lust and inticed V. 15. Then when lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Matth. 15.19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murthers adulteries fornications thefts false-witnesses blasphemies it 23. Q. What is the misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost Communion with (i) Gen. 3.8 Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden V. 10. And he said I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self V. 24. So he drove out the man and he placed at the end of the garden of Eden Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life God are under his Wrath and (k) Ephes 2.2,3 see before Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the work of the law are under the Curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the law to do them Curse and so made liable to all miseries in this Life to Death it self and to the pains of Hell for (l) Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth the living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say to them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal ever 24. But all Mankind were not left to perish in the state of Sin and Misery For 25. Q. Did God leave all Mankind to perish in the state of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all Eternity elected some to everlasting (m) Ephes 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Life did enter into a Covenant of Grace to deliver them out of the state of Sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a (n) Rom. 3.21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the prophets V. 22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference Gal. 3.21 Is the law then against the promises God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law V. 22. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Redeemer 26. Q. Who is the Redeemer of God's Elect A. The only Redeemer of God's Elect is the Lord Jesus (o) 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus V. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time Christ who being the Eternal Son of God became (p) Joh. 1.14 And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law. Man and so was and continueth to be God and Man in two distinct Natures and one Person for (q) Rom. 9.5 Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Luke 1.35 And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the Power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee therefore also the holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Col. 2 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb. 7.24 But this Man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable priesthood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the utmost that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them ever 27. Q. How did Christ being the Son of God become Man. A. Christ the Eternal Son of God became Man by taking to himself a true (r) Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death that is the Devil V. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me Body and a reasonable (Å¿) Matth. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry you here and watch with me Soul being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Womb of the Virgin Mary and born of (t) Luke 1.31 Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. see before V. 42. And she spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 4.4 see before her yet without (u) Heb. 4.15 For we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 7.26 For such an High-Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens Sin. 28. Q. What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices (x) Acts 3.22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Compared with 2 Cor. 13.3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me which to you-ward is not weak but is mighty in you Luke 4.18 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised of a Prophet (y) Heb. 5.5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High Priest but he that
Priest and not Metaphorically as if he only did something like a Priest He answers the description of a Priest made Heb. 8.3 more fully chap. 5.1 We have him described in the fitness of his Person to be a Priest as holy harmless c Heb. 7.26 by the order of his Priesthood Heb. 6.20 and by his call to his Office Heb. 5.4,5,6 He had a true real Sacrifice to Offer for Men for the Sins of Men Heb. 8.3 He offer'd himself Heb. 9.14 Heb. 5.7 chap. 9.14 chap. 10.12 chap. 9.26 and entred into the Holy place of Heaven to make Intercession Heb. 7.25 He excelled all legal Priests and is as truly a Priest as ever any Priest was 2. The Sacrifice which he offered was a real proper Sacrifice See again Heb. 9.14 and Ephes 5.2 This Text is grossly perverted to this sence That the help and kindness shewed to Men by the Death of Christ was as pleasing to God as if it had been a Sacrifice acceptable to him But in the words observe 1. Christ had power to dispose of himself and accordingly he gave himself there was neither violence nor injury done him His Death was violent from Men but voluntary of himself Not my will but thy will be done 2. He gave himself for us as the Beasts were sacrificed for Men for their Sin under the Law. 3. The nature of his Gift he gave himself a Sacrifice and Offering to God. 4. He gave himself an Offering and Sacrifice to God who required it 5. He gave himself for a sweet smelling savour as Gen. 8.21 Levit. 1.9 It was offered to make atonement and God was satisfied and well pleased with it 3. The Excellency Essicacy and All-sufficiency of his Blood his Life his Death as a Sacrifice appears 1. It was but one Sacrifice for Sins Heb. 10.12 2. It was offer'd but once Heb. 9.25,26,28 This offering was suffering thereby to put away Sin in its Guilt and Obligation to Punishment Heb. 9.26 4. The end of this Sacrifice was 1. To satisfy Divine justice and 2. To reconcile us to God. To explain and prove this consider 1. God is essentially Holy and Just he hateth Sin and Sin deserveth it See Ps 11.7 Ps 45.8 Rom. 1.31 2 Thes 1.6 It is a righteous thing with God c. 2. As God may make a Law so he may threaten to punish and punish according to his threatning and righteous Law. 3. God did both and Man sinned and by Sin became liable to punishment 4. Such was the Wisdom of God in making a positive Law which might be relaxed and the punishment transferred upon another who might satisfy by bearing the punishment 5. Yet God stood upon this that his essential and governing Justice should be satissied and that the Satisfier should die So it was agreed in the Covenant of Redemption between the Father and the Son Is 53.10 See the place What God required the Mediator performed Mark 1. The Guilty Sinner could not satisfy by suffering Death 2. The Mediator must be God-Man that he might suffer satisfy merit and save the Sinner 3. Christ did voluntarily engage as a surety to die and satisfy 4. The Death he suffered was the punishment of Sin the curse of the Law Gal. 3.13 5. He was made a Curse for us in our stead and for our good to redeem us that were under the Law Gal. 3.13 6. God had respect to his justice in the Blood of his Son Rom. 3.25,26 that he might be just 7. This Blood and Death was the Price of our Redemption which was sufficient and a satisfaction it was given to God and accepted of him Ephes 5.2 8. The benesit follows which is Redemption in a proper sence 1 Tim. 2.6 Rom. 3.24 Ephes 1.7 And there are two great proofs of this perfect satisfaction 1. Because Christ rose from the Dead 2. They who believe in him are justified Rom. 4.25 Rom. 3.25,26 2. The other end of Christ's Priesthood and Sacrifice was to reconcile us to God. Christ died to atone or appease the Holy and just indignation of God. His Blood is the propitiation for our Sin Rom. 3.25 and when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the Death of his Son Rom. 5.10 He is the propitiatory Sacrifice for Sin and propitiation was the effect of it 1 Joh. 2.2 The propitiatory or Mercy-Seat in the Temple did not reconcile Sinners to God but it was a type of Christ the true propitiatory and a sign that God was reconciled and propitious or gracious but Christ did reconcile Sinners by his Death as he intended Hee 2.17 and God hath so set him forth Rom. 3.25 and declares himself to be truly and properly reconciled 3. We are actually reconciled to God when we believe in Christ and are converted but our conversion is not our reconciliation Christ by making atonement made way for our conversion and reception upon repentance The reconciling of Sinners is the Work of Christ the conversion of Sinners is the Work of the Spirit There are two parts of the Priestly office of Christ 1. Satisfaction by Sacrifice 2. Intercession upon satisfaction or Redemption His Intercession is a part and but a part of his Priesthood Heb. 7.25 He had a Body and Soul for Sacrifice Heb. 10.9,10 He offered himself upon Earth Heb. 9.12,14 and purged away Sin by expiation Heb. 1.3 chap. 10,12 His Death was a Sacrifice for Sins and not a preparation for Sacrifice or a way to his Resurrection The suffering part he finished upon Earth and began his Intercession upon Earth John 17. and at other times and continueth it in Heaven and his Intercession doth presuppose his propitiation 1 Joh 2.1,2 The reason why he could not be a Priest upon Earth was not because he was not properly a Priest or had no Sacrifice upon Earth to offer but because he was not of the order of Aaron but of Melchisedeck Heb. 8.4 Upon what is said of the Priesthoodâ— Sacrifice and Satisfaction of Christ it follows 1. The Sacrifice of the Mass is false and sinful for 1. Because none ever did or could offer Christ but himself He is a Priest for ever and there is none of his order to succeed him or represent him Heb. 7.27 chap. 9.12 2. He was offer'd once and to be offered no more Heb. 9.12 ver 28 chap. 10,12,13,14 3. The Sacrifice of Christ was Bloody without Blood there is no remission of sin Heb. 9.22 there is no Blood-shed in the Mass therefore no remission of sin by it 4. To Sacrifice Christ is all one as to kill him and put him to suffer Heb. 9.22 Christ is in not the hands of the Priests to be kill'd 5. Christ profitteth none but the living through Faith the Mass is for the Living and Dead but to what purpose 2. The satisfaction of Christ is perfect his sufferings are meritorious there is therefore no place use or need of humane satisfactions 1 Joh. 1.7 1 Pet. 2.24 SECT XV. Christ is King. 1.
