to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. VVhat is the third Inference A. The glorious priviledge of believers who are under a better covenant establisht upon better promises Heb. 8.6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant which is establisht upon better promises Q. 10. VVhat is the last Inference A. That we should pity the unregenerate especially our own among them and labour to plant them in the second Adam Of the Fall of Man Quest. 13. DID our first Parents continue in the estate wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freeedom of their own wâ—ll fell from thee estate wherein they were created by sinning against God Q. 1. How doth it appear that man is fallen A. By the Scripture History an account of it in Gen. 3.6 7. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eat And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves Aprons and they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees if the garden And the sad experience we all have of it in our own selves Rom. 5.12 Therefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 2. How could man fall since he was made upright A. Though he was upright yet his will was mutable and by abusing that liberty he fell Eccles. 7.29 Lo this only have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Q. 3. How did God leave him to abuse the freedom of will A. Not by inclining him to abuse it but by with-holding that further grace which he was no way obliged to continue to him Q. 4. Did the will of man lose its liberty to good by the Fall A. Yes it did and is so wounded that it cannot without preventing and regenerating grace put forth one spiritual and saving act Eph. 2.8 9 10. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of our selves it is the gift of God Not of works lest any man should boast for we are all his workmanship created in Christ Iesus unto good works c. Q. 5. VVhat was the aggravation of Adam's Sin A. It was aggravated in his being a publick innocent person so newly placed in a State of Happiness and Liberty Q 6. What is the first inference from the Fall A. That the best Creature left to himself cannot be long safe as the Angels and Adam Psal. 49.12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not he is like the beast that perish Q. 7. What is the second Inference A. That since man could not be his own keeper he can be much less his own Saviour 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our sâ—lves but our sufficiency is of God Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That it is impossible for the covenant of works to justify any one Rom. 3.20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Q. 9. What is the last Inference A. What cause have we to bless God for Christ who recovered us when the Fall left us helpless Rom. 5.6 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Of Sin Quest. 14. WHAT is Sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God Q. 1. What is meant by the Law A. The Commands and Rules flowing from God's Soveraignty whereby his will is manifested and the Creature bound to obedience Q. 2. Where is this Law written A. It is written either in the heart Rom. 2.15 Which shews the work of the law written in their hearts which we call the law of nature Or in the Bible which we call the written Moral Law Q. 3. What conformity is due to this Law of God A. A two fold conformity is due to it First Internal in our hearts Secondly External in our lives and the want of either is sin 1 Ioh. 3.4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Q 4. How doth it appear that the want of internal conformity is sin A. Because the Law requires it Mark 12.30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength for this is the first commandment And condemns the want of it Rom. 7.7 What shall we say then is the law sin God forbid nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet Q 5. Is nothing a sin but what is against God's Law A No nothing can be a sin but what God hath either expresly or by consequence forbidden in his word Q 6 Wherein lies the evil of transgressing God's Laws A. The evil of sin principally lies in offence and wrong done to God whose soveraignty it labours to shake off and despises his will Psal. 31.4 Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight Q. 7. VVhat further evil is in sin A. It highly wrongs the Sinner's Soul by defacing defiling and damning it Prov. 8.36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul all they that hate me love death Q. 8. VVherein is the evil of sin manifested A. It 's manifested in the death of Christ the terrors of Conscience and torments of Hell Q. 9. VVhat course must the Sinner take to recover himself out of his misery A. Repentance towards God faith towards Christ and both evidenced by new obediencâ— Acts 20.21 Testifying both to the Jew and also to the Greeks repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 10. VVhat may we infer from hence A. That we have infinite cause to bless God for Christ's satisfaction of the Law for our Sins Of the Tree of Knowledge Quest. 15. WHat is the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created A. The sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit Q. 1 VVhy was this Tree called the Tree of Knowledge A.
