Catechistical Guide TO SINNERS And to such CONVERTS that are Babes in Christ Wherein all the necessary Points of Religion are methodically proposed in Scripture-Language abundantly confirmed by the Holy Scriptures and in some Places concisely expounded In the whole all Controversies are warily shunn'd So that all true Christians of what Persuasion soever may if they need the help of others use this Catechism for their Children or others that are under their Power and Care Written upon request by a lover of Truth and Peace London Printed by J. D. to be sold by Fr. Smith at the Elephant and Castle in Cornhil and W. Crook at the Green-Dragon without Temple-Bar 1680. READER THe Author of this Catechistical Discourse was well aware that the World abounds with Catechisms and himself had read and consider'd very many of them written not only in our English but in the Latin and Greek Tongues and yet he was perswaded there was somewhat wanting which he has with great industry and accuracy endeavour'd to supply And I am perswaded whoever he be that reads this with consideration will find it well worth his labour for thô he may thereby add nothing to his Knowledg yet he may be well pleas'd to see the necessary things of Christian Religion deliver'd in so plain a Method so distinctly and with such pertinency of Scripture-Proofs In all which and especially in the last it is too usual to be defective Yea even Scripture-Catechisms wherein the Answers to the Questions are made wholly in Scripture Sentences are too often found faulty in that kind He has as he tells you in his Title Page warily shunn'd all controverted Points that so he might shew that one may be a true Christian without determining them and that Children and weak Persons of all Parties may be instructed in all things necessary to Salvation without medling with them that so as the Apostle says He that is weak may be receiv'd but not to doubtful Disputations Surely if this were diligently perform'd it would tend much to the promoting of Peace and Love among Christians A Catechistical Guide c. The First Part. Setting forth the Christian Religion in general Quest WHat is the best and chiefest thing we are to learn Answ The best and chiefest thing we are to learn is That Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ Quest What do you mean by this name God Answ By this name God I mean Him who is the most High and chiefest Lord Ruler and Governour of all things Quest What mean you by these names Jesus Christ Answ By these names Jesus Christ I mean The only Son of God who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of a Virgin Quest Where may we find this Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ Answ This Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ we may find in the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and the New but especially in the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament or Covenant Jesus Christ said to the Jews Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal Life and they are they which testify of me John 5.39 Luke testifieth of those of Berea thus These were more noble than those of Thessalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so c. Act. 17.11 The Apostle Paul saith thus to Timothy Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them and that from a Child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect thorowly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 3.14 15 16 17. Thus St. Luke begins his History of Jesus Christ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a Declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us even as they delivered them unto us which from the beginning were Eye-witnesses and Ministers of the Word It seemed good to me also having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first to write unto thee in order most excellent Theophilus that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed Luke 1.1 c. Thus the Apostle John saith of his Gospel These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his Name John 20.21 The same John in his first Epistle hath this saying That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full 1 Joh. 1.3 4. see Chap. 5.13 Ephes 3.3 4. 1 Tim. 3.14 15. 1 Pet. 5.12 2 Pet. 1.12 13. * Quest But why do you say that this Doctrine is to be found especially in the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament * Answ It may be said That the Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ is to be found especially in the Scriptures of the New Testament for these causes 1. Because that of this Doctrine which was hidden in the Old Testament and there contained in a Mystery is in the New Testament opened and revealed 2. Because the New Testament is an History of many things which we are to believe as already done which in the Old Testament are only prophesied of and promised 3. Because there are some things added in the New Testament which are not to be found in the Old Rom. 16. v. 25 26 27. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the World began but now is made manifest and by the Scriptures of the Prophets according to the Commandment of the everlasting God made known to all Nations for the obedience of Faith to God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever Amen Luke 24 24 c. And Jesus said unto them These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning me Then opened he their understandings that they might understand the Scriptures And said unto them Thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the Dead the third day c. See Acts 13.36 c. 1 Pet. 1.10 c. 1 Cor. 11.2 3. Quest Can you shew me from the Scripture that the Doctrine there declared teacheth
Lords many but to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in for him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Q. But who are they that in a good sense may be called Gods A. They in a good sense may be called Gods first who in some Imployment are instead of God Secondly They who in Government are the Sons of God Such both Men and Angels who in some Imployment from God are to others instead of God may be called by the very Name of the most high God As for instance in Exod. 7.1 The Lord saith to Moses See I have made thee a God Elohim to Pharaoh that is instead of God as it is exprest in Exod. 4.16 The Angel of the Lord appeared unto Moses in the flame of a Fire out of the midst of a Bush Exod. 3.2 This Angel is called in vers 4. Jehovah and Elohim or as we english it The Lord and God Also they who in Government over others are the Sons of the most High are called Gods See Psal 82.1 6. God standeth in the Congregation of the Mighty he judgeth among the Gods I have said Ye are Gods and even all of you are Children Sons of the most High John 10.32 c. Jesus answered them Many good Works have I shewed you from my Father for which of these Works do ye stone me The Jews answered him saying For a good Work we stone thee not but for Blasphemy because that thou being a Man makest thy self God Jesus answered them Is it not written in your Law I said Ye are Gods If he called them Gods unto whom the Word of God came and the Scripture cannot be broken Say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the World Thou blasphemest because I said I am the Son of God In Psal 8.5 we read thus Thou hast made him a little lower than the Angels In the Hebr. 