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
left hand a Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left and upon cleer evidence and full conviction of their own consciences b Rom. 2. 15 16. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another V. 16. In the day when he shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them c Mat. 25. 41 42 43. Then shall he say also to them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Divel and his Angels V. 42. For I was an hungred and ye gave no meat I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink V. 43. I was a stranger and ye took me not in naked and ye clothed me not sick and in prison and ye visited me not and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable presence of God and the glorious fellowship with Christ his Saints and all his holy Angels into hell to be punished with unspeakable torments both of body and soul with the Divel and his Angels for ever d Luke 16. 26. And besides all this there is a great gulf fixed so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot neither can they pass to us that would come from thence 2 Thess 1. 8 9. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgement A. At the day of judgement the righteous being caught up to Christ in the clouds e 1 Thes 4. 17. Thou we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. shall be set on his right hand and there openly acknowledged and acquitted f Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left Mat. 10. 32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven shall joyn with him in the judging of reprobate Angels and men g 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the world And if the world c. V. 3. Know ye not that we shall judge Angels how much more then the things that pertain to this life and shall be received into heaven h Mat. 25. 34 -46 Then shall the King say to them on his right hand come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal where they shall be fully and for ever freed from all sin and misery i Eph. 5. 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle nor any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish 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 filled with unconceivable joyes k 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 made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul in the company of innumerable Saints and holy Angels l Heb. 12. 22 23. But ye are come unto mount Sion and unto the city of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and â—o an innumerable company of Angels V. 23. To the general assembly 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 but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the holy Spirit to all eternity m 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 we 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 known 1 Thes 4. 17 18. 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. V. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words and this is the perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory at the resurrection and day of judgement Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to believe concerning God it followes to consider what they require as the duty of man Quest VVHat is the duty that God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will n Rom. 12. 1 2. I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service V. 2. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God 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-offerings and sacrifices as in obâ—ying 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 unto man as the rule of his obedience A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocency and to all mankind in him beside a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the Moral Law o Gen. 1. 26 27. And God said Let us make man in our image after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the cattle and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the face of the earth V. 27. So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them
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
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
people for his name and to this agree the words of the Prophets as it is written After this I will return and build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down and I will build again the ruines thereof and I will set it up Isai 55. 4 5. Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people Behold thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God and for the holy One of Israel for he hath glorified thee Gen. â—9 10. The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a law-giver from between his feet until Shiloh come and unto him shall the gathering of the people be Psal 110. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth and giving them officers g Eph. 4. 11 12. 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. 1 Cor. 12. 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 Laws h Isai 33. 22. For the Lord is our judge the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us and Censures by which he visibly governs them i Mat. 18. 17 18. And if he shall nâ—glect to hear them tell it to the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a Publican Verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven 1 Cor. 5. 4 5. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ when ye are gathered togâ—ther and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the Spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus in bestowing saving grace upon his elect k Act. 5. 31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repenâ—ance to Israel and forgiveness of sins rewarding their obedience l Rev. 22. 12. And behold I come quickly and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be Rev. 2. 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten dayes be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life and correcting them for their sins m Rev. 3. 19. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten be zealous therefore and repent preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings n Isai 63. 9. In all their affliction he was afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and he bare them and carried them all the dayes of old restraining and overcoming all their enemies o 1 Cor. 15. 25. For he must reign till he have put all his enemies under his feet Psal 110. throughout The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand untill I have made thine enemies thy footstool to the end and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory p Rom. 14. 10 11. But why dost thou judge thy brother or why dost thou set at naught thy brother We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ For it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God and their own good q Rom. 8. 28. We know that all things work together for good to them who love God to them who are the called according to his purpose and also in taking vengeance on the rest who know not God and obey not the Gospel r 2 Thess 1. 8 9. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Psal 2. 8 9. Ask of me and I shall give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Thou shalt break them with a rod of Iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel Q. What was the state of Christs humiliation A. The estate of Christs humiliation was that low condition wherein he for our sakes emptying himself of his glory took upon him the form of a servant in his Conception and Birth Life Death and after his death untill his resurrection Å¿ Phil. 2. 