being to all things and doing with them whatsoever he 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. Do we here know God as he is A. No his glorious being is not of us in this Life to be comprehended Exod. 33. 23. 1 Cor. 13. 12. Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefly 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 whch he 4 The divers names of God signifie one and the same thing but under divers notions in respect of our Conception hath given himself to hold forth his excellencies unto us with some perfections whereby he will reveal himself 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 chief Attributes of his Being A. a Eternity b infiniteness c simplicity 1 Some of these attributes belong so unto God as that they are in no sort to be ascribed to any else as infiniteness Eternity c. Others are after a sort attributed to some of his Creatures in that he communicateth unto them some of the Effects of them in himself as Life Goodness c. 2 The first of these are Motives to humble Adoration Fear self-Abhorrency the other to Faith Hope Love and Confidence through Jesus Christ. or purity d all-sufficiency e perfectness 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. Matth. 16. 16. Act. 24. 15. 1 Thes. 1. 9. h Dan. 11. 3. Esa. 46. 10. Ephes. 1. 5. 11. Jam. 1. 18. i Psal. 7. 2 139. 2. 147. 4. Jer. 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 Goodness l Power m 3 Nothing is to be ascribed unto God nor imagined of him but what is exactly agreeable to those his glorious properties 4 These last are no less essential unto God than the former onely we thus distinguish them because these are chiefly seen in his Works Justice n Mercy o Holiness p Wisdom and the like which he 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. Jerem. 12. 1. Rom. 1. 30. n Psal. 130. 7. Rom. 9. 15. Ephes. 2. 4. o Exod. 15. 11. Josh. 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 do belong A. a One onely in respect of his Essence and Being but one b in three distinct Persons of Father Son and Holy Ghost a Deut. 6. 4. Matth. 19. 17. Ephes. 4 5 6. b Gen. 1. 7. 1 Joh. 5. 7. Matth. 28. 19. Q. 2. What mean you by Person A. A distinct manner of 1 This is that mysterious Ark that must not be pryed into nor the least tittle spoken about it wherein plain Scripture goeth not before 2 To deny the Deity of any one Person is in effect to deny the whole God-head for whosoever hath not the Son hath not the Father 3 This onely Doctrine remained undefiled in the Papacy Subsistence or Being distinguished from the other Persons by its own Properties Joh. 5. 17. Heb. 1. 3. Q 3. What is the distinguishing property of the Person of the Father A. To be of himself onely the fountain of the God-head Joh. 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. Joh. 1. 14. and 3. 16. Q. 5. What of the Holy Ghost A. To proceed from the Father and the Son Joh. 14. 17. 16. 14. and 15. 26. and 20. 22. Q. 6. Are these three one A. One a every way in Nature Will and Essential properties b distinguished onely in their personal manner of subsistence a Ioh. 10. 30. Rom. 3. 30. b Ioh. 15. 26. 1 Ioh. 5. 7. Q. 7. Can we conceive these things as they are in themselves A. Neither a we nor yet the b Angels 4 We must labour to make out comfort from the proper work of every Person towards us 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 internal and immanent Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning the Works of God A. That they are of two sorts first internal 1 The purposes and decrees of God so far as by him revealed are objects of our saith and full of comfort in his Counsel Decrees and purposes towards his Creatures secondly external in his Works over and about them to the praise of his own glory Act. 15. 18. Prov. 16. 4. Q 2. VVhat are the decrees of God A. a Eternal b unchangeable purposes 2 Further reasons of God's decrees than his own will not to be enquired after 3 The changes in the Scripture ascribed unto God are onely in the outward dispensations and works variously tending to one infallible event by him proposed 4 The Arminians blasphemy in saying God sometimes fails of his purposes of his will concerning the being and well-being 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 be considered A. Angels and Men for whom other things were ordained 1 Tim. 5. 21. Jud. 6. Q. 4. VVhat 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 eternal b free c immutable 5 The decree of Election is the fountain of all spiritual
