suffice Quest 2. What is the first Ans First The old carnall Israelites part of the Posterity of Abraham in Aegypt as all naturall men in whom the spark of conscience or light of the Law of nature accusing or excusing is awakened had is still such have some thoughts of saving themselves by the way of the first Covenant Gal. 2.16 Acts. 13.39 Rom 10. â— or Rule of life to Adam in Paradise Do and live Therefore God repeats the matter of the Law as to shew sin so as a rule of a Christians life not to justifie but to convince them of their error and shew they could not have life or justification by any works of the Law as such Pharisees dream Quest 3. But how can this be since the Lord declares himself to be their Lord and God in Christ who had brought them by Christ from the Aegypt of sin as he had brought them by Moses out of Egypts Bondage Ans Though God did this yet he delivers the Articles or matter of the Law Rom. 10.1 c. 2.14 15. Exod. 19.1 to 25. 20.1 c. Gal. 3.17 c. or rule of life written in the heart of Adam in Creation and blotted by the fall and now written again in the tables of stone and delivered with Thunders and Lightnings and terrors which they were not able to abide not to hold forth life in that way or to renew the Covenant of works but that they might see their own sin weaknes and misery and seek out for a Mediator Christ to come as they did for Moses then present that so the Law or Rule of doing might be their Schoolmaster revealing sin and misery to bring them unto Christ and to seek Salvation in the Gospel the Rule of Faith Quest 4. But how doth it appear that the Lord did declare himself to them as their God in Christ Or in the Wildernesse hold forth Christ and the Covenant of grace to his people Ans This is evident Exo. 20.1 2 3. 12. Lev. 16.7 c. as by the Preface of the ten Commandments of the Morall Law or Rule of manners and obedience I am the Lord thy God in Christ So by the Ceremoniall Law clearly in which by their Sacrifices Num. 21.6 c. Gal. 2.24 and Types and Figures of the Paschall Lamb the scape Goat the Brazen Serpent and other mysteries Christ was sweetly Preached and held forth as the only Way and means of Salvation This Ceremoniall Law in this respect as well as the Morall Law in another noted before being also a School-master to bring them to Christ Quest 5. But wherefore doth Christ and his Apostles in the New Testament hold forth the Law or Covenant of works if there be no Iustification by the Law nor Salvation by a mans own works Ans The Lord Christ and his Apostles do not hold forth the Law Iohn 14.6 or speak of it to renew the Covenant of works or set it up as a way of Iustification and life for he declares himself the way the truth and the life But Christ repeats and expounds the Law for divers other uses Quest 6. What is the first Ans First To shew what man could not do by the Law that is not be Iustified by it rather then that he could keep the Law Luk. 17.7 c. or gain life and Salvation by his own power or by any works of the Law Quest 7. What is a second Ans Secondly Mat. 5.1 c. 5.17 c. to vindicate the Law from the false glosses of the Scribes and Pharisees who Interpreted the Law according to the Letter only and outward acts of obedience and as if it had been a way of life Christ holding forth that strictnesse of obedience which man is not able to perform Quest 8. What is a third Ans To shew the inward and perfect obedience which the Law requireth Mat. 5.17 c. 19.16 c. Gal. 2.17 Iam. 2.8 c. if a man do bat look upon a woman to lust after her he hath committed Adultery with her in his heart if he be but angry with his Brother unadvisedly he is a Murderer if he break the Law but in one point he is guilty of all so no life or Salvation but in Christ Quest 9. What is a fourth Ans That men being enlightned by the Spirit of Christ in the Word Rom. 7.7 Ioh. 16.7 c. Rom. 8.15 Acts 2.37 16.29 c. to see their own weaknes and inability to keep the Law or be saved by it they may be convinced of their sin and misery finde their bondage despair in themselves as not knowing what to do and be drawn by the Gospel and same spirit of Christ to come into Christ believe and receive Christ and be saved Quest 10. But will not the Gospel shew mans misery without the Law Ans Yes The Gospel doth shew our misery implicitely by way of inference as 2 Cor. 5.14 15. But Gods Spirit is pleased to make use of both at his pleasure and both Law and Gospel may be Preached in the Church in a true and right manner as Luke 10.34 So Law and Gospel 1 Thes 1.8 Acts 2.37 c. and 13. Quest 13. But is there no other use of the Law Psal 119.1 c. Mat. 5.16 Isa 8.20 Iohn 14.21 c. 15.12 c. Phil. 31.27 3.17 c. 4.8 2. Ans Yes The Law Commandment or Iudgement Statute Testimony Precept Word or way of God for it hath all these names and such like in Scripture as it was so it is and may be held forth as a rule and way of our life and conversation in which through Faith and the power and vertue of Christ and his quickning and sanctifying Spirit the Children of God may and ought to walk offering up themselves and all their endeavors fruitfully in all good works as Spirituall Sacrifices of Praise acceptable to God in Christ as we shall shew further in the last part Quest 12. What profit is it to know so much of mans naturall condition weaknesse and misery since Adams fall Ans That men and women may be throughly convinced of their death in sin and misery in a naturall condition Eph. 2.1 Acts 28.23 c. Mat. 16.24 Rom. 1.4 5. Phil. 3.4 c. and inability to believe or repent and be wholly brought to deny themselves their own wisdom righteousnesse and strength to recover and so truly and more earnestly seek out to be saved by another even by Iesus Christ and prize Christ Iesus in whom alone there is hope of Salvation for poor sinners Quest 13. But if a man can do nothing of himself neither repent nor believe the Gospel and that without Faith and Repentance there is no Salvation to any man or woman then what difference or what profit is there in the New Covenant more then in the Old since in neither man hath power of himself
to save himself or make a right use of those means of grace which tend to Salvation Ans Yea Eccles 7.29 Gen. 1.27 3.3 4 5. certainly there is great difference between the Covenant of works the Covenant of grace for in the first Covenant although God gave our first Parents a holy nature and ability if they would Isa 42.6 7. Acts 5.31 Ier. 31.33 Heb. 8.10 2 Cor. 3.8 to keep the Covenant and be happy Yet did not God give them a grace and confirmed will to persevere in that holinesse or be preserved from falling But in the Covenant of Grace the Lord gives Christ for a Covenant and in and by Christ his Spirit knowledge Faith Repentance love a new heart freedom from dominion and damning power of sin and perseverance in grace and all things that pertain to life and godlinesse God writes the Law not in Tables of stone as on Mount Sinai but in the heart and as he requireth Faith as with an empty hand to receive Christ so he giveth Faith Phil. 1.29 1 Pet. 1.3 4. and works it by his word and Spirit keeping the Saints by his power through Faith unto Salvation Gen. 3.15 17.17 Isa 5.3 Gen. 2.17 18. Ma. 1.21 Luke 2.10 c. Ioh. 1.14 1 Ioh. 3.14 c. Mat. 17.5 1 Tim. 1.1 5. Quest 14. What is the Covenant of grace Ans The Covenant of grace is that Covenant which God made with our first Parents in Paradice after their fall promising Christ the seed of the woman to break the Serpents head and in Christ life Eternall freely This Covenant renewed to Abraham held forth before Christ more darkly in Types and Figures but more fully since Christ in the glorious and clear Sun-shine of the Gospel Quest 15. You have explained what man was in the state of Creation and how miserable by nature after the fall Now what is mans condition by Grace and in the state of Grace when God hath drawn him to come into Christ and to seek Christ alone for Salvation by vertue of this Covenant Ans Man who could destroy Hos 13.9.14 1 Pet. 1.18 19. 2 Cor. 5.18 19. Phil. 1.29 Act. 5.31 Rom. 5.1 8.30 8.17 Gal. 5.4 5. but not save himself nor be Redeemed by silver and gold or by any other creature is now according to this Covenant of grace a Redeemed one by Christ reconciled to God in Christ called enabled to believe and Repent Iustified Sanctified Adopted to be a childe of God and in Christ an Heir of glory Quest 16. Are all men in this happy condition who live under the Gospel and hear the Preaching of this Covenant of Grace by Gods faithfull Ministers Ans No certainly not any in the ordinary way who are of years of discretion but only those who first waiting on Christ in his Ordinances in some measure by his Word and Spirit according to the working of Gods mighty power have their eyes opened Secondly Are made sensible of sin and misery by sin Thirdly Enabled to deny themselves Fourthly And by faith to apprehend apply Christ as their surety and redeemer Fifthly To rest on Christ alone for Salvation And Sixthly Declare their thankfulnesse by serving God in righteousnesse and true holinesse all the dayes of their lives 2 Chron. 