A BRIEF sum OF Christian Religion. OR, Of things most necessary for a Christians Knowledge, Practice, and Comfort. COMPOSED By THOMAS GREAVES, a Minister of the Gospel. Deut. 11. 18, 19 & ch. 6. 6, 7. Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart, and in your soul, and ye shall teach them your Children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. August. de trad.. Symb — Simplex, breve, plenum; Ut simplicitas Audientium consulat rusticitati, brevitas memoriae, plenitudo doctrinae— It is plain, brief, full: that plainness may be an help to the unlearned, briefness to memory, fullness to the instruction of the Hearers. Printed at London 1656. SEt your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you.— For it is not a vain thing for you, because it is your Life. Deut. 32. 46, 47. I pray God that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: That you may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Col. 1. 9, 10. MAny Testimonies of Scripture (for the fuller confirmation of the Doctrine here delivered) are in due order annexed, & aught to be diligently considered. Sometimes the same place, though but once quoted, hath reference to several parts of the same Proposition, which I thought unnecessary to iterate. All joined together prove the whole proposition, and every branch thereof. To the Christian Reader. THis short Treatise I chiefly designed for that Congregation, to which as a Minister, I have peculiar reference, which consisting (for the greatest part) of plain, and unlearned people, plainness, and brevity was purposely sought, and intended by me: that so being clear to their Understanding, and easy for their Memory, it might be the better conceived, and retained. The Scriptures themselves do often Summarily express the chief points contained in them, giving us an abridgement of the Law, the Gospel, and Means of Salvation: which Precedent I have willingly followed, endeavouring to omit nothing that is Necessary, and likewise to insert nothing but what is agreeable to those holy Writings, & received by the Ancient, and present orthodox Churches I have chosen such words, and expressions as are (for the most part) used in God's Word, and therefore of greatest significancy, and weight. I hope the plenty of Quotations will not be accounted a superfluity, which I added the more copiously, at first for my own, and now for the Readers satisfaction. Better that of such there should be a redundance, than a defect, and where they most abound, I conceive there is greatest need of them, as in the 14th Proposition, where almost every word requires a several Testimony: in this, and other places, the cited Texts may supply my very brief mention of such weighty Mysteries, which in regard of their use, and importance, deserve the ampler confirmation. Controverted Points I have laboured to express in temperate, and amicable Terms, and to present the Truth with such indifferency, and moderation, as might reconcile, rather than exasperate, disagreeing Parties. To have severally expounded the Precepts of the Decalogue, would have been inconsistent with the brevity here intended, therefore I have added one Proposition (the 25th) as a general explication of all. So likewise concerning the Creed, and Lord's Prayer, I desired to mention that which might be some explanation of them, yet very brief, and proportionable to the rest of the sum. Those Secrets of God's unsearchable Decrees I have sparingly mentioned, inculcating rather the means which lead us to the best assurance, and certainty here, and to a blessed fruition at last of eternal salvation. Concerning Ministers I was willing to add the 34th aphorism, specially for the people's sake, who not considering the excelloncy of that sacred Office do exceedingly offend God, and gratify their enemy, the Devil, some by Usurping, most by Despising it: undervaluing one of the highest favours, and providences of Christ towards his Church, for the building whereof and perfecting the Saints, Eph 4. 