every one thâ— continueth not in all things which are written 〈◊〉 the Book of the Law to do them Now to be under the curse comprehendeâ—â— all the displeasure of God with the danger 〈◊〉 the breaking forth more and more of his wratâ— upon soul and body both in this life and afteâ— death perpetually if grace do not prevent thâ— full execution thereof Hence let every man reason thus Whosoever according to the Covenant oâ— Works is liable to the curse of God for breakâ—ing the Law times and ways out of number cannot be justified or find righteousness by the works of the Law But I may every man say according to thâ— Covenant of Works am liable to the curse 〈◊〉 God for breaking the Law times and ways 〈◊〉 of number Therefore I cannot be justified or have â—â—ghteousness by the works of the Law Thus may a man be convinced of righteousâ—â—â—â— that it is not to be had by his own works 〈◊〉 by the Law â— For convincing a man of Judgment by the Lavv consider 2 Thes. 1.7 THe Lord shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels ver 8. In flaming 〈◊〉 â—aking vengeance on them that know not 〈◊〉 and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord 〈◊〉 Christ. ver 9. Who shall be punished with â—â—erlasting destruction from the presence of the 〈◊〉 and from the glory of his power ver 10. â—hen he shall come to be glorified in his saints 〈◊〉 to be admired in all them that believe Wherein we are taught that our Lord Jesus â—ho now offers to be Mediator for them who â—elâ—eve in him shall at the last day come armed â—ith flaming fire to judge condemn and deâ—â—roy all them who have not believed God 〈◊〉 not received the offer of grace made in 〈◊〉 Gospel nor obeyed the Doctrine thereof 〈◊〉 remain in their natural estate under the â—aw or Covenant of Works Hence let every man reason thus What the righteous Judge hath fore-warnâ—d me shall be done at the last day I am sure 〈◊〉 just judgement But the righteous Judge hath fore-warned â—e that if I do not believe God in time and obey the Doctrine of the Gospel I shall 〈◊〉 secluded from his presence and his glory at tâ—â— last day and be tormented in soul and body 〈◊〉 ever Therefore I am convinced that this is 〈◊〉 Judgement And I have reason to thank God heartilâ— who hath forewarned me to flee from the wratâ— which is to come Thus every man may be by the Law or Câ—â—venant of Works convinced of judgment 〈◊〉 he shall continue under the Covenant 〈◊〉 Works or shall not obey the Gospel of ouâ— Lord Jesus For convincing a man of sin righteousâ—ness and judgment by the Gospel AS for convincing a man of sin and righâ—teousness and judgment by the Gospeâ— or Covenant of grace he must understanâ— three things 1. That not believing in Jesuâ— Christ or refusing of the Covenant of Grace offered in him is a greater and more dangerous sin then all other sins against the Lawâ— because the hearers of the Gospel not believing in Christ do reject Gods mercy in Christ the only way of freedom from sin and wrath and will not yield to be reconciled to God Next he must understand that perfect remission of sin and true righteousness is to be had only by faith in Jesus because God requireth no â—ther conditions but Faith and testfiies from â—eaven that he is well pleased to justifie sinners â—pon this condition 3. He must understand â—hat upon righteousness received by faith â—udgment shall follow on the one hand to the â—estroying of the works of the Devil in the â—eliever and to the perfecting of the work of â—anctification in him with power and that â—pon refusing to take righteousness by Faith in â—esus Christ Judgment shall follow on the oâ—her hand to the condemnation of the misbeâ—â—ever and destroying of him with Satan and â—is servants for ever For this end let these passages of Scripture â—mong many others serve to make the greatâ—ess of the sin of not believing in Christ appear â—r to make the greatness of the sin of refusing â—f the Covenant of Grace offered to us in â—he offering of Christ unto us let the fair offer â—f Grace be looked upon as it is made Isa. 55. â— Incline your ear and come unto me saith the â—ord hear and your soul shall live and I will â—ake an everlasting Covenant with you even â—he sure mercies of David That is if ye will â—elieve me and be reconciled to me I will by Covenant give unto you Christ and all saâ—ing graces in him repeated Acts 13.24 Again consider that this general offer in â—ubstance is equivalent to a special offer made â—o every one in particular as appeareth by â—â—e Apostles making use of it Acts 16.13 â—elieve on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house The reason oâ— which offer is given Iâ—h 3.16 For God so lovâ—â— the World that he gave his only begotten Son thâ—â— whosoever believeth in him should not perish buâ— have everlasting life Seeing then this greaâ— salvation is offered in the Lord Jesus whosoever believe not in him but loâ—k for happinesâ— some other way what doth he else but observâ— lying vanities and forsake his own mercy whicâ— he might have had in Christ Ionâ—h 2.8 â— What doth he else but blaspheme God in hiâ— heart as it is said 1 Iohn 5.10 He that believeth not God hath made him a liar because 〈◊〉 believeth not the record that God gave of his Son and this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son and that no siâ— against the Law is like unto this sin Christ testifies Iohn 15.22 If I had not come and spokeâ— to them they had not hâ—â— sin but now they havâ— no cloak for their sin This may convince 〈◊〉 man of the greatness of this sin of not believing in Christ. For convincing a man of righteousness to be had only by faith in Christ â— consider how Rom. 10.3 4. IT Is said that the Iews being ignorant oâ— Gods righteousness and going about to establisâ— their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God and so they perished for Christ is the end of the La◠〈◊〉 righteousness to every one that believeth and â—cts 13.34 By Christ Iesus all that believe are â—â—stified from all things from which ye could not be â—â—stified by the Law of Moses and 1 Iohn 1.7 〈◊〉 blood of Iesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from 〈◊〉 sin For convincing a man of judgement if a â—an imbrace this righteousness consider â— Iohn 3.8 For this purpose the Son of God was â—â—nifested that he miâ—â—t destroy the works of the â—evil and Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the 〈◊〉 of Christ who through the eternal Spirit 〈◊〉 himself without spot to God purge your consciâ—ce from dead works to serve the living God But if a man
