By the entire Purity of the teaching of God contained in them leading from Sin to Holiness from Earth to Heaven from Death to Life from a carnal State to a Spiritual from Darkness to Light 4. From the wonderful preservation of them that neither Time nor Tyranny could extinguish 5. By the sweet Harmony and Agreement against those Evils that Men are most inclined to commit 6. By the powerful Operation of them in converting Thousands Q. VVherein doth their Profitableness farther appear A. By hiding them in the Heart they keep from Sin and the Path of the Destroyer and are a Means to bring to believe Psal 119.9 Joh. 20.31 Rom. 15.4 1 Joh. 3.9 Q. VVhen there is Faith and Repentance manifested what doth the Scripture require such Men to do in the next place A. They are after the manifestation of Faith and Repentance to be baptized with Water into the Name of Father Son and holy Spirit Mat. 28.19 Mar. 16.16 Act. 2.41 10.48 18.8 Q. In what manner is this Ordinance to be administred A. We find no mention made in Scripture of Sprinkling being the manner but Christ our glorious Pattern came up out of the Water and the Spirit of God lighted on him as a Dove Philip and the Eunuch are said to go down into the Water and when Philip had baptized him they came both up out of the Water Acts 8.39 The Apostle Paul telleth the Saints speaking of the signification of Baptism as also the manner saith Therefore we are buried with him in Baptism and burying is a covering the whole Man putting the Party baptized under the Water Rom. 6.2 Joh. 3.23 Q. VVhat doth Baptism signify A. A death unto Sin a rising unto newness of Life that which the believing Subject ought to have in his mind then and to appear reckoning himself dead to Sin and one minding a new Life afterward Rom. 6.2 7. Col. 2.12 Q. What Privilege or Benefit hath the Believer by being â—aptized with Water into the Lord's Name A. He is in the way to receive the precious Comfort of the Holy Spirit and Remission of his Sins and to have fellowship with the Church in all other good Duties as being a visible Member thereof added by Faith Repentance and Baptism as appears by these Scriptures Acts 2.38 39. 2.41 22.16 Q. How many Baptisms be there A. Three Q. Which be they A. Baptism of Water and of the Spirit and of Afflictions Q. VVho are the Administrators of VVater-Baptism A. Faithful preaching Disciples may administer it to Men and Women Mat. 28.19 Acts 8.37 38. 8.12 22.16 Q. Why may not Infants be baptized seeing it is no where forbidden A. Revealed things belong to us and our Children but we find not that revealed as any part of the Will of God also in doing that in Worship to God which we have neither Precept from God nor Example from Christ is Will-worship and that is forbidden Levit. 10.2 Col. 4.23 Q. VVho are the Administrators of the Baptism of Affliction A. The World and the Devil Rev. 2.10 Q. VVho are the Administrators of the Spirit 's Baptism A. God and Jesus Christ only are the Administrators of that Mat. 3.11 Joel 2.18 Q. VVhat is the Spirit 's Baptism A. It is the extraordinary Measures of the Spirit given from God whereby Persons are enabled to work Miracles speak with Tongues Mat. 3.11 Acts 1.5 compared with Acts 3.4 11.16 17. Q. VVhat are we to look for after this short Life is ended A. Resurrection from the Dead by the wonderful Power of God and made incorruptible and come to Judgment and receive according to the Works done in the Body either eternal Happiness as the End of the Faith of the Lord's People or else eternal Damnation as the just Reward of all those that know not God and obey not the Gospel 1 Pet. 1.9 2 Thess 1.8 Q. VVhat must Men expect in this World in following Christ leaving their vain Conversation and witnessing against the Evil of the Times and Days wherein they live A. They must in living Godly suffer Persecution and expect to have Men lay their Hands on them and put them into Prison scourge them and put them to Death despise their pure holy Profession with names of Blasphemy Heresy Delusion saying all manner of Evil falsly for his Name sake Luke 6.22 24. Acts 24. Q. VVhat is needful then for Men to learn that intend to follow Christ in this Vail of Misery A. Self-denial and Contentation to labour to increase in Faith and Patience to see more in reproach for Christ's sake than in a Kingdom of carnal sinful Delights Heb. 11.24 25. Wisely to sit down and count the Cost Luke 14.27 28. Q. What is or will be the Danger of drawing back from Truth when a Man once professeth it A. They had better they had never known the holy Commandment than after to turn from it they are such in so doing that God's Soul will have no pleasure in they shall also be filled with their own Ways lie open to strong Delusions because they received not the