works Q. 5. How is Christ's righteousness made ours A. By Application of it to us by Faith Gal. 2.16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Iesus 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 Q. 6. Is it not partly by Christ's Righteousness and partly our own A. No by Christ's Righteousness without any mixture of ours Rom. 3.28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law Q. 7. But doth not James says otherwise Jam. 2.14 What doth it profit my brethren though a man say he hath faith and have not works Can faith save him A. The two Apostles contradict not one another Paul speaks of Justification before God and Iames of justifying our Faith before men Q. 8. Is no regard then to be had to good works A. Yes very great they that believe must be careful to maintain good works Tit. 3.8 That they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works These things are good and profitable unto men Q. 9. Why can none be justified by works A. Because all are guilty before God Rom. 3.29 Is he the God of the Iews only Is he not also of the Gentiles Yes of the Gentiles also And the Law curses all that are under guilt Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Q. 10. What is the first Inference from hence A. The happy State of Believers who are now at peace with God Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. And whom he justifieth he glorifieth Rom. 8.30 Whom he justified them he also golrified Q. 11. What is the second Inference hence A. The excellency and necessity of Faith Rom. 3.30 The circumcision is justified by faith and the uncircumcision through faith Q. 12. What is the third Inference A. That the greatness of sin is no bar to faith since it is the Righteousness of Christ that justifieth 2 Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we may be made the righteousness of God in him Q. 13. What is the last Inference A. That Believers ought to be exceeding humble and far from boasting The Law of Faith excludes boasting Rom. 3.27 Where is boasting then It is excluded by what law Of works nay but by the law of faith Of Adoption Quest. 34. WHAT is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of God's Free-grace whereby we are received into the number and have a Right to all the Priviledges of the Sons of God Q. 1. How many sorts of Sons be there A. There is one by Generation and another by Adoption Iohn 1.12 13. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe in his name which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Q. 2. What moves God to adopt any man A. Nothing but his Free-love Iohn 3.1 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us that we should be called the Son of God Q. 3. Is this priviledge common to all men A. No it 's peculiar to them that receive him Iohn 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God Q. 4. What is the first property of Adoption A. It is a costly Relation Gal. 4.45 When the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Sâ—n made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons Q. 5. What is the second property of Adoption A. It is an high and honourable relation 1 Iohn 3 1â—â— Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us thaâ— we should be called the Sons of God Q. 6. What is the third property of Adoption A. It is a free relation on God's part Eph. 1.45 Accordâ—ing 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 Havâ—ing predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Iesus Chriâ—â— to himself according to the good pleasure of his will And 〈◊〉 makes us free Iohn 8.36 If the son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Q. 7. What is the fourth property of Adoption A. It is a permanent relation Iohn 8.35 The son abideth in the house for ever Q. 8. What is the first priviledge of the adopted A. They have an interest in God as Children in a Father 2 Cor. 6.18 And will be a father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty Q. 9. What is the second Priviledge A. Being God's Sons they are Heirs of God and joyâ—â— Heirs with Christ. Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs Heirs of God and joynt heirs with Christ. Q. 10. What is the third Priviledge A. Seasonable and sanctified afflictions Heb. 12.6 〈◊〉 scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Q. 11. What is their fourth Priviledge A. The Attendance and Ministry of Angels Heb. 1 1â— Are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for thâ—â— who shall be heirs of salvation Q. 12. What is their fifth Priviledge A. The assistance of the Spirit in Prayer Rom. 8.15 Foâ— we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear but yâ—â— have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba fatherâ— And God's audience of their Prayers 1 Iohn 5.14 Aâ—â— this is the confidence that we have in him That if we ask any tâ—ing according to his will he heareth us Q. 13. What use should we make of this A. It teachech us to carry our selves as Children to our â—eavenly Father First In our imitation of him Eph. 5. â— Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children Secondly In â—ur submission to him Heb. 12.9 Furthermore we have had â—athers of our flesh which corrected us and we gave them reverence â—hall we not much rather be in subjection to the father of spirits â—nd live Thirdly In our dependance on him Mat. 6.32 â—or your heavenly father knoweth that you have need of all â—hese things Of Sanctification Quest. 35. WHAT is Sanctification A. Sanctifitation is the work of God's Free-grace whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the Image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness Q. 1. What are the parts of Sanctification A. Dying unto Sin and living unto God Rom. 6.11 Likewise reckon ye also your selves to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God througe Iesus Christ our Lord. Q. 2. Who is the