BEside his absolute and unchangeable dominion as God he hath a Royal Soveraignty as mediator He hath Royal Titles Rev. 1.5 Rev. 19.16 He hath Kingly power Ps 2.7,8,9 and a Kingdom yea Kingdoms belong unto him Rev. 17.14 2. His Kingly power is universal made Heir of all things Heb. 1.2 but not of this World like earthly Rings Joh. 18.36 3. He was decreed and foretold to be King before he was born Ps 110.1,2,3 and was born King Luke 1.31,32,33 4. He actually exercised his Kingly Power before but not so gloriously and fully as after his Resurrection and Ascension John 17.1,2 for he wrought Miracles raised the Dead cast out Devils and gave power to his Disciples to do so Therefore it is not true that he was not King before his Ascension and that his Resurrection and Ascension were only preparatory to his Kingly Office. 5. His Kingly Power is exercised towards his People 1. In subduing and converting them Ps 110.3 Acts 3.26 chap. 5.31 chap. 26.18 2. In governing them being subdued Heb. 1.8,9 Mat. 2.20 3. In succouring them when tempted Ephes 6.10 4. In keeping them to salvation 1 Pet. 1.5 John 10.28 Is 32.1,2 Towards his enemies as he pleaseth he restrains them breaks them and will overcome them Ps 2.9,10 Ps 110.1 1 Cor. 15.25 Gen. 3.15 Rom. 16.20 And he shall judge the World Rom. 14.9,10,11 Phil. 2.10,11 Hence it followeth that it is sinful arrogance and usurpation to pretend to be Universal Head and Monarch over Christ's Church to extend power to the Living and Dead to bring out of Purgatory if there were any such Place to make Laws for Conscience to dispense with the Laws of God to dispose of Kingdoms to Pardon Sins or work Miracles or any part of Christ's Royal Power SECT XVI Of two Degrees of Christ's Humiliation 1. CHrist endured the Wrath of God. Wrath in God is not an infirmity or passion or inconsistent with his mercy and patience but it is his holy and righteous Will to punish or to take Vengeance upon Sinners See Rom. 1.18 Rom. 3.5 It is his Will and Power as Judge Heb. 10.30 It is set out in Scriptures terribly by Metaphors of fire and anger of the face c. Heb. 12.29 2 Thes 1.8,9 Ps 34.15 2. Our Saviour suffer'd it as our Surety and Sacrifice for Sin It was heavy upon his Soul and Body which had sunk under it if he had not been supported by the Omnipotency of his God-head yet he submitted to it because it was his Father's Will and his own This was the cause of his Agony it was this that made his Soul sorrowful to Death it was this which made him deprecate Father if it be possible Let this Cup pass from me it was this which made him cry out My God My God why hast thou forsaken me Mat. 27.46 Where note 3. Christ suffered immediately from God Why hast Thou for saken Me But it was no separation of the God-head from the suffering Man-hood nor a casting him off for still he held his interest my God my God nor was it more than he looked for nor was it any breach of promise in God nor a complaint of wrong it was the interruption of the light of Gods Countenance and the heaviness of his punishing justice upon him suffering in the stead of Sinners The Cursed Death of the Cross 1. The Death of Christ was a Cursed Death Phil. 2.8 Gal. 3.13 therefore it was a penaâ— Death by a judicial Act of God in which Men and Devils were instruments He was Holy c. Heb. 7.26 He knew no Sin by commission or participation yet he suffered the Death of a Sinner therefore he died in our place and stead 1 Pet. 3.18 when he died for our good He suffered the same punishment for substance which was due to Sinners he could not die spiritually for then he had not been Holy nor a pure Sacrifice for Sin he could not die eternally for then he could not have satisfied for Sin nor risen from the Dead nor done many other Acts of a Saviour That which was necessary for Sinners to suffer and accidental to punishment was not necessary for Christ to suffer nor could it stand with the Excellency of his Person nor Nature and End of his Office as Mediator He suffered what was satisfactory and abundant and meritorious The same punishment for substance which God threatned to Man for Sin but not the same in every kind and circumstance was undergone by Christ SECT XVII Of three Degrees of Christ's Exaltation 1. Of Christ's Resurrection NOte carefully 1. Who rose Christ Rom. 4.25 1 Cor. 15.4,12 to 20. Luk. 24.46 2. What rose or was risen or in what respect No more was raised up than what was buried namely his Body yet as the whole Man is said to rise or to be raised from the Dead when only the Body is raised so it is said of Christ 1 Cor. 15.20 Christ the first fruits of them that slept V. 23. Afterwards they that are Christ's V. 35. And with what bodies do they come Acts 24.15 There shall be a Resurrection of the just and unjust i.e. of just and unjust Persons and not Bodies only So Christ is said to rise when his Body only was raised 3. By what Power Christ rose or was raised There is a Concurrence of the three Persons in the Resurrection of Christ 1. The Father Rom. 6.4 Chap. 8.11 2. Of the Holy Ghost 1 Pet. 3.18,19 Rom. 8.11 3. Of his own Power Joh. 2.19 Chap. 10.18 The Power is the same Power of God. The Resurrection of Christ is spoken of actively attributed to the Father Rom. 4.24 and to his own Power as his own Act Joh. 2.19 I will raise it up What the Father did he did the Father's Power and his being all one and the same producing one and the same individual Effect It is also spoken of passively Christ was raised from the Dead I will raise it up Joh. 2.19 is more than to say I shall rise again and more than was ever spoken of or by any Believer That place Luk. 17.33 speaks not of the Resurrection but of the Way to be saved eternally and of the Encouragement to suffer Death for Christ On Joh. 10.18 consider 1. Christ as Mediator received Commandment from the Father which none could execute but he who was God. 2. The Command given did presuppose Power in himself to execute it None but God can raise the Dead and it is more to raise himself than to raise another Those Men who raised the Dead by the miraculous Power of God did not raise their own Bodies but Christ saith I will raise it up and I have Power 3. Every true Believer may say When I am dead I shall be raised up But none can say I will raise it up The Temple of Christ's Body could not raise it self the Soul could not raise it but there was a Will and Power in Christ proper to God not lent him for that
To that End you must remember two things 1. What saving Faith is 2. Examine whether it be in you For the first see the Cat. Part 3. Answ 3. Remember that Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving Grace whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for Salvation as he is offered to us in the Gospel For your better proceeding in the second thing viz. your Examination whether you have this Saving Faith in Jesus Christ begin with the latter end of your Answer How is Jesus Christ offered in the Gospel To that End look back to Answ 23,24,25,26 Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King both in his State of Humiliation and Exaltation See and observe the three other Answers distinctly Let us go on therefore How is Jesus Christ offered in the Gospel Answ As the only Redeemer of God's Elect as the only Saviour exercising a three fold Office of a Prophet of a Priest of a King c. Such as he is in such a way he is freely offered in the Gospel section 2 Now examine the Particulars 1. Do I receive Jesus Christ as my Prophet to teach me by his Word and Spirit the Will of God for my Salvation He is made a Prophet to his Church as he is the only Mediator so the only Prophet who teacheth by his Word and Spirit the Will of God for c. Do I believe that God hath revealed or made known his Will for my Salvation That Jesus Christ hath revealed that Will of God clearly and fully Am I sensible of my going astray from the Way to Happiness Am I sensible of my Ignorance of the Way to Life Is there any other Way or any other Prophet to direct me to Eternal Life Do I renounce all other that are contrary to this 2 Pet 1.19 Do I believe this to be the sure Word of Prophecy to which I do well to take heed 2 Tim. 3.16 that was given by Inspiration of God and is profitable for all things Do I know that I need both the Word and the Spirit of Christ Do I take Jesus Christ as my infallible Prophet to teach me by his Word and Spirit not cleaving to the Word without the Spirit nor pretending to the Spirit without the Word Who is my Prophet and Teacher What is the Rule of my inward and outward Man to direct my Heart and Conversation Do I keep to this Rule Can I rest upon this Teaching