as to be mindful of the Words of the Holy Prophets 2 Pet. 3.2 which are by faithful Men to be kept till the coming and appearing of Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 5.21 6.13 14. Rev. 3.10 John 20.31 Labour to have such a Faith that leads to conformity to Christ both in Heart and Life For the Devils believe there is a God a Christ and they tremble at God's infinite Power and Majesty And you young Men and Women under the Riches of his Goodness and believing the unsearchableness of his Mercy and Grace in a dear Saviour bestowed on you are concerned greatly to obey him consideringthat he will shortly come in flaming Fire to render Vengeance upon all those that under his Calls of Grace matter not See 2 Thess 1.8 Rom. 2.4 Doth he say He that believes and is baptized shall be saved and he that believes not shall be damned If Baptism be that which is to follow Faith do not slight Christ in that Duty Cornelius is promised by the holy Angel that in sending for Peter he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do Acts 10.5 6. You find Peter commands Water-Baptism to those that had received the extraordinary Measures of God's Spirit Consider Acts 10.47 So that this may be fairly concluded that angels are subservient to the Gospel Ministration For Peter had with the rest of the Apostles the Commission of Christ given to them by him that had all Power in Heaven and Earth Matth. 28.19 20. So Saul after the Lord met him as he was going to persecute the People of God and upon his Question Who art thou Lord The Answer is I am Jesus O Jesus a Saviour and thou persecutest me in my Members and Followers Upon hearing this Voice he falleth down trembling and saith Lord what wouldest thou have me to do Go to Ananias he shall tell the what thou must do Ananias had a Vision and is by the Lord sent unto Saul and directed unto the Street and to the House even to Judas to enquire for one Saul of Tarsus who was observed by the Lord to e praying See Acts 9.6 compared with ver 10 11. and when he came laid his Hands on him and telleth him Jesus that appeared to him by the Way sent him to him that he might receive his Sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost And immediately there fell Scales from his Eyes and he received Sight forthwith and arose and was Baptized Acts 9.18 compared with Acts 22.16 O Souls you that have not yet conformed to this blessed Duty you are greatly concerned to put on a holy Profession of Christ by submitting to holy Baptism Gal. 3.27 and minding the Errand of that holy Duty all your Days viz. a dying to Sin and rising to newness of Life Rom. 8.1 2 3. Col. 2.12 For if Baptism be submitted to and not the End or Errand of it minded it is like a Sword of a Magistrate without Justice and like a Sign without having any thing within for the Church of England say right That Baptism is an outward Sign of inward Grace but none of this they can behold in an Infant that they say is by Name a Child of Wrath or many of them say so it is like Seals without minding the Conditions specified or like a Souldier listing himselfe under his Captain and after refusing his Commands in fighting against his Enemies which things will not be born by Men. O Souls do not slight the Will of God in point of Duty in this respect and all others commanded by your Lord for know That Faith without Works is dead And would you be content with a dead Faith in a dying Hour and in the Day of your Account Consider James 2.19 compared with the 26th Verse I speake the more to this Duty because some have changed both the Subject and the Manner Others cry down this and other Ordinances as if ceased Others live below what they profess in this righteous Service I could say much to the Danger of falling under such Delusions which the good Lord keep you from Surely we may cry out with the Prophet It 's time Lord for thee to work for Men make void thy Law Therefore mind those Duties that relate to that blessed Privilege of having a Place in God's House for they are blessed that dwell there Psal 27.4 84.4 Acts 2.42 Esteem others better than your selves walk humbly prize Gospel-Opportunities slight not assembling with the Church of Christ Heb. 10.22 23. Labour after such a Faith that pacifieth the Heart I may assure you in the Fear of God and in the Truth of God this is also a Faith of a right kind Acts 15.10 When the Faith you have in Christ in dying for your Sins leads you and works Death in you to your Sins it is Faith of a saving Nature Titus 2.11 14. Gal. 1.4 O Souls when there is such a Faith that believes Promises and Prophecies though Providence seem to contradict them as if such things should never be Rom. 4.17 18. O Souls consider of the Necessity of Faith It 's that which laying hold on the Blood of Christ justifieth Rom. 5.1 It 's that which overcometh the World and the Devil Joh. 5.5 I Pet. 5.3 It 's that which will assure you of Eternal Life Joh. 3.16 1 Joh. 5.20 It 's Faith in Christ that makes your Prayers acceptable with God James 1.6 1 John 3.22 23. It 's that which is the just Man's Life Heb. 10.38 It 's that which is the poor Man's Riches James 2.5 It 's that which makes good Works acceptable and rewardable Heb. 11.4 And without Faith it 's impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 IV. Consider the sad State of not believing with a Faith of a right Kind 1. No Remission of Sins O dreadful is that Soul's State that dieth an Unbeliever the Wrath of God abides on him John 3.36 2. No Relation to God as a Son without Faith O to come to a Death-bed and to Judgment and be no Child of God by Faith in Christ Jesus will be dreadful 3. No access to God nor no acceptance with God without Faith Heb. 11.6 4. No resisting of Satan without Faith 1 Pet. 5.9 Unbelief slights Christ as Priest Prophet and King Matters not his Blood to cleanse the foul Soul nor his Righteousness to clothe thy naked Soul it lays thee open to the Motions of the Devil to his Instruments in all obscene lewd filthy Words and Actions dreadful Intemperance Lying Swearing Deceit Hypocrify Envy Wrath and all manner of Pride Vain-glory c. listening to the Apostles of the Devil Factors of Hell in their filthy flesh-pleasing Songs and prophane Ballads and all the black Guard that wait on the Devil rejoice at thy not mattering what he commands and canst run into what he forbids 5. Unbelief makes God a Liar O woful Impudence He that believeth not God hath made him a Liar because he believeth not the Record he gave of his Son 1 John
