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
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
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
may be unto us in some manner a Shadow of God It is necessary thus to conceive for otherwise the term Spirit would here signifie nothing at all for it cannot be taken in its proper signification here and can in no other be accepted but in that we call Metaphorical Q. Whence does it appear that God is more excellent than all things A. It appears that God is more excellent than all things First From his Almightiness Secondly From his Eternity Thirdly From his Happiness or Blessedness For the Scriptures declare him to be Almighty and to be Eternal and to be Happy or Blessed God is called by the Name of The Almighty Job 40.1 2. Moreover the Lord answered Job and said Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him He that reproveth God let him answer it Job 37.23 Touching the Almighty we cannot find him out he is excellent in Power and in Judgment and in plenty of Justice So elsewhere often He is also called The Almighty God Gen. 17.1 I am the Almighty God And elsewhere often also The Lord Almighty 2 Cor. 6.18 And I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord Almighty Also The Lord God Almighty Rev. 21.22 And I saw no Temple therein for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it He is called the Eternal God Deut. 33.27 and the Everlasting God Gen. 21.33 Rom. 16.26 See Isa 57.15 Both his Almightiness and Eternity are mentioned together Rev. 4.8 They said Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Also in other places he is called The happy or blessed God 1 Tim. 1.11 The happy or blessed Potentate 1 Tim. 6.15 Q. What are we to conceive by this That God is Almighty A. By this that God is Almighty we are to conceive that God needeth not any thing that he can do every thing which is neither wicked nor unequal that he does whatsoever he pleaseth and is one of whom by whom and for whom are all things Acts 17.24 25. God that made the World and all things therein seeing that he is Lord of Heaven and Earth dwelleth not in Temples made with hands Neither is worshipped with Mens hands as though he needed any thing seeing he giveth to all life and breath and all things Job 22.1 c. Can Man be profitable unto God c. Job 42.1 2. Then Job answered the Lord and said I know that thou canst do every thing and that no thought of thine can be hindred Matth. 3.9 God is able of these Stones to raise up Children unto Abraham Luke 1.37 With God nothing is impossible Mat. 19.26 With God all things are possible Here understand things that are not wicked nor unequal For it is impossible for God to lie Heb. 6.18 He cannot lie Tit. 1.2 He cannot deny himself 2 Tim. 2.13 Far be it from God that he should do wickedness and from the Almighty that he should commit Iniquity for the Work of a Man shall he render unto him and cause every Man to find according to his ways Yea surely God will not do wickedly neither will the Almighty pervert Judgment Job 34.10 11 12. God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any Man Jam. 1.13 see Psal 5.4 1 Chron. 29.17 God does whatsoever he pleaseth Psalm 115.3 Our God is in Heaven he hath done whatsoever he pleased Psal 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in Heaven and in Earth and in the Seas and in all deep places Isa 46.10 My Counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure Isa 48.14 Hear the words of Nebuchadnezzar concerning God All the Inhabitants of the Earth are reputed as nothing and the most High doth according to his Will in the Armies of Heaven and among the Inhabitants of the Earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him What dost thou Dan. 4.25 See Isa 55.11 God is he of whom by whom and for whom are all things Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 11.12 2 Cor. 5.18 Heb. 2.10 Q. What are we to conceive by this That God is Eternal A. By this That God is Eternal we are to conceive that God is from everlasting to everlasting and always the same Psal 90.2 Before the Mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the Earth and the World even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God See Isa 43.10 44.6 48.12 and elsewhere He is from Everlasting or from Eternity or as we express it without beginning Psal 93.2 Thou art from Everlasting In this sense he is called The Everlasting God Isa 40.28 He is to Everlasting or to Eternity or as we express it without Ending He shall endure for ever Psalm 102.13 See Psal 92.8 Hence he is said to be Vncorruptible Rom. 1.23 Immortal 1 Tim. 1.17 and alone to have Immortality 1 Tim. 6.16 He is always the same Psal 102.26 27. Heb. 1.11 12. They shall perish but thou shalt endure yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment c. But thou art the same and thy Years shall have no end Jam. 1.17 With the Father of Lights is no variableness neither