what condition doth Jesus Christ exercise these Offices A. Hee did in a low estate of humiliation on earth but now in a glorious estate of exaltation in heaven Q. What is the Church of Christ A. The universall company of Gods Elect called to the adoption of children Q. How come wee to bee members of this Church A. By a lively faith Q. What is a lively faith A. An assured resting of the soule upon Gods promises of mercy in Jesus Christ for pardon of sins here and glory hereafter Q. How come wee to have this faith A. By the effectuall working of the spirit of God in our hearts freely calling us from the state of Nature to the state of Grace Q. Are wee accounted righteous for our faith A. No but onely for the righteousnesse of Christ freely imputed unto us and laid hold of by faith Q. 1. Is there no more required of us but faith onely A. Yes repentance also and holinesse Q. 2. What is repentance A. A forsaking of all sin with godly sorrow for what wee have committed Q. 3. What is that holinesse which is required of us A. Universall obedience to the will of God revealed unto us Q. What are the priviledges of beleevers A. First union with Christ secondly adoption of children thirdly communion of Saints fourthly right to the seales of the new Covenant fifthly Christian liberty sixtly resurrection of the body to life eternall Q. 1. What are the Sacraments or seales of the new Covenant A. Visible seales of Gods spirituall promises made unto us in the blood of Jesus Christ Q. 2. Which bee they A. Baptism and the Lords Supper Q. What is Baptisme A. An holy Ordinance whereby being sprinkled with water according to Christs institution wee are by his grace made children of God and have the promises of the Covenant sealed unto us Q. What is the Lords Supper A. An holy Ordinance of Christ appointed to communicate unto beleevers his body and blood spiritually being represented by bread and wine blessed broken powred out and received of them Q. 2. Who have a right unto this Sacrament A. They onely who have an interest in Jesus Christ by faith Q. What is the communion of Saints A. An holy conjunction between all Gods people partakers of the same Spirit and members of the same mysticall body Q. What is the end of all this dispensation A. The glory of God in our salvation Glory bee to God on high THE Greater Catechisme CHAP. I. Of the Scripture Question 1. WHat is Christian Religion Answ. The only a way of (1) (2) knowing God aright and b living unto him a Joh. 14.5 â—oh 17.3 Act. 4.12 b Col. 1.10 2 Cor. 5.15 Gal. 2.19 20. Q. 2. Whence is it to bee learned A. From the holy (3) Scripture onely Isa. 8.20 Joh. 5.39 Q. 3. What is the Scripture A. The books of the a Old and b New (4) (5) (6) Testament c given by inspiration from God containing all things necessary to bee beleeved and done that God may bee worshipped and our soules saved a Isa. 8.20 Rom. 3.2 b Rev. 22.19 20. c 2 Tim. 2.16 17. Psal. 19.7 8. Jer. 7.31 Joh. 20.31 Q. 4. How know you them to bee the word of God A. By the a testimony (7) of Gods Spirit working faith in my heart to close with that b heavenly Majesty and cleare divine truth that shineth in them a Matth. 16.17 Joh. 16.13 1 Thess. 2.13 1 Joh. 2.20 1 Joh. 5.6 b Luk 24.32 1 Cor. 2.14 Heb. 4.12 2 Pet. 1.19 CHAP. II. Of God Q. 1. What doe the Scriptures teach concerning God A. First what hee is or his Nature secondly what hee doth or his Works Exod. 3.14 Isa. 44.6 Heb. 1.1 2 3. Heb. 11.6 Q. 2. What is God in himselfe A. An a eternall b infinite c (1) (2) (3) incomprehensible d spirit e giving beeing to all things and doing with them whatsoever hee pleaseth a Deut. 33.37 Isa. 57.15 Revel. 1.8 b 1 King 8.27 Psal. 139.2 3 4 5. c. c Exod. 32.20 1 Tim. 6.16 d Joh. 4 24. e Gen. 1.1 Psal. 115.3 135.6 Isa. 46.10 Joh. 5 17. Heb. 1.2 Q. 3. Doe wee here know God as hee is A. No his glorious beeing is not of us in this life to bee comprehended Exod. 33.23 1 Cor. 13.12 Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefely made known unto us in the word A. First by his f Names secondly by his g Attributes or properties f Exod. 3.14 ch. 6.3 Psa. 83.18 g Exo. 34.6 7. Mat. 5.48 Q. 5. What are the names of God A. Glorious titles which hee (4) hath given himselfe to hold forth his excellencies unto us with some perfections wherby hee will reveale himselfe Exod. 3 14 15. 6.3 34.6 7. Gen. 17.1 Q. 6. What are the Attributes of God A. His infinite perfections in being and working Revelat. 4.8 9 10 11. Q. 7. What are the chiefe attributes of his beeing A. a Eternity b infinitenesse c simplicity (1) (2) or purity d all-sufficiency e perfectnesse f immutability g life h will and i understanding a Deut. 33.37 Psal. 93.2 Esa. 57.15 Revel. 1.11 b 1 King 8.27 Psal. 139.1 2 3 4.8 9. c Exod. 3.14 d Gen. 17.1 Psal. 135.4 5. e Joh. 11.7 8 9. Rom. 11.33 34 35 36. f Mal. 3.6 Jam. 1.17 g Judg 8.19 1 Sam. 25.34 2 King 3.14 Ezek. 14.16 16.48 Mâ—tth 16.16 Act. 24.15 1 The 1.9 h Dan. 11.3 Esa. 46.10 Ephes. 