Horeb but because written in the hearts of all by the finger of God at the first written 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. Jam. 2. 8. Gal. 3. Q. 3. Are we able of our selves to 2 After the fall the Law ceased to be a rule of Justification and became a rule for Sanctification only 3 It is of free Grace that God giveth power to yield any obedience and accepteth of any obedience that is not perfect perform it A. No in no wise the Law is spiritual but we are carnal 1 King 8. 46. Gen. 5. 6. Joh. 15. 5. Rom. 7. 11. and 8. 7. 1 Joh. 1. 8. Q. 4. Did then God give a Law which could not be kept A. No when God gave it we had power to keep it which since we 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 general ends first a to be a rule of our Duty or to discover to us the obedience of God required secondly b to drive us unto Christ. a Psal. 11. 9. 5. 1 Tim. 1. 8 9. b Gal. 3. 24 Q. 6. How doth the Law drive us unto Christ A. Divers ways as first a by laying open unto us the utter disability of our Nature to do any good secondly b by charging the wrath and curse of God due to Sin upon the Conscience thirdly c by bringing the whole Soul 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 weakness and disability upon us A. By the sin and 1 This is that which commonly is called Original sin which in general denoteth the whole misery and corruption of our Nature as first the guilt of Adams actual sin to us imputed secondly loss of Gods glorious Image Innocency and Holiness thirdly deriving by propagation a nature 1. defiled with the Pollution 2. laden with the Guilt 3. subdued to the Power of Sin 4. a being exposed to all temporal Miseries leading to and procuring Death 5. an Alienation from God with voluntary Obedience to Satan and lust 6. an utter disability to good or to labour for Mercy 7. eternal Damnation of Body and Soul in Hell shameful 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 we were all guilty of the same breach of Covenant with Adam being all in him secondly b our Souls with his were deprived of that Holiness Innocency and righteousness 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 we are made obnoxious to the curse a Joh. 3. 36. Rom. 5. 12. Ephes. 2. 3. b Gen. 3. 10. Ephes. 4. 23 24. Col. 3. 10. c Job 14. 4. Psal. 51. 7. Joh. 3. 6. Rom. 3. 13. d Gen. 6. 5. Ephes. 2. 1. Jer. 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 All that a natural Man hath on this side hell is free Mercy guilt of Death temporal and eternal secondly b the loss of the Grace and Favour of God thirdly c Guilt and Horror of Conscience despair and anguish here with fourthly eternal 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. Joh. 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 do they continue therein A. Of themselves 3 The end of this is Jesus Christ to all that flye for refuge to the hope set before them they cannot otherwise do being able neither to a know or 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 mankind 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 This is that great Mystery of Godliness that the Angels themselves admire the most transcendent expression of Gods infinite love the laying forth of all the treasure of his Wisdom and Goodness Jesus Christ in the likeness of sinful 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-eternal 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 be made flesh of a pure Virgin and to dwell among us that he might be obedient unto death the death of the Cross 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 Though our Saviour Christ be one God with his Father he is not one Person with him Jesus Christ is God and Man in one not a God and a Man God incarnate not a man Deified Person or what he is in himself secondly his Offices or what he is unto us Q. 2. What doth it teach of his Person A. That he is truely God and perfect man partaker of the natures of God and man in one Person between whom he 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 be truely God A. Divers wayes first by places 3 The effential properties of either Nature remain in his Person theirs still not communicated unto the other as of the Deity to be eternal every where of the
Dr. John Owen's TWO SHORT CATECHISMS Wherein the PRINCIPLES OF THE Doctrine of Christ Are Unfolded and Explained Proper for all Persons to Learn before they be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and Compos'd by Him for the use of all Congregations in General The Second Edition Come ye Children hearken unto me I will teach you the Fear of the Lord Psalm 34. 11. LONDON Printed for and Sold by Will. Marshal at the Bible in Newgate-street Where you may be supplied with most of Dr. Owen's Works Likewise the true Effigies of Dr. Owen Also other Effigies as Mr. Caryl Mr. Mead Mr. Baxter Mr. Clark c. At the Bible in Newgate-street over against the Blue-Coat Hospital Gate LIveth William and Joseph Marshall Bookseller and Stationer Where is a Warehouse and is sold all sorts of Paper-Hangings by Wholesale or Retale very delightful for Rooms or Closets of the newest invention of Figures as Irish and Diamond-stitch Carpit or Turky and Forest-work c. 