the body of Christ. Q. 2. Cannot false or seeming Grace grow A. It may spring up and seem to flourish for a time but comes not to perfection Luke 8.14 And that which fell among thorns are they which when they have heard go forth and are choaked with cares and riches and pleasures of this tife and bring no fruit to perfection Q. 3. What is the first respect in which Grace grows A. It grows by deeper rooting it self in the Soul Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love may be able c. Q. 4. What is the manner of its growth A. It grows in respect of its greater fitness and readiness for acts of Obedience Col. 1.11 Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness Q. 5. What is the third respect or manner of its growth A. It grows in respect of its abilities to fix the mind more steadily on spiritual things Hence grown Christians are called spiritual men Gal. 6.1 Ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness Q. 6. Why must all true Grace grow A. Because there is a Stature to which Christians are appointed Eph. 4.12 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Q. 7. What are the causes of a Christians growth A. Union with Christ. Iohn 15.4 As the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me And his Blessings on the Ordinances Isa. 55.10 11. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven and returneth not thither but watereth the earth and maketh it bring forth and bud that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth it shall not return unto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it And Providences Phil. 1 19. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the spirit of Iesus Christ. Q 8. May not true Grace sometimes decay A. Yes it may Rev. 2.4 Neversheless I have somewhat against thee Because thou hast left thy first love But not utterly 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him Q. 9. What is the first Inâ—erence from hence A. To bless God for Gospel Ordinances Psal. 92.13 14. Those that be planted in the House of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God they shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. Hence we see the miserable state of them that grow worse and worse Iude Verse 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity when they feasâ— with you feeding themselves without fear Clouds they are without water carried about of winds Trees whose fruit withereth without fruit twice dead pluckt up by the root Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. Christians should not be discouraged at their weakness in Grace for they have a merciful Christ. Isa. 42.3 A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoaking flax shall he not quench he shall bring forth judgment unto truth And a sure Promise Iob 17.9 The righteous also shall hold on his way and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That all true Christians draw daily nearer and nearer to the heavenly and perfect State 2 Cor. 4.16 For which cause we faint not but though our outward man perish yet the inward man is renewed day by day Rom. 13.11 Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Of Perseverance Quest. 1. WHAT is Perseverance to the End A. It is the steady and constant continuance of Christians in the ways of Duty and Obedience amidst all Temptations and Discouragements to the contrary Col. 1.23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and setled and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which ye have heard and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven whereof I Paul am made a minister Q. 2. Do all that profess Christ continue in him A. No many that at first zealously profess him afterwards fall away Iohn 6.66 From that time many of his Disciples went back and walked no more with him Q. 3. Why do not all Persevere A. Because all Professors have not a good root and foundation Matt. 13.20 21. But he that received the seed in stony places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy receiveth it yet hath he not root in himself but endureth for a while for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended Q. 4. What is the First ground of the Saints Perseverance A. God's electing love in which they are given to Christ. Iohn 10.29 My father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my father's hand Q 5. What is the second ground of Perseverance A. The immortal nature of Sanctifying grace Iohn 4.14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life 1 John 3.9 For is seed remaineth in him Q. 6. What is the third ground of it A. The Covenant of Grace Ier. 32.40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them That I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not deparâ— from me Q. 7. What is the fourth ground of it A. Christ's effectual Intercession Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith may fail not Q. 8. Are there no declinings of grace in the saints A. Yes there are Rev. 2.4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love Yet Grace cannot be totally or finally lost For the seed of God remaineth in the sanctified 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God Q 9. Is there no hope of Salvation for final Apâ—states A No the Gospel gives none Heb. 10.38 But if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him Q. 10. What is the first Instruction hence A. It warns all men to lay a good foundation lest the buildings of hope be overturned when the storm comes Mat. 7.24 25. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock and the rain
Gospel Q. 1. What 's the root or cause of Faith A. Not the power of Mans will Eph. 2.8 For by grace ye are saved through â—aith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God But the Spirit of God Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy long suffering gentleness goodness faith John 1.12 13. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Q. 2. How doth the Spirit of God ordinarily produce Faith A. By the preaching of the Word he ordinarily begets it Rom. 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God though sometimes he doth it immediately Q. 3. Who are the proper subjects of Faith A. Convinced and sensible Sinners are the proper subiects of Faith John 16.8 9 10. And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment Of sin because they believe not on me of righteousness because I go to my Father and ye see me no more of judgment because the prince of this world is judged Q. 4. What is the seat or habitation of Faith A. Not only the Head or Understanding but principally the Heart and Will Rom. 10.10 With the heart man believeth unto righteousness c. Acts 8.37 And Philip said if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest Q. 5. But is not the assent of the understanding true Faith A. The meer assent of the Understanding to the Truths of Scripture is not such a Faith as will save the Soul Jam. 2.19 Thou believest that there is one God thou doest well the devils also believe and tremble Q. 6. What 's the act of Faith that justifies a Sinner A. 'T is the receiving of Christ by the full and hearty consent of the heart that justifies us Iohn 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Q. 7. What is the object of Faith A. The primary object of Faith is the Person of Christ and the secondary are his benefits Isa. 45.22 Look unto me and â—e saved all the ends of the earth c. Phil. 3.8 9. Yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. 8. May not a man look partly to Christ and partly to his own Works and Duties for Righteousness A. No he must eye Christ only and exclude all others or he cannot be justified Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteouness which is of God by faith Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Q. 9. Is it enough to eye the person of Christ only in believing A. No we must eye the Person of Christ as cloathed with all his Offices Acts 16.31 And they said believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Our ignorance needs him as a Prophet our guilt as a Priest our sins and enemies as a King Q. 10. Is true Faith exclusive of all fears and doubts A. No it is not but true Believers are troubled with many fears and doubtings Isa. 50.10 Who is he among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light c. Mark 9.24 And straitway the father of the child cryed out with tears Lord I believe help thou mine unbelief Q. 11. Is no man actually justified till he believe A. No he cannot be justified actually till he believe actually Gal. 3.22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Iesus Christ might be given to them that believe John 3.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God Q. 12. Is every man that believes justified immediately and fully upon his believing A. Yes he is Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. John 5.24 He that heareth my words and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life Q. 13. What 's the true character or description of a Believer A. He is one that having been convinced of his sin and misery and of his own and all other Creatures inability to save him and of the ability and willingness of Christ to save him le ts go all hold and dependance on Creatures and his own Righteousness and casts himself entirely upon Christ for Righteousness and Life Of the Properties Signs and Means of Faith Q. 1. WHat is the first property of Faith A. 