1.5.11 Jam. 1.18 i Psal. 7.2 139 2. 147.4 Ier. 11.20 Heb. 4.13 Q. 8. What are the attributes which usually are ascribed to him in his works or the acts of his will A. k Goodnesse l power m (3) (4) justice n mercy o holinesse p wisdome and the like which hee delighteth to exercise towards his creatures for the praise of his glory k Psal. 119 68. Mat. 19.17 l Exod. 15.11 Psal. 62.10 Revel. 19.1 m Zeph. 3.5 Psal. 11.7 Ierem. 12.1 Rom. 1.32 n Psal. 130.7 Rom. 9.15 Ephes. 2.4 o Exod. 15.11 Iosh. 24.19 Hab. 1.13 Revel. 4.8 p Rom. 11.33 16.17 CHAP. III. Of the holy Trinity Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these properties doe belong A. a One onely in respect of his Essence and being but one b in three distinct persons of Father Sonne and holy Ghost a Deut. 6.4 Matth. 19.17 Ephes. 4.5 6. b Gen. 1.7 1 Ioh. 5.7 Matth. 28.19 Q. 2. What mean you by Person A. A distinct manner of (1) (2) (3) subsistence or beeing distinguished from the other Persons by its own properties Ioh. 5.17 Heb. 1.3 Q. 3. What is the distinguishing property of the person of the Father A. To bee of himself onely the fountain of the God-head Ioh. 5.26 27. Ephes. 1.3 Q. 4. What is the property of the Son A. To be begotten of his Father from eternity Psal. 2.7 Ioh. 1.14 3.16 Q. 5.
What of the Holy Ghost A. To proceed from the Father and the Son Ioh. 14.17 16.14 15.26 20.22 Q. 6. Are these three one A. One a every way in Nature Will and Essentiall properties b distinguished onely in their personall manner of subsistence a Ioh. 10.30 Rom. 3.30 b Ioh. 15.26 1 Ioh. 5.7 Q. 7. Can wee conceive these things as they are in themselves A. Neither a wee nor yet the b Angels (4) of Heaven are at all able to dive into these secrets as they are internally in God c but in respect of the outward dispensation of themselves to us by creation redemption and sanctification a knowledge may be attained of these things saving and heavenly a 1 Tim. 6.16 b Esa. 6.2 3. c Col. 1.11 12 13 14. CHAP. IV. Of the works of God and First of those that are internall and immanent Q. 1. What doe the Scriptures teach concerning the works of God A. That they are of two sorts first internall (1) in his counsell decrees and purposes towards his creatures secondly externall in his works over and about them to the praise of his own glory Act. 15.18 Prov. 16.4 Q. 2. What are the decrees of God A. a Eternall b unchangeable purposes (2) (3) (4) of his will concerning the beeing and wel-beeing of his creatures a Mich. 5.2 Ephes. 3.9 Act. 15.18 b Esa. 14.24 Esa. 46.10 Rom. 9.12 2 Tim. 2.19 Q. 3. Concerning which of his creatures chiefly are his decrees to bee considered A. Angels and Men for whom other things were ordained 1 Tim. 5.21 Jud. 6. Q. 4. What are the decrees of God concerning men A. Election and Reprobation Rom. 9.11 12. Q. 5. What is the decree of election A. The a eternall b free c immutable (5) (6) purpose of God d whereby in Jesus Christ he chuseth unto himselfe whom hee pleaseth out of e whole mankinde determining to bestow upon them for his sake f grace here and everlasting happinesse hereafter for the praise of his glory by the way of mercy a Ephes. 1.4 Act. 13.48 Rom. 8.29 30. b Mat. 11.26 c 2 Tim. 2.19 d Ephes. 1.4 5. Mat. 22.14 e Rom. 9.18 19 20 21. f Ioh. 6.37 chap. 17.6.9 10.24 Q. 6. Doth any thing in us move the Lord thus to chuse us from amongst others A. No in no wise wee are in the same lumpe with others rejected when separated by his undeserved grace Rom. 9.11 12. Matth. 11.25 1 Cor. 4.7 2 Tim. 1.9 Q. 7. What is the decree of Reprobation A. The eternall purpose of God to suffer many to sin leave them in their sin and not giving them to Christ to punish them for their sin Rom. 9.11 12 21 22. Prov. 16.4 Mat. 11.25 26. 2 Pet. 2.12 Iude 4. CHAP. V. Of the works of God that outwardly are of him Q. 1. What are the works of God that outwardly respect his creatures A. First of Creation secondly of (1) actuall providence Psal. 33.9 Heb. 1.2 3. Q. 2. What is the work of creation A. An act or work of Gods Almighty power whereby of nothing in six dayes hee created Heaven Earth and the Sea with all things in them contained Gen. 1.1 Exod. 20.11 Prov. 16.4 Q. 3. Wherefore did God make man A. For his own glory in his service (2) (3) and obedience Gen. 1.26 27. 2.16 17. Rom. 9.23 Q. 4. Was man able to yeeld the service and worship that God required of him A. Yea to the uttermost being created upright in the Image of God in purity innocency righteousnesse and holinesse Gen. 1.26 Eccles. 7.29 Ephes. 4.24 Col. 3.10 Q. 5. What was the rule whereby man was at first to bee directed in his obedience A. The Morall or eternall Law of (4) God implanted in his Nature and writen in his heart by creation being the tenor of the Covenant between God and him Sacramentally typifyed by the tree of knowledge of good and evill Gen. 2.15 16 17. Rom. 2.14 15. Ephes. 