Cibrar y offche theological gtmimxy PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY ->» «<- PRESENTED BY Hugrh Thomson Kerr a*9(*3 .CW <^7 .^Avi^y 7 CONFESSION OF FAITH; THE LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS, WITH THE ©cnptute^proofg at Large : TOGETHER WITH THE SUM OF SAVING KNOWLEDGE, (CONTAINED IN THE HOLY SCRIPTORES, AND HELD FORTH IN THE SAID CONFESSION AND CATECHISMS,) AND PRACTICAL USE THEREOF; COVENANTS, NATIONAL AND SOLEMN LEAGUE; ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS, AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES 5 DIRECTORIES FOR PUBLICK AND FAMILY WORSHIP; FORM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT, &c. OF PUBLICK AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. WITH ACTS OF ASSEMBLY AND PARLIAMENT, RELATIVE TO, AND APPROBATIVE OF, THE SAME. Deut. vi. 6, 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart : and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy chiU> dren, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. I pro o -f 1 c EDINBURGH: PRINTED BY SIR D. HUNTER BLAIR AND M. S. BRUCE, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty, «— — ^ 1827. THE GENERAL CONTENTS. I. npHE Preface, by sundry J. English Divines. II. Mr. Manton's Epistle to the Reader. III. The Confession of Faith. IV. The Larger Catechism. V. The Shorter Catechism. VI. The Sum of Saving Know- ledge. VII. The National Covenant. VIII. The Solemn League and Covenant. IX. The Acknowledgment of Sins, &c. X. The Directory for Publick Worship. XI. The Form of Presbyterial Church-Government. XII. The Directory for Family Worship. CHRISTIAN READER, ESPECIALLY HEADS OF FAMILIES. \ S we cannot but with grief of soul lament those multi- -*-*- tudes of errors, blasphemies, and all kinds of profaneness, which have in this last age, like a mighty deluge, overflown this nation ; so, among several other sins which have helped to open the flood-gates of all these impieties, we cannot but esteem the disuse of family instruction one of the greatest. The two great pillars upon which the kingdom of Satan is erected, and by which it is upheld, are ignorance and error; the first step of our manumission from this spiritual thraldom consists in having our eyes opened, and being tumedjrom dark- ness to light, Actsxxvi. 18. How much the serious endeavours of godly parents and masters might contribute to an early seasoning the tender years of such as are under their inspec- tion, is abundantly evident, not only from their special influ- ence upon them, in respect of their authority over them, in- terest in them, continual presence with them, and frequent opportunities of being helpful to them ; but also from the sad effects which, by woeful experience, we find to be the fruit of the omission of this duty. It were easy to set before you a cloud of witnesses, the language of whose practice hath been not only an eminent commendation of this duty, but also a serious exhortation to it. As Abel, though dead, yet speaks by A % his 4 The Epistle to the Reader. his example to us for imitation of his faith, fyc. Heb. xi. 4. ; so do the examples of Abraham, of Joshua, of the parents of Solomon, of the grandmother and mother of Timothy, the mother of Augustine, whose care was as well to nurse up the souls as the bodies of their little ones ; and as their pains herein was great, so was their success no way unanswerable. We should scarce imagine it any better than an imperti- nency, in this noon-day of the gospel, either to inform or persuade in a duty so expressly commanded, so frequently urged, so highly encouraged, and so eminently owned by the Lord in all ages with his blessing, but that our sad ex- perience tells us, this duty is not more needful, than it is of late neglected. For the restoring of this duty to its due observance, give us leave to suggest this double advice. The first concerns heads of families in respect of them- selves ; That as the Lord hath set them in place above the rest of their family, they would labour in all wisdom and spiritual understanding to be above them also. It is an un- comely sight to behold men in years babes in knowledge ; and how unmeet are they to instruct others, who need them- selves to be taught which be the first principles of the oracles of God ? Heb. v. 12. Knowledge is an accomplishment so desirable, that the devils themselves knew not a more taking bait by which to tempt our first parents, than by the fruit of the tree of knowledge ; So shall you be as gods, know- ing good and evil. When Solomon had that favour shewed him of the Lord, that he was made his own chuser what to ask, he knew no greater mercy to beg than wisdom, 1 Kings iii. 5, 9- The understanding is the guide and pilot of the whole man, that faculty which sits at the stern of the soul : but as the most expert guide may mistake in the dark, so may the understanding, when it wants the light of know- ledge : Without knowledge the mind cannot be good, Prov.xix. 2. ; nor the life good, nor the eternal condition safe, Eph. iv. 18. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hos. iv. 6. It is ordinary in scripture to set profaneness, and all kind of miscarriages, upon the score of ignorance. Diseases in the body have many times their rise from distempers in the head, and exorbitancies in practice from errors in judgment: and indeed in every sin there is something both The Epistle to the Reader. 5 both of ignorance and error at the bottom : for, did sinners truly know what they do in sinning, we might say of every sin what the Apostle speaks concerning that great sin, Had they known him, tJiey would not have crucified the Lordqfglory ; did they truly know that every sin is a provoking the Lord to jealousy, a proclaiming war against Heaven, a crucify- ing the Lord Jesus afresh, a treasuring* up wrath unto them- selves against the day of wrath ; and that, if ever they be pardoned, it must be at no lower a rate than the price of his blood ; it were scarce possible but sin, instead of alluring, should affright, and instead of tempting, scare. It is one of the arch devices and principal methods of Satan to deceive men into sin : thus he prevailed against our first parents, not as a lion, but as a serpent, acting his enmity under a pre- tence of friendship, and tempting them to evil under an ap- pearance of good ; and thus hath he all along carried on his designs of darkness, by transforming himself into an angel of light, making poor deceived men in love with their mise- ries, and hug their own destruction. A most sovereign anti- dote against all kind of errors, is to be grounded and settled in the faith : persons unfixed in the true religion, are very receptive of a false ; and they who are nothing in spiritual knowledge, are easily made any thing. Clouds without water are driven to and fro with every wind, and ships without ballast liable to the violence of every tempest. But yet the knowledge we especially commend, is not a brain-know- ledge, a mere speculation ; this may be in the worst of men, nay, in the worst of creatures, the devils themselves, and that in such an eminency, as the best of saints cannot attain to in this life of imperfection ; but an inward, a savoury, an heart knowledge, such as was in that martyr, who, though she could not dispute for Christ, could die for him. This is that spiritual sense and feeling of divine truths the Apostle speaks of, Heb. v. 14. Having your senses exercised, &c. But, alas, we may say of most men's religion what learned Rivet * speaks concerning the errors of the fathers, " They " were not so much their own errors, as the errors of the " times wherein they lived.11 Thus do most men take up their religion upon no better an account than Turks and Pa- A 3 pists * Rivet. Crit. Sacr* 6 The Epistle to the Reader. pists take up theirs, because it is the religion of the times and places wherein they live ; and what they take up thus slightly, they lay down as easily. Whereas an inward taste and relish of the things of God, is an excellent preservative to keep us settled in the most unsettled times. Corrupt and unsavoury principles have great advantage upon us, above those that are spiritual and sound ; the former being suitable to corrupt na- ture, the latter contrary; the former springing up of them- selves, the latter brought forth not without a painful industry. The ground needs no other midwifery in bringing forth weeds than only the neglect of the husbandman's hand to pluck them up ; the air needs no other cause of darkness than the absence of the sun ; nor water of coldness than its distance from the fire ; because these are the genuine products of nature. Were it so with the soul, (as some of the philoso- phers have vainly imagined,) to come into the world as an abrasa tabula, a mere blank or piece of white paper, on which neither any thing is written, nor any blots, it would then be equally receptive of good and evil, and no more averse to the one than to the other : but how much worse its condition indeed is, were scripture silent, every man's experience does evidently manifest. For who is there that knows any thing of his own heart, and knows not thus much, that the sug- gestions of Satan have so easy and free admittance into our hearts, that our utmost watchfulness is too little to guard us from them ? whereas the motions of God's Spirit are so un- acceptable to us, that our utmost diligence is too little to get our hearts open to entertain them. Let therefore the ex- cellency, necessity, difficulty of true wisdom stir up endea- vours in you somewhat proportionable to such an accom- plishment; Above all getting, get understanding, Prov. iv. 7. and search for wisdom as for hidden treasures, Prov. ii. 4. It much concerns you in respect of yourselves. Our second advice concerns the heads of families, in respect of their families. Whatever hath been said already, though it concerns every private Christian that hath a soul to look after ; yet, upon a double account, it concerns parents and masters, as having themselves and others to look after : some there are, who, because of their ignorance, cannot ; others, becauseof their sluggishness, will not mind this duty. To the former The Epistle to the Reader. 7 former we propound the method of Joshua, who first began with himself, and then is careful of his family. To the latter we shall only hint, what a dreadful meeting those parents and masters must have at that great day, with their children and servants, when all that were under their inspection shall not only accuse them, but charge their eternal miscarrying upon their score. Never did any age of the Church enjoy such choice helps as this of ours. Every age of the gospel hath had its Creeds, Confessions, Catechisms, and such breviaries and models of divinity as have been singularly useful. Such forms of sound words (however in these days decried) have been in use in the Church ever since God himself wrote the Decalogue, as a summary of things to be done ; and Christ taught us that prayer of his, as a directory what to ask. Concerning the usefulness of such compendiary systems, so much hath been said already by a learned divine * of this age, as is sufficient to satisfy all who are not resolved to remain unsatisfied. Concerning the particular excellency of these ensuing trea- tises, we judge it unneedful to mention those eminent testi- monies which have been given them from persons of known worth, in respect of their judgment, learning, and integrity, both at home and abroad, because themselves spake so much their own praise ; gold stands not in need of varnish, nor diamonds of painting : give us leave only to tell you, that we cannot but account it an eminent mercy to enjoy such helps as these are. It is ordinary in these days for men to speak evil of things they know not ; but if any are possessed with mean thoughts of these treatises, we shall only give the same counsel to them that Philip gives Nathanael, Come and •see, John i. 46. It is no small advantage the reader now hath, by the addition of scriptures at large, whereby with little pains he may more profit, because with every truth he may behold its scripture foundation. And, indeed, consider- ing what a Babel of opinions, what a strange confusion of tongues, there is this day among them who profess they speak the language of Canaan, there is no intelligent person but will conclude that advice of the prophet especially suited to such an age as this, Isa. viii. 20. To the law, and to the A 4 testimony ; • Doctor Tuckney in his sermon on 2 Tim. i. 13. 8 The Epistle to the Reader, testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because tliere is no tight in them. If the reverend and learned com- posers of these ensuing treatises were willing to take the pains of annexing scripture proofs to every truth, that the faith of people might not be built upon the dictates of men, but the authority of God, so some considerable pains hath now been further taken in transcribing those scriptures ; partly to prevent that grand inconvenience, (which all for- mer impressions, except the Latin, have abounded with, to the great perplexing and disheartening of the reader,) the misquotation of scripture, the meanest reader being able, by having the words at large, to rectify whatever mistake may be in the printer in citing the particular place ; partly, to prevent the trouble of turning to every proof, which could not but be very great; partly, to help the memories of such who are willing to take the pains of turning to every proof, but are unable to retain what they read ; and partly, that this may serve as a Bible common-place, the several passages of scripture, which are scattered up and down in the word, being in this book reduced to their proper head, and thereby giving light each to other. The advantages, you see, in this design, are many and great; the way to spiritual knowledge is hereby made more easy, and the ignorance of this age more inexcusable. If, therefore, there be any spark in you of love to Crod, be not content that any of yours should be ignorant of him whom you so much admire, or any haters of him whom you so much love. If there be any compassion to the souk of them who are under your care, if any regard of your being found faithful in the day of Christ, if any respect to future generations, labour to sow these seeds of knowledge,, which may grow up in after-times. That you may be faithful herein, is the earnest prayer of, Henry Wilkinson, D. D. A. M. P. Roger Drake. William Taylor. Samuel Annesley. Thomas Gouge. Charles Offspring. Arthur Jackson. John Cross. Samuel Clerk. Samuel Slater. William Whitaker. John Fuller. James Nalton. Thomes Goodwin. Matthew Pool. William Bates. Jolin Loder. Francis Raworth. William Cooper. William Jenkin. Thomas Manton. Thomas Jacomb. George Griffiths. Edward Perkins. Ralph Venning. Jeremiah Burwell. Joseph Church. Has. Bridges. Samuel Smith. Samuel Rowles. John Glascock. Leo. Cooke. John Sheffield. Matthew Haviland. William Blackmore. Richard Kentish. Alexander Pringle* William Wickins. Thomas Watson. John Jackson. John Seabrooke. John Peachie. James Jollife. Obadiah Lee. J/r. [ 9 ] Mr. Thomas Mantows Epistle to the Reader* CHRISTIAN READER, T CANNOT suppose thee to be such a stranger in Eng- •*■ land as to be ignorant of the general complaint con- cerning the decay of the power of godliness, and more especially of the great corruption of youth. Wherever thou goest, thou wilt hear men crying out of bad children and bad servants ; whereas indeed the source of the mis- chief must be sought a little higher : it is bad parents and bad masters that make bad children and bad servants ; and we cannot blame so much their untowardness, as our own negligence in their education. The devil hath a great spite at the kingdom of Christ, and he knoweth no such compendious way to crush it in the egg, as by the perversion of youth, and supplanting family duties. He striketh at all those duties which are publick in the assemblies of the saints ; but these are too well guarded by the solemn injunctions and dying charge of Jesus Christ, as that he should ever hope totally to subvert and under- mine them ; but at family-duties he striketh with the more success, because the institution is not so solemn, and the practice not so seriously and conscientiously regarded as it should be, and the omission is not so liable to notice and publick censure. Religion was first hatched in families, and there the devil seeketh to crush it ; the families of the Patriarchs were all the Churches God had in the world for the time ; and therefore, (I suppose,) when Cain went out from Adam's family, he is said to go out from the face of the Lord, Gen. iv. 16. Now, the devil knoweth that this is a blow at the root, and a ready way to prevent the suc- cession of Churches: if he can subvert families, other societies and communities will not long flourish and subsist with any power and vigour ; for there is the stock from whence they are supplied both for the present and future. For the present : A family is the seminary of Church and State ; and if children be not well principled there, all mis- carrieth : a fault in the first concoction is not mended in the second ; if youth be bred ill in the family, they prove A 5 ill 10 The Epistle to the Reader. ill in Church and Commonwealth ; there is the first making or marring, and the presage of their future lives to be thence taken, Prov. xx. 11. By family discipline, officers are trained up for the Church, 1 Tim. iii. 4. One that ru- leth well his own house, &c. ; and there are men bred up in subjection and obedience. It is noted, Acts xxi. 5. that the disciples brought Paul on his way with their wives and children; their children probably are mentioned, to intimate, that their parents would, by their own example and affec- tionate farewell to Paul, breed them up in a way of reve- rence and respect to the pastors of the Church. For the future : It is comfortable, certainly, to see a thri- ving nursery of young plants, and to have hopes that God shall have a people to serve him when we are dead and gone: the people of God comforted themselves in that, Psal. cii. 28. The children of thy servants shall continue, &c. Upon all these considerations, how careful should minis- ters and parents be to train up young ones whilst they are yet pliable, and, like wax, capable of any form and impres- sion, in the knowledge and fear of God ; and betimes to in- stil the principles of our most holy faith, as they are drawn into a short sum in catechisms, and so altogether laid in the view of conscience ! Surely these seeds of truth planted in the field of memory, if they work nothing else, will at least be a great check and bridle to them, and, as the casting in of cold water doth stay the boiling of the pot, somewhat allay the fervours of youthful lusts and passions. I had, upon entreaty, resolved to recommend to thee with the greatest earnestness the work of catechising, and, as a meet help, the usefulness of this book, as thus printed with the scriptures at large : but meeting with a private letter of a very learned and godly divine, wherein that work is ex- cellently done to my hand, I shall make bold to transcribe a part of it, and offer it to publick view. The author having bewailed the great distractions, cor- ruptions, and divisions that are in the Church, he thus re- presents the cause and cure : " Among others, a principal cause of these mischiefs is the great and common neglect of the governors of families, in the discharge of that duty which they owe to God for the souls that are under their charge, The Epistle to the Reader. 11 charge, especially in teaching them the doctrine of Chris- tianity. Families are societies that must be sanctified to God as well as Churches; and the governors of them have as truly a charge of the souls that are therein, as pastors have of the Churches. But, alas, how little is this considered or re- garded! But while negligent ministers are (deservedly) cast out of their places, the negligent masters of families take themselves to be almost blameless. They offer their children to God in baptism, and there they promise to teach them the doctrine of the gospel, and bring them up in the nurture of the Lord ; but they easily promise, and easily break it ; and educate their children for the world and the flesh, al- though they have renounced these, and dedicated them to God. This covenant-breaking with God, and betraying the souls of their children to the devil, must lie heavy on them here or hereafter. They beget children, and keep families, merely for the world and the flesh : but little consider what a charge is committed to them, and what it is to bring up a child for God, and govern a family as a sanctified society. O how sweetly and successfully would the work of God go on, if we would but all join together in our several places to promote it ! Men need not then run without sending to be preachers; but they might find that part of the work that be- longeth to them to be enough for them, and to be the best that they can be employed in. Especially women should be careful of this duty ; because as they are most about their chil- dren, and have early and frequent opportunities to instruct them, so this is the principal service they can do to God in this world, being restrained from more publick work. And doubtless many an excellent magistrate hath been sent into the Commonwealth, and many an excellent pastor into the Church, and many a precious saint to heaven, through the happy preparations of a holy education, perhaps by a wo-* man that thought herself useless and unserviceable to the Church. Would parents but begin betimes, and labour to affect the hearts of their children with the great matters of everlasting life, and to acquaint them with the substance of the doctrine of Christ, and, when they find in them the knowledge and love of Christ, would bring them then to the pastors of the Church to be tried, confirmed, and ad- A 6 mitted 12 The Epistle to the Reader. mitted to the further privileges of the Church, what happy,, well-ordered Churches might we have ! then one pastor need not be put to do the work of two or three hundred or thou- sand governors of families, even to teach their children those principles which they should have taught them long before ; nor should we be put to preach to so many miserable igno- rant souls, that be not prepared by education to understand us ; nor should we have need to shut out so many from holy communion upon the account of ignorance, that yet have not the grace to feel it and lament it, nor the wit and pa- tience to wait in a learning state, till they are ready to be fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, But now they come to us with aged self-conceitedness, be- ing past children, and yet worse than children still ; having the ignorance of children, but being overgrown the teach- ableness of children ; and think themselves wise, yea, wise enough to quarrel with the wisest of their teachers, because they have lived long enough to have been wise, and the evi- dence of their knowledge is their aged ignorance ; and they are readier to flee in our faces for Church-privileges, than to learn of us, and obey our instructions, till they are pre- pared for them, that they may do them good ; like snappish curs, that will snap us by the fingers for their meat, and snatch it out of our hands ; and not like children, that stay till we give it them. Parents have so used them to be unru- ly, that ministers have to deal but with too few but the un- ruly. And it is for want of this laying the foundation well at first, that professors themselves are so ignorant as most are, and that so many, especially of the younger sort, do swallow down almost any error that is offered them, and follow any sect of dividers that will entice them,, so it be but done with earnestness and plausibility. For, alas ! though by the grace of God their hearts may be chan- ged in an hour, (whenever they understand but the essen- tials of the faith,) yet their understandings must have time and diligence to furnish them with such knowledge as must stablish them, and fortify them against deceits. Upon these,, and many the like considerations, we should entreat all Chris- tian families to take more pains in this necessary work, and to get better acquainted with the substance of Christianity.. And, The Epistle to the Reader. 13 And, to that end, (taking along some moving treatises to awake the heart,) I know not what work should be fitter for their use, than that compiled by the Assembly at West- minster ; a Synod of as godly, judicious divines, (notwith- standing all the bitter words which they have received from discontented and self-conceited men,) I verily think, as ever England saw. Though they had the unhappiness to be employed in calamitous times, when the noise of wars did stop men's ears, and the licentiousness of wars did set every wanton tongue and pen at liberty to reproach them, and the prosecution and event of those wars did exasperate partial discontented men to dishonour themselves by seek- ing to dishonour them ; I dare say, if in the days of old, when councils were in power and account, they had had but such a council of bishops, as this of presbyters was, the fame of it for learning and holiness, and all ministerial abi- lities, would, with very great honour, have been transmit- ted to posterity* I do therefore desire, that all masters of families would first study well this work themselves, and then teach it their children and servants, according to their several capacities. And, if they once understand these grounds of religion, they will be able to read other books more under standingly, and hear sermons more profitably, and confer more judiciously, and hold fast the doctrine of Christ more firmly, than ever you are like to do by any other course. First, let them read and learn the Shorter Catechism, and next the Larger, and lastly, read the Confession of Faith." Thus far he, whose name I shall conceal, (though the excellency of the matter, and present style, will easily dis- cover him,) because I have published it without his privity and consent, though, I hope, not against his liking and approbation. I shall add no more, but that I am, Thy servant, in the Lord's work, THOMAS MANTON. An [ 14 J An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the calling of an Assembly of learned and godly Divines, and others, to be consulted with by the Parliament, for the settling of the government and liturgy of the Church of England; and for vindicating and clear- ing of the doctrine of the said Church from false aspersions and interpretations. June 12. 1643. TI^HEREAS, amongst the infinite blessings of Almighty ** God upon this nation, none is nor can be more dear unto us than the purity of our religion ; and for that, as yet, many things remain in the liturgy, discipline, and govern- ment of the Church, which do necessarily require a further and more perfect reformation than as yet hath been attained ; and whereas it hath been declared and resolved by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that the present Church-government by archbishops, their chancellors, com- missars, deans, deans and chapters, archdeacons, and other ecclesiastical officers depending upon the hierarchy, is evil, and justly offensive and burdensome to the kingdom, a great impediment to reformation and growth of religion, and very prejudicial to the state and government of this kingdom ; and therefore they are resolved that the same shall be taken away, and that such a government shall be settled in the Church as may be most agreeable to God's holy word, and most apt to procure and preserve the peace of the Church at home, and nearer agreement with the Church of Scotland, and other Reformed Churches abroad ; and, for the better effecting hereof, and for the vindicating and clearing of the doctrine of the Church of England from all false calumnies and as- persions, it is thought fit and necessary to call an Assembly of learned, godly, and judicious Divines, who, together with some members of both the Houses of Parliament, are to consult and advise of such matters and things, touching the premises, as shall be proposed unto them by both or either of the Houses of Parliament, and to give their advice and counsel therein to both or either of the said Houses, when, and as often as they shall be thereunto re- quired : Be it therefore ordained, by the Lords and Com- mons [ is i mons in this present Parliament assembled, That all and every the persons hereafter in this present ordinance named, that is to say, And such other person or persons as shall be nominated and appointed by both Houses of Parliament, or so many of them as shall not be letted by sickness, or other necessary impediment, shall meet and assemble, and are hereby re- quired and enjoined, upon summons signed by the clerks of both Houses of Parliament, left at their respective dwell- ings, to meet and assemble themselves at Westminster, in the Chapel called King Henry the VIFs Chapel, on the first day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and forty-three ; and after the first meeting, being at least the number of forty, shall from time to time sit, and be removed from place to place; and also that the said Assembly shall be dissolved in such manner as by both Houses of Parliament shall be directed : and the said persons, or so many of them as shall be so assembled, or sit, shall have power and authori- ty, and are hereby likewise enjoined from time to time, du- ring this present Parliament, or until further order be taken by both the said Houses, to confer and treat among them- selves of such matters and things, touching and concerning the liturgy, discipline, and government of the Church of Eng- land, for the vindicating and clearing of the doctrine of the same from all false aspersions and misconstructions, as shall be proposed unto them by both or either of the said Horrses of Parliament, and no other ; and deliver their opinion, ad- vices of, or touching the matters aforesaid, as shall be most agreeable to the word of God, to both or either of the Hou- ses, from time to time, in such manner and sort as by both or either of the said Houses of Parliament shall be required ; and the same not to divulge, by printing, writing, or other- wise, without the consent of both or either Houses of Parlia- ment. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid. That William Twisse doctor in divinity shall sit in the chair, as prolocutor of the said Assembly ; and if he happen to die, or be letted by sickness, or other necessary impediment, then such other person to be appointed in his place as shall be agreed on by the said Houses of Parliament : And in case any difference in opinion shall happen amongst the said persons so assembled, [ 16 ] assembled, touching any the matters that shall be proposed to them as aforesaid, that then they shall represent the same, together with the reasons thereof, to both or either the said Houses respectively, to the end such further direction may be given therein as shall be requisite to that behalf. And be- lt further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That, for the charges and expences of the said Divines, and every one of them, in attending the said service, there shall be allowed every one of them that shall so attend, during the time of their said attendance, and for ten days before and ten days after, the sum of four shillings for every day, at the charges of the Commonwealth, at such time, and in such manner, as by both Houses of Parliament shall be appointed. And be it further ordained, That all and every the said Divines, so, as aforesaid, required and enjoined to meet and assemble, shall be freed and acquitted of and from every offence, for- feiture, penalty, loss, or damage, which shall or may ensue or grow by reason of any non-residence or absence of them, or any of them, from his or their, or any of their church, churches, or cures, for or in respect of their said attendance upon the said service ; any law or statute of non-residence, or other law or statute enjoining their attendance upon their respective ministries or charges, to the contrary thereof not- withstanding. And if any of the persons above named shall happen to die before the said Assembly shall be dissolved by order of both Houses of Parliament, then such other person or persons shall be nominated and placed in the room and stead of such person or persons so dying, as by both the said Houses shall be thought fit and agreed upon ; and every such person or persons, so to be named, shall have the like power and authority, freedom and acquittal, to all intents and purposes, and also all such wages and allowances for the said service, during the time of his or their attendance, as to any other of the said persons in this ordinance is by this ordinance limited and appointed. Provided always, That this ordinance, or any thing therein contained, shall not give unto the persons aforesaid, or any of them, nor shall they in this Assembly assume to exercise any jurisdic- tion, power, or authority ecclesiastical whatsoever, or any other power than is herein particularly expressed. Assembly [ 17 ] Assembly at Edinburgh, August 19. 