water which is of little worth Q. It seems then that God doth receive us into his favour without any consideration of our works of his meer mercy in Christ alone imputing his righteousnesse unto us and not our frailties A. It is most true for we are saved by faith in Christ without the works of the Law Rom. 3.28 Rom. 11.6 Q. But doth justification by faith make men despisers of good duties contained in Gods Law A. By no means for faith is the very life and root of all good works And the reason why many doe not performe works of obedience is because they have not faith Heb. 11.7 8 17 25 27. Iam. 2.22 Luk. 17.3 5. Esay 7.4 12. 1 Pet. 3.5 The more faith Faith answers all objections it removeth carnall reasoning and so brings the heart to obey in all things the more obedience Gal. 5.6 Q. The Law being the rule of obedience we ought to be carefull to know it and to lead our lives by it A. Yes For both he that knows it not and he that obeyes it not shall be beaten with many stripes Luk. 12.47 48. Q. How many Commandments be there A. Ten Ten words Deut. 4.13 Q. What sorts of duties doth the Law of God containe A. Two sorts 1. Duties that immediatly concern Gods Glory and Worship in the foure first precepts 2. And duties that more immediately respect our Neighbours good in the six last Mar. 12.29 30 31 33. Mat. 22.37 40. Thus are the Ten Commandments divided Q. What motives are there to stir us up to the keeping of this Law in all the points of it A. Two 1. Because God is the Law-giver God spake every one of those words and where God hath a voyce to speake we ought to have an eare to heare and an heart to obey God sets his stamp upon them all Iam. 4.12 Heb. 2.2 Rom 7.12 The law is holy just and good Q. Why secondly must we carry an awfull regard to this Law A. Because he is Jehovah our God our maker our deliverer and therefore may justly challenge obedience at his creatures hands Love and feare ought to keep us in obedience Mal. 1.6 Es 5.4 Deut. 10.12 Jer. 2.9 13 19. Mic. 6.3 Esay 43.23 24. Deut. 7.6 11. Deut. 26.17 19. the strongest and sweetest bond of obedience is that relation between God and us CAP. XXIX Q. THe first Table of the Law of God containes foure Commandments What is the summe and substance of it A. The first Table of the Law teacheth and requireth 1. That I cleave unto God with my heart 2. That I worship him with my