4.24 Q. 6. Doe we stand in the same Covenant still and have wee the same power to yeeld obedience unto God A. No the a Covenant was (5) broken by the sin of Adam with whom it was made b our nature corrupted c and all power to doe good utterly lost a Gen. 3.16 17 18. Gal. 3.10 11 21. Hâ—b. 7.19 8.13 b Iob 14.4 Psal. 51.5 c Gen. 6.5 Ier. 13.23 CHAP. VI Of Gods actuall providence Q. 1. What is Gods actuall providence A. The effectuall working of his (1) (2) (3) power and Almighty act of his will whereby hee sustaineth governeth and disposeth of all things Men and their actions to the ends which hee hath ordained for them Exod. 4.11 Iob 5.10 11 12. 9.5 6. Psal. 147.4 Prov. 15.3 Esa. 45.6 7. Joh. 5.17 Act. 17.28 Heb. 1.3 Q. 2. How is this providence exercised towards mankinde A. Two wayes first a peculiarly towards his Church or Elect in their generations for whom are all things secondly b towards all in a generall manner yet with various and divers dispensations a Deut. 32.10 Psal. 17.8 Zech. 2.8 Mat. 16.18 19.2.29 1 Pet. 5.7 b Gen. 9.5 Psal. 75.6 7. Esa. 45.6 Mat. 5.45 Q. 3. Wherein chiefly consists the outward providence of God towards his Church A. In three things first in a causing all (4) things to work together for their good secondly in b ruling and disposing of Kingdomes Nations and Persons for their benefit thirdly c in avenging them of their adversaries a Mat. 6.31 32 33. Rom. 8.28 1 Tim. 6.16 2 Pet. 1.3 b Psal. 105.14 15. Esa. 44.28 Dan. 2.44 Rom. 9.17 c Esa. 60.12 Zech. 12.2 3 4 5. Luk. 18.7 Revel. 17.14 Q. 4. Doth God rule also in and over the sinfull actions of wicked men A. Yea hee willingly according (5) to his determinate counsell suffereth them to bee for the manifestation of his glory and by them effecteth his own righteous ends 2 Sam. 12.11 16.10 1 Kin. 11.31 22.22 Iob 1.21 Prov. 22.14 Esa. 10.6 7. Ezek. 21.19 20 21. Amos 7.17 Act. 4.27 28. Rom. 1.24 9.22 1 Pet. 2.8 Revel. 17.17 Q 5. Doth the providence of God extend it self to every small thing A. The least grasse of the field haire of our heads or worm of the earth is not exempted from his knowledge and care Iob 39. Psal. 104.21 145.15 Ionah 4.7 Mat. 6.26 27 28 29. 10.29 30. CHAP. VII Of the Law of God Q. 1. Which is the Law that God gave man at first to fulfill A. The same which was afterwards (1) writen with the finger of God in two Tables of stone on Mount Horeb called the ten Commandements Rom. 2.14 15. Q. 2. Is the observation of this Law still required of us A. Yes to the uttermost tittle Mat. 5.17 1 Joh. 3.4 Rom. 3.31 Iam. 2.8 Gal. 3. Q. 3. Are wee able of our selves to (2) (3) perform it A.
THE Principles of the Doctrine of Christ Vnfolded in two short CATECHISMES Wherein those principles of Religion are explained the knowledge whereof is required by the late Ordinance of Parliament before any person bee admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper For the use of the Congregation at Fordham in the County of Essex By John Owen Pastor there Come yee children hearken unto me I will teach you the feare of the Lord Psal. 34.11 LONDON Printed by R. Cotes for Philemon Stephens at the guilded Lion in Pauls Church-yard 1645. TO My loving Neighbours and Christian Friends at FORDHAM Brethren MY hearts desire and request unto God for you is that yee may bee saved I say the truth in Christ also I lye not my conscience bearing mee witnesse in the Holy Ghost that I have great heavinesse and continuall sorrow in my heart for them amongst you who as yet walk disorderly and not as beseemeth the Gospel little labouring to acquaint themselves with the mystery of godlinesse for many walk of whom I have told you often weeping and now tell you again with sorrow that they are the enemies of the crosse of Christ whose end is destruction whose God is their belly who minde earthly things You know Brethren how I have been amongst you and in what manner for these two yeers past and how I have kept back nothing to the utmost of the dispensation to mee committed that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and taught you publickly and from house to house testifying to all repentance towards God and faith towards our Lorâ— Jesus Christ Now with what sincerity this hath bin by mee performed with what issue and successe by you received God the righteous Judge will one day declare for before him must both you and I appear to give an account of the dispensation of the glorious Gospel amongst us in the mean while the desire of my heart is to bee sâ—rvant to the least of you in the work of the Lord And that in any way which I can conceive profitable unto you either in your persons or your families Now amongst my indevours in this kinde after the Ordinance of