Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes even to the end of the world Amen to execute the Offices of Prophet t Act. 3. 21 22. whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken of by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began For Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shal the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shal ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Luke 4. 18-21 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken in heart to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised V. 21. And he began to say unto them This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears Priest u Heb. 5. 5 6 7. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-Priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedck who in the dayes of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong cries and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared Heb. 4. 14 15. Seeing then that we have a great High-Priest that is passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession For we have not an High-Priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin and King of his Church * Psal 2. 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Matth. 21. 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sion Behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and upon a colt the foal of an ass Isai 9. 6 7. For unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of peace Of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Phil. 2. 8 9 10 11. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father in the estate both of his Humiliation and Exaltation Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a Prophet A. Christ executeth the office of a Prophet in his revealing to the Church x Joh. 1. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him in all ages by his Spirit and word y 1 Pet. 1. 10 11 12. Of which salvation the Prophets have enquired and searched diligently who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you V. 11. Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signifie when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which should follow V. 12. Unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven which things the Angels desire to look into in diverse wayes of administration z Heb. 1. 1 2. God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son whom He hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds the whole will of God a Joh. 15. 15. Henceforth I cal you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you in all things concerning their edification and salvation b Act. 20. 32. And now Brethren I commend you 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 sanctified Eph. 4. 11 12 13. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers V. 12. For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ V. 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 Joh. 20. 31. But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God and that believing you might have life through his name Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a Priest A. Christ executeth the office of a Priest in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God c Heb. 9. 14 28. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God V. 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people d Heb. 2. 17. Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people and in making continual intercession for them e Heb. 7. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a King A. Christ executeth the office of a King in calling out of the world a people to himself f Act. 15. 14 15 16. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visâ—â— the Gentiles to take out of them a
rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them to raise up our affections thither i Col. 3. 1 2. If ye then be risen with Christ sâ—ck those things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God set your affections on things above not on things on the earth and to prepare a place for us k Joh. 14. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also where himself is and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world l Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must receive till the â—imes of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began Q. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favour with God the Father m Phil. 2. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name with all fulness of joy n Act. 2. 28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance Compared with Psal 16. 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is fulness of joy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore glory o Joh. 17 5. And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was and power over all things in heaven and earth p Eph. 1. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 1 Pet. 3. 22. Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him and doth gather and defend his Church and subdue their enemies furnisheth his Ministers and people with gifts and graces q Eph. 4. 10 11 12. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ Psal 110. throughout The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand till c. to the end and maketh intercession for them r Rom. 8. 34. Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died ye rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Q. How doth Christ make intercession A. Christ maketh intercession by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven Å¿ Heb. 9. 12-24 Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us V. 24. For Christ is not entred in the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth t Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high declaring his will to have it applied to all believers u Joh. 3. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him might not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 17. 9 -20-24 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me for they are mine V. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also that shall believe on me through their word V. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me may be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world answering all accusations against them * Rom 8. 33 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect it is God that justifies Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us procuring for them quiet of conscience notwithstanding daily failings x Rom. 5. 1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. 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 Jesus Christ the righteous And he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole word Heb. 4. 16. Let us there come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and finde grace to help in time of need access with boldness to the throne of grace y and acceptance of their persons z Eph. 1. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved and services a 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ye also as lively stones are built up a Spiritual house an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ Q. How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world in that he who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men b Act. 3. 14 15. But ye denied the Holy One and the just and desired a murtherer to be granted unto you and killed the Prince of life whom God hath raised from the dead whereof we are witnesses shall come again at the last day in great power c Matt. 24. 30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and in the full manifestation of his own glory and of his Fathers with all his holy Angels d Luk. 9. 26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when he shall come in his own glory and in his Fathers and of the holy Angels Mat. 25. 31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory and all his holy Angels with him then shall he
masters will and prepared not himselfe nor did accordingly shall be beaten with many stripes v. 48. But he that knew not and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes For unto whom much is given of him shall be much required and to whom men have committed much of them they will ask the more place (Å¿) Jer. 5. 4 5. Therefore I said Surely these are poor they are foolish they know not the way of the Lord nor the judgment of their God v. 5. I will get me unto the great men and will speak unto them for they have known the way of the Lord and the judgment of their God but these have altogether broken the yoke and burst the bands office (t) 2 Sam. 12. 7 8 9. And Nathan said unto David Thou art the man Thus saith the Lord God of Israel I anointed thee King over Israel c. v. 8. And I gave thee thy masters house and his wives into thy bosome and gave thee the house of Israel and Judah and if that had been too little I would moreover have given thee such and such things v. 9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord to do evil in his sight c. Ezek. 8. 11 12. And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan with every man his Censer in his hand and a thick cloud of incense went up v. 12. Then said he unto me Son of man hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark every man in the chamber of his imagery For they say The Lord seeth us not the Lord hath forsaken the earth guides to others (u) Rom. 2. from ver 17. to ver 25. Behold thou art called a Jew and restest in the Law and makest thy boast of God v. 18. And knowest his will c. v. 19. And art confident that thou thy self art a guide to the blind a light of them which are in darkness c. v. 21. Thou therefore that teachest another teachest thou not thy self Thou that preachest a man should not steal dost thou steal c. and whose example is likely to be followed by others (*.) Gal. 2. 11 12 13 14 But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed v. 12. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself fearing them which were of the Circumcision v. 13. And the other Jewes dissemble likewise with him insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation v. 14. But when I saw that they walked not upâ—ightly according to the truth of the Gospel I said unto Peter before them all If thou being a Jew livest after the manner of the Gentiles and not as do the Jewes why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jewes From the parties offended (x) Mat. 2. 