proportion of time be set apart for the Worship of God so in his word by a positive moral and perpetual Commandment binding all men in all Ages he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him which from the beginning of the World to the resurrection of Christ was the last day of the week and from the resurrection of Christ was changed into the first day of the Week which in Scripture is called the Lords Day and is to be continued to the end of the World as the Christian Sabbath VIII This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord when men after a due preparing of their hearts and ordering of their common affairs beforehand do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works words thoughts about their worldly imployments and recreations but also are taken up the whole time in the publick and private exercises of his Worship and in the duties of necessity and mercy CHAP. XXII Of Lawful Oaths and Vows A Lawful Oath is a part of religious Worship wherein upon just occasion the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth or promiseth and to judge him according to the truth or falshood of what he sweareth II. The Name of God only is that by which men ought to swear therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence Therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful Name or to swear at all by any other thing is sinful and to be abhorred Yet as in matters of weight and moment an Oath is warranted by the word of God under the New Testament as well as under the Old so a lawful Oath being imposed by lawful Authority in such matters ought to be taken III. Whosoever taketh an Oath ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully perswaded is the Truth Neither may any man bind himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just and what he believeth so to be and what he is able and resolved to perform Yet it is a sin to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just being imposed by lawful Authority IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without equivocation or mental reservation It cannot oblige to sin but in any thing not sinful being taken it binds to performance although to a mans own hart Nor is it to be vioâ—ated although made to Hereticks oâ— Infidels V. A Vow is of the like nature with a Promissary Oâ—th and ought to be made with the like Religious care and to be performed with the like faithfulness VI. It is not to be made to any Creature but to God aâ—one and that it may be accepted it is to be made voluntarily out of Faith and conscience of Duty in way of thankfulness for mercy received or of the obtaining of what we want whereby we more strictly bind our selves to necessary duties or to other things so far and so long as they may fitly conduce thereunto VII No man may Vow to do any thing forbidden in the word of God or what would hinder any duty therein commanded or which is not in his own power and for the performance whereof he hath no promise of ability from God In which respect Popish Monastical Vows of perpetual single life professed Poverty and Regular Obedience are so far from being degrees of higher Perfection that they are superstitious and sinful snares in which no Christian may intangle himself CHAP. XXIII Of the Civil Magistrate GOD the Supream Lord and King of all the world hath ordained Civil Magistrates to be under him over the people for his own Glory and the publick good and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword for the defence and encouragement of them that are good and for the punishment of evil doers II. It is Lawful for Christians to accept and execute the Office of a Magistrate when called thereunto in the managing whereof as they ought especially to maintain Piety Justice and Peace according to the wholsome Laws of each Common-wealth so for that end they may lawfully now under the New Testament wage War upon just and necessary occasion III. The Civil Magistrate may not assume to himself the administration of the Word Sacraments or the power of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven yet he hath Authority and it is his duty to take order that Unity and peace be preserved in the Church that the truth of God be kept pure and entire that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed all corruptions and abuses in worship discipline prevented or reformed and all the Ordinances of God duly settled administred and observed For the better effecting whereof he hath power to call Synods to be present at them and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of God IV. It is the duty of people to pray for Magistrates to honour their persons to pay them tribute other dues to obey their lawful Commands and to be subject to their Authority for conscience sake Infidelity or indifference in Religion doth not make void the Magistrates just and legal Authority nor free the people from their due obedience to him From which Ecclesiastical persons are not exempted much less hath the Pope any power or jurisdiction over them in their Dominions or over any of their people and least of all to deprive them of their Dominions or lives if he shall judge them to be Hereticks or upon any other pretence whatsoever CHAP. XXIV Of Marriage and Divorce MArriage is to be between one Man and one Woman neither is it lawful for any Man to have more than one Wife nor for any Woman to have more than one Husband at the same time II. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of Husband and Wife for the increase of Mankind with a legitimate issue and of the Church with an holy seed and for preventing of uncleanness III. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry who are able with judgment to give their consent Yet is it the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord And therefore such as profess the true reformed Religion should not marry with Infidels Papists or other Idolaters Neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked by marrying with such as are notoriously wicked in their life or maintain damnable heresies IV. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of Consanguinity or Affinity forbidden in the Word Nâ—r can such incestâ—oâ—s Marriages ever be made lawful by any Law of man or consent of Parties so as those Perâ—ons
116. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ the first day of the week eâ—e since so to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath and in the new Testament called the Lords day Q. 117. How is the Sabbath oâ— Lords day to be Sanctified A. The Sabbath or Lords day is to be Sanctified by an holy resting all the day not only from such works as are at all times sinful but even from such worldly imployments recreations as are on other days lawful and making it our delight to spend the whole time except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship and to that end we are to prepare our hearts and with such fore-sight diligence and moderation to dispose and seasonably to dispatch our worldly business that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day Q. 118. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families other superiours because they are bound not only to keep it themselves but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge because they are prone oft times to hinder them by imployments of their own Q. 119. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment are all omissions of the duties required all careless negligent and unprofitable performing of them and being weary of them all profaning the day by idleness doing that which is in it self sinful and by all needless workâ— words and thoughts about our worldly imployments and recreations Q. 120. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment the more to inforce it A. The Reasâ—ns annexed to the fourth Commandment the more to enforce it are taken from the equity of it God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs and reserving but one for himself in these words Six daâ—â— shalt thou labour and do all thy work from Gods challenging a special propriety in that day The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God from the example of God who in 6 days made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day from that blessing which God put upon that day not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Q. 121. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment partly because of the great benefit of remembring it we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it and in keeping it â—etter to keep all the rest of the Commandmenâ—s and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgment of Religion and partly because we are very ready to forget it for that there is lâ—s light of â—ature for it and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful that it cometh but once in seven dayes and many worldly businesses come between and too often take off our minds from thinking of it either to prepare for it or to sanctifie it that Sathan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it to bring in all irreligion and impiety Q. 122. What is the sum of the sixth Commandments which contain our duty to man A. The sum of the six commandment which contain our duty to man is to love our neighbour as our selves and to do to others what we would have them do to us Q. 123. Which is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy Father and Mother that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Q 124 Who are meant by Father Mother in the fifth Commandment A. By Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment are meant not only natural parents but all superiours in age and gifts and especially such as by Gods Ordinance are over us in place of Authority whether in family Church or Common-wealth Q. 125. Why are Superiours styled Father and Mother A. Superiours are styled Father Mother both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiours like natural parents to express love and tenderness to them according to their several relations and to work inferiours to a greater willingness and chearfulness in performing their duties to their superiours as to their parentâ— Q. 126. What is the general scope of the fiâ—th Commandment A. The general sâ—ope of the fifth Commandment is the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations as Inferiours Superiours Equals Q. 127. What is the Honour that Inferiours owe to their Superiours A. The Honour which Inferiours owe to their Superiours is all due reverence in heart word behaviour prayer thanksgiving for them imitating of their virtues graces willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels due submission to their corrections fidelity to defence and maintainance of their persons authority according to their several ranks the nature of their places bearing with their infirmities and covering them in love that so they may be an honour to them and to their government Q. 128. What are the sins of inferiours against their Superiours A. The sins of inferiours against their Superiours are all neglect of the duties required toward them envying at contempt of and Rebellion against their persons and places in their lawful counsels commands and corrections cursing mocking and all such refractory and scandalous carriage as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government Q. 129. What is required of Superiours towards their inferiours A. It is required of Superiours according to that power they receive from God and that relation wherein they stand to love pray for and bless their inferiours to instruct counsel and admonish them countenancing commending and rewarding such as do well discountenancing reproving and chastning such as do ill protecting and providing for them all
the Land of Egypt out of the house of bondage Q. 44. What doth the preface to the Ten Commandments teach us A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us that because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we aâ—e bound to keep all his Commandments Q. 45. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt have no other Gods before me Q. 46. What is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our God and to worship and glorifie him accordingly Q. 47. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying or not worshipping glorifying the true God as God and our God and the giving that worship glory to any other which is due to him alone Q. 48. What are we especially taught by these words Before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh 〈◊〉 of and â— much displeased with the sin of having any other God Q 49. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the Earth beneath or that is in the water under the Earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments Q. 50. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and intire all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word Q. 51. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by Images or any other way not appointed in his word Q. 52. What are the reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods Soveraignâ—y over us his propâ—iety in us and the zeal he hath to his own worship Q 53. VVhich is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain Q. 54. VVhat is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of Gods Names Titles Attributes Ordinances Words and Works Q. 55. VVhat is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbiddeth all profâ—ning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known Q. 55. VVhat is the reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from menâ— yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment Q. 57. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man servant nor thy maid servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Eartb the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Q. 58. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his word expresly one whole day in seven to be a H. Sabbath to himself Q. 59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the world to the Resurrection of Christ God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath Q. 60. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by an holy resting all that day even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are lawful on other days and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required the prophaning the day by idleness or doing that which is in it self sinful or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about worldly imployments or recreations Q. 62. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own imployments his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day Q. 63. VVhich is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy father thy mother that thy day may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Q. 64. VVhat is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour and performing the duties belonging to every one in their several places and relations as Superiours Inferiours or Equals Q. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglect of or doing any thing against the honour duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shall serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment Q. 67. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shalt not kill Q. 68. What is required in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life and the life of others Q. 69. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life or the life of our neighbour unjustly or whatsoever tendeth thereunto Q. 70. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not Commit Adultery Q. 71. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of
idols our selves or any other creature Q. 106. What are we especially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me or before my face in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things takes special notice of and is much displeased with the siâ— of having any other God that so it may be an argument to disswade from it and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation as also to perswade us to do as in his sight whatever we do in his service Q. 207. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make to thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth geâ—eration of them that hate me shewâ—ng mercy unto thousands of them that â—ove me and keep my Commandments Q. 108. What are the duties requiâ—ed in the second Commandment A. The duties required in the seâ—ond Commandment are the reâ—eiving observing and keeping pure â—nd intire all such religious worship â—nd Ordinances as God hath instiâ—uted in his word particularly â—rayer and Thanksgiving in the â—ame of Christ the reading preaching and hearing the word the administration and receiving of the Sacraments Church government and discipline the Ministry and maintenance thereof religious fasting swearing by the name of God and vowing unto him as also the disapproving detesting opposing all false worship and according to each ones place and calling removing it and all monuments of idolatry Q. 109. What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment A. The sins forbidden in the second Commandment are all devising counselling commanding using and any ways approving any religious worship not instituted by God himself tolerating a false Religion the making any representation of God of all or of any of the three persons either inwardly in our mind or outwardly in any kind of Image or likeness of any creature whatsoever all worshipping of it or God in it or by it the making of any representation of feigned Deities and all worship of them or service belonging to them all superstitious devices corrupting the worship of God adding to it taking from it whether invented taken up of our selves or receiv'd by tradition from others though under the title of antiquity custom devotions good intent or any other pretence whatsoever â—imony sacriledge all neglect contempt hindering and opposing the Worship Ordinances which God hath appointed Q. 110. What are the reasons annexed to the second Commandment the more to enforce it A The reasons annexed to the second Commandment the more to inforce it contained in these words For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me keep my Commandments are besides Gods soveraignty over us propriety in us his fervent zeal for his own worship his revengful indignation against all false worship as being a spiritual whoredom accounting the breakers of this Commandment such as hate him threatning to punish them unto divers generations esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his Commandments promising mercy to them unto many generations Q. 111. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain Q. 112. What is required in thâ— third Commandment A. The third Commandment requires that the name of God his titles attributes ordinances the word sacraments prayer oaths vows his lots his works whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known be holily and reverently used in thought meditation word writing by an holy profession and answerable conversation to the glory of God and thâ— good of our selves and others Q. 113. What are the sins forbiddeâ— in the third Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the third Commandment are the not usinâ— of Gods name as is required the abuse of it in an ignorant vain irreverent profane superstitious or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles attributes ordinances or works by blasphemy perjury all sinful cursings oaths vows and lots violating of our oaths and vows if lawful and fulfilling them if of things unlawful murmuring quarrelling at curious prying into and misapplying of Gods decrees and providences misinterpreting misapplying or any way perverting the word or any part of it to profane jests curious or unprofitable questions vain janglings or the maintaining of false doctrines abusing it the creatures or any thing contained under the Name of God to charms or sinful lusts and practices the maligning scorning reviling or any ways opposing of Gods truth grace and ways making profession of Religion in hypocrisie or for sinister ends being ashamed of it or a shame to it by uncomfortable unwise unfruitful and offensive walkings or backsliding from it Q. 114. What reasons are annexed to the third Commandment A. The reasons annexed to the third Commandment in these words The Lord thy God For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain are because he is the Lord our God and therefore his name is not to be profaned or any way abused by us especially because he is so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressours of this Commandment as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment albeit many such escape the Censure and punishment of men Q. 115. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy six days shalt thou labour do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man servant nor thy maid servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy thy gates For in six days the Lord made heaven earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Q.