'T is a most precious Grace 2 Pet. 1.1 To them that have obtained like precious faith with us c. And must needs be so seeing 't is the bond of our union with Christ Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love That by which we are justified Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith c. And that by which our Souls do live Hab. 2.4 The just shall live by his faith Q. 2. What 's the second property of Saving Faith A. The second property of Faith is this that it is the most useful Grace in this World to a Believer it being the Souls eve Heb. 11 27. By faith he forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king for he endured as seeing him who is invisible c. It s â—aâ—d to apprehend Christ Phil. 3.12 That I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus It 's Cordial in a fainting season Psal. 27.3 I had fainted unless I had believed c. Q. 3. What are the foundations that support Faith A. The first foundation or prop of Faith is the power of God Rom. 4.20 21. He staggered not at the promise through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God And being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform Heb. 7.25 He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him c. Q. 4. What 's the second prop of Faith A. The truth and faithfulness of God in his promises Heb. 10.23 Let us hold fast the
am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls Q. 6. What are we to examine our selves about besides knowledge A. We are obliged to examine our selves about our Faith whether we have it in any saving degree 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your selves c. For without Faith we cannot please God Heb. 11.6 But without faith it is impossible to please God c. Nor enjoy Spiritual Communion with Christ Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love Q. 7. What other Grace must be examined and sought for A. We must examine our Love to Christ and all that are his because no gifts signifie any thing without Love 1 Cor. 13.2 And though I have the gift of prophesie and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains and have no charity I am nothing Q. 8. What else must worthy receivers examine themselves about A. The sincerity of their hearts evidenced by their Obedience without which they cannot worthily approach the Table 1 Cor. 5.8 Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth Q. 9. But if upon examination we are in doubts about our Faith and Sincerity must we forbear A. If our doubts arise from the weakness and not the total want of Grace such doubts should not hinder us Rom. 14.1 Him that is weak in the faith receive you c. Q. 10. What is the danger of coming to the Lords Table without these Graces A. The danger is exceeding great to Soul and Body 1. To the Soul 1 Cor. 11.29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself c. And to the Body 1 Cor. 11.30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep Q. 11. What are the Duties of worthy receivers at the Lords Table A. Their Duties at the Table are to discern Christ by the eye of Faith under those signs of his Body and Blood 1 Cor. 11.29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body On the discovery of him to mourn bitterly for sin Zech. 12.10 And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first-born And to excite all their Graces into vigorous acts for the applying Christ to themselves Cant. 4.16 Awake O north wind and come thou south blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out c. Q. 12. What is the Duty of worthy receivers after the Sacrament A. Their Duty is heartily to bless God for Christ and the benefits of his Blood Matth. 26.30 And when they had sung an hymn they went out into the mount of Olives To double their care and watchfulness against sin Ephes. 4.30 And grieve not the holy spirit whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption And to grow more fruitful in all spiritual obedience Col. 1.10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God Q. 13. What is the first Inference from hence A. That the abuse and profanation of this Ordinance either by coming to it for carnal ends or being forced upon it by fear of sufferings or approaching to it without due qualifications is a dreadful sin which God will terribly avenge Matth. 22.11 12 13. And when the king came in to see the guests he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment And he saith unto him friend how camest thou in hither not having on a wedding garment and he was speechless Then said the king unto the servants bind him hand and foot and take him away and cast him into outer darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Q. 14. What 's the second Inference from it A. That great and manifold are the blessings and advantages which Christians duly prepared may reap by this Ordinance Of Prayer Quest. 98. WHat is Prayer A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his Will in the name of Christ with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies Q. 1. Who is the proper and only object of Prayer A. God only is the proper object of Prayer it is a part of his Natural Worship therefore 't is peculiarly his Honour and Prerogative and none else can hear and answer them but God Psal. 65.2 O thou that bearest Prayer unto thee shall all flesh come Q. 2. Through whom or in whose name are our Prayers to be directed to God A. Our Prayers are to be directed to God only through Christ and his Name and not by the mediation of Angels or Saints Col. 2.18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels For the merit and satisfaction of Christ alone give success and acceptance to our Prayers Rev. 8.3 4. And another angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censer and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints ascended up before God out of the angels hand 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one mediatour between God and men the man Christ Iesus Q. 3. What 's the first property or quality of acceptable Prayer A. No Prayer can be acceptable to God except the matter of it be agreeable to his Will Iam. 4.3 Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts 1 Joh. 5.14 15. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he beareth us And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Q. 4. Is it enough to make Prayer acceptable that the matter is agreeable to Gods will A. No it is not for the manner as well as the matter must be so too Psal. 66.18 If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me Q. 5. What 's the first qualification of an acceptable Prayer respecting the manner of it A. That it be sincere and flowing from the heart of a regenerate person Prov. 15.29 The Lord is far from the wicked but he heareth the prayer of the righteous Jer. 29.13 And ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your hâ—art Q. 6. What 's the second qualification of Prayer respecting the manner A. It
By Christ the only Redeemer Tit. 3.4 5 6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Iesus Christ our Saviour Q. 6. Is there no other way of Salvation but by Christ A. No no other way is revealed in Scripture Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Q 7. What learn you from God's Election A. What cause we have to admire Free-grace in our choice who were no better than others Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 8. What is the second Instructâ—on A It teaches us humility we made not our selves to differ but the free grace of God made the difference 1 Cor. 4.7 For who maketh thee to differ from another Q. 9. What is the third Instruction A. It teaches us diligence to make our Election sure to our selves by our calling 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure Q. 10. What is the fourth Instruction A. It is matter of comfort to God's Elect amidst all dangers in the world 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his Of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 1. WHat is the Covenant of Grace A. It is a new compact or agreement made with Sinners out of meer grace wherein God promiseth to be our God and that we shall be his people and to give everlasting life to all that believe in Christ. Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and thâ—y shall be my people Q 2. How doth this covenant differ from the Covenant of works A. They differ many ways but principally in three things First The Covenant of works had no Mediator the Covenant of Grace hath a Mediator Heb. 12.24 And to Iesus the Mediator of the new Covenant Secondly In the former no place was found for repentance In the Second God admits it Heb. 8.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws in their minds and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Ver. 12. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins will I remember no more Thirdly In their condition the former requires exact Obedience the latter Faith and sincere Obedience Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Q. 3. May a Sinner that hath no worthiness at all of his own be taken into the Covenant of Grace A. Yes he may Isa. 43 25. I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember thy sins This Covenant is not of Works but of Grace Rom. 11.5 6. And if by grace then it is no more of works otherwise grace is no more grace but if it be of works then it is no more grace otherwise work is no more work Q 4. Is this Covenant changeable or an unchangeable Covenant A. No it is not changeable but everlasting and unchangeable forever Isa. 54.10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lâ—rd that hath mercy on thee Q. 5. What are the principal things bestowed in this Covenant A. God himself and in and with him pardon and salvation Ier. 31.33 I will be their God and they shall be my people Q. 6. Can no Sin be forgiven out of this Covenant A. No God pardons none out of this Covenant Iob 3.18 But he that believeth not is condemned already Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A. Humbled and believing Sinners have singular support from this New Covenant 1 Iohn 2.12 I write unto you little children because your sins are forgiven you for his name sake Q. 8. What is the second Instruction from hence A. That 't is the great concern of all men to examine whether they be in this Covenant or no. 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Iesus Christ is in you except yâ— be reprobates Q. 9. What is the third Instruction A. See here the miserable State of the wicked which have no interest in it Psal. 50.16 But unto the wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my covenant in thy mouth Q. 10. What is the last Instruction A. That Christians are obliged to walk as people in Covenant with God 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royal priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light Of the only Redeemer Quest. 21. WHo is the Redeemer of God's Elect A. The only Redeemer of God's Elect is the Lord Iesus Christ who being the Eternal Son of God became man and so was and continueth to be God and Man in two distinct natures and one person for ever Q. 1. What doth the name Redeemer signify A. It signifies one that frees another out of Captivity and Bondage as Christ did Matt. 20.28 And to give his life a ransome for many Q. 2. What was the misery from which Christ delivered us A. A twofold misery vis Sin and Hell First Sin Mat. 1.21 Thou shalt call his name Iesus for he shall save his people from their sins Secondly Hell 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus who delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 3. How did Christ deliver us from this Misery A. First By Price Secâ—udly By Power By Price 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Ye are not redeemed with silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot By power Col. 1.13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear son Q. 4. When was the Redemption wrought by Christ A. It was decreed from Eternity it was actually wrought on the Cross. Col. 1.20 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things unto him self by him I say whether they be things in earth or things in heaven Q. 5. How then could they be redeemed that died before A. Though Christ's Blood was actually shed after
strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him Q. 9. VVhat is the third Instruction A. That all plots against the Church shall surely be defeated Isa. 54.17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper Q 10. VVhat is the fourth Instruction A. It gives the Saints full satisfaction in all conditions Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them that â—re called according to his purpose Q. 11. VVhat is the last Inference A. We should not stand in a slavish fear of men Isa. 51.12 I even I am he that comforteth you who art thou that hou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die and of the son of man which shall be made as grass Of Christ's Humiliation Quest. 27. WHerein did Christ's Humiliation consist A. Christ's Humiliation consists in his being born and that in a low condition made under the Law undergoing the miseries of this life the wrath of God and the cursed death of the cross in being buried and continuing under the power of death for a time Q. 1. VVhat doth Christ's humbling of himself import A. His voluntariness in the deepest point of Self-denial Psal. 40.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it iâ— written of me Q 2. VVhat was the first act of Christ's Humiliation A. His taking man's Nature on him with all its sinless Infirmities Rom. 8.3 God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Q. 3. What is the second part of his Humiliation A. That mean life he lived in this world which obscured his Divine Glory Mark 6.3 Is not this the carpenter the son of Mary Q 4. VVhat was the first thing in Christ's Life that humbled him A. The poverty of it Mat. 8.20 And Iesus saith unto him The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests but the son of man hath not where to lay his head Q 5. VVhat was the second thing in his life that humbled him A. The Temptations of Satan to which he was subject Mat. 4.1 Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil and that for our sakes Heb. 2.17 VVherefore in all things it behoveth him to be made like unto his brethren v. 18. For in that he himself hath sâ—ffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Q 6. What is the third thing in Christ that humbled him A. His subjection to the Law Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law Q 7. What was the fourth thing in Christ's life that humbled him A. The Reviling and Contradictions of Sinners Heb. 12.3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself Q. 8. Wherein was Christ humbled in his death A. His death was painful and ignominious Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us For it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth oâ— a tree Made a curse for us and deserted in it Mat. 27.46 And about the ninth hour Iesus cried with a loud voice saying Eli Eli Lamasabachthani that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Q 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. That lowliness and humility becomes Christ's Followers Mat. 11.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. That Christ's love to Sinners is astonishingly great 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. Christians should be ready to suffer for Christ. 1 Pet. 4.1 Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh arm your selves likewise with the same mind for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Humiliation is the true way to Exaltation Mat. 23.12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted Of Christ's Exaltation Quest. 28. WHerein consists Christ's Exaltation A. Christ's Exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day in ascending up into heaven in sitting at the right hand of God the Father and in coming to judge the World at the last day Q. 1. What is the first step of Christ's Exaltation A. His Resurrection from the dead Q. 2. How doth his Resurrection appear A. By the Scripture Prophesies accomplisht in him 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures Q 3. Why did Christ rise again A. To establish our Faith and abolish our Sins 1 Cor. 15.17 And if Christ be not risen your faith is vain you are yet in your sins Q. 4. What other end was there of Christ's Resurrection A. To declare his Divine Power Rom. 1.4 And declareâ— to be the son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead And to evidence the fulness of his satisfaction John 16.10 Of rihgteousness because I go to my father and ye see me no more Q. 5. Did Christ rise in the same Body he laid down A. It was substantially the same Iohn 20.27 Then saith he to Thomas Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side and be not faithless but believing Q. 6. What doth Christ's Resurrection teach us A. The certainty of Resurrection after death 1 Cor. 15.20 But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept Q. 7. What was the second step of Christ's Exaltation A. His Ascention after forty days into Heaven Acts 1.2 3. Until the day in which he was taken up after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had â—hosen to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God Q. 8. VVhy did Christ stay so long on Earth A. To assure the truth of his Resurrection and to settle the due Government of his Church Acts 1.2 3. Q. 9. For what end did he ascend A. To take possession of his glory Iohn 17.5 And now O father glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was And that as our fore-runner Heb. 6.20 VVhither the fore-runner is for us entred even Iesus c. Q. 10. In what manner did Christ ascend A. Triumphantly and magnificently Psal. 47.5 God is gone up with a shout the Lord with a sound