shadow of turning Mal. 3.6 I am the Lord I change not Q. What may we conceive by this That God is Happy or Blessed A. By this That God is Happy or Blessed we may conceive that God hath full and eternal Satisfaction Joy and Pleasure in his own Self and in his own Works Q. You having now spoken of the first Reason Why God is said to be a Spirit namely Because he is more excellent than all things it remains that you speak of the second Reason which was this Because the Spirit of Man may be unto us in some manner a shadow of God whence we may have somewhat a more particular conception of him Wherefore I now ask you In what the Spirit of Man may be unto us in some manner a shadow of God A. The Spirit of Man may be unto us in some manner a shadow of God in that we may thence conceive in some manner what God is not and what he is Q. What do you thence conceive That God is not A. I thence conceive That God is not more than One and that God is not visible for the Spirit of Man is but one and is not visible Concerning God as being but One we have already spoken He is not visible therefore called The Invisible God Col. 1.15 1 Tim. 1.17 His Eternal Power and Godhead are said to be the Invisible things of God Rom. 1.20 He is said to dwell in the Light which no Man can approach unto and to be one whom no Man hath seen nor can see 1 Tim. 6.16 It is said Heb. 11.27 That Moses saw him that was Invisible that is He saw God by the Eyes of his Mind who was not to be seen by the Eyes of his Body But it is said of some That they have seen God face to
face as in Gen. 32.30 Numb 14.14 In these and the like places we must understand by the Name God an Angel that did represent him This appears by comparing Gen. 32.30 with vers 24. and Hos 12.4 Thus Manoah said to his Wife concerning him whom he knew to be an Angel of the Lord We shall surely die because we have seen God Elohim Judg. 13.22 There is a seeing of God wherein our happiness lies and is attainable only in another World Mat. 5.8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God Then the Sons of God shall see him as he is and face to face 1 Joh. 3.2 1 Cor. 13.12 Q. What do you conceive that God is from this shadow of him the Spirit of Man A. Although we cannot know here what God is as he is yet may we here have such a knowledg of what he is as is sufficient for us and this from the shadow of him the Spirit of Man consider'd in its natural Powers and acquired Vertues Q. But are we after the same manner to conceive of the Divine Nature as of the Powers and Vertues of an humane Spirit A. No in no wise for in all we must consider God as Almighty Eternal and Happy or Blessed and as one whom we cannot here know as he is Q. What after this manner may we conceive of God from his Shadow the Spirit of Man A. The Powers of a Man's Spirit endowed with their proper Vertues may be considered in a respect to inward and outward Actings and so the eternal Power of God may be shadowed forth thereby Q. What are those Powers of an humane Spirit which as respecting inward Actings and which as endued with Vertues may shadow forth unto us the Nature of God A. These Powers are those which we commonly call the Understanding and the Will Q. What do you conceive concerning God from that in the Spirit of Man which we call the Vnderstanding A. I conceive thence that God who is Eternal and Almighty hath Knowledg and Wisdom wherein he excelleth all others as being perfect in both and having no Instructor nor Counsellor with him but is the giver of all Knowledg and Wisdom God hath Knowledg Wisdom and Understanding He is a God of Knowledg or Knowledges 1 Sam. 2.3 See Psal 139. Psal 103.14 With him is Wisdom and Strength he hath Counsel and Understanding Job 12.13 Rev. 7.12 God excelleth all others in Knowledg and Wisdom for he is perfect therein Job 37.16 There is no searching of his Understanding Isa 40.28 O the depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledg of God! Rom. 11.33 He knoweth all things 1 Joh. 3.20 He knoweth the Hearts and the secrets thereof 1 Chron. 28.9 Acts 15.8 Psal 44.21 94.11 Luke 16.15 Times are not hid from the Almighty Job 24.1 He knoweth not only things present but also things past having them in remembrance Psal 105.8 Yea things to come Isa 43.22 23 26. 44.7 8. 