of Jesus Christ by his Word and Spirit as alone sufficient for my Salvation section 3 2. Examine Do I receive Jesus Christ in his Priestly Office Do I know and believe that I am a vile Sinner in the sight of the holy God Do I know that for Sin. I deserve the Eternal Wrath of God that I am guilty before him that he must be satisfied or I can never be pardoned Do not I know that I am void of all Self-Right consness and Merit that I cannot satisfie for my Sin nor reconcile God to me nor any other Creature for me Am I vile guilty wretched in mine own Eyes Do I believe that Jesus Christ hath once offered up himself Body and Soul as a Sacrifice to satisfie Divine Justice to reconcile me to God Hath he fully and for ever satisfied Was his Satisfaction accepted in full Is the Father well pleased in him Is not he offered to me as Righteousness and Redemption Do I receive him alone renouncing all Self-Righteousness and Merit or the Merit and Intercession of Saints and Angels And do I rest upon him alone for my Salvation as my only Mediator and Intercessor section 4 3. Ask your own Souls whether you receive Jesus Christ in his Kingly Office Hath he by the mighty Working of his Holy Spirit by whom he rules his Church convincing humbling and converting me subdued me to himself What! Am I still a Rebel a Revolter a gain-saying Adversary as I was by Nature Are the high Thoughts and lofty Imaginations of my Soul subdued and brought into the Obedience of Christ Are my carnal Affections Passions and Lusts subdued To whom do I yield my self a Servant to obey Do I receive him and own his Power to rule in me and over me over my Thoughts Imaginations Purposes my Will and all my Faculties and Senses Am I willing that he should reign over me Do I take his Yoak upon me submit to be ruled by his Spirit and holy Laws Have I not many subtile spiteful cruel Adversaries that seek to destroy my Soul the Flesh within the Devil and the wicked World without me beside the last Enemy Death Oh how unable am I to go out against them Are they not more and mightier than I Can any but the Lord Jesus the only Potentate and King of Kings restrain and conquer them Can he do both not only restrain but also conquer them all Are they not his Enemies as well as mine Oh then do I receive him to subdue me wholly to his Obedience Do I own him as my Soveraign King And do I rest upon him that he will subdue my sinful Lusts though they are often too hard for me Do I rest upon his Power to protect me or to restrain his and mine Enemies Do I believe that he is able to bring me to Glory notwithstanding all Opposition from all mine Enemies How shall I withstand Temptations mortifie my Lusts and Passions overcome the World endure Persecutions and go forth to meet the last Enemy Then O my Soul rest upon him still In a word Examine if you receive him as a Prophet for Wisdom for Righteousness as a Priest for Sanctification and Redemption as a King See 1 Cor. 1.30 Do you rest upon Christ alone whole Christ and none but Christ What Answer doth thy Heart make to these Demands 3. Trial of Repentance That you try and examine your Repentance remember what it is See the Cat. Part 3. Answ 4. 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 section 1 1. Have I any Sense of Sin Do I know that Sin is any Want of Conformity unto or Transgression of the Law of God who is infinite in Holiness Justice Truth Power and Goodness Oh what an Evil is that which is contrary and offensive to the Nature of this God! Do I perceive and feel verily in my Conscience my Sins to be very many and great Have I a sorrowful Sense of my Darling Bosom common Sins and of their several Aggravations Quest Here you may desire to know when a Sinner is duly sensible of his Sin Answ You may know by what accompanies it When he doth with Grief of Heart and Hatred of his Sin his old beloved secret Sin turn from it unto God with full Purpose of
and brought over to my earnest Request to be constant Communicants but not ignorant unprepared and unreformed 1. I beseech you to consider the great and gracious Condescention of the most high and holy God to reveal to you the great Mystery of Redemption by his beloved Son and to make it plain and to confirm weak Faith to represent it by sensible Signs The Bread and Wine admonish you of the Necessity of Christ without whom you cannot live and of the Benefit of Christ whose Effect is spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace You have need of this plain way of Information by sensible Signs God stoops very low therein neglect it not What an Advantage is this to be doubly taught by the Word and by teaching Signs 2. Consider once again what is conveyed to your Souls by these visible Signs 1. Jesus Christ as dying yea as dead in our stead for our Sins to satisfie for them to reconcile us to God and to procure Forgiveness of Sins and that his Death was effectual for these great Purposes because we shew forth the Death of Christ by which all heavenly Blessings are become Legacies in the New Testament 2. Is it not profitable for you to see Jesus Christ and all the Benefits of Redemption set before you That God with-holds nothing from you if you will receive Christ but sets him and all things with him before your Eyes invites you to take him and all his Benefits He offers him yea gives yea seals the Gift of Righteousness and Life to make it sure to you for ever if you will but take and receive as he hath appointed you And what can be more to you than Jesus Christ and the Purchace of his most precious Blood Are the Forgiveness of Sins Reconciliation Adoption Supplies of all Grace the Promises which are exceeding great and precious such vile and common things that you will not have them though for coming for Have you no need of Christ or no need of receiving him in this Ordinance Surely if he enjoined it to them who had been trained up in his Doctrine known his Life seen his Miracles how gracious is God to us in appointing us such an Help who have more need of such repeated Confirmations of his Grace Can you do as well without Or what need you care to have your Graces strengthned or Forgiveness sealed Can you be so unthankful and cold in your Love as to neglect to remember him in a Way of his own Appointment Or would you be so careless to have the Act of Oblivion sealed by the Great Seal and to be sure of Life Or are you so rich that you can be without a part in the Everlasting Covenant Is he a Child of God that never enquires for the Legacy bequeathed by Will What is this but the New Testament confirmed by the Death of the Testator section 5 2. You are invited nay required to come by one who must not be despised a great King. This Charge This do in remembrance of me was given by the Lord in the same Night wherein he was betrayed That which you are invited to is with greatest Earnestness to be desired You will certainly die for ever without Christ Come Soul take me and live saith Christ Whosoever will let him come And will you not come Can neither the Authority of God nor his Love nor the last Charge of a dying Saviour prevail with you Oh! will you not observe his Charge which was given in the same Night wherein he was betrayed When he was ready to sacrifice his Body and Blood for your Sins When he was ready to drink the bitter Cup of God's Wrath appointed to be drunk by Infinite Justice When he was ready to shed his Blood for the Remission of Sin and to make the Covenant of Grace of force by his Death So that thereby all the Children might come in for their Portions and Share because the Testator being dead the Legacies became due to all that claim them Will none of these things move you but rather let all be lost than you trouble your selves to examine your selves to repent of Sin and embrace Christ or to shake off your damning Security and spiritual Sloth The Lord rebuke you in Mercy that you may be saved section 6 3. Doth the offended God declare that he is well pleased with the Death of his Son Doth the Lord Jesus Christ shew forth his own Death for Sin to redeem your Souls Do not you hear him say Thus was my Body broken thus was my Blood shed thus my Hands and my Feet and my Sides were wounded Thus I gave up the Ghost for you And upon this that Christ died a Proclamation is made to all that have any thing to accuse the Soul of Rom. 8.33 Who can lay any thing to the Charge of God's Elect It is Christ that died And to all Sinners that are cast in Law that cannot deny nor mitigate their Offences nor bear the Sentence much less endure Damnation by that Sentence I say to all Sinners notice is given 1 Joh. 1.2 If any Man sin there is an Advocate