THE Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: unfolded in two short catechisms, Wherein those principles of Religion are explained, the knowledge whereof is required by the late Ordinance of Parliament, before any person be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. For the use of the Congregation at Fordham, in the County of Essex. By John Owen Pastor there. Come ye children, harken unto me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord, Psal. 34.11. LONDON, Printed by R. Cotes, for Philemon Stephens, at the guilded Lion in Paul's churchyard. 1645. TO My loving Neighbours and Christian Friends, at FORDHAM. Brethren, MY heart's desire and request unto God for you is, that ye may be saved: I say the truth in Christ also, I lie not, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness, and continual sorrow in my heart, for them amongst you, who as yet walk disorderly, and not as beseemeth the Gospel, little labouring to acquaint themselves with the mystery of godliness; for many walk, of whom I have told you often weeping, and now tell you again with sorrow, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, who mind earthly things. You know (Brethren) how I have been amongst you, and in what manner, for these two years past; and how I have kept back nothing (to the utmost of the dispensation to me committed) that was profitable unto you; but have showed you and taught you, publicly, and from house to house, testifying to all, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lor● Jesus Christ. Now with what sincerity this hath been by me performed; with what issue and success by you received, God the righteous Judge will one day declare; for before him, must both you, and I appear, to give an account of the dispensation of the glorious Gospel amongst us: in the mean while, the desire of my heart is, to be s●rvant to the least of you in the work of the Lord. And that in any way, which I can conceive profitable unto you either in your persons or your families. Now amongst my endeavours in this kind, after the Ordinance of public Preaching the Word, there is not, I conceive, any more needful, (as all will grant that know the estate of this place, how taught of late days, how full of grossly ignorant persons) then Catechising, which hath caused me to set aside some hours for the compiling of these following, which also I have procured to be Printed merely because the least part of the Parish are able to read it in writing, my intention in them being, principally, to hold out those necessary truths, wherein you have been in my Preaching more fully instructed: as they are, the use of them I shall briefly present unto you. 1. The lesser catechism may be so learned of the younger sort, that they may be ready to answer to every question thereof. 2. The greater will call to mind much of what hath been taught you in public, especially concerning the person a●● Offices of Jesus Christ. 3. Out of that you may have help to instruct your families in the lesser, being so framed for the most part, that a Chapter of the one, is spent in unfolding a question of the other. 4. The texts of Scripture quoted, are d●ligently to be sought out and pondered, that you may know indeed whether these things are so. 5. In ●eading the Word, you may have light into the meaning of many places, by considering what they are here produced to confirm. 6. I have been sparing in the doctrine of the Sacraments, because I have already been so frequent in examinations about them. 7. The handling of moral duties I have wholly omitted, because by God's assistance I intend for you a brief explication of the Lord's Prayer, and the ten commandments, with some Articles of the Creed, not unfolded in these, by themselves, by the way of Question and Answer. Now in all this as the pains hath been mine, so I pray that the benefit may be yours▪ and the praise his, to whom alone any good, that is in this or any thing else, is to be ascribed. Now the God of heaven continue that peace, love, and amity amongst ourselves, which hitherto hath been unshaken, in these divided times, and grant that the sceptre and kingdom of his Son may be gloriously advanced in your hearts, that the things which concern your peace, may not be hidden from your eyes in this your day: which is the daily prayer of From my Study, Septem. the last, Your servant in the work of the Lord, J.O. THE Lesser catechism. Question, WHence is all truth concerning God, Chap. 1. Of the Greater. and ourselves to be learned? Answ. From the holy Scripture, the Word of God. Q. What do the Scriptures teach that God is? Chap. 2. A. An eternal, infinite, most holy Spirit, giving being to all things, and doing with them whatsoever he pleaseth, Q. Is there but one God? Chap. 3. A. One only, in respect of his essence, and being, but one in three distinct persons, of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Chap. 4. Quest. What else is held forth in the Word concerning God, that we ought to know? A. His Decrees, and his Works. Q▪ What are the Decrees of God concerning us? A. His eternal purposes, of saving some by Jesus Christ, for the praise of his glory; and of condemning others for their sins. Chap. 5, 6. Q. What are the works of God? A. Acts or doings of his power, whereby he createth, sustaineth, and governeth all things. Chap. 7. Q. What is required from us towards Almighty God? A. Holy and spiritual obedience, according to his Law given unto us. Chap. 8. Q. Are we able to do this of ourselves? A. No, in no wise, being by nature unto every good work reprobate. Q. How came we into this estate, being at the first created in the image of God, in righteousness and innocency? A. By the fall of our first Parents, breaking the Covenant of God, losing his grace and deserving his curse. Q. By what way may we be delivered from this miserable estate? Chap. 9 A. only by Jesus Christ. Q. What is Jesus Christ? Chap. 10. A. God and man united in one person, to be a Mediator between God and man. Q. What is he unto us? A. A King, a Priest, and a Prophet. Q. Wherein doth be exercise his Kingly power towards us? Chap. 11. A. In converting us unto God by his Spirit, subduing us unto his obedience, and ruling in us by his grace. Q. In what doth the exercise of his Priestly office for us chiefly consist? Chap. 12. A. In offering up himself an acceptable sacrifice on the cross, so satisfying the justice of God for our sins, removing his curse from our persons, and bringing us unto him. Chap. 13. Q. Wherein doth Christ exercise his prophetical Office towards us? A. In revealing to our hearts, from the bosom of his Father, the way, and truth, whereby we must come unto him. Chap. 14. Q. For whose sake doth Christ perform all these? A. only for his Elect. Chap. 15. Q. In what condition doth Jesus Christ exercise these Offices? A. he did in a low estate of humiliation on earth, but now in a glorious estate of exaltation in heaven. Chap. 16. Q. What is the Church of Christ? A. The universal company of God's Elect, called to the adoption of children. Chap. 17. Q. How come we to be members of this Church? A. By a lively faith. Q. What is a lively faith? A. An assured resting of the soul upon God's promises of mercy in Jesus Christ, for pardon of sins here, and glory hereafter. Q. How come we to have this faith? Chap. 18. A. By the effectual working of the spirit of God in our hearts, freely calling us from the state of Nature, to the state of Grace. Q. Are we accounted righteous for our faith? Chap. 19 A. No, but only for the righteousness of Christ, freely imputed unto us, and laid hold of by faith. Q. 1. Is there no more required of us, Chap. 20. but faith only? A. Yes, repentance also, and holiness. Q. 2. What is repentance? A. A forsaking of all sin, with godly sorrow for what we have committed. Q. 3. What is that holiness which is required of us? A. universal obedience to the will of God revealed unto us. Chap. 21. Q. What are the privileges of believers? A. First, union with Christ; secondly, adoption of children; thirdly, communion of Saints; fourthly, right to the seals of the new Covenant; fifthly, Christian liberty; sixthly, resurrection of the body to life eternal. Chap. 22. Q. 1. What are the Sacraments, or seals of the new Covenant? A. Visible seals of God's spiritual promises, made unto us in the blood of Jesus Christ. Q. 2. Which be they? A. Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Chap. 23. Q. What is baptism? A. An holy Ordinance, whereby being sprinkled with water according to Christ's institution, we are by his grace made children of God, and have the promises of the Covenant sealed unto us. Chap. 24. Q. What is the Lord's Supper? A. An holy Ordinance of Christ appointed to communicate unto believers, his body and blood spiritually, being represented by bread and wine, blessed, broken, poured out, and received of them. Q. 2. Who have a right unto this Sacrament? A. They only who have an interest in Jesus Christ by faith. Q. What is the communion of Saints? Chap. 25. A. An holy conjunction between all God's people, partakers of the same Spirit, and members of the same mystical body. Q. What is the end of all this dispensation? A. The glory of God in our salvation. Glory be to God on high. THE Greater catechism. CHAP. I. Of the Scripture. Question 1. WHat is Christian Religion? Answ. The only (a) way of (1) Every one out of this way everlastingly damned. (2) The life of Religion is in the life. knowing God aright, and (b) living unto him. (a) Joh. 14.5 ●oh. 17.3. Act. 4.12 (b) Col. 1.10. 2 Cor. 5.15. Gal. 2.19, 20. Q. 2. Whence is it to be learned? A. From the holy (3) Popish traditions are false lights leading from God. Scripture only. Isa. 8.20. Joh. 5.39. Q. 3. What is the Scripture? A. The books of the (a) Old, and (b) New (4) The authority of the Scripture dependeth not on the authority of the Church, as the Papists blaspheme. (5) All human inventions, unnecessary helps in the worship of God. (6) The Word therefore is the sole directory for faith, worship, and life. Testament, (c) given by inspiration from God, containing all things necessary to be believed and done, that God may be worshipped and our souls saved. (a) Isa. 8.20. Rom. 3.2. (b) Rev. 22.19, 20. (c) 2 Tim. 2.16, 17. Psal. 19.7, 8. Jer. 7.31. Joh. 20.31. Q. 4. How know you them to be the word of God? A. By the (a) testimony (7) This alone persuadeth, & inwardly convinceth the heart, of the divine verity of the Scripture: other motives also there are from without, and unanswerable arguments to prove the truth of them: as, I their antiquity; 2 preservation from fury; 3 prophecies in them; 4 the holiness and Majesty of their Doctrine, agreeable to the nature of God; 5 Miracles; 6 the testimony of the Church of all ages; 7 the blood of innumerable Martyrs, &c. of God's Spirit, working faith in my heart, to close with that (b) heavenly Majesty, and clear divine truth, that shineth in them. (a) Matth. 16.17. Joh. 16.13. 1 Thess. 2.13. 1 Joh. 2.20. 1 Joh. 5.6. (b) Luk▪ 24.32. 1 Cor. 2.14. Heb. 4.12. 2 Pet. 1.19. CHAP. II. Of God. Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning God? A. First, what he is, or his Nature; secondly, what he doth, or his Works. Exod. 3.14. Isa. 44.6. Heb. 1.1, 2, 3. Heb. 11.6. Q. 2. What is God in himself? A. An (a) eternal (b) infinite, (c) (1) The perfection of God's being is known of us chiefly by removing all imperfections. (2) Hence, the abominable vanity of Idolaters and of the blasphemous papists that picture God. (3) Let us prostrate ourselves in holy adoration of that which we cannot comprehend. incomprehensible (d) spirit, (e) giving being to all things, and doing with them whatsoever he pleaseth. (a) Deut. 33.37. Isa. 57.15. Revel. 1.8. (b) 1 King 8.27. Psal. 139.2, 3, 4, 5. &c. (c) Exod. 32.20. 1 Tim. 6.16. (d) Joh. 4, 24. (e) Gen. 1.1. Psal. 115.3. & 135.6. Isa. 46.10. Joh. 5 17. Heb. 1.2. Q. 3. do we here know God as he is? A. No, his glorious being is not of us, in this life, to be comprehended. Exod. 33.23. 1 Cor. 13.12. Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefly made known unto us in the word? A. First, by his (f) Names, secondly, by his (g) Attributes, or properties. (f) Exod. 3.14. ch. 6.3. Psa. 83.18. (g) Exo. 34.6, 7. Mat. 5.48. Q. 5. What are the names of God? A. Glorious titles, which he (4) The divers names of God, signify one and the same thing, but under divers notions, in respect of our conception. hath given himself, to hold forth his excellencies unto us, with some perfections, whereby he will reveal himself. Exod. 3, 14, 15. & 6.3. & 34.6, 7. Gen. 17.1. Q. 6. What are the Attributes of God? A. His infinite perfections, in being and working. Revelat. 4.8, 9, 10, 11. Q. 7. What are the chief attributes of his being? A. (a) Eternity, (b) infiniteness, (c) simplicity, (1) Some of these attributes belong so unto God, as that they are in no sort to be ascribed to any else, as infiniteness, eternity, &c. others are after a sort attributed to some of his creatures, in that he communicateth unto them some of the effects of them in himself as life, goodness, &c. (2) The first of these are motives to humble adoration, fear, self abhorrency; the other, to faith, hope, love, and confidence through Jesus Christ. or purity, (d) all-sufficiency, (e) perfectness, (f) immutability, (g) life, (h) will, and (i) understanding. (a) Deut. 33.37. Psal. 93.2. Esa. 57.15. Revel. 1.11. (b) 1 King. 8.27. Psal. 139.1, 2, 3, 4.8▪ 9 (c) Exod. 3.14. (d) Gen. 17.1. Psal. 135.4, 5. (e) Joh. 11.7, 8, 9 Rom. 11.33, 34, 35, 36. (f) Mal. 3.6. Jam. 1.17▪ (g) judge▪ 8.19. 1 Sam. 25.34. 2 King▪ 3.14. Ezek. 14.16. & 16.48. M●tth. 16.16. Act. 24.15. 1 The. 1.9. (h) Dan. 11.3. Esa. 46.10. Ephes. 1.5.11. Jam. 1.18. (i.) Psal. 7.2. & 139▪ 2. & 147.4. Ier. 11.20. Heb. 4.13. Q. 8. What are the attributes which usually are ascribed to him in his works, or the acts of his will? A. (k) goodness, (l) power, (m) (3) Nothing is to be ascribed unto God, nor imagined of him, but what is exactly agreeable to those his glorious properties. (4) These last are no less essential unto God than the former, only we thus distinguish them, because these are chiefly seen in his works. justice, (n) mercy, (o) holiness, (p) wisdom, and the like, which he delighteth to exercise towards his creatures, for the praise of his glory. (k) Psal. 119, 68 Mat. 19.17. (l) Exod. 15.11. Psal. 62.10. Revel. 19.1. (m) Zeph. 3.5. Psal. 11.7. Ierem. 12.1. Rom. 1.32. (n) Psal. 130.7. Rom. 9.15. Ephes. 2.4. (o) Exod. 15.11. Iosh. 24.19. Hab. 1.13. Revel. 4.8. (p) Rom. 11.33. & 16.17. CHAP. III. Of the holy Trinity. Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these properties do belong? A. (a) One only, in respect of his Essence and being, but one (b) in three distinct persons, of Father, son, and holy Ghost. (a) Deut. 6.4. Matth. 19.17. Ephes. 4.5, 6. (b) Gen. 1.7. 1 Ioh. 5.7. Matth. 28.19. Q. 2. What mean you by Person? A. A distinct manner of (1) This is that mysterious Ark that must not be pried into, nor the least tittle spoken about it, wherein plain Scripture goeth not before. (2) To deny the Deity of any one Person, is in effect to deny the whole God▪ head, for whosoever hath not the son, hath not the Father. (3) This only Doctrine remained undefiled in the Papacy. subsistence or being, distinguished from the other Persons, by its own properties. Ioh. 5.17. Heb. 1.3. Q. 3. What is the distinguishing property of the person of the Father? A. To be of himself only, the fountain of the godhead. Ioh. 5.26, 27. Ephes. 1.3. Q. 4. What is the property of the Son? A. To be begotten of his Father, from eternity. Psal. 2.7. Ioh. 1.14. & 3.16. Q. 5. What of the Holy Ghost? A. To proceed from the Father and the Son. Ioh. 14.17. & 16.14. & 15.26. & 20.22. Q. 6. Are these three one? A. One (a) every way, in Nature, Will, and essential properties, (b) distinguished only in their personal manner of subsistence. (a) Ioh. 10.30. Rom. 3.30. (b) Ioh. 15.26. 1 Ioh. 5.7▪ Q. 7. Can we conceive these things as they are in themselves? A. Neither (a) we, nor yet the (b) Angels (4) we must labour to make our comfort from the proper work of every Person towards us. of Heaven, are at all able to dive into these secrets, as they are internally in God; (c) but in respect of the outward dispensation of themselves, to us, by creation, redemption, and sanctification, a knowledge may be attained of these things, saving, and heavenly. (a) 1 Tim. 6.16. (b) Esa. 6.2, 3. (c) Col. 1.11, 12, 13, 14. CHAP. IV. Of the works of God, and First, of those that are internal and immanent. Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning the works of God? A. That they are of two sorts▪ first, internal (1) The purposes and decrees of God▪ so far as by him revealed, are objects of our faith, and full of comfort. in his counsel, decrees, and purposes, towards his creatures; secondly, external in his works, over and about them, to the praise of his own glory. Act. 15.18. Prov. 16.4. Q. 2. What are the decrees of God? A. (a) eternal, (b) unchangeable purposes (2) Further reasons of God's decrees then his own will, not to be inquired after. (3) The changes in the Scrip●ure ascribed unto God, are only in the outward dispensations and works, variously tending to one infallible event, by him proposed. (4) The Arminians blaspheme in saying, God sometimes fails of his purposes. of his will, concerning the being, and well-beeing of his creatures. (a) Mich. 5.2. Ephes. 3.9. Act. 15.18. (b) Esa. 14.24. Esa. 46.10. Rom. 9.12. 2 Tim. 2.19. Q. 3. Concerning which of his creatures chiefly are his decrees to be considered? A. Angels, and Men, for whom other things were ordained. 1 Tim. 5.21. Jud. 6. Q. 4. What are the decrees of God concerning men? A. Election, and Reprobation. Rom. 9.11, 12. Q. 5. What is the decree of election? A. The (a) eternal, (b) free, (c) immutable (5) The decree of election is the fountain of all spiritual graces, for they are bestowed only on the Elect. (6) In nothing doth natural corruption more exalt itself against God, then in opposing the freedom of his grace in his eternal decrees. purpose of God, (d) whereby in Jesus Christ, he chooseth unto himself, whom he pleaseth, out of (e) whole mankind, determining to bestow upon them, From the execution of these decrees, flows that variety and difference, we see in the dispensation of the means of grace, God sending the Gospel where he hath a remnant according to election. for his sake, (f) grace here, and everlasting happiness hereafter, for the praise of his glory, by the way of mercy. (a) Ephes. 1.4. Act. 13.48. Rom. 8.29, 30. (b) Mat. 11.26. (c) 2 Tim. 2.19. (d) Ephes. 1.4, 5. Mat. 22.14. (e) Rom. 9.18, 19, 20, 21. (f) Ioh. 6.37. & chap. 17.6.9, 10.24. Q. 6. Doth any thing in us, move the Lord thus to choose us from amongst others? A. No, in no wise, we are in the same lump with others rejected, when separated by his undeserved grace. Rom. 9.11, 12. Matth. 11.25. 1 Cor. 4.7. 2 Tim. 1.9. Q. 7. What is the decree of Reprobation? A. The eternal purpose of God, to suffer many to sin, leave them in their sin, and not giving them to Christ, to punish them for their sin. Rom. 9.11, 12, 21, 22. Prov. 16.4. Mat. 11.25, 26. 2 Pet. 2.12. Jude 4. CHAP. V. Of the works of God that outwardly are of him. Q. 1. What are the works of God, that outwardly respect his creatures? A. First, of Creation; secondly, of (1) The very outward works of God are sufficient to convince men of his eternal power & godhead, and to leave them inexcusable, if they serve him not. actual providence. Psal. 33.9. Heb. 1.2, 3. Q. 2. What is the work of creation? A. An act or work of God's Almighty power, whereby of nothing in six days he created Heaven, Earth, and the Sea, with all things in them contained, Gen. 1.1. Exod. 20.11. Prov. 16.4. Q. 3. Wherefore did God make man? A. For his own glory in his service (2) The glory of God is to be preferred above our own, either being, or well-being, as the supreme end of them. (3) The approaching unto God in his service, is the chief exaltation of our nature above the beasts that perish. and obedience, Gen. 1.26, 27. & 2.16, 17. Rom. 9.23. Q. 4. Was man able to yield the service and worship that God required of him? A. Yea, to the uttermost, being created upright in the Image of God, in purity, innocency, righteousness and holiness, Gen. 1.26. Eccles. 7.29. Ephes. 4.24. Col. 3.10. Q. 5. What was the rule, whereby man was at first to be directed in his obedience? A. The moral, or eternal Law of (4) God never allowed from the beginning, that the will of the creature, should be the measure of his worship, and honour. God implanted in his Nature, and written in his heart, by creation, being the tenor of the Covenant between God and him, Sacramentally typified by the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2.15, 16, 17. Rom. 2.14, 15. Ephes. 4.24. Q. 6. do we stand in the same Covenant still, and have we the same power to yield obedience unto God? A. No, the (a) Covenant was (5) Though we have all lost our right unto the promise of the first Covenant, yet all not restored by Christ, are under the commination & curse thereof. broken by the sin of Adam, with whom it was made, (b) our nature corrupted, (c) and all power to do good utterly lost. (a) Gen. 3.16, 17, 18. Gal. 3.10, 11, 21. H●b. 7.19. & 8.13. (b) Job 14.4. Psal. 51.5 (c) Gen. 6.5. Ier. 13.23. CHAP. VI. Of God's actual providence. Q. 1. What is God's actual providence? A. The effectual working of his (1) To this providence is to be ascribed all the good we do enjoy, and all the afflictions we undergo. (2) Fortune, Chance, & the like, are names without things, scarce fit to be used among Christians, seeing Providence certainly ruleth all to appointed ends. (3) No free will in man, exempted either from the eternal decree, or the overruling providence of God. power, and Almighty act of his will, whereby he sustaineth, governeth, and disposeth of all things, Men, and their actions, to the ends which he hath ordained for them, Exod. 4.11. Job 5.10, 11, 12. & 9.5, 6. Psal. 147.4. Prov. 15.3. Esa. 45.6, 7. Joh. 5.17. Act. 17.28. Heb. 1.3. Q. 2. How is this providence exercised towards mankind? A. Two ways: first, (a) peculiarly towards his Church, or Elect, in their generations, for whom are all things: secondly, (b) towards all in a general manner, yet with various and divers dispensations. (a) Deut. 32.10. Psal. 17.8. Zech. 2.8. Mat. 16.18. & 19.2.29. 1 Pet. 5.7. (b) Gen. 9.5. Psal. 75.6, 7. Esa. 45.6. Mat. 5.45. Q. 3. Wherein chiefly consists the outward providence of God towards his Church? A. In three things, first, in (a) causing all (4) Though the dispensations of God's providence towards his people be various, yet every issue and act of it, tends to one certain end, their good in his glory. things to work together for their good; secondly, in (b) ruling and disposing of kingdoms, Nations, and Persons, for their benefit; thirdly, (c) in avenging them of their adversaries, (a) Mat. 6.31, 32, 33. Rom. 8.28. 1 Tim. 6.16. 2 Pet. 1.3. (b) Psal. 105.14, 15. Esa. 44.28. Dan. 2.44. Rom. 9.17. (c) Esa. 60.12. Zech. 12.2, 3, 4, 5. Luk. 18.7▪ Revel. 17.14. Q. 4. Doth God rule also in and over the sinful actions of wicked men? A. Yea, he willingly (according (5) Almighty God knows how to bring light out of darkness, good out of evil, the salvation of his elect, out of Judas treachery, the Jews cruelty, and Pilate's injustice. to his determinate counsel) suffereth them to be, for the manifestation of his glory, and by them effecteth his own righteous ends, 2 Sam. 12.11. & 16.10. 1 Kin. 11.31. & 22.22. Job 1.21. Prov. 22.14. Esa. 10.6, 7. Ezek. 21.19, 20, 21. Amos 7.17. Act. 4.27, 28. Rom. 1.24. & 9.22. 1 Pet. 2.8. Revel. 17.17. Q▪ 5. Doth the providence of God extend itself to every small thing? A. The least grass of the field, hair of our heads, or worm of the earth, is not exempted from his knowledge and care, Job 39 Psal. 104.21. & 145.15. Jonah 4.7. Mat. 6.26, 27, 28, 29. & 10.29, 30. CHAP. VII. Of the Law of God. Q. 1. Which is the Law that God gave man at first to fulfil? A. The same which was afterwards (1) This Law of God bindeth us now, not because delivered to the Jews on Mount Horeb, but because written in the hearts of all by the finger of God at the first. written with the finger of God in two Tables of stone on Mount Horeb, called the ten commandments, Rom. 2.14, 15. Q. 2. Is the observation of this Law still required of us? A. Yes, to the uttermost tittle, Mat. 5.17. 1 Joh. 3.4. Rom. 3.31. Iam. 2.8. Gal. 3. Q. 3. Are we able of ourselves to (2) After the fall the Law ceased to be a rule of justification, and became a rule for sanctification only. (3) It is of free grace that God giveth power to yield any obedience, and accepteth of any obedience, that is no● perfect. perform it? A. No, in no wise, the Law is spiritual, but we are carnal, 1 King. 8.46. Gen. 5.6. Joh. 15.5. Rom. 7.11. & 8.7. 1 Joh. 1.8. Q. 4. Did then God give a Law whic● could not be kept? A. No, when God gave it, we had power to keep it, which since we have lost in Adam, Gen. 1.26. Ephes. 