48.3 5 6 7 14 c. God hath no Instructor nor Counsellor with him that is the Knowledg and Wisdom of God are from no other Job 21.22 Isa 40.13 14. All the Knowledg and Wisdom that others have is from God Eccles 2.26 and elsewhere Q. What do you conceive concerning God from that in the Spirit of Man which we call the Will A. I conceive thence That God who is Eternal and Almighty hath a Will and so that he can purpose intend love hate and the like and so only as he who is the only Wise Holy Good and Righteous God A Will and the Act of Willing is ascribed to God Gal. 1.4 Heb. 2.4 The Scripture mentions the Intents of his Heart Jer. 30.21 and he is often said to purpose to love to hate c. He can no otherwise purpose and the like c. than according to his own Nature who is the only Wise Holy Good and Just or Righteous God Rom. 16.27 Rev. 15.4 Mat. 19.17 Isa 45.21 He is Light that is most Pure Holy and Righteous and in him is no darkness at all 1 John 1.5 He is Love that is most Loving 1 John 4.8 Q. You having now shewed That the Eternal Power of God may in some manner be shadowed forth by that Power which the Spirit of Man hath for inward Actings Now what do you conceive of God from that Power which the Spirit of Man hath for outward Actings for it is the Spirit that gives Life to the Body and this hath a Power over the Body and is the principal cause of its motions A. I conceive thence that the Eternal and Almighty God hath a Power whereby he is able to do whatsoever he pleaseth Of this Power the Scriptures often speak as in Mat. 22.29 2 Cor. 13.4 Exod. 9.16 Rom. 9.17 Luke 12.5 Ephes 3.20 And it is there called The Word of God the Breath or Spirit of God the Hand of God the Arm of God and the like as in Isa 55.11 Zech. 4.6 Psal 89.13 Isa 50.2 By this Power God is able to do whatsoever he will Dan. 3.17 Mat. 3.9 Rom. 4.21 Ephes 3.20 Heb. 5 7. 11.19 For God is excellent in Power Job 37.23 O Lord God of Hosts who is a strong Lord like unto thee Psal 89.8 None is able to withstand him 2 Chron 20.6 The Breath of the Almighty hath given me Life Job 33.4 In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength Isa 26.4 My Counsel shall stand and I will do all my Pleasure Isa 46.10 Q. What have you further to say concerning God from this shadow of him the Spirit of Man A. I am taught to add no more but to conclude That this God who is a Spirit is the Living and true God God is often called the Living God Psal 42.2 Mat. 16.16 The living and true God 1 Thess 1.9 Now because the confirmation of this That God is said to be a Spirit in allusion to the Spirit of Man was reserved for this place I shall therefore here perform it And although my Discourse thereof will be contracted to that brevity the Tract in hand does require yet I hope it will give satisfaction to all that are unprejudiced and considerate In this saying God is a Spirit the term Spirit must be udderstood either properly or improperly not properly for so it denoteth Wind or rather a Blast to wit of Wind as the word answering it in Hebrew is rendred 2 King 19.7 And thus it is used John 3.8 The Wind bloweth where it listeth In an improper sense 't is not imaginable how it should be accepted unless metaphorically And thus it cannot be taken immediately from its primary signification and therefore must have respect either to those incorporeal Beings which from their Office are commonly called Angels or the principal and more noble part of Man both which are named Spirits or Ghosts as bearing some resemblance in respect of invisibility and might to Blasts or Ghosts or Gusts of Wind. Now it is altogether
Father in Spirit and Truth And therefore they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and Truth Now let the Reader judg CHAP. II. Of God considered in his Works of Creation Q. NOw seeing we have discoursed of God as considered in himself we are in the next place to discourse of him as considered in his Works Wherefore I shall first ask you What are the Works of God A. The Works of God we ought to consider and althô they are manifold yet they may be said in the general to be two-fold namely His Work of Creation and his Work of Government Job 37.14 16. Eccles 7.13 Psal 77.12 46.8 111.2 Rom. 1.20 Q. What is God's Work of Creation A. God's Work of Creation is that Work of his whereby he hath 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 Nehem. 9.6 See Gen. 1. Job 38.4 c. Psal 104.5 c. and 136.5 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 Isa 44.24 Act. 4.24 14.15 17.24 Rev. 10.6 Thus saith God the Lord he that created the Heavens and stretched them out he that spread forth the Earth and that which cometh out of it he that giveth breath unto the People upon it and Spirit to them that walk therein Isa 42.5 See Isa 45.12 18. Mark 10.6 Q. In what manner did God create the World and the things that are therein A. God by reason of his Will and Pleasure did in his Wisdom by his Power and for himself make form or create in six days all things and all very good He created all things by reason of his Will or Pleasure Rev. 4.11 Thou O Lord hast created all things and for or by reason of thy pleasure they are and were created See also before God created them in his Wisdom Psal 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy Works in Wisdom hast thou made them all Prov. 3.19.20 The Lord by Wisdom hath founded the Earth by Vnderstanding hath he established the Heavens by his Knowledg the Depths are broken up and the Clouds drop down the Dew Psal 136.5 He hath created all things by his Power Jer. 10.12 He hath made the Earth by his Power he hath established the World by his Wisdom and