A Twofold CATECHISM The One simply called A Scripture-Catechism The Other A brief Scripture-Catechism for Children Wherein the chiefest points of the Christian Religion being Question-wise proposed resolve themselves by pertinent Answers taken word for word out of the Scripture without either Consequences or Comments Composed for their sakes that would fain be Meer Christians and not of this or that Sect inasmuch as all the Sects of Christians by what names soever distinguished have either more or less departed from the simplicity and truth of the Scripture By John Biddle Master of Arts of the University of Oxford Isai 8. 20. To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them LONDON Printed by J. Cottrel for Ri. Moone at the seven stars in Paul's Church-yard neer the great North-door 1654. The Preface I Have often wondered and complained that there was no Catechism yet extant that I could ever see or hear of from whence one might learn the true grounds of the Christian Religion as the same is delivered in the holy Scripture all Catechisms generally being so stuffed with the supposals and traditions of men that the least part of them is derived from the Word of God For when Councels Convocations Assemblies of Divines justling the Sacred Writers out of their place in the Church had once framed Articles Confessions of Faith according to their own fancies and interests and the Civil Magistrate had by his Authority ratified the same all Catechisms were afterwards fitted to those Articles Confessions the Scripture either wholly omitted or brought-in onely for a shew not one quotation amongst many being a whit to the purpose as will soon appear to any man of judgment who taking into his hand the said Catechisms shall examine the texts alleged in them for if he do this diligently impartially he will finde the Scripture and those Catechisms to be at so wide a distance one from another that he will begin to question whether the Catechists gave any heed at all to what they wrote and did not onely themselves refuse to make use of their Reason but presume that their Readers also would do the same In how miserable a condition then as to spiritual things must Christians generally needs be when thus trained up not as the Apostle adviseth in the nurture and admonition of the Lord but in the supposals traditions of men having little or no assurance touching the reality of their Religion Which some observing and not having the happiness to light upon the Truth have quite abandoned all Piety whatsoever thinking there is no firm ground whereon to build the same To prevent which mischief in time to come by bringing men to a certainty I mean such men as own the Divine Authority of the Scripture and withal to satisfie the just pious desires of many who would fain understand the truth of our religion to the end they might not onely be built-up themselvs but also instruct their children and families in the same I have here according to the understanding I have gotten by continual meditation on the word of God compiled a Scripture-Catechism wherein I bring the Reader to a sure and certain knowledg of the chiefest things pertaining both to belief and practice whilst I my self assert nothing as others have done before me but onely introduce the Scripture faithfully uttering its own assertions which all Christians confess to be of undoubted truth Take heed therefore whosoever thou art that lightest on this Book and there readest things quite contrary to the doctrines that pass currant amongst the generality of Christians for I confess most of the things here displayed have such a tendency that thou fall not foul upon them for thou canst not do so without falling foul upon the holy Scripture it self inasmuch as all the Answers throughout the whole Catechism are faithfully transcribed out of it and rightly applied to the Questions as thou thy self maist perceive if thou shalt make a diligent inspection into the several texts with all their circumstances Thou wilt perhaps here reply that the texts which I have cited do indeed in the letter hold forth such things as are contrary to the doctrines commonly received amongst Christians but they ought to have a mystical or figurative interpretation put upon them and then both the doctrines and the texts of Scripture will suit well enough To which I answer that if we once take this liberty to impose our mystical or figurative interpretations on the Scripture without express warrant of the Scripture it self we shall have no setled belief but be liable continually to be turned aside by any one that can invent a new mystical meaning of the Scripture there being no certain rule to judge of such meanings as there is of the literal ones nor is there any error how absurd and impious soever but may on such terms be accorded with the Scripture All the abominable Idolatries of the Papists all the superstitious Fopperies of the Turks all the licentious Opinions and Practices of the Ranters may by this means be not only palliated but defended by the Word of God Certainly might we of our own heads figuratively interpret the Scripture when the letter is neither repugnant to our senses nor to the scope of the respective texts nor to a greater number of plain texts to the contrary for in such cases we must of necessity admit figures in the sacred Volume as well as we do in profane ones otherwise both they and it will clash either with themselves or with our senses which the Scripture it self intimates to be of infallible certainty see 1 Joh. 1. 2 3. might we I say at our pleasure impose our Figures Allegories on the plain words of God the Scripture would in very deed be what some blasphemously affirm it to be a Nose of wax For instance it is frequently asserted in the Scripture that God hath a similitude or shape hath his place in the heavens hath also affections or passions as love hatred mercy anger and the like neither is any thing to the contrary delivered there unless seemingly in certain places which neither for number nor clearness are comparable unto those of the other side Why now should I depart from the letter of the Scripture in these particulars and boldly affirm with the generality of Christians or rather with the generality of such Christians only as being conversant with the false Philosophy that reigneth in the Schools have their understandings perverted with wrong notions that God is without a shape in no certain place and uncapable of affections Would not this be to use the Scripture like a nose of wax and when of it self it looketh any way to turn it aside at our pleasure And would not God be so far from speaking to our capacity in his Word which is the usual Refuge of the Adversaries when in these and the like