with the Father who is also the Propitiation for our Sin. O Sinner wilt not thou come to see this Death shewed forth Soul what hast thou to shew or plead wherefore the Sentence of Eternal Death should not be pronounced against thee but this Hast not thou sinned against the infinite God Doth not thy Conscience accuse judge and condemn thee according to the Law which thou hast transgressed What canst thou say for thy self If thou offer to plead any thing of thine own either good Intentions Desires Purposes Works or any Circumstances to extenuate and pare off the grossness of thy Sin thy Conscience except the Ignorant and Erroneous like an upright Judge well learned in the Law and Gospel must needs stop thy Mouth over-rule all thy Pleas and tell thee that without shedding of Blood there is no Remission of Sin and that no Blood but the precious Blood of Christ as of a Lamb without Spot can cleanse thee from thy Sin. Wilt not thou therefore cast thy self upon the free Grace of God reconciled and satisfied with the Death of his dear Son And wilt thou not come to that Ordinance which he commanded his People to the End of the World to observe in which his Death is shewed forth and there shew him to God as the Death of thy Mediator who hath made Peace and taken away Sin And shew him also to all thy Adversaries and Accusers Lo all you that seek my Soul to destroy it This is he who gave his Life a Ransom for me He hath fulfilled the Law satisfied the Divine Justice What have you to say against me Against all your Accusations this I plead and alledge that Christ died and overcame Death and that he died for me And be it known to all Infidels and Blasphemers that the crucified Christ is my Lord and Saviour Into him I
bodies he shall wound the heads over many countreys and restraining and conquering all his and our Enemies 32. Christ as our Redeemer did execute these three Offices both in the State of his Humiliation when he was upon Earth and still doth execute them in Heaven in his Exaltation 33. Q. Wherein did Christ's Humiliation consist A. Christ's Humiliation consisted (i) Luke 2.7 And she brought forth her first born Son and wrapped him in swadling clothes and laid him in a Manger because there was no room for them in the Inn. in his being born and that in a low condition (k) Gal. 4.4 And when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a Woman made under the Law. made under the Law (l) Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God. V. 3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds Isa 53.2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender Plant and as a Root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him V. 3. He is despised and rejected of men a Man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not undergoing the Miseries of this Life (n) Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a Man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross the Wrath of God (m) Luke 22.44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Matth. 27.46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice saying ELI ELI LAMASABACHTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me and the cursed Death of the Cross (o) 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures in being buried (p) Matt. 2.40 As Jonas was three days and three nights in the Whales belly so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth Acts 2.24,25,26,27 31. V. 24. Whom God hath raised having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it V. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord always before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved V. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoice and my tongue was glad moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope V. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption V. 31. He seeing this before spake of the Resurrection of Christ that his Soul was not left in Hell neither did his flesh see corruption and continuing under the power of Death for a time 34. Q. Wherein consisteth Christ's Exaltation Christ's Exaltation consisteth in (q) 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures his Rising again from the dead on the third day (r) Mark 16.19 So then after the Lord had spoken to them he was received up into Heaven and sat on the right hand of God. in ascending up into Heaven (Å¿) Ephes 1.20 Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places in sitting at the right hand of God the Father (t) Acts 1.11 Which also said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into Heaven This same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Chap. 17. V. 31. He hath appointed a day in the which he shall judge the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead and in coming to judge the World at the last Day 35. Christ our Mediator wrought Redemption from that State of Sin and Misery into which we fell and purchased a happy State of Life and Salvation for all to whom it is applied 36. Q. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made partakers of the Redemption Purchased by Christ (u) John 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not V. 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 by the effectual Application of it to us (x) Tit. 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 V. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour by his holy Spirit 37. Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ A. The holy Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ (y) Ephes 1.13 In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of Truth the Gospel of your Salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise V. 14. Which is an earnest of our Inheritance until the Redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory John 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out V. 39. And this is the Fathers Will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given I should lose nothing but should raise it again at the last day Ephes 2.8 By Grace ye are saved through Faith and that not of your selves it is the Gift of God. by working Faith in us and thereby (z) Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love 1 Cor. 1.9 God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling 38. Q. What is effectual Calling A. Which effectual Calling is the Work of God's Spirit (a) 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy Calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the World began 2 Thess 2.13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth V. 14. Whereunto he hath
God through our Lord Jesus Christ V. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. V. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us Joy in the Holy Ghost (t) Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Increase of Grace (u) Prov. 4.18 The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day and Perseverance therein to the end (x) 1 Joh. 5.13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that you may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation 45. Q. What benefits do Believers receive from Christ at death A. The Souls of Believers are at their death made perfect in (y) Heb. 12.23 To the general assembly and church of the first-born which are written in heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect Holiness and do immediately pass into (z) 2 Cor. 5.1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens V. 6. Therefore we are confident knowing that whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. V. 8. We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Phil. 1.23 For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Luk. 23.43 And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Glory and their Bodies being still united to (a) 1 Thess 4.14 For if we believe Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him Christ do rest in their (b) Isa 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Graves till the (c) Job 19.26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God. V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Resurrection 46. Q What benefit do Believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Believers being raised up in Glory (d) 1 Cor. 15.43 It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Judgment (e) Mat. 25.23 His Lord said unto him Well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matth. 