Truth in the love of it such as are unfit for the Kingdom of Heaven and are compared to Dogs returning to their own Vomit and wandring Stars to whom is reserved the Blackness of Darkness for ever Luke 9.42 Psal 125.5 2 Pet. 2.20 2 Thess 2. ch Prov. 14.14 Q. VVhat Duties are the Church of Christ to observe after they are gathered by Faith Repentance Baptism and intend to profess Christ A. They are to assemble together at their appointed Times to edify and build up each other in their most holy Faith to provoke to Love and good Works and not to forsake the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is Heb. 3.13 10.24 25. Q. What are they to do first of all when they come together A. To agree to make Supplication unto the Lord by Prayer Intercession giving of Thanks for all Men Kings and all that are in Authority that under them we may lead a godly and peaceable Life in all Godliness and Honesty 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. Q. VVhat is Prayer A. It is a reverend Asking of those Things we need agreeable to the Lord 's holy Will Jam. 5.13 Psal 69.13 Q. VVhat is Intercession A. It is a suing earnestly for Mercy for others unto the Lord Jer. 7.16 Q. VVhat is Thanksgiving A. It is a being seriously sensible of the Mercies of God either Temporal or Spiritual and glorifying of him by praising or giving Thanks unto God for them Luke 2.38 Acts 27.35 Q. In what manner must we pray A. In Faith and Love lifting up pure Hands without Wrath or Doubting 1 Tim. 1.8 Jam. 1.6 Mark 11.25 Q. Is this Duty privately to be observed A. Yea much by every Christian Man to watch unto Prayer to go often about the Work and not to be weary of it solemnly setting apart Time every Day for the Work that he may be kept from
are said to be chosen before the Foundation of the World in Christ A. Christ is called a Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World yet not slain many thousand Years after till he was a Man in the Flesh so Men are said to be chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the World yet not chosen till they have the Sanctification of the Spirit and believe the Truth 2 Thess 2.13 He hath set apart the Godly for himself Psal 4.3 Q. How are Men said to be ordained of old to Condemnation A. Not as Men but as wicked ungodly Men who turn the Grace of God into Wantonness denying our Lord Jesus Christ and the only Lord God Jude 4. Q. How doth this farther appear A. Because that God manifesteth upon Oath that he desireth not the Death of a Sinner but that he may turn and live Q. How doth it appear that God doth not ordain any to Destruction but as they are wicked and abuse his Grace A. By his lamenting the Ruin of them that have perished and had the things hid from their Eyes that pertain to their everlasting Peace Matth. 23.37 Luke 19.41 42. Also by the Lord minding that Man's Destruction is of himself Hos 13.9 Acts 13.46 Also for this Cause God shall send them strong Delusions and for this Cause he gave them up to vile Affections so that there was a Cause of their Ruin when they had a being and not before they had a being 2 Thess 2.10 11. Rom. 1.14 Psal 81.10 11. Q. What are Childrens Duty towards their Parents A. Children obey your Parents in all things for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord Col. 3.20 compared with Ephes 6.1 2. Exod. 20.12 Q. What is the Danger of disobeying slighting or making light of Parents A. Some eminent Judgments have taken hold of those that have so done and it doth much provoke the Lord. Q. What Judgments have fallen upon Children for making light of their Parents A. Ham the Father of Canaan for his Contempt of his Father Noah was cursed and was Servant to the rest of his Brethren Gen. 9.22 23 27. Q. What else befel disobedient Children A. He that smote his Father or he that cursed or reviled his Father was according to the Law of God to be put to Death Exod. 21.15 17. His Lamp to be put out in obscure Darkness that curseth Father or Mother Prov. 20.20 Q. How doth it appear that some eminent Judgment is likely to fall on them A. The Eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it Prov. 30.17 Disobedience to Parents is reckoned up among the Sins that God hath punished Ezek. 22.7 14. among the Sins that God will punish and that which makes the Days with other Evils perilous 2 Tim. 3.2 Q. Are Parents to be obeyed in any thing actually that contradicts the Mind of the Father of Spirits A. In this respect we must honour God more than Father or Mother or Governours as Christ saith Call no Man Father for one is your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 23.9 Q. What Privilege have those Children that are obedient to their Parents in the Lord A. It is called the first Commandment with Promise