and in the first place this What are we to understand here by the Promise of God A. By the Promise of God we are here to understand that Promise whereby God according to his purpose hath promised to give Eternal Life in or by Jesus Christ unto all that believe in him thorow his Son Jesus Christ that they may be to the praise of his Glory Q. For the setting forth of this Promise more distinctly I shall query concerning the several parts of your Answer as first What is that eternal Life which God hath promised A. That Eternal Life which God hath promised is that Salvation which is in Christ Jesus with Eternal Glory John 2.25 And this is the Promise that he hath promised us even Eternal Life This Matter of the Promise is often called Eternal or Everlasting Life also Life Now this Eternal Life doth consist in that Salvation that is in Christ Jesus and also in Eternal Glory as we learn from 2 Tim. 2.10 Q. But what is the Salvation that is in Christ Jesus A. The Salvation that is in Christ Jesus is a deliverance from the Wrath to come 1 Thess 1.10 Q. And what is this Eternal Glory A. This Eternal Glory is a likeness to God by seeing him as he is 1 Joh. 3.2 These two Salvation and Eternal Glory are in the Scriptures sometimes noted by one of these names as by Salvation 1 Pet. 1.5 and else-where Also by Eternal Glory as 1 Pet. 5.10 and Glory as Rom. 9.23 The Glory of God Rom. 5.2 and the like Q. You said That God hath promised to give Eternal Life in or by Jesus Christ What mean you by this A. God giveth Eternal Life in or by Jesus in that Jesus Christ is the Mediator between God and Men in God's giving of Eternal Life unto them Rom. 6.23 Eternal Life is the Gift of God through in or by Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Joh. 5.11 This is the Record That God hath given us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son 1 Tim. 2.4 5 c. Who to wit God our Saviour will have all Men to be saved and to come to the knowledg acknowledgment of the Truth For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a Ransom for all c. Joh. 14.6 Jesus faith unto him I am the Way and the Truth and the Life no Man cometh unto the Father but by me Q. You said That God hath promised to give Eternal Life to all that believe in him through Jesus Christ But who are they A. They that believe in God through Jesus Christ are they who so believe the Promise of God as to hope in God and live to him thorow Jesus Christ and that to the end 1 Pet. 1.20 21. Who which Christ verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the World but was manifest in these last times for you who by thorow him Christ do believe in God that raised him up from the Dead and gave him Glory that your Faith and Hope might be in God These Persons in the Scriptures are set forth sometimes only by believing as Gal. 3.22 The Scripture hath concluded all under Sin that the Promise by Faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Sometimes by believing in the Father as in Joh. 5.24 Verily verily I say unto you He that heareth my Word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting Life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from Death unto Life Sometimes by believing in Christ as in Joh. 6.47 Verily verily I say unto you He that believeth on me bath Everlasting Life These and many the like Expressions of the same signification we meet with in the Holy Scripture Now we are to understand that wheresoever Eternal Life in the possession of it is promised to Believing there such a Believing is intended that the Gospel requires which is an hoping in God and living to him through Jesus Christ and that to the end For meer Belief is not sufficient Jam. 2.14 c. Joh. 2.23 8.30 12.42 Nor is any Faith sufficient that lasteth not to the end Heb. 10.38 c. Q. But what is it to hope in God thorow Jesus Christ A. To hope in God thorow Jesus Christ is to hope or trust unto the end both in God and Christ for Eternal Life as the Gift of God thorow Jesus Christ our Lord and is such a hope that is laid up in Heaven and as such a Grace that is to be brought unto us at the Revelation of Jesus Christ We are saved by Hope Rom. 8.24 This Hope must be an Hope in God 1 Pet. 1.21 Act. 24.15 1 Tim. 4.10 6.17 And in Christ 1 Cor. 15.19 1 Thess 1.3 1 Tim. 1.1 Rom. 15.12 Ephes 1.12 13. That which by this Hope is to be looked for and expected is eternal Life Tit. 1.2 3.7 which eternal Life is the Gift of God thorow Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 6.22 and of all Gifts the best for it is the Hope or Good hoped for which is laid up in Heaven Col. 1.6 and the blessed or happy that is happy making Hope Tit. 2.13 and the last Gift being the Gift which is to be brought at the Revelation or coming of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.13 It is also called Grace because a Gift that proceeds from the Grace of God and of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.13 2 Thess 1.11 12. Hence it appears that this future Good must be sought chiefly and humbly and that all which is necessary for obtaining it must also be hoped for from God thorow Jesus Christ Mat. 6.33 Luk. 17.10 1 Pet. 5.5 Joh. 16.23 24. And thus we must hope to the end or constantly 1 Pet. 1.13 Col. 1.23 Heb. 3.6 Q. And what is it to live to God thorow Jesus Christ A. To live to God thorow Jesus Christ is To live to God and Christ in serving the God and Father of Jesus Christ in Holiness and Righteousness before him all the days of our Life and in serving Jesus Christ as Lord of all and as the Head and Husand of Believers who are his Church and Body Rom. 6.11 Likewise reckon ye also your selves to be dead indeed unto Sin but alive living unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gal. 2.19 For I through the Law am dead to the Law that I might live unto God 2 Cor. 5.15 And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again 1 Thess 1.9 Ye turned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God c. Luk. 1.74 75. That he the Lord God of Israel would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies might serve him without fear in Holiness and Righteousness before him all the days of our Life See Mat. 4.10 Rom. 1.9 2 Tim. 1.3 Heb. 9.14 12.28 Rom. 14.18 For
Catechistical Guide TO SINNERS And to such CONVERTS that are Babes in Christ Wherein all the necessary Points of Religion are methodically proposed in Scripture-Language abundantly confirmed by the Holy Scriptures and in some Places concisely expounded In the whole all Controversies are warily shunn'd So that all true Christians of what Persuasion soever may if they need the help of others use this Catechism for their Children or others that are under their Power and Care Written upon request by a lover of Truth and Peace London Printed by J. D. to be sold by Fr. Smith at the Elephant and Castle in Cornhil and W. Crook at the Green-Dragon without Temple-Bar 1680. READER THe Author of this Catechistical Discourse was well aware that the World abounds with Catechisms and himself had read and consider'd very many of them written not only in our English but in the Latin and Greek Tongues and yet he was perswaded there was somewhat wanting which he has with great industry and accuracy endeavour'd to supply And I am perswaded whoever he be that reads this with consideration will find it well worth his labour for thô he may thereby add nothing to his Knowledg yet he may be well pleas'd to see the necessary things of Christian Religion deliver'd in so plain a Method so distinctly and with such pertinency of Scripture-Proofs In all which and especially in the last it is too usual to be defective Yea even Scripture-Catechisms wherein the Answers to the Questions are made wholly in Scripture Sentences are too often found faulty in that kind He has as he tells you in his Title Page warily shunn'd all controverted Points that so he might shew that one may be a true Christian without determining them and that Children and weak Persons of all Parties may be instructed in all things necessary to Salvation without medling with them that so as the Apostle says He that is weak may be receiv'd but not to doubtful Disputations Surely if this were diligently perform'd it would tend much to the promoting of Peace and Love among Christians A Catechistical Guide c. The First Part. Setting forth the Christian Religion in general Quest WHat is the best and chiefest thing we are to learn Answ The best and chiefest thing we are to learn is That Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ Quest What do you mean by this name God Answ By this name God I mean Him who is the most High and chiefest Lord Ruler and Governour of all things Quest What mean you by these names Jesus Christ Answ By these names Jesus Christ I mean The only Son of God who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of a Virgin Quest Where may we find this Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ Answ This Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ we may find in the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and the New but especially in the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament or Covenant Jesus Christ said to the Jews Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal Life and they are they which testify of me John 5.39 Luke testifieth of those of Berea thus These were more noble than those of Thessalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so c. Act. 17.11 The Apostle Paul saith thus to Timothy Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them and that from a Child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect thorowly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 3.14 15 16 17. Thus St. Luke begins his History of Jesus Christ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a Declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us even as they delivered them unto us which from the beginning were Eye-witnesses and Ministers of the Word It seemed good to me also having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first to write unto thee in order most excellent Theophilus that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed Luke 1.1 c. Thus the Apostle John saith of his Gospel These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his Name John 20.21 The same John in his first Epistle hath this saying 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 And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full 1 Joh. 1.3 4. see Chap. 5.13 Ephes 3.3 4. 1 Tim. 3.14 15. 