10 32. Whosoever shall confess me before men him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven and made perfectly blessed in full enjoying of God (f) 1 Joh. 3.2 Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13.12 For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know but in part but then I shall know even as I am also known to all Eternity (g) 1 Thess 4.17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we be ever with the Lord. V. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words PART II. What Duties God requires of Man in his holy Law. 1. Q. What is the Duty which God requireth of Man A. The Duty which God requireth of Man is Obedience to his (h) Mic. 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 1 Sam 15.22 And Samuel said Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord Behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams revealed Will. 2. Q What did God at first reveal to Man for the Rule of his Obedience A. The Rule which God at first revealed to Man for his Obedience was the Moral Law (i) Rom. 2.14 For when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the law are a law unto themselves V. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Rom. 10.5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth those things shall live by them 3. Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the (k) Deut. 10.4 And he wrote on the tables according to the first writing the ten commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the Lord gave them unto me Matth. 19.17 And he said unto him Why callest thou me good there is none good but one that is God but if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments ten Commandments 4. Q. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is To love the Lord our God with all our Heart with all our Soul with all our Strength and with all our Mind and our Neighbour as our (l) Matth. 22.37 Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is the first and great commandment V. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self V. 40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets selves 5. Q. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words Exod. 20.2 I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage 6. Q. What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teach us A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us That because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his (n) Luk. 1.74 That he
and Righteous he had not been fit for dominion 2. The Image of God was most upon Mans Soul which was breathed into his Body after his Body was created Gen. 2.7 and therefore the Soul is of a Nature and Substance different from the Body Spirits and Flesh are opposed therefore not the same Heb. 12.9 The Soul is Spiritual and Immortal 3. The Soul had not been the Soul of Man in the state of Creation if it had not been Wise and Holy therefore the Image of God which is supernatural to us now had been natural and was so by grace in that State. Man was then Holy as naturally as he was rational 4. Man was not Created in a state of meer indifferency to good and evil for he was Created after the Image of God which carried him towards God alone but he was not fixed and confirmed against all temptation to Sin. 5. Man was not Created a mortal dying Man. He knew nothing of Death till he was threatned and felt no signs of it till he had sinned His Life and Happiness were only forfeitable upon supposition of Sin therefore tho' his Body was made of Earth and so corruptible yet if he had not finned he had not died Death was not the condition of his nature but the punishment of his Sin Gen. 2.17 chap. 3.19 Rom. 5.12 chap. 6.23 chap. 8.10 SECT VI. God's Providence 1. VVIthout a preserving and governing Providence the World had fallen into ruine or confusion The wise and mighty of the World have cause to acknowledge the Soveraignty of it How often are their policies and methods broken and themselves cut off before their works are sinished 2. Nothing is too great and nothing too mean for Divine Providence for high and low great and small are his Creatures 3. It extends to all things Nothing is more free and secret than our thoughts yet Ps 139.2 Prov. 21.1 more contingent than a lot yet Prov. 16.33 or more voluntary than the works of Man yet Ps 33.13,14,15 nothing more inconsiderable than the lighting of a poor sparrow yet Mat. 10.29,30,31 Luke 12.6 What is Man yet Ps 8.4 Ps 144.4 There is a set time to be born and an appointed time upon Earth Job 7.1 chap. 5.26 Ps 91.16 Uncertain Life is shortned or prolong'd by means good means by Gods ordination evil by his just permission All men die in judgment or in mercy therefore as there is a providence in raising up one and putting down another so there is in the Life and Death of good and evil Men. SECT VII Of the Covenant of God with Adam 1. A Covenant is a solemn contract or agreement between parties The parties in this Covenant were God the soveraign and Man the subject bound to whatsoever God required 2. The substance of the Covenant is in Gen. 2.17 Adam's being in possession of happiness to be continued until he sinned was equivalent to a promise which is implied also in the threatning Adam's consent was enough to make it a Covenant on his part as it was on Israels part Exod. 19.8 He knew what he did and actually consented or else he had sinned before he did eat and he knew it would be for his good and being already so happy he was oblig'd to consent The Covenant was solemnized by a sign the Tree of Life and was known to Satan Gen. 3.1 and to the Woman ver 2,3 SECT VIII Of Adam's first Sin. THere was a declining of Heart from God before the fruit was eaten how else could the Woman be so senseless of the Serpents contradicting of Gods word how could Adam be so sleepy as to eat without reproof or reluctancy The Sin was unconceivably heinous Man believed Satan against God changed his highest end turned from God to the Creature that upon the Devils word he might abuse the Creature to become as God. He brake Covenant and all the Bonds of Duty Gratitude and Love he sinned against a known prohibition and despised both the threatning of Death and the promise of Life All mankind fell by Adam's Sin. Adam was in a condition to covenant with God for he had perfect knowledge of what he did It was not necessary that all mankind should be personally present which could not be because they were to be propagated by generation And if they had been present they had not been wiser than he nor more obliged to stand 2. All mankind were contained in him and represented by him as a common Person and Parent and as a Covenanter for himself and all his Posterity 3. All mankind were concluded by him as well as included in him Rom. 5.12 Death is a Punishment Punishment presupposeth Sin and Sin a Law. The Punishment is general so was the Law. When did all men Sin in Adam's Sin Rom. 5.19 Infants die who sinned not actually in their own Persons ver 14. therefore Death doth not pass upon all for actual personal Sin yet for Sin therefore for that Sin which was the Sin of all Men in effect as included in him 4. The Man Christ Jesus is only free from Sin for he was not Man by ordinary Generation nor included in that first Covenant but is the second Adam and head in another Covenant 5. The Blessed Virgin was not free from Original guilt and pollution None but Christ was If she had been she had been as Holy as he yea her Parents had been also without Sin and so it had been no privilege to her But they were unclean Job 14.1 and so was she because born of unclean Parents She confessed Christ her Saviour Luke 1.47 and died therefore she was a Sinner Rom. 5.12 SECT IX Of Original Sin why so called ORiginal Sin is so called because it was the first Sin derived from the beginning and because it is the spring and Original of actual Sin in us Wherein it consisteth Original Sin consisteth 1. in the guilt of Adam's first Sin. That Sin which brought Death upon Adam as a punishment brought it so also upon us Rom. 5.12 His other actual Sins are not imputed to us for he stood no longer in the publick capacity of a Head and Covenanter 2. In the want of Original righteousness Adam lost it for himself and for his Posterity also By entertaining the temptation to eat and the first motion to Sin he gave place to evil and so he lost what he had and coveting once what was forbidden he afterwards coveted more evil and Satan followed him with temptations to sin more The want of righteousness was his Sin and Punishment also And it is a Sin in mankind and Punishment upon us still The want of it is a Sin in us for we are bound to love God with all the heart which we cannot do for want of it And it is a Punishment upon us and God is not bound to restore the righteousness and take off the punishment 3. In the corruption of our whole nature All the powers of our Souls are corrupted as well as