destitute thing the Soul is that 's out of Christ. Rev. 3.17 18. Because thou sayest I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked Q. 9. What elsâ— doth it teach us A. The riches and dignity of Believers Christ and all his purchases are theirs 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Whether Paul or Apollo or Câ—phas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Q. 10. What else doth it teach us A. The Righteousness of God in the destruction of all unbelievers Iohn 5.40 Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Of our Vnion with Christ. Quest. 30. HOW doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption puâ—chased by Christ A. By working faith in us thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling Q. 1. Can none have saving benefit by Christ but such as are united to him A. No for as Adam 's Sin could not hurt us except we had been in hin so Christ's Redemption cannot profit us except we are in him 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Iesus who of God is made unto us wisdom righteousness sanctification and redemption Q 2. What are the Bonds of this Union A. The Spirit on God's part 1 Iohn 3.24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him and he in him and hereby we know that he abideth in us by the spirit which he hath given us And Faith on our part Eph 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith Q. 3. What is the first Property of this Union A. It is an intimate Union Eph. 5.30 For we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Q. 4. What is the second Property A. It is an Union never to be dissolved Rom. 8.35 38. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ Shall tribulation distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword for I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Q. 5. What is the third Propety of this Union A. It makes Christ and all that he hath purchased become ours 1 Cor. 3.23 All are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Q. 6. What is the fourth property of this Union A. It is the foundation and root of all our spiritual and acceptable Obedience Iohn 15.4 Abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me Q. 7. What is the first Inference from hence A. That saving Grace in the Saints is immortal being secâ—â—red to them in and by Christ. Col. 3.3 Your life is hid with 〈◊〉 in God Q. 8. What is the second Inference A. That the relation between Christ and Believers is verâ— dear and intimate Eph. 5.30 For we are members of his 〈◊〉 of his flesh and of his bones Q. 9. What is the third Inference A. That Believers need not be afraid to go down to 〈◊〉 Grave Rom. 8.38 For I am perswaded that neither death 〈◊〉 life nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from thâ— love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. And this Unioâ— holds after death Mat. 22.31 32. But as touching the resâ—rection of the dead have ye not read that which was spoken unto yâ—â— by God saying I am the God of Abraham and the God 〈◊〉 Isaac and the God of Iacob God is not a God of the dead but 〈◊〉 the living Q 10. What is the fourth Inference A. That in wronging and persecuting the Saints 〈◊〉 wrong and persecute Christ himself Acts 9.4 And he fell tâ— the earth and heard a voice saying unto him Saul Saul Why persecutest thou me Q. 11. What is the fifth Inference A. That in relieving and refreshing the Saints we relieve and refresh Christ himself Mat. 25.34 35. For I was an hungry and ye gave me meat and I was thirsty and ye gave 〈◊〉 drink I was a stranger and ye took me in naked and ye cloathâ—â— me I was sick and ye visited me I was in prison and ye came 〈◊〉 me Ver. 40. In as much as ye have done it unto one of the leaf of these my brethren ye have done it unto me Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That there is a sympathy in Christ under all the pressureâ— and grievances of his people Heb. 4.15 We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities 〈◊〉 was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Of Effectual Calling Quest. 31. WHAT is effectual Calling A. Effectual Calling is the work of God's Spirit whereby convincing us of our sin and misery enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ and renewing one wills he doth perswade and enable us to embrace Iesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel Q. 1. What makes the difference between effectual and ineffectual Calling A. Ineffectual calling is when men have nothing but the external sound of the Gospel Mat. 20.16 For many be called and few chosen Effectual is when the Spirit works in conjunction with the Word Iohn 6.45 It is written in the prophets And they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me Q. 2. What is the First act of the Spirit in Effectual Calling A. Conviction of Sin Iohn 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin Q. 3. Do the Called of God hear any voice from Heaven A. Ordinarily it is a call without sound yet as efficacious as an audible Voice from Heaven Q. 4. What is the Second act of the Spirit in our Effectual calling A. The illumination of the mind in the knowledge of Christ. Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Q. 5. In what things doth it enlighten them A. In this That Christ is their only remedy Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved And their all-sufficient remedy Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Q. 6. What is the Third Act A. His renewing of the Sinner's will and making it flexible Psal. 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of
your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Q 7. Can no man come to Christ till thus enabled A. No it 's not in the power of man's nature or will till thus renewed and enabled Eph. 1.19 20. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand in the heavenly places John 6.44 No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me draw him Q 8. What sort of men are most ordinarily called A. The poor and mean ones in the world 1 Cor. 1.26 For ye see your calling brethren how that not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty Q. 9. What is the first Instruction from it A. Souls effectually called are never lost Rom. 11.29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance Q. 10. What is the second Instruction A. All things co-operare to their good Rom. 8.28 For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are called according to his purpose Q. 11. What is the third Instruction A. It is dangerous to refuse God's call Prov. 1.24 Because I have called and ye refused I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded Q 12. VVhat is the last Instruction A. That Christians are obliged to walk suitable to their heavenly calling 1 Thes. 2.12 That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory Of the Concomitants of Vocation Quest. 32. WHAT benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this Life A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of Iustification Adoption Sanctification and the several benefiâ—s which in this life do either accompany or flow from them Q. 1. Are all that be effectually called justified A. Yes God justifies all and every Soul that obeys and answers his call Rom. 8.30 VVhom he called them he also justified Q. 2. VVhat other benefits have the called in this Life A. They are all the adopted Children of God Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will Q. 3. Are those all the benefits the called receive A. No they are not only justified and adopted but also sanctified 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Iesus who of God is made unto us wisdom righteousness and sanctification and redemption Q. 4. Do these three blessings come singly to the called A. No they are all accompanied with multitudes of other blessings flowing from them Eph 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spriritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Q. 5. VVhat are the mercies flowing from Iustification A. They are great and manifold Rom. 5.1 2 3 4 5. Therefore being justified by faith we have pâ—ace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God Q. 6. VVhat are the benefits flowing from Adoption A. Free access to God Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the saith of him And a Title to Heaven Rom. 8.17 If children then heirs Q. 7. What Blessings accompany Sanctification A. Union with Christ. Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one And Right to the Inheritance Acts 20.32 And now brethren I commend yâ—â— to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sâ—â—ctified Q. 8. What is the first Lesson from hence A. That they are Enemies to their own Souls who obey not the Gospel Call 2 Thes. 1.8 In flaming fire taking veâ—geance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 9. What is the second Lesson from hence A. That the Estate of Believers abounds with spiritual priviledges 1 Cor. 3.22 23. VVhether Paul 〈◊〉 Apollo or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Q. 10. What is the third Lesson from hence A. That all the Believer's priviledges are not in hope but some in hand 1 Iohn 3.1 Behold what manner of loâ—e the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God Q 11. What is the fourth Lesson A. The greatest sufferers for Christ have no reason to repent their call Rom. 8.18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us Q 12. What is the last Lesson from hence A. That we have infinite reason to bless God for the Gospel by which we are called 2 Thes. 2.14 Whereunto he calleâ— you by our Gospel Of Iustification Quest. 