The confession of faith ; and, The larger and shorter catechism first agreed upon by the Westminster Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and now approved by the General Assembly of the kirk of Scotland to be a part of uniformity in religion between the kirks of Christ in the three kingdoms. Westminster Confession of Faith. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A34242 of text R27273 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing C5769). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 408 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 127 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A34242 Wing C5769 ESTC R27273 09790689 ocm 09790689 44091 2264201660

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A34242) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 44091) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1353:14) The confession of faith ; and, The larger and shorter catechism first agreed upon by the Westminster Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and now approved by the General Assembly of the kirk of Scotland to be a part of uniformity in religion between the kirks of Christ in the three kingdoms. Westminster Confession of Faith. Dickson, David, 1583?-1663. Summe of saving knowledge. Church of Scotland. General Assembly. Westminster Assembly (1643-1652). Larger catechism. Westminster Assembly (1643-1652). Shorter catechism. 116 [i.e. 196], 55 p. Printed by George Swinton and Thomas Brown, and are to be sold by James Glen and David Trench, Edinbourg : 1671. "The larger catechism" has special t.p. Includes: "The summe of saving knowledge" ([55] p. at end) with special t.p. Reproduction of original in the British Library. eng Church of Scotland -- Catechisms. Church of Scotland -- Creeds. Presbyterianism -- Early works to 1800. eebo no The confession of faith and the larger and shorter catechism, first agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster. And now approved [no entry] 1671 249 68626 751 0 0 0 1 0 110.89 F The rate of 110.89 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2003-12 Assigned for keying and markup 2004-02 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-03 Sampled and proofread 2004-03 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-04 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH And the LARGER and SHORTER CATECHISM , First agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster . And now approved by the General assembly of the Kirk of of Scotland to be a part of Uniformity in Religion , between the Kirks of Christ in the three Kingdoms .

EDINBOURG , Printed by George Swintoun and Thomas Brown , and are to be sold by Iames Glen and David Trench . Anno Dom. 1671.

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH First agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster . And now appointed by the General assembly of the Kirk of of Scotland to be a part of Uniformity in Religion , between the Kirks of Christ in the three Kingdoms .
CHAP. I. Of the holy Scripture .

ALthough the light of Nature , and the works of Creation and Providence , do so far manifest the Goodness , Wisdom , and Power of God , as to leave men unexcusable a a Rom. 2.14.15 . Rom. 1.19.20 , Psal. 19.1 , 2 , 3. Rom. 1.32 . ; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his Will , which is necessary un●o salvation b b 1 Cor. 1.11 . & 2.14.15 . . Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times , and in divers manners , to reveal himself , and to declare that his Will unto his Church c c Heb. 1.1 . ; and afterwards for the better preserving , and propagating of the Truth , and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh , and the malice of Sathan and of the World ; to commit the same wholly unto writing d d Pro. 22· 19 , 20 , 21. Luk 1.3 , 4. Rom 15.4 . Mat. 4.4 , ● , 10. Isa 8.19 , 20 ; which makes the holy Scripture to be most necessary e e 2 Tim. 3.15 . ; those former ways of Gods revealing his will unto his People , being now ceased f f Heb. 1.1 , 2. 2 Pet. 1.19 . .

II. Under the Name of Holy Scripture , or the Word of God written , are now contained all the Books of the Old and new Testament , which are these .

Of the Old Testament . GEnesis . Exodus . Leviticus . Numbers . Deuteronomie . Joshua . Judges . Ruth . I. Samuel . II. Samuel . I. Kings . II. Kings . I. Chronicles . II. Chronicles . Ezra . Nehemiah . Esther . Job . Psalms . Proverbs . Ecclesiastes . The Song of Songs Isajah . Jeremiah . Lamentations . Ezekiel . Daniel . Hosea . Joel . Amos. Obadiah . Jonah . Micah . Nahum . Habakkuk . Zephaniah . Haggai . Zechariah . Malachi . Of the New Testament . The Gospel according to MAtthew . The Gospel according to Mark. The Gospel according to Luke . The Gospel according to John . The Acts of the Apostles . Paul 's Epistle to the Romans . I. Corinthians . II. Corinthians . Galatians . Ephesians . Philippians . Colossians . I. Thessalonians . II. Thessalonians . To Timothy . I. To Timothy . II. To Titus . To Philemon . The Epistle to the Hebrews . The Epistle of James . The first and second Epistle of Peter . The first , second and third Epistles of John . The Epistle of Jude . The Revelations .

All which are given by inspiration of God , to be the Rule of Faith and life g g Luk. 16.29.31 . Eph. 3.20 . Rev. 22.18.19 . 2 Tim. 3.16 . .

III. The Books commonly called Apocrypha , not being of Divine inspiration , are no part of the Canon of the Scripture ; and therefore are of no Authority in the Church of God , nor to be any otherwise approved , or made use of , than other humane writings r r Luk. 24.27 , 44. Rom. 3.2 . 2 Pet. 1.21 . .

IV. The Authority of the holy Scripture , for which it ought to be believed and obey'd ; dependeth not upon the testimony of any man , or Church ; but wholly upon God ( who is Truth it self ) the Author thereof ; and therefore it is to be received , because it is the Word of God . i i 2 Pet. 1.19 21. 2 Tim. 3.16 . 1 Ioh. 5.9 . 1 Thes. 2.13 . .

V. We may be moved & induced by the testimony of the Church , to an high and reverend esteem of the holy Scripture k k 1 Tim. 3.15 . . And the heavenliness of the Matter , the efficacy of the Doctrine , the Majesty of the stile , the consent of all the parts , the scope of the whole ( which is , to give all glory to God , ) the full discovery it makes of the only way of mans salvation , the many other incomparable Excellencies , and the intire perfection thereof , are Arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it self to be the Word of God ; yet notwithstanding , our full perswasion and assurance of the infallible truth , and Divine authority thereof , is from the inward work of the holy Spirit , bearing witness by , and with the Word in our hearts l l Ioh. 2.20 , 27. Ioh. 16.13 14 ▪ 1 Cor. 2.10.11 , 12 ▪ Isa. 59.21 . .

VI. The whole Counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own Glory , mans Salvation , Faith , and life , is either expr●sly set down in Scripture , or by good and necessary conseq●ence may be deduc●d from Scripture : un●o which nothing at any time is to be added , whether by new Revelation of the spirit , or traditions of men m m 2 Tim. 3.15 , 16 , 17. Gal. 1.8 , 9. 2 Thes. 2.2 . . Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary , for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the word n n Ioh. 6.45 . 1 Cor. 2.9 , 10 , 11 , 12. : and that there are some circumstances concerning the Worship of God , and Government of the Church , c●mmon to humane Actions and Societies , which are to be ordered by the light of Nature , and Christian ●rudence , according to the general Rules of the Word which are alwaies to be observed o o 1 Cor. 11.13 , 14. 1 Cor. 14.26 , 40. .

VII . All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves , nor alike clear unto all p p 2 Pet. 3.6 . : yet those things which are necessary to be known believed , and observed for salvation , are so clearly propounded and opened in some places of Scripture or other , that not only the Learned but the Unlearned , in a due use of the ordinary means may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them q q Ps. 119.103 , 130. .

VIII . The Old Testament in Hebrew ( which was the Native Language of the people of God of Old ) and the New Testament in Greek ( which at the time of the writing of it , was most generally known to the Nations ) being immediately inspired by God , and by his singular care & providence kept pure in all ages , are therefore Authentical r r Mat. 5 . 1● , so as in all controversies of Religion , the Church is finally to appeal unto them s s Isa. 8.10 . Act. 15.15 . Ioh. 5.39.46 . . But because these Original Tongues are not known to the People of God , who have right unto , and interest in the Scriptures , and are commanded in the fear of God , to read & search them t t Ioh. 5.39 . , therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come u u 1 Cor. 14.6 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 24 , 27 , 28. , that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all , they may worship him in an acceptable manner w w Col. 3.16 , and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope x x Ro. 15.4 . .

IX . The infallible Rule of Interpretation of Scripture , is the Scripture it self and therefore , when there is a question about the true and full sence of any Scripture ( which is not manifold , but one ) it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly y y 2 Pet. 1.20 , 21. Act. 19.15.19 . .

X The Supreame Judge , by which all Controversies of Religion are to be determined , and all decrees of Councils , Opinions of Ancient Writers , Doctrines of men , and private Spirits , are to be examined ; and in whose sentence we are to rest , can be no other but the holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture z z Mat. 22.29.31 . Eph. 2.10 . Act. 28.25 . .

CHAP. II. Of God , and of the Holy Trinity .

THere is but one only a a Deut. 6.4 . 1 Cor. 8.4 , 6. , living , and true God b b 1 T●es. 1.9 . Ier. 10.10 ; who is infinite in being and Perfection c c Iob. 11.7 , 8 , 9. Iob. 26.14 . , a most pure spirit d d Iob 4.24 ▪ , invisible e e 1 Tim. 1.17 , , without body , parts f f Deut. 4.15.16 . , or passions g g Act. 14.11 . , immutable h h Iam. 1.17 , immense i i 1 Ki. 8.27 . eternal k k Ps. 143.3 . , incomprehensible l l Ps. ● ▪ 43.3 . , Almighty m m Gen. 27.1 , most wise n n Ro. 16.27 . , most holy o o Isa. ● . 3 . , most free p p Ps. 115.3 . , most absolute q q 〈◊〉 3. ●4 . , working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous wi●l r r H●b. 1.11 . , for his own glory s s ●ro . 16.4 . , most loving t t Ioh. 4 , 16. , gracious , merciful , long-suffering , abundant in goodness and tru●h , ●orgiving iniquity , transgression ▪ and sin u u Exo. 34.7 . , the rewarder of them that diligently seek him w w Heb. 11.6 , and withall , ●ost just and terrible in his judgments x x Neh. 9.32 . ; hating all sin y y Ps. 5.5 , 6. , and who will by 〈◊〉 means clear the guilty z z N●h. 1.2 . .

II. God hath all life a a Iob. 5.26 . , glory b b Act. 7.2 . , goodness c c Ps 119.68 . , blessedness d d 1 Tim. 6.15 , in , and of himself , and is alone in and unto himself al-sufficient , not ●●anding in need of any creatures which he hath made e e Act. 17.24 , 25. , nor deriving any glory from them f f I●● . 27.2 . , but only ma●ifesting his own glory , in , by , unto , and upon them : He is the alone fountain of all being , of whom , through whom , and to whom are all thing● g g Rom. 11.6 . , and hath most Soveraign dominion over them , to do by them , for them , or upon them , whatsoever himself pleaseth h h 〈◊〉 . 4.11 . Dan. 4.25 . . In his sight all things are open and manifest i i Heb. 4.13 . , his knowledge is infinite , infallible , and independant upon the Creature k k Rom. 11.33 , 34. Psal. 147.5 , so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain l l Act. 14.18 Ezek. 11.5 . . He is most holy in all his counsels , in all his works , and in all his commands m m Ps. 145.17 . Rom. 7.12 . . To him is due from Angels and men , and every other creature , whatsoever worship , service , or obedience he is pleased to require of them n n Rev. 5.12 , 13 , 14. .

III. In the Unity of the God-head , there be three persons , of one substance , power and eternity ▪ God the Father , God the Son , and God the Holy Ghost o o 1 Ioh. 5.7 . Mat. 3.16 , 17. Mat. 28.61 2 Cor. 13.4 . . The Father is of none , neither begotten , nor proceeding : The Son is eternally begotten of the Father p p Joh. 1.14 , 15. : the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son q q Joh. 15.26 . Gal. 4.6 . .

CHAP. III. Of Gods Eternal Decree .

GOD from all eternity did , by the most wise and holy Counsel of his own will , freely , and unchangeably o●dain whatsoever comes to pass a a Eph. 1.1 . Rom 11.33 Heb. 6.17 Ro 9 15.18 . ; yet so , as thereby , neither is God the Author of sin b b Ia● . 1.13 17. ● Iob. 1.1 . , nor is violence offered to the will of the Creatures , nor is the liberty or contingency of second Causes taken away , but rather established c c Act. 2.24 . Mat. 17.12 Act. 4.27 . Ioh. 19.11 . Pro. 16.33 . .

II. Although God knows whatsoever may , or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions d d Act. 15.18 . Mat. 11.12 24. , yet hath he not decreed any thing , because he fore-saw it as future , or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions e e Rom. 9.11 , 13 , 16 , 18. .

By the decree of God , for the manifestation of his glory , some men and Angels f f 1 Tim. 5.21 . Mat. 25.41 , are predestinated unto everlasting life , and others fore-ordained to everlasting death g g Rom 9.22 , 23. Eph. 1.5 , 6. Pro. 16.4 . .

IV. These Angels and men , thus predestinated and fore-ordained , are particularly , and unchangeably designed , and their number is so certain and definite , that it cannot be either increased or diminished h h 2 Tim. 2.19 . .

V. Those of mankind , that are predestinated unto Life , God , before the foundation of the world was laid , according to his eternal & immutable purpose , & the secret counsel and good pleasure of his Will , hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory i i Eph. 1.4 . Rom. 8.30 . 2 Tim. 1.9 . 1 Thes. 5.9 . , out of his meer free grace , & love without any foresight of Faith , or good works , or perseverance in either of them , or any other thing in the creature as conditions or causes moving him thereunto k k Ro. 9.11 . , and all to the Praise of his glorious grace l l Eph. 1.4 . Eph. 1.6 . .

VI. As God hath appointed the Elect unto Glory , so hath he by the eternal and most free purpose of his Will , fore ordained all the means thereunto m m 1 Pet 1.2 . Eph. 1.4 , 5. Eph. 2.10 . 2 Thes. 2.13 . . Wherefore they who are Elected being fallen in Adam , are redeemed by Christ n n 1 Thes. 5.9 , 10. Tit. 2.14 . , are effectually called unto faith in Christ , by his Spirit working in due season , are justified , adopted , sanctified o o Rom. 8.10 . Eph. 1.5 . 2 Thes 5.18 , and kept by his power through faith unto salvation p p 1 Pet. 1.5 . . Neither any other redeemed by Christ , effectually called , justified , adopted , sanctified and saved , but the Elect onely q q Ioh. 17.9 . Rom. 8.28 . to the end . Ioh. 10.26 . Ioh. 8.47 . ● Ioh. 2.19 . .

VII . The rest of mankind God was pleased , according to the unsearchable counsel of his own Wi●l , whereby he extendeth , or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth , for the glory of his soveraign power over his creatures , to pass by , and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath , for their sin , to the praise of his glorious justice r r Mat. 11.25 , 26. Rom. 9.12 . ● ●im. 2.19 . 1 Pet. 2.8 . .

VIII . The Doctrine of this high Mystery of Predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care s s Ro. 9.22 . Ro. 11.35 . Deu. 29.29 . , that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word , and yielding obed●ence thereunto , may from the certainty of their effectual Vocation , be assured of their eternal Election t t 2 Pet 1.10 . So shall this Doctrine afford matter of praise , reverence and admiration of God u u Eph. 1.6 . , and of humility , diligence and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the Gospel w w Ro. 11.5 , 6 , 20. 2 Pet. 1.10 . Rom. 8.33 . Luk. 10.20 .

CHAP. IV. Of Creation .

IT pleased God the Father , Son and Holy Ghost a a Heb. 1.2 . Ioh. 1.1 , 2. Gen. 1.2 . Iob. 26.13 . , for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal Power , Wisdom and Goodness b b Ro. 1.20 . Ier. 10.12 . Ps. 33.5 , 6. , in the beginning to create , or make of nothing the World , and all things therein , whether visible or invisible , in the space of six days and all very good c c Gen. 1. Cap Heb. 11.5 . Col. 1.16 . Act. 17.2 . .

II. After God had made all other creatures , he created Man , male and female d d Gen. 1.27 . , with reasonable and immortal souls e e Gen. 2.7 . Luk. 23.24 Mat. 10.28 , indued with knowledge , righteousness and tr●e holyness ; after his own Image f f Gen. 1. ●6 . Col. 3.10 . Eph. 4.24 . , having the Law of God written in their hearts g g Rom. 2.14 , 15. , and power to fulfil it b b Eccl. 7.29 . , and yet under a possibility of transgressing , being le●t to the liberty of their own will , which was subject unto change i i Gen. 3.6 . Eccl. 7.23 . . Beside this Law written in their hearts , they received a command , not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil , which whiles they kept , they were happy in their Communion with God k k Gen. 2.12 . & 2.8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 23. , and had Dominion over the creatures l l Gen. 1.26 , 28. .

CHHP. V. Of Providence .

GOD the great Creator of all things , doth uphold a a Heb. 1.3 . , direct , dispose , and govern all creatures , acttions , and things b b Dan. 4.34 . Ps. 135.6 . Act 17 25.26 , 28. , from the greatest even to the least c c Mat. 10.29 , 30 , 31. , by his most wise and holy Providence d d Pro. 15.3 , according to his infallible fore-knowledge e e Act. 15.18 , and the free and immutable counsel of his own Will f f Eph. 1.11 . Psal. 33.10.11 . , to the praise of the glory of his Wisdom , Power , Justice , Goodness , and Mercy .

II. Although in Relation to the fore-knowledge and decree of God , g g Isa. 63.14 . Eph 3.10 . Rom. 9.17 . Gen. 45.7 . Psa. 14 5.7 . the first cause , all things come to pass immutably , and infallibly h h Act. 2.23 . , yet , by the same Providence he ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of second causes , either necessarily , freely or contingently i i Gen. 8.22 . Ier. 11.35 . Ex. 22.13 . with Deut. 19.5 . Isa. 10.6 , 7. .

III. God in his ordinary Providence maketh use of means k k Act. 27.3 . Isa. 55.10 . : yet is free to work without l l Hos. 1.7 . Mat. 4.4 . , above m m Rom. 4.19 , 20 , 21. , and against them at his pleasure n n 1 Kin. 6.6 . Dan. 3.26 . . IV. The Almighty power , unsearchable wisdom ; and infinite goodness of God so far manifest themselve● in his Providence , that it extendeth it self even to the first fall , and all other sins of Angels and men o o Rom. 11.31 , 33 , 34. 2 Sam. 24.1 . 1 Chr. 10.4 , 13 , 14. 2 Sam. 19.10 . Act. 2.23 . , and that not by a bare permission p p Act. 14.16 . , but such as hath joyned with it a most wise and powerful bounding q q Ps. 76.10 . 2 Ki. 19.28 , and otherwise ordering and governing of them , in a manifold dispensation , to his own holy ends r r Gen. 50.20 Isa. 10 , 6.7 . : yet so , as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth onely from the creature , and not from God who being most holy and righteous , neither is , nor can be the Author or Approver of sin s s Iam. 1.13 14 , 17. 1 Ioh ▪ 2.16 Psal. 50 , 21 .

V. The most wise , righteous and gracious God doth often times leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations , and the corruption of their own hearts to chastise them for their former sins , or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption , and deceitfulness of their hearts , that they may be humbled t t 2 Cor. 12.25 , 26 , 31. 2 Sam. 24. , and to raise them to a more close and constant dependance for their support upon himself , and to make them more watchfull against all future occasions of sin , and for sundry other just and holy ends u u 1 Cor. 12.7 , 8 , 9. Psal. 73. throughout . Psal. 77.1 . to 12. .

VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men , whom God as a righteous Judg for former sins doth blind and harden w w Rom. 1.24 , 26 , 28. Ro. 11.7 , 8. , from them he not only witholdeth his grace , whereby they might have been enlightned in their understandings , and wrought upon in their hearts x x Deu. ●9 . 4 . , but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had y y Mat. 13.12 . , & exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin z z Deu. 2.30 . 2 Reg. 8.12 . ; and withal , gives them over to their own lusts , the temptations of the World , and the power of Satan a a Ps. 81.11.12 . 2 Thes. 2.10 , 11 , 12. , whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves even under those means which God useth for the softning of others b b Exod. 7.3 . 2 Cor. 2.15 . Isa. 8.14 . 1 Pet. 2.7.8 Isa. 6.9 , 14. .

VII . As the providence of God doth in general reach to all creatures ; so after a special manner it taketh care of his Church , and disposeth all things to the good thereof c c 1 Tim. 4.10 . Rom. 8.28 . Isa. 34.24 . .

CHAP. VI. Of the fall of Man , of Sin , and of the punishment thereof .

OUr first parents being seduced by the subtilty and temptation of Satan , sinned in eating the forbidden fruit a a Gen. 3.13 . 2 Cor. 2.3 . . This their sin , God was pleased according to his wise and holy counsel , to permit , having purpos'd to order it to 's own glory b b Ro. 11.3 .

II. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness and communion with God c c Gen 3 , 6 , 7 , and so became dead in sin d d Gen. 2.17 . , and wholly defiled in all the faculties & parts of soul and body e e Tit. 1.15 . .

III. They being the root of all mankind , the guilt of this sin was imputed f f Gen. 1.17 . Act. 17.16 . Rom. 3.12 , 15 , 16 , 17. , and the same death in sin and corrupted nature , conveyed to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation g g Ps. 51.5 . Gen. 5.3 . Iob. 14.4 . .

IV. From this original corruption , whereby we are utterly indisposed , disabled , and made opposite to all good h h Rom. 5.6 . Rom. 8.7 . Col. 1.21 . , and wholly inclined to all evil i i Gen. 6.5 . Gen. 8.21 . Rom. 3.10.11 , 12. , do proceed all actual transgressions k k Iam. 1.14 , 15. Ep. 2.2 , 3. Mat. 15.19 . .

V. This corruption of nature during this life , doth remain in those that are regenerated l l 1 Ioh. 1.8 . Iam. 3.2 . Prov. 20.9 . Eccl. 7.20 . , and although it be , Through Christ , pardoned & mortified , yet both it self , and all the motions thereof are truly and properly sin m m Rom. 7.5 , 7 , 8 , 25. Gal. 5.17 . .

VI. Every s●n , both original and Actual , being a transgression of the righteous Law of God , and contrary thereunto n n 1 Ioh 3.4 . , doth in its own nature , bring guilt upon the sinner o o Ro , 2.15 . & 3.9 , 19. , whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God p p Eph 2 3 , and curse of the Law q q Gal. 3.1 . , and so made subject to death r r Rom. 6 ▪ 13. , with all miseries spiritual s s Eph. 4.16 . , temporal t t Rom 8.20 . Lam. 3.39 . , and eternal u u Ma. 25.41 2 Thes. 1.9 . .

CHAP. VII . Of Gods Covenant with man .

THe distance between God and the creature is so great , that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their creator yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward , but by some voluntary condescension on Gods part , which he hath been pleased to express by way of Covenant a a Isa. 40.13.14 , 15 , 16 , 17. Job . 9.32 . 1 Sam. 2.25 Ps. 100.2 , 3. Iob. 22.2 , 3 Luk. 17.10 Act. 17.24 , 25. .

II. The first Covenant made with Man , was a covenant of Works b b Gal. 3.12 . , wherein life was promised to Adam , and in him to his posterity c c Rom. 10.5 . Rom 5.12 . to 20. , upon condition of perfect and personal obedience l l 1 Cor. 10.1 , 2 , 3.4 . Heb. 11.13 . Ioh. 8.56 l .

III. Man by his fall , having made himself incapable of life by that covenant , the Lord was pleas'd to make a Second m m Gal. 3.7 , 8 , 9 , 14. , commonly called the Covenant of Grace : Wherein he freely offereth unto sinners , Life , & Salvation by Jesus Christ , requiring of them faith in him that they may be saved n n Col. 2.17 . , and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto Life , his holy Spirit , to make them willing and able to believe o o Mat. 28.19 , 20. 1 Cor. 11.23 24 , 25. .

IV. This Covenant of Grace is frequently set forth in the Scripture by the Name of a Testament , in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the Testator , p p Heb. 12.22 . to 28. Ier. 31.33 . and to the everlasting Inheritance , with all things belonging to it , therein bequeathed q q Mat. 28.29 . Eph. 2.15.16 , 17 , 18 , .

V. This Covenant was differently administred in the time of the Law , and in the time of the Gospel r r Lu. 12.10 . . Under the Law , it was administred by Promises , Prophecies , Sacrifices , Circumcision , the Paschal Lamb , and other Types and Ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews , all fore-signifying Christ to come s s Oal . 3.14 . Act. 5.1 . Rom' 3.2 , 1.23 , 28 , 30. Psal. 31.1 . Heb. 13 ▪ 8. ▪ which were for that time sufficient and efficacious , through the operation of the spirit to instruct and build up the Elect in Faith in the promised Messiah l l 1 Cor. 10.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. Heb. 11.13 . Ioh. 8.56 . , by whom they had full remission of sins , and eternal Salvation ; and is called , the Old Testament m m Gal. 3.7.8 , 9 , 14. .

VI. Under the Gospel , when Christ the substance n n Col. 2.17 . , was exhibited , the Ordinances in which this Covenant is dispensed , are the preaching of the Word , & the administration of the Sacrament of Baptisme , and the Lords Supper o o Mat. 28.19.20 . 1 Cor. 11.23.24.25 . . Which though fewer in number , and administred with more simplicity , and less outward glory , yet , in them it is held forth in more fulness , evidence and spiritual efficacy p p Heb. 12.22 . to 28. Ier. 31.33 . , to all Nations both Jews and Gentiles q q Mat. 28.19 . Eph. 2.15 , 16 , 17 , 18. ; and is called the New Testament r r Lu. 12.10 . . There are not therefore two Covenants of Grace , differing in substance , but one & the same , under various dispensations s s Gal. 3.14 . Act. 5.1 . Rom. 3.21 , 23 , 28 , 30. Psal. 31.1 . Heb. 12.8 . .

CHAP. VIII . Of Christ the Mediator .

IT pleased God , in his eternal purpose to chuse and ordain the Lord Jesus , his only begotten Son , to be the Mediator between God and Man a a Isa. 42.1 . 1 Pet. 1.19 . Joh. 3.16 . 1 Tim. 2.5 . , the Prophet b b Act. 3.22 . , Priest c c Heb. 5.5 . , and King d d Ps. 2.6 . Luk. 1.33 . , the Head , and Saviour of his Church e e Eph. 5.13 . , the heir of all things f f Heb. 1.2 . , and Judge of the World g g Act. 17.1 . : Unto whom he did from all eternity give a people to be his seed h h Ioh. 17.6 . Ps. 21.30 . Isa. 53.10 . , and to be by him in time Redeemed , Called , Justified , Sanctified and Glorified i i 1 Tim. 2.6 . Isa. 55.4 , 5. 1 Cor. 1.30 . .

II. The Son of God , the second Person in the Trinity , being very and eternal God , of one substance , and equal with the Father ; did , when the fulness of time was come , take upon him mans nature k k Ioh. 1.1 . 1 Joh. 5.20 . Phil. 2.6 . , with all the essential properties , and common infirmities thereof , yet without sin l l Heb. 2.14 . & 4.15 . : being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost , in the womb of the Virgin Mary , of her substance m m Luk. 1.27.31 , 35. Gal. 4.4 . . So that two whole Perfect and distinct Natures , the God-head and the Man-hood , were inseparably joyned together in one person , without Conversion , Composition or Confusion n n Lu. 31.35 . Rom. 9.5 . 1 Tim. 3.26 . . Which person is very God , and very Man , yet one Christ the only Mediator between God and man o o Ro. 1.2 , 4. .

III. The Lord Jesus , in his humane nature , thus united to the divine , was sanctified and anointed with the holy spirit above measure a a Isa. 42.1 . 1 Pet. 1.19 . Iob. 3.16 . 1 Tim. 2.5 . , having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge b b Act. 3.22 . : in whom , it pleased the Father , that all fulness should dwell c c Heb. 5.5 . , to the end , that being holy , harmless , undefiled and full of grace and truth d d Psal. 2.6 . Luk. 1.33 . , he might be thorowly furnished to execute the Office of a Mediator , and Surety e e Eph. 5.13 . : which Office he took not unto himself , but was thereunto called ●y his Father f f Heb. 1.2 . , who put all power & judgment into his hand , & gave him commandment to execute the same g g Act. 17.1 .

IV. This Office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake h h Iob. 17.6 Psal. 21.30 Isa. 53.10 . , which that he might discharge , he was made under the Law i i 1 Tim. 2.6 . Isa. 55.4.5 , 1 Cor. 1.30 . , and did perfectly fulfill it k k Ioh. 1.1 . 1 Ioh. 5 , 20. , endured most grievous torments immediately in his soul h h Pil. 2.6 . , and most painful sufferings in his body l l Heb 2.14 . & 4.15 . ; was crucified and died m m Luk. 1.27 31 , 35. Gac . 4.4 . : was buried , and remained under the power of death ; yet saw no ●●●●uption n n Lu. 31 , 35. Rom. 9.5 . 1 Tim. 3.26 . . On the third day h● arose from the dead o o Rom. 1.2 , 4 , with the same ●●dy in which h● 〈◊〉 , with which also he ascend●● i●to heaven , and th●re sitteth at the ●ight hand of his Father g , making 〈◊〉 h , and shall return to judge m●n , and Angels at the end of the World i i Rom. 14. ● Act. 1.11 Mat. 13.40 Iude v. 6. 2 Pet. 2.4 ▪ .

V. The Lord Jesus , by his perfect obedience , and sacrifice of himself , which he , through the eternal spirit once offered up to God , hath fully satisfied the Justice of his Father k k Rom. 5.19 Heb 10.14 Eph. 5.2 . Rom. 3.25 . , and purchased , not only reconciliation , but an everlasting inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven , for all those whom the Father hath given unto him l l Dan. 9 2● 26 Col. ● . 19.20 Ioh. 17.2 . Heb , 9.12 ▪ 13. .

VI. Although the work of Redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his Incarnation , yet the vertue , efficacy , and benefits thereof were communicated unto the elect in all ages successively from the beginning of the World , in , and by those promises , types , and sacrifices , wherein he was revealed , and signified to be the seed of the Woman , which should bruise the Serpents head ; and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the World ; being yesterday and to day the same , and for ever m m Gal. 4 , 4 , 5. Gen. 3.15 . Rev. 13.8 . .

VII . Christ , in the work of Mediation , acteth according to both Natures , by each Nature doing that which is proper to it self n n Heb. 9.14 1 Pet. 3.18 ▪ , yet by reason of the unity of the Person , that which is proper to one nature ▪ is some times in Scripture attributed to the Person denominated by the other Nature o o Act ▪ 20.28 Jo● . 3 13. 1 Jo● . 3.16 .

VIII . To all those for whom Christ hath purchased ▪ redemption , he doth certainly , and effectually apply and communicate the same p p Jo● . 6.37 . , making intercession for them q q ● Jo● . 2.1 . Rom. 8.14 . , and revealing unto them , in and by the word , the Mysteries of Salvation r r Jo● . 15.13 ●ph. 1.7 , 8. Joh. 17.6 . , effectually perswading them by his spirit to believe , and obey , and governing their hearts by his word and spirit s s Joh. 14.16 . Heb. 12.2 . 2 Cor. 4.3 . ●o. 8.9 , 14. & 15.18.19 ●oh. 17 , 17. , overcoming all their enemies by his Almighty Power and Wisdom in such manner , and wayes , as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation t t Ps. 110.1 . ● Cor. 15.15 . Mal. 4.2 , 3. Col. 2.15 . .

CHAP. IX . Of Free Will .

GOD hath indued the Will of Man with that natural liberty that is neither forced , nor by any absolute necessity of Nature determined to do good or evil a a Mat. 17.12 Jam. 1.14 . D●●t . 30.15 .

II. Man , in his state of innocency , had freedom and power , to will , and to do , that which was good , & well-pleasing to God b b Ecol. 7.29 Gen. 1.26 . ; but yet , mutably , so that he might fall from it c c Gen. 2.16 . & 3.6 . .

III. Man by his fall into a state of sin , hath wholly lost all ability of Will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation d d Rom. 5.6 . and 8.7 . Joh. 15.5 . ; so as , a natural man , being altogether averse from that good e e Re. 3.10.11 . , and dead in sin f f Eph. 2 1.5 . Col. 3.13 . , is not able , by his own strength , to convert himself , or to prepare himself thereunto g g Joh. 6.44 . 1 Cor. 2.14 . Tit. 2.3.4 . .

IV. When God converts a sinner , and translates him into the state of grace ; he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin h h Col. 1.13 . Jo● . 8.31.36 . ; and by his grace , inables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good i i Phil. 2.13 . Ro. 6.18.22 yet so , as by reason of his remaining corruption , he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good , but doth also will that which is evil k k Gal. 5.17 . Rom. 1.15.18 , 19 , 21. .

V. The will of man is made per●ectly and immutably free to good alone in the state of Glory only l l Eph. 4.12 . Heb. 11.13 . Jude v. 24. .

CHAP. X. Of effectual calling .

ALL those whom God hath predestinated unto life , and those only he is pleased in his appointed & accepted time , effectually to call a a Ro. 8.30 . & 11.7 . Eph. 10.21 . , by his word and Spirit b b 2 Thes. 1.13 , 14. 2 Cor. 3.36 . , out of that state of sin and death , in which they are by nature , to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ c c Rom 8.2 . Eph. 2.1 , 5. 2 Tim. 1.9 . , in lightning their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God d d Act. 26.18 . Eph. 1.17.18 . ; taking away their heart of stone , and giving unto them an heart of flesh ; renewing their wills , and by his Almighty power determining them to that which is good f f Ezek. 11.19 . Phil. 2.13 . Deut. 30.6 . , e e Ezek 36.26 . & effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ g g Eph. 1.19 ; yet so , as they come most freely , being made willing by his grace h h Cant. 1.4 . Ioh 6.37 . .

II. This effectual Call is of Gods free , and special grace alone , not from any thing at all foreseen in man i i 2 Tim. 1.9 . Tit. 3.4.5.8.9 . , who is altogether passive therein , until being quickened & renewed by the holy Spirit k k 1 Cor. 2.1.4 . Rom. 8.7 . Eph. 2.5 . , he is thereby inabled to answer this Call , and to imbrace the grace offered , and conveyed in it l l Ioh 6.37 . .

III. Elect infants dying in Infancy are regenerated , and saved by Christ through the Spirit m m Luk. 18.15.16 . Ioh. 3.3 , 5. , who worketh when where and how he pleaseth n n Ioh. 3.8 . : So also are all other elect Persons , who are uncapable of being outwardly called by the Word o o 1 Ioh. 5.12 . Act. 4.12 . .

IV. Others , not elected , though they may be called by the Ministry of the Word p p Mat. 22.14 . , and may have some common operations of the Spirit , q q Mat. 7.22 Heb. 6.4 5. yet they never truely come unto Christ , and therefore cannot be saved r r Ioh. 6.64.65 , 66. and 8.24 . : much less can men , not professing the Christian Religion , be saved in any other way whatsoever , be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of Nature , and the Law of that Religion they do profess s s Act. 1 12. Ioh. 14 6. Eph 2.12 . Ioh. 4.22 . . And , to assert and maintain , that they may , is very pernicious , and to be detested t t 2 Ioh. v. 9 , 10 , 11. Gal. 1.6.78 .