12. (as the Apostle affirms) they are peculiarly set, and assigned. The Doctrines (and most of the Expressions also) being contained in the Scriptures, I need not be solicitous to make an Apology, or give a further account. God's Truth, whether we receive, or reject it, still reteins the same authority, and strength, and is (notwithstanding all our Opposition and Differences) the perfect Rule by which we must now Judge, and hereafter be judged: to which in this sum I only appeal, and refer both myself, and the Reader. I confess that what I here publish, is but small, yet I cannot say that my labour, and study in composing it hath been such also: for I think that with as little pains I might have written a large volume. To make hard things plain, to join brevity and perspicuity, and comprehend much in little, without detriment to the sense and matter, to convey the highest things to low capacities, is a matter of great Difficulty, and industry: the very attempt whereof I hope will be favoured, though I much fail in the performance. As I, so others making experiment, will (I believe) acknowledge the words, and Observation of a * Arch-Bp. of Armagh in a Sermon before K. James. 1624. Person most eminent for piety and learning (who with others hath encouraged me to publish this Treatise) to be most certain, and true, that — Try it when ever we please, we shall find, that to lay this groundwork rightly, will put us to the trial of our skill, and trouble us a great deal more, then if we were to discuss a controversy, or handle a subtle point in the Schools. Thus He concerning the Difficulty of this Work, and that which he adds concerning the Necessity also, is (in our careless days) to be sadly considered. The neglecting hereof is the frustrating of the whole work of the ministry: for let us preach never so many Sermons to the people, our labour is but lost, as long as the Foundation is unlaid, and the Principles untaught upon which all other Doctrine must be builded. The Consideration hereof hath chiefly moved me to this labour, and my last desire and advise to the Reader is, in the words of our Saviour, Take heed that you despise not little things, Matth. 18. 10. and intended chiefly for little ones: because, they are such without which none can truly be Great, or Eternally glorious, and happy. THO. GREAVES. A Brief sum of Christian Religion. 1. THe sure and only way to obtain eternal life, John 17. 3. and happiness, Acts 4. 12. is to know God, Mat. 16. 15, 16. and his Son Jesus Christ, and to honour and serve him, Joh. 12. 26. as he hath appointed in his Word. 1 Chr. 28. 9 1 Sam. 2. 30. Deut. 10. 12. 2 Tim. 3: 15. Is. 8. 20. Acts 24. 14. Rom. 16. 26. 2. The holy Scriptures The Scriptures. of the Old and New Testament are the Word and Oracles of God, Eph. 2. 20. wherein he hath revealed his Will and Truth unto us, 1 Pet. 1. 25. unto which we ought most diligently to attend. Rom. 3. 2. Heb. 5. 12. Eph. 3. 5. 2 Tim. 3. 16. Mat. 22. 20, Luk. 16. 29, 31. 2 Pet. 1. 19, 21: Deut. 31. 11, 1●. 3. The Scriptures principally declare unto us, Psa. 145. 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, Gal. 3. 22 1. the Nature, Majesty, and Works of God. Rom. 3. 9, 10, 19, &c. 2. The Misery of all mankind by Sin. 3. Our Redemption and salvation by Jesus Christ. 1 Thes. 5. 9, 10. 4. The Duty of the Redeemed towards God. 1 Cor. 15. 3, ●. Acts 5. 31. Eph▪ 1. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 30, 31. Lu. 1. 74, 75, 77. Psa. 107. 1, 2. 4. God is a Spirit, God's nature. eternal, Almighty, Joh. 4. 24. unchangeable, most pure, holy, wise, 1 Tim. 1. 17. just, gracious, and merciful, infinite in all perfections and excellencies. Mal. 3. 6. Jam. 1. 17. 1 Joh. 1. 5. Rev. 4. 8. Exod. 34. 6, 7. Psal. 145. 3, 8, 17. Psal. 147. 5. Job 11. 7. Acts 17. 24, 25. 5. There is but One true God, Joh. 17. 3. who is distinguished by Three Persons, 1 Cor. 8. 5, 6. the Father begetting, Heb. 1. 3. 5, 6. the Son his only begotten, 1 Joh. 5. 7. and Ma●. 28. 19 the Holy Ghost proceeding from both: Joh. 1. 14. 18. of one substance, will, and power, Joh. 15. 26. and with equal honour to be worshipped, Gal. 4. 6. and glorified by all. Joh. 10. 30. Phil. 2. 6. 1 Cor. 2. 10, 11. Jo: 5. 23. 2 Cor. 13. 14. Rev. 5. 12, 13. 