saving Faith But I may the weak believer say in the sense of my own sinfulness and fear of Gods wrath am fled to Iesus Christ the only remedy of sin and misery and have ingaged my heart to the obedience of the Law of Love Therefore my faith is not a presumtuous and dead faith but true and saving faith The fourth warrant and specâ—al motive to believe in Christ is much assurance of life given in case men shall obey the command of believing and a fearful certification of destruction in case they obey not holden forth Ioh. 3.35 THe Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand ver 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Wherein are holden forth to us these five following Doctrines 1. That the Father is well satisfied with the undertakings of the Son entered Redeemer and Surety to pay the ransom of believers and to perfect them in holiness and salvation The Father loveth the Son saith he viz. As he standeth Mediator in our name undertaking to perfect our Redemption in all points The Father loveth him that is doth heartily accept his offer to do the work and is well pleased with him his soul delighteth in him and resteth upon him and maketh him in this his Office the receptacle of love and grace and good will to be conveyed by him to believers in him 2. That for fulfilling of the Covenant of Redemption the Father hath given to the Son as he standeth in the capacity of the Mediator or as he is God incarnate the word made flesh all authority in Heaven and Earth all furniture of the riches of grace and of spirit and life with all power and ability which the Union of the Divine Nature with the Humane or which the fulness of the Godhead dwelling substantially in his Humane Nature or which the indivisible all-sufficiency and omnipoteâ—â—y of the inseparable every where present Triniâ—â— doâ—h import or the work of Redeâ—ption caâ—â—equire the Father saith he hath given alâ—â—hiâ—gs into the Sons hand to wit for accoâ—plâ—â—hing his work 3. 〈◊〉 assurance of life is holden forth to all who shall heartily receive Christ and the offer of the Covenant of grace and reconciliation through him he that believeth on the Son saith he hath everlasting life for it is made fast unto him 1. In Gods purpose and irrevocable decree as the believer is a man elected to life 2. By effectual calling of him unto life by God who as he is faithful so will he do it 3. By promise and everlasting Covenant sworn by God to give the believer strong consolation in life and death upon immutable grounds 4. By a pawn and infestment under the great Seal of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper so oft as the believer shall come to receive the symbols and pledges of life 5. In Christ the fountain and head of life who is entred in a possession as atturney for believers in whom our life is so laid up that it cannot be taken away 6. By begun possession of spiritual life and regeneration and a Kingdom consisting in righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost erected within the believer as arles of the full possession of everlasting life 4. A fearful certification is given if a man receive not the Doctrine concerning righteousness and eternal life to be had by Jesus Christ he that believes not the Son shall not see life that is not so much as understand what it meaneth 5. He further certifieth that if a man receive not the Doctrine of the Son of God he shall be burdened twice with the wrath of God once as a born rebel by nature he shall bear the curse of the Law or the Covenant of Works and next he shall endure a greater condemnation in respect that light being come into the world and offered to him he hath rejected it and loveth darkness rather than light and this double wrath shall be fastned and fixed immoveably upon him so long as he remaineth in the condition of misbelief the wrath of God abideth on him saith he Hence may the weak believer strengthen his faith by reasoning from this ground after this manner Whosoever believeth the Doctrine delivered by the Son of God and findeth himself partly drawn powerfully to believe him by the sight of life in â—im and partly driven by the fear of Gods wrath to adhere unto him may be sure of right and interest to life eternal through him But sinful and unworthy I may the weak believer say do believe the Doctrine delivered by the Son of God and do feel my self partly drawn powerfully to believe in him by the sight of life in him and partly driven by the fear of Gods wrath to adhere unto him Therefore I may be sure of my right and interest unto eternal life through him The evidences of true Faith SO much for the laying the grounds of faith and warrants to believe now for evidencing of true faith by fruits these four things are requisite 1. That the believer be soundly convinced in his judgment of this obligation to keep the whole moral Law all the days of his life And that not the less but so much the more as he is delivered by Christ from the Covenant of Works and curse of the Law 2. That he endeavour to grow in the exercise and daily practice of Godliness and righteousness 3. That the course of his new obedience run in the right channel that is through faith in Christ and through a good conscience to all the duties of love toward God and man 4. That he keep strait communion with the fountain Christ Jesus from whom grace must run along for furnishing of good fruits For the first viz. To convince the believer in his judgement of his obligation to keep the Moral Law among many passages take Matth. 