7.29. Rom. 5.12. Q. 5. Whereto then doth the Law now serve? A. For two general ends, first, (a) to be a rule of our duty, or to discover to us the obedience of God required; secondly, (b) to drive us unto Christ. (a) Psal. 119.5. 1 Tim. 1.8, 9 (b) Gal. 3.24. Q. 6. How doth the Law drive us unto Christ? A. Divers ways, as first, (a) by laying open unto us the utter disability of our nature, to do any good; secondly, (b) by charging the wrath and curse of God, due to sin, upon the conscience; thirdly, (c) by bringing the whole soul under bondage to sin, death, Satan, and hell, so making us long and seek for a Saviour. (a) Rom. 7.7, 8, 9 Gal. 3.19. (b) Rom. 3.19, 20. & 4.15. & 5.20. Gal. 3.10. (c) Gal. 3.22. Heb. 2.15. CHAP. VIII. Of the state of corrupted Nature. Q. 1. How came this weakness and disability upon us? A. By the sin, and (1) This is that which commonly is called original sin, which in general deno●eth the whole misery and corruption of our nature, as first, the guilt of Adam's actual sin to us imputed; secondly, loss of God's glorious Image, innocency, and holiness, thirdly, deriving by propagation a nature; 1 defiled with the pollution▪ 2 laden with the guilt; 3 subdued to the power of sin; 4 a being exposed to all temporal miseries, leading to, and procuring death; 5 an alienation from God, with voluntary obedience to Satan, and lust; 6 an utter disability to good, or to labour for mercy; 7 eternal damnation of body and soul in hell. shameful fall of our first parents, Rom. 5.12.14. Q. 2. Wherein did that hurt us their posterity? A. Divers ways; first, (a) in that we were all guilty of the same breach of covenant with Adam, being all in him; secondly, (b) our souls with his were deprived of that holiness, innocency, and righteousness wherein they were at first created; thirdly, (c) pollution and defilement of nature came upon us, with, fourthly, (d) an extreme disability of doing any thing that is well-pleasing unto God; (e) by all which, we are made obnoxious to the curse. (a) Joh. 3.36. Rom. 5 12. Ephes. 2.3. (b) 1 Gen. 3.10. Ephes. 4.23, 24. Col. 3.10. (c) Job▪ ●4. 4. Psal. 51.7. Ioh. 3.6. Rom. 3.13. (d) Gen. 6.5. Ephes. 2.1. Ier. 6.16. & 13.23. Rom. 8.7. (e) Gen. 3.17. Gal. 3.10. Q. 3. Wherein doth the curse of God consist? A. In divers things: first, (a) in the (2) All that a natural man hath on this side hell, is free mercy. guilt of death, temporal and eternal; secondly, (b) the loss of the grace and favour of God; thirdly, (c) guilt and horror of conscience, despair and anguish here, with, fourthly, eternal damnation hereafter. (a) Gen. 2.17. Rom. 1.18. & 5.12, 17. Ephes. 2.3. (b) Gen. 3.24. Ezek. 16.3, 4, 5. Ephes. 2.13. (c) Gen. 3.10. Esa. 48.22. Rom. 3.9, 19 Gal. 3.22. (d) Gen. 3.10, 13. Ioh 3.36. Q. 4. Are all men born in this estate▪ A. Every one without exception, Psal. 51.7. Esa. 53.5. Rom. 3.9.12. Ephes. 2.3. Q. 5. And do they continue therein? A. Of themselves (3) The end of this is Jesus Christ to all that fly for refuge to the hope set before them. they cannot otherwise do, being able neither to (a) know, nor (b) will, nor (c) do any thing that is spiritually good, and pleasing unto God. (a) Act. 8.31. & 16.14. 1 Cor. 2.14. Ephes. 5.8. Joh. 1.5. (b) Jer. 6.16. & 13.2, 3. Luk. 4.18. Rom. 6.16. & 8.7. (c) Joh. 6.44. 2 Cor. 3.5. Q. 6. Have they then no way of themselves, to escape the curse and wrath of God? A. None at all, they can neither satisfy his justice, nor fulfil his Law. CHAP. ix.. Of the Incarnation of Christ. Q. 1. Shall all mankind then everlastingly perish? A. No, God of his free grace hath prepared a way, to redeem and save his Elect, Joh. 3.16. Esa. 53.6. Q. 2. What way was this? A. By sending his own Son (1) This is that great mystery of godliness, that the Angels themselves admire: the most transcendent expression of God's infinite love: the laying forth of all the treasures of his wisdom and goodness. Jesus Christ, in the likeness of sinful flesh, condemning sin in the flesh, Rom. 8.3. Q. 3. Who is this you call his own Son? A. The second person of the Trinity, coeternal, and of the same Deity with his Father, Joh. 1.14. Rom. 1.3. Gal. 4.4. 1 Joh. 1.1. Q. 4. How did God send him? A. By causing him to be made flesh of a pure Virgin, and to dwell among us, that he might be obedient unto death, the death of the cross, Esa. 50.6. Joh, 1.14. Luk. 1.35. Phil. 2.8. 1 Tim. 6.16. CHAP. X. Of the person of Jesus Christ. Q. 1. What doth the Scripture teach us of Jesus Christ? A. Chiefly two things; first, his (1) Though our Saviour Christ be one God with his Father, he is not one person with him. (2) Jesus Christ is God and man in one, not a God, and a man: God incarnate, not a man Deified. Person, or what he is in himself; secondly, his Offices, or what he is unto us. Q. 2. What doth it teach of his Person? A. That he is truly God, and perfect man, partaker of the natures of God and man in one person, between whom he is a Mediator, Joh. 1.14. Heb. 2.14.15. Ephe. 4.5. 1 Tim. 2.5. 1 Joh. 1.1. Q. 3. How prove you Jesus Christ to be truly God? A. Divers ways; 3 The essential properties of either Nature, remain in his person theirs still, not communicated unto the other, as of the Deity to be eternal, everywhere, of the humanity to be born and die. first, by places of Scripture speaking of the great God Jehovah, in the Old Testament, applied to our Saviour in the New, as, Numb. 21.5, 6. in 1 Cor. 10.9. Psal. 102.24, 25. in Heb. 1.10. Esa. 6.2, 3, 4. in Joh. 12.40, 41. Esa. 8.13, 14. in Luk. 2.34. Rom. 9.33. Esa. 40.3, 4. in Joh. 1. Esa. 45.22, 23. in Rom. 14.11. Phil. 2.8. Mal. 3.1. in Matth. 11.10. Secondly, By the works of the Deity ascribed unto him, as first, of creation, Ioh. 1.3. 1 Cor. 8.6. Heb. 1.21. secondly, of preservation in providence, Heb. 1.3. Ioh. 5.17. thirdly, 4 What ever may be said of either Nature, may be said of his whole person: so God may be said to die, but not the godhead, the man Christ to be everywhere but not his humanity, for his one person is all this. Miracles. Thirdly, By the essential attributes of God, being ascribed unto him; as first, immensity, Mat. 28.20. Ioh. 14.23 Ephes. 3 17. secondly, Eternity, Ioh. 1.1. Revel. 1.11. Mich. 5.2. thirdly, Immutability, Heb. 1.11, 12. fourthly, Omniscience, Ioh. 21.17. Revel. 2.23. fifthly, Majesty and glory equal to his Father, Joh. 5.23. Revel. 5.13. Phil. 1.2.6.9, 10. Fourthly, By the Names given unto him; as first, of God expressly, Joh. 1.1. & 20.28. Act. 20.28. Rom. 9.5. Phil. 2.6. Heb. 1.8. 1 Tim. 3.16. secondly, of the Son of God, Joh. 1.18. Rom. 8.3. &c. Q. 4. Was it necessary that our Redeemer should be God? A. Yes, that he might be able to save to the uttermost, and to satisfy the wrath of his Father, which no creature could perform, Esa. 43.25. & 53.6. Dan. 9.17.19. Q. 5. How prove you that he was a perfect man? A. First, by the prophecies that went before, 5 The monstrous figment of transubstantiation, or Christ's corporal presence in the Sacrament, fully overthrows our saviour's human nature, & makes him a mere shadow. that so he should be, Gen. 3.15. & 18.18. Secondly, by the relation of their accomplishment, Mat. 1.1. Rom. 1.4. Gal. 4.4. Thirdly, by the Scriptures, assigning to him those things, which are required to a perfect man; as, first, a Body, Luk. 24.39. Heb. 2.17. & 10.5. 1 Joh. 1.1. secondly, a soul, Matth. 26.39. Mark. 14.34. and therein, 6 All natural properties are double in Christ, as will, &c. still distinct: all personal, as subsistence, single. first, a will, Mat. 26.39. secondly, affections, Mat. 3.5. Luk. 10.21. thirdly, endowments, Luk. 2.52. Fourthly, general infirmities of nature, Mat. 4 2. Ioh. 4.6. Heb. 2.18. Q. 6. Wherefore was our Redeemer to be man? A. That the nature which had offended, might suffer, and make satisfaction, and so he might be every way a fit and sufficient Saviour for men, Heb. 2.10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. CHAP. XI. Of the Offices of Christ, and first of his Kingly. Q. 1. How many are the Offices of Jesus Christ? A. Three; first, of a (a) King; secondly, (b) a (1) In the exercise of these Offices▪ Christ is also the sole head, husband, & first-born of the Church. (2) papal usurpation upon these Offices of Christ, manifest the Pope to be the man of sin. Priest; thirdly, a (c) Prophet. (a) Psal. 2.6. (b) Psal. 110.4. (c) Deut. 18.15. Q. Hath he these Offices peculiarly by nature? A. No, he only received them for the present dispensation, until the work of redemption be perfected, Psal. 110.1. Act. 2.36. & 10.42. 