the Countries I have been made willing to cast my Mite again into the Treasury of the many Endeavours to promote the instructing of Youth in the things mentioned agreeable to the Will of God in this short Catechism and leave the Matter therein to the Acceptance of some and the Censures of others but the Truth therein contained to the blessing of him that ordains Strength out of the Mouths of Babes and can make it profitable to those that without Pride or Prejudice consider of the Answers to each Question grounded upon the Holy Scriptures I have briefly added an Epistle to be seriously considered by young Men and Women in twelve Particulars Which I do hope may be profitable in this Day when so much Pride Profaneness and slighting the Duties of their particular States that they are liable to in this poor mortal Pilgrimage begging of God it may be a Blessing to some and the Counsel of God live upon their Souls when I by reason of Decays must shortly be in the dark shade of the Grave where there is no Work to be done for the Honour of God and Good of poor Souls whom the great God hath so loved that he hath sent his Son to die for them that they might live to him Joh. 3.16 2 Cor. 5.15 The Things spoken a little unto are these I. To young Christians as Servants II. To their Estate as Freemen III. To their Estate as believing and obeying Christ IV. As to the sad Estate of Men not believing nor obeying the Lord Jesus V. As to a married Estate and being in a dear conjugal Union VI. As to the State of some single and unmarried VII As to your State if Prosperity attend VIII As to your State if Adversity attend or a poor Condition IX As to your State if persecuted for Righteousness sake X. As to the Duty in preparing for Death XI Consider of the Judgment to come XII Be much in every Condition praying and praising of a good God I. Then to consider as a Christian Man or Woman as a Servant Remember God's Eye is on you tho your Master's Eye is off you Remember Souls if you be faithful humble diligent God will reward you tho your Masters should abuse you Remember the wise Man's words There be four things that disquiet the Earth one is a Servant when he ruleth Prov. 30.22 Consider well the faithfulness of Jacob to Laban as a Servant Gen. 21.38 39. Consider the faithfulness of Joseph in Potiphar's House and how God was with him Gen. 39.1 2 3 4. Consider the faithfulness of Daniel that the Enemies could have nothing against him but in the Matters of his God Dan. 6.4 5. Take heed of a lying Tongue vain Company or giving way to youthful Lusts have an Eye to God's All-seeing Eye Gen. 39.9 at all times and in all places worship him according to his Will revealed in his holy Word And then it will be your Happiness tho Masters oppose you your Bodies stand ingaged in temporal Service to your Masters but your Consciences stand ingaged to God in the Matters of Faith and Worship only to serve God 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye are bought with a Price be ye not the Servants of Men. A wise Servant shall have rule over a Son that causeth shame and shall have part of the Inheritance among the Brethren Prov. 17.2 Make Conscience of your Master's Business as if it were your own II. Consider in the Fear of God to mind your Duty as Freemen then looking upon your selves to be the Lord's Servants using your Liberty so as to honour him Some young Men have had some sweet Appearances of Piety minding the things that may lead to Glory and an everlasting Kingdom and yet have lost their Convictions and slighted Truth and the Ways of Christ and not prized his Word Therefore receive these Cautions and take heed of vain Company it has been the Devil's Bait to destroy thousands O stand not in the Way of Sinners Consider seriously of these Scriptures Prov. 4.14 Psal 1.1 Prov. 13.20 1 Cor. 15.33 Take heed of prayerless graceless Yokefellows for sinister worldly lustful Ends put Snakes into your Bosom that will rather sting you than comfort you hinder you in your Duties than further you in Piety This was the Sin of the old World Gen. 6.2 This drew away Solomon's Heart from God in his old Days 1 Kings 11.4 Therefore in this Case be much in Prayer and a divine heedfulness in minding Religion more than Riches and Piety more than Portion and meek Disposition more than gorgeous Apparel and Discretion more than outward Jewels Consider of Prov. 31.30 1 Cor. 7.39 Be careful in buying and selling of doing as you would be done by avoid vain Words Remember the great Oracles of Heaven Do Justly love Mercy walk Humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 O think on these things with great reverence of that God that enjoins them and in whose Hand is thy Breath III. Consider young Men of the Necessity of true Faith And know this is the Work of God That you believe on him whom he hath sent John 6.29 even on Jesus Christ close with him as your Priest Prophet and King O 't is blessed Jesus that makes an Atonement by his precious Blood O joy in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ by whom you by Faith receive the Atonement Rom. 5.11 It 's he that is a perfect Sacrifice Heb. 7.19 In his Name Repentance and Remission of Sins is commanded to be preached among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Luke 24.47 They being great and grievous Sinners yet they must have the offer and Call to Repentance and the gracious tenders of Remission of Sins in his Name O Soul consider 't is he that died for thee that thou mightest live to him 2 Cor. 5.15 O Soul 't is he that God hath set forth to be a Propitiation for Sin through Faith in his Blood Rom. 3.25 O 't is his Soul that became Sin for us that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 It 's his Righteousness that is declared for the Remission of Sins that are past through the Forbearance of God Rom. 3.25 It 's he that Angels come to proclaim like an Herald from Heaven saying Glory to God in the Highest Peace and Good will towards Men. O let the Consideration of his Love in redeeming thee by his precious Blood lead thee to say Lord what wouldest thou have me to do And mind his pure Word for direction in thy Duty that is preserved recorded and was confirmed with divers Signs and Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost Heb. 2.3 4 5. He that will have a Faith that is not attended with conformity to the Will of God and Sayings of Christ will be in a Storm like a House without a Foundation Therefore Souls hold fast the Doctrine of the Holy Apostles of our Lord Acts 2.42 And be mindful of the Commandments of the Apostles of Christ as well