33. WHAT is Iustification A. Iustification is an Act of God's Free-grace wherein he pardoneth all our Sins and accepteth us as righteous in his sight only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and receivedly faith alone Q 1. What are the parts of Iustification A. It consists of two Parts First The pardon of Sin Acts 13.39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses Secondly The acceptation of our persons as righteous Rom. 5.1 2 3. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Q. 2. Whose act is it to justify Sinners A. It is the act of God alone Rom. 8.33 It is God that justifieth Man's justifying of himself is nothing Luke 16.15 And he said unto them Ye are they which justify your selves before men but God knoweth your hearts for that which is highly esteemed amongst men is abomination in the sight of God Nor other mens justifying of us Rev. 3.1 I know thy works that thou hast a name to live and art dead Q. 3. Is there any thing in man to merit his Iustification A. No it is an act of Free-grace in God Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption which is in Iesus Christ. Q. 4. If it be not for any inherent righteousness how then A. It is for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us Rom. 4.6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without
all that thou hast And in the New Testament all special good as 2 Thes. 3.16 Now the Lord of peace give you peace always Q. 2. VVhat are the kinds of special Peace A. There is a twofold special peace One without us by reconciliation Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God And peace within us by way of consolation Col. 3.15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts Q. 3. VVhat did our peace cost Christ A. It cost him bloody Stripes and Sufferings Isa. 53.5 The chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed Q. 4. Can none have true peace but such as are in him A. No others may have false Peace Luke 11.21 VVhen a strong man armed keepeth his palace his goods are in peace But Believers only have true peace Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 5. Have all Believers peace in their consciences at alâ— times A. No they are always in a state of peace but have not always the sense of peace Isa. 50.10 VVho is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let hâ—m trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God Q. 6. What is that which hinders the sense of peace in Believers A. Their Sins against the Lord and grieving of his Spirit Isa. 59.2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear Q. 7. What maintains the state of peace when the sense of peace is lost A. Christ's continual and potent Intercession with the Fâ—ther for us 1 Iohn 2.12 My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Iesus Christ the righteous Q. 8. What is the best way to maintain our peace with God A. Strict walking by Gospel-Rules Gal. 6.16 And as many as walk according to this rule peace be on them Q. 9. Doth this Peace come and go with outward Peace A. No we may enjoy this when no peace is to be had in the World Iohn 16.33 These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace in the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good chear I have overcome the world Q. 10. What is the first Instruction from hence A. That the wicked are in a sad case at all times but especially in evil times Isa. 57.20 21. But the wicked are like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest whose waters cast up â—nire and dirt There is no peace saith my God to the wicked Q. 11. What is the second Instruction from hence A. That the chief Care of a Christian should be to keep his peace with God Ier. 17.17 Be not a terror to me Thou art my hope in the day of evil Q. 12. What is the last Instruction A. Let the Saints long to be in Heaven the State of full and perfect Peace Isa. 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Of Ioy in the Holy Ghost Quest 1. HOW many sorts of Ioy are there among men A. There is a Sensitive Joy Acts 14.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness in that he did good and gave us rain from Heaven and fruitful Seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness A sinful Joy Prov. 15.21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom And a spiritual Joy Rom. 5.11 And not only so but we also joy in God though our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 2. Why is spiritual Ioy called Ioy in the Holy Ghost A. Because the Holy Ghost is the Author of it Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the spirit is love joy peace c. Q. 3. What is the First thing begets joy in the Saints A. The First thing they joy in is their Justification before God Isa. 61.10 I will greatly rejoyce in the Lord my soul shall be joyful in my God for he hath cloathed me with the garments of salvation he hath covered me with the robes of righteousness Q. 4. What is the Second thing that breeds this Ioy A. Hopes of Glory breeds Joy in the Saints Rom. 5.2 And rejoyce in hopes of the glory of God Q. 5. What is the instrument by which the spirit conveys this Ioy A. Faith is the instrument of it Phil. 1.25 And baving this confidence I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith Q. 6. What is the first Property of this Ioy A. 'T is Joy unspeakable and full of Glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. Believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 7. What is the second Property of it A. That it is not in the power of men to deprive the Saints of it Iohn 16.22 And your joy no man taketh from you Q. 8. What is the third Property of it A. It makes the Soul free and chearful in the ways of Obedience Psal. 119.32 I will run the ways of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart Q. 9. What is most destructive to a Christian's Ioy A. Sin especially sin against light Psal. 51.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce Q. 10. What should be the main Care of a Christian in this World A. To maintain his joy in God to the last Acts 20.24 But none of these things move me neither count I my life dear unto my self so that I might finish my course with joy Q. 11. Have not Hypocrites their joys as well as real Christians A. Yes but the Joy of the Hypocrite is not grounded upon Scripture-warrant and will vanish away and will come to nothing at last Iohn 5.35 He was a burning and a shining light and ye were willing for a season to rejoyce in his light Q. 12. Whas is the first Inference from hence A. Let all that expect joy in the Holy Ghost see that they preserve purity of Conscience and Conversation 2 Cor. 1.12 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 13. What is the last Inference A. That Religion is no melancholy thing but the fountain of all Joy and Pleasure Prov. 3.17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace Of the Increase of Grace Quest. 1. DOTH all true Grace increase and grow A. Yes it doth like the Morning light Prov. 4.18 The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day And for that end God hath appointed Ministers and Ordinances Eph. 4.11 12. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors aud Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of
12.10 15. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preâ—eâ—â—ing one another Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep Q. 7. What 's the first Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It directly and especially forbids all sinful and inordinate desires and motions after other Mens enjoyments Col. 3.5 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Q. 8. What 's the second Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all cruelty and incompassionateness to others in necessity and keeping back from them that relief which is made theirs by Gods command Prov. 11.24 There is that with-holdeth more than is meet but it tendeth to poverty Lev. 19.9 10. And when ye reap the harvest of your land thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger I am the Lord your God Q. 9. What is the third Sin forbidden in this Command A. It forbids the detaining of the Hirelings Wages when it is due Hab. 2.9 10 11. Wo to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house that he may set his nest on high that he may be delivered from the power of evil Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people and hast sinned against thy soul. For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the beam out of the timber shall answer it Q. 10. What 's the fourth Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all inward grudgings at and envyings of the enjoyments of others whether they be inward Goods of the Mind or outward belonging to the Body 1 Cor. 13.4 Charity envieth not c. Q. 11. What 's the mischief of Covetousness A. It distracts the Heart in Duties Ezek. 