34.19 c. Isa 66.2 Acts 2.37 38. and 16.17 18. Eph. 1.17 c. Rom. 7.23 24. Mat. 16.24 John 1.11 12. Mat. 11.28 29. Rom. 12.1 2. Luke 1.73 c. Quest 17. You have held forth and professed what you believe concerning the Providence of God in the state of man by Creation and his most miserable condition by the fall and declared in part what Gods Children are in the state of grace Now let me hear in brief what you believe concerning the Children of God in the state of glory And what is Gods works of Providence and government in the Heavenly Kingdom Ans First For the present Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord even so faith the Spirit they rest from their labours their immortall souls return to God that gave them and being dissolved from their bodies they are with their thâ—ir heavenly husband Christ Iesus in glory Revelation 14.13 Ecclesiastes 12.7 Phil. 1.21 c. Luke 23.43 Rev. 19.6 c. Secondly At the day of Iudgement their bodies being raised from the dead 1 Cor. 15.19 c. Mar. 25.34 Rev. 21.4 Mat. 5.8 1 Iohn 3.1 2 3. 17.20 c. 1 Thes 4 13. to 18. Ioh. 10.27 to 30. Mat. 25.46 Rev. 4.8 c. 5.11 c. 7.10 c. their souls and bodies re-united by the power of Christ the sentence of blessednesse shall be pronounced to them And Thirdly there shall be no more death but all tears shall be wiped away from their eyes God shall be all in all to them Fourthly They shall enjoy the vision of God in glory and by union and communion with God in Christ remain happy with the Lord in that Kingdom of glory in life everlasting praising and glorifying of God for ever and ever Quest 18. What shall become of unbelievers impenitent and wicked men and women who neglect Christ and Salvation tendred in the Gospel of grace and follow the course of this world and their own sinfull lusts ignorantly or presumptuously to their ends What is Gods government concerning them Ans When they die their souls desend presently to misery and the bodies shall be raised again at the last day by the power of God and appear before the Iudgement seat of Christ to receive that direfull sentence of condemnation Go ye cursed and be excluded Heaven and cast into the fire of Hell to be tormented with the Devil and his Angels in darknesse for evermore Luke 16.22 23. Heb. 2.2 3. Joh. 3.18 19 30. John 4.28 29. and 12.48 Acts 13.46 and 18.5 6. Rom. 2.8 9 12. 1 Cor. 6.9 Gal 5.19 c. Eph. 5.24 36. Phil. 3.18 19. Mat. 22.12 13. and 25.41 Rev. 21.15 Quest 19. But who shall be Judge of believers and unbelievers at that great Day to separate the precious from the vile the Wheat from the Tares the righteous from the wicked and to reward every man and woman according to their works Ioh. 1.12 Mat. 24.30 Iohn 5.22 23. Act. 10.42 Mat. 25.31 c. 1 Thes 1.9 c. Ans The Lord Iesus Christ who is the only begotten Son of God who stiled himselfe also as he is the Son of Man to whom God the Father hath committed all Iudgement and ordained him to be the Iudge of quick and dead He shall come in glory of his Father with his Angels and shall separate the sheep from the goats believers from unbelievers and pronounce the sentence of blessednesse to the one and of the curse and damnation to the other according to their works and the just rule of truth and righteousnesse Quest 20. But shall all both quick and dead good and bad be brought before Christ to receive
outward signes and circumstances yet the internal Grace held forth signed and sealed in both is Christ and his Benefits who is yesterday and to day and the same for ever and so though there were divers figures and types yet here are not four properly in substance but two Sacraments in the Church ordinarily for the Baptizing in the Red Sea was extraordinary Quest 14. Who hath authority as the spiritual Efficient and Author to institute and ordain such a holy Sacrament Ans None but God Gen. 17.10 11. Exod. 12.1 29. Matth. 28.19 Mark 14.22 23. the whole Trinity in common and Christ God and man in particular who is the Angel of the Covenant and of whose last Will and Testament a Sacrament is a Seal to and for the good of the Church Quest 15. Who hath authority and power as an instrument to administer such a Sacrament Answ None but the Ministers of Christ lawfully Matth. 28.19 20. Heb. 5.4 Ephes 4.7 8 c. and rightly called and authorised thereto by Christ and his Church Quest 16. what is the external matter or material cause and outward signe in the first of these Sacraments the Sacrament of Baptism Ans The external signe Matth. 3.6 Acts 8.38 Mark 7.4 1 Cor. 10.4 and seal of Baptism is the Element of Water wherewith men of ripe yeers converted to the Faith of Christ and children of beleeving Parents within the Covenant of Grace have been are and may be Baptized or washed by diving under dipping or sprinkling Heb. 12.24 and washing with water sacramentally and according to the Ordinance of Christ Quest 17. What is the internal material thing signified in this Sacrament of Baptism Iohn 3.3 5. Heb. 12.24 1 Cor. 12.13 Rom. 6.4 5 6. Gal. 3.27 1 Ioh 1.7 Rev. 1.5 Acts 22.16 2 Cor. 5.17 Titus 3.5 6 7. Matth. 28.19 Acts 14.3 4 5. Ans Christ himself and his spirit and the vertue of Christ his blood the blood of sprinkling applyed by the Spirit washing and clearsing us from our sins makeing the baptized partakers of the vertue of Christs death and Resurrection and of the Grace of Regeneration and new Creation of union and engrafting whom God the Father pleaseth into Christ in this Sacrament of Baptism Quest 18. What is the outward form of this Sacrament of Baptism Ans The outward form of Baptism on Gods part and ours is the word of Promise in the institution of the Sacrament and action and profession of Faith and manner of baptizing by dipping or sprinkling or baptizing in or into the Name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost Quest 19. What is the inward form of this Sacrament of Baptism Answ That mystical and sacramental union that is between the outward signes of the Sacrament Gen. 17.10 Rom. 2.29 Col. 2.11 12. Tit. 3 5. Acts 2.38 39. and 10. 47 48. and 22.16 and inward Graces of the Covenant set forth and sealed in the Sacrament by vertue of which union as the signes are attributed to the things signified and these agree with the signes so the things signified and sealed are really communicated not by vertue of the work done and to every person baptized as the Papists dream but when God seeth good to those persons that are Gods elect children and have right unto and rightly partake of this Sacrament it sealeth their Iustification Regeneration and Salvation in Christ Quest 20. What kinde of union is this between the outward signe and the thing signified in the Sacrament Ans Not a Corporall Physical or Local nor yet an imaginary union onely but a true and real union yet so as the inward Grace is not communicated to all by vertue of the work done but to Saints in Covenant by vertue of the Covenant to whom and when God pleaseth Simon Magus he wanted Acts 8.13 20. and 8.36 39. and the Eunuch enjoyed spiritual Grace and joy in beleeving when he received Baptism as the outward signe and seal of inward Regeneration of the heart so that the outward signe and inward grace are not always united together but when and to whom God please he giveth grace and sealeth it to the joy of the soul The sixteenth Classis or Company Questions 1 Question VVHo are the subjects or persons to be made partakers of this Sacrament of Baptism Matt. 28.19 29. Mark 16.16 Acts 2.38 and 8.38 Answ All that are within the Covenant of Grace are first men or women of ripe yeers embracing the Gospel and converted to beleeve in Christ repent of their sins and be new Creatures yea able and willing to make profession of the faith and graces of God in them And secondly the custome of the Church for many hundred yeers hath practised Baptizing of Infants especially of beleevers in the Church Quest 2. What grounds or proof of this do you finde that have or may be produced from Scripture that children of beleevers should be admitted to Baptism Ans Divers Reasons have been observed by Divines But first this Rule is noted by Divines That whatsoever is or may be found a command or Institution of Christ in the Old Testament or in the New either in expresse words and terms or by good and necessary consequence not upon supposition onely but true foundation in the Book of God either for moral or for positive Duty It hath sufficient authority to be commended as a Truth of Christ for the benefit of Christs Church and may hold good for substance in the New Testament as well as in the Old although in a different manner of dispensation And therefore those who cast off a Truth of Christ plainly set forth in the Old Testament because it is not in so many words held forth or expressed in the New I conceive do much derogate from Christ who was the glorious Prophet of his Church as truly in the Old Testament as in the New The same Spirit of Christ preaching to 1 Pet. 3.19 20. and in the Patriarks and by the Prophets in the Old Testament as in the New and both Moses the Prophets and Apostles being all the Amanuenses and Pen-men of the Holy Ghost The whole Scripture being written by the Inspiration the Holy Ghost not by any private Interpretation and so the whole Scripture or any part of it in the Old Testament or in the New 2 Pet. 1.19 20 21. either in expresse words or evident consequence is a sufficient ground to prove Infants Baptism or any Truth of God whatsoever Quest 3. Although this be granted yet vvhat Arguments do you finde dravvn either from the Old Testament or the Nevv for Pedobaptism or the practise of Infants Baptism in the Church Ans First you may take notice of this which followeth Whatsoever was a positive rule and institution of Christ to a beleever as a beleever either concerning himself or his children as children of a beleever for assurance of salvation by Faith in Christ and inward Circumcision of the heart according to