your own Hearts What am I what do I whither go I O Souls as it is the Wisdom of Men to set their House in order and to make their Wills in disposing of what they have so let it be thy Work to set thy Heart in order that thou mayest have nothing to do but to die when thou comest to struggle with thy last Enemy and Time must be here no longer O remember the golden Sands of Time are running out apace and the Glass of Time will never be turned till it be turned in eternal Weal or Wo. XI Consider of Judgment to come O Soul if Death take thee Secure Carnal Hypocritical Murmuring unfaithful to thy Light Disobedient or Lukewarm or a Backslider or Covetous or a Complier with some secret Sins as Death takes you so Judgment will find you and all the Manifestations of God to you shall be discovered when the Books shall be opened And no sooner the Judg shall speak but Conscience shall say True Lord and God himself will be a swift Witness against thy secret Sins not repented of Act. 3.19 Mal. 3.5 Remember this was one great Doctrine that the Apostles of our Lord were to preach and testify That it was he that was ordained of God to be the Judg of Quick and Dead Acts 10.42 O young Man remember for the Desire of thine Eyes and the Way of thine Heart for these things God will bring thee into Judgment Eccles 11.9 O Christians grudg not one against another yea behold the Judg stands at the Door Jam. 5.9 Have fervent Charity one to another that is the Bond of Perfectness and be diligent that ye may be found of him in Peace without spot and blameless 2 Pet. 3.14 Mat. 18.34 35. O do not hide your Talents but improve your Measures given and remember it will be sad to have that Sentence pass Take that unprofitable Servant cast him into utter Darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 25.30 O forget not to think of his appearing that will certainly render to every one according to his Works Mat. 16.27 Rev. 22.12 O Soul think oft of that Jesus that died for you will shortly come to judg you the last Trump sounding the Judg descending holy Angels attending Graves opening the Dead rising Hypocrites Unbelievers disobedient Persons weeping wailing secret Counsels of all Hearts shall be discovered Therefore live in this present Day with a holy preparation for that Day in taking heed to thy Thoughts 1 Cor. 4.5 Eccles 12.14 Take heed to thy Words Mat. 12.36 O take heed of idle Words Swear not at all it 's forbidden Mat. 5.34 Jam. 5.12 Take heed of Lying Cursing Backbiting Railing Grievous Words stir up Wrath Prov. 15.1 Look to your Actions and do not omit what God commands nor dare to commit what he forbids Eternal Judgment is a Christian Principle Heb. 6.2 And now that ye may be helped to mind these things I come to the last thing propounded and that is Prayer XII O poor young Man hast thou cause to flee youthful Lusts to follow after Righteousness Faith Charity Peace and keep such Company as call on God out of a pure Heart 1 Tim. 2.11 Hast thou poor Soul a Devil to resist a World to over come some Corruptions to mortify a deceitful Heart to watch over a Gospel to obey a Kingdom to obtain O Souls watch and pray make Conscience of secret Prayer and be earnest for those things Jabez begged of God 1 Chron. 4.10 For your encouragement remember He that seeks God early shall find him O a blessed Promise Prov. 8.17 Pray earnestly for the divine Operations of the holy Spirit with the blessed Fruits of it Christ hath promised if they that are evil know how to give good things to their Children how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Spirit to them that ask it Luke 11.13 O pray for Wisdom as Servants to discharge your Duty in your Places that the Name and Doctrine of God be not blasphemed O pray for Wisdom as Freemen that you may always be concerned in serving God in true Holiness and Righteousness all your Days O pray for a Faith of a right kind and say as the Apostles Lord increase our Faith mind what Christ hath done is a doing and will do As to a married State pray for Wisdom to discharge your relative Duties Husband to Wife and Wife to Husband living in the Fear of God As to your State unmarried devote your selves so much the more to wait on and serve the Lord if Virgin Disciples as John the beloved Disciple is said by some Authors to be and holy Paul If in a prosperous Condition beg a humble thankful charitable Heart remembring you are Stewards for God And as to your State in meeting with Adversity beg Patience Contentment admire the least Mercy under the greatest Misery Lam. 3.22 As to your State if persecuted beg Wisdom Courage Constancy of him that gives Strength to them that have no Might As to your Duty in preparing for Death O pray that you may have your Light shining your Lamps burning and you like Men waiting for the coming of the Lord and be filled with his Spirit waiting praying for the blessed Influences of the Spirit of God upon your Souls using all the means you can to obtain it And if Messengers hearing that you have received the Word pray for you that you may receive the Holy Ghost join heartily with them and in laying gentle Hands on you if you receive more of the Spirit you will be more for the Honour of God the Comfort of your Brethren and walk as Lights in the World and be as Salt in the Earth O labour to have Salt in your selves and Peace one with another Mark 9.50 I shall close up this little Matter with those words 1 Pet. 1.17 If you call on the Father who without respect of Persons judgeth according to every Man's Work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear Yea give all diligence to those seven things that lead to the Kingdom 2 Pet. 1. consider 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 verses And labour to live so as you may wish when your Eyes come to be closed and when you come to Judgment Eccles 11.9 12.14 And pray for the Lord's Labourers and I will beg that Truth may live in your Souls when I am dead and may shortly meet those that fear God and keep his Commandments in never-ending Glory FINIS
