the Old-Testament believers died yet the virtue of Christ's Death extends to them as well as us Heb. 11.39 40. And these all having obtained a good report through faith received not the promise God having provided some better thing for us that they without us should not be made perfect Q. 6. Why would not God deliver us without such a Redeemer A Because it was not so much for the honour of his Justice Rom. ◠25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Iesus Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A. That all that are out of Christ are in a miserable Bondage and Captivity Iohn 8.36 If the son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Q. 8. What is the second Instruction A. Hence see the heinous nature of Sin which required such a price to satisfy for it 1 Pet. 1.18 19. VVe were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Q. 9. VVhat is the third Iustruction hence A. The wonderful love of Christ in redeeming us at such a rate Rev. 1.5 Who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Q. 10. What is the last Instruction A. This strongly obligeth us to an universal holiness 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods Of Christ's Incarnation Quest. 22. HOw did Christ being the Son of God become man A. Christ the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true Body and a reasonable Soul being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Uirgin Mary and born of her yet without Sin Q. 1 Who is the only Redeemer of God's Elect A. The Lord Jesus Christ is their only Redeemer and there is no other Redeemer besides him Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Q. 2. How is he the Son of God or can be as no other is so A. He is the Son of God by Nature from all Eternity and so no Angel or Saint is Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my son this day have I begotten thee Q. 3 VVhy was it necessary he should become man A. That he might be capable to suffer Death in our room Heb. 2.15 16 17. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Q. 4. Why must the Redeemer be God as well as Man A. Because the blood of a meer man could not satisfy and redeem us Acts 20.28 Feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood Q. 5. Do these two Natures make two Persons A. No The Humane Nature is united to the second Person and subsists in union with it Iohn 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth Q 6. VVas the Union only for a time A. No It continues and abides for ever Heb. 7.24 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable 〈…〉 Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A Hence we learn the transcendent love of God to poor Sinners Iohn 3.16 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life Q 8. What is the second Instruction A. Hence we learn the matchless love of Christ that he should stoop to such a condition for us 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Q. 9 What is the third Instruction A. That the greatest Sins are capable of remission to Believers Iohn 1.29 Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world Q 10. What is the fourth Instruction A. That those that be in Christ need not fear the denial or want of an◠other mercy Rom 8.32 He that spared not his own son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Q. 11. What is the fifth Instruction A. Hence we learn how impious it is to ascribe any part of the glory of redemption to any other besides Christ Q. 12. What is the sixth Instruction A. This teaches us the miserable condition of all that are out of Christ and the necessity of their damnation he being the only Redeemer Of the Manner of Christ's Incarnation Quest. 1. WAS Christ's Incarnation a voluntary act in him A. Yes it was for though he had a command to die for us Iohn 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Yet he came willingly Psal 40.6 7. Sacrifice and offerings thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offerrings and sin offerings hast thou not required lo I come in the volume of thy book it is written of me V. 8. I delight to do thy 〈…〉 Q. 2. Was the Body of Christ a real and true Humane Body A. Yes it was a true and real Body not the appearance and shape of a Body only Luke 24.38 And he said unto them Why are ye troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts Ver. 29. Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have Q. 3. Had he a true Humane Soul as well as a Body A. Yes he had a real Humane Soul also and all the natural faculties and powers thereof Mat. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death Q. 4. Was he then in all respects like to other men A. No his conception was not like others Isa. 7.14 Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emanuel And he had no sin in him as others have Heb. 7.26 For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners Q. 5. Did Christ put off the Humane Nature at his Ascention A. No he did not but carried it up to glory and now is in our Nature in Heaven 1 Tim.
Gospel Q. 1. What 's the root or cause of Faith A. Not the power of Mans will Eph. 2.8 For by grace ye are saved through â—aith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God But the Spirit of God Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy long suffering gentleness goodness faith John 1.12 13. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Q. 2. How doth the Spirit of God ordinarily produce Faith A. By the preaching of the Word he ordinarily begets it Rom. 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God though sometimes he doth it immediately Q. 3. Who are the proper subjects of Faith A. Convinced and sensible Sinners are the proper subiects of Faith John 16.8 9 10. And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment Of sin because they believe not on me of righteousness because I go to my Father and ye see me no more of judgment because the prince of this world is judged Q. 4. What is the seat or habitation of Faith A. Not only the Head or Understanding but principally the Heart and Will Rom. 10.10 With the heart man believeth unto righteousness c. Acts 8.37 And Philip said if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest Q. 5. But is not the assent of the understanding true Faith A. The meer assent of the Understanding to the Truths of Scripture is not such a Faith as will save the Soul Jam. 2.19 Thou believest that there is one God thou doest well the devils also believe and tremble Q. 6. What 's the act of Faith that justifies a Sinner A. 'T is the receiving of Christ by the full and hearty consent of the heart that justifies us Iohn 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Q. 7. What is the object of Faith A. The primary object of Faith is the Person of Christ and the secondary are his benefits Isa. 45.22 Look unto me and â—e saved all the ends of the earth c. Phil. 3.8 9. Yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. 8. May not a man look partly to Christ and partly to his own Works and Duties for Righteousness A. No he must eye Christ only and exclude all others or he cannot be justified Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteouness which is of God by faith Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Q. 9. Is it enough to eye the person of Christ only in believing A. No we must eye the Person of Christ as cloathed with all his Offices Acts 16.31 And they said believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Our ignorance needs him as a Prophet our guilt as a Priest our sins and enemies as a King Q. 10. Is true Faith exclusive of all fears and doubts A. No it is not but true Believers are troubled with many fears and doubtings Isa. 50.10 Who is he among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light c. Mark 9.24 And straitway the father of the child cryed out with tears Lord I believe help thou mine unbelief Q. 11. Is no man actually justified till he believe A. No he cannot be justified actually till he believe actually Gal. 3.22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Iesus Christ might be given to them that believe John 3.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God Q. 12. Is every man that believes justified immediately and fully upon his believing A. Yes he is Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. John 5.24 He that heareth my words and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life Q. 13. What 's the true character or description of a Believer A. He is one that having been convinced of his sin and misery and of his own and all other Creatures inability to save him and of the ability and willingness of Christ to save him le ts go all hold and dependance on Creatures and his own Righteousness and casts himself entirely upon Christ for Righteousness and Life Of the Properties Signs and Means of Faith Q. 1. WHat is the first property of Faith A. 'T is a most precious Grace 2 Pet. 1.1 To them that have obtained like precious faith with us c. And must needs be so seeing 't is the bond of our union with Christ Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love That by which we are justified Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith c. And that by which our Souls do live Hab. 2.4 The just shall live by his faith Q. 2. What 's the second property of Saving Faith A. The second property of Faith is this that it is the most useful Grace in this World to a Believer it being the Souls eve Heb. 11 27. By faith he forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king for he endured as seeing him who is invisible c. It s â—aâ—d to apprehend Christ Phil. 3.12 That I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus It 's Cordial in a fainting season Psal. 27.3 I had fainted unless I had believed c. Q. 3. What are the foundations that support Faith A. The first foundation or prop of Faith is the power of God Rom. 4.20 21. He staggered not at the promise through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God And being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform Heb. 7.25 He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him c. Q. 4. What 's the second prop of Faith A. The truth and faithfulness of God in his promises Heb. 10.23 Let us hold fast the
sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned and whereby they have transgressed against me Hos. 14.2 Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously 2. Compleatly and perfectly Isa. 43.25 I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake and will not remember thy sins Psal. 103.12 As far as the east is from the west so faâ— hath he removed our transgressions from us Mic. 7.19 He will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all our sins into the depths of the sea Isa. 38.17 For thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back 3. Everlastingly Ier. 31.34 For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more Heb. 8.12 and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more Q. 7. But doth not God punish them afterward whom he haâ— justified and forgiven A. No not with a proper and vindictive punishment but he brings evil upon them for their sins as a Father chastises his Child and other sorts of afflictions for their spiritual good He may be angry as a Father with those he has pardoned but never hate them as a condemning Judge Psal. 89.28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Ver. 34. My covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Q. 8. How can God be said freely to pardon all our sins when we pray it may be done for Christs sake does not that imply that Christ has satisfied God for our sins and deserved our remission A. Yes it does so for the Lord Christ by his Life and Death did satisfie Divine Justice and did merit our forgiveness but if he did so we did not so our sins cost him dear but their pardon cost us nothing our pardon is perfectly free to us though due to Christ for God gave Christ freely for us God accepts of his merits and applyes them to us freely Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Iesus Christ. Q. 9. But is there nothing required from us as the condition of pardon and if so how can it be absolutely free A. There are required Repentance from Sin and Faith in the Lord Christ Luke 13.3 But except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Joh. 3. ult And he that believeth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him This is required from us towards our pardon but yet 't is free 1. Because God freely ordains thus to pardon 2. Because both these are the free gifts of God Acts 11.18 Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life Eph. 2.8 For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Q. 10. When then are our sins forgiven A. Just upon our closure with Christ by Faith in that very moment Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus Q. 11. Why do we pray in the answer for the forgiveness of all our sins A. Because if the least guilt should remain upon us 't would exclude from Gods favour and lodge us in everlasting burnings Rom. 6. ult For the wages of sin is death Q. 12. What are the priviledges and blessings that accompany pardon A. Justification is accompanied with Adoption John 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name With the Spirit and Principle of all Grace and Holiness 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the spirit of our God With an infallible title to Eternal Glory Iohn 3.16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Rom. 8.30 Whom he justified them he also glorified Q. 13. How may we know that we are pardoned and justified A. Ordinarily by our Sanctification by our loathing of Sin our contempt of the World our valuing of Christ our love and thankfulness to God c. 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are sanctified Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death Gal. 6.14 By whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world 1 Pet. 2.7 Vnto you therefore which believe he is precious Luke 7.47 Her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much Q. 14. What is meant by Our is it only such sins as we have personally and actually committed A. No but also Adams sin which is ours by imputation Rom. 5.19 By one mans disobedience many were made sinners And original sin which is ours by inhesion Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me And other mens sins which we have made ours by exciting them to them not hindering of them silence at them and other ways 2 Sam. 12.9 Thou hast killed Vriah the Hittite with the sword and hast taken his wife to be thy wife and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon 1 Tim. 5.22 Neither be partaker of other mens sins Q. 15. Wherefore are sins called debts A. Because they are a non-payment of Gods dues a non-performance of our duty which makes us lyable to the arrest of Death and to the prison of Hell Q. 16. Why do we plead our own forgiveness of others A. Not as any merit of our own pardon but either as an incouragement to our selves to beg pardon seeing such evil envious and malignant persons are enabled to forgive others much more may we hope the good and gracious God will forgive us Or as a condition without which we can have no pardon and with which we shall Mat. 6.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you Q. 17. How do others trespass against us A. When they injure us either in our Persons or Names or Families or Estates or Souls c. 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the judge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him Q. 18. Can we forgive our Neighbours freely fully and perfectly as God doth forgive us A. We cannot Q. 19. What then is the meaning of Gods forgiving us as we forgive others A. Not as to the quantity and perfection of forgiveness buâ— as to the sincerity and quality thereof Mat. 18. ult So likewisâ— shall my heavenly father do also unto you if ye from yoar hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. 20. Are we always bound to manifest outwardly our love and forgiveness to all our enemies and to behave our selves towards them as friends A. No if we have experienced them to be