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TO My loving Neighbours and Christian Friends Brethren MY hearts desire and request unto God for you is that ye may be saved I say the Truth in Christ also I lye not my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost that I have great Heaviness and continual 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 Godliness 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 Cross of Christ whose end is destruction whose God is their Belly who mind earthly things You know Brethren how I have been amongst you and in what manner for these few years past and how I have kept back nothing to the utmost of the dispensation to me 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 Lord Jesus Christ. Now with what Sincerity this hath been by me performed with what Issue and Success 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 be Servant 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 Indeavours in this kind after the Ordinance of Publick Preaching the Word there is not I conceive any more needful as all will grant that know the Estate of this Place how taught of late days how full of grosly ignorant Persons then Catechising which hath caused me to set aside some Hours for the compiling of these following which also I have procured to be 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 Catechism may be so learned of the younger sort that they may be ready to answer to every Question thereof 2. The greater will call to mind much of what hath been taught you in publick especially concerning the Person and 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 diligently to be sought out and pondered that you may know indeed whether these things are so 5. In reading the Word you may have light into the meaning of many places by considering what they are produced to Confirm 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 moral Duties I have wholly omitted because by God's assistance I intend for you a brief Explication of the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments 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 pains hath been mine so I pray that the Benefit may be yours and the Praise his to whom alone any good that is in this or any thing else is to be ascribed Now the God of Heaven continue that Peace Love and Amity amongst our selves which hit herto hath been unshaken in these divided Times and grant that the Scepter and Kingdom of his Son may be gloriously advanced in your hearts that the things which concern your Peace may not be hidden from your eyes in this your day which is the daily Prayer of Your Servant in the work of the Lord J. O. From my Study Septem the last THE Lesser Catechism Question WHence is all Truth concerning God and our Chap. 1. Of the Greater selves to be learned Answer From the Holy Scripture the Word of God Q. What do the Scriptures teach Chap. 2. that God is A. An eternal infinite most holy Spirit giving Being to all things and doing with them whatsoever He pleaseth Q. Is there but one God A. One onely in respect of his Chap. 3. Essence and Being but one in three distinct Persons of Father Son and Holy Ghost Q. What else is held forth in the Chap. 4. Word concerning God that we ought to know A. His Decrees and his Works Q What are the Decrees of God concerning us A. His eternal 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 Chap. 5. 6. whereby He createth sustaineth and governeth all things Q. What is required from us towards Chap. 7. Almighty God A. Holy and spiritual obedience according to his Law given unto us Q. Are me able to do this of our Chap. 8. selves A. No in no wise being by nature unto every good Work reprobate Q. How came we into this Estate being at the first created in the image of God in righteousness 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 we be delivered Chap. 9. from this miserable Estate A. Onely by Jesus Christ. Q. What is Jesus Christ Chap. 10. A. God and Man united in one Person to be a Mediator between God and Man Q. What is He unto us A. A King a Priest a Prophet Q. Wherein doth he exercise his Chap. 11. 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 chiefly consist Chap. 12. A. In offering up himself an acceptable sacrifice on the cross 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 prophetical Office towards us Chap. 13. A. In revealing to our Hearts from the bosome of his Father the way and truth whereby we must come unto him Q. For whose sake doth Christ perform all these Chap. 14. A. Onely for his Elect. Q. In what condition doth Jesus Chap. 15. Christ exercise these Offices A. He 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 Chap. 16. A. The universal company of God's Elect called to the adoption of Children Q. How come we to be Members Chap. 17. of this Church A. By a lively Faith Q. What is a lively Faith A. An assured resting of the Soul upon God's promises of mercy in Jesus Christ for pardon of Sins here and Glory hereafter Q. How come we to have this faith Chap. 18. A. By the effectual working of the Spirit of God in our hearts freely calling us from the state of Nature to the state of Grace Q. Are we accounted Righteous for our Faith Chap. 19. A. No but only for the righteousness