and hastening unto the coming of the day of God c. Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. That Faith is a Grace of absolute necessity and unspeakable excellency Rom. 5.1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. All unbelievers are in a miserable State now Iohn 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already And worse in the world to come Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Of the full Enjoyment of God Quest. 1. WHAT doth perfect Blessedness suppose and imply A. It supposes the total Freedom of Believers from all the moral evil of Sin Eph. 5.27 That he might present you to himself a glorious Church not having spot nor wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish And from all the penal evils of suffering Rev. 21.4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away Q. 2 What else is implied in perfect Blessedness A. It implies the full and perfect enjoyment of God 1 Cor. 15.28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all Q 3. What is it for God to be all in all A. It implies three things in it First That all the Saints shall be filled and satisfied from God alone Secondly That there shall be no need of other things out of which they were wont to fetch comfort Thirdly That all other things as Heaven Angels Saints should be loved and enjoyed in God Q. 4 In what respect shall they Enjoy God in Heaven A They shall have the glorious and immediate presence of God with them Rev. 21.3 God himself shall be with them and be their God Q 5. In what other respects shall they Enjoy God A They shall see him as he is 1 Iohn 3.2 We shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Q 6. What will such a vision of God produce A It will produce perfect conformity in them to God 1 Iohn 3.2 When he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is And perfect joy will result from hence Psal. 16.11 In thy presence is fulness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Q. 7. Do not the Saints enjoy God here A. Yes they do but not so as they shall enjoy him in Heaven 1 Cor. 13.12 Now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known Q. 8. What are the special differences between the Saints Communion with God here and that in Heaven A. Their Communion with God here is clogg'd with Sin Rom. 7.21 I find then a law that when I would do good evil is present with me Here it is not constant Psal. 22.1 My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Nor is it satisfyîng but in Heaven it will be pure constant and satisfying Q. 9. How long shall they there enjoy God A. Not for days years ages but for ever and ever 1 Thes. 4.17 And so shall we be ever with the Lord. Q 10. What is the first Instruction from hence A. That the World is not the place of the Saints rest and satisfaction Heb. 4.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God 2 Cor. 5.2 6. For in this we groan earnestly desiring to be cloathed upon with our house which is from heaven therefore we are always confident knowing that whilst we are at home in the body we we are absent from the Lord. Q. 11. What is the second Instruction from hence A. That Death is a singular benefit to the Saints and though it be an enemy to Nature yet it is the medium to Glory 2 Cor. 5.4 For we that are in this Tabernacle do groan being burthened not for that we would be uncleathed but cloathed upon that mortality might be swallowed up of life Q. 12. What is the third Instruction hence A. The necessity of Faith and Regeneration in this World None shall be raised up in glory acknowledged acquitted and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God but Believers Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Of Man's Duty to God Quest. 39. WHAT is the Duty that God requireth of Man A. The Duty whâ—ch God requireth of Man is Obedience to his revealed will Q 1. Is Obedience to God's will the Duty of every Man A. It is unquestionably the Duty of every man to obey the will of God so far as he hath made it known to him Micah 6.8 He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Q. 2. On what aâ—count is Man's Obedience due to God A. 'T is due to him First As he is Creator In whom we live and move and have our being Acts 17.27 28. Secondly As he is our Benefactor from whom we receive all our Mercies Deut. 28.47 Because thou servest not the Lord thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee in hunger thirst and nakedness and in want of all things Thirdly As he is our Lord and Law-giver Iam 4.12 There is one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy Q. 3. Is Obedience due to none but God only A. Yes subjects must obey their lawful Magistrates Rom. 13.1 Let every soul be subject to the higher powers for there is no power but of God The powers that be are ordained of God People their Ministers Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give an account Children their Parents Eph. 6.1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right But not as they are to obey God Q. 4. What is the difference betwixt our obediencâ— to God's Commands and Men's A. We are to obey God chiefly and supreamly for his own sake 1 Pet. 2.13 Submit your selve to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake And Eph. 6.1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right Q 5. What must we do when the Commands of God and Men fall cross to one another A. In that case we must yield
appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God hath appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the World which is the Christian Sabbath Q. 1. What special marks of honour hath God set upon this fourth Commandment A. God hath set four peculiar marks of honour on it 1. It is the largest of all the Commands 2. It hath a solemn Memento prefixed to it 3. It is delivered both positively and negatively which the rest are not And 4. It is enforced with more Arguments to strengthen the Command on us than any other Q. 2. Wâ—y will God have a Sabbath observed on Earth A. God will have a Sabbath on Earth to give us therein an Emblem of that Eternal Sabbath in Heaven wherein his people shall be serving him and praising him without interruption or mixture of any other business throughout Eternity Hâ—b 4.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God Q 3. For what other Reasons will God have a Sabbath A. He will have a Sabbath for the honour of his name Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pâ—easure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words For the good of Mens Souls Mark 2.27 And he said unto them the sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath And in mercy to the Bodies of Men and Beasts Q. 4. Is this Commandment Moral and Perpetual or Ceremonial and Temporary A. It is and must needs be Moral and not Ceremonial because all the Reasons that enforce it are perpetual and the Sabbath continued when the Ceremonial Law ceased and was vanished Matth. 24.20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter neither on the sabbath day Q. 5. What day of the seven is the Christian Sabbath A. The first day of the Week is our Sabbath since the Resurrection of Christ. This is the day which was foretold to be our Sabbath Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it The Lord hath marked it for himself by setting his own Name on it Rev. 1.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lords day And the Apostles and Primitive Church constantly set it apart to Religious uses and ends Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them c. 1 Cor. 16.2 Vpon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Q. 6. When doth the Christian Sabbath begin A. It appears that this day is not to be reckoned from evening to evening but from morning to morning because the Christian Sabbath must begin when the Jewish Sabbath ended but that ended towards the morning Matth. 28.1 In the end of the sabbath as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre Q. 7. What is the ground of changing the day A. The solemn commemoration of our Redemption by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead is the ground of translating the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the Week Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Mark 16.9 Now when Iesus was risen early the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven devils Q. 8. Is it the whole day or only some hours of the day that are set apart for God A. Not a part but the whole day is the Lords and it is as dangerous to halve it with God in point of time as it was for Annanias and Sapphira to halve their dedicated Goods and bring in but a part Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day is the Command Q. 9. Is there any other day holy besides this A. No day but this is holy by Institution of the Lord yet dayes of Humiliation and Thanksgiving may be lawfully set apart by men on a Call of Providence but Popish Holy-dayes are not warrantable nor to be observed Gal. 4.10 Ye observe dayes and months and times and years Q. 10. But seeing every day should be a Sabbath to a Christian what needs any other set time A. Though Christians must walk every day with God yet every day cannot be a Sabbath because God calls us to other Duties on those dayes but will have this to be a solemn and entire day to himself Q. 11. But if a man scruple the change of the Sabbath may he not keep both dayes weekly A. No for then by doing more than God requires he breaks a plain Command Six days shalt thou labour Q. 12. At what time should Christians be up and at their Duties on the Lords day A. As early in the morning as their strength will permit to prepare by private for publick Duties yet the publick are not to be entrenched on by private Duties Acts 10.33 Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Of the Sabbath Quest. 60. HOw is the Sabbath to be Sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be Sanctified by an holy reâ—ting all that day even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy Quest. 61. What are the Sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the Duties required and the profaning the day by Idleness or doing that which is in it self sinful or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about our worldly employments or recreations Quest. 62. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own employment his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day Q. 1. VVhat is the Rest which God requires on the Sabbath A. It is not a meer natural or civil but an holy rest resembling the rest in Heaven wherein the Mind is most active and busie in the work of God though the Body be at rest and the Spirit not wearied with its work Rev. 4.8 And the four beaâ—â—s had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Q. 2. May
And David said to Abishai and to all his servants Behold my son which came forth of my bowels seeketh my life how much more now may this Benjamite do it let him alone and let him curse for the Lord hath bidden him Q. 12. VVhat is the last Instruction from God's Decrees A. That we ought to be thankful to God for all the good and patient under all the evils that befall us Iob 2.10 Shall we receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive evil Of the Creation Quest. 9. WHAT are the Works of Creation A. The Work of Creation is God's making all things of nothing by the Word of his Power in the space of Six Days and all very good Q 1. VVhat is it to create A. To create is to give a Being to that which had no Being or to bring something out of nothing Heb. 11.3 Through Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things that do appear Q. 2. How did God create the world A. By his infinite Power executed in his Word of Command Psalm 33.6.9 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth for he spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast Q. 3. What Attributes of God shine forth in the Creation A. The Wisdom of God shines forth gloriously not only in their formation but dependance one upon another Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Q. 4. What may we learn from the Creation A. That God perfectly knows all that is in the Creature be it never so secret Psalm 94.8 9. Understand O ye brutish among the people and ye fools when will ye be wise He that planted the ear shall he not hear he that formed the eye shall he not see Q. 2. What 's the Second Instruction from the Creation A. That God is the rightful owner of us all and may do what he will with us Rom. 9.20 Nay but O man who art thou that repliest against God! Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast thou made me thus Hath not the porter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel to honour and another to dishonour Q. 6. What is the Third Instruction from the Creation A. That God only is the proper Object of Worship Ier. 10. 11. Thus shall he say unto them The Gods that have not made the heavens and the earth even they shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens Q. 7. What is the Fourth Instruction from hence A. That Christians should not fear the power of Creatures since they derive their Being and Power from God Isa. 54.16 17. Behold I have created the Smith that bloweth the coals in the fire that bringeth forth an instrument for his work and I have created the waster to destroy no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper Q. 8. What is the Fifth Instruction hence A. That Atheism is a sin against Natural Light and Reason Rom. 1.20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and godhead so that they are without excuse Q 9. What is the Sixth Instruction hence A. That God's Glory is the end of all Being Col. 1.16 For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and for him Q. 10. What is the Seventh Instruction hence A. That there is an unnatural rebellion in sin smiting at him that made and preserves our Being Isa. 1.2 I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against me Q. 11. What is the Eighth Instruction from hence A. That God can in a moment revive and save the Church when at the lowest ebb Isa. 65.18 Behold I create Ierusalem a rejoycing and her people a joy Q 12 What is the last Instruction from hence A. That it is easy with God to revive a dejected Soul Isa. 57.19 I create the fruit of the lips Peace peace to him that is far off and tâ— him that is near saith the Lord and I will heal him Of Man's Creation Quest. 10. HOW did God create Man A. God created Man Male and Female after his own Image in Knowledge Righteousness and Holiness wiâ—h dominion over the Creatures Q. 1. How did God create Man A. God created man in his own Image Gen. 1.27 So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them Q. 2. What is meant by the Image of God A. Not a resemblance of God in any bodily Shape or Figure but in holiness Eph. 4.24 And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Q. 3. In what Graces did Man resemble God A. In such a knowledge of God himself and the Creatures which made him happy Col. 3.10 And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Q. 4. In what other Graces did this Image consist A. In Righteousness as well as Holiness Eph. 4.24 And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Q. 5. What is the First Inference from hence A. The deplorable misery of the Fall Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q 6. VVhat is the Second Instruction hence A. The beauty of Holiness which is the Image of God and the Excellency of Man Psalm 16.3 But to the saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight Q 7. VVhat is the Third Instruction from hence A. We have infinite cause to bless God for Christ who repairs this lost Image in his people Eph. 4.23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind Q 8. VVhat is the Fourth Instruction from hence A. That the despisers of Holiness are the despisers of God for Holiness is God's Image Q 9 VVhat 's the Fifth Instruction from hence A The excellency of Sanctification which defaces the Image of Satan and draws the Image of God upon the Soul of maâ— Of Divine Providence Qest. 1 WHAT are God's Works of Providence A. God's Works of Providence are his just holy wise and powerful preserving and governing all his Creatures and all their Actions Q 1 How doth it appear there is a Divine Providence A. It appears by plain Scripture Testimonies Heb. 1.3 Upholding all things by the word of his power Col. 1.17 By him all things consist Luke 12.6 7.
strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him Q. 9. VVhat is the third Instruction A. That all plots against the Church shall surely be defeated Isa. 54.17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper Q 10. VVhat is the fourth Instruction A. It gives the Saints full satisfaction in all conditions Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them that â—re called according to his purpose Q. 11. VVhat is the last Inference A. We should not stand in a slavish fear of men Isa. 51.12 I even I am he that comforteth you who art thou that hou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die and of the son of man which shall be made as grass Of Christ's Humiliation Quest. 27. WHerein did Christ's Humiliation consist A. Christ's Humiliation consists 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. 1. VVhat doth Christ's humbling of himself import A. His voluntariness in the deepest point of Self-denial Psal. 40.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it iâ— written of me Q 2. VVhat was the first act of Christ's Humiliation A. His taking man's Nature on him with all its sinless Infirmities Rom. 8.3 God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Q. 3. What is the second part of his Humiliation A. That mean life he lived in this world which obscured his Divine Glory Mark 6.3 Is not this the carpenter the son of Mary Q 4. VVhat was the first thing in Christ's Life that humbled him A. The poverty of it Mat. 8.20 And Iesus saith unto him The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests but the son of man hath not where to lay his head Q 5. VVhat was the second thing in his life that humbled him A. The Temptations of Satan to which he was subject Mat. 4.1 Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil and that for our sakes Heb. 2.17 VVherefore in all things it behoveth him to be made like unto his brethren v. 18. For in that he himself hath sâ—ffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Q 6. What is the third thing in Christ that humbled him A. His subjection to the Law Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law Q 7. What was the fourth thing in Christ's life that humbled him A. The Reviling and Contradictions of Sinners Heb. 12.3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself Q. 8. Wherein was Christ humbled in his death A. His death was painful and ignominious Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us For it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth oâ— a tree Made a curse for us and deserted in it Mat. 27.46 And about the ninth hour Iesus cried with a loud voice saying Eli Eli Lamasabachthani that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Q 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. That lowliness and humility becomes Christ's Followers Mat. 11.