CHAP. XI . Of Iustification ,

THose whom GOD effectually calleth he also freely justifieth a a Ro. 8.30 . and 3 , 24. not by infusing righteousness into them , but by pardoning their sins , & by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous : not , for any thing wrought in them , or done by them , but for Christs sake alone : nor , by imputing faith itself , the act of believing , nor any other evangelical obedience , to them as their righteousness ; but , by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them b b Rom. 4 5.9 , 7 , 8. 2 Cor. 5.19 . Rom. 3.22.24 , 25 , 26. Tit. 3 5.7 . Eph. 1.7 . Ier. 23.6 . 1 Cor. 1.30 . Rom. 5.17.18 , 19. , they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness by faith , which faith they have , not of themselves , it is the gift of God c c Act. 10.44 . Phi. 3.5 . Act. 13 . 3● , 39. .

II Faith , thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness , is the alone instrument of justification d d John 1.12 . Rom. 3.18 . ; yet is it not alone in the person justified , but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces , & is no dead faith but worketh by love e e ●am. 2.17 . Gal. 5.6 . .

III. Christ by his obedience and death , did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified , and did make a proper , real , and full satisfaction to his Fathers Justice in their behalf f f Rom. 5.8 . 1 Tim. 2.5 . Heb. 10.10 . Isa. 53.4 , 5 , 6 , 10 , 11. . Yet in as much as he was given by the Father for them g g Rom. 8.32 . , and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead hand , both freely , not for any thing in them , their justification is only of free grace i i Rom 3.24 , h h Mat. 3.17 that , both the exact justice , & rich grace of God , might be glorified in the justification of sinners k k Ro. 3.26 . .

IV. God did from all eternity , decree to justifie all the elect l l Gal. 3.8 . Rom. 8.30 . , and Christ did , in the fulness of time , die f●r their sins , and rise again for their justification m m Gal. 4.4 . Rom ● . 25 . : nevertheless they are not justified , untill the holy spirit doth in due time , actually apply Christ unto them Tit. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. .

V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified o o Mat. 6.12 . 1 Joh. 2.1.2 . : and , although they can never fall from the state of justification p p Luk , 22.32 , ● Joh. 10 , 8. ; yet , they may by their sins , fall under Gods fatherly displeasure , and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them , until they humble themselves , confess their sins , beg pardon , and renew their Faith and Repentance q q Psal. 8● . 31 , 32 , 33. Mat. 26.75 .

VI. The justification of Believers under the Old Testament , was , in all these respects , one and the same , with the justification of Believers under the New Testament r r Gal. 3.9 , 13 , 14. .

CHAP. XII . Of Adoption .

ALl those that are justified , God vouchsafeth , in , and for his only Son Jesus Christ , to make partakers of the grace of Adoption a a Eph. 1.5 . Gal. 4 4 , 5. : by which they are taken into the number , and enjoy the liberties and priviledges of the children of God b b Rom. 8.17 . Jer. 14.9 . Rev. 3.12 . , have his Name put upon them c , receive the spirit of Adoption d d Rom. 8.15 . , have access to the throne of grace with boldness e e Eph. 3.12 . , are inabled to cry Abba , Father f f Gal. 4.6 . , are pitied g g Ps. 103.13 . , protected h h Prov. 14.26 . , provided for i i Mat. 6.30 1. Pet. 5 7. , and chastned by him , as by a Father k k Heb. 12.6 : yet never cast off l l Lam. 3.31 , but sealed to the day of redemption m m Eph 4 30 , and inherit the promises n n Heb. 6.12 , as heirs of everlasting Salvation o o 1 Pet. 1.3.4 Heb. 1.14 . .

CHAP. XIII . Of Sanctification .

THey who are effectually called , and regenerated , having a new heart , & a new spirit created in them are further sanctified really & personally , through the vertue of Christs death & resurrection a a 1 Cor. 6.11 Act. 20.32 . , by his word and spirit dwelling in them b b Ioh. 17.17 Eph. 5.26 . : the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed c c Rom. 6.6 . , and the several lusts thereof are more & more weakned and mortified d d Gal. 5.14 . Rom , 8.13 . , and they , more and more quickned and strengthned in all saving graces e e Col. 1.12 . , f f 2 Cor 7.1 . Heb. 12.12 . to the practice of true holiness , without which no man shall see the Lord .

II. This sanctification is throughout , in the whole man g g 1 Thes. 5.23 . : yet imperfect in this life , there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part h h 1 Ioh. 1 10 Rom. 7 18.23 . Phil. 3.12 . : whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war ; the flesh lusting against the spirit , and the spirit against the flesh i i Gal. 5.17 . 1 Pet. 2 11. .

III. In which war , although the remaining corruption , for a time , may much prevail k k Ro. 7.23 . : yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ , the regenerate part doth overcome l l Ro. 6.14 . : & so the Saints grow in grace m m 2 Pet. 3.18 . , perfecting holiness in the fear of God n n 2 Cor. 7.1 . .

CHAP. XIV . Of saving Faith .

THe grace of Faith , whereby the Elect are inabled to believe to the saving of their Souls a a Heb. 10.39 . , is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts b b 2 Cor. 4.13 . , & is ordinarily wrought by the Ministry of the Word c c Rom. 10.14 , 17. , by which also , and by the administration of the Sacraments , and Prayer , it is increased and strengthned d d 1 Pet. 2.2 Rom. 4 . 1● . .

II. By this Faith , a Christian believeth to be true , whatsoever is revealed in the word , for the authority of God himself speaking therein e e Ioh. 4.42 . 2 Thes. 3.13 ▪ and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth , yielding obedience to the Commands f f Rom. 16.26 . ; trembling at the threatnings h h Heb. 11.13 . , g g Isa. 66.2 . and imbracing the promises of God for this life , and that which is to come h h Heb. 11.13 . . But the principal acts of saving faith , are Accepting , Receiving , and resting upon Christ alone for Justification , Sanctification , and Eternal life ; by vertue of the Covenant of grace i i Ioh. 1.11 . Act. ●6 . 32 Act. 15.11 . .

III. This faith is different in degrees , weak , or strong k k Heb. 5.13 : may be often and many waies assailed , and weakned , but gets the victory l l Luke 22.31 . Eph. 6.16 . : growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ m m Heb 6.11.12 . Heb. 10.22 . Col. 2.2 . , who is both the Author and finisher of our Faith n n Heb. 12.2 . .

CHAP. XV. Of Repentance unto life .

REpentance unto life , is an Evangelical grace a a Zech. 12. ●0 . Act 11.18 , the doctrine whereof is to be Preached by every Minister of the Gospel , as well as that of Faith in Christ b b Luk. 24.47 . Mat. 1. ●5 . .

II. By it , a sinner , out of the sight and sense not only of the danger , but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins , as contrary to the holy nature , and righteous Law of God : and , upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent , so grieves for , & hates his sin● , as to turn from them all unto God c c Ezek 18.30 , 31. I●a . 30.22 . Psal. 51.4 ▪ P●a● . 119.128 . , purposing & endeavoring to walk with him in all the waies of his Commandments d d Psa. 119.6.59.105 . Luk. 1.6 ▪ 2 Kings . 23.15 . .

III. Although Repentance be not to be rested in , as any satisfaction for sin , or any cause of the pardon thereof e e Ezek. 36.31 , 32. Ezek. 16.61.62 , 63. , which is the act of Gods free grace in Christ f f Hos. 14.24 . Rom. 3.24 . , yet is it of such necessity to all sinners , that none may expect pardon without it g g Luk. 13.3.5 . Act. 17.50 , 51. .

IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation h h Rom. 6.23 . Mat. 22.36 ; so there is no sin so great , that it can bring damnation on those who truly repent i i Isa. 1.16.18 . .

V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance , but it is every mans duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins , particularly k k Ps. 19.13 . Luk ▪ 9.8 . .

VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God , praying for the pardon thereof l l Ps. 51.4 . upon which , and the forsaking of them , he shall find mercy m m Prov. 28.13 . 1 Joh. 1.9 . : so he that scandalizeth his brother , or the Church of Christ , ought to be willing by a private or publick confess●on ▪ and sorrow for his sin to declare his repentance to th●se that are offended n n Jam 5.16 . Luk 17 3. Joh. 7.19 . Psal 51. 〈…〉 , who are thereupon to be recon●●●ed to him , and in love to receive him .. o o

CHAP. XVI . Of good Woorks .

GOod Works are onely such as God hath commanded in his holy Word a a Mic. 6.8 Rom. 12.2 . Heb. 13.21 . , and not such as without the warrant thereof , are devised by men , out of blind zeal , or upon any pretence of good intention b b Mat. 15.9 . Isa. 29.13 . 1 Pet. 1.18 . Rom. 10.2 . Ioh. 16.2 . .

II. These good works done in obedience to Gods Commandments , are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith c c Iam. 2.18 22. : and by them , Believers manifest their thankfulness d d Psal. 116.12 , 13. 1 Pet. 2.9 . : strengthen their assurance e e 1 Iob. 2.3 . , edifie their Brethren f f 2 Cor. 6.2 . Mat. 5.16 . , adorn the profession of the Gospel g g Tit. 2.5 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12. 1 Tim. 6.1 . , stop the mouths of the adversaries h h 1 Pet. 2.15 . , and glorifie God i i 1 Pet. 2.22 . Ioh. 15.8 . , whose workmanship they are , created in Christ Jesus thereunto k k Eph. 2.10 . : that having their fruit unto holiness , they may have the end , eternal life l l Rom. 6.22 .

III. Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves , but wholly from the Spirit of Christ m m Ioh. 15.4 Ezek. 16.26 , 27. . And that they may be inabled thereunto , besides the graces they have already received , there is required an actual influence of the same holy Spirit , to work in them to will and to do , of his good pleasure n n Phil. 2.13 ● Cor. 3.5 . : yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent , as if they were not bound to perform any duty , unless upon a special motion of the Spirit ; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them o o Phil. 2.12 Heb. 6.11.12 . Isa. 64.7 . 2 Tim. 26.6 . Iude v. 20.21 . .

IV. They who in their obedience attain to the greatest hight , which is possible in this life , are so far from being able to supererogate , and to do more than God requires , as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do p p Luke . 17.10 . Neh. 13.22 . Ioh. 9.2.7 . Gal. 4.17 . .

V. We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin , or eternal life at the hand of God , by reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come ; & the infinite distance that is between us & God , whom , by them , we can neither profit , not satisfie for the debt of our former sins q q Ro. 3.20 . Eph. 2.8.9 . Psal. 16.2 . Iob. 35 78 , but when we have done all we can , we have done but our duty , and are unprofitable servants r r Luk. 17.10 . , and because , as they are good they proceed from his spirit s s Gal. 5.22 . : and as they are wrought by us , they are defiled , and mixed with so much weakness & imperfection , that they cannot endure the severity of Gods judgment t t Isa. 64.6 . Gal. 5.17 . Rom. 7.15.18 . .

VI. Yet notwithstanding the Persons of believers being accepted through Christ , their good works also are accepted in him u u Eph. 1.6 . 1 Pet. 2.5 . Gen. 4.4 . Heb. 11 , 4. , not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable in Gods sight w w Job . 9.20 . , but that , he looking upon them in his Son , is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere , though accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections x x Heb. 13.20 , 21. 2 Cor. 8 12. Heb. 6.10 . Mat. 15.21 23. .

VII . Works done by unregenerate men , although , for the mater of them they may be things which God commands , and of good use , both to themselves and others y y 2 Kings 10.30 , 31. Phil. 1.15.16 , 18. , yet because they proceed not from an heart purified by faith z z Gen. 4.9 . Heb. 11.4 ▪ , nor are done in a right manner , according to the word a a 1 Cor. 13 3 , Isa. 12. , nor to a right end , the glory of God b b Mat. 6.3 . , they are therefore sinful , and cannot please God , or make a man meet to receive grace from God c c Hag. 2.14 . Tit. 1.15 . Amos 5.21.22 Hos. ● . 4 . . And yet their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing unto God d d Ps. 14.4 . Job . 21.14 , 15. Mat. 25.41 . .

CHAP. XVII . Of Perseverance .

THey whom God hath accepted in his beloved , effectually called , a●d sanctified by hi● Spirit , can neither to●ally nor finally ; fall away from the state of grace : but shall certainly persevere ●herein to the end , and be eternally saved a a Phi● . 1.6 . 2 Pet. 1.10 . 1 Ioh. 2.9 . 1 Pet. 1.5 . .

II. This perseverance of the Saints depends not upon their own free will , but upon the immutability of the decree of election , flowing from the free & unch●ngeable love of God the Father b b 2 Tim. 2.18 , 19. Ier. 31.3 . , upon the e●ficacy of the merit and in●ercession of Jesus Chri●● c c Heb. 10.10 , 11. Heb. 9.12 , 13.14 , 15. Luk. 12.32 ▪ the abiding of the spirit , & of the seed of God within them d d Ioh. 4.16 John 2 ▪ 27. , and the nature of the Covenant of Grace e e Jer. 32.40 . : from all which ariseth also the certainty & infalli●ility thereof f f Joh. 10.28 1 Joh. 2.19 . .

III. Nevertheless , they may through the temptations of ●atan & of the world , the prevalency of corruption remaining in them ; and the neglect of the means of their preservation , fall into grievous sins g g Mat. 26.70 , 71 , 74. , and for a time continue therein h h Psal. 51.14 ▪ , whereby they incur Gods displeasure i i Isa. 64.5 . , and grieve his holy spirit k k Eph. 4.30 . , come to be d●prived of some measure of their graces and comforts l l Psal. 51.8 . , have their hearts hardened m m Isa. 53.17 . , and their consciences wounded n n Ps. 37.3.4 , hurt , and scandalize others o o Sam. 12.14 . , and bring temporal judgments upon themselves p p Ps. 89 ▪ 31.32 . .

CHAP. XVIII . Of the assurance of Grace and Salvation .

ALthough hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God , and estate of Salvation a a Iob. 8.13 14. Mic. 3.11 . Deut. 29.19 , which hope of theirs shall perish b b Mat. 7.22 Act. 26.6.23 . : yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus , and love him in sincerity , endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before him , may in this life be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace c c 1 Ioh. 2.3 1 Ioh. 5.13 , and may rejoyce in the hope of the glory of god which hope shall never make them ashamed d d Rom. 5.2 , 5. .

II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable perswasion , grounded upon a fallible hope e e Heb. 6.11.19 . , but an infallible assurance of faith , founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation f f Heb. 6.17.18 . , the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made g g 1 Pet. 1.4.5 , 10 , 11. 1 Iob. 2.3 . 2 Cor , 1.12 . , the testimony of the spirit o● adoption witnessing with ou● spirits that we are the children of God h h Rom. 8.15 : which spirit is the earnest of inheritance , whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption i i Eph. 3.13 . .

III. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith but that a true believer may wait long and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it k k Ioh , 5.13 Isa. 30 , 10. Mark 9.24 . Psal. 77. to ver. 12. : yea , being enabled by the spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God , he may , without extraordinary revelation , in the right use of ordinary means , attain thereunto l l 1 Cor. 2.12 1 Ioh. 4.13 Heb. 6.11 . Eph. 3.17.18 ▪ 19. . And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure m m 2 Pet. 1.10 . , that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace & joy in the holy Ghost , in love & thankfulness to God , & in strength and chearfulness in the duties of obedience , the proper fruits of this assurance n n Rom. 5.1 , 2 , 5 Rom. 14.17 . Ephes. 1.3 , 4 Psal. 4.6.7 . ; so far is it from inclining men to looseness o o 1 Ioh. 2.1 . Rom. 6.1 , 2. 2 Cor. 7.1 . Ro. 8.1.12 . 1 Ioh. 1.2.3 Psal. 1●0 . 4 1 Ioh. 1.6.7 .

IV. True believers may have the assurance of their Salvation divers ways shaken , diminished , and intermitted , as by negligence in preserving of it , by falling into some special sin , which woundeth the conscience , & grieveth the spirit , by some sudden or vehement temptation , by Gods withdrawing the light of his countenance , & suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness , and to have no light p p Cant. 5.2.3 , 6. Psal. 51.8 , 12 , 13. Eph. 4.30 . Psal. 77.1 . Mat. 26.69 Isa. 50.10 . Psal. 31.22 Psalm . 88. throughout . : yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God , & life of faith , that love of Christ and the brethren , that sincerity of heart , and conscience of duty , out of which by the operation of the spiri● , this assurance may in due time be revived q q Joh. 3.9 . Luk. 21.52 . Job 13.15 . Psal. 73.15 . Isa. 50.10 . , and by the which in the mean time their supported from utter despair r r Mic. 7.7 , 8 , 9. Jer. 32.10 . I●a . 5.4 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. ps. 22.1 . ps. 88. throughout

CHAP. XIX . Of the Law of God .

GOD gave to Adam a Law , as a Covenant of Works , by which he bound him , & all his posterity to personal , entire , exact and perpetual obedience , promised life upon the fulfilling , and threatned death upon the breach of it : and indued him with power and ability to keep it a a Gen. 1.16 Gen. 2.17 . Ro. 2.14.15 & 10.5 . Gal. 3.10 . Eccl. 7.9 . Job . 28.28 . .

II. This Law , after his fall continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness , & as such , was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai , in ten Commandments , and written in two Tables b b Jam. 1.25 ▪ & 2 . 8.1● , 11. Ro. 13.8 , 6. Deut. 5.32 . & 0.4 . Exod. 34.1 , the four first Commandments containing our duty towards God , and the other six , our duty to man c c Mat. 22.37 , 33 , 39 , 40. .

III. Beside this Law commonly called Moral , God was pleased to give to the people of Is●ael , as a Church under age , Ceremonial Laws , containing several typical Ordi●ances , partly of worship , prefiguring Christ his graces , actions , suffering● , and benefits d d Heb. 9. Chap. Heb. 10.1 . Col. 2.17 . , and partly hold●ng forth divers instructions of Moral duties e e 1 Cor. 5 ▪ 2. . All which Ceremonial Laws are now abrogated under the new Testament f f Col. 2.14.16 , 17. Dan. 9.27 . Eph. 1.15 , 16 .

IV. To them also , as a body Politic , he gave sundry Judicial Laws , which expired together with the state of that people , not obligeing any other now , further than the general equity thereof may require g g Exod. 21. Chap. Exod. 22 , to 29. 1 Pet. 2.3 , 14. Mat. 5.17 . .

V. The Moral Law doth for ever bind all , as well justified persons as others , to the obedience thereof h h Rom. 13.8.9 , 10. , and that , not only in regard of the ●atter contained in it , but also in respect of the Authority of God the Creator who gave it i i Iam 2.10.1 . . Neither doth Christ in the Gospel any way dissolve but much strengthen this obligation k k Mat. 5.17 18.19 . Jam. 2.8 . Rom. 3.31 . .

VI. Although true believer ▪ be not under the Law , as a Covenant of works , to be thereby justified , or condemned l l Rom. 6.14 . Gal. 2.16 . and 4 , ● . 5 . Act. 13. ●9 . Rom. 8.1 . , yet it is of great use to them , as well as to others , in that , as a rule of life informing the of the will of God , and their duty , it directs and binds them to walk accordingly m m Rom. 7.21 , 22 , 25. Psal. 119.4 5 , 6. 1 Cor. 17.19 , discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature , hearts and lives n n Rom. 7.7 . : so as examining themselves thereby , they may come to further conviction of , hum●liation for , and hatred against sin o o Iam. 1.23 Rom. 7.9 . : together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ , and the perfection of his obedience p p Gal. 3 . 2● . Rom. 8.3 , 4. . It is likewise of use to the regenerate , to restrain their corruptions : in that it forbids sin q q Iam. 2.11 Psal. 119.101 , 104. : and the threatnings of it serve to shew , what even their sins deserve : and what afflictions in this life , they may expect for them , although freed from the curse thereof threatned in the Law r r Ezra 9.13 , 14. Psal. 89.30 31 , 32 , 33. . The promises of it in like manner , shew them Gods approbation of obedience , & what blessings they may expect upon the performance there of s s Lev. 26.1 . to 14. with 2 Cor. 6.10 . Eph. 9.2 , 3. Psal. 19.11 : although not as due to them by the Law , as a Covenant of Works t t Gal. 2.16 . Luk. 17.12 . . So as a mans doing good , and refraining from evil , because the Law encourageth to the one , & deterreth from the other , is no evidence of his being under the Law , and not under grace u u Rom. 6 12 1 Pet. 3 , 8.9 , 10 , 12. Heb. 12.28 .

VII . Neither are the fore mentioned uses of the Law contrary to the grace of the Gospel , but do sweetly comply with it w w Gal. 3.21 , the spirit of Christ subduing , and inabling the will of man , to do that freely and chearfully , which the will of God revealed in the Law , requireth to be done x x Ezek. 36.27 . Heb. 8.10 . ,

CHAP. XX. Of Christian Liberty , and Liberty of Conscience .

THe Liberty which Christ hath purchased for Believers , under the gospel , consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin , the condemning wrath of God , the curse of the Moral Law a a Tit. 2.11 . Gal. 3.13 . , and in their being delivered from this present evil world , bondage to Satan , and dominion of sin b b Gal. 1.4 . Rom. 6.14 . ; from the evil of afflictions , the sting of death , the Victory of the grave , and everlasting damnation c c Rom. 2.8 . 1 Cor. 15.54 55 , 56 , 57. , as also , in their free access to God d d Ro. 5.1 , 2. , and their yielding obedience unto him , not out of slavish fear , but a Child like love and willing mind e e Ro. 8.14 . 1 Ioh. 4.18 . All which were common also to Believers under the Law . But under the new Testament , the liberty of Christians is further inlarged , in their freedom from the yoke of the Ceremonial Law , to which the Jewish Church was subject g , and in greater boldness of access to the Throne of Grace h , and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God , than believers under the Law , did ordinarily partake of i i Job . 7.58 , 59. 2 Cor. 3.13.17 , 18. .

II. God alone is Lord of the conscience k k Jam. 4.12 Rom. 14.4 . : and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his word , or beside it , in matters of Faith or Worship l l Act. 4.19 Act. 5.29 . Mat. 13.8 , 9 , 10. 2 Cor. 1.24 . Mat. 15.9 . . So that to believe such Doctrines , or to obey such commands out of conscience , is to betray true liberty of conscience m m Col. 2.20.22 , 23. Gal. 1.10 . & 2.4 , 5. & 5.1 . , & the requiring of an implicite . Faith , and an absolute and blind obedience , is , to destroy liberty of conscience , and reason also n n Ro. 10.17 Isa. 4.20 . Act. 17.11 Joh. 4.21 . Hos. 5.11 . Rev. 5.11.16 , 17. Jer. 8.9 . .

III. They , who upon pretence of Christian Liberty , do practice any sin , or cherish any Lust , do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty , which is , that being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies , we might serve the Lord without fear , in holiness and righteousness before him all the daies of our life o o Gal. 1 . 13· 1 Pet. 2.16 2 Pet. 2.19 . Job . 8.34 . Luk. 1.74 . .

IV. And because the power which God hath ordained , and the liberty which Christ hath purchased , are not intended by God , to destroy , but mutually to uphold & preserve one another : They , who upon pretence of Christian liberty shall oppose any lawful power , or the lawful exercise of it , whether it be Civil or Ecclesiastical , resist the ordinance of God p p Ma. 12.29 . 1 Pet. 2.13.14 , 16. Rom. 13.1 . to 8. Heb. 13.17 . . And , for their publishing of such practices , as are contrary to the light of nature , or to the known principles of Christianity , whether concerning Faith , Worship , or Conversation : or , to the power of Godliness : or such erroneous Opinions or Practices , as either in their own nature , or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them , are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the Church , they may lawfully be called to account , and proceeded against by the Censures of the Church q q Ro. 1.30 . 1 Cor. 5.1 , 5 , 11.13 . 2 Joh. 10.11 2 Thes. 3.14 Tit. 1.10 , 11 , 12 , & 3.12 Mat. 18.15 , 16 , 17. Rev. 3.2 . , and by the power of civil Magistrate r r Deut. 23.6 . to 12. Ro. 13.3.4 . 2 Joh. 10.11 . Ezra 7.23 . to 28. Rev. 17.12 , 16 , 17. Neh. 13. to 30. 2 Kin , 23. to 21. 2 Ch. 34.35 . & 15.12 , 13. Dan. 3.21 . Isa. 49.23 . Zech. 13.2.3 . .

CHAP. XXI . Of Religious Worship , and the Sabbath day .

THe light of Nature sheweth that there is a God , who hath Lordship & sovereignty over all , is good ▪ & doth good unto all , & is therefore to be feared , loved , praised , called upon , trusted in and served with all the heart , and with all the soul , and with all the might a a Rom. 1.20 Psal. 119.68 . Ier. 10.7 . Psal , 18.3 . Mark . 12.33 . . But , the acceptable way of worshiping the true God , is instituted by himself , and so limited to his own revealed Will ▪ that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations & devices of men , or the suggestions of Satan , under any visible representations , or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scripture b b Deut. 12.32 . Mat. 15.9 . Act. 17.25 . Mat. 4.9 . .

II. Religious Worship is to be given to God , the Father , Son and holy Ghost ; and to him alone c c Mat. 4.10 ; not to Angels , Saints , or any other Creature d d Col. 2.18 . Rev. 19.10 . , and since the Fall , not without a Mediator ; nor in the mediation of any other , but of Christ alone e e Ioh. 4.6 . 1 Tim. 2.5 . Eph. 2.8 . .

III. Prayer with Thanks-giving being one special part of Religious Worship f f Phil. 4.6 . , is by God required of all men g g Psal. 65.2 : and that it may be accepted it is to be made in the name of the Son h h Ioh. 13.14 , by the help of his Spirit i i Rom. 8.16 . , according to his will k k 1 Ioh. 5.14 : with understanding , reverence , humility , fervency , faith , love , l l Ps. 47.7 . and perseverance and if vocal , in a known tongue m m 1 Cor. 14. .

IV. Prayer is to be made for all things lawful n n 1 Ioh. 5.14 . Ioh. 17.20 . , and for all sorts of men living , or that shall live hereafter o : but not for the dead p p 2 Sam. 12.21 , 23. Rev. 13.12 , nor for those of whom it it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death q q 1 Ioh. 5.16 . .

V. The reading of the Scriptures with Godly fear r r Act. 15.21 . , the sound Preaching s s 1 Tit. 4.2 . , and conscionable hearing of the Word ; in obedience unto God , with understanding , faith , and reverence t t Mat 3.1.19 . : singing of Psalms with grace in the heart u u Col. 3.16 . Iam. 5.13 . Eph. 5.19 . : as also the due administration , and worthy receiving of the Sacraments instituted by Christ ; are all parts of the ordinary Religious Worship of God w w Mat. 28.19 . ; besides religious Oaths x x Deu. 6.63 Mat. 9.18 . , Vows y y 19.21 Eccles. 5.4 , 5. , Sollemn Fasting z z Ioel. 2.12 . Esther . 4.16 . 1 Cor. 7.5 . , and Thanksgivings upon several occasions a a Ps. 107. throughout . Esther . 9 . 2● , which are in their several times and seasons , to be used in an holy and religious manner b b Heb. 12.28 .

VI. Neither Prayer nor any other part of Religious Worship , is now under the Gospel , either tyed unto , or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed or towards which it is directed c c Ioh. 4.21 : but GOD is to be worshipped every where d d Mal. 1.11 1 Tim. 2.8 . , in Spirit and truth e e Ioh. 4.23 . : as in private Families f f Ier. 10.25 Ioh. 1 ▪ ● . , daily g g Mat. 6.11 , and in secret , each one to himself h h Mat. 6.6 . ; so more solemnly in the publick Assemblies , which are not carelesly or wilfully to be neglected , or forsaken when God , by his word or providence calleth thereunto i i ●sa. 16.6 . Heb. 10 . 2● . P●ov. 8.34 . Act. 13.42 ▪ .

VII . As it is of the Law of Nature , that , in general , a due proportion of time be set apart , for the Worship of God : so in his word , by a positive , moral , and perpetual Commandment , binding all men , in all Ages , he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him k k Exod. 20 8 , 10 , 11. Isa. 56.1 , 4. : which from the beginning of the World to the resurrection of Christ , was the last day of the week ; and from the resurrection of Christ , was changed ▪ into the first day of the Week l l Gen. 2.2 ▪ 3 , which in Scripture is called the Lords Day m m Rev. 1.10 . , and is to be continued to the end of the World , as the Christian Sabbath n n Exod. 20.8 , 10. Mat· 5.17 . .

VIII . This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord , when men , after a due preparing of their hearts and ordering of their common affairs beforehand , do not only observe an holy rest all the day , from their own works , words & thoughts about their worldly imployments ▪ and recreations o o Exod. 20.8 . Exod. 3.15 , 16 , 17. Isa. 58.13 . Nehem. 13.15 . to 22. , but also are taken up the whole time in the publick and private exercises of his Worship , and in the duties of necessity and mercy p p Isa. 58.13 .

CHAP. XXII . Of Lawful Oaths and Vows .

A Lawful Oath is a part of religious Worship a a D●ut. 10.20 . , wherein , upon just occasion , the person swearing , solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth or promiseth ; and to judge him according to the truth or falshood of what he sweareth b b Ex. 20.7 : 2 Cor. 1.23 . 2 Chron. 6.22 , 23. .

II. The Name of God only , is that by which men ought to swear , & therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence e e ●eut . 6.13 . Therefore to swear vainly , or rashly , by that glorious and dreadful Name ; or , to swear at all , by any other thing , is sinful and to be abhorred d d Exod. 30.7 . Ier. 5.7 . Mat. 5.34 . . Yet , as in matters of weight and moment , an Oath is warranted by the word of God , under the New Testament as well as under the Old e e Heb 6.16 . ; so a lawful Oath , being imposed by lawful Authority , in such matters ought to be taken f f 1 King . 8.31 . .

III. Whosoever taketh an Oath , ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act , and therein to avouch nothing , but what he is fully perswaded is the Truth g g Exod. 20.7 . Ier. 4.2 . , Neither may any man ▪ bind himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just , and what he believeth so to be , and what he is able and resolved to perform h h Gen 24.2 . to 9. . Yet it is a sin , to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just , being imposed by lawful Authority i i Num. 5.1.9 .

IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without equivocation , or mental reservation k k Ier. 4.2 . Psal. 24.14 . : It cannot oblige to sin ; but , in any thing not sinful , being taken , it binds to performance , although to a mans own hart l l 1 Sam 25.32 , 33 , 34. . Nor is it to be vio●ated , although made to Hereticks o● Infidels m m Ezek 17.16 , 18 , 19. .

V. A Vow is of the like nature with a Promissary O●th , and ought to be made with the like Religious care , and to be performed with the like faithfulness n n Isa. 1● . 21 . .

VI. It is not to be made to any Creature but to God a●one o o Ps. 76.11 , and that it may be accepted , it is to be made voluntarily , out of Faith , and conscience of Duty , in way of thankfulness ▪ for mercy received , or of the obtaining of what we want : whereby we more strictly bind our selves to necessary duties : or , to other things , so far , and so long as they may fitly conduce thereunto p p Deu● . ●3 . 22 , 23. .

VII . No man may Vow , to do any thing forbidden in the word of God , or what would hinder any duty therein commanded , or which is not in his own power , and for the performance whereof , he hath no promise of ability from God q q Act. 23.12 , 14. . In which respect , Popish Monastical Vows of perpetual single life , professed Poverty , and Regular Obedience , are so far from being degrees of higher Perfection , that they are superstitious and sinful snares , in which , no Christian may intangle himself r r Mat. 19.11 , 12. 2 Pet. 4.2 . .

CHAP. XXIII . Of the Civil Magistrate .

GOD , the Supream Lord and King of all the world , hath ordained Civil Magistrates to be under him , over the people for his own Glory , and the publick good : and to this end , hath armed them with the power of the sword , for the defence and encouragement of them that are good , and for the punishment of evil doers a a Rom. 13.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. .

II. It is Lawful for Christians to accept and execute the Office of a Magistrate , when called thereunto b b Pro. 8.15 ▪ : in the managing whereof , as they ought especially to maintain Piety , Justice , and Peace , according to the wholsome Laws of each Common-wealth c c Ps. 2.10 . 1 Pet. 2.13 . : so for that end , they may lawfully now under the New Testament , wage War , upon just and necessary occasion d d Luk. 3.14 Mat. 8.9 . Rev. 17.16 . .

III. The Civil Magistrate may not assume to himself the administration of the Word & Sacraments , or the power of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven e e 2 Chron. 26.18 . Mat. 16.9 . Rom. 10.15 Heb. 5.4 . : yet he hath Authority , and it is his duty , to take order that Unity and peace be preserved in the Church , that the truth of God be kept pure and entire , that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed , all corruptions and abuses in worship & discipline prevented , or reformed : and all the Ordinances of God duly settled , administred and observed f f Isa. 49.23 Lev. 24.16 . 2 King . 1 8 4. 1 Chr. 13.1 . to 9. : For the better effecting whereof , he hath power to call Synods , to be present at them , and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them , be according to the mind of God g g 2 Chr. 19.8 , 9 , 10. .

IV. It is the duty of people to pray for Magistrates h h 1 Tim. 2.1.2 . , to honour their persons i i 1 Pet. 2.17 . , to pay them tribute & other dues k k Rom. 15.6 , 7. : to obey their lawful Commands , and to be subject to their Authority for conscience sake l l Rom. 13.5 . Infidelity or indifference in Religion doth not make void the Magistrates just and legal Authority , nor free the people from their due obedience to him m m 1 Pet. 2.13 , 16. : From which Ecclesiastical persons are not exempted n n Rom. 13.1 . Act. 25.9 . Iude v. 8. to 11. , much less hath the Pope any power or jurisdiction over them , in their Dominions , or over any of their people ; and least of all to deprive them of their Dominions , or lives , if he shall judge them to be Hereticks or upon any other pretence whatsoever o o 2 Th●s . 2.4 . .

CHAP. XXIV . Of Marriage and Divorce .

MArriage is to be between one Man and one Woman . neither is it lawful for any Man to have more than one Wife , nor for any Woman to have more than one Husband , at the same time a a Gen. 2.34 . Mat. 19.5 . .

II. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of Husband and Wife b b Gen. 2.18 . , for the increase of Mankind , with a legitimate issue , and of the Church with an holy seed c c Mal. 2.15 , and for preventing of uncleanness d d 1 Cor. 7.2 . .

III. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry , who are able with judgment to give their consent e e Heb 13.4 . 1 Cor. 7.36 . . Yet , is it the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord f f 1 Cor. 7.39 . . And therefore such as profess the true reformed Religion , should not marry with Infidels , Papists , or other Idolaters . Neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked , by marrying with such as are notoriously wicked in their life , or maintain damnable heresies g g Gen. 34.14 . Deut. 7.34 . Ne● . 13 25. .

IV. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of Consanguinity or Affinity forbidden in the Word h h Lev. 8. chap. 1 Cor. 5.1 . . N●r can such incest●o●s Marriages ever be made lawful by any Law of man , or consent of Parties , so as those Per●ons may live together as Man and Wife i i Mar. 6.18 Levit. 18.24 . to 28. . The man may not ma●ry any of his wifes kinred nearer in blood , than he may of his own ; nor , the Wo●an of her Husbands kindred , nearer in blood than of her own k k Levit. 26 19 , 21. .