publick Preaching the Word there is not I conceive any more needfull as all will grant that know the estate of this place how taught of late dayes how full of grossely ignorant persons then Catechising which hath caused me to set aside some houres for the compiling of these following which also I have procured to bee Printed meerly because the least part of the Parish are able to read it in writing my intention in them being principally to hold out those necessary truths wherein you have been in my Preaching more fully instructed as they are the use of them I shall briefly present unto you 1. The lesser Catechisme may bee so learned of the younger sort that they may bee ready to answer to every question thereof 2. The greater will call to minde much of what hath been taught you in publick especially concerning the person aâ—â— Offices of Jesus Christ 3. Out of that you may have help to instruct your families in the lesser being so framed for the most part that a Chapter of the one is spent in unfolding a question of the other 4. The texts of Scripture quoted are dâ—ligently to bee sought out and pondered that you may know indeed whether these things are so 5. In â—eading the Word you may have light into the meaning of many places by considering what they are here produced to confirme 6. I have been sparing in the doctrine of the Sacraments because I have already been so frequent in examinations about them 7. The handling of morall duties I have wholly omitted because by Gods assistance I intend for you a briefe explication of the Lords Prayer and the ten Commandements with some Articles of the Creed not unfolded in these by themselves by the way of Question and Answer Now in all this as the paines hath been mine so I pray that the benefit may bee yours and the praise his to whom alone any good that is in this or any thing else is to bee ascribed Now the God of heaven continue that peace love and amity amongst our selves which hitherto hath ben unshaken in these divided times and grant that the Scepter and Kingdome of his Son may bee gloriously advanced in your hearts that the things which concern your peace may not bee hidden from your eyes in this your day which is the daily prayer of From my Study Septem. the last Your servant in the work of the Lord J.O. THE Lesser Catechisme Question WHence is all truth concerning God and our selves to bee learned Answ. From the holy Scripture the Word of God Q. What doe the Scriptures teach that God is A. An eternall infinite most holy Spirit giving beeing to all things and doing with them whatsoever hee pleaseth Q. Is there but one God A. One onely in respect of his essence and being but one in three distinct persons of Father Son and Holy Ghost Quest What else is held forth in the Word concerning God that wee ought to know A. His Decrees and his Works Q What are the Decrees of God concerning us A. His eternall purposes of saving some by Jesus Christ for the praise of his glory and of condemning others for their sins Q. What are the works of God A. Acts or doings of his power whereby hee createth sustaineth and governeth all things Q. What is required from us towards Almighty God A. Holy and spirituall obedience according to his Law given unto us Q. Are wee able to doe this of our selves A. No in no wise being by nature unto every good work reprobate Q. How came wee into this estate being at the first created in the image of God in righteousnesse and innocency A. By the fall of our first Parents breaking the Covenant of God losing his grace and deserving his curse Q. By what way may wee bee delivered from this miserable estate A. Onely by Jesus Christ Q. What is Iesus Christ A. God and man united in one person to bee a Mediator between God and man Q. What is hee unto us A. A King a Priest and a Prophet Q. Wherein doth bee exercise his Kingly power towards us A. In converting us unto God by his Spirit subduing us unto his obedience and ruling in us by his grace Q. In what doth the exercise of his Priestly office for us chiefely consist A. In offering up himself an acceptable sacrifice on the crosse so satisfying the justice of God for our sins removing his curse from our persons and bringing us unto him Q. Wherein doth Christ exercise his propheticall Office towards us A. In revealing to our hearts from the bosome of his Father the way and truth whereby wee must come unto him Q. For whose sake doth Christ perform all these A. Onely for his Elect. Q. In