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. That Christ's love to Sinners is astonishingly great 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. Christians should be ready to suffer for Christ. 1 Pet. 4.1 Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh arm your selves likewise with the same mind for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Humiliation is the true way to Exaltation Mat. 23.12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted Of Christ's Exaltation Quest. 28. WHerein consists Christ's Exaltation A. Christ's Exaltation consists 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 in coming to judge the World at the last day Q. 1. What is the first step of Christ's Exaltation A. His Resurrection from the dead Q. 2. How doth his Resurrection appear A. By the Scripture Prophesies accomplisht in him 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures Q 3. Why did Christ rise again A. To establish our Faith and abolish our Sins 1 Cor. 15.17 And if Christ be not risen your faith is vain you are yet in your sins Q. 4. What other end was there of Christ's Resurrection A. To declare his Divine Power Rom. 1.4 And declareâ— to be the son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead And to evidence the fulness of his satisfaction John 16.10 Of rihgteousness because I go to my father and ye see me no more Q. 5. Did Christ rise in the same Body he laid down A. It was substantially the same Iohn 20.27 Then saith he to Thomas Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side and be not faithless but believing Q. 6. What doth Christ's Resurrection teach us A. The certainty of Resurrection after death 1 Cor. 15.20 But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept Q. 7. What was the second step of Christ's Exaltation A. His Ascention after forty days into Heaven Acts 1.2 3. Until the day in which he was taken up after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had â—hosen to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God Q. 8. VVhy did Christ stay so long on Earth A. To assure the truth of his Resurrection and to settle the due Government of his Church Acts 1.2 3. Q. 9. For what end did he ascend A. To take possession of his glory Iohn 17.5 And now O father glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was And that as our fore-runner Heb. 6.20 VVhither the fore-runner is for us entred even Iesus c. Q. 10. In what manner did Christ ascend A. Triumphantly and magnificently Psal. 47.5 God is gone up with a shout the Lord with a sound
and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming But assumes Power to dispence with God's Laws to others Q. 8. What is the second Inference hence A. That man dieth not as Beasts die which are under no Moral Law and therefore capable of no sin but must come to Judgment after Death Eccles. 3.21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth Heb. 9.27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the Iudgment Q. 9. What is the third Inference hence A. That though the actions of men naturally considered are transcient yet their consequences and effects are permanent An act is soon done a word soon spoken a thought soon thought but when done spoken or thought they are placed to account Gal. 6.7 8. Be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth that shall be also reap for he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reaâ— corruption but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting Q. 10. What is the fourth Inference from hence A. That God will proceed with man by different rules in the Day of Judgment according to the different Law they lived under in this World Rom. 2.12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law Q. 11. What is the fifth Inference from hence A. That those who have sinned against the clearest Light and best Helps will if they die impenitent be judged to the greatest Misery Matt. 11.23 And thou Capernaum which art exalted unto heaven shalt be brought down to hell for if the mighey works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Q. 12. What is the sixth Inference from hence A. That as we are to prize the Moral Law highly as a Rule of Life Psal. 119.105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path So are we to bless God for the Gospel-Dispensation by which only we can attain to Justification and Salvation Heb. 12.22 But we are come to Mount Sion and unto the City of the living God the heavenly Ierusalem to an innumerable company of Angels Of Love to God and Men. Quest. 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 hearts with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our Neighbour as our selves Q. 1. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. To love the Lord our God with a Supream love and Men with a Sincere love in and for him Matt. 22.37 38. Iesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind This is the First and Great Commandment The Second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Q. 2. What is the first thing contained in our supream Love to God A. It implies the loving of God purely and absolutely for himself The Excellencies that are in him Cant. 1.3 Thy name is as ointment poured forth therefore the virgins love thee And the benefits we receive from him Psal 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication Q. 3. What is the Second Property of this Supream Love A Supream love devotes the whole man to God and Christ So that in life and death that man designs the Glory of God as his main end Rom. 14.7 8. For none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself for whether we live we live unto the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord whether we live therefore or die we are the Lord 's Q. 4. What is the third Property of Supream Love A. It causes the Soul to depreciate and slight all other things in comparison of God's Glory and an Interest in Christ. Acts 20.24 But none of these things move me neither count I my life dear unto my self so that I may finish my course with joy Phil. 3.8 9. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord. Q. 5. What is the fourth Property of Supream Love A. It centers the Soul in God as its only rest Psal. 116.7 Return unto thy rest O my soul. And cannot be satisfied till it come to the full enjoyment of him 2 Thes. 3.5 The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and patient waiting for Christ. Q. 6. Why must we love God with a supream Love A. Because such a love only suits the transcendent Excellency of God Commands all we are and have for God and is the only love that will continue to the end Rom. 8.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ Q. 7. What is it to love our Neighbour as our selves A. It is the exact Observation and Practice of the golden Rule of Christ. Matt. 7.12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them for this is the law and the prophets Q. 8. Are all men to be loved alike and with the same degree of Love A. No tho we must love all men with the love of Benevolence yet the Saints only with the love of Complacency Psal. 16.3 But to the saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight And to such we must especially do good Gal. 6.10 As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men especially unto them who are of the houshold of faith Q. 9. What is the first Instruction from hence A. Hence we learn the excellency of Divine love Moses expresses the Whole Duty of Man in Ten Commandments Christ hangs the Whole Law upon these Two Love to God and our Neighbour Mark 12.30 31. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength This is the first Commandment And the Second is like namely this Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self there is none other Commandment greater than these And the Apostle reduces these Two into One Gal. 5.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word â—uen in this Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Q. 10. What is the second Inference from hence A. It convinces the holiest of men how far short they come in their Obedience to the rule of duty and therein the law is our School-master to bring us to Christ. Gal. 3.24 Q. 11. What is the third Inference from hence A. It discovers the excellency and perfection of the Law of God Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is pefect converting the soul. And that we are highly to honour
say wherein have we despised thy name Q. 2. What is the first thing especially required in the third Commandment A. It requires the most aweful and reverential frame of our hearts in all our approaches to God Psal. 89.7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to he had in reverence of all them that are about him And in his Worship Ioh. 4.24 God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth Q. 3. What 's the second thing required in this Commandment A It requires truth in our witness-bearing as knowing God seeth our hearts and is witness to all that we think or speak Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth â—alsly by my name c. Q. 4. What 's the third thing required in this Commandment A. That in all our Appeals to God in secret or doubtful matters we be sure that the Appeal be necessary aweful and true Ier 17.16 As for me I have not hastened from being a pastour to follow thee neither have I desired the woful day thou knowest that which came out of my lips was right before thee Psal. 139.23 24 Search me O God and know my heart try me and know my thoughts And set if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting Q. 5. What doth this Commandment especially forbid A. It forbids and condemns all profane Oaths as most injurious to the Name of God Matth. 5.34 37. Swear not at all neither by heaven for it is Goâ—s throne c. but let your communication be yea yea nay nay for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil Q. 6. VVhat is the danger of profane or false Swearing A. Such are reckoned Enemies to God Psal. 139.20 Thine enemies take thy name in vain The Curse of God enters into such Families Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the hoâ—se of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name c. And the Lord will not hold them guiltless Q. 7. VVhat else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids and condemns all heedless wandering and drowsie performance of Gods Worship Isa. 29.13 14. VVherefore the Lord said forasmuch as this people drew near me with their mouth and with their lips do honour me bâ—t have removed their heart far from me and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men Therefore behold I will proceed to do a marvellous work amongst this people even a marvellous work and a wonder for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid And 2 Kings 10.31 But Iehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart for he departed not from the sins of Ieroboam which made Israel to sin Q. 8. What other sin is forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all light and irreverent use of the Scriptures especially in our jests or by way of scoffing Ier. 17.15 Behold they say unto me where is the word of the Lord let it come nowe Jer. 6.10 Behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach they have no delight in it Q. 9. By what Argument doth God enforce the third Commandment on men A. That the breakers of this Command shall surely be punished by the Lord either in this life Deut. 28.58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name The Lord thy God Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sickness and of long continuance Or in that to come Rom. 2.5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God Except they repent and reform Q. 10. What 's the first Instruction from the third Commandment A. That great and infinite is the Patience of God in forbearing provoking Sinners so long as he doth Romans 9.22 VVhat if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Q. 11. VVhat 's the second Instruction from hence A. That God is to be