with psalms V. 3. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods V. 6. Oh come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our Maker us in these words For I the Lord. his Propriety in (d) Psal 45.11 So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him us in these words Thy God and the Zeal he hath to his own (e) Exod. 34.13 But ye shall destroy their altars break their images and cut down their groves V. 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose name is Jealous is a jealous God. Worship in these words For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children c. 9. Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Exod. 27.7 Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God's (g) Matth. 6.9 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name Dent. 28.58 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law written in this book that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful Name THE LORD THY GOD. Names (h) Psal 68.4 Sing unto God sing praises to his name extel him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH and rejoice before him Titles (i) Rev. 15.3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty just and true are thy ways thou King of saints V. 4. Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorisie thy Name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest Attributes (k) Mal. 1.11,14 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my Name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered unto my Name and a pure-offering for my Name shall be great among the Heathen saith the Lord of Hosts V. 14. But cursed be the deceiver that hath in his flock a male and voweth and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing for I am a great King saith the Lord of Hosts and my Name is dreadful among the Heathen Ordinances (l) Psal 138.1 I will praise thee with my whole heart before the gods will I sing praise unto thee V. 2. I will worship towards thy holy temple and praise thy Name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth for thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name Word and (m) Job 36.24 Remember that thou magnisie his work which men behold Works Q. What is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbiddeth all prophaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself (n) Mal. 1.6 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master If then I be a Father where is mine honour And if I be a Master where is my fear saith the Lord of Hosts unto you O priests that despise my Name and ye say Wherein have we despised thy Name V. 7. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar and ye say Wherein have we polluted thee In that ye say The table of the Lord is contemptible V. 12. But ye have prophaned it in that ye say The table of the Lord is polluted and the fruit thereof even as wheat is contemptible Chap. 2. V. 2. If you will not hear and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my Name saith the Lord of Hosts I will even send a curse upon you and will curse your blessings yea I have cursed them already because ye do not lay it to heart Chap. 3.14 Ye have said It is in vain to serve God and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts known Q. What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the third Commandment is That however the Breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from Men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous (o) 1 Sam. 2.12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial they knew not the Lord. V. 17. Wherefore the sin 〈◊〉 the young men was very great before the Lord for men abhorred the offering of the Lord. V. 22. Now Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation V. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lord's people to transgress 1 Sam. 3.13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth because his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not Deut. 28.58 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 V. 59. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sicknesses and of long continuance Judgment 10. Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A The fourth Commandment is Exod. 20.8,9,10,11 Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy Daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in six days 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 Q. 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 (q) Deut. 5.12 Keep the Sabbath-day to sanctisie it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee V. 13. Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work V. 14. 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 nor thy man-servant nor thy maid servant nor thine ox nor thine ass nor any of thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates that thy man servant and thy maid servant may rest as well as thou Lord. Q. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly
do all thy work Employment in these words Six days shalt thou labour his challenging a special property in the seventh in these words But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God his own Example of finishing all his Works in six days and resting on the seventh in these words For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth c. and rested the seventh day and his blessing the (d) Exod. 20.11 For in six days 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-Sabbath-day and hallowed it Sabbath-day in these words Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day 11. Q. Which is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Exod. 20.12 Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Q. 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 (e) Ephes 5.21 Submitting your selves one to another in the fear of God. Superiors (f) 1 Pet. 2.17 Honour all men Love the brotherhood Fear God. Honour the King. Inferiors or (g) Rom. 12.10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another Equals Q. 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 (h) Matth. 15.4 For God commanded saying Honour thy father and mother and he that curseth father or mother let him die the death V. 5. But ye say Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profitted by me V. 6. And honour not his father or his mother he shall be free Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition Ezek. 34.2 Son of man prophesie against the shepherds of Israel prophesie and say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves Should not the shepherds feed the flocks V. 3. Ye eat the fat and cloath you with the wool ye kill them that are fed but ye feed not the flock V. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthned nor have ye healed that which was sick nor bound up that which was broken nor brought again that which was driven away nor sought that which was lost but with force and cruelty have ye ruled them Rom. 13.8 Owe no man any thing but to love one another for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law Relations Q. 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 shall serve for God's Glory and their own Good to all such as keep this (i) Deut. 5.16 Honour thy father and thy mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee that thy days may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Ephes 6.2 Honour thy father and thy mother which is the first Commandment with promise V. 3. That it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth Commandment 12. Q. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Exod. 20.13 Thou shalt not kill Q. What is required in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own (k) Ephes 5.28 So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies He that loveth his wife loveth himself V. 29. For no man ever hated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church Life and the Life of (l) 1 King. 18.4 For it was so when Jezabel cut off the the prophets of the Lord that Obadiah took an hundred prophets and hid them by fifty in a cave and fed them with bread and water others Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own Life or the Life of our Neighbour unjustly or whatsoever tendeth (m) Acts 16.28 But Paul cried with a loud voice saying Do thy self no harm for we are all here Gen. 9.6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made he man. thereunto 13. Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Exod. 20.14 Thou shalt not commit Adultery Q. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our Neighbour's Chastity in Heart Speech and (n) 1 Cor. 7.2 Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband V. 3. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence and likewise also the wife unto the husband V. 5. Defraud you not one the other except it be with consent for a time that ye may give c. V. 34. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin the unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord how she may be holy both in body and in spirit but she that is married c. V. 36. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely towards his virgin if she pass the flower of her age and need so require let him do what he will he sinneth not let them marry Col. 4.6 Let your speech be always with grace c. 1 Pet. 3.2 While they behold your chaste conversation c. Behaviour Q. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchaste Thoughts Words and (o) Matth. 15.19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murthers adulteries fornications thefts false-witness c. Matth. 5.28 But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Ephes 5.3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints V. 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking c. Actions 14. Q. Which is the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment is Exod. 20.15 Thou shalt not steal Q. What is required in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the Wealth and outward Estate of our selves and (p) Gen. 30.30 For it was little which thou hadst before I came and it is now increased unto a multitude and the Lord hath blessed thee since my coming and now when shall I provide for my own house also 1 Tim. 5.8 But if any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse than an insidel Lev. 25.35
serve them for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments III. Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain IV. 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 eattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the 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 V. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbour's The LORD'S Prayer MATTH VI. OVR Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdom come Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this Day our daily Bread. And forgive us our Debts as we forgive our Debtors And lead us not into Temptation but deliver us from Evil For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever Amen The CREED I Believe in God the Father Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth And in Jesus Christ his Only Son our Lord which was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into * i. e. Continued in the state of the Dead and under the power of Death till the third Day Hell the third Day he arose again from the Dead he ascended into Heaven and sitteth on the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the Quick and the Dead I believe in the Holy Ghost the Holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the Forgiveness of Sins the Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting Amen FINIS PART II. A sensible Demonstration of the existence of God. SECT I. God is I. ALL Religion and Righteousness is grounded upon this foundation That God is Besides the belief I have in God by revelation and Spiritual sense I am convinced that he is by these evident proofs laid all together 1. I am certain that I was come into the World before I knew of my coming 2. I am certain I made not my self I was before I knew my self to be what I am 3. I am certain my Parents and other Persons and Creatures were in being before me 4. I am certain that no Being is so likely to make himself and all other things as Man is because he is a rational Being of great invention and contrivance 5. No Men of this inquisitive and learned Age pretend to make or to be present at the making of the admirable frame of the Universe and if any Man or Men of former Ages had made the World we of this Age should have found them in it For 1. They who could make themselves could preserve themselves 2. They who could make themselves and the World must needs be great and happy 3. They who were once great and happy and always continued to be so For 1. if they did depose or divest themselves of their happiness freely and of choice they were defective in Wisdom to exchange a happy Being for a less happy or for nothing and by consequence were not wise enough to make the World. 2. If they grew weary of themselves they were not happy 3. If they were constrained to unmake themselves they were not superior but subject to other Powers Therefore I believe there were no such Men no such self-makers and makers of other things I conclude that I am made by another who made all things else and he is the first infinite Cause in which my thoughts and belief do rest who is infinitely Wise Great and Good to whom be glory for ever Again it is impossible to prove there is no God for all things are mediums to prove that he is and there is no medium to prove that he is not Lastly all Men Die they who are prepared and willing do believe in God they who are unwilling cannot refuse to Die therefore there is a Superior Power that is Lord of Life and Death and he is the living God. SECT II. Of the Holy Scriptures The Scriptures are of God. 1. NO Man can know the mind and will of the infinite God Creator and Governor of the World except he be pleased to make it known That his will should be known is necessary or else we could not worship nor please him by doing his Will. 2. Besides the light of Nature we have his will made know by revelation by which God who made the World is so revealed and declared that as sure as I am that God made the World so sure am I that God gave the Scriptures to direct us in the way of Duty and Happiness 3. I find the Book of God in the possession of his Church and People like a Royal Charter in a City by which the City is constituted and governed and enjoy their privileges When I peruse the Charter I know it to be the King 's and no private Mans invention or forg'd instrument I know the great Charter of the City of God to be his Word 1. By the matter of it For instance Who can describe or declare the infinite God by his Glorious Names and Titles and attributes but himself Who can declare his relation to himself as Father Son and Holy Ghost but himself Who can prescribe his Worship make Laws set down rewards and declare what shall be in the World to come but himself 2. I observe the Style and Manner of speaking the manner of revealing the admirable consent of the Old and New Testament tho given the one so long before the other the scope of the whole their perfection and efficacy as able to make a Man Wise to Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 by the operation of the Holy Ghost Authority of the Scriptures 1. The Scriptures derive their Authority from God their Author The Church is not the Author of the Scriptures therefore they derive not their Authority from it The Testimony and Tradition of the Church is but Ministerial We are directed to place our faith in the Word as it is Gods who gave it by inspiration 2 Tim.