6 7 8. Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Luke 1. 31. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus 2 Cor. 8. 9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be rich Acts 2. 24. Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it Q. How did Christ humble himself in his Conception and Birth A. Christ humbled himself in his Conception in that being from all eternity the Son of God in the Bosom of the Father he was pleased in the fulness of time to become the Son of Man made of a Woman of low estate and to be born of her with divers Circumstances of more then ordinary abasement t Joh. 1. 14-18 And the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth V. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the onely begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law Luke 2. 7. And she brought forth her first born Son and wrapped him in swadling-clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the Inne Q. How did Christ humble himself in his life A. Christ humbled himself in his life by subjecting himself to the
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
of Saints V. 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 judgments are made manifest Ordinances (b) Mal. 1. 11 14. For from the rising of the Sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among rhe Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered unto thy name and a pure offering for my name shall be great among the heathen saith the Lord of hosts V. 14. But cursed be the deceiver that 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 Word (c) Psal 138. 1 2. I will praiâ—â— thee with my whole heart before the gods will I sing praise unto thee V. 2. I will worship towards thy holy Temple and praise thy name for thy loving Kindness and for thy truth for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name and Works (d) Job 36. 24. Remember that thou magnifie his work which men behold Q. VVhat is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known (e.) Mal. 1. 6 7-12 A son honoureth his father and a servant his Master If then I be a father where is mine honor and if I be a Master where is my fear saith the Lord of hosts unto you O Priests that despise my Name and ye say Wherein have we despised thy Name V. 7. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine Altar and ye say Wherein have we polluted thee in that ye say The Table of the Lord is contemptible V. 12. But ye have profaned it in that ye say the Table of the Lord is polluted and the fruit thereof even his meat is contemptible Chap. 2. v. 2. If you will not hear and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my Name saith the Lord of hosts I will even send a curse upon you and will curse your blessings yea I have cursed them already because ye do not lay it to heart Chap. 3. 14. Ye have said it is vain to serve God and what profit is it that we have kept his Ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts Q. What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement (f) 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 Eâ—i 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 1 Sam. 3. 13. For I have told him that I will judg his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth because his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not 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 mayest 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 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 work 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 (g) Exo. 20. 8 9 10 11 Q. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath unto the Lord (h) 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 ass 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 Q. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the world to the Resurrection of Christ God hath appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath (i) 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 have given order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye V. 2. 7. Upon 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 preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until midnight Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by an holy resting all that day (k) Exod 20. 8 -10 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy V. 10. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God In it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son c. even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are lawful on other dayes (l) Neh. 13. 15 16 17 18 19 -21 22. In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading wine-presses on the sabbath and bringing in sheaves and lading asses also wine grapes and figs and
fifth Petition which is and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (l) Mat 6. 12. we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pard on all our sins (m) Psal 51. 1 2 -7 9. Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions v. 2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin v. 7 Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me 〈◊〉 I shall be whiter then snow v. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities Dan. 9. 17 18 19. Now therefore our God hear thou the prayer of thy servant and his supplication v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive for thine own sake which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others (n) Luk. 11. 4. And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us Mat. 18. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (o) Mat. 6. 13. we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin (p) Mat. 26. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak or support and deliver us when we are tempted (q) 2 Cor. 12. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen (r) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to take our incouragement in prayer from God onely (Å¿) Dan. 9. 4-7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousuess belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces as at this day to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and unto all Israel that are neer and that are far off thorow all the countreys whither thou hast driven them because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy righteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem thy holy mountain because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and hear open thine eyes and behold our desolation and the City that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy City and thy people are called by thy Name and in our prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him (t) 1 Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and David said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honours come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy glorious name And in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen (u) 1 Cor. 14. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that ocupieth 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 Lâ—rd Jesus v. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN The Ten COMMANDMENTS EXODUS XX. GOD spake all these words saying I am the LORD thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me II. 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 thy self 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 III Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six dayes shalt thou labor and do all thy work 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 V. Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbors FINIS The LORDS PRAYER Matth. 6. OVr Father which art in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be