38 39. But when the husbandmen saw the son they said among themselves This is the heir come let us kill him and seize on his inheritance v. 39. And they caught him and cast him out of the Vineyard and slew him if immediately against God (y) 1 Sam. 2. 25. If one man sin against another the Judg shall judg him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall entreat for him c. Act. 5 -4 Thou hast not lyed unto men but unto God Psa 51. 4. Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest and be clear when thou judgest his attributes (z) Rom. 2. 4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance and worship (a) Mal. 1. 8 -14 And if ye offer the blind for a sacrifice is it not evil and if ye offer the lame and sick is it not evil offer it now to thy governour c. v. 14. But cursed be the deceiver which hath in his flock a male and voweth and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing for I am a great King saith the Lord of hosts and my Name is dreadful among the heathen against Christ and his grace (b) Heb. 2. 2 3. For if the word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgressing and disobedience received a just recompence of reward v. 3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Heb. 12. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven the holy Spirit (c) Heb. 10. 29. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he â—e thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and hath done despight unto the Spirit of grace Mat. 12. 31 32. Wherefore I say unto you All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men v. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man it shall be forgiven him but whosoever speaketh a word against the holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world nor in the world to come his witness d) Eph. 4. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of Redemption and workings (e) Heb. 6. 4 5. For it is impossible for those who were once inlightned and have tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the holy Ghost v. 5. And have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come If they fall away to renew them again unto repâ—ntanâ—e c. against superiors men of eminency (f) Jude ver 8. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh despise dominion and speak evil of dignities Num. 12. 8 9. Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses v. 9. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them and he departed Isa 3. 5. the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient and the base against the honourable and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto (g) Prov. 30. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the Ravens of the valleys shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it 2 Cor. 12. 15. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you though the more abundantly I love you the less I be loved Psal 55. 12 13 14 15. For it was not an enemy that reproached me then I could have born it neither was
Spirit (z) Rom. 8. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered with confession of our sins (a) Psal 32. 5 6. I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin v. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou maist be found surely c. Dan. 9. 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God c. and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies (b) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Q. Are we to pray unto God onely A. God only being able to search the hearts (c) King 8. 39. Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place and forgive and do and give to every man according to his wayes whose heart thou knowest for thou even thou onely knowest the hearts of all the children of men Act. 1. 24. And they prayed and said Thou Lord who knowest the hearts of â—oll men shew whether of these two thou hast chosen Rom. 8. 27. And he that seaâ—cheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God hear the requests (d) Psal 65. 2. O thou that hearest prayers to thee shall all flesh come pardon the sins (e) Mic. 7. 18. Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance c. and fulfil the desires of all (f) Psal 145. 18 19. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth v. 19. He will fulfil the desires of them that feâ—r him he also will hear their cry and will save them and only to be believed in (g) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. and worshipped with religious worship (h) Mat 4. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve prayer which is a special part thereof (i) 1 Cor 1. 2. Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours is to be made by all to him alone (k) Psal 50. 15. Call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me and to none other (l.) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. Q. What is it to pray in the name of Christ A. To pray in the Name of Christ is in obedience to his command and in confidence on his promises to ask mercy for his sake (m) Ioh. 14. 13 14. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Sonâ— v. 14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it Ioh. 26. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ask and receive that your joy may be full Dan. 9. 14. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon thy Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake not by bare mentioning of his Name (n) Mat. 7. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my father which is in heaven but by drawing our incouragement to pray and our boldness strength and hope of acceptance in prayer from Christ and his mediation (o.) Heb. 4. 14 15 16. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens Iesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession v. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin v. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 1 Ioh. 5. 13 14 15. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us v. 15. And if we know that he heareth whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Q. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ A. The sinfulness of man and his distance from God by reason thereof being so great as that we can have no accesse into his presence without a Mediatour (p) Ioh. 14. 6. Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me 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 Eph. 3 12. In whom ye have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him and there being none in heaven or earth appointed to or fit for that glorious work but Christ alone (q) Ioh. 6. 27 Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life which the son of man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Heb. 7. 25 26 27. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them v. 26. For such an high Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens v. 27. Who needeth not daily as those high Priests to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus we are to pray in no other name but his onely (r.) Col. 3. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him Heb. 13. 15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruits of our lips giving thanks in
shall I flee from thy presence Almighty d Rev. 4. 8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Knowing all things e Heb. 4. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Psal 147. 5. Great is the Lord and of great power his understanding is infinite Most wise f Rom. 16. 27. To God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever Amen Most Holy g Isa 6. 3. And one cryed unto another and said Holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Rev. 15. 4. Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgements are made manifest Most Just h Deut. 32. 4. He is the rock his work is perfect for all his wayes are judgement a God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he Most Merciful and gracious Long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth i Exod. 34. 6. The Lord passed by before him and proclaimed the Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodnss and truth Q Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onely the living and true God k Deut. 6. 4. Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. 8. 4. 6. As concerning therefore the eating of things offered in sacrifice to Idols we know that an Idol is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one But to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Jer. 10. 10. But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King at his wrath the earth shall tremble and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead A. There be three persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one true eternal God the same in substance equal in power and glory although distinguished by their personal properties l 1 John 5. 7. For there are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one Mat. 3. 16 17. And Jesus when he was baptized went up straightway out of the water and loe the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a Dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13. 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Joh. 10. 30. I and my Father are one Q. What are the personal properties of the three Persons in the Godhead A. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son m Heb. 1. 5 6. 8. For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to Him a Father and He shall be to me a Son And again when he brings in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him But unto the Son he saith Thy Throne O God is for ever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy Kingdom and to the Son to be begotten of the Father n John 1. 14 18. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth No man hath seen God at any time The onely begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and Son from all eternity o Joh. 15. 26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Q. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father A. The Scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equall with the Father ascribing unto them such names p Isai 6. 3 5-8 And one cried unto another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Then said I Woe is me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips for mine eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying Whom shall I send and who will go for us then I said here am I send me This compared with Joh. 12. 41. These things said Esaias when he saw His glory and spake of Him And with Act 28. 25. And when they agreed not among themselves they departed after that Paul had spoken one word Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet to our Fathers 1 Joh. 5. 20. And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ this is the true God and eternal life Act. 5. 3 4. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land whiles it remained was it not thine own and after it was sold was it not in thine own power why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart thou hast not lied unto men but unto God attributes q John 1. 1. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God Isai 9. 6. For unto us a Son is born unto us a child is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace Joh. 2. 24. 25. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them because he knew all men and needed not that any should testifie of man for he knew what was in man 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For
