the Old-Testament believers died yet the virtue of Christ's Death extends to them as well as us Heb. 11.39 40. And these all having obtained a good report through faith received not the promise God having provided some better thing for us that they without us should not be made perfect Q. 6. Why would not God deliver us without such a Redeemer A Because it was not so much for the honour of his Justice Rom. ◠25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Iesus Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A. That all that are out of Christ are in a miserable Bondage and Captivity Iohn 8.36 If the son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Q. 8. What is the second Instruction A. Hence see the heinous nature of Sin which required such a price to satisfy for it 1 Pet. 1.18 19. VVe were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Q. 9. VVhat is the third Iustruction hence A. The wonderful love of Christ in redeeming us at such a rate Rev. 1.5 Who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Q. 10. What is the last Instruction A. This strongly obligeth us to an universal holiness 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods Of Christ's Incarnation Quest. 22. HOw did Christ being the Son of God become man A. Christ the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true Body and a reasonable Soul being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Uirgin Mary and born of her yet without Sin Q. 1 Who is the only Redeemer of God's Elect A. The Lord Jesus Christ is their only Redeemer and there is no other Redeemer besides him Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Q. 2. How is he the Son of God or can be as no other is so A. He is the Son of God by Nature from all Eternity and so no Angel or Saint is Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my son this day have I begotten thee Q. 3 VVhy was it necessary he should become man A. That he might be capable to suffer Death in our room Heb. 2.15 16 17. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Q. 4. Why must the Redeemer be God as well as Man A. Because the blood of a meer man could not satisfy and redeem us Acts 20.28 Feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood Q. 5. Do these two Natures make two Persons A. No The Humane Nature is united to the second Person and subsists in union with it Iohn 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth Q 6. VVas the Union only for a time A. No It continues and abides for ever Heb. 7.24 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable 〈…〉 Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A Hence we learn the transcendent love of God to poor Sinners Iohn 3.16 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life Q 8. What is the second Instruction A. Hence we learn the matchless love of Christ that he should stoop to such a condition for us 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Q. 9 What is the third Instruction A. That the greatest Sins are capable of remission to Believers Iohn 1.29 Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world Q 10. What is the fourth Instruction A. That those that be in Christ need not fear the denial or want of an◠other mercy Rom 8.32 He that spared not his own son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Q. 11. What is the fifth Instruction A. Hence we learn how impious it is to ascribe any part of the glory of redemption to any other besides Christ Q. 12. What is the sixth Instruction A. This teaches us the miserable condition of all that are out of Christ and the necessity of their damnation he being the only Redeemer Of the Manner of Christ's Incarnation Quest. 1. WAS Christ's Incarnation a voluntary act in him A. Yes it was for though he had a command to die for us Iohn 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Yet he came willingly Psal 40.6 7. Sacrifice and offerings thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offerrings and sin offerings hast thou not required lo I come in the volume of thy book it is written of me V. 8. I delight to do thy 〈…〉 Q. 2. Was the Body of Christ a real and true Humane Body A. Yes it was a true and real Body not the appearance and shape of a Body only Luke 24.38 And he said unto them Why are ye troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts Ver. 29. Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have Q. 3. Had he a true Humane Soul as well as a Body A. Yes he had a real Humane Soul also and all the natural faculties and powers thereof Mat. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death Q. 4. Was he then in all respects like to other men A. No his conception was not like others Isa. 7.14 Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emanuel And he had no sin in him as others have Heb. 7.26 For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners Q. 5. Did Christ put off the Humane Nature at his Ascention A. No he did not but carried it up to glory and now is in our Nature in Heaven 1 Tim.
Author of Sanctification A. God only Iude ver 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father Q. 3. What is the instrument of it A. The Word of God Iohn 17.17 Sanctify them througâ— thy truth thy word is truth Q. 4 What part of man is sanctified A. Every part both of the Soul and Body 1 Thes. 5.23 And the very God of peace sanctâ—â—y you wâ—olly and I pray God your whole spirit soul and body be prâ—served blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ Q. 5. Is Sanctification perfected at once A. No but by degrees 2 Pet. 3.18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ. Q. 6. VVhen will it be made perfect A. When we come to Heaven and not before 1 Cor. 13.10 11. But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away Q. 7. What are the signs of true Sanctification A. When it runs into all parts of our Conversation 1 Pet. 1.15 But as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Secondly And continues to the end Rev. 22.11 Let him that is holy be holy still Q. 8. What is the inseparable companion of Sanctification A. Righteousness towards men Luke 1.74 75. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life Q. 9. What is opposite to Sanctification A. All filthiness of Flesh and Spirit 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit Q. 10. What is the priviledge of the sanctified A. They are all elected and shall be glorified 1 Pet. 1. 2 4 Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the father through sanctification of the spirit to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you Q. 11. What is the case of them who live and die unsanctified A. They shall never see God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and boliness without which no man shall see the Lord. Q. 12. What differenceth true from pretended Sanctification A. True Sanctification purgeth the heart from the love of sin Rom. 7.15 For that which I do I allow not And the life from the dominion of sin â—om â—â— 19. As ye have yielded your members servants to 〈◊〉 and to iniquity unto iniquity even so now yield youâ— members servants to righteousness unto holiness Q. 13. May great sinners be sanctâ—fied A. Yes the Spirit of God can sanctify the vilest heart 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified Of Assurance the fruit of Iustification Quest. 