of Christ freely imputed unto us and laid hold of by Faith Q. 1. Is there no more required of us but Faith onely Chap. 20. A. Yes Repentance also and Holiness Q. 2. What is Repentance A. A forsaking of all Sin with Godly sorrow for what we have committed Q. 3. What is that Holiness which is required of us A. Universal obedience to the will of God revealed unto us Q. What are the privileges of believers Chap. 21. A. First Union with Christ secondly Adoption of Children thirdly Communion of Saints fourthly right to the Seals of the new Covenant fifthly Christan liberty sixthly Resurrection of the body to Life eternal Q. 1. VVhat are the Sacraments Chap. 22. or Seals of the new Covenant A. Visible Seals of God's spiritual Promises made unto us in the blood of Jesus Christ. Q. 2. VVhich be they A. Baptism and the Lords Supper Q. What is Baptisme Chap. 23 A. An holy Ordinance whereby being sprinkled with Water according to Christs institution we are by his Grace made Children of God and have the promises of the Covenant sealed unto us Q. What is the Lord's Supper Chap. 24. A. An holy Ordinance of Christ appointed to communicate unto Believers 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 only who have an interest in Jesus Christ by Faith Q. What is the Communion of Chap. 25. Saints A. An holy Conjunction between all Gods People Partakers of the same Spirit and Members of the same mystical Body Q. What is the end of all this Dispensation A. The Glory of God in our Salvation Glory be to God on high THE Greater Catechisme CHAP. I. Of the Scripture Question 1. WHat is Christian Religion A. The only a way of 1 Every one out of this way everlastingly damned 2 The Life of Religion is in the Life knowing God aright and b living unto him a Joh. 14. 5. ch 17. 3. Act. 4. 12. b Col. 1. 10. 2. Cor. 5. 15. Gal. 2. 19 20. Q. 2. Whence is it to be learned A. From the holy 3 Popish traditions are false Lights leading from God Scripture onely Isa. 8. 20. Joh. 5. 39. Q. 3. What is the Scripture A. The books of the a Old b New 4 The Authority of the Scripture dependeth not on the Authority of the Church as the Papists blaspheme 5 All humane inventions unnecessary helps in the worship of God 6 The word thereof is the sole directory for Faith Worship and Life Testament c given by inspiration from God containing all things necessary to be believed and done that God may be worshipped and our Souls 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 be the word of God A. By the a testimony 7 This alone perswadeth inwardly convinceth the heart of the divine verity of the Scripture other Motives also there are from without and unanswerable Arguments to prove the Truth of them as 1. their antiquity 2 preservation from Fury 3 Prophecies in them 4 the Holiness and Majesty of their Doctrine agreeable to the Nature of God 5 Miracles 6 the Testimony of the Church of all Ages 7 the Blood of innumerable Martyrs c. of God's Spirit working Faith in my heart to close with that b heavenly Majesty and clear 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 do the Scriptures teach concerning God A. First what he is or his Nature Secondly what he doth or his Works Exod. 3. 14. Isa. 45. 6. Heb. 1. 1 2 3. Heb. 11. 6. Q. 2. What is God in himself A. An a eternal b infinite c 1 The perfection of Gods Being is known of us chiefly by removing all imperfections 2 Hence the abominable vanity of Idolaters and of the Blasphemous Papists that picture God 3 Let us prostrate our selves in holy adoration of that which we cannot comprehend incomprehensible d spirit e giving
11. 51 52. 17. 19. Heb. 9. 13 14. b Heb. 9. 24. Q. 5. Whereby doth this oblation do good unto us A. Divers wayes first in that it satisfied the justice of God secondly it redeemed us from the power of Sin Death and Hell thirdly it ratified the new Covenant of Grace fourthly it procured for us Grace here and Glory hereafter by all which means the peace and reconciliation between God and us is wrought Ephes. 2. 14 15. Q. 6. How did the oblation of Christ satisfie God's justice for our sin A. In that for us he underwent the 2 Christs undergoing punishment for us was first typified by the old Sacrifices secondly foretold in the first Promise thirdly made lawful and valid in it self first by God's determination the supream Law-giver secondly his own voluntary undergoing it thirdly by a Relaxation of the Law in regard of the Subject punished fourthly beneficial 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. punishment due to our Sin Esa. 5. 3. 4 5 6. Joh. 10. 11. Rom. 3. 25 26. and 4. 25. 1 Cor. 15. 3. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Ephes. 5. 2. 1 Pet. 2. 24. Q. 7. What was that punishment A. The wrath of God the curse 3 No change in all these but what necessary follows the change of the Persons sustaining of the Law the paines of Hell due to Sinners in Body and Soul Gen. 2. 17. Deut. 27. 27. Esa. 59. 2. Rom. 5. 12. Ephes. 2. 3. Joh. 3. 36. Heb. 2. 