Q What do the Scriptures principally teach A. The holy Scriptures principally teach what Man is bound to believe concerning God and what Duty God requires of (e) 2 Tim. 1.13 Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 3.16 see before Man. 4. Q. What is God A. God is a (f) Joh. 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth Spirit (g) Job 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection V. 8. It is as high as heaven what canst thou do Deeper than hell what canst thou know V. 9. The measure thereof is longer than the earth and broader than the sea Infinite (h) Psal 90.2 Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. Eternal and (i) James 1.17 Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights with whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning Unchangeable in his (k) Exod. 3.14 And God said unto Moses I am that I am and he said Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel I AM hath sent me unto you Being (l) Psal 147.5 Great is our Lord and of great power his understanding is infinite Wisdom (m) Rev. 4.8 And the four beasts 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 Isa 6.3 And one cried unto another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Power (n) Rev. 15.5 Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest Holiness (o) Deut. 32.4 He is the rock his work is perfect for all his ways are judgment a God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he Justice (p) Exod. 34.6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth V. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the guilty visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and upon the childrens children unto the third and fourth generation Goodness and Truth 5. Q. Are there more Gods than one A. This God is one and there is and there can be but one only the living and true * Deut. 6.4 Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. Jer. 10.10 But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King at his breath the earth shall tremble and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation 1 Cor. 8.4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one V. 6. But to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him God. 6. Q. How many Persons are there in the Godhead A. There are three Persons in the Godhead or Divine Being and Nature the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in (q) 1 Joh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one Matth. 28.19 Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13.14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Joh. 10.30 I and my Father are one Phil. 2.6 Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God. Compare Isa 6.3,5,8 with Joh. 12.41 and Acts 28.25 Acts 5.3,4 But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lye to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land Whiles it remained was it not thine own and after it was sold was it not in thine own power why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart thou hast not lyed unto men but unto God. Power and Glory and all divine Perfections 7. This one God the Father the Son and Holy Ghost is the first efficient Cause or Creator the preserving and disposing and the final Cause of all things Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen 8. What soever God hath done and brought forth he did according to his Eternal Purpose and Decrees Ephes 1.11 Who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will. 9. Q. What are the Decrees of God A. The Decrees of God are his Eternal Purpose according to the Counsel of his Will whereby for his own Glory he hath fore-ordained whatever comes to (r) Ephes 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love V. 11. In whom also we obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Rom. 9 22. What 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 V. 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory pass 10. Q. How doth God execute his Decrees A. God executeth his Decrees in the works of Creation and (Å¿) Ephes 1.11 Who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will. Providence 11. Q. What is the Work 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 (t) Gen. chap. 1. throughout Heb. 11.13 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 good 12. Q. How did God create Man A. After all the rest of his Works God created Man Male and Female after his own Image in Knowledge Righteousness and Holiness with Dominion over the (u) Gen. 1.26 And God said Let us make Man in our own image after our likeness and let them have dominion over the rish of the sea and over the fowl of the
lust and inticed V. 15. Then when lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Matth. 15.19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murthers adulteries fornications thefts false-witnesses blasphemies it 23. Q. What is the misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost Communion with (i) Gen. 3.8 Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden V. 10. And he said I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self V. 24. So he drove out the man and he placed at the end of the garden of Eden Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life God are under his Wrath and (k) Ephes 2.2,3 see before Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the work of the law are under the Curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the law to do them Curse and so made liable to all miseries in this Life to Death it self and to the pains of Hell for (l) Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth the living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say to them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal ever 24. But all Mankind were not left to perish in the state of Sin and Misery For 25. Q. Did God leave all Mankind to perish in the state of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all Eternity elected some to everlasting (m) Ephes 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Life did enter into a Covenant of Grace to deliver them out of the state of Sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a (n) Rom. 3.21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the prophets V. 22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference Gal. 3.21 Is the law then against the promises God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law V. 22. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Redeemer 26. Q. Who is the Redeemer of God's Elect A. The only Redeemer of God's Elect is the Lord Jesus (o) 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus V. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time Christ who being the Eternal Son of God became (p) Joh. 1.14 And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law. Man and so was and continueth to be God and Man in two distinct Natures and one Person for (q) Rom. 9.5 Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Luke 1.35 And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the Power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee therefore also the holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Col. 2 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb. 7.24 But this Man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable priesthood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the utmost that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them ever 27. Q. How did Christ being the Son of God become Man. A. Christ the Eternal Son of God became Man by taking to himself a true (r) Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death that is the Devil V. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me Body and a reasonable (Å¿) Matth. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry you here and watch with me Soul being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Womb of the Virgin Mary and born of (t) Luke 1.31 Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. see before V. 42. And she spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 4.4 see before her yet without (u) Heb. 4.15 For we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 7.26 For such an High-Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens Sin. 28. Q. What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices (x) Acts 3.22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Compared with 2 Cor. 13.3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me which to you-ward is not weak but is mighty in you Luke 4.18 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised of a Prophet (y) Heb. 5.5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High Priest but he that
said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place V. 6. Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck V. 7. Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him who is able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared of a Priest and (z) Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Isa 9.6 For unto us a Child is born unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace V. 7. Of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice from hence forth even for ever the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Matth. 21.5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion Behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt the foal of an ass Psal 2 8. Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel V. 10. Be wise now therefore O ye kings be instructed ye judges of the earth V. 11. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling of a King both in his Estate of †Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross V. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name V. 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth V. 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father Humiliation on Earth and Exaltation in Heaven 29. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Office of a Prophet ‖ Heb. 1.1 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets V. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds in revealing to us by his †Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him 1 Pet. 1 10. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you V. 11. Searching what or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signisie when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which should follow V. 12. Unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven which things the angels desire to look into Word and Spirit the * Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you Will of God for our Salvation ‖ Joh. 20.31 These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing you might have life through his Name 30. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Office of a Priest (a) Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God. V. 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation in his once offering up of himself a (b) Ephes 5 2. And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour sacrifice to satisfie Divine Justice and (c) Heb. 2.17 In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Rom. 5.9 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him V. 10. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life reconcile us to God and in making (d) Heb. 7.24 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priest-hood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save to the utmost those that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them continual Intercession for us 31. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a King A. Christ executeth the Office of a King (e) Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool V. 2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies V. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth Acts 15.14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a People for his Name V. 15. And to this agree the words of the Prophets as it is written V. 16. After this I will return and build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down and I will build again the ruins thereof and I will set it up in subduing us to himself (f) Isa 33.22 The Lord is our Judge the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us in ruling (g) Isa 32.1 Behold a King shall reign in Righteousness and Princes shall rule in Judgment V. 2. And a Man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind and a covert from the tempest as Rivers of Waters in a dry place as the shadow of a Rock in a weary Land. and defending us (h) 1 Cor. 15.25 For he must reign till he hath put all his Enemies under his feet Psal 110.5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath V. 6. He shall judge among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead
bodies he shall wound the heads over many countreys and restraining and conquering all his and our Enemies 32. Christ as our Redeemer did execute these three Offices both in the State of his Humiliation when he was upon Earth and still doth execute them in Heaven in his Exaltation 33. Q. Wherein did Christ's Humiliation consist A. Christ's Humiliation consisted (i) Luke 2.7 And she brought forth her first born Son and wrapped him in swadling clothes and laid him in a Manger because there was no room for them in the Inn. in his being born and that in a low condition (k) Gal. 4.4 And when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a Woman made under the Law. made under the Law (l) Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God. V. 3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds Isa 53.2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender Plant and as a Root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him V. 3. He is despised and rejected of men a Man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not undergoing the Miseries of this Life (n) Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a Man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross the Wrath of God (m) Luke 22.44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Matth. 27.46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice saying ELI ELI LAMASABACHTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me and the cursed Death of the Cross (o) 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures in being buried (p) Matt. 2.40 As Jonas was three days and three nights in the Whales belly so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth Acts 2.24,25,26,27 31. V. 24. Whom God hath raised having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it V. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord always before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved V. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoice and my tongue was glad moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope V. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption V. 31. He seeing this before spake of the Resurrection of Christ that his Soul was not left in Hell neither did his flesh see corruption and continuing under the power of Death for a time 34. Q. Wherein consisteth Christ's Exaltation Christ's Exaltation consisteth in (q) 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures his Rising again from the dead on the third day (r) Mark 16.19 So then after the Lord had spoken to them he was received up into Heaven and sat on the right hand of God. in ascending up into Heaven (Å¿) Ephes 1.20 Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places in sitting at the right hand of God the Father (t) Acts 1.11 Which also said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into Heaven This same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Chap. 17. V. 31. He hath appointed a day in the which he shall judge the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead and in coming to judge the World at the last Day 35. Christ our Mediator wrought Redemption from that State of Sin and Misery into which we fell and purchased a happy State of Life and Salvation for all to whom it is applied 36. Q. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made partakers of the Redemption Purchased by Christ (u) John 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not V. 12. but as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name by the effectual Application of it to us (x) Tit. 3.5 Not by works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost V. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour by his holy Spirit 37. Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ A. The holy Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ (y) Ephes 1.13 In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of Truth the Gospel of your Salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise V. 14. Which is an earnest of our Inheritance until the Redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory John 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out V. 39. And this is the Fathers Will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given I should lose nothing but should raise it again at the last day Ephes 2.8 By Grace ye are saved through Faith and that not of your selves it is the Gift of God. by working Faith in us and thereby (z) Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love 1 Cor. 1.9 God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling 38. Q. What is effectual Calling A. Which effectual Calling is the Work of God's Spirit (a) 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy Calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the World began 2 Thess 2.13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth V. 14. Whereunto he hath
would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear V. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our lives 1 Pet. 1.15 But as he that hath called you is holy so be you holy in all manner of conversation V. 16. Because it is written Be ye holy for I am holy V. 17. And 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 V. 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers V. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Commandments 7. Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Exod. 20.3 Thou shalt have no other Gods before me Q. What is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our (p) 1 Chron. 28.9 And thou Solomon my son know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Deut. 26.17 Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walk in his ways and to keep his statutes and his commandments and his Judgments and to hearken to his voice God and to worship and glorifie him (q) Matth. 4.10 Then saith Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Psal 29.2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness accordingly Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the (r) Psal 14.1 The fool hath said in his heart There is no God they are corrupt they have done abominable works there is none that doth good denying or not worshipping and glorifying the true (Å¿) Rom. 1.21 Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned God as God and our (t) Psal 81.10 I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt open thy mouth wide and I will fill it V. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me God and the giving that Worship and Glory to any other which is due to him (u) Rom. 1.25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the Creature more than the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen V. 26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections for even their women did change their natural use into that which is against nature alone Q. What are wee specially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the Sin of having any other (x) Ezek. 8.5 to the end Psal 44.20 But if we have forgetten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God V. 21. Shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart God. 8. Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Exod. 20.4,5,6 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image or the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious Worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his (z) Deut. 32.46 And he said unto them Set your hearts unto all the words which I testisie among you this day which you shall command your children to observe to do all the words of this law Matth. 28.20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway unto the end of the world Acts 2.42 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers ... Word Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by (a) Deut. 4.15 Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire V. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female V. 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth the likeness of any winged fowl that flicth in the air V. 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth V. 19. And lest thou lift up thine eyes to heaven and when thou seest the sun moon and stars even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Exod. 32.5 And when Aaron saw it he built an altar before it and Aaron made proclamation and said To morrow is a feast of the Lord. V. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrifioed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt Images or any other way not appointed in his (b) Deut. 12.31 Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their Gods. V. 32. Whatsoever I command you observe to do thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it Word Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment to inforce our Observance of it are God's Soveraignty over (c) Psal 95.2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him