matters concerning God they are pressed with the plain words of the Scripture as that he would by so doing render us altogether uncapable of finding out his meaning whilst he spake one thing and understood the clean contrary Yea would he not have taken the direct course to make men substitute an Idol in his stead for the Adversaries hold that to conceive of God as having a shape or affections or being in a certain place is Idolatry if he described himself in the Scripture otherwise then indeed he is without telling us so much in plain terms that we might not conceive amiss of him Thus we see that when sleep which plainly argueth weakness and imperfection had been ascribed to God Psal 44. 23. the contrary is said of him Psal 121. 4. Again when weariness had been attributed to him Isa 1. 14. the same is expresly denied of him Isa 40. 28. And would not God think ye have done the like in those forementioned things were the case the same in them as in the others This consideration is so pressing that a certain Author otherwise a very learned and intelligent man perceiving the weight thereof and not knowing how to avoid the same took up though very unluckily one erroneous tenet to maintain another telling us in a late book of his intituled Conjectura Caballistica that for Moses by occasion of his writings to let the Jews entertain a conceit of God as in humane shape was not any more a way to bring them into Idolatry then by acknowledging man to be God as saith he our Religion does in Christ. How can this consist even with consonancy to his own Principles whilst he holds it to be false that God hath any shape but true that Christ is God For will a false opinion of God no sooner lead men into Idolatry then a true opinion of Christ But it is no marvel that this Author other learned men with him entertain such conceits of God and Christ as are repugnant to the current of the Scripture whilst they set so high a rate on the sublime indeed but uncertain notions of the Platonists and in the mean time slight the plain but certain letter of the sacred Writers as being far below the Divine Majesty and written only to comply with the rude apprehensions of the vulgar unless by a mystical Interpretation they be scrued up to Platonism This is the stone at which the Pride of learned men hath caused them continually to stumble namely to think that they can speak more wisely and worthily of God then he hath spoken of himself in his Word This hath brought that more-then-Babylonish confusion of language into the Christian Religion whilst men have framed those horrid and intricate expressions under the colour of detecting and excluding Heresies but in truth to put a baffle on the simplicity of the Scripture and usher-in Heresies that so they might the more easily carry on their worldly designes which could not be effected but through the ignorance of the people nor the people brought into ignorance but by wrapping up Religion in such monstrous terms as neither the people nor they themselves that invented them or at least took them from the invention of others did understand Wherefore there is no possibility to reduce the Christian Religion to its primitive integrity a thing though much pretended yea boasted-of in Reformed Churches yet never hitherto sincerely endeavoured much less effected in that men have by severe penalties been hindered to reform Religion beyond such a stint as that of Luther or at most that of Calvin but by cashiering those many intricate terms and devised forms of speaking imposed on our Religion and by wholly betaking our selvs to the plainness of the Scripture For I have long since observed and finde my observation to be true and certain that when to express matters of religion men make use of words and phrases unheard-of in the Scripture they slily under them couch false doctrines and obtrude them on us for without question the doctrines of the Scripture can be so aptly explained in no language as that of the Scripture it self Examine therefore the expressions of Gods being infinite and incomprehensible of his being a simple Act of his subsisting in three persons or after a threefold maner of a Divine Circumincession of an Eternal Generation of an Eternal Procession of an Incarnation of an Hypostatical Union of a Communication of Properties of the Mother of God of God dying of God made man of Transubstantiation of Consubstantiation of Original sin of Christs taking our nature on him of Christs making satisfaction to God for our sins both past present and to come of Christs fulfilling the Law for us of Christs being punished by God for us of Christs merits or his meritorious obedience both active and passive of Christs purchasing the kingdom of heaven for us of Christs enduring the wrath of God yea the pains of a damned man of Christs rising from the dead by his own power of the Ubiquity of Christs body of apprehending and applying Christs righteousness to our selves by faith of Christs being our Surety of Christs paying our debts of our sins imputed to Christ of Christs righteousness imputed to us of Christs dying to appease the wrath of God and reconcile him to us of infused grace of free grace of the the world of the elect of irresistable workings of the Spirit in bringing men to believe of carnal reason of spiritual desertions of spiritual incomes of the Outgoings of God of taking up the Ordinance c. and thou shalt finde that as these forms of speech are not owned by the Scripture so neither the things contained in them How excellent therefore was that advice of Paul to Timothy in his second Epistle to him chap. 1. 13. Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus for if we once let go those forms of sound words learned from the Apostles and take up such as have been coined by others in succeeding Ages we shall together part with the Apostles doctrine as woful experience hath taught us For after Constantine the Great together with the Councel of Nice had once deviated from the language of the Scripture in the business touching the Son of God calling him coessential with the Father this opened a gap for others afterwards under a pretence of guarding the Truth from Hereticks to devise new terms at pleasure which did by degrees so vitiate the chastity and simplicity of our Faith delivered in the Scripture that there hardly remained so much as one point thereof sound and entire So that as it was wont to be disputed in the Schools whether the old ship of Theseus which had in a maner been wholly altered at sundry times by the accession of new pieces of timber upon the decay of the old were the same ship it had been at first and not rather another by degrees
even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joynts and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Heb. 4. 12. The words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life Joh. 6. 63. Qu. But do the things recorded in the Word of God concern us A. Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15. 4. Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doth them I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock Matth. 7. 24. Qu. Which are the most affectionate passages in all the Scripture flowing from the mouth of one enamoured on the Word of God A. I have rejoyced in the way of thy testimonies as much as in all riches My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgements at all times O how I love thy law it is my meditation all the day How sweet are thy words unto my taste yea sweeter then honey to my mouth I love thy commandments above gold yea above fine gold I rejoyce at thy word as one that findeth great spoil Psal 119. 14 20 97 103 127 162. CHAP. II. Of God Qu. HOw many Gods of Christians are there A. One God Eph. 4. 6. Qu. Who is this one God A. The Father of whom are all things 1 Cor. 8. 6. Qu. What is this one God A. A spirit Joh. 4. 