What he was before he took the Nature of Man and who he was see before ver 9 c. 2. He took a true Body and reasonable Soul compleat humane Nature 1. A Body Heb. 10.5 The words inform us of a Covenant between the Father and the Son as two distinct Persons and what each one was to do As the Father was in Being before this Body was prepared so was the Son before he came to do his Will in that Body and so was the Holy Ghost by whom this Body was conceived The Father was to prepare a Body for his Son which was prepared by the Holy Ghost and assumed by the Son. 3. This Body was a true Body not a phantasm or a Celestial Body passing through the Body of the Virgin like lightning through the Air or Water through a Chanel but a substantial humane Body with Flesh and Blood for Sacrifice Heb. 10.10 Heb. 2.14 Luke 24.39 4. There was a reasonable Soul in this Body the Divine Nature was not instead of a Soul to him he had a true reasonable Soul Understanding Luke 2.4 Willing chap. 22.42 Sorrowing Mat. 26.38 and so he was a Man approved of God Acts 2.22 the Man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 He was conceived by the Holy Ghost 1. The Conception of the Holy thing was wonderful 1. In respect of the cause the Holy Ghost 2. In respect of the Mother a Virgin 3. In respect of the purity without Sin. 4. in respect of the ends of it both immediate and remote 2. The Operation of the Holy Ghost with the concurrence of the Father and the Son was his forming or creating the Body of Christ of her Blood or natural matter in her Womb. That which is conceived in Her Mat. 1.20 He was made of a Woman Gal. 4.4 The Operation of the Holy Ghost was not upon the Divine Nature or Person of the Son but altogether upon the Virgins Womb causing her to conceive a true substantial Body with a Soul created in it and both prepared for Union with the second Person who took the humane Nature so Conceived into personal Union with himself That which this nature received from the Son was personality or to be one Person with him The Holy Virgin was active and passive in this Conception Thou shalt Conceive in thy Womb c Luke 1.31 and that which is Conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost Mat. 1.20 3. Yet the relation continued between the Father and the Son the Son was the Son of the Father and not of the Holy Ghost 4. The manner of this Conception is so express'd as to denote a mighty secret Operation of the Holy Ghost upon the Virgin. See Luke 1.35 like the influence of the Spirit in the first Creation Gen. 1.2 or alluding to Ruth 3.9 He was Born c. 1. After the Virgin had miraculously Conceived she grew with Child Luke 2.5 was found with Child Mat. 1.18 and at full time was Born of her Luke 1.35 chap. 2.7 Mat. 2.1 Certain signs of the reality of the humane Nature that Mary was a Natural Mother tho not in a natural way and not a Spiritual Mother by Faith that the Body came not down from Heaven or was made out of the Womb and not formed in her Womb of her Nature and Substance as some have imagined He is said to come down from Heaven as God condescending to be our Mediator and as Mediator in respect of his Mission and Authority And why Our Mediator is God and Man in one Person that he might be a middle person and so mediate between God and Man he was Man that he might obey and die that the promises made to Adam Abraham David might be fulfilled Gen. 3.15 Gal. 3.16 Acts 2.30 Rom. 1.4 and with respect to all the Children Heb. 2.14 He must be Born without Sin a Holy thing that he might be a Priest and Sacrifice He was God-Man that he might satisfy and merit by his obedience and sufferings SECT XIII Of the Prophetical Office of Christ 1. OUr Saviour declared the Father 1. as the Brightness of his Glory Heb. 1.3 Joh. 14.9 2. As a Prophet foretold Acts 3.24,25,26 2. This great Prophet teacheth outwardly by his word and Ministers and inwardly by his Spirit and this is effectual to Salvation Christ both preached and gave repentance which is Gods prerogative See Acts 3.26 2. Tim. 2.25 He at once opened the Heart and the Scriptures Luke 24.32,45 He so Preached as to heal the broken in Heart c. which are Works proper to God Luke 4.18 Ps 146.7 Ps 147.3 3. Christ as Mediator doth act in subordination to his Father yet not as if he were but Man only instructed by God and to that end taken up to Heaven in the space of the forty days temptation to receive Revelations from him nor as if he were but God only by deputation as they say He is a Prophet as God-Man Joh. 1.18 The only begotten Son hath declared him Even while he was upon Earth as Man he was in the Bosom of the Father as God as one essentially with him and intimate in all his thoughts He was greater than John Baptist who was greater than the Prophets he was full of grace therefore God Joh. 1.15 1 Pet. 5.10 4. He is a Prophet still for the Gospel is his Gospel Rom. 1.16 and ver 9. He by his Spirit enlightneth our Minds Ephes 1.17 and so the Scriptures are able to make us wise to salvation 2 Tim 3.15 5. Christ is not only the Mediator of the New Testament because he declares or makes the Covenant in the Name of God Heb. 8.6 He as a Prophet or an Apostle and Embassador doth deal with Men teaching and perswading them but so that he is also the High-Priest of our profession or Covenant-agreement with God and so he is a surety of the Covenant engaging himself to make good Gods promises to us and our obligations to God Heb. 7.22 He acteth between both for both 6. As a Prophet he was sent of God and was known by this Title or Periphrasis He that was to come Luke 7.19,20 And two things are to be noted of him 1. His quality as the Son of God Joh. 3.17,18 and as related to Man as the Son of Man and so he received the Spirit not by measure Joh. 3.34 It abode upon him 2. His Mission or Sending with command to honour him Joh. 3.17 chap. 5.24 As God he could not come nor descend but he who was God came His Original was from Heaven as God and he was in Heaven as God and his Commission and Authority to do the Office of a Mediator was from Heaven or from God Joh. 7.29 chap. 8.42 chap. 3.34 He could not be in Heaven as Man while he was upon Earth nor till he ascended His coming and descending denotes to us 1. The condescention 2. The Authority and Commission of Christ SECT XIV Of Christ's Priestly Office. 1. CHrist is truly and properly a
the Law were Sons but in minority under Tutors c Gal. 4.4 yet they had the free Spirit Ps 51.12 They with their fear had boldness and we have fear with our boldness and liberty Phil. 2.13 Heb. 4.16 And Sanctified 1. To Sanctify is to make Holy. 2. We abhorr that slander That because we are justified by imputed Righteousness therefore we may take licence to sin We say a justified Man is Sanctified and must be so 1 Cor. 6.11 2. Imputed Sanctification 1. Cor. 1.30 doth not excuse from inherent 3. A shew of sanctity is but hypocrisie 4. We teach as the Apostle did Heb. 12.14 and derive holiness from its proper causes Rom. 6.1,2 Rom. 3.31 1 Pet. 2.24 Gal. 5.6 Tit. 2.14 3. To believe in the first notion of it is not all one as to obey obedience is necessary to Faith. They who obey are true believers and they who obey not are hypocrites Rom. 10.15 Heb. 5.9 James 2.14 c. 4. Sanctification is the Work of God the Father Jude 1. of Christ Joh. 15.24 of the Holy Ghost 2 Thes 2.13 We can no more regenerate or sanctify our selves than we can justify our selves 5. The Righteousness of justification is perfect Rom. 8.1 of Sanctification imperfect therefore we need continued justification and forgiveness 6. Justification is a change of State Sanctification of Nature it is total in respect of parts but not compleat in degrees we are growing but not grown perfect 7. In our Conversion we turn from Sin and Creatures to God in our Sanctification we die to Sin and live to God to which we are enabled by virtue of our Union with Christ Rom. 6.3 chap. 8.10 and by his spirit dwelling in us Rom. 8.13 Rom. 6.5,6.11 1 Cor. 6.11 1 Pet. 1.2 and by growing in some graces we grow in all and inward graces are encreased by outward Ordinances threatnings promises afflictions temptations and mercies sanctified 8. Regenerate Saints have Sin in them abiding tho' they have the spirit Gal. 5.16,17,18 1 Joh. 1.8 chap. 2.1 James 3.2 and sin actually 1 Kings 8.46 Peter sinned in denying Christ and after he was again converted Gal. 2.11 Obj. He that is born of God sinneth not 1 Joh. 3.4 Answ No not as he who is of the Devil and not born of God v. 8. and he purifieth himself v. 3. Obj. I am able to do all things therefore to live without sin Phil. 4.13 Answ All have not Paul's Grace and Power 2. Paul himself in his regenerate state was not free from Sin Rom. 7.16,17,18,22,25 3. All things i. e. Evangelically not Legally 4. All things that is Want and Abound Obj. We pray Thy Will be done c. nothing more agreeable to it than perfection and if we ask we shall receive 1 Joh. 5.14 Answ We are not taught to Pray for perfection in this Life for it is no where promised We are sincerely to wish and endeavour it SECT XX. Assurance of God's Love. 1. SUch an assurance of Gods Love and the fruits of it as overcomes fears and doubts is attainable in this Life and is no vain confidence See 2 Pet. 1.10 In it observe 1. The exhortation is made to believers in general 2. The diligence is the means of attaining it 3. Effectual Calling may be known and made sure 4. He that is sure of his Effectual Calling is sure of his Election See also 1 Thes 1.3,4 to ver 7. 