When did God begin this worke A. In the Beginning of time Gen. 1.1 Mark 13.19 Q. How long did God continue working before the whole worke was finished A. Six dayes in the space of six times 24. howres God finished this great worke Q. Could not God have perfected the whole worke in a moment A. Yes but it seemed good to his wisedome to take some dayes for the finishing of it that we might more easily conceive that the world was not made by chance but by counsell and might more distinctly consider the parts of the world and every days worke Q. To what end did God make the world A. For the communication of his goodnesse and the manifestation of his Glory Psal 115.16 Prov. 16.4 Rev. 4.11 Q. Hitherto of the Creation of the World in generall tell me now what are the parts of the World A. They are two The Habitations The Furniture Inhabitants Q. What are the Habitations A. They are either the higher habitations the Heavens or the lower the earth and the Sea Gen. 2.1 Exod. 20.11 Neh. 9.6 Psal 146.6 Act. 14.15 Q. How many Heavens are there A. There are three Heavens the third and highest Heaven the upper Firmament where the Sunne Moon and Starres are set and the lower Firmament or Aire wherein we breath and the birds fly 2 Cor. 12.2 Gen. 1.16 17.17 Gen. 1.20 Q. What manner of Creature is the highest Heaven A. The highest Heaven is a most glorious immoveable and unchangeable place created in the first moment of time where God is to be seen face to face and therefore it is called the Habitation of his holinesse 2 Chron. 30.27 1 Tim. 6.16 Heb. 11.10 Luk. 16.9 Gen. 1.1 Mat. 18.10 Joh. 14.2 1 King 8.30 Q. Whereof was the third Heaven made A. Immediately of nothing Gen. 1.1 Q. What Creature is next unto the highest Heaven A. The upper Firmament or Element of fire Q. How are we to conceive of this Element of fire A The fire is the highest of the Elements most hot and lightsome God said let there be light Gen 1.3 Here by light which is the most sensible qualitie of fire we are to understand fire also which hath that qualitie Q. How are we to conceive of the lower firmament or Element of Aire A. God hath made the Aire equally capable of light and darknesse and placed it next under the fire as being neerest of nature unto it he hath stretched forth the Aire like a curtaine to make a separation between the waters above which are bound up in the Clouds and the waters beneath Gen. 1.7 Hence this lower firmament or Element of Aire is divided into three parts or Regions the highest above the Clouds the middle where the Clouds hang and move and the lowest under the Clouds Psal 104.2 Psal 148.4 Q. What other elements are there A. Water and earth which are the lower Habitations And because these two lower Elements make but one globe therefore in Scripture they are often comprehended under this one terme Earth See Gen. 2.1 Col. 1.16 Psal 134.3 Act 17.24 Q. How are we to conceive of the Element of water and of the creation of it A. The water is a cold and moist element whose proper place is to succeed the Aire and cover the Earth but by Gods speciall appointment part of it is raised and lifted up above his naturall place into the middle Region of the Aire and that part of it which is below is so gathered together that it divides the Earth and is called seas Gen. 1.9 10. Psal 104.6.9 Psal 135.7 and 148.4 Job 26.8 and 38.37 Psal 33.7 and 104.8 Q. How are we to conceive of the Element of Earth and of the Creation of it A. The Earth is the dryest and heaviest of all the Elements which he hath founded upon nothing and although it hangeth upon nothing yet it stands firme and immoveable This Element the Lord made to appeare from under the waters which stood above the high mountaines Pal. 14.6 that it might be fit for habitation Gen. 1.9 Job 26.7 Psal 24.2 Psal 104.5 and 119.90 Q. Whereof were these Elements of Fire Aire Water and Earth made A. These Elements were made of that huge lump or Masse which is described Gen 1.2 The Earth was without forme and void and darknesse was upon the face of the deep Q. Seeing this Masse or Chaos was without forme and void how was it sustained A. It was sustained preserved and cherished for a time by the comfortable and powerfull motion of the holy Ghost for it is said the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters Gen. 1.2 Compare Gen. 1.2 with Deut 32.11 Q. Whereof was this huge Masse made A. Immediately of nothing Gen. 11.1 Q. Having spoken of one part of the world the Habitations it followeth to speake of the other part of the world namely the Furniture and Inhabitants tell me therefore what are the Inhabitants of the third and highest Heaven A. The glorious Angels Mat 18.10 and 24.36 Mark 12.25 Q. How are we to conceive of those glorious Angels and of the Creation of them A. The Angels are spirits created immediately of nothing whose office is to minister unto God to praise and celebrate his name and to execute his commands and therefore