't is than the Gods Here and in the like places a single Person is not Elohim but Eloah which is sometimes used of the most High as in Psalm 18.32 Job 12.4 Now the great God is in distinction from these sometimes called The God of Gods and Lord of Lords Deut. 10.17 Josh 22.22 Psal 136.2 Dan. 11.36 Chap. 2.42 And he is said to be greater than all Gods and above all Gods Psal 135.5 He is also said to be high above all the Earth and exalted far above all Gods Psalm 97.9 He is called The high God Psalm 78.35 56. The most High Numb 24.16 Deut. 32.8 2 Sam. 22.14 Dan. 4 17. and elsewhere often and in Acts 7.48 The most High God Gen. 14.18 Heb. 7.1 and elsewhere often The Lord the most high God Gen. 14.22 The Lord most High Psal 47.2 In Psal 83.18 That Men may know that thou whose Name alone is JEHOVAH art the most High over all the Earth See Dan. 5.21 In the place now quoted the same word is rendred High and most High Q. You said That God is a Spirit How prove you that A. Jesus Christ himself hath taught us That God is a Spirit Joh. 4.24 Jesus saith unto the Woman of Samaria Woman believe me the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this Mountain nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father ye worship ye know not what We know what we worship for Salvation is of the Jews But the hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4.21 22 23 24. Q. What must we understand by this That God is a Spirit A. By this That God is a Spirit we must understand two things in the general First That God is more excellent than all things Secondly That the Spirit of Man may be unto us in some manner a Shadow of God Although Method challengeth this place for the confirmation of this That God is said to be a Spirit in way of allusion to the Spirit of Man yet the proof of it shall be reserved for the close of this Discourse concerning God as consider'd in himself where it may be done more easily and in fewer words The Excellency of God is diversly expressed in the Holy Scriptures In 2 Pet. 1.17 He is called The Excellent Glory In the Scripture there is ascribed to God Excellency Deut. 33.26 Job 13.11 Ch. 37.4 Psal 68.34 Isa 35.2 Greatness of Excellency Exod. 15.7 He is said to be excellent in Power Job 37.23 More excellent than the Mountains of Prey Psal 76.4 O Lord our God how excellent is thy Name in all the Earth who hast set thy Glory above the Heavens Psal 8.1 Let them praise the Name of the Lord for his Name alone is excellent His Glory is above the Earth and Heaven Psal 148.13 In the same sence he is called the great God Tit. 2.13 Rev. 19.17 Dan. 2.45 Jer. 32.19 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised and his greatness is unsearchable Psal 145.3 There is none like to the God of Jesurun Deut. 33.26 And Solomon said Lord God of Israel there is no God like thee in Heaven above or on Earth beneath 1 King 8.23 All Nations before the Lord are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity To whom then will ye liken God or what likeness will ye compare unto him To whom then will ye liken me Or shall I be equal saith the Holy One Isa 40.17 18 25. To whom will ye liken me and make me equal and compare me that we may be like Isa 46.5 Who in the Heaven can be compared unto the Lord Who among the Sons of the Mighty can be likened unto the Lord Psal 89.6 As the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts Isa 55.9 But will God indeed dwell on the Earth Behold the Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain thee how much less this House that I have builded 1 King 8.27 See Jer. 23.23 24. Acts 7.49 But how may we gather that God is thus excellent from his being called a Spirit Thus Jesus Christ here discovers the Divine Nature by the most excellent thing that is vulgarly known to wit the Spirit of Man Hereby he plainly signifies the Excellency of God And in that he discovers this Excellency not as it is in it self but by a Shadow he clearly intimates that this Excellency of God is such and so exceeding great that we now cannot perceive the same as it is in it self being far above the present strength of our Understanding and way of Knowledg The like we are to observe in many other scriptural forms of Speech concerning some things that are Spiritual and those things that pertain to another World See John 3.10 11 12. It was said That the Spirit of Man
Belief of the Gospel and the Power they have received from God as to deny Ungodliness and worldly Lusts and to live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tit. 2.11 c. Q. What is it for Believers to look for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life A. It is nothing else but to continue to the end in an expectation of that Reward of sincere and constant Obedience which Christ our Lord will at his coming give unto his faithful Servants 1 Pet. 1.13 c. Heb. 9.28 10.36 c. Tit. 2.13 Mat. 25.20 c. 2 Tim. 1.12 Q. You having now spoken of God's Work of preparing Believers for Glory it remains therefore that you speak of that Work of God which is for the possessing of Believers with this Glory by Jesus Christ What say you of it A. This may more conveniently be spoken of in the consideration of that second thing relating to God's Work of ruling among Men by Jesus Christ which I said is his Work of Judging the World by Jesus Christ CHAP. IX Of God's Work of Government in Judging the World by Jesus Christ Q. WEll then let us discourse of God's Work in judging the World by Jesus Christ What in the general have you learn'd concerning it A. This I have learned in general That God hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all Men in that he hath raised him from the Dead Act. 17.31 Rom. 2.16 Q. What are we to understand by the Day which God hath appointed A. This Day is that time when Jesus shall come from Heaven in the Glory of his Father with his Angels Acts 1.11 1 Thess 4.16 Mat. 16.27 25.31 c. Q. But when shall this time be A. At the end of the World but the day and hour Jesus said No Man knoweth no not the Angels which are in Heaven neither the Son but the Father only Mat. 24.36 Mark 13.32 Q. What is it for God to judg the World by the Man Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained A. The meaning is That God although he be the Judg of all yet will not himself judg the World but by Jesus Christ to whom he hath committed all Judgment giving him Authority to execute the same having ordained him to be the Judg of Quick and Dead Heb. 12.2 3. Joh. 5.22 c. Rom. 2.16 Act. 10.42 Q. What did Jesus that God did thus exalt him A. He was obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 9 c. Rom. 14.9 Q. Whom will God judg by Jesus Christ A. God will by Jesus Christ judg the Angels that sinned and all Men both Quick and Dead at his Appearing and Kingdom 2 Pet. 2.4 Jud. 6. 