No in no wise the Law is spirituall but wee are carnall 1 King 8.46 Gen. 5.6 Joh. 15.5 Rom. 7.11 8.7 1 Joh. 1.8 Q. 4. Did then God give a Law whicâ— could not bee kept A. No when God gave it wee had power to keep it which since wee have lost in Adam Gen. 1.26 Ephes. 7.29 Rom. 5.12 Q. 5. Whereto then doth the Law now serve A. For two generall ends first a to bee a rule of our duty or to discover to us the obedience of God required secondly b to drive us unto Christ a Psal. 119.5 1 Tim. 1.8 9. b Gal. 3.24 Q. 6. How doth the Law drive us unto Christ A. Divers wayes as first a by laying open unto us the utter disability of our nature to doe any good secondly b by charging the wrath and curse of God due to sin upon the conscience thirdly c by bringing the whole soule under bondage to sin death Satan and hell so making us long and seek for a Saviour a Rom. 7.7 8 9. Gal. 3.19 b Rom. 3.19 20. 4.15 5.20 Gal. 3.10 c Gal. 3.22 Heb. 2.15 CHAP. VIII Of the state of corrupted Nature Q. 1. How came this weaknesse and disability upon us A. By the sin and (1) shamefull fall of our first parents Rom. 5.12.14 Q. 2. Wherein did that hurt us their posterity A. Divers wayes first a in that wee were all guilty of the same breach of covenant with Adam being all in him secondly b our soules with his were deprived of that holinesse innocency and righteousnesse wherein they were at first created thirdly c pollution and defilement of nature came upon us with fourthly d an extream disability of doing any thing that is well-pleasing unto God e by all which wee are made obnoxious to the curse a Joh. 3.36 Rom. 5 12. Ephes. 2.3 b 1 Gen. 3.10 Ephes. 4.23 24. Col. 3.10 c Iob â—4 4 Psal. 51.7 Ioh. 3.6 Rom. 3.13 d Gen. 6.5 Ephes. 2.1 Ier. 6.16 13.23 Rom. 8.7 e Gen. 3.17 Gal. 3.10 Q. 3. Wherein doth the curse of God consist A. In divers things first a in the (2) guilt of death temporall and eternall secondly b the losse of the grace and favour of God thirdly c guilt and horror of conscience despaire and anguish here with fourthly eternall damnation hereafter a Gen. 2.17 Rom. 1.18 5.12 17. Ephes. 2.3 b Gen. 3.24 Ezek. 16.3 4 5. Ephes. 2.13 c Gen. 3.10 Esa. 48.22 Rom. 3.9 19. Gal. 3.22 d Gen. 3.10 13. Ioh 3.36 Q. 4. Are all men born in this estate A. Every one without exception Psal. 51.7 Esa. 53.5 Rom. 3.9.12 Ephes. 2.3 Q. 5. And doe they continue therein A. Of themselves (3) they cannot otherwise doe being able neither to a know nor b will nor c do any thing that is spiritually good and pleasing unto God a Act. 8.31 16.14 1 Cor. 2.14 Ephes. 5.8 Joh. 1.5 b Jer. 6.16 13.2 3. Luk. 4.18 Rom. 6.16 8.7 c Joh. 6.44 2 Cor. 3.5 Q. 6. Have they then no way of themselves to escape the curse and wrath of God A. None at all they can neither satisfie his justice nor fulfill his Law CHAP. IX Of the Incarnation of Christ Q. 1. Shall all mankinde then everlastingly perish A. No God of his free grace hath prepared a way to redeem and save his Elect Joh. 3.16 Esa. 53.6 Q. 2. What way was this A. By sending his own Son (1) Jesus Christ in the likenesse of sinfull flesh condemning sin in the flesh Rom. 8.3 Q. 3. Who is this you call his own Son A. The second person of the Trinity co-eternall and of the same Deity with his Father Joh. 1.14 Rom. 1.3 Gal. 4.4 1 Joh. 1.1 Q. 4. How did God send him A. By causing him to bee made flesh of a pure Virgin and to dwell among us that hee might bee obedient unto death the death of the crosse Esa. 50.6 Joh 1.14 Luk. 1.35 Phil. 2.8 1 Tim. 6.16 CHAP. X. Of the person of Jesus Christ Q. 1. What doth the Scripture teach us of Jesus Christ A. Chiefly two things first his (1) (2) Person or what hee is in himself secondly his Offices or what hee is unto us Q. 2. What doth it teach of his Person A. That hee is truely God and perfect man partaker of the natures of God and man in one person between whom hee is a Mediator Joh. 1.14 Heb. 2.14.15 Ephe. 4.5 1 Tim. 2.5 1 Joh. 1.1 Q. 3. How prove you Jesus Christ to bee truely God A. Divers wayes 3 first by places of Scripture speaking of the great God Jehovah in the Old Testament applyed to our Saviour in the New as Numb. 21.5 6. in 1 Cor. 10.9 Psal. 102.24 25. in Heb. 1.10 Esa. 6.2 3 4. in Joh. 12.40 41. Esa. 8.13 14. in Luk. 2.34 Rom. 9.33 Esa. 40.3 4. in Joh. 1. Esa. 45.22 23. in Rom. 14.11 Phil. 2.8 Mal. 3.1 in Matth. 11.10 Secondly By the workes of the Deity ascribed unto him as first of creation Ioh. 1.3 1 Cor. 8.6 Heb. 1.21 secondly of preservation in providence Heb. 1.3 Ioh. 5.17 thirdly 4 Miracles Thirdly By the essentiall attributes of God being ascribed unto him as first immensity Mat. 28.20 Ioh. 14.23 Ephes. 3 17. secondly Eternity Ioh. 1.1 Revel. 1.11 Mich. 5.2 thirdly Immutability Heb. 1.11 12. fourthly Omniscience Ioh. 21.17 Revel. 2.23 fifthly Majesty and glory equal to his Father Joh. 5.23 Revel. 5.13 Phil. 1.2.6.9 10. Fourthly By the Names given unto him as first of God expressely Joh. 1.1 20.28 Act. 20.28 Rom. 9.5 Phil. 2.6 Heb. 1.8 1 Tim. 3.16 secondly of the Son of God Joh. 1.18 Rom. 8.3 c. Q. 4. Was it necessary that our Redeemer should bee God A. Yes that hee might bee able to save to the uttermost and to satisfie the wrath of his Father which no creature could perform Esa. 43.25 53.6 Dan. 9.17.19 Q. 5. How prove you that hee was a perfect man A. First by the Prophesies that went before 5 that so hee should bee Gen. 3.15 18.18 Secondly by the relation of their accomplishment Mat. 1.1 Rom. 1.4 Gal. 4.4 Thirdly by the Scriptures assigning to him those things which are required to a perfect man as first a Body Luk. 24.39 Heb. 2.17 10.5 1 Joh. 1.1 secondly a Soule Matth. 