33.31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh and they sit before thee as my people and they hear thy words but they will not do them for with their mouth they show much love but their heart goeth after their covetousness Provokes the wrath of God Isa. 57.17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and smote him c. And where it reigns it becomes Idolatry Col. 3.5 And covetousness which is Idolatry Q. 12. What 's the first Inference hence A. It calls all men to humiliation for the inordinacy of their Affections towards the World their discontent with their own and envyings of others conditions Q. 13. What 's the second Inference hence A. As ever we would keep clear from this sin let us make God our portion Psal. 16.5 6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot And labour to get the Soul-satisfying comforts of his Spirit Iohn 4.14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst c. 2 Cor. 6.10 As having nothing and yet possessing all things Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. If God have given us a sufficiency of the things of this life for our necessity let us be satisfied though we want other things for our delight 1 Tim. 6.8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content And relieve our selves by an expectation of those better things laid up in Heaven for us if we be believers Iam. 2.5 Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Of keeping the Law Quest. 82. IS any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the Commandments of God but doth dayly break them in Thought Word and Deed. Q. 1. Wherein doth thâ— perfect keeping of Gods Law consist A. It consists in the perfect and constant conformity of the internal and external Actions of Heart and Life to every Command of God Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Matth. 22.37 38 39. Iesus said unto him thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind This is the first and great Commandment And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Q. 2. But if a man commit no external act against the Law may he not be said perfectly to keep it although in mind or thought he should transgress A. No for an inward motion of sin in the Heart that never breaks forth into act is a violation of the Law and brings the Soul under the curse of it Matth. 5.21 22. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whâ—soever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with hâ—s brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment c. And ver 27 28. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Q. 3. May not a man keep the Law if he keep some of its Commands though he cannot keep every one of them punctually A. No he cannot for the transgression of any one Command in the least degree is a breach of all and brings the curse of the whole upon a Mans Soul Iam. 2.10 For who soever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Q. 4. Was the Law never kept by any since it was made A. Yes Adam in his innocent state kept it for he was made upright Eccles. 7.29 God made man upright c. And Christ perfectly kept it Matth. 5.17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Q. 5. What 's the first Reason why no meer man in this life can fulfil and keep the law of God perfectly A. It is because the Law of God is perfect and the best of Men in this life are imperfect Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is perfect c. Eccles. 7.20 For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not Q. 6. But may not Men perfectly keep it when regenerate and born of God A. No because even in the regenerate there is a Law of Sin which wars against the Law of God Gal. 5.17 For the flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh c. Rom. 7.22 23. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man But I see another law in my members warring against the law
profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithful that hath promised Heb. 6.18 That by two immutable things in which it was impossibâ—e for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us Q. 5. What encourages the Faith of the Saints A. The manifold sweet and sensible experiences of others Psal. 74.14 Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in pieces and gavest him to be meat for the people inhabiting the wilderness And especially their own experiences Joshua 23.14 Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you all are come to pass unto you and not one thing hath failed thereof Q. 6. What 's the first sign of a weak Faith A. Staggerings in our assent to Divine Truths argue the weakness of Faith Rom. 4.20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith c. Q. 7. What 's the second sign of weak Faith A. Inability to trust God in time of danger evidenced by sinful haste to avoid it Isa. 28.16 He that believeth shall not make haste Q. 8. What 's the third sign of a weak Faith A. When we cannot live purely by Faith except we have some sensible encouragement John 20.25 Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and thrust my hand into his side I will not believe Q. 9. What 's the fourth sign of a weak Faith A. When a new temptation makes us easily let go our former confidence Luke 24.21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel and besides all this to day is the third day since these things were done Q. 10. What 's the fifth sign of a weak Faith A. The prevalence of carnal fears in times of trouble argues weak Faith Matth. 8.26 And he faith unto them why are ye fearful O ye of little faith c. Q. 11. What 's the sixth sign of a weak Faith A. Too much carefulness and anxiety about the things of this Life Matth. 6.30 Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field which to day is and to morrow is cast into the oven shall he not much more cloath you O ye of little faith Q. 12. What 's the first benefit of a strong Faith A. A strong Faith gives much Glory to God Rom. 4.19 20. And being not weak in faith he considered not his own body now dead when he was about an hundred years old neither yet the deadness of Sarahs womb He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God Q. 13. What 's the second benefit of a strong Faith A. It gives the Soul the ravishing foresight and foretasts of Heaven upon Earth 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 14. What 's the last office Faith doth for a Believer in this World A. It supports and encourages him at Death by the Promises when all other Comforts fail Heb. 11.13 These all dyed in faith not having received the promises but having seen them aâ—ar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth Of Saving Repentance Quest. 87. WHat is Repentance unto Life A. Repentance unto Life is a saving Grace whereby a Sinner out of a true sense of his sin and apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience Q. 1. Who is the Author of saving Repentance A. The Spirit of God is the Author of it the Heart by Nature is so hard that none but the Spirit can break it Ezek. 36.26 27. A new heart also will I give and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you c. Q. 2. In what act doth all true Repentance begin A. It begins in a true sight and sense of sin and the danger and misery we are in by sin Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts c. Q. 3. Why doth God work such a sense of sin and misery A. He doth it to make Christ desirable in the sinners eyes that he may fly to him Matth. 9.12 13. But when Jesus heard that he said unto them they that â—e whole need not a Physitian â—ut they that are sick But go ye and learn what that meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice for I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Q. 4. Is the â—ight of sin sufficient to Repentance A. No there must be apprehension of Mercy and forgiveness with God or else no man can sincerely repent Rom. 2.4 Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance And this Mercy must be discerned in and through Christ Zech. 12.10 And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first-born Q. 5. Wherein doth Repentance chiefly consist A. It consists in real inward sorrow for sin as committed against God Psal. 51.3 4. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight c. A loathing of our selves for it Ezek. 36.31 And shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations And of our best Duties as sinful and insufficient things Isa. 64.5 6. We are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags c. Q. 6. Wherein else doth it consist A. In turning from sin as well as grieving for it Isa. 55.7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts c. Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy Q. 7. Is turning from sin sufficient A. No that is but the negative part of Religion there must be also a sincere turning to God Psal. 119.59 I thought â—n my wayes and turned my feet unto thy testimonies Acts 11.23 And exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Q. 8. Is all sorrow for sin saving A. No there is a Repentance that doth no good Matth. 27.3 Then Iudas which had betrayed him when he saw that he was condemned repented himself c. And a Repentance unto Life Acts 11.18 Then hath God also to the