be of Abrahams Family by professing themselves covenanters and to have the Lord for their God and by accepting of and submitting unto circumcision that signe and seal of the Covenant as Abraham did But for children of Abraham and of other Proselytes believers who had entred Covenant for themselves Abraham and such Parents did in all appearance Covenant that they would instruct and teach their children the Covenant of God which the Lord witnesseth of Abraham Gen. 18.18 19. that he did know Abraham would do according to his duty and Covenant that they might fear the Lord which is certain was no more then what Abraham had engaged himself unto by his Covenant accepting the Lord for his God and the God of his seed And the Infants themselves did only passively enter Covenant if I may so speak by receiving circumcision the signe and seal of the Covenant which they were actually to enter by solemn profession when they came to be of knowledge and understanding as those children of the Israelites did of which we read Nehemiah the tenth Neh. 10.28 29. When they were instructed and catechized in the knowledge of the mystery and Sacrament of circumcision as the Israelites children were commanded to be instructed in the mystery or Sacrament of the Passeover Law of God Exo. 12.26 27. Deut. 6.6 7. from generation to generation Exodus 12. Quest 21. Then it seemeth that circumcision did not give Infants at eight dayes old a compleat and perfect admission into the Church or a perfection of membership with visible professors compleat Ans I conceive they had a true and compleat Infant admission as far as they were capable of and passively received the signe of circumcision as a signe and seal of that Covenant made with Abraham their Father to distinguish them from the children of all Pagans and Idolaters such as were not of the Church and to intitle them to other rights and priviledges which they should be capable of when they came to knowledge and understanding to professe and by profession actually to enter Covenant themselves But they were not fully and compleatly taken as such visible members as might joyn in Covenant and other Ordinances until they were of knowledge and understanding as is noted in Nehemiah before For I do not conceive it certain that children were admitted to eat the Passeover until they were of some understanding if that be true which is related by the Hebrews that every one both of men and women was bound to drink that night four cups of wine without fail every cup containing a log as much as an egge and half and to blesse God at every cup especially at the last cup As Master Ainsworth out of Maimon relates to which the Apostle alludes in the cup of blessing besides they were to be of that understanding to ask their Parents the reason of that service Exo. 12. 1 Cor. 10.16 and to conceive their instruction given them as appeareth from that 12 of Exod. noted before Therefore more then Infant-circumcision was necessary to a compleat grown up visible member of the Church before Christ Quest 22. You have shewed in part the admission of Abraham and men of ripe years of Abrahams posterity or children were admitted as members now in what manner were the Proselytes admitted when they were received as of the Church Ans It is recorded in Scripture that one Ordinance was to be for the Congregation and for the stranger that sojourned with them as they were so were the strangers to be before the Lord by an Ordinance for ever Num. 15.15 But we read further as it is related out of the Hebrew Doctors That if an Hebrew receive of the Heathens a servant grown in yearâ— and the servant be not willing to be circumcised he dealeth with him a whole twelve moneth more then that it is not lawful to keep him being uncircumcised he must sell him again to the Heathens so that every Heathen might be admitted to the Church and people of God if he would but if he would be admitted then he must be admitted and enter into Covenant as the Hebrews did like as the Hebrew Doctors say by three things did Israel enter into Covenant namely by circumcision and baptism and sacrifice First circumcision was in Egypt as it is written Exo. 12.48 1 Cor. 10.22 Exo. 10.8 9 10. no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof Secondly Baptism was in the wildernesse before the Law not only typically in the Red-sea But at the foot of Mount Sinai as it is written The Lord said to Moses go unto the people and sanctifie them to day and to morrow and let them wash their cloaths and be ready against the third day this was their entring Covenant as in the 5 6 7 8. verses a fore going in that Chapter is evident Thirdly by sacrifice as it is written he sent young men of the sons of Israel which offered burnt offerings and this at entring into a confirming of the Covenant For Moses took the Book of the Covenant and read in the audience of the people Exo. 24.5 6 7 8. and they said all that the Lord hath spoken we will do and be obedient here was a submission to the Covenant and Moses confirmed it by sprinkling the blood on the people and said Behold the blood of the Covenant which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these6 words And so in all ages when an Ethnick or Heathen was willing to enter into the Covenant and gather himself under the wings of the Majesty of God and take upon him the yoak of the Law he must be circumcised and baptized and bring a sacrifice and if it be a woman she must be baptized and bring a sacrifice and as the Israelite so was the admission of a stranger also by way of Covenant profession and seal of Covenant as is held forth by these evidences Quest 23. There is one question more I desire to be resolved in before you come to shew the admission of converts or children of belivers in the time of the Gospel and this is concerning what you said of circumcision that it was to Abraham a signe and seal of the righteousnesse of Faith and of the Covenant of Grace I have heard some are of opinion that circumcision appointed to Abraham was not a seal of Faith and Covenant of Grace but a seal of the Covenant of works do and live and of the righteousnesse of works by doing and not believing and that Abraham by circumcision was bound to perform perfect obedience to the whole Law upon pain of eternal damnation and that the Covenant was onely a corporal covenant and that there was as much difference between circumcision and baptism as between Mount Sinai which gendreth to bondage Gal. 4. and Ierusalem which is free between Hagar and Sara which are most contrary and then the manner of admission of Saints in the Old Testament can have no agreement
with this in the New and so all this is to no purpose which is spoken Ans For mens opinions no assertion is therefore true because some men affirm it but it must have ground in the Word of God Now for circumcision it is evident by the Apostle that it is not a seal of the Covenant of works but of Faith and the righteousnesse of Faith Rom. 4.11 Rom. 11.6 and therefore not of works For Faith and works in respect of the Covenâ—nâ— and justification of life are opposite and contrary the one to the other if of works then not of grace And Mr. Ainsworth well observes upon that place that the word Covenant is thirteen times named in that Chapter Gen. 17.21 and hereby is meant the promise of Christ â—nd salvation in him and that the promise was not onely of corporal but of spiritual and heavenly things As Saint Luke testifieth Luk. 1.72 73 c. Chapter the first To perform this mercy promised to our fore-Fathers and to remember his holy Covenant the Oath which he swear unto our Father Abraham which was an Oath and Covenant of spiritual things as you may reade at large And so circumcision a seal of that Covenant must needs be not a seal of the Covenant of works but of grace Not of Mount Sinai gendring to bondage but of Mount Sion and of Jerusalem which is free the Mother of us all of all the free born children of faithful Abraham free born not by a natural but by a spiritual new birth Ioh. 1.12 not of the will of the flesh or of man but of God Quest 24. Gal. 5. But what say you to that place of the Apostle he that is circumcised is bound to keep the whole Law doth not this evidence that circumcision did bind a man to legal obedience and then how could it be a seal of the Covenant of Grace Ans I Answer the Apostle in this Chapter concludeth his disputation concerning justification by the merit of Christ and not by the observation of the works of the Law or of circumcision appointed to Abraham before the holding forth of the Law of Moses Gal. 2.3 c. or by any of Moses his Ceremonies Iustification before God being onely by Christ received by Faith and Christs righteousnesse as he had proved by divers Arguments in the former Chapters For the Iewish Doctors which came to the Galathians had preached a false Doctrine Act. 15.1 2 c. that except they were circumcised they could not be saved As those did at Antioch against which the Councel at Jerusalem made a Decree that no such burden as circumcision should be laid upon the Church Acts. i5 24 28. and this Doctrine of justification by circumcision the Apostle vehemently opposeth Not as if circumcision indeed had been ordained by Moses or was any Sacrament or seal of the Covenant of works or so esteemed by the Apostle For it was appointed by God Himself to Abraham a believer in Christ Ioh. 8.56 Gal. 3.17 four hundred yeers before that dispensation of the Law by Moses or matter of the Covenant of works by Moses and the same Apostle himself had held it forth not as a seal of the Covenant of works but of the righteousnesse of Faith in Christ Rom. 4.11 12. as is noted before Therefore the Apostle doth not speak against circumcision