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
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
1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same night wherein he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which was broken for you this do in remembrance of me After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me in which Grace and salvation is held forth in more fulness evidence and efficacy to all Nations q 2 Cor. 3. 6. to the end of the chapter Who hath also made us able ministers of the New Testament not of the letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life But if the ministration of death written and engraven in stones was glorious c. Heb. 8. 6 -10 11. For finding fault with them he saith Behold the dayes come saith the Lord when I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and Judah V. 10. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my laws into their minds and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people V. 11. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the least to the greatest Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of c. Q. Who is the Mediator of the Covenant of Grace A. The onely Mediator of the Covenant of Grace is the Lord Jesus Christ r 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Man the Man Christ Jesus who being the eternal Son of God of one substance and equal with the Father Å¿ Joh. 1. 1 -14 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God V. 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Joh. 10. 30. I and my father are one Phil. 2. 6. Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God in the fulness of time became man t Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law and so was and continues to be God and Man in two entire distinct natures and one person for ever u Luke 1. 35. And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Rom. 9. 5. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Amen Col. 2. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb. 7. 24 25. But this man because he continueth 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 Q. How did Christ being God become Man A. Christ the Son of God became Man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul * Joh. 1. 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Mat. 26. 38. Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry ye here and watch with me being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary of her substance and born of her x Luke 1. 27-31-35-42 To a virgine spoused to a mâ—n whose name was Joseph of the house of David and the Virgins name was Mary V. 31. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a Son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. And the Anâ—el answered and said unto her the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee Therefore also that holy thing whâ—ch shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God V. 42. And Elizabeth spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law yet without sin y Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infiâ—mities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 7. 26. For such an High-Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be God that he might sustain and keep the humane nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God and the power of death z Acts 2. 24 25. Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible he should be holden of it For David speaks concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved Rom. 1. 4. And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead Compared with Rom. 4. 25. Who was delivered for our offences and was raâ—sed again for our justification 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 give worth and efficacy to his sufferings obedience and intercession a Act. 20. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood 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 Heb. 7. 25 26 27 28. 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 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 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
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
sit upon the throne of his glory with a shout with the voice of the Archangel and with the trumpet of God e 1 Thes 4. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first to judge the world in righteousness f Act. 17. 31. Because he hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Q. What benefits hath Christ procured by his Mediation A. Christ by his Mediation hath procured Redemption g Heb. 9. 12. Neither by the blood of goâ—ts and calves but by his own blood he enâ—red in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us with all other benefits of the Covenant of Grace h 2 Cor. 1. 20. For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us Q. How do we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured by the application of them unto us i John 1. 11 13. He came unto his own and his own received him not But as many as received him to them gave be power to become the sons of God even to them that believe in his name which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost k Tit. 3. 5 6. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour Q. Who are made partakers of Redemption through Christ A. Redemption is certainly applied and effectually communicated to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it l Eph. 1. 13 14. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of Truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory Joh. 6. 37-39 All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out V. 39. And this is the Fathers will who hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Joh. 10. 15 16. As the Father knoweth me even so know I the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep And other sheep I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold and one shepheard who are in time by the Holy Ghost inabled to believe in Christ according to the Gospel m Eph. 2. 8. For by grace ye are saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God 2 Cor. 4. 13. We having the same spirit of faith according as it is written I believed and therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore speak Q. Can they who have never heard the Gospel and so know not Jesus Christ nor believe in him be saved by their living according to the light of nature A. They who having never heard the Gospel n Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed â—â—d how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher know not Jesus Christ o 2 Thess 1. 8 9. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Eph. 2. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenant of Promise having no hope and without God in the world John 1. 10 11 12. He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not He came unto his own and his own received him not But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe in his Name and believe not in him cannot be saved p Joh. 8. 