the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in paradise and their bodies being still united to Christ Å¿ 1 Thes 4. 14. For if we believe that Jesus dyed and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him do rest in their graves t Isa 57. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in uprightness till the resurrection u Job 19. 26. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Q. What benefit do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection A. At the resurrection believers being raised up in glory * 1 Cor. 15. 43. It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment x Mat. 25. 23. His Lord said unto him well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Mat. 10. 32. Whosoever shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my father which is in heaven and made perfectly blessed in full enjoying of God (y) 1 Ioh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as I am also known to all eternity (z) 1 Thes 4. 17. Then we which are are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the aire and so shall we be ever with the Lord. v. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words Q. What is the duty which God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will (a) Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God 1 Sam 15. 22. And Samuel said hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offering and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord Behold to obey is better then sacrifice and to hearken then the fat of rams Q. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the Moral Law (b) Rom. 2. 14. For when the Gentiles which have not the law do by nature the things contained in the law these having not the law are a law unto themselves v. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts their consciences also beating witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Rom. 10. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth those things shall live by them Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The morall law is summarily comprehended in the ten Commandments (c) Deut. 10. 4. And he wrote on the Tables according to the first writing the ten Commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the Lord gave them unto me Mat. 19. 17. And he said unto him why callest thou me good there is none good but one that is God but if thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandments Q. What is the sum of the ten Commandments A. The sum of the ten Commandments is To love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our neighbour as our selves (d) Mat. 22. 37. Jesus said unto him thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind v. 38. This is the first and great Commandment v. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self v. 40. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the Prophets Q. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the ten Commandments is in these words I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage (e) Exod. 20. 2. Q. What doth the Preface to the ten Commandments teach us A. The Preface to the ten Commandments teacheth us that because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments (f) Luke 1. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear v. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our lives 1 Pet. 1 15. But as he that hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation v. 16. Because it is written be ye holy for I am holy v. 17. And if you call on the father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear v. 18. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers v. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt have no other Gods before me (g) Exod. 20. 3. Q. What is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our God (h) 1 Chron. 28. 9. And thou Solomon my son know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing minde for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Deut. 26. 17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walk in his wayes and to keep his statutes and his Commandments and his judgements and to hearken unto his voice and to worship and glorifie him accordingly (i) Mat. 4. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him
marry nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels of God in heaven Holy e Matth. 25. 31. When the Son of Man shall come in his glory and all the holy Angels with him then shall he sit upon the Throne of his glory excelling in knowledge f 2 Sam. 14. 17. Then thine handmaid said The word of my Lord the King shall now be comfortable for as an Angel of God so is my Lord the King to discern good and bad therefore the Lord thy God will be with thee Matth. 24. 36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels of heaven but my Father onely mighty in power g 2 Thess 1. 7. And to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels to execute his Commandments and to praise his Name h Psal 103. 20 21. Blesse the Lord ye his Angels that excell in strength and do his commandments hearkning to the voice of his word Blesse the Lord all ye his Hosts ye Ministers of his that do his pleasure yet subject to change i 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to Hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment Q. How did God create Man A. After God had made all other creatures He created man male and female k Gen. 1. 27. So God created Man in His own Image in the Image of God created He him Male and Female created He them formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground l Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed Man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the woman of the rib of the man m Gen. 2. 22. And the rib which the Lord had taken from man made He a woman and brought her unto the man indued them with living reasonable and immortal souls n Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul Compare this with Job 35. 11. Who teacheth us more then the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser then the fowls of heaven And with Eccl. 12. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was and the Spirit shall return to God who gave it And with Matth. 10. 28. Fear not them who can kill the body but are not able to kill the soul but rather fear him who is able to destroy both body soul in hell And with Luke 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise made them after his own image o Gen. 1. 27. So God created man in his His own Image in the Image of God created He him male and female created he them in knowledge p Col. 3. 10. And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of Him that created him righteousnesse and holinesse q Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse having the Law of God written in their hearts r Rom. 2. 14 15. For when the Gentiles who have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnesse and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another and power to fulfill it Å¿ Eccl. 7. 29. Lo this onely have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions with dominion over the creatures t Gen. 1. 28. And God blessed them and said unto them Be friutful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fiâ—h of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth yet subject to fall u Gen. 3. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eat Eccl. 7. 29. Lo this only have I found that God made man upright but they sought out many inventions Q. What are Gods works of Providence A. Gods works of Providence are his most holy * Psal 145. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works wise x Psal 104. 24. O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Isa 28 29. This also cometh from the Lord of hosts who is wonderful in counselling and excellent in working and powerful preserving y Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hâ—nd of the Majesty on high and governing all his creatures z Psal 103. 19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens and his Kingdom ruleth over all ordering them and all their actions a Mat. 10. 29 30 31. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father but the very haires of your head are all numbred Fear not therefore ye are of more value then many sparrowes Gen. 45. 7. And God sâ—nt me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance to his own glory b Rom. 11. 36. For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Isai 63. 14. As a beast goes down into the valley the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest so didst thou lead thy people to make thy self a glorious name Q. What is Gods Providence towards the Angels A. God by his Providence permitted some of the Angels wilfully and irrecoverably to fall into sin and damnation c Jude v. 6. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgement Heb. 2. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham John 8. 44. Ye are of your father the Devil and the lusts of your father ye will do he was a murtherer from the beginning and abode not in