intermeddle with Civil affairs which concern the Common wealth unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary or by way of advice for satisfaction of conscience if they be thereunto required by the Civil Magistrate CHAP. XXXII· Of the state of men after death and of the Resurrection of the dead THe bodies of men after death return to dust and see corruption but their Souls which neither die nor sleep having an immortal subsistence immediately return to God who gave them the souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness are received into the highest Heavens where they behold the face of God in light and glory waiting for the full Redemption of their Bodies And the souls of the wicked are cast into Hell where they remain in torments and utter darkness reserved to the Judgment of the great day Besides these two places for souls separated from their bodies the Scripture acknowledgeth none II. At the last day such as are found alive shall not die but be changed and all the dead shall be raised up with the self same bodies and none other although with different qualities which shall be united again to their souls for ever III. The Bodies of the unjust shall by the power of Christ be raised to dishonour the Bodies of the just by the Spirit unto honour and be made conformable to his own glorious Body CHAP. XXXIII Of the last judgment GOD hath appointed a Day wherein he will judge the World in righteousness by Jesus Christ to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father in which day not only the Apostate Angels shall be judged but likewise all persons that have lived upon earth shall appear before the Tribunal of Christ to give an accompt of their thoughts words and deeds and to receive accordingly to what they have done in the body whether good or evil II. The end of Gods appointing this day is for the manifestation of the glâ—ry of his mercy in the eternal salvation of the elect and of his justice in the damnation of the reprobate who are wicked and disobedient For then shall the Righteous go into everlasting Life and receive that fulness of joy and refreshing which shall come from the Presence of the Lord but the wicked who know not God and obey not the Gospel of Jesus Christ shall be cast into eternal Torments and be pâ—nished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of hâ—s power III. As Christ would have us to be certainly perswaded that thâ—râ— shall be a Day of Judgment both to deter all men from sin and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity so will he have that day unknown to Men that they may shake off all carnal security and be alwaies watchful because they know not at what hour the Lord will come and may be ever prepared to say Come Lord Jesus come quickly Amen FINIS THE LARGER CATECHISM First agreed upon By the ASSEMBLY of DIVINES at Westminster And now approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland To be a part of Uniformity in Religion between the Kirks of Christ in the three Kingdoms EDINBOURG Printed by George Swintoun and Thomas Brown and are to be sold by Iames Glen and David Trench Anno Dom. 1671. The LARGER CATECHISM First agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster And now appointed by the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland to be a part of Uniformiâ—y in Religion between the Kirks of Christ in the three Kingdomes Question 1. WHat is the chief and highest end of man A. Mans chief and highest end is to glorifie God and fully to enjoy him for ever Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God A. The very light of nature in man and the works of God declare plainly that there is a God but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their Salvation Q. 3. What is the word of God A. The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God the only Rule of Faith and obedience Q. 4. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the word of God A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God by their Majesty and purity by the consent of all the parts the scope of the whole which is to give al glory tâ— God by their light and power to convince and convert sinners to comfort and build up believers unto salvation But the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man is alone able fully to perswade it that they are the very word of God Q. 5. What do the Scriptures principally teach A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man Q. 6. What do the Scriptures make known of God A. The Scriptures make known what God is the persons in the Godhead his decrees and the execution of his decrees Q. 7. What is God A. God is a Spirit in and of himself infinite in being glory blessedness and perfection all sufficient eternal unchangeable incomprehensible every where present almighty knowing all things most wise most holy most just most merciful and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Q. 8. Are there more Gods than one A. There is but one only the living and true God Q. 9. How many persons are there in the Godhead A. There be three persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the holy Ghost and these three are one true eternal God the same in substance equal in power and glory although distinguished by their Personal properties Q 10. What are the personal properties of the three persons in the Godhead q A. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son and to the Son to bebegotten of the Father and to the holy Ghost to proceed from thâ— Father and Son from all eternity Q 11. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father A. The Sâ—riptures manifest that the Son the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father â—scribing unto them such names attributes works and worship as are proper to â—od only Q 1â— What are the decreeâ— of God A. Gods decrees are the wise free and holy acts of the counsel of his will whereby from all eternity he hath for his own glory unchangeably fore-â—rdained whatsoever comes to pass in time especially concerning Angels and Men. Q. 13. What hath God especially decreed concerning Angels and Men A. God by an eternal and immutable decree â—ut of his meer love for the praise