our obedience to God and not to man whatever we suffer for it Acts. 4.19 Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God judge ye Q. 6. Why must we obey God rather than Man A. Because God is the Supream and Sovereign Lord of our Consciences and no Creature hath power to command our Obedience but in and from him Isa. 33.22 For the Lord is our judge the Lord is our lawgiver the Lord is our King he will save us Q. 7. Have the People Liberty to compare the Laws of God and Men and judge how they agree or differ A. Yes their Judgment of Discretion is both commanded 1 Cor. 10.15 I speak as to wise men judge ye what I say And commended Acts 17.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so Q. 8. What is the only Rule for our Obedience to God A. The will of God revealed in the Scriptures is our only Rule of Obedience Isa. 8.20 To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Q. 9. But if a man have a voice a vision or a dream seeming to hint the secret will of God may he not obey it A. Yes if it be consonant to the revealed will of God in the word otherwise not Deut 29.29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever that we may do all the words of this law Q 10. What is the first Instruction hence A. That it 's highly sinful and dangerous to disobey the known will of God in any thing Rom. 1.18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness Luke 12.47 And that servant which knew his Lord's will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes Q. 11. What is the second Instruction A. That 's a blessed man who conscienciously labouâ—s to obey the will of God so far as he can discover it Iohn 13.17 If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them Gal. 6.16 And as many as walk according to this rule peace be on them and mercy Q. 12. What is the third Inference A. It is highly sinful and dangerous to command others or obey commands from others which are not according to God's Command Hos. 5.11 Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment because he wilingly walketh after the commandments Jer. 7.31 And they have built the high places of Tophet which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire which I commanded them not neither came it into my heart Of the Moral Law Quest. 40. WHAT did God at first reveal to Man for the Rule of his Obedience A. The Rule which God at first revealed to Man for his Obedience was the Moral Law Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments Q. 1. Is every man under the Direction and Obligation of a Law A. Yes being a reasonable Creature is capable of and fitted for Government by Law which other Creatures are not and being an accountable Creature to God must needs be under a Law Rom. 2.15 Which shew the works of the Law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Q. 2. How could man be under a Law before the Law was given by Moses A. Before ever the Law was given at Sinai all the race of Adam had a Law written in their Hearts viz. the Light of Reason and Dictates of natural Conscience Rom. 2.14 For when the Gentiles which have not the law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the law are a law unto themselves And besides this the Church had the revealed will of God to direct them 2 Pet. 1.19 20. We have also a more sure word of Prophesy whereunto ye do well to take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day down and the day-star arise in your hearts Knowing this first that no prophesy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation Q. 3. What is the meaning of the Moral Law A. 'T is not a Law to direct and order our Manners but a Law that binds universally and perpetually as the Ten Commandments do those to whom they are promulged and the Light of Nature doth all others Rom. 2.14 For when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves Luke 16.17 It is easier for Heaven and Earth to pass than one tittle of the Law to fall Q. 4. Why is it said to be summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments A. Because much more is included in every Command than is exprest as our Saviour shews in his Exposition of it Mat. 22.40 On these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets Q. 6. Doth the Moral Law bind Christians under the Gospel A. Yes it doth as a Rule to order their Conversations by Iam. 2.8 9 10. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self ye do well but if ye have respect to persons ye commit sin and are convinced of the law as transgressors for whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point is guilty of all Q. 6. Is the Moral Law the same thing with the Covenant of Works and imposed for the same end A. God never designed the Law to be the way of Man's Justification since the Fall Gal. 3.21 22. Is the law then against the promises of God God forbid for if there had been a law-giver which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law but the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Iesus Christ night be given to them that believe But it was promulged to convince Men of Sin Rom. 7 7 What shall we say then Is the law sin God forbid Nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet And bring them to Christ. Gal. 3.24 Wherefore the law was our School-master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith Q. 7. What is the first Inference from hence A. Hence we learn the abominable Nature of Popery The Pope being that lawless One who will not be bound to the Laws of God himself 2 Thes. 2.8 Then shall that wicked one be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth
to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. VVhat is the third Inference A. The glorious priviledge of believers who are under a better covenant establisht upon better promises Heb. 8.6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant which is establisht upon better promises Q. 10. VVhat is the last Inference A. That we should pity the unregenerate especially our own among them and labour to plant them in the second Adam Of the Fall of Man Quest. 13. DID our first Parents continue in the estate wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freeedom of their own wâ—ll fell from thee estate wherein they were created by sinning against God Q. 1. How doth it appear that man is fallen A. By the Scripture History an account of it in Gen. 3.6 7. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was 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 And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves Aprons and they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees if the garden And the sad experience we all have of it in our own selves Rom. 5.12 Therefore 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. 2. How could man fall since he was made upright A. Though he was upright yet his will was mutable and by abusing that liberty he fell Eccles. 7.29 Lo this only have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Q. 3. How did God leave him to abuse the freedom of will A. Not by inclining him to abuse it but by with-holding that further grace which he was no way obliged to continue to him Q. 4. Did the will of man lose its liberty to good by the Fall A. Yes it did and is so wounded that it cannot without preventing and regenerating grace put forth one spiritual and saving act Eph. 2.8 9 10. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of our selves it is the gift of God Not of works lest any man should boast for we are all his workmanship created in Christ Iesus unto good works c. Q. 5. VVhat was the aggravation of Adam's Sin A. It was aggravated in his being a publick innocent person so newly placed in a State of Happiness and Liberty Q 6. What is the first inference from the Fall A. That the best Creature left to himself cannot be long safe as the Angels and Adam Psal. 49.12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not he is like the beast that perish Q. 7. What is the second Inference A. That since man could not be his own keeper he can be much less his own Saviour 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our sâ—lves but our sufficiency is of God Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That it is impossible for the covenant of works to justify any one Rom. 3.20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Q. 9. What is the last Inference A. What cause have we to bless God for Christ who recovered us when the Fall left us helpless Rom. 5.6 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Of Sin Quest. 14. WHAT is Sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God Q. 1. What is meant by the Law A. The Commands and Rules flowing from God's Soveraignty whereby his will is manifested and the Creature bound to obedience Q. 2. Where is this Law written A. It is written either in the heart Rom. 2.15 Which shews the work of the law written in their hearts which we call the law of nature Or in the Bible which we call the written Moral Law Q. 3. What conformity is due to this Law of God A. A two fold conformity is due to it First Internal in our hearts Secondly External in our lives and the want of either is sin 1 Ioh. 3.4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Q 4. How doth it appear that the want of internal conformity is sin A. Because the Law requires it Mark 12.30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength for this is the first commandment And condemns the want of it Rom. 7.7 What shall we say then is the law sin God forbid nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet Q 5. Is nothing a sin but what is against God's Law A No nothing can be a sin but what God hath either expresly or by consequence forbidden in his word Q 6 Wherein lies the evil of transgressing God's Laws A. The evil of sin principally lies in offence and wrong done to God whose soveraignty it labours to shake off and despises his will Psal. 31.4 Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight Q. 7. VVhat further evil is in sin A. It highly wrongs the Sinner's Soul by defacing defiling and damning it Prov. 8.36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul all they that hate me love death Q. 8. VVherein is the evil of sin manifested A. It 's manifested in the death of Christ the terrors of Conscience and torments of Hell Q. 9. VVhat course must the Sinner take to recover himself out of his misery A. Repentance towards God faith towards Christ and both evidenced by new obediencâ— Acts 20.21 Testifying both to the Jew and also to the Greeks repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 10. VVhat may we infer from hence A. That we have infinite cause to bless God for Christ's satisfaction of the Law for our Sins Of the Tree of Knowledge Quest. 15. WHat is the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created A. The sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit Q. 1 VVhy was this Tree called the Tree of Knowledge A.