know you not that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates him of their (g) 1 Cor. 11.31 For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged Repentance (h) 1 Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ V. 17. For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread Love and (i) 1 Cor. 5.7 Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us V. 8. Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth new Obedience lest coming unworthily they eat and drink Judgment to (k) 1 Cor. 11.28,29 themselves § 3. The third outward and ordinary Means whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption is Prayer Q. What is Prayer 1. A. Prayer is an Offering up of our Desires unto (l) Psal 62.8 Trust in him at all times ye people pour out your hearts before him God is a refuge for us Selah God for things agreeable to his (m) 1 Joh. 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us Will in the Name of (n) Joh. 16.23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you Christ with Confession of our (o) Psal 32.5 I acknowledge my sins unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah V. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found surely in the floods of great waters they shall come nigh unto him Dan. 9.4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him and to them that keep his commandments Sins and thankful Acknowledgment of his (p) Phil. 4.6 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Mercies Q. What Rule hath God given for our Direction in Prayer 2. A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in (q) 1 Joh. 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us Prayer but the special Rule of Direction is that Form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called The (r) Matth. 6.6,10,11,12,13 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father c. Luk. 11.2 And he said unto them When ye pray say Our Father c. Lord's Prayer PART IV. A short Exposition of the Lord's Prayer IN the Lord's Prayer there are three Parts 1. A Preface 2. Six Petitions 3. The Conclusion 1. Q. What doth the Preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lord's Prayer which is Matth. 6.9 Our Father which art in Heaven teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy Reverence and Confidence as Children to a Father ready to (a) Rom. 8.15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear but we have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Luk. 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him help us and that we should pray with and for (b) Acts 12.5 Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him 1 Tim. 2.1 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men V. 2. For kings and for all that are in authority c. others 2. Q. What do we pray for in the first Petition 1. A. In the first Petition which is Hallowed be thy Name Matth. 6.9 we pray that God would enable us and others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself (c) Psal 67.2 That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations V. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee known and that he would dispose all things to his own (d) Psal 83. throughout Glory Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition 2. A. In the second Petition which is Mat. 6.10 Thy Kingdom come we pray that Satan's Kingdom may be (e) Psal 68.1 Let God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him flee before him V. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them destroyed and that the Kingdom of Grace might be (f) Rev. 12.10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven Now is come salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before God day and night V. 11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death advanced our selves and others brought into it and kept in (g) 2 Thess 3.1 Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Rom. 10.1 Brethren my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved Joh. 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine V. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word it and that the Kingdom of Glory may be (h) Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so Come Lord Jesus hastened Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition 3. A. In the third Petition which is Mat. 6.10 Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that God would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his Will in all (i) Psal 67. throughout Psal 119.36 Encline my heart to thy testimonies and not to covetousness Matth. 26.39 And he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed saying O my Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt 2 Sam. 15.25 And the king said unto Zadock Carry back the
What he was before he took the Nature of Man and who he was see before ver 9 c. 2. He took a true Body and reasonable Soul compleat humane Nature 1. A Body Heb. 10.5 The words inform us of a Covenant between the Father and the Son as two distinct Persons and what each one was to do As the Father was in Being before this Body was prepared so was the Son before he came to do his Will in that Body and so was the Holy Ghost by whom this Body was conceived The Father was to prepare a Body for his Son which was prepared by the Holy Ghost and assumed by the Son. 3. This Body was a true Body not a phantasm or a Celestial Body passing through the Body of the Virgin like lightning through the Air or Water through a Chanel but a substantial humane Body with Flesh and Blood for Sacrifice Heb. 10.10 Heb. 2.14 Luke 24.39 4. There was a reasonable Soul in this Body the Divine Nature was not instead of a Soul to him he had a true reasonable Soul Understanding Luke 2.4 Willing chap. 22.42 Sorrowing Mat. 26.38 and so he was a Man approved of God Acts 2.22 the Man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 He was conceived by the Holy Ghost 1. The Conception of the Holy thing was wonderful 1. In respect of the cause the Holy Ghost 2. In respect of the Mother a Virgin 3. In respect of the purity without Sin. 4. in respect of the ends of it both immediate and remote 2. The Operation of the Holy Ghost with the concurrence of the Father and the Son was his forming or creating the Body of Christ of her Blood or natural matter in her Womb. That which is conceived in Her Mat. 1.20 He was made of a Woman Gal. 4.4 The Operation of the Holy Ghost was not upon the Divine Nature or Person of the Son but altogether upon the Virgins Womb causing her to conceive a true substantial Body with a Soul created in it and both prepared for Union with the second Person who took the humane Nature so Conceived into personal Union with himself That which this nature received from the Son was personality or to be one Person with him The Holy Virgin was active and passive in this Conception Thou shalt Conceive in thy Womb c Luke 1.31 and that which is Conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost Mat. 1.20 3. Yet the relation continued between the Father and the Son the Son was the Son of the Father and not of the Holy Ghost 4. The manner of this Conception is so express'd as to denote a mighty secret Operation of the Holy Ghost upon the Virgin. See Luke 1.35 like the influence of the Spirit in the first Creation Gen. 1.2 or alluding to Ruth 3.9 He was Born c. 1. After the Virgin had miraculously Conceived she grew with Child Luke 2.5 was found with Child Mat. 1.18 and at full time was Born of her Luke 1.35 chap. 2.7 Mat. 2.1 Certain signs of the reality of the humane Nature that Mary was a Natural Mother tho not in a natural way and not a Spiritual Mother by Faith that the Body came not down from Heaven or was made out of the Womb and not formed in her Womb of her Nature and Substance as some have imagined He is said to come down from Heaven as God condescending to be our Mediator and as Mediator in respect of his Mission and Authority And why Our Mediator is God and Man in one Person that he might be a middle person and so mediate between God and Man he was Man that he might obey and die that the promises made to Adam Abraham David might be fulfilled Gen. 3.15 Gal. 3.16 Acts 2.30 Rom. 1.4 and with respect to all the Children Heb. 2.14 He must be Born without Sin a Holy thing that he might be a Priest and Sacrifice He was God-Man that he might satisfy and merit by his obedience and sufferings SECT XIII Of the Prophetical Office of Christ 1. OUr Saviour declared the Father 1. as the Brightness of his Glory Heb. 1.3 Joh. 14.9 2. As a Prophet foretold Acts 3.24,25,26 2. This great Prophet teacheth outwardly by his word and Ministers and inwardly by his Spirit and this is effectual to Salvation Christ both preached and gave repentance which is Gods prerogative See Acts 3.26 2. Tim. 2.25 He at once opened the Heart and the Scriptures Luke 24.32,45 He so Preached as to heal the broken in Heart c. which are Works proper to God Luke 4.18 Ps 146.7 Ps 147.3 3. Christ as Mediator doth act in subordination to his Father yet not as if he were but Man only instructed by God and to that end taken up to Heaven in the space of the forty days temptation to receive Revelations from him nor as if he were but God only by deputation as they say He is a Prophet as God-Man Joh. 1.18 The only begotten Son hath declared him Even while he was upon Earth as Man he was in the Bosom of the Father as God as one essentially with him and intimate in all his thoughts He was greater than John Baptist who was greater than the Prophets he was full of grace therefore God Joh. 1.15 1 Pet. 5.10 4. He is a Prophet still for the Gospel is his Gospel Rom. 1.16 and ver 9. He by his Spirit enlightneth our Minds Ephes 1.17 and so the Scriptures are able to make us wise to salvation 2 Tim 3.15 5. Christ is not only the Mediator of the New Testament because he declares or makes the Covenant in the Name of God Heb. 8.6 He as a Prophet or an Apostle and Embassador doth deal with Men teaching and perswading them but so that he is also the High-Priest of our profession or Covenant-agreement with God and so he is a surety of the Covenant engaging himself to make good Gods promises to us and our obligations to God Heb. 7.22 He acteth between both for both 6. As a Prophet he was sent of God and was known by this Title or Periphrasis He that was to come Luke 7.19,20 And two things are to be noted of him 1. His quality as the Son of God Joh. 3.17,18 and as related to Man as the Son of Man and so he received the Spirit not by measure Joh. 3.34 It abode upon him 2. His Mission or Sending with command to honour him Joh. 3.17 chap. 5.24 As God he could not come nor descend but he who was God came His Original was from Heaven as God and he was in Heaven as God and his Commission and Authority to do the Office of a Mediator was from Heaven or from God Joh. 7.29 chap. 8.42 chap. 3.34 He could not be in Heaven as Man while he was upon Earth nor till he ascended His coming and descending denotes to us 1. The condescention 2. The Authority and Commission of Christ SECT XIV Of Christ's Priestly Office. 1. CHrist is truly and properly a