justified in the severest of his Judgments by which at any time he manifests his displeasure against the profaneness of the World Hos. 4.1 2 3. Hear the word of the Lord ye children of Israel for the Lord hath a controversie with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth nor mercy nor knowledge of God in the land By swearing and lying and killing and stealing and committing adultery they break out and bloud toucheth bloud Therefore shall the land â—ourn and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven yea the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away Q. 12. What 's the third Instruction from hence A. That God takes special notice of and greatly delighteth in them that fear and reverence his Name Isa. 66.5 Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word Your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said let the Lord be glorified but he shall appeaâ— to your joy and they shall be ashamed Mal. 3.16 And a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name Q. 13. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That those Parents have much to answer for that by their Examples teach or by their Negligence encourage their Children to profane Gods Name Ier. 5 7. How shall I pardon thee for this Thy children have forsaken me and sworn by them that are no Gods c. Of the Sabbath Quest. 57. WHich is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid-servant nor thy Cattle nor thy Stranger which is within thy Gates For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Quest. 58. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be an holy Sabbath unto the Lord. Quest. 59. Which day of the seven hath God
not any works of our civil Calling be ordinarily done on that day A. No it is sinful to put our hands ordinarily to our Callings on that day and God usually punishes it Neh. 13.15 16 17 18. In those dayes saw I in Iudah some treading wine-presses on the sabbath and bringing in sheaves and lading asses as also wine grapes and figs and all manner of burdens which they brought into Ierusalem on the sabbath day and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals There dwelt men of Tyre also therein which brought fish and all manner of ware and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Iudah and in Ierusalem Then I contended with the nobles of Iudah and said unto them What evil thing is this that ye do and profane the sabbath day Did not your fathers thus and did not our God bring all this evil upon us and upon this city yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath Q. 3. May we not refresh our Bodies by Recreations or our Minds by thoughts of Earthly Business or Discourses on that day A. Recreations of the Body which are lawful on other days are sinful on this day and all the Recreations of the Mind allowed on this day are Spiritual and Heavenly Isa. 58.13 14. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Iacob thy father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Q. 4. What works may lawfully be done on that day A. Christs example warrants works of necessity and works of mercy but no other Matth. 12.3 4. But he said unto them have ye not read what David did when he was an hungred and they that were with him How he entered into the house of God and did eat the shew-bread which was not lawful for him to eat neither for them which were with him but only for the priests And ver 7. But if ye had known what this meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice c. Q. 5. What are the holy Duties of the Sabbath A. The publick Worship of God in reading and hearing the Word preached Isa. 66.23 And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another and from one sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me saith the Lord. Luke 4.16 And as his custom was he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day and stood up for to read And Prayer Acts 16.13 14. And on the sabbath day we went out of the city by a river side where prayer was wont to be made c. And receiving the Sacrament Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them c. Q. 6. At private Duties in our Families required as well as publick on the Sabbath A. Yes it is not enough to sanctifie the Sabbath in publick Ordinances but God requires it to be sanctified in Family and private Duties Lev. 23.3 But the seventh day is the sabbath of rest an holy convocation ye shall do no work therein it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings Q. 7. With what frame of Spirit are all Sabbath duties both publick and private to be performed A. They are to be performed with Spiritual delight Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight c. And all grudging at and weariness of Spiritual exercises is a sin forbidden Mal. 1.13 Ye said also behold what a weariness is it and ye have snuffed at it saith the Lord of hosts and ye brought that which was torn and the lame and the sick thus ye brought an offering should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord Amos 8.5 When will the new moon be gone that we may sell corn and the sabbath that we may set foâ—th wheat c. Q. 8. What is the first Reason annexed to this Command A. The first Reason is the sufficient and large allowance of time God hath given us for our civil Callings and earthly business Six days in the week is a large allowance Q. 9. What is the second Reason annexed to this fourth Command A. The second Reason is Gods sanctifying and separating this day by a special Command and Institution for his service so that to profane this time is to sin against an express Divine Statute Q. 10. What 's the third Reason annexed to this Command A. The third Reason is Gods own Example who rested the seventh day from all his works and blessed this day by vertue of which Blessing we are encouraged to sanctifie it Q. 11. Is it not enough to sanctifie this day in our own persons A. No if God hath put any under our Authority their profaning the Sabbath will become our sin though we be never so strict in the observation of it our selves Q. 12. May we continue our civil Employments to the last moment of our common time A. Except Necessity or Mercy urge us we ought to break off before and allow some time to prepare for the Sabbath Luke 23.54 And that day was the preparation and the sabbath drew on Q. 13. What is the first Inference fâ—om hence A. That we have all great cause to be humbled for our Sabbath transgressions either in our unpreparedness for it our want of delight and spirituality in it or the due government of our Families as God requires Q. 14. What is the second Inference from hence A. That Christians on the Sabbath day have a fair occasion and help to realâ—ize to themselves the Heavenly state in which they are to live abstract from the World and God is to be all in all to them Of the fifth Commandment Quest. 