By Christ the only Redeemer Tit. 3.4 5 6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Iesus Christ our Saviour Q. 6. Is there no other way of Salvation but by Christ A. No no other way is revealed in Scripture Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Q 7. What learn you from God's Election A. What cause we have to admire Free-grace in our choice who were no better than others Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 8. What is the second Instructâ—on A It teaches us humility we made not our selves to differ but the free grace of God made the difference 1 Cor. 4.7 For who maketh thee to differ from another Q. 9. What is the third Instruction A. It teaches us diligence to make our Election sure to our selves by our calling 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure Q. 10. What is the fourth Instruction A. It is matter of comfort to God's Elect amidst all dangers in the world 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his Of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 1. WHat is the Covenant of Grace A. It is a new compact or agreement made with Sinners out of meer grace wherein God promiseth to be our God and that we shall be his people and to give everlasting life to all that believe in Christ. Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and thâ—y shall be my people Q 2. How doth this covenant differ from the Covenant of works A. They differ many ways but principally in three things First The Covenant of works had no Mediator the Covenant of Grace hath a Mediator Heb. 12.24 And to Iesus the Mediator of the new Covenant Secondly In the former no place was found for repentance In the Second God admits it Heb. 8.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws in their minds and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Ver. 12. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins will I remember no more Thirdly In their condition the former requires exact Obedience the latter Faith and sincere Obedience Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Q. 3. May a Sinner that hath no worthiness at all of his own be taken into the Covenant of Grace A. Yes he may Isa. 43 25. I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember thy sins This Covenant is not of Works but of Grace Rom. 11.5 6. And if by grace then it is no more of works otherwise grace is no more grace but if it be of works then it is no more grace otherwise work is no more work Q 4. Is this Covenant changeable or an unchangeable Covenant A. No it is not changeable but everlasting and unchangeable forever Isa. 54.10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lâ—rd that hath mercy on thee Q. 5. What are the principal things bestowed in this Covenant A. God himself and in and with him pardon and salvation Ier. 31.33 I will be their God and they shall be my people Q. 6. Can no Sin be forgiven out of this Covenant A. No God pardons none out of this Covenant Iob 3.18 But he that believeth not is condemned already Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A. Humbled and believing Sinners have singular support from this New Covenant 1 Iohn 2.12 I write unto you little children because your sins are forgiven you for his name sake Q. 8. What is the second Instruction from hence A. That 't is the great concern of all men to examine whether they be in this Covenant or no. 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Iesus Christ is in you except yâ— be reprobates Q. 9. What is the third Instruction A. See here the miserable State of the wicked which have no interest in it Psal. 50.16 But unto the wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my covenant in thy mouth Q. 10. What is the last Instruction A. That Christians are obliged to walk as people in Covenant with God 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royal priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light Of the only Redeemer Quest. 21. WHo is the Redeemer of God's Elect A. The only Redeemer of God's Elect is the Lord Iesus Christ who being the Eternal Son of God became man and so was and continueth to be God and Man in two distinct natures and one person for ever Q. 1. What doth the name Redeemer signify A. It signifies one that frees another out of Captivity and Bondage as Christ did Matt. 20.28 And to give his life a ransome for many Q. 2. What was the misery from which Christ delivered us A. A twofold misery vis Sin and Hell First Sin Mat. 1.21 Thou shalt call his name Iesus for he shall save his people from their sins Secondly Hell 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus who delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 3. How did Christ deliver us from this Misery A. First By Price Secâ—udly By Power By Price 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Ye are not redeemed with silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot By power Col. 1.13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear son Q. 4. When was the Redemption wrought by Christ A. It was decreed from Eternity it was actually wrought on the Cross. Col. 1.20 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things unto him self by him I say whether they be things in earth or things in heaven Q. 5. How then could they be redeemed that died before A. Though Christ's Blood was actually shed after