they are stiled Ministring spirits and are said to stand before God as his immediate Ministers and Messengers alwaies readie to doe his pleasure Heb. 1.7.14 Dan. 7.10 Ps 103.20 Is 6.2 3. Heb. 1.14 Dan. 7.10 Lu 1.19 Psal 103.21 Q. Seeing the Angels are ministring Spirits how hath God fitted them for their Ministrie A. God hath furnished them with excellent properties as namely with perspicuitie of reason and libertie of will with admirable strength and agilitie 2 Sam 14.17 Mat 24.36 2 King 10.35 Psal 103.20 2 Thes 1.7 Isa 6.2 6. Dan 9.21 Q. What is the Furniture of the second Heaven or upper Firmament A. The Lights the Sunne the Moon and the Starrs which are all Organs and Receptacles of light and have power to cast down their light upon the Earth To these lightsome bodies God hath given a motive facultie whereby they move round about the Earth that they might the better obtaine the ends for which they were created Job 26. vers 13. Deut. 4. vers 19. Q. What are the ends and uses of those Heavenly bodies A. First to give light and heate to the Inhabitants of the Earth Gen. 1.15 17. Ps 19.6 Secondly to distinguish the night from the day The Sunne was made to rule the day the Moon and the Starres to rule the night and to distinguish the day from the Month and the Moneth from the yeare Gen. 1.14 16. Psal 136.8 9. Psal 104.19 Thirdly God made them for signes and for seasons Gen. 1.14 to distinguish the set times or Seasons of the yeare as Spring Summer Autumne and winter and to be naturall signes and Instruments of those naturall events which happen in these Seasons as of storms tempests faire
weather fruitfullnesse c. Gen 8.22 Job 9.9 Deut 33.14 Job 38.31 32. Gen. 1.16 Psal 136.7 Q. Why are the Sunne and Moon called the greatest lights A. Because they are greatest in their use for they cast down the greatest portion of light they give us more light then all the Starres besides they exercise most vertue upon these terrestiall bodies See Deut. 33.14 Q. How hath God replenished the lower Firmament or Element of Aire A. With Birds with Clouds Winds and other Meteors Gen. 1.20 Psal 8.8 Dan. 7.2 13. Psal 148.8 Q. How are the waters replenished A. With swimming Fishes which God caused the waters to bring forth in abundance Gen. 1.20.21 Psal 104.25 Psal 88. Q. How hath God adorned and replenished the Earth A. The Earth is adorned within and without The Creatures which adorn the bowels of the earth are the Mineralls both Mettalls and Stones The Creatures which adorne the face of the earth are the plants both the lesser and the greater the lesser as grasse herbes flowers Corne and the greater Trees The Earth being thus adorned was replenished with inhabitants The Inhabitants of the Earth are these Birds which God made to fly in the Aire and commanded to multiply upon the Earth and therefore they have a double place they move in the Aire and rest on the Earth Gen. 1.20 22. Beasts both tame and wild going and creeping Gen. 1.24 25. The chiefest Inhabitant is Man Q. What may be observed generally concerning these Creatures which fill Heaven and Earth A. All these Creatures are called Gods Hosts and Servants they stand all in order like an Armie set in Battell aray and are alwaies readie to obey the command of God their Creator who is therefore stiled the Lord of hosts Gen. 2.1 Psal 119.91 Deu. 4.19 Jud. â— 20 Isa 45.12 1 King 22.19 Luk. 2 v. 13.15 Q. Seeing Creation was a worke of six dayes tell me therefore what was created the first day A. The third Heaven the glorious Angels that huge Masse which was the first Matter of all inconstant and corruptible things and the Element of Fire Gen. 1.1 2 3 4 5. Although the Angels be not expresly mentioned by Moses in the historie of the Creation yet it may be gathered out of Scripture that they were created before the third day These Sonnes of God did sing and shoot when God layd the foundations of the earth Job 38.4 6 7. and therefore it is most probable they were created the first day together with the highest Heaven which is their proper habitation Psal 148.2.5 Col. 1.16 Q. What was made the second day A. The Element of Aire Gen 1.6 7 8. Q. What was made the third day A. The water and the Earth which make but one globe The plants and the Mineralls Gen. 1.9 10 13. Q. What was made the fourth day A. Those Heavenly bodies the Sunne the Moone and the Starres which garnish the upper firmament Gen. 1.14.19 Q. What was made the fifth day A. The fishes of the Sea and the Foules of the Aire Gen 1.20.23 Q What was the worke of the sixth night and day A. In the night thereof as is probable God made the Beasts of the Earth and in the day thereof God made man in both sexes that is both man and woman Psal 104.20 22 23. Gen 1.24 25 26 27. Q. What divine Attributes hath God manifested in the Creation of the world A. Chiefly these three his Power Wisedome and Goodnesse In this great worke of Creation we may plainly see the footsteps of Gods infinite and eternall power of his admirable wisedome and his incomparable Goodnesse Psal 19.1 Rom. 1.20 Psalm 104.24 Q. What argument of Gods Omnipotencie may be observed from his worke of Creation A. These that follow 1. That all things were made of nothing Heb. 11.3 2. That God made the World and all things therein by his word that is by his inward will and powerfull Commands Heb. 11.3 Rom. 4.17 Psalm 33.6 9. Psalm 148.5 3. That God made the huge earth the heaviest of all the Elements to hang immoveable in the midst of the Aire without any pillar to support it Job 26.7 Jerem. 