of the righteous judgment of God Q. 6. What is the Third Evidence of God's Iustice A. The Third Evidence of the Justice of God is in making good all the mercies he hath promised to believers exactly to a tittle 1 Iohn 1.19 If we confess our sins he is faithfull and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 2 Tim. 4.8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge will give me at that day Q. 7. What is the First inference from God's Iustice A. That sinners have no cause to complain of God's Judgments though they be never so terrible or durable 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 Q. 8. What is the Second Inference from God's Iustice A. That without doubt there is a Judgment to come in the next Life otherwise God would not have the glory of his Justice Eccles. 3.16 17. I saw under the sun the place of judgment that wickedness was there and the place of righteousness that iâ—iquity was there I said in mine heart God shall judge the righteous and the wicked Q. 9. What is the Third Inference from God's Iustice A. That penitent and believing sinners need not doubt of the forgiveness of their sins 1 Iohn 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness Q. 10. What is the Last Inference from it A. The Last Inference is That meekness and patience under afflictions is our unquestionable Duty and murmuring against God is a great sin and evil Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Of Gâ—d's Goodness Quest. 1. WHAT is the Goodness of God A. It is an Essential Property of his Nature whereby he is absolutely and perfectly good in himself and the Fountain of all communicated Goodness to the Creature Psalm 119.68 Thou art good and dost good teach me thy Statutes Q 2. How doth the Goodness of God differ from the Mercy of God A. It differs in its Objects for Misery is the Object of Mercy but Goodness extends to the Creatures that are happy as well as miserable as the Angels Psal. 145.9 The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Q. 3. What is the First Property of God's Goodness A. That all his other Attributes flow out of it as their Fountain The other Acts of God are but the Effluxes of his Goodness Exod. 33.19 And he said I will make all my goodness pass before thee and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will shew mercy unto whom I will shew mercy Exod. 34.6 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 Q 4 What is the Second Property of the Divine Goodness A. That it is supream and perfect in it self so as the goodness of no Creature is or can be Luke 18.19 None is good save one and that is God And consequently above all additions from the Creature Psalm 16.2 O my soul thou hast said unto the Lord my goodness extendeth not unto thee Q. 5. What is the Third Property of God's Goodness A. That it is communicative with pleasure and delight to the Creature No Mother draws out her Breast to an hungry Child with more pleasure than God doth his Goodness to the Saints Psalm 145.9 The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Q. 6. In what Acts hath God first manifested his Goodness A. He hath manifested it in the creation and government of the World Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all Q 7. What was the principal Work in which God hath manifested his Goodness to men A. The principal manifestation of God's Goodness was in the Work of Redemption by Christ. Rom. 5.8 God commended his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us 1 John 4.8 9. In this was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten son into the world that we might live through him Q. 8. But are not the Iudgments of God on the wicked and his Afflictions on the Saints impeachments of his goodness A. No It is the property of Goodness to hate and punish Evil in the impenitent Exod 34.7 Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the guilty c. And the Afflictions of the Saints flow from his Goodness and end in their true and eternal good Heb 12.6 For whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Psalm 119.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy Stà tutes Q. 9. What may we infer from the Goodness of God A. The first thing is that Sin hath made our Natures base and disingenuous in that we take no notice of his Goodness Isa. 1.3 The ox knoweth his owner and the ass his masters crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not consider And answer not the design of it Rom. 2.4 Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance Q. 10. What is the Second Inference from the Goodness of God A. That therefore God is the fittest Object of our delight and love and of our trust and confidence 1. Of our Delight and Love Psalm 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication 2. Of our Trust and Confidence Psalm 34 8. O taste and see that the Lord is good blessed is the man that trusteth in him Q. 11. What is the Third Inference from God's Goodness A. That Christians should imitate God in his Goodness in charity to our Enemies Matt. 5.44 45. But I say unto you Love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you that ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven Q. 12. What is the Last Inference from God's Goodness A. That Christians have great encouragement to go to God for pardon in case of sin Psalm 130.4 But there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared and for refuge of dangers Nahum 1.7 The Lord is good a strong hold in the day of trouble he knoweth them that trust in him Of God's Truth Quest. 1. WHAT is the Truth of God A. It is an Essential Property of his Nature whereby he is perfectly faithful in himself and in all that he hath spoken Deut 32.4 He is the rock his work is perfect for all his ways are judgment a God of truth
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.