destitute thing the Soul is that 's out of Christ. Rev. 3.17 18. Because thou sayest I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked Q. 9. What elsâ— doth it teach us A. The riches and dignity of Believers Christ and all his purchases are theirs 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Whether Paul or Apollo or Câ—phas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Q. 10. What else doth it teach us A. The Righteousness of God in the destruction of all unbelievers Iohn 5.40 Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Of our Vnion with Christ. Quest. 30. HOW doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption puâ—chased by Christ A. By working faith in us thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling Q. 1. Can none have saving benefit by Christ but such as are united to him A. No for as Adam 's Sin could not hurt us except we had been in hin so Christ's Redemption cannot profit us except we are in him 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Iesus who of God is made unto us wisdom righteousness sanctification and redemption Q 2. What are the Bonds of this Union A. The Spirit on God's part 1 Iohn 3.24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him and he in him and hereby we know that he abideth in us by the spirit which he hath given us And Faith on our part Eph 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith Q. 3. What is the first Property of this Union A. It is an intimate Union Eph. 5.30 For we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Q. 4. What is the second Property A. It is an Union never to be dissolved Rom. 8.35 38. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ Shall tribulation distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword for I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Q. 5. What is the third Propety of this Union A. It makes Christ and all that he hath purchased become ours 1 Cor. 3.23 All are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Q. 6. What is the fourth property of this Union A. It is the foundation and root of all our spiritual and acceptable Obedience Iohn 15.4 Abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me Q. 7. What is the first Inference from hence A. That saving Grace in the Saints is immortal being secâ—â—red to them in and by Christ. Col. 3.3 Your life is hid with 〈◊〉 in God Q. 8. What is the second Inference A. That the relation between Christ and Believers is verâ— dear and intimate Eph. 5.30 For we are members of his 〈◊〉 of his flesh and of his bones Q. 9. What is the third Inference A. That Believers need not be afraid to go down to 〈◊〉 Grave Rom. 8.38 For I am perswaded that neither death 〈◊〉 life nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from thâ— love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. And this Unioâ— holds after death Mat. 22.31 32. But as touching the resâ—rection of the dead have ye not read that which was spoken unto yâ—â— by God saying I am the God of Abraham and the God 〈◊〉 Isaac and the God of Iacob God is not a God of the dead but 〈◊〉 the living Q 10. What is the fourth Inference A. That in wronging and persecuting the Saints 〈◊〉 wrong and persecute Christ himself Acts 9.4 And he fell tâ— the earth and heard a voice saying unto him Saul Saul Why persecutest thou me Q. 11. What is the fifth Inference A. That in relieving and refreshing the Saints we relieve and refresh Christ himself Mat. 25.34 35. For I was an hungry and ye gave me meat and I was thirsty and ye gave 〈◊〉 drink I was a stranger and ye took me in naked and ye cloathâ—â— me I was sick and ye visited me I was in prison and ye came 〈◊〉 me Ver. 40. In as much as ye have done it unto one of the leaf of these my brethren ye have done it unto me Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That there is a sympathy in Christ under all the pressureâ— and grievances of his people Heb. 4.15 We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities 〈◊〉 was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Of Effectual Calling Quest. 31. WHAT is effectual Calling A. Effectual Calling is the work of God's Spirit whereby convincing us of our sin and misery enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ and renewing one wills he doth perswade and enable us to embrace Iesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel Q. 1. What makes the difference between effectual and ineffectual Calling A. Ineffectual calling is when men have nothing but the external sound of the Gospel Mat. 20.16 For many be called and few chosen Effectual is when the Spirit works in conjunction with the Word Iohn 6.45 It is written in the prophets And they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me Q. 2. What is the First act of the Spirit in Effectual Calling A. Conviction of Sin Iohn 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin Q. 3. Do the Called of God hear any voice from Heaven A. Ordinarily it is a call without sound yet as efficacious as an audible Voice from Heaven Q. 4. What is the Second act of the Spirit in our Effectual calling A. The illumination of the mind in the knowledge of Christ. Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Q. 5. In what things doth it enlighten them A. In this That Christ is their only remedy Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved And their all-sufficient remedy Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Q. 6. What is the Third Act A. His renewing of the Sinner's will and making it flexible Psal. 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of
descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock Q. 11. What is the second Instruction A. That all men should look to themselves lest they lose the things which they have wrought 2 Epist. of Iohn Ver. 8. Look to your selves that ye lose not those things which we have wrought but that we receive a full reward Q. 12. What is the last Instruction A. Let no true Christian be discouraged how weak soever for God is able to make him stand Rom. 14.4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant to his own master he standeth or falleth yea he shall be holden up for God is able to make him stand Of perfection at Death Quest. 37. VVHAT benefits do Believers receive from Christ at their Death A. The Souls of Believers are at their death made perfect in holiness and do immediately pass inâ—o glory their bodies being still united to Christ do reâ—t in their Graves till the Resurrection Q 1. What is the state of perfect holiness A. It consists in a perfect freedom from sin or any of the least inclination to sin Eph. 5.27 That he may present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Q. 2. Wherein else doth perfection consist A. It consists in the attainment of the highest measures and degrees of holiness the creature is capable of Eph. 4.12 13. For the perfecting of the Saints till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Q. 3. Cannot this be attained whilst in the body A. No for here all our graces are imperfect 1 Cor. 13.12 For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face And we live at a distance from God 2 Cor. 5 6. Whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. Q. 4. How is this attained at Death A. At Death the roots of Sin are pulled up out of the Believer's Nature Heb. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Q. 5. Why must the Soul be mâ—de perfect at death A. Because the purity of the heavenly State admits no sin or imperfection Rev. 21.27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lye but they which are written in the lambs book of life Q. 6. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Death should be lovely and desirable in the eyes of Believers Phil. 1.23 having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. 7. What is the second Inference A. That God hath provided singular relief for his people that now groan under their Sins and many Imperfections 1 Cor. 13.12 13. And now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face Now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That the heavenly State is infinitely above and beyond whatever we enjoy here 1 Cor. 29. But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love hiem Q. 9. What is the fourth Inference A. That Believers are but at a small distance from the Satisfaction of all their desires Rom. 13.11 Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Q. 10. What is the fifth Inference A. That the Saints should earnestly pursue that perfection even in this imperfect state Phil. 3.13 14. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth to those things which are before I press towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus Q. 11. What is the sixth Inference A. That death to the Saints is better than life Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Faith is absolutely necessary to entitle us to this perfect state Of immediate Glorificacion Quest. 1. DO all that die in Christ immediately pass into glory A. Yes they do Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1.23 Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ. Q. 2. What is the First reason for their immediate Glorification A. Because Heaven is pepared and ready for them Mat. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Q. 3. What is the Second reason for it A. Because at Death they are as ready for Heaven as ever they shall be Iohn 9.4 I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day the night cometh when no man can work Q. 4. What is the Third reason for it A. Because Death else could not be gain as it is Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain Q. 5. What is the Fourth reason for it A. Because there is the same reason for all as for any one but some are immediately glorified Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Q. 6. What is the Fifth reason for it A. Because Christ longs for their coming to him and they for his Enjoyment and these longings are in vain if not satisfied Rev. 22.17 20. And the spirit and the bride say Come and let him that heareth say Come and let him that is a thirst say Come and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely he which testifieth these thidgs saith Surely I come quickly Amen even so come Lord Iesus Q. 7. What is the First instruction from hence A. That the Apparitions of departed Saints ordinarily are but Fables They wander not Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out Q. 8. What is the Second Inference A. That Purgatory is a groundless Fable and invention of men and the Scriptures alledged to countenance it grosly abused 1 Pet. 3.19 By the which also he went and preacht unto the spirits in prison Q. 9. What is the Third inference from it A. That Heaven must needs be a marvellous surprize to Believers how long soever they have conversed with it here Q. 10. What is the Fourth inference A. The consideration of this should provoke Saints to work hard to finish all they have to do on Earth Eccles. 9.10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest Q. 11. What is the Fifth inference A. That there is no reason to grieve excessively for departed Saints 1 Thes.
4.13 Even so them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Christless ones are immediately in Hell Luke 16.22 23. The rich man also died and was buried and in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torment Of rest in the Grave Quest. 1. WHY must Believers come to the Grave A. Because where Sin has been Death by the Law must follow Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 2. What is the First priviledge of their Bodies there A. 'T is the priviledge of their Bodies to be there in union with Christ. 1 Thes. 4.14 Them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Q. 3. What is their Second priviledge A. Their Graves are places of Rest not Prisons but Beds of Rest. Isa. 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Q. 4. Wâ—at is the First evil they rest from A. All the toils and troubles and afflictions of this life Rev. 14.13 They may rest from their labours and their works do follow them Q. 5. What is the Second evil they rest from A. They rest from all persecutions from men Iob 13.17 There the wiked cease from troubling and there the weary be at rest Q. 6. What is the Third evil they rest from A. They rest from Sin never to feel temptation or inclination to sin Heb. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Q. 7. How long shall the Bodies rest in the Grave A. Not for ever but till the Day of the Resurrection Iob 19.26 For though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God Q. 8. What is the First inference from hence A. That union with Christ redounds to the singular advantage of the Body as well as the Soul Rom. 8.11 But if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you Q. 9. What is the Second inference A. That Death dissolves not the union betwixt Christ and the Souls or Bodies of his Mat. 22.33 I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob God is not the God of the dead but of the living Q. 10. What is the Third inference A. That seeing our Bodies are to have so long and so sweet rest in the Grave we should not spare them in God's Service now 2 Pet. 1.13 14. Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle even as our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed me Q. 11. What is the Fourth inference A. That Christians should neither too much fear their own nor sorrow for others death Rom. 8.38 For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1 Thes. 4.13 I would not have you to be ignorant concerning them which are asleep that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope Of the Resurrection Quest. 1. IS the Resurrection a credible Doctrine A. Yes it is Acts 26.8 Why should it be â—â—ought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the â—ead Q 2. Why then doth it seem incredible to man A. Because they err not knowing the Scriptures and â—he Power of God Mark 12.24 Do ye not therefore err because ye know not the Scriptures neither the power of God The Power of God assures us it may be so and the word of God tells us it must be so Q. 3. Is it sinful to doubt of the Doctrine of the Resurrection A. 'T is not only a sin to doubt it but an heresy to deny it it being a fundamental Article Heb. 6.2 And of the resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15.13 14. But if there be no resurrection of the dead then is Christ not risen and if Christ be â—â—t risen then is our preaching vain and your faith is also â—â—in Q. 4. Who must rise again at the Resurrection A. All men good and bad must rise again Acts 24.15 And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and the unjust Rev. 20.12 13 14. And I saw the dead â—â—all and great stand before God c. Q. 5. What is the first difference betwixt the Resurrection of the just and unjust A. Saints rise by virtue of their union with Christ. Rom. â— 11 But if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead well in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also â—uicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you But 〈◊〉 wicked by his power Q 6. What is the second difference A. The second and main difference will be in the contraâ—y ends to which they rise some to life and some to condemnation Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleep in the â—ast of the earth shall awake some to everlasting life and some 〈◊〉 shame and everlasting contempt Q. 7. What is the glory to which Saints bodies shall 〈◊〉 raised A. In the likeness of Christ's glorious Body Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like to 〈◊〉 glorious body Q. 8. What is the First inference from hence A. That every man should strive to the uttermost to attain to the Resurrection of the just Phil. 3.10 11. That I may know him and the power of his Resurrection and the fellowship of the sufferings being made conformable unto his death if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead Q. 9. What is the second Inference A. Comfort to them that now groan under manifold Distempers and Deformities of Body they being made equal to Angels Mark 12.25 For when they shall rise from the dead they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels which are in heaven Q. 10. What is the third inference A. Get union with Christ by Faith as you expect a joyful Resurrection Iohn 11.25 Iesus said unto her I aâ— the resurrection und the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live Q. 11. What is the fourth Inference A. Saints should not fear Death Gen. 46.3 Fear not to go down into Egypt Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. Imploy your Bodies for good now Of Christ's acknowledging Believers Quest. 38. WHAT benefit do Believers recieve from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Believers being raised up in glory shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Iudgment and made