1 Cor. 6.3 Jam. 2.19 Act. 10.42 2 Tim. 4.1 1 Pet. 4.5 Rom. 14.10 2 Cor. 5.10 Mat. 10.15 11.22 Q. What are we to understand by the Quick and Dead A. We are to understand by the Quick or Living all Men that shall be found alive at the coming of Christ and by the Dead all both good and bad that died before his coming Q. But how shall these be brought unto Judgment A. Thus all the Dead both the Just and Unjust shall be raised and then all Men shall by the Angels be gathered and brought before Christ sitting on the Throne of his Glory Acts 24.15 John 5.28 29. Mat. 25.31 32. Q. Is there any thing in special to be observed here concerning the Righteous A. Yes for we are taught That the Dead in Christ shall rise first and that they together with those Believers that shall be alive at the coming of Christ shall be caught up in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air. 1 Thess 4.13 c. But I would not have you to be ignorant Brethren concerning them which are asleep that is the Faithful which are Dead that ye sorrow not even as others which have no Hope For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord That we Believers which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent that is shall not come before them which are asleep For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the Voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. See also 1 Cor. 15.22 23 52. Q. Now tell me What is it for God to judg the World in Righteousness by Jesus Christ A. God by Jesus Christ will judg the World in Righteousness that is Righteously by rewarding every Man according to his Practice or Works whether Good or Evil for this Judgment is a Just or Righteous Judgment Matth. 16.27 Rom. 2.6 Rev. 2.23 1 Cor. 3.8 2 Cor. 5.10 11.15 Rev. 20.12 13. 22.12 Rom. 2.5 Joh. 5.30 Q. But what is it for God by Jesus Christ to judg every Man according to his Works A. Here are two things to be considered Q. What is the first A. The first is That God by Jesus Christ will judg every Man for all must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account of themselves unto God Rom. 14.10 11 12. 1 Pet. 4.1 2 Pet. 2.9 2 Cor. 5.10 Jam. 2.12 Q. What is the Second A. The Second is That God by Jesus Christ will judg every Man according to his Works that is without respect of Persons and according to Truth and Right Rom. 2.11 1 Pet. 1.17 2 Chron. 19.7 Ephes 6.9 Col. 3.23 Rom. 2.2 Rev. 19.2 Deut. 32.4 Psal 96.13 Gen. 18.25 Psal 9.4 Isa 10.2 Job 34.23 2 Thess 1.5 6. 2 Tim. 4.8 Psal 45.6 Heb. 1.8 Q. Can you explain this in a special Application to Men whom God will justify and condemn by Jesus Christ at the last Day A. I can Q. How do you set it forth in reference to those whom God by Jesus Christ will justify at the last Day A. Thus it may be done God will render to every Man Eternal Life who according to the Truth manifested to him does by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory and Honour and Immortality and that God will make them to exceed those in Glory whom they exceed in Righteousness Rom. 2.6 7 10. 1 Cor. 15.41 Matth. 20.23 Dan. 12.3 1 Cor. 3.8 Phil. 4.17 Q. How do you set it forth in reference to them whom God by Jesus Christ will condemn at the last Day A. God will render Indignation and Wrath unto every one that is Contentious and does not obey the Truth as manifested either without the Law or under the Law or under the Gospel
us to know God and Jesus Christ Answ Yes for Jesus Christ himself in his Prayer to the Father said This is Life Eternal that is This is that which the Doctrine that hath the promise of Eternal Life does teach and require for the obtaining of Eternal Life to wit that they may know thee the only truly God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17.3 Quest Well But what does Jesus Christ here intend by Mens knowing him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Answ To know him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent is according to Christ's intendment here not only to understand or apprehend that which must be known concerning him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent but also to love them as such or according to such a knowledg of them to acknowledg them * Quest But how can you prove that Jesus Christ here intendeth such a knowledg as this * Answ That Jesus Christ here intendeth such a knowledg of things necessary to be known concerning the only true God and him whom he hath sent which has a suitable love to them or answerable acknowledgment of them joined therewith I am able clearly to prove and that abundantly * Quest The proof of this being very needful I am willing to hear it and therefore I now ask you How it may be confirmed Answ First I shall offer this That these Phrases or Expressions To know God and To know Jesus Christ are oftentimes so used in the Holy Scriptures Whence I gather that it is not strange so to accept and take them here Hos 53.4 Tit. 1.16 Jer. 9.3 Ch. 31.34 Heb. 8.11 Dan. 11.32 Hos 2.20 Joh. 15.21 Ch. 17.25 1 Thess 4.5 Psal 36.10 Job 18.21 Isa 53.11 1 John 2.3 4. Ch. 4.6 * Quest You do well to infer no more seeing these Phrases are frequently restrained to a meer knowledg or notion of God and Christ or for knowledg as distinct from Love and Acknowledgment Yea sometimes they are said to know God and to know Christ who have only the means of knowing them Rom. 1.21 Joh. 8.28 But what ground have you to conclude that in this saying of Christ Love and Acknowledgment is implied in knowledg * Answ It plainly appears that Jesus Christ here intends such a knowledg as implies in it Love and Acknowledgment if we consider only this That Christ here declares this to be sufficient for obtaining Eternal Life namely To know the Father the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Now it is in it self absurd to conceive that it is enough only to understand and notion the Truth concerning God and Jesus Christ * Quest It is so But have you any thing more to say in confirming it * Answ I shall add this That the Scriptures declare expresly that more than meerly to know or only to understand God and Jesus Christ is necessary for obtaining Eternal Life This is so well known that the citing of places will be needless notwithstanding I will repeat the saying of the Apostle Paul Knowledg puffeth up but Charity