36. WHAT are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or â—low from Iustification Adoption and Sanctification A. The benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from Iustification Adoption and Sanctification are assurance of God's love peace of Conscience joy in the Holy Ghost increase of Grace and perseverance therein to the end Q. 1. Is Assurance possible to be attained in this Life A. Yes for fome have had it Cant. 6.3 I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine And all Christians are commanded to strive for it 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather â—rethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure Q. 2. How many sorts of assurance are there A. There is an objective Assurance 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his And a subjective or personal Assurance Gal. 2.20 Who loved me and gave himself for me Q. 3. Is personal Assurance perfect in this Life A. No it admits of doubts and fears which interrupts it and it is not always at one height 1 Cor. 13.10 When that which is psrfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away Q. 4. On what Testimony is personal Assurance built A. Upon the Testimony of God's Spirit witnessing with ours Rom. â— 16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God Q. 5. Doth the Spirit make use of signs in us to 〈◊〉 us A. Yes Ordinarily he doth 1 Iohn 3.14 We know thâ—â— we are passed from death to life because we love the brethren Aâ— ver 24. Hereby we know that he abideth in us by the spirit whicâ— he hath given us Q. 6. How is true assurance discerned from presumption A. True assurance humbles the Soul Gal. 2.20 I 〈◊〉 crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Chriâ—â— liveth in me And makes the Soul afraid of Sin 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse 〈◊〉 selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness iâ— the fear of God Q. 7. What is the usual season of Assurance A. The time of greatest sufferings for Christ. 1 Pet. 4.14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ happy 〈◊〉 ye for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you Q. 8. Is personal Assurance absolutely necessary to Salvation A. No a man may be saved and in Christ without it Isa. 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upâ—â— his God Q. 9. What is the fruit of Assurance A. Joy unspeakable amidst outward Troubles Rom. 5.11 And not only so but we also joy in God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom we have now received the atonement Q. 10. What sins usually eclipse our Assurance A. Negligence in duty starves it 2 Pet. 1.10 Give diligence to make your calling and election sure For if ye do these things ye shall never fall And sinning against light stabs it Psal. 51.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bonâ— which thou hast broken may rejoyce Q. 11. What is the first Inference from this Doctrine A. That no unregenerate Person can have any Assurance for it is the fruit of Justification Adoption and Sanctification Q. 12. What is the second inference A. That all the Joys of Heaven are not to come buâ— â—ome communicated in this life 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 13. What is the third inference A. That assured Believers need to be circumspect persons that they grieve not the Spirit Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the holy spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption Of Peace of Conscience Quest. 1. WHat doth the word Peace signify in Scripture A. In the Language of the Old Testament it signifies all temporal good 1 Sam. 25.6 Peace be both to thee and peace be to thine house and peace be unto
his Sin by Generation for we were in his loyns as treason stains the blood of the posterity or the parents Leprosie the Children Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapeâ— in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q 4. Wherein doth it consist A. It consists in two things First In our aversation and enmity to that which is good Rom. 7.18 In me that is in my flesh there dwelleth no good thing Secondly In proneness to that which is evil Rom. 7.14 But I am carnal sold under sin Q 5. Is this corruption of Nature in all Men A. Yes In all meer men and women none exempted Rom. 3.10 and 23. As it is written There is none righteous no not one for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Q. 6. In what part of our Nature doth this Sin abide A. It abides in the whole man in every part of man both Soul and Body Gen. 6.5 God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually 1 Thes. 5.23 Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 7. How is the Body infected by it A. In the readiness of the bodily members to further sin and its temptations in the Soul Rom. 3.13 14 15. Their throat is an open sepulcher with their tongues they have used deceit the poyson of Asps is under their lips whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness their feet are swift to shedblood Q. 8. What learn we from Original Sin A. To bear patiently the miseries we see on our Children and their death also without murmuring Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. What is the second Instruction A. It teaches us humility and should be matter of confession and humiliation when we sin actually Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q. 10. What is the third Instruction A. It should provoke parents to use their utmost diligence for the conversion of their Children who draw sin from them Q 11. What is the last Instruction A. It teaches us the necessity of Regeneration and should provoke us greatly to desire it Of Man's Misery Quest. 19. WHat is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost communion with God are under his wrath and curse and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of Hell for ever Q. 1. What communion had God with Man before the Fall A. Man then enjoyed the gracious presence and favour of God with him which was better than life Q. 2. How doth it appear this was lest by the Fall A. It appears by Scripture-Testimony That Adam lost it as to himself Gen. 3.8 And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden And we in him Eph. 2.12 At that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Q. 3. Was this the only misery that came by the Fall A. No Man did not only lose communion with God but fell under his wrath and curse Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 4. Doth the wrath and curse of God then lie on all Men A. It lies on all the unregenerate in the world Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which is written in the book of the law to do them But believers are delivered from it by Christ. 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus which delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 5. How are the miseries of Man by the Fall divided A. They are divided into the miseries of this world and of the world to come Q 6. What are the miseries that come on them in thss world A. The miseries of life as Sickness Pain Poverty on the Body Fear Trouble Sorrow on the Mind and at last Death it self Rom. 6. ult The wages of sin is death Q. 7. What are the Miseries after this Life A. The Pains and Torments of Hell for ever Psal. 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into hell Q. 8. What are the Torments of Hell A. Pain of Loss and Pain of Sense Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire Q. 9. What learn you from hence A. The woful State of the unconverted Miserable here and miserable to Eternity Q. 10. What else learn we hence A. The great salvation Believers have by Christ from all this misery Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him Of the Salvation of God's Elect and of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 20. DID God leave all Mankind to perish in the State of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life diâ— enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a redeemer Q. 1. Are some Persons chosen to salvation and others left A. Yes God hath chosen some to salvation and passed by others as the Scriptures speak See Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called And Jude v. 4. For there are certian men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men c. Q 2. Did God chuse some because he foresaw they would be better than others A. No God's choice was not on foreseen works but meerly of his grace and good pleasure of his will Eph. 1.5.6 Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace Q. 3. Is this Election of God made in time and that according as men use their free will or from Eternity A. Election is an Eternal act of God before the world was and depends not on Man's using his free-will as appears from Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Q. 4. Shall all that be Elected be called and saved A. Yes the Scripture is full and plain for it Acts 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called c. Q. 5. By whom are the Elect saved A.