and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming But assumes Power to dispence with God's Laws to others Q. 8. What is the second Inference hence A. That man dieth not as Beasts die which are under no Moral Law and therefore capable of no sin but must come to Judgment after Death Eccles. 3.21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth Heb. 9.27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the Iudgment Q. 9. What is the third Inference hence A. That though the actions of men naturally considered are transcient yet their consequences and effects are permanent An act is soon done a word soon spoken a thought soon thought but when done spoken or thought they are placed to account Gal. 6.7 8. Be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth that shall be also reap for he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reaâ— corruption but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting Q. 10. What is the fourth Inference from hence A. That God will proceed with man by different rules in the Day of Judgment according to the different Law they lived under in this World Rom. 2.12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law Q. 11. What is the fifth Inference from hence A. That those who have sinned against the clearest Light and best Helps will if they die impenitent be judged to the greatest Misery Matt. 11.23 And thou Capernaum which art exalted unto heaven shalt be brought down to hell for if the mighey works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Q. 12. What is the sixth Inference from hence A. That as we are to prize the Moral Law highly as a Rule of Life Psal. 119.105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path So are we to bless God for the Gospel-Dispensation by which only we can attain to Justification and Salvation Heb. 12.22 But we are come to Mount Sion and unto the City of the living God the heavenly Ierusalem to an innumerable company of Angels Of Love to God and Men. Quest. 42. WHAT is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our Neighbour as our selves Q. 1. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. To love the Lord our God with a Supream love and Men with a Sincere love in and for him Matt. 22.37 38. Iesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind This is the First and Great Commandment The Second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Q. 2. What is the first thing contained in our supream Love to God A. It implies the loving of God purely and absolutely for himself The Excellencies that are in him Cant. 1.3 Thy name is as ointment poured forth therefore the virgins love thee And the benefits we receive from him Psal 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication Q. 3. What is the Second Property of this Supream Love A Supream love devotes the whole man to God and Christ So that in life and death that man designs the Glory of God as his main end Rom. 14.7 8. For none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself for whether we live we live unto the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord whether we live therefore or die we are the Lord 's Q. 4. What is the third Property of Supream Love A. It causes the Soul to depreciate and slight all other things in comparison of God's Glory and an Interest in Christ. Acts 20.24 But none of these things move me neither count I my life dear unto my self so that I may finish my course with joy Phil. 3.8 9. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord. Q. 5. What is the fourth Property of Supream Love A. It centers the Soul in God as its only rest Psal. 116.7 Return unto thy rest O my soul. And cannot be satisfied till it come to the full enjoyment of him 2 Thes. 3.5 The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and patient waiting for Christ. Q. 6. Why must we love God with a supream Love A. Because such a love only suits the transcendent Excellency of God Commands all we are and have for God and is the only love that will continue to the end Rom. 8.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ Q. 7. What is it to love our Neighbour as our selves A. It is the exact Observation and Practice of the golden Rule of Christ. Matt. 7.12 Therefore 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 Q. 8. Are all men to be loved alike and with the same degree of Love A. No tho we must love all men with the love of Benevolence yet the Saints only with the love of Complacency Psal. 16.3 But to the saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight And to such we must especially do good Gal. 6.10 As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men especially unto them who are of the houshold of faith Q. 9. What is the first Instruction from hence A. Hence we learn the excellency of Divine love Moses expresses the Whole Duty of Man in Ten Commandments Christ hangs the Whole Law upon these Two Love to God and our Neighbour Mark 12.30 31. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength This is the first Commandment And the Second is like namely this Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self there is none other Commandment greater than these And the Apostle reduces these Two into One Gal. 5.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word â—uen in this Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Q. 10. What is the second Inference from hence A. It convinces the holiest of men how far short they come in their Obedience to the rule of duty and therein the law is our School-master to bring us to Christ. Gal. 3.24 Q. 11. What is the third Inference from hence A. It discovers the excellency and perfection of the Law of God Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is pefect converting the soul. And that we are highly to honour
12.10 15. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preâ—eâ—â—ing one another Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep Q. 7. What 's the first Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It directly and especially forbids all sinful and inordinate desires and motions after other Mens enjoyments Col. 3.5 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Q. 8. What 's the second Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all cruelty and incompassionateness to others in necessity and keeping back from them that relief which is made theirs by Gods command Prov. 11.24 There is that with-holdeth more than is meet but it tendeth to poverty Lev. 19.9 10. And when ye reap the harvest of your land thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger I am the Lord your God Q. 9. What is the third Sin forbidden in this Command A. It forbids the detaining of the Hirelings Wages when it is due Hab. 2.9 10 11. Wo to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house that he may set his nest on high that he may be delivered from the power of evil Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people and hast sinned against thy soul. For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the beam out of the timber shall answer it Q. 10. What 's the fourth Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all inward grudgings at and envyings of the enjoyments of others whether they be inward Goods of the Mind or outward belonging to the Body 1 Cor. 13.4 Charity envieth not c. Q. 11. What 's the mischief of Covetousness A. It distracts the Heart in Duties Ezek. 33.31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh and they sit before thee as my people and they hear thy words but they will not do them for with their mouth they show much love but their heart goeth after their covetousness Provokes the wrath of God Isa. 57.17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and smote him c. And where it reigns it becomes Idolatry Col. 3.5 And covetousness which is Idolatry Q. 12. What 's the first Inference hence A. It calls all men to humiliation for the inordinacy of their Affections towards the World their discontent with their own and envyings of others conditions Q. 13. What 's the second Inference hence A. As ever we would keep clear from this sin let us make God our portion Psal. 16.5 6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot And labour to get the Soul-satisfying comforts of his Spirit Iohn 4.14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst c. 2 Cor. 6.10 As having nothing and yet possessing all things Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. If God have given us a sufficiency of the things of this life for our necessity let us be satisfied though we want other things for our delight 1 Tim. 6.8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content And relieve our selves by an expectation of those better things laid up in Heaven for us if we be believers Iam. 2.5 Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Of keeping the Law Quest. 82. IS any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the Commandments of God but doth dayly break them in Thought Word and Deed. Q. 1. Wherein doth thâ— perfect keeping of Gods Law consist A. It consists in the perfect and constant conformity of the internal and external Actions of Heart and Life to every Command of God Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Matth. 22.37 38 39. Iesus said unto him thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind This is the first and great Commandment And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Q. 2. But if a man commit no external act against the Law may he not be said perfectly to keep it although in mind or thought he should transgress A. No for an inward motion of sin in the Heart that never breaks forth into act is a violation of the Law and brings the Soul under the curse of it Matth. 5.21 22. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whâ—soever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with hâ—s brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment c. And ver 27 28. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Q. 3. May not a man keep the Law if he keep some of its Commands though he cannot keep every one of them punctually A. No he cannot for the transgression of any one Command in the least degree is a breach of all and brings the curse of the whole upon a Mans Soul Iam. 2.10 For who soever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Q. 4. Was the Law never kept by any since it was made A. Yes Adam in his innocent state kept it for he was made upright Eccles. 7.29 God made man upright c. And Christ perfectly kept it Matth. 5.17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Q. 5. What 's the first Reason why no meer man in this life can fulfil and keep the law of God perfectly A. It is because the Law of God is perfect and the best of Men in this life are imperfect Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is perfect c. Eccles. 7.20 For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not Q. 6. But may not Men perfectly keep it when regenerate and born of God A. No because even in the regenerate there is a Law of Sin which wars against the Law of God Gal. 5.17 For the flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh c. Rom. 7.22 23. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man But I see another law in my members warring against the law
us richly all things to enjoy Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life Q. 17. Wherefore is the Bread called our Bread A. Not because we are absolute Lords and Possessors of it for so 't is Gods only Psal. 24.1 2. The earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof the world and they that dwell therein For he hath founded it upon the Seas and estabilished it upod the floods Psal. 50.10 12. for every beast of the forrest is mine and the cattle upon a thousand hills If I were hungry I would not tell thee for the world is mine and the fulness thereof But 1. Because we must have a Covenant right to it and 2. A civil right we must come lawfully and honestly by and so keep the good things of this life 2 Thes. 3.10 For even when we were with you this we commanded you that if any would not work neither should â—e eat Q. 18. Having prayed for our daily Bread need we to labour and endeavour to get it A. Yes we must labour in good and honest callings Gods blessing and Mans industry must concur towards the present maintenance of life Psal. 128.1 2. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord that walketh in his ways for thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands happy shalt thou be and it shall be well with thee Prov. 10.4 22. He becometh poor that dealeth with aslack hand but the hand of the diligent maketh rich The blessing of the Lord maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it Q. 19. What is the first Inference from it A. That we must not seek great matters for our selves neither make them the matter of prayer to God nor the end and design of our labours and callings among Men. Q. 20. What is a second Inference from hence A. That having Food and Rayment we must be therewith content and therefore thankful 1 Tim. 6.8 And having food and rayment let us be therewith content 1 Thes. 5.18 In every thing give thanks Q. 21. What is the third Inference A. That we ascribe not our success in the World to our own skill and industry for the wisest and most industrious do sometimes labour in the fire and put their gain in a bag of holes but to Gods free donation to us and to his Blessing upon our endeavours Gen. 33.5 11. And he lift up his eyes and saw the the women and the children and said who are those with thee And he said the children which God hath graciously given thy Servant Take I pray thee my blessing that is brought to thee because God hath dealt graciously with me and because I have enough Deut 28.3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city and blessed shalt thou be in the field ver 6. Blessed shalt thou when thou comest in and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out Concerning forgiveness of Sins Quest. 105. WHat doth we pray for in the fifth Petition A. In the fifth Petition which is and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pardon all our Sins which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by this grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others Q. 1. Why doth this Petition immediately follow the former A. To teach that all temporal and corporal good things without special and Spiritual ones are little worth Psal. 4.6 There be many that say who will shew us any good Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us Psal. 17.14 15. From men which are thy hand O Lord from men of the world which have their portion in this life and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure they are full of children and leave the rest of their substance to their babes As for me I will behold thy face in righteousness I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Q. 2. Why is it annexed to the former with the Copulative and A. To teach that to be one minute in the confluence of all earthly good things without the pardon of Sin is a very dangerous and dreadful condition Luke 12.16 20. And he spake a parable unto them saying the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully but God said unto him thou fool this night shall thy soul be required of thee then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided Q. 3. Why is forgiveness of Sins placed in the front of spiritual Blessings A. Because till sin be pardoned we are under wrath and can have no special saving Grace applyed to us till we are accepted till we are in Christ we have no Covenant right to the blessings of Christ Matt. 11.28 come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest ver 30. for my yoke is easie and my burden is light John 15.4 5. abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the Vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the Vine ye are the branches He that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing ver 7. if ye abide in me and my words abide in you ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you John 3. ult He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Q. 4. Why do we pray for forgiveness cannot we make amends for our sins and be freed from their guilt without pardon A. No all that we can ever do or suffer can never expiate the guilt of the least sin Psal. 49.7 8. None of them can by any means redeem his brother nor give to God a ransom for him For the redemption of their soul is precious and it ceaseth for ever 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the judge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall entreat for him Q 5. Does God then freely and out of meer Grace forgive us A. Yes without any respect had to any thing we can do or be Isa. 43.25 I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake and will not remember thy sins Rom. 9.15 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion Ver. 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will be hardneth Q. 6. How doth God forgive sins A. 1. Universally all sins Exod. 34.6 7. And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed the Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin Jer. 33.8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity whereby they have