A NEW and USEFUL CATECHISM Very necessary and teachable both for Children and young Christians Wherein is contained by way of Question and Answer a brief Discovery of these Things 1. What is God 2. How he may be known 3. What Man's State is by reason of the Fall of Adam and his own actual Sins 4. What Christ is and the glorious Remedy God hath provided for Sinners in sending his Son into the World 5. That the Scriptures are the undoubted Mind and Will of God for Men and Christians to walk by evident by six Reasons 6. What our Duty is to Christ in Matter of Worship and holy Conversation 7. Some few Questions and Answers relating to the Duty of Children and Servants in particular The third Edition Corected and Amended with large Additions by MANASSETH KING Pastor to the Church of Christ in Coventry Parents bring up your Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Ephes 6.4 London Printed in the Year 1693. TO THE READER FOr as much as I have observed that among the many great and little Books there have been scarce any that have minded this Work of publishing any thing tending to the instructing of Youth in the Things of the Lord in such a way as may be by Parents or Masters easily by way of Question asked and by way of Answer easily learned by Children or Servants I have therefore as one of those that bear good-will to the Education of Youth and the Edification of others and so far as I know my own Heart to the eternal Salvation of all whom Jesus Christ hath died for have singly in this intended the Glory of God in whose Hand is all our Breaths and do humbly offer this as tending thereto in this ensuing Dialogue desiring that if my Knowledg may not be so great as others nor my Judgment so regulated according to the Scriptures of Truth as others that it may not prejudice them against what Truth they may find nor hinder but rather further them to the bringing forth a more excellent Piece of this Nature and then I am sure God will have the Glory Souls may have the Benefit many Families that too much yea I judg sinfully neglect the instructing of their Children or Servants under their Charge receive more Benefit not knowing as the Apostle saith but thou O Man mayst save thy Wife So what knowest thou O Father but thou by thy care in bringing up thy Child in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord mayest save thy Child thy Servant thy Patterns or Examples being daily agreeable to thy Instruction and thy neglect of this Duty may be sad upon the Day of thy Account when the Blood of any poor Soul living in thy Family may be required at thy Hand because thou didst not do thy utmost in the use of the Means God hath appointed to reclaim them from Evil and the Snares of Death and to bring them to the understanding of the Will and Work of God appointed for them to observe Among the rest of those great Endeavours of many of the Lord's People in other things I do here present thee with a few Questions and Answers grounded upon Scripture which I shall beg thy Esteem of no farther than thou findest them agree with the Law and Testimony Isa 8. and desire from my Soul that every Man and Woman Child and Servant may learn to know the Things that belong to their Peace and may escape the Snares of Death in which I desire to remain one that am commanded to love my Neighbour as my self Manasseth King The Child's Instructor OR Brother Benjamin Keach 's Verses O Child most dear encline thine Ear And hearken to God's Voice His Counsel take and that will make God's Angels to rejoice Be not like those that Grace oppose And give their Minds to play But let thy Mind be well inclin'd In seeking Wisdom's Way Learn in thy Youth God's holy Truth Christ's blessed Cross to bear And so shalt thou though hated now In Heaven have a share Don't lie nor swear to steal don't dare Have a care of such Evils For such must die and in Hell lie With damned Souls and Devils In a right way thou must obey Thy Father and thy Mother As also right in God's dear sight To love Sister and Brother Let not vain Pleasure nor earthly Treasure Thy Soul seek and desire For these things know God will o'rthrow with his consuming Fire Spend all thy Days in righteous Ways God's holy Name to hallow That at thy last thy Days being past A blessed End may follow And though thou die and in Grave lie Yet Christ will thee awake And Angels send thee to attend And into 's Kingdom take Where thou shalt rest with Saints the best And pray that so may I And have the Crown of bless'd Renown God's Name to magnify That thou with Christ in Paradise For ever mayest dwell Thus do thou pray both Night and Day And so dear Child farewel A New and Useful CATECHISM QUestion What is God Answer A Spirit a King Immortal only Wise Holy Merciful Just All-seeing a Heart-searching Jehovah Joh. 4.24 1 Tim. 6.15 1 Pet. 1.15 Ephes 2.4 Psal 86.5 Prov. 15.3 Isa 45.21 Quest How may he be known Answ By his Works Attributes and his Word Rom. 2.14 15. Micah 7.18 Isa 9.6 Job Chap. 38 39. Exod. 34.6 7 8. Quest What are his Works Answ He made Heaven Earth the Sea and all that in them is in six Days and rested the seventh Day and saw all things to be exceeding Good Quest What is wonderful in his Works further A. His making all Things of Nothing his preserving all things by his Mercy Power calleth for the Waters out of the Sea poureth them out upon the Earth Amos 5.8 Gives the Sun for a Light by Day and the Moon and Stars by Night giveth the Rainbow as a Sign that the World shall be no more drowned placing Virtue and Operation in every Herb Tree Plant for the use and benefit of his Creature Man And for a further discovery take notice of Job 38 39 Chapters Gen. 9.13 Gen. 1.28 29 30. Quest What are his Attributes Answ His Wisdom his Holiness his Justice his Mercy his Faithfulness his Allseeingness and his Infiniteness in them and Immortality and Immutability 1 Tim. 6.15 1 Cor. 10.13 Rev. 15.4 Psal 139.2 Quest What is his Word Answ That which declareth him so to be and proceedeth from himself Psal 19.1 2 3 4 5 6 7. Quest Why did God create all things Answ For his Pleasure all things are and were created Rev. 4.11 Quest Did God create any Man on purpose to damn him Answ No for he saith As I live I desire not the Death of a Sinner but rather that he may turn and live Ezek. 18.22 23 24. 33.11 Q. What was Man made of A. Dust of the Earth Gen. 2.7 Q. After what manner was he made A. He is said to be created after God's own Image