as it was an Ordinance of God to Abraham continued until Christ or as if it ever was a seal of the Covenant of works but as it was falsly abused by the false glosses of the Pharisees and Iewish legal Doctors who came and disturbed the pure Doctrine of the Gospel amongst the believing Galatians contrary to the Apostle and Churches Decree at Jerusalem and truth of Christ taught the Galathians by the Apostle Saint Paul himself for otherwise he speaketh of Circumcision as indifferent in the times of the Churches respect to the Jews whom they desired to convert as he made it evident in his own circumcising of Timothy which he would not have done if Circumcision had been a Seal of the Covenant of Works B. Arce in Gal. 5. Observa de circumcisione hic agi respectu abusus quem in ducebant falsi Doctores Alibi Circumcisionem tulit ut rem mediam in Timotheo alibi ut figillum justitiae commendavit in Abrahamo c. or subjected Timothy to perform the whole Law or could have caused that Timothy should have received no profit by Christ as here he speaketh of Circumcision to the Galathians when the false Doctors taught Justification by Circumcision which Errour the Apostle here so strongly contradicts as most contrary to Christ and the Doctrine of Faith in Jesus And to this effect both blessed Luther Benedictus Aretius and others expound that place And so it is a most clear truth that Circumcision was never a Seal to Abraham or to any other of the Covenant of Works of onely of temporal Benefits or that there is any such difference between Circumcision and Baptism as between Hagar and Sarah or between Mount Sina in Arabia gendering to bondage and Mount Sion or Jerusalem between Law and Gospel as some Antipoedobaptists have affirmed And therefore it is not unprofitable to hold forth the manner of entrance into the Church declared and appointed by God to Abraham for his posterity for Proselytes converted and the Church untill Christ as is noted before Quest 25. You have satisfied me in this trouble now I pray you what was or is the manner of outward admission into the Church since Christ in the time of the Gospel Answ For outward admission into the visible Church of Christ since Christs Ascention This was and is by way of Covenant also though in a different manner of dispensation as it respects divers persons and times of admission or at least of approbations of persons admission as visible compleat members of the Church and fellowship of the Saints fit to partake and communicate in al Ordinances and Acts of fellowship especially in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper And this in several ages and practises of the Church Quest 26. What was the first way or practice of the Church in the new Testament according to the Ordinance of Christ Ans First Inwardly men of ripe yeers Jews or Gentiles converted or professing themselves to be converted by the preaching of the Gospel to beleeve in Christ were admitted as members of the Church and into or for this admission there was First As there was or should have been a beleeving or faith in Christ true and sincere or at least temporary in which the soul did close or seem to close with Christ and Covenant and agree to receive Christ for a Saviour Act 8.13 and 8 37 Psa 27.8 according to the promise and tender of the Gospel And this was a kinde of union agreement and secret covenanting with Christ 1. The Lord Christ speaking inwardly to the soul in kindnesse O poor
they and every of you making your Calling and Election sure you may gain a sweet entrance here and in the end a full possession and fruition of that everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which to further is the earnest desire and endeavour of Yours ever to serve you in Christ Iesus IMMANUEL BOURN May 2. 1646. TO THE READER A Briefe Table and Catalogue of the chiefe Questions Cases of Conscience and Divine Truths handled in this light from Christ or Jewell of Christian Divinity With a direction to make use both of the greater and lesser Catechismes in private Families or secret Closets or in publike Congregations if any please to make tryall of them These according to the severall Classes wherein they are primarily expressed or where more fully they are explained Classis 1. WHether all be bound in conscience to declare their knowledge and professe Qu. 1. p. 1 2 2. their faith in Christ when to whom and for what end this ought to bee done Quest 2. page 3. 4. Whether the use of Catechizing bee ancient in the Church with the necessity and benefit of it and the lamentable ignorance in the Kingdom Qu. 3. p. 7 8 c. Whether all Baptized persons bee true Christians and to be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Qu. 4. p. 14. c. Whether all who are to be admitted to the preaching of the word may also be received to the Sacrament Qu. 5. p. 21. c. Whether in mixt congregations the sins of unworthy Receivers can hinder grace from the worthy and how such communion is lawfull how not Qu. 6. p. 24 c. What requisite graces are in the wedding garment to meet Christ in the Sacracrament antecedent antepresent present acting and subsequent graces Qu. 7. p. 27 28. What kinde of knowledge faith Repentance and Charity are to be enlivened in preparation Classis 2. Qu. 1 p. 27 28 c. WHether a fourefold knowledge of God 2 of our selves 3 of Christ 4 of the Sacrament be requisite in a Receiver what these are and wherefore necessary What God is in his nature Qu. 2. p. 29 c. and in his attributes communicable and incommunicable to the creatures Whether there be three distinct persons of the Divine Essence Qu. 3. p. 33 34 c. and the properties evidencing the Divinity of the Son of God of the Spirit as of God the Father and the Son Classis 3. WHether there be any such spirituall Essence Qu. 1. p. 38 c. and this proved by evidences of light from the Booke of nature and of Scripture of grace and of glory Classis 4. WHether the holy Scriptures be the revealed will and infallible word of God what is the antiquity Qu. 1. p. 47 48 c. necessity and authority of them How to know the right sence Qu. 2. p. 50 51 c. and understanding of the Scriptures and whether the authority of Scriptures depend upon the Church with the excellent use of them Cassis 5. Qu. 1. p. 58 c. WHat are the foure great works of God revealed in Scripture namely his eternall decree his worke of creation his work of providence here and worke of glory hereafter Qu. 2. p. 62 63 c. Whether the whole Trinity did create the world and how God made the body and soule of man Whether the soules of men or women be immortall with divers arguments to prove the immortality of the soule Classis 6. Qu. 1. p. 70. 71 c. VVHether God governeth the world by his providence and in particular Angells and men and of the nature of Angells good and evill and their service to the glory of God and benefit of his Church Classis 7. VVHether a fourefold knowledge of a man or womans selfe be requisite Qu. 1. p. 76 77 c. what hee or shee was by creation what by the fall of Adam what in and by Christ in grace and what he or she shall be in state of glory Classis 8. VVHether men or women have free will Qu. 1. p. 84 c. and what it was in the state of creation 2 Of nature corrupted after the fall 3 what it was in the state of grace and 4 what it shall be in the state of glory Whether a naturall man or woman can desire their own salvation and how far Qu. 2. p. 89. 90. and whether they be bound to waite upon God in the use of the means for salvation Classis 9. VVHether the Lord did hold forth the Law or commanding part of Gods word in mount Sinai Qu. 1. p. 91 c. as a covenant of workes or to what end and wherefore Christ and his Apostles doe interpret the mind of God in the commmanding part of his word and what is the use of it in the Church of Christ in preaching of the Gospell Qu. 2. p. 98 c. Qu. 3. p. 100 101 c. What is the covenant of grace and state of Gods children under the Gospel What shall be the condition and state of Gods children and of the wicked in death at the day of judgement and for every afterwards Classis 10. Qu. 1. p. 105 106 c. WHat is to be knowne of Christ in respect of his natures divines and humane and of his hypostaticall or personall union of both natures and the necessity of his being both God and man for our salvation How there is a communication of the Jdioms or Phrases and properties of both natures each to other Qu. 2.114 115 c. with particular instances of the same Classis 11. Qu. 1. p. 116 c. WHat is the threefold office of Christ in particular of his Priestly office and of the two chiefe parts of it First satisfactitn to Gods Justices Secondly intercession for us Whether the whole satisfaction and sufferings for our sinnes was fulfilled by Christ Qu. 2. p. 118 c. and for what end Gods is pleased to afflict and suffer his children to be afflicted in this life Classis 12. WHat is the propheticall office of Christ Qu. 1. p. 12 122 c. how and when he did and doth exercise it and to what end and how by his Gospell-ministrey and spirit he encourageth and draweth poore sinners to come unto him Believe Repent and he saved What is the kingly office of Christ Qu. 2. p. 139 130. when and how hee did and doth manifest his conquering calling power with his speciall calling and ordination of Ministers for the benefit of his Church Whether every man may take upon him the office of Preaching with the manner of callings necessity Qu. 3. p. 130 131 c. and excellency of the Ministeriall office and the sad miseries would follow in the Church if it were abolished Classis 13. Qu. 1. p. 134 135 c. VVHether Christ hath procured excellent graces