us which most resembles God and therefore our chief regard and care should be for them whatever becomes of the vile Body Mat. 16.26 For what is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lose his own Soul Or what shall a man give in Exchange for his Soul Q. 7. What further Truth may be inferr'd hence A. That men should beware of spiritual Sins as well as of gross and outward Sins for there is a filthiness of the Spirit as well as of the Flesh. 2 Cor. 7.1 Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and as God sees them so he greatly abhors them as Sins that defile the noblest part of man on which he stamp'd his own Image Q. 8. What also may be inferr'd from hence A. Hence we learn that spiritual Worship is most agreeable to his Nature and Will and the more spiritual it is the more acceptable it will be to him Iohn 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Externals in worship are of little regard with God as places habits gestures c. Apply this First To Superstitious men Isa. 66.1 2 3. Secondly To Children that say a Prayer but mind not to whom nor what they say Of God's Infinity Quest. 1. WHat is the sense and meaning of this Word Infinity A. It signifies that which hath no bounds or limits within which it is contained as all created things are Q. 2. In how many respects is God infinite A. God is infinite or boundless in three respects First In respect of the perfection of his Nature his Wisdom Power and Holiness exceed all measures and limits as 1 Sam. 2.2 There is none holy as the Lord c. Secondly In respect of time and place no time can measure him Isa. 57.15 Thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity 1 Kings 8.27 Behold the Heaven of heavens cannot contain thee how much less this House which I have built The Heaven of heavens contains all created Beings but not the Creator Thirdly In respect of his Incomprehensibleness by the understanding of all creatures Iob. 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection Q 3. If God be thus Infinite and no understanding can comprehend him How then is it said in 1 John 3.2 VVe shall see him as he is A. The meaning is not that glorified Saints shall comprehend God in their understandings but that they shall have a true apprehensive Knowledge though not a comprehensive Knowledge of God and that we shall see him immediately and not as we do now thorow a glass darkly Q. 4. What is the first Lesson to be learnt from God's Infinity A. That therefore men should tremble to sin even in secret Psal. 139.11 If I say surely the darkness shall cover me even the Night shall be light about me Q. 5. What is the second Instruction from hence A. The second Instruction is That there is an infinite evil in sin objectively consider'd as it is committed against an Infinite God and therefore it deserves Eternal Punishment and no satisfaction can possibly be made for it but by the Blood of Christ. 1 Pet. 1.18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold but with the precious Blood of Christ. Q. 6. What is the third Instruction from God's Infinity A. The third Instruction is That those who are reconciled to God in Christ need not fear his ability to perform any mercy for them for he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think Ephes. 3.20 And those that are not reconciled are in a very miserable condition having infinite Power set on work to punish them 2 Thes. 1.9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. 7. What is the fourth Instruction from God's Infinity A. That no place can bar the access of gracious Souls to God They are as near him in a Dungeon as when at Liberty and that he knows their thoughts when their tongues cannot utter them Eternal Quest. 1. WHat is it to be Eternal as God is A. The Eternity of God is to be without beginning and without end Psal. 90.2 From everlasting to everlasting thou art God Q. 2. How doth God's Eternity differ from the Eternity of Angels and Humane Souls A. It differs in two respects First In this That tho Angels and the Souls of men shall have no end yet they had a beginning which God had not Secondly Our Eternity is by gift from God or by his appointment but his Eternity is necessary and from his own Nature Q. 3. In what sense is the Covenant called an everlasting Covenant A. The Covenant is called an Everlasting Covenant 2 Sam. 23.5 because the mercies of it conveyed to believers as pardon peace and salvation are mercies that shall have no end Q. 4. In what sense is the Gospel Everlasting A. The Gospel is called the Everlasting Gospel Rev. 14.6 because the effects thereof upon the Souls it sanctifies will abide in them for ever Q. 5. In what sense is the Redemption of Christ called the Eternal Redemption A. The Redemption of Christ is called Eternal Redemption in Heb. 9.12 because those whom he redeems by his Blood shall never more come into condemnation Iohn 5.24 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 Q. 6. VVhy is the last Iudgment of the world by Christ called Eternal Iudgment A. The last Judgment is called Eternal Judgment not because God judged men from Eternity or because the Day of Judgment shall last to Eternity but because the consequences of it will be Everlasting Joy or Misery to the Souls of Men therefore it 's called eternal judgment Heb. 6.2 Q 7. VVhat may wicked men learn from the Eternity of God A. Hence wicked men may see their own misery in the perfection of it that they will have an eternal Enemy to avenge himself upon them for ever in the world to come 2 Thess. 1.9 VVho shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. Q. 8. VVhat may good men learn from it A. That their joy and happiness will be perfect and endless who have the Eternal God for â—heir portion Psalm 16.11 In thy presence is fulness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Q. 9. VVhat may all men good and had learn from it A. All men may learn three things from the Eternity of God First That their life is a thing of nought compared with God Psal. 39.5 Mine age is nothing before thee Secondly That sins or duties long since committed or performed are all present before God Thirdly That God can never want opportunity to do his work and carry
and without iniquity just and right is he Psalm 119.142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and thy Law is the truth Q 2. What is the first Property of Divine Truth A. The first Property of it is That it is essential and necessary to God He cannot lie Tit. 1.2 Q. 3. What is the Second Property of it A. The Second Property is That it is everlasting and abiding to all Generations Psalm 100.5 For the Lord is good his mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations Isa. 25.1 O Lord thou art my God I will exalt thee thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth Q. 4. What is the Third Property of Divine Truth A. The Third Property is that he is universally true in all his Words and Works 1. In all his Words Iohn 17.17 Thy word is truth 2. In all his Works Psalm 25.10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant Q. 5. What-is the First Lesson from God's Truth to be learnt A. That truth and sincerity of heart is that which is most suitable and pleasing to God Psalm 51.6 Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts Q. 6. What is tâ—e Second Lesson from God's Truth A. That whatever God hath foretold shall assuredly come to pass and be fulfilled in his time Iosh. 23.14 Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord our God spoke concerning you all are come to pass unto you and not one thing hath failed thereof Q. 7. What is the Third Lesson from the Truth of God A. That a Promise from God is full security to the Faith of his People and they may look upon it as good as a mercy in hand Heb. 10.23 For he is faithful that promised Q. 8. What is the Fourth Lesson from God's Truth A. That whatever God hath threatned in his Word against sinners shall surely come upon them except they repent Zech. 1.6 But my word and my statutes which I commanded my servants the prophets did they not take hold of your fathers and they returned and said Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do unto us according to our ways and according to our doings so hath he dealt with us Ezek. 12.27 28. The word which I have spoken shall be done saith the Lord God Q. 9. What is the Fifth Lesson from God's Truth A. That falshood in Words and Actions is contrary to God's Nature and abhorred by him Iohn 8.44 Ye are of your father the Devil and the lust of your father ye will do he was a murtherer from the beginning and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him when he speaketh a lie he speaketh of his own for he is a liar and the father of it Q. 10. What is the Last Lesson from God's Truth A. The day of judgment will rightly and justly state every man's condition Rom. 2.2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things Of One God Quest. 5. ARE there more Gods than one A. There is but one only the living and true God Q. 1. How doth it appear that there is but one God A. It is evident from Scripture there is but one God Deut. 6.4 Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. Jer. 10.10 But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King and as Scripture reveals no more so Reason will allow no more Q. 2. Why will Reason allow no more but one God A. Because God is the First Being Revel 1.11 Saying I am alpha and omega the first and the last and there can be but one First Being and God is the most perfect and excellent Being Psalm 71.19 Thy righteousness also O God is very high who hath done great things O God who is like unto thee And there can be but one most Perfect and Excellent Being Q. 3. But doth not the Scripture say in 1 Cor. 8.5 That there are Gods many and Lords many A. Yes there are many in Title and many in opinion but one only in Truth Jer. 10.10 But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King Q. 4. Why is he called the true God A. To distinguish him from the Idols and false Gods of the Heathens 1 Thes. 1.9 How ye turned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God Acts 14.15 We preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God which made heaven and earth and the sea and all things that are therein Q. 5. Why is he called the living God A. Because all life natural spiritual and eternal is in him and from him only First Natural Life Acts 17.28 For in him we live and move and have our being Secondly Spiritual Life Eph. 2.1 You hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins Thirdly Eternal life in glory Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory Q. 6. What is the first Instruction from hence A. If but one God then all his Children should be of one heart having one and the same Father Eph. 4.5 6. One Lord one Faith one Baptism one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all Q. 7. What is the second Inference from hence A. That it is Idolatry to perform worship to any other but God only Psalm 86.9 10. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee O Lord and shall glorify thy name for thou art great and doest wondrous things thou art God alone Q. 8. What is the Third Inference from it A. That our supream love is due to God only and it 's very sinâ—ul to place it on any other Deut. 6.4 5. Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might Q. 9. What is the Fourth Inference from God's Unity A. That God only must have the reliance and dependance of our Souls Ier. 17.5 7. Thus saith the Lord Cursed be the man that trusteth in man that maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departeth from the Lord. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is Q. 10. VVhat is the last Inference from it A. That we have great cause to be thankful for the Gospel which discovers the only true God to us and that we are not as the Heathens worshipping many and false Gods 1 Cor. 8.5 6. For though there be that are called gods whether in heaven or in earth as there be Gods many and Lords many but to us there is but one God the father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Iesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Of three Persons in the Godhead Quest.
And David said to Abishai and to all his servants Behold my son which came forth of my bowels seeketh my life how much more now may this Benjamite do it let him alone and let him curse for the Lord hath bidden him Q. 12. VVhat is the last Instruction from God's Decrees A. That we ought to be thankful to God for all the good and patient under all the evils that befall us Iob 2.10 Shall we receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive evil Of the Creation Quest. 9. WHAT are the Works of Creation A. The Work of Creation is God's making all things of nothing by the Word of his Power in the space of Six Days and all very good Q 1. VVhat is it to create A. To create is to give a Being to that which had no Being or to bring something out of nothing Heb. 11.3 Through Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things that do appear Q. 2. How did God create the world A. By his infinite Power executed in his Word of Command Psalm 33.6.9 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth for he spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast Q. 3. What Attributes of God shine forth in the Creation A. The Wisdom of God shines forth gloriously not only in their formation but dependance one upon another Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Q. 4. What may we learn from the Creation A. That God perfectly knows all that is in the Creature be it never so secret Psalm 94.8 9. Understand O ye brutish among the people and ye fools when will ye be wise He that planted the ear shall he not hear he that formed the eye shall he not see Q. 2. What 's the Second Instruction from the Creation A. That God is the rightful owner of us all and may do what he will with us Rom. 9.20 Nay but O man who art thou that repliest against God! Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast thou made me thus Hath not the porter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel to honour and another to dishonour Q. 6. What is the Third Instruction from the Creation A. That God only is the proper Object of Worship Ier. 10. 11. Thus shall he say unto them The Gods that have not made the heavens and the earth even they shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens Q. 7. What is the Fourth Instruction from hence A. That Christians should not fear the power of Creatures since they derive their Being and Power from God Isa. 54.16 17. Behold I have created the Smith that bloweth the coals in the fire that bringeth forth an instrument for his work and I have created the waster to destroy no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper Q. 8. What is the Fifth Instruction hence A. That Atheism is a sin against Natural Light and Reason Rom. 1.20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and godhead so that they are without excuse Q 9. What is the Sixth Instruction hence A. That God's Glory is the end of all Being Col. 1.16 For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and for him Q. 10. What is the Seventh Instruction hence A. That there is an unnatural rebellion in sin smiting at him that made and preserves our Being Isa. 1.2 I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against me Q. 11. What is the Eighth Instruction from hence A. That God can in a moment revive and save the Church when at the lowest ebb Isa. 65.18 Behold I create Ierusalem a rejoycing and her people a joy Q 12 What is the last Instruction from hence A. That it is easy with God to revive a dejected Soul Isa. 57.19 I create the fruit of the lips Peace peace to him that is far off and tâ— him that is near saith the Lord and I will heal him Of Man's Creation Quest. 10. HOW did God create Man A. God created Man Male and Female after his own Image in Knowledge Righteousness and Holiness wiâ—h dominion over the Creatures Q. 1. How did God create Man A. God created man in his own Image Gen. 1.27 So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them Q. 2. What is meant by the Image of God A. Not a resemblance of God in any bodily Shape or Figure but in holiness Eph. 4.24 And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Q. 3. In what Graces did Man resemble God A. In such a knowledge of God himself and the Creatures which made him happy Col. 3.10 And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Q. 4. In what other Graces did this Image consist A. In Righteousness as well as Holiness Eph. 4.24 And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Q. 5. What is the First Inference from hence A. The deplorable misery of the Fall Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q 6. VVhat is the Second Instruction hence A. The beauty of Holiness which is the Image of God and the Excellency of Man Psalm 16.3 But to the saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight Q 7. VVhat is the Third Instruction from hence A. We have infinite cause to bless God for Christ who repairs this lost Image in his people Eph. 4.23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind Q 8. VVhat is the Fourth Instruction from hence A. That the despisers of Holiness are the despisers of God for Holiness is God's Image Q 9 VVhat 's the Fifth Instruction from hence A The excellency of Sanctification which defaces the Image of Satan and draws the Image of God upon the Soul of maâ— Of Divine Providence Qest. 1 WHAT are God's Works of Providence A. God's Works of Providence are his just holy wise and powerful preserving and governing all his Creatures and all their Actions Q 1 How doth it appear there is a Divine Providence A. It appears by plain Scripture Testimonies Heb. 1.3 Upholding all things by the word of his power Col. 1.17 By him all things consist Luke 12.6 7.