his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself V. 28. For the law maketh men High Priests which have infirmities but the word of the oath which was since the law maketh the Son who is consecrated for ever and so satisfie Gods justice b Rom. 3. 24 25 26. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through saith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God V. 26. To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus procure his favour c Eph. 1. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Mat. 3. 17. And lo a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom alone I am well pleased purchase a peculiar people d Tâ—â— 2. 13 14. Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saâ—â—â—ur Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works give his Spirit to them e Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father conquer all their enemies f Luke 1. 68 69 -71.-74 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David V. 71. That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us V. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear and bring them to everlasting salvation g Heb. 5. 8 9. Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the author of everlasting salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 9 11. to the 16. But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands that is to say not of this building V. 12. Neither by the blood of Goats and Calves but by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us V. 13. For if the blood of Bulls and of Goats and the ashes of an Heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh V. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God V. 15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be Man A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be Man that he might advance our nature h Heb. 2. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham perform obedience to the law i Gal. 4. 4. But when the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law suffer and make intercession for us in our nature k Heb. 2. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 7. 24 25. But this man because he continueth for ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities l Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest that cannot be touched with the seeling of ouâ— infirmitâ—es but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin that we might receive the adoption of sons m Gal 4. 5. To redeâ—m â—hem that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace n Heb. 4. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and Man in one person A. It was requisite that the Mediator who was to reconcile God and Man should himself be both God and Man and this in one person that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us o Matth. 1. 21. 23. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins V. 23. Behold a Virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call his Name Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us Mat. 3. 17. And lo a voyce from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God and relied on by us as the works of the whole person p 1 Pet. 2. 6. Wherefore it is contained in the Scripture Behold I lay in Sion a choice Corner-stone elect and pretious and he that beleeveth on him shall not be confounded Q. Why was our Mediator called Jesus A. Our Mediator was called Jesus because he saveth his people from their sins q Mat. 1. 21. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins Q. Why was our Mediator called Christ A. Our Mediator was called Christ because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure r Joh. 3. 34. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him Psal 45. 7. Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness therefore God thy God hath annointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellowes and so set apart and fully furnished with all authority and ability Å¿ John 6. 27. Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth to everlasting life which the Son of Man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth
of God in and for his onely Son Jesus Christ u Eph. 1. 5. Having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will Gal. 4. 4 5. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children * Joh. 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 have his Name put upon them x 2 Cor. 6. 18. And I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty Rev. 3. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the City of my God which is new Jerusalem that cometh down out of heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name the Spirit of his Son given to them y Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father are under his fatherly care and dispensations z Psal 103. 13. Like as a Father pittieth his children so the Lord pittieth them that serve him Prov. 14. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence and his children shall have a place of refuge Mat. 6. 32. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things admitted to all the liberties and priviledges of the sons of God made heirs of all the promises and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory a Heb. 6. 12. That ye be not flothfull but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Rom. 8. 17. And if children then heirs hoirs of God and joynt-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together Q. What is Sanctification A. Sanctification is a work of Gods grace whereby they whom God hath before the foundation of the world chosen to be holy are in time through the powerful operation of his Spirit b Eph. 1. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love 1 Cor. 6. 11. And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 2 Thess 2. 13. But we are bound to give thanks to God alway for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them c Rom. 6. 4 5 6. Therefore we are buried with him by Baptisme into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life V. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection V. 6. Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin renewed in their whole man after the Image of God d Eph. 4. 23 24. And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind and that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness having the seeds of Repentance unto life and of all other saving graces put into their hearts e Act. 11. 18. When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life 1 Joh. 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 and those graces so stirred up increased and strengthened f Jude v. 20. But ye beloved building up your selves in your most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost Heb. 6. 11 12. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end V. 12. That ye be not slothful but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Eph. 3. 16 17 18 19. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man V. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love V. 18. may be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and depth and length and height V. 19. And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God Col. 1. 10 11. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitfull in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God V. 11. Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness as that they more and more die unto sin and rise unto newness of life g Rom. 6. 4-6-14 Therefore we are buried with him by baptisme unto death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walk in newness of life V. 6. Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin V. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law but under grace Gal. 5. 24. And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Q. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving Grace h 2 Tim. 2. 25. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves if God peradventure may give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit i Zech. 12. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of supplications and they shall look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as one mourneth for his onely son and shall be in bitterness as one that is in bitterness for his first-born and word of God k Act. 11. 18 -20 21. When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life V. 20. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene who when they were come to
possessed of z Eph. 2. 5 6. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus and as an earnest thereof enjoy the sense of Gods love a Rom. 5. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us Compared with 2 Cor. 1. 22. Who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts peace of conscience joy in the Holy Ghost and hope of glory b Rom. 5. 1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ V. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into the grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Rom. 14. 17. For the kingdome of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost as on the contrary the sense of Gods revenging wrath horror of conscience and a fearful expectation of judgement are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death c Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord My punishment is greater then I can bear Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood And they said What is that to us see thou to it Heb. 10. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries Rom. 2. 9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil of the Jew first and also of the Gentile Mark 9. 44. Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Q. Shall all men die A. Death being threatned as the wages of sin d Rom. 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternaal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. it is appointed unto all men once to die e Heb. 9. 27. And as it is appointed unto all men once to die but after death the judgement for that all have sinned f Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. Death being the wages of sin why are not the righteous delivered from death seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ A. The righteous shall be delivered from death it self at the last day and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it g 1 Cor. 15. 26 -55 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death V. 55. O death where is thy sting c. Heb. 2. 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage so that although they die yet it is out of Gods love h Isa 57. 1 2. The righteous perisheth and no man layes it to heart and merciful men are taken away none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come V. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness 2 King 22. 20. Behold therefore I will gather thee unto thy fathers and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place to free them perfectly from sin and misery i Rev. 14. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them Eph. â— 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory which they then enter upon k Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. What is the communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death A. The communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death is in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness l Heb. 12. 23. To the general assembly and Church of the first-born which are written in heaven and to God the judge of all and to the Spirits of just men made perfect and received into the highest heavens m 2 Cor. 5. 1 -6-8 For we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens V. 6. Therefore we are alwayes confident knowing that while we are present in the body we are absent from the Lord V. 8. We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Compared with Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must receive untill the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began And with Eph. 4. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things where they behold the face of God in light and glory n 1 Joh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then I shall know even as also I am known waiting for the full redemption of their bodies o Rom. 8. 23. And not onely they but our selves also who have the first fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our body Psal 16. 9. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoyceth my flesh also shall rest in hope which even in death continue united to Christ p 1 Thess 4. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him and rest in their graves as in their beds q Esa 57. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness till at the last day they be again united to their souls r whereas the souls
of the wicked are at death cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darkness and their bodies kept in their graves as in their prisons till the resurrection and judgement of the great day Å¿ Luk. 16. 23 24. And in hell he lift up his eyes being in torments and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome V. 24. And he cried and said Father Abraham have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame Act. 1. 25. That he may take part of this Ministery and Apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell that he might go to his own place Jude v. 6 7. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha and the Cities round about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire t Job 19. 26 27. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Q. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection A. We are to believe that at the last day there shall be a general resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust t Act 24. 15. And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed and the self same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave being then again united to their souls for ever shall be raised up by the power of Christ u 1 Cor. 15. 51 52 53. Behold I shew you a mystery we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed V. 52. In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed V. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality 1 Thess 4. 15 16 17. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them who are asleep V. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first V. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Joh. 5. 28 29. Marvail not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ and by vertue of his resurrection as their head shall be raised in power spiritual incorruptible and made like to his glorious body * 1 Cor. 15. 21 22 23 -42 43 44. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead V. 22. For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive V. 23. But every man in his own order Christ the first fruits afterwards they that are Christs at his coming V. 42. So also is the resurrection of the dead it is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption V. 43. It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power V. 44. It is sown a natural body it is raised a Spiritual body Phil. 3. 21. Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended Judge x Joh. 5. 27 28 29. And hath given him authority to execute judgement also because he is the son of man V. 28 Marvail not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left Q. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the general and final judgement of Angels and men y 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgement Jude v. 6 7-14 15. And the Angels which kept not their first station but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire V. 14. And Enoch also the seventh from Adam prophesied of these saying Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Saints V. 15. To execute judgement upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Mat. 25. 46. And those shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal the day and hour whereof no man knoweth that all may watch and pray and be ever ready for the coming of the Lord z Mat. 24. 36-42-44 But of that day and hour knowes no man no not the Angels of heaven but my Father onely V. 42. Watch therefore for ye know not the hour when your Lord doth come V. 44. Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh Luke 21. 35 36. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth V. 36. Watch ye therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgement A. At the day of judgement the wicked shall be set on Christs
he slew him c. and hearkening to his suggestions b Act. 5. 3. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land making men the Lords of our faith and Conscience c 2 Cor. 1. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith but are helpers of your joy for by faith ye stand Mat. 23. 9. And call no man your father upon earth for one is your father which is in heaven slighting and despising God and his commands d Deut. 23. 15. But Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked thou art waxed far thou art grown thick and thou art grown thick and thou art covered with fatness then he forsook the God that made him and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation 2 Sam. 12. 9. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord to do evil in his sight thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword and hast taken his wife to be thy wife c. Prov. 13. 13. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded resisting and grieving of his spirit e Act. 7. 51. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears ye do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost as your fathers did so do ye Eph. 4. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption discontent and impatience at his dispensations charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us f Psal 73. 2 3-14 15-22 But as for me my feet were almost gone my steps had well nigh slipt V. 3. For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked V. 13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed mine hands in innocency For all the day long have I been plagued and chastened every morning V. 15. If Isay I will speak thus behold I should offend against the generation of thy children V. 22. So foolish was I and ignorant I was even as a beast before thee Job 1. 22. In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly and ascribing the praise of any good we either are have or can do to fortune g 1 Sam. 6. 7 8 9. Now therefore make a new cart and take two milch kine on which there hath come no yoke and tie the kine to the cart and bring the calves home from them V. 8. And take the Ark of the Lord and lay it upon the cart and put the jewels of gold which ye return him for a trespass-offering in a coffer by the side thereof and send it away that it may go V. 9. And see if it goeth on by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh then he hath done us this great evil but if not then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us it was a chance that happened to us Idols h Dan. 5. 23. But hast lifted up thy self against the Lord of heaven and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee and thou and thy Lords thy wives and thy concubines have drunk wine in them and thou hast praised the Gods of silver of brass iron wood and stone which see not nor hear nor know and the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy wayes hast thou not glorified our selves i Deut. 8. 17. And thou say in thy heart my power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth Dan. 4. 30. The King spake and said Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the house of the Kingdom by the might of my power and for the honour of my Majesty or any other creature k Hab. 1. 16. Therefore they sacrifice unto their net and burn incense unto their drag because by them their portion is fat and their meat plenteous Q. What are we especially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me or before my face in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things takes special notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God that so it may be an argument to disswade from it and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation l Ezek. 8. 5. to the end Then said he unto me Son of man lift up thine eyes now the way towards the North so I lift up mine eyes and behold at the gate of the Altar this image of Jealousie in the entry And he said so on Psal 44. 20 21. But if we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart as also to perswade us to do as in his sight what ever we do in his fervice m 1 Chron. 28. 9. And thou Solomon my son know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments n Exod. 20. 4 5 6. Q. What are the duties required in the second Commandment A. The duties required in the second Commandment are the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances as God hath instituted in his word o Deut. 32. 46 47. And he said unto them Set your hearts unto all the Words which I testifie among you this day which ye shall command your children to observe to do all the words of this law V. 47. For it is not a vain thing for you because it is your life and through this thing ye shall prolong your dayes in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and â—o I am with you alway unto the end of the world Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayer 1 Tim. 6. 13. 14. I give thee charge in the fight of God who quickeneth all things and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession V.