to Salvation Act. 8.28 c. 2. They who attend upon the Means of Salvation are instructed reproved warned and checked Conscience is met with one time or other and who is so dead and senseless that never found in himself a necessity of becoming a new Man And then how might the Consideration of their being baptized of the nature and obligation of Baptism work them towards Conversion and Reformation Reasoning thus with themselves 1. I am not mine own but God's I am dedicated and joined to him by Covenant It is both my Glory and my Duty to be the Lord's Shall I who am related to the most high God as a Child turn to be a Child of the Devil Shall I who am redeemed with precious Blood sell my self to Sin and become a Slave Shall I who am baptized into the Holy Ghost the Spirit of Sanctification defile my self and drown my self in the mire of Sin The Sons of God are lead by the Spirit of God Rom. 8.14 Am I God's or am I not If not What Oh what will become of me for ever 2. I am washed with Water and I must be washed with Blood and Regeneration or else I cannot enter into the Kingdom of God Joh. 3.3,5 Nothing that defileth shall enter therein Rev. 21.27 Oh wash me throughly and cleanse me from my Sin Psal 51.2 3. When you are convinced of the necessity of Regeneration improve your Baptism towards it Say then 1. I am baptized into the Father who is the Father of Mercies and God of all Grace who teacheth calleth draweth and meeteth returning Prodigals O Father of Mercies make me a Child Oh draw me call me meet me receive me Thou art my God by Covenant thy Sign and Seal is upon me Oh forsake me not but put thy Spirit within me 2. I am baptized into the Name of Jesus who came into the World to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Matth. 1.21 Tit. 2.14 Oh redeem me by thy Power from this Bondage from Sin Satan and the evil World Oh wash me by the Merits and Efficacy of thy Blood 1 Joh. 1.7 Oh bring me home a Stray-Sheep Seek me and save me Be thou my Peace and my Advocate 3. I am baptized into the Holy Ghost the Spirit of Light Wisdom Life Sanctification and Holiness Oh make me a new Creature wash me according to thy Grace and Power Joh. 3.5 Tit. 3.5 2 Thess 2.13 Baptize me with thy Baptism and I shall be a new Man and clean in thy sight 2. Let all such as are regenerate and called remember their Baptism 1. By way of Thankfulness and Praise to the Father Son and Holy Ghost for Grace and Love that God is their God and that they are his People that they have obtained Mercy They may go so high as Election and praise God as the Apostle doth Ephes 1.3 to 8. 1 Thes 1.2,3,4 How happy are you in such a Father such a Saviour such a Comforter and that you are under Grace and made safe by Covenant 2. Improve Baptism for Grace and Growth in Grace and Holiness 1. Because you are separated to God as an holy God and are joined in Covenant and therefore are not Debtors to the Flesh to live after the Flesh Rom. 8.12 We are bought with a price 1 Cor. 6.20 and joined to the Lord and therefore are one Spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 one Mind one Will one Aim one Way and End. 2. Because you are crucified with Christ therefore we should be holy see Rom. 6.6 Gal. 2.20 Chap. 5.24 Chap. 6.14 By virtue of our Union with Christ we must go on to mortifie Sin Rom. 6.3 and live to God Rom. 6. from 4. to 13. By this we have great and effectual Assistance and are under the strongest Engagements to Holiness 3. Improve your Baptism for Privileges which are exceeding great and high As 1. Apply it for your Acceptation with God Ephes 1.6 Though we are vile and hateful in our selves yet we are beloved of the Father accepted in the beloved Son and sanctified by the Spirit 2. Apply it for Justification and Reconciliation The Father will not condemn them for whom his Son died The Father will not be wroth with them that believe and are in him in whom he is well pleased The Terrour of Condemnation is taken off by the Holy Ghost the Comforter 3. Apply it for Adoption and the Privileges and Comforts of it Joh. 1.12 Gal. 4.6 Adopted Children have the Spirit of Adoption and the Earnest of the Spirit Rom. 8.23 Ephes 1.13 Chap. 4.30 and all things with Christ Rom. 8.32 4. Improve it for Communion with God 1 Joh. 1.3 1 Cor. 1.9 What may not a Child have that is fit and good for him from a Father and such a Father as Ephes 1.3 that comes to him in his Son's Name and hath the Son to be an Advocate for him and the Spirit to make Intercession in him See Joh. 16.26,27 1 Joh. 2.1 Rom. 8.26 You may be bold for a Child's Portion in Covenant that have the Heart and Spirit of a Child 4. Improve your Baptismal Relation to the Father the Son and Holy Ghost for Assurance The great Promise is that God will be our God All-sufficient for all things and all times What Circumcision was Baptism is See Rom. 4.11 Col. 2.11,12 Say then you have the Seal of God added to his Promise Oh shew it and plead it for Confirmation and Assurance of Pardon Act. 2.38 Chap. 22.14 and all other Blessings 5. Improve Baptism for your Continuance and Constancy in Duty and Obedience against all Temptations to Apostacy Make quick Denials to the Importunities of the Flesh World and Devil Say What have I to do with thee Satan Get thee hence I am baptized I am delivered and redeemed from thee and sworn in Covenant against thee I am a Soldier of Christ in his Name by his Authority and Power I will resist thee I will not turn away from Christ nor be treacherous to him and mine own Soul c. Say to the World I am crucified to thee what have I to do with thee The Lord is my Portion Go tempt and allure them that know thee not and that have their Treasure upon Earth I am dead to thee But Lord there is none in Heaven but thee and none upon Earth besides thee c. Psal 73.25 Say to the Flesh I am redeemed I am joined to the Lord Shall I take the Members of Christ and make them Members of an Harlot God forbid How shall I serve sin that am freed from it To this End Remember 1. To whom thou art engaged Thou art married in Covenant to the Lord thou art to honour thy Father in Heaven who is better than all above all thou art a redeemed Servant and Member of Christ thou art related and engaged to the Holy Spirit 2. Remember the nature of thy Obligation it is a solemn Covenant an Engagement of the highest nature 3. It is a Pre-engagement thou art promised to God
air and over the cattel and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth V. 27. So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them V. 28. And God blessed them and God said unto them Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth Col. 3.10 And have put on the new Man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Ephes 4.24 And that ye put on that new Man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Creatures 13. Q. What are God's Works of Providence A. God's Works of Providence are his most (x) Psal 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works holy (y) Psal 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Isa 28.29 This also cometh from the Lord of hosts which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working wise and powerful (z) Heb. 1.3 Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high preserving and governing all his Creatures and all their (a) Psal 103.19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heaven his kingdom ruleth over all Matth. 10.29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father V. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbred V. 31. Fear ye not therefore ye are of more value than many sparrows Actions 14. God's Providence is either general towards all his Creatures or special towards Mankind in the state of Creation before the Fall and in the state of Corruption since the Fall. 15. Q. What special Act of Providence did God exercise towards Man in the state wherein he was created A. When God had created Man he entred into a Covenant of Life with him upon condition of perfect Obedience forbidding him to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil upon pain of (b) Gal. 3.12 And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Gen. 2.17 But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Death 16. Q. Did our first Parents continue in the Estate wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own Will fell from the Estate wherein they were created by sinning against (c) Gen. 3.6 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 to her husband with her and he did eat V. 7. 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 V. 8. 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 of the garden V. 13. And the Lord God said unto the woman What is this that thou hast done And the woman said The serpent beguiled me and I did eat Eccles 7.29 Lo this only have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions God. 17. Q. What is Sin A. Sin is any want of Conformity unto or Transgression of the Law of (d) 1 Joh. 3.4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law God. Any defect in keeping strictly and perfectly to the Law or any thing cross or contrary to the Law is Sin. 18. Q. What was the Sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created A. The Sin whereby our first Parents fell from that holy and happy Estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden (e) Gen. 3.12 The woman which thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat Fruit. 19. All Mankind sinned and fell in Adam 's first Transgression For 20. Q. Did all Mankind fall in Adam 's first Transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam not only for himself but for his Posterity all Mankind descending from him by ordinary Generation sinned in him and fell with him in his first (f) Gen. 2 16. And the Lord God commanded the man saying Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat V. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die 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 V. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life V. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous 1 Cor. 15.21 For since by man came death by man also came the resurrection of the dead V. 22. For as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive Transgression 21. Q. Into what Estate did the Fall bring Mankind A. The Fall of our first Parents brought Mankind into an Estate of (g) Rom. 5.12 see above Chap. 3.23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Sin and Misery 22. Q. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. The sinfulness of that Estate whereinto Man fell consists in the Guilt of Adam's first Sin the want of Original Righteousness and the corruption of his whole Nature which is commonly called Original Sin together with all actual Transgressions which proceed from (h) Rom. 5.10 to 20. Ephes 2.1 And you he hath quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins V. 2. Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience V. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature children of wrath even as others Jam. 1.14 But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own