his Sin by Generation for we were in his loyns as treason stains the blood of the posterity or the parents Leprosie the Children Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapeâ— in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q 4. Wherein doth it consist A. It consists in two things First In our aversation and enmity to that which is good Rom. 7.18 In me that is in my flesh there dwelleth no good thing Secondly In proneness to that which is evil Rom. 7.14 But I am carnal sold under sin Q 5. Is this corruption of Nature in all Men A. Yes In all meer men and women none exempted Rom. 3.10 and 23. As it is written There is none righteous no not one for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Q. 6. In what part of our Nature doth this Sin abide A. It abides in the whole man in every part of man both Soul and Body Gen. 6.5 God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually 1 Thes. 5.23 Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 7. How is the Body infected by it A. In the readiness of the bodily members to further sin and its temptations in the Soul Rom. 3.13 14 15. Their throat is an open sepulcher with their tongues they have used deceit the poyson of Asps is under their lips whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness their feet are swift to shedblood Q. 8. What learn we from Original Sin A. To bear patiently the miseries we see on our Children and their death also without murmuring Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. What is the second Instruction A. It teaches us humility and should be matter of confession and humiliation when we sin actually Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q. 10. What is the third Instruction A. It should provoke parents to use their utmost diligence for the conversion of their Children who draw sin from them Q 11. What is the last Instruction A. It teaches us the necessity of Regeneration and should provoke us greatly to desire it Of Man's Misery Quest. 19. WHat is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost communion with God are under his wrath and curse and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of Hell for ever Q. 1. What communion had God with Man before the Fall A. Man then enjoyed the gracious presence and favour of God with him which was better than life Q. 2. How doth it appear this was lest by the Fall A. It appears by Scripture-Testimony That Adam lost it as to himself Gen. 3.8 And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden And we in him Eph. 2.12 At that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Q. 3. Was this the only misery that came by the Fall A. No Man did not only lose communion with God but fell under his wrath and curse Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 4. Doth the wrath and curse of God then lie on all Men A. It lies on all the unregenerate in the world Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which is written in the book of the law to do them But believers are delivered from it by Christ. 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus which delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 5. How are the miseries of Man by the Fall divided A. They are divided into the miseries of this world and of the world to come Q 6. What are the miseries that come on them in thss world A. The miseries of life as Sickness Pain Poverty on the Body Fear Trouble Sorrow on the Mind and at last Death it self Rom. 6. ult The wages of sin is death Q. 7. What are the Miseries after this Life A. The Pains and Torments of Hell for ever Psal. 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into hell Q. 8. What are the Torments of Hell A. Pain of Loss and Pain of Sense Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire Q. 9. What learn you from hence A. The woful State of the unconverted Miserable here and miserable to Eternity Q. 10. What else learn we hence A. The great salvation Believers have by Christ from all this misery Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him Of the Salvation of God's Elect and of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 20. DID God leave all Mankind to perish in the State of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life diâ— enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a redeemer Q. 1. Are some Persons chosen to salvation and others left A. Yes God hath chosen some to salvation and passed by others as the Scriptures speak See Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called And Jude v. 4. For there are certian men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men c. Q 2. Did God chuse some because he foresaw they would be better than others A. No God's choice was not on foreseen works but meerly of his grace and good pleasure of his will Eph. 1.5.6 Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace Q. 3. Is this Election of God made in time and that according as men use their free will or from Eternity A. Election is an Eternal act of God before the world was and depends not on Man's using his free-will as appears from Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Q. 4. Shall all that be Elected be called and saved A. Yes the Scripture is full and plain for it Acts 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called c. Q. 5. By whom are the Elect saved A.
By Christ the only Redeemer Tit. 3.4 5 6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Iesus Christ our Saviour Q. 6. Is there no other way of Salvation but by Christ A. No no other way is revealed in Scripture Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Q 7. What learn you from God's Election A. What cause we have to admire Free-grace in our choice who were no better than others Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 8. What is the second Instructâ—on A It teaches us humility we made not our selves to differ but the free grace of God made the difference 1 Cor. 4.7 For who maketh thee to differ from another Q. 9. What is the third Instruction A. It teaches us diligence to make our Election sure to our selves by our calling 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure Q. 10. What is the fourth Instruction A. It is matter of comfort to God's Elect amidst all dangers in the world 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his Of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 1. WHat is the Covenant of Grace A. It is a new compact or agreement made with Sinners out of meer grace wherein God promiseth to be our God and that we shall be his people and to give everlasting life to all that believe in Christ. Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and thâ—y shall be my people Q 2. How doth this covenant differ from the Covenant of works A. They differ many ways but principally in three things First The Covenant of works had no Mediator the Covenant of Grace hath a Mediator Heb. 12.24 And to Iesus the Mediator of the new Covenant Secondly In the former no place was found for repentance In the Second God admits it Heb. 8.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws in their minds and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Ver. 12. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins will I remember no more Thirdly In their condition the former requires exact Obedience the latter Faith and sincere Obedience Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Q. 3. May a Sinner that hath no worthiness at all of his own be taken into the Covenant of Grace A. Yes he may Isa. 43 25. I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember thy sins This Covenant is not of Works but of Grace Rom. 11.5 6. And if by grace then it is no more of works otherwise grace is no more grace but if it be of works then it is no more grace otherwise work is no more work Q 4. Is this Covenant changeable or an unchangeable Covenant A. No it is not changeable but everlasting and unchangeable forever Isa. 54.10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lâ—rd that hath mercy on thee Q. 5. What are the principal things bestowed in this Covenant A. God himself and in and with him pardon and salvation Ier. 31.33 I will be their God and they shall be my people Q. 6. Can no Sin be forgiven out of this Covenant A. No God pardons none out of this Covenant Iob 3.18 But he that believeth not is condemned already Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A. Humbled and believing Sinners have singular support from this New Covenant 1 Iohn 2.12 I write unto you little children because your sins are forgiven you for his name sake Q. 8. What is the second Instruction from hence A. That 't is the great concern of all men to examine whether they be in this Covenant or no. 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Iesus Christ is in you except yâ— be reprobates Q. 9. What is the third Instruction A. See here the miserable State of the wicked which have no interest in it Psal. 50.16 But unto the wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my covenant in thy mouth Q. 10. What is the last Instruction A. That Christians are obliged to walk as people in Covenant with God 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royal priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light Of the only Redeemer Quest. 21. WHo is the Redeemer of God's Elect A. The only Redeemer of God's Elect is the Lord Iesus Christ who being the Eternal Son of God became man and so was and continueth to be God and Man in two distinct natures and one person for ever Q. 1. What doth the name Redeemer signify A. It signifies one that frees another out of Captivity and Bondage as Christ did Matt. 20.28 And to give his life a ransome for many Q. 2. What was the misery from which Christ delivered us A. A twofold misery vis Sin and Hell First Sin Mat. 1.21 Thou shalt call his name Iesus for he shall save his people from their sins Secondly Hell 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus who delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 3. How did Christ deliver us from this Misery A. First By Price Secâ—udly By Power By Price 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Ye are not redeemed with silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot By power Col. 1.13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear son Q. 4. When was the Redemption wrought by Christ A. It was decreed from Eternity it was actually wrought on the Cross. Col. 1.20 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things unto him self by him I say whether they be things in earth or things in heaven Q. 5. How then could they be redeemed that died before A. Though Christ's Blood was actually shed after
perfecth blessed in the full enjoying of God to all Eternity Q. 1. What is it to be acknowledged by Christ A. It is Christ's owning of the special relation betwixt hiâ— and them Mat. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my father inherâ—â— the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the worlâ— Q. 2. Whom will Christ acknowledge for his A. Such as confess Christ now Mat. 10.32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my father which is in heaven Q. 3. Before whom will Christ confess them A. Before his Father Angels and Men. Rev. 3.5 He that overcometh the same shall be cloathed in white Raiment and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life but I will confess his name before my Father and before Angels Q. 4. Who shall be denied by Christ in that Day A. All that now deny Christ shall be denied by him 2 Tim. 2.12 If we deny him he also will deny us Q. 5. Why will Christ openly acknowledge them A. To wipe off all Aspersions and Censures that now are cast upon them Isa. 66.5 Your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said Let the Lord be glorified but he shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed Q. 6. What will be the effect of Christ's Acknowledgment A. 'T will put a full end to all Doubts Fears and Jealousies of themselves 1 Cor. 4.3 4. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you or of man's judgment yea I judge not my own self for I know nothing by my self yet am I not hereby justified but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Q. 7. What other effect will it produce in them A. Joy unspeakable and transcendent hence called time of refreshing Acts 3.19 When the time refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Q. 8. Is this the only time Christ acknowledgeth them A. No he acknowledgeth them by his Spirit 's Testimony now but that 's private in their Bosoms Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God Q. 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. To warn all how they pass rash Censures on Christ's Servants Psal. 73.15 If I say I will speak this Behold I should offend against the generation of thy children Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. Let none be aâ—raid or ashamed to confess the Person Office or any truth of Christ for any loss or danger that may threaten them Luke 12.8 9. Also I say unto you Whosoever shall confess me before men him shall the son of man also confess before the Angels of God But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the Angels of God Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. Let Christians abound in good works Every act of Charity for Christ shall be acknowledged by him in the Day of Judgment Mat. 25.35 For I was an hungred and ye gave me meat I was thirsty and ye gave me drink I was a stranger and ye took me in Q. 12. What is the last inference A. Let all Christians love and long for the day of Christ's appearing 2 Tim. 4.8 Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto them also that love his appearing Of Christ's acquitting Believers Quest. 1. WHat is it to be acquitted by Christ A. It is to be discharged and cleared from all the guilt of Sin and punishent due to it by the Law upon the account of Christ's Righteousness imputed by God and received by Faith Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus Q. 2. How many ways are Believers acquitted A. They are acquitted now in the Court of Heaven Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the change of God's Elect It is God that justifieth In the court of their own Consciences 1 Iohn 3.21 Beloved if our hearts condemn us not then have we confidence towards God And in the Day of Judgment Both particular Heb. 9.27 As it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment And general Acts 3.19 Repeat ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out Their Sins are then blotted out Q. 3. How doth Christ's acquittance now differ from that at Iudgment A. They differ in respect of publickness this is secret in the Believer's bosom and that open before Men and Angels Rev. 3.5 I will confess his name before my Father and before his Angels Q. 4. What is the second Difference A. They differ in respect of subjective certainty and assurance A Believer may doubt of this but not of that 1 Cor. 4.4 5. For I know nothing of my self yet am I not hereby justified but he that judgeth me is the Lord therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come Q. 5. What is the third Difference betwixt them A. They differ in point of consolation This always bears proportion to the certainty of it Hence that day is called the time of refreshing when Christ blots out their Sins by Sentencial Justification Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Q. 6. Do Believers then lie under condemnation till that Day A. No they are truly and fully justified now Iohn 5.24 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 But this Sentence is not yet publisht by Christ's own mouth as it shall be then Q. 7. On what account shall they be acquitted in that Day A. On the very same account and score they are now viz. For the imputed Righteousness of Christ in the way of Free-grace Eph. 1.7 In wham we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. 8. Must the Saints be summoned to Christ's Bar in that Day A. Yes they must appear as well as others 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. But not to the same end Iohn 5.29 And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Q 9. What is the first Inference hence A. How sure is a Believer's Justification being so ratified privately and publickly in this World and that to come Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. Though the Day of Judgment be awfully solemn it should not be dreadful to Believers They should look for and hasten to the coming of the Day of God 2 Pet. 3.12 Looking for