6: God hath his Being of himself, God's chief works and is the only Author of all Being and Blessings unto others; Exod. 3. 14. who created all things very good, Acts 17. 24, 25, and doth sustain, Gen. 1. 1. 31. preserve, and govern them, exercising an everlasting Kingdom, Neh. 9 6. and Providence over all. Col. 1, 16, 17. Rom. 11. 36. Heb. 1. 3. Psal. 119. 91. Psal. 145. 13. 1 Chr. 29. 11. Dan. 4. 34, 35. Prov. 15. 3. Joh. 5. 17. Mat. 10. 29, 30. 7. God created Man upright, man's first state. according to his own Image, Eccl. 7. 29. in an holy and happy state, Gen. 1. 27, 28. to obey and glorify his Maker. Col. 3. 10. Eph. 4. 24. Pro. 16. 4. Rev. 4. 11. 8. Adam the first man (of whose nature and condition we all partake) by transgression of God's Law and Covenant, man's misery. fell from his first state; 1 Cor. 15. 45. 47, 48. Jo. 3: 6. by whose disobedience sin and death entered into the World. Gen. 3. 17, 23. Mal. 2. 10. Hos. 6. 7. marg. Ro. 5. 12, 14. 19 9 All men descending from Adam are guilty of sin, Ro. 3. 9, 19, 23. which dwelleth in us, Ro. 7. 17, 20. the wages whereof is death, Rom. 6. 23. and therefore cannot (unless born again) enter into heaven, Joh. 3. 3, 5, 6. being wholly corrupt, Gen. 6. 11, 12. and by nature children of wrath. Psal. 14. 1. Ephes. 4. 22. Psal. 51. 5. Ephes. 2. 3. Col. 1. 21. 10. Sin Sin. is contrary to God's nature and Law, 1. Joh. 3. 4. which law whosoever doth not fulfil is under a Curse, Hab. 1. 13. and deserveth all plagues, Gal. 3. 10. and miseries in this life, Deut. 28. 15. Death, Lev. 26. 14, 15, 16. &c. and in the world to come everlasting Condemnation. Rom. 6. 23. 2 Thes. 1. 9 Matth. 25. 41, 46. Joh. 5. 29. 11. Jesus Christ the second Adam, man's Redemption. the promised Seed, hath in our nature perfectly obeyed God's law, 1. Cor. 15. 45, 47 and suffered punishment and death for our sins: Gen. 3. 15. by whose Obedience & Sufferings we are redeemed from the curse, Gal. 3. 16. and reconciled to God; Heb. 2. 14, 16. according to his New Heb. 10. 7, 9, 10, 1 Pet. 2. 22, 23, 24. 1 Joh. 3. 5. Joh. 8. 29, 46. Joh. 4. 34. & 15. 10. Phil. 2. 7, 8. I●● 53. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10. 1 Pet. 3. 18. Gal. 3. 13. Rom. 5. 10, 19 and gracious Covenant made with us in Christ. Jer. 31. 31, 32. Heb. 8. 8, 13. Gal. 3. 16, 17. Lu. 1. 68, 69, 72 12. This was God's Covenant God's Covenant. (proceeding from mere grace and love towards man) to send the MESSIAH, Tit. 3. 4, 5, 6, 7. that is, Isa: 42▪ 6, 7. Christ, Dan. 9 25, 26. into the world, Joh. 1. 41. and by him to abolish sin and death, Rom. 11. 26. 27 and to give unto us perfect righteousness and life everlasting. Joh. 1. 29. 2 Tim. 1. 10. Heb. 9 26, 28. Rom. 3. 24. 25, 26. Rom. 5. 17, 18, 21. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Rom. 6. 23. 13. Christ (promised under the old Testament, Christ's Office. and given in the New) was ordained of God, Rom. 1. 2, 3. and anointed with his Spirit to a threefold Office. Isa. 9 6. 1. of a Prophet, Acts 13. 23, 33, to reveal the way to eternal life. Acts 2. 36. 2. 1 Pet. 1. 21, 22. of a Priest, Joh. 1. 42. 46. to make an Atonement and Intercession. Acts 10. 38, 42 3. Act. 3. 22. of a King, Joh. 6. 14. 68 to govern his Church, Heb. 5. 5, 6. and enrich it with all Graces, Rom. 5. 10, 11. to overcome the World, Rom. 8. 34. Sin, Lu. 1. 32, 33. Death, 1 Cor. 1. 5. and Hell the enemies thereof, Acts 5. 31, 32. that so he might be a perfect Jesus, Eph. 4, 7, 8. and Saviour of his people. Joh. 16. 33. 1 Cor. 15. 25, 26, 27, 55. Heb. 7. 25. Mat. 1. 21. 14. Jesus being true God and man in one glorious Person, Christ's Benefits. by his most righteous life, Rom. 9 5. and precious Death, 1 Tim. 3. 16. and Sacrifice of himself hath obtained for Joh. 1. 1. 14. Luke 1. 35. us Remission of sins, Gal. 4. 4. imputation of Righteousness, 1 Cor. 2. 8. Adoption to be Sons of God, Heb. 5. 8, 9 the Spirit of grace, and Sanctification, 1 Joh. 2. 2. eternal Life and Glory: Heb. 10. 12, 14. all which benefits are promised, Heb. 9 12, 26. and freely offered unto us in the gospel. 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19 & 3. 18. Eph. 1. 5, 7, 14. Acts 13. 38, 39 2 Cor. 5. 21. Ro. 5. 