his ass or any thing that is thy neighbour's his 17. Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer Man since the Fall is able in this Life perfectly to keep the Commandments of (d) Eccles 7.20 For there is not a just man on earth that doeth good and sinneth not 1 Joh. 1.8 If we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us V. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a lyer and his word is not in us Gal. 5.17 For the fiesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would God but doth break them in Thought Word and (e) Gen. 6.5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually Gon. 8.21 And the Lord smelled a sweet savour and the Lord said in his heart I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth neither will I again smite any more every thing living as I have done Rom. 3.9 What then are we better than they No in no wise for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin and so on to V. 21. Jam. 3.2 For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a persect man and able also to bridle the whole body and so on to V. 13. Deed. 18. Q. Are all transgressions of the Law equally heinous A. Some sins in themselves and by reason of several Aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than (f) Ezek. 8.6 He said furthermore unto me Son of Man seest thou what they do even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here that I should go far off from my Sanctuary But turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations V. 13. He said also unto me Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do V. 15. Then said he unto me Hast thou see this O son of man Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations than these 1 Joh. 5.16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death There is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Psal 78.17 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness V. 32. For all this they sinned still and believed not for his wondrous works V. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God and kept not his testimonies others 19. What doth every sin deserve A. But whatever the Sin is great or small every Sin deserveth God's Wrath and Curse both in this Life and that which is to (g) Ephes 5.6 Let no man deceive you with words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Matth. 25.41 Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels come PART III. What Duties God requires of sinful Man in the Law of Grace or Gospel for the escaping of God's deserved Wrath and Curse 1. GOD hath not left sinful man to perish in the state of Sin and Misery into which he is fallen but the first Covenant of Life or Works being broken by the first Adam God hath made a second Covenant of Grace to bring sinners to Eternal Salvation by Jesus Christ the Redeemer according to certain Terms and Conditions which God doth require of all and doth work in all that are saved There are several Duties and Conditions which God requires of sinful Man to escape the Wrath and Curse of God due to us for Sin. We call them Conditions because God requireth them from us 2. What doth God require of us that we may escape his Wrath and Curse due to us for sin A. To escape the the Wrath and Curse of God due to us for Sin God requireth of us Faith in Jesus Christ Repentance unto (a) Acts 20.21 Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ Life with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of (b) Prov. 2.1 My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee c. V. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Chap. 8 33. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not V. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me waiting daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors V. 35. But whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Redemption 3. Q. What is Faith in Jesus Christ 1. A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a (c) Heb. 10.39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the soul Saving Grace whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for Salvation as he is offered to us in the (d) Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his Name Isa 26.3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee V. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Gal 2.16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have beheved in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Gospel 4. Q. What is Repentance unto Life 2. A. Repentance unto Life is a (e) Acts 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
ark of God into the city if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation Job 1.21 And said Naked came I out of my mother's womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. things as the Angels do in (k) Psal 103.20 Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength and do his commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word V. 21. Bless the Lord all ye his hosts ye ministers of his that do his pleasure Heaven Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition 4. A. In the fourth Petition which is Mat. 6.11 Give us this day our daily bread we pray that of God's free Gift we may receive a competent Portion of the good things of this Life and enjoy his (l) Prov. 30.8 Remove far from me vanity and lyes give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me V. 9. Lest I be full and deny thee and say Who is the Lord And lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Gen. 28.20 And Jacob vowed a vow saying If God will be with me and keep me in this way that I go and will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on 1 Tim. 1.4 For every creature of God is good and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving V. 5. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer Blessings with them Q. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition 5. A. In the fifth Petition which is Mat. 6.12 And forgive us our Debts as we forgive our Debtors we pray that God for Christ's sake should freely pardon all our (m) Psal 51.1 Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving-kindness according unto the multitude of thy mercies blot out my transgressions V. 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin V. 7. Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me and I shall be whiter than snow V. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities Dan. 9.17 Now therefore our God hear thou the prayer of thy servant and his supplication V. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive for thine own sake Sins which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his Grace we are enabled from the Heart to forgive (n) Luk. 11.4 And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us Matth. 18.35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses others Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition 6. A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into Temptation but deliver us from Evil Mat. 6.13 we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to (o) Matth. 26.41 Watch and pray that ye enter not into Temptation the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak Sin or support and deliver us when we are (p) 2 Cor. 12.8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me tempted 3. Q. What doth the Conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us A. The Conclusion of the Lord's Prayer which is Mat. 6.13 For thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory for ever Amen teacheth us to take our Encouragement in Prayer from (q) Dan. 9.4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his commandments V. 7. O Lord righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces as at this day to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and unto all Israel that are near and that are far off through all the countries whither thou hast driven them because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee V. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our kings to our princes to our fathers because we have trespassed against thee V. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him V. 16. O Lord according to all thy righteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from the city Jerusalem thy holy mountain because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us V. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lord's sake V. 18. O my God incline thine ear and hear open thine eyes and behold our desolation and the city that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies V. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and do deferr not for thine own sake O my God for thy city and thy people are called by thy Name God only and in our Prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom Power and Glory to (r) 1 Chron. 29.10 Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation and David said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our father for ever V. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as Head above all V. 12. both riches and honours come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all V. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy glorious Name him And in testimony of our Desire and Assurance to be heard we say (Å¿) 1 Cor. 14.16 Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at the giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Jesus V. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN Amen or So be it The Ten Commandments EXODUS XX. GOD spake all these words saying I am the LORD thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the Earth Thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor
is not revealed The Son was brought forth before all time Prov. 8.22 His goings forth are from everlasting Mic. 5.2 the Father hath given to the Son to have Life in himself as the Father hath Life in himself Joh. 5.26 It is the property of the Father to have Life in himself and to give Life to his Son It is the property of the Son to have Life in himself from the Father I live by the Father Joh. 6.57 The personal action of the Father and the Son towards the Holy Ghost is to send him Joh. 15.26 The personal action of the Holy Ghost is to come to proceed to receive to give Joh. 16.7,8,13,14 to testify Joh. 15.26 as a distinct witness from Christs own and the Father 's of him Joh. 5.37 2. What a Person in the Godhead is The Greek Church used the word Hypostasis Heb. 1.3 and the Latin Church Personâ—… and from them we borrow the word Person There is great reason why we should retain the word tho' we will not divide from any for the use of a Term that acknowledge what is reveal'd in Scripture and can express the truth better A Person in the Eternal God head transcends a Person in Nature A Person in Nature is usually desined or described to be a Compleat Perfect Singular Living Understanding Being or Substance subsisting by it self not sustained by another nor a part of another The Persons in the God-head differ from a Created Person as will appear in these particulars 1. Every particular Man partakes of the same common general and special Nature but these particulars cannot be one Man but every Person in the God-head is that one only living and true God. 2. As Persons are multiplyed in Nature so the nature is multiplyed in Persons but there is but one God the Divine essence is one and not multiplied 3. One Person in nature is not another nor in another but the Father is in the Son and the Son in the Father and yet distinguished John 10.38 chap. 14.11 Joh. 17.21 4. One Person in nature is not only distinguished from another but is separated from another in time and place and many other respects But 1. The God-head or God being eternal the Persons in the God-head are Co-eternal none is before the other 2. Where one is the other is the nature being indivisible The Son is where the Father is tho' the humane Nature be not Omnipresent 3. What the one hath the