4.13 Even so them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Christless ones are immediately in Hell Luke 16.22 23. The rich man also died and was buried and in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torment Of rest in the Grave Quest. 1. WHY must Believers come to the Grave A. Because where Sin has been Death by the Law must follow Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 2. What is the First priviledge of their Bodies there A. 'T is the priviledge of their Bodies to be there in union with Christ. 1 Thes. 4.14 Them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Q. 3. What is their Second priviledge A. Their Graves are places of Rest not Prisons but Beds of Rest. Isa. 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Q. 4. Wâ—at is the First evil they rest from A. All the toils and troubles and afflictions of this life Rev. 14.13 They may rest from their labours and their works do follow them Q. 5. What is the Second evil they rest from A. They rest from all persecutions from men Iob 13.17 There the wiked cease from troubling and there the weary be at rest Q. 6. What is the Third evil they rest from A. They rest from Sin never to feel temptation or inclination to sin Heb. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Q. 7. How long shall the Bodies rest in the Grave A. Not for ever but till the Day of the Resurrection Iob 19.26 For though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God Q. 8. What is the First inference from hence A. That union with Christ redounds to the singular advantage of the Body as well as the Soul Rom. 8.11 But if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you Q. 9. What is the Second inference A. That Death dissolves not the union betwixt Christ and the Souls or Bodies of his Mat. 22.33 I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob God is not the God of the dead but of the living Q. 10. What is the Third inference A. That seeing our Bodies are to have so long and so sweet rest in the Grave we should not spare them in God's Service now 2 Pet. 1.13 14. Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle even as our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed me Q. 11. What is the Fourth inference A. That Christians should neither too much fear their own nor sorrow for others death Rom. 8.38 For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1 Thes. 4.13 I would not have you to be ignorant concerning them which are asleep that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope Of the Resurrection Quest. 1. IS the Resurrection a credible Doctrine A. Yes it is Acts 26.8 Why should it be â—â—ought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the â—ead Q 2. Why then doth it seem incredible to man A. Because they err not knowing the Scriptures and â—he Power of God Mark 12.24 Do ye not therefore err because ye know not the Scriptures neither the power of God The Power of God assures us it may be so and the word of God tells us it must be so Q. 3. Is it sinful to doubt of the Doctrine of the Resurrection A. 'T is not only a sin to doubt it but an heresy to deny it it being a fundamental Article Heb. 6.2 And of the resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15.13 14. But if there be no resurrection of the dead then is Christ not risen and if Christ be â—â—t risen then is our preaching vain and your faith is also â—â—in Q. 4. Who must rise again at the Resurrection A. All men good and bad must rise again Acts 24.15 And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and the unjust Rev. 20.12 13 14. And I saw the dead â—â—all and great stand before God c. Q. 5. What is the first difference betwixt the Resurrection of the just and unjust A. Saints rise by virtue of their union with Christ. Rom. â— 11 But if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead well in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also â—uicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you But 〈◊〉 wicked by his power Q 6. What is the second difference A. The second and main difference will be in the contraâ—y ends to which they rise some to life and some to condemnation Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleep in the â—ast of the earth shall awake some to everlasting life and some 〈◊〉 shame and everlasting contempt Q. 7. What is the glory to which Saints bodies shall 〈◊〉 raised A. In the likeness of Christ's glorious Body Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like to 〈◊〉 glorious body Q. 8. What is the First inference from hence A. That every man should strive to the uttermost to attain to the Resurrection of the just Phil. 3.10 11. That I may know him and the power of his Resurrection and the fellowship of the sufferings being made conformable unto his death if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead Q. 9. What is the second Inference A. Comfort to them that now groan under manifold Distempers and Deformities of Body they being made equal to Angels Mark 12.25 For when they shall rise from the dead they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels which are in heaven Q. 10. What is the third inference A. Get union with Christ by Faith as you expect a joyful Resurrection Iohn 11.25 Iesus said unto her I aâ— the resurrection und the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live Q. 11. What is the fourth Inference A. Saints should not fear Death Gen. 46.3 Fear not to go down into Egypt Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. Imploy your Bodies for good now Of Christ's acknowledging Believers Quest. 38. WHAT benefit do Believers recieve from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Believers being raised up in glory shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Iudgment and made
servant loveth it Q. 23. What 's the third motive to engage our love to it A. The great and constant usefulness of it to our Souls as that we cannot subsist without Iob 23.12 I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food Q. 24. How doth this love to the Word manifest it self A. Our love manifests it self in our longing after it Psal. 119.20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times Our diligent attendance on it Acts 10.33 Immediately therefore I sent unto thee and thou hast well done that thou art come Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Q. 25. How is Faith and Love evidenced to the Word after hearing it A. By preserving it carefully in our hearts and memories Psal. 119.11 Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee Q. 26. What 's the best cure for a bad memory A. Labour to get an high esteem of it and an experimental feeling of it and frequently meditate on it Psal. 119.16 I will delight my self in thy statutes I will not forget thy word Psal. 119.93 I will never forget thy precepts for with them thou hast quickened me Psal. 119.99 Thy testimonies are my meditation Q. 26. How is Faith and Love principally manifested to the word after hearing A. 'T is principally manifested by bringing forth the fruits of it in our lives Col. 1.5 6. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel which is come unto you as it is in all the world and bringeth forth fruit as it doth also in you since the day ye bear a of it and knew the grace of God in truth Q. 28. What 's the use of all this A. This serves to reprove our formal and dead hearing the Word and excites us all to evidence and exercise more Faith Love and Obedience in hearing it Of Sacraments as means of Salvation Quest. 