V. Adultery or fornication committed after a Contract , being detected before Mar●iage , giveth iust occasion to the innocent Party to dissolve that contract l l Mat. 1.8.19 , 20. ▪ In the case of Adultery after Marriage , it is lawful for the innocent party to sue out a divorce m m Mat. 5.31 ▪ 32. , and af●er the divorce , to marry another , as if the offending party were dead n n Mat. 19.9 . Rom. 7.2 3· .

VI. Although the corruptions of man be such as is apt to study Arguments , unduely to put asunder thos● whom God hath j●yned together in marriage : yet ●●thing but Adultery , or such wilful desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church , or Civil Magistrate , is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of Marriage o o Mat. 19.8 . 1 Cor. 7.15 . : Wherein , a publick and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed : And , the persons concerned in it , not left to their own wills & discretion in their own case p p Deut. 14.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. .

CHAP. XXV . Of the Church .

THE Catholick or Universal Church which is invisible , consists of the whole number of the Elect , that have been , are , or shall be gathered into one , under Christ the Head thereof ; and is the Spouse , the Body , the fulness of him that filleth all in all a a Ep● . 1.10 . .

II. The Visible Church which is also Catholick or Universal , unde● the Gospel ( not confined to one Nation , as before under the law ) consist● of all those , throughout the world ▪ that pro●ess the true Religion b b 1 Cor. 1.2 Ren. 7.9 . , together with their Children c c 1 Cor. 7.14 . ● Ez●k. 16.20.21 . Rom. 11.16 : an● is the Kingdom of the Lord Jesu● Christ d d Mat. 13.47 . , the House and family o● God e e Eph. 2.19 . Eph. 3.15 . , ou● of which there is no ordinary possibility of Salvation f f Act. 2.47 . .

III. Unto this Catholick visible Church , Christ hath given the Ministry , Oracles , and Ordinances of God , for the gathering , and perfecting of the Saints , in this life to the end of the World : and doth by his own presence and spirit , according to his promise , make them effectual thereunto g g 1 Cor. 12.28 . Eph. 4.11 , 12 , 13. .

IV. This Catholick Church hath been sometimes more , sometimes less visible h h Rom. 15.3 , 4. Rev. 12.6 , 24. . And particular Churches , which are Members thereof , are more or less pure , according as the Doctrine of the Gospel is taught and imbraced , Ordinances administred , and publick Worship performed more or less purely in them i i Rev. 2.3 . .

V. The purest Churches under Heaven are subject both to mixture and errour k k 1 Cor. 13.12 . Mat. 13.24 to 47. , and some have so degenerated as to become no Churches of Christ , but Synagogues of Satan l l Rev. 18.2 . Rom. 11.18 . Nevertheless , there shall be alwaies a Church on Earth to worship God according to his will m m Mic. 6.18 . Mat. 28 1● .

VI. There is no other Head of the Church , but the Lord Jesus Christ n n Co● . 1.18 . . Nor can the Pope of Rome , in any sence be head thereof : but is that Anti-Christ , that Man of sin , and Son of perdition that exalteth himself in the Church , against Christ and all that is called God o o Mat. 2.3 , 8 , 9 , 10. Re● . 13.6 . .

CHAP. XXVI . Of the Communion of Saints .

ALL Saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head , by his Spirit , and by Faith , have fellowship with him in his graces , sufferings , death , resurrection , and glory a a 1 Ioh. 1.3 Ioh. 1.16 . Phi● . 3.10 . . And , being united to one another in love , they have communion in each others gifts and graces b b Eph. 4.15 . Col. 2.19 . , and are obliged to the performance of such duties publick and private , as do conduce to their mutual good , both in the inward & outward man c c 1 Thes. 5.11.14 . 1 Ioh. 3.16 .

II. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God ; and in performing such other spiritual servic●s as tend to their mutual edification d d Heb. 10.24.25 . Isa. 2.3 . : as also , in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities , and necessities . Which Communion , as God offereth opportunity , is to be extended unto all those , who in every place call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus e e Act. 2.44 . 1 Ioh. 3.17 . .

III. This Communion which the Saints have with Christ , doth not make them , in any wise , partakers of the substance of his God-head , or to be equal with Christ in any respect : either of which to affir● , is impious and blasphem●us f f Col. 1.18.19 . 1 Cor. 8.6 . Isa. 41.8 . Heb. 1.89 . . Nor doth their Communion one with another as Saints , take away , or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions g g Exod. 10.15 . Eph. 4.28 . .

CHAP. XXVII . Of the Sacraments .

SAcraments are holy Signs , and Seals of the Covenant of grace a a Rom. 4.12 , immediately instituted by God b b Mat. 28.19 . , to represent Christ , and his benefits ; and to confirm our interest in him c c 1 Cor. 10.16 . Ga. 3.7 . as also , to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church , and the rest of the world d d Rom. 15.8 . Ex. 12.18 . ; and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ according to his word e e Rom. 6.3 , 4. 1 Cor. 10.16.21 . .

II. There is in every Sacrament a Spiritual relation , or Sacramental union , between the sign and the thing signified : whence it comes to pass , that the names , and effects of the one , are attributed to the other f f Gen. 17 , 10 Mat. 26.27 .

III. The grace which is exhibited in , or by the Sacraments rightly used , is not conferred by any power in them ; neither doth the efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the piety , or intention of him that doth administer it g g Rom. 2.28 . ; but upon the work of the Spirit h h Mat. 3.11 . 1 Cor. 12.13 , and the word of institution , which contains , together with a precept authorizing the use thereof , a promise of benefit to worthy receivers i i Mat. 16.27 , 28. .

IV. There be only two Sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord , in the Gospel , that is to say , Baptism and the Supper of the Lord , neither of which may be dispensed by any , but by a Minister of the word lawfully ordained k k Mat. 28.19 . Heb. 5.4 . .

V. The Sacraments of the Old Testament , in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified , and exhibited , were , for substance the same with those of the New l l 1 Cor. 10.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. .

CHAP. XXVIII . Of Baptisme .

BAptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament , ordained by Jesus Christ a a Mat. 28.19 . , not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized , into the visible Church b b 1 Cor. 12.1 , 3. : but also , to be unto him a sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace c c Rom. 4.11 . , of his ingrafting into Christ d d Gal. 3.27 . , of Regeneration e e Tit. 3.5 . , of Remission of sins f f Mat. 1.4 . , and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ , to walk in newness of life g g Rom. 6.2 . , which Sacrament is , by Christs own appointment , to be continued in his Church , untill the end of the World h h Mat. 28.19 , 20. .

II. The outward Element to be used in the Sacrament , is Water , wherewith the party is to be Baptized , in the name of the Father , and of the Son , and of the Holy-Ghost , by a Minister of the Gospel , lawfully called thereunto i i Mat. 3.12 Ioh. 1.33 . .

III. Dipping of the person into the Water , is not necessary : but , Baptism is rightly administred , by pouring , or sprinkling Water upon the person k k Heb. 9.10 . to 22. .

IV. Not only those that do actually p●of●ss Faith in , and obedience unto Christ l l Mat. 16.15.16 . , but also the infants of one , or both believing parents , are to be baptized m m Gen. 7.9 . Col. 2.11.12 . Act. 2.38.39 . Mat. 28.19 . .

V. Although i● be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance n n Luk. 7.30 . Exod. 4.24 . , yet ●race and Salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it , as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it o o Rom. 4.11 , or that all that are baptized , are undoubtedly regenerated p p Act. 8.13 . .

VI. The efficacy of Baptism is not ●yed to that moment of time , wherein it is administred q q Ioh. 3.58 , yet notwithstanding by the right use of this Ordinance , the grace promised , is not only offered , but really exhibited & confer'd by the Holy Ghost to such ( whether of age , or infants ) as that grace belongeth unto , according to the Council of Gods own Will , in his appointed time r r Gal. 1.27 . .

VII . The Sacrament of Baptism is but once to be administred to any person s s Tit. 3 5. .

CHAP. XXIX . Of the LORDS Supper .

OUr Lord Jesus , in the night wherein he was betrayed , instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood , called the Lords Supper to be observed in his Church , unto the end of the world , for the perpetual Remembrance of the Sacrifice of himself in his Death : the sealing all benefits thereof unto true Believers , their spiritual nourishment and growth in him , their further engagement in , and to all duties whi●h they ow unto him , and to be a Bond and Pledge of their Communion with him , and with each other , as Members of his Mystical Body a a 1 Cor 11.23 , 24. .

II. In this Sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father : nor , any real Sacrifice made at all , for remission of s●n of the quick or dead b b Heb. 9.22 28. , but only a commemoration of that one , offering up of himself , by himself , upon the Cross , once for all , and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same c c 1 Cor. 11.24 , 36. Mat. 26.26 . So that , the Popish Sacrifice of the Mass ( as they call it ) is most abominably injurious to Christs one , only Sacrifice , the only propitiation for all the sins of the elect d d Heb. 7.23 Heb. 10.12 . .

III. The Lord Jesus hath in this Ordinance , appointed his Minister● to declare his word of institution to the People , to pray and bless the Elements of Bread and Wine , and thereby to set them apart from a common to a holy use : and to take , and break the Bread , to take the Cup , and ( they communicating also themselves ) to give both to the Communicants e e Mat. 26.26 , 28. Luk. 22.19 , but to none who are not then present in the Congregation f f Act. 10.7 . .

IV. Private Masses , or receiving this Sacrament by a Priest , or any other alone g g 1 Cor. 10.6 . , as likewise the denyal of the Cup to the People h h Mat. 14.23 . , worshipping the Elements , the lifting them up , or carrying them about for adoration , and the reserving them for any pretended religious use , are all contrary to the nature of this Sacrament , and to the institution of Christ i i Mat. 15.9 . .

V. The outward Elements in this Sacrament duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ , have such relation to him crucified , as that truly , yet Sacramentally only , they are sometimes called by the name of the things they represent , to wit , the Body and Blood of Christ k k Mat. 26.26 , 27 , 28. : albeit in substance and nature , they still remain , truly and only Bread and Wine , as they were before l l 1 Cor. 11.26 , 28. Mat. 26.29 .

VI. That Doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of Bread and Wine , into the substance of Christs Body and blood ( commonly called Transubstantiation ) by Consecration of a Priest , or by any other way , is repugnant , not to Scripture alone , but even to common sense and reason ; overthroweth the nature of the Sacrament , & hath been , and is the cause of manifold superstitions ; yea , of gross Idolatries m m Act. 3.21 Cor. 11.26 . .

VII . Worthy receivers outwardly partaking of the visible Elements , in this Sacrament n n 1 Cor. 2.28 . , do then also inwardly by faith really & indeed , yet not carnally & corporally , but spiritually , receive , & feed upon Christ crucified , & all benefits of his death ▪ The Body & Blood of Christ being then , nor corporally or carnally , in , with or under the bread and Wine : yet , as really , but spiritually , present to the faith of believers in that ordinance , as the Elements themselves are to their outward senses o o 1 Cor. 10.16 . .

VIII . Although ignorant , and wicked men receive the outward elements in this Sacrament : yet they receive not the thing signified thereby ; but by their unworthy coming thereunto , are guilty of the body & blood of the Lord to their own damnation . Wherefore , all ignorant and ungodly persons , as they are unfit to enjoy Communion with him , so are they unworthy of the Lords Ta●le ▪ and cannot without great sin against Christ while they remain such , partake of these holy Mysteries p p 1 Cor. 11.27 , 28 , 29. , or be admitted thereunto q q 1 Cor. 5.6 . .

CHAP. XXX . Of Church Censures .

THe Lord Jesus , as King and Head of his Church , hath therein appointed a Government , in the hand of Church Officers , distinct from the Civil Magistrate a a Isa. 9.6 , 7. Act. 20 17. Mat. 28.18 . .

II. To these Officers , the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are committed : by vertue whereof , they have power , respectively , to retain , and remit sins : to shut that Kingdom against the impenitent , both by the word and Censures ; and to open it unto penitent sinners , by the Ministry of the Gospel , and by absolution from Censures , as occasion sha●l require b b Mat. 16.19 . Mat 18.17 . Ioh. 20.21 . .

III. Church Censures are necessary , for the ●eclaiming and gaining of offending Brethren , for deterring of oth●●s from the like offences , for pu●ging out of that Leaven which might infect the whole Lump , for v●●dicating the honour of Christ , 〈◊〉 the holy profession of the Gos●●l , & for preventing the wrath of God , which might iustly fall upon the Church , if they should suffer his Covenant , and ●he Seals thereof to be ●rofaned by notorious and obstinate offenders c c 1 Cor. 5. chap. Mat. 7.6 . Iude v. 23. .

IV. For the better attaining of these ends , the officers of the Church are to proceed by Admonition , suspension from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper for a season ; and by Excommunication from the Church , according to the nature of the crime and demerit of the person d d 1 Th●s . 15.12 , 2. Mat. 18.17 .

CHAP. XXXI . Of Synods and Councils .

FOr the better Government , and further edification of the Church there ought to be such Assemblies , as are commonly called Synods or Councils a a Act. 15.2 .

II. As Magistrates may lawfully call a Synod of Ministers , and other fit persons , to consult and advise with , about matters of Religion b b Isa. 49.23 1 Tim. 2.12 . 2 Chron. 9.8 , 9 , 10 , 11. Mat , 2.4.5 . : So , if Magistrates be open Enemies to the Church , the Ministers of Christ , of themselves , by vertue of their Office ; or they , with other fit persons , upon delegation from their Churches , may meet together in such assemblies c c Act. 15.2.22 , 23 , 25. .

III. It belongeth to Synods and Councils , Ministerially to determine Controversies of Faith , and cases of Conscience , to set down rules and Directions for the better ordering of the publick worship o● God , and Government of his Church : to receive complaints in cases of malice , administration : and authoritatively , to determine the same ; which Decrees and Determinations , if consonant to the word of God , are to be received with reverence , and submission : not only for their agreement with the word , but also for the power whereby they are made as being an Ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word d d Act. 15.15 , 19 , 24 , 27 , 28. Act. 16.4 . Mat. 18.17 to 20. .

IV. All Synods or Councils , since the Apostles times , whether general or particular , may erre , and many have erred . Therefore they are not to be made the rule of Faith , or practice ; but to be used as an help in both e e Eph. 2.20 . Act. 7.11 . 1 Cor. 2.5 . .

V. Synods and Councils are to handle , or conclude nothing , but that which is Ecclesiastical : and are not to intermeddle with Civil affairs which concern the Common wealth , unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary : or by way of advice , for satisfaction of conscience , if they be thereunto required by the Civil Magistrate f f Luk. 12.13 , 14. .

CHAP. XXXII· Of the state of men after death , and of the Resurrection of the dead .

THe bodies of men , after death , return to dust , and see corruption a a Gen. 3.19 . Act. 13.36 . : but their Souls ( which neither die nor sleep ) having an immortal subsistence , immediately return to God who gave them b b Luk. 23.43 . Eccl. 12.7 . 2 Cor. 5.1 . Phil. 1.13 . : the souls of the righteous , being then made perfect in holiness , are received into the highest Heavens where they behold the face of God , in light and glory , waiting for the full Redemption of their Bodies c c Act. 3.21 . And the souls of the wicked are cast into Hell , where they remain in torments and utter darkness , reserved to the Judgment of the great day d d Luk. 16.23 , 24. 1 Pet. 3.19 . . Besides these two places , for souls separated from their bodies , the Scripture acknowledgeth none .

II. At the last day , such as are found alive , shall not die , but be changed e e 1 Thes. 4.17 . ; and all the dead shall be raised up , with the self same bodies , and none other , although with different qualities , which shall be united again to their souls for ever f f 1 Cor. 13.42 , 43 , 44. .

III. The Bodies of the unjust , shall by the power of Christ be raised to dishonour : the Bodies of the just by the Spirit , unto honour : and be made conformable to his own glorious Body g g Act. 24.15 . Ioh. 5.28 . .

CHAP. XXXIII . Of the last judgment .

GOD hath appointed a Day , wherein he will judge the World in righteousness , by Jesus Christ a a Act. 1● . 21 . , to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father b b Ioh. 5.22 . . in which day , not only the Apostate Angels shall be judged c c 1 Cor. 5.3 . , but likewise all persons that have lived upon earth , shall appear before the Tribunal of Christ , to give an accompt of their thoughts , words and deeds , and to receive accordingly to what they have done in the body , whether good or evil d d 2 ●o● . ● . 10 . .

II. The end of Gods appointing this day , is for the manifestation of the gl●ry of his mercy , in the eternal salvation of the elect : and , of his justice , in the damnation of the reprobate , who are wicked , and disobedient : For , then shall the Righteous go into everlasting Life , and receive that fulness of joy and refreshing , which shall come from the Presence of the Lord : but ▪ the wicked , who know not God ▪ and obey not the Gospel of Jesus Christ , shall be cast into eternal Torments , and be p●nished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord , and from the glory of h●s power e e Mat. 25 31 Rom. ● . 22 , 23 ▪ .

III. As Christ would have us to be certainly perswaded that th●r● shall be a Day of Judgment , both to deter all men from sin , and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity f f Pet. 3.11 : so , will he have that day unknown to Men , that they may shake off all carnal security , and be alwaies watchful , because they know not at what hour the Lord will come : and , may be ever prepared to say , Come , Lord Jesus , come quickly , Amen g g M●● . 24. ●6 . Re● . 22. ●● . .

FINIS .

THE LARGER CATECHISM , First agreed upon By the ASSEMBLY of DIVINES at Westminster . And now approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland . To be a part of Uniformity in Religion between the Kirks of Christ in the three Kingdoms .

EDINBOURG , Printed by George Swintoun and Thomas Brown , and are to be sold by Iames Glen and David Trench . Anno Dom. 1671.

The LARGER CATECHISM , First agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster . And now appointed by the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland , to be a part of Uniformi●y in Religion , between the Kirks of Christ , in the three Kingdomes .

Question . 1.

WHat is the chief and highest end of man ?

A. Mans chief and highest end is , to glorifie God a a Rom. 11.36 . , and fully to enjoy him for ever b b Ps. 73.24 . to the end . Ioh. 7.21 .

Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God ?

A. The very light of nature in man , and the works of God declare plainly that there is a God c c Rom. 1.19 : but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their Salvation d d 1 Cor. 2.9 .

Q. 3. What is the word of God ?

A. The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God e e 2. Tim. 3.16 . 2 Pet. 1.19.21 . , the only Rule of Faith and obedience f f 〈◊〉 2.20 . .

Q. 4. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the word of God ?

A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God , by their Majesty g g H●s . 8.12 , and purity h h P●al . 11.6 ; by the consent of all the parts i i 〈◊〉 ●● . 43 , & the scope of the whole , which is to give al glory t● God k k Rom. 3.19 . by their light and power to convince and convert sinners , to comfort and build up believers unto salvation l l Act. 18.28 : But the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man , is alone able fully to perswade it , that they are the very word of God m m Ioh. 16.13 . 1 Ioh. 2 20.21 . .

Q. 5. What do the Scriptures principally teach ?

A. The Scriptures principally teach , what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man n n Tim. 1.13 .

Q. 6. What do the Scriptures make known of God ?

A. The Scriptures make known what God is o o H●b. 11 . 6· , the persons in the Godhead p p 1 Ioh. 5 . 7· , his decrees q q Act. 15.14 , and the execution of his decrees r r Act. 4.27 ▪ .

Q. 7. What is God ?

A. God is a Spirit s s Ioh. 4.24 , in and of himself infinite in being t t ●x . 3 . 14· , glory u u Act. 7.2 . , blessedness w w 1 Tim. 6. , and perfection x x Mat 5.48 . , all sufficient y y Gen. 17.1 . , eternal z z Ps. 40.12 . , unchangeable a a Mal. 3 . 6· , incomprehensible b b Iam. 1.7 . , every where present c c Ps. 139.1 . , almighty d d Rev. 4.8 . , knowing all things e e Heb. 4.13 . , most wise f f Ro. 16.17 . , most holy g g Isa. 16.3 . , most just h h Deu. 32.1 , most merciful and gracious , long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth i i Ex. 34.6 . .

Q. 8. Are there more Gods than one ?

A. There is but one only , the living and true God k k Deut. 6.2 . .

Q. 9. How many persons are there in the Godhead ?

A. There be three persons in the Godhead , the Father , the Son , and the holy Ghost , and these three are one , true , eternal God , the same in substance , equal in power and glory , although distinguished by their Personal properties l l 1 Ioh. 5.9 . Mat. 3.16 , 17. .

Q 10. What are the personal properties of the three persons in the Godhead q

A. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son m m Heb. 1.5 . , and to the Son to bebegotten of the Father n n Io● . 1.4 , and to the holy Ghost to proceed from th● Father and Son , from all eternity o o Iohn 15.26 . Gal. 4.6 .

Q 11. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father ?

A. The S●riptures manifest that the Son , & the Holy Ghost , are God equal with the Father , ●scribing unto them such names p p I●a . 6.2.5 . , attributes q q Io● 1 1. , works r r Co● 1.1 . , and worship s s Mat. 28.19 . , as are proper to ●od only .

Q 1● What are the decree● of God ?

A. Gods decrees are the wise , free , and holy acts of the counsel of his will t t Eph. 4.11 , whereby from all eternity , he hath for his own glory , unchangeably , fore-●rdained whatsoever comes to pass in time u u Eph. 1.11 ; especially concerning Angels and Men.

Q. 13. What hath God especially decreed concerning Angels and Men ?

A. God by an eternal and immutable decree , ●ut of his meer love for the praise of his glorious grace to be manifested in due time , ha●h elected some Angels to glory w w 1 Tim. 5.21 . ; and in Christ hath chosen some men to eternal life , and the means thereof x x Eph 1 4. and also according to his soveraign power , and the unsearchable co●nsel of his own will ( whereby he extendeth or witholdeth favour as he pleaseth ) hath passed by and fore-ordained the rest to dishonour and wrath , to be for their sin inflicted , to the praise of the glory of his justice y y Rom. 9.17 18.22 .

Q. 14. How doth God execute his Decrees ?

A. God executeth his decrees in the works of Creation and Providence ; according to his infallible foreknowledg and the free and immutable counsel of his own will z z Eph. 1.17 . .

Q. 15. What is the work of Creation ?

A. The work of Creation , is that wherein God did , in the beginning , by the word of his power , make of nothing , the world and all things therein , for himself , within the space of six daies , and all very good a a Heb. 11.3 .

Q. 16. How did God create the Angels ?

A. God created all the Angels b b Gal. 1.16 Ps. 104.4 . spirits c , immortal d d Mat. 12.30 . , holy e e Mat 25.31 . , excelling in knowledge f f 2 Sam. 14 17. , mighty in power g g 2 Thes. 1.7 . , to execute his Commandments , and to praise his name h h Ps. 103.20 . ; yet subject to change i i 2 Pet. 2.4 . .

Q. 17. How did God create man ?

A. After God had made oll other creatures , he created man male and female k k Gen. 1.27 form'd the body of the man of the dust of the ground Gen. 2.7 . , and the woman of a rib of the man m m Gen. 2.12 , indued them with living , reasonable and immortal souls n n Gen. 2.7 . : made them after his own image o o G●n. 1.27 . , in knowledge p p Col. 3.10 . , righteousness , and holiness q q Eph. 4.24 . , having the law of God written in their hearts r r Rom. 2.13 : and power to fulfil it s s Ec. 7.29 . , with dominion over the creatures t t Gen. 1.28 . , yet subject to fall u u Gen. 3.6 . .

Q. 18. What are Gods works of Providence ?

A. Gods works of Providence are , his most holy w w Ps. 14.5 . , wise x x Ps. 10.4 . , & powerful preserving y y Heb. 1.3 . , and governing all his creatures z z Ps 10.19 , ordering them and all their actions a a Mat 10.39.31 . , to his own glory b b Ro. 11.36 . .

Q. 19. What is Gods Providence towards the Angels ?

A. God by his Providence permitted some of the Angels wilfully and irrecoverably to fall into sin & damnation c c Iude. v. 6. , limiting and ordering that and all their sins to his own glory d d Ioh. 1.12 , and established the rest in holiness and happ●ness e e 1 Tim. 5.21 , imploying them all f f Ps. 104.4 . , at his pleasure in the administration of his power , mercy and justice g g 2 King . 19.25 . .

Q. 20. What was the providence of God towards man in the estate wherein he wa● created ?

A. The Providence of God toward man , in the estate wherein he was created , was , the placing him in Paradise , appointing him to dress it , giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth h h Gen. 2 8. , putting the creatures under his dominion i i Gen. 1.28 , and ordaining marriage for his help k k Gen. 2.18 . : affording him communion with himself l l Gen. 1.25 . , instituting the Sabbath m m Gen. 2.3 . , entering into a Covenant of life with him , upon condition of personal , perfect , and perpetual obedience n n Gal. 3.12 , of which the Tree of Life was a pledge o o Gen. 2.9 . , and for biding to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil , upon pain of death p p Gen. 2.17 .

Q. 21. Did man continue in that estate wherein God at first created him ?

A. Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will , through the temptation of Satan , transgressed the Commandment of God , in eating the forbidden fruit , and thereby fell from the estate of Innocency wherein they were created q q Gen. 3.9 . 2 Cor. 11.3 . .

Q. 22. Did all mankind fall in that first transgression ?

A. The Covenant being made with Adam as a publick person , not for himself only ▪ but for his posterity , all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation r r Act. 17.26 , sinned in him , and fell with him in that first transgression s s Gen. 2.16 . .

Q. 23. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind ?

A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery t t Rom 5.12 . Rom. 3.13 . .

Q. 24. What is sin ?

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto , or transgression of any Law of God , given as a rule to the reasonable creatures u u 1 Ioh. 3.4 .

Q. 25. Wherein consisteth the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell ?

A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell , consisteth in the guilt of Adams first sin w w Ro. 5.12 . , the want of that righteousness wherein he was created , & the corruption of his nature , whereby he is utterly indispos'd , disabled and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good , and wholly in●lined to all evil , and that continnually x x Rom. 3.10 to 20. which is commonly called Original sin , and from which do proceed all act●al transgressions y y Iam. 1.14 ,

Q. How is Original sin conveyed from our first parents to their posterity ?

A Original sin is conveyed from our first parents to their posterity by natural generation , so as all that proceed from them in that way , are conceived and born in sin z z Ps. 57.3 . .

Q. 27. What misery did the fall bring upon mankind ?

A. The fall brought upon mankind the loss of Communion with God a a Gen. 3.8 . his displeasure and curse , so as we are by nature children of wrath b b Eph. 2.2 . , bond-slaves to Satan c c 2 Tim. 2.26 . , and justly liable to all punishments in this world , & that which is to come d d Gen. 2.17 Rom , 6.23 . .

Q. 28. What are the punishments of sin in this world ?

A. The punishment of sin in this world , are , either inward , as blindness of mind e e Eph. 4.28 . , a reprobate sense f f Ro. 1.28 . , strong delusions g g 2 Thes. 2 11. , hardness of heart h h Ro. 2.5 . , horrour of conscience i i Isa. 33.14 , and vile affections k k Ro. 1.26 ; or outward , as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes l l Gen. 3.17 , and all other evils that befal us in our bodies , names , estates , relations and employments m m Deut. 18.15 . , together with de●th it self n n Ro. 6 , 21. .

Q. 29. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come ?

A. The punishments of sin in the world to come , are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God , and most grievous torments in soul and body without intermission , in hell fire , for ever o o 2 Thes. 1.9 . Mat. 9.44 , 46 , 48. .

Q. 30 , Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery ?

A. God doth not leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin & misery p p 1 Thes. 5.9 , into which they fell , by the breach of the first Covenant , commonly cal'd the Covenant of works , q q Gal. 3.10 : but , of his meer love & mercy , delivereth his elect out of it , & bringeth them into an estate of Salvation by the second covenant , commonly called the Covenant of Grace r r T it 3.4.5 .

Q. 31. With whom was the Covenant of Grace made ?

A. The Covenant of Grace was made with Christ as the second Adam , and in him , with all the elect , as his seed s s Gal. 3.16 . Rom. 5.15 . to the end . .

Q. 32. How is the grace of God manifested in the second Covenant ?

A. The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant , in that he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a Mediator t t Gen 3.15 , and life and salvation by him u u 1. Ioh. 5.11 , 12. , and requiring Faith as the condition to interest them in him w w Ioh. 3.16 , promiseth and giveth his holy Spirit x x Pro. 1.23 , to all his elect , to work in them that faith y y 1 Cor. 4.13 . , with all other saving graces z z Gal. 5.22 . , and to enable them unto all holy obedience a a Ez. 36.27 , as the evidence of the truth of their Faith b b Iam. 2.18 , and thankfulness to God c c 1 Cor. 5.14 . , and as the way which he hath appointed them to Salvation d d Eph. 2.10 .

Q. 33. Was the Covenant of grace alway ▪ administred after one and the same manner ?

A The Covenant of Grace was not always administred after the same manner , but the administration of it under the Old Testament was different from that under the New e e 2 Cor. 3.6 .

Q. 34. How was the covenant of grace administred under the Old Testament ?

A. The Covenant of Grace was administred under the Old Testament , by promises f f Rom. 15.8 . , prophesies g g Act. 3.10 , Sacrifices h h Heb. 10.1 , Circumcision i i Rom. 4.11 , the Passover k k 1 Cor. 5.7 . : & other types & ordinances , which did all foresignifie Christ then to come , and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah l l Heb. 8.9 . , by whom they then had full remission of sin , and ete●nal Salvation m m Gal. 3.7 . .

Q 35. How is the Covenant of Grace administred under the New Testament ?

A. Under the New Testament , when Christ the substance was exhibited , the same Covenant of Grace was and still is to be administred in the preaching of the word n n Mat. 16.15 . , & the administration of the Sacraments of Baptism o o Mat. 28.20 . , and the Lords Supper p p 1 Cor. 11.23 , 24 , 25 , ; in which , Grace and Salvation is held forth in more fulness , evidence , and efficacy to all Nations q q 2 Cor ▪ 3.6 . to the end . .

Q. 36. Who is the Mediator of the Covena●t of Grace ?

A. The only Mediator of the Covenant of Grace is the Lord Jesus Christ r r 1 Tim. 2.5 , who being the eternal Son of God , of one substance , and equal with the Father s s Ioh. 1.11 , in the fulness of time became man t t Gal. 4.4 . , and so was and continues to be God and Man in two intire distinct natures , and one person for ever u u Luk. 1 , 35 .

Q. 37. How did Christ being God become man ?

A. Christ the Son of God became man , by taking to himself a true body , and reasonable soul w w Ioh , 1.14 , being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost , in the womb of the Virgin Mary , of her substance , and born of her x x Luk. 1.27 . ; yet without sin y y Heb. 4.15 . .

Q. 38. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God ?

A. It was requisite that the mediator should be God , that he might sustain and keep the humane nature from sinking under the infinit wrath of God , and the power of death z z Act. 2.24 ; give worth & efficacy to his suffering● , obedience and intercession a a Act. 20.28 . ; and so satisfie Gods justice b b Ro. 3 24. , procure his favour c c Eph. 1.6 . , purchase a peculiar people d d Tit. 2.13 . , give his Spirit to them e e Gal 4.6 . , conquer all their enemies f f Luk 1.68 , & bring them to everlasting Salvation g g Heb. 5.8 . .

Q. 39. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man ?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be man , that he might advance our nature h h Heb. 2.16 , pe●form obedience to the Law i i Gal. 4.4 . , suffer & make intercession for us in our nature k k Heb 2.14 , have a fellow-feeling of our infirmi●ies l l Heb. 4.5 . , that we might receive the adoption of sons m m Gal. 4.15 , and have comfort and access with boldness unto the Throne of Grace n n Heb. 4 16 .

Q. 40. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and man in one Person ?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator , who was to reconcile God and Man , should himself be bo●h God and Man , and this in one person , that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us o o Mat. 1.12 , and relyed on by us , as the works of the whole person p p 1 Pet. 2.6 .

Q. 41. Why was our Mediatour called Iesus ?

A. Our Mediator was called Jesus , because he saved his people from their sins q q Mat. 1.21 . .

Q. 42. Why was our Mediatour called Christ ?

A. Our Mediator was called Christ , because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure p p Ioh 3.34 , and so set apart , & fully furnished with all authority & ability s s Ioh. 6.27 , to execute the offices of a Prophet t t Act. 13.21 , Priest u u Heb. 5.5 . , & King of his Church w w Psal. 2.6 , in the estate both of his Humiliation and Exaltation .

Q. 43. How doth Christ execute the office of a Prophet ?

A. Christ executeth the office of a Prophet , in his revealing to the Church x x Ioh. 1.18 , in all ages , by his Spirit and Word y y 1 Pet. 1.10 , in divers ways of administration z z Heb. 1.1.2 , the whole will of God a a Ioh. 15.15 , in all things concerning heir edification and salvation b b Act. 20. .

Q. 44. How doth Christ execute the Office of a priest ?

A. Christ executeth the Office of a Priest , in his once off●ring himself a Sacrifice without spot to God c c Heb. 9.14 , to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people d d Heb. 2.17 , and in making continual intercession for them e e Heb. 7.25 . .

Q. 45. How doth Christ execute the Office of a King ?

A Christ executeth the Office of a King , in calling out of the World a people to himself f f Act. 15.14 , & giving them Officers g g Eph. 4.11 . , Laws h h Isa. 35.21 , and Censures , by which he visibly governs them i i Mat. 18.18 , in bestowing saving grace upon his elect k k Act. 5.35 , rewarding their obedience l l Rev. 12.12 . , and correcting them for their sins m m Rev. 3.19 , preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings n n Isa. 63.9 . , restraining and overcoming all their enemies o o 1 Cor. 15. , and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory p p Rom. 14.10.11 . , and their own good q q Ro. 8.28 . ; and also in taking vengeance on the rest , who know not God , and obey not the Gospel r r 2 Thes. 1.8 , 9. .

Q. 46. What was the estate of Christs Humiliation ?

A. The estate of Christs Humiliation was , that low condition , wherein , he for our sakes , emptying himself of his glory , took upon him the form of a servant in his conception and birth , life , death , and after his death untill his resurrection s s Phil 2.6.7 , 8. .

Q. 47. How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth ?

A. Christ humbled himself in his conception and birth , in that , being from all eternity the Son of God , in the bosom of the father , he was pleased in the fulness of time to become the Son of Man , made of a woman of low estate and to be born of her , with divers circumstances of more than ordinary abasement t t Ioh. 1.14 . .

Q. 48. How did Christ humble himself in his life ?

A. Christ humbled himself in his life , by subjecting himself to the law u u Gal. 4.4 , which he perfectly fulfilled w w Mat. 5.17 . , and by conflicting with the indignities of the world x x Ps. 22.6 . , temptations of Satan y y Mat. 4.1 . to 12. , and infirmities in his flesh , whether common to the nature of man , or particularly accompanying that his low condition z z Heb. 2.17 . .

Q. 49. How did Christ humble himself in his death ?

A. Christ humbled himself in his death , in that having been betrayed by Iudas a a Mat. 27 4 , forsaken by his Disciples b b Mat. 26.56 . , scorned and rejected by the world c c Isa. 5.2 , 3. , condemned by Pilate , and tormented by his persecutors d d Mat. 27.26 . to 50. , having also conflicted with the terrors of death & the powers of darkness , felt and born the weight of Gods wrath e e Luk. 22.44 . : he laid down his life an offering for sin f f Isa. 53 10 , induring the painful , shameful , and cursed death of the Cross g g Phil. 2.8 . .