5.16 LEt your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven ver 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil ver 18. For verily I say unto you till Heaven and Earth pass one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfiâ—led ver 19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments and shall teach men so he shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven but whosoever shall do and teach them the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven ver 20. For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Wherein our Lord 1. Giveth commandment to believers justified by faith to give evidence of the grace of God in them before men by doing good works Let your light so shine
are not justified untill the holy spirit doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified and although they can never fall from the state of justification yet they may by their sins fall under Gods fatherly displeasure and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them until they humble themselves confess their sins beg pardon and renew their Faith and Repentance VI. The justification of Believers under the Old Testament was in all these respects one and the same with the justification of Believers under the New Testament CHAP. XII Of Adoption ALl those that are justified God vouchsafeth in and for his only Son Jesus Christ to make partakers of the grace of Adoption by which they are taken into the number and enjoy the liberties and priviledges of the children of God have his Name put upon them c receive the spirit of Adoption have access to the throne of grace with boldness are inabled to cry Abba Father are pitied protected provided for and chastned by him as by a Father yet never cast off but sealed to the day of redemption and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting Salvation CHAP. XIII Of Sanctification THey who are effectually called and regenerated having a new heart a new spirit created in them are further sanctified really personally through the vertue of Christs death resurrection by his word and spirit dwelling in them the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed and the several lusts thereof are more more weakned and mortified and they more and more quickned and strengthned in all saving graces to the practice of true holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man yet imperfect in this life there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war the flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh III. In which war although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ the regenerate part doth overcome so the Saints grow in grace perfecting holiness in the fear of God CHAP. XIV Of saving Faith THe grace of Faith whereby the Elect are inabled to believe to the saving of their Souls is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts is ordinarily wrought by the Ministry of the Word by which also and by the administration of the Sacraments and Prayer it is increased and strengthned II. By this Faith a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the word for the authority of God himself speaking therein and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth yielding obedience to the Commands trembling at the threatnings and imbracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come But the principal acts of saving faith are Accepting Receiving and resting upon Christ alone for Justification Sanctification and Eternal life by vertue of the Covenant of grace III. This faith is different in degrees weak or strong may be often and many waies assailed and weakned but gets the victory growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ who is both the Author and finisher of our Faith CHAP. XV. Of Repentance unto life REpentance unto life is an Evangelical grace the doctrine whereof is to be Preached by every Minister of the Gospel as well as that of Faith in Christ II. By it a sinner out of the sight and sense not only of the danger but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins as contrary to the holy nature and righteous Law of God and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent so grieves for hates his sinâ— as to turn from them all unto God purposing endeavoring to walk with him in all the waies of his Commandments III. Although Repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin or any cause of the pardon thereof which is the act of Gods free grace in Christ yet is it of such necessity to all sinners that none may expect pardon without it IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation on those who truly repent V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance but it is every mans duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins particularly VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God praying for the pardon thereof upon which and the forsaking of them he shall find mercy so he that scandalizeth his brother or the Church of Christ ought to be willing by a private or publick confessâ—on and sorrow for his sin to declare his repentance to thâ—se that are offended who are thereupon to be reconâ—â—â—ed to him and in love to receive him CHAP. XVI Of good Woorks GOod Works are onely such as God hath commanded in his holy Word and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised by men out of blind zeal or upon any pretence of good intention II. These good works done in obedience to Gods Commandments are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith and by them Believers manifest their thankfulness strengthen their assurance edifie their Brethren adorn the profession of the Gospel stop the mouths of the adversaries and glorifie God whose workmanship they are created in Christ Jesus thereunto that having their fruit unto holiness they may have the end eternal life III. Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves but wholly from the Spirit of Christ And that they may be inabled thereunto besides the graces they have already received there is required an actual influence of the same holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them IV. They who in their obedience attain to the greatest hight which is possible in this life are so far from being able to supererogate and to do more than God requires as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do V. We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin or eternal life at the