1 Cor. 13.12. & 15.27, 28. Phil. 2.9. Heb. 3.2.6. & 2.7, 8, 9 Q. 3. Wherein doth the Kingly Office of Christ consist? A. In a twofold power; first, his power of ruling in, and over his Church; secondly, his power of subduing his enemies, Psal. 110.3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Q. 4. What is his ruling power in, and over his people? A. That supreme authority, which (3) Christ's subjects are all born rebels, & are stubborn, until he make them obedient, by his Word and Spirit. (4) Christ hath not delegated his Kingly power of Law-making for his Church, to any here below. for their everlasting good, he useth towards them, whereof in general there be two acts; first, (a) intern●ll, and spiritual, in converting their souls unto him, making them unto himself, a willing, obedient, persevering people; secondly, (b) external and ecclesiastical, in giving perfect Laws, and Rules for their government, as gathered into holy societies, under him. (a) Esa. 53.12. & 59.20, 21. with Heb. 8.10, 11, 12. Esa. 61.1, 2. Ioh. 1.16. & 12.32. Mark 1.15. Mat. 28.20. 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. (b) Mat. 16.19. 1 Cor. 12.28. Ephes. 4.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. Revel. 22.18, 19 Q. 5. How many are the acts of his Kingly power, towards his enemies? A. Two also, first, (a) internal, by the (5) The end of Christ in exercising his kingly power over his enemies, is the glory of his Gospel, and the good of his people. mighty working of his Word, and the spirit of bondage upon their hearts, convincing, amazing, terrifying their consciences, hardening their spirits for ruin; secondly, (b) external, in judgements and vengeance, which oft times he beginneth in this life, and will continue unto eternity, (a) Psal. 110. Ioh. 6.46. & 8 59 & 9.41. & 12.40. 2 Cor. 10.4, 5, 6. 1 Cor. 5.6. 1 Tim. 1.20. (b) Mark. 16.16. Luk. 19.21. Act. 13.11. Revel. 17.14. CHAP. XII. Of Christ's Priestly Office. Q. 1. By what means did Jesus Christ undertake the Office of an eternal Priest? A. By (a) the Decree, Ordination, and will of God his Father, (b) whereunto he yielded voluntary obedience, so (c) that concerning this, there was a compact and Covenant between them. (a) Psal. 110.4. Heb. 4.5, 6. & 7.17, 18. (b) Esa. 50.4, 5, 6. Heb. 10 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. (c) Psal. 2.7, 8. Esa. 53.8, 10, 11, 12. Phil. 2.7, 9 Heb. 12.2. Ioh. 17.2, 4. Q. 2. Wherein doth his execution of this Office consist? A. In bringing his people unto God, Heb. 2.10. and 4 15. and 7.25. Q. 3. What are the parts of it? A. First, (a) oblation; secondly, (b) intercession (1) Against both these the Papists are exceedingly blasphemous; against the one by making their mass a sacrifice for sins, the other by making Saints mediators of intercession. (a) Heb. 9.13. (b) Heb. 7.25. Q. 4. What is the oblation of Christ? A. The (a) offering up of himself upon the Altar of the cross, an holy propitiatory sacrifice, for the sins of all the Elect throughout the world, as (b) also the presentation of himself for us in Heaven, sprinkled with the blood of the Covenant. (a) Esa. 53.10.12. Ioh. 3.16. & 11.51, 52. & 17.19. Heb. 9.13, 14. (b) Heb. 9.24. Q. Whereby doth this oblation do good unto us? A. Divers ways: first, in that it satisfied the justice of God; secondly, it redeemed us from the power of sin, death, and hell; thirdly, it ratified the new Covenant of grace; fourthly, it procured for us grace here, and glory hereafter; by all which means, the peace, and reconciliation between God and us is wrought, Ephes. 2.14, 15. Q. 6. How did the oblation of Christ, satisfy God's justice for our sin? A. In that for us, he underwent the (2) Christ's undergoing punishment for us was, first, typified by the old sacrifices; secondly, foretold in the first promise; thirdly, made lawful and valid in itself; first, by God's determination, the supreme lawgiver; secondly, his own voluntary undergoing it; thirdly, by a relaxation of the Law, in regard of the subject punished: Fourthly, beneficial to us, because united to us, as first, our head; secondly, our elder brother; thirdly, our sponsor or surety; fourthly, our husband; fifthly, our God or redeemer, &c. punishment due to our sin, Esa. 53.4, 5, 6. Ioh. 10.11. Rom. 3.25, 26. & 4.25. 1 Cor. 15.3. 2 Cor. 5.21. Ephes. 5.2. 1 Pet. 2.24. Q. 7. What was that punishment? A. The wrath of God, the curse (3) No change in all these, but what necessary follows the change of the persons sustaining. of the Law, the pains of hell, due to sinners, in body and soul, Gen. 2.17. Deut. 27.27. Esa. 59.2. Rom. 5.12. Ephes. 2.3. Ioh. 3.36. H●b. 2.14. Q. Did Christ undergo all these? A. Yes, in respect of the greatness (4) The death that Christ underwent was eternal, in its own nature & tendance, not so to him, because of his holiness, power, and the unity of his person. and extremity, not the eternity and continuance of those pains, for it was impossible he should be holden of death, Matth. 26.38, 39 Mark. 14.33. & 15.34. Gal. 3.13. Ephes. 2.16. Col. 1.20. Heb. 5.7. Psal. 18 5. Q. 9 How could the punishment of one, satisfy for the offence of all? A. In that he was not a mere (5) he suffered not as God, but he suffered who was God. man only, but God also, of infinite more value than all those who had offended, Rom. 5.9. Heb. 9.26. 1 Pet. 3.18. Q. 10. How did the oblation of Christ redeem us from death, and hell? A. First, (a) by paying a ransom (6) we are freed from the anger of God, by a perfect 〈…〉 dring to the full 〈◊〉 of what he required, from the power of Satan by absolute conquest on our behalf. to God, the Judge and lawgiver, who had condemned us; secondly, (b) by overcoming, and spoiling Satan, death, and the powers of hell, that detained us captives, (a) Matth. 20.28. Ioh. 6.38. Mark. 10.4, 5. Rom. 3.25. 1 Cor. 6.20. Gal. 3.13. Ephes. 1.7. 1 Tim. 2.6. Heb. 10.9. (b) Ioh. 5.24. Col. 2.13, 14, 15. 1 Thess. 1.10. Heb. 2.14. 1 Pet. 1.18, 19 Q. 11. What was the ransom that Christ paid for us? A. His own precious blood, Act. 20.28. 1 Pet. ●. 19. Q. 12. How was the new Covenant ratified in his blood? A. By being accompanied with (7) The new Covenant, is Christ's legacy, in his last Will, unto his people the eternal inheritance of glory being conveyed thereby. his death, for that as all other Testaments, was to be ratified by the death of the Testator, Gen. 22.18. Heb. 9.16. & 8.10, 11, 12. Q. 13. What is this new Covenant? A. The gracious, free, immutable promise of God made unto all his Elect fallen in Adam, to (b) give them Jesus Christ, and (c) in him mercy, pardon, grace, and glory, (d) with a restipulation of Faith from them unto this promise and new obedience. (a) Gen. 3.15. Ier. 31.32, 33▪ 34. & 32.40. Heb. 8.10, 11, 12. (b) Gal. 3.8.16. Gen. 12.3. (c) Rom. 8.32. Ephes. 1.3, 4. (d) Mar. 16.16. Ioh. 1.12. & 10.27, 28. Q. 14. How did Christ procure for us grace, faith, and glory? (9) All these holy tru●hs are directly denied by the blasphemous Socinians & of the papists with their merits, masses, penance, & purgatory, by consequent, overthrown. A. By the way of purchase (8) The death of Christ was satisfactory in respect of the strict justice of God, meritorious in respect of the covenant between him and his Father. and merit, for the death of Christ deservedly procured of God, that he should bless us with all spiritual blessings, needful for our coming unto him, Esa. 53.11, 12. Ioh. 17.2. Act. 20.28. Rom. 5.17, 18. Ephes. 2.15, 16. & 1.4. Phil. 1.29. Tit. 2.14. Revel. 1.5, 6. Q. 15. What is the intercession of Christ? A. His continual soliciting (10) To make Saints our intercessors, is ●o renounce Jesus Christ from being a sufficient Saviour. of God on our behalf, begun here in fervent prayers, continued in Heaven, by appearing as our advocate at the Throne of Grace, Psal. 2.8. Rom. 8.34. Heb. 7.25. & 9.24. & 10.19, 20, 21. 1 Joh. 2.1, 2. Joh. 17. CHAP. XIII. Of Christ's prophetical Office. Q. 1. Wherein doth the prophetical Office of Christ consist? A. In his Embassage (1) Christ differed from all other Prophets first, in his sending, which was immediately from the bosom of his Father; secondly, his assistance, which was the fullness of the Spirit; thirdly, his manner of teaching, with authority. from God to man, revealing from the bosom of his Father, the whole mystery of godliness, the way and Truth, whereby we must come unto God, Matth. 