1 Pet. 5.12 2 Pet. 1.12 13. * Quest But why do you say that this Doctrine is to be found especially in the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament * Answ It may be said That the Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ is to be found especially in the Scriptures of the New Testament for these causes 1. Because that of this Doctrine which was hidden in the Old Testament and there contained in a Mystery is in the New Testament opened and revealed 2. Because the New Testament is an History of many things which we are to believe as already done which in the Old Testament are only prophesied of and promised 3. Because there are some things added in the New Testament which are not to be found in the Old Rom. 16. v. 25 26 27. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the World began but now is made manifest and by the Scriptures of the Prophets according to the Commandment of the everlasting God made known to all Nations for the obedience of Faith to God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever Amen Luke 24 24 c. And Jesus said unto them These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning me Then opened he their understandings that they might understand the Scriptures And said unto them Thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the Dead the third day c. See Acts 13.36 c. 1 Pet. 1.10 c. 1 Cor. 11.2 3. Quest Can you shew me from the Scripture that the Doctrine there declared teacheth
thy Might Deut. 6.4 5. Mat. 12.29 30. Knowledg puffeth up but Love edifieth And if any Man think that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know But if any Man love God the same is known of him 1 Cor. 8.1 2 3. see 1 John 4.7 8. Quest How does our love to God manifest and discover it self Answ Our Love to God discovers it self by our keeping the Commandments of God which require us to trust in him and live to him as the only true God Deut. 10.12 And now Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul 1 John 5.3 This is the love of God that we keep his Commandments 1 John 4.20 If a Man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a liar Quest How do you prove from Scripture that we must not only know him whom God hath sent but also love him as such Answ I prove it from John 8.42 Jesus said unto them If God were your Father ye would love me for I proceeded forth and came from God neither came I of my self but he sent me Quest How does our love to him whom God hath sent manifest and discover it self Answ Our love to him whom God hath sent discovers it self in our keeping his Commandments which require us to trust in him and live to him as one whom God hath sent to be the Saviour of the World John 14.15 If ye love me keep my Commandments Vers 21. He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me Vers 23. If a Man love me he will keep my Words Vers 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings the Word which ye hear is not mine but my Fathers which sent me 1 John 2.3 c. And hereby we do know that we know him if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a liar and the Truth is not in him But whoso keepeth his Word in him verily is the love of God perfected Hereby know we that we are in him Quest Tell me now what you intend by the Acknowledgment of God and of Christ which you have mentioned Answ By the Acknowledgment of God and Christ I intend nothing else but that Love now spoken of as manifested by the keeping of God's Commandments Quest Why do you call this an Acknowledgment of God and of Christ Answ I so call it because they who thus keep the Commandments of God do indeed acknowledg and confess That he who sent Jesus Christ is the only true God and that Jesus Christ is he whom God hath sent Quest Does the Holy Scripture express it in the same way and manner Answ Yes and in many places Col. 1.10 Ephes 4.13 Col. 2.2 1 Tim. 2.4 Ch. 4.3 2 Tim. 2.25 Tit. 1.1 2 Pet. 1.2 3. Prov. 3.6 2 Cor. 1.13 1 Joh. 2.23 Rom. 10.9 10. 1 King 8.33 Mat. 10.32 1 Tit. 1.16 Heb. 3.1 Ch. 4.14 Ch. 10.23 Quest You said as I remember in your first Answer That the best and chiefest thing we are to learn is the Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ But why said you so Answ I said that the Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ is the best and chiefest thing we are to learn for this Reason Because this Doctrine which is Truth revealeth to us the Promise of Eternal Life and directeth us in the way and means of obtaining this Eternal Life Quest How prove you this Answ I prove it from the words of our Saviour which we have now been discoursing of namely This is Eternal Life that Men may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Quest What do you gather from these words Answ First I gather from them that the Doctrine of Christ is a Doctrine concerning Eternal Life * Secondly That to know the Father the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent is that which is required of us for obtaining Eternal Life ‑ These things are clearly and plentifully witnessed in the Holy Scriptures * 1 John 5.11 And this is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son John 12.50 And I know that his Commandment is Life Everlasting John 6.68 Then Simon Peter answered him Lord to whom shall we go Thou hast the words of Eternal Life 2 Tim. 1.10 Our Saviour Jesus Christ hath abolished Death and hath brought Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel ‑ 1 John 2.24 25. Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you ye shall continue in the Son and in the Father And this is the Promise that he hath promised us even Eternal Life James 1.12 Blessed is the Man that endureth temptation for when he is tried he shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him 1 Cor. 2.9 10. Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entered into the Heart of Man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit 1 Pet. 1.8 9. Whom to wit Jesus Christ having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of your Faith even the Salvation of your Souls 1 Cor. 16.22 If any Man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema Maranatha 1 Thess 1.8 The Lord Jesus shall take vengeance of them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1.2 Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledg or acknowledgment of God and of Jesus our Lord. Quest What do you conclude of hence Answ I hence conclude That there is nothing in the World we should so esteem of and glory in as the knowledg of God and of Christ Jer. 9.23 24. Thus saith the Lord Let not the wise Man glory in his Wisdom neither let the mighty Man glory in his Might let not the rich Man glory in his Riches but let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord which exercise Loving-kindness Judgment and Righteousness in the Earth for in these things I delight saith the Lord. Phil. 3.7 8. What things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ yea doubtless I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledg of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ c. The Second Part. Treating of Religion in the General and more particularly of the
he that in these things Righteousness Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost serveth Christ is acceptable to God and approved of Men. See Joh. 12.26 Rom. 16.18 Rev. 1.1 In Eph. 5.22 c. Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord for the Husband is the Head of the Wise even as Christ is the Head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the Body Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ so let the Wives be unto their own Husbands in every thing To serve God and Christ is from Love to obey them as having respect to the Authority of both and aiming at the Glory of both 1 Pet. 1.2 and v. 14. Heb. 5.9 Joh. 5.27 Mat. 28.18 c. Rom. 16.27 Ephes 3.21 Phil. 1.11 1 Cor. 10.31 Rom. 15.6 2 Thess 1.12 Thus to live is to live not to the Lusts of Men but to the Will of God 1 Pet. 4.2 Q. You said That God according to his purpose did thus promise What mean you thereby A. I mean That God having through his Grace so purposed before the World began did at length bring to light this purpose of his and that by Jesus Christ Tit. 1.1 2 3. Paul a Servant of God and an Apostle of Jesus Christ according to the Faith of God's Elect and the acknowledging of the Truth which is after Godliness in hope of eternal Life which God that cannot lie promised in purpose before the World began But hath in due time manifested his Word Promise through preaching the publication of his purpose which is committed unto me c. 2 Tim. 1.9 10. Who hath saved us and called us with an Holy Calling not according to our Works but according to his own Purpose and Grace gracious Purpose which was given us in Christ Jesus before the World began but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished Death and hath brought Life and Immortality an Immortal Life to Light through the Gospel Q. You said That God hath thus promised to Believers that they might be to the praise of his Glory What is your meaning here A. I mean this That God in thus promising had for his principal end therein that the Glory of his Grace Wisdom and Power might be shewen forth on Believers and praised by them Ephes 1.12 2.7 Q. Now tell me What is it for Men to be partakers of this Promise of God A. Men are then said to be partakers of this Promise when they become Heirs of Eternal Life and do at length possess it Gal. 3.29 Tit. 3.7 Heb. 6.17 Jam. 2.5 1 Pet. 3.7 Heb. 1.14 10.36 Q. What is it to be partakers of this Promise by the Gospel A. Men are said to be Partakers of the Promise by the Gospel Because Faith cometh by the Gospel and because the Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 10.17 Ephes 1.13 Rom. 1.16 Q. But what do you mean by the Gospel A. The Gospel is that Revelation of the Mystery concerning the Promise of Eternal Life which began to be spoken by the Lord Jesus The word Gospel is used to express a word in Greek which in general denotes any good and joyful Message or good and glad Tydings and which in special and by way of eminency signifies that good and glad Tydings brought into the World by Jesus Christ in which sense some would rather use the term Evangelie than Gospel following therein most Nations who retain in this sense the Greek word and that not unadvisedly That we call the Gospel is that Revelation or discovery of the Mystery concerning the Promise of Eternal Life which first began to be spoken by Jesus Christ See Rom. 16.25 Ephes 3.3 c. Joh. 1.17 Heb. 2.3 It is called the Revelation of the Mystery concerning this Promise because this Promise was before the coming of Christ contained in a Mystery that is in Types and Figures after an obscure way and manner But Christ hath expounded this Promise making known the substance of the shadow and bringing forth clearly the Spirit that is the meaning of the Letter