other hath Joh. 16.15 All that the Father hath are mine said the Son and the Holy Ghost hath what the Son hath He shall take of mine and shall shew it unto you 4. If you know the Son you know the Father also Joh. 12.4 chap. 14.9,10,11 5. What one doth the other doth John 5.19 None of these things can be affirmed of different Persons in humane Nature The three Persons in the Divine essence must not be measured by individuals or singular Persons in Nature but as one Person is really distinguished from another by a Personal property so because the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are so distinguished we call them Persons tho improperly in a sence peculiar to them Now a Person in the God-head is God as related to himself I humbly conceive it thus God the Father is related to God the Son and God the Holy Ghost God the Son is related to God the Father as a Son to a Father and to God the Holy Ghost And God the Holy Ghost is related to the Father and the Son. You saw before the relative property of each Glorious Person A Person in the Trinity is not a compound of an essence and a property for the Divine Nature is infinitely perfect most pure simple or uncompounded This relation is eternal and primary They bear a voluntary relation to the Creatures as Creator Redeemer Comforter This was intended before time but actual in time And to remove all gross imaginations of the incomprehensible Trinity of Persons tho' we take Person and Body in our Language for the same let us take heed of imagining three Bodies when we say three Persons III. These three Glorious Persons are one God in essence 1. It is most certain there is one God and but one Deut. 6.4 Is 44.8 1 Cor. 8.4 2. It is certain there are three Persons as explained 3. The father is confessedly that one God 1. Cor. 8.4 It is as true that the Son the word is God Joh. 1.1 and the Holy Ghost is God Acts 5.4 Therefore these three are that one infinite God. It is contrary to reason to say there are three Gods It is not contrary to reason that these three should be one because it is revealed and they must be one God or not God at all for there is not to us Christians nor to Mankind more than one God. But before I produce more evidence for this truth I make hold to premise Suppose an Infidel should desire a Socinian to instruct him in the nature of the true God and to shew him the essential difference between God and all Creatures whatsoever Surely he must shew him how God hath made himself known And how is that but by his Glorious Names Titules Properties Attributes and Operations which are above the power of Creatures and by which Creatures are produced Now if the very same Characters by which he declares the true God to an Infidel be ascrib'd to the Son and Holy Ghost then as his demonstration of the nature of God is good so our demonstration of the essential Deity of the Son and Holy Ghost must needs be as good If Christ be God by donation of eminent power office or near conjunction with God if the Holy Ghost be a quality or God by office they are but Creatures and if Creatures tho the highest have those properties which are essential to God then it will follow God hath nothing peculiar to his own infinite Being which is impious and irrational But God is distinguished from all Creatures and the properties of God are truly ascribed to the Son and Holy Ghost therefore they are the true God and not Creatures The three Persons are one God. There being no dispute against the Father I shall apply my self to prove the Son and Holy Ghost to be the true God. Proved by their essential Name 1. The Name which Jehovah signifies Eternal Being is proper to God and not common to any Creatures That they may know that thou whose Name alone is Jehovah art most high over all the Earth Ps 83.18 This name is translated Lord and its signification given Rev 1.4 which is which was and which is to come This Name is the Name of the Son as it is the Name of the Father Ps 110.1 Jehovah said to my Lord that is Christ Mat. 22.42 The Son is called Jehovah Is 40.3 Prepare the way of Jehovah i.e. Christ Mar. 1.23 Luke 1.76 The Angel appearing in the Bush was Jehovah Exod. 3.2 Compare v. 4.5 with
our sensual appetites Rom. 7.23 Rom. 8.5,6 Tit. 1.15 This is Sin working all manner of concupiscence Rom. 7.8 Adam's habitual corruptions and vices followed upon his actual offence by his own and Satan's doing and Gods just judgment Our actual offences proceed from our natural and habitual corruptions Adam sinned and forfeited for himself and us who are as much his Posterity as Cain and Abel were And God by a righteous Act hath concluded all under Sin Rom. 11.31 Gal. 3.22 This corruption is fitly called the Old Man in opposition to the New Man which is from Christ by the regeneration of the Spirit Rom. 6.6 Ephes 4.22 Col. 3.9 Such as our first Parents were after their transgression such are we by nature Ephes 2.3 that is by a Law of Nature that like should beget like not only in a natural but moral kind and evil qualities Without the image of God what is Man but a young Insidel he loves Self better than God and wanting the guidance of knowledge and wisdom and stay of holiness in himself he sinneth of his own being an active Creature and tempted by Satan and the World. He is corrupted in his nature or he could not imitate His aptness to imitate is one spark of corrupt nature Cain killed his Brother when he had no example to imitate SECT X. Of the Miseries of Men by the Fall. SInful Man is a miserable Creature I shall not speak of all the miseries the World groans under only take notice of two 1. Death is a punishment of Sin as you heard before God reserv'd in his own will and power how far this punishment should be executed They who are redeemed from eternal Death suffer a temporal Heb. 9.28 as a punishment for Sin and for no other cause Death was not known before it was menaced If Death had been the condition of nature it had followed nature in time it might have been foretold but not threatned as a punishment for Sin. 2. The pains of Hell. To teach Men that Death eternal and not temporal was threatned to Adam and that eternal Death is but the continuation of temporal is to tempt Men to despise temporal death and in their distresses to make away themselves to put an end to the miseries of this Life Then the sensual voluptuous Man might say Let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall die and the miserable sufferer will say I will die rather than live in misery And if eternal Death be but such a privation of Life that I shall never be restored to Life when I am once Dead I had rather never live again than live again to be miserable What work would Socinianism make in the World if it be propagated and entertained It is too far gone but they pretend the Glory of God for it For how can it consist with the justice and goodness of God to punish and torment Men in Hell for ever for the Sins sollies and vanities of a short Life To answer this objection and clear the proceedings of Divine Judgment I humbly offer these considerations 1. There is self-love partiality and hard thoughts of God at the bottom of this objection Men are more sensible of their just sufferings than of the sinfulness of Sin. 2. There is no more unrighteousness in judgment and execation than in the constitution of Gods Government and Laws The great day appointed will be a day of judgment and not injustice Acts 17.31 The sentence will be righteous therefore so will the execution of it be They who do such things are worthy of Death Rom. 1.16 The Judge of all the Earth will do right Gen. 18.25 3. It was just that Adam should die for he knew the Law and the threatning Is it not as just that the wicked should be condemned to Hell who take no warning nor counsel 4. A Sinners heart is eternally turn'd away from God. It is just in God to sentence him to depart from him for ever who will never of himself turn unto him 5. We are not sit to judge in Gods cause for we know not the heinousness of Sin nor the dishonour of God and we are ignorant partial and corrupted parties Parties are no meet judges 6. If we can never repair the dishonour done to God by sin is it not just we should suffer for ever 7. There is a proportion between the Sins of a finite Creature committed against the infinite God and the punishments inflicted by an infinite God upon a finite offender 8. Is it just if a magistrate punish by Death who can never restore the malefactor to Life for momentany sins why then shall God be thought unjust to punish with eternal Death 9. It is most certain God will do nothing to his own dishonour and knows how to glorify his goodness and justice 10. By Gods judgments severally pronounced upon the Criminals Gen. 3.13,20 it is clear that God doth observe a just rule and proportion in punishment He doth not punish all alike 11. They can deserve no less who now despise goodness and forbearance and Death it self 12. The mediator between God and Man will judge between God and Man. He who took our Nature will not wrong the worst of Men. 13. Humbly observe the judgment to come Mat. 25.41 c where note 1. The judge cannot be excepted against by the worst of Sinners 2. The wicked are persons who shall live for ever 3. For the fire is everlasting 4. Everlasting fire is everlasting punishment 5. If the punishment be everlasting the suffering malefactors will be everliving To die eternally is not therefore to be extinguished or to cease to be but to be miserable for ever From what is said it follows 1. That concupiscence is Sin Rom. 7.7,17,20,22,23 2. Every Sin is mortal by desert and venial or pardonable only by Grace Rom. 6.23 Ephes 1.7 3. There is no third place beside Heaven and Hell therefore there is no Purgatory for Venial Sins 4. No Man can or shall suffer more than he deserveth Ps 130.3 Gal. 3.10 SECT XI Of our Recovery 1. GOd hath elected some to eternal Life Election is of Persons and not of qualities or for the sake of qualities Election is of Grace in the free chooser and not in the chosen who are graceless before God makes them gracious 2. The Covenant of Life or Works or Nature being broken God did not renew that but made another called the Covenant of Grace because it proceeds from Grace after a Breach and promiseth Grace to keep it in the construction of Grace or Gospel sence The Moral Law or Commandments is the same in both Covenants but the promisory State and Privileges are very different By a Redeemer 1. Christ is our Redeemer from guilt and justice by a Ransom and Price from our Enemies Satan the World and Sin by Power He is our Lord because of his Right and Power to govern and redeem us He is Jesus which is as much as Saviour Christ which