24. Qu. Have you more ample descriptions of God in the Scripture A. He is the blessed and onely Potentate the King of kings and Lord of lords Who onely hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto whom no man hath seen nor can see 1 Tim. 6. 15 16. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion flow to anger and of great mercy The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Psal 145. 8 9. Qu. Is not God according to the current of the Scripture in a certain place namely heaven A. Our God is in the heavens Psal 115. 3. The Lord looketh from heaven he beholdeth all the sons of men From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth Psal 33. 13 14. Be not rash with thy mouth and let not thine heart be hastie to utter any thing before God for God is in heaven and thou upon earth Eccles 5. 2. Look down from thy habitation from heaven and bless thy people Israel Deut. 26. 15. Look down from heaven and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory Isa 63. 15. Hear thou from thy dwelling-place from heaven Hear thou from heaven Hear thou from the heavens Hear thou from heaven Hear thou from heaven thy dwelling-place Hear thou from the heavens even from thy dwelling-place Hear thou from the heavens Hear thou from the heavens even from thy dwelling-place 2 Chron. 6. 21 23 25 27 30 33 35 39. Your Father which is in heaven Your Father which is in heaven Your Father which is in heaven Mat. 5. 16 45 48. Your Father which is in heaven Our Father which art in heaven Mat. 6. 2 9. Your Father which is in heaven My Father which is in heaven Mat. 7. 11 21. In heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven Matth. 18. 10. These words spake Jesus and lift up his eyes to heaven and said Father the hour is come glorifie thy Son that thy Son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self Joh. 17. 1 4 5. I came forth from the Father and am come into the world again I leave the world and go to the Father Joh. 16. 28. Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father Joh. 13. 1. And he being full of the holy Ghost looked up stedfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God And said Behold I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God Act. 7. 55 56. Qu. Is God in the Scripture said to have any likeness image similitude person and shape A. God said Let us make man in our image after our likeness So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him Gen. 1. 26 27. In the day that God created man in the likeness of God made he him Gen. 5. 1. Whoso sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made he man Gen. 9. 6. My servant Moses is not so who is faithful in all my house With him will I speak mouth to mouth even apparently not in dark speeches and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold Num. 12. 7 8. Therewith bless we God even the Father and therewith curse we men which are made after the similitude of God Jam. 3. 9. Will ye speak wickedly for God and talk deceitfully for him Will ye accept his person Job 13. 7 8. The Father himself which hath sent me hath born witness of me Ye have neither heard his voice at any time nor seen his shape Joh. 5. 37. Qu. What passage of the Scripture intimates not onely that the Saints in the perfect state of the world to come shall see God face to face but also comprehend or fully know him A. When that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away For 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 1 Cor. 13. 10 12. Qu. Are there not according to the perpetual tenour of the Scripture affections or passions in God as anger fury zeal wrath love hatred mercy grace jealousie repentance grief joy fear A. Israel joyned himself to Baal-peor and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel And the Lord said unto Moses Take all the heads of the people and hang them up before the Lord against the sun that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away Num. 25. 3 4. Thus shall mine anger be accomplished and I will cause my fury to rest upon them and I will be comforted and they shall know that I the Lord have spoken it in my zeal when I have accomplished my fury in them Ezek. 5. 13. Moses besought the Lord his God and said Lord why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people Turn from thy fierce wrath Exod. 32. 11 12. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness Rom. 1. 18. The God of love and peace shall be with you 2 Cor. 13. 11. He that loveth not knoweth not God for God is love God is love and he that dwelleth
substituted in the stead thereof in like maner there was so much of the primitive truth worn away by the corruption that did by little and little overspread the generality of Christians and so many errors in stead thereof tacked to our Religion at several times that one might justly question whether it were the same Religion with that which Christ and his Apostles taught and not another since devised by men and put in the room thereof But thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ who amidst the universal corruption of our Religion hath preserved his written Word entire for had men corrupted it they would have made it speak more favourably in behalf of their lusts and worldly interests then it doth which Word if we with diligence and sincerity pry into resolving to embrace the doctrine that is there plainly delivered though all the world should set it self against us for so doing we shall easily discern the Truth and so be enabled to reduce our Religion to its first principles For thus much I perceive by mine own experience who being otherwise of no great abilities yet setting my self with the aforesaid resolution for sundry yeers together upon an impartial search of the Scripture have not onely detected many errors but here presented the Readers with a body of Religion exactly transcribed out of the Word of God which body whosoever shall well ruminate and digest in his mind may by the same method wherein I have gond before him make a further enquiry into the Oracles of God and draw forth whatsoever yet lies hid and being brought to light will tend to the accomplishment of Godliness amongst us for at this only all the Scripture aimeth I say the Scripture which all men who have thorowly studied the same must of necessity be enamoured with as breathing-out the meer wisdom of God and being the exactest Rule of a holy life which all religions whatsoever confess to be the way unto Happiness that can be imagined and whose Divinity will never even to the worlds end be questioned by any but such as are unwilling to deny their worldly lusts and obey the pure and perfect precepts thereof Which obedience whosoever shall perform he shall not onely in the life to come but even in this life be equal unto Angels JOHN BIDDLE The Contents Chap. 1. OF the holy Scripture or Word of God Chap. 2. Of God Chap. 3. Of the Creation Chap. 4. Of Christ Jesus Chap. 5. Of the Holy Ghost Chap. 6. Of Salvation by Christ Chap. 7. Of Christs Mediation Chap. 8. Of Christs Prophetick Office Chap. 9. Of Remission of Sins by Christ Chap. 10. Of Christs Kingly Office Chap. 11. Of Christs Priestly Office Chap. 12. Of Christs death Chap. 13. Of the Universality of Gods love Chap. 14. Of Christs Resurection Chap. 15. Of Justification and Faith Chap. 16. Of keeping the Commandments and having an eye to the Reward of Perfection in vertue and godliness to be attained and of departing from righteousness and Faith Chap. 17. Of the duty of Subjects and Magistrates Wives and Husbands Children and Parents Servants and Masters Chap. 18. Of the behaviour of Men and Women in general and in special of Aged Men Aged Women Young Women and Young Men. Chap. 19. Of Prayer Chap. 20. Of the Church Chap. 21. Of the Government and Discipline of the Church Chap. 22. Of Baptism Chap. 23. Of the Lords Supper Chap. 24. Of the Resurrection of the dead and the last Judgement and what shall be the Final Condition of the Righteous and the Wicked thereupon A Scripture-Catechism CHAP. I. Of the holy Scripture or Word of God Question WHat doth the Scripture testifie concerning its own authority Answer All Scripture is given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3. 