26.39 Mark 14.34 and therein 6 first a will Mat. 26.39 secondly affections Mat. 3.5 Luk. 10.21 thirdly indowments Luk. 2.52 Fourthly generall infirmities of nature Mat. 4 2. Ioh. 4.6 Heb. 2.18 Q. 6. Wherefore was our Redeemer to bee man A. That the nature which had offended might suffer and make satisfaction and so hee might bee every way a fit and sufficient Saviour for men Heb. 2.10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17. CHAP. XI Of the Offices of Christ and first of his Kingly Q. 1. How many are the Offices of Iesus Christ A. Three first of a a King secondly b a (1) (2) Priest thirdly
all this A. Divers as first a internally and effectually by his Spirit writing his Law in our hearts secondly b outwardly and instrumentally by the Word Preached a Jer. 31.32 33. 2 Cor. 3.3 1 Thess. 4.9 Heb. 8.10 b Joh. 20.31 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephes. 4.8 9 10 11 12 13. 2 Pet. 1.21 CHAP. XIV Of the twofold estate of Christ Q. 1. In what estate or condition doth Christ exercise these Offices A. In a twofold estate first of humiliation (1) (2) (3) or abasement secondly of exaltation or glory Phil. 2.8 9 10. Q. 2. Wherein consisteth the state of Christs humiliation A. In three things first a in his incarnation or being born of woman secondly b his obedience or fulfilling the whole Law Morall and Ceremoniall thirdly in his c passion or induring all sorts of miseries even death it self a Luk. 1.35 Ioh. 1.14 Rom. 1.3 Gal. 4.4 Heb. 2.9 14. b Matth. 3.15 5.17 Luk. 2.21 Ioh. 8.46 2 Cor. 5. 21. 1 Pet. 1.19 1 Ioh. 3.5 c Psa. 53.4 5 6. Heb. 2.9 1 Pet. 2.21 Q. 3. Wherein consists his exaltation A. In first his resurrection secondly Ascension thirdly sitting at the right hand of God by all which hee was declared to bee the Son of God with power Mat. 28.18 Rom. 1.4 4 4. Ephes. 4.9 Phil. 2.9 10. 1 Tim. 3.16 CHAP. XV Of the persons to whom the benefits of Christs Offices doe belong Q. 1. Vnto whom doe the saving benefits of what Christ performeth in the execution of his Offices belong A. Onely to his Elect (1) (2) (3) Joh. 17.9 Esa. 63.9 Heb. 3.6 10.21 Q. 2. Dyed hee for no other A. None in respect of his Fathers eternall purpose and his own intention of removing wrath from them procuring grace and glory for them Act. 20.28 Matth. 20.28 26.28 Heb. 9.28 Joh. 11.51 52. Esa. 53.12 Ioh. 3.16 10 11 12 13 15. Ephes. 5.25 Rom. 8.32.34 Gal. 3.13 Ioh. 6.37.39 Rom. 4.25 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Q. 3. What shall become of them for whom Christ dyed not A. Everlasting torments for their sinnes their portion in their owne place Mark 16.16 Ioh. 3.36 Matth. 25.41 Act. 1.25 Q. 4. For whom doth he make intercession A. Onely for those who from eternity were given him by his Father Ioh. 17. Heb 7.24 25. CHAP. XVI Of the Church Q. 1. How are the Elect called in respect of their obedience unto Christ and union with him A. His Church Act. 20.28 Ephes. 5.32 Q. 2. What is the Church of Christ A. The whole company of Gods (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Elect a called b of God c by the Word and Spirit d out of their naturall condition to the dignity of his children and e united unto Christ their Head by faith in the bond of the Spirit a Act. 2.47 1 Tim. 5.21 Heb. 12.22 23 24. b Rom. 1.5 6. Rom. 9 11.24 1 Cor. 4.15 2 Tim. 1.9 c Act. 16.14 Ioh. 3.8 1 Cor. 4.15 1 Pet. 1.23 Heb. 8.10 d Ephes. 2.11 12 13. Col. 1.13 Heb. 2.14 15. 1 Pet. 2.9 e Ioh. 17.21 Ephes. 2.18 19 20 21 22. Q. 3. Is this whole Church alwayes in the same state A. No one part of it is Militant the other Triumphant Q. 4. What is the Church Militant A. That portion of Gods Elect which in their generation cleaveth unto Christ by Faith and fighteth against the world flesh and devill Ephes. 6.11 12. Heb. 11.13 14. 12.1.4 Q. 5. What is the Church Triumphant A. That portion of Gods people who having fought their fight and kept the Faith are now in heaven resting from their labours 6 Ephes. 5.27 Revel. 3.21 ch. 14.13 Q. 6. Are not the Church of the Jews before the birth of Christ and the Church of the Christians since two Churches A. No essentially they are but one differing onely in some outward administrations Ephes. 2.12 13 14 15 16. 1 Cor. 10.3 Gal. 4.26 27. Heb. 11.15.26.40 Q. 7. Can this Church bee wholly overthrown on the earth A. No unlesse the Decree of God may bee changed and the promise of Christ faile Matth. 16.18 28.20 Ioh. 14.16 Ioh. 17. 