24. I said therefore unto you that ye shall die in your sins For if ye believe not that I am He ye shall die in your sins Mark 16. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature q 1 Cor. 1. 20 21 22 23 24. Where is the wise where is the Scribe where is the Disputer of this world Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world V. 21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom knew not God it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe V. 22. For the Jewes require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom V. 23. But we preach Christ crucified to the Jewes a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness V. 24. But unto them who are called both Jewes and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God or the Law of that Religion which they professe r John 4. 22. Ye worship ye know not what we know what we worship for salvation is of the Jewes Rom. 9 31 32. But Israel which followed after the law of righteousness hath not attained to the law of righteousness Wherefore Because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the works of the Law for they stumbled at that stumbling stone Phil. 3. 4 5 6 7 8 9. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh if any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh I more V. 5. Circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel of the tribe of Benjamin an Hebrew of the Hebrews as touching the law a Pharisee V. 6. Concerning zeal persecuting the Church touching the righteousnesse which is in the law blamelesse V. 7. But what things were a gain to me those I counted loss for Christ V. 8. Yea doubtless and I account all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do account them but dung that I may win Christ V. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousnesse which is of God by faith neither is there
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
the stedfastness of your faith in Christ vain credulity d 1 Joh. 4. 1. Beloved believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they be of God because many false Prophets are gone out into the world unbelief e Heb. 3. 12. Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God heresie f Gal. 5. 20. Idolatry Witch-craft Hatred Variance Emulations Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies Tit. 3. 10. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject misbelief g Act. 26. 9. I verily thought with my self that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth distrust h Psal 78. 22. Because they believed not in God nor trusted in his salvation despair i Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord My punishment is greater then I can hear incorrigibleness k Jer. 5. 3. O Lord are not thine eyes upon the truth thou hast stricken them but they have not grieved thou hast consumed them but they have refused to receive correction they have made their faces harder then a rock they have refused to return insensibleness under judgements l Isai 42. 25. Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger and the strength of battel and it hath set him on fire round about yet he knew it not and it burned him yet he laid it not to heart hardness of heart m Rom. 2. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God pride n Jer. 13. 15. Hear ye and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken it presumption o Psal 19. 13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me then shall I be upright innocent from the great transgression carnal security p Zeph. 1. 12. And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with candles and punish the men that are setled on their lees that say in their hearts The Lord will not do good neither will he do evil tempting of God q Mat. 4. 7. Jesus said unto him it is written again Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God using unlawful means r 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 and trusting in lawful means Å¿ Jer. 17. 5. Thus saith the Lord Cursed be the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departeth from the Lord. carnal delights and joyes t 2 Tim. 3. 4. Traitors heady high-minded lovers of pleasure more then lovers of God corrupt blind and indiscreet zeal u Gal. 4. 17. They zealously affect you but not well yea they would exclude you that ye might affect them Joh. 16. 2. Yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God good service Rom. 10. 2. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge Luk. 9. 54 55. And when his disciples James and John saw this they said Lord wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them even as Elias did V. 55. But he turned and rebuked them and said Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of luke-warmness * Rev. 3. 16. So then because thou art luke-warm and neither cold nor hot I will spew thee out of my mouth and deadness in the things of God x Rev. 3. 1. And unto the Angel in the Church of Sardis write These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead estranging our selves and apostatizing from God y Ezek. 14. 5. That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart because they are all estranged from me through their Idols Isa 1. 4 5. Ah sinfull Nation a people laden with iniquity a seed of evil-doers children that are corrupters they have forsaken the Lord they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger they are gone backward V. 5. Why should ye be stricken any more ye will revolt more and more the whole head is sick c. praying or giving any religious worship to Saints Angels or any other creatures z Rom. 10. 13 14. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved V. 14. How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher Hos 4. 12. My people ask counsel at their stocks and their staff declareth unto them for the spirit of whoredomes hath caused them to erre and they have gone a whoring from under their God Act. 10. 25 26. And as Peter was coming in Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him V. 26. But Peter took him up saying stand up I my selfe also am a man Rev. 19. 10. I fell at his feet to worship him and he said unto me See thou do it not I am thy fellow-servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus worship God for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy Mat. 4. 10. Then said Jesus unto him Get thee hence Sathan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shall thou serve Col. 2. 18. Let no mâ—n beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels intruding into those things which he hath not seen vainly puft up by his fleshly mind Rom. 1. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen all compacts and consulting with the devil a Lev. 20. 6. And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits and after wizards to go a whoring after them I will even set my face against that soul and will cut him off from among his people 1 Sam. 28. 7-11 Then said Saul to his servants Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit that I may go to her and enquire of her and his servant said unto him Behold there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor V. 11. Then said the woman whom shall I bring up unto thee and he said bring me up Samuel Compared with 1 Chron. 10. 13 14. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord even against the word of the Lord which he kept not also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit to enquire of it V. 14. And enquired not of the Lord therefore