16. Qu. What concerning its own usefulness and excollencie A. All Scripture is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul The Statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the heart the commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether More to be desired are they then gold yea then much finde gold sweeter also then honey and the honey-comb Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward Psal 19. 7 8 9 10 11. The words of the Lord are pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth purified seven times Psal 12. 6. Thy testimonies are wonderful therefore doth my soul keep them Psal 119. 129. Qu. What doth the Scripture testifie concerning its own sufficiencie A. The holy Scriptures are able to make wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 3. 15. These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his name Joh. 20. 31. Qu. How would you answer them who notwithstanding the testimony of the Scripture it self touching its own sufficiencie should bear you in hand that certain traditions and commandments of men are necessary to salvation A. Ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition In vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Matth. 15. 6 9. Qu. What would you say to a man introducing a new form of words unheard-of in the Scripture and such a doctrine as tendeth not to godliness A. Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 1. 13. If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesom words even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness He is proud knowing nothing but doting about questions and strifes of words 1 Tim. 6. 3 4. Let that abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning 1 Joh. 2. 24. Qu. What benefit shall redound unto us thereby A. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father 1 Joh. 2. 24. Qu. What would you say to such as should require you to follow the judgement of Fathers Councels and Learned Divines when you finde it not agreeable to the Scripture A. To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Isa 8. 20. Qu. Is the Scripture plain enough to be understood even by the simple A. The testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple Psal 19. 7. The entrance of thy words giveth light it giveth understanding to the simple Psal 119. 130. Qu. Is the Word of God a dead letter of it self A. The word of God is quick and powerful and sharper then any two-edged sword piercing
glorified Joh. 7. 38 39. Paul having passed thorow the upper coasts came to Ephesus and finding certain disciples He said unto them Have ye received the holy Ghost since ye believed and they said unto him We have not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost Act. 19. 1 2. In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise Eph. 1. 13. That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith Gal. 3. 14. God made choice among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel and believe And God which knoweth the hearts bare them witness giving them the holy Ghost even as he did unto us Acts 15. 7 8. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost Acts 2. 38. And we are his witnesses of these things and so is also the holy Ghost whom God hath given to them that obey him Acts 5. 32. CHAP. VI. Of Salvation by Christ Qu. IS not Christ in Scripture called a Saviour A. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. Q. Is Christ our Saviour originally and of himself or because he was given exalted and raised up by another to be a Saviour A. There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Act. 4. 12. Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Saviour Acts 5. 31. Of this mans seed hath God accorcording to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour Jesus Acts 13. 23. Q. How do the Saints expect to be saved by Christ A. We shall be saved by his life Rom. 5. 10. We look for a Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile bodies that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself Phil. 3. 20 21. CHAP. VII Of Christs Mediation Q. IS not Christ called the Mediator between God and men A. There is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2. 5. Q. Is not Christ also called the Mediator of the New Covenant or of a better Covenant A. Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant Heb. 12. 24. He is the Mediator of a better covenant Heb. 8. 6. CHAP. VIII Of Christs Prophetick Office Q. IS not Christ dignified as with the title of Mediator so also with that of Prophet A. He shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you For Moses truly said unto the fathers A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me Acts 3. 20 22. Q. Forasmuch as Christ was to be a Prophet like unto Moses and Moses had this priviledge above other Prophets that God made not himself known to him in a vision nor spake to him in a dream but face to face as a man speaketh to a friend and shewed to him the similitude of the Lord Exod. 33. 11. Num. 12. 6 7 8. can you cite any passage of the Scripture which intimateth that Christ did see God before the discharge of his Prophetick Office A. Every man that hath heard and learned from the Father cometh to me Not that any man hath seen the Father save he which is from God he hath seen the Father Joh. 6. 45 46. Qu. From whence doth it appear that Christ like to Moses heard from God the things that he spake A. Ye seek to kill me a man that hath told you the truth which I have heard from God Joh. 8. 40. He that hath sent me is true and I speak to the world those things which I have heard from him As my Father hath taught me I speak these things Joh. 8. 26 28. All things that I have heard from my Father have I made known unto you Joh. 15. 15. I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them Joh. 17. 8. Qu. Can you further cite any passages to prove that Christ as a man ascended into heaven and was there and came from God out of heaven before he shewed himself to the world and discharged his Prophetick Office so that the talking of Moses with God in the person of an angel bearing the name of God was but a shadow of Christs talking with God A. No man hath ascended into heaven but he that came down from heaven the Son of man which is or rather was in heaven Joh. 3. 13. What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascending up where he was before Joh. 6. 