1643. Sess. 14. Commission of the General Assembly to some Ministers and Ruling Elders, for repairing to the Kingdom of England, THE General Assembly of the Church of Scotland find- ing it necessary to send some godly and learned of this Kirk to the kingdom of England, to the effect underwritten ; therefore gives full power and commission to Mr. Alexander Henderson, Mr. Robert Douglas, Mr. Samuel Rutherford, Mr. Robert Baillie, and Mr. George Gillespie, Ministers, John Earl of Cassilis, John Lord Maitland, and Sir Archi- bald Johnstoun of Warristoun, Elders, or any three of them, whereof two shall be Ministers, to repair to the kingdom of England, and there to deliver the declaration sent unto the Parliament of England, and the letter sent unto the As- sembly of Divines now sitting in that kingdom ; and to pro- pone, consult, treat, and conclude with that Assembly, or any Commissioners deputed by them, or any Committees or Commissioners deputed by the Houses of Parliament, in all matters which may further the union of this Island in one Form of Kirk-government, one Confession of Faith, one Catechism, one Directory for the worship of God, accord- ing to the instructions which they have received from the Assembly, or shall receive from time to time hereafter from the Commissioners of the Assembly deputed for that effect : with power also to them to convey to His Majesty the humble answer sent from this Assembly to His Majesty's letter, by such occasion as they shall think convenient ; and sicklike, to deliver the Assembly's answer to the letter sent from some well-affected brethren of the ministry there; and generally authorises them to do all things which may further the so much desired union, and nearest conjunction of the two Churches of Scotland and England, conform to their instructions aforesaid. Many of the persons who were called by the foresaid Ordinance of the Lords and Commons (in that broken state of the Church) to attend the Assembly appeared not ; whereupon the whole work lay on the hands of the persons hereafter 7nentioned. [ 18 ] The Promise and Vow taken by every Member admitted to sit in the Assembly. V A. B. do seriously promise and vow, in the presence of -■- Almighty God, That in this Assembly, whereof I am a member, I will maintain nothing in point of doctrine, but what I believe to be most agreeable to the word of God ; nor in point of discipline, but what may make most for God's glory, and the peace and good of this Church. A List of the Divines who met in the Assembly at Westminster. Dr. William Twisse of New- bury, Prolocutor, Dr. Cornelius Burges of Water- ford, John White of Dorchester, Asses- sors, Dr. William Gouge of Blackfriars, London, Robert Harris of Hanwell, B. D. Thomas Gattaker of Rotherhithe, Oliver Bowles of Sutton, B. D. Edward Reynolds of Bramston, Jeremiah Whitaker of Streton, Dr. Anthony Tuckney of Boston, John Arrowsmith of Lynne, Simeon Ashe of St. Brides, Philip Nye of Kimbolton, Jeremiah Burroughs of Stepney, •John Lightfoot of Ashley, Stanley Gower of Brampton Bryan, Richard Heyrick of Manchester, Thomas Case of London, Dr. Thomas Temple of Battery, George Gipps of Ayleston, Thomas Carter, Dr. Humphrey Chambers of Cla- verstoun, Thomas Micklethwait of Cherry- burton, John Guibon of Waltham, Christopher Tesdale of Uphus- borne, Henry Philps, George Walker, B. D. Edward Calamy, B. D. of Alder- manbury, Dr. Lazarus Seaman of London, Joseph Caryl of Lincoln's Inn, Dr. Henry Wilkinson senior of Waderston, Richard Vines of Calcot, Nicolas Profit of Marlborough, Stephen Marshall, B. D. of Finch- ingfield, Dr. Joshua Hoyle late of Dublin, Thomas Wilson of Otham, Thomas Hodges of Kensington, Thomas Baillie of Mildenhall, B. D. Francis Taylor of Yalding, Thomas Young of Stownmarket, Thomas Valentine, B. D. of Chal- font, St. Giles, William Greenhill of Stepney, Edward Pele of Compton, John Green of Pencomb, Andrew Pern of Wilby, Samuel de la Place, John de la March, John Dury, Philip Deline, Sidrach Simpson of London, John Langly of Westuderly, Richard Clayton of Showers, Arthur Saflaway of Seaverne- stock, John Ley of Bud worth, Charles Herle of Winwick, pro- locutor after Dr. Twisse, Herbert f 19 ] Herbert Palmer, B. D. of Ashwel, assessor after Mr. White, Daniel Cawdrey of Great Billing, Henry Painter, B. D. of Exeter, Henrv Scudder of Colinborn, Thomas Hill, B. D. of Tichmarsh, William Reynor, B. D. of Egham, Dr. Thomas Goodwin of London, Dr. William Spurstow of Hamp- den, Matthew Newcomb of Denham, Dr. Edmond Staunton of Kingston, John Conant of Lymmington, B. D. Anthony Burges of Sutton Cold- field, William Rathband, Dr. Francis Cheynel of Oxen, Dr. Henry Wilkinson younger of Oxford, Obadiah Sedgwick, B. D. of Cog- shal, Edward Corbist of Marton Col- lege, Oxford, Samuel Gibson of Burley, Thomas Coleman of Bliton, Theodore Backhurst, William Carter of London, Peter Smith, John Maynard of Mayfield, AVilliam Price of Paul's Church in Covent Garden, John Whincop of St. Martins in the Fields, William Bridge of Yarmouth, Peter Sterry of London, William Mew, B. D. of Eslington, Benjamin Pickering of East Hoat- ]y> John Strickland of St. Edmonds in Sarum, Humphrey Hardwick, Jasper Hicks of Lawrick or Lan- rake, John Bond, Henry Hall, B. D. of Norwich, Thomas Ford of London, after- wards of Exeter, Thomas Thorowgood of Massing- ham, Peter Clark of Kerby Underhill, William Good, John Foxcroft of Cotham, John Ward, Richard Byfield of Long-Ditton, Francis Woodcock, John Jackson of Marske. Commissioners from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Alexander Henderson of Edin- John Earl of Cassilis, burgh, Robert Douglas of Edinburgh, Samuel Rutherford of St. An- drews, Robert Baillie of Glasgow, George Gillespie of Edinburgh, Ministers. John Lord Maitland, afterwards Duke of Lauderdale, Sir Archibald Johnstoun of Wari- stoun, Ruling Elders. Henry Robrough, Adoniram Byfield, John Wallis, Scribes. Assembly A L 20 ] Assembly at Edinburgh, August 27. 1647. Sess. 23. Act approving the Confession of 'Faith. CONFESSION of Faith for the Kirks of God in the three kingdoms, being the chiefest part of that uniformity in religion, which, by the Solemn League and Covenant, we are bound to endeavour : And there being accordingly a Confession of Faith agreed upon by the As- sembly of Divines sitting at Westminster, with the assist- ance of Commissioners from the Kirk of Scotland ; which Confession was sent from our Commissioners at London to the Commissioners of the Kirk met at Edinburgh in January last, and hath been in this Assembly twice publickly read over, examined, and considered ; copies thereof being also printed, that it might be particularly perused by all the members of this Assembly, unto whom frequent intimation was publickly made, to put in their doubts and objections, if they had any : And the said Confession being, upon due examination thereof, found by the Assembly to be most agreeable to the word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received doctrine, worship, discipline, and government of this Kirk. And, lastly, It being so necessary, and so much longed for, that the said Confession be, with all possible diligence and expedition, approved and established in both kingdoms, as a principal part of the intended uniformity in religion, and as a special means for the more effectual sup- pressing of the many dangerous errors and heresies of these times ; the General Assembly doth therefore, after mature deliberation, agree unto, and approve the said Confession, as to the truth of the matter ; (judging it to be most ortho- dox, and grounded upon the word of God ;) and also, as to the point of uniformity, agreeing for our part, that it be a common Confession of Faith for the three kingdoms. The Assembly doth also bless the Lord, and thankfully acknow- ledge his great mercy, in that so excellent a Confession of Faith is prepared, and thus far agreed upon in both king- doms ; which we look upon as a great strengthening of the true reformed religion against the common enemies thereof. But 9 lest our intention and meaning be in some particulars misunderstood* t 21 3 misunderstood, it is hereby expressly declared and provided, That the not mentioning in this Confession the several sorts of ecclesiastical officers and assemblies, shall be no prejudice to the truth of Christ in these particulars, to be expressed fully in the Directory of Government. It is further de- clared, That the Assembly understandeth some parts of the second article of the thirty-one chapter only of kirks not settled, or constituted in point of government : And that although, in such kirks, a synod of Ministers, and other fit persons, may be called by the Magistrate's authority and nomination, without any other call, to consult and advise with about matters of religion ; and although, likewise, the Ministers of Christ, without delegation from their churches, may of themselves, and by virtue of their office, meet to- gether synodically in such kirks not yet constituted, yet neither of these ought to be done in kirks constituted and settled ; it being always free to the Magistrate to advise with synods of ministers and ruling elders, meeting upon delegation from their churches, either ordinarily, or, being indicted by his authority, occasionally, and pro re nata ; it being also free to assemble together synodically, as well pro re nata as at the ordinary times, upon delegation from the churches, by the intrinsical power received from Christ, as often as it is necessary for the good of the Church so to assemble, in case the Magistrate, to the detriment of the Church, withhold or deny his consent; the necessity of occasional assemblies being first remonstrate unto him by humble supplication. A. KER. 15 Charles [ 22 ] Charles I. Pari. 2. Sess. 2. Act 16. Act anient the Catechisms ; Coiifession of Faith, and Ratification thereof. At Edinburgh, February 7. 1649- PT^HE Estates of Parliament, now presently convened in -*- this second Session of the second triennial Parliament, by virtue of an Act of the Committee of Estates, who had power and authority from the last Parliament for conve- ning the Parliament, having seriously considered the Cate- chisms, viz. the Larger and Shorter ones, with the Con- fession of Faith, with three Acts of Approbation thereof by the Commissioners of the General Assembly, presented unto them by the Commissioners of the said General Assem- bly ; do ratify and approve the said Catechisms, Confession of Faith, and Acts of Approbation of the same, produced as it is ; and ordains them to be recorded, published, and practised. TIffc. n THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, AGREED UPON BY THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF COMMISSIONERS FROM THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of Christ in the Kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland. Approved by the General Assembly 1647, and ratified and established by Acts of Parliament 1649 and 1690, as the publick and avowed CONFESSION OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, WITH THE PROOFS FROM THE SCRIPTURE. THE CONTENTS. • I. /^\F the Holy Scripture. II. VJ Of God, and of the Holy Trinity. • III. Of God's Eternal Decree. IV. Of Creation. V. Of Providence. - VI. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof. I VII. Of God's Covenant with Man. - VIII. Of Christ the Mediator. »IX. Of Free Will. • X. Of Effectual Calling. • XI. Of Justification. XII. Of Adoption. • XIII. Of Sanctification. -XIV. Of Saving Faith. • XV. Of Repentance unto Life. XVI. Of Good Works. - XVII. Of the Perseverance of the Saints. CHAP. -XVIII. Of Assurance of Grace and Salvation. XIX. Of the Law of God. XX. Of Christian Liberty, and Li- berty of Conscience. XXI. Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath-day. XXII. Of lawful Oaths and Vows. XXIII. Of the Civil Magistrate. XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce. XXV. Of the Church. XXVI. Of Communion of Saints. XXVII. Of the Sacraments. XXVIII. Of Baptism. XXIX. Of the Lord's Supper. XXX. Of Church Censures. XXXI. Of Synods and Councils. XXXII. Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead. XXXIII. Of the last Judgment. CONFESSION OF FAITH, Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster : Examined and approved. Anno 1647, by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland ; and ratified by Acts of Parliament 1649 and I69O. CHAP. I. Of the Holy Scripture. A LTHOUGH the light of nature, and the works of crea- -*■*- tion and. providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable a ; yet I. aRom. ii. 14. For when the in the law, these having not the Gentiles, which have not the law, law, are a law unto themselves : do by nature the things contained Ver. 15. Which shew the work of B the 26 The Confession of Faith. Chap. I. yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation b : there- fore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will un- to his church c ; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure esta- blishment and comfort of the Church against the corrup- tion of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing d ; which maketh the the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing wit- ness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. Rom. i. 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. Ver. 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clear- ly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Psal. xix. 1. The heavens declare the glory of God ; and the firma- ment sheweth his handy-work. Ver. 2. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. Ver. 3. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Rom. i. 32. Who knowing the judgment of God, (that they which commit such things are worthy of death,) not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. With Rom. ii. 1. Therefore thou art inexcusable, 0 man, whoso- ever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. b 1 Cor. i. 21. For after that, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that be- lieve. 1 Cor. ii. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teach- eth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Ver. 14. But the na- tural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolishness unto him : neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. c Heb. i. 1. God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. d Prov. xxii. 19. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Ver. 20. Have not I writ- ten to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge; Ver. 21. That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth ; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? Luke i. 3. It seemed good to me also, having had per- fect understanding of all things from the very first, to write un- to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus; Ver. 4. That thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed. Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning; that we through pa- tience Chap. I. • The Confession of Faith. 27 the holy scripture to be most necessary e; those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased f. II. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Testament, which are these : Of the Old Testament, Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Numbers. Deuteronomy. Joshua. Judges. Ruth. I. Samuel. II. Samuel. I. Kings. II. Kings. I. Chronicles. II. Chronicles. Ezra. Nehemiah. Esther. Job. Psalms. Proverbs. Ecclesiastes. The Songof Songs. Isaiah. Jeremiah. Lamentations. Ezekiel. Daniel. Hosea. Joel. Amos. Obadiah. Jonah. Micah. Nahum. Habakkuk. Zephaniah. Haggai. Zechariah. Malachi. tience and comfort of the scrip- tures might have hope. Matth. iv. 4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by- bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Ver. 7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Ver. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written, Thou shalt wor- ship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Isa. viii. 19. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have fami- liar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and that mutter ; should not a people seek unto their God ? for the living to the dead ? Ver. 20. To the law, and to the testimony : if they speak not according to this of word, it is because there is no light in them. e 2 Tim. iii. 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Pet. i. 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts. ' Heb. i. 1 . God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets; Ver. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. B2 eLuke 28 Tlie Confession of Faith. Chap. I. Of the New Testament. The Gospels ac- cording to Matthew. Mark. Luke. John. The Acts of the Apostles. Paul's Epistles to the Romans. Corinthians I. Corinthians II. Galatians Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians. Thessalonians I. Thessalonians II. To Timothy I. To Timothy II. To Titus. To Philemon. The Epistle to the Hebrews. The Epistle of James. The first and second Epistles of Peter. The first, second, and third Epistles of John. The Epistle of Jude. The Revelation. All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life e. III. The Books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the scrip- ture ; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings h. IV. The & Luke xvi. 29. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them. Ver. 31. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the pro- phets, neither will they be persua- ded though one rose from the dead. Eph. ii. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself be- ing the chief corner-stone. Rev. xxii. 18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. Ver. 19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and o.ut of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 2 Tim. iii. 16. All scrip- ture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doc- trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. III. h Luke xxiv. 27. And be- ginning at Moses and all the pro- phets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Ver. 44. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Rom. iii. 2. Much every way: chiefly, be- cause that unto them were com- mitted the oracles of God. 2 Pet. i. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they The Confession of Faith. 29 Chap. I. IV. The authority of the holy scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God, (who is truth itself,) the author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, because it is the word of God \ V. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverend esteem of the holy scrip- ture k, and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole, (which is to give all glory to God,) the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salva- tion, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the en- tire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the word of God ; yet not- withstanding our full persuasion and assurance of the infal- lible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inwaxd work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the word in our hearts \ they were moved by the Holy Ghost. IV. i 2 Pet i. 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts. Ver. 21. For the pro- phecy came not in old time by the will of man ; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Tim. iii. 16. All scripture is given by inspira- tion of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- tion, for instruction in righteous- ness. 1 John v. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his Son. 1 Thess. ii. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye re- ceived it not as the word of men, VI. The but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. V, k 1 Tim. iii. 15. But if I tarry long, that thou may est know how thou oughtest to be- have thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 1 John ii. 20. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. Ver. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you : but as the same anointing teach- eth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie ; and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. John xvi. 13. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Ver. 14. He shall B 3 glorify 30 The Confession of Faith. Chap. I. VI. The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men m. Neverthe- less, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the word n ; and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and govern- ment of the Church, common to human actions and socie- ties, glorify me : for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. ] Cor. ii. 10. But God hath reveal- ed them unto us by his Spirit ; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Ver. 11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him ? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Ver. 12. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Isa. lix. 21. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. VI. m 2 Tim. iii. 15. And that from a child thou hast knoAvn the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Je- sus. Ver. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is pro- fitable for doctrine, for reprooi, for correction, for instruction in righ- teousness: Ver. 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Gal. i. 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gos- pel unto you than that which we nave"*preached unto you, let^im be accursed. Ver. 9. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 2 Thess. ii. 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter, as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. n John vi. 45. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man there- fore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 1 Cor. ii. 9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Ver. 10. But God hath revealed them unto us by lus Spi- rit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Ver. 11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him ? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Ver. 12. Now Chap. I. The Coiifession of Faith. 31 ties, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the word, which are always to be observed °. VII. All things in scripture are not alike plain in them- selves, nor alike clear unto all p ; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for sal- vation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them q. VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew, (which was the na- tive language of the people of God of old,) and the New Tes- tament in Greek, (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations,) being immediaifijy^ in- spired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical r ; so as in all con- troversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them s. But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto and interest in the scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to Now we have received, not the which they that are unlearned and spirit of the world, but the Spirit unstable wrest, as they do also the which is of God ; that we might other scriptures, unto their own know the things that are freely destruction, given to us of God. i Psal. cxix. 105. Thy word is a 0 1 Cor.xi. 13. Judge in your- lamp unto my feet, and a light un- serves, is it comely that a woman to my path. Ver. 130. The entrance pray unto God uncovered? Ver. 14. of thy words giveth light, it giveth Doth not even nature itself teach understanding unto the simple, you, that if a man have long hair, VIII. r Mat. v. 18. For verily I it is a shame unto him? 1 Cor. say unto you, Till heaven and earth xiv. 26. How is it then, brethren, pass, one jot or one tittle shall in when ye come together, every one no wjse pass from the law, till all of you hath a psalm, hath a doc- be fulfilled. trine, hath a tongue, hath a reve- 8 Isa. viii. 20. To the law, and to lation, hath an interpretation? Let the testimony: if they speak not all things be done unto edifying, according to this word, it is be- Ver. 40. Let all things be done cause there is no light in them, decently and in order. Acts xv. 15. And to this agree the VII. p 2 Pet. iii. 16. As also in words of the prophets, as it is writ- all his epistles, speaking in them ten. John v. 39. Search the scrip- of these things, in which are some tures; for in them ye think ye have things hard to be understood, eternal life: and they are they B 4 which 82 The Confession of Faith. Chap. I. to read and search them *, therefore they are to be transla- ted into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come u, that the word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner w, and, through patience and comfort of the scriptures, may have hope x. IX. The infallible rule of interpretation of scripture is the scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any scripture, which is not manifold, but one,) it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly y. X. The supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to which testify of me : Ver. 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me ; for he wrote of me. 4 John v. 39. Search the scrip- tures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. u 1 Cor. xiv. 6. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Ver. 9. So likewise you, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. Ver. 11. Therefore, if I know not the mean- ing of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian; and he that speaketh shall be a bar- barian unto me. Ver. 12. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may ex- cel to the edifying of the church. Ver. 24. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is con- vinced of all, he is judged of all. Ver. 27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. Ver. 28. But if there be no inter- preter, let him keep silence in the church ; and let him speak to him- self, and to God. w Col. iii. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. x Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning ; that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. IX. y 2 Pet. i. 20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scrip- ture is of any private interpretation. Ver. 21 . For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Acts xv. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is writ- ten, Ver. 16. After this I will re- turn, and will build again the ta- bernacle of David which is fallen down, and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up. X. 2 Matth. Chap. II. The Confession of Faith. 33 to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the scripture z. CHAP. II. Of God, and of the Holy Trinity. THERE is but one only a living and true God b, who is infinite in being and perfection c, a most pure spi- rit d, invisible e, without body, parts f, or passions g, immut- able, X. z Matth. xxii. 29. Jesus an- swered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. Ver. 31. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying. Eph. ii. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner- stone. With Acts xxviii. 25. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fa- thers. I. a Deut. vi. 4. Hear, 0 Israel ; The Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. viii. 4. As concerning there- fore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. Ver. 6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him ; and one Lord Je- sus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. b 1 Thess. i. 9. For they them- selves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God. Jer. x. 10. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting King. c Job xi. 7. Canst thou by search- ing find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection ? Ver. 8. It is as high as heaven, what canst thou do ? deeper than hell, what canst thou know? Ver. 9- The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job xxvi. 14. Lo, these are parts of his ways ; but how little a por- tion is heard of him ? but the thun- der of his power who can under- stand ? d John iv. 24. God is a Spirit ; and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. e 1 Tim. i. 17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. f Deut iv. 15. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves, (for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb, out of the midst of the fire,) Ver. 16. Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a gra- ven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female. John iv. 24. God is a Spirit ; and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. With Luke xxiv. 39. Be- hold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see ; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. s Acts xiv. 11. And when the people saw what Paul had done, B 5 they 34 The Confession of Faith. Chap. II. able11, immense1, eternal k, incomprehensible \ almighty ra, most wise", most holy0, most free?, most absolute % work- ing all things according to the counsel of his own immut- able and most righteous will r, for his own glory s ; most loving l, they lifted up their voices, saying, in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. Ver. 15. And say- ing, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions "with you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from these va- nities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein. h James i. 17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no vari- ableness, neither shadow of turn- ing. Mai. iii. C. For I am the Lord, I change not : therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. 1 J Kings viii. 27. But wiJl God indeed dwell on the earth? Be- hold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house that I have builded ? Jer. xxiii. 23. Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Ver. 24. Can any hide himself in secret places, that I shall not see him ? saith the Lord: do not I fill heaven and earth ? saith the Lord. k Psal. xc. 2. Before the moun- tains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. 1 Tim. i. 17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Psal. cxlv. 3. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised ; and his greatness is unsearchable. m Gen. xvii. 1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Ab- ram, and said unto him, I am the almighty God: walk before me, and be thou perfect. Rev. iv. 8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. » Rom. xvi. 27. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. 0 Isa. vi. 3. And one cried un- to another, and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory. Rev. iv. 8. \_See letter m immedi- ately foregoing.-^ p Psal. cxv. 3. But our God is in the heavens : he hath done whatsoever he pleaseth. i Exod. iii. 14. And God said un- to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. rEph. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, be- ing predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. 1 Prov. xvi. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. * 1 John Chap. II. The Confession of Faith. loving*, gracious, merciful, long-suffering. 35 abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin u ; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him w ; and withal most just and terrible in his judgments x ; hating all sin y, and who will by no means clear the guilty z. II. God hath all life a. glory b, goodness blessedness d, in and 1 1 John iv. 8. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love. Ver. 1 6. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love ; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. u Exod. xxxiv. 6. And the Lord passed by before him, and pro- claimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffer- ing, and abundant in goodness and truth. Ver. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty ; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. w Heb. xi. 6. But without faith it is impossible to please him ; for he that cometh to God must be- lieve that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. x Neh. ix. 32. Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keep- est covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Ver. 33. Howbeit, thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly. Jr Psal. v. 5. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight : thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Ver. 6. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leas- ing : the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. z Nah. i. 2. God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth ; the Lord re- vengeth and is furious : the Lord will take vengeance on his adver- saries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. Ver. 3. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wick- ed : the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind, and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. Exod. xxxiv. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and 'sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty ; visiting the ini- quity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. II. a John v. 26. For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. b Acts vii. 2. And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran. c Psal. cxix. 68. Thou art good, and doest good, teach me thy sta- tutes. d 1 Tim. vi. 15. Which in his times he shall shew, who is the B 6 blessed 36 The Coitfession of Faith Chap. II. and of himself; and is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which he hath made % not deriving any glory from them f, but only manifesting his own glory, in, by, unto, and upon them : he is the alone foun- tain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom, are all things g; and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatsoever himself pleasethh. In his sight all things are open and manifest1; his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature k, so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain K blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Rom. ix. 5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came ; who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. e Acts xvii. 24. God, that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands: Ver. 25. Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. f Job xxii. 2. Can a man be pro- fitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Ver. 3. Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect ? * Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. h Rev. iv. 11. Thou art wor- thy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power : for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 1 Tim. vi. 15. [_See let- ter d immediately foregoing.~\ Dan. iv. 25. That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; He and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomso- ever he will. Ver. 35. And all the inhabitants of the earth are repu- ted as nothing : and he doeth ac- cording to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inha- bitants of the earth ; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou ? 1 Heb. iv. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight : but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. k Rom. xi. 33. O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how un- searchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! Ver. 34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord ? or who hath been his counsellor ? Psal. cxlvii. 5. Great is our Lord, and of great power : his understanding is infinite. 1 Acts xv. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the begin- ning of the world. Ezek. xi. 5. And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak, Thus saith the Lord, Thus have ye Chap. II. The Confession of Faith. 37 He is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands m. To him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience, he is pleased to require of them n. III. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons^ of one substance, power, and eternity ; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost °. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding ; the Son is eter- nally begotten of the Father p ; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son q. CHAP. ye said, 0 house of Israel : for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them. m Psal. cxlv. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. n Rev. v. 12. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and bless- ing. Ver. 13. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Bless- ing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Ver. 14. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. Ill ° 1 John v. 7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are one. Mat. iii. 16. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straight- way out of the water; and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. Ver. 17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all na- tions, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. xiii. 1 4. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. p John i. 