hand of God by reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come the infinite distance that is between us God whom by them we can neither profit not satisfie for the debt of our former sins but when we have done all we can we have done but our duty and are unprofitable servants and because as they are good they proceed from his spirit and as they are wrought by us they are defiled and mixed with so much weakness imperfection that they cannot endure the severity of Gods judgment VI. Yet notwithstanding the Persons of believers being accepted through Christ their good works also are accepted in him not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable in Gods sight but that he looking upon them in his Son is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere though accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections VII Works done by unregenerate men although for the mater of them they may be things which God commands and of good use both to themselves and others yet because they proceed not from an heart purified by faith nor are done in a right manner according to the word nor to a right end the glory of God they are therefore sinful and cannot please God or make a man meet to receive grace from God And yet their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing unto God CHAP. XVII Of Perseverance THey whom God hath accepted in his â—eloved effectually called aâ—d sanctified by hiâ— Spirit can neither toâ—ally nor finally fall away from the state of grace but shall certainly persevere â—herein to the end and be eternally saved II. This perseverance of the Saints depends not upon their own free will but upon the immutability of the decree of election flowing from the free unchâ—ngeable love of God the Father upon the eâ—ficacy of the merit and inâ—ercession of Jesus Chriâ—â— the abiding of the spirit of the seed of God within them and the nature of the Covenant of Grace from all which ariseth also the certainty infalliâ—ility thereof III. Nevertheless they may through the temptations of â—atan of the world the prevalency of corruption remaining in them and the neglect of the means of their preservation fall into grievous sins and for a time continue therein whereby they incur Gods displeasure and grieve his holy spirit come to be dâ—prived of some measure of their graces and comforts have their hearts hardened and their consciences wounded hurt and scandalize others and bring temporal judgments upon themselves CHAP. XVIII Of the assurance of Grace and Salvation ALthough hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God and estate of Salvation which hope of theirs shall perish yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus and love him in sincerity endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before him may in this life be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace and may rejoyce in the hope of the glory of god which hope shall never make them ashamed II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable perswasion grounded upon a fallible hope but an infallible assurance of faith founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made the testimony of the spirit oâ— adoption witnessing with ouâ— spirits that we are the children of God which spirit is the earnest of inheritance whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption III. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith but that a true believer may wait long and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it yea being enabled by the spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God he may without extraordinary revelation in the right use of ordinary means attain thereunto And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace joy in the holy Ghost in love thankfulness to God in strength and chearfulness in the duties of obedience the proper fruits of this assurance so far is it from inclining men to looseness IV. True believers may have the assurance of their Salvation divers ways shaken diminished and intermitted as by negligence in preserving of it by falling into some special sin which woundeth the conscience grieveth the spirit by some sudden or vehement temptation by Gods withdrawing the light of his countenance suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God life of faith that love of Christ and the brethren that sincerity of heart and conscience of duty out of which by the operation of the spiriâ— this assurance may in due time be revived and by the which in the mean time their supported from utter despair CHAP. XIX Of the Law of God GOD gave to Adam a Law as a Covenant of Works by which he bound him all his posterity to personal entire exact and perpetual obedience promised life upon the fulfilling and threatned death upon the breach of it and indued him with power and ability to keep it II. This Law after his fall continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness as such was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai in ten Commandments and written in two Tables the four first Commandments containing our duty towards God and the other six our duty to man III. Beside this Law commonly called Moral God was pleased to give to the people of Isâ—ael as a Church under age Ceremonial Laws containing several typical Ordiâ—ances partly of worship prefiguring Christ his graces actions sufferingâ— and benefits and partly holdâ—ng forth divers instructions of Moral duties All which Ceremonial Laws are now abrogated under the new Testament IV. To them also as a body Politic he gave sundry Judicial Laws which expired together with the state of that people not obligeing any other now further than the general equity thereof may require V. The Moral Law doth for ever bind all as well justified persons as others to the obedience thereof and that not only in regard of the â—atter contained in it but also in respect of the Authority of God the Creator who gave it Neither doth Christ in the Gospel any way dissolve but much strengthen this obligation VI. Although true believer be not under the Law as a Covenant of works to be thereby justified or condemned yet it is of great use
the right hand of the Father and his coming again to judge the world Q 52. 〈…〉 Christ exalted in his Resurrection A. Christ was exâ—lted in his Resurrection in that not having seen corruption in death of which it was not possible for him to be held and having the sâ—â—e very body in which he suffâ—red with â—he eâ—â—â—ntial properties thereof but wiâ—hout mortality any other common infirmities belonging to this life really united to his soul he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God to have satisfied divine justice to have vanquished death and him that had the power of it to the Lord of quick and dead all which he did as a publick person the head of his Church for their justification quickning in grace support against enemies to assure them of their Resurrection from the dead at the last day Q. 53. How was Christ exalted in his Ascension A. Christ was exalted in his Ascension in that having after his Resurrection often appeared unto conversed with his Apostles speaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God and giving them commission to preach the Gospel to all Nations fourty daies after his Resurrection he in our nature and as our head triumphing over enemies visibly went up into the highest heavens there to receive gifts for men to raise up our affections thither and to prepare a place for us where himself is and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world Q. 54. 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-manhe is advanc'd to the highest favour with God the Father with all fulness of joy glory and power over all things in heaven earth and doth gather and defend his Church subdue their enemies furnisheth his Ministers and people with gifts and graces and maketh intercession for them Q. 54. How doth Christ make intercession A. Christ maketh intercession by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth declaring his will to have it applyed to all believers answering all accusations against them procuring for them quiet of conscience notwithstanding daily failings access with boldness to the throne of grace and acceptance of their persons and services Q. 56. 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 shall come again at the last day in great power and in the ful manifestation of his own glory and of his Fathers with all his holy Angels with a shout with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trumpet of God to judge the world in righteousness Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation A. Christ by his mediation hath procured redemption with all other benefits of the Covenant of Grace Q. 58. How do we come to be made partakers of the benâ—fits which Christ hath procured A. We are made partakers of the benefits whiâ—h Christ hath procur'd by the application of them unto us which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost Q. 59. Who are made partakerâ— of Redemption through Christ A. Redemption is certainly applied and effectually communicated to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the Gospel Q. 60. Can they who have never heard the Gospel and so know not Iesus Christ nor believe in him he saved by their living according to the light of nature A. They who having never heard the Gospel know not Jesus Christ and believe not in him cannot be saved be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature or the Law of that Religion which they profess neither is there salvation in any other but in Christ alone who is the Saviour only of his body the Church Q. 61. Are all they saved who hear the Gospel and live in the Church A. All that hear the Gospel and live in the visible Church are not saved but they only who are true members of the Church invisible Q. 62. What is the visible Church A. The visible Church is a society made up of all such as in all ages places of the world profess the true Religion and of their Children Q. 63. What are the especial priviledges of the visible Church A. The Visible Church hath the priviledge of being under Gods special care and government of being protected and preserved in all ages notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies and of enjoying the communion of Saints the ordinary means of Salvation offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministery of the Gospel testifying that whosoever believes in him shall be saved and excluding none that will come unto him Q. 64. What is the invisible Church A. The invisible Church is the whole number of the elect that have been are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head Q. 65. What special benefits do the Members of the invisible Church enjoy by Christ A. The Members of the Invisible Church by Christ enjoy Union and