62. I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me Joh. 6. 38. I am the living bread which came down from heaven Joh. 6. 51. Moses gave you not that bread from heaven but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven and giveth life to the world The Jews then murmured at him because he said I am the bread which came down from heaven And they said Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph whose father and mother we know how is it then that he saith I came down from heaven Joh. 6. 32 33 41 42. As the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father so he that eateth me shall live by me This is that bread which came down from heaven Joh. 6. 57 58. I proceeded forth and came from God Ioh. 8. 42. Ye are from beneath I am from above ye are of this world I am not of this world Ioh. 8. 29. Jesus knowing that he was come from God and goeth to God Ioh. 13. 1 3. I came forth from the Father and am come into the world again I leave the world and go to the Father His disciples said unto him Lo now thou speakest plainly and speakest no parable Now are we sure that thou knowest all things and needest not that any man should ask thee by this we believe that thou camest forth from God Ioh. 16. 28 29 30. I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and known surely that I came out from thee Ioh. 17. 8. Qu. Of what consequence was it in the judgement of Christ himself that his disciples had believed that he came out from God what saith he A. The Father himself loveth you because ye have believed that I came out from God Ioh. 16. 27. Qu. Doth not Iohn the Baptist affirm that Christ surpassed all others because he came down from heaven above what saith he A. He that cometh from above is above all he that is of the earth or rather was from the earth is earthly or rather is of the earth and speaketh of the earth He that cometh from heaven is above all And what he hath seen and heard that he speaketh Ioh. 3. 30 31
witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Acts 10. 43. Qu. Doth not Christ himself forgive sins What saith the Apostle Paul A. As Christ forgave you so also do ye Col. 3. 13. Qu. When Christ forgave sins on the earth did he forgive them as being God or as being a man impowered by God Likewise when he now forgiveth sins in heaven doth he forgive them as God or as one exalted by God to that end Cite the Scriptures pertinent hereunto A. Jesus seeing their faith saith to the sick of the palsey Son be of good chear thy sins be forgiven thee And behold certain of the Scribes said within themselves This man blasphemeth And Jesus knowing their thoughts said Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts For whether is easier to say Thy sins be forgiven thee or to say Arise and walk But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins then speaketh he to the sick of the palsey Arise take up thy bed and go unto thine house And he arose and departed to his house And when the multitude saw it they marvelled and glorified God which had given such power to men Matth. 9. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Saviour for to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel Act. 5. 31. CHAP. X. Of Christs Kingly Office Qu. WAs not Christ Jesus to be a King what saith the angel Gabriel to the virgin Mary concerning this A. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father And he shall raign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end Luke 1. 31 32 33. Qu. Is Christ Jesus already invested in his kingdom and did he after his ascension into heaven and sitting at the right hand of God exercise dominion and soveraignty over men and angels Rehearse some clear passages of the Scripture to this purpose A. That ye may know What is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places Far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not onely in this world but also in that which is to come And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all Ephes 1. 18 19 20 21 22 23. By the resurrection of Jesus Christ Who is gone into Heaven and is on the right hand of God angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him 1 Pet. 3. 21 22. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first-begotten of the dead and Prince of the kings of the earth Unto him that hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood And hath made us kings and priests unto God even his Father to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen Rev. 1. 5 6. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins Acts 5. 30 31. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I overcame and am set with my Father in his throne Rev. 3. 21. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testifie unto you these things in the Churches Rev. 22. 16. Brother Saul the Lord even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest hath sent me that thou mightst receive thy sight and be filled with the holy Ghost Act. 9. 17. These shall make war with the Lamb and the Lamb shall overcome them for he is Lord of lords and King of kings Rev. 17. 14. He was clothed with a vesture dipt in blood and his name is called The word of God And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written King of kings and Lord of lords Rev. 19. 13 16. All power is given unto me in heaven and earth Go ge therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world Matth. 28. 18 19 20. So then after the Lord had spoken to them he was received up into heaven and sate on the right hand of God And they went forth and preached everywhere the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signes following Mark 16. 19 20. Qu. For what cause and to what ends was Christ Jesus exalted to his kingdom A. He humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father Phil. 2. 8 9 10 11. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and Saviour to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins Acts 5. 31. Qu. How ought men to honour the Son of God Christ Jesus A. Even as they honour the Father Joh. 5. 23. Qu. What danger is there in not honouring the Son A. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that sent him Joh. 5. 23. Qu. Ought men to honour the Son as they honour the Father because he hath the same essence with the Father or because he hath the same judiciary power What is the decision of the Son himself concerning this point A. The Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgement unto the Son That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father Joh. 5. 22 23. Qu. Did the Father give judiciary power to the Son because he had in him the divine nature personally united to the humane or because he was the Son of man What is the decision of the Son himself concerning this point also A. He hath given him authority to execute judgement because he is the Son of man Joh. 5. 27. Qu. Is it the will of God that Jesus Christ should be worshipped of angels and men A. When he bringeth the first-begotten into the world he saith And let all the angels of God worship him Heb. 1. 6. God hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name That at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow of things in heaven and things in earth Phil. 2. 