10.12 and chap. 51.15 4. The multitude of the Creatures which fill Heaven and earth these Hosts and Armies of God are innumerable Hebr 12. vers 22. Genes 15.5 Jerem. 33.22 Psalm 104.24 25. 5. The strength God hath given to many Creatures as to Angels to the Sunne to the Winds to the Leviathan and to divers Beasts See Job 39 vers 40. and chap. 41. v. 2. 2 King 19.35 Psal 19.5 6. Job 1.19 Exod. 14.21 6. That God made the earth fruitfull before he made the second and ordinarie causes which doe naturally produce this Effect God made the earth to bring forth grasse and corne and trees before the raine descended upon it and before there was a man to till the ground yea before those Heavenly bodies the Sunne the Moon and the Starres were created to send downe their influences upon the earth Genes chap. 2. vers 5. 7. That God hath given power and vertue to living Creatures to bring forth the like unto themselves for the continuance of their severall kinds Herein appeareth as the Wisedome so the Power of God Q. What Argument of Gods Wisedome may be observed from this worke of Creation A. These that follow 1. The beautie of the Heavens with their ornaments Psal 136.5 Job 26.13 Jer. 10.12 and 51.15 2. The Infinite varietie of visible Creatures the manifold wisedome of God appeareth in creating so may diverse kinds of birds of beasts of fishes of trees of herbs of Metalls of stones c. yea the wisedome of God appeareth in the exquisite frame of the smallest living creature 3. The fitnesse of every Creature for his proper end the fitnesse of the Habitations for their severall Inhabitants 4. The subordination of the Creatures God hath set the Creatures in such excellent order that they keep their severall stations and are serviceable and usefull one to another Psal 119.91 5. The naturall prudence and providence which God hath given to many unreasonable Creatures Jer 8.7 Job 39.17 Prov. 6.6 7 8. Prov. 30.24 28. Q. What other Argument of Gods Wisedome may be observed from this worke of Creation A. The Order which God observed in this worke of creation is another Argument of his wisedome For the Elements which are simple bodies were first created and then mixt bodies which are compounded of these Elements And here God proceeded from the things that are lesse perfect to those that are more perfect untill he came to the perfectest as from plants which have a single life namely a growing life to fish and foules and beasts which have a compound life and from them to Man which hath besides vegetation and sence a Reasonable soule whereby he liveth a reasonable life Q. What Argument of Gods perfection and Goodness may be observed from this worke of Creation A. These that follow 1. The goodnesse and
When the godly die their soules are carried immediately by the Angels into Abrahams bofome and their bodies shall rest in their graves as perfumed Beddes till the last day Lu 16.22 Isa 57.2 Act 7.60 1 Thes 4.13 14. Q When the soules of the wicked are separated from their bodies by death what estate shall they be in till the resurection at the last day A. When the wicked die their Soules are sent immediately to Hell and their Bodies are carryed to the darke Dungeon of the Grave where they shall be reserved unto the Judgement of the great day Luk 16.22 23. Psal 49.14 Q. Is it not a thing incredible that those bodies which have been dead many hundred yeares should be raised out of the dust and live againe A. Why is it not as credible to think that God can raise up and bring againe all those bodies that have been as to be perswaded that he can create new bodies that never yet had being The same Almightie God who gave life to all living creatures who gave being to all things out of nothing is likewise able to restore life the same God who formed mans bodie of the dust of the ground is able to quicken our dead bodies though returned to dust and to make them live againe God hath spoken it that the dead shall be raised out of the dust and his power can subdue all things to it selfe Now these two are the props of our Christian faith in this point Act 26.8 Gen 2.7 3.19 Dan 12.2 Mat. 22.31 32. 