Love edifieth 1 Cor. 8.1 The Devils have knowledg of God and Christ Jam. 2.19 Mar. 1.24 Act. 19.15 And so have some of the worst of Men. Quest Seeing it is so as you have said we may draw up concerning the Doctrine we are chiefly to learn these two Propositions 1. That it teacheth us to know or apprehend him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent 2. That it teacheth to love or acknowledg him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Concerning these two I desire now to hear from you a general and brief Account what you have learned out of the Holy Scriptures And first I will ask you some Questions touching the first Proposition And my first Query shall be this What are we to understand by the only true God Answ By the only true God we are to understand the only Creator and most high Lord or Governor of all things 2 Kings 19.19 Now therefore O Lord our God I beseech thee save us out of his hand that all the Kingdoms of the Earth may know that thou art the Lord God even thou only Jude 4. Certain Men crept in denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ 2 King 19.15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said O Lord God of Israel which dwellest between the Cherubims thou art the God even thou alone of all the Kingdoms of the Earth thou hast made Heaven and Earth Isa 44.24 c. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer and he that formed thee from the Womb I am the Lord that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the Heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the Earth by my self that frustrateth the Tokens of the Lyars c. Nehem. 9.6 c. Thou even thou art Lord alone thou hast made Heaven the Heaven of Heavens with all their Host the Earth and all things that are therein the Seas and all that is therein and thou preservest them all and the Host of Heaven worshippeth thee c. Dan. 5.18 c. O thou King the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy Father a Kingdom c. But when his heart was lifted up and his mind hardned in pride he was deposed from his Kingly Throne c. till he knew that the most high God ruled in the Kingdom of Men and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will Rom. 1.25 They served the Creature more than the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen Matth. 11.25 At that time Jesus answered and said I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth c. Psal 22.18 The Kingdom is the Lords and he is the Governour among the Nations Rom. 11.36 Of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Quest What are we to understand by Him whom the Father hath sent Answ By him whom the Father hath sent we are to understand him whom the Father hath sent to be the Saviour of the World 1 John 4.14 And we have seen and do testify That the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World John 6.39 40. And this is the Father's Will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day c. Quest Now concerning the second Proposition I shall ask you several Questions as first How can you prove from the Scriptures that we must not only know him who is the only true God but also love him as such Answ We are not only to know him who is the only true God but also to love him as such For it is written Hear O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine Heart and with all thy Soul and with all
thy Might Deut. 6.4 5. Mat. 12.29 30. Knowledg puffeth up but Love edifieth And if any Man think that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know But if any Man love God the same is known of him 1 Cor. 8.1 2 3. see 1 John 4.7 8. Quest How does our love to God manifest and discover it self Answ Our Love to God discovers it self by our keeping the Commandments of God which require us to trust in him and live to him as the only true God Deut. 10.12 And now Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul 1 John 5.3 This is the love of God that we keep his Commandments 1 John 4.20 If a Man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a liar Quest How do you prove from Scripture that we must not only know him whom God hath sent but also love him as such Answ I prove it from John 8.42 Jesus said unto them If God were your Father ye would love me for I proceeded forth and came from God neither came I of my self but he sent me Quest How does our love to him whom God hath sent manifest and discover it self Answ Our love to him whom God hath sent discovers it self in our keeping his Commandments which require us to trust in him and live to him as one whom God hath sent to be the Saviour of the World John 14.15 If ye love me keep my Commandments Vers 21. He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me Vers 23. If a Man love me he will keep my Words Vers 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings the Word which ye hear is not mine but my Fathers which sent me 1 John 2.3 c. And hereby we do know that we know him if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a liar and the Truth is not in him But whoso keepeth his Word in him verily is the love of God perfected Hereby know we that we are in him Quest Tell me now what you intend by the Acknowledgment of God and of Christ which you have mentioned Answ By the Acknowledgment of God and Christ I intend nothing else but that Love now spoken of as manifested by the keeping of God's Commandments Quest Why do you call this an Acknowledgment of God and of Christ Answ I so call it because they who thus keep the Commandments of God do indeed acknowledg and confess That he who sent Jesus Christ is the only true God and that Jesus Christ is he whom God hath sent Quest Does the Holy Scripture express it in the same way and manner Answ Yes and in many places Col. 1.10 Ephes 4.13 Col. 2.2 1 Tim. 2.4 Ch. 4.3 2 Tim. 2.25 Tit. 1.1 2 Pet. 1.2 3. Prov. 3.6 2 Cor. 1.13 1 Joh. 2.23 Rom. 10.9 10. 1 King 8.33 Mat. 10.32 1 Tit. 1.16 Heb. 3.1 Ch. 4.14 Ch. 10.23 Quest You said as I remember in your first Answer That the best and chiefest thing we are to learn is the Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ But why said you so Answ I said that the Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ is the best and chiefest thing we are to learn for this Reason Because this Doctrine which is Truth revealeth to us the Promise of Eternal Life and directeth us in the way and means of obtaining this Eternal Life Quest How prove you this Answ I prove it from the words of our Saviour which we have now been discoursing of namely This is Eternal Life that Men may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Quest What do you gather from these words Answ First I gather from them that the Doctrine of Christ is a Doctrine concerning Eternal Life * Secondly That to know the Father the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent is that which is required of us for obtaining Eternal Life ‑ These things are clearly and plentifully witnessed in the Holy Scriptures * 1 John 5.11 And this is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son John 12.50 And I know that his Commandment is Life Everlasting John 6.68 Then Simon Peter answered him Lord to whom shall we go Thou hast the words of Eternal Life 2 Tim. 1.10 Our Saviour Jesus Christ hath abolished Death and hath brought Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel ‑ 1 John 2.24 25. Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you ye shall continue in the Son and in the Father And this is the Promise that he hath promised us even Eternal Life James 1.12 Blessed is the Man that endureth temptation for when he is tried he shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him 1 Cor. 2.9 10. Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entered into the Heart of Man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit 1 Pet. 1.8 9. Whom to wit Jesus Christ having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of your Faith even the Salvation of your Souls 1 Cor. 16.22 If any Man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema Maranatha 1 Thess 1.8 The Lord Jesus shall take vengeance of them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1.2 Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledg or acknowledgment of God and of Jesus our Lord. Quest What do you conclude of hence Answ I hence conclude That there is nothing in the World we should so esteem of and glory in as the knowledg of God and of Christ Jer. 9.23 24. Thus saith the Lord Let not the wise Man glory in his Wisdom neither let the mighty Man glory in his Might let not the rich Man glory in his Riches but let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord which exercise Loving-kindness Judgment and Righteousness in the Earth for in these things I delight saith the Lord. Phil. 3.7 8. What things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ yea doubtless I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledg of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ c. The Second Part. Treating of Religion in the General and more particularly of the
unlikely that our Saviour especially in speaking to a Woman of Samaria should in this term Spirit allude to Angelical Spirits it being a matter much to be doubted whether these Creatures were at this time known to any in the World unless a few by the name of Spirits But however this is certain That such a Metaphor or Comparison would have been when used by our Saviour of little or no use at all in the World for that there were any such Beings that were Spirits or incorporeal Substances was a thing not generally known in the World and denied by a considerable Party among the Jews themselves for as we read Acts 23.8 The Sudduces say That there is no Resurrection neither Angel nor Spirit That is to say no Angel which is a Spirit or incorporeal Substance For 't is not imaginable that the Sadduces who owned the five Books of Moses should deny that there were any Angels there being in those Writings so evident and frequent mention of them but 't is easily conceivable that they might deny Angels to be incorporeal in that the History of Moses does often speak of their appearance with Bodies like unto Men But that which fully and clearly determines the Matter is that which follows in the Text namely these words but the Pharisees confess both Whence it appears that the preceeding words contain in them no more than two things denied by the Sadduces which cannot be unless my Interpretation be admitted for they must needs be three if we distinguish betwixt Angel and Spirit as different Subjects as any may reckon that can but tell three for Resurrection Angel and Spirit must needs be three My Exposition may also be defended from that which follows in vers 9. and from the Absurdities which will follow the denial of it But to return I say That if our Saviour by the term Spirit intended an allusion to Angels the word would import little or nothing at all For what could Men conceive thence concerning God That he is not corporeal Be it so Notwithstanding this is certain that some would not thence so conceive and that at least the Woman of Samaria and others of the vulgar sort could hardly if at all find any such document in the similitude But what else could Men from this Metaphor learn concerning God Little else upon any clear and undoubted evidence the nature of these Spirits being so little known by the wisest of Men. Surely our Saviour intended in this Metaphor a clear and plentiful instruction concerning God and for the use of the vulgar sort Whence I conclude that Jesus has not respect here to Angelical Spirits in this Comparison but to the Spirit of Man In this sense the Comparison is suited to vulgar Capacities for there is no Man but experimentally knows that he has a Spirit And there is nothing vulgarly known in the whole Creation of God that does excel or may be equal to humane Spirits And moreover this noble part of Man passeth commonly under this name of Spirit How fruitful of instruction the Similitude is as thus understood hath already in some measure been shewed It only remains that I shew how well this sense of the term Spirit agrees with the Context This in as few words as may be thus To what the Woman of Samaria said vers 20. Our Fathers worshipped in this Mountain and ye say that in Jerusalem is the place where Men ought to worship To this I say our Saviour replies in vers 21 22 23 24. In this reply we have both a prophetical and doctrinal discovery For in vers 21. he foretells the destruction of both Temples that in Jerusalem and that also in Samaria and the removal of the Jews and Samaritans out of their own Countries So that they should not worship in the places about which they contended what mind soever they might have thereunto Woman saith our Saviour believe me the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this Mountain nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father In the next place our Saviour teacheth the Woman divers things of no mean importance For in respect of former times and the time present he informs her that in the Controversy now mentioned the Jews had Truth on their side and the Samaritans were in a wrong Opinion and that not only in respect of the place of Worship but also in the manner of worshipping This Jesus asserteth thus vers 22. Ye worship ye know not what or ye know not after what manner ye worship that is ye Samaritans have no good reason or ground for your way of worshipping but we Jews know after what manner we worship having a good ground for worshipping at Jerusalem by offering Sacrifices there and for the way of worshipping Then our Saviour thus confirmeth it for