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
c the Church furnished with all Gospel officers and ordinances (g) Matth 9. 38. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into his harvest 2 Thes 3. 1. Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have a free course and be glorified even as it is with you purged from corruption (h) Mal. 3. 1 11. For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same my Name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered up unto my Name and a pure offering for my Name shall be great among the Heathen saith the Lord of hosts Zeph. 3. 9. For then will I turn to the people a pure language that they may all call upon the Name of the Lord to serve him with one consent countenanced and maintained by the civil magistrate (i) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that first â—f all supplications prayers intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men v. 2. For Kings and for all that are in auâ—hority thâ—t me may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins and the confirming comforting and building up of those that are already converted (k) Act. 4. 29 30. And now Lord behold their threatnings and grant unto thy servanâ—s that with all boldness they may speak thy word v. 30. By stretching forth â—hine hand to heal and that signes and wonders may be done by the Name of thy Holy Child Jesus Eph. 6. 18 19 20. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints v. 19. And for me thâ—t utterance may be given me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gentiles v. 20. For which I am an Ambassador in bonds that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak Rom. 15. 29 30 -32 And I am sure that when I come unto you I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ v. 30. Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christ sake and for the love of the Spirit that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me v. 32. That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God and may with you be refreshed 2 Thes 1. 11. Wherefore we pray alwayes for you that our God would count you worthy of his calling and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power 2 Thes 2. 16 17. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our Father which hâ—th loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace v. 17. Comfort your heart and stablish you in every good word and work that Christ would rule in our hearts here (l) Eph. 3. from ver 14. to the 21. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ v. 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named v. 16. 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 length and depth and height v. 19. And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledg that ye might be filled with the fulness of God v. 20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think c. and hasten the time of his second coming and our reigning with him for ever (m) Rev. 22. 20. He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quâ—ckly Amen even so come Lord Jesus and that he would be pleased so to exercise the kingdom of his power in all the world as may best conduce to these ends (n) Isai 64. 1 2. O that thou wouldst rend the heavens that thou wouldst come down that the mountains might flow down at thy presence v. 2. As when the melting fire burneth the fire causeth the waters to boil to make thine name known to thine adversaries that the nations may tremble at thy presence Rev. 4. 8 9 10 11. 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 v. 9. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne who liveth for ever and ever v. 10. That four and twenty Elders fall down before him that sat on the throne and worship him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their Crowns before the throne saying v. 11. Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third petition which is Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (o) Matth. 6. 10. acknowledging that by nature we and all men are not only utterly unable and unwilling to know and to do the will of God (p) Rom. 7. 18. For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not Job 21. 14. Therefore thâ—y say unto God Depart from us we desire not the knowledg of thy wayes 1 Cor. 2. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can be know them because they are spiritually discerned but prone to rebel against his word (q) Rom. 8. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be to repine and murmur against his Providence (r) Exod. 17. 7. And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribaâ— because of the chiding of the children of Israel and because they tempted the Lord saying is the Lord among us or not Num. 14. 2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron And the whole Congregation said unto them would God that we had died in the land of Egypt would God that we had died in this wilderness and wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh of the devil (Å¿) Eph. â— 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the ayre the spirit that now woâ—keth in the children of disobedience We
temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to he tempted above what ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it bestow and blesse all means of grace (Å¿) Heb. 13. 20. 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jeâ—us Christ that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ c. and quicken us to watchfulnesse in the use of them that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin (t) Mat. 26. 21. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation c. Psal 13. 9. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let not them have dominion over me then shall I be upright and innocent from the great transgression or if tempted that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation (u) Eph. 3. 14 15 16 17. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 15. Oâ— whom the whole family of heaven and earth is named V. 16. 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 c. 1 Thes 3. 13. To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God even our Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints Jude v. 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy or when fallen raised again and recovered out of it (*) Psa 5â— 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof (x) 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 10. Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Divel as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour v. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world v. 10. But the God of all peace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected (y) 2 Cor. 13. 7-9 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil not that we should appear approved but that ye should do that which is honest though we be as reprobates V. 9. For we are glad when we are weak and ye are strong this also we wish even your perfection Satan trodden under our feet (z) Rom. 16. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly c. Zech. 3. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan The Lord rebuke thee O Satan even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee Is not this a brand pluckt out of the fire Luk. 22. 31 32. And the Lord said Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat v. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted c. and we fully freed from sin temptation and all evil for ever (a) Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelesse unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory for ever Amen (b) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments (c) Rom. 15. 30. Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christs sake and for the love of the Spirit that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me which are to be taken not from any worthinesse in our selves or in any other creature but from God (d) Dan. 9 â— 7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of face as at this day c. v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy rigteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem c. v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and behold our desolation and the city that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord heatken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy city and thy people are called by thy Name and with our prayers to join praises (e) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ascribing to God alone eternal soveraignty omnipotency and glorious excellency (f) 1 Chron. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatnesse and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honour come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might c. v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and bless thy glorious Name in regard whereof as he is able and willing to help us (g) Eph. 3 20 21. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that worketh in us v. 21. Unto
A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adams first sin the want of Original righteousness and the corruption of his whole nature which is commonly called Original sin together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it (f) Rom 5. 10. to the 20. Eph. 2. 1. And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins V. 2. Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience V. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desiâ—es of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature children of wrath even as others Jam. 1. 14. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed V. 15. Then when lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Mat. 15. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders adulteries fornications thefts false witness blasphemies Q. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God (g) Gen. 3. 8. Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden V. 10. And he said I heard the voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self V. 24 So he drove out the man and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life are under his wrath and curse (h) Eph. 2. 2 3. And by nature the children of wrath even as others Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one which continueth not in all things which are written in the Law to do them and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of hell for ever (i) Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth the living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Ro. 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mat. 25. 41. Then shall he say to them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the divel and his angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal Q. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life (k) Eph. 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 did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a Redeemer (l) Rom 3. 21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the Prophets V. 22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference Gal. 3. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law V. 22. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might he given to them that believe Q. Who is the Redeemer of Gods Elect A. The only Redeemer of Gods Elect is the Lord Jesus Christ (m) 1 Tim. 25. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus V. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time who being the eternal Son of God became man (n) 1 John 1. 14. 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 Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law and so was and continueth to be God and man in two distinct Natures and one Person for ever (o) Rom. 9. 5. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Luk. 1. 35. And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee herefore also that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called The Son of God Col. 2. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb 7. 24. But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q. How did Christ being the Son of God become man A. Christ the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body (p) Heb. 2. 14. For as much 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 Divel V. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 10 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me and a reasonable soul (q) Mat. 26 38. Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry you here and watch with me being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her (r) Luk. 1. 31. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a Son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. vide supra V. 42. And she spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 44. vide supra yet without sin (Å¿) Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted as we are yet without sin Heb. 7. 26. For such an High Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens Q. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King both in his
estate of humiliation and exaltation (t) Act. 3. 22. For Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall you hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Heb. 12. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who râ—fused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Compared with 2 Cor. 13. 3. Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me which to you ward is not weak but is mighty in you Heb. 5. 5. 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 v. 6. As he saith also in another place thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedeck v. 7. Who in the dayes of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplicitions with strong crying and tears unto him who is able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared Psal 2. 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Isa 9. 6. For unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace v. 7. Of the increase 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 justice from henceforth even for ever the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Mat. 21. 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sion behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a coalt the foal of an ass Psal 2. 8. Ask of me and I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a Potters vessel v. 10. Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed ye judges of the earth v. 11. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoyce with trembling Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a Prophet A. Christ executeth the office of a Prophet in reveleing to us by his word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation (u) Ioh. 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 1 Pet. 1. 