1 Cor 15. Rom. 4.17 Mat. 22.23 29. Q. When shall the generall resurrection be A. At the Glorious coming of Christ to Judgement when the world shall be desolved and destroyed with fire and the heavens and the earth shall be renewed 1 Thes 4.16 Mat. 24.30 2 Pet 3.7 10 12 13. Q. How shall the dead be raised up and gathered together A. By the mighty voice of Christ and by the ministrie of Angels Christ shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together the elect from one end of Heaven to the other At the sound of the Trumpet the dead shall rise againe everie one with his owne bodie and as many as shall then be living shall be changed suddenly in the twinkling of an eye Joh. 5.28 29. Mat. 13.49 and 24.31 1 Cor 15.51.52 Job 19.25 26 27. 1 Thes 4.15 16. Q. But shall all men rise againe both good and bad A. Yes all both good bad shall rise againe at the last day but not by the same Cause nor to the same End For the godly shall rise by the vertue of Christs resurrection to receive eternall life But the wicked shall rise by the power of Christ to be judged condemned Act 24.15 Dan. 12.2 3. Heb. 11.35 Joh. 5.28 29. Q. Expresse this more particularly What is the true cause of the Resurrection of the godly A. The godly shall be raised up by Christ as their head and Saviour In the day of Resurrection by reason of that mysticall conjunction which is between Christ and the faithfull divine and quickning vertue shall flow from Christ to the Elect and cause them to rise againe from the grave That Union which is between Christ and all true believers shall even force the grave to render up the bodies of the Saints for the Head will not be without the Members Joh 15.24 Col. 1.18 Joh. 11.25 1 Cor. 15.20 21 22 23 45. Mat. 27.52 53. 1 Thes 4.14 Q. To what end shall the bodies of the Saints be raised out of the dust A. That the Saints may be glorifyed in their Bodies as well as in their Soules As the Soules and Bodies of the Saints have been Companions in well-doing here so they shall be Companions in glorie hereafter Phil. 3.21 Mat. 13.43 1 Cor 15.42 43 44 49. 2 Cor. 5.10 Q. What is the true cause of the Resurrection of the wicked A. The wicked shall be raised up by the powerfull voice and command of Christ the Judge of all flesh and by vertue of that Curse wherein God threatned eternall death to our first Parents and to their posteritie upon their disobedience which curse shall certainly be executed upon all unbelievers and impenitent Sinners that have noe part in Christ Ioh 5.28 Gen 2.17 Q. To what end shall the bodies of the wicked be raised out of the dust A. That their bodies may partake with their soules in the punishment of sinne As the soules and bodies of the wicked have been partners and companions in evill doing so they shall be companions in Judgement and torment as they have sinned together here so they shall suffer together everlastingly hereafter Joh 5.29 2 Cor 5.10 Mat. 10.28 Q Seing the end of the generall Resurrection is that all men may come to Judgement tell me therefore who shall he the Judge A. Jesus Christ is appointed of God to be the Judge of quick and dead Act. 10.12 Ioh. 5.29 Act 17.31 Rom 2.16 and 14.10 2 Tim. 4. vers 1. Q How and in what manner shall Christ come to Judgement A. As the first comming of Christ was in meeknesse humilitie so his second comming shall be in Majestie and glory He shall come in the cloudes of Heaven with power and great glorie armed with flaming fire attended with an innumerable companie of mightite Angels by whose ministrie as the dead shall be raised so all men shall be cited and summoned to appeare before the Judgement Seate of Christ Mat 12.18 19 20. Phil 2.7 Mat 24.30 and 25.31 Act. 1.9 11. Rev. 1.7 2 Thes 1.7 8. Dan. 7.9.10 Jude 14.15 1 Thes 4.16 Q. When the dead are raised and all men summoned to appeare before Christ the supreame Iudge then how shall they be ranged and sorted A. As the Shepheard when the Evening cometh gathereth his flocks and separateth the sheep from the Goates so in the Evening of the World Christ the good Shepheard shall divide the whole world into two flocks shall separate the good from the bad the sheep that is the Godly he shall set on his right hand but the goates that is the wicked on the left Mat. 25.32 33. Q. When the whole world shall be arraigned before the Tribunall of Christ then how shall every man be tryed and jndged A. All men shall be judged according to their workes as the plainest proofes and most evident signes of Faith or infidelitie Every one shall receive the things done in his bodye according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5 10. Mat. 16.27 Mat. 25.35 36. and vers 42.43 Rom. 2.6 Rev. 11.18 and 22.12 Q. How shall all men be examined and their workes made manifest A. By the Books that shall be opened Rev. 20.12 Dan 7.10 Q. What bookes are they that shall be opened A. The book of Gods remembrance and the book of every mans conscience Christ the supreame Judge who searcheth the hearts of all men will then