Salvation is of the Jews that is the Doctrine teaching Men so to worship God as to please him and obtain Salvation is from Prophets that are of the Jewish Nation In vers 23 24. our Saviour informs the Woman as to the future time which was now at hand these two things 1. That there must be a new kind of Worshippers whom he calls True Worshippers because typified by and more excel-cellent than legal Worshippers and a new way of worshipping to wit in Spirit and Truth that is to say in such a manner as is different from the legal way and was typified by it and which therefore is more excellent This Worship the Doctrine of the New Covenant teacheth for this Doctrine abrogates the legal Form and does introduce that Worship which the legal Worship was a type and shadow of This new Covenant Doctrine is upon this account called Spirit and Truth as the Mosaical Doctrine in relation to it is called the Letter and is said to have the shadow of good things to come 2 Cor. 3.6 c. Joh. 1.17 Heb. 10.1 2. Our Saviour shews why such Worshippers and such a way of Worship must be This he does first barely express in these words For such the Father seeketh to worship him vers 23. Then he briefly explains it vers 24. where he discovers 1. Why the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit Therefore now at length having a mind to discover himself more clearly than in times past he will no longer be worshipped after the more gross and carnal way of the Law but in a more spiritual and excellent way yet in such as was prefigured by the Law This is to worship in Spirit and Truth i.e. in such a way as being compared with the legal does as much differ from it and excel it as the Spirit that is the signification of a Letter differs from and excels the Letter it self The like may be said of a Shadow and its Body see Rom. 3.29 7.6 Col. 3.3 2. What it is for the Father to seek such to worship him To seek is to command which is here signified by the moral necessity that Men have of worshipping the
Father in Spirit and Truth And therefore they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and Truth Now let the Reader judg CHAP. II. Of God considered in his Works of Creation Q. NOw seeing we have discoursed of God as considered in himself we are in the next place to discourse of him as considered in his Works Wherefore I shall first ask you What are the Works of God A. The Works of God we ought to consider and althô they are manifold yet they may be said in the general to be two-fold namely His Work of Creation and his Work of Government Job 37.14 16. Eccles 7.13 Psal 77.12 46.8 111.2 Rom. 1.20 Q. What is God's Work of Creation A. God's Work of Creation is that Work of his whereby he hath made Heaven the Heaven of Heavens with all their Host the Earth and all things that are therein the Seas and all that is therein Nehem. 9.6 See Gen. 1. Job 38.4 c. Psal 104.5 c. and 136.5 c. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer and he that formed thee from the Womb I am the Lord that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the Heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the Earth by my self Isa 44.24 Act. 4.24 14.15 17.24 Rev. 10.6 Thus saith God the Lord he that created the Heavens and stretched them out he that spread forth the Earth and that which cometh out of it he that giveth breath unto the People upon it and Spirit to them that walk therein Isa 42.5 See Isa 45.12 18. Mark 10.6 Q. In what manner did God create the World and the things that are therein A. God by reason of his Will and Pleasure did in his Wisdom by his Power and for himself make form or create in six days all things and all very good He created all things by reason of his Will or Pleasure Rev. 4.11 Thou O Lord hast created all things and for or by reason of thy pleasure they are and were created See also before God created them in his Wisdom Psal 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy Works in Wisdom hast thou made them all Prov. 3.19.20 The Lord by Wisdom hath founded the Earth by Vnderstanding hath he established the Heavens by his Knowledg the Depths are broken up and the Clouds drop down the Dew Psal 136.5 He hath created all things by his Power Jer. 10.12 He hath made the Earth by his Power he hath established the World by his Wisdom and hath stretched out the Heavens by his Discretion Jer. 32.17 Ah Lord God behold thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by thy great Power and stretched-out Arm and there is nothing too hard for thee or nothing hid from thee See Isa 40.26 2 Pet. 3.5 Psal 33.6 By the Word of the Lord were the Heavens made and all the Host of them by the breath of his Mouth Vers 9. For he spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast See Psal 148.5 Gen. 1.3 God said Let there be Light and there was Light 2 Cor. 4.6 God commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness Job 26.13 By his Spirit he hath garnished the Heavens his Hand hath formed the crooked Serpent Job 33.4 The Spirit of God hath made me and the Breath of the Almighty hath given me Life Prov. 16.1 He made all things for himself He made all things in six days and all very good Gen. 1. and Ch. 2.1 2. Exod. 20.11 Q. What are the principal Creatures that God did make A. The principal Creatures that God did make are Angels and Men. Q. What have you learn'd concerning the Creation of Men A. I have learn'd concerning the creation of Men That God after he had made all other Creatures created Man in his own Image in the Image of God created he him Male and Female created he them and that God blessed them and said unto them Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the Earth and subdue it and have dominion over the Fish of the Sea and over the Fowl of the Air and over every living thing that moveth upon the Earth Gen. 1.27 28. Jam. 3.9 Q. Can you express more distinctly the Creation of Men A. Yes after this manner The Lord God created at the first only a Man and a Woman called Adam and Eve For the Lord God formed the Man of the Dust of the Ground and breathed into his Nostrils the Breath of Life and the Man became a living Soul Afterwards the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept and he took one of his Ribs and closed up the Flesh instead thereof And of the Rib which the Lord God had taken from the Man made he a Woman and brought her to the Man to be his Wife and a meet help unto him Of these two have all others of Mankind descended by that blessing of Multiplying and increasing which God gave to Adam and his Wife Gen. 2.7 18 21 22. and 5.1 2. 1 Cor. 11.8 9. 