have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find gracec to help in time of need Q. 13. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That the seeing Believers have a Father in Heaven they should never fear wants whilst they live nor be afraid to die since Death brings them to Heaven their Fathers house Of Sanctifying Gods Name Quest. 101. WHat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first Petition which is hallowed be thy Name we pray that God would enable us and others to gloryfy him in all that whereby he maketh himself known and that he would dispose all things to his own glory Q. 1. Is there any word full enough perfectly to express what God is A. No his Name is secret Iudg. 13.18 And the Angel of the Lord said unto him why askest thou thus after my name seeing it is secret A Name which none can tell Prov. 30.4 what is his name and what is his sons name if thou canst tell A Name above every Name Phil. 2.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name But the Name by which he more especially manifests himself is the name I am Exod. 3.14 And God said unto Moses I am that I am And he said thus shalt thou say unto the Children of Israel I am hath sent me unto you Q. 2. What doth the Name of God I am signify to us A. It signifies to us first the reality of his being in opposition to Idols which are but imaginary and Phantastick things 1 Cor. 8.4 We know that an Idol is nothing in the world c. God is not only the most perfect being but the root of all other beings Q. 3. What else doth this Name I am import A. It imports both the perfection and eternity of Gods being I am implies he hath not that now which he had not formerly and that he shall not afterwards have what he hath not now And that there is neither beginning End or succession with God whose name is I am Q. 4. But what are we here to understand by the name of God A. All those things are here intended by which he manifests himself to the Creature as his Word Works and Ordinances but especially his glorious Attributes Exod. 34.5 6. The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Q. 5. What is it to Hallow or Sanctify his Name A. Not to infuse any holiness into him which he had not before so he Sanctifies us but to manifest and acknowledge the holiness of God Isa. 29.23 But when he seeth his Children the work of my hands in the midst of him they shall sanctify my name and sanctify the holy one of Iacob and shall fear the God of Israel Q. 6 Why Hallwed or Sanctified rather than Glorified Why that word rather than this Because his Holiness is the beauty and lustre of his other Attributes His Greatness appears in his Holiness Isa. 12.6 great is the holy one of Israel in the midst of thee So doth his Power Luke 1.49 For â—e that is mighty hath done to me great things and holy is his name And therefore his Holiness is that Attribute which Angels single out especially to celebrate Isa. 6.3 And one cried unto another and said holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts c. And so do men also as it is the cause why they should glorify him Exod. 15.11 Who is like thee glorious in holiness c. Q. 7. What 's the first thing we are to intend in this Petition A. The meaning is that God would so dispose and order all thiâ—gs in the World as may best promote and advance the glory of his Name on which account we may Pray for the defeat of Gods Enemies Psal. 83.16 17 18. Fill their faces with shame that they may seek thy name O Lord. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them be put to shame and perish That men may know that thou whose name alone is Jehovah art the most high over all the Earth And the deliverance of his Church and people Psal. 79.9 Help us O God of our Salvation for the glory of thy name and deliver us and purge away our sins for thy names sake Q. 8. What 's the second Thing we are to intend in it A. That God would fit us for and use us in the most serviceable capacity for the glorifying of his Name Psal. 67.1 2 3. God be merciful unto us and bless us and cause his face to shine upon us That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee Q. 9. What 's the third Thing intended in this Petition A. That God may not only glorify his own Name and use us to glorifie it but that it should be our endeavour and joy to have it glorfied by others all the World over Psal. 145.4 5 6. One generation shall praise thy works to another and shall declare thy mighty acts I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty and of thy wondrous works And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts and I will declare thy greatness Q. 10. Why must our Hearts be so intently set upon the Sanctification of Gods Name A. Because this is the ultimate end of our own and every other being Rom. 11.36 for of him and through him and to him arâ— all things to whom be glory for ever Amen And the particular end of God in our Effectual calling 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a Royal Priest-hood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light Q. 11. What 's the first Inference from hence A. That the dishonour of Gods Name must needs be a cutting Affliction to a gracious Soul Psal. 42.10 As with a sword in my bones my enemies reproach me while they say dayly unto me where is their God Q. 12. What 's the second Inference from hence A. That it is a dreadful infatuation and spiritual judgment upon those men that think they glorifie God in doing those things which his Soul hateth Isa. 66.5 Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said let the Lord be glorified but he shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed And Iohn 16.2 They shall put you out of the Synagogues yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God service Q. 13. What is the third Inference from hence A. That it should be indifferent to a
treacherous and false and see no change we are not bound to trust them if they be and remain wicked and profane we must not associate with them Psal. 26.5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers and will not sit with the wicked Ver. 4. I have not sate with vain persons neither will I go in with dissemblers Q. 21. What then must we do to such A. We must heartily forgive them all their injuries we must love them with the love of benevolence pray for them and be ready aud willing to do them all good both of Body and Soul Mat. 5.44 45. But I say unto you love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them which dispitefully use you and persecute you That you may be the children of your father which is in heaven for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust Q. 22. If we forgive others shall we be forgiven our selves A. We shall if out of obedience to God and love to Christ we do it Q. 23. What is the first Inference from hence A. That except our sins be forgiven we are lost and undone creatures and therefore we must never be contented till we are pardoned Q. 24. What is a second Inference A. That God is a God of love goodness and pardon seeing he will not pardon us if we do not pardon others but will if we do so Q. 25. What is a third Inference A. That if we live in hatred when we pray the Lords Prayer we pray for our own damnation Mat. 18.22 Iesus saith unto him I say not unto thee until seven times but until seventy times seven Ver. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Of Gods leading us into Temptation Quest. 106. WHat do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into Temptation but deliver us from evil we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to Sin or support and deliver us when we are tempted Q. 1. Why is this Petition joyned to the former with the copulative And A. Because 't will be but little advantage to have former sins pardoned and to be left to the power and practice to the love and trade of sin for for the future Ezek. 18.26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness and committeth iniquity and dyeth in them for his iniquity that he hath done shall he dye Q. 2. What is meant by Temptation A. In general a tryal or probation of what is in us or of what we will do Q. 3. What is meant by Temptation here A. Temptation to sin and wickedness Q. 4. How may we be said to be tempted to sin A. 1. Effectually by our selves and our own hearts Iam. 1.14 15. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth sorth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death 2. Formally with an intention to draw into sin and so we are tempted of the Devil 1 Chron. 21.1 And satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel Mat. 4.1 3. Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil And when the tempter came to him he said if thou be the son of God command that these stones be made bread 3. Innocently and blamelesly and so God is said to tempt 2 Sam. 24.1 And again the anger of the Lord was kinaled against Israel and he moved David against them to say go number Israel and Iudah Q. 5. How many wayes may God be â—aid to tempt to evil A. 1. By withdrawing his Grace either common or special 2 Chron. 