Q. 50. Wherein consisted Christs humiliation after his death ?

A. Christs humiliation after his death , consisted in his being buried h h 1 Cor. 15 3.4 . , and continuing in the state of the dead , and under the power of death till the third day i i Ps. 16.10 . , which hath been otherwise expressed in these words , He descended into Hell .

Q. 51. What was the estate of Christs exaltation ?

A. The estate ●f Christs exaltation comprehendeth his Resurrection k k 1 Cor. 15.4 . , Ascension l l Mat. 16.10 , sitting at the right hand of the Father m m Eph. 1.20 , and his coming again to judge the world n n Act. ● . 11 . .

Q 52. 〈…〉 Christ exalted in his Resurrection ?

A. Christ was ex●lted in his Resurrection , in that not having seen corruption in death , of which it was not possible for him to be held o o Act. 2.24 , and having the s●●e very body in which he suff●red , with ●he e●●●ntial properties thereof p p Lu. 24.39 , but wi●hout mortality any other common infirmities belonging to this life , really united to his soul q q Rom. 6.9 . , he rose again from the dead the third day , by his own power r r Ioh. 70.8 : whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God s s Rom. 1.4 . , to have satisfied divine justice t t Rom. 8.34 , to have vanquished death and him that had the power of it u u Heb. 2.14 , & to the Lord of quick and dead w w Ro. 14.9 ; all which he did as a publick person x x 1 Cor. 15 21 , 22. , the head of his Church y y Eph. 1.20 , for their justification z z Ro. 2.25 . , quickning in grace a a Eph. 2.1 . , support against enemies b b 1 Cor. 15.26 , 27. , & to assure them of their Resurrection from the dead at the last day c c 1 Cor. 15 20. .

Q. 53. How was Christ exalted in his Ascension ?

A. Christ was exalted in his Ascension , in that having after his Resurrection often appeared unto , & conversed with his Apostles , speaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God d d Act. 1.2 . , and giving them commission to preach the Gospel to all Nations e e Mat. 28.19 , 20. ; fourty daies after his Resurrection , he , in our nature , and as our head f f Heb. 6.20 , triumphing over enemies g g Eph. 4.8 . , visibly went up into the highest heavens , there to receive gifts for men h h Act. 1.9 . , to raise up our affections thither i i Col. 3.1.8 , and to prepare a place for us k k Ioh. 14.3 : where himself is , and shall continue , till his second coming at the end of the world l l Act. 3.21 . .

Q. 54. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God ?

A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God , in that , as God-manhe is advanc'd to the highest favour with God the Father m m Phil. 2.9 , with all fulness of joy n n Act. 2.28 , glory o o Ioh. 17.5 , and power over all things in heaven & earth p p Eph. 1.21 . , and doth gather and defend his Church & subdue their enemies , furnisheth his Ministers and people with gifts and graces q q Eph. 4.10 . , and maketh intercession for them r r Rom. 3.34 .

Q. 54. How doth Christ make intercession ?

A. Christ maketh intercession , by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven s s Heb. 1.3 . , in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth t t Heb. 1.3 . , declaring his will to have it applyed to all believers u u Ioh. 3.16 , answering all accusations against them w w Ro. 8.33 . , procuring for them quiet of conscience notwithstanding daily failings x x Ro. 5.1.2 . , access with boldness to the throne of grace y y Heb. 4.16 , and acceptance of their persons z z Eph. 1.6 . , and services a a 1. Pet. 2.5 .

Q. 56. How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world ?

A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world , in that he who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men b b Act. 3.14 , shall come again at the last day in great power c c Mat. 24.30 . , and in the ful manifestation of his own glory , and of his Fathers , with all his holy Angels d d Luk. 9 26 , with a shout , with the voice of the Arch-Angel , and with the Trumpet of God e e 1 Thes. 4.16 . , to judge the world in righteousness f f Act. 17 . 3● .

Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation ?

A. Christ by his mediation hath procured redemption g g Heb. 9.12 . , with all other benefits of the Covenant of Grace h h 2 Cor. 1.20 . .

Q. 58. How do we come to be made partakers of the ben●fits which Christ hath procured ?

A. We are made partakers of the benefits whi●h Christ hath procur'd by the application of them unto us i i Ioh. 1.11 which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost k k Tit. 3.5 . .

Q. 59. Who are made partaker● of Redemption through Christ ?

A. Redemption is certainly applied , and effectually communicated to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it l l Eph. 1.13 . Ioh. 6.37 . , who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the Gospel m m Eph. 2.8 . .

Q. 60. Can they who have never heard the Gospel , and so know not Iesus Christ , nor believe in him , he saved by their living according to the light of nature ?

A. They who having never heard the Gospel n n Ro 10.14 . , know not Jesus Christ o o 2 Thes. 1.8 . , and believe not in him , cannot be saved p p Ioh. 8.24 , be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature q q 1 Cor. 1.20 . to 24. , or the Law of that Religion which they profess r r Rom. 9.31 . : neither is there salvation in any other , but in Christ alone s s Act. 4.12 . , who is the Saviour only of his body the Church t t Eph. 5.23 . .

Q. 61. Are all they saved who hear the Gospel and live in the Church ?

A. All that hear the Gospel and live in the visible Church are not saved , but they only who are true members of the Church invisible u u Ioh. 12.38 . to 40. Mat. 22.14 Mat. 7.21 . Rom. 11.7 . .

Q. 62. What is the visible Church ?

A. The visible Church is a society made up of all such as in all ages & places of the world profess the true Religion w w 1 Cor. 1.2 . , and of their Children x x 1 Cor. 7.14 .

Q. 63. What are the especial priviledges of the visible Church ?

A. The Visible Church hath the priviledge of being under Gods special care and government y y Isa. 4.5 , 6 , of being protected and preserved in all ages notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies z z Ps. 111 throughout , and of enjoying the communion of Saints , the ordinary means of Salvation a a Act. 2.39 . , offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministery of the Gospel , testifying , that whosoever believes in him shall be saved b b Psal. 147.19 , 20. , and excluding none that will come unto him c c Ioh. 6.37 .

Q. 64. What is the invisible Church ?

A. The invisible Church is the whole number of the elect , that have been , are , or shall be gathered into one , under Christ the head d d Eph. 1.10 . Ioh. 10.19 .

Q. 65. What special benefits do the Members of the invisible Church enjoy by Christ ?

A. The Members of the Invisible Church , by Christ , enjoy Union and Communion with him , in grace and glory e e Ioh. 17.21 Ioh. 17.24 .

Q. 66. What is that Union which the Elect have with Christ ?

A. The Union which the elect have with Christ , is the work of Gods grace f f Eph. 1.22 , whereby they are spiritually and mystically , yet really and inseparably joyned to Christ , as their head and husband g g 1 Cor. 6.17 . , which is done in their effectually Calling h h 1 Pet. 5.10 . .

Q. 67. What is effectual Calling ?

A. Effectual Calling is the work of Gods Almighty power & grace i i Ioh. 5 25 , whereby out of his free and especial love to his elect , and from nothing in them moving him thereunto k k Tit. 3.4 . ▪ he doth in his accepted time invite & draw them to Jesus Christ by his Word and Spirit l l 2 Cor. 5.20 . , saving inlightning their minds m m Act. 26.18 . , renewing and powerfully determining their wills n n Ioh. 6.45 . so as they , although in themselves dead in sin , are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call , & to accept and imbrace the grace offered and conveyed therein o o Eph. 2.5 . .

Q. 68. Are all the elect only effectually called ?

A. All the Elect , and they onely are effectually called p p Act. 13.48 . , although others may be , and often are , outwardly cal'd by the ministry of the Word q q Ma●. 2● . 14 . , and have some common operations of the spirit r r Mat. 7.22 , who , for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them , being justly left in their unbelief , do never truely come to Jesus Christ s s Joh. 12.38 , 39 , 40. Ioh. 6.64 . .

Q. 69. What is the communion in Grace which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ ?

A. The Communion in Grace , which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ , is , their partaking of the vertue of his Mediation , in their Justification t t Rom. 8.30 , Adoption u u Eph ▪ 1.5 . , Sanctification , and what ever else in this life manifests their Union with him w w 1 Cor. 1.30 . .

Q. 70. What is Iustification ?

A. Justification is an act of Gods free grace unto sinners x x Rom. 3.21.24.25 . , in which he pardoneth all their sins , accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight y y 2 Cor. 5.19 21. , not for any thing wrought in them or done by them z z Tit. 3.5 . but only for the perfect obedience and ful satisfaction of Christ , by God imputed to them a a Rom. 5.17 18 , 19. , and received by Faith alone b b Act. 10.54 .

Q. 71. How is Iustification an act of Gods free Grace ?

A. Although Christ by his Obedience and Death , did make a proper , real , and full satisfaction to Gods justice in the behalf of them that are justified Rom. 5.8 , 9 , 10 , 11. , yet , in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety which he might have demanded of them , did provide th●s surety his own only Son d d 1 Tim. 2.5 , 6. , imputing his righteousness to them e e 2 Cor. 15.21 . , and requiring nothing of them for their Justification but faith f f Rom. 3.24 . , which also is his gift g g Eph. 2.8 . , their justification is , to them , of free grace h h Eph. 1.7 . .

Q. 72 What is justifying Faith ?

A. Justifying Faith , is a saving grace i i Heb. 10.39 , wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit k k 2 Cor. 4.13 ▪ & word of God l l Rom. 10.14 , 17. whereby he , being convinced of his sin , and misery , and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition m m Act. 2.37 , not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel n n Eph. 1.13 , but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth , for pardon of sin o o Joh. 1.12 , and for the accepting & accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for Salvation p p Phil. 3.9 . Act. 15.11 . .

Q. 73. How doth Faith justifie a sinner in the sight of God ?

A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God , not because of these other graces which do alwaies accompany it , or of good works that are the fruits of it q q Gal. 3.11 . , nor as if the grace of Faith , or any act thereof , were imputed to him for his justification r r Rom. 4.5 . , but only as it is an instrument , by which he receiveth and applieth Christ & his righteousness s s Jo● . 1.12 . Phil. 3.19 . .

Q. 74. What is Adoption ?

A. Adoption is an Act of the free grace of God t t 1 Io● . 3.1 , in and for his only Son Jesus Christ u u Eph. 1.5 . , whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his Children w w Jo● . 5.12 . , have his name put upon them x x 2 Cor 6.18 . , the Spirit of his Son given to them y y Gal. 4.6 . , are under his fatherly care & dispensations z z Ps. 103.13 . admitted to all the liberties and priviledges of the sons of God , made heirs of all the promises , and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory a a Heb. 6.12 . .

Q. 75. What is Sanctification ?

A. Sanctification is a work of Gods grace , whereby they whom God hath before the foundation of the world chosen to be holy , are in time through the powerful operation of his spirit b b Heb. 1.4 . , applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them c c Rom 6.4 . , renewed in their whole man after the image of God d d Eph. 4.23 , having the seeds of repentance unto life , and of all other saving graces put into their hearts Act. ● . 18 , and those graces so stirred up , increased and strengthned f f Iudev . 20. , as that they more and more die unto sin , and rise unto newness of life g g Rom. 6.4 . to 14. .

Q. 76. What is repentance unto life ?

A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace h h 2 Tim 2.25 , wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit i i Zech. 12.10 . , & Word of God k k Act. 11.18 . whereby out of the sight & sense not only of the danger l l Ezek. 18.28 , 32. , but also of the filthiness & odiousness of his sins m m Ezek 36.21 . , and upon the apprehension of Gods mercy in Christ to such as are penitent n n Io●l . 2.12 , he so grieves for o o Ier. 31.18 , and hates his sins p p 2 Cor. 7. ● . , as that he turns from them all to God q q Act. 26.18 . , purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience r r Ps. 119.9 .

Q. 77. Wherein do Iustification and Sanctification differ ?

A. Although Sanctification be inseparably joyned with Justification s s 1 Cor. 6.11 yet they differ , in that God in Justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ t t Rom. 5.6 . , in Sanctification his spirit infuseth grace , and enableth to the exercise thereof u u Ez. 36.27 : in the former , sin is pardoned w w Rom. 3.24 , 25. , in the other it is subdued x x Rom 6.6 . , the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God , & that perfectly in this life , that they never fall into condemnation y y Rom. 8.33 . , the other is neither equal in all z z 1 Ioh. 2.12 , 13 , 14. , nor in this life perfect in any a a Ioh. 1.8 . , but growing up to perfection b b 2 Cor. 7.1 . .

Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in believers ?

A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers , ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them , and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit , whereby they are often soiled with temptations , and fall into many sins c c Rom. 7.18 . Mar. 14.66 to the end , are hindred in all their spiritual services d d H●b. 12.1 . & their best works are imperfect & defiled in the sight of God e e Isa. 64.5 . .

Q. 79. May not true believers , by reason of their imperfections , and the many temptations & sins they are overtaken with , fall away from the state of Grace ?

A. True believers , by reason of the unchangeable love of God f f Ier. 31.3 . , and his Decree and Covenant to give them perseverance g g 2 Tim. 2.19 . , their inseparable union with Christ h h 1 Cor. 1.8 . , his continual intercession for them i i Heb. 7.25 . , and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them k k 1 Ioh. 3.9 . , can neither totally nor finally fall away from the estate of grace l l Ier. 32.40 , but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation m m 1 Pet. 1.5 .

Q. 80. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace , and that they shall persevere therein unto Salvation ?

A. Such as truly believe in Christ , and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him n n 1 Ioh. 2.9 , may , without extraordinary revelation , by faith grounded upon the truth of Gods promises , and by the spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made o o 1 Cor. 2.12 . , and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God p p Rom. 8.16 . , be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace , & shall persevere therein unto salvation q q 1 Ioh. 5.13 . .

Q. 81. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace , and that they shall be saved ?

A. Assurance of grace & salvation not being of the essence of faith r r Eph. 1.131 . , true believers may wait long before they obtain it s s Isa. 50.10 Psal. 88. throughout . , and after the enjoyment thereof , may have it weakned and intermitted through manifold distempers , sins , temptations , and desertions t t Psal. 77.2 to 12. : yet are they never left with out such a presence & support of the Spirit of God , as keeps them from sinking into utter despair u u 1 Joh 1.9 . .

Q. 82. What is the Communion in glory , which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ ?

A. The communion in glory which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ , is , in this life w w 1 Cor. 3.18 . immediately after death x x L●k. 23.43 . , and at last perfected at the Resurrection and day of Judgment y y 1 Thes. 4.17 . .

Q. 83. What is the Communion in glory with Christ , which the members of the invisible Church enjoy in this life ?

A. The members of the invisible Church have communicated to them in this life , the first fruits of glory with Christ , as they are members of him their head , & so , in him , are interested in that glory which he is fully possessed of z z Eph. 2.5 . , and as an earnest thereof , enjoy the sense of Gods love a a Rom. 5.5 , peace of conscience , joy in the holy Ghost , & hope of glory b b Rom. 5.1 . . as on the contrary , the sense of Gods revenging wrath , horror of conscience , and a fearful expectation of judgment , are to the wicked , the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death c c Gen 4.13 Mat. 27.4 . .

Q. 84. Shall all men die ?

A. Death being threatned as the wages of sin d d Rom. 6.13 , it is appointed unto all men once to die e e Heb. 9.17 . , for that all have sinned f f Rom. 5.11 . .

Q. 85. Death being the wages of sin , why are not the righteous delivered from death , seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ ?

A. The righteous shall be delivered from death it self at the last day , & even in death are delivered from the sting & curse of it g g 1 Cor. 15.16 ▪ 56. , so that although they die , yet it is out of Gods love h h 〈◊〉 57.1 . to free them perfectly from sin and misery i i Rev. 14.15 . , & to make then ▪ capable of further communion with Christ in glory , which they then enter upon k k Luk. 23.43 .

Q. 89. What is the Communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death ?

A. The communion in glory with Christ , which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death , is , in that their souls are then made perfect in ho●iness l l 〈◊〉 ●2 . 2● , and received into the highest heavens m m 2 Cor. 5.6 , 8. , whe●e they behold the face of God in light and glory n n Io● . ● . 2 . , wa●ting for the f●ll redemption of their bodies o o Rom ● 23. , which even in death continue united to Christ p p 1 Thes. 4.14 . , and rest in their Graves as in their Beds q q Isa. 57.2 . ; till at the last day they be again united to their souls r r Job . 19.26 , 27. : whereas the souls of the wicked are at death cast into hel , where they remain in torments and utter darkness , and their bodies kept in their graves as in their Prisons , till the great day s s Luk. 16.73 . .

Q. 87. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection ?

A. We are to believe that at the last day there shall be a general Resurrection of the dead , both of the just and unjust t t Act. 24.15 , when they that are then found alive , shall in a moment be changed , & the self same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave , being then again united to their souls forever , shall be raised up by the power of Christ u u 1 Cor. 15.52.53 . ; the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ , & by vertue of his resurrection , as their head shall be raised in power , spiritual , incorruptible , and made like to his glorious body w w 1 Cor. 15.22 , 23 , 42 , 43 , 44. , and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him , as an offended Judge x x Joh. 5.27 .

Q. 88. What shall immediately follow after the Resurrection ?

A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the general and final judgment of Angels and men y y 2 Pet. 2.4 . Jude v. 6.7 14 , 15. , the day & hour whereof no man knows , that all may watch & pray , & be ever ready for the coming of the Lord z z Mat. 24.35 , 42 , 4● . .

Q. 89. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of Iudgment ?

A. At the day of judgment the wicked shall be set on Christs left hand a a Mat. 25.33 . , and upon clear evidence , & full conviction of their own consciences b b Rom. 2.15 . , shall have the fearful , but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them c c Mat. 25.41 , 42 , 43. , and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable Presence of God & the glorious fellowship with Christ , his Saints , and all his holy Angels , into hell to be punished with unspeakable torments , both of body and soul , with the Devil and his Angels for ever d d 2 Thes. 1.8 . .

Q. 90. What shall be done to the Righteous at the day of Iudgment ? e e 1 Thes. 4.17 .

A. At the day of judgment , the righteous being caught up to Christ in the clouds , shall be set on his right hand , & there openly acknowledged and acquitted f f Mat. 25.33 . , shall joyn with him in the judging of reprobate Angels and men g g 1 Cor. 6.2 . , and shall be received into heaven h h Mat. 25.34 , 36. 1 Eph. 5.27 . , where they shall be fully and for ever freed from all sin and misery i , filled with unconceivable joyes k k Ps. 16.11 . : made perfectly holy , and happy both in body and soul , in the company of innumerable saints , and holy Angels l l Heb. 12.22 , but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father , of our Lord Jesus Christ , and of the holy Spirit , to all eternity m m 1 Ioh. 3.2 : & this is the perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory at the resurrection and day of Judgment .

Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to believe concerning God ; it follows to consider what they require as the duty of man .

Q. 91. WHat is the duty that God requireth of man ?

A. The duty which God requireth of man , is obedience to his revealed will n n Rom. 12.1 , 2. .

Q. 92. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience ?

A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the state of innocency , and to all mankind in him , beside a special command , not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil , was the moral Law o o Gen. 1.28 . .

Q. 93. What is the Moral Law ?

A. The Moral Law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind , directing and binding every one to personal , perfeect , and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto in the fruits & dispositions of the whole man , soul and body p p Deut. 5.1 . , and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man q q Luk. 1.75 ; promising life upon the fulfilling , and threatning death upon the breach of it r r Rom. 10.5 . .

Q. 94. Is there any use of the Moral Law to man since the fall ?

A. Although no man since the fall , can attain to righteousness and life by the Moral Law s s So. 8.3 . , yet there is great use thereof as well common to all men , as peculiar either to the unregenerate , or regenerate t t Tim. 1.8 . .

Q. 95. Of what use is the Moral Law to all men ?

A. The Moral Law is of use to all men , to inform them of the holy nature and will of God u u Lev. 11.44 , 44. , & of their duty , binding them to walk accorddingly w w Mic. 6.8 Iam. 2.10 , 11. ; to convince them of their disability to keep it , & of the sinful pollution of their nature , hearts , & lives x x Ps. 19.11 , 12. , to humble them in sense of their sin and misery y y Rom. 3.9.25 . , and there by help them to a clear sight of the need they have of Christ z z Gal. 3.21 22. , and of the perfection of his obedience a a Rom. 10 , 4. .

Q. 96. What particular use is there of the Moral Law to unregenerate men ?

A. The Moral Law is of use to unregenerate men , to awaken their consciences to fly from wrath to come b b 1 Tim. 1.9 , 10. , & to drive them to Christ c c Gal. 3.24 . , or upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin , to leave them unexcuseable d d Rom. 1.20 , & under the curse thereof e e Gal. 3.10 .

Q. 97. What special use is there of the Moral Law to the regenerate ?

A. Although they that are regenerate , & believe in Christ , be delivered from the moral law as a Covenant of works f f Rom. 6.14 . Gal. 4.4 , 5. , so as thereby they are neither justified g g Rom. 3.10 , nor condemned h h Gal. 5.23 . Rom. 8.1 . , yet , beside the general uses thereof common to them with all men , it is of special use , to shew them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it , and enduring the curse thereof in their stead , and for their good i i Rom. 7.24 , 25. , & thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness k k Luk. 1.68 , 69 , 74 , 75. Col. 1.12 . , and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience l l Rom. 7.22 . .

Q. 98. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended ?

A. The moral Law is summarily comprehended in the ten Commandments , which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai , & written by him in two tables of stone m m Deu. 10.4 . , and are recorded in the twentieth chap. of Exodus : the four first Commandements containing our duty to God , and the other six , our duty to man n n Mat. 22.37 , to 40. .

Q. 99. What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the ten Commandments ?

A. For the right understanding of the ten Commandments , these rules are to be observed .

1. That the Law is perfect , & bindeth every one to full conformity in the wholeman unto the righteousness thereof , & unto intire obedience , for ever ; so as , to requite the utmost perfection of every duty , and to for●●d the least degree of every sin o o Psal. 19.7 Mat. 5.21 . to the end . .

2. That it is spiritual ; and so reacheth the Understanding , Will , Affections , and all other powers of the soul , as well as words , works and gestures p p Ro. 7.14 . .

3. That one and the same thing ▪ in divers respects , is required or forbidden in several Commandments q q Col. 3.5 . Amos. 8.5 . .

4. That , as , where a duty is commanded , the contrary sin is forbidden r r Isa. 58.13 Deut. 6.13 . , and , where a sin is forbidden , the contrary duty is commanded s s Mat. 1.21 to 25. , so , where a promise is annexed , the contrary threatning is included t t Exod. 20.11 . ▪ and where a threatning is annexed , the contrary promise is included u u Ier. 18.7 .

5. That , what God forbids is at no time to be done w w Job . 13.7 , what he commands is alwaies our duty x x Deut. 4.8 , and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times y y Mat. 12.7 .

6. That , under one sin or duty , all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded , together with all the causes , means , occasions , and appearances thereof , & provocations thereunto z z Mat. 5.21 .

7. That what is forbidden or commanded to our selves , we are bound according to our places , to endeavour that it may be avoided or performed by others according to the duty of their places a a Exod. 20.10 . .

8. That , in what is commanded to others , we are bound according to our places and callings to be helpful to them b b 2 Cor. 1.24 . , and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them c c 1 Tim. 5.29 . .

Q. 101. What special things are we to consider in the ten Commandments ?

A. We are to consider in the 10 Commandments , the preface , the substance of the Commandments themselves , & several reasons annexed to some of them , the more to inforce them .

Q. 102. What is the preface to the Commandments ?

A. The preface to the Commandments is contained in these words [ I am the Lord thy God , which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt , out of the house of bondage d d Ex. 20.2 . , ] where in God manifesteth his Sovereignty , as being Jehovah , the eternal , immutable , and Almighty God e e Isa. 14.6 . , having his being in and of himself f f Ex. 3.44 . , and giving being to all his words g g Ex. 6.4 . , and works h h Act. 17.24 , 28. , and that he is a God in Covenant , as with Israel of old , so with all his people i i Gen. 17.7 . ; who , as he brought them out of their bondage in Egypt ; so he delivereth us from our spiritual thraldom k k Luk. 1.74 , and that therefore we are bound to take him for our God alone , and to keep all his Commandments l l 1 Pet. 1.15.16 , 17 , 18. .

Q. 102. What is the sum of the four Commandments , which contain our duty to God ?

A. The Sum of the four Commandments containing our duty to God , is to love the Lord our God with all our heart , and with all our soul , and with all our strength , and with all our mind m m Luk. 10.27 . .

Q. 103. Which is the first Commandment ?

A. The first Commandment is , Thou shalt have no other Gods before me n n Ex. 20.3 .

Q. 104. What are the duties required in the first Commandment ?

A. The duties required in the first Commandment , are , the knowing & acknowledging of God to be the only true God , and our God o o 1 Chron. 28 , 9. : and to worship and glorifie him accordingly p p Psal. 95.6 . , by thinking q q Mal. 13.16 , meditating r r Ps. 63.6 . remembring s s Eccl , 12.1 . , highly esteeming t t Ps. 71.19 . , honouring u u Mal. 1.6 . , adoring w w Is. 45.23 . , chusing x x Josh. 24.15 , 22. , loving y y Deut. 6.5 . , desiring z z Ps. 73.25 , fearing of him a a Isa. 8.13 . believing him b b Ex. 1●4 . 31 , trusting c c Isa. 26.1 . , hoping d d Ps. 1●●0 . 7 ▪ rejoycing e e Ps. 37.4 . , in him f f Ps. 32.11 , being zealous for him g g Ro. 12.11 . , calling upon him , giving all praise & thanks h h Phil. 4.6 . , & yielding all obedience & submission to him , with the whole man i i Jer. 7.23 . . be in carefull in all things to please him k k 1 Joh. 3.22 . , and sorrowfull when in any thing he is offended l l Jer. 31.28 . , and walking humbly with him m m Mic. 6.8 . .

Q. 105. What are the sins forbidden in the first Commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the first Commandment , are , Atheisme in denying , or not having a God n n Ps. 14.1 . Eph. 2.12 . ; Idolatry in having , or worshiping more Gods than one , or any with , or in stead of the true God o o Ier. 2.27.28 . , s s Jer. 2.32 . the not having and avouching him for God , and our God p p Ps. 81.11 . ; the omission or neglect of any thing due to him required in this Commandment q q Isa. 43.22 . , ignorance r r Jer. 4.22 . , forgetfulness , misapprehensions t t Act. 17.23 . , false opinions u u Isa. 40.18 . , unworthy and wicked thoughts of him w w Ps. 15.20 . , bold and curious search into his secrets x x Deut. 29.29 . ; all prophaneness y y Tit. 1.16 . , hatred of God z z Rom. 1.30 . , self-love a a 2 Tim. 5.1 , self-seeking b b Phil. 2.21 , and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind , will , or affections upon other things , and taking them off from him in whole or in part c c 1 Joh. 2.15 . ; vain credulity d d 1 Joh. 4.1 . , unbelief e e Heb. 3.12 . , heresie f f Gal. 5 20. , misbelief g g Act. 26.9 . , distrust h h Ps. 78.22 . , despair i i Gen. 4.13 , incorrigibleness k k Jer. 5.3 . , insensibleness under judgments l l Isa. 42.25 . , hardness of heart m m Rom. 2.5 . , pride n n Jer. 13.15 , presumption o o Ps. 19.13 . , carnal security p p Zeph. 1.12 . , tempting of God q q Mat. 4.7 . , using unlawful means r r Rom. 3.8 . , and trusting in lawful means s s Ier. 17.5 . , carnal delights and joyes t t 1 Tim. 3.5 , corrupt , blind , and indiscreet zeal u u Gal. 4.17 . , lukewarmness w w Rev. 3.16 . , & deadness in the things of God x x Rev. 3.1 . , estranging our selves , and apostatizing from God y y Ezek. 14.5 . , praying or giving any religious worship to Saints , Angels , or any other creatures z z Rom. 10.14 , 15. , all compacts , and consulting with the devil a a Rev. 20.6 . , and harkning to his suggestions b b Act. 5.3 . , making men the Lords of our faith & conscience c c 2 Cor. 1.24 . , slighting and despising God , and his Commands d d Deut. 32.15 . , resisting & grieving of his spirit e e Act. 1.51 , disconte●t , and impatient at his dispensatio●● , charging him foolishly for the evil● he inflicts on us f f Psal. 73.2 , 3 , 14 , 22. , and ascribing the praise of any good we either are , have , or can do , to fortune g g 1 Sam. 6. , idols h h Dan. 5.23 , our selves i i Deut. 8.17 . , or any other creature k k Heb. 1.16 . .

Q. 106. What are we especially taught by these words [ before me ] in the first Commandment ?

A. These words , before me , or before my face , in the first Commandment , teach us , that God who seeth all things , takes special notice of , and is much displeased with the si● of having any other God ; that so it may be an argument to disswade from it , and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation l l Ezek. 8.5 . to the end : as also to perswade us to do , as in his sight , whatever we do in his service m m 1 Chyon . 38 , 9. .

Q. 207. Which is the second Commandment ?

A. The second Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not make to thee any graven image , or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above , or that is in the earth beneath , or that is in the water under the earth ; thou shalt not bow down to them nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God , am a jealous God , visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children , unto the third and fourth ge●eration of them that hate me ; & shew●ng mercy unto thousands of them that ●ove me and keep my Commandments n n Exod. 20.4 , 5 , 6. .

Q. 108. What are the duties requi●ed in the second Commandment ?

A. The duties required in the se●ond Commandment , are , the re●eiving , observing and keeping pure ●nd intire all such religious worship ●nd Ordinances as God hath insti●uted in his word o o Deut 32.46 , 47. , particularly , ●rayer and Thanksgiving in the ●ame of Christ p p Phil. 4.6 . , the reading , preaching , and hearing the word q q Deut. 17.18 . Act. 10.33 . , the administration and receiving of the Sacraments r r Mat. 28.29 . , Church government and discipline s s Mat. 18.15 . , the Ministry and maintenance thereof t t Eph. 4.11 . , religious fasting u u Ioel. 2.12 , swearing by the name of God w w Deu. 6.13 , and vowing unto him x x Isa 19 21. : as also the disapproving , detesting , opposing all false worship y y Act. 17.16 ; and according to each ones place and calling , removing it , and all monuments of idolatry z z Deut. 7.5 . .

Q. 109. What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the second Commandment , are , all devising a a Num. 15.39 . , counselling b b Deu. 13.6 , commanding c c Hos. 5.11 . , using d d 1 King . 12.33 . , and any ways approving any religious worship not instituted by God himself e e Deu. 12.30 , 32. : tolerating a false Religion f f Deut. 13.6 . to 12. Revel. 2.2.14 , 15 , 20. Rev. 17.12 . , the making any representation of God , of all or of any of the three persons either inwardly in our mind , or outwardly in any kind of Image or likeness of any creature whatsoever g g Deut. 4.15 . to 19. Act. 17.29 . Rom. 1.21 , 22 , 23 , 25. , all worshipping of it h h Dan. 1.3 , 18. Gal. 4.8 . , or God in it , or by it i i Exod. 32.5 , 8. , the making of any representation of feigned Deities , and all worship of them , or service belonging to them l l 1 Kin. 18.26 . , all superstitious devices m m Act. 17.22 , corrupting the worship of God n n Mal. 1.7 . , adding to it , taking from it o o Deut. 4.2 . , whether invented & taken up of our selves p p Ps. 104.19 , or receiv'd by tradition from others q q Mat. 10.9 , though under the title of antiquity r r 1 Pet. 1.18 , custom s s Ier. 41.17 . , devotions t t Isa. 65.3 . , good intent , or any other pretence whatsoever u u 1 Sam. 15.21 . , ●imony w w Act. 8.18 , sacriledge x x Ro. 2.22 . , all neglect y y Ex. 4.24 . , contempt z z Mat. 22.5 , hindering a a Mal. 1.7 . , and opposing the Worship & Ordinances which God hath appointed b b Act. 13.43 . .

Q. 110. What are the reasons annexed to the second Commandment , the more to enforce it ?

A The reasons annexed to the second Commandment , the more to inforce it , contained in these words , [ For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God , visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation , of them that hate me , and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me & keep my Commandments c c Ex. 20.5 . , ] are besides Gods soveraignty over us , & propriety in us d d Ps. 45.11 , his fervent zeal for his own worship e e Ex. 34.13 , & his revengful indignation against all false worship , as being a spiritual whoredom f f 1 Cor. 10.20 , 22. ; accounting the breakers of this Commandment such as hate him & threatning to punish them unto divers generations g g Hos. 2.27 . , & esteeming the observers of it such as love him , and keep his Commandments & promising mercy to them unto many generations h h Deu. 5.39 . .

Q. 111. Which is the third Commandment ?

A. The third Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain i i Ex. 20.7 . . ]

Q. 112. What is required in th● third Commandment ?

A. The third Commandment requires , that the name of God , his titles , attributes k k Mat. 6.9 . , ordinances l l Mal 1.14 , the word m m Ps. 138.2 . , sacraments n n 1 Cor. 11.24 , 26 , 28. , prayer o o 1 Tim. 2.8 . , oaths p p Ier. 4.2 . , vows q q Eccl. 5.3 . , his lots r r Act. 1.2 . , his works s s Iob. 16.24 , & whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known , be holily and reverently used in thought t t Mal. 3.16 , meditation u u Psal. 8. to the end , word w w Col. 3.17 . , writing x x Ps. 102.18 . , by an holy profession y y Pet. 3.15 . , and answerable conversation z z Phil. 1.27 . , to the glory of God a a 1 Cor. 10.35 . , and th● good of our selves b b Jer. 32.35 , and others c c 1 Pet. 2.12 .

Q. 113. What are the sins forbidde● in the third Commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the third Commandment , are , the not usin● of Gods name as is required d d Mat. 2.2 . , & the abuse of it , in an ignorant t t Act. 17.28 . , vain f f Prov. 50.9 ▪ , irreverent , profane g g Mal. 1.6 . , superstitious h h 1 Sam 4.4 , 5. , or wicked mentioning , or otherwise using his titles , attributes i i 2 Kings 18.30 , 35. , ordinances k k Ps 50.16 . , or works l l Isa. 5 11. , by blasphemy m m 2 Kings 19.22 . , perjury n n Zech. 8.17 . , all sinful cursings o o 1 Sam. 27.42 . , oaths p p Ier. 5.7 . vows q q Deut. 23.18 . , and lots r r Esth. 3. ● . , violating of our oaths and vows , if lawful s s Ps. 24.4 . , and fulfilling them , if of things unlawful t t Mat. 6.26 . , murmuring & quarrelling at u u Rom. 3.14 , curious prying into w w Deut. 29 19. , and misapplying of Gods decrees x x Rom. 3.5 . , and providences y y Eccl. 8.11 , misinterpreting z z Mat. 5.21 , misapplying a a Ezek. 13.22 . , or any way perverting the word , or any part of it b b 2 Pet. 3.16 . , to profane jests c c Isa. 22.13 . , curious or unprofitable questions , vain janglings , or the maintaining of false doctrines d d 1. Tim. 1.4.6 , 7. , abusing it , the creatures , or any thing contained under the Name of God , to charms , or sinful lusts and practices f f 2 Tim. 1.3 , 4. Rom. 13.13 , 14. Iude v. 4. , the maligning g g Acts. 13.4 , 5. , scorning h h Psal. 1.1 . , reviling i i 1 Pet. 4.4 . , or any ways opposing of Gods truth , grace , and ways k k Act. 13.45 , 50. , making profession of Religion in hypocrisie , or for sinister ends l l 2 Tim. 3.5 . , being e e Deut. 18.11 , 12 , 13 , 14. Act 19. ashamed of it m m Mat. 8.38 , or a shame to it by uncomfortable n n Ps. 73.14 . , unwise o o 1 Cor. 6.5 . , unfruitful p p Isa. 5.4 . , and offensive walkings Rom. 3 23 , or backsliding from it Gal. 3.31.3 .