1 Tim. 2.13 Job 4.17 32.22 33.6 34.19 Psal 139.13 c. Jer. 1.5 Zech. 12.1 Eccles 11.5 Job 10.8 c. and 31.15 CHAP. III. Of God's Work of Government in General and in Special as relating to Angels Q. LEt us now speak of God's Work of Government concerning which I shall first ask you this Question What mean you by God's Work of Government A. By God's Work of Government I mean that Work of his in which by his Power he ruleth and reigneth over all throughout all Generations for ever and ever as Lord of Heaven and Earth and as a great King above all Gods God ruleth or reigneth or does exercise Dominion and Kingship over all Psal 103.19 c. The Lord hath prepared his Throne in the Heavens and his Kingdom ruleth over all Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength that do his Commandments hearkning to the Voice of his Word Bless the Lord all ye his Hosts ye Ministers of his that do his pleasure Bless the Lord all his Works in all places of his Dominion Bless the Lord O my Soul See Job 25.2 3. Josh 2.11 Isa 66.1 God by his Power ruleth and reigneth throughout all Generations for ever and ever Psal 66.7 He ruleth by his Power for ever his Eyes behold the Nations Psal 145.13 Thy Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom or a Kingdom of all Ages and thy Dominion endureth throughout all Generations Psal 93.2 Thy Throne is established of old thou art from everlasting Psal 10.16 The Lord is King for ever and ever 1 Tim. 1.17 Now unto the King Eternal Immortal Invisible the only Wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen See Psal 29.16 Jer. 10.10 Psal 146.10 Dan. 4.3 34. Jude 25. 1 Cor. 15.24 28. Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God even the Father c. And when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that
let us now speak of that which is for the saving of Converts who by Repentance have their Sins forgiven and are become the Children of God What is God's Work by Jesus Christ for the saving of these A. The Work of God by Jesus Christ for the saving of his Children is that whereby God bringeth them unto Glory by Jesus Christ Heb. 2.10 For it became him God for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many Sons unto Glory to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect through Sufferings Q. Wherein does this Work consist A. God's Work by Jesus Christ of bringing his Children unto Glory consisteth in preparing them for Glory and possessing them with it Rom. 9.23 Q. How does God by Jesus Christ prepare them for Glory A. God does this by creating them in Christ Jesus unto good Works and by confirming them therein unto the end Ephes 2.10 We are God's Workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good Works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them 1 Cor. 1.8 9. Who God shall also confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ 1 Thes 5.23 24. And the very God of Peace sanctify you wholly And I pray God your whole Spirit and Soul and Body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Faithful is be that calleth you who also will do it Heb. 13.20 21. Now the God of Peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the Sheep through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good Work to do his Will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be Glory for ever and ever Amen Q. But how does God thus sanctify Believers A. God does this by his Spirit which he gives to Believers and by which he works in them for their Sanctification and all this thorow Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.2 Elect according to the foreknowledg of God the Father thorow sanctification of the Spirit unto Obedience and sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ Ephes 1.13 In whom which Christ also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise Tit. 3.5 c. God our Saviour saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour c. See Joh. 3.5 Ezek. 36.25 c. Q. What is that which God worketh in Believers by his Spirit that they may be confirmed unto the end A. God by his Spirit does enlighten them concerning his Will and does strengthen them that they may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing in all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness Ephes 1.17 18. 3.14 c. Col. 1.9 10 11. Q. Is there nothing by which God and Christ do through the Spirit sanctify Believers A. Yes for the Word of the Gospel is us'd for their Sanctification and sometimes Chastisement For the Word of the Gospel see Rom. 1.16 Ephes 5.26 For Chastisement see Heb. 12.5 c. Rev. 3.19 Q. Is there nothing that God by Jesus Christ worketh out of Believers for their Sanctification A. Yes And among other things God will not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able but will with the Temptation also make a way to escape that they may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 Q. What in this Work of Sanctification is peculiar to Christ A. He gave himself for the Church that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word And he ever liveth to make intercession for us Ephes 5.25 26. Heb. 7.25 Q. What must Believers do that they may be Holy and confirmed unto the end A. They must cleanse themselves from all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Q. Can you set forth this more particularly A. Yes after this manner They building up themselves in their most Holy Faith praying in the Holy Ghost must keep themselves in the Love of God looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life Jud. 20 21. Q. I would hear something from you touching the particulars of your Answer Wherefore I ask you in the first place this Question What is it for Believers to build up themselves in their most Holy Faith A. Believers may be then said to build up themselves in their most Holy Faith when they rightly endeavour by the means God vouchsafeth them both in private and in publick to encrease in the knowledg and belief of the Doctrine of Christ Col. 2.7 2 Pet. 3.18 2 Tim. 2.7 Eph. 4.11 c. 1 Pet. 2.1 2. Q. What is it for Believers to pray in the Holy Ghost A. Believers may be then said to pray in the Holy Ghost when according to the Will of God made known by the Holy Ghost they make known their Requests unto God by Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving both in private and publick as they have opportunity Phil. 4.6 1 Joh. 5.14 Matth. 6.5 c. 1 Cor. 14.14 c. Q. What general Direction have Believers for Prayer and Thanksgiving A. That which our Saviour gave to his Apostles in Mat. 6.5 c. add thereto that of our Saviour afterwards in Joh. 16.23 24. Verily verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full Add that of the Apostle Ephes 5.20 Give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. But what is it to pray and give thanks in the Name of Jesus Christ A. To pray and give thanks in the Name of Jesus Christ is to draw nigh to God therein with confidence because Jesus Christ is our High Priest that maketh intercession for us Heb. 4.14 15 16. 1 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 13.15 Q. What have you learnt concerning that Cup of Blessing or Thanksgiving which the Apostle speaketh of in 1 Cor. 10.16 A. I have learned That the Apostle there speaketh of the Lord's Supper which is to be used with Thanksgiving in the Churches of Christ Q. What mean you by the Lord's Supper A. I mean A certain use of Bread and a Cup which Christ our Lord hath appointed for a remembrance of him For as often as we eat this Bread and drink this Cup we shew the Lord's Death till he come Mat. 26.26 c. Mark 14.22 c. Luk. 22.19 c. 1 Cor. 11.23 c. Q. Now tell me What is it for Believers to keep themselves in the Love of God A. Believers may be then said to keep themselves in the Love of God when they so use their Knowledg or