19 Rom. 4. 5, 6, 24, 25. Gal. 4. 5. Rom. 8. 9, 15, 17. Gal. 3. 14. Heb. 10. ●o, 19, 20. Tit. 3. 6. Joh. 6. 51. 1 Thes. 5. 9, 10. 2 Thes. 2. 14 1 Cor, 2. 12. Rom. 8. 32. Eph. 1. 13. & 2. 8, 9 1 Joh. 2. 25. Rom. 5. 15, 17, 23. Joh. 7. 37, 38, 39 Is. 55. 1, 2. 15. Of Christ and all his benefits we are made partakers by Faith, Heb. 3. 14. through the Operation of God's Spirit, Col. 2. 10, 12, and this is the sum of the gospel, 1 Cor. 12. 6. that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, Joh. 3. 16, 18. & 5. 24. & 6. 47, 54. but have eternal life, with all graces, Gal. 3. 8, 9 and blessings appertaining unto it. 2 Pet. 1. 3, 4. Rom. 8. 32. 16. To believe in Jesus Christ is to receive and embrace him, Joh. 11. 12. and his Gospel (as the only doctrine which bringeth Salvation) cleaving unto him with the heart, 1 Tim. 1. 15. and with confidence (in his mercy, Heb. 11. 13. power, Acts 4. 12. & 11. 23. and truth) to rely upon him for remission of Sins, Deut. 10. 20. and eternal life, Heb. 3. 6, 14. and all other promised blessings. Jude 20, 21. Eph. 3. 12. Heb. 4. 15, 16. & 7. 25, 26. Psal. 25. 10. & 117. 2. 2. Chr. 16. 7, 8. Isa. 26. 3, 4. Acts 5. 31. Mat. 9 6, 4. Heb. 5 9 Jo. 10. 28, & 17. 2. Eph, 1. 3. 17. Obedience. Every true believer receiveth Christ for his Saviour, Joh. 4. 42. and also for his LORD, 1 Cor. 1, 2. & 8. 5, 6. embracing and applying his gracious Promises, Gal. 2. 20. and submitting to his holy Precept, yielding himself an obedient Servant, Heb. 10▪ 22, 23 to be governed by him, Rom. 4. 20, 21 and to be saved by those means and ways which he hath appointed. Tir. 1. 2. Acts 15. 11. Heb. 11. 13. Luke 6. 46. 2 Cor 9 13. & 8. 5. & 10. 5, Rom. 6. 16, 17. Luke 9 23. Mat. 11. 28, 29. 18. Whosoever (therefore) rightly believeth doth also truly Repent, Acts 11. 17. 18 & 15. 9 and Obey God's commandments, Mar. 1. 15. bringing forth the fruits of righteousness, Gal. 5. 6. & 6. 15. and showing his faith by good works, 1 Tim. 1. 19▪ and an holy conversation: Rom. 6. 22. which are the ways ordained by Christ, Phil. 1. 11. to bring us to eternal life, Col. 1. 6, 10. and salvation. ●am. 2. 18. & 3. 13. Joh. 12. 26. Eph. 2. 10. Psal. 50. 23. Prov. 28. 18. 19 Repentance is a Conversion, or turning from error to truth, Repentance. from sin unto God, with contrition, and godly sorrow for our offences committed against him, and a sincere resolution, and endeavour to lead a new life, Jer. 31. 18. 19 in constant holiness, and obedience. Ezek. 18. 21, 30▪ 32. Acts 3. 19 Rom. 12. 2. Jam 5. 19, 20. Acts. 26. 18, 20. ●oel 2. 12, 13. Psal. 51. 13, 17. Isa. 66. 2. 2. Cor. 7. 9, 10. Acts 11. 23, Ps. 119. 106, 112. 1 Pet. 4. 1, 2, 3. Luke 1. 75. 20. Christian obedience, and holiness Holiness. is a Conformity of our will to the whole law, 1 Thes. 4. 3. and will of God: Rom. 7. 16, 22, 25. & 12, 1, 2. and a conversation agreeable to the doctrine, Luk. 1. 6. and example of Christ our Lord. 1 Pet. 1. 14, 15▪ & 4. 2. Phil. 1. 27. & 2. 5. Mat. 11. 2●. 1 Joh. 3. 3. Joh. 13. 13, 15. 21. Without repentance, use of means. faith, Luke 13. 3, 5. and holiness, Joh. 3. 36 none shall enter into God's kingdom, Heb. 11. 6. & 12. 14. or escape his wrath, Mat. 23. 33. and eternal damnation: Rom. 2. 3, 4, 5. Wherefore we must earnestly seek, 2 Thes 1. 9 & labour for these necessary graces, Ma●. 6 33. and diligently use the means which Christ hath ordained, 2 Tim. 2. 12. by which he communicateth these, 2 Pet. 1. 5, 10. and all other graces unto us, Joh. 6. 35, 37. & 7. 37, 39 and by his Spirit effectually worketh them in us. Eph. 4. 7. 8. Tit. 3. 5, 6. 14. Act. 5. 31. 1 Cor. 12. 9, 11. Rom. 5. 5. 22. The principal means to work Repentance, God's Word. Faith, Luke 11. 32. and Holiness in us, Rom. 10. 14, 17 is the Word of God, 1 Cor. 3. 5, and the ministry thereof: 2 Cor. 5. 19 20 which inlightneth the Understanding, Eph. 4. 11. 12, 13 and converteth the Soul, Psal. 19 7, 8, 11 teaching us all Truths necessary for us to believe, Ps. 119. 105, 130 and all Duties requisite, Joh. 17. 17. and necessary for us to practice. 1 Pet. 1. 23. Jam. 1. 18. Rom. 15. 4. 