see afar off and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins and offensive walkings q Rom. 2. 23 24. Thou that makest thy boast of the law through breaking the law dishonourest thou God V. 24. For the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you as it is written or backsliding from it r Gal. 3. 1 3. O foolish Galatians who hath betwitched that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucified among you V. 3. Are ye so foolish having begun in the spirit are ye now made perfect in the flesh Heb. 6. 6. If they shall fall away to renew them again unto repentance seeing they crucifie to themselves afresh the Son of God and put him to open shame Q. What Reasons are annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the third Commandment in these words The Lord thy God and For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain Å¿ Exod. 20. 7. are because he is the Lord and our God and therefore his Name is not to be profaned or any way abused by us t Lev. 19. 12. And ye shall not swear by my Name falsely neither shalt thou profane the Name of thy God I am the Lord. especially because he is so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this Commandment as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement u Ezek. 36. 21 22 23. But I had pity for mine holy Name which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen whither they went V. 22. Therefore say unto the house of Israel Thus saith the Lord God I do not this for your sakes O house of Israel but for mine holy Names sake which ye have profaned among the heathen whither ye went V. 23. I will sanctifie my great Name which was profaned among the heathen which ye have profaned in the midst of them and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord saith the Lord God when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes Deut. 28. 58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this Law that are written in this book that thou maist fear this glorious and fearful Name THE LORD THY GOD. V. 59. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sicknesses and of long continuance Zech. 5. 2 3 4. And he said unto me What seest thou and I answered I see a flying roll the length thereof twenty cubits and the breadth thereof thirty cubits V. 3. Then said he unto me This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it V. 4. I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my Name albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men * 1 Sam. 2. 12 -17.-22.-24 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial they knew not the Lord. V. 17. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord for men abhorred the offering of the Lord. V. 22. Now Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation V. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress Compared with 1 Sam. 3. 13. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth because his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy worke but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in six dayes the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it x Exod. 20. 8 9 10 11. Q. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ and the first day of the week ever since and so to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath y Deut. 5. 12 13 14. Keep the Sabbath day to sanctifie it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee V. 13. Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work V. 14. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid servant nor thine ox nor thine asse nor any of thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates that thy man-servant and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou Gen. 2. 2 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he made V. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it he rested from all his work which God created and made 1 Cor. 16. 1 2. Now concerning the collection for the saints as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia so do ye V. 2. The first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Act. 20. 7. And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preacht to them ready to depart on the morrow c. Mat. 5. 17 18. Think not that I come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil V. 18. For verily I say unto you till heaven and earth pass one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled Isai 56. 2 -4 6 7. Blessed is the man that doth this and the son of man that layeth hold on it that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it and keepeth his hand from doing evil V. 4. For thus saith the Lord unto the Eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths and chuse the things that please me and take hold of my Covenant V. 6. Also the
the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit even so it is now reviling (a) 1 Cor. 6. 10. Nor thieves nor covetous nor revilers nor drunkards nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God rash (b) Matt. 7. 1. Judge not that ye be not judged harsh (c) Act. 28. 4. No doubt this man is a murderer whom though he hath escaped the sea yet vengeance suffereth not to live and partial censuring (d) Gen. 38 24. And it came to pass about three months after that it was told Judah saying Thamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot and also behold she is with child by whoredom and Judah said Bring her forth and let her be burnt Rom. 2. 1. Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoever thou art that judgest for wherein thou judgest another thou condemnest thy self for thou that judgest doth the same things misconstruing intentions words and actions (e) Neh. 6. 6 7 8. In which letter that Sanballat sent was written it is reported among the heathen and Cashmu saith it that thou and the Jews think to rebel for which cause thou buildest the wall that thou maist be their King according to these words v. 7. And thou hast also appointed Prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem saying There is a King in Judah and now shall it be reported to the King according to these words Come now therefore and let us take counsel together v. 8. Then I sent unto him saying There are no such things done as thou saist but thou fainest â—hem out of thine own heart Rom. 3. 8. And not rather as we be slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say Let us do evil that good may come whose damnation is just Psal 69. 10. When I wept and chastened my Soul with fasting that was to my reproach 1 Sam. 1. 13 14 15. Now Hannah she spake in the heart only her lips moved but her voice was not heard therefore Eli thought she had been drunken v. 14. And Eli said unto her How long wilt thou be drunken put away thy wine from thee v. 15. And Hannah answered and said No my Lord I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine c. 2 Sam. 10. 3. And the Princes of the children of Ammâ—n said unto Hâ—nun their Lord Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father that he hâ—â—h senâ— comforâ—ers unto thee hath not David rather sent his servant unto thee to search the city and to sâ—y it out â—nâ— to overthrow it flattering (f) Psal 12. 2 3. They speak vanity every maâ— with his neighbour with flattering lips and with a double heart doth he speak v. 3. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaketh proud things vain-glorious boasting (g) 2 Tim. 3. 2. For men shall be lovers of themselves covetouâ— hoâ—sters c. thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of our selves or others (h) Luk 18. 9-11 And he spake this Parable to certain that trusted in themselves That they were righteous and despised others v. 11 And the Pharisee stood up and prayed thus with himself God I thank thee that I am not as other men are extortioners unjust adulterers or even as this publican Rom. 12. 16. Mind not high things but condescend to men of low estate be not wise in your own conceits 1 Cor. 4. 6. And these things brethren I have in a figure transferred to my selfe and to Apollo for your sakes that you might learn of us not to think of men above that which is written that no one of you be puffed up for one against another Act. 12. 22. And the people gave a shout saying It is the voice of God and not of man Exod. 4. 10 11 12 13 14. And Moses said O my Lord I am not eloquent neither heretofore nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant but am slow of speech and of a slow tongue v. 11. And the Lord said unto him Who hath made the mouth or who maketh the dumb or deaf or the seeing or the blind have not I the Lord v. 12. Now therefore go and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say v. 13 And he said O my Lord send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send v. 14. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses c. denying the gifts and graces of God (i) Job 7 5 6. God forbid that I should justifie you till I dye I will not remove mine integrity from me v. 6. My righteousness I will hold fast and not let it go my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live Job 4. 6. Is not this thy fear thy confidence the uprightness of thy wayes and thy hope aggravating smaller faults (k) Mat. 7. 3 4 5. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye but considerest not the beam which is in thine own eye v. 4. Or how wilt thou say to thy brother Let me pull out c. v. 5. Thou hypocrite first cast out the beam out of thine own eye and then thou shalt see cleerly to cast out the more out of thy brothers eye hiding excusing or extenuating of sins when called to a free confession (l) Prov. â—8 13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shal find mercy Prov. 30. 20. Such is the way of an adulterous woman she eateth and wipeth her mouth and saith I have done no wickedness Gen. 3. 12 13. And the man said The woman whom thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat v. 13. and the woman said The Serpent beguiled me and I did eat Jer. 2. 35. Yet thou saist Because I am innocent surely his anger shall turn from me behold I will plead with thee because thou saist I have not sinned 2 Kin. 5. 25. and Elisha said to him Whence comest thou Gehazi And he said Thy servant went no whither Gen. 4. 9. And the Lord said unto Cain where is Abel thy brother And he said I know not Am I my brothers keeper unnecessary discovering of infirmities (m) Gen. 9. 22. And C ham the father of Canaan saw the wickedness of his father and told his two brethren without Prov. 25. 9 10. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself and discover not a secret to another v. 10. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame and thine infamy turn not away raising false rumours (n) Exod. 23. 1. Thou shalt not raise a false report put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness receiving and countenancing evil reports (o) Prov. 29. 12. If a Ruler hearken to lies all his servants are wicked and stopping our eares against just defence (p) Act. 7. 56 57. And Stephen said Behold I see the heavens opened and the Son of