63. WHich is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Quest. 64. What is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the Honour and performing the Duties belonging to every one in their several places and relations as superiors inferiors or equals Quest. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations Quest. 66. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shall serve for Gods glory and their own
no hope and without God in the world Q. 14. Wâ—at â—s the last Instruction hence A. That those that perish in the midst of Ordinances and means of Salvation will perish with aggravated perdition Matth. 11.23 And thou Capernaum which art exalted unto heaven shalt be brought down to hell for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day Of the Word read and heard Quest. 89. HOw is the Word made effectual to Salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading but especially the preaching of the Word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and building them up in holiness and comfort through Faith unto Salvation Q. 1. What mean you by the Word A. By the Word is meant the Word of God consigned to writing in the Books of the Old and New Testament which though it be ministred by men yet it is no other than the very Word of God and as such to be received 1 Thess. 2.13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God c. Q. 2. Whence is the efficacy of this Word A. It is wholly from the Spirit of God that it becomes effectual to any mans Salvation 1 Cor. 3 6 7. I have planted and Apollo watered but God gave the increase So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Q. 3. Is the reading of the Scripture an Ordinance of God for mens Salvation A. Yes it is Deut. 17.19 And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them And in reading of it God sometimes comes in by his Spirit to mens conversion Acts 8.27 28 29. And he arose and went and behold a man of Ethiopia an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians who had the charge of all her treasure and had come to Ierusalem for to worship was returning and sitting in his chariot read Isaias the prophet Then the spirit said to Philip go near and joyn thy self to his chariot c. Q. 4. Is the hearing of the Word a means of Salvation A. Yes it is Isa. 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live c. 1 Cor. 1.21 It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe Q. 5. To what end is the Word useful to men A. The first end and use of the Word is to convince men of their sin and misery out of Christ 1 Cor 14.24 25. But if all prophesie and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest c. Q. 6. What is it useful for besides conviction A. 'T is useful for conversion as well as conviction Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul c. Acts 26.18 To turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God c Q. 7. Doth the Word convince and convert all that hear it A. No but those only that are ordained to Eternal Life Acts 13.48 As many as were ordained to eternal life believed Q. 8. What else is the Word useful for A. To build up the Saints to perfection in Christ Eph. 4.11 12 13. And he gave some apostles and some prophets and some evangelists and some pastours and teachers for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness in Christ. Acts 20.32 And now brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified Q. 9. May the common people read the Scriptures A. Yes 't is a duty commanded by Christ Ioh. 5.39 Search the scriptures c. and commended by the Apostle Acts 17.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures dayly whether those things were so Q. 10. Is it their duty or liberty also to preach it A. No it is not for besides abilities for that work there must be a call Rom. 10.14 15. How shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they preach except they be sent c. Q. 11. What 's the first Instruction from hence A. That the enjoyments of the Scripture and an able faithful Ministry to expound and apply them is a special Mercy to any people Psal. 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Iacob his statutes and judgments unto Israel he hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not knows them Q. 12. What 's the second Instruction A. That men cannot expect Special and Spiritual Blessings from God in the wilful neglect of the Ordinances Prov. 28.9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law even his prayer shall be abomination Q. 13. What 's the third Inference A. That sad is their condition who sit all their dayes under the Word to no purpose at all 2 Cor. 4.3 4. If our gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine into them Q. 14. What 's the last Inference A. That Christs Ordinances and Ministers should be most welcome to the people to whom God sends them Isa. 52.7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings that publisheth peace that publisheth salvation that saith unto Zion thy God reigneth Of the manner of Hearing Quest. 90. HOw is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to Salvation A. That the Word may become effectual to Salvation we must attend thereunto with Diligence Preparation and Prayer receive it with Faith and Love lay it up in our Hearts and practise it in our Lives Q. 1. If the matter we read or hear be good is not that enough for our salvation A. No God requires that the Word be read and heard in a due manner and the manner of hearing is of special regard with God Luke 8.18 Take â—eed therefore how ye hear c. Q. 2. How many things belong to the due manner of hearing A. Three sorts of Duties belong to it some antecedent as preparation