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17▪ 23. The most necessary Truths & points of Christian belief are briefly comprehended The Creed. 1 Cor. 15, 1. 3. Col. 2. 6, 7. in the sum called the Creed, Jude 3. agreeable to the scriptures, 1 Cor. 14. 33, 36. & 11. 16. and doctrine of the Apostles, 1 Tim. 3. 15. and therefore received by the Churches of Christ, Mat. 28. 19 which showeth us. Phil. 2. 6, 7, 8, 9 1. Heb. 2, 9 The only true God in three persons. Acts 26. 18. 2. Joh. 3. 16. The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ. Rom. 10. 9, 10. 3. The Privileges of his Church, and of every particular member thereof. 24. The necessary Duties which God in joineth us to practice, The ten commandments. are briefly comprehended in the Decalogue, Exod. 20. 1, etc or two Tables of the Moral law, Deut, 4. 13. showing us our Duty towards God and Man. Exo. 34. 27, 28. 25. God's Law requires sincere obedience to every precept, Josh. 24. 14. and a willing subjection of the whole man, Deut. 5. 32, 33. specially of the mind and heart: Luke 17. 10. forbidding both the outward act, Jam. 2. 10. 11, and inward desire of evil, 1 Chro. 28. 9 and every lust, Deut. 11. 13, 16, 18. motion, Prov. 4. 23, &c. occasion, Mat. 5. 22, 28, and appearance of sin; Rom. 7. 7. commanding us to be perfectly holy in body and spirit, and in every work, 1 Tim. 5. 14. word, and thought to please, and glorify God. 1 Thes. 5. 22, 23 2 Cor. 7. 1. & 10. 5. 2 Thes. 2. 17. 1 Cor. 10. 31. 1 Cor. 6. 19, 20. 26. The end, 1 Tim. 1. 5. and fulfilling of the Commandments is Charity, Rom. 13. 8, 10. and the sum of the whole law is this, Mat. 22 37. to love God with all our hearts, Deut. 6. 5. and all our power, and to love our neighbour as ourselves, Lev. 19 18, doing unto others what we (in equity) would have done unto us. Mat. 7. 12. 27. For the furthering of repentance, The Sacraments faith, Mat. 3. 11. and holiness in us, Gal. 3. 27, 28. and to join and unite us unto Christ, Eph. 5. 25, 26: and to his body the Church, 1 Cor. 12. 12, 13 & 10. 16, 17. & 6. 17. out of which there is no Salvation; Acts 2. 41. 47▪ God hath also ordained the Sacraments, Joh. 8. 24. which are baptism, Eph. 2. 12, 19▪ and the Lords Super. Mat. 28. 19, & 26. 26, 27. 1 Cor. 10. 1, 2. 28. The Church The Church. is the great Congregation of all God's people, Heb. 12. 22, 23. knit together in one body, Psal. 40. 9, 10. of which Christ is the Head, 1 Cor: 1. 2. and they the Members, quickened by his Spirit, Joh. 15. 1, 2 &c. and receiving all life and grace from him alone, Col. 1. 18. having one Faith, Eph. 4. 15, 16. & 5. 30. Hope, 1 Cor. 12. 13. and brotherly Love, Eph. 2. 21. and partaking of the same Word, Col. 2. 19 Sacraments, Joh. 5. 21. and Ordinances of Christ. Eph. 4. ●, 5. Acts 2. 42. 1 Cor. 11. 16. & 7. 17. 29. The Sacraments are visible signs and seals of God's Covenant, Rom. 4. 11. by which the benefits of Christ are represented, 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17. & 11. 25, 26 applied, and confirmed unto us, Mar. 16. 16. and by which we also are bound and engaged to his service, Gal. 3. 1, 27. and to continue in faith and obedience to God. 1 Cor. 12. 12, 13. Mat. 28. 19, 20, Rom. 6. 3, 4. Heb. 10. 23. 30. Baptism baptism. is the washing of regeneration, Tit. 3. 5, 6. ordained by Christ to sanctify, Mar. 28. 19 cleanse, Eph. 5. 26. and save us, 1 Pet. 3. 21. if we by wilful impenitency, Heb. 6. 4, 6. & 10. 26, 29. and unbelief do not hinder and frustrate the virtue thereof: Acts 8. 13, 21, 22, 37. in which we are born again of water and the spirit, Joh. 3. 5. 6. engrafted into Christ, Rom. 6. 5. and washed from our sins in his blood, Rev. 1. 5. sealed by his spirit to the day of redemption, Acts 22. 16. and dedicated for ever to the service of that only true God, Eph. 4. 30. the Father, Rom. 6. 4. the Son, Heb. 10. 22, 23, 24. and the Holy Ghost, Mat. 28. 19, 20, in whose Name we are baptised. 1 Cor. 1. 13. Acts 1●. 4, 5. 31. As Circumcision was to Abraham and his Seed, Gen. 17. 7. 10, 11 so is baptism to believers and their children, Exod. 12. 48. a sign and seal of their Admission into Christ's Church, Col. 2. 11, 12. the Remission of sin, Acts 2. 38, 39 Mortification of the Flesh, 1 Cor. 7. 