are the Attributes of God A. They are those essentiall Properties which are attributed to God in Scripture that we may thereby the better conceive of his incomprehensible Essence Q. How may sorts are there of these divine Properties A. Two the Attributes of God are either Principall and incommunicable or Secondarie and communicable Q. What are the principall Attributes of God A. They are these absolute perfection infinitenesse and Immutabilitie Q. Why are these Attributes stiled incommunicable A. First because they are so proper to God that they are not communicable to any Creature Secondly because they are not only incommunicable themselves but make all the other Attributes of God incomunicable also Q. How are we to co nceive of Gods Perfection A. 1. God hath all excellencies in him in the highest degree and whatsoever facultie Vertue or propertie is attributed to God is absolutely perfect Genes 17.1 Mat. 5.48 Mark 10. vers 18. 2. Whatsoever excellencies are attributed to God are in him not by participation but originally and from himselfe Iam. 1.17 3. God is so good and perfect of himselfe that he hath all fullnesse of delight and contentment in himselfe and needeth nothing out of himselfe to make him blessed and happie and therefore he is stiled the Blessed God Mark 14.61 and 1 Tim. I. 11. Q. How are we to conceive of Gods infinitenesse A. God is infinite in Essence God hath neither Matter nor forme which are the propper limits of Essence and therefore his Essence is unlimited and infinite 2. God is infinite in Quantitie and greatnesse Here Immensitie and Ubiquitie are attributed to God 3. God is infinite in Time and this is called his Eternitie Q. What is Gods Immensitie A. It is a divine Attribute whereby is noted that God is without all dimensions God measureth all things but cannot himselfe be measured by any thing He is higher then heaven deeper then hell longer then the earth broader then the Sea Is 40.12 Jhb 11.8 9. And from this Immensitie of God flowes his Ubiquitie Q. What is Gods Vbiquitie A. It is a divine Attribute whereby is noted that God is without and within all places no where excluded no where included God fils heaven and earth with his presence and the Heaven of Heavens cannot containe him God is contained only in himselfe Psal 139.7 8 9 10. Isai 66.1 Jer 23.24 Q. What is Gods Eternitie A. It is a divine Attribute whereby is noted that God is before and after all times He is the first and the last without beginning and without end God is at all times yet without respect of time for one day is with the Lord as a thousand yeares and a thousand yeares as one day 2 Pet. 3.8 1 Tim. 1.17 Isa 40.28 and chap. 44.6 Rev. 1.8 11. Job 66. vers 26. Psalm 90. vers 2 4. Q What followes upon Gods Infinitenesse A. His immutabilitie God is therefore immutable because he is infinite Q. What is Gods immutabilitie A. It is a divine Attribute whereby is noted that God is in no sort mutable or changeable but continues alwaies one and the same without any manner of mutation alteration or change whatsoever Mal. 3.6 Psal 102.26 27. Jam. 1.17 Q What are the other Attributes of God which you called Secondarie and communicable A. They are these Life Understanding Will Power Holinesse Justice Mercie Truth and Fidelitie with many the like Q Why are these Attributes stiled communicable A. Because we may see some shadowes and glimpses of them in men and Angels Q. What is the life of God A. It is that divine Facultie whereby God after an incomprehensible manner liveth of himselfe moveth himselfe to his proper workes and communicateth life to others Deu. 5.26 Josh 3.10 Jer 10.10 Dan. 6.26 Act 14.15 1 Thes 1.9 Joh. 5.26 Dent 30.20 Psal 36. v. 9. Q. What is the understanding of God A. Gods understanding is the same with his Knowledge and wisedome it may thus be described It is that divine Facultie whereby God knoweth and comprehendeth himselfe and all things else after a perfect and divine manner Rom. 11.33 Psal 147.5 Mat. 11.27 1 Cor. 2.11 Psal 139.2 3 4. 1 King 8.39 Heb. 4.15 Q Tell me more plainly in what manner doth God understand all things A. God doth not understand all things successively or by discourse collecting one thing from another but he knoweth and comprehendeth all things by one simple and eternall act so that all things both past and to come are present before him Q What is the will of God A. It is that divine Facultie whereby God most freely approveth or disapproveth whatsoever he knoweth and willeth whatsoever may make for his owne glory And this will of God is the first and highest cause of all things See Psal 115.3 Eph. 1.11 Exod. 33.19 Mat. 11.25 26. 