Ephes 6.3 God blessed the Rekabites the Sons of Jonadah and honoured them highly because they did not violate their Father's Command but observed it Jer. 35.5 6 7 8 9 compared with the 18 19 verses Q. What was done to the Children that mocked the Prophet because of his bald Head A. They were cursed and two Bears came forth out of the Wood and slew forty two Children 2 Kings 2.23 24. Q. What may this Judgment of God teach Parents A. Much to caution and instruct their Children to take heed of despising reproaching or mocking any though wanting any thing in Person or Substance that others enjoy Q. What was done to Gehazi for Covetousness and Lying A. The Leprosy of Naaman the Syrian clave to him and his Seed for ever and he went out white as a Leper 2 King 5.25 27. Q. What was done to Ananias and Saphira for lying A. They fell down both dead at the Apostles Feet Acts 5.1 2 3. Q. What must be the Portion of Liars A. They shall have their part in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone that tormenteth for ever and ever Rev. 21.8 Q. What did Moses say to the Brethren that strove with each other A. Rebuked them saying Wherefore smitest thou thy Fellow And Abraham said to Lot when their Herdsmen were at strife Let there be no Strife between me and thee for we be Brethren Exod. 2.13 Gen. 13.8 It was the Charge of Joseph to his Brethren saying See that you fall not out by the way Gen. 49.24 Q. VVhat is the Duty of Servants to their Masters A. Servants be subject to your Masters with all fear not only to the Good and Gentle but also to the Froward 1 Pet. 2.18 19 20 21. Q. But what Service ought a Person to perform to those whom he engageth to serve A. Diligently faithfully humbly behaving himself in his outward Business avoiding Eye-service purloyning or taking little Matters without Consent or Knowledg of his Master or stubbornly answering again or despising or slighting of them because they are Brethren Ephes 6.6 7 8. 1 Tim. 6.1 Titus 2.9 10. Q VVhat Encouragement hath a Servant to be subject to the Froward to be Faithful to be Humble Diligent avoiding Eye-service not answering again A. The Grace of God in sending his Son to die teacheth those Lessons Titus 2.11 also knowing that whatsoever good Thing any Man doth the same he shall receive of the Lord whether Bond or Free Also the Law of Equity which the Law of God gives a being unto would have Servants do as they would be done by and so Masters to deal by their Servants as they would have their own Children when they come to be Servants dealt by considering those words Mat. 7.2 Mark 4.24 What measure you meet shall be measured to you again Therefore let Master and Servant Father and Child all prepare according to the Measures of Knowledg received doing the Will of God from the Heart And this shall be the Conclusion of the Matter Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole Duty of Man Eccles 12.13 Remember thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth say daily What am I what do I whither go I Thy last Hour and Eternal Judgment do not forget THE END APPENDIX May 1693. BEing desired by Brethren to reprint this short Catechism and moved thereto at the Association of several Messengers and Elders assembled together at Nantwich April 19 1693. And looking upon my poor Endeavours to be far short of what might be done in order to the instructing of Youth and what some have done yet in answer to the desire of that Christian Assembly and the fervent Desires of many in
your own Hearts What am I what do I whither go I O Souls as it is the Wisdom of Men to set their House in order and to make their Wills in disposing of what they have so let it be thy Work to set thy Heart in order that thou mayest have nothing to do but to die when thou comest to struggle with thy last Enemy and Time must be here no longer O remember the golden Sands of Time are running out apace and the Glass of Time will never be turned till it be turned in eternal Weal or Wo. XI Consider of Judgment to come O Soul if Death take thee Secure Carnal Hypocritical Murmuring unfaithful to thy Light Disobedient or Lukewarm or a Backslider or Covetous or a Complier with some secret Sins as Death takes you so Judgment will find you and all the Manifestations of God to you shall be discovered when the Books shall be opened And no sooner the Judg shall speak but Conscience shall say True Lord and God himself will be a swift Witness against thy secret Sins not repented of Act. 3.19 Mal. 3.5 Remember this was one great Doctrine that the Apostles of our Lord were to preach and testify That it was he that was ordained of God to be the Judg of Quick and Dead Acts 10.42 O young Man remember for the Desire of thine Eyes and the Way of thine Heart for these things God will