9 10. Qu. Did men worship Jesus Christ before his death and resurrection what examples thereof have you A. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him saying Of a truth thou art the Son of God Matth. 14. 33. Jesus said unto him Dost thou believe on the Son of God He answered and said Who is he Lord that I may believe on him And Jesus said unto him Thou hast both seen him and it is he that talketh with thee And he said Lord I believe and he worshipped him Joh. 9. 35 36. 37 38. Qu. Did men worship Christ after his resurrection and ascension And what example thereof have you A. It came to pass while he blessed them he was parted from them and carried up into heaven And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy Luke 24. 51 52. Qu. When men ascribe glory and dominion to Christ Jesus in the Scripture and withal intimate the ground thereof is it because they conceive him to be very God of very God and to have been eternally begotten out of the Divine essence or because he gave himself to death Let me hear how they explain themselves A. Unto him that hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God even his Father to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Rev. 1. 5 6. Qu. Are the Angels of the same opinion with the Saints when they also ascribe glory and dominion to him let me hear how they also explain themselves A. I beheld and heard the voice of many angels saying with a loud voice Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing Rev. 5. 11 12. Qu. May men call upon the name of Jesus Christ and have you examples of such as have prayed to him A. Then Ananias answered Lord I have heard by many of this man how much evil he hath done to thy Saints at Jerusalem And here he hath authority from the chief priests to binde all that call upon thy name Acts 9. 13 13. With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours 1 Cor. 1. 2. And they stoned Stephen saying Lord Jesus receive my spirit Acts 7. 59. Even so come Lord Jesus Rev. 22. 20. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our Father which hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and a good hope through grace Comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work 2 Thes 2. 16 17. Now God himself even our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you 1 Thess 3. 11. CHAP. XI Of Christs Priestly Office Qu. IS not Christ Jesus a Priest A. We have a great high-priest Jesus the Son of God Heb. 4. 14. Qu. Did not Christ take this honour to himself A. Christ glorified not himself to become an high-priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee Heb. 5. 5. Qu. What maner of high-priest is Christ A. Such an high-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majestie in the heavens A minister of the sanctuary and of the tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man Heb. 8. 1 2. Qu. Was not Christ a priest whilst he was on earth namely when he died on he cross A. If he were on earth he should not be a priest seeing that there are priests who offer gifts according to the Law Heb. 8. 4. And it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchisedeck there ariseth another priest Who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment but after the power of an endless life Heb. 7. 15 16. Qu. What benefit happeneth by Christs priesthood A. He became the author of eternal salvation Called of God an high-priest after the order of Melchisedeck Heb. 5. 9 10. Qu. Unto whom is Christ as a Priest become the authour of eternal salvation A. Unto all them that obey him Heb. 5. 9. Qu. How can Christ save them by his priesthood A. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb. 7. 25. Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many Heb. 9. 28. Qu. Is not the sacrifice of Christ to be reiterated as that of the Levitical Priests if not what is the reason thereof A. Every priest standeth daily ministring and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sate down at the right hand of God from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10. 11 12 13 14. Qu. How did Christ enter into the holy place to offer himself A. By his own blood Heb. 9. 12. Qu. Why would God have Christ come to his priestly office by sufferings A. It became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings That he might be a merciful and faithful high-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb. 2. 10 17 18. Q. What is the true and genuine use you would have us make of this doctrine A. Seeing that we have a great high-priest that is passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession For we have not an high-priest that cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and finde grace to help in time of need Heb. 4. 14 15 16. CHAP. XII Of Christs Death Qu. WAs it the will and purpose of God that Christ should suffer the death of the cross What saith the apostle Peter to the Jews concerning this A. Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain Act. 2. 22 23. Q. What say the disciples in general concerning the same They lift up their voice to God with one accord and said Of a truth against thy holy childe Jesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done Acts 4. 24 27 28. Q. Did Christ die to reconcile and bring God to
us or on the contrary to reconcile and bring us to God A. When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Rom. 5. 10. He is our peace who hath made both one That he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby Eph. 2. 14 16. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself 2 Cor. 5. 19. Christ hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God 1 Pet. 3. 18. Qu. For whom did Christ die A. We thus judge that if one died for all then were all dead And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. There is one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus Who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time 1 Tim. 2. 5 6. We see Jesus who was made a little lower then the angels for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man Heb. 2. 9. I am the living bread which came down from heaven if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever and the bread that I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world Joh. 6. 51. Q. What was the procuring cause of Christs death A. He was delivered for our offences Rom. 4. 25. He was wounded for our transgressions he was bruised for our iniquities Isai 53. 5. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 3. Qu. What are the ends of Christs suffering and death intimated by the Scripture A. He learned obedience by the things which he suffered Heb. 5. 8. Christ suffered for you leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps 1 Pet. 2. 21. Christ hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God 1 Pet. 3. 18. This is my blood of the New Testament or New Covenant that is shed for many for the remission of sins Mat. 26. 28. That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject unto bondage Heb. 2. 14 15. That he might sanctifie the people with his own blood Heb. 13. 12. That whether we wake or sleep we should live together with him 1 Thess 4. 10. That they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but to him which died for them and rose again 2 Cor. 5. 