5. Joh. 1.18. & 3.32. & 10.9.14. & 14.5, 6. & 17.8. & 18.37. Q. 2. How doth he exercise this Office towards us? A. By making known (2) To accuse his word of imperfection in Doctrine or Discipline, is to deny him a perfect Prophet or to have born witness unto all Truth. the whole Doctrine of truth unto us, in a saving and spiritual manner, Deut. 18.18. Esa. 42.6. Heb. 3.1. Q▪ 3. By what means doth he perform all this? A. Divers, as first, (a) internally and effectually by his Spirit, writing his Law in our hearts; secondly, (b) outwardly, and instrumentally, by the Word Preached. (a) Jer. 31.32, 33. 2 Cor. 3.3. 1 Thess. 4.9. Heb. 8.10. (b) Joh. 20.31. 1 Cor. 12.28. Ephes. 4.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 2 Pet. 1.21. CHAP. XIV. Of the twofold estate of Christ. Q. 1. In what estate or condition doth Christ exercise these Offices? A. In a twofold estate; first, of humiliation (1) The humiliation of Christ, shows us what we must here do, and suffer: his exaltation, what we may hope for. (2) The first of these holds forth his mighty love to us, the other his mighty power in himself. (3) The only way to heaven is by the cr●sse. or abasement; secondly, of exaltation, or glory, Phil. 2.8, 9, 10. Q. 2. Wherein consisteth the state of Christ's humiliation? A. In three things; first, (a) in his incarnation, or being born of woman; secondly, (b) his obedience or fulfilling the whole Law, moral and ceremonial; thirdly, in his (c) passion or enduring all sorts of miseries, even death itself. (a) Luk. 1.35. Ioh. 1.14. Rom. 1.3. Gal. 4.4. Heb. 2.9, 14. (b) Matth. 3.15. & 5.17. Luk. 2.21. Ioh. 8.46. 2 Cor. 5. 21. 1 Pet. 1.19. 1 Ioh. 3.5. (c) Psa. 53.4, 5, 6. Heb. 2.9. 1 Pet. 2.21. Q. 3. Wherein consists his exaltation? A. In first, his resurrection; secondly, Ascension; thirdly, sitting at the right hand of God; by all which he was declared to be the Son of God with power, Mat. 28.18. Rom. 1.4 & 4▪ 4. Ephes. 4.9. Phil. 2.9, 10. 1 Tim. 3.16. CHAP. XV. Of the persons to whom the benefits of Christ's Offices do belong. Q. 1. unto whom do the saving benefits of what Christ performeth in the execution of his Offices belong? A. only to his Elect, (1) Christ giveth life to all that world for whom he gave his life. (2) None that he died for shall ever die. (3) To say that Christ died for every man universally, is to affirm that he did no more for the Elect, than the reprobates, for them that are saved, then for them that are damned, which is the Arminian blasphemy. Joh. 17.9. Esa. 63.9. Heb. 3.6. & 10.21. Q. 2. died he for no other? A. None, in respect of his father's eternal purpose, and his own intention, of removing wrath from them, procuring grace and glory for them, Act. 20.28. Matth. 20.28. & 26.28. Heb. 9.28. Joh. 11.51, 52. Esa. 53.12. Ioh. 3.16. & 10 11, 12, 13, 15. Ephes. 5.25. Rom. 8.32.34. Gal. 3.13. Ioh. 6.37.39. Rom. 4.25. 2 Cor. 5.19, 20. Q. 3. What shall become of them for whom Christ died not? A. Everlasting torments for their sins, their portion in their own place, Mark. 16.16. Ioh. 3.36. Matth. 25.41. Act. 1.25. Q. 4. For whom doth he make intercession? A. only for those who from eternity were given him by his Father, Ioh. 17. Heb 7.24, 25. CHAP. XVI. Of the Church. Q. 1. How are the Elect called, in respect of their obedience unto Christ, and union with him? A. His Church, Act. 20.28. Ephes. 5.32. Q. 2. What is the Church of Christ? A. The whole company of God's (1) The Elect Angels belong to this Church. (2) No distance of time or place breaks the unity of this Church; heaven & earth, from the beginning of the wo●ld unto the end, are comprised in it. (3) No mention in Scripture of any Church in purgatory. (4) This is the Catholic Church, though that term ●ee not to be found in the Word in this sense, the thing itself is obvious. (5) The Pope challenging unto himself the title of the head of the Catholic Church, is blasphemously rebellious against Jesus Christ. Elect (a), called (b) of God, (c) by the Word and Spirit, (d) out of their natural condition, to the dignity of his children, and (e) united unto Christ their Head, by faith in the bond of the Spirit. (a) Act. 2.47. 1 Tim. 5.21. Heb. 12.22, 23, 24. (b) Rom. 1.5, 6. Rom. 9 11.24. 1 Cor. 4.15. 2 Tim. 1.9. (c) Act. 16.14. Ioh. 3.8. 1 Cor. 4.15. 1 Pet. 1.23. Heb. 8.10. (d) Ephes. 2.11, 12, 13. Col. 1.13. Heb. 2.14, 15. 1 Pet. 2.9. (e) Ioh. 17.21. Ephes. 2.18, 19, 20, 21, 22. Q. 3. Is this whole Church always in the same state? A. No, one part of it is Militant, the other Triumphant. Q. 4. What is the Church Militant? A. That portion of God's Elect, which in their generation cleaveth unto Christ by Faith, and fighteth against the world, flesh, and devil, Ephes. 6.11, 12. Heb. 11.13, 14. & 12.1.4. Q. 5. What is the Church Triumphant? A. That portion of God's people, who having fought their fight and kept the Faith, are now in heaven, resting from their labours, 6 This is that Ark, out of which whosoever is, shall surely perish. Ephes. 5.27. Revel. 3.21. & ch. 14.13. Q. 6. Are not the Church of the Jews, before the birth of Christ, and the Church of the Christians since, two Churches? A. No, essentially they are but one, differing only in some outward administrations, Ephes. 2.12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 1 Cor. 10.3. Gal. 4.26, 27. Heb. 11.15.26.40. Q. 7. Can this Church be wholly overthrown on the earth? A. No, unless the Decree of God may be changed, and the promise of Christ fail. Matth. 16.18. & 28.20. Ioh. 14.16. Ioh. 17. 1 Tim. 3.15. 2 Tim. 2.19. CHAP. XVII. Of Faith. Q. 1. By what means do we become actual members of this Church of God? A. By a lively justifying Faith, (1) Of this faith the holy Spirit, is the efficient cause, the Word the instrumental, the Law indirectly, by discovering our m●sery; the Gospel immediately by holding forth a Saviour. whereby we are united unto Christ, the head thereof, Act. 2.47. & 13.48. Heb. 11.6. & 12.22, 23. & 4.2. Rom. 5.1, 2. Ephes. 2.13, 14. Q. 2. What is a justifying Faith? A. A (a) gracious resting upon (2) Faith is in the understanding, in respect of its being, & subsistence in the will & heart in respect of its effectual working. the free promises of God in Jesus Christ for mercy, (b) with a firm persuasion of heart, that God is a reconciled Father unto us in the Son of his love. (a) 1 Tim. 1.16. Ioh 13.15. & 19.25. Rom. 4.5. (b) Heb. 4.16. Rom. 8.38, 39 Gal. 2.20. 2 Cor. 5.20, 21. Q. 3. Have all this Faith? A. None, but the Elect of God, Tit. 1.1. Ioh. 10.26. Matth. 13.11. Act. 13.48. Rom. 8.30. Q. do not than others believe that make profession? A. Yes; with, first, historical Faith, or a persuasion, that the things written in the Word are true, James 2.9. secondly, temporary Faith, which hath some joy of the affections, upon unspiritual grounds, in the things believed, Matth. 13.20. Mark. 6.20. Joh. 2.23, 24. Act. 8.13. CHAP. XVIII. Of our Vocation, or God's calling us. Q. 1. How come we to have this saving Faith? A. It is freely bestowed upon us, and wrought in us, by the Spirit of God in our vocation or calling, Ioh. 6.29.44. Ephes. 2.8, 9 Phil. 1.29. 2 Thess. 1.11. Q. 2. What is our vocation, or this calling of God? A. The free gracious (1) Our effectual calling is the first effect of our everlasting election. (2) we have no actual interest in, nor right unto Christ, until we are thus called. act of Almighty God, whereby in Jesus Christ he calleth and translateth us, from the state of Nature, sin, wrath, and corruption, into the state of grace, and union with Christ, by the mighty, effectual working of his Spirit, in the preaching of the Word. Col. 1.12, 13. 2 Tim. 1.9. Deut. 30.6. Ezek. 36.26. Matth. 11.25, 26. Joh. 1.13. & 3.3.8. Ephes. 1.19. Col. 2.12. 1 Cor. 4.7. Jam. 1.18. 2 Pet. 2.20. Act. 16.14. Q. 3. What do we ourselves perform in this change or work of our conversion? A. Nothing at all, being merely (3) They who so boast of the strength of free will, in the work of our conversion, are themselves an example what it is, being given up to so vile an error, destitute of the grace of God. wrought upon by the free grace and Spirit of God, when in ourselves we have no ability to any thing that is spiritually good, Matth. 