his name Q. How doth the Spirit help us to pray A. We not knowing what to pray for as we ought the Spirit helpeth our infirmities by inabling us to understand both for whom and what and how prayer is to be made and by working and quickning in our hearts although not in all persons nor at all times in the same measure those apprehensions affections and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty (Å¿) Rom. 8. 26 27. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered v. 27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Psal 10. 17. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine ear to hear Zech. 12. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and Supplications and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and mourn c. Q. For whom are we to pray A. We are to pray for the whole Church of Christ upon earth (t) Ephes 6. 18. Praying also alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Psal 28. 9. Save thy people and bless thine inheritance feed them also and lift them up for ever for magistrates (u) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that first of all supplication prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men v. 2. For Kings and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty and Ministers (*) Col. 4. 3. Withall praying also for us that God would open to us a door of utterance to speak the Mysteries of Christ for which I am in bonds for our selves (x) Gen. 32. 11. Deliver me I pray thee from the hand of my brother from the hand of Esau for I fear him least he will come and smite me c. our brethren (y) Jam. 5. 16. Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another that you may be healed The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much yea our enemies (z) Mat. 5. 44. But I say unto you Love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despightfully use you and persecute you and for all sorts of men living (a) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. See above in u or that shall live hereafter (b) Joh. 17. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word 2 Sam. 7. 29. Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant that it may continue for ever before thee for thou O Lord God hast spoken it and with thy blessing let the house of thy sevant be blessed for ever but not for the dead (c) 2 Sam. 12. 21 22 23. Then said his servants unto him What thing is this that thou hast done thou didst fast and weep for the child while it was alive but when the child was dead thou didst rise and eat bread v. 22. And he said While the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for I said Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live v. 23. But now he is dead wherefore should I fast can I bring him back again I shall go to him but he shall not return to me nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death (d.) 1 Ioh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death There is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Q. For what things are we to pray A. We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God (e) Mat. 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name the welfare of the Church (f) Psal 51. 18. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion build thou the walls of Jerusalem Psal 122. 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper that love thee our own (g) Mat. 7. 11. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more shall your father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him or others good (h) Psal 125. 4. Do good O Lord to those that be good to them that are upright in their heart but not for any thing that is unlawful (i.) 1 Joh. 5. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heateth us Q. How are we to pray A. We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the Majesty of God (k) Eccl. 3. 1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to hear then to offer the sacrifice of fools for they consider not that they do evil deep sense of our own unworthiness (l) Gen. 18. 27. And Abraham said Behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord who am but dust and ashes Gen. 32. 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shewn unto thy servant c. necessities (m) Luk. 15. 17 18 19. And when he came to himself he said How many hired servants in my fathers house have bread enough and to spare and I perish with hunger v. 18. I will arise and go to my father and say unto him Father I have sinned against heaven and before thee v. 19. And am no more worthy to be called thy son make me as one of thy hired servants sins (n) Luk. 18. 13 14. And the Publican standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven but smote upon his brest saying Lord be merciful to me a sinner v. 14. I tell you This man went down to his house justified rather then the other for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted with penitent (o) Psal 51. 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and a contrite heart O God wilt thou not despise thankful (p) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and inlarged hearts (q) 1 Sam. 1. 15. And Hannah answered and said No my Lord I am a woman of a
him be glory in the Church of Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end Amen Luk. 11. 13. If we then being evil know how to give good gifts unto our children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him so we by faith are imboldned to plead with him that he would (h) 2 Chron. 20. 6 -11 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 v. 11. Behold I say how they reward us to come to cast us out of the possession which thou hast given us to inherit and quietly to rely upon him that he will fulfil our requests (i) 2 Chr. 14. 11. And Asa cried 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 out against this multitude O Lord thou art our God let not man prevail against thee and to testify this our desire and assurance we say Amen (k) 1 Cor. 14. 16. Also when thou shalt blesse with the Spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest Rev. 22 20 21. He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Jesus v. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN FINIS TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE LORDS and COMMONS Assembled in PARLIAMENT The Humble Advice of the ASSEMBLY of DIVINES Sitting at WESTMINSTER Concerning A Shorter Catechism Quest WHat is the chief end of man A. Man's chief end is to glorifie God a 1 Cor. 10. 31. Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoeever ye do do all to the glory of God Rom. 11. 36. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen and to enjoy him for ever b Psal 73. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee v. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever v. 27. For lo they that are far from thee shall perish thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee v. 28. But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works Q. VVhat rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament (c) 2 Tim. 3. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness Eph. 2. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner stone is the onely rule to direct us how we may glorifie and injoy him (d) 1 Joh. 1. 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ v. 4. And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full Q. What do the Scriptures principally teach A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man (e) 2 Tim. 1. 13. Hold fâ—st the form of found words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 3. 16. Vide supra Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit (f) Ioh. 4. â—4 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Infinite (g) Ioh 11. 7. Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection v. 8. It is as high as heaven what canst thou do deeper then hell what canst thou know v. 9. The measure thereof is longer then the earth and broader then the sea Eternal (h) Psal 90. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God and Unchangeable (i) Jam. 1. 17. Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variableness either shadow of turning in his Being (k) Exo. 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 A M hath sent me unto you Wisdom (l) Psal 147. 5. Great is our Lord and of great power his understanding is infinite Power (m) Rev. 4. 8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Holiness (n) Rev. 15. 5. Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou onely art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest Justice Goodness and Truth (o) Exod. 34. 6. And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth v. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and thaâ— will by no means clear the guilty visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the child and upon the childrenâ— chilâ—ren unto the third and for it a generation Q. Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onely the living and true God (p) Deut. 6. 4. Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. Jer. 10. 10. But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King at his breath the earth shall tremble and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead A. There are three persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in power and glory (q) 1 John 5. 7. For there are three that bare record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What are the decrees of God A. The deerees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his Will whereby for his own glory he hath fore-ordained whatever