1 Tim. 3.15 2 Tim. 2.19 CHAP. XVII Of Faith Q. 1. By what meanes doe wee become actuall members of this Church of God A. By a lively justifying Faith (1) whereby wee are united unto Christ the head thereof Act. 2.47 13.48 Heb. 11.6 12.22 23. 4.2 Rom. 5.1 2. Ephes. 2.13 14. Q. 2. What is a justifying Faith A. A a gracious resting upon (2) the free promises of God in Jesus Christ for mercy b with a firm perswasion of heart that God is a reconciled Father unto us in the Son of his love a 1 Tim. 1.16 Ioh 13.15 19.25 Rom. 4.5 b Heb. 4.16 Rom. 8.38 39. Gal. 2.20 2 Cor. 5.20 21. Q. 3. Have all this Faith A. None but the Elect of God Tit. 1.1 Ioh. 10.26 Matth. 13.11 Act. 13.48 Rom. 8.30 Q. Doe not then others beleeve that make profession A. Yes with first historicall Faith or a perswasion that the things writen in the Word are true James 2.9 secondly temporary Faith which hath some joy of the affections upon unspirituall grounds in the things beleeved Matth. 13.20 Mark 6.20 Joh. 2.23 24. Act. 8.13 CHAP. XVIII Of our Vocation or Gods calling us Q. 1. How come wee to have this saving Faith A. It is freely bestowed upon us and wrought in us by the Spirit of God in our vocation or calling Ioh. 6.29.44 Ephes. 2.8 9. Phil. 1.29 2 Thess. 1.11 Q. 2. What is our vocation or this calling of God A. The free gracious (1) (2) act of Almighty God whereby in Jesus Christ hee calleth and translateth us from the state of Nature sinne wrath and corruption into the state of grace and union with Christ by the mighty effectuall working of his Spirit in the preaching of the Word Col. 1.12 13. 2 Tim. 1.9 Deut. 30.6 Ezek. 36.26 Matth. 11.25 26. Joh. 1.13 3.3.8 Ephes. 1.19 Col. 2.12 1 Cor. 4.7 Jam. 1.18 2 Pet. 2.20 Act. 16.14 Q. 3. What doe wee our selves perform in this change or work of our conversion A. Nothing at all being meerly (3) wrought upon by the free grace and Spirit of God when in our selves wee have no ability to any thing that is spiritually good Matth. 7.18 10.20 Joh. 1.13 15.5 1 Cor. 12.3 1 Cor. 2.5 2 Cor. 3.5 Ephes. 2.1.8 Rom. 8.26 Phil. 1.6 Q. 4. Doth God thus call all and every one A. All within the â—pale of the Church are outwardly called by the Word none effectually but the Elect Mat. 22.14 Rom. 8.30 CHAP. XIX Of Justification Q. 1. Are wee accounted righteous and saved for our Faith when wee are thus freely called A. No but meerely by the imputation of the righteousnesse of Christ apprehended and applyed by Faith for which alone the Lord accepts us as holy and righteous Esa. 43.25 Rom.
first typifyed by the old sacrifices secondly foretold in the first promise thirdly made lawfull and valid in it selfe first by Gods determination the supreame Law-giver secondly his own voluntary undergoing it thirdly by a relaxation of the Law in regard of the subject punished Fourthly beneficiall to us because united to us as first our head secondly our elder brother thirdly our sponsor or surety fourthly our husband fifthly our God or redeemer c. (3) No change in all these but what necessary follows the change of the persons sustaining (4) The death that Christ underwent was eternall in its own nature tendance not so to him because of his holinesse power and the unity of his person (5) Hee suffered not as God but hee suffered who was God (6) Wee are freed from the anger of God by a perfect 〈…〉 dring to the full 〈◊〉 of what he required from the power of Satan by absolute conquest on our behalfe (7) The new Covenant is Christs legacy in his last Will unto his people the eternall inheritance of glory being conveyed therby (9) All these holy truâ—hs are directly denyed by the blasphemous Socinians of the papists with their merits masses penance purgatory by consequent overthrown (8) The death of Christ was satisfactory in respect of the strict justice of God meritorious in respect of the covenant between him and his Father (10) To make Saints our intercessours is â—o renounce Jesus Christ from being a sufficient Saviour (1) Christ differed from all other Prophets first in his sending which was immediately from the bosome of his Father secondly his assistance which was the fulnesse of the Spirit thirdly his manner of teaching with authority (2) To accuse his word of imperfection in Doctrine or Discipline is to deny him a perfect Prophet or to have born witnesse unto all Truth (1) The humiliation of Christ shews us what wee must here doe and suffer his exaltation what wee may hope for (2) The first of these holds forth his mighty love to us the other his mighty power in himself (3) The onely way to heaven is by the crâ—sse (1) Christ giveth life to all that world for whom he gave his life (2) None that hee dyed for shall ever dye (3) To say that Christ dyed for every man universally is to affirm that hee did no more for the Elect then the reprobates for them that are saved then for them that are damned which is the