15. Who gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world Gal. 1. 4. Ye who were sometimes far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ For he is our peace who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us Having abolished in his flesh the law of commandments in ordinances for to make in himself of twain one new man so making peace And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby Eph. 2. 13 14 15 16. It pleased the Father that in him all fulness should dwell And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things to himself or rather for him by him I say whether they be things in earth or things in heaven And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your minde by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death Col. 1. 20 21 22. CHAP. XIII Of the Universality of Gods love Qu. THose Scriptures which you have already alleadged when I enquired for whom Christ died intimate the universality of Gods love to men yet sorasmuch as this is a point of the greatest importance without the knowledge and belief whereof we cannot have any true and solid ground of coming unto God because if he from all eternity intended good onely to a few and those few are not set down in the Scriptures which were written that we through comfort of them might have hope Rom. 15. 4. no man can certainly yea probably infer that he is in the number of those few the contrary being ten thousand to one more likely what other clear tassages of Scripture have you which shew that God in sending Christ and proposing the Gospel aimed not at the salvation of a certain elect number but of men in general A. God so loved the world that he gave his onely-begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved Joh. 3. 16 17. The bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven and giveth life to the world Joh. 6. 33. Now we believe not because of thy saying for we have heard him our selves and know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world Joh. 4. 42. We have seen and do testifie that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world 1 Joh. 4. 14. I am come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness And if any man hear my words and believe not I judge him not for I came not to judge the world but to save the world Joh. 12. 46 47. Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be condemned Mark 16. 15 16. If ye continue in the faith grounded and setled and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which ye have heard and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven whereof I Paul am made a minister Col. 1. 22. We preach warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus Col. 1. 28. I exhort that supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED AND TO COME UNTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH 1 Tim. 2. 1 3 4. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness but is long-suffering to us-ward NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE 2 Pet. 3. 9. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself not imputing their trespasses to them 2 Cor. 5. 19. We have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous And he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours onely but also for the sins of the whole world 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. Qu. These texts which you have now cited are all taken out of the New Testament
Christ imputed to him or is his own faith counted for righteousness A. To him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Rom. 4. 5. Qu. Was Abraham the father of the faithful justified in this maner A. He believed in the Lord and he counted it to him for righteousness Gen. 15. 6. Qu. Was not this written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him for righteousness A. It was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him But for us also Rom. 4. 23 24. Qu. On what terms if we apprehend and apply Christs righteousness to our selves A. If we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead Rom. 4. 24. Qu. Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness Is it not sufficient for us if we believe as he did what saith Christ A. Ye believe in God believe also in me John 14. 1. Qu. What saith Peter A. Christ was manifested in these last times for you Who by or through him believe on God 1 Pet. 1. 20 21. Qu. Doth not God justifie men because of the full price that Christ paid to him in their stead so that he abated nothing of his right in that one drop of Christs blood was sufficient to satisfie for a thousand Worlds If not how are they saved A. Being justified FREELY by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Rom. 3. 24. Eph. 1. 7. Qu. Did not Christ merit eternal life and purchase the kingdom of heaven for us A. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6. 23. It is your Fathers good-pleasure to give you the Kingdom Luke 12. 32. CHAP. XVI Of keeping the Commandments and having an eye to the reward of perfection in vertue and godliness to be attained and of departing from righteousness and faith Qu. ARe the commandments possible to be kept A. His commandments are not grievous 1 Joh. 5. 3. My yoke is easie and my burthen light Mat. 11. 30. Qu. But though it be possible to keep the commandments yet is it not enough if we desire and endeavour to keep them although we actually keep them not And doth not God here accept the will for the deed A. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing but the keeping of the commandments of God 1 Cor. 7. 19. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doth them I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand Mat. 7. 21 24 26. Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work shall be blessed in his doing Jam. 1. 25. Glory honor and peace to every man that worketh good to the Jew first and also to the Gentile Rom. 2. 10. If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them Joh. 13. 17. Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it Luke 11. 27. We must all appear before the judgement-seat of Christ that every man may receive the things done in his body according to what he hath done whether it be good or evil 2 Cor. 5. 10. The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels and then he shall reward every man according to his works Mat. 16. 27. Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me to give to every man according as his work shall be Rev. 22. 12. If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments Mat. 19. 17. Qu. Which Mat. 19. 18. A. Thou shalt do no murther Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not bear false witness Honor thy father and thy mother and Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 19. 18 19. Qu. Though it be not onely possible but also necessary to keep the commandments yet is it lawful so to do that we may have a right to eternal life and the heavenly inheritance may we seek for honor end glory and immortality by well doing is it the tenor of the Gospel that we should live uprightly in expectation of the hope hereafter and finally ought we to suffer for the kingdom of God and not as sume are pleased to mince the matter from the kingdom of God Cite the testimonies of the Scripture to this purpose A. Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city Rev. 22. 14. The revelation of the righteous judgement of God Who will render to every man accorto his deeds To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality eternal life Rom. 2. 6 7 8. The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2. 11 12 13. That ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which ye also suffer 2 Thess 1. 5. Qu. Have ye any Scripture that saith we must believe that God is a rewarder of them that seek him and that if we come not to him with such a faith it is impossible to please him A. Without faith it is impossible to please him for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Heb. 11. 6. Qu. Have you any example of keeping the commandments under the law what saith David of himself A. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness according to the cleanness of mine hands hath he recompensed me For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God For all his judgments were before me I did not put away his statutes from me I was also upright before him and I kept my self from mine iniquity Therefore hath the Lord recompenced me according to my righteousness according to the cleanness of my hands in his eye-sight Psal 18. 20 21 22 23 24. Qu. Have you any example under the Gospel A. Whatsoever we ask we receive of him because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight 1. Joh. 3. 22. Qu. Have you not examples of the choicest Saints who obeyed God in hope of the reward both before under and after the Law
transgression Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed Rom. 4. 14 15 16. In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision but faith working by love God 5. 6. The just shall live by faith For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness Rom. 1. 17 18. Qu. What answer then would you give to a man who wresting the words of Paul in certain places of his Epistles to the Romans and the Galatians should bear you in hand that all good works whatsoever are excluded from justification and salvation and that it is enough onely to believe A. Wilt thou know O vain man that faith without works is dead Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar Seest thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness and he was called the friend of God Ye see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith onely Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works when she had received the messengers and had sent them out another way For as the body without the spirit is dead so faith without works is dead Jam. 2. 20 22 23 24 25 26. Qu. What is the advice of Paul to Titus concerning the business of faith and works and the Law A. This is a faithful saying and these things I will that thou affirm constantly that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works these things are good and profitable unto men But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the law for they are unprofitable and vain Tit. 3. 8 9. Qu. You shewed even now out of Paul that the faith of him that will be saved must be accompanied with justice or righteousness I would therefore know of you who is a just or righteous man is it not such a one as apprehendeth and applyeth Christs righteousness to himself or at most desireth to do righteously Is not he accepted of God A. Let no man deceive you he that doth righteousness is righteous even as he is righteous He that committeth sin is of the Divel for the Divel sinneth from the beginning In this the children of God are manifest and the children of the Divel whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God 1 John 3. 7 8 10. If we know that he is righteous know ye that every one that doth righteousness is born of God 1 John 2. 29 God is no respecter of persons But in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted of him Acts 10. 34 35. If a man be just and and do that which is lawful and right Hath not eaten upon the mountains neither hath lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel neither hath defiled his neighbours wife neither hath come near to a menstruous woman And hath not oppressed any but hath restored to the debtor his pledge hath spoiled none by violence hath given his bread to the hungry and hath covered the naked with a garment He hath not given forth upon usury neither hath taken any increase hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity hath executed true judgement between man and man Hath walked in my Statutes and hath kept my judgements to deal truly HE IS JUST he shall not dye Ezek. 18. 5 6 7 8 9. Qu. May not righteous men depart from their righteousness and believers from their faith and so perish And is it not false that once in Christ and ever in Christ A. When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness and committeth iniquity and doth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doth shall he live all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned in his trespass that he hath trespassed and in his sin that he hath sinned in them shall he dye Ezek. 18. 24. When I shall say unto the righteous that he shall surely live if he trust to his own righteousness and commit iniquity all his righteousness shall not be remembred but for his iniquity that he hath committed he shall dye for it Ezek. 33. 13. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of Divels 1 Tim. 4. 1. This charge I commit unto thee son Timothy that thou war the good warfare Holding faith and a good conscience which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwrack Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander whom I have delivered unto Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme 1 Tim. 1. 18 19 20. The younger widows refuse for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ they will marry Having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith 1 Tim. 5. 11 12. The love of money is the root of all evil which while some coveted after they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows 1 Tim. 6. 10. Their word will eat as doth a canker of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus Who concerning the faith have erred saying that the resurrection is past already and overthrow the faith of some 2 Tim. 2. 17 18. Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God But exhort one another daily lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin Heb. 3. 12 13. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief Heb. 4. 11. It is impossible for those who were once enlightned and have tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the holy Ghost And have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come If they fall away to renew them again to repentance Heb. 6. 4 5 6. Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together as the maner of some is but exhorting one another For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins He that despised Moses law died without mercy under two or three witnesses Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and hath done despite to the Spirit of grace Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward Now the just shall live by faith but if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him But we are not of them that