and benefits for his Church and children and what they are in particular Election Redemption Vocation and the excellent priviledge of Justification for comfort of Saints Classis 14. Quest 1. p. 142. 143 c. VVHat is the great blessing and benefit of adoption the difference betweene a naturall and an adopted Sonne and Daughter and how we may know we are the adopted children of God in Christ Jesus and heires with Christ of glory Qu. 2. p. 144 c. What is the great benefit of the new creation and how a man or woman may know they are now creatures Qu. 3 p 146 147 c. What is the benefit of the presence of Christs Spirit and what other particular graces Christ communicates to his Church Qu. 4.149 150 c. What a true Church of Christ is who are the members how manifold it is what are the markes of it and whether there bee so many Independent Churches as there are particular Congregations of Porfessors in the world Whether there may be a separation from a true Church for some corruption in Doctrine or manners and how far Qu. 5. p. 154 c. Whether the Church of Christ may erre in Fundamentalls totally and finally P. 206 297. Qu. 6. p. 157 158 c. with the grounds of preseverance and whether this doctrine of assurance doth open a way to libertinisme Classis 15. VVHat knowledge of the Sacraments is necessary for a comfortable partaking of the Lords Supper Qu. 1. p. 160 c. what kinde of mystery a Sacrament is How it is a signifying and sealing action and the Covenant of Grace which is sealed How many Sacraments there are of Christs institution Qu. 2. p. 164 c. what difference between those before and since the comming of Christ who may administer and what are the outward and inward matter and forme of the Sacraments in generall with the union between the signe and the thing signifyed Classis 16. Qu. 1. p. 170 c p. 290. VVHo are the subjects or persons to be Baptized according to the institution of Christ and whether Infant Children of believing Parents and what evidence and light from Christ to prove this against the adversaries of Poedobaptisme Qu. 2. p. 194 c. What meanes to difference the Church from the world without Rebaptization of men and women professing their faith with the profit of Baptisme if Infants in the Church Classis 17. Qu. 1. p. 210 c. VVHat the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is by whom instituted and when what are the outward things signified and sealed and what kind of body of Christ the receiver doth partake of or hath communion and union with in the Ordinance the naturall or Sacramentall or spiriticall or Mysticall Body of Christ and how and in what manner each or any of these is in the Sacrament What are the outward and inward form in the Sacrament Qu. 2. p. 217 c. and what the Analogy and agreement betweene the signes and the things signified and in particular betweene the Bread and the Body of Christ Classis 18. VVHat is the Analogy and similitude between the Wine in the Sacrament and the bloud of Christ Qu. 1. p. 221 222 c. and how the things signified are present with the outward signes to a faithfull communicant if neither by transsubstantiation as Papists nor by consubstantiation as others whether by a locall presence or Sacramentall or spirituall or virtuall and what every of these kind of presence are and how to he understood What are the ends why the Lords Supper was ordained Q. 2. p. 22â— c. and the sweet union and communion we have with Christ and the Saints for our strengthening in thâ—â— sacred Ordinance Classis 19. Qu. 1. p. 229 230 c. VVHat is fit to be knowne concerning the outward circumstances of time place and gestures in giving or receiving the Sacrament whether Christian churches and particular members may not use liberty of conscience in these particularly in standing kneeling or sitting and upon what grounds Qu. 2. p. 23â— c. VVhether it be necessary that the Minister deliver the Bread and Wine to every communicant in particular and whether Christ did so whether all ought not to endevour a uniformity with the Directory and practice of that church of which hee or shee is a member and what hath beene the practice of antiquity in things indifferent as seeking Vnity and Peace in the Church Classis 20. VVHat the grace of Faith is Qu. 1. p. 241 c. the severall acceptations of faith in Scripture what justifying faith is and when a man or woman is rightly disposed by Christ and his Spirit to believe and receive Christ for salvation Who is the principall worker of faith Qu. 2 p. 244 c. who the instrumentall what is the matter and forme of faith what are the lively effects of it what the ends of it namely the glory of God and salvaiion of our soules Classis 21. VVHat the grace of Evangelicall Repentance Qu. 1. pag. 249. and conversion to God is with the author or meanes and manner of working the subject matter the whole Man or Women soule and body The forme mortification of the old man and vivification of the new and the end of it the glory of God the edification of our Neighbour and assurance of our eternall salvation Qu. 2. p. 255 c. What the necessary grace of Christian love and charity is wherein and with whom it is to be exâ—rcised in the Church namely to every one that is our Neighbour but especially the household of faith and our fellow Saints in the church of Christ Q. 3. p. 258 c. How we may know who are of the household of Faith and rightly admitted to be fellow Saints or Members of the church and of the twofold entrance and admission into the Church the first inward and spirituall the second outward corporall and visible with the severall degrees of spirituall entrance into church-fellowship or christianity not almost but altogether And how the church may be sayd to be universall nationall provinciall or congregationall Q. 4. p. 264 c. How manifold the outward corporall on visible entrance and admission is into the visible church namely but one in substance yet diversly acted in the church both in men and woemen of ripe yeares and children before Christ and of the Jnfant â—dmission of children into the Church and Proselytes in and after Abrahams time Q 5 p 273 c. Whether circumcision was unto Abraham a seale of the covenant of workes or of the covenant of grace and how that place is to bee understood Galat. 5. hee that is circumcised is bound to keepe the whole Law What was the outward manner of admission into the Church since Christs time for men of ripe yeares Q. 6. p. 278 c. and
unspeakable goodnes to the sons and daughters of men Exod. 18.11 2 King 5.14 2 Chron. 14.11 20.12 13. Luk. 19.6 c. Act. 2.22 and 9.1 c. 20 21. 1 Tim. 1.11 Eph. 1.17 c. 2 Cor. 6.9 10. Hebrews 11. the whole Chapter Quest 20. What Evidence is there from the light of glory Exo. 34.29 30. Isa 6.1 2 3 2 Cor. 12.3 4. 1 Cor. 13.9.10 Iohn 3.1 2 3. 1 Thes 4.17 Ans That beginning and part-light of glory which God hath caused to shine in or upon his Children in this life and the fulnesse of which the Lord assureth them they shall see and injoy in Heaven for ever Quest 21. What profit or comfort is this knowledge what God is and what a one he is to you Ans Great cause of rejoycing that Jehovah this Lord God Isa 43.1 2 3. Psa 52.1 2 10. Dan. 3.17 18 25. Ioh. 20.28 is my God in Christ infinite able and willing and wise and alwayes present to preserve protect and do me good in this life and that life to come even for ever and ever Amen The fourth Classis or Company of Questions 1 Question VVHat is the word of God Or what ought a Christian to know concerning the word and will of God Ans The word of God in the manifestation of Gods will and pleasure 1. Gen. 1. 2. 3. 17.2 7 22.16 17. Exod. 19.20 Isa 8.20 Luke 11.28 Rom. 10.27 Ioh. 5.39 2 Pet. 1.19 c. Either immediatly by himself as his word of command concerning the Creation of the world in generall and man in particular before the fall and the manifestation of his good pleasure after the fall to Adam Abraham and other Saints and Sons of men Or mediatly in Scripture by holy men as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Quest 2. Where is this revealed will and word of God written to be found Ans In the Canonicall Books of the Old and New Testament Ps 40.7 Mat. 1.1 Mar. 12.26 Dā 10.21 Mat. 21.42 Rom. 1.2 Ioh. 5.39 commonly called the Bible and Book of God and the holy Scriptures Quest 3. What is there to be known in the holy Scriptures concerning the will and pleasure of God Ans That the holy Scriptures are the most perfect rule of Faith and life above all other writings whatsoever and that they hold forth the good will of God by way of Covenant both in the Covenant of works to our first Parents before the fall and in the Covenant of Gods Free-grace in Christ since to and for the people of God to the end of the world Isa 8.20 2 Tim. 3.15 c. 1 Cor. 15.3 Joh. 5.39 Gen. 2.9.16 17. 3.15 17.7 Jer. 31.33 34. Matth. 17.5 John 3.16 Acts 2.28 22. Quest 4. Are the Scriptures the ancient and first written truths of God to be believed Ans Certainly they are most ancient of all written Divine truths preserved wonderfully so many hundred yea thousand years as witnesse them Divine and of most Divine Authority indeed Quest 5. By what means may you be assured that these Books of the holy Scriptures are the infallible truth of the most true God and that holy men writ them as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Mat. 4.4 22.29 30 c. Luk. 24.25 c. Mat 7.12 Ioh 15.35 17.17 Act. 2.17 17.11 24 14.2 Ans Not only by the witnesse of Christ the chief Prophet and of the Saints and Church of God and by Promises and Prophecies fulfilled by miracles and martyrdoms whereby the Doctrine hath been confirmed but by the Divine harmony perfection powerfull efficacy of the Scriptures themselves and the testimony of Gods Spirit in the souls of believers Quest 6. What necessity was there of the holy Scriptures and word of God written Ans The Lord did see it needfull to have his word written Isa 8.20 Rom. 15.4 Isa 59.20 21. Rom. 1.20 21. 