Rom. 4.13 c. and 9.8 9. Heb. 6.13 Joh. 1.17 2 Cor. 3.6 2 Tim. 1.10 Q. Before we return I have one Question yet to ask you namely Whether nothing else but Eternal Life is in this Promise promised to Believers A. In the Promise of Eternal Life all good things that must come from God and are necessary for obtaining it are necessarily included in this Promise 1 Tim. 4.8 Godliness is profitable unto all things having the Promise of the Life that now is and of that which is to come Touching the matter of this Answer see in that which follows CHAP. VII Of God's Work by Jesus Christ for the saving of Sinners Q. YOu having thus spoken of the Promise of Eternal Life which is the Promise of the New Covenant let us consider the Work of God for the saving of Men by Jesus Christ which you said is that Work of God and that Work of Jesus the Christ of God that Men may be saved What have you learned in the general concerning this Work A. Concerning God's Work for the saving of Men or preparing them for Salvation by Jesus Christ I have learned that this Work doth respect first Those that are the Servants of Sin and the Children of the Devil Secondly Those that are the Servants of Obedience the Children of God Q. It being so we will speak of this Work accordingly beginning with that part which respecteth the former sort of Persons you mentioned But because it will be needful to know who they are I therefore ask you Who are they that are the Servants of Sin and Children of the Devil A. All they who live in Sin which is the transgression of the Law of God are the Servants of Sin and Children of the Devil The Law of God is a binding direction from God concerning Duty forbidding that which is Evil and commanding that which is needful to be done Now the Transgression of this Law either in doing what it forbids or leaving undone what it commands is sin 1 Joh. 3.4 5.17 That man whoever he be that lives in Sin or committeth Sin by loving Sin and walking in it is a Servant of Sin and a Child of the Devil Joh. 8.34 Verily verily I say unto you saith Christ Whosoever committeth Sin is the Servant of Sin Rom. 6.2 Such are said to live in Sin 1 John 3.10 In this the Children of God are manifest and the Children of the Devil Whosoever doth not Righteousness is not of God neither he that loveth not his Brother Q. But why are they that live in Sin thus called A. They that live in Sin are called the Servants of Sin because they yield their Members Servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity and may expect the Wages of Sin which is Death and they are called the Children of the Devil
and that God will render the greatest Punishment to the greatest Offenders Rom. 2.8 9 12 c. 2 Thess 1.8 9. Mat. 11.22 24. Luk. 12.47 48. 2 Pet. 2.20 21. 2 Cor. 9.6 Mat. 23.14 Q. When you say That God by Jesus Christ will render to Men this or that What mean you by that word A. I mean not only that God by Jesus Christ will judg them to such or such a Condition but will also bring them into it Mat. 25.31 to the end of the Chapter Q. What will follow this Judgment A. First after this Judgment all the Enemies of Christ being put under his Feet and all things subdued unto him the Son shall deliver up the Kingdom to God even the Father and shall himself also be subject to him that put all things under him that God may be all in all 1 Cor. 15.24 c. Q. What else will follow A. In respect of the Righteous this will follow They being adjudged by Christ to inherit the Kingdom prepared for them from the Foundation of the World and having their vile Body changed that it may be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious Body shall enter into the Joy of their Lord where they shall live rest and rejoice with fulness of joy for ever and ever Matth. 25.34 Phil. 3.21 1 Cor. 15.50 Matth. 25.21 23. Luk. 20.35 36. Joh. 6.51 2 Thess 1.7 Heb. 4.9 1 Pet. 1.6 4.13 Psal 16.11 Q. But what shall follow in respect of the Wicked A. The Wicked being judged to depart from Christ into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels shall be cast Body and Soul into Hell Geenna that Furnace of Fire where shall be wailing and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 25.41 10.28 13.42 Q. What from the consideration hereof may Sinners now be exhorted and perswaded to A. They may hence be exhorted and perswaded to repent and be converted that their Sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. Act. 3.19 17.30 31. Q. What from the consideration of the aforesaid Judgment and that which follows may Converts or Believers be exhorted and perswaded to A. They may hence be exhorted and perswaded to be stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the Work of the Lord. 1 Cor. 15.58 CHAP. X. Some particular Duties which Believers ought to know and perform Q. HAving now a fit occasion we may here as in a place most convenient discourse of Good Works or particular Duties wherein Believers ought to be exercised but seeing we have already mentioned many of them which come under the consideration of Godliness I shall desire to hear from you something of what you have learned especially concerning Righteousness and Sobriety of which hitherto you have been almost silent Now observe and answer my Questions of which the first shall be this What is the Duty of Believers towards Men as Men A. This in the general is exprest by our Saviour