the right hand of the Father and his coming again to judge the world Q 52. 〈…〉 Christ exalted in his Resurrection A. Christ was exâ—lted in his Resurrection in that not having seen corruption in death of which it was not possible for him to be held and having the sâ—â—e very body in which he suffâ—red with â—he eâ—â—â—ntial properties thereof but wiâ—hout mortality any other common infirmities belonging to this life really united to his soul he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God to have satisfied divine justice to have vanquished death and him that had the power of it to the Lord of quick and dead all which he did as a publick person the head of his Church for their justification quickning in grace support against enemies to assure them of their Resurrection from the dead at the last day Q. 53. How was Christ exalted in his Ascension A. Christ was exalted in his Ascension in that having after his Resurrection often appeared unto conversed with his Apostles speaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God and giving them commission to preach the Gospel to all Nations fourty daies after his Resurrection he in our nature and as our head triumphing over enemies visibly went up into the highest heavens there to receive gifts for men to raise up our affections thither and to prepare a place for us where himself is and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world Q. 54. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God in that as God-manhe is advanc'd to the highest favour with God the Father with all fulness of joy glory and power over all things in heaven earth and doth gather and defend his Church subdue their enemies furnisheth his Ministers and people with gifts and graces and maketh intercession for them Q. 54. How doth Christ make intercession A. Christ maketh intercession by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth declaring his will to have it applyed to all believers answering all accusations against them procuring for them quiet of conscience notwithstanding daily failings access with boldness to the throne of grace and acceptance of their persons and services Q. 56. How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world in that he who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men shall come again at the last day in great power and in the ful manifestation of his own glory and of his Fathers with all his holy Angels with a shout with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trumpet of God to judge the world in righteousness Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation A. Christ by his mediation hath procured redemption with all other benefits of the Covenant of Grace Q. 58. How do we come to be made partakers of the benâ—fits which Christ hath procured A. We are made partakers of the benefits whiâ—h Christ hath procur'd by the application of them unto us which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost Q. 59. Who are made partakerâ— of Redemption through Christ A. Redemption is certainly applied and effectually communicated to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the Gospel Q. 60. Can they who have never heard the Gospel and so know not Iesus Christ nor believe in him he saved by their living according to the light of nature A. They who having never heard the Gospel know not Jesus Christ and believe not in him cannot be saved be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature or the Law of that Religion which they profess neither is there salvation in any other but in Christ alone who is the Saviour only of his body the Church Q. 61. Are all they saved who hear the Gospel and live in the Church A. All that hear the Gospel and live in the visible Church are not saved but they only who are true members of the Church invisible Q. 62. What is the visible Church A. The visible Church is a society made up of all such as in all ages places of the world profess the true Religion and of their Children Q. 63. What are the especial priviledges of the visible Church A. The Visible Church hath the priviledge of being under Gods special care and government of being protected and preserved in all ages notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies and of enjoying the communion of Saints the ordinary means of Salvation offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministery of the Gospel testifying that whosoever believes in him shall be saved and excluding none that will come unto him Q. 64. What is the invisible Church A. The invisible Church is the whole number of the elect that have been are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head Q. 65. What special benefits do the Members of the invisible Church enjoy by Christ A. The Members of the Invisible Church by Christ enjoy Union and Communion with him in grace and glory Q. 66. What is that Union which the Elect have with Christ A. The Union which the elect have with Christ is the work of Gods grace whereby they are spiritually and mystically yet really and inseparably joyned to Christ as their head and husband which is done in their effectually Calling Q. 67. What is effectual Calling A. Effectual Calling is the work of Gods Almighty power grace whereby out of his free and especial love to his elect and from nothing in them moving him thereunto he doth in his accepted time invite draw them to Jesus Christ by his Word and Spirit saving inlightning their minds renewing and powerfully determining their wills so as they although in themselves dead in sin are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call to accept and imbrace the grace offered and conveyed therein Q. 68. Are all the elect only effectually called A. All the Elect and they onely are effectually called although others may be and often are outwardly cal'd by the ministry of the Word and have some common operations of the spirit who for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace
with Adam not only for himself but for his posterity all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation sinned in him fell with him in his first transgression Q. 17. Into what estate did thâ— fall bring mankind A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfuâ—â—ness of that estate whereinto man fell A. The sinfulness of that estatâ— whereinto man fell consists in thâ— guilt of Adams first sin the want 〈◊〉 Original righteousness and the corâ—ruption of his whole nature which 〈◊〉 commonly called Original sin togâ—ther with all actual transgressions which proceed from it Q. 19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God are under his wrath curse so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self to the pains of Hell for ever Q. 29. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life did enter into a Covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin misery and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a Redeemer Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of Gods elect A. The only Redeemer of Gods elect is the Lord Jesus Christ who being the eternal Son of God became man and so was and continueth to be God man in two distinct natures one person for ever Q. 22. How did Christ being the Son of God become man A. Christ the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul being conceived by the power of the holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary born of her yet without sin Q. 23. What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our redeemer executeth the Offices of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King both in his estate of humiliation exaltation Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet A. Christ executeth the Office of a Prophet in revealing to us by his Word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest A. Christ executeth the Office of a Priest in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfie divine justice and reconcile us to God and in making continual intercession for us Q. 26. How doth Christ exâ—pute the Office of a King A. Christ executeth the Office of a King in subduing us to himself in râ—ling and defending us and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies Q. 27. Wherein did Christs Hâ—miliation consist A. Christs humiliation consisted in his being born and that in a low condition made under the Law undergoing the miseries of this life the wrath of God and the cursed death of the Cross in being buried and continuing under the power of death for a time Q. 28. Wherein consisteth Christs Exaltation A. Christs exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day in ascending up into Heaven in sitting at the right hand of God the Father and coming to judge the world at the last day Q. 29. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ by the effectual application of it to us by his holy Spirit Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ A The Spirit applyeth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us and thereby uniting us to Christ in our Effectual Calling Q. 31. What is effectual calling A. Effectual calling is the work of Gods Spirit whereby â—â—nvincing us of our sin misery inlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ and renewing our wills he doth perswade and inable us to imbrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of Justification Adoption Sanctification the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them Q. 33. What is Iustification A. Justification is an act of Gods frâ—e grace wherein he pardoneth all our sins and accepteth us as righteous in his sight only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and received by faith alone Q. 34. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of Gods free grace whereby we are received into the number have a right to aâ—l the priviledges of the Sons of God Q. 35. What is Sanctification A. Sanctification is the work of Godâ— free grace whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the Image of God and are inabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness Q. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Iustification adoption sanctification A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification are assurance of Gods love peace of conscience joy in the Holy Ghost increase of grace and perseverance therein to the end Q. 37. What benefits do Believers receive from Christ at death A. The Souls of Believers are at their death made perfect in holiness do immediately pass into glory r and their bodies being still united to Christ do rest in their graves till the Resurrection Q. 38 VVhat benefits do Believers receive from Christ at the resurrection A. At the resurrection believers being raised up in glory shall be openly acknowledged acquitted in the day of judgment and made perfectly blessed in full enjoying of God to all eternity Q. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will Q. 40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the Moral Law Q. 41. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments Q. 42. What is the Sum of the Ten Commandments A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul wiâ—h all our strength and with all our mind and our neighbour as our selves Q. 43. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words I am the Lord thy God Which have brought thee out of