bring thee into Judgment Eccles 11.9 O Christians grudg not one against another yea behold the Judg stands at the Door Jam. 5.9 Have fervent Charity one to another that is the Bond of Perfectness and be diligent that ye may be found of him in Peace without spot and blameless 2 Pet. 3.14 Mat. 18.34 35. O do not hide your Talents but improve your Measures given and remember it will be sad to have that Sentence pass Take that unprofitable Servant cast him into utter Darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 25.30 O forget not to think of his appearing that will certainly render to every one according to his Works Mat. 16.27 Rev. 22.12 O Soul think oft of that Jesus that died for you will shortly come to judg you the last Trump sounding the Judg descending holy Angels attending Graves opening the Dead rising Hypocrites Unbelievers disobedient Persons weeping wailing secret Counsels of all Hearts shall be discovered Therefore live in this present Day with a holy preparation for that Day in taking heed to thy Thoughts 1 Cor. 4.5 Eccles 12.14 Take heed to thy Words Mat. 12.36 O take heed of idle Words Swear not at all it 's forbidden Mat. 5.34 Jam. 5.12 Take heed of Lying Cursing Backbiting Railing Grievous Words stir up Wrath Prov. 15.1 Look to your Actions and do not omit what God commands nor dare to commit what he forbids Eternal Judgment is a Christian Principle Heb. 6.2 And now that ye may be helped to mind these things I come to the last thing propounded and that is Prayer XII O poor young Man hast thou cause to flee youthful Lusts to follow after Righteousness Faith Charity Peace and keep such Company as call on God out of a pure Heart 1 Tim. 2.11 Hast thou poor Soul a Devil to resist a World to over come some Corruptions to mortify a deceitful Heart to watch over a Gospel to obey a Kingdom to obtain O Souls watch and pray make Conscience of secret Prayer and be earnest for those things Jabez begged of God 1 Chron. 4.10 For your encouragement remember He that seeks God early shall find him O a blessed Promise Prov. 8.17 Pray earnestly for the divine Operations of the holy Spirit with the blessed Fruits of it Christ hath promised if they that are evil know how to give good things to their Children how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Spirit to them that ask it Luke 11.13 O pray for Wisdom as Servants to discharge your Duty in your Places that the Name and Doctrine of God be not blasphemed O pray for Wisdom as Freemen that you may always be concerned in serving God in true Holiness and Righteousness all your Days O pray for a Faith of a right kind and say as the Apostles Lord increase our Faith mind what Christ hath done is a doing and will do As to a married State pray for Wisdom to discharge your relative Duties Husband to Wife and Wife to Husband living in the Fear of God As to your State unmarried devote your selves so much the more to wait on and serve the Lord if Virgin Disciples as John the beloved Disciple is said by some Authors to be and holy Paul If in a prosperous Condition beg a humble thankful charitable Heart remembring you are Stewards for God And as to your State in meeting with Adversity beg Patience Contentment admire the least Mercy under the greatest Misery Lam. 3.22 As to your State if persecuted beg Wisdom Courage Constancy of him that gives Strength to them that have no Might As to your Duty in preparing for Death O pray that you may have your Light shining your Lamps burning and you like Men waiting for the coming of the Lord and be filled with his Spirit waiting praying for the blessed Influences of the Spirit of God upon your Souls using all the means you can to obtain it And if Messengers hearing that you have received the Word pray for you that you may receive the Holy Ghost join heartily with them and in laying gentle Hands on you if you receive more of the Spirit you will be more for the Honour of God the Comfort of your Brethren and walk as Lights in the World and be as Salt in the Earth O labour to have Salt in your selves and Peace one with another Mark 9.50 I shall close up this little Matter with those words 1 Pet. 1.17 If you call on the Father who without respect of Persons judgeth according to every Man's Work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear Yea give all diligence to those seven things that lead to the Kingdom 2 Pet. 1. consider 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 verses And labour to live so as you may wish when your Eyes come to be closed and when you come to Judgment Eccles 11.9 12.14 And pray for the Lord's Labourers and I will beg that Truth may live in your Souls when I am dead and may shortly meet those that fear God and keep his Commandments in never-ending Glory FINIS