32.31 Howbeit in the business of the embassadors of the princes of Babylon who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land God left him to try him that he might know all that was in his heart 2. By permitting Satan and wicked men to tempt 2 Sam. 24.1 He moved David against them to say go number Israel and Iudah With 1 Chron. 21.1 Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David Mat. 4.1 Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil 3. By presenting oecasions in his Providence which he knows will be abused to sin as in the fall of Adam the hardening of Pharaoh c. Q. 6. What do we beg in this Petition A. We beg that we may not any of these or any other ways whereby the holy God may be said to lead into temptation be led thereinto Psal. 141.4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity and let me not eat of their dainties Psal. 19.13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me then shall I be upright and I shall be innocent from the great transgression Q. 7. What is meant by evil A. Some understand it of the Devil but the best meaning is Sin which is the evil of evils and makes the Devil evil and is the worst of evils the Devil can bring upon us and is usually so understood in Scripture Psal. 97.10 Ye that love the Lord hate evil Isa. 1.16 Cease to do evil Amos 5.15 Hate the evil and love the good Rom. 12.9 Abhor that which is evil Q. 8. What by deliverance from evil is meant A. That if God sees meet to permit us to be tempted by Satan and the wicked without or by our own hearts within to sin or occasionally by his Providence that he will not leave us but undertake for us that we may not be led into sin thereby but by his Grace be made more than conquerors Psal. 51.10 Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me Psal. 119.133 Order my stepâ— in thy word and let not any iniquity havâ— dominion over me According to his promise 1 Cor. 10.13 But God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able 2 Cor. 12.9 And he said unto me my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness Q. 9. What is the first Inference A. That sin is the worst of evils Q. 10. What 's the second Inference A. That without Gods Grace we can never withstand but shall be overcome by every temptation 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Joh. 15.5 For without me ye can do nothing Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. That we must do all we can to keep our selves from Temptation and to engage the Grace of God with us in Temptation by
Prayer by pleasing the Spirit of God by looking to Jesus c. Of the Conclusion Quest. 107. WHat doth the Conclusion of the Lords A. The Conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever Amen teacheth us to take our encouragement in Prayer from God only and in our Prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom Power and Glory to him and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen Q. 1. Why is the Conclusion joyned to the particle For A. To teach us that therein are included arguments or reasons to press God withal and to prevail with him for audience Q. 2. But is it lawful to argue with God and to urge him with Reasons in Prayer A. 'T is not only lawful but expedient yea highly commendable as is seen in the Sains Prayers In Moses 's Numb 14.13 And Moses said unto the Lord then the Egyptians shall hear it for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them Ver. 19. Pardon I beseech thee the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy and as thou hast forgiven this people from Egypt even until now In Ioshua 's chap. 7.7 And Ioshua said Alas O Lord God wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Iordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us would to God we had been content and dwelt on the other side Iordan Ver. 9. For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it and shall environ us round and cut off our name from the earth and what wilt thou do unto thy great name In Asa 's 2 Chron. 14.11 And Asa câ—yed unto the Lord his God and said Lord it is nothing with thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power Help us O Lord our God for we rest on thee and in thy name we go against this great multitude O Lord thou art our God let not man prevail against thee In Iehosaphat 's 2 Chron. 20.6 And said O Lord God of our fathers art not thou God in heaven and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen and in thine hand is there not power and might so that none is able to withstand thee And Hezekiahs 2 Kin. 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 Ver. 19. Now therefore O Lord our God c. Q. 3. But to what purpose can we think to prevail with God by our Arguments and Importunity A. They are not used as though we would put God in remembrance of any thing or would prevail with God to do that for us which he is unwilling to give Q. 4. Why then A. For our own profit for the enlarging of our own hearts for the exciting of our fervency for the exerting of Faith Hope Zeal Charity c. in Prayer and so to prepare our selves for the Mercy that we may the more gratefully receive it and the more fruitfully imploy it Q. 5. How many Arguments are in this Conclusion A. Three Q. 6. From whence are they taken A. From Gods Kingdom from his Law and from his Glory Q. 7. What Kingdom is here meant A. Gods universal essential and absolute Kingdom wherein may be and is involved his special Kingdom over the Church Q. 8. What are the Arguments from hence A. Because all that we can pray for in this Prayer is for the advancement and perfecting of this his Kingdom by the destruction of all persons and things that oppose it and the completion of his dominion over all his Subjects therefore he would grant all these requests Q. 9. What is another 2. Because he being such an absolute Lord and Soveraign has an undeniable Right and unquestionable Authority to give and grant all we ask and to effect and bring to pass all we beg for all persons and things are his own and at his disposal Mat. 20.15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own Q. 10. What is meant by Power A. Gods essential infinite irresistible power whereby he can do what he pleases Ps. 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased c. Q. 11. What is the Argument from hence A. That we ask nothing from God but what he can do with infinite ease in despite of all the opposition that Hell Earth and Heart can make to the contrary Phil. 3. ult According to the working c. Eph. 3.20 Now unto him that is able c. Q 12. What is meant by Glory A. Not his essential Glory which no Man or Angel can ever apprehend Q. 13. What Glory then A His declared and acknowledged Glory even the accomplishment of all his Decrees by his Providence and then the love the adoration and the praises the self-dedications of Angels and Saints returned to him for the same Q. 14. What is the Argument or Motive from hence A. That seeing the substance of every request does directly tend to and will perfectly end in this Glory of God when they are fully answered therefore he would gradually answer them while we are here and perfectly at last to the advancement of his Glory now and the completion of it then 1 Chron. 29.11 Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory c. Jos. 7.9 And what wilt thou do unto thy great name Isa. 42.8 I am the Lord that is my name c. Isa. 48.11 For my own sake even for my own sake will I do it c. Q. 15. Why is Amen added A. Because 't is the usual Conclusion of Prayers and Praises Psal. 41.13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel c. Psal. 72.19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever c. 2 Cor 13. ult The grace of the Lord Iesus and the love of God c. Rom. 16.20 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you Amen Q. 16. But what doth this word here signifie A. It signifies 1. the reality and ardency of our desire to be granted in what we pray for Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Jesus Q. 17. And what besides A. Our trust and firm confidence that we shall be heard and answered in all these our requests Rev. 1.7 Even so Amen Rev. 7.12 Saying Amen Blessing and glory and wisdom c. Q. 18. What are the Inferences from hence A. That we ought to use in Prayer all such Arguments as may most and best affect our Hearts towards God excite our Graces and succeed with God Q. 19. What 's another A. That all we pray for must be in a subserviency to Gods Kingdom and with a desire of his Glory Q. 20. What is the nâ—xt A. That we must act according to our Prayers do all we can for the advancement of Gods Kingdom and the exaltation of his Glory as subjects and votaries thereto Ps. 116.16 1 Cor. 10.31 Q. 21. What may more be gathered hence A. That we ought to begin so to continue and conclude our Prayers in lowest Adorations of God and acknowledgments of his Glory and Attributes Q. 22. What more doth this Conclusion teach A. That in Prayer we must be fervent in our desires and longing for what we pray Jam. 5.16 Q. 23 Is there any thing besides A. That praying for things agreeable to Gods Will we ought to be confident that we shall succeed in our requests praying for 〈…〉 and after the manner of this Prayer Jam. 1. â—â—