sins against the greater is his sin Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance And especially when 't is against Spiritual Mercies and Means of Salvation Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation c. Q. 9. Are heinous and crying sins capable of forgiveness A. Yes great and heinous sins are capable of forgiveness upon true Repentance Isa. 1.18 Tho' your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow though they be red like crimson they shall be as wooll Q. 10. From what fountains doth the pardon of all sins both great and small flow A. They all flow from the Free Grace of God Luk. 7.41 42. And when they had nothing to pay he frankly forgave them both And through the Meritorious satisfying Blood of Christ Eph. 1.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. 11. What 's the first Inference hence A. Though some sins are more heinous than others yet no Sinner should absolutely despair of Mercy for the vilest have been pardoned 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified c. Q. 12. What 's the second inference hence A. That there are different degrees of torments in Hell proportioned to the different degrees of sins on earth Matth. 11.21 22. Wo unto thee Chorazin wo unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes But I say unto you it shall be more tollerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you Q. 13. What 's the third Inference hence A. That great Sinners when pardoned and received to Mercy should excel all others in love to Christ Luke 7.42 43. Which of them will love him most Simon answered and said I suppose that he to whom he forgave most And he said unto him thou hast rightly judged Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. Let no Man neglect Christ because his Sins are not so heinous as others because the least Sin without Christ is damning Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death c. And greater Sinners are often called when lesser are not Matth. 21.31 32. The publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you Of the demerit of Sin Quest. 84. WHat doth every Sin deserve A. Every Sin deserveth Gods Wrath and Curse both in this Life and that which is to come Q. 1. Wherein doth the evil of Sin principalâ—y consist A. It consists principally in the offence it gives and the wrong it doth to God Psal. 51.4 Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight Q. 2. What 's the first offence and wrong Sin doth to God A. It consists in its enmity to God Rom. 8.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God c. Exprest in Scripture by walking contrary to him Levit. 26.40 They have also walked contrary to me Fighting against God Acts 5.39 Lest haply ye be even found to fight against God And resisting his Spirit Acts 7.51 Ye do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost Q. 3. Wherein is its enmity to God â—urther discovered in Scripture A. It 's discovered under the names and notions of hatred of God Rom. 1.30 Back-biters haters of God c. Rebellion against God 1 Sam. 15.23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft c. And despising the Commandment of God 2 Sam. 12.9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord Q. 4. What are the Attributes of God that Sin wrongs A. It wrongs all his Attributes for it slights his Sovereignty Exod. 5.2 And Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go Resists his Power 1 Cor. 10.22 Are we stranger than be Despiseth his Goodness Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness c. Taxeth his Iustice Ezek. 18.25 Yet ye say the way of the Lord is not equal c. And clouds his Holiness Jam. 2.7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called Q. 5. What doth Sin deserve in the course of Iustice from God A. It deserves all temporal and eternal effects of Gods Wrath on the Souls and Bodies of Sinners all which in Scripture go under the name of Death Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death c. Q. 6. Can these sufferings satisfie God for all this wrong A. No they cannot and therefore they must and shall be eternal on the damned Matth. 5.26 Verily I say unto thee Thou shalt by no means come out thence till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing Mark 9.44 Where their worm dyeth not and the fire is not quenched Q. 7. Shall all Sinners hear the desert of their Sins A No all that are out of Christ shall but Christ hath freed Believers from it Iohn 3.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned c. Q. 8. But is it not hard that Sinners should suffer eternally for the sins of a few years A. No it is not for the evil of Sin is not to be measured by the time in which but by the object against which it is committed Psal. 51.4 5. Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight c. Q. 9. What learn we from hence A. Hence in the first place we learn the impossibility of satisfying Gods Justice for the least Sin that ever we committed Iob 7.20 I have sinned what shall I do unto thee c. Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquity O Lord who shall stand Q. 10. What 's the second Instruction hence A. Hence we see the necessity of a Mediatour betwixt God and us Psal. 40.6 7. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire c. Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me Q. 11. What 's the third Instruction hence A. That the greatest suffering is rather to be chosen than the least sin Heb. 11.25 Chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season Q. 12. What 's the fourth Instruction hence A. It teacheth us what an invaluable Mercy the full free and fiâ—al remission of Sin is Psal. 32.1 2. Blessed is he whose wickedness is forgiven and whose sin is covered c. Q. 13. What 's the fifth Instruction hence A. It vindicates God in his severest strokes on Sinners Hos. 6.5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets I have slain them by the words of my mouth and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth Q. 14. What 's the last Instruction A. Hence we learn the infinite nature of Christs sufferings Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own son but
profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithful that hath promised Heb. 6.18 That by two immutable things in which it was impossibâ—e for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us Q. 5. What encourages the Faith of the Saints A. The manifold sweet and sensible experiences of others Psal. 74.14 Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in pieces and gavest him to be meat for the people inhabiting the wilderness And especially their own experiences Joshua 23.14 Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you all are come to pass unto you and not one thing hath failed thereof Q. 6. What 's the first sign of a weak Faith A. Staggerings in our assent to Divine Truths argue the weakness of Faith Rom. 4.20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith c. Q. 7. What 's the second sign of weak Faith A. Inability to trust God in time of danger evidenced by sinful haste to avoid it Isa. 28.16 He that believeth shall not make haste Q. 8. What 's the third sign of a weak Faith A. When we cannot live purely by Faith except we have some sensible encouragement John 20.25 Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and thrust my hand into his side I will not believe Q. 9. What 's the fourth sign of a weak Faith A. When a new temptation makes us easily let go our former confidence Luke 24.21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel and besides all this to day is the third day since these things were done Q. 10. What 's the fifth sign of a weak Faith A. The prevalence of carnal fears in times of trouble argues weak Faith Matth. 8.26 And he faith unto them why are ye fearful O ye of little faith c. Q. 11. What 's the sixth sign of a weak Faith A. Too much carefulness and anxiety about the things of this Life Matth. 6.30 Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field which to day is and to morrow is cast into the oven shall he not much more cloath you O ye of little faith Q. 12. What 's the first benefit of a strong Faith A. A strong Faith gives much Glory to God Rom. 4.19 20. And being not weak in faith he considered not his own body now dead when he was about an hundred years old neither yet the deadness of Sarahs womb He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God Q. 13. What 's the second benefit of a strong Faith A. It gives the Soul the ravishing foresight and foretasts of Heaven upon Earth 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 14. What 's the last office Faith doth for a Believer in this World A. It supports and encourages him at Death by the Promises when all other Comforts fail Heb. 11.13 These all dyed in faith not having received the promises but having seen them aâ—ar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth Of Saving Repentance Quest. 87. WHat is Repentance unto Life A. Repentance unto Life is a saving Grace whereby a Sinner out of a true sense of his sin and apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience Q. 1. Who is the Author of saving Repentance A. The Spirit of God is the Author of it the Heart by Nature is so hard that none but the Spirit can break it Ezek. 36.26 27. A new heart also will I give and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you c. Q. 2. In what act doth all true Repentance begin A. It begins in a true sight and sense of sin and the danger and misery we are in by sin Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts c. Q. 3. Why doth God work such a sense of sin and misery A. He doth it to make Christ desirable in the sinners eyes that he may fly to him Matth. 9.12 13. But when Jesus heard that he said unto them they that â—e whole need not a Physitian â—ut they that are sick But go ye and learn what that meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice for I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Q. 4. Is the â—ight of sin sufficient to Repentance A. No there must be apprehension of Mercy and forgiveness with God or else no man can sincerely repent Rom. 2.4 Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance And this Mercy must be discerned in and through Christ Zech. 12.10 And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first-born Q. 5. Wherein doth Repentance chiefly consist A. It consists in real inward sorrow for sin as committed against God Psal. 51.3 4. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight c. A loathing of our selves for it Ezek. 36.31 And shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations And of our best Duties as sinful and insufficient things Isa. 64.5 6. We are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags c. Q. 6. Wherein else doth it consist A. In turning from sin as well as grieving for it Isa. 55.7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts c. Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy Q. 7. Is turning from sin sufficient A. No that is but the negative part of Religion there must be also a sincere turning to God Psal. 119.59 I thought â—n my wayes and turned my feet unto thy testimonies Acts 11.23 And exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Q. 8. Is all sorrow for sin saving A. No there is a Repentance that doth no good Matth. 27.3 Then Iudas which had betrayed him when he saw that he was condemned repented himself c. And a Repentance unto Life Acts 11.18 Then hath God also to 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