Bishops and Deacons Titus 1.6 Q In what manner are they to be chosen that are to be Elders or Bishops Q. They solemnly are to apply themselves by Prayer and Fasting unto the Lord for direction whom to chuse and as near as they can appoint such Men in the Work that are qualified for it and sutably gifted to feed the Flock with wholsome sound Doctrine then to ordain them by the laying on of the Hands of the Eldership Acts 14.23 13.2 3. 1 Tim. 4.14 1 Tim. 3. Q. VVhat is the Work chiefly of the Elders A. To feed the Flock of God over which the Holy Ghost hath made them Overseers to watch for their Souls as one that must give an Account for them Heb. 13.17 to provide seasonable Matter for them both for Instruction Correction and Comfort and to labour to hold forth sound Doctrine by a due Study and premeditating upon the Will of God 1 Tim. 4.15 2 Tim. 2.15 Mat. 24.45 And so giving every one their Portion in due Season being Patterns or Ensamples to the Flock 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3. Q. Are the Deacons to be ordained by laying on of Hands A. Yea so was the Example Acts 6.6 Q. What is to be done in order to chuse them A. Their Qualifications are to be minded on the Churches part and as near as they can to chuse Men according to the Pattern 1 Tim. 3.8 Q. VVhat is their Work A. To over see the Poor faithfully and carefully to distribute the Church's Contribution that the Poor may not justly complain Act. 6.1 2. Q. What Care ought the Church to take of them that labour in the Word and Doctrine A. To account them worthy of double Honour not to receive evil Thoughts of them without just Cause nor any Accusation against an Elder without two Witnesses and to obey them in their ruling according to Christ's own Word 1 Tim. 5.17 19. Heb. 13.17 Q. What further are they to do A. They that are taught in the Word are to communicate to him that teacheth in all good Things according as they shall be made free by the Power of the Gospel Gal. 6.6 Phil. 4.17 Q. Are they thus to be contented to Labour A. Yea and when the chief Shepherd shall appear they shall receive a Crown of Life if Faithful Free Ready Constant Humble in the doing of their Work 1 Pet. 6.2 3 4. So was Paul's Charge to the Elders Acts 20. as also his own Example Acts 20.33 34. Q. VVhat is the Duty of Saints in Affliction A. To pray for Mercy to exercise Patience to examine themselves to loath their Sin with a Resolution to turn from it Jam. 5.14 Lam. 3.40 Job 24.31 Joh. 5.14 Q. VVhat are they to do further A. They are to send for the Elders of the Church and they are to pray over them anointing them with Oil in the Name of the Lord. And there is a two-fold Promise First That the Prayer of Faith shall save the Sick Secondly That if he have committed Sin it shall be forgiven him Jam. 5.14 15 16. This Promise of Recovery must be considered if God have not otherwise determined for it is appointed for Men once to die and if Recovery should always be of sick Members then none in the Church should die Q. VVas this ever practised by Christ's Disciples c. A. Yea they anointed with Oil in the Name of the Lord many that were Sick and healed them Mark 6.13 Although there be no more in the Oil than there was in the brazen Serpent yet being commanded by the Lord there is Virtue in it and God's Promise is to his own Way Therefore let none despise and run out of God's Way as Asa did 2 Chron. 16.12 13. Q. VVhat are Persons to do when merry A. They are to sing Psalms and Spiritual Songs according to their sensibleness of the Lord's Mercy to themselves or the Church of God and to speak forth their Experiences of God's Goodness Mercy either Spiritually or Temporally enjoyed for the Praise of God for the raising up each others Hearts Exod. 15.12 Isa 26.1 Jude 5. Luke 2.29 Q. Is Singing giving of Thanks Praising Blessing God all one A. Yea the Apostle's words make it so appear 1 Cor. 14.15 16 17. Q. What are Christians Duty to all Men A. To do to all Men as they would be done by Mat. 7.12 Luk. 6.31 Q. VVhat is their Duty to Enemies A. To pray for them that persecute them to do good to them that hate them to bless them that curse them to feed if hungry if thirsty to give them Drink Rom. 12.20 Mat. 5.44 Q. How must they learn this Duty A. By considering that Christ laid down his Life for them while Enemies Rom. 5.8 by a serious consideration that God would have Love and Mercy shewed to them that are Evil that Saints might be like God that Men might that way be provoked to turn unto the Lord and if not provoked by the Lord's Patience and Mercy nor his Peoples it will justly make their Torments insupportable Mat. 5.45 Rom. 12.20 even as sad as Coles of Fire upon the Head Q. What are Christians Duty to Magistrates A. To obey them in all things commanded by them that are not contrary to the Law of the Almighty God not for Wrath but for Conscience sake Q. VVhat must we do when we cannot actually obey A. Patiently suffering as did the three Children Daniel Paul and Silas Peter and John when Governours required that to be done which God forbad or commanded that to be avoided that God enjoined Rom. 13.5 Acts 4.19 16.21 23. Dan. 3.16 17 18. 6.10 Q. How are Men elected or chosen by the Lord A. They are said to be chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the World Ephes 1.4 1 Pet. 1.2 Q. How are Men in Christ A. By Faith Rom. 11.20 23. Q. How then cometh Faith A. By hearing the Word preached Rom. 10.17 Q. How comes the Word of Remission of Sins and eternal Life to be preached A. By the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ Q. How came Jesus Christ to die for our Sins A. It was the Lord's free Love in sending him into the World John 3.16 Luke 24.47 1 Cor. 15.13 14 15. Q. But seeing Men are chosen through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth as 2 Thess 2.13 How then are they chosen in him before the Foundation of the World A. In the Purpose of God they that believe are his Chosen Q. How make you that appear A. God calleth things that are not as tho they were Rom. 4.17 And so he said to Abraham I have made thee a Father of many Nations yet not the Father of one Child at that time but Ishmael Gen. 17.5 but not of Isaac in whom his Seed should be called Rom. 9.7 Q. How doth it farther appear that Men are Elect according to the foreknowledg of God thrô Sanctification of the Spirit unto Obedience 1 Pet. 1.2 and yet