Arminian blasphemy (1) The Elect Angels belong to this Church (2) No distance of time or place breaks the unity of this Church heaven earth from the beginning of the woâ—ld unto the end are comprized in it (3) No mention in Scripture of any Church in purgatory (4) This is the Catholick Church though that term â—ee not to bee found in the Word in this sense the thing it self is obvious (5) The Pope challenging unto himselfe the title of the head of the Catholick Church is blasphemously rebellious against Jesus Christ 6 This is that Ark out of which whosoever is shall surely perish (1) Of this faith the holy Spirit is the efficient cause the Word the instrumentall the Law indirectly by discovering our mâ—sery the Gospel immediately by holding forth a Saviour (2) Faith is in the understanding in respect of its beeing subsistence in the will heart in respect of its effectual working (1) Our effectuall calling is the first effect of our everlasting election (2) Wee have no actuall interest in nor right unto Christ untill wee are thus called (3) They who so boast of the strength of free will in the work of our conversion are themselves an example what it is being given up to so vile an errour destitute of the grace of God (1) Legall Evangelicall justification differ first on the part of the persons to bee justifyed the one requiring a person legally and perfectly righteous the other a beleeving sinner secondly on the part of God who in the one is a severe righteous Judge in the other a mercifull reconciled Father thirdly in the sentence which in the one acquitteth as having done nothing amisse the other as having all amisse pardoned (1) Repentance includeth first alteration of the minde into a hatred of sin before loved secondly sorrow of the affections for sin committed thirdly change of the actions arising from both (2) Repentance is either legall servile and terrifying from the spirit of bondage or Evangelicall filiall and comforting from the spirit of free grace and liberty which onely is availeable (3) Every part of popish Repentance viz. contrition confession satisfaction was performed by Judas (4) All Faith profession without this holines is vain and of no effect (5) True Faith can no more be wiâ—hout true holinesse then true fire without heat (6) Merit of works in unprofitable servants no way able to do their duty is a popish miâ—acle (7) In Christ are our persons accepted freely and for him our obedience (8) The best duties of unbeleevers are but white sins (1) By vertue of this union Christ suffereth in our afflictions and wee fill up in our bodies what remaineth as his (2) From Christ as head of the Church wee have spirituall life sense and motion or growth in grace secondly as the husband of the Church love and redemption thirdly as the foundation thereof stability and perseverance (3) This is that great honour dignity of beleevers which exalts them to a despising all earthly thrones (4) Our liberty is our inheritance here below which wee ought to contend for against all opposers (5) Nothing makes men condemn the Law as a rule but hatred of that universall holinesse which it doth require (6) Rule and authority are as necessary for humane society as fire and water for our lives (1) This is one of the greatest mysteries of the Roman Magick and jugling that corporall elements should have a power to forgive sins and confer spirituall grace (1) Not the want but the conâ—empt of this Sacrament is damnable (2) It is hard to say whether the errour of the Papists requiring Baptisme of absolute indispensable necessity to the salvation of every Infant or that of the Anabaptists debarring them from it altogether bee the most uncharitable (1) Baptisme is the Sacrament of our new birth this of our further growth in Christ (2) No part of Christian Religion was ever so vilely contaminated abused by profane wretches as this pure holy plain action and institution of our Saviour witnesse the Popish horrid monster of transubstantiation and their idolatrous Masse (3) What ever is more then these is of our own (4) Faith in Gods promises which it doth confirm union with Christ whereof it is a seale and obedience to the right use of the Ordinance it self is required of all Receivers (5) There is noâ— any one action pertaining to the spirituall nature of this Sacrament not any end put upon it by Christ as first the partaking of his body and blood secondly setting forth of his death for us thirdly declaring of our union with him and his but require Faith Grace and holinesse in the Receivers (1) By vertue of this we partake in all the good and evill of the people of God through out the world (1) Every corruption doth not presently unchurch a people (2) Unholines of fellow-worshippers defileth not Gods Ordinances (3) Ministers are the Bishops of the Lord Lord-bishops came from Rome