thus All things whatsoever ye would that Men should do to you do ye even so to them for this is the Law and the Prophets Mat. 7.12 Q. How can you express the same more particularly A. Thus To render to all their Dues whatsoever they may justly challenge and require of us as their right and to do good to all Rom. 13.7 Render therefore to all their Dues Tribute to whom Tribute is due Custom to whom Custom Fear to whom Fear Honour to whom Honour Prov. 3.27 With-hold not good from them to whom it is due Hebr. from the Owners thereof when it is in the power of thine hand to do it Gal. 6.10 As we have opportunity let us do good unto all Men especially to them that are of the Houshold of Faith 1 Thess 5.15 See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man but ever follow that which is good both among your selves and to all Men. Rom. 16.19 I would have you wise unto that which is Good and simple unto that which is Evil. 1 Pet. 3.13 Q. But what is it to render to every one his due A. To render to others their Due is To speak truly a and deal justly with them b and therefore not to abuse and wrong them by lying c flattery d and evil speaking e as they do that are Revilers f Scoffers g Whisperers h Backbiters i Slanderers k False-Accusers l False Witness-bearers m unjust Judges n and the like and not to be any wayes injurious to them in their Life o Liberty p Estates q Relations r and the like nor hurtful to them as to their everlasting Concerns by corrupting them in their Souls and Lives s or hindering them from or in that Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus t a John 4.18 Prov. 12.17 Zech. 8.16 Ephes 4.25 b Isa 26.10 Mich. 6.8 2 King 12.15 1 Thess 2.10 Isa 33.15 Psal 15.2 Tit. 2.11 c Lev. 19.11 Col. 3.9 Joh. 8.44 Rev. 21.27 1 Tim. 4.2 d Psal 12.2 3. 1 Thess 2.5 e Tit. 3.2 f 1 Cor. 6.10 1 Pet. 2.23 g 2 Pet. 3.3 h Rom. 1.29 Prov. 16.28 2 Cor. 12.20 i Rom. 1.30 k 1 Tim. 3.11 Prov. 10.18 Psal 101.5 Jer. 9.4 l 2 Tim. 3.3 m Exod. 20.16 Mat. 15.19 n Luk. 18.6 Psalm 82.6 o Exod. 20.13 p Jer. 34.15 Heb. 11.36 q Exod. 20.15 Ephes 4.28 r Exod. 20.14 s Mat. 23.15 2 Pet. 2. Chapt. t Mat. 23.13 Act. 13.8 Q. And what is it to do good to all A. To do good to all is in imitation of God to be merciful and kind to them in respect both of their Bouls and Bodies Psal 37.26 Mat. 5.7 Luk. 6.36 1 Cor. 13.4 Luk. 6.35 Col. 3.12 Q. But what if they be Enemies to them and persecute them A. Although they be so yet must Believers be merciful and kind unto them Mat. 5.44 c. I say unto you Love your Enemies Bless them that curse you Do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you c Q. What then must Believers be a peaceable People A. Yes They must follow Peace with all Men. And if it be possible as much as in them lieth live peaceably or be at peace with all Men. Heb. 12.14 Rom. 12.18 Q. But how should Believers endeavour to be at peace with all Men A. They should endeavour it by not provoking others to Anger a in doing them wrong b or in pleasing themselves in that which is displeasing to others and wherein they may deny themselves for their Neighbours good c also by not being easily provoked by others d as when they suffer without any Contention such Offences that may be easily born e also by abstaining from all Revenge f and appearing appeasable g and ready to forgive when they meet with greater Injuries h Lastly By being courteous to all i and forward to do good to all in that which they will acknowledg for good k as by giving and lending to them l or being ready in any thing to help and
us to know God and Jesus Christ Answ Yes for Jesus Christ himself in his Prayer to the Father said This is Life Eternal that is This is that which the Doctrine that hath the promise of Eternal Life does teach and require for the obtaining of Eternal Life to wit that they may know thee the only truly God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17.3 Quest Well But what does Jesus Christ here intend by Mens knowing him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Answ To know him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent is according to Christ's intendment here not only to understand or apprehend that which must be known concerning him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent but also to love them as such or according to such a knowledg of them to acknowledg them * Quest But how can you prove that Jesus Christ here intendeth such a knowledg as this * Answ That Jesus Christ here intendeth such a knowledg of things necessary to be known concerning the only true God and him whom he hath sent which has a suitable love to them or answerable acknowledgment of them joined therewith I am able clearly to prove and that abundantly * Quest The proof of this being very needful I am willing to hear it and therefore I now ask you How it may be confirmed Answ First I shall offer this That these Phrases or Expressions To know God and To know Jesus Christ are oftentimes so used in the Holy Scriptures Whence I gather that it is not strange so to accept and take them here Hos 53.4 Tit. 1.16 Jer. 9.3 Ch. 31.34 Heb. 8.11 Dan. 11.32 Hos 2.20 Joh. 15.21 Ch. 17.25 1 Thess 4.5 Psal 36.10 Job 18.21 Isa 53.11 1 John 2.3 4. Ch. 4.6 * Quest You do well to infer no more seeing these Phrases are frequently restrained to a meer knowledg or notion of God and Christ or for knowledg as distinct