2 Tim. 3.16 because men did not learn by the Book of Nature and work of Creation and government to keep God in their mindes but did run into Errors and fell to worship Creatures and false Gods and false Religions Therefore God gave Scriptures as a guide and rule of life and Doctrine to his Church Quest 7. But is the Old Testament needfull for Gods Children in the time of the Gospel Ans Yea certainly it is of excellent use for the Old Testament holdeth forth Christ and directs to Christ who is yesterday and to day and the same for ever And the whole Scripture is to be searched as profitable for Doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished to every good work Gen. 3.15 Isa 9.6 and 53.1 2 3 c. Zach. 13.1 Mal. 4.2 Heb. 13.8 Rev. 13.8 Joh. 5.39 and 8.5 6. Rom. 15.4 2 Tim. 2.16 17. Psal 119.105 Isa 8.20 Rom. 3.31 Matth. 5.17 18. Luk. 10.34 Heb. 8.10 11. Quest 8. In what languages were the holy Scriptures Originally written And whether may they be translated and read in our English and other tongues understood of the people Nehem. 8.8 1 Cor. 14.5 14.18 19 26 27. Ans The holy Scriptures of the Old Testament were chiefly written in the Hebrew tongue and the New Testament in the Greek as Originall copies evidence But they may be truly translated and read in other Languages and interpreted as the people of severall Nations may understand them for the perpetuall edification of the Church Quest 9. Are not the Scriptures subject to error Psa 19.7 8 c. Prov. 30.5 6. Ps 12.6 2 Pet 3.15 16. Ans No certainly the holy Scriptures are most true perfect and pure and free from error though some men not rightly understanding them have erred to their own destruction Quest 10. What rules may be observed for right understanding of the Scriptures Ans There are divers And first a competent knowledge in the Originall Languages and inspection into the fountains themselves Secondly Prayer for the assistance of Gods Spirit and to reveal truth Thirdly A deniall of self-opinion and Spirituall pride Quest 11. What is a fourth Rule Ans Fourthly a carefull observation of the chief scope of the holy Ghost Acts 8.20 Rom. 6.14 Eph. 1.16 c. 1 Cor. 12.10 Col. 3.6 1 Cor. 14.31 32. with the coherence and consequents of the Text and of proper and figurative speeches comparing of obscure and plain places together Fifthly a having respect to the Analogy of Faith and grounds of Divinity drawn out of Scripture Sixthly a humble submitting of the private Spirits to the Spirits of the Prophets Quest 12. What is a seventh Rule Ans To eye the chief Iudge of controversies namely the Spirit of God speaking in the Scriptures and by consent of plain places expounding the harder Quest 13. What is the principle knowledge to be learned out of the Scriptures Ans How to attain life Eternall by the true
at his pleasure Quest 13. You have Answered comfortably concerning the Elect Now what is Gods Providence concerning evil Angels or Devils and what they are Iob 4.17 c. 1.9 c. Iude 6. Gen. 3.1 2 3. 1 Chron. 21.1 Zach. 3.1 2. Mat. 13.28 29. Eph. 2.12 2 Tim. 2.26 Ioh. 8 44. Ioh. 3.8 2 Pet. 2.4 Mat. 25.41 Rev. 20. Ans They are those Angels or Spirits in whom God found folly who kept not their first state but left their own habitation sinned against God their maker for which they were cast out of heaven and of glorious Angels became ugly Devils enemies to God and Saints tyrants over wicked men ruling in them as their God and drawing them to sin in this life for which the Devils are reserved in chains of darknesse and shall be tormented with the wicked in Hell fire for ever Quest 14. What power hath the Devil and his Angels to hurt the Saints Ans A limited power and retrained for the Devils are conquered by Christ and can go no further then God gives them leave for his own glory and the triall and good of his Saints Job 1.12 and 2.6 Hebrews 2.14 15. John 6.11 Colloss 2.14 15. Quest 15. What benefit can this knowledge bring to the Church and Children of God Ans Great joy and profit that Christ our Saviour hath broken the Serpents head and hath power of Devils Gen. 3.15 Rev. 12.10 c. Mat. 8.28 c. Luke 11.21 22. that they cannot hurt so much as a Swine much lesse one of his Children without leave and license from Christ our Lord and King who doth and can restrain the Devils and dispossesse them at his pleasure Quest 16. What other benefit have we Ans To teach Saints to be watchfull and take heed of Satans temptations to keep close to Christ who doth and will tread down Satan under our feet shortly Mat. 26.41 1 Pet. 5.8 9. Gen. 17.1 Joh. 14.20 21 22. Act. 24.15 16. Rom. 16.20 The seventh Classis or Company of Questions 1 Question YOu have declared Gods Providence concerning Spirits Angels and Devils Now what should a faithfull receiver known of the creation and of Gods Providence concerning man and concerning himself in particular Ans A fourfold knowledge is requisite to a comfortable meeting of Christ in the Sacrament Quest 2. What is this fourfold knowledge Ans First what we were by Creation before Adams fall Secondly what was our condition in nature corrupted after the fall Thirdly what it is in the state of Grace And fourthly what it shall be in the state of glory Quest 3. What was the state and condition of man by Creation Ans He was created in the Image of God his soul in some degrees like God in nature a Spirituall invisible living substance indued with understandings will and memory and immortality the whole man blessed with knowledâ—e righteousnesse and true holinesse graced with a communion with God as their Father with an outward Majesty and Dominion over all inferior creatures without all sin and misery having a freedome of will and a promise if he would obey to persevere in happinesse for ever Gen. 26.27 and 2.7 Eccles 12.7 Zach. 12.1 Luke 16.22 and 23.43 Heb. 12.9 Eccles 7.29 Psal 8.3 4 5.6 Eph. 4.23 24. Gen. 1.28 c. and 2.18 c. Quest 4. What ground of assurance was there that Adam might have continued in that happy estate if he would Ans Gods promise in that Covenant of works made with our first Parents before their fall Gen. 1.26 27. 2.16 17. assuring life upon condition of persevering in obedience and threatning death if they break the Covenant or that command of triall given them Quest 5. Should Adam have enjoyed heaven for the merit of of his works if he had continued obedient and kept the Covenant with God his Maker or fulfilled the pleasure of Gods will so revealed therein Gen. 2.17 1 Cor. 4.7 Ans Certainly no the creature could not merit any thing at the hand of the Creator having received both his being and well being from God but he was to live for ever and receive heaven by vertue of the free Covenant and Gods free Promise as the end and free reward of his obedience and faithfulnesse in the Covenant of God Quest 6. What Evidence is there of this truth Ans Besides what is rehearsed this hath been the judgement of holy men in the Church of God after the opinion of our Rabines of blessed Memory saith an Hebrew If Adam had not sinned he had never dyed but the breath which he was inspired with of the most high blessed God should have given life for ever and the good will of God which he had in his creation had cleaved unto him continually and kept him alive for evermore Quest 7. How was this Covenant held forth to our first Parents before their fall Ans By those two Sacraments as some call them of the Tree of Life and of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil Gen. 2.9.17 Rom. 2.14 the first signifying and sealing life eternall if they kept the Covenant The second threatning death and the wofull knowledge of good and evil if they break that command of triall given and so walked contrary to the Morall Law or rule of life written in their hearts or that holy nature infused into them by God in their creation Quest 8. Did Adam and Eve keep that precept of tryall and Law written in their hearts Or walk according to that holy nature in which thty were Created Ans No Gen. 3.1 c. they did eat of the forbidden Tree and obeyed Satans temptations rather then the command of God their Maker Quest 9. What was the estate of Mankinde after this fall of our first Parents and their rebellion against God their Creator Ans Man lost the Image of God wherein he was made became a rebell like Satan in word and deed a slave to the world the flesh and the Devil polluted with Originall corruption and Actuall transgression liable to the wrath of God and all curses Spirituall and corporall in this life and eternall torments with the Devils in Hell fire for ever Eccles 7.29 Gen. 3.7 and 6.5 Psal 53.1 c. 2 Tim. 2.26 Luke 11.21 Joh. 3.36 Rom. 2.8 9 12 14. and 7.18 20. Gen. 17 18 19. Act. 28.27 Rom. 1.24 c. Psal 9.17 Isa 30.33 Mat. 25 41. Quest 10. Is every Childe of Adam in this wofull estate by nature Rom. 3.9 c. Eph. 2.1.2 3. Ans Yes There is none righteous no not one for all have sinned and are come short of the glory of God and were all by nature the children of wrath as well as others Quest 11. But how could the guilt of Adams sin and punishment be justly charged upon us their Posterity Rom. 5.12 c. 11.16 So contrary Luk. 13.26 27. Rev. 21.27 Gen. 3.22 c. Ans Because Adam and Eve sinned as the