Ignorant and of them who go out of the way who hast by thy Holy Spirit made the Reading but especially the Preaching of thy Word an effectual Means of convincing and converting Sinners and of building them up in Holiness and Comfort through Faith unto Salvation be pleased for Christ's sake to prepare our Hearts that we may attend to thy Word and receive it as new-born Babes 1 Pet. 2.1 by Faith and Love and lay it up in our Hearts and practise it in our Lives Before the Sacrament or Communion Most holy wise and merciful Lord God when all Mankind was fallen into an Estate of Sin and Misery it pleased thee to enter into a Covenant of Grace to bring thy People out of that sinful and miserable Condition into an Estate of Salvation by thy beloved Son the only Redeemer thou art graciously pleased to teach us convince convert build up and comfort us by thy Word and for our furtherance in Faith Holiness and Comfort to represent to us Jesus Christ and all the Benefits of the New Covenant by sensible signs the Bread and Wine broken poured out given and received and not only to represent Christ to us but also to seal and apply him and the Benefits of the New Covenart Be thou pleased by thy Spirit of Grace to help us to receive the Bread and Wine according to thy divine Appointment that we may receive them worthily and be Partakers by Faith of his Body and Blood with all his Benefits to our spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace We pray thee help us to examine our selves and so let us eat Oh let us not eat and drink unworthily not discerning the Lord's Body but give us a clear and saving Knowledge to discern the Lord's Body a lively Faith to feed upon him a renewed Repentance to Life a pure and fervent Love and quicken us to walk in new Obedience to all thy Commandments Oh help us to remember him and shew forth his Death both by our Profession and holy Conversation till he come again For the Lord's Day O Lord our God who hast commanded us to remember to keep holy the Sabbath day for Jesus his sake forgive us our great Forgetfulness both in preparing for it and performing the Duties of it Thou hast been very merciful to us in allowing us six Days for our own Employments Thou hast strictly enjoined us to sanctifie this whole Day and to move us thereunto thou hast set before us thine own Example both of finishing all thy Works in six Days and resting the seventh and hast blessed the Day and sanctified it Yet we have not considered nor regarded these Reasons annexed to this thy holy Commandment to perswade and quicken us to this great and holy Duty Pardon us O Lord according to the Riches of thy Grace this our Transgression and seeing thou givest us hopes of enjoying another Sabbath we beseech thee help us by thy Holy Spirit to sanctifie this Sabbath by an holy Resting all this Day even from such worldly Employments and Recreations as are lawful on other Days In reading hearing singing Psalms Meditation Prayer Conference and to spend the whole time in the publick and private Exercises of thy Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the Works of Necessity and Mercy which thou shalt call us to And keep us by thy Grace from the Omission or careless Performance of the Duties required from prophaning the Day by Idleness or any thing in it self sinful or by unnecessary Thoughts Words or Works about our worldly Employments or Recreations And bless the whole Day to us For Morning for every Day according to Ans 11. Most holy the All-wise and Almighty Lord God who dost by thy most holy wise and powerful Providence preserve and govern all thy Creatures and all their Actions we do most earnestly beseech thee to give us thy Holy Spirit to preserve our Souls from Sin and Temptations to govern our Thoughts Wills Affections our Words and Actions that they may be holy Over-rule our vain sinful Thoughts Imaginations Designs Purposes Motions and Affections to Evil. Raise in us Holiness of Design in our Conversation that we may aim at thy Glory Give us Wisdom and Discretion to order all our Affairs according to thy Laws Give us Ability and Strength that by thy Power we may carry on all the Affairs and Works of our particular Calling preserve us by thy Power therein from our Enemies and from all Harm and Danger We humbly commit our selves to thy holy wise and powerful Providence we desire thy Grace to depend thereupon and to ascribe the Glory of all our Success to thy Blessing Let us see and acknowledge thee in whatsoever shall come to pass this Day for all things are by thee and through thee and for thee to whom be Glory for ever For Night O Lord who hast created the Evening and the Morning and hast by thy great Wisdom ordained the Night for Rest and that part of our Time on Earth should be spent in Sleep and Rest that being refreshed thereby we might be enabled for thy surther Service When we are at rest we have neither Knowledge to discern nor Wisdom to fore see nor Power to resist the Evils that may befal us But thou by thy holy wise and powerful Providence preservest and governest all Creatures in all their Actions Therefore we adore thy Providence and in considence of thy Wisdom Power and Goodness cast our selves upon thee this Night humbly beseeching thee to preserve our Souls from Sin that we imagine not Evil upon our Beds our Persons our Relations our Habitation our Comsorts from Danger and Destruction from all Creatures who are subject to thy Command Keep us that we sleep not the Sleep of Death let neither Men nor Devils nor any other Creature disturb or hurt us And thou who governest all Creatures and all their Actions govern us our Imaginations Affections Senses Actions that sleeping or waking we may be thine And all we beg as in the Name of Christ so for the sake of Christ AMEN Directions to use this Form Perswasions to Family-Prayer especially and Resolution of some Questions briefly touched section 1 YOu see what store of spiritual and divine Matter your Catechism doth afford you to enable you for Prayer and Thanksgiving You shall not have cause to complain of want of Matter such as you ought and such as you may make use of You need no more to say you know not what to pray for for here is a Treasure digged up in your own Ground if indeed you make this little Catechism your own Now labour with your own Hearts and in this small Treatise and the Lord by his own Spirit teach you how to pray I perceive these Prayers to grow to such a length that I sear some will be discouraged from the length and seeming tediousness of all this therefore receive these few Counsels and Directions section
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 (r) Gen. 2.2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he made V 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctisied it because that in it he rested from all his work which God created and made 1 Cor. 16.1 Now concerning the collection for the saints as I have given order to the churches of Galatia even so do ye V. 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 Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul preached to them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until midnight Sabbath Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by an holy resting all that (Å¿) Exod. 20.8 Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy V. 10. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son c. day even from such worldly Employments and Recreations as are lawful on other (t) Nehem. 13.15 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine-presses on the Sabbath-day and bringing in sheaves and lading asses as also wine grapes and figs and all manner of burthens which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath-day and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals V. 16. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein which brought fish and all manner of wares and sold on the Sabbath-day unto the children of Judah and in Jerusalem V. 17. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah and said unto them What evil thing is this that ye do and prophane the Sabbath-day V. 18. Did not your fathers thus and did not God bring all this evil upon us and upon this city yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by prophaning the Sabbath V. 19. And it came to pass that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath and some of my servants I set at the gates that there should be no burthen brought in on the Sabbath-day V. 21. Then testified I against them saying Why lodge ye about the wall If ye do so again I will lay hands on you From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath V. 22. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves and come and keep the gates to sanctifie the Sabbath Remember me O my God concerning this also c. days and spending the whole time in the publick and private Exercises of God's (u) Luk. 4.16 And he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up and as his custom was he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath-day and stood up for to read Acts 20.7 And on the first day of the week c. Psal 92. Title A psalm or song for the Sabbath-day 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. Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the works of (x) Matth. 12. from V. 1 to 13. At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath-day through the corn and his Disciples were an hungred and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat But when the Pharisees c. V. 12. Is it lawful to do well on the Sabbath-days Necessity and Mercy Q. What are the Sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the Duties (y) Ezek. 22.26 Her priests have violated my law and prophaned mine holy things they have put no difference between the holy and prophane neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and clean they have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am prophaned among them Amos 8.5 Saying When will the New Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit 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. required and the prophaning the Day by (z) Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until mid-Night V. 9. And there sate in a window a certain young man named Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul was long preaching he sunk down with sleep and fell down from the third loft and was taken up dead idleness or doing that which is in it self (a) Ezek. 23.38 Moreover thus they have done to me They have defiled my Sanctuary in the same day and have prophaned my Sabbaths sinful or by unnecessary Thoughts Words or Works about our worldly Employments or (b) Jer. 17.24 And it shall come to pass if ye diligently hearken unto me saith the Lord to bring in no burthen through the gates of this city on the Sabbath-day but hallow the Sabbath-day to do no work therein V. 25. Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David riding in chariots and on horses they and their princes the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and this city shall remain for ever V. 26. And they shall come from the city of Judah and from the places about Jerusalem and from the land of Benjamin and from the plain and from the mountains and from the south bringing burnt-offerings and sacrifices and meat-offerings and incense and bringing sacrisices of praise unto the house of the Lord. 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 the holy of the Lord honourable and shall honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Recreations Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to press the Observation of the Sabbath-day to the fourth Commandment are God's allowing us six Days of the Week for our own (c) Exod. 20.9 Six days shalt thou labour and