1 Cor. 10.5 Q. Doth not God therefore will a thing because it is good A. No Gods will is the rule of all Goodness and Justice because God willeth this or that therefore the thing is good and just not because it is good and just therefore he willeth it Dan. 4.35 Mat. 20.15 Rom. 9.18 Q. How are we to conceive of the power of God Almighty A. Gods Power or Omnipotencie is as it were the Instrument of his will it is that divine propertie whereby God is able to doe whatsoever he will yea whatsoever is simply possible for so perfect an Essence As for those things which imply and argue imperfection of nature or imperfection of Grace it were dishonourable for God to doe them and therefore he cannot doe them God cannot lye God cannot denie himselfe God cannot die c. not out of impotency or weaknesse but because these contradict the perfection of his divine nature Job 42.2 Psal 115.3 and 135.6 Mat. 19.26 Luk. 1.37 Tit. 1.2.2 Tim 2.13 Jam. 1.13 Q. What is Gods holinesse A. It is an Attribute generally noting the vertues of God and the puritie of his divine Nature God is so perfectly pure from sinne in himselfe that he cannot endure any sinne in his Creatures And this Holinesse of God doth appeare in his Justice Mercie Truth and other Vertues Isa 6.3 Heb. 1.13 Psal 5.4 Q. What is his Justice A. It is that divine Attribute whereby God is most just and Righteous in himselfe and exerciseth justice towards his Creatures as in rewarding and blessing them that doe well so in punishing them that doe evill Deut 32.4 Psal 119.137 and 145.17 Exod. 20.5.9 and 34.7 Rom. 2.6 7 8 10. 2 Thes 1.6 7. Q. What is Gods Mercie A. It is that divine Propertie whereby God hath compassion on them that are in miserie though they have offended him and readie of himselfe to pardon their offences and to help them This Mercie of God appeareth abundantly in his a Patience b Long-suffering and c Bountifullnesse towards Sinners Jud 10.16 Exod 34.6 7. Psal 103.8 9. c. Psalm 145.8 Mic 7.18 See Rom. 2.4 a Isa 1.24 Psal 50.21 Act 17.30 Rom 3.25 b
Cor. 8.4 5 6. And from this Unitie of Essence necessarily followes the Cooperation of these three Persons as they have one and the same Essence so they worke one and the same thing inseparably Gen. 1.1 26. Joh. 1.3 Joh 5.17 19 21. Q. How may this truth be confirmed that these three Persons have one and the same divine Essence A. By these Arguments First because the divine Essence being most simple and infinite is not subject to multiplication or division the divine Essence cannot be multiplied with the Persons nor divided between them Secondly because the same divine Names are are given to each person As the a Father is God so the b Son is God and the c Holy Ghost is God As the d Father is Jehovah or Lord so the e Sonne is Jehova and the f Holy Ghost is Jehova a Joh 17.3 Heb. 1.1 2. b Isa 9.6 Joh. 1.1 Act 20.28 Rom 9.5 c Act 5.34 1 Cor. 3.16 d Psal Psal 110.1 Gen. 19.24 e Jer. 23.6 Isa 25.9 Zech 2.10 11. f Act. 28.25 compared with Isa 6.3 5 9. Thirdly because the same essentiall Attributes and properties are given to each person As the Father is eternall So the a Sonne is eternall and the b Holy Ghost eternall As the Father is omnipotent so the c Sonne is omnipotent and the d Holy Ghost omnipotent c. a Joh. 1.1 and 17.5 Mic. 5.2 Rev. 1.17 b Gen 1.2 Heb. 9.14 c Joh 3.31 Phil. 3.21 Rev. 1.8 d 1 Cor 12.8 9 10 11. Luk. 11.20 Mat. 12.28 Q. How are we to conceive of the Distinction of these three Persons A. Although these three Persons have one and the same Essence yet they differ really one from another so that one is not one cannot be the other The Father is God the Son is God and the Holy Ghost is God but the Father is not the Sonne neither is the Holy Ghost either Father or Sonne Q. Tell me more particularly wherein doe these three Persons differ A. They differ not in degree or dignitie as they are coessentiall so they are coequall But these three persons are distinct Joh 5.17 18. Phil. 2.6 Col. 2.9 1. In Order and manner of subsisting 2. In their Relative properties 3. In manner of working Q. Seeing these three Persons differ not in dignitie why is one set before another A. Although these three persons be equall yet one is in order before another according to their manner of subsisting As the Father before the Sonne and both of them before the Holy Ghost Math. chap. 28. vers 19. 1 Joh. 5. vers 7. The Father is the Person without beginning and therefore the first in order The Sonne is of the Father alone and therefore the second Person in order The holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Sonne and therefore the third Person in order Q. Seeing these three Persons are distinguished by their Relative Properties tell me therefore what kind of Properties are these A. They are individuall and incommunicable Q. What may be observed from hence A. That these three subsistencies the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost are not improperly called Persons because they are distinguished one from another by incommunicable individuall and personall properties Q. What is the Fathers relative and personall propertie A. To be unbegotten and to beget Psal 2.7 Heb. 1.5 Q. What is the Sonnes personall Propertie A. To be begotten Joh. 1.14.18 and 3.16 1 Joh. 4.9 Q. What is the Holy Ghosts Personall propertie A. To proceed Joh. 15.16 Q. Seeing these three Persons although they worke one