7.18. & 10.20. Joh. 1.13. & 15.5. 1 Cor. 12.3. 1 Cor. 2.5. 2 Cor. 3.5. Ephes. 2.1.8. Rom. 8.26. Phil. 1.6. Q. 4. Doth God thus call all and every one? A. All within the ●pale of the Church are outwardly called by the Word, none effectually but the Elect, Mat. 22.14. Rom. 8.30. CHAP. XIX. Of Justification. Q. 1. Are we accounted righteous and saved for our Faith, when we are thus freely called? A. No, but merely by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, apprehended and applied by Faith, for which alone the Lord accepts us, as holy and righteous, Esa. 43.25. Rom. 3.23, 24, 25, 26. Rom. 4.5. Q. 2. What then is our justification, or righteousness before God? A. The gracious free act (1) legal, & Evangelical justification differ; first, on the part of the persons to be justified: the one requiring a person legally and perfectly righteous, the other a believing sinner; secondly, on the part of God, who in the one is a severe righteous Judge, in the other, a merciful reconciled Father; thirdly, in the sentence, which in the one, acquitteth, as having done nothing amiss, the other as having all amiss pardoned. of God, imputing the righteousness of Christ to a believing sinner, and for that speaking peace unto his conscience, in the pardon of his sin, pronouncing him to be just, and accepted before him, Gen. 15.6. Act. 13.38, 39 Luk. 18.14. Rom. 3.24, 26.28. Rom. 4.4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Gal. 2.16. Q. 3. Are we not then righteous before God by our own works? A. No, for of themselves, they can neither satisfy his justice, fulfil his Law, nor endure his trial, Psal. 130.3, 4. Psal. 143.2. Esa. 64.6. Luk. 17.10. CHAP. XX. Of Sanctification. Q. 1. Is there nothing then required of us, but Faith only? A. Yes, (a) repentance, and (b) holiness, or new obedience. (a) Act. 20.21. Matth. 3.2. Luk. 13.3. (b) 2 Tim. 2.19. 1 Thess. 4.7. Heb. 12.14. Q. 2. What is repentance? A. Godly (a) sorrow for every known (1) Repentance includeth first, alteration of the mind, into a hatred of sin, before loved; secondly, sorrow of the affections, for sin committed; thirdly, change of the actions arising from both. (2) Repentance is either legal, servile, and terrifying, from the spirit of bondage: or, evangelical, filial, and comforting, from the spirit of free grace and liberty, which only is available. sin committed against God, (b) with a firm purpose of heart, to cleave unto him for the future, (c) in the killing of sin, the quickening of all graces, to walk before him in newness of life. (a) 2 Cor. 7.9, 10, 11. Act. 2.37. Psal. 51.17. (b) Psal. 34 14. Esa. 1.16, 17. Ezek. 18.27, 28. Act. 14.15. (c) Ephes. 4.21, 22, 23, 24. Rom. 6.12, 13.18, 19 Rom. 8.1. 2 Cor. 5.17. Gal. 6.15. Q. 3. Can we do this of ourselves? A. No, it is a special gift and grace of God, which he bestoweth on whom he pleaseth, Levit. 20.8. Deut. 30.6. Ezek. 11.19, 20. 2 Tim. 2.25. Act. 11.18. Q. 4. Wherein doth the being of true Repentance consist, without which it is not acceptable? A. In its (3) Every part of popish Repentance, viz. contrition, confession, & satisfaction, was performed by Judas. performance according to the Gospel rule, with Faith and assured hope of divine mercy, Psal. 51.1. Joh. 2.1, 2. 2 Cor. 7.10, 11. Act. 2 38. Matth. 27.4. Q. 5. What is that holiness which is required of us? A. That (a) universal (4) All Faith & profession without this holiness is vain and of no effect (5) True Faith can no more be wi●hout true holiness, then true fire without heat. sincere obedience to the whole will of God, (b) in our hearts, minds, wills, and actions, (c) whereby we are in some measure made conformable to Christ our head. (a) Psalm. 119.9. 1 Sam. 15.22. Ioh. 14.15. Rom. 6.9. Heb. 12.14. Tit. 2.12. 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7. Esa. 1.16, 17. (b) 1 Chron. 28.9. Deut. 6.5. Matth. 22.37. (c) Rom. 8.29. 1 Cor. 11.1. Ephes. 2.21. Col. 3.1, 2, 3. 2 Tim. 2.11, 12. Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us perfect? A. Yes, (a) in respect (6) Merit of works in unprofitable servants, no way able to do their duty, is a popish mi●acle. of all the parts of it, but (b) not in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it. (a) 2 King. 20.3. Job 1.1. Mat. 5.48. Luk. 1.6. 2 Cor. 7.1. Ephes. 4.24. Tit. 2.12. (b) Esa. 64.6. Psal. 130.3. Exod. 28.38. Phil. 3.8. Q. 7. Will God accept of that obedience which falls so short of what he requireth? A. Yes, from them (7) In Christ are our persons accepted freely, and for him our obedience. whose persons he accepteth, and justifyeth freely in Jesus Christ, Rom. 12.1. Phil. 4.18. Heb. 13.16. 1 Ioh. 3.22. Ephes. 1.6. Q. 8. What are the parts of this holiness? A. (a) internal, in the quickening of all graces, purging all sins; (b) and external, in fervent and frequent prayers, alms, and all manner of righteousness. (a) Heb. 9.14. Ephes. 3.16, 17. Rom. 2.29. & 6▪ 12. (b) Matth. 5.20. Rom. 8.1, 2. Ephes. 4.22, 23. Tit. 2.12. particular precepts are innumerable. Q. 8. May not others perform these duties acceptably, as well as those that believe? A. No, (8) The best duties of unbelievers, are but white sins. all their performances in this kind are but abominable sins before the Lord, Prov. 15.8. Joh. 9.31. Tit. 1.15. Heb. 11.6. CHAP. XXI. Of the privileges of believers. Q. 1. What are the privileges of those that thus believe and repent? A. First, union with Christ; secondly, adoption of children; thirdly, Christian liberty; fourthly, a spiritual holy right to the seals of the new Covenant; fifthly, communion with all Saints; sixthly, resurrection of the body unto life eternal. Q. 2. What is our union with Christ? A. An (a) holy spiritual (1) By virtue of this union, Christ suffereth in our afflictions, and we fill up in our bodies what remaineth as his. (2) From Christ as head of the Church, we have spiritual life, sense, and motion, or growth in grace; secondly, as the husband of the Church, love, and redemption; thirdly, as the foundation thereof, stability, and perseverance. conjunction unto him, as our (b) head, (c) husband, and (d) foundation, (e) whereby we are made partakers of the same spirit with him, (f) and derive all good things from him. (a) 1 Cor. 12.12. Ioh. 15.1, 2.5, 6, 7. & 17.23. (b) Ephes. 4.15. & 5.23. Col. 1.18. (c) 2 Cor. 11.2. Ephes. 5.25, 26, 27. Revel. 21.9. (d) Matth. 16.18. Ephes. 2.20, 21, 22. 1 Pet. 2.4, 5, 6, 7. (e) Rom. 8.9.11. Gal. 4.6. Phil. 1.19. (f) Ioh. 1.12.16. Ephes. 1.3. Q. 3. What is our adoption? A. Our gracious reception into the family of God, as his children, and coheirs with Christ, Ioh. 1.12. Rom. 8.15.17. Gal. 4.5. Ephes. 1.5. Q. 4. How come we to know this? A. By the especial working of the holy (3) This is that great honour & dignity of believers, which exalts them to a despising all earthly thrones Spirit in our heart●, sealing unto us the promises of God and raising up our souls to an assured expectation of the promised inheritance, Rom. 8.15.17. Ephes. 4.30. 1 Ioh. 3.1. Rom. 8 19.23. Titus 2.12. Q. 5. What is our Christian liberty? A. An (4) Our liberty is our inheritance here below, which we ought to contend for, against all opposers. holy and spiritual (a) freedom from the (b) slavery of sin, the (c) bondage of death and hell; the (d) curse of the Law, (e) Jewish ceremonies, and (f) thraldom of conscience, purchased for us by Jesus Christ, and (g) revealed to us by the holy Spirit. (a) Gal. 5.1. (b) Ioh. 8.32, 34, 36. Rom. 6.17, 18. Esa. 61.1. 1 Ioh. 1.7. 2 Cor. 5.21. (c) Rom. 8.15. Heb. 2.15. 1 Cor. 15.55, 57 (d) Gal. 3.13. Ephes. 2.15, 16. Gal. 4.5. Rom. 8.1. (e) Act. 15.10, 11. Gal. 3.4, 5. chapters. (f) 2 Cor. 1.24. 1 Cor. 7.23. 1 Pet. 2.16. (g) 1 Cor. 2.12. Q. 6. Are we then wholly freed from the moral Law? A. Yes, as (a) a Covenant (5) Nothing makes men condemn the Law as a rule, but hatred of that universal holiness which it doth require. or as it hath any thing in it, bringing into bondage, as the curse, power, dominion, and rigid exaction of obedience, (b) but not as it is a rule of life and holiness, (a) Jer. 31 31, 32, 33. Rom. 7.1, 2, 3. Rom. 6.14. Gal. 3.19.24. Rom. 8.2. Gal. 5.18. (b) Mat. 5.17. Rom. 3 31. & 7.13.22, 25. Q. 7. Are we not freed by Christ from the Magistrates power, and human authority? A. No, being ordained of (6) Rule and authority are as necessary for human society, as fire and water for our lives. God, and commanding for him, we owe them all lawful obedience, Rom. 13.1, 2, 3, 4. 