91. HOw do the Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation not from any vertue in them or in him that doth administer them but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of his Spirit in them that by Faith receive them Q. 1. What 's the first proper sense of this word Sacrament A. It primarily signifies a solemn Oath taken by Souldiers when they List themselves under a Prince or General and this Oath was mutual Q. 2. Why do we use it seeing it is not a Scripture word A. Though the Word be not found in Scripture yet the thing intended by it is and that brings the word in use for in the Sacraments God obliges himself to us by confirming his Covenant by it Rom. 4.11 And he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised that he might be the father of all them that believe though they be not circumcised that righteousness might be imputed unto them also And we oblige our selves to God Rom. 6.3 4. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death Thereforâ— we are buried with him in baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life Q. 3. What is here meant by Salvation A. By Salvation is meant our compleat and final deliverance from sin and misery both temporal and eternal From sin Matth. 1.21 For he shall save his people from their sins From misery 1 Thess. 1.10 Even Iesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come Q. 4. What is a mean of Salvation A. A mean of Salvation signifies any appointment of God whereby he promotes and accomplishes his design of saving our Souls so the word is a mean Rom. 1.16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth Q. 5. How doth the Word and Sacraments differ as means of Salvation A. The Word is appointed to be the first means of begeting Faith 1 Cor. 3.5 Who then is Paul or who is Apollo but ministers by whom ye believed c. Sacraments are to seal and confirm it Rom. 4.11 And he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of faith c. Q. 6. What is meant by an effectual mean of Salvation A. By an effectual mean is meant such a mean as fully obtains and accomplishes the end it was appointed for 1 Thess. 2.13 Because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe Q. 7. Don't all the means of Salvation prove effectual to men A. Though the means of Salvation prove effectual to all Gods Elect yet they are so to no others Acts 28.23 24. And when they had appointed him a day there came many to him into his lodging to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God perswading them concerning Iesus both out of the law of Moses and out of the prophets from morning till evening And some believed the things which were spoken and some believed not Q. 8. Do not the Sacraments save all that partake of them A. No they do not Baptism may pass on a cast-away Acts 8.23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity And the Lords Supper may be received unworthily 1 Cor. 11.27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Q. 9. What 's the reason they prove not effectual to all A. Because their vertue and efficacy is not in themselves but in God for we see they work as Gods Spirit concurs or not concurs with them as in the instance before given Q. 10. But is not that for want of wisdom holiness or zeal in the Minister that they have no more efficacy A. No it is not principally or only from thence for it 's not in the power of the holiest Minister in the World to make them effectual 1 Cor. 3.7 Neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Q. 11. Whence is it that Sacraments become effectual A. 'T is only from the Spirit of Christ working in them and by them on the souls of men 1 Cor. 12.13 For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body and have been all made to drink into one spirit Q. 12. What 's the first Instruction hence A. That men enjoying all the Ordinances of the Gospel and partaking of the Sacraments annexed to the Covenant of Grace may yet perish
the body of Christ. Q. 2. Cannot false or seeming Grace grow A. It may spring up and seem to flourish for a time but comes not to perfection Luke 8.14 And that which fell among thorns are they which when they have heard go forth and are choaked with cares and riches and pleasures of this tife and bring no fruit to perfection Q. 3. What is the first respect in which Grace grows A. It grows by deeper rooting it self in the Soul Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love may be able c. Q. 4. What is the manner of its growth A. It grows in respect of its greater fitness and readiness for acts of Obedience Col. 1.11 Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness Q. 5. What is the third respect or manner of its growth A. It grows in respect of its abilities to fix the mind more steadily on spiritual things Hence grown Christians are called spiritual men Gal. 6.1 Ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness Q. 6. Why must all true Grace grow A. Because there is a Stature to which Christians are appointed Eph. 4.12 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Q. 7. What are the causes of a Christians growth A. Union with Christ. Iohn 15.4 As the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me And his Blessings on the Ordinances Isa. 55.10 11. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven and returneth not thither but watereth the earth and maketh it bring forth and bud that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth it shall not return unto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it And Providences Phil. 1 19. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the spirit of Iesus Christ. Q 8. May not true Grace sometimes decay A. Yes it may Rev. 2.4 Neversheless I have somewhat against thee Because thou hast left thy first love But not utterly 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him Q. 9. What is the first Inâ—erence from hence A. To bless God for Gospel Ordinances Psal. 92.13 14. Those that be planted in the House of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God they shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. Hence we see the miserable state of them that grow worse and worse Iude Verse 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity when they feasâ— with you feeding themselves without fear Clouds they are without water carried about of winds Trees whose fruit withereth without fruit twice dead pluckt up by the root Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. Christians should not be discouraged at their weakness in Grace for they have a merciful Christ. Isa. 42.3 A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoaking flax shall he not quench he shall bring forth judgment unto truth And a sure Promise Iob 17.9 The righteous also shall hold on his way and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That all true Christians draw daily nearer and nearer to the heavenly and perfect State 2 Cor. 4.16 For which cause we faint not but though our outward man perish yet the inward man is renewed day by day Rom. 13.11 Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Of Perseverance Quest. 