14. Death unto sin, Rom. 4. 11. and our Resurrection to a new Life: Rom. 6. 3, 4 &c. whereby we are engaged, 1 Pet. 3. 21. and through God's Spirit enabled to put off the old man, Gal. 5. 3. to deny ourselves, Rom. 8. 13. and Renounce the World the Flesh and the devil, Eph 4. 22. 24. and to put on Christ by faith, Col. 3. 1, 5, 9 and conformity unto him in his life, Luke 9 23. and sufferings. Tit. 2. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 2▪ Gal. 3. 27. Rom. 13. 4. Phil. 3. 10. 2 Tim. 2 11, 12. 1 Joh. 2. 6. 32. The Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper was instituted for a Remembrance of Christ our Passeover sacrificed for us, 1 Cor. 11. 24 &c. & ch. 5. 7. and is a Communion of his Body, 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17 and blood, Mat 26. 26, 28. which with the outward elements of bread and wine every believer doth truly receive for his spiritual nourishment to eternal life. Joh. 9 27. 35, 54, 55, 56, 57 1 Cor. 10. 4, 5. 33. The Lord's Supper obligeth every partaker thereof to Repentance, Joh. 6. 47. Faith Love, 1 Cor. 10. 17, 21 & 11. 26, 28. and thankful Obedience without which we eat and drink unworthily, 1 Cor. 5. 7, 8. not discerning the Lord's body, 2 Cor. 13. 5. nor the end and use of those holy Mysteries, 1 Cor. 11. 27, 29 30. and thereby draw judgement upon ourselves: Acts 2, 42, 46, but with these we rightly may, 1 Cor. 11. 24, 25, 26, and frequently aught to receive it, Jo. 6. 35. 56. 57 and thereby these graces are increased and strengthened in us. 1 Cor. 12▪ 13. 34. To edify the Church in faith and godliness, Christ hath ordained Pastors and Ministers, Ministers. to whom as his ambassadors, Eph. 4. 11, 12. & Stewards he hath given special commission and authority to preach the Word of reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5. 19, 20. to administer the Sacraments, 1 Cor. 4. 1▪ 2. and other holy Ordinances, Ti●. 1. 7. to Bless in his Name, Mat●h. 28. 18, 19, 20. to pronounce comfort and pardon to 1 Cor. 10, 16, & 11. 23. Deut. 10. 8. Num. 6, 23, 27. the penitent, Luk. 24. 47, 48 to reprove, Mat. 8. 15, 16, 17, 18. & 16. 19 and by censures to bind the disobedient, Joh. 20. 23. to watch over, to pray for, 1 Cor. 5. 4, 5, 11, 13. and with the flock, 2 Tim. 4. 2, 3. of which the holy ghost hath made them Overseers; Iam. 5. 14, 15. whom for the good of our souls, Acts 20. 17, to 31. and for their works sake, 1 Pet. 5. 2, 3. we are commanded to hear, Heb. 13. 7, 17, 24. reverence, and obey. 1 Thes 5. 12, 13. 1 Tim. 5. 17. Luk. 10. 16. Gal. 6. 6. 1 Cor. 16▪ 16. 35. That we may rightly believe in Jesus Christ, Prayer. and obey God's commandments, Luke 17. 5: and worthily use the Sacraments, Psal. 119. 5. and all other means of salvation, Jam. 1. 5. we must by earnest and frequent Prayer implore God's Grace, Act. 2. 42. which only doth enable us, Luke 18. 1, 7. and his holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 12. 3, 8, 11 & 15. 10. who is the Worker of all knowledge, Joh. 16. 13. & 14. 16, 26. grace, Luke 11. 13. and comfort within us, Eph. 1. 13. whom the Father hath promised to give, Joh. 14. 13. 14. & 16. 26. and also whatsoever we ask in the name of his Son Jesus Christ. 36. All things requisite for us to ask or receive are briefly comprehended in the Lord's prayer, The Lord's prayer. which teacheth us to direct our petitions to God only, Match. 6. 9 for spiritual and temporal blessings, Luke 11. 2. fixing our minds on his Fatherly goodness and power, Psal. 65. 2. and before all, Rom. 10. 14. and in all seeking his glory. Phil. 4. 6. Luke 11. 13. Eph. 3. 20. 1 Cor. 10 31. 37. With prayers to be made in public and private, for ourselves, Confession. and all men, 1 Tim. 2. 1, 8. we must join an humble Confession, Mat. 6. 5. and acknowledgement of our sins, Psal. 32. 5, 6. proceeding from a contrite and penitent heart: Prov. 28. 13. and also constant Praises, Psal. 38. 18. & 51. 4, 5, 17: and joyful Thanksgiving unto God for his abundant mercies, Dan. 9 4, 5. comforts, Thanksgiving. and benefits to us, Col. 4. 2. and all others. 1 Thes. 5. 17, 18. Phil. 4. 6. Psalm. 145. 9 & 107. 21, 22. 