are said to be chosen before the Foundation of the World in Christ A. Christ is called a Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World yet not slain many thousand Years after till he was a Man in the Flesh so Men are said to be chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the World yet not chosen till they have the Sanctification of the Spirit and believe the Truth 2 Thess 2.13 He hath set apart the Godly for himself Psal 4.3 Q. How are Men said to be ordained of old to Condemnation A. Not as Men but as wicked ungodly Men who turn the Grace of God into Wantonness denying our Lord Jesus Christ and the only Lord God Jude 4. Q. How doth this farther appear A. Because that God manifesteth upon Oath that he desireth not the Death of a Sinner but that he may turn and live Q. How doth it appear that God doth not ordain any to Destruction but as they are wicked and abuse his Grace A. By his lamenting the Ruin of them that have perished and had the things hid from their Eyes that pertain to their everlasting Peace Matth. 23.37 Luke 19.41 42. Also by the Lord minding that Man's Destruction is of himself Hos 13.9 Acts 13.46 Also for this Cause God shall send them strong Delusions and for this Cause he gave them up to vile Affections so that there was a Cause of their Ruin when they had a being and not before they had a being 2 Thess 2.10 11. Rom. 1.14 Psal 81.10 11. Q. What are Childrens Duty towards their Parents A. Children obey your Parents in all things for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord Col. 3.20 compared with Ephes 6.1 2. Exod. 20.12 Q. What is the Danger of disobeying slighting or making light of Parents A. Some eminent Judgments have taken hold of those that have so done and it doth much provoke the Lord. Q. What Judgments have fallen upon Children for making light of their Parents A. Ham the Father of Canaan for his Contempt of his Father Noah was cursed and was Servant to the rest of his Brethren Gen. 9.22 23 27. Q. What else befel disobedient Children A. He that smote his Father or he that cursed or reviled his Father was according to the Law of God to be put to Death Exod. 21.15 17. His Lamp to be put out in obscure Darkness that curseth Father or Mother Prov. 20.20 Q. How doth it appear that some eminent Judgment is likely to fall on them A. The Eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it Prov. 30.17 Disobedience to Parents is reckoned up among the Sins that God hath punished Ezek. 22.7 14. among the Sins that God will punish and that which makes the Days with other Evils perilous 2 Tim. 3.2 Q. Are Parents to be obeyed in any thing actually that contradicts the Mind of the Father of Spirits A. In this respect we must honour God more than Father or Mother or Governours as Christ saith Call no Man Father for one is your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 23.9 Q. What Privilege have those Children that are obedient to their Parents in the Lord A. It is called the first Commandment with Promise Ephes 6.3 God blessed the Rekabites the Sons of Jonadah and honoured them highly because they did not violate their Father's Command but observed it Jer. 35.5 6 7 8 9 compared with the 18 19 verses Q. What was done to the Children that mocked the Prophet because of his bald Head A. They were cursed and two Bears came forth out of the Wood and slew forty two Children 2 Kings 2.23 24. Q. What may this Judgment of God teach Parents A. Much to caution and instruct their Children to take heed of despising reproaching or mocking any though wanting any thing in Person or Substance that others enjoy Q. What was done to Gehazi for Covetousness and Lying A. The Leprosy of Naaman the Syrian clave to him and his Seed for ever and he went out white as a Leper 2 King 5.25 27. Q. What was done to Ananias and Saphira for lying A. They fell down both dead at the Apostles Feet Acts 5.1 2 3. Q. What must be the Portion of Liars A. They shall have their part in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone that tormenteth for ever and ever Rev. 21.8 Q. What did Moses say to the Brethren that strove with each other A. Rebuked them saying Wherefore smitest thou thy Fellow And Abraham said to Lot when their Herdsmen were at strife Let there be no Strife between me and thee for we be Brethren Exod. 2.13 Gen. 13.8 It was the Charge of Joseph to his Brethren saying See that you fall not out by the way Gen. 49.24 Q. VVhat is the Duty of Servants to their Masters A. Servants be subject to your Masters with all fear not only to the Good and Gentle but also to the Froward 1 Pet. 2.18 19 20 21. Q. But what Service ought a Person to perform to those whom he engageth to serve A. Diligently faithfully humbly behaving himself in his outward Business avoiding Eye-service purloyning or taking little Matters without Consent or Knowledg of his Master or stubbornly answering again or despising or slighting of them because they are Brethren Ephes 6.6 7 8. 1 Tim. 6.1 Titus 2.9 10. Q VVhat Encouragement hath a Servant to be subject to the Froward to be Faithful to be Humble Diligent avoiding Eye-service not answering again A. The Grace of God in sending his Son to die teacheth those Lessons Titus 2.11 also knowing that whatsoever good Thing any Man doth the same he shall receive of the Lord whether Bond or Free Also the Law of Equity which the Law of God gives a being unto would have Servants do as they would be done by and so Masters to deal by their Servants as they would have their own Children when they come to be Servants dealt by considering those words Mat. 7.2 Mark 4.24 What measure you meet shall be measured to you again Therefore let Master and Servant Father and Child all prepare according to the Measures of Knowledg received doing the Will of God from the Heart And this shall be the Conclusion of the Matter Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole Duty of Man Eccles 12.13 Remember thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth say daily What am I what do I whither go I Thy last Hour and Eternal Judgment do not forget THE END APPENDIX May 1693. BEing desired by Brethren to reprint this short Catechism and moved thereto at the Association of several Messengers and Elders assembled together at Nantwich April 19 1693. And looking upon my poor Endeavours to be far short of what might be done in order to the instructing of Youth and what some have done yet in answer to the desire of that Christian Assembly and the fervent Desires of many in