10. 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 reveled 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 Ioh. 15. 15. Henceforth I call 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 Ioh. 20. 3â— These things are written that you might believe that Iesus 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 up of himself a sacrifice to satisfie divine Justice (*) Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences 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 withouâ— sin unto salvation and reconcile us to God (x) Heb. 2 17. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a marciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people and in making continual intercession for us (y) Heb. 7. 24. But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood v. 25. Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost those that come to 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 subduing us to himself (z) Act. 15. 14. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name v. 15. And to this agree the words of the Prophet as it is written v. 16. After this I will return and build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down and I will build again the ruines thereof and I will set it up in ruling (a) Isa 33. 22. The Lord is our Judg the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us and desending us (b) Isa 32. 1. Behold a King shall reign in righteousness and Princes shall rule in judgement v. 2. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest as rivers of waters in a dry place as the shadow of a rock in a weary land and restraining and conquering all his and our enemies (c) 1 Cor. 15. 25. For he mâ—st reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet Ps 110. throughout Q. Wherein did Christs humiliation consist A. Christs humiliation consisted in his being born and that in a low condition (d) Luk. 2. 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son and wrapped him in swadling-clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the Inne made under the law (e) Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law undergoing the miseries of this life (f) Heb. 12. 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God v. 3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your mindes Isa 53. 2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant and as a root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him v. 3. He is despised
13. For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Q. What benefits do they that are Effectually called partake of in this life A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of Justification (z) Rom. 8. 30. Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Adoption (a) Eph. 1. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will Sanctification and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them (b) 1 Cor. 1. 30. Of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Q What is Justification A. Justification is an act of Gods free grace wherein he pardoneth all our sins (c) Ro. 3. 24 25. v. 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ v. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propiation through faiâ—h in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God Rom. 4. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works v. 7. Saying blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered v. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin and accepteth us as righteous in his sight d 2 Cor. 5. 19. To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed to us the word of reconciliation v. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him onely for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us e Rom. 5. 17. For if by one mans offence death reigned by one much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ v. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgement came upon men unto condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life v. 19. As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous and received by Faith alone f Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Iesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of Gods free grace g 1 Ioh. 3. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the priviledges of the sons of God h Ioh. 1. 12. As many as received him to them gave be power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Rom. 8. 17. And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heires with Christ if so be we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together Q. What is Sanctification A. Sanctification is the work of Gods free grace i 2 Thes 1. 13. God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the truth whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God k Ephes 4. 23. And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind v. 24. And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness l Rom. 6. 4. 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. 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 Rom 8. 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Q. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification are assurance of Gods love peace of conscience m Rom. 5. 1. 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 this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God V. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost which is given unto us joy in the holy Ghost n Rom. 14. 17. For the Kingdome of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Ghost encrease of grace o Prov. 4. 18. The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day and perseverance therein to the end p 1 Joh. 5. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that you may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God 1 Pet. 1. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last times Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness q Heb. 12. 23. To the general assemby and Church of the first-born which are written in heaven and to God the judg of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect and do immediately passe into glory r 2 Cor. 5. 1. For we know that if our earthly houses 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 whilest we are at home 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 to be present with