Christian Religion CHAP. I. Q. YOu having now in the general shewed the more necessary things contained in the best of Doctrines I am willing to hear from you somewhat a more particular yet brief account of the same matters to wit as concerning God as consider'd in Himself and in his Works But first I will ask you What kind of Knowledg we may have concerning these things here in this Life A. That we may here have concerning God considered in Himself and in his Works such a knowledg as is true and sufficient hath been already proved but a perfect knowledg of God in himself and in his Works is not here in this Life attainable 1 Cor. 13.9 c. We know in part and we prophesy in part but when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away When I was a Child I spake as a Child I understood as a Child I thought as a Child but when I became a Man I put away childish things For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face Now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known Job 11.7 c. Canst thou by searching find out God Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection It is as high as Heaven c. See Job 36.26 c. Psal 77.19 Thy way is in the Sea and thy Path in the great Waters and thy footsteps are well known See Psal 36.5 6. Eccles 3.11 No Man can find out the Work that God maketh from the beginning to the end See Job 37.5 Rom. 11.33 How unsearchable are the Judgments of God and his Ways past finding out Q. What are you taught from the Holy Scriptures concerning God considered in himself A. The Holy Scriptures teach me concerning God considered in himself these two things namely That God is one and that God is a Spirit Q. Where do the Scriptures affirm That God is one A. The Scriptures do in many places expresly affirm that God is One or that there is one God 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one God and one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus Ephes 4.6 One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all See Deut. 6.4 with Mark 12.29 Mal. 2.10 Matth. 19.17 Rom. 3.30 2 Cor. 8.4.6 Jam. 2.19 Zech. 14.9 Q. What are we to understand by this That there is one God A. By this That there is one God or That God is One we are to understand that He alone or He only is God and that there is no other that hath the same Being or the same Kingdom as he hath It is affirmed in the Scriptures that JEHOVAH which is the Name of God Psal 83.18 Jer. 16.21 Exod. 15.3 is God alone Psalm 86.10 Thou art great and dost wondrous things Thou art God alone See 2 King 19.15 Isa 37.16 Neh. 9.6 That he only is God 2 King 19.19 Thou art the Lord God even thou only Isa 37.20 That he is the only true God John 17.3 see Jude v. 4. That there is no God else Isa 46.9 Remember the former things of old for I am God and there is none else I am God and there is none like me See 1 Kings 8.6 That there is no God besides him Isa 44.6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel and his Redeemer the Lord of Hosts I am the First and I am the Last and besides me there is no God Vers 8. Is there a God besides me Yea there is no God I know not any Isa 45.5 I am the Lord there is none else there is no God besides me See Vers 6 14 21 22. 1 King 8.60 Deut. 4.35 1 Chron. 17.20 That there is no other God Exod. 34.14 That there is no God with him Deut. 32.39 2 King 5.15 Who is God save the Lord 2 Sam. 22.32 Psal 18.31 That there is no other God but one 1 Cor. 8.4 Therefore we must have before him no other God Exod. 20.3 Nor worship another God Exod. 34.14 Psal 16.4 81.9 But we are to worship Jehovah and serve him only Exod. 22.20 Mat. 4.10 Q. Why in your Answer were those words added That there is no other that hath the same Being or the same Kingdom as he hath A. They were added to shew more distinctly and expresly that God is alone both in his Being and Kingdom and that there is no other that hath with him either the same Nature or the same Majesty and Authority By the Being and Kingdom of God we here intend the same which the Apostle Paul in Rom. 1.20 expresseth thus His eternal Power and Godhead These things are plainly held forth in the Holy Scriptures First God as to his Being or Nature is One or Alone What he is in this respect no other is He is therefore said to be One Jehovah or Lord Deut. 6.4 Mark 12.29 Hence is that saying of Christ to the young Man that called him Good Master Why saith Jesus callest thou me Good There is none good but One that is God Mat. 19.16 17. For the same God is said to be only wise Rom. 16.27 1 Tim. 1.17 Jud. v. 25. and alone to have Immortality 1 Tim. 6.16 Secondly God in respect of his Kingdom and Government is One or Alone There is no other that is such a King Lord or Governor as he Deut. 32.39 See now saith the Lord that I even I am he and there is no God with me I kill and I make alive I wound and I heal neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand 1 Tim. 6.15 He is the only Potentate Jam. 4.12 There is one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy Psal 72.18 Blessed be the Lord God the God of Israel who only doth wondrous things Isa 43.11 I even I am the Lord and beside me there is no Saviour See Hos 13.4 1 Cor. 12.6 It is the same God that worketh all in all In both respects God testifies of him That there is none like unto him Isa 46.9 Thus the Saints have profest concerning him 1 Sam. 2.2 There is none holy as the Lord for there is none beside thee neither is there any Rock like our God Exod. 15.11 Who is like unto thee among the Gods or mighty Ones who is like thee glorious in Holiness fearful in Praises doing Wonders See Exod. 8.10 Deut. 32.26 1 King 8.23 Psal 35.10 86.8 89.8 113.5 Mich. 7.18 Q. Are not some others even in a good sense called Gods in the Holy Scriptures A. Yes both Angels and Men. And indeed some of both may not only be called Gods but also may in a good sense be Gods but not in that sense as the Lord our God is 1 Cor. 8.4 5 6. We know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but one For though there be that are called Gods whether in Heaven or in Earth as there be Gods many and