By the entire Purity of the teaching of God contained in them leading from Sin to Holiness from Earth to Heaven from Death to Life from a carnal State to a Spiritual from Darkness to Light 4. From the wonderful preservation of them that neither Time nor Tyranny could extinguish 5. By the sweet Harmony and Agreement against those Evils that Men are most inclined to commit 6. By the powerful Operation of them in converting Thousands Q. VVherein doth their Profitableness farther appear A. By hiding them in the Heart they keep from Sin and the Path of the Destroyer and are a Means to bring to believe Psal 119.9 Joh. 20.31 Rom. 15.4 1 Joh. 3.9 Q. VVhen there is Faith and Repentance manifested what doth the Scripture require such Men to do in the next place A. They are after the manifestation of Faith and Repentance to be baptized with Water into the Name of Father Son and holy Spirit Mat. 28.19 Mar. 16.16 Act. 2.41 10.48 18.8 Q. In what manner is this Ordinance to be administred A. We find no mention made in Scripture of Sprinkling being the manner but Christ our glorious Pattern came up out of the Water and the Spirit of God lighted on him as a Dove Philip and the Eunuch are said to go down into the Water and when Philip had baptized him they came both up out of the Water Acts 8.39 The Apostle Paul telleth the Saints speaking of the signification of Baptism as also the manner saith Therefore we are buried with him in Baptism and burying is a covering the whole Man putting the Party baptized under the Water Rom. 6.2 Joh. 3.23 Q. VVhat doth Baptism signify A. A death unto Sin a rising unto newness of Life that which the believing Subject ought to have in his mind then and to appear reckoning himself dead to Sin and one minding a new Life afterward Rom. 6.2 7. Col. 2.12 Q. What Privilege or Benefit hath the Believer by being â—aptized with Water into the Lord's Name A. He is in the way to receive the precious Comfort of the Holy Spirit and Remission of his Sins and to have fellowship with the Church in all other good Duties as being a visible Member thereof added by Faith Repentance and Baptism as appears by these Scriptures Acts 2.38 39. 2.41 22.16 Q. How many Baptisms be there A. Three Q. Which be they A. Baptism of Water and of the Spirit and of Afflictions Q. VVho are the Administrators of VVater-Baptism A. Faithful preaching Disciples may administer it to Men and Women Mat. 28.19 Acts 8.37 38. 8.12 22.16 Q. Why may not Infants be baptized seeing it is no where forbidden A. Revealed things belong to us and our Children but we find not that revealed as any part of the Will of God also in doing that in Worship to God which we have neither Precept from God nor Example from Christ is Will-worship and that is forbidden Levit. 10.2 Col. 4.23 Q. VVho are the Administrators of the Baptism of Affliction A. The World and the Devil Rev. 2.10 Q. VVho are the Administrators of the Spirit 's Baptism A. God and Jesus Christ only are the Administrators of that Mat. 3.11 Joel 2.18 Q. VVhat is the Spirit 's Baptism A. It is the extraordinary Measures of the Spirit given from God whereby Persons are enabled to work Miracles speak with Tongues Mat. 3.11 Acts 1.5 compared with Acts 3.4 11.16 17. Q. VVhat are we to look for after this short Life is ended A. Resurrection from the Dead by the wonderful Power of God and made incorruptible and come to Judgment and receive according to the Works done in the Body either eternal Happiness as the End of the Faith of the Lord's People or else eternal Damnation as the just Reward of all those that know not God and obey not the Gospel 1 Pet. 1.9 2 Thess 1.8 Q. VVhat must Men expect in this World in following Christ leaving their vain Conversation and witnessing against the Evil of the Times and Days wherein they live A. They must in living Godly suffer Persecution and expect to have Men lay their Hands on them and put them into Prison scourge them and put them to Death despise their pure holy Profession with names of Blasphemy Heresy Delusion saying all manner of Evil falsly for his Name sake Luke 6.22 24. Acts 24. Q. VVhat is needful then for Men to learn that intend to follow Christ in this Vail of Misery A. Self-denial and Contentation to labour to increase in Faith and Patience to see more in reproach for Christ's sake than in a Kingdom of carnal sinful Delights Heb. 11.24 25. Wisely to sit down and count the Cost Luke 14.27 28. Q. What is or will be the Danger of drawing back from Truth when a Man once professeth it A. They had better they had never known the holy Commandment than after to turn from it they are such in so doing that God's Soul will have no pleasure in they shall also be filled with their own Ways lie open to strong Delusions because they received not the Truth in the love of it such as are unfit for the Kingdom of Heaven and are compared to Dogs returning to their own Vomit and wandring Stars to whom is reserved the Blackness of Darkness for ever Luke 9.42 Psal 125.5 2 Pet. 2.20 2 Thess 2. ch Prov. 14.14 Q. VVhat Duties are the Church of Christ to observe after they are gathered by Faith Repentance Baptism and intend to profess Christ A. They are to assemble together at their appointed Times to edify and build up each other in their most holy Faith to provoke to Love and good Works and not to forsake the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is Heb. 3.13 10.24 25. Q. What are they to do first of all when they come together A. To agree to make Supplication unto the Lord by Prayer Intercession giving of Thanks for all Men Kings and all that are in Authority that under them we may lead a godly and peaceable Life in all Godliness and Honesty 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. Q. VVhat is Prayer A. It is a reverend Asking of those Things we need agreeable to the Lord 's holy Will Jam. 5.13 Psal 69.13 Q. VVhat is Intercession A. It is a suing earnestly for Mercy for others unto the Lord Jer. 7.16 Q. VVhat is Thanksgiving A. It is a being seriously sensible of the Mercies of God either Temporal or Spiritual and glorifying of him by praising or giving Thanks unto God for them Luke 2.38 Acts 27.35 Q. In what manner must we pray A. In Faith and Love lifting up pure Hands without Wrath or Doubting 1 Tim. 1.8 Jam. 1.6 Mark 11.25 Q. Is this Duty privately to be observed A. Yea much by every Christian Man to watch unto Prayer to go often about the Work and not to be weary of it solemnly setting apart Time every Day for the Work that he may be kept from