Q. 114. What reasons are annexed to the third Commandment ?

A. The reasons annexed to the third Commandment in these words [ The Lord thy God ] & [ For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain s s Exo. 20.7 , ] are because he is the Lord & our God , and therefore his name is not to be profaned , or any way abused by us t t Lev. 19.12 , especially , because he is so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressours of this Commandment , as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment u u Ezek. 36.21 , 22 , 23. , albeit many such escape the Censure and punishment of men w w 1 Sam. 2.12 . to 24. .

Q. 115. Which is the fourth Commandment ?

A. The fourth Commandment is , [ Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy : six days shalt thou labour & do all thy work , but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God , in it thou shalt not do any work , thou , nor thy son , nor thy daughter , thy man servant , nor thy maid servant , nor thy cattel ▪ nor thy stranger that is within thy thy gates : For in six days the Lord made heaven & earth , the sea , and all that in them is , and rested the seventh day , wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day , and hallowed it x x Exod. 20.8 , 9 , 10 , 11 . ]

Q. 116. What is required in the fourth Commandment ?

A. The fourth Commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God , such set time as he hath appointed in his Word ; expresly , one whole day in seven , which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ , & the first day of the week e●e since , & so to continue to the end of the world , which is the Christian Sabbath y y Deu. 5 12. , and in the new Testament called the Lords day z z Rev. 1.10 . .

Q. 117. How is the Sabbath o● Lords day to be Sanctified ?

A. The Sabbath or Lords day is to be Sanctified , by an holy resting all the day a a Exod. 20.8 ▪ 10. , not only from such works as are at all times sinful , but even from such worldly imployments & recreations as are on other days lawful b b Exod. 16.29 . to 28. ; and making it our delight to spend the whole time ( except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy c c Mat. 12.10 , to 13. ) in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship d d Isa. 58.13 Act. 20.7 . Isa. 6 6.23 . : and to that end we are to prepare our hearts , and with such fore-sight , diligence and moderation to dispose , and seasonably to dispatch our worldly business , that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day e e Ex. 20.8 . .

Q. 118. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours ?

A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families & other superiours , because they are bound not only to keep it themselves , but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge , & because they are prone oft times to hinder them by imployments of their own f f Ex. 20.10 Ier. 17.20 21 , 22. .

Q. 119. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment , are , all omissions of the duties required g g Ezek 22.26 . , all careless , negligent , and unprofitable performing of them , and being weary of them h h Act. 20.7 , all profaning the day by idleness ▪ & doing that which is in it self sinful i i Ezek. 23. ●8 . , and by all needless work● , words and thoughts about our worldly imployments and recreations k k Ier. 17.14 . Isa. 58.13 . .

Q. 120. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment , the more to inforce it ?

A. The Reas●ns annexed to the fourth Commandment , the more to enforce it , are taken from the equity of it , God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs , and reserving but one for himself , in these words , [ Six da●● shalt thou labour and do all thy work l l Ex. 20.9 . . ] from Gods challenging a special propriety in that day , [ The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God m m Ex. 20.10 . ] from the example of God , who in 6 days made heaven and earth , the sea , and all that in them is , and rested the seventh day , & from that blessing which God put upon that day , not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service , but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it : [ Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it n n Ex. 20.11 . ]

Q. 121. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment ?

A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment o o Ex. 20.8 . , partly because of the great benefit of remembring it : we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it p p Ex. 16.23 . Luk. ●3 . 5● ▪ and in keeping it , ●etter to keep all the rest of the Commandmen●s q q Psal. 92. title with v. 13.14 . , and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgment of Religion r r Gen. 2.2.3 . , and partly because we are very ready to forget it s s Eze. 12.26 , for that there is l●s light of ●ature for it t t Gen. 9.14 . , and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful u u Ex. 34.31 : that it cometh but once in seven dayes , and many worldly businesses come between , and too often take off our minds from thinking of it , either to prepare for it , or to sanctifie it w w Deut. 54.14 , 15. , & that Sathan with his instruments , much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it , to bring in all irreligion and impiety x x ●●n. 1.7 .

Q. 122. What is the sum of the sixth Commandments which contain our duty to man ?

A. The sum of the six commandment , which contain our duty to man , is , to love our neighbour as our selves y y Ma. 22 19 , and to do to others what we would have them do to us z z Mat. 7.12 .

Q. 123. Which is the fifth Commandment ?

A. The fifth Commandment is , [ Honour thy Father and Mother , that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee a a Ex. 20.12 . ]

Q 124 Who are meant by Father & Mother , in the fifth Commandment ?

A. By Father and Mother , in the fifth Commandment , are meant not only natural parents b b Prov. 23.22 , 25. , but all superiours in age c c 1 Tim. 5.1 . , and gifts d d Gen. 4 20. , and especially such as by Gods Ordinance are over us in place of Authority , whether in family e e 2 Kin. 5 13 , Church f f Kin. 2.12 . , or Common-wealth g g Isa. 49.23 .

Q. 125. Why are Superiours styled Father and Mother ?

A. Superiours are styled Father & Mother , both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiours , like natural parents , to express love and tenderness to them , according to their several relations h h Eph. 6.4 . , and to work inferiours to a greater willingness and chearfulness in performing their duties to their superiours as to their parent● i i 1 Cor. 4.14 , ●5 , 16. .

Q. 126. What is the general scope of the fi●th Commandment ?

A. The general s●ope of the fifth Commandment is the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations , as Inferiours , Superiours , Equals k k Eph. 5.21 . .

Q. 127. What is the Honour that Inferiours owe to their Superiours ?

A. The Honour which Inferiours owe to their Superiours is , all due reverence , in heart l l Mal. 1.6 . , word m m Prov. 31.28 . , & behaviour n n Le. 19.32 . : prayer & thanksgiving for them o o 2 Tim. 2.1 . , imitating of their virtues & graces p p Heb. 13.7 . : willing obedience to their lawful commands , and counsels q q Eph. 6.12 . , due submission to their corrections r r Heb. 12.9 . fidelity to s s Tit. 2.9 . , defence t t 1 Sam 26.15 , 16. , and maintainance of their persons & authority , according to their several ranks & the nature of their places u u Mat. 22.21 . : bearing with their infirmities , and covering them in love w w 1 Pet. 2.18 . Pro. 23.22 . , that so they may be an honour to them and to their government x x Ps. 127.3 , ● , 5. .

Q. 128. What are the sins of inferiours against their Superiours ?

A. The sins of inferiours against their Superiours , are , all neglect of the duties required toward them y y Mat. 15.4 , 5 , 6. , envying at z z Num. 11.28 , 29. , contempt of a a 1 Sam. 8.7 , and Rebellion b b 2 Sam. 15 1. to 12. , against their persons c c Exod. 2.1.15 . , and places d d 1 Sam. 10.27 . , in their lawful counsels e e 1 Sam. 2.25 . , commands and corrections f f Deut. 21.18 . : cursing , mocking g g Pro. 30.11 . , and all such refractory and scandalous carriage , as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government h h Pro. 19.26 . .

Q. 129. What is required of Superiours towards their inferiours ?

A. It is required of Superiours according to that power they receive from God , and that relation wherein they stand , to love i i Col. 3.19 . , pray for k k Iob. 1.5 . , and bless their inferiours l l Heb. 7.7 . , to instruct m m Deu. 6.6 . , counsel , and admonish them n n Eph. 6.4 . , countenancing o o 1 Pet 3.7 . , commending p p 1 Pet. 2 14 , and rewarding such as do well q q Est. 6.3 . : discountenancing r r Rom. 13.3 . , reproving and chastning such as do ill s s Pro. 29.15 , protecting t t Iob. 29.12 , and providing for them all things necessary for soul u u Eph. 6.4 . , and body w w ● Tim. 5.8 : and by grave , wise , holy , and exemplary carriage , to procure glory to God x x 1 Tim. 4.12 . , honour to themselves y y 1 King . 3.28 . , and so to preserve that Authority which God hath put upon them z z Tit. 2.15 . .

Q. 130. What are the sins of Superiours ?

A. The sins of Superiours are , beside the neglect of the duties requir'd of them a a Ez. 34.2 . , an inordinate seeking of themselves b b Phil , 2.21 , their own glory c c Ioh. 5.14 . , ease , profit , or pleasure d d Isa. 56.11 , commanding things unlawful e e Deut. 3.4 . , or not in the power of inferiours to perform f f Ex. 5 10. , counselling g g Mat. 14.18 . , encouraging h h Sa. 13.28 . , or favouring them in that which is evil i i 1 Sam. 3.13 . , dis●wading , discouraging or discountenancing them in that which is good k k Ioh. 7.46 ; correcting them unduly l l 1 Pet , 2.18 , careless exposing , or leaving them to wrong temptation and danger m m Gen. 38.26 . , provoking them to wrath n n Eph. 6.4 . , or any way dishonouring themselves or lessning their authority , by an unjust , indiscreet , rigorous or remiss behaviour o o Gen. 9.21 .

Q 131. What are the duties of equals ?

A. The duties of equals are to regard the dignity and worth of each other p p 1 ●e 2.7 . , in giving honour to go one before another q q Rom. 12.1 10. , and to rejoyce in each others gifts and advancement as in their own r r Rom. 12.15 .

Q. 132. What are the sins of equals ?

A. The sins of equals are , beside the neglect of the duties required s s Rom 23.8 . , the undervaluing of the worth t t 2 Tim. 3.3 . , envying the gifts u u Act. 7.9 . , grieving at the advancement or prosperity one of another w w Num. 13.2 , and usurping preeminence one over another x x 3 Ioh. 5.9 . .

Q. 133. What is the reason annexed to the fifth Commandment , the more to ●nforce it ?

A. The reason annexed to the fifth Commandment , in these words , [ That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee y y Ex. 20.12 , ] is an express promise of long life and prosperity , as far as it shall serve for Gods glory , and their own good , to all such as keep this Commandment z z Deu. 5.16 . .

Q 134. Which is the sixth Commandment ?

A. The sixth Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not kill a a Ex. 20.13 . ]

Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth Commandment ?

A The duties required in the sixth Commandment are , all careful studies & lawful endeavours to preserve the life of ourselves b b Eph. 5.28 . , & others c c 1 Kings 18.4 . , by resisting all thoughts & purposes d d Ier. 16.15 . , subduing all passions e e Eph. 4 , 16. , and avoiding all occasions f f 2 Sam. 2.22 . , temptations g g Mat. 4.6 . , and practices which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any h h 1 Sam. 24.12 . , by just defence thereof against violence i i Ps. 82.4 . , patient bearing of the hand of God k k Iam. 5.7 . , quietness of mind l l 1 Thes. 4.12 , chearfulness of Spirit m m Pro. 17.22 , a sober use of meat n n Pro. 15.26 , 27. , drink o o 1 Tim. 5.23 , physick p p Isa. 38 . 21· , sleep q q Ps. 127.2 . , labour r r Eccl. 5.12 . , and recreation s s Eccl. 3.4 . , by charitable thoughts t t Sam. 19.4 . , love u u Ro. 13.10 . , compassion w w Lu. 10.33 , meekness , gentleness , kindness x x Col. 3.12 , peaceable y y Iam. 3.17 , mild and courteous speeches , and behaviour z z 1 Pet. 3.8 , 9 , 10.11 , forbearance , readiness to be reconciled , patient forbearing and forgiving injuries , and requiting good for evil a a Mat. 5.24 , comforting and succouring the distressed , and protecting and defending the innocent b b 1 Thes. 5.14 .

Q. 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth Commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the sixth Commandment are , all taking away the life of our selves c c Act. 16.28 , or of others d d Gen. 9.5 . , except in case of publick justice e e Num. 35.32 , 33. , lawful war f f Ier. 48. to Deut. 20.9 . , or necessary defence g g Ex. 22.2 . ; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life h h Mat. 25.42 , 43. , sinful anger i i Mat. 5.22 . , hatred k k 1 Ioh. 3.15 , envy l l Pro. 14.30 . , desire of revenge m m Ro. 12.19 . , all excessive passions n n Eph. 4.31 . , distracting cares o o Mat. 6.31 . , immoderate use of meat , drink p p Lu. 21.34 . , labour q q Ecc. 12.2 . , & recreations r r Isa. 5.12 . , provoking words s s Pro. 15.1 . , oppression t t Eze. 18.18 , quarrelling u u Gal. 5.15 . , striking , wounding w w Nu. 35.16 , and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any x x Ex. 21.18 . .

Q. 137. Which is the seventh Commandment ?

A. The seventh Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not commit adultery y y 20 . 14· ]

Q. 138. What are the duties required in the seventh Commandment ?

A. The duties required in the seventh Commandment , are , Chastity , in body , mind , affections z z 1 Thes. 4.4 . , words a a Col 4.6 . , & behaviour b b 1 Pet. 3.2 . , & the preservation of it in our selves and others c c 1 Cor. 7.2 . , watchfulness over the eyes , and all the senses d d Iob. 31.2 . , temperance e e Act. 24.24 , keeping of chast company f f Prov. 2.16 , modesty inapparel g g 2 Tim. 2.9 . , marriage by those that have not the gift of continency h h 1 Cor. 7.2 . : conjugal love i i Pro. 5.19 , and cohabitation k k 1 Pet. 3.7 . , diligent labour in our callings l l Pro. 31.12 , shunning all occasions of uncleanness , and resisting temptations thereunto m m Pro. 5.8 . .

Q. 139. What are the sins forbidden in the seventh Commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment , besides the neglect of the duties required n n Pro. 5.7 . , are adultery , fornications o o Heb. 13.4 . , rape incest p p 2 Sam. 13.14 . , sodomy , and all unnatural lusts q q Rom. 1.24 , all unclean imaginations , thoughts , purposes and affections r r Mat. 5.28 Col. 3.5 . ; all corrupt or filthy communications , or listening thereto s s Eph. 5.3 . , wanton looks t t Isa. 3.16 . , impudent or light behaviour : immodest apparel u u Pro. 7.10 . , prohibiting of lawful w w 1 Tim. 4.3 . , and dispensing with unlawful marriages x x Lev. 18.1 , allowing , tolerating , keeping of stews , & resorting to them y y 1 King . 15 12. , intangling vows of single life z z Mat. 19.10.11 . , undue delay of marriage a a 1 Cor. 7.7 . , having more wives or husbands than one , at the same time b b Mal. 2.14 . , unjust divorce c c Mat 4.32 , or desertion d d 1 Cor 7.12 , idleness , gluttony , drunkenness e e Ezek 16.49 . , unchast company f f Ge. 39.10 . , lascivious songs , books , pictures , dancings , stage-plays g g Eph. 5.4 . , and all other provocations to , or acts of uncleanness either in our selves or others h h 2 Ki. 5.30 .

Q. 140. Which is the eighth Commandment ?

A. The eighth Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not steal i i Ex. 20.15 . ]

Q. 141. What are the duties required in the eighth Commandment ?

A. The duties required in the eighth Commandment are , truth , faithfulness & justice in contracts , & commerce between man & man k k Ps 15 2. : rendering to every one his due l l Rom. 13.7 . , restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof m m Lev. 6.2 . , giving and lending freely , according to our abilities , and the necessities of others n n Lu. 6.30 . : moderation of our judgments ▪ wills , and affections , concerning worldly goods o o 1 Tim. 6.6 . ; a provident care and study to get p p 1 Tim 5.8 . , keep , use and dispose those thing● which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature , & suteable to our condition q q pro. 27.23 , a lawful calling r r 1 Cor. 7.10 . , & diligence in it s s Eph. 2.28 . : frugality t t Ioh. 6 12. , avoiding unnecessary law suits u u 1 Cor. 6.1 . , & suretyship , or other like engagements w w Pro. 6.1 . , and an endeavour by all just , and lawful means , to procure , preserve and further the weal and outward estate of others as well as our own x x Lev. 15.35 . .

Q. 142. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth Commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the eighth Commandment , beside the neglect of the duties required y y Iam. 2.25 , are these z z Eph. 4.28 . , robbery a a Ps. 62.10 , man-stealing b b 1 Tim. 1.10 , & receiving any thing that is stollen c c Pro. 29 24 , fradulent dealing d d 1 Thes. 4.6 . , false weights & measures e e Pro. 11.1 . , removing land marks f f Deu. 19.14 , injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man g g Amo● 8.5 . , or in matters of trust h h Luk. 16.10 , 12. : oppression i i Ez. 22.29 . Lev. 25.17 . , exto●tion k k Mat. 22.25 ▪ ●z . 22.12 . ▪ usury l l Ps. 15 5. , bribery m m Ioh. 15. ●4 , vexatious law-suits n n 1 Cor 6.6 , 7 , 8. Prov. 3.29.30 . , unjust inclosures , and depopulati●n● o o Isa. 5 8. Mic. 2.2 . , ingrossing commodities to enhance the price p p Prov. 11.26 . , unlawful callings q q Act. 19.19.24 , 25. , and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking , or withholding from our Neighbour what belongs to him , or of enriching our selves r r Ioh. 20.19 , covetousness s s Lu. 12.15 . , inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods t t 1 Tim 5.3 . , distrustful and distracting cares & studies in getting , keeping , & using them u u Mat. 6.25 , envying at the prosperity of others w w Ps. 73.3 . , as likewise idleness x x 2 Thes. 3.11 , prodigality , wastful gaming , and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate y y Prov. 21.17 . , Prov. 18.9 . and defrauding our selves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us z z Eccl. 4.8 . .

Q. 143. Which is the ninth Commandment ?

A. The ninth Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour a a Ex. 20.16 . . ]

Q. 144. What are the duties required in the ninth Commandment ?

A. The duties required in the ninth Commandment are , the preserving & promoting of truth between man and man b b Zech. 8.16 , & the good name of our neighbours as well as our own c c 3 Ioh. v. 12 : appearing , and standing for d d Pro● 31.8 . , and from the heart e e Ps. 15.2 . , sincerely f f 2 Chro. 19.9 . , freely g g 1 Sam. 19.4 , 5. , clearly h h Io●h. 7.19 , and fully i i 2 Sam. 14.18.20 , speaking the truth & only the truth in matters of judgment and justice k k Lev. 19.15 , and in all other things whatsoever l l 2 Cor. 1.17 . , a charitable esteem of our neighbours m m Heb. 6.9 . 1 Cor. 13.6 . ; loving , desiring , & rejoycing in their good name n n Rom. 1.8 . , sorrowing for o o 2 Cor. 2.4 . , & covering of their infirmities p p Prov. 12 9. , freely acknowledging their gifts and graces q q 1 Cor. 1.4 . , defending their innocency r r 1 Sam. 12.14 . , a ready receiving of a good report s s 1 Cor. 13.6 . , and unwillingness to admit of an evil report concerning them t t Psal. 15.3 . , discouraging s s 1 Cor. 13.6 . tale-bearers u u Prov. 25.23 . Pro. 26.24 , 25. , flatterers w , and slanderers x x Ps 101.5 . , love and care of our own good name , and defending it when need requireth y y Pro. 14.5 . , keeping of lawful promises z z Ps. 1.4 . , studying and practising of whatsoever things are true , honest , lovely , and of good report a a Phil. 4 ▪ 8. .

Q. 145. What are the sins forbidden in the ninth Commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the ninth Commandment are , all prejudicing the truth and the good name of our neighbours as well as our own b b 1 Sam. 17.28 . , especially in publick judicature c c Lev. 19.15 , giving false evidence d d Pro. 19.5 . , suborning false witnesses e e Act. 5.13 . , wittingly appearing & pleading for an evil cause , outfacing & over bearing the truth f f Ier. 9.3 . , passing unjust sentence g g 1 King . 21.9 . to 14 , calling evil good , & good evil , rewarding the wicked accord●ng to the work of the righteous , and the righteous according to the works of the wicked h h Isa. 15.23 , forgery i i Ps. 119 69. , concealing the truth , undue silence in a just cause k k Lev. 5.1 . , and holding our peace when iniquity calleth either for a reproof from our selves l l 1 Kin. 5.6 . , or complaint to others m m Isa. 5 9.4 . , speaking the truth unseasonably n n Pr. 19. ●1 . , or malicio●sly to a wrong end o o 1 Sam. 12.9 , 10. , or perverting it to a wrong meaning p p Ps. 56.6 . , or in doubtful and equivocal expressions to the p●ejudice of truth or justice q q Gen. 3.5 . ▪ speaking untruth r r Isa. 59.3 . , lying s s Lev. 19.11 , slandring t t Ps. 50.20 . , ●ack●iting u u Ps. 15.3 . , detracting w w Iam. 4.11 , tale-bearing x x Le. 19.19 . , whispering y y Ro. 1.29 . , scoffing z z Gen. 21.6 . , revi●ing a a 1 Cor. 6.10 . , rash b b Mat. 7.1 . , harsh c c Act. 28.4 . , & par●ial censuring d d Rom. 2.1 . , misconstruing intentions , words & act●ons e e Neb. 6.6 . , flattering f f Ps. 12.2 . , vain glorious bosting g g 2 Tim. 3.2 . , thinking or speaking too highly or to meanly of our selves or others h h Luk. 18.9 . Rom. 12 . 1● . 1 Cor. 4.4 . Act. 12.22 . Exod. 4.10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14. , denying the gifts and graces of God i i Ioh. 4.6 . , aggravating smaller faults k k Mat. 7.3 , 4 , 5. , hiding , excusing , or extenuating of sins when cal●d to a free confession l l Prov. 28.13 . Gen. 4.9 . , unnecessary discovering of infirmities m m Gen. 9.22 . Prov. 25.9 , 10. , raising false rumors n n Exod. 23.1 . , receiving & countenancing evil reports o o Prov. 29.12 . and stopping our ears against just defence p p Act. 7.56 . , evil suspition q q 1 Cor. 13.3 . , envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any r r Num. 11.29 . , endeavouring or desiring to impair it s s Ezra 4.11 . , rejoycing in their disgrace and infamy t t Ier. 48.27 , scornful contempt u u Ps. 35.15 ▪ , fond admiration w w Iu. v. 16. , breach of lawful promises x x Rom. 1.32 , neglecting such things as are of good report y y 1 Sam. 2.14 , & practising or not avoiding our selves , or not hindring , what we can in others such things as procure an ill name z z 2 Sa. 12.13 .

Q. 146. Which is the tenth Commandment ?

A. The tenth Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house , thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife , nor his man servant , nor his maid servant , nor his ox nor his ass , nor any thing that is thy neighbours a a Ex. 10.17 . ]

Q. 147. What are the duties required in the Tenth Commandment ?

A. The duties required in the tenth Commandment are , such a full contentment with our own condition b b Heb. 13.5 . , and such a charitable frame of the wholesoul towards our neighbour , as that all our inward motions & affections touching him tend unto , and further all that good which is his c c Ioh. 31.29 Rom. 12.15 .

Q. 148. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth Commandment ?

A. The sins forbidden in the tenth Commandment are , discontentment with our own estate d d 1 Kin. 11.4 . , envying e e Gal. 5.26 . , and grieving at the good of our neighbours f f Ps. 112.9 . , together with all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his g g Rom. 7.7 . .

Q. 149. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God ?

A. No man is able either of himself h h Iam. 3.3 . Ioh. 15.5 . , or by any grace receiv'd in thi● life , perfectly to keep the commandments of God i i Eccl. 7 . 2● , but doth daily break them in thought k k Gen. 6.5 . , word , and deed l l Rom. 3.9 . .

Q. 150. Are all transgressions of the Law of God equally hainous in themselves and in the sight of God ?

A. All transgressions of the Law of God are not equally hainous : but some ●●ns in themselves , and by reason of several aggravations , are more hainous in the sight of God than others m m Ioh. 19.11 , .

Q. 151. What are those aggravations which make some sins more hainous than others ?

A. Sins receive their aggravations from the persons offending n n Ier. 2.8 . , if they be of riper age o o Iob. 22.7 . , greater experience or grace p p 1 Kin. 11.4 . , eminent for profession q q 2 Sam. 12.14 . ▪ gifts r r Iam. 4.17 . , place s s Ier. 5.4 , 5. , office t t 2 Sam. 12.7 , 8 , 9. , guides to others u u Rom. 2.17 . , and whose example is likely to be followed by others w w Gal. 2.11 .

From the parties offended x x Mat. 2.38 39. , if immediately against God y y 1 Sam. 2.25 . , his attributes z z Rom. 2.4 . , & worship a a Mal. 1.8 . , against Christ and his grace b b Heb. 2.2 . , the holy Spirit c c Heb. 10.29 , his witness d d Ep. 4.30 . , and working e e Heb. 6.4 . ; against superioursmen of eminency f f Iude v. 8. , & such as we stand especially related & engaged unto g g Prov. 30.17 . , against any of the saints h h Zeph. 2.8 . , particularly weak brethren i i 1 Cor. 12.8 , the souls of them or any other k k Eze. 13.9 . and the common good of all or many l l 1 Thes. 2.15.16 . .

From the nature and quality of the offence m m Prov. 6.30 , 35. , if it be against the express letter of the Law n n Ezra 5.10 , 11 , 12. , break many Commandments , contain in it many sins o o Col. 3.5 . 1 Tim. 6.20 . Prov. 5 , 8 , 9 , 10. , if not only conceiv'd in the heart , but breaks forth in words and actions p p Iames 1.14 . Mat. 5.22 . Mic. 2.1 . , scandalize others q q Mat. 18.7 . , and admit of no reparation r r Deut. 22.22 , to 28. , if against means s s Mat. 11.21 . to 24. , mercies t t Isa. 1.3 . , judgments u u Amos 4.8 . to 14. , light of nature w w Rom. 1.16 , 17. , conviction of conscience x x Rom. 1.24 . , publick or private admonition y y Prov. 29.1 . , censures of the Church z z Tit. 3 10. , civil punishments a a Prov. 27.22 . , and our own prayers purposes , promises b b Ps. 78.24 . , vows c c Eccl. 5.4 . , covenante d d Lev. 26.25 . , & engagements to God or men e e Pro. 2.17 . , if done deliberatly f f Ps. 35.3 . , wilfully g g Ier. 6.16 presumptuously h h Nu. 15 30 , impudently i i Ier. 3.3 . , bostingly k k Ps. 52.1 . , maliciously l l 3 Ioh. v. 10 , frequently m m Num. 14.22 . , obstinatly n n Zech. 7.11 , 12. , with delight o o ●ro . 2.24 . , continuance p p Isa. 57.17 , or relapsing after repentance . From circumstances q q Ier 34.8 . , of time r r 2 King . 5.26 . , and place s s Ier. 7.10 . ; if on the Lords day t t Ezek. 23.37 , 39. , or other times of divine worship u u Isa 58.3 . , or immediately before w w 1 Cor. 11.20.21 . , or after these x x Ier. 7.8 . , or other helps to prevent or remedy miscarriages y y Ez. 9.13 . , if in publick , or in the presence of others who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled z z 2 Sam. 16.22 . .

Q. 152. What doth every sin deserve at the hands of God ?

A ▪ Every sin , even the least being against the sovereignty a a Iam. 2.10 , goodness b b Exod. 20.1 , 2 ▪ & holiness of God c c Heb. 1.13 . Lev. 10.3 . , and against his righteous Law d d 1. Io● . 3.14 . Rom. 7.11 . : deserveth his wrath and curse e e Eph. 5.6 . Gal. 3 ▪ 10. , both in this life f f Deut. 28.15 . , & that which is to come g g Mat. 25.41 . , & cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ ,

Q. 153. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law ? h h Heb. 9.22 .

A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law , he requireth of us repentance toward God , and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ i i Act. 20.21 . Mat. 3.7 , 8. , and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation k k Prov. 2.1 . to 6. .

Q. 154. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation ?

A. The outward and ordinary means wereby Christ communica●eth to his Church the benefits of his ●ediation , are , all his ordinances , ●specially the word , Sacraments ●nd Prayer : all which are made effe●tual to the elect for their salvation l l Mat. 28.19 , 20. .

Q. 195. How i● the Word made ●ffectual to salvation ?

A. The Spirit of God maketh the ●●ading , but especially the preaching ●f the word , an effectual means of ●●lightning m m Neh. 8.8 . , convincing and hum●ing sinners n n 1 Cor. 14.24 , 25. , of driving them out 〈◊〉 themselves , & drawing them un●● Christ o o Act. 2.37 41. , of conforming them to 〈◊〉 Image p p 2 Cor. 3.18 , & subduing them to his ●ll q q 2 Cor. 10.4 , 5 , 6. , of strengthening them against ●●mptations and corruptions r r Mat. 4.4.7.10 . , of building them up in grace s s Act. 20.32 , and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation t t Rom. 16.25 . .

Q. 156. Is the word of God to b● read by all ?

A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the word publickly to th● Congregation u u Deu. 31.9.11 , 12 , 13. , yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart b● themselves w w Deut. 17.19 . , and with their fam●●lies x x Deut. 6.6.7 , 8 , 9. , to which end the holy Scrip●tures are to be translated out of 〈◊〉 Original into vulgar languages y y 1 Cor. 14.6 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 15 , 26. .

Q. 157. How is the word of G●● to be read ?

A. The holy Scriptures are to be rea● with an high and reverent esteem them z z Ps. 19.10 . , with a firm perswasion th● they are the very word of God a a 2 Pet. 1.19 , 20 , 21. , that he only can enable us to und●●●stand them b b Luk. 14.25 . , with desire to kno● believe & obey the will of God ●●●vealed in them c c Deut. 17.19 , 20. , d d Act. 17.11 . with diligence & attention to the matter & 〈◊〉 of them e e Act 8.30 , 31. , with meditation f f Ps. 1.2 . , app●●●cation g g 2 Chr. 34.21 . , self-denial h h Prov. 3.5 . Prov. 21. to 17. , and praye● ▪

Q. 158. By whom is the word God to be preached ?

A. The word of God is to be prea●●●ed only by such as are sufficie●●●ly gifted k k 1 Tim. 3.2.6 . , and also duly approved and called to that office l l Ier. 14.63 . .

Q. 159. How is the word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto ?

A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the word , are to preach sound doctrine m m Tit. 2.1.8 . , diligently n n Act. 18.25 , in season & out of season o o 2 Tim. 4.2 . , plainly p p 1 Cor. 14.19 ; not in the enticing words of mens wisdom , but in demonstration of the Spirit and power q q 1 Cor. 2.4 . , faithfully r r Ier. 23.28 , mak●ng known the whole counsel of God s s Act. 20.21 . , wisely t t Col. 1.28 . applying themselves to ●he necessities and capacities of the ●earers u u 1 Cor. 3.2 . , zealously w w Act. 8.25 , with fervent ●ove to God x x 2 Cor. 5.13 , 14. , and the souls of the people y y Col. 4.12 . , sincerely z z 2 Cor. ● . 17 , aiming at his glory a a 1 Thes. 2.4 , 5.6 . , and their conversion b b 1 Cor. 9.19 , 20 , 21 , 22. , edi●ication c c 2 Cor. 12.19 . , and salvation d d 1 Tim. 4.9 . .

Q. 160. What is required of those ●hat hear the word preached ?

A. It is required of those that hear ●he word preached , that they attend ●pon it with diligence e e Prov. 8.3 . , preparati●n f f 1 ●et . 2.1 , 2. , & prayer g g Psal. 119 8. , examine what they ●ear by the Scriptures h h Act. 18.11 . , receive the ●●uth with faith i i Heb. 4.2 . , love , meekness , ●nd readiness of mind , as the Word of God n n 1 Thes. 2.13 , meditate o o Luk. 9.44 , and confer of it p p Lu. 21.14 . , hide it in their hearts q q Prov. 2.1 . , and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives r r Luk. 6.15 . .

Q. 161. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation ?

A. The Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation , not by any power in themselves , or any vertue derived from the piety & intention of him by whom they are administred , but only by the working of the holy Ghost , and the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted s s 1 Pet. 3.21 .

Q. 162. What is a Sacrament ?

A. A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church t t Gen. 17.7.10 . , to signifie , seal , and exhibit u u Rom. 4.11 , unto those that are within the Covenant of Grace w w Rom. 15.8 . , the benefits of his mediation x x Acts 2.38 . , to strengthen , and increase their faith , & all other graces y y Rom. 4.11 , to oblige them to obedience z z Rom. 6.3.4 . , to testifie and cherish their love and communion one with another a a Eph. 4.2 , 3 , 4 , 5. , and to distinguish them from those that are without b b Eph. 2.11 12. .

Q. 163. What are the parts of a Sacrament ?

A. The parts of a Sacrament are two ; the one , an outward and sen●sible sign , used according to Christs own appointment ; the other an inward and spiritual grace , thereby signified c c Mat. 3.11 1 Pet. 2.21 . .

Q. 164. How many Sacraments hath Christ instituted in his Church under the New Testament ?

A. Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his Church only two Sacraments , Baptism , and the Lords Supper d d Mat. 28.19 . 1 Cor. 11.20 , 23. .

Q. 163. What is Baptism ?

A. Baptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament , wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water , in the Name of the Father , and of the Son , and of the holy Ghost e e Mat. 28.19 . , to be a sign and seal of ingrafting into himself f f Gal. 3.2 . , of remission of sins by his blood g g Mat. 14. , and regeneration by his Spirit h h Tit. 3.5 . , of adoption i i Gal. 3.26.27 . , and resurrection unto everlasting life k k 1 Cor. 15.29 . : and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible Church l l 1. Cor. 12.13 . , and enter into an open and professed ingagement to be wholly and only the Lords m m Rom. 6.4 . .

Q. 166. Unto whom is Baptism to be administred ?

A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church , & so strangers from the Covenant of promise , till they profess their faith in Christ , and obedience to him n n Act. 8.36 , 37. Act. 2.38 . : but infants descending from parents , either both , or but one of them , pr●fessing faith in Christ , and obedience to him , are in that respect , within the Covenant , and to be baptized o o Gen. 17.7 , 9. Luke . 18.15.16 . Rom. 11.16 .