Communion with him in grace and glory Q. 66. What is that Union which the Elect have with Christ A. The Union which the elect have with Christ is the work of Gods grace whereby they are spiritually and mystically yet really and inseparably joyned to Christ as their head and husband which is done in their effectually Calling Q. 67. What is effectual Calling A. Effectual Calling is the work of Gods Almighty power grace whereby out of his free and especial love to his elect and from nothing in them moving him thereunto he doth in his accepted time invite draw them to Jesus Christ by his Word and Spirit saving inlightning their minds renewing and powerfully determining their wills so as they although in themselves dead in sin are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call to accept and imbrace the grace offered and conveyed therein Q. 68. Are all the elect only effectually called A. All the Elect and they onely are effectually called although others may be and often are outwardly cal'd by the ministry of the Word and have some common operations of the spirit who for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace
offered to them being justly left in their unbelief do never truely come to Jesus Christ Q. 69. What is the communion in Grace which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ A. The Communion in Grace which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ is their partaking of the vertue of his Mediation in their Justification Adoption Sanctification and what ever else in this life manifests their Union with him Q. 70. What is Iustification A. Justification is an act of Gods free grace unto sinners in which he pardoneth all their sins accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight not for any thing wrought in them or done by them but only for the perfect obedience and ful satisfaction of Christ by God imputed to them and received by Faith alone Q. 71. How is Iustification an act of Gods free Grace A. Although Christ by his Obedience and Death did make a proper real and full satisfaction to Gods justice in the behalf of them that are justified yet in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety which he might have demanded of them did provide thâ—s surety his own only Son imputing his righteousness to them and requiring nothing of them for their Justification but faith which also is his gift their justification is to them of free grace Q. 72 What is justifying Faith A. Justifying Faith is a saving grace wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit word of God whereby he being convinced of his sin and misery and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth for pardon of sin and for the accepting accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for Salvation Q. 73. How doth Faith justifie a sinner in the sight of God A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God not because of these other graces which do alwaies accompany it or of good works that are the fruits of it nor as if the grace of Faith or any act thereof were imputed to him for his justification but only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ his righteousness Q. 74. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an Act of the free grace of God in and for his only Son Jesus Christ whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his Children have his name put upon them the Spirit of his Son given to them are under his fatherly care dispensations 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 Q. 75. 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 applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them renewed in their whole man after the image of God having the seeds of repentance unto life and of all other saving graces put into their hearts and those graces so stirred up increased and strengthned as that they more and more die unto sin and rise unto newness of life Q. 76. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit Word of God whereby out of the sight sense not only of the danger but also of the filthiness odiousness of his sins and upon the apprehension of Gods mercy in Christ to such as are penitent he so grieves for and hates his sins as that he turns from them all to God purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience Q. 77. Wherein do Iustification and Sanctification differ A. Although Sanctification be inseparably joyned with Justification yet they differ in that God in Justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ in Sanctification his spirit infuseth grace and enableth to the exercise thereof in the former sin is pardoned in the other it is subdued the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God that perfectly in this life that they never fall into condemnation the other is neither equal in all nor in this life perfect in any but growing up to perfection Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in believers A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit whereby they are often soiled with temptations and fall into many sins are hindred in all their spiritual services their best works are imperfect defiled in the sight of God Q. 79. May not true believers by reason of their imperfections and the many temptations sins they are overtaken with fall away from the state of Grace A. True believers by reason of the unchangeable love of God and his Decree and Covenant to give them perseverance their inseparable union with Christ his continual intercession for them and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them can neither totally nor finally fall away from the estate of grace but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation Q. 80. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace and that they shall persevere therein unto Salvation A. Such as truly believe in Christ and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him may without extraordinary revelation by faith grounded upon the truth of Gods promises and by the spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace shall persevere therein unto salvation Q. 81. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace and that they shall be saved A. Assurance of grace salvation not being of the essence of faith true believers may wait long before they obtain it and after the enjoyment thereof may have it weakned and intermitted through manifold distempers sins temptations and desertions yet are they never left with out such a presence support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair Q. 82. What is the Communion in glory which the members