and the same thing yet not after the same manner tell me therefore how are we to conceive of this third difference A. Each Person worketh according to the manner of his subsisting As Cooperation flowes from the Unitie of these three persons in Essence so this distinct manner of working flowes from the distinct manner of their subsisting Q. What is the Fathers manner of working A. As the Father is first in subsisting so he is first in working The Father worketh of himself by the Son and the Holy Ghost and therefore the Originall and beginning of all things is given to the Father Q. What is the Sonnes manner of working A. As the Sonne is from the Father so he worketh from the Father by the Holy Ghost and therefore the dispensation of all things is given to the Sonne Joh. 5.19 Joh. 16.15 Q. What is the Spirits manner of working A. As the Spirit is both from the Father and the Sonne so he worketh from them both And because he worketh from the Father and the Sonne therefore the Consummation and finishing of all things is given to the Holy Ghost Joh 16.13 14 15. DOCT. III. Of the Creation of the World Q. WHat workes are attributed to God the Father A. Creation and Providence We professe to believe in God the Father maker of Heaven and earth a faithfull Creator in which words we acknowledge God the Father to have created the world once and to preserve and govern it alwaies 1 Pet. 4.19 Q. Was Creation the first worke of God A. Creation was the first outward worke of God but not simply the first Action of God For Gods Decree is the Foundation of all his outward workes God worketh according to his wise Counsell and eternall Decree Whatsoever God hath done in time he purposed and decreed to doe before all time Ephes 1. vers 11. Q. What is Gods Purpose or decree A. It is an eternall action of Gods will whereby he hath freely and immutably determined of all things that ever have been or shall be Ephes 1.11 Act 2.23 and 4.28 Isai 14.24 Act. 17.3 And this eternall decree God executeth in the Creation and Government of all things Q What is Creation A Creation is the first part of the execution of Gods decree whereby he made the world of nothing Gen 1.1 Heb 11.3 Rom 4. vers 17. Q. Why is Creation especially ascribed to God the Father A. Because the Fathers manner of working to whom the Originall of all things is given doth here principally appeare for all things had their originall and beginning here before God begunne this worke there was not any thing but God the Creator Now when creation is attributed to the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost are not excluded for Creation being an outward action is common to the three persons the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost did worke together in the Creation of the world See Gen. 1.1 2 26. Joh. 1.3 Col. 1.16 Job 33.4 Q. By what meanes with what Instruments did God make the world A. God used no other instrument but his powerfull word God made all things by his word that is by his inward will and effectuall command Gen. 1.3 6 9. Psal 33.6 9. Psal 148.5 Q What was the generall condition and disposition of all things that were made A. Every thing that God made was good in his kind and the whole worke was excellent and beautifull Gen. 1.31 Q
the execution of Gods Decree whereby he preserveth and governeth all the Creatures which he hath made and provideth for every one of them Neh. 9.6 Psal 36.6 Pfal 136.25 145.15 16. 1 Pet. 4.19 and 5.7 A. What are the severall Acts and operations of Gods generall Providence A. They are chiefly five Q. What is the first of them A. God foreseeth the wants and necessities of his creatures whatsoever is needfull for the preservation of any creature Math. 6.32 Act 15.18 Q. What is the second A. God prepareth for his Creatures and bestoweth upon them whatsoever he knoweth to be needfull for their preservation For the preserving of their severall kinds he hath given unto plants the power of propagation and to sensitive Creatures the power of Generation with a strong desire of posteritie And for the preserving of Singulars he giveth them food and nourishment and shelter also to keep them from outward violence Act. 17.25 Jon. 1.17 Psal 145 15 16. Psal 147.9 Mat. 6.26 Psal 104.10 11 12 14 16 17 18 21 27 28. Q. What is the third A. God sustaineth all his creatures as their essence and being so those powers faculties and qualities which he hath bestowed upon them Act 17.28 Heb. 1.3 Q. What is the fourth A. God moveth and worketh in and with the Creature God is an universall and efficient cause of all motions in the creature 1 Cor. 12.6 Ephes 1.11 Q. What is the fifth A. God doth order the Creature to an End and diverts every Creature to his proper end As God hath made every Creature for an end so he preserves the Creature for it guids the Creature to it Psal 104.19 Prov. 30 25. Q. What are the generall ends of divine providence A. The good of the Creature and the