14. Q. 8. Did Christ undergo all these A. Yes in respect of the greatness 4 The death that Christ underwent was eternal in its own Nature Tendance not so to him because of his holiness power and the unity of his Person and extremity not the eternity and continuance of those pains for it was impossible he should be holden of Death Matth. 26. 28 29. Mark 14. 33. and 15. 34. Gal. 3. 13. Ephes. 2. 16. Col. 1. 20. Heb. 5. 7. Psal. 18. 5. Q. 9. How could the punishment of one satisfie for the offence of all A. In that he was not a mere 5 He suffered not as God but he suffered who was God man onely but God also of infinite more value than all those who had offended Rom. 5. 9. Heb. 9. 26. 1 Pet. 3. 18. Q. 10. How did the oblation of Christ redeem us from Death and Hell A. First a by paying a ransome 6 We are freed from the anger of God by a perfect rendring to the full value of what he required from the power of Satan by absolute conquest on our behalf to God the Judge and Law-giver who had condemned us Secondly b by overcoming and spoyling Satan Death and the powers of Hell that detained us Captives a Matth. 20. 28. Joh. 6. 38. Mark 10. 4 5. Rom. 3. 25. 1 Cor. 6. 20. Gal. 3. 13. Ephes. 1. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 6. Heb. 10. 9. b Joh. 5. 24. Col. 2. 13 14 15. 1 Thess. 1. 10. Heb. 2. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. Q. 11. What was the ransome that Christ paid for us A. His own precious Blood Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 19. Q. 12. How was the new Covenant ratified in his Blood A. By being accompanied with 7 The new Covenant is Christs legacy in his last Will unto his People the eternal inheritance of Glory being conveyed thereby his Death for that as all other Testaments was to be ratified by the death of the Testator Gen. 22. 18. Heb. 9. 16. 8. 10 11 12. Q. 13. What is this new Covenant A. The gracious free immutable promise of God made unto all his Elect fallen in Adam to b give them Jesus Christ and c in him Mercy Pardon Grace and Glory d with a restipulation of Faith from them unto this promise and new obedience a Gen. 3. 15. Jer. 31. 32 33 34. 32. 40. Heb. 8. 10 11 12. b Gal. 3. 8. 16. Gen. 12. 3. c Rom. 8. 32 Ephes. 1. 3 4. d Mar. 16. 16. Joh. 1. 12. 10. 27 28. Q. 14. How did Christ procure for us Grace Faith and Glory A. By the way of purchase 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 9 All these holy truths are directly denied by the blasphemous Socinians of the Papists with their merits masses penance and purgatory by consequent overthrown and merit for the Death of Christ deservedly procured of God that he should Bless us with all spiritual Blessings needful for our coming unto him Esa. 53. 11 12. Joh. 17. 2. Act. 20. 28. Rom. 5. 17 18. Ephes. 2. 15. 16. 1. 4. Phil. 1. 29. Tit. 2. 14. Revel 1. 5 6. Q. 15. What is the intercession of Christ A His continual solliciting 10 To make Saints our intercessours is to renounce Jesus Christ from being a sufficient Saviour of God on our behalf begun here in fervent Prayers continued in Heaven by appearing as our advocate at the Throne of Grace Psal. 2. 8. Rom. 8. 34. Heb. 7. 25. 9. 24. 10. 19 20 21. 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. Joh. 17. CHAP. XIII Of Christ's Prophetical Office Q. 1. Wherein doth the prophetical Office of Christ consist A. In his Embassage 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 fulness of the Spirit thirdly his manner of teaching with Authority from God to Man revealing from the bosome of his Father the whole Mystery of Godliness the way and Truth whereby we must come unto God Matth. 5. Joh. 1. 18. 3. 32. 10. 9. 14. 14. 5 6. 17. 8. 18. 37. Q. 3. How doth he exercise this Office towards us A. By making known 2 To accuse his word of imperfection in Doctrine or Discipline is to deny him a perfect Prophet or to have born witness unto all Truth the whole Doctrine of truth unto us in a saving and spiritual manner Deut. 18 18. Esa. 42. 6. Heb. 3. 1. Q. 3. By what means doth he perform 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 two-fold Estate of Christ. Q. 1. In what estate or condition doth Christ exercise these Offices A. In a two-fold Estate first of humiliation 1 The humiliation of Christ shews us what we must here do and suffer his Exaltation what we may hope for 2 The first of these holds forth his