Q. 167. How is our baptism to be improved by us ?

A. The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism , is to be performed by us all our life long , especially in the time of temptation , and when we are present at the administration of it to others p p Col. 2.11.12 . Rom. 6.4 , 6 , 11. , by serious and thankful con●ideration of the nature of it , & of the ends for which Christ instituted it , the priviledges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby , and our solemn vow made therein q q Rom. 6.3 , 4 , 5. , by being humbled for our sinful defilements , our falling short of , and walking contrary to the grace of Baptism and our ingagements r r 1 Cor. 1.11 12 , 13. Rom. 6.2 , 3. , by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin , and of all other blessings sealed to us in that Sacrament s s Rom. 4.11 . ● . , by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ into whom we are baptized , for the mortifying of sin , and quickning of grace t t Rom. 6.3 , 4 ▪ 5. , and by endeavouring to live by faith u u Gal. 3.26.27 . , to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness w w Rom. 6.22 . , as those that have therein given up there name to Christ x x Act. 2.38 , and to walk in brotherly love , as being baptized by the same spirit into one body y y 1 Cor. 12.13 , 25 , 26 , 27. .

Q. 168. What is the Lords Supper ?

A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament of the New Testament z z Luk 22.20 . , wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ , his death is shewed forth : and they that worthily communicate , feed upon his body and blood , to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace a a Mat. 26.26 , 27 , 28. , have their union & communion with him confirmed b b 1 Cor. 10.15 , testifie and renew their thankfulness c c 1 Cor. 11.24 , 25 , 26. , and ingagement to God d d 1 Cor. 10.14 , 15 , 16. , and their mutual love , and fellowship each with other , as members of the same mystical body e e 1 Cor. 10.17 . .

Q. 169. How hath Christ appointed bread & wine to be given and received in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ?

A. Christ hath appointed the ministers of his word , in the administratition of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , to set apart the bread and wine from common use , by the word of institution , thanksgiving , & prayer , to take and break the bread , and to give both the bread , & the wine to the Communicants , who are , by the same appointment , to take , & eat the bread , and to drink the wine , in thankful remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given , and his blood shed for them f f 1 Cor 11.23 , 24. Mat 26.26 27 , 28. .

Q. 170. How do they that worthily communicate in the Lords Supper , feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein ?

A. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in , with , or under the bread and wine in the Lords Supper g g Act. 3.2 . , and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver , no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their outward sense h h Mat. 26.26 , 28. , so they that worthily communicate in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ , not after a corporal , or carnal but in a spiritual manner , yet truly & really i i 1 Cor. 11.24 , 25.26 , 27 , 28 , 29. , while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified , and all the benefits of his death k k 1 Cor. 10.16 . .

Q. 171. How are they that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it ?

A. They that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , are , before they come , to prepare themselves thereunto , by examining themselves l l 1 Cor. 11.18 . , of their being in Christ m m 1 Cor. 13.5 . , of their sins and wants n n 1 Cor. 5.7 . , of the truth and measure of their knowledge o o 1 Cor. 11.29 . , faith p p 2 Cor. 13.5 . , repentance q q Zech. 12.10 . , love to God and the brethren r r 1 Cor. 10.16 , 17. , charity to all men s s 1 Cor. 5.8 . , forgiving those that have done them wrong t t Mat. 5.23 24. , of their desires after Christ u u Isa. 55.1 . , and of their new obedience w w 1 Cor. 5.7 , 8. , and by renewing the exercise of these graces x x 1 Cor. 11.25 , 26 , 28. , by serious meditation y y 1 Cor. 13.24 , 25. , and fervent prayers z z 2. Chr. 30 ▪ 18 , 19. .

Q. 172. May one who doubteth of his being in Christ , or of his due preparation , come to the Lords Supper ?

A. One who doubteth of his being in Christ , or of his due preparation to the Sacrament of the Lords supper may have true interest in Christ , though he be not yet assured thereof a a Isa. 50.10 . , and in Gods account , hath it , if he be duely affected with the apprehension of the want of it b b Isa. 54.7 , 8 , 9 , 10. , & unfainedly desires to be found in Christ e e Phil. 3.8 , 9. , and to depart from iniquity d d 2 Tim. 2.19 . : in which case ( because promises are made , and this Sacrament is appointed , for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians e e Isa. 40.11 , 20 , 31. Mat. 21.28 ) he is to bewail his unbelief f f Mat. 9.22 . , and labour to have his doubts resolved g g Act. 2.37 . , and so doing he may and ought to come to the Lords Supper , that he may be further strengthened h h Rom. 4.11 . .

Q. 173. May any who profess the faith , and desire to come to the Lords Supper , be kept from it ?

A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous , notwithstanding their profession of the faith , and desire to come to the Lords Supper , may and ought to be kept from that Sacrament by the power which Christ hath left in his Church i i

1 Cor. 11.27 . to the end .

1 Tim. 5.22

, until they receive instruction , and manifest their reformation k k 2 Cor. 3.7 . .

Q. 174. What is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in the time of the administration of it ?

A. It is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , that , during the time of the administration of it with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that Ordinance l l Lev. 10.3 , did ligently observe the Sacramental Elements and actions m m Exod. 14.8 . , heedfully discern the Lords Body n n 1 Cor. 11.29 , and affectionatly meditate on his death and sufferings o o Luke 12.19 . , and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces p p 1 Cor. 12.26 . , in judging themselves q q 1 Cor 1● . 3 , and sorrowing for sin r r Zech. 1● . 10 . , in earnest hungring and thirsting after Christ s s Rev. 13.17 . , feeding on him by faith t t Joh. 6.25 . , receiving of his fulness u u Ioh. 4.16 . , trusting in his merits w w Phil. 3.9 . , rejoycing in his love x x Ps. 63.4 , 5 , giving thanks for his grace y y Ps. 22.26 . , in renewing of their Covenant with God z z Ier. 50.5 . , and love to all the Saints a a Act. 2.11 .

Q. 175. What is the duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ?

A. The duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein , and with what success b b Ps. 28.7 . ; if they find quickning and comfort , to bless God for it c c Chr. 30.21 to 26. , beg the continuance of it d d Ps. 36.10 ▪ , watch against relapses e e 1 Cor. 10.3 , 4 , 5 , 11. , fulfil their vows f f Ps. 50.14 . , and incourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance g g 1 Cor. 11.25 , 26. , but if they find not present benefit , more exactly to review their preparation to , & carriage at the Sacrament h h Can. 5.1 . to 6. , in both which if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences , they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time i i Ps. 125.1.2 , but if they see they have failed in either , they are to be humbled k k 2 Cor. 13.18 , 19. , and to attend upon it afterward with more care & diligence l l 2 Cor. 7.11 . .

Q. 176. Wherein do the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper agree ?

A. The Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper agree , in that the Author of both is God m m Mat. 28.19 . , the spiritual part of both is Christ and his benefits n n Rom. 6.3.4 . , both are seals of the same Covenant o o Rom. 4.11 . , are to be dispensed by Ministers of the Gospel and by none other p p Ioh. 1.33 . , and to be continued in the Church of Christ untill his second coming q q Mat. 1 19. .

Q. 177. Wherein do the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper differ ?

A. The Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper differ , in that Baptism is to be administred but once with water to be a sign & seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into Christ r r Mat. 3.11 . , and that even to infants s s Gen. 17.7 ; whereas the Lords Supper is to be administred often , in the Elements of bread and wine , to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual norrishment to the soul t t 1 Cor. 1.23 , 24 , 25 , 26. , and to confirm our continuance and growth in him u u 1 Cor. 10.16 . , and that only to such as are of years and abilitie to examine themselves w w 1 Cor. 11.28 , 29. .

Q. 178. What is Prayer ?

A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God x x Ps. 62.8 . , in the name of Christ y y Joh. 16.23 . , by the help of his spirit z z Rom. 8.26 , with confession of our sins a a Ps. 31.5 , 6 , and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies b b Phil. 4.6 . .

Q. 179. Are we to pray unto God only ?

A. God only being able to search the hearts c c 1 King . 8.39 . , hear the requests d d Ps. 65 2. , pardon the sins e e Mic. 7.18 . , & fulfil the desires of all f f Ps. 145.18 , 19. , and only to be believed in g g Rom. 10.11 . , and worshipped with religious worship h h Mat. 1.10 . , prayer which is a special part thereof i i 1 Cor. 1.2 . , is to be made by all to him alone k k Ps. 50.15 . and to none other l l Ro. 10.14 . .

Q. 180. What is it to pray in the Name of Christ ?

A. To pray in the name of Christ is in obedience to his command , and in confidence on his promises , to ask mercy for his sake m m Ioh. 14.14 , 1. , not by bare mentioning of his Name n n Mat. 7.21 , but by drawing our encouragement to pray & our boldness , strength , and hope of acceptance in prayer , from Christ and his mediation o o Heb. 4.14.15 , 16. 1 Iob. 5.13.14 , 15. .

Q. 181. Why are we to pray in the Name of Christ ?

A. The sinfulness of man , and his distance from God by reason thereof , being so great , as that we can have no access into his presence without a Mediator p p Ioh. 14.6 . Isa. 49.2 . , and there being none in Heaven or Earth appointed to , or fit for that glorious work , but Christ alone q q Ioh. 6.27 . , we are to pray in no other name but his only r r Col. 3.17 . Heb. 13.15 .

Q. 182. How doth the Spirit help us to pray ?

A. We not knowing what to pray for as we ought , the Spirit helpeth our infirmities , by enabling us to understand both for whom , and what , and how prayer is to be made , and by working and quickning in our hearts ( although not in all persons , nor at all times in the same measure ) those apprehensions , affections , & graces which are requisit for the right performance of that duty s s Rom. 8.26.27 . .

Q. 183. For whom are we to pray ?

A. We are to pray for the whole Church of Christ , upon Earth t t Eph. 6.18 . , for Magistrates u u 2 Tim. 3.12 . , and Ministers w w Col 4.3 . , for our selves x x Gen. 31.11 . , our breathren y y Iam. 16. , yea our enemies z z Mat. 3.41 , and for all sorts of men living a a 1 Tim. 2.1 , 2. , or that shall live hereafter b b Ioh. 17.20 . , but not for the dead c c Sam. 12. , nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death d d 1 Ioh. 5.16 . .

Q. For what things are we to pray ?

A. We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God e e Mat. 6.9 . , the welfare of the Church f f Ps ▪ 51.18 . , our own g g Mat. 7.11 , or others good h h Ps. 125.14 , but not for any thing that is unlawful i i 1 Ioh. 5.1 . .

Q. 185. How are we to pray ?

A. We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the Majesty of God k k Eccl. 3.1 . , and deep sense of our own unworthiness l l Gen. 1 8.17 , necessities m m Luke 15.17 , 18 , 19. , and sins n n Luke 18.13 , 14. , with patience o o Ps. 51.17 . , thankful p p Phil. 4.6 . , and enlarged hearts q q 1 Sam. 1.15 . , with understanding , faith , sincerity , fervency , love and perseverance , waiting upon him with humble submission to his will .

Q. 186. What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of prayer ?

A. The whole word of God is of use to direct ur in the duty of prayer : but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer , which our Saviour Christ taught his Disciples ▪ commonly called the Lords Prayer b b Mat. 6.5 . to 13. Luk. 1.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. ·

Q. 187. How is the Lords Prayer to be used ?

A. The Lords Prayer is not only for direction as a patern according to which we are to make other prayers , but may also be used as a prayer , so that it be done with understanding , faith , reverence , and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty of prayer c c Mat. 6.9 . Luke 11.2 . .

Q. 188. Of how many parts doth the Lords prayer consist ?

A. The Lords Prayer consists of three parts , a Preface , Petitions , and a conclusion .

Q. 189. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us ?

A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer , [ contained in these words , Our Father which art in Heaven d d Mat 6.9 . ] teacheth us , when we pray , to draw near to God with confidence of his Fatherly goodness , and our interest therein e e Luk. 11.13 . , with reverence and all other child-like dispositions f f Isa. 46.9 . , Heavenly affections g g Ps. 11.1 . , and due apprehensions of his soveraign power , majesty , and gracious condescension h h Isa. 63.15.16 . , as also to pray with and for others i i Act. 11.5 . .

Q. 190. What do we pray for in the first Petition ?

A. In the first Petition [ which is Hallowed be thy Name k k Mat. 6.9 . ] acknowledging the utter inability & indisposition , that is in our selves and all men to honour God aright l l 2 Cor. 3.5 . ; we pray that God would by his grace inable and incline us and others to know , to acknowledg and highly to esteem him m m Ps. 67.2 . , his titles n n Ps. 83.18 , attributes o o Ps. 86.10 . , ordinances , word p p 2 Thes. 3.2 . , works and whatsoever he is pleased to make himself known by q q Ps. 145. throughout , and to glorify him in thought , word r r Ps. 103.1 , and deed s s Ph. 19.11 , that he would prevent and remove Atheism t t Ps. 67 1. , ignorance u u Eph. 1.17 . , idolatry w w Ps. 98.7 . , prophanness x x Ps. 74.18 . , and whatsoever is dishonourable to him y y 2 Kin. 19.15.16 . , and by his overruling providence direct and dispose of all things to his own glory z z 1 Chron. 20.6 , 10. .

Q. 191. What do we pray for in the second Petition ?

A. In the second Petition [ which is , thy kingdom come a a Mat. 6.10 . . ] acknowledging our selves and all mankind to be by nature under the dominion of sin and Satan b b Eph. 2.2 . ; we pray that the Kingdom of sin and Sathan may be destroyed c c Ps. 58.1 . , the Gospel propagated throughout the world d d 2 Thes. 3.1 . , the Jews called e e Rom. 10.1 , the fulness of the Gentiles brought in f f Ioh. 17.9.20 . , the Church furnished with all Gospel officers and ordinances g g Mat. 9.18 , purged from corruption h h Mal. 3.1.11 . , countenanced & maintained by the civil Magistrate i i 1 Tim. ● . 1 , 2. , that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins , & the confirming , comforting and building up of those that are already converted k k Acts. 4.29 30. : that Christ would rule in our hearts here , & hasten the time of his second coming , l l Eph. 3.14 . to 21. & our reigning with him for ever m m Rev. 22.10 . , and that he would be pleased so to exercise the Kingdom of his power in all the world , as may best conduce to these ends n n Isa. 64.1 , 2. .

Q. 192. What do we pray for in the third Petition ?

A. In the third Petition [ which is , Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven o o Mat. 6.10 , ] acknowledging that by nature we & all men are not only utterly unable & unwilling to know & to do the will of God p p Rom. 7.18 , but prone to rebel against his word q q Rom 8.7 . , to repine & murmure against his providence r r Exod. 17.7 , & wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh , & of the devil s s Eph. 2.2 . , we pray that God would by his Spirit take away from ourselves and others , all blindness ▪ weakness , indisposedness w w Mat. 26.40 , 41. , and perversness of heart x x Ier. 21.18 , 19. , & by his graces make us able and willing to know , do and submit to his will in all things y y Ps. 110.1 , 8 , 25 , 6. , with the like humility z z Mic. 6.8 . , chearfulness a a Ps. 100.2 . , faithfulness b b Isa. 38.3 . , diligence c c ●s . 119.4 , 5. , zeal d d Rom. 12.11 . , sincerity e e Ps. 119.80 . , and constancy f f Ps. 119.112 . , as the Angels do in Heaven g g Isa. 6.2 . .

Q. 193. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition ?

A. In the fourth Petition , [ which is , Give us this day our daily bread h h Mat. 6.11 . , ] acknowledging that in Adam and by our sin , we have forfeited our right to all the outward blessings of this life , & deserve to be wholly deprived of them by God , and to have them cursed to us in the use of them i i Gen. 2.17 . , and that neither they of themselves are able to sustain us k k Deut. 8.5 . , nor we to merit l l Gen. 32.10 . , or by our own industry to procure them m m Deut. 8.17 , 18. , but prone to desire n n Ier. 6.13 . , get o o Hos. 2.7 . , and use them unlawfully p p Iam. 4.3 . , we pray for our selves and others , that both they & we waiting upon the providence of God , from day to day in the use of lawful means , may of his free gift , and as to his fatherly wisdom shall seem best , enjoy a competent portion of them q q Gen. 4.12 , 13 , 14. , and have the same continued and blessed unto us in our holy and comfortable use of them r r 1 Tim. 4.3 , 4 , 5. , and contentment in them s s 1 Tim. 6.6 , 7 , 8. , & be kept from all things that are contrary to our temporal support and comfort t t Prov. 30.8 , 9. .

Q. 194. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition ?

A. In the fifth Petition [ which is Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors u u Mat. 6.12 , ] acknowledging that we & all others are guilty both of original and actual sin , & thereby become debters to the justice of God , and that neither we , nor any other creature can make the least sa●isfaction for that debt w w Rom. 3.9 . to 22. ; we pray for our selves & others , that God of his free grace would , through the obedience & satisfaction of Christ apprehended & applyed by faith , acquit us both from the guilt and punishment of sin x x Rom. 3.24 , 25 , 26. , accept us in his beloved y y Eph. 1.5.7 , continue his favour and grace to us z z 2 Pet. 1.2 . , pardon our daily failings a a Hos. 14.2 , & fill us with peace and joy , in giving us daily more and more assurance of forgiveness b b Rom. 15.13 . , which we are the rather emboldned to ask and encouraged to expect when we have this Testimony in our selves , that we from the heart forgive others their offences c c Luk. 11.4 . .

Q. 195. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition ?

A ▪ In the sixth Petition [ which is , And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil d d Mat. 6.13 ] acknowledging that the most wise righteous and gracious God for divers holy and just ends may so order things , that we may be assaulted , and for a time led captive by temptations e e 2 Chr. 32.31 . , that Satan f f 1 Chr 21.1 . , the world g g Luk. 21.34 , and the flesh are ready powerfully to draw us aside and insnare us h h Iam. 1.14 . ; & that we , even after the pardon of our sins , by reason of our corruption i i Gal. 5.17 . , weakness , and want of watchfulness k k Mat. 26.41 . , are not only subject to be tempted , & forward to expose our selves unto temptations l l Mat. 26.63 , 70 , 71 , 72. , but also of our selve● unable & unwilling to resist them , to recover out of them and to improve them m m Rom. 7.23 , 24. , and worthy to be left under the power of them n n Ps. 81.11.12 . we pray that God would so over-rule the world and al● in it o o Ioh. 17.15 , subdue the flesh p p Ps. 51.10 . , and restrain Satan q q 2 Cor. 12 ▪ 7 , 8. , order all thing● r r 1 Cor. 10.12 , 13. , bestow and bless all means of grace s s Heb. 13.20 , 21. , and quicken us to watchfulness in the use of them , that we and all his people may b● hi● pr●vidence be kept from being 〈◊〉 to sin t t Mat. 26.11 . , or if tempted , that by 〈◊〉 spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in that hour of temptation u u Eph. 3.14 , 15 , 16 , 17. , or when fallen , raised and again recovered out of it w w Ps. 51.12 , & have a sanctified use and improvement thereof x x 1 Pet. 5.8 , 9 , 10. , that our sanctification & salvation may be perfected y y 2 Cor. 13.7 , 9. , Satan trodden under our feet z z Rom. 16.20 . , and we fully freed from sin , temtation , and all evil for ever a a Ioh. 17.1 . .

Q. 196. What doth the conclusion of the Lords prayer teach us ?

A. The conclusion of the Lords prayer , [ which is , For thine is the Kingdom , the power and the glory , for ever , Amen b b Mat. 6.13 , ] teacheth us to enforce our Petitions with arguments c c Rom. 15.30 . , which are to be taken not from any worthiness in our selves , or in any other creature , but from God d d Dan. 9.4.7 , 8 , 9 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19. , and with our prayers to joyn praises e e Phil. 4.6 . , ascribing to God alone eternal Soveraignty , omnipotency , and glorious excellency f f 1 Chr. 29.10 . to 13. , in regard whereof , as he is able and willing to help us g g Eph. 3.20.21 . , so we by faith are imboldned to plead with him that he would h h 2 Chr. 20.6.11 . , and quietly to rely upon him that he will fulfil our requests i i 2 Chr. 14.11 . , k k 1 Cor. 14.16 . and to testifie this our desire and assurance , we say , Amen .

The Shorter CATECHISM , First agreed upon by the Assembly of DiVines at Westminster . And now appointed by the General assembly of the Kirk of Scotland , to be a part of Uniformity in Religion , between the Kirks of Christ , in the three Kingdoms .

Quest. 1.

WHat is the chief end of Man ?

A. Mans chief end is to glorifie God a a 1 Cor. 10.2 . Rom. 11.26 , and to enjoy him for ever b b Ps. 73.15 . to the end . .

Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him ?

A. The Word of God ( which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament o o 2 Tim. 3.16 . ) is the only rule to direct us , how we may glorifie and enjoy him d d 1 Ioh. 1.3 , 4. .

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach ?

A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God ; and what duty God requires of man e e 2 Tim. 1.13 . & 3.16 . .

Q. 4 What is God ?

A. God is a spirit f f Ioh 4.24 . , infinite g g Ioh. 11.7 , 8 , 9. , eternal h h Ps. 90.2 . , and unchangeable i i Jam. 1.17 . , in his being k k Ex. 3.14 . , wisdom l l Ps. 147.5 . , power m m Rev. 4.8 . , holiness n n Rev. 15.5 . , justice , goodness and Truth o o Ex 54.6 , 7 .

Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one ?

A. There is but one only , the living and true God p p Deut. 6.4 . .

Q. 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead ?

A. There are three persons in the God-head , the Father , the Son , and the holy Ghost ; and these three are one God , the same in substance , equal in power and glory q q 1 Ioh. 5.7 . .

Q. 7. What are the decrees of God ?

A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his will , whereby for his own glory , he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass r r Eph. 1.4.11 . .

Q. 8. How doth God execute his Decrees ?

A. God executeth his Decrees in the works of Creation & Providence .

Q. 9. What is the work of Creation ?

A The work of Creation is Gods making all things of nothing , by the word of his power , in the space of six days , and all very good s s Gen. 1. ●ap . Heb. 11.5 . .

Q. 10. How did G●d create man ?

A. God created man , male & female after his own image , in knowledge , righteousness , and holiness , with dominion over the creatures t t Gen. 1.26.27 , 28. Eph. 4.24 . .

Q. 11. What are Gods works of Providence ?

A. Gods works of providence are , his most holy u u Ps. 1●5 . 17 . , wise w w Ps 104.24 . Isa. 28.29 . , and powerful preserving x x Heb. 1.3 . , and governing all his creatures and all their actions y y 103.9 Mat. 10.29 , 30 , 31. .

Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise towards man in the estate wherein he was created ?

A. When God had created Man , he entred into a Covenant of life with him , upon condition of perfect obedience : forbidding him to eat of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil , upon pain of death z z Gal. 3.12 . G●n. 2.17 . .

Q. 13. Did our first Parents continue in the estate wherein they were created ?

A Our first Parents , being left to the freedom of their own will , fell from the estate wherein they were created , by sinning against God a a Gen. 3.6 , 7 , 8 , 13. Eccl. 7.29 . .

Q. 14. What is sin ?

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto , or transgression of the Law of God b b 1 Io● . 4.4 .

Q. 15. What was the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the estate wherein they were created ?

A. The sin whereby our first Parents ●ell from the estate wherein they were created , was their eating the forbidden fruit c c Gen. 3 6.12 . .

Q. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adams first transgression ?

A. The Covenant being made with Adam , not only for himself , but for his posterity , all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation , sinned in him , & fell with him in his first transgression d d Gen. 2.16 17. Rom. 5.12 . 1. Cor. 15.21 , 22. .

Q. 17. Into what estate did th● fall bring mankind ?

A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery Rom. 5.12 . .

Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfu●●ness of that estate whereinto man fell ▪

A. The sinfulness of that estat● whereinto man fell , consists in th● guilt of Adams first sin , the want 〈◊〉 Original righteousness , and the cor●ruption of his whole nature , which 〈◊〉 commonly called Original sin , tog●ther with all actual transgressions which proceed from it f f Rom. 5.18.19 . Eph. 2.1 , 2 , 3. .

Q. 19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell ?

A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God g g Gen. 3.8.10 , 24. , are under his wrath & curse h h Eph. 2.2 , 3 , & so made liable to all miseries in this life , to death it self , & to the pains of Hell for ever i i La 3.39 . Mat. 25 41.46 . .

Q. 29. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery ?

A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity , elected some to everlasting life k k Eph. 2.4 . , did enter into a Covenant of grace , to deliver them out of the estate of sin & misery , and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a Redeemer l l Rom. 3.10 21 , 22. .

Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of Gods elect ?

A. The only Redeemer of Gods elect , is the Lord Jesus Christ m m 1 Tim. 2.3 , 6. , who being the eternal Son of God , became man n n Ioh. 1.14 . Gal. 1.4 . , and so was , and continueth to be God & man , in two distinct natures , & one person for ever . o o Rom. 9.5 . Heb. 7.24.25 .

Q. 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 p p Heb. 2.14.16 . & 10.5 , and a reasonable soul q q Mat. 26.38 . , being conceived by the power of the holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary , & born of her r r Luk 1 27 31 , 35. , yet without sin s s Heb 4.15 . & 7.16 . .

Q. 23. What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer ?

A. Christ as our redeemer executeth the Offices of a Prophet , of a Priest , and of a King , both in his estate of humiliation , & exaltation t t Act. 3.21 2● . Heb. 12.25 . .

Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet ?

A. Christ executeth the Office of a Prophet , in revealing to us by his Word , and Spirit , the will of God for our salvation u u Ioh. 1.18 . Ioh. 15.15 . & 20.31 . .

Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest ?

A. Christ executeth the Office of a Priest , in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfie divine justice w w Heb. 9.14 , 18. , and reconcile us to God x x Heb. 2 17 , and in making continual intercession for us y y Heb. 7.24 , 25. .

Q. 26. How doth Christ ex●pute the Office of a King ?

A. Christ executeth the Office of a King , in subduing us to himself z z Acts 15.14 , 15 , 16. , in r●ling a a Isa. 33.22 , and defending us b b Isa. 32 2. ● . , and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies 1 Cor. 15. ●5 . .

Q. 27. Wherein did Christs H●miliation consist ?

A. Christs humiliation consisted in his being born , and that in a low condition d d Luk. 2.7 . , made under the Law e e Gal. 4.4 . , undergoing the miseries of this life f f Heb. 12.2 , 3. , the wrath of God g g Luke 22.44 . , and the cursed death of the Cross h h Phil. 28. , in being buried i i 1 Cor. 15.3 . , and continuing under the power of death for a time k k Acts 1.24 , 25 , 26. .

Q. 28. Wherein consisteth Christs Exaltation ?

A. Christs exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day l l 1 Cor. 13.4 . , in ascending up into Heaven m m Mar. 16.19 . , in sitting at the right hand of God the Father n n Eph. 1.20 . , and coming to judge the world at the last day o o Act. 2.11 . & 17.31 . .

Q. 29. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ ?

A. We are made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ , by the effectual application of it to us p p Ioh. 1.12 , 13. , by his holy Spirit q q Tit. 3.5 , 6 .

Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ ?

A The Spirit applyeth to us , the Redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us r r Ep. 1.13 , 14. , and thereby uniting us to Christ in our Effectual Calling s s Eph. 3.17 . 1 Cor. 8.5 . .

Q. 31. What is effectual calling ?

A. Effectual calling is the work of Gods Spirit t t 2 Tim. 1.9 2 Thes 2.13.14 . , whereby ●●nvincing us of our sin & misery u u Act. 1.37 , inlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ w w Act. 26.18 . , and renewing our wills x x Ezek. 36.26 , 27. , he doth perswade and inable us to imbrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel y y Ioh. 6.44 , 45. .

Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life ?

A. They that are effectually called , do in this life partake of Justification z z Rom. 8.30 . , Adoption a a Eph. 1.5 . , Sanctification , & the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them b b 1 Cor. 1.16.20 . .

Q. 33. What is Iustification ?

A. Justification is an act of Gods fr●e grace , wherein he pardoneth all our sins c c Rom. 3 ▪ 24 ▪ 25. , and accepteth us as righteous in his sight d d 2 Cor. 5.12 , 21. , only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us e e Rom 5.17 18 , 19. , and received by faith alone f f Gal. 2.16 . Phil. 3.9 . .

Q. 34. What is Adoption ?

A. Adoption is an act of Gods free grace g g 1 Ioh. 3.1 . , whereby we are received into the number , & have a right to a●l the priviledges of the Sons of God h h Ioh. 1.12 . Rom. 8.7 . .

Q. 35. What is Sanctification ?

A. Sanctification is the work of God● free grace i i 2 Thes. 2.13 . , whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the Image of God k k Eph. 4 23.24 . : and are inabled more and more to die unto sin , and live unto righteousness l l Ro. 6.4.5 . Rom. 8.1 . .

Q. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Iustification , adoption & sanctification ?

A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification , Adoption , and Sanctification , are ▪ assurance of Gods love , peace of conscience m m Rom. 5.5 , 25. , joy in the Holy Ghost n n Ro 14.17 . , increase of grace o o Pro 4.18 . , and perseverance therein to the end p p 1 Ioh 5.13 .

Q. 37. What benefits do Believers receive from Christ at death ?

A. The Souls of Believers are at their death made perfect in holiness q q Heb. 12.23 . Phil. 2.23 . , & do immediately pass into glory r , and their bodies being still united to Christ s s 1 Thes. 4. , do rest in their graves t t Isa 57.11 . , till the Resurrection u u Ioh. 29.26 , 27. .

Q. 38 What benefits do Believers receive from Christ at the resurrection ?

A. At the resurrection , believers being raised up in glory w w 1 Cor. 15.43 . , shall be openly acknowledged & acquitted in the day of judgment x x Mat. 25.2 , and made perfectly blessed in full enjoying of God y y 1 Ioh. 32. , to all eternity z z 1 Thes. 4.17 , 18. .

Q. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man ?

A. The duty which God requireth of man , is obedience to his revealed will a a Mic 6.8 . .

Q. 40. 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 b b Rom. 2.14 , 15. & 10.5 . .

Q. 41. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended ?

A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments c c Deut. 10.4 . .

Q. 42. What is the Sum of the Ten Commandments ?

A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is , to love the Lord our God , with all our heart , with all our soul , wi●h all our strength , and with all our mind : and our neighbour as our selves d d Mat 22.37 . to 41. .

Q. 43. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments ?

A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words , [ I am the Lord thy God , Which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt , out of the house of bondage e e Exod. 49.4 . . ]

Q. 44. 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 a●e bound to keep all his Commandments f f Luke . 1.74.7 . .

Q. 45. Which is the first Commandment ?

A. The first Commandment is , [ Thou shalt have no other Gods before me g g Ex. 18.3 ▪ . ]

Q. 46. What is required in the first Commandment ?

A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our God h h 1 Chr. 18.9 . , and to worship and glorifie him accordingly i i Mat. 4.10 .

Q. 47. What is forbidden in the first Commandment ?

A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying k k Ps. 11.1 . , or not worshipping & glorifying the true God , as God l l Rom. 1.21 . , and our God m m Ps. 81.10.11 . , and the giving that worship & glory to any other , which is due to him alone n n Rom. 1 23.26 . .

Q. 48. What are we especially taught by these words [ Before me ] in the first Commandment ?

A. These words [ before me ] in the first Commandment , teach us , that God who seeth all things taketh 〈◊〉 of , and ● much displeased with the sin of having any other God o o 〈◊〉 8.5 . ●o the end . Ps. 44 20 , ●● . .

Q 49. Which is the second Commandment ?

A. The second Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image , or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above , or that is in the Earth beneath , or that is in the water under the Earth ; thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God : visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children , unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me ; and shewing mercy unto thousands , of them that love me , and keep my Commandments p p Exod. 20.4 , 5 , 6. . ]

Q. 50. What is required in the second Commandment ?

A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving , observing , and keeping pure and intire all such religious worship and ordinances , as God hath appointed in his Word q q Deut. 32.46 . Mat. 28.20 Act. 2.42 . .

Q. 51. What is forbidden in the second Commandment ?

A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by Images r r Deut. 4.15 to 19. , or any other way not appointed in his word s s Deut. 12.31 , 32. .

Q. 52. What are the reasons annexed to the second Commandment ?

A. The reasons annexed to the second Commandment , are , Gods Soveraign●y over us t t Ps. 95.2.5 , 6. , his prop●iety in us u u Ps. 45.11 . , and the zeal he hath to his own worship w w Exod. 34 ▪ 13 , 14. .

Q 53. Which is the third Commandment ?

A. The third Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain , for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain x x Exod. 20 7. . ]

Q. 54. What is required in the third Commandment ?

A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of Gods Names y y Mat. 6.9 . , Titles z z Ps. 38.4 . , Attributes a a Rev. 15.3 , 4. , Ordinances b b Mal. 1.11.14 . , Words c c Ps. 1 ▪ 38.1 , 2. , and Works d d Ioh 26.24 . .

Q. 55. What is forbidden in the third Commandment ?

A. The third Commandment forbiddeth all prof●ning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known e e Mal. 16 , 7 , 22. & 1.2 . & 5.14 ▪ .

Q. 55. What is the reason annexed to the third Commandment ?

A. The reason annexed to the third Commandment is , that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men● yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment f f 1 Sam. 2. ● . to 24. 1 Sam 3.13 . .

Q. 57. Which is the fourth Commandment ?

A. The fourth Commandment is , [ Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy : Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work , but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God ; in it thou shalt not do any work , thou , nor thy son , nor thy daughter , thy man servant , nor thy maid servant , nor thy cattel , nor the stranger that is within thy gates : For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Eartb , the Sea and all that in them is , and rested the seventh day ; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day , and hallowed it g g Exod. 20.8 to 11. . ]

Q. 58. What is required in the fourth Commandment ?

A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his word , expresly one whole day in seven to be a H. Sabbath to himself h h Deut. 5.12 , 13 , 14. .

Q. 59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath ?

A. From the beginning of the world to the Resurrection of Christ , God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath : & the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the world , which is the Christian Sabbath i i Gen. 7.2.3 Acts. 20.1 . .

Q. 60. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified ?

A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by an holy resting all that day k k Exod. 22 8 , 10. , even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are lawful on other days l l Neh. 13.15 . to 22. , and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship m m Luke . 4.16 . , except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy n n Mat. 13.1 . to 13. .

Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth Commandment ?

A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required o o Ezek. 22.26 . , & the prophaning the day by idleness p p Act. 20.7 , 9. or doing that which is in it self sinful q q Ezek. 2.38 . , or by unnecessary thoughts words , or works , about worldly imployments or recreations r r Ier. 17.24 . .

Q. 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 imployments s s Exod. 20.9 . , his challenging a special propriety in the seventh , his own example , and his blessing the Sabbath day t t Exod. 29.11 . .

Q. 63. Which is the fifth Commandment ?

A. The fifth Commandment is , [ Honour thy father & thy mother that thy day may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee u u Exod. 20.12 . . ]

Q. 64. What is required in the fifth Commandment ?

A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour , and performing the duties , belonging to every one in their several places and relations , as Superiours w w Eph. 5.21 , Inferiours x x 1 Pet. 2.17 . , or Equals y y Rom. 10.12 . .

Q. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment ?

A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglect of , or doing any thing against the honour & duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations z z Mat. 15.4 , 5 , 6. Ezek. 34.2 , 3 , 4. .

Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth Commandment ?

A. The reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is , a promise of long life and prosperity ( as far as it shall serve for Gods glory , and their own good ) to all such as keep this Commandment Deut. 5.16 . .