glorie of the Creator and Governour Rom. 11.36 Q. How is the divine providence distinguished A. It is either ordinarie or extraordinarie Q. What is Gods ordinarie Providence A. Gods ordinarie providence is that whereby he provideth for his Creatures by ordinarie meanes Now seeing this is Gods usuall and ordinarie manner of working both in workes of Nature and in workes of Grace therefore to depend upon Gods Extraordinarie Providence without using the ordinarie meanes when the Lord doth afford them is to tempt God Psal 147.8 9. Hos 2.21 22. Act 14.17 Rom 10.13 14 15. Mat. 4.5 6 7. Q. What is Gods extraordinarie providence A. Gods extraordinarie Providence is that whereby he provideth for his Creatures extraordinarily and by miracle Sometimes God leaps over the second causes and workes the end without the Meanes and this is called Gods immediate Providence Thus God sustained Moses and Elias 40. dayes together without meat or drink Sometimes God worketh above naturall meanes and by miracle Thus the Israelites were sustained fortie yeares together in the wildernesse by Gods extraordinarie providence Thus God preserved Shadrach Meshach and Abednego in the midst of the burning fierie furnace miraculously Exod. 14.21 22. Josh 3. vers 15.16 1 King 17.4 6. Exod. 34.28 1 King 19.8 Deut. 8.3 4. 29.5 Neh. 9.20 21. Dan. 3. Q. What is a Miracle A. A Miracle is an extraordinarie worke exceeding the abilitie of all second causes as to make the Sunne stand still to make the Sunne goe back to raise the dead and the like Now this is proper to God to worke true miracles See Psal 72.18 and 86.10 Josh 10.12 13. Isa 38.8 Joh. 11.43 44. Joh. 9.16 Q. What is the Object of divine providence A. The providence of God extendeth to all things whatsoever not one sparrow is forgotten of God the very haires of our heads are all numbred There is not any Creature either in Heaven or in Earth there is not any thing belonging to any Creature but the Providence of God extendeth unto it As the glorious Angels the proper inhabitants of the highest heaven are under the hand of Gods Government so the basest wormes that creep upon the earth are under the eye of God providence Luk. 12.6 Mat. 10.29 30. Jon. 4.7 Q. Doth the providence of God extend to those things which come to passe by casualtie A. Yes as the providence of God extendeth to all things great and small so to all events necessarie and contingent or casuall The lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Prov. 16.33 Deuteron 19. vers 5. compared with Exod. 21.13 Jon. 1. vers 7. Q. But doth any thing come to passe by chance A. Nothing cometh to passe by meer chance Indeed those Events which were not foreseen or intended by us the second causes whereof we are ignorant of are called casuall and such things are said to fall out casually or by chance But no event is simply casuall that is so casuall as that the providence of God should not extend to it For divine Providence hath an hand in governing those events which seem casuall to us that are ignorant of the second causes of them We must not therefore ascribe that to Fortune which is to be attributed to divine providence What cometh to us by chance we must make account it is of Gods sending See Mark chap. 14.13 16. 1 Samuel 9. vers 16. Q. May Christians use these termes of chance and Fortune A. Religion doth not absolutely forbid us to use the terme chance or fortune but these are Heathenish words and therefore Christians must use them warily and sparingly Luk. 10.31 Deu. 22.6 Q. What other particulars are comprehended under the generall object of divine Providence A. As the providence of God extendeth to all things great and small necessarie and casuall so it extendeth to all Actions and to all Events good and evill Proverb 15. vers 3. Q. How doth the Providence of God extend to evill and sinfull actions Is God the Author of any sinne A. Farre be it from us to think that God is the Author of that sinne whereof he is the Avenger the Lord hateth forbiddeth condemneth and punisheth all sinne and therefore he is not the Author of any sinne We may rather accuse the Sunne which is the Fountaine of light to be the cause of darknesse then accuse God who is goodnesse it selfe to be the cause and Author of sinne Yea God is so farre from being the Author of sinne that he would never suffer it were it not for the good that he can draw out of it Deut. 32.4 Psalm 5.5 and 92.15 Rom. 3.5 6. Jam. 1.13 Q. How then doth the Providence of God extend to evill and sinfull actions A. God is neither the Author nor Actor of any Sin nor yet an idle spectator of sinners but he acteth the part of a Judge and of a Governour The Lord hath a powerfull hand in governing the transgressions of all sinners yet so as he is most free from all staine of sinne and unrighteousnesse Read and consider these testimonies of Scripture Gen. 45.5 7 8. Exod. 1.9 10 11. compared with Psal 105.25 Exod. 4.21 and 5.1 2. and