and hastening unto the coming of the day of God c. Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. That Faith is a Grace of absolute necessity and unspeakable excellency Rom. 5.1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. All unbelievers are in a miserable State now Iohn 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already And worse in the world to come Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Of the full Enjoyment of God Quest. 1. WHAT doth perfect Blessedness suppose and imply A. It supposes the total Freedom of Believers from all the moral evil of Sin Eph. 5.27 That he might present you to himself a glorious Church not having spot nor wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish And from all the penal evils of suffering Rev. 21.4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away Q. 2 What else is implied in perfect Blessedness A. It implies the full and perfect enjoyment of God 1 Cor. 15.28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all Q 3. What is it for God to be all in all A. It implies three things in it First That all the Saints shall be filled and satisfied from God alone Secondly That there shall be no need of other things out of which they were wont to fetch comfort Thirdly That all other things as Heaven Angels Saints should be loved and enjoyed in God Q. 4 In what respect shall they Enjoy God in Heaven A They shall have the glorious and immediate presence of God with them Rev. 21.3 God himself shall be with them and be their God Q 5. In what other respects shall they Enjoy God A They shall see him as he is 1 Iohn 3.2 We shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Q 6. What will such a vision of God produce A It will produce perfect conformity in them to God 1 Iohn 3.2 When he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is And perfect joy will result from hence Psal. 16.11 In thy presence is fulness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Q. 7. Do not the Saints enjoy God here A. Yes they do but not so as they shall enjoy him in Heaven 1 Cor. 13.12 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 are the special differences between the Saints Communion with God here and that in Heaven A. Their Communion with God here is clogg'd with Sin Rom. 7.21 I find then a law that when I would do good evil is present with me Here it is not constant Psal. 22.1 My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Nor is it satisfyîng but in Heaven it will be pure constant and satisfying Q. 9. How long shall they there enjoy God A. Not for days years ages but for ever and ever 1 Thes. 4.17 And so shall we be ever with the Lord. Q 10. What is the first Instruction from hence A. That the World is not the place of the Saints rest and satisfaction Heb. 4.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God 2 Cor. 5.2 6. For in this we groan earnestly desiring to be cloathed upon with our house which is from heaven therefore we are always confident knowing that whilst we are at home in the body we we are absent from the Lord. Q. 11. What is the second Instruction from hence A. That Death is a singular benefit to the Saints and though it be an enemy to Nature yet it is the medium to Glory 2 Cor. 5.4 For we that are in this Tabernacle do groan being burthened not for that we would be uncleathed but cloathed upon that mortality might be swallowed up of life Q. 12. What is the third Instruction hence A. The necessity of Faith and Regeneration in this World None shall be raised up in glory acknowledged acquitted and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God but Believers Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Of Man's Duty to God Quest. 39. WHAT is the Duty that God requireth of Man A. The Duty whâ—ch God requireth of Man is Obedience to his revealed will Q 1. Is Obedience to God's will the Duty of every Man A. It is unquestionably the Duty of every man to obey the will of God so far as he hath made it known to him Micah 6.8 He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Q. 2. On what aâ—count is Man's Obedience due to God A. 'T is due to him First As he is Creator In whom we live and move and have our being Acts 17.27 28. Secondly As he is our Benefactor from whom we receive all our Mercies Deut. 28.47 Because thou servest not the Lord thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee in hunger thirst and nakedness and in want of all things Thirdly As he is our Lord and Law-giver Iam 4.12 There is one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy Q. 3. Is Obedience due to none but God only A. Yes subjects must obey their lawful Magistrates Rom. 13.1 Let every soul be subject to the higher powers for there is no power but of God The powers that be are ordained of God People their Ministers Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give an account Children their Parents Eph. 6.1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right But not as they are to obey God Q. 4. What is the difference betwixt our obediencâ— to God's Commands and Men's A. We are to obey God chiefly and supreamly for his own sake 1 Pet. 2.13 Submit your selve to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake And Eph. 6.1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right Q 5. What must we do when the Commands of God and Men fall cross to one another A. In that case we must yield
appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God hath appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the World which is the Christian Sabbath Q. 1. What special marks of honour hath God set upon this fourth Commandment A. God hath set four peculiar marks of honour on it 1. It is the largest of all the Commands 2. It hath a solemn Memento prefixed to it 3. It is delivered both positively and negatively which the rest are not And 4. It is enforced with more Arguments to strengthen the Command on us than any other Q. 2. Wâ—y will God have a Sabbath observed on Earth A. God will have a Sabbath on Earth to give us therein an Emblem of that Eternal Sabbath in Heaven wherein his people shall be serving him and praising him without interruption or mixture of any other business throughout Eternity Hâ—b 4.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God Q 3. For what other Reasons will God have a Sabbath A. He will have a Sabbath for the honour of his name Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pâ—easure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words For the good of Mens Souls Mark 2.27 And he said unto them the sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath And in mercy to the Bodies of Men and Beasts Q. 4. Is this Commandment Moral and Perpetual or Ceremonial and Temporary A. It is and must needs be Moral and not Ceremonial because all the Reasons that enforce it are perpetual and the Sabbath continued when the Ceremonial Law ceased and was vanished Matth. 24.20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter neither on the sabbath day Q. 5. What day of the seven is the Christian Sabbath A. The first day of the Week is our Sabbath since the Resurrection of Christ. This is the day which was foretold to be our Sabbath Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it The Lord hath marked it for himself by setting his own Name on it Rev. 1.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lords day And the Apostles and Primitive Church constantly set it apart to Religious uses and ends Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them c. 1 Cor. 16.2 Vpon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Q. 6. When doth the Christian Sabbath begin A. It appears that this day is not to be reckoned from evening to evening but from morning to morning because the Christian Sabbath must begin when the Jewish Sabbath ended but that ended towards the morning Matth. 28.1 In the end of the sabbath as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre Q. 7. What is the ground of changing the day A. The solemn commemoration of our Redemption by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead is the ground of translating the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the Week Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Mark 16.9 Now when Iesus was risen early the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven devils Q. 8. Is it the whole day or only some hours of the day that are set apart for God A. Not a part but the whole day is the Lords and it is as dangerous to halve it with God in point of time as it was for Annanias and Sapphira to halve their dedicated Goods and bring in but a part Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day is the Command Q. 9. Is there any other day holy besides this A. No day but this is holy by Institution of the Lord yet dayes of Humiliation and Thanksgiving may be lawfully set apart by men on a Call of Providence but Popish Holy-dayes are not warrantable nor to be observed Gal. 4.10 Ye observe dayes and months and times and years Q. 10. But seeing every day should be a Sabbath to a Christian what needs any other set time A. Though Christians must walk every day with God yet every day cannot be a Sabbath because God calls us to other Duties on those dayes but will have this to be a solemn and entire day to himself Q. 11. But if a man scruple the change of the Sabbath may he not keep both dayes weekly A. No for then by doing more than God requires he breaks a plain Command Six days shalt thou labour Q. 12. At what time should Christians be up and at their Duties on the Lords day A. As early in the morning as their strength will permit to prepare by private for publick Duties yet the publick are not to be entrenched on by private Duties Acts 10.33 Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Of the Sabbath Quest. 60. HOw is the Sabbath to be Sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be Sanctified by an holy reâ—ting all that day even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy Quest. 61. What are the Sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the Duties required and the profaning the day by Idleness or doing that which is in it self sinful or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about our worldly employments or recreations Quest. 62. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own employment his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day Q. 1. VVhat is the Rest which God requires on the Sabbath A. It is not a meer natural or civil but an holy rest resembling the rest in Heaven wherein the Mind is most active and busie in the work of God though the Body be at rest and the Spirit not wearied with its work Rev. 4.8 And the four beaâ—â—s had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Q. 2. May
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