common Parents of all Mankinde all being then in their loynes as the branches in the stock the streams in the Fountain and so the corruption and guilt of sins in them was justly derived and imputed to all Mankinde and all subject to be excluded heaven and Gods gracious presence as Adam and Eve were cast out of Paradise Quest 15. Could not our first Parents or Mankinde since the fall Redeem themselves from this damnable estate by being sorrowfull and doing penance for their sin or by gold or silver or good works make God amends again and so recover their lost estate and get heaven by vertue of the first Covenant Do and live Ans No Ier. 10.23 Ezek. 37.1 c. Ioh. 11.39 Psal 49.6 c. 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Eph. 2.1 as 1 Tim. 5.6 It was and is altogether impossible as much as for the dead bones to raise themselves to life or Lazarus to get out of his grave by his own strength after he had been dead four dayes and stinking in the grave by corruption Quest 13. How can this be since the dead bones and Lazarus in the grave had no life at all but man by his fall is only half dead as our Saviour seemeth to intimate Luke 10.30 Ans If we consider the life of nature in man that is half dead Gen. 2.17 3.16 c. Luk. 15.32 Eph 2.1 1 Cor. 2.14 Eph. 4.17 c. 1 Cor. 44. 2 Cor. 3.5 as being since the fall subject to mortality sorrows weaknesse sicknesse pains death of body and outward miseries besides imbecilities of understanding will and memory But if we look to the life of grace and power to please and walk with God that is wholly dead and every one totally unable to recover himself or gain happinesse by that first Covenant Luke 10.31.32 Do and live Quest 14. But did not the understanding will conscience and inferior appetite remain in man after the fall Ans Yes The naturall faculty of the Vnderstanding did remain but darkned and so of th Will but corrupted of the Memory but wounded of the Conscience but defiled and of inferior Appetite but vitiated and deprived of Originall purity the clear light of the understanding rectitude of the will and conscience and conformity of appetite with right reason or light of that light which man had by creation being lost and so Man altogether unable to think or act any thing pleasing to God whilest his guilty person like Cains is not accepted but as Cains so every naturall mans person actions service and sacrifice are abominable before God Gen. 6.5 Eph. 4.18 19. 1 Tim. 6.15 Rom. 8.7 Deut. 6.12 Judg. 3.7 Job 8.13 Psal 9.17 1 Tit. 1.15 Col. 3.5 6. Gen. 4.4 5. Prov. 21.4 and 28.9 Isa 13 14. Quest 15. But are not unregenerate mens naturall actions as to eat drink plow perform works of callings and their well meanings acceptable to God and helps to get Gods favour again that was lost by Adams sin Ans No certainly Prov. 21.4 15.8 Isa 66.3 2 Sam 6.6 Zach. 7.5 6. Iam. 4.3 for although mens naturall actions are good in themselves as they are Gods Ordinance in wayes of his Providence and commands and so to be done yet as acted by ignorant unbelieving unregenerate men they are defiled sinfull and odious men seeking themselves not Gods glory and so their well meaning plowing and prayer is sin Quest 16. Cannot a naturall or civill honest man by good use of his naturall parts doing no man harm to his knowledge performing works of charity hearing of Gods service please God prepare himself for Grace repent and convert himself to God and so walk according to the rule of Gods Law and be saved Ans No verily Ier. 10.14.23 Mat. 10.14 15. 11.20 c. Ier. 31.18 c. It is not in man to direct his steps or come unto God and turn to the Lord from sin and though walking civilly he may have lesse torments in Hell then some notorious wicked men yet since Adams fall the Covenant of works was not renewed nor is there any getting that way into the Kingdom of Heaven The eighth Classis or Company of Questions 1 Question BVt hath not a man or woman free will to repent and convert himself to God if he please and so to do Gods Commandements and live as Adam and Eve lived before their fall Ier. 10.23 Iohn 6.44 Phil. 2.13 Ans The will of man was and is alwayes free from violence and constraint since Adams fall but not from defilement and servitude since Adam lost his purity and freedome so that the liberty of will differs much from what it was before that transgression and no naturall man hath free will of himself to turn to God in Christ for Salvation Quest 2. Wherein doth this difference of freedome in mans will consist Ans There is a fourfould condition of mans freedome of will according to his fourfold state and condition of life Quest 3. What is this fourfold difference in the freedome of mans will Ans First In the state of innocency before the fall man had freedom of will both to good and evil Genesis 2.17 Eccles 7.29 Deut. 30.19 This was in Adam and not in us Secondly Gen. 6.5 8.21 In the state of corruption after the fall man hath freedome of will to evil not good Thirdly In the state of grace man hath freedome of will from evil i Cor. 13.9 Phil. 3 i2 c. and unto good but imperfectly Fourthly In the state of glory the will of man shall be wholly free from evil and unto good 1 Cor. 13.10 c. 1 Iohn 3.1 2 3. most perfectly and blessed for ever Quest 4. But hath man lost his freedome of will since Adams fall in all sorts of actions Ans Actions are of severall kindes First Naturall common to men and bruit creatures as to lye down to rise up Acts 17.25 c. stand go eat drink sleep hear see taste smell or the like and all these man hath a naturall freedome of will and minde to do or not to do at choyce only with subordination to the will leave permission and power of God without which we can do nothing Quest 5. What are the second sort of actions Ans Humane actions common to all men regenerate and unregenerate as to speak to lend an outward ear to what is spoken that he may understand it to make use of naturall reason and memory to practise a manuall Trade or liberall Art or Science to perform acts of civill and morall vertues prudence justice temperance and fortitude to plead at the Bar as a Lawyer to be a Iudge of differences between man and man to be a Law-maker to be a Peace-maker a Souldier or any outward Calling All which an unregerate man may do or act and have freedome of will to chuse or refuse at pleasure with Subordination to Gods wil and license as aforesaid as 2 Kings 5.1
yet so but naturall Quest 6. What are a third sort of actions Ans They are mixt actions partly naturall partly tending to Spirituall ends and in outward appearance Spirituall actions as to come to the Church to hear a Sermon Mark 6.20.21 2 Kin. 10.16 31. to partake of the outward Ordinances to reach out the hand in Sacrament to receive the elements of Bread and Wine to joyn with the lips and mouthes in common and ordinary praiers or praises Iohn 3.3 5. to make a shew of Religion like Herod and have a John like zeal of Reformation and he may have a kinde of naturall free will in all these Ioh. 3.3 and yet be a naturall man or woman and never enter into the Kingdom of heaven Quest 7. But is the understanding will and judgement as right now in these actions by nature as they were before the fall Ans Assuredly no In these and the like motions and actions Rom. 8.7 Thef 4.17 c. Mat. 5.20 the understanding since Adams fall is weak and dark the judgement subject to erre and be deceived and the will is weak and wounded weighed by corrupt affections when it meets with temptations as a bowle is drawn with a byas or a corrupt Lawyer Souldier Committee-man or any other in state of nature is drawn contrary to a good conscience And the rule of Gods Word Quest 8. What are the fourth sort of actions Ans They are actions Spirituall and these are of two kindes First Evil and sinfull actions tending to death and damnation Secondly Good and right actions tending to life and salvation in and by the merit and righteousnesse of Christ apprehended by faith 1. Evil as Adams actions Gen. 3.6 or as Cains Gen. 4.8 Gal. 5.19 20.2 Good actions as Abraham Gen. 15.6 Rom. 4.3 as Iayler Acts 16.30 c. Quest 9. What is the condition and power of mans will in the first of these sinfull thoughts words or works tending to death and damnation Ans Mans will in nature corrupted is free to evil thought Gen. 6.5 8.21 words and works yea prone and ready to consent to sin without compulsion with a kinde of delight the will in respect of defilements and inticements of corrupt affections being servile and running not constrained but willing to sin Quest 10. What is the condition of mans will by nature in Sprituall good things tending to life and Salvation as in Divine knowledge Faith Repentance Conversion to God and new obedience in Jesus Christ and such like graces Ans In the very first act of Conversion although the will be free from all violent constraint Rom. 3.9 c. yet in Spirituall good things the will is unable to convert it self Phil. 2.13 or will a turning of it self to God the Free-grace of God in order of nature goeth before and enlightens the minde and moveth the will and yet in the order of time the Spirit of Christ freely moves Act. 9.6 Luk. 19.5 c. and the will of man willingly wills both together to believe to repent to be converted and obey God in Christ Quest 11. But is there any principle in man or mans will to joyn willingly with the motions of Gods Spirit in Faith and Conversion to God Ans No The life of Grace and principle of Grace is wholly dead in man by the fall Eph. 2.1 Phil. 3.13 Col. 2.13 and all is of Gods Free-grace who works both the will and the deed of his good pleasure