1. WHAT is Perseverance to the End A. It is the steady and constant continuance of Christians in the ways of Duty and Obedience amidst all Temptations and Discouragements to the contrary Col. 1.23 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 Q. 2. Do all that profess Christ continue in him A. No many that at first zealously profess him afterwards fall away Iohn 6.66 From that time many of his Disciples went back and walked no more with him Q. 3. Why do not all Persevere A. Because all Professors have not a good root and foundation Matt. 13.20 21. But he that received the seed in stony places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy receiveth it yet hath he not root in himself but endureth for a while for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended Q. 4. What is the First ground of the Saints Perseverance A. God's electing love in which they are given to Christ. Iohn 10.29 My father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my father's hand Q 5. What is the second ground of Perseverance A. The immortal nature of Sanctifying grace Iohn 4.14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life 1 John 3.9 For is seed remaineth in him Q. 6. What is the third ground of it A. The Covenant of Grace Ier. 32.40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them That I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not deparâ— from me Q. 7. What is the fourth ground of it A. Christ's effectual Intercession Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith may fail not Q. 8. Are there no declinings of grace in the saints A. Yes there are Rev. 2.4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love Yet Grace cannot be totally or finally lost For the seed of God remaineth in the sanctified 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God Q 9. Is there no hope of Salvation for final Apâ—states A No the Gospel gives none Heb. 10.38 But if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him Q. 10. What is the first Instruction hence A. It warns all men to lay a good foundation lest the buildings of hope be overturned when the storm comes Mat. 7.24 25. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock and the rain
descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock Q. 11. What is the second Instruction A. That all men should look to themselves lest they lose the things which they have wrought 2 Epist. of Iohn Ver. 8. Look to your selves that ye lose not those things which we have wrought but that we receive a full reward Q. 12. What is the last Instruction A. Let no true Christian be discouraged how weak soever for God is able to make him stand Rom. 14.4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant to his own master he standeth or falleth yea he shall be holden up for God is able to make him stand Of perfection at Death Quest. 37. VVHAT benefits do Believers receive from Christ at their Death A. The Souls of Believers are at their death made perfect in holiness and do immediately pass inâ—o glory their bodies being still united to Christ do reâ—t in their Graves till the Resurrection Q 1. What is the state of perfect holiness A. It consists in a perfect freedom from sin or any of the least inclination to sin Eph. 5.27 That he may present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Q. 2. Wherein else doth perfection consist A. It consists in the attainment of the highest measures and degrees of holiness the creature is capable of Eph. 4.12 13. For the perfecting of the Saints till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Q. 3. Cannot this be attained whilst in the body A. No for here all our graces are imperfect 1 Cor. 13.12 For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face And we live at a distance from God 2 Cor. 5 6. Whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. Q. 4. How is this attained at Death A. At Death the roots of Sin are pulled up out of the Believer's Nature Heb. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Q. 5. Why must the Soul be mâ—de perfect at death A. Because the purity of the heavenly State admits no sin or imperfection Rev. 21.27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lye but they which are written in the lambs book of life Q. 6. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Death should be lovely and desirable in the eyes of Believers Phil. 1.23 having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. 7. What is the second Inference A. That God hath provided singular relief for his people that now groan under their Sins and many Imperfections 1 Cor. 13.12 13. And now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face Now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That the heavenly State is infinitely above and beyond whatever we enjoy here 1 Cor. 29. But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love hiem Q. 9. What is the fourth Inference A. That Believers are but at a small distance from the Satisfaction of all their desires Rom. 13.11 Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Q. 10. What is the fifth Inference A. That the Saints should earnestly pursue that perfection even in this imperfect state Phil. 3.13 14. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth to those things which are before I press towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus Q. 11. What is the sixth Inference A. That death to the Saints is better than life Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Faith is absolutely necessary to entitle us to this perfect state Of immediate Glorificacion Quest. 1. DO all that die in Christ immediately pass into glory A. Yes they do Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1.23 Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ. Q. 2. What is the First reason for their immediate Glorification A. Because Heaven is pepared and ready for them Mat. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Q. 3. What is the Second reason for it A. Because at Death they are as ready for Heaven as ever they shall be Iohn 9.4 I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day the night cometh when no man can work Q. 4. What is the Third reason for it A. Because Death else could not be gain as it is Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain Q. 5. What is the Fourth reason for it A. Because there is the same reason for all as for any one but some are immediately glorified Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Q. 6. What is the Fifth reason for it A. Because Christ longs for their coming to him and they for his Enjoyment and these longings are in vain if not satisfied Rev. 22.17 20. And the spirit and the bride say Come and let him that heareth say Come and let him that is a thirst say Come and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely he which testifieth these thidgs saith Surely I come quickly Amen even so come Lord Iesus Q. 7. What is the First instruction from hence A. That the Apparitions of departed Saints ordinarily are but Fables They wander not Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out Q. 8. What is the Second Inference A. That Purgatory is a groundless Fable and invention of men and the Scriptures alledged to countenance it grosly abused 1 Pet. 3.19 By the which also he went and preacht unto the spirits in prison Q. 9. What is the Third inference from it A. That Heaven must needs be a marvellous surprize to Believers how long soever they have conversed with it here Q. 10. What is the Fourth inference A. The consideration of this should provoke Saints to work hard to finish all they have to do on Earth Eccles. 9.10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest Q. 11. What is the Fifth inference A. That there is no reason to grieve excessively for departed Saints 1 Thes.