Q. 67. Which is the sixth Commandment ?

A. The sixth Commandment is [ Thou shalt not kill b b Exod. 20.15 . . ]

Q. 68. What is required in the sixth Commandment ?

A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life c c Ep. 5.28.29 . , and the life of others d d 1 Kin. 18.4 . .

Q. 69. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment ?

A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life , or the life of our neighbour unjustly : or whatsoever tendeth thereunto e e Act. 16.28 . Gen. 9.6 . .

Q. 70. Which is the seventh Commandment ?

A. The seventh Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not Commit Adultery f f Exod. 20.14 . . ]

Q. 71. What is required in the seventh Commandment ?

A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbours chastity in heart , speech and behaviour g g 1 Cor. 7.2.3 , 5 , 35 , 36. Col. 4.6 . 1 Pet. 3.1 . .

Q. 72. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment ?

A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts , words , and actions h h Math. 15.19 . .

Q. 73. Which is the eighth Commandment ?

A. The eighth Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not steal i i Ex. 20.15 . ]

Q. 74. What is required in the eighth Commandment ?

A. The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring , and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others k k Gen. 20.30 . 1 Tim. 5.8 . .

Q. 75. What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment ?

A. The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth , or may unjustly hinder our own , or our neighbours wealth , or outward estate l l Prov. 23.20 , 21 ▪ & 28.19 . .

Q. 76. Which is the ninth Commandment ?

A. The ninth Commandment is , [ thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour m m Ex. 20.16 . . ]

Q : 77. What is required in the ninth Commandment ?

A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man n n Zach. 8.16 . , and of our own and our neighbours good name o o Ioh. 3.11 . , especially in witness bearing p p Prov. 14.3 , 25. .

Q. 78. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment :

A. The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth , or injurious to our own , or our neighbours good name q q 1 Sam. 17 28. Ps. 15.3 . .

Q 79. Which is the tenth Commandment ?

A. The tenth Commandment is , [ Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house , thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife , nor his man servant , nor his maid servant , nor his Ox , nor his Ass , nor any thing that is thy neighbours r r Exod. 10.17 . . ]

Q. 80. What is required in the tenth Commandment ?

A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition s s Heb. 13.5 , with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour and all that is his t t Ioh. 13.29 Rom. 11.15 .

Q. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment .

A. The Tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate u u 1 King . 21.4 . , envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour w w Gal. 5.26 . , & all inordinate motions and affections , to any thing that is his x x Rom. 7.7 , 8. & 13 9. .

Q. 82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God ?

A. No meer man since the fall , is able in this life , perfectly to keep the Commandments of God y , but doth daily break them in thought , word , and deed z z Gen. 5.6 . & 6.21 . .

Q. 83. Are all transgressions of the Law equally hainous ?

A. Some sins in themselves , and by reason of several aggravation● , are more hainous in the sight of God than others a a Ezek 8.6 13 , 15. 1 Ioh. 5.16 . .

Q. 84. What doth every sin deserve ?

A. Every sin deserveth Gods wrath , and curse , both in this life , and that which is to come b b Eph. 5 6. Gal. 3.10 . Mat. 25.41 .

Q. 85. What doth God require of us , that we may escape his wrath and curse , due to us for sin ?

A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin ▪ God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ , repentance unto life c c Act. 20.21 . , with the diligent use of all the outward means , whereby Christ Communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption d d Prov. 2.1 . to 6. Isa 55.3 . .

Q. 86. What is faith in Iesus Christ ?

A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace e e Heb. 10.39 . , whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for Salvation ▪ as he is offered to us in the Gospel f f Ioh 1.12 . Phil. 3.9 . .

Q. 87. What is repentance unto life ?

A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace g g Act. 11.18 . , whereby a sinner out of a true sense of his sin h h Act. 2.37 . , and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ i i Ioel. 2.12 , doth with grief and hatred of his sin , turn from it unto God k k Ier. 11.18 , 19. : with full purpose of , and endeavour after , new obedience l l 2 Cor. 7.11 . .

Q. 88. What are the outward means , whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption ?

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption , are his Ordinances , especially the Word , Sacrament , and Prayer ; all which are made effectual to the Elect , for salvation m m Mat. 28.19 , 20. Act. 2.42 , 46 , 47. .

Q. 89. How is the word made effectual to Salvation ?

A. The Spirit of God maketh the Reading , but especially the Preaching of the Word , an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners , and of building them up in holiness , and comfort through faith unto salvation n n Neh. 8.8 . 1 Cor 14.24 , 25. .

Q. 90. How is the word to be read and heard , that it may become effect●al to Salvation ?

A. That the word may become effectua● to salvation , we must attend thereunto with diligence o o Pro. 8.34 . , preparation p p 1. Pet. 2.1 , 2. , and prayer q q Ps. 119.18 . , receive it with ●aith and love r r Heb. 4.1 . , lay it up in our hearts s s Ps. 119.11 . , & practice it in our lives t t Luk. 8.15 . ▪

Q. 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 onely by the blessing of Christ u u 1 Pet. 3.11 Mat. 3.11 . , and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them w w 1 Cor. 12.13 .

Q. 92. What is a Sacrament ?

A. A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance instituted by Christ , wherein , by sensible signs , Christ and the benefits of the New Covenant are represented , sealed , and applyed to believers x x Gen. 17.7 , 10. 1 Cor. 11.23 , 26. .

Q. 93. Which are the Sacraments of the New Testament ?

A. The Sacraments of the New Testament are , Baptism y y Mat. 28.19 . , and the Lords Supper z z Mat. 26.26 , 27 , 28. .

Q. 94. What is Baptism ?

A. Baptism is a Sacrament , wherein the washing with water , in the Name of the Father , and of the Son , and ●f the Holy Ghost a a Mat. 28.19 . , doth signifie and seal our ingrafting into Christ , and partaking of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace , and our engagement to be the Lords b b Rom. 6.4 . Gal. 3.27 . .

Q. 95. To whom is Baptism to be administred ?

A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church , till they profess their faith in Christ , and obedience to him c c Act. 8.36 37. & 2.38 , but the infants of such as are members of the visible Church are to be baptized d d Act. 2.38.39 . 1 Cor. 7.14 . .

Q. 96. What is the Lords Supper ?

A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament , wherein by giving and receiving Bread and Wine according to Christs appointment , his death is shewed forth : and the worthy receivers are not after a corporal and carnal manner , but by ●faith made partakers of his Body and Blood , with all his benefits to their spiritual nourishment , and growth in grace e e 1 Cor. 11.23 ▪ to 36. & 10.16 . .

Q. 97. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper ?

A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lords Supper , that they examine themselves , of their knowledge to discern the Lords Body f f 1 Cor. 11.28 , 29. , of their faith to feed upon him g g 2 Cor. 13.5 . , of their repentance h h 1 Cor. 11.31 . , love , and new obedience , lest coming unworthily , they eat and drink judgment to themselves l l 1 Cor. 11.26 , 29. .

Q. 28. What is Prayer ?

A. Prayer is an offering up of ou● desires unto God m m Ps. 62.8 . , for things agreeable to his will n n 1 Ioh. 5.11 . , in the Name of Christ o o Ioh. 15.23 . , with confession of our sins p p Ps. 31.5 , 9. Dan. 9.4 . , and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies n n Phil. 4.6 . .

Q. 99. What rule hath God given for our direction in Prayer ?

A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer r r 1 Ioh. 5.14 : but the special rule of direction , is that form of Prayer , which Christ taught his Disciples , commonly called , The Lords Prayer s s Mat. 6.9 . to 12. .

Q. 110. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us ?

A. The preface of the Lords Prayer , which is , [ Our Father which are in Heaven t t Mat. 6.9 . , ] teacheth us to draw near to God , with all holy reverence , and confidence , as Children to a Father , able and ready to help us u u Rom. 8.18 . Luk. 11.13 . ▪ and that we should pray with and for others w w Act. 12.15 . 1 Tim. 2.2 . .

Q. 101. What do we pray for in the first Petition ?

A. In the first Petition , which is , [ Hallowed be thy Name x x Mat. 6.9 . ] we pray that God would enable us & others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself known y y Ps. 67.2 , 3. , and that he would dis●ose all things to his own glory z z Psal. 83. throughout . .

Q. 102. What do we pray for in the second Petition ?

A. In the second Petition , which is , [ Thy Kingdom come a a Mat 6.10 . , ] we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed b b Ps. 68.1 , 18. , and that the Kingdom of Grace may be advanced c c Rev. 12.10 , 11. , our selves and others brought into it , and kept in it d d 2 Thes. 3.1 . , and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastned e e Rev. 22.20 . .

Q. 103. What do we pray for in the third Petition ?

A. In the third Petition , which is , [ Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven f f Mat. 6.12 . , ] we pray that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know , obey , and submit to his will in all things g g Ps. 67. throughout . , as the Angels do in Heaven h h Ps. 103.20 , 21. .

Q. 104. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition ?

A. In the fourth Petition , which is , [ Give us this day our daily bread i i Mat. 6.11 , ] we pray , that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life , and enjoy his blessing with them k k Prov. 30.8 , 9. .

Q. 105. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition ?

A. In the fifth Petition , which is , [ And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors l l Mat. 6.12 . , ] we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pardon all our sins m m Ps. 51.1.2 , 7 , 9. Dan. 9 17 , 18 , 19. : which we are the ●ather encouraged to ask , because by his grace we are inabled from the heart to forgive others n n Luke 11.4 . Mat. 18.35 .

Q. 106. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition ?

A. In the sixth Petition , which is , [ And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil o o Mat. 6.13 , ] we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin p p Mat. 26.41 . , or support and deliver us when we are tempted q q 2 Cor. 12.8 . .

Q. 107. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us ?

A. The Conclusion of the Lords Prayer , which is , [ For thine is the Kingdom , and the power , and the glory , for ever , Amen r r Mat. 6.13 . , ] teacheth us to take our incouragement in prayer from God onely s s Dan. 9.4 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19. , and in our prayers to praise him , ascribing Kingdom , power and glory to him t t 1 Chr. 29.10 to 13. , and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard , we say , Amen u u 1 Cor. 14.16 . .

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS . Exod. 20.

GOD spake all these words , saying , I am the Lord thy God , which have brought thee out 〈◊〉 the Land of Egypt , out of the house of bondage .

I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me .

II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven I●age , or any likeness of any thing that is in Hea●en above , or that is in the Earth beneath , or that 〈◊〉 in the water under the Earth , thou shalt not 〈◊〉 down thy self to them nor serve them : for I the ●ord thy God am a jealous God , visiting the iniqui●● of the Fathers upon the Children , unto the third ●nd fourth generation of them that hate me ; and ●●ewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me , ●nd keep my Commandments .

III. Thou shall not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain , for the Lord will not ●old him guilt●●ss ▪ that taketh his Name in va●n .

IV. Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy : ●ix days shalt thou labour and do all thy work ▪ 〈◊〉 the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord 〈◊〉 God : in it thou shalt not do any work , thou , 〈◊〉 thy Son , nor thy Daughter , thy man-servant , 〈◊〉 thy maid-servant , nor thy 〈◊〉 , nor the stranger that is within thy gates : For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth , the Se● , and all that in them is , and rested the seventh day , wheref●re the Lord blessed the Sabbath day , and hallowed it .

V. Honour thy father and thy mo●her , that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee .

VI. Thou shalt not kill .

VII . Thou shalt not commit adultery .

VIII . Thou shalt not steal .

XI . Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour .

X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house , thou shalt not covet thy neighbours Wife , nor his Man Servant , nor his Maid Servant , nor his Ox , nor his Asse , nor any thing that is thy neighbours .

THE LORDS PRAYER . Math. 6.

OVr Father which art in Heaven . Hallowed be thy Name : Thy Kingdom c●me : Thy will be done on Earth , as it is in Heaven , Give us this day our daily bread : And forgive us our debts , as we forgive our debtors ; And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil : For thine is the Kingdom , and the power , and the glory for ever ; Amen .

THE CREED .

I Believe in God the Father Almighty , maker of Heaven and Earth : and in Iesus Christ his only Son our Lord , which was conceived by the holy Ghost , born of the Virgin Mary , suffered under Pontius Pilate , was crucified , dead and buried : He descended into Hell * * i. e. Continued in the state of the dead , and under the power of death till the third day . : the third day he rose again from the dead , he ascended into Heaven , and siteth on the right ●and of God the Father Almighty , from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead : I believe in the Holy Ghost , the Holy Catholick Church , the Communion of Saints , the forgiveness of sins , the Resurrection of the Body , and the life everlasting . Amen .

SO much of every Question both in the Larger and Shorter Catechism , is repeated in the Answer , as maketh every Answer an entire Proposition , or Sentence in it self ; to the end , the Learner may further improve it upon all occasions , for his increase in knowledge and piety ▪ even out of the course of catechising , as well as in it .

And albeit the substance of the doctrine comprised in that abridgement , commonly called the Apostles Creed , be fully set forth in each of the Catechisms , so as there is no necessity of inserting the Creed it self , yet it is here annexed , not as though it were composed by the Apostles , or ought to be estee●ed Canonical Scripture , as the ten Commandments , and the Lords Prayer ( much less a Prayer , as ignorant people have been apt to make both it and the Decalogue ) but because it is a brief sum of the Christian Faith , agreeable to the Word of God , and anciently recei●ed in the Churches of Christ .

THE SUMME OF SAVING KNOWLEDGE , With the Practical use thereof .

John 6.37 .

All that the Father giveth me , shall come to me : and him that cometh to me , I will in no wise cast out .

EDINBVRGH , Printed by George Swintoun , and Thomas Brown , and are to be sould by Iames Glen , and David Trench . 1671.

A brief Sum of Christian Doctrine , Contained In Holy Scriptures , and holden forth in the Confession of Faith & Catechism . Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminst●r , and received by the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland .

The sum of Saving knowledge may be taken up in these four hea●s . 1. The woeful condition wh●r●in all men are by nature , through breaking of the Covenant of Works . 2. The R●medy pr●vided for the Elect in Iesus Christ , by the Covenant of Grace . 3. The means appointed ●o make them part●kers of this Covenant . 4. The blessi●gs which are effectually conv●yed unto the Elect by these means . Which four heads are set down each of them in some f●w Propositions .

HEAD 1. Our woful condition by nature , through breaking the Covenant of Works . Hos. 13 9. O Israel , thou hast destroyed thy self .

THe Almighty and Eternal God the Father , the Son , and the Holy Ghost , three di●tinct persons , in one and the same undivided God-head , equally in●inite in all perfections ; did before time most wisely decree for his own glory , whatsoever cometh to pass in time , and doth most holily , and infallibly execute all hi● Decrees ▪ without being partaker of the sin 〈◊〉 any creature .

II. This God in six days made all things 〈◊〉 nothing very good in their own kind , in special● he made all the Angels holy ; and he mad● our first Parents Adam and Eve , the root 〈◊〉 mankind ▪ both upright and able to keep the Law written in their heart . Which Law the●● were naturally bound to obey under pain 〈◊〉 death , but God was not bound to reward thei● service , till he entered in a Covenant or Contract with them , and their posterity in them ▪ to give them eternal life upon condition of perfect personal obedience , withal threatning death in case they should fail . This is the Covenant of Works .

III. Both Angels and Men are subject to the change of their own free-will as experience proveth ( God having reserved to himself the incommunicable property of being naturally unchangeable ) For many Angels of their own accord fell by sin from their first estate and became Devils our first Parents being inticed by Satan , one of these Devils speaking in a serpent ▪ did break the Covenant of Works in eating the forbidden Fruit ▪ whereby they and their posterity being in their loins , as branches in the root , and comprehended in the same Covenant with them , became not only lyable to eternal death , but also lost all ability to please God ; yea did become by nature enemies to God and to all spiritual good , and 〈◊〉 lined only to evil continually . This is our original sin , the bitter root of all our actual transgressions ▪ in thought , word ▪ and deed .

HEAD II. The remedy provided in Jesus Christ for the Elect by the Covenant of Grace ; Hos. 13.9 . O Israel , thou hast destroyed thy self , but in me is thine help .

ALbeit man , having brought himself into this woeful condition be neither able to ●elp himself , nor willing to be helped by God ●ut of it , but rather inclined to ly still unsen●●●le of it , till he perish : yet God for the glory ●f his rich Grace , hath revealed in his Word ●way to save sinners , to wit , by faith in Jesus Christ the Eternal Son of God , by vertue of ●nd according to , the tenor of the Covenant of Redemption , made and agreed upon between God the Father and God the Son , in the counsel of the Trinity before the World began .

II. The sum of the Covenant of Redemption is this , God having freely chosen unto life , a ●ertain number of lost mankind , for the glory ●f his rich Grace did give them before the world began , unto God the Son appointed Redeemer , that upon condition he would humble ●imself so far as to assume the humane natur●●f a soul and body , unto personal union with ●is Divine Nature , and submit himself 〈…〉 Law as surety for them , and satisfie Justice for them , by giving obedience in their name , even unto the suffering of the cursed death of the Cross , he should ransom and redeem them all from sin and death , and purchase unto them righteousness and eternal life , with all saying graces leading thereunto , to be effectually , by means of his own appointment , applyed in due time to every one of them . This condition the Son of God ( who is Jesus Christ our Lord ) did accept before the world began , and in the fulness of time came into the World , was born of the Virgin Mary , subjected himself to the Law , and compleatly payed the ransome on the Cross : but by vertue of the foresaid bargain made before the World began , he is in all ages since the fall of Adam , still upon the work of applying actually the purchased benefits unto the elect : and that he doth by way of entertaining a Covenant of free grace and reconciliation with them , through faith in himself , which Covenant he makes over to every believer a right and interest to himself , and to all his blessings .

III. For the accomplishment of this Covenant of Redemption , and making the Elect partakers of the benefits thereof in the Covenant of Grace , Christ Jesus was clad with the three●old Office of Prophet , Priest , and King . Made a Prophet , to reveal all saving knowledge to his people , and to perswade them to believe and 〈◊〉 the same ▪ Made a Priest , to offer up himself a sacrifice once for them all , and to interceed continually with the Father for making their persons and services acceptable to him . And made a King , to subdue them to himself , to feed and rule them by his own appointed Ordinances , and to defend them from their enemies .

HEAD 3. The outward means appointed to make the Elect partakers of this Covenant , and all the rest that are called to be inexcusable , Mat. 22.14 . Many are called .

THe outward means and ordinances for making men partakers of the Covenant of Grace are so wisely dispenced , as the Elect ●hall be infallibly converted and saved by them , and the Reprobate among whom they are not , be justly stumbled . The means are specially these four . 1. The Word of God . 2. The Sacraments . 3. Kirk Government . ● . Prayer . In the Word of God preached by ●ent Messengers , the Lord makes offer of Grace to all sinners upon condition of faith in Jesus Christ , and whosoever do confess their sin , accept of Christ offered , and submit themselves to his Ordinances , he will have both them and their children received into the honour and priviledges of the Covenant of Grace . By the Sacraments God will have the Covenant sealed for confirming the bargain on the foresaid condition . By Kirk Government he will have them ●edge in , and help foreward unto the keeping of the Covenant . And by Prayer , he will have his own gl●rious Grace promised in the Covenant , to be daily drawn forth , acknowledged and imployed . All which means are f●llowed either really , or in profession only , according to the quality of the Co●enanters , as they a●e true or counter●it believers ,

II. The Covenant of Grace set down in the Old Testament before Christ came , and in the New since he came , is one and the same in substance , albeit different in outward administration : for the Covenant in the Old Testament , being sealed with the Sacraments of Circumcision and the Paschal Lamb did set forth Christs death to come , and the benefits purchased thereby , under the shadow of bloody sacrifices and sundry ceremonies : but since Christ came , the Covenant , being sealed by the Sacraments of Baptism , and the Lords Supper , do clearly hold forth Christ already crucified before our eyes , victorious over death , and the grave , and gloriously ruling Heaven , and Earth for the good of his own people .

HEAD IV. The bless●ngs which a● effectually conveyed by these mea● to the Lords Elect or chosen one Mat. 22.24 . Many are called , 〈◊〉 few are chosen .

BY these outward Ordinances as our Lord makes the Reprobate inexcusable so , in the power of his Spirit , he applies unto the Elect effectually , all saving graces purchased to them , in the Covenant of Redemption , and maketh a change in their persons . In particular , 1. He doth convert or regenerate them , by giving spiritual life to them , in open●ng their understandings , renewing their wills , affections and faculties , for giving spiritual obedience to his commands . 2. He gives unto them saving Faith by making them in the sense of deserved condemnation , to give their consent heartily to the ▪ Covenant of Grace , and to imbrace Christ Jesus unfained . 3. He gives them Repentance , by making them , with Godly sorrow in the hatred of sin , and love of Righteousness : turn from all iniquity to the service of God , and , 4. He Sanctifies them , by making them go on and persevere in faith , and spiritual obedience of the Law of God , manifested by fruitfulness in all duties , and doing good works , as God offereth occasion .

II. Together with this inward change of their Persons , God changes also their state : for so soon as they are brought by Faith into the Covenant of Grace , 1. He Iustifies them , by imputing unto them , that perfect obedience which Christ gave to the Law , and the satisfaction also which upon the Cross Christ gave unto Justice in their name . 2. He Reconcials them , and makes them friends to God , who were before enemies to God . 3. He Adoptes them that they should be no more children of Satan , but children of God , inriched with all spiritual priviledges of his Sons : And last of all , after their warfare in this life is ended , he perfects the holiness and blessedness , first of their souls at their death , and then both of their souls and their bodys , being joyfully joyned together again , in the Resurrection , at the day of his Glorious coming to Judgment ▪ when all the wicked shall be sent away to Hell , with Satan whom they have served ; but Christs own chosen and redeemed ones true Believers , Students of holiness , shall remain with himself for ever , in the state of Glorification .

The practical use of Saving Knowledge , Contained in Scripture , and holden forth briefly in the foresaid Confessions of Faith and Catechisms .

THe chief general use of Christian Doctrine is , to convince a man of sin , and of Righteousness , and of Judgment , Iohn 16.8 . Partly by the Law or Covenant of Works , that he may be humbled and become penitent , and partly by the Gospel or Covenant of Grace , that he may become an unfained believer in Jesus Christ , and be strengthened in his faith by good fruits ▪ and so be saved .

The sum of the Covenant of Works , or of the Law , is this , If thou do all that is commanded , and not fail in any point , thou shalt be saved : But if thou fail , thou shalt die . Rom. 10.5 . Gal. 3.10 , 12.

The sum of the Gospel or Covenant of grace and Reconciliation is this , If thou flee from deserved wrath , to the true Reedemer Iesus Christ , ( who is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God , through him ) thou shalt not perish but have eternal life , Rom. 10.8.9 , 11.

For convincing a man of sin , of Righteousness , and of Judgment by the Law ▪ or Covenant of Works let these Scriptures among many more be made use of .

1. For convincing a man of sin by the Law : consider , Ier. 17.9 , 10.

THe heart is d●ceitful above all things , and desperately wicked , who can know it ? I the Lord search the heart , I try the reins , ●v●n to give every man according to his ways , and according to the fruit of his doings :

Here the Lord teacheth these two things .

1. That the fountain of all our miscarriage and actual sinning against God is in the heart , which comprehendeth the mind , will , affections and all the powers of the soul , as they are corrupted and defiled with original sin : the mind being not only ignorant and uncapable of saving truth ; but also full of error and enmity against God ▪ and the will and affections being obstinately disobedient unto all Gods directions ▪ and bent toward that only which is evil ▪ The heart , saith he , is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked ; yea , and unsearchably wicked : so that no man can know it , and Gen. 6.5 . Every imagination of the thoughts of mans heart is only evil continually ( saith the Lord ) whose testimony we must trust in this and all other matters : and experience also may teach us , that till God make us deny our selves , we ●ever look to God in any thing ▪ but fleshly ●elf interest alone doth rule us and move all the wheels of our actions .

2. That the Lord bringeth our original sin ●r wicked inclination , withal the actual fruits ●hereof , unto reckoning before his Judgment ●eat , for he searcheth the heart and tryeth the ●eins , to give every man according to his ways , ●nd according to the fruit of his doings .

Hence let every man reason thus :

What God and my guilty conscience beareth witness of , I am convinced that it is true .

But God and my guilty conscience beareth witness , that my heart is deceitful above all ●hings ▪ and desperately wicked ; and that all ●he imaginations of my heart , by nature , are only evil continually .

Therefore I am convinced that this is true .

Thus a man may be convinced of sin by the Law .

● For convincing a man of righteousness by the Law , consider , Gal. 3.10 .

AS many as are of the w●rks of the Law , are under the curse : for it is written , Cursed is ●very ●ne that continueth not in all things which are ●ri●t●n in th● Book of t●e Law to ●o them .

Here the Apostle teacheth us three things .

1. That by reason of our natural sinfulness , 〈◊〉 impossibility of any mans being justified ●y the works of the Law is so certain , that whosoever do seek Justification by the work of the Law , are liable to the curse of God , fo● breaking of the Law ; for , as many as are of 〈◊〉 works of the Law are under the curse , saith he .

2. That unto the perfect fulfilling of th● Law , the keeping of one or two of the pr●●cepts , or doing of some , or of all duties ( if 〈◊〉 were possible ) for a time is not sufficient ; 〈◊〉 the Law requireth , that a man continue in 〈◊〉 things which are written in the Book of the Law , 〈◊〉 do them .

3. That because no man can come up to th● perfection every man by nature is under th● curse ; for the Law saith Cursed is every one th● continueth not in all things , which are written 〈◊〉 the Book of the Law , to do them .

Now to be under the curse , comprehende●● all the displeasure of God , with the danger 〈◊〉 the breaking forth more and more of his wrat● upon soul and body , both in this life and afte● death perpetually , if grace do not prevent th● full execution thereof .

Hence let every man reason thus :

Whosoever , according to the Covenant o● Works is liable to the curse of God , for break●ing the Law , times and ways out of number cannot be justified or find righteousness by the works of the Law .

But I ( may every man say ) according to th● Covenant of Works , am liable to the curse 〈◊〉 God , for breaking the Law , times and ways 〈◊〉 of number .

Therefore I cannot be justified , or have ●●ghteousness by the works of the Law .

Thus may a man be convinced of righteous●●●● , that it is not to be had by his own works 〈◊〉 by the Law .

● . For convincing a man of Judgment by the Law : consider , 2 Thes. 1.7 .

THe Lord shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels , ver. 8. In flaming 〈◊〉 ●aking vengeance on them that know not 〈◊〉 ▪ and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord 〈◊〉 Christ . ver. 9. Who shall be punished with ●●erlasting destruction from the presence of the 〈◊〉 , and from the glory of his power . ver. 10. ●hen he shall come to be glorified in his saints , 〈◊〉 to be admired in all them that believe .

Wherein we are taught , that our Lord Jesus , ●ho now offers to be Mediator for them who ●el●eve in him , shall at the last day , come armed ●ith flaming fire , to judge , condemn and de●●roy all them who have not believed God , 〈◊〉 not received the offer of grace made in 〈◊〉 Gospel , nor obeyed the Doctrine thereof ; 〈◊〉 remain in their natural estate under the ●aw or Covenant of Works .

Hence let every man reason thus :

What the righteous Judge hath fore-warn●d , me shall be done , at the last day , I am sure 〈◊〉 just judgement .

But the righteous Judge hath fore-warned ●e , that if I do not believe God in time , and obey the Doctrine of the Gospel , I shall 〈◊〉 secluded from his presence and his glory , at t●● last day , and be tormented in soul and body 〈◊〉 ever .

Therefore I am convinced that this is 〈◊〉 Judgement .

And I have reason to thank God heartil● who hath forewarned me to flee from the wrat● which is to come .

Thus every man may be , by the Law or C●●venant of Works , convinced of judgment , 〈◊〉 he shall continue under the Covenant 〈◊〉 Works , or shall not obey the Gospel of ou● Lord Jesus .

For convincing a man of sin , righteous●ness , and judgment by the Gospel .

AS for convincing a man of sin , and righ●teousness , and judgment by the Gospe● or Covenant of grace , he must understan● three things . 1. That not believing in Jesu● Christ , or refusing of the Covenant of Grace offered in him , is a greater and more dangerous sin , then all other sins against the Law● because the hearers of the Gospel ▪ not believing in Christ , do reject Gods mercy in Christ ▪ the only way of freedom from sin and wrath , and will not yield to be reconciled to God . Next , he must understand that perfect remission of sin and true righteousness is to be had only by faith in Jesus ; because God requireth no ●ther conditions but Faith , and testfiies from ●eaven that he is well pleased to justifie sinners ●pon this condition . 3. He must understand ●hat , upon righteousness received by faith , ●udgment shall follow on the one hand , to the ●estroying of the works of the Devil in the ●eliever , and to the perfecting of the work of ●anctification in him , with power : and that ●pon refusing to take righteousness by Faith in ●esus Christ , Judgment shall follow on the o●her hand , to the condemnation of the misbe●●ever , and destroying of him with Satan and ●is servants for ever .

For this end let these passages of Scripture , ●mong many others , serve to make the great●ess of the sin of not believing in Christ appear , ●r to make the greatness of the sin of refusing ●f the Covenant of Grace , offered to us , in ●he offering of Christ unto us , let the fair offer ●f Grace be looked upon as it is made , Isa. 55. ● . Incline your ear and come unto me ( saith the ●ord ) hear , and your soul shall live , and I will ●ake an everlasting Covenant with you , even ●he sure mercies of David . That is , if ye will ●elieve me , and be reconciled to me , I will by Covenant ▪ give unto you Christ , and all sa●ing graces in him ; repeated , Acts 13.24 .

Again consider that this general offer in ●ubstance is equivalent to a special offer made ●o every one in particular , as appeareth by ●●e Apostles making use of it , Acts 16.13 . ●elieve on the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved and thy house . The reason o● which offer is given I●h. 3.16 . For God so lov●● the World , that he gave his only begotten Son , th●● whosoever believeth in him , should not perish , bu● have everlasting life . Seeing then this grea● salvation is offered in the Lord Jesus , whosoever believe not in him , but lo●k for happines● some other way , what doth he else , but observ● lying vanities , and forsake his own mercy whic● he might have had in Christ ? Ion●h 2.8 , ● ▪ What doth he else but blaspheme God in hi● heart ? as it is said , 1 Iohn 5.10 . He that believeth not God , hath made him a liar , because 〈◊〉 believeth not the record that God gave of his Son and this is the record , that God hath given to us eternal life , and this life is in his Son ; and that no si● against the Law is like unto this sin , Christ testifies , Iohn 15.22 . If I had not come and spoke● to them ▪ they had not h●● sin ; but now they hav● no cloak for their sin . This may convince 〈◊〉 man of the greatness of this sin of not believing in Christ .

For convincing a man of righteousness to be had only by faith in Christ ● consider how , Rom. 10.3 , 4.

IT Is said , that the Iews being ignorant o● Gods righteousness , and going about to establis● their own righteousness . have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God , ( and so they perished ) for Christ is the end of the La● 〈◊〉 righteousness to every one that believeth : and ●cts 13.34 . By Christ Iesus all that believe , are ●●stified from all things , from which ye could not be ●●stified by the Law of Moses : and 1 Iohn 1.7 . 〈◊〉 blood of Iesus Christ his Son , cleanseth us from 〈◊〉 sin .

For convincing a man of judgement , if a ●an imbrace this righteousness : consider , ● Iohn 3.8 . For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he mi●●t destroy the works of the ●evil . and Heb. 9.14 . How much more shall the 〈◊〉 of Christ , who through the eternal Spirit , 〈◊〉 himself without spot to God , purge your consci●ce from dead works to serve the living God .

But if a man imbrace not this righteousness , 〈◊〉 is pronounced , Iohn 3.18 . He that be●●●veth not is condemned already ; because he hath 〈◊〉 believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of 〈◊〉 . And this is the condemnation , that light is 〈◊〉 into the World , ●nd men love darkness rather 〈◊〉 light .

Hence let the penitent desiring to believe , ●●ason thus :

What doth suffice to convince all the Elect 〈◊〉 the world of the greatness of the sin of not ●●lieving in Christ , or refusing to flee to him 〈◊〉 relief from sins done against the Law , and ●●om wrath due thereto ? and what sufficeth 〈◊〉 convince them that righteousness and eter●●l life is to be had by Faith in Jesus Christ , or 〈◊〉 consenting to the Covenant of Grace in him ? and what sufficeth to convince them of Judgement to be exercised by Christ for destroying the works of the Devil in a man , and sanctifying and saving all that believe in him , may suffice to convince me also .

But what the Spirit hath said in these or other like Scriptures , sufficeth to convince the Elect world of the foresaid sin and righteousness and Judgment .

Therefore what the Spirit hath said in these and other like Scriptures , serveth to convince me thereof also .

Whereupon let the penitent desiring to believe take with him words , and say heartily to the Lord ; Seeing thou saye●t , seek ye my Face ▪ my soul answereth unto thee , thy face , Lor● will I seek , I have hearkned unto the offer of an everlasting Covenant of all saving mercies to be had in Christ , and I do heartily embrace thy offer , Lord let it be a bargain , Lord I believe , help my unbelief : Behold I give my self to thee to serve thee in all things for ever , and I hope they right ●and shall save me , the Lord will perfect that which concerneth me . Thy mercy ▪ O Lord endureth for ever , forsake not the works of thy own hands . Thus may a m●n be made an unfained believer in Christ .

For strengthning the mans Faith who hath agreed unto the Covenant of Grace .

BEcause many true believers are weak , and do much doubt if ever they shall be sure of the soundness of their own Faith and Effectual calling , or made certain of their Justification and Salvation , when they see , that many , who profess faith , are found to deceive themselves ; let us see how every believer may be made strong in the faith , and sure of his own Election and Salvation upon solid grounds by sure warrants and true evidences of faith . To this end among many other Scriptures , take these following .

1. For laying solid grounds of faith , consider , 2 Pet. 1.10 .

Wherefore the rather , brethren ▪ give diligence to make sure your calling and election , for if ye do these things , ye shall never fall .

In which words the Apostle teacheth us these four things , for help and direction , how to be made strong in the faith .

1. That such as believe in Christ Jesus , and are fled to him for relief from sin and wrath , albeit they be weak in the faith , yet they are indeed Children of the same Father with the Apostles : for so he accounteth of them , while he called them brethren .

2. That albeit we be not sure , for the time of our effectual calling and election , yet we may be made sure of both , if we use diligence : for this he presupposeth , saying , Give diligence to make your calling and election sure .

2. That we must not be discouraged , when we see many seeming believers prove rotten branches and make defection , but we must the rather take the better heed to our selves Wherefore the rather , brethren , saith he , give all diligence .

4. That the way to be sure both of our effectual calling , and Election , is to make sure work of our Faith , by laying the grounds of it solidly , and bringing forth the fruits of our faith in new obedience constantly , For if ye do these thing● , saith he , ye shall never fall ; understand by these things , what he had said of sound faith , ver. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. And what he had said of the bringing out of the fruits of faith , ver. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8.

To this same purpose , consider , Rom. 1.8 . There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus , who walk not after the flesh , but after the Spirit . ver. 2. For the Law of the Spirit of Life , in Christ Iesus , hath made me free from the Law of sin and death . ver. 3. For what the Law could not do , in that it was weak through the flesh , God sending his own Son , in the likeness of sinfull flesh , and for sin condemned sin in the flesh . ver. 4. That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us , who walk not after the flesh , but after the Spirit .