from Love and Acknowledgment Yea sometimes they are said to know God and to know Christ who have only the means of knowing them Rom. 1.21 Joh. 8.28 But what ground have you to conclude that in this saying of Christ Love and Acknowledgment is implied in knowledg * Answ It plainly appears that Jesus Christ here intends such a knowledg as implies in it Love and Acknowledgment if we consider only this That Christ here declares this to be sufficient for obtaining Eternal Life namely To know the Father the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Now it is in it self absurd to conceive that it is enough only to understand and notion the Truth concerning God and Jesus Christ * Quest It is so But have you any thing more to say in confirming it * Answ I shall add this That the Scriptures declare expresly that more than meerly to know or only to understand God and Jesus Christ is necessary for obtaining Eternal Life This is so well known that the citing of places will be needless notwithstanding I will repeat the saying of the Apostle Paul Knowledg puffeth up but Charity Love edifieth 1 Cor. 8.1 The Devils have knowledg of God and Christ Jam. 2.19 Mar. 1.24 Act. 19.15 And so have some of the worst of Men. Quest Seeing it is so as you have said we may draw up concerning the Doctrine we are chiefly to learn these two Propositions 1. That it teacheth us to know or apprehend him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent 2. That it teacheth to love or acknowledg him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Concerning these two I desire now to hear from you a general and brief Account what you have learned out of the Holy Scriptures And first I will ask you some Questions touching the first Proposition And my first Query shall be this What are we to understand by the only true God Answ By the only true God we are to understand the only Creator and most high Lord or Governor of all things 2 Kings 19.19 Now therefore O Lord our God I beseech thee save us out of his hand that all the Kingdoms of the Earth may know that thou art the Lord God even thou only Jude 4. Certain Men crept in denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ 2 King 19.15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said O Lord God of Israel which dwellest between the Cherubims thou art the God even thou alone of all the Kingdoms of the Earth thou hast made Heaven and Earth Isa 44.24 c. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer and he that formed thee from the Womb I am the Lord that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the Heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the Earth by my self that frustrateth the Tokens of the Lyars c. Nehem. 9.6 c. Thou even thou art Lord alone thou hast made Heaven the Heaven of Heavens with all their Host the Earth and all things that are therein the Seas and all that is therein and thou preservest them all and the Host of Heaven worshippeth thee c. Dan. 5.18 c. O thou King the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy Father a Kingdom c. But when his heart was lifted up and his mind hardned in pride he was deposed from his Kingly Throne c. till he knew that the most high God ruled in the Kingdom of Men and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will Rom. 1.25 They served the Creature more than the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen Matth. 11.25 At that time Jesus answered and said I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth c. Psal 22.18 The Kingdom is the Lords and he is the Governour among the Nations Rom. 11.36 Of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Quest What are we to understand by Him whom the Father hath sent Answ By him whom the Father hath sent we are to understand him whom the Father hath sent to be the Saviour of the World 1 John 4.14 And we have seen and do testify That the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World John 6.39 40. And this is the Father's Will which 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 c. Quest Now concerning the second Proposition I shall ask you several Questions as first How can you prove from the Scriptures that we must not only know him who is the only true God but also love him as such Answ We are not only to know him who is the only true God but also to love him as such For it is written Hear O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine Heart and with all thy Soul and with all
my Son to day have I begotten thee Vers 9. And being made perfect he became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Acts 2.26 Therefore let all the House of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ Q. How did God cause Jesus to be born A. God did cause Jesus to be born by the Holy Ghost coming upon the Virgin of whom he was born Mat. 1.18 Luk. 1.35 Q. Tell me by the way How is this Jesus to be known and distinguished from all others A. This Jesus who in the days of his Flesh was by Face known from all others is now of us to be known and distinguished from all others by that description the Scriptures give us of him in the History of his Birth Life Death Resurrection from the Dead and Ascension into Heaven Q. I would learn of you a brief account of this Matter and first What is the relation you have concerning the Birth of Jesus A. It is this When Herod was King of Judea and Caesar Augustus was Emperor of the World then Jesus was born at Bethlehem in Judea of a Virgin named Mary who conceived him in her Womb by the Holy Ghost and Power of the Highest coming upon her and over-shadowing her for that end and purpose Q. What is the relation you have concerning the Life of Jesus A. It is this That Jesus when he had lived about thirty Years a private Life with his Mother Mary and Joseph her Husband and when John the Baptist the Son of Zacharias the Priest had by preaching the Baptism of Repentance prepared the way before him Jesus I say then came into the World to bear witness to the Truth and in this exercise continued about three Years confirming his Testimony by Signs and Miracles Q. What is the relation you have concerning the Death of Jesus A. 