of my mind c. And though they are said not to sin 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin c. that is not to be taken absolutely but comparatively as they once did and others still do Q. 7. But did not Christ command the young man to keep the Law A. 'T is true that Christ did put the young man upon this task Matth. 19.17 If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments But it was not on a supposition that he was able to do it but to convince him of the impossibility of Justification that way Q. 8. But doth not the Apostle say that the righteousness of the laâ—â— is fulfilled in Believers A. 'T is true that the Apostle doth say so Rom. 8.4 but the meaning is not that we fulfil it in our own persons by our compleat obedience to it but it is fulfilled in us by our union with Christ who perfectly kept it and that Righteousness of the Law which is in Christ becomes ours by Gods imputation of it to us Rom. 4.23 24. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him But for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him that raised up Iesus our Lord from the dead Q 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Justification by our own Works is utterly impossible to the holiest of Men Gal. 2.16 For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquities O Lord who shall stand Q. 10. What 's the second Inference from hence A. Hence we learn what an infinite Mercy it is that God sent Jesus Christ made under the Law 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 c. To do that for us we could never do for our selves Rom. 8.3 4. For what the law could not do in that it was weak thâ—ough the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit Q. 11. What 's the third Inference from hence A. That the dreadful Curse must needs lye on all Unbelievers that are out of Christ Iohn 3.36 He that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him And seek their Justification by the deeds of the Law Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse c. Q. 12. What 's the fourth Inference from hence A. What a deluge of sin and misery brake in upon the whole World by the fall of Adam and all his Posterity being by him plunged under both Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man siâ— entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 13. What 's the fifth Inference from hence A. That the Popish Doctrines of Merits and Works of Supererogation are false and groundless Doctrines springing out of the ignorance aud pride of mans heart Q. 14. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That all Gods people should sigh under their unhappy necessity of sinning Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death And long to be with Christ in the perfect state Hebr. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Of the inequality of Sin Quest. 83. ARe all Transgressions of the Law equally hainous A. Some Sins in themselves and by reason of several Aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God than others Q. 1 Whence ariseth the first difference of sin A. The first difference betwixt one sin and another ariseth from the immediate object against which the sin is committed on this account sins immediately committed against God are more heinous than sins committed immediately against Man 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the Iudge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him And all sins of the First Table are greater than those of the Second yet there are crying sins against the Second Q. 2. What 's the first sin noted for an heinous sin A. The sin of Murder is in Scripture set down for an heinous and crying sin in its own nature Gen. 4.10 The voice of thy brothers blood cryeth unto me from the earth Q. 3. What other sin is noted for a crying sin A. The sin of Oppression is noted in Scripture for a crying sin Hab. 2.11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the oâ—am out of the timber shall answer it Especially the oppression of the Widow and Fatherless Exod. 22.22 23. Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child If thou afflict them in any wise and they cry at all unto me I will surely hear their cry Q. 4. What is reckoned in Scripture an heinous sin against the First Table A. The sin of Atheism or denying the Being of God is a sin of the first magnitude Iob 31.28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the Iudge for I should have denyed the God that is above This was the sin of Pharaoh Exod. 5.2 And Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Q. 5. What other sin is heinous in Gods account A. The sin of Idolatry is a most heinous sin and goes nearer to the heart of God than other sins do Ezek. 6.9 And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives because I am broken with their whâ—rish heart which hath departed from me and with their eyes which go a whoring after their idols and they shall loath themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations Jer. 44.4 Oh do not this abominable thing that I hate Q. 6. What 's the most heinous of all the sins in the world A. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the most heinous of all other sins and shall never be forgiven by Him Matth. 12.31 All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men Q. 7. From whence doth this Scripture aggravate sin A The Spirit of God in Scripture aggravates and estimates sin from the degree of light and knowledge Men sin against Luke 12.47 And that servant which knew his Lords will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes John 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Q. 8. What 's the second thing that aggravates sin A. The more Mercies any man