and magnify it as a rule of duty though we must utterly renounce it as the way of our Justification Q. 12. What is the last Inference from hence A. That there is nothing too dear for a Christian in this world but he must give it up by self-denial when it comes in competition with his supream love to God Luke 14.26 If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be my disciple i. e. Love them less than me Of the Preface to the Commandments Quest. 43. and 44. WHAT is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words I aâ— the Lord thy God whâ—ch haâ—e brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the House of Bondage What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teach us A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments teach us that because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments Q. 1. Why doth God use arguments and inducements to win men to the obedience of his laws A. Because he loves to work on man as a rational Creature according to the principles of his Nature Hos. 11.4 I dreâ— them with cords of a man with bands of love And because he delights in none but free and chearful Obedience Psal. 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power Q 2. What is the first argument in this Preface A. It is the sovereignty of the Law-giver I am the Lord which should awe the heart of every man to obedience Iam. 4.12 There is one law-giver who is able to save and to destroy Q 3. What is the second argument to Obedience A. Our propriety in God by Covenant I am the Lord thy God This obligeth to Obedience and aggravateth disobedience Psal. 50.7 Hear O my people and I will speak O Israel and I will testify against thee I am God even thy God Hos. 9.1 Thou hast gone a whoring from thy God Q. 4. What is the third argument unto Obedience A. The benefits of Redemption that they receive from God Benefits perswade to duty and the goodness of God leads to repentance Rom. 2.4 Q. 5. How can deliverance out of Egypt be an argument to them that never were in Egypt A. As that Deliverance was a Type of our Deliverance so 't is an argument to us and an argument from the less to the greater so it obligeth us more than them Luke 1.74 75. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear in holiness anâ— righteousness before him all the days of our life Q 6. What is that deliverance we have and how doth it 〈◊〉 us to Obedience A. Our Deliverance is not from Egypt but from Hell Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son Col. 1.13 And our persons are bought by the Redeemer to glorify God 1 Cor. 6.19 What know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you for ye are bought with a price wherefore glorify God in your body and in your spirits which are Gods Q. 7. Is it not mercenary to serve God upon the account of benefits received or to be received A. He that makes religious Duties Mediums to attain carnal Advantages only is of a worse than mercenary Spirit Hos. 7.14 And they have not cried unto me with their hearts when they howled upon their beds they assembled themselves for corn and wine and they rebelled against me But to be quickened by Mercy to Duty is not mercenary but Evangelical Hos. 3.5 They shall fear the Lord and his goodness Q. 8. What is the first Inference from hence A. That great is the condescention of God to Man that he will use arguments to induce him to obedience who might exact it only by his Sovereignty and justly damn us for our disobedience 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are embassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God Q. 9 What is the second Inference from hence A. That the more mercy any receive from God the more obligations are laid on them to obey him Psal. 116.1 2. I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication because he hath inclined his ear unto me therefore will I call upon him as long as I live Q. 10. What is the third Inference from hence A. The more mercies and favours any man sins against the greater is that man's sin and the sorer will be his punishment Amos 3 1 2. You only have I known of all the families of the earth wherefore I will punish you for all your iniquities Q. 11. What is the fourth Inference from hence A. That God's expectations are greater where his mercies and favours have been so Isa. 5.4 What could have been done more to my vineyard that I have not done in it wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes brought it forth wild grapes Q. 12. What is the last Inference from hence A. That memorials of God's Mercies are to be kept by us to provoke us to constant and chearful duties of obedience Exod. 17.14 And the Lord said unto Moses Write this for a memorial in a book and rehearse it in the ears of Ioshua Psal. 103.2 3. Bless the Lord O my soul forget not all his benefits Of the First Commandment Quest. 45. WHich is the First Commandment A. The First Commandment is Thou shalt have no other Gods before me Q. 1. What is the first duty enjoin'd in the first Commandment A. It is to know and acknowledge the Existence or Being of God and consequently condemns all Atheism both in judgment and practice Heb. 11.6 He that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Psalm 14.1 The fool hath said in his heart there is no God Q. 2. What is the second duty of the First Commandment A. It requires all men to know and acknowledge the unity of God Deut. 6.4 Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. And condemns Polytheism or plurality of Gods 1 Cor. 8.5 6. For tho' there be that are called Gods whether in heaven or in earth as there be Gods many and Lords many but to us there is but one God Q. 3. Whence sprang the Opinion of more Gods than one at first in the world A. It sprang from ignorance of God's Omnipresence and Omnipotence Hence came their vain imaginations Rom. 1.21 Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened They thought the presence and power of God might reach one place and not
appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God hath appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the World which is the Christian Sabbath Q. 1. What special marks of honour hath God set upon this fourth Commandment A. God hath set four peculiar marks of honour on it 1. It is the largest of all the Commands 2. It hath a solemn Memento prefixed to it 3. It is delivered both positively and negatively which the rest are not And 4. It is enforced with more Arguments to strengthen the Command on us than any other Q. 2. Wâ—y will God have a Sabbath observed on Earth A. God will have a Sabbath on Earth to give us therein an Emblem of that Eternal Sabbath in Heaven wherein his people shall be serving him and praising him without interruption or mixture of any other business throughout Eternity Hâ—b 4.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God Q 3. For what other Reasons will God have a Sabbath A. He will have a Sabbath for the honour of his name Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pâ—easure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words For the good of Mens Souls Mark 2.27 And he said unto them the sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath And in mercy to the Bodies of Men and Beasts Q. 4. Is this Commandment Moral and Perpetual or Ceremonial and Temporary A. It is and must needs be Moral and not Ceremonial because all the Reasons that enforce it are perpetual and the Sabbath continued when the Ceremonial Law ceased and was vanished Matth. 