say wherein have we despised thy name Q. 2. What is the first thing especially required in the third Commandment A. It requires the most aweful and reverential frame of our hearts in all our approaches to God Psal. 89.7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to he had in reverence of all them that are about him And in his Worship Ioh. 4.24 God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth Q. 3. What 's the second thing required in this Commandment A It requires truth in our witness-bearing as knowing God seeth our hearts and is witness to all that we think or speak Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth â—alsly by my name c. Q. 4. What 's the third thing required in this Commandment A. That in all our Appeals to God in secret or doubtful matters we be sure that the Appeal be necessary aweful and true Ier 17.16 As for me I have not hastened from being a pastour to follow thee neither have I desired the woful day thou knowest that which came out of my lips was right before thee Psal. 139.23 24 Search me O God and know my heart try me and know my thoughts And set if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting Q. 5. What doth this Commandment especially forbid A. It forbids and condemns all profane Oaths as most injurious to the Name of God Matth. 5.34 37. Swear not at all neither by heaven for it is Goâ—s throne c. but let your communication be yea yea nay nay for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil Q. 6. VVhat is the danger of profane or false Swearing A. Such are reckoned Enemies to God Psal. 139.20 Thine enemies take thy name in vain The Curse of God enters into such Families Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the hoâ—se of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name c. And the Lord will not hold them guiltless Q. 7. VVhat else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids and condemns all heedless wandering and drowsie performance of Gods Worship Isa. 29.13 14. VVherefore the Lord said forasmuch as this people drew near me with their mouth and with their lips do honour me bâ—t have removed their heart far from me and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men Therefore behold I will proceed to do a marvellous work amongst this people even a marvellous work and a wonder for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid And 2 Kings 10.31 But Iehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart for he departed not from the sins of Ieroboam which made Israel to sin Q. 8. What other sin is forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all light and irreverent use of the Scriptures especially in our jests or by way of scoffing Ier. 17.15 Behold they say unto me where is the word of the Lord let it come nowe Jer. 6.10 Behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach they have no delight in it Q. 9. By what Argument doth God enforce the third Commandment on men A. That the breakers of this Command shall surely be punished by the Lord either in this life Deut. 28.58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name The Lord thy God Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sickness and of long continuance Or in that to come Rom. 2.5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God Except they repent and reform Q. 10. What 's the first Instruction from the third Commandment A. That great and infinite is the Patience of God in forbearing provoking Sinners so long as he doth Romans 9.22 VVhat if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Q. 11. VVhat 's the second Instruction from hence A. That God is to be justified in the severest of his Judgments by which at any time he manifests his displeasure against the profaneness of the World Hos. 4.1 2 3. Hear the word of the Lord ye children of Israel for the Lord hath a controversie with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth nor mercy nor knowledge of God in the land By swearing and lying and killing and stealing and committing adultery they break out and bloud toucheth bloud Therefore shall the land â—ourn and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven yea the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away Q. 12. What 's the third Instruction from hence A. That God takes special notice of and greatly delighteth in them that fear and reverence his Name Isa. 66.5 Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word Your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said let the Lord be glorified but he shall appeaâ— to your joy and they shall be ashamed Mal. 3.16 And a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name Q. 13. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That those Parents have much to answer for that by their Examples teach or by their Negligence encourage their Children to profane Gods Name Ier. 5 7. How shall I pardon thee for this Thy children have forsaken me and sworn by them that are no Gods c. Of the Sabbath Quest. 57. WHich is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid-servant nor thy Cattle nor thy Stranger which is within thy Gates For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Quest. 58. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be an holy Sabbath unto the Lord. Quest. 59. Which day of the seven hath God
ability Gen. 47.12 And Ioseph nourished his father and his brethren and all his fathers houshold with bread according to their families Q. 8. What shall Children do when Parents abuse their Authority by forbidding Duty or commanding Sin A. In such cases Children are to obey God rather than their Parents Acts 4.19 But Peter and Iohn answered and said unto them Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God judge ye But yet to manage their refusals of Obedience with all Meekness and Humility Q. 9. What is the first duty of Husbands to their Wives A. The first â—uty on which all other Duties depend is cohabitation with them 1 Pet. 3.7 Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge c. And nothing can make this Duty void but a lawful divorce for Adultery Matth. 5.31 32. But I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife saving for the cause of fornication causeth her to commit adultery c. Q. 10. What 's the Husbands second Duty to his Wife A. True and hearty love to Soul and Body Eph. 5.25 Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it Evidencing it self in careful provision for them 1 Cor. 7.33 But he that is married careth for the things of the world how he may please his wife But especially to their Souls in winning them to Christ 1 Cor 7.16 Or how knowest thou O man whether thou shalt save thy wife And building them up in Christ 1 Pet. 3.7 Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel and as being heirs together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindred Q. 11. What are the Duties of Wives to their Husbands A. 'T is their Duty 1. To be in subjection to their own Husbands Eph. 5.22 23. Wives submit your selves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church 2 To reverence them Eph. 5.33 And the wife see that she reverence her husband 3. To express their Reverence in suitable Words and Actions 1 Pet. 3.6 Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him Lord c. 4. To be faithful to them Prov. 31.12 She will do him good and not evil all the dayes of her life 5. To adorn their Relation with meekness and quietness of Spirit 1 Pet. 3.4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price Q. 12. What are the Duties of Servants to their Masters A. 'T is their Duty 1. To be faithful in all things committed to their charge Tit. 2.10 Not purloining but shewing all good fidelity c. 2. To honour them in all respectful Words and Carriages 1 Tim. 6.1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour c. 3. To bear patiently their rebukes 1 Pet. 2.18 19. Servants be subject to your masters with all fear not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward For this is thank-worthy if a man for conscience toward God endure grief suffering wrongfully Q. 13. What is the first Duty of Masters to their Servants A. Their first Duty is to rule over them with gentleness and not with terrour and rigour Eph. 6.9 And ye masters do the same things unto them forbearing â—oreatning Knowing that your master also is in heaven neither is there respect of persons with him Q. 14. What 's the second Duty of Masters to their Servants A. To pay them their Wages fully and without delay Deut. 24.14 15. Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is peer and needy whether he be of thy brethren or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates At his day thou shalt give him â—is hire neither shall the sun go down upon it fâ—r he is poor and setteth his heart upon it lest he cry against thee unto the Lord and it be sin unto thee And to provide Food for them convenient Prov. 27.27 And thou shalt have goats-milk enough for thy â—â—od for the food of thy houshold and for the maintenance for thy maidens Q. 15. What 's the third Duty of Masters to their Servants A. The third and principal Duty is to engage them as much as in them lies to the wayes of God and Duties of Religion as Abraham did Gen. 18.19 For I know him that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord c. And Ioshua Josh. 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Of the sixth Commandment Quest. 67. WHich is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shalt not kill Quest. 68. What is required in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life and the life of others Quest. 69. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life or the life of our Neighbour unjustly or whatsoever tendeth thereunto Q. 1. What is the natural order of these Commandments in the second Table A. In these Commands God begins with the nearest concern of Man which is Life Iob 2.4 Skin for skin yea all that a man hath will he give for his life Next to that his Command guards his nearest Relative from whom the best outward comfort is to rise his Wife Mark 10.8 And they twain shall be one flesh c. After that his good Name which is very precious to him Eccles. 7.1 A good name is better than precious oyntment And then his Goods which support his life Isa. 3.1 For behold the Lord the Lord of hasts doth take away from Ierusalem and from Iudah the â—â—ay and the staff the whole stay of bread and the whole stay of water Q. 2. How far doth this Command extend it self A. It prohibits all Crueltâ— and commands all Help Care and Pity so far as Mens hearts and hands can go for the relief and preservation of others Psal. 119.96 But thy commandment is exceeding broad Q 3. Doth this Command respect only the outward action or also the inward passion of the Soul A. It respects and bridles the inward Passion of the Soul as well as outward Actions as Hatred 1 Iohn 3.15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer c. And causless Anger Matth. 5.22 But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment c. Q. 4. Doth this Command only respect the lives of others A. No it primarily respects our own lives and forbids us all things that tend to the shortening and ruin of them Eph. 5.29 For no man ever yet hated
his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the church Q. 5. How many ways may men sin against this Command with respect to their own lives A. A Man sinneth against his own Life not only by destroying himself as the Jaylour would have done Acts 16.27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep and seeing the prison doors open he drew out his sword and would have killed himself supposing that the prisoners had been fled But by refusing Food or Physick to preserve Life or macerating our Bodies with excessive Sorrows 2 Cor. 7.10 But the sorrow of the world worketh death or envy at others felicity Prov. 14.30 But envy the rottenness of the bones Q. 6. How are men guilty of murther with respect to others A. Murther with respect to others may be either with relation to their Bodies Numb 35.30 Whoso killeth any person the murtherer shall be put to death c. Or to their Souls which is the most heinous murder in the World Ezek. 3.18 When I say unto the wicked thou shalt sureâ—y dye and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life the same wicked man shall dye in his iniquity but his blood will I require at thine hand Q. 7. Is all destruction of anothers Life murder in the account of God A. No it is not if the Life of a Person be taken away in the course of Justice Gen. 9.6 Whoso sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed Or in a just and necessary War Iudges 5.23 Curse ye Meroz said the Angel of the Lord curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof becauâ—e they came not to the help of the Lord to the help of the Lord against the mighty Or by pure Accident Deut. 19.5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree and the head slippeth from the helve and lighteth upon his neighbour that he dye he shall flee unto one of those cities and live Or in self defence Exâ—d 22.2 If a thief be found breaking up and be smitten that he dye there shall no blood be shed for him Q. 8. Is there no other way of breaking this Command A. Yes there is Innocents may be murdered under the forms and solemnities both of Justice and Religion So Naboth was murdered by Iezebel 1 Kings 21.12 13. They proclaimed a fast and sit Naboth on high among the people And there came in two men children of Beliaâ— and sat before him And the men of Belial witnessed against him even against Naboth in the presence of the people saying Naboth did blaspheme God and the King Then they carried him forth out of the city and stoned him with stones that he dyed And the Martyrs by bloody Papists And this strongly proves a day of Judgment Eccles. 3.16 17. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment that wickedness was there and the place of righteousness that iniquity was there I said in mine heart God shall judge the righteous and the wicked for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work Q. 9. Are Duels forbidden in this Commandment A. Yes they are for whatever point of Honour be touched or whatever Provocation be given we are not to be our own avengers Rom. 12.19 Dearly beloved avenge not your selves c. Q. 1â— What 's the first Inference hence A. That we have great cause to bless God for his protecting Law and for Humane Laws grounded upon his Law for the protection of our Lives Rom. 13.4 For he is the minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil Q. 11. What 's the second Inference hence A. That all that are guilty of this Sin have great cause to be humbled and afflicted For it 's a crying Sin Gen. 4.10 The voice of thy brothers blood cryeth unto me from the ground Yet not to despair of Mercy upon true Repentance Manasseth shed innocent blood and yet was pardoned upon Repentance 2 Kin. 21.16 Moreover Manasseth shed innocent blood very much till he had fâ—â—â—ed Ierusalem from one end to another c. Q. 12. Whatâ—s the third Inference hence A. Let all Men watch against Pride Passion Malice and Revenge the Sins of the Heart from which this horrid Sin proceeds Matth. 15.18 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders c. Of the seventh Commandment Quest. 70. WHich is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit Adultery Quest. 71. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our Neighbours chastity in heart speech and behaviour Quest. 72. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions Q. 1. What is the first Duty required in this Commandment A. The first Duty required in this Commandment is the preservation of our own Chastity in heart lip and life 1 Thess. 4.3.4 For this is the will of God even your sanctification that ye should abstain from fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour And Eph. 4.29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth c. Q. 2. Why must we preserve our own Chastity A. Because our Bodies are or ought to be the Temples of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6.15 19. Know ye not that your bodies are the membeâ—s of Christ Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot God forbid What know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God and ye are not your own And it is the express charge of God that they be kept pure and clean 1 Thess. 4.3 4. For this is the will of God even your sanctification that ye should abstain from fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour Q. 3. What is the second Reason A. The second Reason is because of the evil of it to our selves As 1. It injures the Body 1 Cor. 6.18 He that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body 2. It levels us with the Heathen Eph. 4.17 19. This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness 3. Dishonours our Names Prov. 6.32 33. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman a wound and dishonour shall he get c. 4. Scatters our Estates Prov. 5.10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth and thy labours be in the house of strangers 5. Destroyeth the Soul Prov. 6.32 He that doth it destroyeth his own soul. Q. 4. What Age is most incident to