'T is this That Jesus when he had finished the Work the Father gave him to do was by wicked Men put to Death and Crucified Q. What is the relation you have concerning the Resurrection of Jesus from the Dead A. 'T is this That Jesus who died and was buried rose again the third day from the Dead Q. What is the relation you have concerning the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven A. It is this That Jesus after his Resurrection when he had shewed himself alive to his Apostles and others by many infallible Proofs and was seen of them forty days did in their sight ascend into Heaven Q. Now to return How did God cause Jesus to become the Christ A. God did cause Jesus to become the Christ by choosing him and calling him to be the Christ Mat. 12.18 with Isa 42.1 1 Pet. 2.4 Isa 42.6 and 49.1 Heb. 5.4 10. Q. What is it for Jesus to be the Christ A. Jesus is the Christ That is God's anointed Prophet Priest and King by whom alone and by whom always unto the end of the World God will rule over all The Name Jesus signifies a Saviour Mat. 1.21 And the Christ or Messiah or Messias which in the Hebrew Language are the same that Christ is in the Greek and are sometimes used in our Translation as in Dan. 9.25 26. Joh. 1.41 4.24 is in English The Anointed We read in John 1.41 thus in the Line We have found the Messias which is being interpreted the Christ but in the Margin The Anointed It is to be observed that these terms Messias and Christ are in the Scriptures applied to Jesus two manner of ways For sometimes they denote his Person for as Jesus is his Name so also Christ is used for his Name Matth. 1.16 17. So Messiah Dan. 9.26 He is called in the Scriptures not only Jesus and Christ but also Jesus Christ Christ Jesus the Lord Jesus Christ c. But sometimes these terms Christ and Messiah or Messias denote his Office as Joh. 1.41 4.26 In Act. 18.28 For he Paul mightily convinced the Jews and that publickly shewing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ And thus it is to be taken in the present Question and Answer This Jesus the Christ is called the Lord's Christ Luk. 2.26 Act. 4.26 Rev. 11.15 and God's Christ or the Christ of God Luk. 9.20 Rev. 12.10 because he was one so greatly loved of God that God appointed and furnished him to be a Prophet Priest and King whereunto he was of God raised and anointed Act. 3.22 Luk. 4.18 Act. 10.28 Heb. 7.15 Act. 2.30 Jer. 30.9 There never was or will be any such Anointed one as he He had no Predecessor and shall have no Successor Of these things see what follows in this Discourse CHAP. VI. Of God's Work of Government in ruling amongst Men by Jesus Christ unto the end of the World and in particular of his Work for the saving of Men by Jesus Christ according to the New Covenant Promise which here is discoursed of Q. YOu said That in God's Government since the raising up of Christ you were taught chiefly to mind First The Work of God in raising up of Christ of which we have now discoursed Secondly The Work of God in ruling among Men by Jesus Christ unto the end of the World concerning which we are now to discourse Tell me therefore What you mean by this Work of God A. This Work of God in ruling among Men by Jesus Christ unto the end of the World does especially consist 1. In his Work for saving of Men by Jesus Christ 2. In his Work of judging the World by Jesus Christ Q. What mean you by that Work of God which is for the saving of Men by Jesus Christ A. I mean that Work of God and that Work of Jesus the Christ of God that Men may be saved or be partakers of the Promise of God in Christ by the Gospel Joh. 3.17 God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved Joh. 12.47 I came not saith Christ to judg condemn the World but to save the World That which God and Christ do for the Salvation of Men is often in the Scriptures as here afterwards will appear called the Work of God and of Christ This Work is That Men may be partakers of the Promise of God in Christ by the Gospel Ephes 3.6 That the Gentiles should be fellow-Heirs and of the same Body and partakers of his Promise in Christ by the Gospel That is That the Gentiles may participate in the Promise of God with the Jews as Co-heirs that is by a common right and as being of the same Body that is by equal right with them and this by Christ on the terms and conditions which the Gospel makes known and requireth Q. It will be convenient that first we discourse of the End and Intent of the Work of God and Christ and then of the Work it self Wherefore I shall ask you a few Questions concerning the Intent of this Work