1 Tim. 2.1, 2. 1 Pet. 2.13.14, 15. CHAP. XXII. Of the Sacraments of the new Covenant in particular, a holy right whereunto, is the fourth privilege of believers. Q. 1. What are the seals of the new Testament? A. Sacraments instituted of Christ to be visible seals and pledges, whereby God in him confirmeth the promises of the Covenant to all believers, restipulating of them, growth in Faith and obedience, Mark. 16.16. Joh. 3.5. Act. 2.38. & 22.16. Rom. 4.11. 1 Cor. 10.2, 3, 4. 1 Cor. 11.26, 27, 28, 29. Q. 2. How doth God by these Sacraments bestow grace upon us? A. Not by any (1) This is one of the greatest mysteries of the Roman magic and juggling, that corporal elements should have a power to forgive sins, and confer spiritual grace. real, essential conveying of spiritual grace, by corporeal means, but by the way of promise, obsignation and Covenant, confirming the grace wrought in us by the Word and Spirit, Heb. 4.2. 1 Cor. 10. Rom 4.11. & 1.17. Mark. 16.16. Ephes. 5.26. Q. 3. How do our Sacraments differ from the Sacraments of the Jews? A. Accidentally only, in things concerning the outward matter and form, as their number, quality, clearness of signification, and the like, not essentially in the things signified, or grace confirmed, 1 Cor. 10.1, 2, 3, &c. Joh. 6.35. 1 Cor. 5.7. Phil. 3.3. Col. 2.11. CHAP. XXIII. Of baptism. Q. 1. Which are these Sacraments? A. baptism and the Lord's Supper. Q. 2. What is baptism? A. An (a) holy action appointed (1) Not the want, but the con●empt of this Sacrament is damnable. (2) It is hard to say whether the error of the Papists, requiring baptism of absolute indispensable necessity to the salvation of every Infant; or that of the Anabaptiss, debarring them from it altogether, be the most uncharitable. of Christ, whereby being sprinkled with water in the name of the whole Trinity, by a lawful Minister of the Church, (b) we are admitted into the family of God, (c) and have the benefits of the blood of Christ confirmed unto us. (a) Matth. 28.19. Mark. 16.15, 16. (b) Act. 2.41. & 8.37. (c) Act. 2.38, 39 Joh. 3.5. Rom. 6.3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 12.13. Q. 3. To whom doth this Sacrament belong? A. Unto all, to whom the promise of the Covenant is made, that is, to believers and to their seed, Act. 2.39. Gen. 17.11, 12. Act. 16.15. Rom. 4.10, 11. 1 Cor. 7.14. Q. 4. How can baptism seal the pardon of all sins to us, all our personal sins following it? A. Inasmuch as it is a seal of that promise which gives pardon of all to believers, Act. 2.39. Rom. 4.11, 12. CHAP. XXIV. Of the Lord's Supper. Q. 1. What is the Lord's Supper? A. An (a) holy action instituted and (1) baptism is the Sacrament of our new birth, this of our further growth in Christ. appointed by Christ, (b) to set forth his death, (c) and communicate unto us spiritually his body and blood, by Faith, being (d) represented by bread and wine, (e) blessed by his Word, and Prayer, (f) broken, (2) No part of Christian Religion, was ever so vilely contaminated & abused by profane wretches, as this pure, holy, plain action, and institution of our Saviour: witness the Popish horrid monster of transubstantiation, and their idolatrous mass. poured out, and received of believers. (a) Mat. 26.20, 21, Luk. 22.14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. 1 Cor. 11▪ 23, 24. (b) Luk. 22.19. 1 Cor. 11.25, 26. (c) Mark. 14.22, 23, 24. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25. Joh. 6.63. (d) 1 Cor. 11.23, 25. (e) 1 Cor. 11.24. Mat. 26.26. (f) Mat. 26.26. Mark. 14.22. Luk. 22.19. Q. 2. When did Christ appoint this Sacrament? A. On the night wherein he was betrayed to suffer, 1 Cor. 11.23. Q. 3. Whence is the right use of it to be learned? A. From the Word, (3) What ever is more than these, is of our own. practice, and actions of our Saviour, at its institution. Q. 4. What were the actions of our Saviour to be imitated by us? A. First, blessing the elements by prayer; secondly, breaking the bread, and pouring out the wine; thirdly, distributing them to the receivers, sitting in a Table gesture, Matth. 26.26. Mark. 14.22. Luk. 22.19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24. Q. 5. What were the words of Christ? A. First, of command, Take eat; secondly, of promise, This is my body; thirdly, of institution, for perpetual use, This do, &c. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 26. Q. 6. Who are to be (4) Faith in God's promises which it doth confirm, union with Christ, whereof it is a seal, and obedience to the right use of the Ordinance itself, is required of all Receivers. (5) There is no● any one action pertaining to the spiritual nature of this Sacrament, not any end put upon it by Christ; as first, the partaking of his body and blood; secondly, setting forth of his death for us; thirdly, declaring of our union with him and his, but require Faith, Grace, and holiness in the Receivers. receivers of this Sacrament? A. Those only have a true right to the signs, who by Faith have an holy interest in Christ, the thing signified, 1 Cor. 11.27, 28, 29. Joh. 6.63. Q. 7. Do the elements remain bread and wine still, after the blessing of them? A. Yes, all the spiritual change is wrought by the Faith of the Receiver, not the words of the giver; to them that believe, they are the body and blood of Christ, Joh. 6.63. 1 Cor. 10.4. & 11.29. CHAP. XXV. Of the Communion of Saints, the fifth privilege of believers. Q▪ 1. What is the communion of Saints? A. An holy conjunction (1) By virtue of this we partake in all the good and evil of the people of God through out the world. between all God's people, wrought by their participation of the same spirit whereby we are all made members of that one body, whereof Christ is the head, C●nt. 6.9. Ier. 32.39. Ioh. 17.22. 1 Cor. 12.12. Ephes. 4.3, 4, 5, 6.13. 1 Ioh. 1.3.6, 7. Q. 2. Of what sort is this union? A. First, (a) spiritual and internal, in the enjoyment of the same spirit and graces, which is the union of the Church Catholic; secondly, (b) external and ecclesiastical in the same outward Ordinances, which is the union of particular Congregations, (a) 1 Cor. 12.12, 13. Ephes. 2.16, 19, 20, 21, 22. 1 Cor. 10.17. Ioh. 17.11.21, 22. Ioh. 10.16. Heb. 2.11. (b) 1 Cor. 1.10, 11. Rom. 12.5. 1 Cor. 12.27, 28. Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13. Phil. 2.2. Col. 3.15. 1 Pet. 3.8. CHAP. XXVI. Of particular Churches. Q. 1. What are particular Churches? A. Peculiar (a) assemblies (1) Every corruption doth not presently unchurch a people. (2) Unholines of fellow-worshippers, defileth not God's Ordinances. of Professors in one place, (b) under Officers of Christ's institution, (c) enjoying the Ordinances of God, (d) and leading lives beseeming their holy calling. (a) Act. 11.26. 1 Cor. 4.17. & 11.12. 2 Cor. 1.1. (b) Act. 20.17.28. & 14.23. 2 Cor. 8.23. Heb. 13.17. (c) 1 Cor. 1.5. Revel. 2.1, 2, 3. (d) 2 Thess. 3.5.6.11. Gal. 6.16. Phil. 3.18. 1 Thess. 2.12. Q. 2. What are the Ordinary Officers of such Churches? A. First, (a) Pastors or Doctors (3) Ministers are the Bishops of the Lord; Lord-bishops, came from Rome. to teach and exhort; secondly, (b) Elders to assist in rule and government; thirdly, (c) Deacons to provide for the poor. (a) Rom. 12.7, 8. Ephes. 4.11. 1 Cor. 12.28. (b) Rom. 12.8. 1 Tim. 5.17. (c) Act. 6.2, 3. Q. 3. What is required of these Officers, especially the chiefest, or Ministers? A. (a) That they be faithful in the Ministry committed unto them, (b) sedulous in dispensing the Word, (c) watching for the good of the souls committed to them, (d) going before them in an example of all godliness and holiness of life. (a) 1 Cor. 4.2. Act. 20.18, 19, 20. (b) 2 Tim. 2.15. & 4.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. (c) Tit. 1.13. 1 Tim. 4.15, 16. (d) Tit. 2.7. 1 Tim. 4.12. Matth. 5.16. Act. 25. Q. 4. What is required in the people unto them? A. Obedience (a) to their message and ministry, (b) honour and love to their persons, (c) maintenance to them and their families. (a) 2 Cor. 5.20. Rom. 6.17. Heb. 13.17. 2 Thess. 3.14. Rom. 16.19. 2 Cor. 10.4, 5, 6. (b) 1 Cor. 4.1. Gal. 4.14. 1 Tim. 5.17, 18. (c) Luk. 10.7. Jam. 5.4. 1 Tim. 5.17, 18. 1 Cor. 9.9, 10, 11, 12, 13.