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Fa- ther,) full of grace and truth. Ver. 1 8. No man hath seen God at any time ; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. i John xv. 26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. I. a Eph. 38 The Confession of Faith. Chap. III. CHAP. III. Of 'God 's Eternal Decree. /^ OD from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy ^-* counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably or- dain whatsoever comes to pass a : yet so, as thereby neither lsffid the author of sin b, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established c. II. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions d ; yet hath he not de- creed I. a Eph. i. 11 . In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, be- ing predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Rom. xi. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearch- able are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! Heb. vi. 17. Wherein God, willing more abun- dantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath. Rom. ix. 15. For he saith to Mo- ses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Ver. 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. b James i. 13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God : for God cannot be tempt- ed with evil, neither tempteth he any man. Ver. 17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 1 John i. 5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. c Acts ii. 23. Him, being deliver- ed by^the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Mat. xvii. 12. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him what- soever they listed: likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Acts iv. 27. For of a truth, against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were ga- thered together, Ver. 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. John xix. 11. Jesus an- swered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. Prov. xvi. 33. The lot is cast into the lap ; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. II. d Acts xv. 1 8. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 1 Sam. xxiii. 11. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down Chap. III. The Confession of Faith. 39 creed any thing because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions e. III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels f are predestinated unto ever- lasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death g. IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and fore- ordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed ; and their number is so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished \ V. Those down. Ver. 12. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up. Mat. xi. 21. Woe unto thee, Chorazin ! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have re- pented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Ver. 23. And thou Caper- naum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell : for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 8 Rom. ix. 11. For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to elec- tion might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, Ver. 13. As it is written, Jacob have I lov- ed, but Esau have I bated. Ver. 16. So then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Ver. 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. III. f 1 Tim. v. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Je- sus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things, without preferring one before an- other, doing nothing by partiality. Mat. xxv. 41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. s Rom. ix. 22. What if God, will- ing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: Ver. 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the ves- sels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory? Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ver. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Prov. xvi. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. IV. h 2 Tim. ii. 19. Neverthe- less the foundation of God stand- eth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. John xiii. 18. I speak not of you all ; I know whom I have chosen: but that the scrip- ture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. V. I Eph. 40 The Confession of Faith. Chap. III. V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, accord- ing to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory \ out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseve- rance in either of them, or any other thing in the crea- ture, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto k ; and all to the praise of his glorious grace \ VI. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, fore- ordained all the means thereunto m. Wherefore they who are V. * Eph. i. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love : Ver. 9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself: Ver. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he al- so justified; and whom he jus- tified, them he also glorified. 2 Tim. i. 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy call- ing, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world be- gan. 1 Thess. v. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath; but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. k R0m. ix. ii, 13, 16. {See let- ter e immediately foregoing.~\ Eph. i. 4, 9. {See letter > immediately foregoing?] 1 Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Ver. 12. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. VI. m 1 Pet. i. 2. Elect accord- ing to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Eph. i. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love : Ver. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Eph. ii. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. n 1 Thess. Chap. III. The Confession of Faith. 41 are elected being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ n ; are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit work- ing in due season ; are justified, adopted, sanctified0, and kept by his power through faith unto salvation p. Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justi- fied, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only *. VII. The rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious iusticer. VIII. The n 1 Thess. v. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to ob- tain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Ver. 10. Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live tog-ether with him. Tit. ii. 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto him- self a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 0 Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the be- ginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spi- rit, and belief of the truth. p 1 Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be reveal- ed in the last time. i John xvii. 9. I pray for them : I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine. Rom. viii. 28. And we know that all things work to- gether for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, &c. \jo the end of the Chapter^ John vi. 64. But there are some of you that be- lieve not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should be- tray him. Ver. 65. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, That no man can come unto me except it were given unto him of my Father. John x. 26. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. John viii 47. He that is of God, heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 1 John ii. 19. They went out from us, but they were not of us : for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us ; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. VII. r Matth. xi. 25. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise 42 The Confession of Faith. Chap. III. VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestina- tion is to be handled with special prudence and care s, that men attending the will of God revealed in his word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal elec- tion t. So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reve- rence, and admiration of God u, and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation, to all that sincerely obey the Gospel w. CHAP. wise and prudent, and hast reveal- ed them unto babes. Ver. 26. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. Rom. ix. 17. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Ver. 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he har- deneth. Ver. 21. Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel un- to honour, and another unto dis- honour? Ver. 22. What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the ves- sels of wrath fitted to destruction? 2 Tim. ii. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord know- eth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Ver. 20. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. Jude, ver. 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. ii. 8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed. VIII. s Rom. ix. 20. Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God ? shall the thing form- ed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus ? Rom. xi. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past find- ing out ! Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God : but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. * 2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give all diligence to make your calling and election sure : for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. u Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Rom. xi. 33. \^See letter s imme- diately foregoing. ^ w Rom. xi. 5. Even so then at this present time also' there is a remnant according to the elec- tion of grace. Ver. 6. And if by grace, then is it no more of works : otherwise Chap. IV. The Confession of Faith. 43 CHAP. IV. Of Creation. TT pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost a, for the -1- manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness b, in the beginning, to create, or make of no- thing, the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good c. II. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace : otherwise work is no more work. Ver. 20. Well; be- cause of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear. 2 Pet. i. 10. {^See letter l immediate- lyforegoing.^ Rom. viii. 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Luke x. 20. Notwith- standing in this rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you: but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. I. aHeb. i. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. John i. 2. The same was in the beginning with God. Ver. 3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Gen. i. 2. And the earth was with- out form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep : and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Job xxvi. 33. By his Spirit he hath garnish- ed the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. Job xxxiii. 4. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. b Rom. i. 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; so that they are with- out excuse. Jer. x. 12. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. Psal. civ. 24. O Lord, how mani- fold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches. Psal. xxxiii. 5. He loveth righteousness and judg- ment : the earth is full of the good- ness of the Lord. Ver. 6. By the word of the Lord were the hea- vens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. c ZThe whole first Chapter of GenT\ Heb. xi. 3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Col. i. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whe- ther they be thrones, or domini- ons, or principalities, or powers ; all things were created by him, and for him. Acts xvii. 24. God, that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwell- eth not in temples made with hands. II. d Gen. 44 The Confession of Faith, Chap. IV. man, male and female d, with reasonable and immortal souls e, endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true ho- liness, after his own image f, having the law of God written in their hearts g, and power to fulfil it h ; and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject unto change \ Beside this law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil k ; which while II. dGen. i. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him ; male and female created he them. e Gen. ii. 7. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. With Eccl. xii. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was ; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. And Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise. And Mat. x. 28. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul : but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. f Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth up- on the earth. Col. iii. 10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him. Eph. iv. 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. s Rom. ii. 14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Ver. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing wit- ness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. h Eccl. vii. 29. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright ; but they have sought out many inventions. 1 Gen. iii. 6. And when the wo- man saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise ; she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Eccl. vii. 29. ^See letter h immediately fwegoing. ,J k Gen. ii. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it ; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen. iii. 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day : and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. Ver. 9. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou ? Ver. 10. And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden; and Chap. V. The Confession of Faith. 45 while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures l. CHAP. V. Of Providence. f~^ OD, the great Creator of all things, doth uphold a, ^-* direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and from the greatest even to the least c, by his most wise things and I was afraid, because I was naked ; and I hid myself. Ver. 11. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat ? Ver. 23. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 1 Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness : and let them have domi- nion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Ver. 28. And God blessed them ; and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it ; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. I. a Heb. i. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word oi his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. b Dan. iv. 3*. And, at the end of the days, I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose do- minion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from genera- tion to generation. Ver. 35. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing : and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabi- tants of the earth ; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou ? Psal. cxxxv. 6. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. Acts xvii. 25. Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. Ver. 26. And hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times be- fore appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. Ver. 28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being ; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Job, Chapters xxxviii, xxxix, xl, xli. c Matth. x. 29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing ? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Ver. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Ver. 31. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. d Prov. 46 The Confession of Faith. Chap. V. wise and holy providence d, according to his infallible fore- knowledgee, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will f, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy g. II. Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and de- cree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass im- mutably and infallibly h ; yet, by the same providence, he ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently !. III. God d Prov. xv. 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Psal. civ. 24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psal. cxlv. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. e Acts xv. 1 8. Known unto God are all his works from the begin- ning of the world. Psal. xciv. 8. Understand, ye brutish among the people : and, ye fools, when will ye be wise ? Ver. 9. He that planted the ear, shall he not hear ? he that formed the eye, shall he not see ? Ver. 10. He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct ? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know ? Ver. 1 1. The Lord kno weth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. f Eph. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the pur- pose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Psal. xxxiii. 10. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought : he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. Ver. 11. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. s Isa. lxiii. 14. As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest ; so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name. Eph. iii. 10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in hea- venly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. Rom. ix. 17. For the scrip- ture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Gen. xlv. 7. And God sent me before you, to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Psal. cxlv. 7. They shall abundant- ly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. II. h Acts ii. 23. Him, being de- livered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. * Gen. viii. 22. While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease. Jer. xxxi. 35. Thus saith the Lord, which giveth. the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night ; which divideth the sea, when the waves thereof roar; the Lord of hosts is his Chap. V. The Confession of 'Faith. 47 III. God in his ordinary providence maketh use of means k, yet is free to work without \ above m, and against them n, at his pleasure. IV. The his name. Exod. xxi. 13. And if a man lie not in wait, but God deli- ver him into his hand ; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. With Deut. xix. 5. As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die ; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live. 1 Kings xxii. 28. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the Lord hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you. Ver. 34. And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: whereof he said un- to the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host, for I am wounded. Isa. x. 6. 1 will send him against an hy- pocritical nation ; and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. Ver. 7. Howbeit, he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so ; but it is in his heart to destroy, and cut off nations not a few. III. k Acts xxvii. 31. Paul said to the centurion, and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Ver. 44. And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship : and so it came to pass that they escaped all safe to land. Isa. lv. 10. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow, from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, 24 and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: Ver. 11. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth : it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Hos. ii. 21. And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the Lord; I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth. Ver. 22. And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil, and they shall hear Jezreel. 1 Hos. i. 7. But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. Mat. iv. 4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth outof the mouth of God. Jobxxxiv. 10. Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding : Far be it from God, that he should do wick- edness, and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. m Rom. iv. 19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb. Ver. 20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God : Ver. 21. And being fully persuaded, that what he had promised he was able also to perform. n 2 Kings vi. 6. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed 48 The Confession of Faith. Chap. V. IV. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infi- nite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his pro- vidence, that it extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men °, and that not by a bare per- mission p, but such as hath joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding q, and otherwise ordering and governing of shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and the iron did swim. Dan. iii. 27. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsel- lors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. IV. ° Rom. xi. 32. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. Ver. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearch- able are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! Ver. 34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counsellor? 2 Sam. xxiv. 1. And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he mo- ved David against them, to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. With 1 Chron. xxi. 1. And Satan stood up against Israel, and pro- voked David to number Israel. 1 Kings xxii. 22. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith ? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and pre- vail also : go forth, and do so. Ver. 23. Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee. 1 Chron. x. 4. 25 Then said Saul to his armour- bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith ; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armour-bearer would not, for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell up- on it. Ver. 13. So Saul died for his transgression which he com- mitted against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; Ver. 14. And enquired not of the Lord : therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David, the son of Jesse. 2 Sam. xvi. 10. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah ? so let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? Acts ii. 23. Him, being delivered by the deter- minate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Acts iv. 27. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were ga- thered together, Ver. 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy coun- sel determined before to be done. p Acts xiv. 16. Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. « Psal. Ixxvi. 10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the Chap. V. The Confession of Faith. 49 of them, in a manifold dispensation, to his own holy ends r ; yet so as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God ; who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin*. V. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God, doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption, and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled l ; and to raise them the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. 2 Kings xix. 28. Because thy rage against me, and thy tu- mult, is come up into mine ears : therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy Jips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou earnest. r Gen. 1. 20. But as for you, ye thought evil against me ; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Isa. x. 6. 1 will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. Ver. 7. Howbeit he he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so ; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut offnations not a few. Ver. 12. Wherefore it shall come to pass, that, when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion, and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. • James i. 13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God : for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Ver. H. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Ver. 17. Every good gift, and every per- fect gift, is from above, and com- eth down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, nei- ther shadow of turning. 1 John ii. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Psal. 1. 21. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence: thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in or- der before thine eyes. V. « 2 Chr. xxxii. 25. But Heze- kiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him : for his heart was lifted up ; therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Ver. 26. Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, (both he and the inhabi- tants of Jerusalem,) so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. Ver. 31. Howbeit, in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all C that 50 The Confession of Faith. Chap. V. them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy endsu. VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God as a righteous judge, for former sins, doth blind and har- den x, from them he not only withholdeth his grace, where- by they might have been enlightened in their understand- ings, that was in his heart. 2 Sam. xxiv. 1. And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. u 2 Cor. xii. 7. And lest I should be exalted above measure, through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be ex- alted above measure. Ver. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Ver. 9. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee : for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmi- ties, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Psal. lxxiii. through- out. * Psal. Ixxvii. 1. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice ; and he gave ear unto me. Ver. 10. And I said, This is my infirmity : but I will re- member the years of the right hand of the most High. Ver. 12. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. [^Read the in- termediate Verses in the Bible.^ Mark xiv. from the 66th verse to the end, with John xxi. 15. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Si- mon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these ? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. Ver. 1 6. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Ver. 17. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me ? Peter was grieved, because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me ? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things ; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. VI. x Rom. i. 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to unclean- ness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bo- dies between themselves. Ver. 26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections : for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. Ver. 28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their know- ledge, God gave them over to a re- probate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. Rom. xi. 7. What then ? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for, but the election hath obtain- ed it, and the rest were blinded Ver. 8. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear,) unto this day. y Deut. Chap. V. The Confession of Faith. 51 ings, and wrought upon in their hearts y; but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had z, and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sina; and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the tempta- tions of the world, and the power of Satan b : whereby it comes to pass, that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others c. VII. As y Deut. xxix. 4. Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. * Mat. xiii. 12. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Mat. xxv. 29. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath. a Deut. ii. 30. But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him ; for the Lord thy God harden- ed his spirit, and , made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day. 2 Kings viii. 12. And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord ? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel : their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child. Ver. 13. And Hazael said, But what ! is thy ser- vant a dog, that he should do this great thing ? And Elisha answer- ed, The Lord hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria. b Psal. lxxxi. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice, and Israel would none of me. Ver. 12. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust; and they walked in their own counsels, 2 Thess. ii. 10. And with all de- ceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Ver. 1 1 . And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie ; Ver. 12. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. c Exod. vii. 3. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. With Exod. viii. 15. But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them ; as the Lord had said. Ver. 32. And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. 2 Cor. ii. 15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. Ver. 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death, and to the other the savour of life unto life ; and who is sufficient for these things ? Isa. viii. 14. And he shall be for a sanctuary: but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offence, to both the houses of Israel ; for a gin, and for a snare, to the inhabitants of Je- rusalem. 1 Pet. ii. 7. Unto you therefore which believe he is pre- cious: but unto them which be dis- C 2 obedient, 52 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VI. VII. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures ; so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of his church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof*1. CHAP. VI. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof. /^VUR first parents being seduced by the subtilty and ^* temptation of Satan, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit a. This their sin God was pleased, according to his wise obedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner. Ver. 8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobe- dient; whereunto also they were appointed. Isa. vi. 9. And he said, Go and tell this people, Hear ye in- deed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Ver. 10. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes ; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. With Acts xxviii. 26. Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not under- stand ; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. Ver. 27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and under- stand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. VII. d 1 Tim. iv. 10. For there- fore we both labour, and suffer re- proach, because we trust in the li- ving God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. Amos ix. 8. Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful king- dom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth ; saving that I will not utterly destroy the nouse of Jacob, saith the Lord. Ver. 9. For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. Rom. viii. 28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Isa. xliii. 3. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour : I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethio- pia and Seba for thee. Ver. 4. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men forthee,and peopleforthy life. Ver. 5. Fear not ; for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west. Ver. 14. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. I. a Gen. hi. 13. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done ? And the Chap. VI. The Confession of Faith. 53 wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory b. II. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness, and communion with God c, and so became dead in sin d, and wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body e. III. They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed f, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature the woman said, The serpent be- guiled me, and I did eat. 2 Cor. xi. 3. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. b Rom. xi. 32. For God hath con- cluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. II. c Gen. hi. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Ver. 7. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked : and they sewed fig-leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Ver. 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord . God walking in the garden in the cool of the day : and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. Eccl. vii. 29. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright ; but they have sought out many inventions. Rom. iii. 23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. d Gen. ii. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it : for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Eph. ii. 1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. c Tit. i. 15. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Gen. vi. 5. And God saw that the wicked- ness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Jer. xvii. 9. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? Rom. iii. 10. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Ver. 11. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God : Ver. 12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Ver. 13. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit ; the poison of asps is under their lips : Ver. 14. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Ver. 15. Their feet are swift to shed blood: Ver. 16. De- struction and misery are in their ways: Ver. 17. And the way of peace have they not known : Ver. 1 8. There is no fear of God before their eyes. III. f Gen. i. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them. Ver. 28. C 3 And 54 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VI. nature conveyed to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation g. IV. From this original corruption, whereby we are ut- terly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good h, and And God blessed them ; and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it : and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And Gen. ii. 16. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: Ver. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it : for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. And Acts xvii. 26. And hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times be- fore appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. With Rom. v. 12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Ver. 15. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead ; much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Ver. 16. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation ; but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. Ver. 1 7. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which re- ceive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Ver. 18. Therefore, aS by the of- fence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even so, by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Ver. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners ; so by the obe- dience of one shall many be made righteous. And 1 Cor. xv. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. Ver. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. * Ver. 45. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. * Ver. 49. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. g Psal. Ii. 5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity ; and in sin did my mo- ther conceive me. Gen. v. 3. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image, and call- ed his name Seth. Job xiv. 4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? not one. Job xv. 14. What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous ? IV. h Rom. v. 6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom. viii. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. vii. 18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing : Chap. VI. The Confession of Faith. 55 and wholly inclined to all evil *, do proceed all actual trans- gressions k. V. This corruption of nature, during this life, doth re- main in those that are regenerated 1 : and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself, and all the motions thereof, are truly and properly sin m. VI. Every thing : for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Col. i. 21. And you that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. 1 Gen. vi. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every ima- gination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen. viii. 21. And the Lord smell- ed a sweet savour ; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake ; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth: neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Rom. iii. 10. As it is writ- ten, There is none righteous, no, not one: Ver. 11. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Ver. 12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unpro- fitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. k James i. 14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Ver. 15. Theh when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin ; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Eph. ii. 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Ver. 3. Among whom we all had our conversa- tion in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Mat. xv. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, for- nications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. V. l 1 John i. 8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive our- selves, and the truth is not in us. Ver. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Rom. vii. 14. For we know that the law is spi- ritual : but I am carnal, sold under sin. Ver. 17. Now then, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Ver. 18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is present with me ; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Ver. 23. But I see ano- ther law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my mem- bers. James iii. 2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Prov. xx. 9. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Eccl. vii. 20. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. m Rom. vii. 5. For when we C 4 were 56 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VL VI. Every sin, both original and actual, being a trans- gression of the righteous law of God, and contrary there- unto", doth, in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sin- ner °, whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God p, and curse of the law % and so made subject to death % with all miseries spiritual s? temporal \ and eternal u. CHAP. were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Ver. 7. What shall we say then ? Is the law- sin ? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law ; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Ver. 8. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. Ver. 25. I thank God, through Je- sus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God ; but with the flesh the law of sin. Gal. v. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. VI. n 1 John iii. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law : for sin is the transgres- sion of the law. ° Rom. ii. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bear- ing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else ex- cusing one another. Rom. iii. 9. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. Ver. 19. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. p Eph. ii. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. i Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is every one that conti- nued not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. r Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death : but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. s Eph. iv. 18. Having the under- standing darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. * Rom. viii. 20. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Lam. iii. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? u Mat. xxv. 41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 2 Thess. i. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. I, * Isa, Chap. VII. The Confession of Faith. 57 CHAP. VII. Of God's Covenant with Man. THE distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God's part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant a. II. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works b, wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to I. a Isa. xl. 13. Who hath di- rected the Spirit of the Lord, or, being- his counsellor, hath taught him? Ver. 14. With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him know- ledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Ver. 15. Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance : be- hold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. Ver. 16. And Le- banon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt-offering. Ver. 17. All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. Job ix. 32. For he is not a man as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Ver. 33. Neither is there any days-man betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. 1 Sam. ii. 25. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him : but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him ? Psal. cxiii. 5. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high ; Ver. 6. Who humbleth himself to be- hold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth ! Psal. c. 2. Serve the Lord with gladness : come be- fore his presence with singing. Ver. 3. Know ye that the Lord he is God : it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves : we are his people, and the sheep of his pas- ture. Job xxii. 2. Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto him- self? Ver. 3, Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways per- fect? Job xxxv. 7. If thou be righteous, what givest thou him ? or what receiveth he of thine hand ? Ver. 8. Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art, and thy righ- teousness may profit the son of man. Luke xvii. 10. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are command- ed you, say, We are unprofitable servants : we have done that which was our duty to do. Acts xvii. 24. God, that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwell- eth not in temples made with hands: Ver. 25. Neither is wor- shiped with men's hands, as though he needed7any thing, seeing he giv-r eth to all life, and breath, and all things. II. b Gal. hi. 12. And, the law is. not of faith: but, 'Tne'lnan that doeth them shall live in them. C 5 c Horn. ^^ ^ *u^ ^ 58 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VII. to his posterity c, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience d. III. Man by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second % commonly called the Covenant of Grace : whereby he freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, re- quiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved f; and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe g. IV. This c Rom. x. 5. Fo£ Moses descri- thee and the woman, and between beth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which do- eth those things shall live by them. Rom. v. 12. to 20. VSee Chap. vi. Sect. 3. letter fr\ d Gen. ii. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gal. in. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. III. e Gal. iii. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid : for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. Rom. viii. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh. Rom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight : for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Ver. 21 . But now the righte- ousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Gen. iii. 15. And I will put enmity between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Isa. xlii. 6. I the Lord have called thee in righte- ousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. f Mark xvi. 15. And he said un- to them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Ver. 16. He that be- lieveth, and is baptized, shall be saved ; but he that believeth not, shall be damned. John iii. 16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever- lasting life. Rom. x. 6. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven ? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Ver. 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Gal. iii. 11. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evi- dent: for, The just shall live by faith. e Ezek. xxxvi. 26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit Chap. VII. The Confession qf Faith. 59 IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in the scripture by the name of a Testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein be- queathed h. V. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the gospel * : under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordi- nances delivered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signify- ing Christ to come k, which were for that time sufficient and spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ver. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. John vi. 44. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him : and I will raise him up at the last day. Ver. 45. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. IV. h Heb. ix. 15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are call- ed might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Ver. 16. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. Ver. 17. For a testa- ment is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Heb. vii. 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament Luke xxii. 20. Like- wise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new tes- tament in my blood, which is shed for you. 1 Cor. xi. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, say- ing, This cup is the new testa- ment in my blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. V. i 2 Cor. iii. 6. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament ; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kill- eth, but the spirit giveth life. Ver. 7. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not sted- fastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance, which glory was to be done away ; Ver. 8. How shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious ? Ver. 9. For if the mini- stration of condemnation be glo- ry, much more doth the ministra- tion of righteousness exceed in glory. k (Heb. Chapters viii. ix. x.) Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised ; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they C 6 be 60 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VII. and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to in- struct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Mes- siah1, by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation ; and is called the Old Testament m. VI. Under the gospel, when Christ the substance" was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispen- sed are the preaching of the word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper0; which, be not circumcised ; that righte- ousness might be imputed unto them also. Col. ii. 11. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ : Ver. 12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 1 Cor. v. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacri- ficed for us. 1 1 Cor. x. 1. Moreover, bre- thren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fa- thers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea ; Ver. 2. And were all baptized unto Mo- ses in the cloud, and in the sea ; Ver. 3. And did all eat the same spiritual meat ; Ver. i. And did all drink the same spiritual drink: (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.) Heb. xi. 13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pil- grims on the earth. John viii. 56. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day : and he saw it, and was glad. m Gal. iii. 7. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. Ver. 8. And the scripture foresee- ing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Ver. 9. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faith- ful Abraham. Ver. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus- Christ ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. VI. n Col. ii. 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 0 Mat. xxviii. 1 9. Go ye there- fore and teach all nations, bap- tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost : Ver. 20. Teach- ing them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you : and, lo, I am with you al- way, even unto the end of the world, Amen. 1 Cor. xi. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread : Ver. 24. And, when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this Chap. VII. The Confession of Faith. 61 which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in more fulness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy p, to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles q ; and is calledjthe New Testament r. There are not therefore two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations s. CHAP. this do in remembrance of me. Ver. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in re- membrance of me. p Heb. xii. 22. But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the hea- venly Jerusalem, and to an in- numerable company of angels, Ver. 23. To the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made per- fect. Ver. 24. And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Ver. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh : for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speak- eth from heaven : Ver. 26. Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. Ver. 27. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may re- main. Jer. xxxi. 33. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts ; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Ver. 34. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord : for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord : for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. i Mat. xxviii. 19. [^See letter ° immediately foregoing.^ Eph. ii, 15. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of com- mandments, contained in ordi- nances, for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Ver. 16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby : Ver. 17. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. Ver. 18. For through him we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Fa- ther. Ver. 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and fo- reigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. r Luke xxii. 20. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. ■ Gal. iii. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles 62 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VIII. CHAP. VIII. Of Christ the Mediator. TT pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and or- *** dain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man a ; the Prophet b, Priest c, and Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Ver. 16. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many ; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Acts xv. 1 1. But we be- lieve that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved even as they. Rom. iii. 21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, be- ing witnessed by the law and the prophets : Ver. 22. Even the righ- teousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe ; for there is no difference : Ver. 23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Ver. 30. Seeing it is one God which shall justify the cir- cumcision by faith, and uncircum- cision through faith. Psal. xxxii. 1. Blessed is he whose transgres- sion is forgiven, whose sin is cover- ed. With Rom. iv. 3. For what saith the scripture ? Abraham be- lieved God, and it was counted un- to him for righteousness. Ver. 6. Even as David also describetb the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness with- out works. Ver. 16. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed ; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the fa- ther of us all; Ver. 17. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quick- eneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Ver. 23. Now, it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him ; Ver. 24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Heb. xiii. 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. I. a Isa. xlii. 1. Behold my ser- vant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him, he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 1 Pet. i. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and with- out spot : Ver. 20. Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. John iii. 16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever- lasting life. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator be- tween God and men, the man Christ Jesus. b Acts iii. 22. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me ; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say un- to you. c Heb. v. 5. So also Christ glo- rified not himself to be made an high Chap. VIII. The Confession of Faith. 63 and King d ; the Head and Saviour of his Church e ; the Heir of all things f ; and Judge of the world * : unto whom he did from all eternity give a people to be his_seedh, and to be by him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified \ II. The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, be- ing very and eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the Father, did, when the fulness of time was come, take upon him man's nature k, with all the essential properties and common high priest ; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day- have I begotten thee. Ver. 6. As he saitli also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec. d Psal. ii. 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. Luke i. 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. e Eph. v. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church : and he is the saviour of the body. f Heb. i. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. 8 Acts xvii. 31. Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteous- ness, by that man whom he hath ordained ; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. h John xvii. 6. I have manifest- ed thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world : thine they were, and thou gavest them me ; and they have kept thy word. Psal. xxii. 30. A seed shall serve him, it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. Isa. liii. 10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him : he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 1 1 Tim. ii. 6. Who gave him- self a ransom for all, to be testi- fied in due time. Isa. lv. 4. Be- hold, I have given him for a wit- ness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Ver. 5. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and na- tions that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifica- tion, and redemption. II. k John i. 1. In the begin- ning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Ver. 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 1 John v. 20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an un- derstanding, that we may know him that is true: and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, 64 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VIII. common infirmities thereof, yet without sin l ; being con- ceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance m. So that two whole, per- fect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion". Which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only Media- tor between God and man °. III. The God, and eternal life. Phil. ii. 6. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. 1 Heb. ii. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same : that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Ver. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of an- gels ; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Ver. 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren ; that he might be a merciful and faith- ful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Heb. iv. 15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmi- ties ; but was in all points tempt- ed like as we are, yet without sin. m Luke i. 27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of Da- vid; and the virgin's name was Mary. Ver. 31 . And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name Jesus. Ver. 35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Gal. iv. 4. £See letter k immediately foregoing/] n Luke i. 35. \^See the foregoing Verse.^ Col. ii. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the God- head bodily. Rom. ix. 5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. 1 Pet. hi. 1 8. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God ; being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. 1 Tim. iii. 16. And, without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness : God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of an- gels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, recei- ved up into glory. 0 Rom. i. 3. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, which was made of the seed of David accord- ing to the flesh : Ver. 4. And de- clared to be the Son of God with Eower, according to the Spirit of oliness, by the resurrection from the dead. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. III. P Psal. Chap. VIII. The Confession of Faith. 65 III. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spi- rit above measure p; having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge q ; in whom it pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell1: to the end, that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth s, he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety '. Which office he took not unto himself, but was thereunto called by his Father u ; who put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same x. IV. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly under- take y ; which that he might discharge, he was made under III. p Psal. xlv. 7. Thou lovest Mediator of the new covenant, righteousness, and hatest wicked- ness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. John iii. 34. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God : for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. ** Col. ii. 3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. V r Col. i. 19. For it pleased the Father that in him should all ful- ness dwell. s Heb. vii. 26. For such an high Eriest became us, who is holy, armless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. John i. 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. * Acts x. 38. How God anoint- ed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil: for God was with him. Heb. xii. 24. And to Jesus the and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Heb. vii. 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. u Heb. v. 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron : Ver. 5. So also, Christ glo- rified not himself to be made an high priest ; but he that said un- to him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee. x John v. 22. For the Father judgeth no man; but hath com- mitted all judgment unto the Son : Ver. 27. And hath given him au- thority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Mat. xxviii. 1 8* And Jesus came, and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in hea- ven and in earth. Acts ii. 36. Therefore let all the house of Is- rael know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. IV. y Psal. xl. 7. Then said I, Lo, I come : in the volume of the book it is written of me : Ver. 8. I delight 66 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VIII. the law % and did perfectly fulfil it a ; endured most grie- vous torments immediately in his soul b, and most painful sufferings in his bodyc; was crucified, and diedd; was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption6. On the third day he arose from the dead f, I delight to do thy will, O my God ; yea, thy law is within my heart. With Heb. x. 5. Where- fore, when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and of- fering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: Ver. 6. In burnt-offerings and sa- crifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Ver. 7. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God. Ver. 8. Above, when he said, Sacrifice, and offering, and burnt-offerings, and offering for sin, thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, (which are offered by the law ;) Ver. 9. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. Ver. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. John x. 1 8. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of my- self: I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again, This commandment have I recei- ved of my Father. Phil. ii. 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 1 Gal. iv. 4. But when the ful- ness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a wo- man, made under the law. a Mat. hi. 15. And Jesus an- swering, said unto him, Suffer it to be so now : for thus it becom- eth us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. Mat. v. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets : I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. b Mat. xxvi. 37. And he took with him Peter, and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sor- rowful, and very heavy. Ver. 38. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. Luke xxii. 44. And be- ing in an agony, he prayed more earnestly : and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Mat. xxvii. 46. And about the ninth hour Je- sus cried with a loud voice, say- ing, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me ? c Matthew, Chapters xxvi. and xxvii. d Philip, ii. 8. \^See the last scr^ re in * immediately foregoi e Acts ii. 23. Him, being di I vered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain : Ver. 24. Whom God hath raised up, hav- ing loosed the pains of death ; because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Ver. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suf- fer thine Holy One to see corrup- tion. And Acts xiii. 37. But he whom God raised again saw no corruption. Rom. vi. 9. Know- ing that Christ, being raised from the Chap. VIII. The Confession of Faith. 67 deadf, with the same body in which he suffered g; with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father h, making intercession l ; and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world k. V. The the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. f 1 Cor. xv. 3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scrip- tures ; Ver. 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scrip- tures: * Ver. 5. And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. 8 John xx. 25. The other dis- ciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. Ver. 27. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands ; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side : and be not faithless, but believing. h Mark xvi. 1 9. So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 1 Rom. viii. 34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Heb. ix. 24. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true ; but into heaven itself, now to ap- pear in the presence of God for us. Heb. vii. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. k Rom. xiv. 9. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Ver. 10. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother ? for we shall all stand before the judgment- seat of Christ. Acts i. 11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven ? this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts x. 42. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was or- dained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Mat. xiii. 40. As therefore the tares are gather- ed and burned in the fire ; so shall it be in the end of this world. Ver. 41. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall ga- ther out of nis kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity : Ver. 42. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire : there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jude, ver. 6. And the an- gels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habita- tion, he hath reserved in everlast- ing chains under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. 2 Pet. ii. 4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and deliver- ed 68 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VIII. V. The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacri- fice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father l ; and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him m. VI. Although - * ■ ed them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. V. } Rom. v. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners : so by the obedience of one shall many be made righ- teous. Heb. ix. 34. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Ver. 16. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. Heb. x. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Eph. v. 2. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet- smelling savour. Rom. iii. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God : Ver. 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. m Dan. ix. 24. Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconci- liation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophe- cy, and to anoint the most holy. Ver. 26. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city, and the sanctuary, and the end there- of shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Col. i. 19. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell ; Ver. 20. And (having made peace through the blood of his cross) by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in hea- ven. Eph. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Ver. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. John xvii. 2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. Heb. ix. 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eter- i nal redemption for us. Ver. 15. And for this cause he is the Medi- ator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemp- tion of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might re- ceive the promise of eternal in- heritance. VI. n Gal. Chap. VIII. The Confession of Faith. 69 VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof, were communicated unto the elect in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein he was revealed and signified to be the Seed of the woman, which should bruise the serpenfs head, and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world, being yes- terday and to-day the same, and for ever n. VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to both natures ; by each nature doing that which is pro- per to itself0 : yet, by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in scrip- ture attributed to the person denominated by the other nature p. VIII. To all those for whom Christ hath purcha- sed redemption, he doth certainly and effectually ap- ply and communicate the same0*; making intercession for VL n Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a wo- man, made under the law ; Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Gen. iii. 15. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed : it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Rev. xiii. 8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Heb. xiii. 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. VI I. o Heb. ix. 14. VSee Ut- ter \ scripture the secondT\ 1 Pet. iii. 18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. p Acts xx. 28. Take heed there- fore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made your overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. John iii. 13. And no man hath as- cended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 1 John iii. 16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us ; and we ought to lay down our lives for the bre- thren. VIII. i John vi. 37. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me ; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Ver. 39. And this is the Father's wil] which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up 70 The Confession of Faith. Chap. VIII. for them r ; and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation s ; effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey ; and governing their hearts by his word and Spirit % ; overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in such manner and ways as up again at the last day. John x. 15. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father ; and I lay down my life for the sheep. Ver. 16. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold ; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice : and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. * 1 John ii. 1. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Ver. 2. And he is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Rom. viii. 34. Who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 8 John xv. 13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ver. 15. Henceforth I call you not servants ; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace : Ver. 8. Wherein he hath abounded to- ward us in all wisdom and pru- dence. Ver. 9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in him- self. John xvii. 6. I have mani- fested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. t John xiv. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Heb. xii. 2. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith ; who, for the joy that was set be- fore him, endured the cross, de- spising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 2 Cor. iv. 13. We having the same spirit of faith, accord- ing as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken ; we also believe, and therefore speak. Rom. viii. 9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Ver. 14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom. xv. 18. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obe- dient, by word and deed. Ver. 19. Through mighty signs and won- ders, by the power of the Spirit of God : so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. John xvii. 17. Sancti- fy them through thy truth: thy word is truth. « Psal. Chap. IX. The Confession of Faith. 71 as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation u. CHAP. IX. Of Free Will /^ OD hath endued the will of man with that natural ^-*" liberty, that it is neither forced, nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined, to good or evil a. II. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that which is good and well pleasing to God b ; but yet mutably, so that he might fall from it c. III. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will tojmy spiritual good accompanying salvation ; u Psal. ex. 1. The Lord said un- to my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 1 Cor. xv. 25. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. Ver. 26. The last enemy that shall be de- stroyed is death. Mai. iv. 2. But unto you that fear my name shall the Son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings ; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall. Ver. 3. And ye shall tread down the wicked ; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet, in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. Col. ii. 15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumph- ing over them in it. I. a Mat. xvii. 12. But I say unto you, That Elias is come al- ready, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatso- ever they listed : likewise shall al- so the Son of man suffer of them. James i. 14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Deut. xxx. 19. I call heaven and earth to record this day against 23 you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curs- ing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. II. b Eccl. vii. 29. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness : and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. c Gen. ii. 16. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree in the garden thou mayest freely eat: Ver. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it : for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen. in. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise; she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. III. d Rom. ?2 The Confession of Faith. Chap. IX- salvation d ; so as a natural man, being altogether averse fronTthat good e, and dead in sin f, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself there- unto g. IV. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin h, and by his grace alone enables him freely to will the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of dis- obedience. Ver. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ver. 4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Ver. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) 1 Cor. ii. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spi- rit of God ; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Tit. iii. 3. For we our- selves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Ver. 4. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Ver. 5. Not by works of righteous- ness which we have done, but ac- cording to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. IV. h Col. i. 13. Who hath deli- vered us from the power of dark- ness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. John viii. 34. Jesus answered them, Ve- rily, verily, I say unto you, Whoso- ever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. Ver. 36. If the Son therefore shall III. d Rom. v. 6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom. viii. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God : for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. John xv. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches : he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit : for without me ye can do no- thing. e Rom. iii. 10. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Ver. 12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable, there is none that doeth good, no, not one. fEph. ii. 1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in tres- passes and sins. Ver. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quick- ened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) Col. ii. 13. And you, being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. s John vi. 44. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him : and I will raise him up at the last day. Ver. 65. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, That no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. Eph. ii. 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of Chap. X. The Confession of Faith. 73 will and to do that which is spiritually good i ; yet so as that, by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil k. V. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to do good alone in the state of glory only \ CHAP. X. Of Effectual Calling. LL those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, he is pleased, in his appointed and accepted time, effectually to call % by his word and Spi- rit, A] shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 1 Phil. ii. 13. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Rom. vi. 18. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righte- ousness. Ver. 22. But now, being made free from sin, and become ser- vants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end ever- lasting life. k Gal. v. 1 7. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh : and these are con- trary the one to the other ; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Rom. vii. 15. For that which I do, I allow not; for what I woidd, that do I not ; but what I hate, that do I. Ver. 18. For I know, that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not. Ver. 1 9. For the good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do. Ver. 21. I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me. Ver. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members. V. l Eph. iv. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Heb. xii. 23. To the general as- sembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. 1 John hi. 2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God ; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is. Jude, ver. 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. I. a Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom. xi. 7. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for ; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Eph. i. 10. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather to- D gether 74 The Confession of Faith. Chap. X. rit b, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ c ; enlighten- ing their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God d ; taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto gether in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. Ver. 11. In whom also we have ob- tained an inheritance, being pre- destinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things af- ter the counsel of his own will. b 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord ; because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth: Ver. 14. Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glo- ry of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. hi. 3. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. Ver. 6. Who also made us able ministers of the new testament ; not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. c Rom. viii. 2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Eph. ii. 1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Ver. 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of dis- obedience. Ver. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ver. 4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Ver. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are sa- ved.) 2 Tim. i. 9. Who hath sa- ved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world be- gan; Ver. 10. But is now made ma- nifest by the appearing of our Sa- viour Jesus Christ, who hath abo- lished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. d Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from dark- ness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and in- heritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 1 Cor. ii. 10. But God hath re- vealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Ver. 12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Eph. i. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wis- dom and revelation in the know- ledge of him : Ver. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlight- ened; Chap. X. The Confession of Faith. 75 unto them an heart of flesh6; renewing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is goodf; and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ6; yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace h. II. This effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from any thing at all foreseen in man ' ; who is altogether ened ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling-, and what the riches of the glory of his inhe- ritance in the saints. e Ezek. xxxvi. 26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. f Ezek. xi. 1 9. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you ; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh. Phil. u. 13. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good plea- sure. Deut. xxx. 6. And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. Ezek. xxxvi. 27. And I will put my Spi- rit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. « Eph. i. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, accord- ing to the working of his mighty power. John vi. 44. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. Ver. 45. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man there- fore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. h Cant. i. 4. Draw me, we will run after thee. Psal. ex. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning; thou hast the dew of thy youth. John vi. 37. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Rom. vi. 16. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves ser- vants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey ; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Ver. 17. But God be thanked that ye were the ser- vants of sin; but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doc- trine which was delivered you. Ver. 18- Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. II. * 2 Tim. i. 9. Who hath sa- ved us, and called us with an ho- ly calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Tit. iii. 4. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Ver. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he sa- ved us, by the washing of regene- ration, and renewing of the Holy D 2 Ghost. 76 The Confession of Faith. Chap. X. altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and re- newed by the Holy Spirit k, he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it l. III. Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit m, who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth n. So also are all other elect Ghost. Eph. ii. 4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Ver. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) Ver. 8. For by grace are ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves ; it is the gift of God : Ver. 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. Rom. ix. 11. For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth. k 1 Cor. ii. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him : neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Rom. viii. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God : for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Eph. ii. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) 1 John vi. 37. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Ezek. xxxvi. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. John v. 25. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God : and they that hear shall live. III. m Luke xviii. 15. And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them : but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Ver. 16. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of God. And Acts ii. 38. Then Peter said unto them, Re- pent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Ver. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And John iii. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the king- dom of God. Ver. 5. Jesus an- swered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of wa- ter and of the Spirit, he cannot en- ter into the kingdom of God. And 1 John v. 12. He that hath the Son hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. And Rom. viii. 9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now, if any man have not the Spi- rit of Christ, he is none of his. [^Compared together.^ n John iii. 8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the Chap. X. The Confession of Faith. 77 elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the word °. IV. Others not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the wordp, and may have some com- mon operations of the Spirit q, yet they never truly come unto Christ, and therefore cannot be saved r : much less can men not professing the Christian religion be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they ever so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, and the law of that religion they do profess8; and to assert and maintain the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whi- ther it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 0 1 John v. 12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Acts iv. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men where- by we must be saved. IV. p Mat. xxii. 14. For many are called, but few are chosen. 184 The Larger Catechism. such names p, attributes'1, works r, and worship s, as are proper to God only. Q. 12. What are the decrees of God? , A. God's decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will \ whereby, from all eternity, he hath* for 11. p Isa. vi. 3. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. Ver. 5. Then said I, Woe is me ! for I am undone ; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips : for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Ver. 8. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I, send me. Compared with John xii. 41. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. And with Acts xxviii. 25. And when they agreed not among them- selves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers. 1 John v. 20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understand- ing, that we may know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Acts v. 3. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Ver. 4. Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power ? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. The Larger Catechism. 217 Q. 60. Can they who have never heard the gospel, and so knozv not Jesus Christ, nor believe in him, be saved by their living according to the light of nature ? A. They who, having never heard the gospel n, know not Jesus Christ °, and believe not in him, cannot be saved p, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature q, or the laws of that religion which they profess r ; neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ 60. n Rom. x. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher ? 0 2 Thess. i. 8. In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Ver. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Eph. ii. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. John i. 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Ver. 11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. Ver. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. p John viii. 24. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Mark xvi. 16. He that be- lieveth, and is baptized, shall be saved ; but he that believeth not shall be damned. « 1 Cor. i. 20. Where is the wise ? where is the scribe ? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Ver. 21, For after that, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that be- lieve. Ver. 22. For the Jews re- quire a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom : Ver. 23. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; Ver. 24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. r John iv. 22. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship ; for salvation is of the Jews. Rom. ix. 31. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Ver. 32. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law : for they stumbled at that stumbling- stone. Phil. iii. 4. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more : Ver. 5. Circum- cised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benja- min, an Hebrew of the Hebrews ; as touching the law, a Pharisee ; Ver. 6. Concerning zeal, persecut- ing the church; touching the K righteousness 218 The Larger Catechism. Christ alone s, who is the Saviour only of his body the church *. Q. 61. Are all they saved who hear the gospel, and live in the church ? A. All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved ; but they only who are true members of the church invisible v. Q. 62. What is the visible church ? A. The visible church is a society made up of all such as in all ages and places of the world do profess the true reli- gion w, and of their children x. Q. 63. What righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Ver. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Ver. 8. Yea doubt- less, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the know- ledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Ver. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. s Acts iv. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men Avhereby we must be saved. ' Eph. v. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church : and he is the saviour of the body. 61. v John xii. 38. That the say- ing of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed ? Ver. 39. Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, Ver. 40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. Rom. ix. 6. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect : for they are not all Israel which are of Israel. Mat. xxii. 14. For many are called, but few are chosen. Mat. vii. 21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Rom. xi. 7. What then ? Israel hath not obtained that which he seek- eth for ; but the election hath ob- tained it, and the rest were blinded. 62. w 1 Cor. i. 2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Rom. xv. 9. And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, The Larger Catechism. 219 Q. 63. What are the special 'privileges of the visible church ? A. The visible church hath the privilege of being under God's special care and government y ; of being protected and preserved Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Ver. 10. And again he saith, Re- joice, ye Gentiles, with his people. Ver. 11. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Ver. 12. And again Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust. Rev. vii. 9. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. Psal. ii. 8. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Psal. xxii. 27. All the ends of the world shall re- member and turn unto the Lord : and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. Ver. 28. For the kingdom is the Lord's : and he is the governor among the nations. Ver. 29. All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and wor- ship : all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him; and none can keep alive his own soul. Ver. 30. A seed shall serve him ; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. Ver. 31. They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this. Psal. xlv. 17. I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever. Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Ver. 20. Teaching them to observe all things what- soever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Isa. lix. 21. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. x 1 Cor. vii. 14. For the unbe- lieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband : else were your children unclean ; but now are they holy. Acts ii. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Rom. xi. 16. For if the first-fruit be holy, the lump is also holy ; and if the root be holy, so are the branches. Gen. xvii. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting co- venant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 63. y Isa. iv. 5. And the Lord will create upon every dwelling- place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flam- ing fire by night : for upon all the glory shall be a defence. Ver. 6. K2 And 220 The Larger Catechism. preserved in all ages, notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies2; and of enjoying the communion of saints, the ordinary means of salvation a, and oiFers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministry of the gospel, tes- tifying, that whosoever believes in him shall be saved b, and excluding none that will come unto him c. Q. 64. What And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. 1 Tim. iv. 10. For therefore we both labour,and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, espe- cially of those that believe. z Psal. cxv. 1. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but — Ver. 2. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? 8$c. Ver. 9. O Israel, trust thou in the Lord : he is their help and their shield, cVc. \^See the Psalm throughout.^ Isa. xxxi. 4. For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shep- herds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them ; so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof. Ver. 5. As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defend- ing also he will deliver it, and passing over he will preserve it. Zech. xii. 2. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling un- to all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege, both against Judah and against Jerusalem. Ver. 3. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a bur- densome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gather- ed together against it. Ver. 4. In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonish- ment, and his rider with madness ; and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. Ver. 8. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabi- tants of Jerusalem ; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David ; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them. Ver. 9. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. a Acts ii. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Ver. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. b Psal. cxlvii. 19. He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. Ver. 20. He hath not dealt so with any nation : and as for his judg- ments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord. Rom. ix. 4. Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the ser- vice of God, and the promises. Eph. iv. 11. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and The Larger Catechism. 291 Q. 64. What is the invisible Church f A. The invisible Church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head d. Q. 65. What special benefits do the members of the invi- sible church enjoy by Christ ? A. The members of the invisible church by Christ enjoy union and communion with him in grace and glory e. Q. 66. What is that union which the elect have with Christ ? A. The union which the elect have with Christ is the work of God's grace f, whereby they are spiritually and mystically, yet and teachers ; Ver. 12. For the per- fecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Mark xvi. 15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Ver. 16. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that be- lieveth not shall be damned. c John vi. 37. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me ; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 64. d Eph. i. 10. That in the dis- Eensation of the fulness of times, e might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. Ver. 22. And hath put all things under bis feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ver. 23. Which is his body, the fulness of him thatfilleth all in all. John x. 1 6. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold ; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice : and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. John xi. 52. And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather to- gether in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 65. e John xvii. 21. That they all may be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us : that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. Eph. ii. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quick- ened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved,) Ver. 6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. John xvii. 24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 66. fEph. i. 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. Eph. ii. 6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; Ver. 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kind- ness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ver. 8. For by grace are ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. K 3 si Cor. The Larger Catechism. yet really and inseparably, joined to Christ as their head and husband g ; which is done in their effectual calling h. Q. 67. What is effectual calling f A. Effectual calling is the work of God's almighty power and grace '\ whereby (out of his free and special love to his elect, and from nothing in them moving him thereunto k) he * 1 Cor. vi. 17. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. John x. 28. And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. Eph. v. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church : and he is the saviour of the body. Ver. 30. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. h 1 Pet. v. 10. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffer- ed a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Cor. i. 9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 67. * John v. 25. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is com- ing, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. Eph. i. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inherit- ance in the saints; Ver. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power ; Ver. 20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the hea- venly places. 2 Tim. i. 8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner : but be thou par- taker of the afflictions of the go- spel, according to the power of God : Ver. 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy call- ing, not according to our works, but according to his own pur- pose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. m k Tit. iii. 4. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared^ Ver. 5. Not by works of righteous- ness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regenera- tion, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Eph. ii. 4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Ver. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) Ver. 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness to- ward us through Christ Jesus. Ver. 8. For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God. Ver. 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. Rom. ix. 11. For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God ac- cording to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth. igCor, The Larger Catechism. 2%3 he doth, in his accepted time, invite and draw them to Je- sus Christ, by his word and Spirit l ; savingly enlightening their minds m, renewing and powerfully determining their wills n, so as they (although in themselves dead in sin) are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call, and to accept and embrace the grace offered and conveyed there- in0. Q. 68. Are 1 2 Cor. v. 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us : we pray you m Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Com- pared with 2 Cor. vi. 1. We then, as workers tog-ether with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. Ver. 2. For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I suc- coured thee: behold, now is the accepted time ; behold, now is the day of salvation. John vi. 44. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him ; and I will raise him up at the last day. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, bre- thren, beloved of the Lord, be- cause God hath from the begin- ning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Ver. 1 4. Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. m Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 1 Cor. ii. 10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Ver. 12. Now we have re- ceived, not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. n Ezek. xi. 1 9. 1 will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you ; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh. Ezek. xxxvi. 26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ver. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. John vi. 45. It is written in the pro- phets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learn- ed of the Father, cometh unto me. 0 Eph. ii. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) Phil. ii. 13. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Deut. xxx. 6. And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. K 4 68. p Acts 224 The Larger Catechism. Q. 68. Are the elect only effectually called ? A. All the elect, and they only, are effectually called p ; although others may be, and often are, outwardly called by the ministry of the word % and have some common opera- tions of the Spirit r ; who, for their wilful neglect and con- tempt of the grace offered to them, being justly left in their unbelief, do never truly come to Jesus Christ s. Q. 69. What 68. p Acts xiii. 48. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord : and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. qMat. xxii. 14. For many are called, but few are chosen. r Mat. vii. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat. xiii. 20. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it : Ver. 21. Yet hath he not root in himself; but dureth for a while : for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Heb. vi. 4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Ver. 5. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, * Ver. 6. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance. s John xii. 38. That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed ? Ver. 39. Therefore they could not believe ; because that Esaias said again, Ver. 40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. Acts xxviii. 25. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Ver. 26. Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not under- stand ; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. Ver. 27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed ; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. John vi. 64. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. Ver. 65. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. Psal. lxxxi. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. Ver. 12. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust; and they walked in their own counsels. 69. * Rom, The Larger Catechism. 225 Q. 69. What is the communion in grace which the mem- bers of the invisible church have with Christ? A. The communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justifications adoption v, sanctification, and whatever else, in this life, manifests their union with him w. Q. 70. What is justification ? A. Justification is an act of God's free grace unto sin- ners x, in which he pardoneth all their sins, accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight y ; not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them z, but only for 69. l Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he call- ed, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. v Eph. i. 5. Having predestinat- ed us unto the adoption of chil- dren by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. w 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righ- teousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 70. x Rom. iii. 22. Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference. Ver. 24. Be- ing justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ: Ver. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to de- clare his righteousness for the re- mission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Rom. iv. 5. But to him that work- eth not, but believeth on him that j ustifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. y 2 Cor. v. 19. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them ; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Ver. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Rom. iii. 22. Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference. Ver. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ: Ver. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propi- tiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Ver. 27. Where is boasting then ? It is excluded. By what law ? of works ? Nay ; but by the law of faith. Ver. 28. Therefore we con- clude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. _ z Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of re- K 5 generation, 226 The Larger Catechism. for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by God imputed to them a, and received by faith alone b. Q. 71. How is justification an act of 'God's free grace? A. Although Christ, by his obedience and death, did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in the behalf of them that are justified c; yet in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety, which he might have demand- ed of them, and did provide this surety, his own only Son d, imputing generation, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. * Ver. 7. That being- justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgive- ness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. a * Rom. v. 17. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which re- ceive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Ver. 18. Therefore as by the of- fence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Ver. 1 9. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners ; so by the obe- dience of one shall many be made righteous. Rom. iv. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessed- ness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Ver. 7. Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Ver. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. b Acts x. 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Gal. ii. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law : for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness Avhich is of God by faith. 71. c Rom. v. 8. But God com- mendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Ver. 9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Ver. 10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son ; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Ver. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners; so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. d 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ; Ver. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Heb. x. 10. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Mat. xx. 28. The Larger Catechism, 227 imputing his righteousness to them e, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but faith f, which also is his giftg, their justification is to them of free grace h. Q. 72. What xx. 28. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Dan. ix. 24. Seventy weeks are deter- mined upon thy people, and up- on thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make recon- ciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and pro- phecy, and to anoint the most holy. Ver. 26. And after three- score and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city, and the sanctuary, and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Isa. liii. 4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Ver. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastise- ment of our peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed. Ver. 6. All we, like sheep, have gone astray : we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Ver. 10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Ver. 1 1 . He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous ser- vant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Ver. 12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong ; because he hath poured out his soul unto death : and he was numbered with the transgressors ; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Heb. vii. 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Rom. viii. 32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things ? 1 Pet. i. 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with cor- ruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation re- ceived by tradition from your fathers; Ver. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and with- out spot. e 2 Cor. v. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. f Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ ; Ver. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righ- teousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbear- ance of God. g Eph. ii. 8. For by grace are ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God. h Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the K6 228 The Larger Catechism. Q. 1% What is justifying faith ? A. Justifying faith is a saving grace *, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit k and word of God l, whereby he? being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition m, not only assenteth to the truth of the pro- mise of the gospel D, but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin °, and forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. 72. i Heb. x. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition ; but of them that be- lieve, to the saving of the soul. k 2 Cor. iv. 13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken: we al- so believe, and therefore speak. Eph. i. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him : Ver. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ver. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us -ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. 1 Rom. x. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? * Ver. 17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. m Acts ii. 37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts xvi. 30. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? John xvi. 8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Ver. 9. Of sin, because they believe not in me. Rom. v. 6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Eph. ii. 1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Acts iv. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. 11 Eph. i. 13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation : in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. 0 John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Acts xvi. 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts x. 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. p Phil. The Larger Catechism. 229 and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation p. Q. 73. How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God f A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it q, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justi- fication r ; but only as it is an instrument by which he re- ceiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness s. Q. 74. What is adoption ? A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God1, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ v, whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children w, have his p Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righte- ousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Acts xv. 11. But we believe that, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, even as they. 73. i Gal. iii. 11. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Rom. iii. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. r Rom. iv. 5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteous- ness. Compared with Rom. x. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ■ John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righ- teousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteous- ness which is of God by faith. Gal. ii. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law : for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 74. l 1 John iii. 1 . Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God ! v Eph. i. 5. Having predestinat- ed us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, accord- ing to the good pleasure of his will. Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a wo- man, made under the law, Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. w John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. * 2 Cor. 230 The Larger Catechism. his name put upon them x, the Spirit of his Son given to them y, are under his fatherly care and dispensations z, ad- mitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory a. Q. 75. Wliat is sanctification ? A. Sanctification is a work of God^s grace, whereby they whom God hath, before the foundation of the world, chosen to be holy, are in time, through the powerful operation of his Spirit b applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them c, renewed in their whole man after the image of x 2 Cor. vi. 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Rev. iii. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out : and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God : and I will write upon him my new name. y Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spi- rit of his Son into your hearts, cry- ing, Abba, Father. z Psal. ciii. 13. Like as a fa- ther pitieth his children; so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. Prov. xiv. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence ; and his children shall have a place of refuge. Mat. vi. 32.— For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. a Heb. vi. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 75. b Eph. i. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love. 1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justi- fied in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks to God al- way for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. c Rom. vi. 4>. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Ver. 5. For if we have been planted together in the like- ness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection : Ver. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroy- ed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. * Eph. The Larger Catechism. 231 of Godd; having the seeds of repentance unto life, and all other saving graces, put into their hearts e, and those graces so stirred up, increased, and strengthened f, as that they more and more die unto sin, and rise unto newness of life *. Q. 76. What is repentance unto life ? A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace h, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit1 and word of God, d Eph. iv. 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind ; Ver. 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righ- teousness and true holiness. eActs xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. f Jude, Ver. 20. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Heb. vi. 11. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end : Ver. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Eph. iii. 16. That he would grant you, ac- cording to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man ; Ver. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith ; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Ver. 18. May be able to com- prehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; Ver. 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Col. i. 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God ; Ver. 11. Strengthened with all might ac- cording to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffer- ing with joyfulness. s Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Ver. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Ver. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Gal. v. 24.. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. 76. h 2 Tim. ii. 25. In meek- ness instructing those that oppose themselves ; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. 1 Zech. xii. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusa- lem, the spirit of grace and of supplications, and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and 232 The Larger Catechism. God k, whereby out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger l, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins m, and upon the apprehension of God's mercy in Christ to such as are penitent", he so grieves for° and hates his and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born. k Acts xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Ver. 20. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. Ver. 2] . And the hand of the Lord was with them : and a great number be- lieved, and turned unto the Lord. JEzek. xviii. 28. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ver. 30. Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one ac- cording to his ways, saith the Lord God : repent, and turn your- selves from all your transgres- sions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Ver. 32. For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. Luke xv. 17. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger ! Ver. 18. I will arise, and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee. Hos. ii. 6. Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. Ver. 7. And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them ; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them : then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband, for then was it better with me than now. mEzek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your ini- quities, and for your abomi- nations. Isa. xxx. 22. Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold : thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth : thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence. nJoel ii. 12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weep- ing, and with mourning ; Ver. 13. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God : for he is graci- ous and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and re- penteth him of the evil. °Jer. xxxi. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning him- self thus, Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned ; for thou art the Lord my God. Ver. 19. Surely after that I was turned The Larger Catechism. 233 his sins p, as that he turns from them all to God q, purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience r. Q. 77. Wherein do justification and sanctification differ? A. Although sanctification be inseparably joined with jus- tification s, yet they differ, in that God in justification imput- eth the righteousness of Christ4; in sanctification his Spirit infuseth turned I repented ; and after that I was instructed I smote upon my thigh ; I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. p 2 Cor. vii. 11. For, behold, this self- same thing, that ye sor- rowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you ; yea, what clearing of yourselves ; yea, what indignation ; yea, what fear ; yea, what vehement desire ; yea, what zeal; yea, what re- venge ! In all things ye have ap- proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. ^Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Ezek. xiv. 6. There- fore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God, Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols, and turn away your laces from all your abominations. 1 Kings viii. 47. Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried cap- tives, and repent, and make sup- plication unto thee, in the land of them that carried them cap- tives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness ; Ver. 48. And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul. — — r Psal. cxix. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have re- spect unto all thy commandments. Ver. 59. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testi- monies. Ver. 128. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concern- ing all things to be right ; and I hate every false way. Luke i. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 2 Kings xxiii. 25. And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. 77. s 1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you : but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifica- tion, and redemption. lRora. iv. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God im- puteth righteousness without works. Ver. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not im- pute sin. v Ezek. 2S4 The Larger Catechism. infuseth grace, and enableth to the exercise thereof v ; in the former, sin is pardoned w ; in the other, it is subdued x : the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God, and that perfectly in this life, that they never fall into condemnation y ; the other is neither equal in all z, nor in this life perfect in any % but growing up to perfection b. Q. 78. Whence v Ezek. xxxvi. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. wRom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ: Ver. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righ- teousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbear- ance of God. x Rom. vi. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Ver. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but under grace. y Rom. viii. 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth, Ver. 34. Who is he that condemn- eth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makethintercessionfor us. 1 1 John ii. 12. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. Ver. 13. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. Ver. 14. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Heb. v. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teach- ers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first prin- ciples of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Ver. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness : for he is a babe. Ver. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. a 1 John i. 8. And if we say that we have no sin, we deceive our- selves, and the truth is not in us. Ver. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. b2 Cor. vii. I. Having there- fore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Phil. iii. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect ; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Ver. 13. Brethren, I count not myself to have appre- hended : but this one thing I do ; forgetting The Larger Catechism. Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of sanctification in believers ? A. The imperfection of sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them, and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit ; whereby they are often foiled with temptations, and fall into many sins c, are hindered in all their spiritual services d, and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God e. Q. 79- May not true believers, by reason of their imperfec- tio?is, and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with, Jail away from the state of grace ? A. True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God f, and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance g* their forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Ver. 14. I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 78. cRom. vii. 18. For I know, that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not. Ver. 23. But I see ano- ther law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Mark xiv. 66. to the end. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there comethone of the maids of the high priest, &c. Gal. ii. 11. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. Ver. 12. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew, and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. dHeb. xii. 1. Wherefore, see- ing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. e Isa- lxiv. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righ- teousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have ta- ken us away. Exod. xxviii. 38. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their hcly gifts ; and it shall be always upon his fore- head, that they may be accepted before the Lord. 79. f Jer. xxxi. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, say- ing, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love : therefore with loving- kindness have I drawn thee. ?2 Tim. ii. 19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from ini- quity. Heb. xiii. 20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through 286 The Larger Catechism. their inseparable union with Christ h, his continual inter- cession for them *, and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them k, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace1, but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation m. Q. 80. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation ? A. Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before himn, may, without extraordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God's pro- mises, and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in them- selves those graces to which the promises of life are made0, and through the blood of the everlast- ing covenant, Ver. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. Although my house be not so with God, yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure : for this is all my salva- tion, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. h 1 Cor. i. 8. Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ver. 9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Heb. vii. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the utter- most that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make inter- cession for them. Luke xxii.32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. k 1 John in. 9. Whosoever is bom of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John ii. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you ; and ye need not that any man teach you : but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1 Jer. xxxii. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good ; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. John x. 28. And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. m 1 Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be reveal- ed in the last time. 80. n 1 John ii. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 0 1 Cor. ii. 12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God: that we might know the things that are freely given to us of The Larger Catechism. 237 and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God p, be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salva- tion \ Q. 81 . Are all true believers at all times assured of their jrre- sent being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved? A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith r, true believers may wait long before they obtain its; and, of God. 1 John iii. 14. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren : he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. Ver. 18. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed, and in truth. Ver. 19. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. Ver. 21. Be- loved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God. Ver. 24. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him : and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 1 John \v. 13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. Ver. 16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Heb. vi. 11. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same di- ligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end : Ver. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. p Rom. viii. 1 6. The Spirit it- self beareth witness with our spi- rit, that we are the children of God. i 1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that be- lieve on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 81. rEph. i. 13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation ; in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. s Isa. 1. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walk- eth in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Psal. lxxxviii. throughout. Ver. 1. 0 Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee : Ver. 2. Let my prayer come before thee : incline thine year unto my cry ; Ver. 3. For mysoul is full of troubles, and my life drawethnigh unto the grave. — Ver. 6. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Ver. 7. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflict- ed me with all thy waves. Selah. — Ver. 9. Mine eye mourneth by rea- son of affliction : Lord, I have call- ed daily upon thee ; I have stretch- ed out my hands unto thee. Ver. 10. Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead ?— Ver. 13.Butunto thee have 1 cried, 0 Lord ; and in the morn- ing shall my prayer prevent thee. Ver. 14. Lord, why castest thou off my 238 The Larger Catechism. and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temp- tations, and desertions1; yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair v. Q. 82. What my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me ? Ver. 15. 1 am afflict- ed and ready to die from my youth up : while I suffer thy ter- rors I am distracted, &c. t QPsal. lxxvii. 1. to the \2th versed Ver. 1. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice ; and he gave ear unto me. Ver. 2. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord : my sore ran in the night, and ceased not : my soul refused to be com- forted. Ver. 3. 1 remembered God, and was troubled : I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. — Ver. 7. Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more ? §c. Cant. v. 2. I sleep, but my heart waketh : it is the voice of my beloved that knock- eth, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled : for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. Ver. 3. I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on ? I have washed my feet, how shall I defile them ? Ver. 6. I opened to my be- loved ; but my beloved had with- drawn himself, and was gone : my soul failed when he spake : I sought him, but I could not find him : I called him, but he gave me no answer. Psal. li. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness : that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Ver. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation ; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Psal. xxxi. 22. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes ; nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my suppli- cations when I cried unto thee. Psal. xxii. 1. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me ? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roar- ing? v 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Job xiii. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him : but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Psal. lxxiii. 15. If I say, I will speak thus ; be- hold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. Ver. 23. Nevertheless, I am continually with thee : thou hast holden me by my right hand. Isa. liv. 7. For a small moment have T for- saken thee ; but with great mer- cies will I gather thee. Ver. 8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but with ever- lasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Re- deemer. Ver. 9. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me : for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth ; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. Ver. 10. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed ; but my kind- ness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee. 82. w 2 Cor. The Larger Catechism. 239 Q. 82. What is the communion in glory which the mem- bers of the invisible church have with Christ? A. The communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is in this life w, imme- diately after death x, and at last perfected at the resurrec- tion and day of judgment7. Q. 83. What is the communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible church enjoy in this life? A. The members of the invisible church have communi- cated to them in this life the first-fruits of glory with Christ, as they are members of him their head, and so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully possessed of z ; and, as an earnest thereof, enjoy the sense of God's love a, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and hope of glory b ; as, on the contrary, sense of God's revenging wrath, horror of conscience, and a fearful expectation of judgment, are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death c. Q. 84. Shall 82. w 2 Cor. iii. 18. But we all with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. x Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise. y 1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 83. z Eph. ii. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved,) Ver. 6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. a Horn. v. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts 12 by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Compared with 2 Cor. i. 22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. b Rom. v. 1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Ver. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. xiv. 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righte- ousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. c Gen. iv. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Mat. xxvii. 4. Saying, I have sinned, in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. Heb. x. 27. But a certain fearful look- ing for of judgment, and fiery in- dignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 240 The Larger Catechism. Q. 84. Shall all men die ? A. Death being threatened as the wages of sin d, it is ap- pointed unto all men once to die e ; for that all have sinned f. Q. 85. Death being the wages of sin, why are not tlie righteous delivered from death, seeing all their sins are for - given in Christ ? A. The righteous shall be delivered from death itself at the last day, and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of itg ; so that, although they die, yet it is out of God's love h, to free them perfectly from sin and misery \ and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory, which they then enter upon k. Q. 86. What adversaries. Rom. ii. 9. Tribula- tion and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile. Mark ix. 44. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 84. d Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death : but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. e Heb. ix. 27. And as it is ap- pointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. f Rom. v. 12. Wherefore, as by- one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. 85. e 1 Cor. xv. 26. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. * Ver. 55. O death ! where is thy sting ? O grave ! where is thy victory ? Ver. 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Ver. 57. But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. ii. 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime sub- ject to bondage. h Isa. lvii. 1. The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it 13 to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. Ver. 2. He shall enter into peace, they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. 2 Kings xxii. 20. Behold, therefore I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace, and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. 1 Rev. xiv. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do follow them. Eph. v. 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish. k Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Phil. i. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ : which is far better. 86. i Heb. The Larger Catechism. 24>1 Q. 86. What is the communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy immediately (if'ter death ? A. The communion in glory with Christ, which the mem- bers of the invisible church enjoy immediately after death, is, in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness1, and re- ceived into the highest heavens m, where they behold the face of God in light and glory n, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies °, which even in death continue united to Christ p, and rest in their graves as in their beds q, till at the last day they be again united to their souls r. Whereas the souls 86. ^eb. xii. 23. To the ge- neral assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. m2 Cor. v. 1. For we know, that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Ver. 6. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. Ver. 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be ab- sent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Phil. i. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ ; which is far better. Compared with Acts iii. 21. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitu- tion of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. And with Eph. iv. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. n 1 John iii. 2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 Cor. xiii. 12. For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face : now I know in part; but then shall I know even as al- so I am known. °Rom. viii. 23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adop- tion, to wit, the redemption of our body. Psal. xvi. 9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoice th : my flesh also shall rest in hope. PI Thess. iv. 14. For if we be- lieve that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 1sa. lvii. 2. He shall enter in- to peace ; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his up- rightness. r Job xix. 26. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God : Ver. 27. Whom I shall see for my- self, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another ; though my reins be consumed within me. L s Luke 24$ The Larger Catechism. souls of the wicked are at their death cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, and their bo- dies kept in their graves, as in their prisons, till the resur- rection and judgment of the great day s. Q. 87. What are we to believe concerning the resurrection P A. We are to believe, that at the last day there shall be a general resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust1: when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed; and the self-same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave, being then again united to their souls for ever, shall be raised up by the power of Christ v. The bodies of the just, by the Spirit of Christ, and by virtue of his resurrection as their head, shall be raised in power, sLuke xvi. 23. And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in tor- ments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Ver. 24. And he cried, and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Acts i. 25. That he may take part of this ministry and apostle- ship, from which Judas by trans- fression fell, that he might go to is own place. Jude, Ver. 6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains, under dark- ness, unto the judgment of the great day. Ver. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffer- ing the vengeance of eternal fire. 87. *Acts xxiv. 15. And have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. vl Cor. xv. 51. Behold, I shew you a mystery ; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, Ver. 52. In a moment, in the twink- ling of an eye, at the last trump : (for the trumpet shall sound,) and the dead shall be raised incor- ruptible, and we shall be changed. Ver. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Thess. iv. 15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. Ver. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God ; and the dead in Christ shall rise first : Ver. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever be with the Lord. John v. 28. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, Ver. 29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resur- rection The Larger Catechism. 243 power, spiritual, incorruptible, and made like to his glori- ous body w ; and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him, as an offended judge x. Q. 88. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection? A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the ge- neral and final judgment of angels and meny ; the day and hour whereof no man knoweth, that all may watch and pray, and be ever ready for the coming of the Lord z. Q. 89. What rection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. w 1 Cor. xv. 21. For since by- man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. Ver. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Ver. 23. But every man in his own order; Christ the first- fruits, afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Ver. 42. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption : Ver. 43. It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory : it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power : Ver. 44. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. Phil. iii. 2 1 . Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. xJohn v. 27. And hath given him authority to execute judg- ment also, because he is the Son of man. Ver. 28. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, Ver. 29. And shall come forth ; they that have done good, unto the resur- rection of life ; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Mat. xxv. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 88. y2 Pet. ii. 4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. Jude, Ver. 6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habita- tion, he hath reserved in everlast- ing chains, under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day : Ver. 7. Even as Sodom and Go- morrha, and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Ver. 14. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Be- hold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, Ver. 15. To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are un- godly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Mat. xxv. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. zMat. xxiv. 36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Ver. 42. Watch there- in 2 fore, 244 The Larger Catechism. Q. 89- What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgment P A. At the day of judgment, the wicked shall be set on Christ's left hand a, and, upon clear evidence, and full con- viction of their own consciences b, shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against themc; and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable pre- sence of God, and the glorious fellowship with Christ, his saints, and all his holy angels, into hell, to be punished with unspeakable torments, both of body and soul, with the devil and his angels for ever d. Q. 90. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgment ? A. At the day of judgment, the righteous, being caught up to Christ in the clouds e, shall be set on his right hand, and fore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Ver. 44. Therefore be ye also ready : for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Luke xxi. 35. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Ver. 36. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be account- ed worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. 89. a Mat. xxv. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. bRom. ii. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience al- so bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accu- sing or else excusing one another, Ver. 16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my cMat. xxv. 41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Ver. 42. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat : I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink : Ver. 43. 1 was a stranger, and ye took me not in : naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. d Luke xvi. 26. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot ; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. 2 Thess. i. 8. In flaming fire, taking venge- ance on them that know not God, and that obey not the go- spel of our Lord Jesus Christ : Ver. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. 90. e 1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air ; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 'Mat The Larger CatecJmm, 245 and there openly acknowledged and acquitted f, shall join with him in the judging of reprobate angels and men g, and shall be received into heaven h, where they shall be fully and for ever freed from all sin and misery i ; filled with inconceivable joys k, made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul, in the company of innumerable saints and holy angels l, but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, to all eternity m. And this is the perfect and full communion, which the members of the invisible church shall enjoy with Christ in glory, at the resurrection and day of judgment Having f Mat. xxv. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Mat. x. 32. Who- soever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. e 1 Cor. vi. 2. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world ? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters ? Ver. 3. Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life ? h Mat. xxv. 34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre- pared for you from the founda- tion of the world. Ver. 46- And these shall go away into everlast- ing punishment : but the righte- ous into life eternal. 1 Eph. v. 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy, and without blemish. Rev. xiv. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do follow them. kPsal. xvi. 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life : in thy pre- sence is fulness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 1 Heb. xii. 22. But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the hea- venly Jerusalem, and to an in- numerable company of angels, Ver. 23. To the general assem- bly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. m 1 John iii. 2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God ; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 Cor. xiii. 12. For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face'to face : now I know in part ; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air ; and so shall we L 3 ever 246 The Larger Catechism. Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to believe concerning God, it follows to con- sider what they require as the Duty of Man. Q. 91 . What is the duty which God requireth of man ? A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will n. Q. 92. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience ? A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocence, and to all mankind in him, besides a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the know- ledge of good and evil, was the moral law0. Q. 93. What is the moral law ? A. The moral law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind, directing and binding every one to personal, per- fect, ever be with the Lord. Ver. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 91. n Rom. xii. 1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mer- cies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, ac- ceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Ver. 2. And be not conformed to this world ; but be ye transformed by the re- newing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and ac- ceptable, and perfect will of God. Micah vi. 8. He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ? 1 Sam. xv. 22. And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great de- light in burnt-offerings and sacri- fices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord ? Behold, to obey is bet- ter than sacrifice ; and to hearken than the fat of rams. 92. ° Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness : and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Ver. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him ; male and female created he them. Rom. ii. 14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto them- selves : Ver. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excus- ing one another. Rom. x. 5. For Moses describeth the righteous- ness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. Gen. ii. 17. But The Larger Catechism. £47 feet, and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto, in the frame and disposition of the whole man, soul and body py and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righ- teousness which he oweth to God and man q : promising life upon the fulfilling, and threatening death upon the breach of it T. Q. 94. Is there any use of the moral law to man since the fall? A. Although no man, since the fall, can attain to righ- teousness and life by the moral law s ; yet there is great use thereof, But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it : for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 93. p Deut. v. 1. And Moses call- ed all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. Ver. 2. The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. Ver. 3. The Lord made not this cove- nant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. Ver. 31. But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the com- mandments, and the statutes, and the judgments which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it. Ver. 33. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. Luke x. 26. He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou ? Ver. 27. And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ; and thy neighbour as thyselt Gal. hi. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 1 Thess. v. 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly: and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blame- less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. « Luke i. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. Acts xxiv. 16. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and to- ward men. r Rom. x. 5. For Moses describ- eth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which do- eth those things shall live by them. Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Ver. 12. And the law is not of faith : but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 94. s Rom. viii. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God L 4> sending 248 The Larger Catechism. thereof, as well common to all men, as peculiar either to the unregenerate, or the regenerate fc. Q. 95. Of what use is the moral law to all men? A. The moral law is of use to all men, to inform them of the holy nature and will of Godv, and of their duty, binding them to walk accordingly w ; to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts, and livesx; to humble them in the sense of their sin and misery y, and thereby help them to a clearer sight sending his own Son in the like- ness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh. Gal. ii. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law : for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. * 1 Tim. i. 8. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully. 95. v Lev. xi. 44. For I am the Lord your God : ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy ; for I am holy : neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Ver. 45. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God : ye shall therefore be holy ; for I am holy. Lev. xx. 7. Sanctify your- selves therefore, and be ye holy ; for I am the Lord your God. Ver. 8. And ye shall keep my sta- tutes, and do them : I am the Lord which sanctify you. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good. w Micah vi. 8. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ? James ii. 10. For who- soever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Ver. 11. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now, if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a trans- gressor of the law. x Psal. xix. 11. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned : and in keeping of them there is great reward. Ver. 12. Who can under- stand his errors ? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Rom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justi- fied in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. vii. 7. Wrhat shall we say then? Is the law sin ? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law : for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. y Rom. iii. 9. What then ? are we better than they ? No, in no wise : for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. Ver. 23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. The Larger Catechism. 219 light of the need they have of Christ z, and of the perfec- tion of his obedience a. Q. 96. What particular use is there of the moral law to unregenerate men f A. The moral law is of use to unregenerate men, to awaken their consciences to flee from wrath to come b, and to drive them to Christ c ; or, upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin, to leave them inexcusable tl, and under the curse thereof e. Q. 97. What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate ? A. Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a f covenant of works. z Gal. iii. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid ; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. Ver. 22. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. a Rom. x. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 96. b 1 Tim. i. 9. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for un- holy and profane, for murderers of fathers, and murderers of mo- thers, for man-slayers, Ver. 10. For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men- stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. c Gal. iii. 24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ° Rom. i. 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, be- ing understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead: so that they are without excuse. Compared with Rom. ii. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bear- ing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. e Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is every one that continu- eth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 97. f Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Rom. vii. 4. Where- fore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Ver. 6. But now we are delivered from the law, that be- ing dead wherein we were held ; L 5 that £50 The Larger Catechism. works, so as thereby they are neither justified g nor con- demned h ; yet, besides the general uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use, to shew them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and en- during the curse thereof in their stead, and for their good * ; and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness k, and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience K Q. 98. Where that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. s Rom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. h Gal. v. 23. Meekness, tem- perance : against such there is no law. Rom. viii. 1. There is there- fore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. 1 Rom. vii. 24. O wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Ver. 25. I thank God, through Je- sus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Gal. iii. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us : for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree : Ver. 14. That the blessing of Abra- ham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ ; that we rniyht receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Rom. viii. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh : Ver. 4. That the righteous- ness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. k Luke i. 68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, Ver. 69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Ver. 74. That he would grant unto us, that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, Ver. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. Col. i. 12. Giving thanks un- to the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the in- heritance of the saints in light: Ver. 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the king- dom of his dear Son: Ver. 14. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the for- giveness of sins. 1 Rom. vii. 22. For I delight in the law of God after the in- ward man. Rom. xii. 2. And be not conformed to this world : but be ye transformed by the renew- ing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, The Larger Catechism, 251 Q. 98. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended ? A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments, which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai, and written by him in two tables of stone m ; and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus. The four first commandments containing our duty to God, and the other six our duty to man n. Q. 99. What rules are to be observed for the right under- standing of the ten commandments ? A. For the right understanding of the ten command- ments, these rules are to be observed : 1. That the law is perfect, and bindeth every one to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience for ever ; so as to re- quire the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin °. %. That acceptable, and perfect will of God. Tit. ii. 11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Ver. 1 2. Teaching- us, that, denying- un- godliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world ; Ver. 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Ver. 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might re- deem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 98. m Deut. x. 4. And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten command- ments, which the Lord spake un- to you in the mount, out of the midst of the fire, in the day of the assembly; and the Lord gave them unto me. Exod. xxxiv. 1 . And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone, like unto the first : and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. Ver. 2. And be ready in the morn- ing, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount. Ver. 3. And no man shall come up with thee, §c. Ver. 4. And he hewed two tables of stone, like unto the first ; and Mo- ses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. n Mat. xxii. 37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Ver. 38. This is the first and great commandment. Ver. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Ver. 40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 99. ° Psal. xix. 7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul ; the testimony of the Lord L6 is 252 The Larger Catechism. 2. That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the understand- ing, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul ; as well as words, works, and gestures p. 3. That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments q. 4. That is sure, making wise the simple. James ii. 1 0. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Mat. v. 21. [> the endr\ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill ; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment : Ver. 22. But I say unto you, That whoso- ever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire. — Ver. 27. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: Ver. 28. But I say unto you, That who- soever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. — Ver. S3. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thy- self, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths : Ver. 34. But I •say unto you, Swear not at all : neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: — Ver. 37. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay : for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Ver. 38. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth : Ver. 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil.— Ver. 43. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy : Ver. 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you, fyc. p Rom. vii. 14. For we know that the law is spiritual : but I am carnal, sold under sin. Deut. vi. 5. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Compared with Mat. xxii. 37. Je- sus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Ver. 38. This is the first and great command- ment. Ver. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. i Col. iii. 5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth : fornication, uncleanness, in- ordinate affection, evil concupis- cence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Amos viii. 5. Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsify- ing the balances by deceit ? Prov. i. 19. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain ; which tak- eth away the life of the owners thereof. 1 Tim. vi. 10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. r Isa. The Larger Catechism. 253 4. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden1"; and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded s : so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included l; and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included v. 5. That r Isa. lviii. 1 3. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor rinding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words. Deut. vi. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Compared with Mat. iv. 9. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Ver. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Mat. xv. 4. For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. Ver. 5. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; Ver. 6. And honour not his father or his mo- ther, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradi- tion. s Mat. v. 21, 22. [See letter0. ~] Ver. 23. Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there re- memberest that thy brother hath ought against thee ; Ver. 24. Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way ; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy giftt Eph. iv. 28. Let him that stole steal no more ; but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. * Exod. xx. 12. Honour thy fa- ther and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Compared with Prov. xxx. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. v Jer. xviii. 7. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it : Ver. 8. If that na- tion, against whom I have pro- nounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. Exod. xx. 7. 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. Compared with Psal. xv. 1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? Ver. 4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned ; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord: he that sweareth to his own hurt, and cbangeth not. Ver. 5. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. And with Psal. xxiv. 4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure %54* The Larger Catechism. 5. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done w ; what he commands, is always our duty x ; and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times y. 6. That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded ; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provoca- tions thereunto z. 7. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavour that it may pure heart: who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Ver. 5. He shall re- ceive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. w Job xiii. 7. Will ye speak wickedly for God ? and talk deceitfully for him ? Ver. 8. Will ye accept his person ? will ye contend for God? Rom. iii. 8. And not rather, (as we be slan- derously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. Job xxxvi. 21 . Take heed, regard not iniquity; for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Heb. xi. 25. Choos- ing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to en- joy the pleasures of sin for a sea- son. x Deut. iv. 8. And what nation is there so great, that hath sta- tutes and judgments so righte- ous, as all this law, which I set before you this day ? Ver. 9. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou for- get the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons. y Mat. xii. 7. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. z Mat. v. 21, 22, 27, 28. £See in letter ° before.^ Mat. xv. 4. For God commanded, saying, Ho- nour thy father and mother ; and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. Ver. 5. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; Ver. 6. And honour not his father or his mo- ther, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Heb. x. 24. And let us consider one another, to pro- voke unto love and to good works ; Ver. 25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another ; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 1 Thess. v. 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Jude, Ver. 23. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire ; hating even the gar- ment spotted by the flesh. Gal. v. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain-glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Col. iii. 21. Fathers, provoke not your chil- dren to anger, lest they be dis- couraged. a Exod. The Larger Catechism. 255 may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places a. 8. That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them b ; and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them c. Q. 100. What special things are we to consider in the ten commandments ? A. We are to consider, in the ten commandments, the preface, the substance of the commandments themselves, and several reasons annexed to some of them, the more to enforce them. Q. 101. What is the preface to the ten commandments? A. The preface to the ten commandments is contained in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage d. Wherein God manifesteth his sovereignty, as being JEHO- VAH, the eternal, immutable, and almighty God e ; hav- ing a Exod. xx. 10. 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. Lev. xix. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Gen. xviii. 19. For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment: that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Josh, xxiv. 15. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fa- thers served, that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell : but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Deut. vi. 6. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: Ver. 7. And thou shalt teach them dili- gently unto thy children, and shalt talk of thern when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. b 2 Cor. i. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy : for by faith ye stand. c 1 Tim. v. 22. Lay hands sud- denly on no man, neither be par- taker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Eph. v. 11. And have no fellowship with the un- fruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 101. dExod. xx. 2. e Isa. xliv. 6. Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer 256 The Larger Catechism. ing his being in and of himself f, and giving being to all his words g and works h : and that he is a God in covenant, as with Israel of old, so with all his people i ; who, as he brought them out of their bondage in Egypt, so he deli- vereth us from our spiritual thraldom k ; and that therefore we are bound to take him for our God alone, and to keep all his commandments K Q. 102. What is the sum of the four commandments which contain our duty to God ? A. The sum of the four commandments containing our duty to God, is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, Redeemer the Lord of hosts, I am the first, and I am the last, and besides me there is no god. f Exod. iii. 14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM : and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me un- to you. s Exod. vi. 3. And I appear- ed unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. h Acts xvii. 24. God, that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of hea- ven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands: Ver. 28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as cer- tain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his off- spring. 1 Gen. xvii. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant; to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Compared with Rom. iii. 29. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. k Luke i. 74. That he would grant unto us, that we, being de- livered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, Ver. 75. In holiness and righ- teousness before him, all the days of our life. 1 1 Pet. i. 15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation ; Ver. 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. Ver. 17. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the (time of your sojourning here in fear. Ver. 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not re- deemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers. Lev. xviii. 30. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordi- nance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein : I am the Lord your God. Lev. xix. 37. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them : I am the Lord. 102. m Luke The Larger Catechism. 257 heart, and with all our soul, and with all our strength, and with all our mind m. Q. 103. Which is the first commandment ? A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before men. Q. 104. What are the duties required in the first com- mandment ? A. The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God°; and to worship and glorify him accord- ingly p, by thinking q, meditating r, remembering s, highly esteeming, 102. m Luke x. 27. And he answering1, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ; and thy neighbour as thyself. 103. » Exod. xx. 3. 104. ° 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind : for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and under- standeth all the imaginations of the thoughts : if thou seek him, he will be found of thee ; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Deut. xxvi. 17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his sta- tutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hear- ken unto his voice. Isa. xliii. 10. Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen ; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he : before me there was no god formed, neither shall there be after me. Jer. xiv. 22. Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain ? or can the heavens give showers ? Art not thou he, O Lord our God ? therefore we will wait upon thee; for thou hast made all these things. p Psal. xcv. 6. O come, let us worship and bow down ; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Ver. 7. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Mat. iv. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Psal. xxix. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. i Mai. iii. 16. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hear- kened and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written be- fore him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. r Psal. lxiii. 6. When I remem- ber thee upon my bed, and medi- tate on thee in the night-watches. • Eccl. xii. 1. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. t Psal. 258 The Larger Catechism. esteeming1, honouring v, adoring w, choosing x, loving J. de- siring*, fearing of him a; believing him b; trusting0, hoping*1, delighting6, rejoicing in himf; being zealous for him8; calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks h, and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man ■ ; being * Psal. Ixxi. 19. Thy righteous- ness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee ? v Mai. i. 6. A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master : if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear ? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. w Isa. xlv. 23. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. x Josh. xxiv. 15. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served, that were on the other side of the flood, cr the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell : but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Ver. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. y Deut. vi. 5. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. * Psal. lxxiii. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I desire be- sides thee. a Isa. viii. 13. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. b Exod. xiv. 31. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians : and the people feared the Lord, and be- lieved the Lord, and his servant Moses. c Isa. xxvi. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. d Psal- cxxx. 7. Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. e Psal. xxxvii. 4. Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. f Psal. xxxii. 11. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. g Rom. xii. 11. Not slothful in business ; fervent in spirit ; serv- ing the Lord. Compared with Num. xxv. 11. Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, (while he was zealous for my sake among them,) that I con- sumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. h Phil. iv. 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by- prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. 1 Jer. vii. 23. But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people : and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may The Larger Catechism. 259 being careful in all things to please him k, and sorrowful when in any thing he is offended 1 ; and walking humbly with him m. Q. 105. What are the sins forbidden in the first com- mandment ? A. The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, Atheism, in denying, or not having a Godn; Idolatry, in having or worshipping more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God ° ; the not having and avouching him for God, and our Godp; the omission or neglect of any thing due to him, required in this commandment q ; ig- norance, may be well unto you. James iv. 7. Submit yourselves therefore to God; resist the devil, and he will flee from you. k 1 John iii. 22. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. ^er. xxxi. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning him- self thus, Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke : turn thou me, and I shall be turned ; for thou art the Lord my God. Psal. cxix. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes ; because they keep not thy law. m Micah vi. 8. He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 105. " Psal. xiv. 1. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God : they are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. Eph. ii. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the com- monwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. ° Jer. ii. 27. Saying to a stock, Thou art my father ; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth : for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face : but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. Ver. 28. But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee ? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: foraccording to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. Compared with 1 Thess. i. 9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God. pPsal. lxxxi. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice ; and Israel would none of me. •> Isa. xliii. 22. But thou hast not called upon me, 0 Jacob, but thoa hast been weary of me, O Israel. Ver. 23. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt-offer- ings, neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offer- ing, nor wearied thee with incense. Ver. 24-. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices : but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou 260 The Larger Catechism. norancer, forgetfulness8, misapprehensions1, false opinions v, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him w ; bold and curious searching into his secretsx ; all profanenessy, hatred of Godz; self-lovea, self-seeking b, and all other inordinate and im- moderate setting of our mind, will, or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in partc; vain thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. r Jer. iv. 22. For my people is foolish, they have not known me ; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding : they are wise to do evil, but to do good ^ they have no knowledge. Hos. iv. 1. Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel : for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, be- cause there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. Ver. 6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I also will reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me : seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. 8 Jer. ii. 32. Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her at- tire ? yet my people have forgot- ten me days without number. 4 Acts xvii. 23. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscrip- tion, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ig- norantly worship, him declare I unto you. Ver. 29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the'Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man s device. v Isa. xl. 18. To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him ? "Psal.l. 21. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence : thou thoughtest that I was al- together such an one as thyself; but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. x Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God ; but those things which are revealed belong unto us, and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. yTit. i. 16. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Heb. xii. 16. Lest there be any fornicator, or pro- fane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. z Rom. i. 30. Backbiters, ha- ters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters. — a2 Tim. iii. 2. For men shall be lovers of their ownselves, co- vetous, boasters, proud, blasphe- mers, disobedient to parents, un- thankful, unholy. b Phil. ii. 21. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. c 1 John ii. 15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Ver. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 Sam. ii. 29. Where- fore kick ye at my sacrifice, and at vain credulity The Larger Catechism. 261 unbelief8, heresy f, misbeliefs, distrust hw despair i ; incorrigibleness k, and insensibleness under judg- ments1, hardness of heart1", pride11, presumption0, carnal security p, tempting of God q ; using unlawful means r, and trusting at mine offering which I have commanded in my habitation, and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people ? Col. iii. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Ver. 5. Mortify therefore your mem- bers which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inor- dinate affection, evil concupis- cence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. d 1 John iv. 1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spi- rits whether they are of God ; be- cause many false prophets are gone out into the world. eHeb. iii. 12. Take heed, bre- thren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in de- parting from the living God. f Gal. v. 20. Idolatry, witch- craft, hatred, variance, emula- tions, wrath, strife, seditions, he- resies. Tit. iii. 10. A man that is an heretick, after the first and second admonition, reject. & Acts xxvi. 9. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. h Psal. lxxviii. 22. Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation. iGen. iv. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. k Jer. v. 3. O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth ? Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved ; thou hast consumed themj but they have refused to receive correction : they have made their faces harder than a rock, they have refused to re- turn. 1 Isa. xlii. 25. Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle : and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not ; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart. m Rom. ii. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and re- velation of the righteous judg- ment of God. n Jer. xiii. 15. Hear ye, and give ear, be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken. °Psal. xix. 13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins ; let them not have dominion over me : then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. p Zeph. i. 12. And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees ; that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, nei- ther will he do evil. ^Mat. iv. 7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. rRom. iii. 8. And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come ? whose damnation is just. sJer. 262 The Larger Catechism. trusting in lawful means8; carnal delights and joys* ; cor- rupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal v; lukewarmnessw, and dead- ness in the things of God x ; estranging ourselves, and apo- statizing from God y ; praying, or giving any religious wor- ship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures z ; all com- pacts "Jer xvii. 5. Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart depart- eth from the Lord. *2Tim. iii. 4. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. v Gal. iv. 17. They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. John xvi. 2. They shall put you out of the sy- nagogues : yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. Rom. x. 2. For I bear them re- cord, that they have a zeal of God, but not according to know- ledge. Luke ix. 54. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did ? Ver. 55. But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. w Rev. iii. 16. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. xRev. iii. 1. And unto the an- gel of the church in Sardis write, These things, saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. y Ezek. xiv. 5. That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Isa. i. 4. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children that are corrupters : they have for- saken the Lord, they have pro- voked the Holy One of Israel un- to anger, they are gone away backward! Ver. 5. Why should ye be stricken any more ? ye will re- volt more and more : the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. zRom. x. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ver. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher ? Hosea iv. 12. My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staffdeclareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God. Acts x. 25. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and wor- shipped him. Ver. 26. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up, I myself also am a man. Rev. xix. 10. And I fell at his feet to worship him : and he said unto me, See thou do it not ; I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus : worship God ; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Mat. iv. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan ', for it is written, Thou shalt The Larger Catechism. 263 pacts and consulting with the devil % and hearkening to his suggestions1*; making men the lords of our faith and con- science0; slighting and despising God and his commands d; resisting and grieving of his Spirit e, discontent andimpatience at his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he in- flicts on usf ; and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Col. ii. 18. Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a volun- tary humility, and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. Rom. i. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and wor- shipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. aLev. xx. 6. And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. 1 Sam. xxviii. 7. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spi- rit at En-dor. Ver. 11. Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee ? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. Compared with 1 Chron. x. 13. So Saul died for his transgression which he com- mitted against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; Ver. 14. And enquired not of the Lord : therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. 15 b Acts v. 3. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land ? c 2 Cor. i. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. Mat. xxiii. 9. And call no man your father up- on the earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven. d Deut xxxii. 15. But Jeshu- run waxed fat, and kicked : thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fat- ness ; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. 2 Sam. xii. 9. Wherefore hast thou de- spised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Prov. xiii. 13. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed ; but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. eActs vii. 51. Ye stiff-necked and un circumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost : as your fathers did, so do ye. Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of re- demption. f Psal. lxxiii. 2. But as for me, my feet were almost gone ; my steps had well nigh slipped. Ver. 3. For 264 The Larger Catechism. are, have, or can do, to fortune g, idols h, ourselves \ or any other creature k. Q. 106. What are we especially taught by these words [before me] in the first commandment ? A. These words [before me~\ or before my face, in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God : that soit may be an argument to dissuadefrom it, and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation1: as For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Ver. 13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. Ver. 14. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. Ver. 1 5. If I say, I will speak thus, behold, I should offend against the generation of thy chil- dren. Ver. 22. So foolish was I, and ignorant : I was as a beast before thee. Job. i. 22. In all this Job sin- ned not, nor charged God foolishly. s 1 Sam. vi. 7. Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch-kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them: Ver. 8. And take the ark of the Lord, and lay it upon the cart, and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass-offering, in a coffer by the side thereof, and send it away, that it may go. Ver. 9. And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Beth- shemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us; it was a chance that happened to us. hDan. v. 23. But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven ; and they have brought the vessels of his house before 14 thee, and thou and thy lords, thy wives and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them ; and thou hast praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know : and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified. iDeut. viii. 17. And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth. Dan. iv. 30. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the house of the kingdom, by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? k Hab. i. 16. Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag : because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous. 106. l Ezek. viii. 5. Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way towards the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way towards the north, and behold northward, at the gate of the altar, this image of jealousy in the entry. Ver. 6. He said fur- thermore unto me. Son of man, seest thou what they do ? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary ? but turn thee yet again, and The Larger Catechism. %65 also to persuade us to do as in his sight, whatever we do in his service111. Q. 107. Which is the second commandment? A. The second commandment is, Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me ; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments n. Q. 108. What are the duties required in the second com- mandment ? A. The duties required in the second commandment are, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and en- tire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath instituted in his word ° ; particularly prayer and thanksgiving and thou shalt see greater abomi- nations, §c. \jto the end of the Chapter.^ Psal. xliv. 20. If Ave have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god: Ver. 21. Shall not God search this out? for he knovveth the secrets of the heart. m 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind : for the Lord search- eth all hearts, and understand- eth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee ; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. 107. " Exod. xx. 4, 5, 6. 108. °Deut. xxxii. 46. And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day; which ye shall command your children to ob- serve to do all the words of this law. Ver. 47. For it is not a vain thing for you : because it is your life; and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. Mat. xxviii. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have com- manded you : and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Acts ii. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 1 Tim. vi. 13. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quicken- eth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession ; Ver. 14. That thou keep this com- mandment without spot, unrebuk- able, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. M p Phil. £66 The Larger Catechism. thanksgiving in the name of Christ p ; the reading, preach- ing, and hearing of the wordq; the administration and receiving of the sacraments r ; church government and dis- cipline s ; the ministry and maintenance thereof l ; reli- gious p Phil, iv, 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by- prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. Eph. v. 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Fa- ther, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. iDeut. xvii. 18. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites : Ver. 19. And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life : that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law, and these statutes, to do them. Acts xv. 21. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, l>eing read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. 2 Tim. iv. 2. Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. James i. 21. Where- fore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the ingraft- ed word, which is able to save your souls. Ver. 22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hear- ers only, deceiving your own selves. Acts x. 33. Immediately therefore I sent to thee ; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. rMat. xxviii. 19. Go ye there- fore, and teach all nations, bap- tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. xi. from Verse 23. to Verse 30. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, §c. sMat. xviii. 15. Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone : if he shall hear thee, thou hast gain- ed thy brother. Ver. 16. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Ver. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he ne- glect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Mat. xvi. 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven : and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in hea- ven ; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. 1 Cor. Chapter v. 1 Cor. xii. 28. And God hath set some in the church: first, apostles ; secondarily, prophets ; thirdly, teachers; after that mi- racles; then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. * Eph. iv. 11. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and The Larger Catechism, 267 gious fasting v ; swearing by the name of God w , and vowing unto him x : as also the disapproving, detesting, op- posing, all false worship y; and, according to each one's place and calling, removing it, and all monuments of ido- latry z. Q. 109- What are the sins forbidden in tlie second com- mandment f A. The sins forbidden in the second commandment are, all and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers ; Ver. 12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. 1 Tim. v. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doc- trine. Ver. 18. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn : and, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Cor. ix. 7,-15. Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges ? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock ? 6$c. vJoel ii. 12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weep- ing, and with mourning. Ver. 13. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God : for he is gracious and merciful. — 1 Cor. vii. 5. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer ; — » Dent. vi. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. x Isa. xix. 21. And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation ; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and per- form it. Psal. lxxvi. 11. Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God; let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. y Acts xvii. 16. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Ver. 17. Therefore dis- puted he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Psal. xvi. 4. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god : their drink-offer- ings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. zDeut. vii. 5. But thus shall ye deal with them ; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their gra- ven images with fire. Isa. xxx. 22. Ye shall defile also the cover- ing of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold : thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth : thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence. M2 109. a Numb. 268 The Larger Catechism. all devising a, counselling b, commanding c, using d, and any wise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God himself e; tolerating a false religion f ; the making any re- presentation 109. a Numb. xv. 39. And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them: and that ye seek not after your own heart, and your own eyes, after which ve use to go a whoring. bDeut. xiii. 6. If thy bro- ther, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, en- tice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Ver. 7. Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth ; Ver. 8. Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him ; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him. cHosea v. 11. Ephraim is op- pressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment. Micahvi. 16. For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their coun- sels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people. d * 1 Kings xi. 33. Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Che- mosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the chil- dren of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judg- ments, as did David his father. 1 Kings xii. 33. So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Beth-el, the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart ; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel : and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense. eDeut. xii. 30. Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee ; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods ? even so will I do likewise. Ver. 31. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abo- mination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods ; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. Ver. 32. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it : thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. fDeut. xiii. from Verse 6. to 12. [See letter hr\ Zech- ^[l 2- And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered : and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. Ver. 3. And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet The Larger Catechism. 269 presentation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature whatsoever g ; all worship- yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he pro- phesieth. Rev. ii. 2. I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy Eatience, and how thou canst not ear them which are evil : and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, andhast found them liars. Ver. 14. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stum- blingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed un- to idols, and to commit fornica- tion. Ver. ] 5. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Ver. 20. Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou sufterest that wo- man Jezebel, which calleth her- self a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Rev. xvii. 12. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet ; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. Ver. 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest up- on the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her deso- late and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. Ver. 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom un- to the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. s Deut. iv. 15. Take ye there- fore good heed unto yourselves ; (for ye saw no manner of simili- tude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire :) Ver. 16". Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the like- ness of male or female; Ver. 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air ; Ver. 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth : Ver. 19. And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole hea- ven. Acts xvii. 29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the God- head is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. Rom. i. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glo- rified him not as God, neither were thankful ; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Ver. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Ver. 23. And changed the glory of the uncor- ruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Ver. 25. Who M 3 changed 270 The Larger Catechism. ping of it h, or God in it or by it i ; the making of any re- presentation of feigned deities k, and all worship of them, or service belonging to them l ; all superstitious devices m, corrupting the worship of God n, adding to it, or taking from it °, whether invented and taken up of ourselves p, or received changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Crea- tor, who is blessed for ever. Amen. h Dan. iii. 18. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Gal. iv. 8. How- beit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 5Exod. xxxii. 5. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it : and Aaron made pro- clamation, and said, To-morrow is a feast to the Lord. kExod. xxxii. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them : they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 1 1 Kings xviii. 26. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. Ver. 28. And they cried aloud, and cut them- selves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. Isa. lxv. 11. But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink-offering unto that num- ber. m Acts xvii. 22. Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I per- ceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. Col. ii. 21. (Touch not, taste not, handle not : Ver. 22. Which all are to perish with the using,) after the commandments and doctrines of men. Ver. 23. Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will-worship and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the iiesh. nMal. i. 7. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar ; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. Ver. 8. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil ? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil ? offer it now unto thy governor : will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts. Ver. 14. But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacri- ficeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the hea- then. 0 Deut. iv. 2. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you. p PsaK The Larger Catechism. 271 received by tradition from others q, though under the title of antiquity r, custom % devotion *, good intent, or any other pretence whatsoever v ; Simony w ; sacrilege x ; all neglect y, contempt, p Psal. cvi. 39. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. i Mat. xv. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doc- trines the commandments of men. r 1 Pet. i. 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conver- sation received by tradition from your fathers. s Jer. xliv. 17. But we will cer- tainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink- offerings unto her, as we have done, we and our fathers, our kings and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem : for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil. c Isa. lxv. 3. A people that pro- voketh me to anger continually to my face, that sacrificeth in gar- dens, and burnetii incense upon altars of brick : Ver. 4. Which re- main among the graves, and lodge in the monuments ; which eat svvines flesh, and broth of abo- minable things is in their vessels : Ver. 5. Which say, Stand by thy- self, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou : these are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. Gal. i. 13. For ye have heard of my conver- sation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond mea- sure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: Ver. 14. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. v 1 Sam. xiii. 11. And Samuel said, What hast thou done ? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou earnest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together to Michmash: Ver. 12. Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made sup- plication unto the Lord : I forc- ed myself therefore, and offered a burnt-offering. 1 Sam. xv. 21. But the people ( said Saul) took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal. w Acts viii. 18. And when Si- mon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money. x Rom. ii. 22. Thou that ab- horrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege ? Mai. iii. 8. Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me : but ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. y Exod. iv. 24. And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him. Ver. 25. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. Ver. 26. So he let him go: then M 4 she 272 The Larger Catechism. contempt z, hindering a, and opposing the worship and ordi- nances which God hath appointed b. Q. 110. What are the reasons annexed to the second com- mandment, the more to enforce it ? A. The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it, contained in these words, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity qf the fathers upon the children unto the third and [fourth generation of them that hate me; and shelving mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments c ; are, besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in usd, his fervent zeal for his own worship % and his revengeful indignation against all false she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. z Mat. xxii. 5. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise. Mai. i. 7. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. Ver. 13. Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it ! and ye have snuff- ed at it, saith the Lord of hosts ; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick ; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand ? saith the Lord. a Mat. xxiii. 13. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypo- crites ! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men : for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. b Acts xiii. 44. And the next sabbath- day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. Ver. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradict- ing and blaspheming. 1 Thess. ii. 15. Who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us ; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men : Ver. 1 6. For- bidding us to speak to the Gen- tiles, that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 110. cExod. xx. 5, 6. d Psal. xlv. 11. So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty : for he is thy Lord, and worship thou him. Rev. xv. 3. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Ver. 4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and wor-* ship before thee ; for thy judgments are made manifest. e Exod. xxxiv. 13. But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves. Ver. 14. For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord,, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.. f 1 Cor, The Larger Catechism. 273 false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom f ; accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations g ; and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations h. Q. 111. Which f 1 Cor. x. 20. But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ver. 21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Ver. 22. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy ? are we stronger than he? Jer. vii. 18. The children gather wood, and the fa- thers kindle the fire, and the wo- men knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink- offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. Ver. 19. Do they provoke me to anger? saith the Lord : do they not provoke them- selves to the confusion of their own faces? Ver. 20. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground ; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched. Ezek. xvi. 26. Thou hast also committed for- nication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh ; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger. Ver. 27. Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary food, and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daugh- ters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way. Deut. xxxii. 16. They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. Ver. 17. They sacrificed unto devils, not to God ; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Ver. 18. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. Ver. 19. And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. Ver. 20. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. « Hosea ii. 2. Plead with your mother, plead : for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband : let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts; Ver. 3. Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst. Ver. 4. And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms. h Deut. v. 29. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever ! M5 111. 5Exo(L 274 The Larger Catechism. Q. 111. Which is the third commandment 9 A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not Iwld him guiltless that taketh his name in vain l. Q. 112. What is required in the third commandment ? A. The third commandment requires, That the name of God, his titles, attributes k, ordinances \ the word m, sacra- ments11, prayer0, oaths p, vowsq, lotsr, his works s, and whatsoever 111. JExod. xx. 7. 112. k Mat. vi. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye : Our Father which art in heaven ; Hallowed be thy name. Dent, xxviii. 58. If thou wilt not ob- serve to do all the words of this law, that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD. Psal. xxix. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name ; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Psal. Ixviii. 4. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name : extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name J AH, and rejoice before him. Rev. xv. 3, 4. \^See above in letter d.^\ 1 Mai. i. 14. But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen. Eccl. v. 1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools : for they consider not that they do evil. m Psal. cxxxviii. 2. I will wor- ship towards thy holy temple, and praise thy name, for thy loving- kindness, and for thy truth : for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. n 1 Cor. xi. 24. And, when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat ; this is my body, which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of me. Ver. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had sup- ped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remem- brance of me. Ver. 29. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. Ver. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 0 1 Tim. ii. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lift- ing up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. p Jer. iv. 2. And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteous- ness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.