38. The spiritual Sacrifices of prayer and praise, The only Mediator. with all other Worship and service due unto God, Heb. 13. 15. we must from a pure heart, 2 Tim. 2. 22. offer up unto Him by Jesus Christ our only Mediator, 1 Tim. 1. 5. and high Priest, Col. 3. 17. by whose strength we perform them, 1 Tim. 2. 5. through whose merits, and intercession they are accepted, Heb. 4. 14, 15. 16 & 9 15. & 7 25, 26. & 13. 21 and shall through his mercy and promise be graciously rewarded. 1 Joh. 2. 2. Phil. 4. 13. ●o. 15. 5. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Eph. 1. 6. Col. 3. 24. Ps. 62. 12. Mat. 25. 35 39 All must earnestly strive and endeavour both to continue, Perseverance and growth. and to grow and increase in faith and holiness 1. 2 Pet. 3. 18. By attending to God's Word. 1 Cor. 15. 58. 2. 1 Thes. 4. 1. By the exercise of love and good Works. 1 Pe●. 2. 2. 3. By a right use of the Sacraments. 4. 1 Tim 4. 7, 15. By prayer. Acts 2. 41, 42. & 24. 16. 5. Phil. 4. 6. 8. Confession, 1 John 1. 9 and 6. Thanksgiving: Lev. 26. 40, 41. all which are parts of God's service, Jam. 5. 16. and means of salvation, 2 Pet. 1. 3, 10, 11 by which God hath appointed, Eph. 2. 8, 10. and decreed to bring his people to everlasting glory. 40. They who carefully use these holy means are Christ's peculiar people, beloved and chosen of God, God's Elect. called to grace and glory, Ti. 2. 12, 13, 14 justified through Christ's obedience, 2 Thes. 2. 13. 14 Sanctified and led by his Spirit, 1 Pet. 2. 9 Sons of God, 2 Pet. 1. 3. and heirs of a kingdom, Psal. 84, 11. in which they shall both in body, 1 Thes. 2, 12. and soul, Rom. 5. 19 be eternally blessed and Glorified. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Rom. 8. 14. 17. Gal. 5. 18, Jam. 2. 5, Phil. 3. 21. Mat. 25▪ 34. Heb. 12, 22. 23. 1 Pet. 5. 10, 11. The God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after you have suffered a while make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be Glory and Dominion for ever. Amen. The Epitome, and Contents of this sum, very fit and easy to be remembered. THe only way to eternal happiness is taught in the Scriptures, which show unto us, 1. The Nature and works of God. 2. The Misery of man by sin; 3. Our Redemption and deliverance by Jesus Christ, of which we are made partakers by Faith, joined with Repentance, and holiness of life. 4. Our Duty, to believe in Jesus Christ. To show our faith by obedience to God's Commandments. To use the Sacraments, and constant Prayer. To confess, and forsake our sins. Continually to give thanks, and praise unto God: which are the means of Grace, leading God's people to eternal Glory. 2 Tim. 1. 13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The Chief Articles of Christian Belief, contained in the Scriptures, and generally received by the Ancient & modern Churches of God, as doth appear by their joint Confessions. I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth. And in Jesus 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; The third day he rose again from the dead: he ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the Right hand 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 Catholic Church: the Communion of Saints: the forgiveness of sins: the Resurrection of the Body, and the Life everlasting. The Ten commandments. GOD spoke all these words, 1 Table. saying, I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image, nor the 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 thyself to them, nor serve them: 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 showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my Commandments. 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 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 cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, & hallowed it. Honour thy Father, 2 Table▪ and thy Mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours. The Lord's Prayer. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven: Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil; For thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever, Amen. This sum may easily be reduced to the usual Form of catechism by Questions & Answers; to which end that it may also serve, I have here distinctly set down the most material Questions, to which the Propositions in the sum, being equal in number, are direct Answers, and may be readily applied. Question Answer. 1 Which is the Way to eternal happiness.? Prop. 1 * [That is, the Proposition noted in the sum by the figure 1. is an answer to this Question. So understand the rest.] 2 What is the Word of God? Prop. 2. 3 What do the Scriptures chiefly declare? Prop. 3. 4 What is the Nature of God? Prop. 4. 5 Who is the True God? Prop. 5. 6 Which are the chief Works of God? Prop. 6. 7 What was man's first state? Prop. 7. 8 How did Man lose his first happiness? Prop. 8. 9 What is the Misery of Man? Prop. 9 10 What is Sin, and the punishment due unto it? Prop. 10 11 How are we freed from sin, and all misery? Prop. 11 12 What was God's Covenant? Prop. 12 13 What is the Office of Christ? Prop. 13 14 What Benefits hath Christ obtained for us? Prop. 14 15 How are we made partakers of Christ's Benefits? Prop. 15 16 What is it to Believe in Christ? Prop. 16 17 How ought we to receive Christ? Prop. 17 18 What is inseparably joined with saving Faith? Prop. 18 19 What is Repentance? Prop. 19 20 What is Christian Obedience? Prop. 20 21 How may we attain to Faith, and all other Graces? Prop. 21 22 Which are the principal means to Work Faith, & other Graces? Prop. 22 23 Which are the chief points of Christian belief? Prop. 23 24 What is the rule of man's duty, and practice? Prop. 24 25 What doth God's Law command, and forbid? Prop. 25 26 What is the End, and sum of the Law? Prop. 26 27 Why were the Sacraments ordained? Prop. 27 28 What is the Church to which alone the Sacraments do belong? Prop. 28 29 What are Sacraments? Prop. 29 30 What Benefit have we by baptism? Prop. 30 31 What is further confirmed unto us, and required of us in baptism? Prop. 31 32 What is the End, and Benefit of the Lord's Supper? Prop. 32 33 Who are fit Receivers of the Lord's Supper? Prop. 33 34 What is the Work, and Office of Ministers? Prop. 34 35 What is the Use, and efficacy of prayer? Prop. 35 36 What is the best Rule, and form of Christian Prayer? Prop. 36 37 What is to be joined with Prayer? Prop. 37 38 What maketh our prayers, and all other Duties acceptable to God? Prop. 38 39 How may we continue, & increase in Grace? Prop. 39 40 Who are God's Elect, and heirs of of Salvation? Prop. 40 2 Tim. 2. 23. Foolish and unlearned Questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. Some special places of Scripture expressing the whole Duty of man. So Worship I the God of my Fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law, Acts 24. 14, 15, 16. and the Prophets. And have hope towards God, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the un just. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence, towards God, and towards men. The grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all men; Tit. 2. 1●. 12, 13, 14. Teaching us that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope▪ & the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Ye beloved building up yourselves on your most holy faith, Jude 20. 21. praying in the holy ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. He hath showed thee O man what is good, Mic. 6. 8. and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to Walk humbly with thy God Trust in the Lord, Psa. 37. 3. and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land. Hold faith, and a good conscience, 1 Tim. 1. 19 which some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, Tit. 3. 8. that they which have believed in God, may be careful to maintain good works: these things are good and profitable unto men. Let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, 14. that they be not unfruitful. Add Colos. 1. 9 10, 11, 12. Deut. 10. 12, 13. &c. Let us hear the CONCLUSION of the whole matter, Eccles 12. 13, 14. fear God and keep his Commandments: for this is the whole Duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Io. 13. 17. If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.