calling is the first effect of our everlasting election 2 We have no actual interest in nor right unto Christ untill we are thus called act of Almighty God whereby in Jesus Christ he calleth and translateth us from the state of Nature Sin Wrath and Corruption into the State of Grace and Union with Christ by the mighty effectual 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 do we our selves perform in this change or work of our conversion A. Nothing at all being meerly 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 wrought upon by the free grace and Spirit of God when in our selves we 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 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 we accounted righteous and saved for our Faith when we are thus freely called A. No but meerly by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ apprehended and applyed by Faith for which alone the Lord accepts us as holy and righteous Esa. 43. 25. Rom. 3. 23 24 25 26. Rom. 4. 5. Q. 2. What then is our Justification or Righteousness before God A. The gracious free Act 1 Legal and Evangelical justification differ first on the part of the Persons to be justified the one requiring a Person legally and perfectly righteous the other a believing Sinner Secondly on the part of God who in the one is a severe righteous Judge in the other a merciful reconciled Father thirdly in the Sentence which in the one acquitteth as having done nothing amiss the other as having all amiss pardoned of God imputing the righteousness of Christ to a believing Sinner and for that speaking Peace unto his Conscience in the Pardon of his Sin pronouncing him to be just and accepted before him Gen. 15. 6. Act. 13. 38 39. Luk. 18. 14. Rom. 3. 24 26 28. Rom. 4. 4 5 6 7 8. Gal. 2. 16. Q. 3. Are we not then righteous before God by our own Works A. No for of themselves they can neither satisfie his Justice fulfil his Law nor indure his Tryal Psal. 130. 3 4. Psal. 143. 2. Esa. 64. 6. Luke 17. 10. CHAP. XX. Of Sanctification Q. 1. Is there nothing then required of us but Faith onely A. Yes a repentance and b holiness or new obedience a Act. 20. 21. Matth. 3. 2. Luk. 13. 3. b 2 Tim. 2. 19. 1 Thess. 4. 7. Heb. 12. 14. Q. 2. What is Repentance A. Godly a sorrow for every known 1 Repentance includeth first alteration of the mind 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 legal servile and terrifying from the spirit of Bondage or Evangelical filial and comforting from the spirit of free Grace and Liberty which onely is available sin committed against God b with a firm purpose of heart to cleave unto him for the future c in the killing of sin the quickning of all graces to walk before him in newness of life a 2 Cor. 7. 9 10 11. Act. 2. 37. Psal. 51. 17. b Psal. 34. 14. Esa. 1. 16 17. Ezek. 18. 27 28. Act. 14. 15. c Ephes. 4. 21 22 23 24. Rom. 6. 12 13. 18 19. Rom. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Gal. 6. 15. Q 3. Can we do this of our selves A. No it is a special gift and grace of God which he bestoweth on whom he pleaseth Levit. 20. 8. Deut. 30. 6. Ezek. 11. 19 20. 2 Tim. 2. 25. Act. 11. 18. Q. 4. Wherein doth the being of true Repentance consist without which it is not acceptable A. In its 3 Every part of popish Repentance viz. contrition confession and satisfaction was performed by Judas performance according to the Gospel rule with Faith and assured hope of divine mercy Psal. 51. 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. 2 Cor. 7. 10 11. Act. 2. 38. Matth. 27. 4. Q. 5. What is that holiness which is required of us A. That a universal 4 All Faith profession without this holiness is vain and of no effect 5 True Faith can no more be without true holiness than true fire without heat sincere obedience to the whole will of God b in our hearts minds wills and actions c whereby we are in some measure made conformable to Christ our head a Psal. 119. 9. 1. Sam. 15. 22. Joh. 14. 15. Rom. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 14. T it 2. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 5. 6 7. Esa. 1. 16 17. b 1 Cron. 28. 9. Deut. 6. 5. Matth. 22. 37. c Rom. 8. 29. 1 Cor. 11. 1. Ephes. 2. 21. Col. 3. 1 2 3. 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us perfect A. Yes a in respect 6 Merit of works in unprofitable servants no way able to do their Duty is a Popish Miracle of all the parts of it but b not in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it a 2 King 20. 3. Joh. 1. 1. Mat. 5. 48. Luk. 1. 6. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Ephes. 4. 24. Tit. 2. 12. b Esa. 64. 6. Psal. 130. 3. Exod. 28. 38. Phil. 3. 8. Q. 7. Will God accept of that obedience which falls so short of what he requireth A. Yes from them 7 In Christ are our persons accepted freely and for him our obedience whose persons he accepteth and justifieth freely in Jesus Christ Rom. 12. 1. Phil. 4. 18. Heb. 13. 16. 1 Joh. 3. 22. Ephes. 1. 6. Q. 8. What are the parts of this holiness A. a Internal in the quickning of all Graces purging all Sins b and external in servent and frequent Prayers Almes and all manner of Righteousness a Heb. 9. 14. Ephes. 3. 16. 17. Rom. 2. 29. 6. 12. b Matth. 5. 20. Rom. 8. 1 2. Ephes. 4. 22 23. Tit. 2. 12. particular precepts are innumerable Q 8. May not others perform these Dunes acceptably as well as those that believe A. No 8 The best duties of unbelievers are but white Sins all their performances in this kind are but abominable sins before the Lord Prov. 15. 8. Joh. 9. 31. Tit. 1. 15. Heb. 11. 6. CHAP. XXI Of the Priviledges of Believers Q. 1. VVhat are the priviledges of those that thus believe and