Gospel Q. 1. What 's the root or cause of Faith A. Not the power of Mans will Eph. 2.8 For by grace ye are saved through â—aith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God But the Spirit of God Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy long suffering gentleness goodness faith John 1.12 13. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Q. 2. How doth the Spirit of God ordinarily produce Faith A. By the preaching of the Word he ordinarily begets it Rom. 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God though sometimes he doth it immediately Q. 3. Who are the proper subjects of Faith A. Convinced and sensible Sinners are the proper subiects of Faith John 16.8 9 10. And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment Of sin because they believe not on me of righteousness because I go to my Father and ye see me no more of judgment because the prince of this world is judged Q. 4. What is the seat or habitation of Faith A. Not only the Head or Understanding but principally the Heart and Will Rom. 10.10 With the heart man believeth unto righteousness c. Acts 8.37 And Philip said if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest Q. 5. But is not the assent of the understanding true Faith A. The meer assent of the Understanding to the Truths of Scripture is not such a Faith as will save the Soul Jam. 2.19 Thou believest that there is one God thou doest well the devils also believe and tremble Q. 6. What 's the act of Faith that justifies a Sinner A. 'T is the receiving of Christ by the full and hearty consent of the heart that justifies us Iohn 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Q. 7. What is the object of Faith A. The primary object of Faith is the Person of Christ and the secondary are his benefits Isa. 45.22 Look unto me and â—e saved all the ends of the earth c. Phil. 3.8 9. Yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. 8. May not a man look partly to Christ and partly to his own Works and Duties for Righteousness A. No he must eye Christ only and exclude all others or he cannot be justified Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteouness which is of God by faith Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Q. 9. Is it enough to eye the person of Christ only in believing A. No we must eye the Person of Christ as cloathed with all his Offices Acts 16.31 And they said believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Our ignorance needs him as a Prophet our guilt as a Priest our sins and enemies as a King Q. 10. Is true Faith exclusive of all fears and doubts A. No it is not but true Believers are troubled with many fears and doubtings Isa. 50.10 Who is he among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light c. Mark 9.24 And straitway the father of the child cryed out with tears Lord I believe help thou mine unbelief Q. 11. Is no man actually justified till he believe A. No he cannot be justified actually till he believe actually Gal. 3.22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Iesus Christ might be given to them that believe John 3.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God Q. 12. Is every man that believes justified immediately and fully upon his believing A. Yes he is Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. John 5.24 He that heareth my words and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life Q. 13. What 's the true character or description of a Believer A. He is one that having been convinced of his sin and misery and of his own and all other Creatures inability to save him and of the ability and willingness of Christ to save him le ts go all hold and dependance on Creatures and his own Righteousness and casts himself entirely upon Christ for Righteousness and Life Of the Properties Signs and Means of Faith Q. 1. WHat is the first property of Faith A. 'T is a most precious Grace 2 Pet. 1.1 To them that have obtained like precious faith with us c. And must needs be so seeing 't is the bond of our union with Christ Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love That by which we are justified Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith c. And that by which our Souls do live Hab. 2.4 The just shall live by his faith Q. 2. What 's the second property of Saving Faith A. The second property of Faith is this that it is the most useful Grace in this World to a Believer it being the Souls eve Heb. 11 27. By faith he forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king for he endured as seeing him who is invisible c. It s â—aâ—d to apprehend Christ Phil. 3.12 That I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus It 's Cordial in a fainting season Psal. 27.3 I had fainted unless I had believed c. Q. 3. What are the foundations that support Faith A. The first foundation or prop of Faith is the power of God Rom. 4.20 21. He staggered not at the promise through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God And being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform Heb. 7.25 He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him c. Q. 4. What 's the second prop of Faith A. The truth and faithfulness of God in his promises Heb. 10.23 Let us hold fast the