hath stretched out the Heavens by his Discretion Jer. 32.17 Ah Lord God behold thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by thy great Power and stretched-out Arm and there is nothing too hard for thee or nothing hid from thee See Isa 40.26 2 Pet. 3.5 Psal 33.6 By the Word of the Lord were the Heavens made and all the Host of them by the breath of his Mouth Vers 9. For he spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast See Psal 148.5 Gen. 1.3 God said Let there be Light and there was Light 2 Cor. 4.6 God commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness Job 26.13 By his Spirit he hath garnished the Heavens his Hand hath formed the crooked Serpent Job 33.4 The Spirit of God hath made me and the Breath of the Almighty hath given me Life Prov. 16.1 He made all things for himself He made all things in six days and all very good Gen. 1. and Ch. 2.1 2. Exod. 20.11 Q. What are the principal Creatures that God did make A. The principal Creatures that God did make are Angels and Men. Q. What have you learn'd concerning the Creation of Men A. I have learn'd concerning the creation of Men That God after he had made all other Creatures created Man in his own Image in the Image of God created he him Male and Female created he them and that God blessed them and said unto them Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the Earth and subdue it and have dominion over the Fish of the Sea and over the Fowl of the Air and over every living thing that moveth upon the Earth Gen. 1.27 28. Jam. 3.9 Q. Can you express more distinctly the Creation of Men A. Yes after this manner The Lord God created at the first only a Man and a Woman called Adam and Eve For the Lord God formed the Man of the Dust of the Ground and breathed into his Nostrils the Breath of Life and the Man became a living Soul Afterwards the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept and he took one of his Ribs and closed up the Flesh instead thereof And of the Rib which the Lord God had taken from the Man made he a Woman and brought her to the Man to be his Wife and a meet help unto him Of these two have all others of Mankind descended by that blessing of Multiplying and increasing which God gave to Adam and his Wife Gen. 2.7 18 21 22. and 5.1 2. 1 Cor. 11.8 9. 1 Tim. 2.13 Job 4.17 32.22 33.6 34.19 Psal 139.13 c. Jer. 1.5 Zech. 12.1 Eccles 11.5 Job 10.8 c. and 31.15 CHAP. III. Of God's Work of Government in General and in Special as relating to Angels Q. LEt us now speak of God's Work of Government concerning which I shall first ask you this Question What mean you by God's Work of Government A. By God's Work of Government I mean that Work of his in which by his Power he ruleth and reigneth over all throughout all Generations for ever and ever as Lord of Heaven and Earth and as a great King above all Gods God ruleth or reigneth or does exercise Dominion and Kingship over all Psal 103.19 c. The Lord hath prepared his Throne in the Heavens and his Kingdom ruleth over all Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength that do his Commandments hearkning to the Voice of his Word Bless the Lord all ye his Hosts ye Ministers of his that do his pleasure Bless the Lord all his Works in all places of his Dominion Bless the Lord O my Soul See Job 25.2 3. Josh 2.11 Isa 66.1 God by his Power ruleth and reigneth throughout all Generations for ever and ever Psal 66.7 He ruleth by his Power for ever his Eyes behold the Nations Psal 145.13 Thy Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom or a Kingdom of all Ages and thy Dominion endureth throughout all Generations Psal 93.2 Thy Throne is established of old thou art from everlasting Psal 10.16 The Lord is King for ever and ever 1 Tim. 1.17 Now unto the King Eternal Immortal Invisible the only Wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen See Psal 29.16 Jer. 10.10 Psal 146.10 Dan. 4.3 34. Jude 25. 1 Cor. 15.24 28. Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God even the Father c. And when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that
Belief of the Gospel and the Power they have received from God as to deny Ungodliness and worldly Lusts and to live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tit. 2.11 c. Q. What is it for Believers to look for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life A. It is nothing else but to continue to the end in an expectation of that Reward of sincere and constant Obedience which Christ our Lord will at his coming give unto his faithful Servants 1 Pet. 1.13 c. Heb. 9.28 10.36 c. Tit. 2.13 Mat. 25.20 c. 2 Tim. 1.12 Q. You having now spoken of God's Work of preparing Believers for Glory it remains therefore that you speak of that Work of God which is for the possessing of Believers with this Glory by Jesus Christ What say you of it A. This may more conveniently be spoken of in the consideration of that second thing relating to God's Work of ruling among