Get thee hence Satan for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Psal 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying (k) Psal 14. 1. The fool hath said in his heart there is no God they are corrupt they have done abominable works there is none that doth good or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God (l) Rom. 1. 21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned and our God (m) Psal 81. 10. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt open thy mouth wide and I will fill it v. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me and the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone (n) Rom. 1. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creatures more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen v. 26. For this cause God gave them up vnto vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature Q. What are we especially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God (o) Ezek. 8. 5. to theend Psal 44. 20 21. But if we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God v. 21. Shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart 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 thy selfe 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 (p) Exod 20 4 5 6. Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his word (q) Deut. 32. 46. 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 Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes 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 prayers Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images (r) Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19. v. 15. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire v. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female v. 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air v. 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth v. 19. And least thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou feest the Sun Moon and Starres even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Exod. 32. 5-8 And when Aaron saw it he built an Altar before it and Aaron made proclamation and said Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. v. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt or any other way not appointed in his word (Å¿) Deut. 12. 31 32. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods v. 32. What thing soever I command you observe to do it thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods soveraignty over us (t) Psal 95. 2 3 6 Let us come before his prefence with thanksgiving and make a joiful noise unto him with Psalms v. 3. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all Gods v. 6. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker his property in us (u) Psal 45. 11. So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him and his zeal he hath to his own worship (*) Exod. 34. 13 14. But ye shall destroy their altars break their images and cut down their groves V. 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose name is Jealous is a jealous God Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (x) Exod. 20. 7. Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of Gods Name (y) Mat. 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name Deut. 28. 58. 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. Title (z) Psal 68. 4. Sing unto God sing praises to his name extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH and rejoycâ— before him Attributes (a) Rev. 15. 3 4. And they sing the Song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying great and marvellous are thy words Lord God Almighty just and true are thy wayes thou King
thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah V. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou maist be found surely in the flâ—ods of great waters they shall come nigh unto him Dan. 9. 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him and to them that keep his commandments and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies (q) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in Prayer A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer (r) 1 Job 5. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us but the speciall rule of direction is that form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called the Lords Prayer (Å¿) Mat 6. 9 10 11 12 13. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father c. Luke 11. 2. And he said unto them When ye pray say Our father c. Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer which is Our Father which art in heaven (t) Matth. 6. 9. teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence as children to a father ready to help us (u) Rom. 8. 15. For we have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but we have received the Spirit of Adoption wherebâ—y we cry Abba Father Luk. 11. 13. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy Spirit to them that aâ—k him and that we should pray with and for others (*) Act. 12. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men v. 2. For Kinks and for all that are in authority c. Q. VVhat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first petition which is Hallowed be thy name (x) Mat. 6. 9. we pray that God would enable us and others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself known (y) Psal 67. 2 3. That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations v. 3 Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise hee and that he would dispose all things to his own glory (z) Psal 83. throughout Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come (a) Mat. 6. 10 we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed (b) Psal 68. 1 -18 Let God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him fâ—â—e before him v. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captiviy captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them and that the Kingdom of Grace might be advanced (c) Rev. 12. 10 11. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven Now is come salvation and strength and the Kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before God day and night v. 11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death our selves and others brought into it and kept in it (d) 2 Thes 3. 1. Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Rom. 10. 1. Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is That they might be saved Joh. 17. 9 -20 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine v. 20. Neither pray I for thâ—se alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word and that the Kingdom of glory may be hastened (e) Rev. 22. 20. He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Amen even so come Lord Jesus Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third petition which is Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (f) Mat. 6. 10. We pray that God would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his will in all things (g) Psal 67. throughout Psal 119. 36. Encline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness Mat. 26. 39. And he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed saying O my Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt 2 Sam. 15. 25. And the King said unto Zadok carry back the Ark of God into the city If I shall finde favour in the eyes of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation Job 1. 21. And said Naked came I out of my mothers womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. as the Angels do in heaven (h) Psal 103. 20 21. Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excell in strength and do his commandments hearkning unto the voice of his word v. 21. Bless ye the Lord all ye his hosts ye ministers of his that do his pleasure Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily bread (i) Mat. 6. 11. we pray that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy his blessing with them (k) Prov. 30. 8 9. Remove far from me vanity and lies give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me v. 9. Lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord and lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Gen. 28. 20. And Jacob vowed a vow saying if God will be with me and keep me in this way that I goe and will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on 1 Tim. 1. 4 5. For every creature of God is good and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving v. 5. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer Q. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition A. In the