2 Thes 2.13,14 Heb. 6.9,10 2. Assurance is ordinarily gathered by spiritual sanctified Reason and Divine Testimony thus he that is called is elected The spirit delivers and testifies that truth But I am called this is true by experience and spiritual sence of the Work of God upon us and the truth of grace therefore I am elected this is the conclusion and there is an assurance of all three propositions 3. The ordinary reasons why so many want it are 1. Because some look upon it as too high for them 2. or use not diligence or 3. know not how to gather it or 4. doubt of the truth of their graces or 5. want holy confidence in drawing the conclusion therefore I am elected Peace of Conscience 1. Peace of Conscience is the tranquility of it or rest from the terrors of the Law and threatnings of wrath Having it we undergo troubles and afflictions we submit to God serve him and wait for eternal Life 2. It proceeds from peace with God Rom. 5.1 and is Gods gift Rom. 15.13 3. It is often broken by temptations omissions of duty and commission of Sin. But the soundation and Bond of it a bides strong on Gods side and it is regained by renewing Faith Repentance Watchfulness and Obedience Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 1. Spiritual joy is the happy flourishing state of a true believer It is the fruit of the spirit Gal. 5.22 a gift of God Rom. 15.13 2. It springs from Faith in Christ 1 Pet. 1.8 and hope of Glory Rom. 5.2 3. The objects of it are God in Christ Rom. 5.11 Phil. 4.4 4. 'T is accompanied with Righteousness and peace Rom. 14.17 5. 'T is consistent with godly Sorrow Mat. 5.4 and sympathy with mourners Rom. 12.15 6. It is strongest in sufferings 1 Pet. 4.13 Rom. 5.3 and after hard services Acts 5.41 7. There is no hope of it to the impenitent Ps 51.8 Luke 13.5 8. It is allayed in believers with fear Ps 2.11 and sorrow Rom. 12.14 Encrease of Grace Growth in Grace is promised Prov. 4.18 Ps 1.3 It grows by abiding in Christ John 15.4,5 and a diligent use of Ordinances Ephes 4.11,12,13 and exercise of Grace Phil. 4.8 2 Pet. 1.2,4 to 10. Encrease is promised here but perfection is reserv'd for Heaven Perseverance 1. If Perseverance in Grace were not certain none could be saved 2. It depends not upon the strength of inherent Grace but upon Gods Will. 1. Election is to salvation 2 Thes 2.13 2. Calling is to Glory 1 Thes 2.12 1 Pet. 1.3,4 3. The promise goes home to the end John 3.15,16 and faith looks for it Heb. 11.1 4. The Covenant is firm between the Father and the Son Is 53.11 accordingly Christ perform'd his part Heb. 2.10 chap. 12.2 John 17.15 Heb. 7.25 and to the true Believer Heb. 10.14,15,16,17,23 Tit. 1.2 5. They have the spirit to abide Joh. 14.16 an earnest 2 Cor. 1.22 and Seal Ephes 4.30 6. They believe and hope to the end Heb. 10.39 1 Pet. 1.9 Rom. 5.2 7. They continue running and pressing 2 Tim. 4.8 Philip. 3.15 8. They are kept to salvation 1 Pet. 1.4,5 These are comforts to the diligent and sincere Hypocrites and Apostates have no part in them 2 Pet. 1.5 to 10. SECT XXI The Souls of Believers are happy at their Death 1. THe existence and immortality of the Soul was proved before 2. The destruction of the Soul is not of the substance but the punishment of Hell Luke 12.5 They who die in the Lord are Blessed Rev. 14.13 and shall be with him Phâ—l 1.23 for
Ignorant and of them who go out of the way who hast by thy Holy Spirit made the Reading but especially the Preaching of thy Word an effectual Means of convincing and converting Sinners and of building them up in Holiness and Comfort through Faith unto Salvation be pleased for Christ's sake to prepare our Hearts that we may attend to thy Word and receive it as new-born Babes 1 Pet. 2.1 by Faith and Love and lay it up in our Hearts and practise it in our Lives Before the Sacrament or Communion Most holy wise and merciful Lord God when all Mankind was fallen into an Estate of Sin and Misery it pleased thee to enter into a Covenant of Grace to bring thy People out of that sinful and miserable Condition into an Estate of Salvation by thy beloved Son the only Redeemer thou art graciously pleased to teach us convince convert build up and comfort us by thy Word and for our furtherance in Faith Holiness and Comfort to represent to us Jesus Christ and all the Benefits of the New Covenant by sensible signs the Bread and Wine broken poured out given and received and not only to represent Christ to us but also to seal and apply him and the Benefits of the New Covenart Be thou pleased by thy Spirit of Grace to help us to receive the Bread and Wine according to thy divine Appointment that we may receive them worthily and be Partakers by Faith of his Body and Blood with all his Benefits to our spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace We pray thee help us to examine our selves and so let us eat Oh let us not eat and drink unworthily not discerning the Lord's Body but give us a clear and saving Knowledge to discern the Lord's Body a lively Faith to feed upon him a renewed Repentance to Life a pure and fervent Love and quicken us to walk in new Obedience to all thy Commandments Oh help us to remember him and shew forth his Death both by our Profession and holy Conversation till he come again For the Lord's Day O Lord our God who hast commanded us to remember to keep holy the Sabbath day for Jesus his sake forgive us our great Forgetfulness both in preparing for it and performing the Duties of it Thou hast been very merciful to us in allowing us six Days for our own Employments Thou hast strictly enjoined us to sanctifie this whole Day and to move us thereunto thou hast set before us thine own Example both of finishing all thy Works in six Days and resting the seventh and hast blessed the Day and sanctified it Yet we have not considered nor regarded these Reasons annexed to this thy holy Commandment to perswade and quicken us to this great and holy Duty Pardon us O Lord according to the Riches of thy Grace this our Transgression and seeing thou givest us hopes of enjoying another Sabbath we beseech thee help us by thy Holy Spirit to sanctifie this Sabbath by an holy Resting all this Day even from such worldly Employments and Recreations as are lawful on other Days In reading hearing singing Psalms Meditation Prayer Conference and to spend the whole time in the publick and private Exercises of thy Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the Works of Necessity and Mercy which thou shalt call us to And keep us by thy Grace from the Omission or careless Performance of the Duties required from prophaning the Day by Idleness or any thing in it self sinful or by unnecessary Thoughts Words or Works about our worldly Employments or Recreations And bless the whole Day to us For Morning for every Day according to Ans 11. Most holy the All-wise and Almighty Lord God who dost by thy most holy wise and powerful Providence preserve and govern all thy Creatures and all their Actions we do most earnestly beseech thee to give us thy Holy Spirit to preserve our Souls from Sin and Temptations to govern our Thoughts Wills Affections our Words and Actions that they may be holy Over-rule our vain sinful Thoughts Imaginations Designs Purposes Motions and Affections to Evil. Raise in us Holiness of Design in our Conversation that we may aim at thy Glory Give us Wisdom and Discretion to order all our Affairs according to thy Laws Give us Ability and Strength that by thy Power we may carry on all the Affairs and Works of our particular Calling preserve us by thy Power therein from our Enemies and from all Harm and Danger We humbly commit