speaketh lies shall not escape A sin which God will punish Mal. 3.5 And I will come near to you to judgment and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against false swearers c. Q. 9. What else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all whisperings and back-bitings of others secretly 2 Cor. 12.20 Lest there be debates envyings wraths strifes back-bitings whisperings c. And all Tale-carrying from one to another to our Neighbours injury Levit. 19.16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people c. And 1 Tim. 5.13 And not only idle but taâ—lers also and busie-bodies speaking things which they ought not Q. 10. What else doth the ninth Commandment forbid A. It forbids all rash and unwarrantable judging of other Mens Hearts and final Estates which is usually accompanied with ignorance of our own Matth. 7.1 3. Iudge not that ye be not judged And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye Q. 11. What else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids the eclipsing of the true worth and honour of others by a proud exalting of our selves 1 Cor. 13.4 5. Charity envieth not charity vaunteth not it self is not puffed up c. Or by crying up one to the disparagement of another good Man 1 Cor. 3.4 5. For while one saith I am of Paul and another I am of Apollo are ye not carnal c. Q. 12. What is the first Inference from hence A. That the best Christians have cause to be humbled for the sins of the Tongue whereby God is dishonoured and others are injured Iam. 3.2 If any man offend not in word the same is a perâ—ect man and able also to bridle the whole body And ver 5.6 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth And the tongue is a fire a world of iniquity so is the tongue amongst our members that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature and it is set on fire of hell Q. 13. What 's the second Inference from hence A. 'T is our great concernment to walk with that Piety and Justice towards God and Men as to cut off all just occasions of reproach from our own Names 2 Cor. 11.12 But what I do that I will do that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion c. 1 Tim. 5.14 I will therefore that the younger women marry bear children guide the house give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully Q. 14. What 's the third Inference from this Commandment A. To bless God that our Names are kept sweet and honourable in the World among good Men 3 Epis Iohn 12. Demetrius hath a good report of all men c. Or if we be reproached it is by none but wicked Men and that for our Duty to God Dan. 6.5 Then said thâ—se men we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel except we find it against him concerning the law of his God Of the tenth Commandment Quest. 79. WHich is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours Wife nor his Man-servant nor his Maid-servant nor his Oxe nor his Ass nor any thing that is thy Neighbours Quest. 80. What is required in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition with a right and charitable frame of Spirit towards our Neighbour and all that is his Quest. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate envying or grieving at the good of our Neighbour and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his Q. 1. What is the principal scope and aim of the tenth Commandment A. It is to prevent all occasions of transgressing the other Precepts of the second Table by restraining this sin of Covetousness in the heart Psal. 119.35 36. Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments for therein do I delight Incline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness Q. 2. What doth this tenth Command require of us in reference to our selves A. It requires of us perfect contentment and satisfaction with that estate and condition wherein God hath placed us in the World Hebr. 13.5 Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have c. Reckoning it to be good for us to be in that state we are though never so low or afflicted Psal. 119.67 Before I was afflicted I went astray but now have I kept thy word And ver 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes Q. 3. Is contentment with Gods appointments attainable in this life A Some Christians have attained to a very great measure and eminent degree of Contentment in the midst of changeable and afflictive Providences Phil. 4.11 I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content Psal. 16.5 6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage Q. 4. Is there no danger of the sin of discontent in a full and prosperous condition A. Fulness of the World secures no Man from the sin of Discontentment with his own or coveting that which is anothers because the desires enlarge as the Eâ—tate doth Psal. 62.10 If riches increase set â—â—t your hearts upon them An instance whereof we have in Ahab 1 Kings 21.4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Iezreelite had spoken to him for he had said I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers and he laid him dâ—wn upon his bed and turned away his face and would eat no bread Q. 5. VVhence doth Discontent with our condition spring A. It springs partly from our ignorance of Gods wisdom and love in ordering all for our good Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God c. Partly from our inconsiderateness of the vanity of the Creature 1 Tim. 6.7 8. For we broâ—ght nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out And having food and raiment let us be therewith content And partly from our Unbelief Matth. 6.31 32. Therefore take no thought saying what shall we eat or what shall we drink or where withal shall we be cloathed for after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things Q. 6. Is contentment with our own estate all that this Commandment requires A. No it requires a charitable frame of Spirit towards our Neighbours also Rom.
of my mind c. And though they are said not to sin 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin c. that is not to be taken absolutely but comparatively as they once did and others still do Q. 7. But did not Christ command the young man to keep the Law A. 'T is true that Christ did put the young man upon this task Matth. 19.17 If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments But it was not on a supposition that he was able to do it but to convince him of the impossibility of Justification that way Q. 8. But doth not the Apostle say that the righteousness of the laâ—â— is fulfilled in Believers A. 'T is true that the Apostle doth say so Rom. 8.4 but the meaning is not that we fulfil it in our own persons by our compleat obedience to it but it is fulfilled in us by our union with Christ who perfectly kept it and that Righteousness of the Law which is in Christ becomes ours by Gods imputation of it to us Rom. 4.23 24. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him But for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him that raised up Iesus our Lord from the dead Q 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Justification by our own Works is utterly impossible to the holiest of Men Gal. 2.16 For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquities O Lord who shall stand Q. 10. What 's the second Inference from hence A. Hence we learn what an infinite Mercy it is that God sent Jesus Christ made under the Law Gal. 4.4 5. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law c. To do that for us we could never do for our selves Rom. 8.3 4. For what the law could not do in that it was weak thâ—ough the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit Q. 11. What 's the third Inference from hence A. That the dreadful Curse must needs lye on all Unbelievers that are out of Christ Iohn 3.36 He that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him And seek their Justification by the deeds of the Law Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse c. Q. 12. What 's the fourth Inference from hence A. What a deluge of sin and misery brake in upon the whole World by the fall of Adam and all his Posterity being by him plunged under both Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man siâ— entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 13. What 's the fifth Inference from hence A. That the Popish Doctrines of Merits and Works of Supererogation are false and groundless Doctrines springing out of the ignorance aud pride of mans heart Q. 14. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That all Gods people should sigh under their unhappy necessity of sinning Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death And long to be with Christ in the perfect state Hebr. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Of the inequality of Sin Quest. 83. ARe all Transgressions of the Law equally hainous A. Some Sins in themselves and by reason of several Aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God than others Q. 1 Whence ariseth the first difference of sin A. The first difference betwixt one sin and another ariseth from the immediate object against which the sin is committed on this account sins immediately committed against God are more heinous than sins committed immediately against Man 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the Iudge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him And all sins of the First Table are greater than those of the Second yet there are crying sins against the Second Q. 2. What 's the first sin noted for an heinous sin A. The sin of Murder is in Scripture set down for an heinous and crying sin in its own nature Gen. 4.10 The voice of thy brothers blood cryeth unto me from the earth Q. 3. What other sin is noted for a crying sin A. The sin of Oppression is noted in Scripture for a crying sin Hab. 2.11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the oâ—am out of the timber shall answer it Especially the oppression of the Widow and Fatherless Exod. 22.22 23. Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child If thou afflict them in any wise and they cry at all unto me I will surely hear their cry Q. 4. What is reckoned in Scripture an heinous sin against the First Table A. The sin of Atheism or denying the Being of God is a sin of the first magnitude Iob 31.28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the Iudge for I should have denyed the God that is above This was the sin of Pharaoh Exod. 5.2 And Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Q. 5. What other sin is heinous in Gods account A. The sin of Idolatry is a most heinous sin and goes nearer to the heart of God than other sins do Ezek. 6.9 And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives because I am broken with their whâ—rish heart which hath departed from me and with their eyes which go a whoring after their idols and they shall loath themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations Jer. 44.4 Oh do not this abominable thing that I hate Q. 6. What 's the most heinous of all the sins in the world A. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the most heinous of all other sins and shall never be forgiven by Him Matth. 12.31 All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men Q. 7. From whence doth this Scripture aggravate sin A The Spirit of God in Scripture aggravates and estimates sin from the degree of light and knowledge Men sin against Luke 12.47 And that servant which knew his Lords will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes John 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Q. 8. What 's the second thing that aggravates sin A. The more Mercies any man
delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Of what God requires of us Quest 85. WHat doth God require of us that we may escape his Wrath and Curse due to us for Sin A. To escape the Wrath and Curse of God due to us for Sin God requireth of us Faith in Iesus Christ Repentance unto Life with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption Q. 1. What are the things required of us to escape Gods Wrath and Curse due to us for Sin A. The things required of us are 1. Faith in Jesus Christ Acts 16.31 And they said believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house 2. Repentance from Sin Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out c. 3. Diligent striving in the use of all Gods appointed means Luke 13.24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate for many I say unto you shall seek to enter in and shall not be able Q. 2. Are these things in Mans power to perform that God requires of him A. Though they are our Duties yet we have no power in our selves by Nature to perform them but the power is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Q. 3. But if Men be in Christ and justified from Eternity what need of this A. Though God from Eternity decreed and Christ long since purchased the Salvation of the Elect yet have they no union with Christ till they believe Ephes. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love Nor remission of Sin Acts 3.19 That your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord but lye under wrath as others do Eph. 2.3 12. And were by nature the children of wrath even as others Ver. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Q. 4 If it be God that can only work these Graces in us to what purpose is our striving A. Gods working doth not exclude Mans striving but more excites and obliges us to it Phil. 2.12 13. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his own good pleasure Q. 5. To what purpose is it to strive in the use of means except we knew we were elected A. The knowledge of our Election is not antecedent to our diligence but our diligence is required antecedently to that knowledge 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather Brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure c. Q. 6. Is it not legal to put Natural Men upon striving in the use of means A. No it is not for Christ himself enjoyns it Luke 13 24. Strive to enter in at the strait gate c. And so did the Apostles after him Acts 8.22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee Q. 7. Is there no escaping Gods Wrath and 〈◊〉 without Faith and Repentance A. No it is impossible to escape them Iohn 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape it we neglect so great salvation Q. 8. But if a man reform his life and live soberly and justly for time to come may he not that way escape Gods Wrath and Curse A. No Sobriety and Reformation are Duties but it 's Faith and Regeneration that puts men into Christ and out of danger Matth. 5.20 Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven Titus 3.5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Q. 9. Do all believing and penitent Sinners escape Gods Wrath and Curse A. Yes they do and shall for ever escape it Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus c. Col. 1.12 13. Giving thanks unto God the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son Joh. 5.24 He that beareth 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 Q. 10. What is the first Inference hence A. Hence it appears how false and dangerous the Antinomian Doctrine is which teacheth that our Sins are pardoned before they are committed or we either believe or repent contrary to Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me James 5.20 He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death c. Acts 10.43 To him give all the prophets witness that through his name whoseover believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Q. 11. What 's the second Inference from hence A. Hence it follows that it is dangerous on the one side not to strive in all the wayes of Duty for Christ and Salvation contrary to Luke 13.24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate for many I say unto you will seek to enter in and shall not be able And as dangerous on the other side to rest in and depend on our own Works and Duties Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. 12. What 's the third Inference hence A. Hence we learn the miserable stare of all unbelievers and impenitent persons the Curse and Wrath of God lyes upon them Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse c. And their Mittimus for Hell is already made Iohn 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already Q. 13. What 's the fourth Inference hence A. Hence we learn the happy state into which Faith and Repentance brings the Souls of Men Acts 13.38 39. By him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses Of Saving Faith Quest. 86. WHat is Faith in Iesus Christ A. Faith in Iesus Christ is a saving Grace whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for Salvation as he is offered to us in the