Men by Jesus Christ which I said is his Work of Judging the World by Jesus Christ CHAP. IX Of God's Work of Government in Judging the World by Jesus Christ Q. WEll then let us discourse of God's Work in judging the World by Jesus Christ What in the general have you learn'd concerning it A. This I have learned in general That God hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all Men in that he hath raised him from the Dead Act. 17.31 Rom. 2.16 Q. What are we to understand by the Day which God hath appointed A. This Day is that time when Jesus shall come from Heaven in the Glory of his Father with his Angels Acts 1.11 1 Thess 4.16 Mat. 16.27 25.31 c. Q. But when shall this time be A. At the end of the World but the day and hour Jesus said No Man knoweth no not the Angels which are in Heaven neither the Son but the Father only Mat. 24.36 Mark 13.32 Q. What is it for God to judg the World by the Man Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained A. The meaning is That God although he be the Judg of all yet will not himself judg the World but by Jesus Christ to whom he hath committed all Judgment giving him Authority to execute the same having ordained him to be the Judg of Quick and Dead Heb. 12.2 3. Joh. 5.22 c. Rom. 2.16 Act. 10.42 Q. What did Jesus that God did thus exalt him A. He was obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 9 c. Rom. 14.9 Q. Whom will God judg by Jesus Christ A. God will by Jesus Christ judg the Angels that sinned and all Men both Quick and Dead at his Appearing and Kingdom 2 Pet. 2.4 Jud. 6. 1 Cor. 6.3 Jam. 2.19 Act. 10.42 2 Tim. 4.1 1 Pet. 4.5 Rom. 14.10 2 Cor. 5.10 Mat. 10.15 11.22 Q. What are we to understand by the Quick and Dead A. We are to understand by the Quick or Living all Men that shall be found alive at the coming of Christ and by the Dead all both good and bad that died before his coming Q. But how shall these be brought unto Judgment A. Thus all the Dead both the Just and Unjust shall be raised and then all Men shall by the Angels be gathered and brought before Christ sitting on the Throne of his Glory Acts 24.15 John 5.28 29. Mat. 25.31 32. Q. Is there any thing in special to be observed here concerning the Righteous A. Yes for we are taught That the Dead in Christ shall rise first and that they together with those Believers that shall be alive at the coming of Christ shall be caught up in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air. 1 Thess 4.13 c. But I would not have you to be ignorant Brethren concerning them which are asleep that is the Faithful which are Dead that ye sorrow not even as others which have no Hope For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord That we Believers which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent that is shall not come before them which are asleep For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the Voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. See also 1 Cor. 15.22 23 52. Q. Now tell me What is it for God to judg the World in Righteousness by Jesus Christ A. God by Jesus Christ will judg the World in Righteousness that is Righteously by rewarding every Man according to his Practice or Works whether Good or Evil for this Judgment is a Just or Righteous Judgment Matth. 16.27 Rom. 2.6 Rev. 2.23 1 Cor. 3.8 2 Cor. 5.10 11.15 Rev. 20.12 13. 22.12 Rom. 2.5 Joh. 5.30 Q. But what is it for God by Jesus Christ to judg every Man according to his Works A. Here are two things to be considered Q. What is the first A. The first is That God by Jesus Christ will judg every Man for all must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account of themselves unto God Rom. 14.10 11 12. 1 Pet. 4.1 2 Pet. 2.9 2 Cor. 5.10 Jam. 2.12 Q. What is the Second A. The Second is That God by Jesus Christ will judg every Man according to his Works that is without respect of Persons and according to Truth and Right Rom. 2.11 1 Pet. 1.17 2 Chron. 19.7 Ephes 6.9 Col. 3.23 Rom. 2.2 Rev. 19.2 Deut. 32.4 Psal 96.13 Gen. 18.25 Psal 9.4 Isa 10.2 Job 34.23 2 Thess 1.5 6. 2 Tim. 4.8 Psal 45.6 Heb. 1.8 Q. Can you explain this in a special Application to Men whom God will justify and condemn by Jesus Christ at the last Day A. I can Q. How do you set it forth in reference to those whom God by Jesus Christ will justify at the last Day A. Thus it may be done God will render to every Man Eternal Life who according to the Truth manifested to him does by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory and Honour and Immortality and that God will make them to exceed those in Glory whom they exceed in Righteousness Rom. 2.6 7 10. 1 Cor. 15.41 Matth. 20.23 Dan. 12.3 1 Cor. 3.8 Phil. 4.17 Q. How do you set it forth in reference to them whom God by Jesus Christ will condemn at the last Day A. God will render Indignation and Wrath unto every one that is Contentious and does not obey the Truth as manifested either without the Law or under the Law or under the Gospel