is Our Father which are in Heaven teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence as Children to a Father able and ready to help us and that we should pray with and for others Q. 101. VVhat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first Petition which is Hallowed be thy Name we pray that God would enable us others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself known and that he would disâ—ose all things to his own glory Q. 102. VVhat do we pray for in the second Petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed and that the Kingdom of Grace may be advanced our selves and others brought into it and kept in it and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastned Q. 103. VVhat do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third Petition which is Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his will in all things as the Angels do in Heaven Q. 104. VVhat do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily bread 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 Q. 105. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition A. In the fifth Petition which is And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pardon all our sins which we are the â—ather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are inabled from the heart to forgive others Q. 106. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin or support and deliver us when we are tempted Q. 107. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen teacheth us to take our incouragement in prayer from God onely and in our prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Exod. 20. GOD spake all these words saying I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out 〈◊〉 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 Iâ—age or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaâ—en above or that is in the Earth beneath or that 〈◊〉 in the water under the Earth thou shalt not 〈◊〉 down thy self to them nor serve them for I the â—ord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquiâ—â— of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third â—nd fourth generation of them that hate me and â—â—ewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me â—nd keep my Commandments III. Thou shall not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not â—old him guiltâ—â—ss that taketh his Name in vaâ—n IV. Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy â—ix days shalt thou labour and do all thy work 〈◊〉 the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord 〈◊〉 God in it thou shalt not do any work thou 〈◊〉 thy Son nor thy Daughter thy man-servant 〈◊〉 thy maid-servant nor thy 〈◊〉 nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Seâ— and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefâ—re the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it V. Honour thy father and thy moâ—her 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 XI Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy neighbours Wife nor his Man Servant nor his Maid Servant nor his Ox nor his Asse nor any thing that is thy neighbours THE LORDS PRAYER Math. 6. OVr Father which art in Heaven Hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdom câ—me Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen THE CREED I Believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth and in Iesus Christ his only Son our Lord which was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried He descended into Hell the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into Heaven and siteth on the right â—and of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the Holy Ghost the Holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forgiveness of sins the Resurrection of the Body and the life everlasting Amen SO much of every Question both in the Larger and Shorter Catechism is repeated in the Answer as maketh every Answer an entire Proposition or Sentence in it self to the end the Learner may further improve it upon all occasions for his increase in knowledge and piety even out of the course of catechising as well as in it And albeit the substance of the doctrine comprised in that abridgement commonly called the Apostles Creed be fully set forth in each of the Catechisms so as there is no necessity of inserting the Creed it self yet it is here annexed not as though it were composed by the Apostles or ought to be esteeâ—ed Canonical Scripture as the ten Commandments and the Lords Prayer much less a Prayer as ignorant people have been apt to make both it and the Decalogue but because it is a brief sum of the Christian Faith agreeable to the Word of God and anciently receiâ—ed in the Churches of Christ. THE SUMME OF SAVING KNOWLEDGE With the Practical use thereof John 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out EDINBVRGH Printed by George Swintoun and Thomas Brown and are to be sould by Iames Glen and David Trench 1671. A brief Sum of Christian Doctrine Contained In Holy Scriptures and holden forth in the Confession of Faith Catechism Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminstâ—r and received by the General