done on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen The CREED I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth And in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord which was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into hell * i. e. Continued in the state of the dead and under the power of death till the third day the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the holy Ghost the holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting Amen SO much of every Question both in the Larger and Shorter Catechism is repeated in the Answer as maketh every Answer an entire Proposition or sentence in it self to the end the Learner may further improve it upon all occasions for his encrease in knowledge and piety even out of the course of catechising as well as in it And albeit the substance of the doctrine comprised in that Abridgement commonly called The Apostles Creed be fully set forth in each of the Catechismes so as there is no necessity of inserting the Creed it self yet it is here annexed not as though it were composed by the Apostles or ought to be esteemed Canonical Scripture as the Ten Commandments and the Lords Prayer much less a Prayer as ignorant people have been apt to make both it and the Decalogue but because it is a brief sum of the Christian faith agreeable to the Word of God and anciently received in the Churches of Christ Cornelius Burges Prolocutor pro tempore Henry Roborough Scriba Adoniram Byfield Scriba To the Right Honorable THE LORDS COMMONS Assembled in Parliament The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting by Ordinance of Parliament at Westminster Concerning CHURCH-GOVERNMENT The Preface JEsus Christ upon whose shoulders the Government is whose name is called Wonderful Counsellour the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace of the encrease of whose Government and Peace there shall be no end who sits upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdome to order it and to establish it with Judgment and Justice from henceforth even for ever having all power given unto him in Heaven and Earth by the Father who raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand far above all Principalities and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come and put all thing under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all He being ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things received gifts for his Church and gave offices necessary for the edification of his Church and perfecting of his Saints Mat. 28. 18 19 20. v. 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23. v. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places v. 21. Far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come v. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church v. 23. Which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all compared with Eph. 4. 8 11. v. 8. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers And with Psal 68. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them Of the Church THere is one General Church visible held forth in the New Testament 1 Cor. 12. 12 13 28. For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ v. 13. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit v. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Together with the rest of the Chapter The Ministry Oâ—acles and Ordinances of the New Testament are given by Jesus Christ to the General Church visible for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life until his second coming 1 Cor. 12. 28. See before Eph. 4. 4 5. v. 4. There is one body and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling v. 5. One Lord one Faith one Baptism Compared with ver 10. 11 12 13 15 16. v. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers v. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ v. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ v. 15. But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ v. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Particular visible Churches Members of the General Church are also held forth in the New Testament Gal 1. 21 12. v. 21. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia v. 22. And was unknown by face unto the Churches of Judea which were in
what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man that is in him even so the things of God knows no man but the Spirit of God works r Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Gen. 1. 2. And the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the earth and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters and worship Å¿ Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen are proper to God onely Q. What are the Decrees of God A. God's Decrees are the wise free and holy acts of the counsel of his will t Ephes 4. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being Predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will Rom. 11. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements and his wayes past finding out Rom. 9. 14 15 18. What shall we say then Is there unrighteousness with God God forbid For he saith to Moses I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion Therefore he hath mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth whereby from all eternity he hath for his own glory unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass in time u Eph. 1. 4 11. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will Rom. 9. 22 23. What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had before prepared unto glory Psal 33. 11. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever the thoughts of his heart unto all generations especially concerning Angels and men Q. What hath God especially decreed concerning Angels and men A. God by an eternal and immutable decree out of his meer love for the praise of his glorious grace to be manifested in due time hath elected some Angels to glory * 1 Tâ—m 5. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality and in Christ hath chosen some men to eternal life and the means thereof x Eph. 1. 4 5 6. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2 Thes 2. 13 14. But we are bound to give thanks to God alway for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth whereunto he called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and also according to his sovereign power and the unsearchable counsel of his own will whereby he extendeth or withholdeth favour as he pleaseth hath passed by fore-ordained the rest to dishonour and wrath to be for their sin inflicted to the praise of the glory of his justice y Rom. 9. 17 18-21 22. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh even for this same purpose have I raised thee up that I might shew my power in thee and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth Hath not the Potter power over his clay of the same lump to make one vessell unto honour and another unto dishonour What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Matth. 11. 25 26. At that time Jesus answered and said I thank Thee O Father Lord of Heaven Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise the prudent and hast revealed them unto Babes Even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight 2 Tim. 2. 20. But in a great house there are not onely vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth and some to honor and some to dishonor Jude v. 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men turning the grace of God into wantonness denying the onely God and our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 8. And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to them that stumble at the word being disobedient whereunto also they were appointed Q. How doth God execute his Decrees A. God executeth his Decrees in the works of Creation and Providence according to his infallible fore-knowledge and the free and immutable counsel of his own will z Ephes 1. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will Q. What is the work of Creation A. The work of Creation is that wherein God did in the beginning by the Word of his power make of nothing the World and all things therein for himself within the space of six dayes and all very good a Gen. 1. Heb. 11. 3. Through faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Prov. 16. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evill Q. How did God create Angels A. God created all the Angels b Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Spirits c Psal 104. 4. Who maketh his Angels Spirits his Ministers a flame of fire Immortal d Mat. 22. 30. For in the Resurrection they neither