Wherein the Apostle teacheth us these four things , for laying of the ground of faith solidly .

1. That every one is a true believer , who in the sense of his sin and fear of Gods wrath doth flee for full relief from both unto Jesus Christ alone , as the only Mediator , and all-sufficient Redeemer of men , and being fled to Christ , doth strive against his own flesh , or corrupt inclination of nature , and studieth to follow the rule of Gods Spirit , set down in his Word ; for the man whom the Apostle doth here bless as a true believer , is a man in Christ Jesus , who doth not walk after the flesh , but after ●he Spirit .

2. That all such persons as are fled to Christ , ●nd do strive against sin , howsoever they may ●e possibly exercised under the sense of wrath , ●nd fear of condemnation , yet they are in no ●anger ; for there is no condemnation ( saith he ) ●o them that are in Christ Iesus , who walk not ●fter the flesh , but after the Spirit .

3. That albeit the Apostle himself ( brought 〈◊〉 here for examples cause ) and all other true ●elievers in Christ , be , by nature , under the ●aw of sin and death , or under the Covenant ●f Works , ( called the Law of sin and death , ●ecause it bindeth sin and death upon us , till ●hrist set us free ) yet the Law of the spirit of ●●e in Christ Jesus , or the Covenant of Grace ●o called , because it doth inable and quicken man to a spiritual life through Christ ) doth set the apostle and all true believers free from the Covenant of Work● or the Law of sin and death , so that every man may say with him , The Law of the Spirit of life , or the Covenant of Grace , hath freed me from the Law of sin and death , or Covenant of Works .

4. That the fountain and first ground from whence our freedom from the curse of the Law doth flow , is the Covenant of Redemption , past betwixt God , and God the Son , as incarnate , wherein Christ takes the Curse of the Law upon him for sin , that the believer , who could not otherwise be delivered from the Covenant of Works , may be delivered from it . And this Doctrine the Apostle holdeth forth in these four branches . 1. That it was utterly ▪ impossible for the Law , or Covenant of works , to bring righteousness and life to a sinner because it was weak . 2. That this weakness and inability of the Law , or Covenant of Works , is not the fault of the Law , but the fault of sinfull flesh , which is neither able to ●ay the penalty of sin , nor to give perfect obedience to the Law ( presuppose by-gone sins were forgiven ) the Law was weak ( saith he ) through the flesh . 3. That the righteousness and salvation of sinners , which was impossible to be brought about by the Law , is brought to pass by sending Gods own Son , Jesus Christ in the flesh , in whose flesh sin is condemned and punished , for making satisfaction in the behalf of the Elect , that they might be set free . 4. That by his means the Law loseth nothing , because the righteousness of the Law is best fulfilled this way : First by Christ , giving perfect active obedience in our name unto it in all things : Next , by his paying , in our name , the penalty , ( due to our sins ) in his death . And lastly , by his working of Sanctification in us , who are true believers , who strive to give new obedience unto the Law , and walk not after the flesh , but after the Spirit .

Warrants yo believe .

FOr building our confid●nce upon th●s solid ground , these four Warrants and special motives to believe in Christ may serve : The 1. whereof is Gods hearty invitation , holden forth , Isa. 55.1 , ● , 3 , 4 , 5.

Ho , every one that thirsteth , come ye to the waters , and he that hath no money , come and buy without money , and without price . ver. 2. Wherefore do ye spend your money for that which is not bread , and your labour for that which satisfieth not ? Hearken diligently unto me , and eat ye that which is good , and let your soul delight it self in fatness . ver. 3. Incline your ear and come to me ; hear , and your soul shall live , and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you , even the sure mercies of David . ver. 4. Behold I have given him for a witness to the people , a leader and commander to the people , &c.

Here ( after setting down the precious ransom of our Redemption by the sufferings of Christ , and the rich blessings purchased to us thereby in the two former Chapters ) the Lord , in this Chapter ,

1. Maketh open offer of Christ and his grace by proclamation of a free and gracious market of Righteousness and Salvation ; to be had through Christ to every soul without exception , that truly desires to be saved from sin and wrath ; ●o , every one that thirsteth , saith he .

2. He inviteth all sinners , that , for any reason , stand at distance with God , to come and take from him riches of grace running in Christ as a River to wash away sin , and to slacken wrath : Come ye to water , saith he .

3. Lest any should stand back , in the sense of his own sinfulness or unworthiness and ina●ility to do any good , the Lord calleth upon such persons in special , saying , He that hath no money , come .

● . H● craveth no more of his Merchant , but that he be pleased with the wares offered , which are grace and more grace , and that he heartily consent unto , and imbrace this offer of grace , that so he may close a bargain and a formal Covenant with God●punc ; Come , buy without money ( saith he ) Come eat , that is , consent to have , and take unto you all saving graces , make the wares your own , possess them , and make use of all blessings in Christ , whatsoever maketh for your spiritual life and comfort , use and enjoy it freely , without paying any thing for it . Come , buy wine and milk without money and without price , saith he ,

5. Because the Lord knoweth how much we are inclined to seek righteousness and life by our own performances , and satisfaction to have righteousness and l●fe●punc ; as it were by the way of works , and how lo●th we are to embrace Christ Jesus , and to take life by way of free grace , through Jesus Christ , upon the tearm● whereupon it is offered to us , therefore the Lord lovingly calls us off this our crooked and unhappy way , with a gentle and timous admonition , giving us to understand that we shall but lose our labour in this our way , Wherefore do ye spend your money ( saith he ) for that which is not bread , and your labour for that which satisfieth not ?

6. The Lord promiseth to us solid satisfaction , in the way of betaking our selves unto the grace of Christ , even true c●ntentment , and fulness of spiritual pleasure , saying , Hearken diligently unto me , and eat that which is good , and let your soul delight its self in fatness .

6. Because faith cometh by hearing , he calleth for audience unto the explication of the offer , and calleth for believing of , and listening unto the truth , which is able to beget the application of saving faith and to draw the soul to trust in God . Incline your ear and come unto me , saith he . To which end the Lord promiseth , that this offer , being , received , shall quicken the dead sinner , and that upon the welcoming of this offer , he will close the Covenant of Grace with the man that shall consent unto it , even an indissolvable Covenant of perpetual Reconciliation and Peace , Hearken and your soul shall live , and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you .

Which Covenant he declareth , shall be in substance the assignation , and the making over of all the saving graces , which David ( who is Jesus Christ , Act. 13.34 . ) hath brought for us in the Covenant of Redemption , I will make a Covenant with you ( saith he ) even the sure mercies of David . By sure mercies he means saving graces , such as are righteousness , peace , and joy in the Holy Ghost , Adoption , Sanctification , and Glorification , and whatsoever belongs to Godliness , and life eternal .

8. To confirm and assure us of the real grant of these saving mercies , and to perswade us of the reality of the Covenant betwixt God and the believer of this word , the Father hath made a fourfold gift of his eternal and only begotten Son .

First , to be incarnate and born , for our sake , of the seed of David , his type , for which cause he is called here , and Act. 13.34 . ( David the true and everlasting King of Israel . ) This is the great gift of God to man , Iohn . 4.10 . And here [ I have given him to be David , or born of David to the people ]

Secondly , he hath made a gift of Christ to be a witness to the people , both of the sure and saving mercies granted to the redeemed in the Covenant of Redemption , and also of the Fathers willingness , and purpose to apply them , and to make them fast in the Covenant of Reconciliation made with such as imbrace the offer ; I have given him ( saith the Lord here ) to be a witness to the people : and truly he is a sufficient witness in this manner , in many respects . 1. Because he is one of the Persons of the blessed Trinity , and party contracter for us , in the Covenant of Redemption before the World was . 2. He is by Office as Mediator , the Messenger of the Covenant , and hath gotten commission to reveal it . 3. He began actually to reveal it in Paradise , where he promised that the seed of the woman should bruise the head of the Serpent . 4. He set forth his own death and suff●ring● , and the great benefits that should come th●reby to us , in the types and figures of sacrifices and ceremonies before his coming . 5. He gave more and more light 〈◊〉 this Covenant , speaking by his Spirit , thou ag● to age , in the holy prophets . 6. He came him●●lf 〈◊〉 the fulness of time , and did bear witness of all things belonging to this Covenant , a●d of Gods willing mind to take believers into it , partly by uniting our nature in one person with the D●vine Nature , part●y by Preaching the good tidings of the Covenant with his own mouth , partly by paying the price of Redemption on the Cross , and partly by dealing still with the people from the beginning to this day , to draw in and to hold in the redeemed in this Covenant .

Thirdly , God hath made a gift of Christ , as a Leader to the people , to bring us through all difficulties , all afflictions and temptations , unto life , by this Covenant . And he it is , and no other , who doth indeed lead his own unto the Covenant , and in the Covenant all the way on unto salvation . 1. By the direction of his word and Spirit . 2. By the example of his own life , in faith and obedience , even to the death of the Cross. 3. By his powerful working , bearing his redeemed ones in his arms , and causing them to lean on him , while they go up through the wilderness .

Fourthly , God hath made a gift of Christ unto his people , as a Commander ; which Office he faithfully exerciseth , by giving to his Kirk and people , Laws and Ordinances , Pastours and Governours , and all necessary Officers , by keeping Cou●ts and Assemblies among them to see that his Laws be obeyed : Subduing by his Word , Spirit and Discipline , his peoples corruptions ; and by his Wisdom and power , guarding them against their enemies whatsoever .

Hence he who hath closed bargain with God , may strengthen his faith , by reasoning after this manner .

Whosoever doth heartily receive the offer of free grace made here to sinners , thirsting for righteousness and salvation , unto him by everlasting Covenant belongeth Christ the true David , with all his sure and saving mercies .

But I ( may the weak believer say ) do heartily receive the offer of free grace , made here to sinners , thir●●ing for righteousness and salvation .

Therefore unto me , by an everlasting Covevenant belongeth Christ Jesus , with all his s●re and saving mercies .

The second warrant and special motive to imbrace Christ and believe in him is the earnest request that God maketh to us to be reconciled to him in Christ , holden forth , 2 Cor. 5. ver. 14.19.2.21 .

GOd was in Christ , reconciling the world unto himself , not imputing their trespasses unto them : and hath committed unto us the word of Reconciliation . ver. 20. Now then we are Embassadors for Christ , as though God did beseech you by us , we pray you in Christs stead , be ye reconciled to God . ver. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin , that we might be made the righteousness of God in him .

Wherein the Apostle teacheth us these nine Doctrines .

1. That the elect World , or the World redeemed souls , are by nature in the estate of enmity against God . This is presupposed in the word Reconciliation ; for reconciliation , or renewing of friendship , cannot be , except betwixt those that have been at enmity .

2. That in all the time by-past , since the fall of Adam , Christ Jesus , the eternal Son of God , as Mediator , and the Father in him , hath been about the making friendship ( by his word and Spirit ) betwixt himself and the elect World , God ( saith he ) was in Christ reconciling the world to himself .

3. That the way of reconciliation was in all ages one and the same in substance , viz. by forgiving the sins of them who do acknowledge their sins , and their enmity against God , and do seek reconciliation and remission of sins in Christ , for God ( saith he ) was in Christ reconciling the world to himself , by way of not imputing their trespasses unto them .

4. That the end and scope of the Gospel and whole word of God , is threefold .

1. It serveth to make people sensible of their sins , and of their enmity against God , and of their danger if they should stand out , and not fear Gods displeasure .

2. The word of God serveth to make men acquainted with the course which God hath prepared for making friendship with him through Christ , viz. That if men shall acknowledge the enmity , and shall be content to enter into a Covenant of friendship with God , through Christ , then God will be contented to be reconciled with them freely .

3. The word of God serveth to teach men how to carry themselves towards God , as friends , after they are reconciled to him , viz. to be loath to sin against him , and to strive heartily to obey his Commandments , and therefore the Word of God here is called the Word of Reconciliation , because it teacheth us , what need we have of reconciliation , and how to make it , and how to keep the reconciliation of friendship , being made with God through Christ .

5. That albeit the hearing , believing , and obeying of this word , doth belong to all those to whom this Gospel doth come , yet the Office of preaching of it , with authority , belongeth to none but to such only as God doth call to this ministry , and sendeth out with Commission for this work . This the Apostle holdeth forth , ver. 18. in these words , he hath committed to us the word of Reconciliation .

6. That the Ministers of the Gospel should behave themselves as Christs Messengers , and should closely follow their commission set down in the word , Matth. 28.19 , 20. and when they do so , they should be received by the people , as Ambassadours from God : for here the Apole , in all their names , saith , we are Embassadours for Christ , as though God did beseech you by us .

7. That Ministers in all earnestness of affections should deal with people , to acknowledge their sins , and their natural enmity against God more and more seriously : and to consent to the Covenant of Grace and Embassage of Christ more and more heartily ; and to evidence more and more clearly their reconciliation by a holy carriage before God . This he holdeth forth , when he saith , we pray you be reconciled to God .

8. That in the Ministers affectionate dealing with the people , the people should consider , that they have to do with God and Christ , requesting them by the Ministers to be reconciled , now there cannot be a greater inducement to break a sinners hard heart , than Gods making request to him for friendship : For when it became us , who have done so many wrongs to God , to seek friendship of God , he preventeth , and ( O wonder of wonders ! ) he requesteth us to be content to be reconciled wit● him : and therefore most fearful wrath must abide them , who do set light by this request ; and do not yield when they hear Ministers with Commission , saying , We are Embassadours for Christ , as though God did beseech you by us , we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God .

9. To make it appear , how it cometh to pass that the Covenant of Reconciliation should be so easily made up betwixt God and a humble sinner fleeing to Christ , the Apostle leads us unto the cause of it , holden forth in the Covenant of Redemption ; the sum whereof is this . It is agreed betwixt God and the mediator Iesus Christ the Son of God Surety for the redeemed , as parties contractors , that the sins of the redeemed should be imputed to innocent Christ , and he both condemned and put to death for them upon this very condition , that whosoever heartily consents unto the Covenant of Reconciliation offered through Christ , shall by the imputation of his obedience unto them , be justified and holden righteous before God , for God hath made Christ who knew no sin , to be sin for us ( saith the Apostle ) that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him .

Hence may a weak believer strengthen his faith , by reasoning from this ground after this manner .

He that upon the loving request of God and Christ , made to him by the mouth of his Ministers ( having Commission to that effect ) hath embraced the offer of perpetual reconciliation through Christ , and do purpose by Gods Grace , as a reconciled person to strive against sin , and to serve God to his power constantly , may be as sure to have righteousness , and eternal life given to him for the obedience of Christ imputed to him , as it is sure that Christ was condemned and put to death for the sins of the redeemed imputed to him .

But I ( may the weake believer say ) upon the loving request of God and Christ made to me by the mouth of his Ministers , have imbraced the offer of perpetual reconciliation through Christ , and do purpose by Gods gra●e , as a reconciled person , to strive against sin , and to serve God to my power constantly .

Therefore I may be as sure to have righteousness and ●ternal life given to me for the obedience of Christ imputed to me , as it is sure that Christ was condemned and put to death for the sins of the redeemed imputed to him .

The third warrant and special motive to believe in Christ , is the strait and awful command of God , charging all the hearers of the Gospel to approach to Christ , in the order set down by him , and to believe in him : holden forth , 1 Ioh. 3.23 .

THis is his Commandment , that we should believe on the name of his Son Iesus Christ , and love one another , as be gave us commandment .

Wherein the Apostle giveth us to understand these five Doctrines .

1. That ●f any man shall not be taken with the sw●et invitation of God , nor with the humb●e and loving request of God made to him to be reconciled , he shall find he hath to do with the Soveraign Authority of the highest Majesty ; for this is his commandment , that we believe in him , saith he .

2. That if any man look upon this Command as he hath looked heretofore upon the neglected Commandments of the Law ; he must consider that this is a command of the Gospel , posterior to the Law , given for making use of the remedy of all sins ; which if it be disobeyed , there is no other Command to follow but this : Go , ye cursed , into everlasting fire of Hell : for this is his commandment : the obedience of which is most pleasant in his sight , ver. 22. And without which it is impossible to please him , Heb. 11.6 .

3. That every one who heareth the Gospel , must make conscience of the duty of lively faith in Christ , the weak believer must not think it presumption to do what is commanded : the person inclined to despiration must take up himself , and think upon obedience unto this sweet and saving command : the strong believer must dip yet more in the sense of his need he hath of Jesus Christ , and more and more grow in the obedience of this command , yea , the most impenitent , prophane and wicked person , must not thrust out himself , or be thrust out by others , from orderly aiming at this duty , how desperate soever his condition seem to be ; for he that commands all men to believe in Christ , doth thereby command all men to believe that they are damned and lost without Christ : he thereby commands all men to acknowledge their sins , and their need of Christ , and in effect commands all men to repent , that they may believe in him . And whosoever do refuse to repent of their by-gone sins are guilty of disobedience to this Command given to all hearers , but especially to those that are within the visible Church , for this is his commandment , that we should believe in the name of his Son Iesus Christ ▪ saith he .

4. That he who ob●yeth this Commandment , hath built his salvation on a solid ground . For first , he hath found the promised Messiah , compleatly furnished with all perfections unto the perfect execution of the Offices of Prophet , Priest , and King ; for he is that Christ in whom the man doth believe . 2. He hath embraced a Saviour who is able to save to the uttermost ; yea , and who doth effectually save every one that cometh to God through him : for he is Jesus the true Saviour of his people from their sins . 3. He that obeyeth this command , hath bui●t his salvation on the Rock , that is , on the Son of God , to whom it is no robbery to be called equal to the Father , and who is worthy to be the object of saving Faith and of Spiritual Worship , for this is his command ( saith he ) that we believe in the Name of his Son Iesus Christ .

5. That he who hath believed on Jesus Christ ( though he be freed from the curse of the Law ) is not freed from the Command and obedience of the Law , but tyed thereunto by a new obligation , and a new command from Christ : Which new command from Christ importeth help to obey the command , unto which command from Christ , the Father addeth his authority and command also ; for this i● his commandment ( saith John ) that we believe on the Name of his Son Iesus Christ , and love one another , as he hath Commandded us . The first part of which command enjoyning belief in him ▪ necessarily implyeth love to God , and so obedience to the first tab●e , for believing in God , and loving God are inseparable . And the second part of the command injoyneth love to our neighbour , ( especially to the houshold of faith ) and so obedience unto the second Table of the Law .

Hence may a weak believer strengthen himself by reasoning from this ground after this manner .

Whosoever in the sense of his own sinfulness and fear of Gods wrath , at the command of God , is fled to Iesus Christ the only remedy of sin and mis●ry and hath ingaged his heart to the obedience of the Law of Love , his Faith is not presumptuous or dead , but true and saving Faith .

But I ( may the weak believer say ) in the sense of my own sinfulness and fear of Gods wrath am fled to Iesus Christ the only remedy of sin and misery , and have ingaged my heart to the obedience of the Law of Love .

Therefore my faith is not a presumtuous and dead faith , but true and saving faith .

The fourth warrant and spec●al motive to believe in Christ is much assurance of life given , in case men shall obey the command of believing , and a fearful certification , of destruction , in case they obey not : holden forth , Ioh. 3.35 .

THe Father loveth the Son , and hath given all things into his hand . ver. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life , and he that believeth not the Son , shall not see life , but the wrath of God abideth on him .

Wherein are holden forth to us these five following Doctrines ,

1. That the Father is well satisfied with the undertakings of the Son , entered Redeemer and Surety to pay the ransom of believers , and to perfect them in holiness and salvation . The Father loveth the Son , saith he , viz. As he standeth Mediator in our name , undertaking to perfect our Redemption in all points . The Father loveth him , that is , doth heartily accept his offer to do the work , and is well pleased with him : his soul delighteth in him and resteth upon him , and maketh him in this his Office , the receptacle of love and grace and good will , to be conveyed by him to believers in him .

2. That for fulfilling of the Covenant of Redemption , the Father hath given to the Son , ( as he standeth in the capacity of the Mediator ) or as he is God incarnate , ( the word made flesh ) all authority in Heaven and Earth , all furniture of the riches of grace , and of spirit and life with all power , and ability , which the Union of the Divine Nature with the Humane ; or which the fulness of the Godhead , dwelling substantially in his Humane Nature , or which the indivisible all-sufficiency and omnipote●●y of the inseparable , every where present Trini●● do●h import ; or the work of Rede●ption ca●●equire ; the Father ( saith he ) hath given al●●hi●gs into the Sons hand , to wit , for acco●pl●●hing his work .

3. 〈◊〉 assurance of life is holden forth to all , who shall heartily receive Christ and the offer of the Covenant of grace and reconciliation through him , he that believeth on the Son ( saith he ) hath everlasting life , for it is made fast unto him , 1. In Gods purpose , and irrevocable decree , as the believer is a man elected to life . 2. By effectual calling of him unto life by God , who as he is faithful , so will he do it . 3. By promise and everlasting Covenant , sworn by God to give the believer strong consolation in life and death upon immutable grounds . 4. By a pawn and infestment under the great Seal of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , so oft as the believer shall come to receive the symbols and pledges of life . 5. In Christ the fountain and head of life , who is entred in a possession , as atturney for believers , in whom our life is so laid up , that it cannot be taken away . 6. By begun possession of spiritual life and regeneration , and a Kingdom consisting in righteousness , peace , and joy in the Holy Ghost , erected within the believer , as arles of the full possession of everlasting life .

4. A fearful certification is given , if a man receive not the Doctrine concerning righteousness and eternal life to be had by Jesus Christ : he that believes not the Son , shall not see life , that is , not so much as understand what it meaneth .

5. He further certifieth , that if a man receive not the Doctrine of the Son of God , he shall be burdened twice with the wrath of God once as a born rebel by nature , he shall bear the curse of the Law , or the Covenant of Works ; and next , he shall endure a greater condemnation , in respect that light being come into the world , and offered to him , he hath rejected it , and loveth darkness rather than light , and this double wrath shall be fastned and fixed immoveably upon him , so long as he remaineth in the condition of misbelief , the wrath of God abideth on him , saith he .

Hence may the weak believer strengthen his faith by reasoning from this ground after this manner .

Whosoever believeth the Doctrine delivered by the Son of God , and findeth himself partly drawn powerfully to believe him , by the sight of life in ●im , and partly driven by the fear of Gods wrath to adhere unto him , may be sure of right and interest to life eternal through him .

But , sinful and unworthy I , ( may the weak believer say ) do believe the Doctrine delivered by the Son of God , and do feel my self partly drawn powerfully to believe in him , by the sight of life in him ; and partly driven , by the fear of Gods wrath to adhere unto him .

Therefore I may be sure of my right and interest unto eternal life through him .

The evidences of true Faith .

SO much for the laying the grounds of faith and warrants to believe : now for evidencing of true faith by fruits , these four things are requisite . 1. That the believer be soundly convinced in his judgment , of this obligation to keep the whole moral Law , all the days of his life : And that not the less , but so much the more , as he is delivered by Christ from the Covenant of Works , and curse of the Law . 2. That he endeavour to grow in the exercise and daily practice of Godliness and righteousness . 3. That the course of his new obedience run in the right channel , that is , through faith in Christ , and through a good conscience , to all the duties of love toward God and man . 4. That he keep strait communion with the fountain Christ Jesus , from whom grace must run along for furnishing of good fruits .

For the first , viz. To convince the believer , in his judgement , of his obligation to keep the Moral Law , among many passages , take Matth. 5.16 .

LEt your light so shine before men , that they may see your good works , and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven . ver. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets : I am not come to destroy , but to fulfil . ver. 18. For verily I say unto you , till Heaven and Earth pass , one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the Law , till all be fulfi●led . ver. 19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments , and shall teach men so , he shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven but whosoever shall do and teach them , the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven . ver. 20. For I say unto you , that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees , ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven .

Wherein our Lord ,

1. Giveth commandment to believers , justified by faith , to give evidence of the grace of God in them , before men , by doing good works . Let your light so shine before men ( saith he ) that they may see your good works .

2. He induceth them so to do , by shewing that albeit they be not justified by works ; yet spectators of their good works may be converted or edified , and so glory may redound to God by their good works , when the witnesses thereof shall glorifie your Father which is in Heaven .

3. He gives them no other rule for their new obedience , than the Moral Law , set down , and explicated by Moses and the Prophets . Think not ( saith he ) that I am come to destroy the Law , and the Prophets .

4. He gives them to understand that the Doctrine of grace , and freedom from the curse of the Law , by faith in him , is readily mistaken by mens corrupt judgment , as if it did loose or slaken the obligation of believers to obey the commands , and to be subject to the authority of the Law , and that this error is indeed a destroying of the Law and of the Prophets , which he will in no case ever endure in any of his Disciples , it is so contrary to the end of his coming , which is first to sanctifie , and then to save believers . Think not ( saith he ) that I am come to destroy the Law , and the Prophets .

5. He teacheth , that the end of the Gospel and Covenant of Grace , is to procure mens obedience unto the Moral Law , I am come ( saith he ) to fulfil the Law , and the Prophets .

6. That the obligation of the Moral Law , it● all points , unto all holy duties , is perpetual and shall stand to the worlds end , that is , till Heaven and Earth pass away .

7. That as God hath a care of the Scriptures from the beginning , so shall he have care of them still to the Worlds end , that there shall not one jot or one title of the substance thereof be taken away , so saith the Text , v. 11.

8. That as the breaking of the Moral Law , and defending the transgression thereof to be no sin , doth exclude men both from Heaven , and justly also from the fellowship of the true Kirk , so the obedience of the Law and teaching others to do the same , by example , counsel and doctrine , according to every mans calling , proveth a man to be a true believer , and in great estimation with God , and worthy to be much esteemed of by the true Church , v. 19.

9. That the righteousness of every true Christian , must be more than the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ; for the Scribes and Pharisees , albeit they took great pains to discharge sundry duties of the Law , yet they cutted short the exposition thereof : that it might the less condemn the practice , they studied the outward part of the duty , but neglected the inward and spiritual part : they discharged meaner duties carefully , but neglected judgment , mercy and the love of God : In a word , they went about to establish their own righteousness , and rejected the Righteousness of God by faith in Jesus . But a true Christian must have more than all this , he must acknowledg the full extent of the spiritual meaning of the Law , and have a respect to all the Commandments , and labour to cleanse himself from all filthiness of flesh and Spirit , and not lay weight upon what service he hath done , or shall do , but cloath himself with the imputed righteousness of Christ : which only can hide his nakedness , or else he cannot be saved . So saith the Text , Except your righteousness , &c.

The second thing requisite to evidence true Faith , is that the believer endeavour to put the rules of Godliness and Righteousness in practice , and to grow in the daily exercise thereof : holden forth , 2 Pet. 1.5 .

ANd besides this giving all diligence , add to your faith vertue , and to vertue knowledge , ver. 6. And to knowledge temperance ; and to temperance , patience ; and to patience godliness : ver. 7. And to godliness , brotherly kindness , and to brotherly kindness , charity . ver. 8. For if these things be in you , and abound , they make you that ye shall neither be barre● nor unfruitfull in the knowledge of our Lord Iesus Christ .

Wherein , 1. The Apostle teacheth believers , for evidencing of pious faith in themselves , to endeavour to add to their faith seven other sister graces : the first is Vertue , or the active exercise and practice of all Moral duties , that so faith may not be idle , but put forth it self in work . The second is Knowledge , which serveth to furnish Faith with information of the truth to be believed ; and to furnish Vertue with direction what duties are to be done , and how to go about them prudently . The third is Temperance , which serveth to moderate the use of all pleasant things , that a man be not cloged therewith , nor made unfit for any duty , whereto he is called . The fourth is Patience , which serveth to moderate a mans affections , when he meeteth wi●h any difficulty or unpleasant thing , that he neither weary for pains required in well doing , nor faint when the Lord chastiseth him , nor murmur when he crosseth him . The fifth is Godliness , which may keep him up in all exercises of Religion , inward and outward , whereby he may be furnished from God , for all other duties which he hath to do . The sixth is Brotherly kindness , which keepeth estimation of , and affection to , all the houshold of Faith , and to the image of God in every one wheresoever it is seen . The seventh is Love , which keepeth the heart in readiness to do good to all men , whosoever they be , upon all occasions which God shall offer .

2. Albeit it be true , that there is much corruption and infirmity in the godly , yet the Apostle will have men uprightly endeavouring , and doing their best , as they are able to joyn all these graces one to another , and to grow in the measure of exercising of them : giving all diligence ( saith he ) add to your saith , &c.

3. He assureth all professed believers , that as they shall profit in the obedience of this direction , so they shall Profitably prove the soundness of their own faith , and if they want these graces , that they shall be found blind deceivers of themselves , ver. 9.

The third thing requisite to evidence true faith is , that obedience to the Law run in the right channel , that is through faith in Christ , &c. holden forth , 1 Tim. 1.5 .

NOw the end of the Commandment is love out of a pure heart , and of a good conscience and of saith unfaigned .

Wherein the Apostle teacheth these seven Doctrines .

1. That the obedience of the Law must flow from love , and love from a pure heart , and a pure heart from a good Conscience , and a good conscience from Faith unfaigned , this he maketh the only right channel of good works , the end of the Law is Love , &c.

2. That the end of the Law is not that men may be justified by their obedience of it , as the Jewish Doctors did falsly teach : for it is impossible that sinners can be justified by the Law , who for every transgression are condemned by the Law : for the end of the Law is ( not such as the Jewish Doctors taught , but ) love out of a pure heart , &c.

3. That the true end of the Law , preached unto the people , is that they , by the Law , being made to see their deserved condemnation , should flie to Christ unfaignedly , to be justified by faith in him : So saith the Text , while it maketh love to flow through faith in Christ .

4. That no man can set himself in love to obey the Law , except in as far as his conscience is quieted by faith , or is seeking to be quieted in Christ , for the end of the Law is love of a good conscience , and faith unfaigned .

5. That faigned faith goeth to Christ without reckoning with the Law , and so wants an errand ; but unfaigned faith reckoneth with the Law , and is forced to flie for refuge unto Christ as the end of the Law , for righteousness so often as it finds it self guilty for breaking of the Law : For the end of the Law is faith unfaigned .

6. That the fruits of love may come forth in act particularly it is necessary , that the heart be brought to the hatred of all sin and uncleanness , and to a stedfast purpose to follow all holiness universal ; for the end of the Law is love out of a pure heart .

7. That unfaigned f●ith is able to make the conscience good , and the heart pure , and the man lovingly obedient to the Law ; for when Christs blood is seen by faith to quiet justice , then the conscience becometh quiet also , and will not suffer the heart to entertain the love of sin , but sets the man on work to fear God for his mercy , and to obey all his commandments out of love to God for his free gift of justification by grace bestowed on him : For this is the end of the Law indeed , whereby it obtaineth of a man more obedience than any other way .

The fourth thing requisite to evidence true faith is , the keeping of strait communion with Christ , the fountain of all grace and of all good works : holden forth , Iohn 15.5 .

I Am the true vine , ye are the branches , he that abideth in me and I in him , the same bringeth forth much fruit ; for without me ye can do nothing .

Wherein Christ in a similitude from a vine tree teacheth us .

1. That by nature we are wild barren briers till we be changed by coming unto Christ , and that Christ is that noble vine tree having all life and sap of grace in himself , and able to change the nature of every one that cometh to him , and to communicate spirit and life to as many as shall believe in him : I am the vine ( saith he ) and ye are the branches .

2 That Christ loveth to have believers so united unto him , as that they be not separated at any time by unbelief : and that there may be a mutual inhabitation of them in him by faith and love , and of him in them , by his Word and Spirit , for he joyneth these together , if ye abide in me and I in you , as things inseparable .

3. That except a man be ingrafted in Christ and united to him by faith , he cannot do any the least good work of his own strength : yea , except in as far as a man doth draw spirit and life from Christ by faith , the work which he doth is naughty and nul in the point of goodness in Gods estimation , for without me ( saith he ) ye can do nothing .

4. That this mutual inhabitation , is the fountain and infallible cause of constant continuing and abounding in well-doing . For he that abideth in me , and I in him ( saith he ) the same beareth much fruit . Now as our abiding in Christ presupposeth three things , 1. That we have heard the joyful sound of the Gospel making offer of Christ to us who are lost sinners by the Law . 2. That we have heartily embraced the gracious offer of Christ . 3. That by receiving of him we are become the sons of God , Iob. 1.12 . And are incorporated into his Mystical body , that he may dwell in us as his temple , and we dwel in him as in the residence of righteousness and life , So our abiding in Christ importeth other three things . 1. An imploying of Christ in all our addresses to God , and in all our undertakings of whatsoever peece of service to him . 2. A contentedness with his sufficiency , without going out from him to seek righteousness or life , or furniture in any case , in our own or any of the creatures worthiness . 3. A fixedness in our believing in him , a fixedness in our imploying and making use of him , and a fixedness in our contentment in him , and adhering to him , so that no allurement , no tentation of Satan or the World , no terror nor trouble may be able to drive our spirits from firm adherence unto him ; or from constant avowing of his truth and obeying his commands , who hath loved us and given himself for us : and in whom not only our life is laid up , but also the fulness of the God-head dwelleth bodily , by reason of the substantial and personal union of the Divine and Humane nature in him .

Hence let every watchful Believer , for strengthning himself in faith and obedience , reason after this manner .

WHosoever doth daily imploy Christ Iesus for cleansing his conscience and affections from the guiltiness and filthiness of sins against the Law , and for making of him to give evidence of true faith in himself .

But I ( may every watchful believer say ) do daily imploy Jesus Christ for cleansing my conscience and affections from the guiltiness and filthiness of sins against the Law , & for enabling of me to give obedience to the Law in love .

Therefore I have the evidence of true faith in my self .

And hence also let the sleepy and sluggish believer reason , for his own up-stirring thus .

Whatsoever is necessary for giving evidence of true faith , I must study to do it , except would deceive my self and perish .

But to imploy Christ Jesus daily for cleansing of my conscience and affections from the guiltiness and filthiness of sins against the Law , and for enabling of me to give obedience to the Law in love , is necessary for evidencing of true faith in me .

Therefore this I must study to do , except I would deceive my self and perish .

And lastly , seeing Christ himself hath pointed this fourth as an undoubted evidence of a man elected of God unto life , and given to Jesus Christ to be redeemed , if he come unto him , that is , close Covenant and keep communion with him , as he teacheth us , Iohn 6.37 . Saying , All that the Father hath given me , shall come to me , and him that cometh to me , I will in no wise cast out . Let every person who doth not in earnest make use of Christ , for remission of sin and amendment of life , reason hence , and from the whole premisses , after this manner , that his conscience may be wakned .

Whosoever is neither by the Law nor by the Gospel so convinced of sin , righteousness and judgment , as to make him come to Christ and imploy him daily for remission of sin and amendment of life , he wanteth not only all evidence of saving faith , but also all appearance of his election , so long as he remaineth in this condition .

But I ( may every impenitent person say ) am neither by the Law nor Gospel convinced of sin , righteousness and judgment , as to make me come to Christ and imploy him daily for remission of sin and amendment of life

Therefore I want not only all the evidence of saving faith , but also all appearance of my election , so long as I remain in this condition .

FINIS .
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