our selves to thy holy wise and powerful Providence we desire thy Grace to depend thereupon and to ascribe the Glory of all our Success to thy Blessing Let us see and acknowledge thee in whatsoever shall come to pass this Day for all things are by thee and through thee and for thee to whom be Glory for ever For Night O Lord who hast created the Evening and the Morning and hast by thy great Wisdom ordained the Night for Rest and that part of our Time on Earth should be spent in Sleep and Rest that being refreshed thereby we might be enabled for thy surther Service When we are at rest we have neither Knowledge to discern nor Wisdom to fore see nor Power to resist the Evils that may befal us But thou by thy holy wise and powerful Providence preservest and governest all Creatures in all their Actions Therefore we adore thy Providence and in considence of thy Wisdom Power and Goodness cast our selves upon thee this Night humbly beseeching thee to preserve our Souls from Sin that we imagine not Evil upon our Beds our Persons our Relations our Habitation our Comsorts from Danger and Destruction from all Creatures who are subject to thy Command Keep us that we sleep not the Sleep of Death let neither Men nor Devils nor any other Creature disturb or hurt us And thou who governest all Creatures and all their Actions govern us our Imaginations Affections Senses Actions that sleeping or waking we may be thine And all we beg as in the Name of Christ so for the sake of Christ AMEN Directions to use this Form Perswasions to Family-Prayer especially and Resolution of some Questions briefly touched section 1 YOu see what store of spiritual and divine Matter your Catechism doth afford you to enable you for Prayer and Thanksgiving You shall not have cause to complain of want of Matter such as you ought and such as you may make use of You need no more to say you know not what to pray for for here is a Treasure digged up in your own Ground if indeed you make this little Catechism your own Now labour with your own Hearts and in this small Treatise and the Lord by his own Spirit teach you how to pray I perceive these Prayers to grow to such a length that I sear some will be discouraged from the length and seeming tediousness of all this therefore receive these few Counsels and Directions section
and Endeavour after new Obedience No Man is sensible of Sin as highly offensive and contrary to God but doth grieve and sorrow for it No Man is sorry in a Godly sort that doth not turn from it unto God as hating it and endeavouring to please God. Men may hear of Sin and talk of it without these Effects but they were never sensible of what they speak section 2 2. Do I apprehend that it is Mercy meer Mercy tender Mercy and wonderful if ever I turn from Sin and escape Damnation Is this Mercy in and through and for the sake of Jesus Christ if ever I escape the Curse and Wrath due to me for Sin Doth the Apprehension of God's Mercy in Christ melt me win me overcome me and prevail upon me to forsake all my Sin and to turn to him 3. Do I grieve for Sin What is my Grief Is it deep and hearty arising in me from a clear Sight and Conviction of Sin Do I grieve that I ever sinned at all that I have dishonoured and displeased God though I should not go to Hell nor fear it Doth it break my Heart and make me mourn before God when I remember it 4. Do I hate it Do I hate all Sin in general for its corrupt base and devilish Nature and Qualities Do I hate mine own Sin in special Do I flee Occasions and watch against Temptations to it Do I pray against it to be delivered from it and enabled against it Do I die to it and mortifie it and cease to make provision for it These are the Signs of Hatred of Sin. 5. Have I turned from Sin Do I turn further and further from it Whose am I To whom do I belong Satan Or am I turned from him to God Am I really turned so that I yield those Members which were Instruments of Unrighteousness unto Sin to be Instruments of Righteousness unto God Do I turn to love fear and serve him as the Lord my God 6. How do I turn Feignedly weakly and in pretence or with a Purpose of Heart Is my Purpose full and fixed or but half perswaded Am I so turned that I resolve in the strength of Grace to return back no more but to go forward Do I so purpose that I will endeavour all Ways by all Means by the use of all Ordinances to walk in new Obedience as a new Man Do I turn to God as well as cease from Sin Whence do my Resolutions and Purposes arise Do they arise from that Saving Grace of the Spirit working in me a Sense of Sin as Sin and an Apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ Or do spring from worldly Sorrow Fear or Shame Loss or Harm suddain Passion or serious Consideration 4. The Trial of Love. section 1 The fourth Grace to be examined is Love And though your Catechism tells you you must examine your Love yet it helps you not to try it as you are helped in the Trial of Faith and Repentance It will be necessary for me to open to you the Nature and Properties of this divine Grace and that by shewing you the Objects of it or towards whom this Grace of Love is exercised Examine your Love 1. To God. 2. To Man. 1. Concerning your Love to God you must observe that we are bound to love God in those three distinct Relations in the Godhead that is we must love the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost for in our Baptism we take these three glorious Persons in the God head for our God And what Duties we are engaged to in our Baptism we must exercise and engage our selves a-new to perform when we come to the Lord's Table for then and there we renew our Covenant with God. And as we are bound to believe in God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost so we are bound to love the Father the Son and Holy Ghost This being spoken on the way I shall describe this Grace of Love as near as I can as Faith and Repentance are described before and that by pointing out the Cause and Reasons and the Effects of it by which you may try the Truth of it Rom 5.8 Luk 7.37 Ps 116 1,2,3 to 10. Cant. 1.3 ch 5.9,10 1 Joh. 4.9,10,19 Ps 63 2,3 Deut. 30.20 c. 10.20 c. 11.22 Joh. 14.15 1 Joh. 5.3 chap. 3.1,6 chap. 4.10,11 Love to God is a Saving Grace whereby a Sinner out of the sense of his Sin Baseness Corruption and Misery and from an Apprehension of the infinite Perfections of God especially his Grace Goodness and All sufficiency he doth adore and admire him he doth desire him and cleave to him he laboureth to do the things that please him and to conform to him in all things section 2 Examine your selves 1. Doth your Love to God proceed from your Knowledge and Apprehension of his infinite Excellencies expressed in his Attributes Do you therefore acknowledge God and look upon him as infinite in Wisdom Holiness Power Righteousness Faithfulness and Truth as rich in Grace c. See Exod. 34.6,7 Dost thou believe the Love of God to thy Soul Is he thy God Hath he engaged his Attributes and Glory to thee to be on thy side and for thy good Dost thou believe thy self to be corrupted polluted guilty and helpless Dost thou look upon the Creatures as vain and unable to make thee happy that God is All-sufficient for thee in all Conditions at all Times Dost thou adore and praise him See Psal 103. from 1. to 19. Dost thou believe that God is infinitely better than all Creatures and to be loved above all And dost thou esteem and love him above all the World even with all thy Heart Strength Soul and Mind Matth. 22.37 Luk. 10.22 even above Father above Mother Wife House Lands yea Life it self Dost thou desire him prize him and prefer him before all Psal 16.5,6 and 4.6,7 and 144 15. Dost thou labour to be like him to imitate him to keep his Commandments 1 Joh. 4.10,11 1 Pet. 1.17 and still to give God the Precedence to chuse him above all to fear him more than Men or Devils and to obey him rather than Man This in general section 3 But to go on to Particulars Examine your Love to the three glorious Persons in the God-head distinctly And know this that he that loveth the Father loveth the Son and the Holy Ghost likewise and he that loveth Christ loveth the Father and the Holy Ghost also 1. Examine your Love to God the Father Say to thy Soul O my Soul What am I about to receive Bread and Wine But what is represented thereby The Body and Blood of thy dear Saviour the only begotten of the Father as crucified with all the Benefits of his Death But whence came this to pass How came he to be one of us in our Nature to be thus abased and crucified to become a Propitiation and a Ransom for Sin Oh behold and wonder Rom. 5.5,8,9 This is an Act of the