24.20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter neither on the sabbath day Q. 5. What day of the seven is the Christian Sabbath A. The first day of the Week is our Sabbath since the Resurrection of Christ. This is the day which was foretold to be our Sabbath Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it The Lord hath marked it for himself by setting his own Name on it Rev. 1.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lords day And the Apostles and Primitive Church constantly set it apart to Religious uses and ends Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them c. 1 Cor. 16.2 Vpon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Q. 6. When doth the Christian Sabbath begin A. It appears that this day is not to be reckoned from evening to evening but from morning to morning because the Christian Sabbath must begin when the Jewish Sabbath ended but that ended towards the morning Matth. 28.1 In the end of the sabbath as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre Q. 7. What is the ground of changing the day A. The solemn commemoration of our Redemption by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead is the ground of translating the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the Week Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Mark 16.9 Now when Iesus was risen early the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven devils Q. 8. Is it the whole day or only some hours of the day that are set apart for God A. Not a part but the whole day is the Lords and it is as dangerous to halve it with God in point of time as it was for Annanias and Sapphira to halve their dedicated Goods and bring in but a part Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day is the Command Q. 9. Is there any other day holy besides this A. No day but this is holy by Institution of the Lord yet dayes of Humiliation and Thanksgiving may be lawfully set apart by men on a Call of Providence but Popish Holy-dayes are not warrantable nor to be observed Gal. 4.10 Ye observe dayes and months and times and years Q. 10. But seeing every day should be a Sabbath to a Christian what needs any other set time A. Though Christians must walk every day with God yet every day cannot be a Sabbath because God calls us to other Duties on those dayes but will have this to be a solemn and entire day to himself Q. 11. But if a man scruple the change of the Sabbath may he not keep both dayes weekly A. No for then by doing more than God requires he breaks a plain Command Six days shalt thou labour Q. 12. At what time should Christians be up and at their Duties on the Lords day A. As early in the morning as their strength will permit to prepare by private for publick Duties yet the publick are not to be entrenched on by private Duties Acts 10.33 Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Of the Sabbath Quest. 60. HOw is the Sabbath to be Sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be Sanctified by an holy reâ—ting all that day even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy Quest. 61. What are the Sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the Duties required and the profaning the day by Idleness or doing that which is in it self sinful or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about our worldly employments or recreations Quest. 62. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own employment his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day Q. 1. VVhat is the Rest which God requires on the Sabbath A. It is not a meer natural or civil but an holy rest resembling the rest in Heaven wherein the Mind is most active and busie in the work of God though the Body be at rest and the Spirit not wearied with its work Rev. 4.8 And the four beaâ—â—s had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Q. 2. May
of my mind c. And though they are said not to sin 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin c. that is not to be taken absolutely but comparatively as they once did and others still do Q. 7. But did not Christ command the young man to keep the Law A. 'T is true that Christ did put the young man upon this task Matth. 19.17 If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments But it was not on a supposition that he was able to do it but to convince him of the impossibility of Justification that way Q. 8. But doth not the Apostle say that the righteousness of the laâ—â— is fulfilled in Believers A. 'T is true that the Apostle doth say so Rom. 8.4 but the meaning is not that we fulfil it in our own persons by our compleat obedience to it but it is fulfilled in us by our union with Christ who perfectly kept it and that Righteousness of the Law which is in Christ becomes ours by Gods imputation of it to us Rom. 4.23 24. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him But for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him that raised up Iesus our Lord from the dead Q 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Justification by our own Works is utterly impossible to the holiest of Men Gal. 2.16 For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquities O Lord who shall stand Q. 10. What 's the second Inference from hence A. Hence we learn what an infinite Mercy it is that God sent Jesus Christ made under the Law Gal. 4.4 5. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law c. To do that for us we could never do for our selves Rom. 8.3 4. For what the law could not do in that it was weak thâ—ough the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit Q. 11. What 's the third Inference from hence A. That the dreadful Curse must needs lye on all Unbelievers that are out of Christ Iohn 3.36 He that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him And seek their Justification by the deeds of the Law Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse c. Q. 12. What 's the fourth Inference from hence A. What a deluge of sin and misery brake in upon the whole World by the fall of Adam and all his Posterity being by him plunged under both Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man siâ— entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 13. What 's the fifth Inference from hence A. That the Popish Doctrines of Merits and Works of Supererogation are false and groundless Doctrines springing out of the ignorance aud pride of mans heart Q. 14. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That all Gods people should sigh under their unhappy necessity of sinning Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death And long to be with Christ in the perfect state Hebr. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Of the inequality of Sin Quest. 83. ARe all Transgressions of the Law equally hainous A. Some Sins in themselves and by reason of several Aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God than others Q. 1 Whence ariseth the first difference of sin A. The first difference betwixt one sin and another ariseth from the immediate object against which the sin is committed on this account sins immediately committed against God are more heinous than sins committed immediately against Man 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the Iudge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him And all sins of the First Table are greater than those of the Second yet there are crying sins against the Second Q. 2. What 's the first sin noted for an heinous sin A. The sin of Murder is in Scripture set down for an heinous and crying sin in its own nature Gen. 4.10 The voice of thy brothers blood cryeth unto me from the earth Q. 3. What other sin is noted for a crying sin A. The sin of Oppression is noted in Scripture for a crying sin Hab. 2.11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the oâ—am out of the timber shall answer it Especially the oppression of the Widow and Fatherless Exod. 22.22 23. Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child If thou afflict them in any wise and they cry at all unto me I will surely hear their cry Q. 4. What is reckoned in Scripture an heinous sin against the First Table A. The sin of Atheism or denying the Being of God is a sin of the first magnitude Iob 31.28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the Iudge for I should have denyed the God that is above This was the sin of Pharaoh Exod. 5.2 And Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Q. 5. What other sin is heinous in Gods account A. The sin of Idolatry is a most heinous sin and goes nearer to the heart of God than other sins do Ezek. 6.9 And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives because I am broken with their whâ—rish heart which hath departed from me and with their eyes which go a whoring after their idols and they shall loath themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations Jer. 44.4 Oh do not this abominable thing that I hate Q. 6. What 's the most heinous of all the sins in the world A. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the most heinous of all other sins and shall never be forgiven by Him Matth. 12.31 All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men Q. 7. From whence doth this Scripture aggravate sin A The Spirit of God in Scripture aggravates and estimates sin from the degree of light and knowledge Men sin against Luke 12.47 And that servant which knew his Lords will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes John 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Q. 8. What 's the second thing that aggravates sin A. The more Mercies any man
profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithful that hath promised Heb. 6.18 That by two immutable things in which it was impossibâ—e for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us Q. 5. What encourages the Faith of the Saints A. The manifold sweet and sensible experiences of others Psal. 74.14 Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in pieces and gavest him to be meat for the people inhabiting the wilderness And especially their own experiences Joshua 23.14 Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you all are come to pass unto you and not one thing hath failed thereof Q. 6. What 's the first sign of a weak Faith A. Staggerings in our assent to Divine Truths argue the weakness of Faith Rom. 4.20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith c. Q. 7. What 's the second sign of weak Faith A. Inability to trust God in time of danger evidenced by sinful haste to avoid it Isa. 28.16 He that believeth shall not make haste Q. 8. What 's the third sign of a weak Faith A. When we cannot live purely by Faith except we have some sensible encouragement John 20.25 Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and thrust my hand into his side I will not believe Q. 9. What 's the fourth sign of a weak Faith A. When a new temptation makes us easily let go our former confidence Luke 24.21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel and besides all this to day is the third day since these things were done Q. 10. What 's the fifth sign of a weak Faith A. The prevalence of carnal fears in times of trouble argues weak Faith Matth. 8.26 And he faith unto them why are ye fearful O ye of little faith c. Q. 11. What 's the sixth sign of a weak Faith A. Too much carefulness and anxiety about the things of this Life Matth. 6.30 Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field which to day is and to morrow is cast into the oven shall he not much more cloath you O ye of little faith Q. 12. What 's the first benefit of a strong Faith A. A strong Faith gives much Glory to God Rom. 4.19 20. And being not weak in faith he considered not his own body now dead when he was about an hundred years old neither yet the deadness of Sarahs womb He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God Q. 13. What 's the second benefit of a strong Faith A. It gives the Soul the ravishing foresight and foretasts of Heaven upon Earth 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 14. What 's the last office Faith doth for a Believer in this World A. It supports and encourages him at Death by the Promises when all other Comforts fail Heb. 11.13 These all dyed in faith not having received the promises but having seen them aâ—ar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth Of Saving Repentance Quest. 87. WHat is Repentance unto Life A. Repentance unto Life is a saving Grace whereby a Sinner out of a true sense of his sin and apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience Q. 1. Who is the Author of saving Repentance A. The Spirit of God is the Author of it the Heart by Nature is so hard that none but the Spirit can break it Ezek. 36.26 27. A new heart also will I give and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you c. Q. 2. In what act doth all true Repentance begin A. It begins in a true sight and sense of sin and the danger and misery we are in by sin Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts c. Q. 3. Why doth God work such a sense of sin and misery A. He doth it to make Christ desirable in the sinners eyes that he may fly to him Matth. 9.12 13. But when Jesus heard that he said unto them they that â—e whole need not a Physitian â—ut they that are sick But go ye and learn what that meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice for I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Q. 4. Is the â—ight of sin sufficient to Repentance A. No there must be apprehension of Mercy and forgiveness with God or else no man can sincerely repent Rom. 2.4 Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance And this Mercy must be discerned in and through Christ Zech. 12.10 And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first-born Q. 5. Wherein doth Repentance chiefly consist A. It consists in real inward sorrow for sin as committed against God Psal. 51.3 4. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight c. A loathing of our selves for it Ezek. 36.31 And shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations And of our best Duties as sinful and insufficient things Isa. 64.5 6. We are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags c. Q. 6. Wherein else doth it consist A. In turning from sin as well as grieving for it Isa. 55.7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts c. Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy Q. 7. Is turning from sin sufficient A. No that is but the negative part of Religion there must be also a sincere turning to God Psal. 119.59 I thought â—n my wayes and turned my feet unto thy testimonies Acts 11.23 And exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Q. 8. Is all sorrow for sin saving A. No there is a Repentance that doth no good Matth. 27.3 Then Iudas which had betrayed him when he saw that he was condemned repented himself c. And a Repentance unto Life Acts 11.18 Then hath God also to the