Evil and enabled to do his Duty Luke 18.1 1 Thess 5.21 Mat. 6.6 Q. VVhat other Duties are required of Church-members A. Loving meek Admonitions given to those that transgress condemning what is good with the most gaining winning Terms that may be for the preventing of Evil and bringing to a godly Sorrow Gal. 6.1 Rev. 2.1 2. 2 Cor. 2.11 Q. VVhat ought the Reprover of Evil to do farther A. Examine himself and cast out the Beam out of his own Eye then will he clearly see the Mote that is in his Brother 's not upbraiding with former Evils lifting up his Heart to God for a Blessing and Direction how to give it to the Party offending Mat. 7.3 4. Luke 19.3 Q. VVhat farther A. If a private Offence to tell the Offender between thee and him alone avoiding Tale-bearing if he hear not take another or two that in the Mouth of two or three Witnesses every Word may be established if he hear not then tell the Church Mat. 18.15 16 17. Q. VVhat then is the Church to do A. They are publickly to enquire into the Evil and the guiltiness of the Party sinning and to manifest the Danger of Sin with the vileness and odiousness thereof lovingly to beseech the Party offending to turn from it And in case they see Stubbornness plainly and sharply to reprove and afterwards to account him as a Heathen Man Publican Mat. 18.17 Q. VVhat is the Duty of the Reproved A. To love them that do it to esteem the Wounds of a Friend better than the Kisses of an Enemy to account the Smitings of the Righteous as a Balm to help a Soul when wounded by Sin to suspect and search their own Hearts and find out their own Iniquity to confess to God and to them that they have offended and not to hide their Evils under any Pretence or Excuse whatsoever and then there is a Promise of Mercy Prov. 28.13 Jam. 5.15 Prov. 9.8 Q. VVhat is the Man that hath sinned farther to do that he may have comfort A. He is to apply the Promise of Mercy to remember that he hath an Advocate with the Father to walk humbly and watchfully both towards God and Man 1 Joh. 2.1 2 Cor. 7.10 Q. VVhat then is the offended Brother to do A. Freely to forgive pass by and not remember nor upbraid the Person afterwards with his Evils to desire the forgiveness of his Trespasses as he forgives his Brother his and to pray that his Brother may be healed Mat. 18.35 6.12 Jam. 5.16 Q. What further is the Church of God to do A. To break Bread in remembrance of Christ's Body being broken to drink of the Fruit of the Grape in remembrance of his Blood being shed for them Matth. 26.28 Luke 22.20 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Q. VVhat is set forth to the believing Soul in this Ordinance A. The great Love of the Lord Jesus in dying for them in redeeming them by his Blood 1 Pet. 1.18 in being broken for their Transgressions wounded for their Iniquities becoming Sin that knew no Sin that they might be made the Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 Isa 53.2 3. Q. VVhat else is to be minded in this Ordinance by the Believer A. A constant feeding upon the Benefits of Christ's Death by Faith whereby a Soul may discern Christ's Body broken to be Bread indeed and his Blood being shed to be Drink indeed nourishing of the believing Soul to Eternal Life John 6.51 54. Q. VVhat farther is to be minded A. A New Testament dedicated in his Blood and an end put to all the shadowing Sacrifices in the Time of the Law the middle-Wall of Partition being broken down and in the slighting of his Will and Testament it is a slighting of his Blood according to Scripture Heb. 10.28 29. 9.15 16 17. 12.25 Q. VVhat is the Receiver of this Ordinance to do by way of Preparation A. To examine himself to lay aside every Sin and to keep the Feast with unleavened Bread of Sincerity Truth 1 Cor. 5.8 11.28 Q. What is the Administrator to do A. He is to take the Bread and bless the Lord and to seek a Blessing from the Lord upon his Appointment and to speak such words that may affect the Hearts of the Receivers with the unspeakable Gift of God even Christ and after to deliver it as that which is broken and to be eaten in remembrance of the Body of Christ being broken for them and after the same manner to take the Cup delivering of it as that which doth shew forth the Blood of Christ and the New Testament in his Blood which was shed for them and many for the Remission of their Sins 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Luke 22.19 20. Q. After the Ordinance is thus Administred what is then to be done farther A. A solemn hearty praising blessing singing unto God for his unsearchable Riches of his Grace in Christ unto them 1 Cor. 14.15 Mat. 26 30. Q. What is the Danger of eating and drinking Vnworthily A. They eat and drink Damnation to themselves in not discerning the Lord's Body 1 Cor. 11.27 Q. What is farther to be done by the Church A. If any speak or have received Understanding Utterance Boldness from the Spirit as they have received every one to minister the manifold Graces of God If any speak to speak as the Oracles of God 1 Pet. 4.11 1 Cor. 14.1 29. Q. May any gifted Brother in the Church preach A. Yea for they may all prophesy one by one that all may learn and be comforted And Christ saith No Man lighteth a Candle to put under a Bed or a Bushel but on a Candlestick that the Houshold may have Light Mind his Counsel in the next words 1 Cor. 14.30 Mat. 6.15 16. Q. What farther is to be done by the Church of God in assembling together A. Contributing to the Necessity of the poor Saints as God hath prospered them 1 Cor. 16.2 Acts 6.1 Q. In what manner ought this to be done A. He is to give chearfully willingly avoiding grudging and vain Glory 2 Cor. 9.7 Rom. 12.13 Q. What Encouragement have charitable Christians in this Work A. They may assure themselves that in doing of it sincerely Christ will take what is bestowed upon his Members in their Necessities as done to himself Mat. 25.36 as being the Blessed of the Lord as lending to the Lord and he will pay again as those that sow Liberally shall reap Bountifully for God is able to make all Grace abound Psal 41.1 Prov. 19.17 Mat. 25.36 2 Cor. 9.6 7. Q. Who is the Church of God to do good unto in this respect A. To all but especially to the Houshold of Faith Gal. 6.10 Q. What farther is to be done by the Church of Christ A. They are to look out from among themselves faithful Men Men of Wisdom full of the Holy Spirit qualified according to the Directions given by Paul to Timothy 1 Epist 3.1 for the Work of