no hope and without God in the world Q. 14. Wâ—at â—s the last Instruction hence A. That those that perish in the midst of Ordinances and means of Salvation will perish with aggravated perdition Matth. 11.23 And thou Capernaum which art exalted unto heaven shalt be brought down to hell for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day Of the Word read and heard Quest. 89. HOw is the Word made effectual to Salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading but especially the preaching of the Word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and building them up in holiness and comfort through Faith unto Salvation Q. 1. What mean you by the Word A. By the Word is meant the Word of God consigned to writing in the Books of the Old and New Testament which though it be ministred by men yet it is no other than the very Word of God and as such to be received 1 Thess. 2.13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God c. Q. 2. Whence is the efficacy of this Word A. It is wholly from the Spirit of God that it becomes effectual to any mans Salvation 1 Cor. 3 6 7. I have planted and Apollo watered but God gave the increase So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Q. 3. Is the reading of the Scripture an Ordinance of God for mens Salvation A. Yes it is Deut. 17.19 And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them And in reading of it God sometimes comes in by his Spirit to mens conversion Acts 8.27 28 29. And he arose and went and behold a man of Ethiopia an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians who had the charge of all her treasure and had come to Ierusalem for to worship was returning and sitting in his chariot read Isaias the prophet Then the spirit said to Philip go near and joyn thy self to his chariot c. Q. 4. Is the hearing of the Word a means of Salvation A. Yes it is Isa. 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live c. 1 Cor. 1.21 It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe Q. 5. To what end is the Word useful to men A. The first end and use of the Word is to convince men of their sin and misery out of Christ 1 Cor 14.24 25. But if all prophesie and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest c. Q. 6. What is it useful for besides conviction A. 'T is useful for conversion as well as conviction Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul c. Acts 26.18 To turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God c Q. 7. Doth the Word convince and convert all that hear it A. No but those only that are ordained to Eternal Life Acts 13.48 As many as were ordained to eternal life believed Q. 8. What else is the Word useful for A. To build up the Saints to perfection in Christ Eph. 4.11 12 13. And he gave some apostles and some prophets and some evangelists and some pastours and teachers for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness in Christ. Acts 20.32 And now brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified Q. 9. May the common people read the Scriptures A. Yes 't is a duty commanded by Christ Ioh. 5.39 Search the scriptures c. and commended by the Apostle Acts 17.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures dayly whether those things were so Q. 10. Is it their duty or liberty also to preach it A. No it is not for besides abilities for that work there must be a call Rom. 10.14 15. How shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they preach except they be sent c. Q. 11. What 's the first Instruction from hence A. That the enjoyments of the Scripture and an able faithful Ministry to expound and apply them is a special Mercy to any people Psal. 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Iacob his statutes and judgments unto Israel he hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not knows them Q. 12. What 's the second Instruction A. That men cannot expect Special and Spiritual Blessings from God in the wilful neglect of the Ordinances Prov. 28.9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law even his prayer shall be abomination Q. 13. What 's the third Inference A. That sad is their condition who sit all their dayes under the Word to no purpose at all 2 Cor. 4.3 4. If our gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine into them Q. 14. What 's the last Inference A. That Christs Ordinances and Ministers should be most welcome to the people to whom God sends them Isa. 52.7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings that publisheth peace that publisheth salvation that saith unto Zion thy God reigneth Of the manner of Hearing Quest. 90. HOw is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to Salvation A. That the Word may become effectual to Salvation we must attend thereunto with Diligence Preparation and Prayer receive it with Faith and Love lay it up in our Hearts and practise it in our Lives Q. 1. If the matter we read or hear be good is not that enough for our salvation A. No God requires that the Word be read and heard in a due manner and the manner of hearing is of special regard with God Luke 8.18 Take â—eed therefore how ye hear c. Q. 2. How many things belong to the due manner of hearing A. Three sorts of Duties belong to it some antecedent as preparation
which are known by Travellers to be small not capable of plunging into Q. 10. What are the benefits accruing to us by Baptism A. The benefits are twofold some external called the fatness of the Olive-tree i. e. Ordinances and visible Membership Rom. 11.17 And thou being a wild olive-tree were grafted in amongst them and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive-tree And some spiritual and saving 1 Pet. 3.21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Iesus Christ. Q. 11. What engagements are said on the Baptized A. They are engaged to be the Lords people and walk suitable to that engagement Rom. 6.4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life Q. 12. Is Baptism to be reiterated as the Lords Supper A. No for the Lords Supper is a Sacrament for nourishing but this for implantation Rom 6.4 5. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Q. 13. Doth Baptism regenerate men and confer saving Grace A. No it doth not in its own vertue convey Grace no more than the Lords Supper but the Spirit of God is the Author of Grace and works it as he pleases before or after Baptism Of the subjects of Baptism Quest. 95. TO whom is Baptism to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church till they profess their Faith in Christ and Obedience to him but the infants of such as are members of the visible Church are to be Baptized Q. 1. Who are to be Baptized A. Believers and their insane off-spring Acts 2.39 For the promise is to you and your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Q. 2. How doth it appear that the infant seed of Believers ought to be Baptized A. It appears by this that they being Abrahams Seed were taken into Covenant with God and ordered to have the sign of the Covenant applyed to them and that Grant was never reversed Gen. 17.7 10. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee every man-child among you shall be circumcised Q. 3. But was not that the Covenant of Works and so will not â—old to infer their priviledge under the Covenant of Grace A. No it was not for God never did nor will become a God by way of special interest to any people by vertue of the Covenant of Works since the breach of it by the fall Q. 4. But if it were the Covenant of Grace how doth it appear the right of Believers Infants is still the same it was before in Abrahams time A. It appears plainly from the Apostles own words and arguments Acts 2.39 For the promise is to you and to your children c. Q. 5. But though Infants then were members of Gods visible Church among the Iews how doth it appear they are so now when God hath vast them off A. It appears the membership and priviledges are as sure and ample to them now that are the Children of Gentile-believers as ever they were to the Iewish Infants Rom. 11.17 And if some of the branches be broken off and then being a wild olive-tree wert grafted in amongst them and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive-tree Q. 6. How else doth it appear they are within the Covenant A. It appears by this that they are pronounced holy 1 Cor. 7.14 Else were your children unclean but now are they holy Which is a foederal holiness and none out of Covenant can be holy by Covenant Q. 7. But may not that place mean only their legitimacy A. No it cannot for then the Apostle must pronounce all the Infants in the World bastards that descend not at least from one believing Parent Q. 8. But Infants are not capable to Covenant with God or perform Covenant Duties and therefore why should they be admitted to Covenant Priviledges A. A Child now of eight dayes old is as capable of being admitted into Covenant with God as Children of the same age were in Abrahams dayes and then it 's manifest they were admitted Q. 9. Though they were admitted by Circumcision then will it follow they may be so by Baptism now seeing that Ordinance is abolished A. Yes it will for though Circumcision cease yet Baptism is come into its place Col. 2.10 11 12. And ye are complete in him which is the head of all principality and power In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ buried with him in baptism c. Q. 10. But Circumcision was a Seal of the Covenant of Works and the argument will not hold from a Seal of the Covenant of Works to a Seal of the Covenant of Grace A. Circumcision never was nor was intended to be a Seal of the Covenant of Works but of the Righteousness of Faith Rom. 4.11 And he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had yet being uncircumcised c. Q. 11. But have we no express command in the New Testament to baptize Infants A. There needed no new command their priviledge had been setled many ages before upon them and never reversed by Christ or his Apostles but their former right declared to continue still to them Acts 2.39 For the promise is to you and your children c. Q. 12. But if they have a right we might expect to find some examples of their baptizing A. 'T is manifest that Believers housholds were baptized with them Acts 16.15 33. And when she was baptized and her houshold c. Ver. 33. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes and was baptized he and all his straightway And if Infants are not named so neither are any of Age born of Christian Parents Q. 13. But many trust to their Infant-baptism as to their Regeneration and so much mischief 's done A. They do so yet the Duty is not therefore to be neglected The preaching of Christ is to some a stumbling block yet Christ must be preached for all that Q. 14. But many baptized Infants prove naught
in our selves every lust that contradicts Gods Will and renounce without our selves every thing that comes in competition therewith 1 Cor. 9. ult But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection least that by any means when I have preached to others I my self should be a cast away Gal. 6.14 But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Iesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world Q. 20. What is the third Inference A. That it is in vain yea a provocation to pray if we be not obedient to Gods Will Prov. 2.8 9. He keepeth the paths of judgment and preserveth the way of his saints Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment and equity yea every good path Q. 21. What is the fourth Inference A. That the Law still hath the authority of a Rule to Believers because it reveals Gods Will which they must do Concerning our Dayly Bread Quest. 14. WHat do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily Bread we pray that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enioy his Blessing with them Q. 1. Why is this Petition placed after the three former A. Because those concern immediately and generally Gods Glory in the advancement of his Name Kingdom and Will which ought to be preferred to all our personal concerns Psal. 69.9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up Acts 21.13 For I am ready not to be bound only but also to dye at Ierusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus Q. 2. Why is it put before the two following Petitions A. Not for its worth but for its order for we can have no Spiritual Blessings unless we have a Natural Being in this Life Q. 3. What kind of Bread is here meant A. Not Spiritual Bread or our Lord Christ as some but Corporal and Temporal Q. 4. What is included in this word Bread A. Not that only which we call strictly Bâ—â—ad but all the good things of this present Life Q. 5. Do we hereby beg pure necessities only A. No we pray for conveniencies for our comfort as well as necessaries for our life Q. 6. Do we herein pray only for personal good things for our being A. No we pray for civil good things for our condition that according to our degree in the World in which God hath placed us we may have a convenient allowance Q. 7. Do we pray here for our selves only A. No but also for our Charge Children and Family that under and with us they may have the good things of this Life Q. 8. Why do we pray to God for these good things can we not get them our selves or our fellow creatures give them to us A. Not without God Whatever we have of these things they are from God who ever be the second cause or instrument if our selves God gives us ability and success to get them if others God inclined their hearts and opened their hands to bestow them Deut. 8.17 18. And thou say in thine heart my power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth Q. 9. Why do we pray to God to give us Bread A. Because the least crumb of Bread is a free gift and never can be merited by all we can do or suffer Luke 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants Q. 10. Why are all these good things couched under the expression Bread A. 1. Because Bread is one of the most necessary and useful things to preserve Life 2. Because we must not ask delicacies and dainties of God Q. 11. What is meant by day in the Petition A. Either 1. a Natural day of twenty four hours Or 2. the day of our whole life Q. 12. Why do we pray for Dayly bread A. Because God must give us the mercies and good things of every day or else we cannot have them Q. 13. Why should we not pray for weekly or monthly or yearly Bread as well as dayly A. 1. Because 't is fit we should be still sensible of our dependance upon God 2 Because we do frequently pray to God and so exert our Graces and maintain communion with him and dayly render thanks for dayly favour Psalm 55.17 Evening and morning and at noon will I pray and cry aloud and he shall hear my voice Q. 14. What need we to pray for Dayly bread when we may have stores laid up for years A. They that have the good things of this Life need to pray this Petition as well as they that have them not Not that they may have Bread but that it may be Bread to them for except God give his Blessing upon it Bread would be ashes and not sustaneous neither could all the comforts of this Life do us any good Isa. 3.1 For behold the Lord the Lord of hosts doth take away from Ierusalem and from Iuda the whole stay of bread and the whole stay of water Mal. 2.1 2. And now O ye priests this commandment is for you If you will not hear and if ye will not lay it to heart to give glory unto my name saith the Lord of hosts I will even send a curse upon you and will curse your blessings yea I have cursed them already because you do not lay it to heart Q. 15. Why do we pray only for dayly Bread or a competency may we not pray for abundance and riches A. No because Riches are a great snare and temptation Matth. 19.23 24. Then said Iesus unto his disciples Verily I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven And again I say unto you it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God Prov. 30.8 9. Remove far from me vanity and lyes give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord Or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Q. 16. What shall we then do with Riches if Providence cast them upon us shall we cast them away A. No for some of the best of Men and greatest of Gods favorites have lived and dyed rich But 1. We must wean our hearts from them Psal. 62.10 Trust not in oppression and become not vaine in robbery if riches increase set not your heart upon them 2. Be thankful for them and 3. Fruitful with them in acts of Piety and Charity 1 Tim. 6.17 19. Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high minded nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God who giveth