preventing with his Free-grace both the unwilling that he may will and the willing that he may not will in vain Quest 12. But cannot a naturall man or woman will or desire their own Salvation Ans A naturall man hath not a power and principle in himself to understand 1 Cor. 2.14 1.18 Luke 11.21 Num. 13.10 Acts 8.19 or be sensible of his own misery or danger of eternall damnation and so he cannot desire eternall salvation as a freedome from it yet as Salvation is held forth in the Gospel as a good thing so far as he is enlightned by the common grace of the Spirit he may desire it as Baalam did the death of the righteous or Simon Magus power by laying on hands to Communicate the Holy Ghost Quest 11. But can they desire Salvation truly in a right way 1 Cor. 3.5 Mark 16.15 16. Mat. 16.24 Luke 13.5 Mat. 19.21 22. Ans No For desire of Salvation in the way and means of it the true knowledge of Christ Faith Repentance self-deniall taking up the Crosse leaving all for Christ Thus a naturall man cannot desire it but rather leaves Christ and Salvation as the yong man did in the Gospel Quest 14. But if a naturall man by naturall power cannot so much as will or desire the right way and means of his own Salvation nor by all he can do procure life Eternall To what end then should a naturall man go to Church attend the Preaching of the Word or perform any good duty whatsoever since by all he can do he cannot save himself Ans Yes verily even a naturall man is bound to wait upon God in Christ in all the means of Grace as far as God giveth him power as to come to the Church to attend the work of Christ by his Spirit in hearing of the Word Preached in Catechizing in Christian conference and such like outward Ordinances Matthew 22.1 2 3 4 c. Luke 14.16 c. Quest 15. But why should he doe this Ans Because although a man or woman cannot convert themselves to God Ier. 10.23 Mat. 20.1 c. Act. 16.4 Iohn 5.2 3 4. Rom. 8.15 Mat. 16.17 Gal. 1.16 Acts. 2.37 38. 3.18 c. yet as that multitude of impotent folk of blinde halt and withered came or were brought to the Pool of Bethesda waiting for the moving of the Water that they might be healed so these may come to the Gospel and wait till the Spirit of Christ come and open their hearts and trouble their consciences with sight and sense of sin and misery reveal Christ and give them life and work grace to believe and be converted and be saved and made happy for ever The ninth Classis or Company of Questions 1 Question YEt once again Exo. 20.1 to 20. Lev. 18.5 2.6 Deut. 28. Ezek. 20.21 Isa 8.20 Luke 10.25 c. if man by naturall strength or by good works cannot redeem himself nor gain heaven To what end then did God hold forth the ten Commandements though not by way of any Covenant of works yet as the matter or Articles of the Law or first Covenant as some call them on Mount Sinai and since that in divers places of the Old and New Testament as if it were a repetition of the Covenant of works with Promises of life upon obedience and threatnings of death if the Law be broken Ans There are divers Answers may be given to satisfie this doubt Chiefly these following may
Sacrament Ans First I am to joyn with the Minister of Christ 2 Cor. 2.14 Col. 1.12 13. and the congregation of Saints in solemn thanksgiving unto God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost for the inestimable gift of the Lord Iesus Christ for his taking our humane Nature upon him that he might be a fit Mediator betwixt God and my soul to reconcile me to God for his Passion Death Resurrection Ascention and Intercession and all his rich merits and benefits of my Redemption Vocation Iustification Sanctification and Glorification so gloriously set forth and sealed and so graciously communicated in this Sacrament to my soul and to all Saints with me at the Lords Table Secondly Humbly and faithfully to joyn in Petition for assurance that all failings and infirmities in my performances are pardoned in Christ my pardon sealed my person whole service accepted with the sweet merits and incense of Christs righteousness upon the golden Altar with a continual influence of power and vertue from Christ that all the congregation of Saints may keep covenant with the Lord and declare our thankfulnesse by our fruitfulnesse in all good works as becometh the people of God who have received so great ahd assuring plesges of the love of God to us in Christ and of our eternal salvation in and by the Lord Iesus Quest 21. What is the fourth and last thing to be acted or joyned in with the Congregation Ans Divers particulars 1. After the example of Christ to glorifie God in a holy Hymn or Psalm if it be thought fit praising the Lord for his goodnesse to his Church in Christ Iesus and to his congregation present in his Ordinance And secondly waiting for the blessing giving in and with which the congregation is dismissed according to the practise of Christ the Apostles and Churches of Christ as of old to leave the people of God with a blessing as Numb 6.22 c. 2 Sam. 6.17,18 1 Kings 8.55 c. Luke 22.50 51. And the blessing which the Apostle gave when they took leave of the Church in several Epistles as Rom 16.24 c. 2 Corinthians 3.15 And thirdly I should return home with rejoycing as the Eunuch did after he was baptized or the two Disciples who met with Christ as they went to Emmaus and take notice my self and tell others how my heart burned within me and how my souls was affected 1. With grief for my sins And 2. With joy in my Saviour while I heard Christ talking with me 1. Outwardly by the voyce of his Minister 2. Inwardly by the voyce of his spirit at his Table and how it was declared out of the Scriptures that Christ ought to suffer that his most bitter Passion and cursed Death for my sins and to rise again for my Iustification and so to enter into his glory And 3. How Christ was known to me in the breaking of the Bread in the powring out of the Wine and in Christs giving and my receiving of those soul-reviving and soul-cherishing refreshing which I enjoyed at his Table And 4. And lastly by the strength of Christ and this refreshing from Christ I am resolved with the assistance of the spirit of God the Father and God the Son and of God the holy Ghost daily to keep in memory that feast of the Lord with that sweet welcom I had at the Lords Table and in this or the like manner to bespeak my soul every morning O my soul thou hast this night received a sweet refreshing from the Lord for thy body praised be the Name of thy God and Father in Christ who is the keeper of Israel who never slumbreth not sleepeth who hath kept thee from the dangers of this night past and brought thee to the light of this day who hath awakened thee out of sleep and given thee a kinde of Resurrection from the dead Quest 22. How may I stir my soul to this Ans In this or the like manner Now O my soul be thou awakened and break thy fast with Christ and call to minde the sweet refreshing the Lord did give thee the last Sacrament at his Table and in what thou didst see and hear 1. His invitation to draw near and partake of the feast that he hath prepared 2. Didst thou not see Bread and Wine set upon the Table and with the eye of faith didst thou not behold Christ himself prepared for thy spiritual refreshing 3. Didst thou not hear the Minister of Christ consecrate those Elements to that holy use and with the ear of faith hear how God the Father had consecrated and sealed his beloved Son Iesus for thy Redemption 4. Didst thou not see the Bread broken and Wine powred out and by the eye of faith see Christs body broken with torments and his blood shed to the death for thy sins to Redeem thee from Hell and death eternal 5. Didst thou not hear Christ bidding thee welcom Take eat this is my body Drink this is my blood which is shed for thee and for many for remission of sins Mat. 26.26 27 c. 6. Didst thou not observe and believe those Sacramental promises assuring that Christ loved thee and gave himself for thee and as verily as Christs Minister having blessed and broken the Sacramental Bread and blessed and powred out the Sacramental Wine did present and give them unto thee to eat and to drink so verily hath Christ given and did Christ present and give and reach out himself for a spiritual and heavenly refreshing to thee to nourish thee to life eternal according the the Govenant of Grace 7. O my soul didst thou not take and eat the Bread and take and drink the Wine and so spiritually feed on the body and blood of Christ that in strenght thereof thou mightest walk thy great journey of this life not as Elijah fourty dayes and fourty nights to Horeb the Mount of God but to Heaven Gods Kingdom of glory 8. O my soul didst thou not actually renew thy Covenant with the Lord as God in giâ—ing and thou in actual receiving and partaking of these seals and pledges of his love consider thy self what hast thou now to do any more with sin and Satan with the World the Flesh or the Devil with any sin of omission or commission that may grieve the spirit of life Remember thy Covenant thy Promises thy Vow thy Protestations to thy God and be conscientious by the power of Christ to keep them all the dayes of thy life 9. O my soul was there not a soul-satisfying feast set before thee at that time never to let thee to return to the feast of sin again 10. And was it not the command of Christ to celebrate that Sacrament in remembrance of him Acts 8.39 Luk. 14.13 Phil. 4.11 c. 2 Tim. 4.7,8 and what he hath done for thee O then remember that holy feast every morning when thou awakest every evening when thou goest to bed Thus thou maist feed daily on