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THE CONSTITUTION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:^ CONT^NING THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, THE CATECHISMS, AND THE DIREC- TORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD: TOGETHER WITH THE PLAN OF GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE, AS AMENDED AND RATI- FIED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AT THEIR SESSION IN MAY, 1821. PHILADELPHIA: PCBLISHEB BY ANTHONY FINLEY, CORNER OF CHEBNUT ANB FOURTH STREETS. 1821. WE, the subscribers, a Committee appointed for the purpose, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, do certify, that the following is a correct and authentic copy of the Con- stitution of said Church, as amended and ratified by said Assembly in May, 182L JACOB J. JANEWAY, WILLIAM NE1LL, EZRA STILES ELY. Philadelphia, June, 1821. Eastern District of "Pennsylvania, to wit: BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the second day of June, in the forty fifth year of the Independence of the United States of America, A. D 1821, the Reverend Ezra Stiles Ely, D. D. of the said District, by order of the Gene- ral Assembly, on behalf of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, has deposited in this office the Title of a Book, the right whereof they claim as Proprietors, in the words following, to wit: " The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America: Containing the Confession of Fai'.h, the Catechisms, and the Directory for the worship of God: together with the Plan of Government and Disci- pline, as amended and ratified by the General Assembly, at their Session in May, 1821." In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, intituled, "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the Times therein mentioned." And also to the Act, entitled, " An Act supplementary to an Act, en- titled, "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the Times therein mentioned," and extending the Benefits thereof to the Arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other Prints. D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania* iiss tit I ^ mi, CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, IN THE UMTED STATES OF AMERICA THE CONFESSION, &c CHAP. I. Of the Holy Scripture. I. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable ; a yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation ; b therefore it I. a Rom. ii. 14, 15. 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; which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing, or else excusing one another. Horn i. 19, 20. Because that which may be known of God, is manifest in them: for God hath showed it unto them. 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 without excuse. Psal. xix. 1, 2. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night un- to night showeth knowledge. Yer. 3. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. See Rom. i. 32. with Rom ii. 1. 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 believe. 1 Cor* A 2 b THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; c and afterwards, for the bet- ter preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing;* which maketh the holy scripture to be most necessary; e those former ways of God's repealing his will unto his people being now ceased/ II. Under the name of holy scripture, or the ii. 13, 14. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's w sdorr, teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for the) are foolishness unto him: neither can he know 'hem, be '.ause 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 pro- phets. d Luke i. 3, 4. It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of these things wherein thou hast been instructed. 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. Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Rev. xxii. 18. 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; where- unto 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. f Heb. i. 1, 2. God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners,, spake in time past untoJhgJaUiej^^^ THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 7 Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these: OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Genesis. Ezra. Daniel. Exodus. JVehemiah. Hosea. Leviticus. Esther. Joel. •Numbers. Job. Amos. Deuteronomy. Psalms. Obadiah. Joshua. Proverbs. Jonah. Judges. Ecclesiastet Micah. Ruth. The Song < of JVahum. I Samuel. Songs. Habakkuk. II Samuel* Isaiah. Zephaniah. I Kings. Jeremiah. Haggai. II Kings. Lamentations. Zechariah. I Chronicles, Ezekiel. Malachi. II Chronicles* OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. The gospels ac- Galatians. The Epistle to cording to Ephesians. the Hebrews. Matthew. Philippians. The Epistle Mark. Colossians. of James. Luke. I Thessalo- The first & se- John. nians. cond Epistles The Jlcts of the II Thessalo- of Peter. Jlpostles. nians. The first, second PauVs Epistles to To J Timothy. & third Epis- the Romans. Ho II Timothy. tles of John. I Corinthians. To Titus. Th e Epistle of Jude. II Corinthians. To Philemon. The Revelation. phets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son 5 whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. 8 THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.s III. The books commonly called Apocrypha not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the ca- non of the scripture; and therefore are of no au- thority in the church of God, nor to be any other- wise approved, or made use of, than other human writings. 11 IV. The authority of the holy scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, depend- eth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God, (who is truth itself) the au- thor thereof; and therefore it is to be received, be- cause it is the word of God. 1 II. g Eph. ii. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ, himself being the chief comer-stone. Rev. xxii. 18, 19. 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; 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 out of the holy city, and/rom the things which are written in this book. 2 Tim. iii. 16. — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. III. h Luke xxiv. 27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, 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 2 Pet. i. 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. IV. i 2 Tim. iii. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 9 V. We may be moved and induced by the tes- timony of the church to an high and reverend esteem for the holy scripture ; k and the heave*iliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the ma- jesty 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 salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the word of God; yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the in- ward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness, by and with the word, in our hearts. 1 God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for cor- rection, for instruction in righteousness. 1 John v. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is great- er: 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 received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. V. k 1 Tim. iii. 15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave 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, 27. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. — 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. John xvi. 13, 14. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of him- self; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come. — He shall glorify me: for 10 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. VI. The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salva- tion, faith and life, is either expressly set down in scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from scripture: unto which no- thing at any time is to be added, whether bv new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men. 111 Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumi- nation of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as arc revealed in the word;" and there arc some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government he shall receive of mm , and shall show it unto yon. — 1 Cor. ii. 10, 11, 12. Hut (.no bath re\ < ill d them unto u* by bis Spiri j For the Spirit searcheth ill things, yea the d p things of God- — Por what nan knoweth the things of a man, siv- the spirit of a man uhi h is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, bul the Spirit of God. "\ I. m 2 Tint iii. 16 All scripture /.v given In inapt ra- tion of God, and i§ prufi able for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousneaa: Ver 17, That the man of God mix be perfect, thoroughly furnished onto all good works- Gal. i 8. Uut though w< , or an angel from heaven, preach an\ other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ace — 2 Tli i I tut ye he not soon shaken in mind, or he troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor h\ letter, as from tis, as that the day of Christ is at hand. n John vi. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall he all taught of God. Kvery man therefore tli A hath heard, and hath learned ot the Father Cometh onto me. 1 Cor. ii. °, 10, 12. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God bath prepared for tbem thai love him. — 15nt God hath revealed them onto ns by his Spirit: !<>r the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the (\ic^ things ot < >'ow we have received, not the snirit of the world, hut the Spirit which is of God, thai we might know the things tliat are freely given to us of God. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 11 of the church, common to human actions and so- cieties, 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 plaiu in themselves, nor alike clear unto all;? yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for salvation, are so clearly pro- pounded 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. 1 * VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew, (which was the native language of the people of God of old) and the New Testament in Greek, (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations) being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; 1 " o 1 Cor. xi. 13, 14. Judge in yourselves: Is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that if a man have long: hair, it is a shame unto him? 1 Cor. xiv. 26, 40. How is it then, bre- thren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done to edifying. Let all things be done decently and in order. VII. p 2 Pet. iii. 16. As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unsta- ble wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction q Psal. cxix. 105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ver. 130. The entrance of thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding untothe simple. ¥111. r Mat. v. 18. For verily I say unto you, Till Lea* 12 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. so as in all controversies of religion the church is finally to appeal unto them. 8 But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God who have a right unto and interest in the scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God, to read and search them, 1 therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, v that the word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him ven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. s Isai. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Acts xv. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. John v. 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. t John v. 39. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testi- fy of me. v 1 Cor. xiv. 6, 9, 11, 12, 24, 27, 28. 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? — So likewise ye, 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. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. — Even so ye, for as much as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church. — But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all. — If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. — But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, 13 in an acceptable manner, w and, through patience and comfort of the scriptures may have hope. x IX. The infallible rule of the 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 may be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.> X. The supreme Judge, by whom all contro- versies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be ex- amined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the scripture. 2 w Col. iii. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you rich- ly 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 afore- time were written for our learning, that we, through pa- tience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope* IX. y Acts xv. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. John v. 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. X. z Mat. xxii. 29, 31. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the pow- er of God — But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God. Eph. ii. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apos- tles and prophets, Jesus Christ, himself being the chief cor- ner-stane. 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. B 14 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. CHAP. II. Of God, and of the Holy Trinity. I. There is but one only a living and true God, b who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, d invisible, 6 without body, parts/ or I. a Deut. vi. 4. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. viii. 4, 6. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are ofTVred in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. But to us, there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him, b 1 Thess. i. 9. 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, 8, 9. and xxvi. 14. Canst thou by searching find out GodP Canst thou find out the Almighty unto per- fection? — It is high as heaven, what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. — Lo, these are parts of his ways; but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power, who can understand? 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, in- visible, the only wise God, be honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. f Deut. iv. 15, 16. 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. — Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female. Luke xxiv. 39. Behold 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. John iv. 24. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 15 passions,^ immutable, 11 immense, 1 eternal, k incom- prehensible, 1 almighty , m most wise, n most holy, most free,? most absolute, * working all things ac- cording to the counsel of his own immutable and g Acts xiv. 11, 15. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lift up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men — And saying, 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 vanities unto the living Cod, which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein. h James i. 17. The Father of lights, with whom is no va- riableness, neither shadow of turning. Mai. iii. 6. For I am the Lord, I change not. i 1 Kings viii. 27- But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens can not contain thee, how much less this house that I have build- ed? Jer. xxiii. 23, 24. Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? 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 Fsal. xc. 2. Before the mountains 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. His greatness is unsearchable. m Gen xvii. 1. I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Rev. iv. 8. n Rom. xvi. 27. To God only wise, be glory through Je- sus Christ for ever. Amen. o Isai. 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. Rev. iv. 8. p Psal. cxv. 3. But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he pleased. q 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 unto you. 16 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. most righteous will, r for his own glory; 8 most loving, 1 gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abun- dant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin; v the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; w and withal most just and ter- rible in his judgments;* hating all sin, y and who will by no means clear the guilty. z r Eph.i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheri- tance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. s Prov. xvi. 4. The Lord hath made all things for him- self: 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. Rev. iv. 11. t 1 John iv. 8. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love. v Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty. w Heb. xi. 6. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. x Neh ix. 32, 33. Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest 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 Assy- ria, unto this day. Howbeit, thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly. y Psal. v. 5, 6 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. z Nahum i. 2, 3. God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth and is furious, the Lord will take vengeance on his adver- THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. IT II. God hath all life, a glory , b goodness, 6 blessed- ness, d in and of himself; and is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which he hath made, e nor deriving any glory from them/ but only manifesting his own glory, in, by, unto, and upon them: he is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom, are all things;^ and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, and upon them, whatsoever himself pleaseth. h In his saries, and he reserveth -wrath for his enemies. — The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the xoicked. See Exod. xxxiv. 7, 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 Abra- ham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran. c Psal. cxix. 68. Thou art good, and doest good, teach me thy statutes. d 1 Tim. vi. 15. Which in his times he shall show, -who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Rom. ix. 5. Who is over all, God, blessed for ever. Amen. e Acts xvii. 24, 25. 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; neither is wor- shipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. f Job xxii. 2, 3. Can a man be profitable unto God as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Is it any plea- sure to the Almighty that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect? g 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 worthy, O Lord, to receive glo- ry, and honour, and power; for thcu hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created. Dan. iv, B 2 18 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. sight all things are open and manifest; 1 his know- ledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature; k so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain. 1 He is most holy in all his counsels, in his works, and in all his commands. 111 To him is clue from angels and men, and every other crea- ture, whatsoever worship, service or obedience, he is pleased to require of them. 11 25, 35. — The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and givetli it to whomsoever he will. — And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth accord- ing to his will in the arm)' of heaven, and among the inha- bitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say un- to him, What doest thou? See 1 Tim. vi. 15 on the letter d. i Ifeb. 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, 34. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out! — For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his coun- sellor? 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 beginning of the world. Ezek. xi. 5. And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak, Thus saith the Lord; T hus have ye said, O House of Israel; for 1 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 ?'s holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. n Rev. v. 12, 13, 14 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 blessing — 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, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. — And THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 19 III. In unity of the Godhead there be three per- sons 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 pro- ceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Fa- ther;? the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.i the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. III. o 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, 17. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God, descending 1 like a dove, and lighting- upon him. — And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my be- loved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 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. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. p John i. 14, 18. 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. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared Aim. q 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. 20 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. CHAP. III. Of God's Eternal Decree. I. God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchange- ably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; a yet so as thereby neither is God 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. I. a Eph. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an in- heritance, being predestinated 'according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Horn 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 finding out! Heb. vi. 17. \\ herein God, willing more abundant!) to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath. Rom. ix. 15, 18. For lie saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy; and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion, — There- fore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. b Jam. i. 13, 17. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God can not be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. — 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. Eccl. vii. 29. c Acts ii. 23. Him being delivered 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 whatsoever they listed; THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 21 II* Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass, upon all supposed conditions ; d yet hath he not decreed any thing because he fore- saw it as future, or as that which would come to pass, upon such conditions. 6 III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Acts iv» 27, 28. 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 gathered to- gether, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel de- termined before to be done. John xix. 11 Jesus answered, Thou couldst 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. Acts xxvii. 23, 24. compared with verse 34. II. d Acts xv. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world 1 Sam. xxiii 11, 12. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Is- rael, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down. — Then said David, Will the men of Keiiah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up. Mat. xi. 21, 23. Wo unto thee Chorazin, wo unto the Bethsaida; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And thou, Capernaum, which art ex- alted 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. e Rom. ix. 11, 13, 16, 18. For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the pur- pose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; — As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have 1 hated. — So then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. — Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth* 22 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. of his glory, some men and ange!s f are predestina- ted unto everlasting life, and others fore-ordained to everlasting death.* IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and fore-ordained, are particularly and unchange- ably designed; and their number is so certain and definite that it can not be either increased or di- minished. 11 V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ, unto everlasting glory, 1 out of his mere free grace and love, without III. f 1 Tim. v. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels. Mat. xxv. 41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Di part from me, ye curded, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. g Rom. ix. 22, 23. What if God, willing to show hi» wrath, and to make his power known, endur< d with much long-suffering, the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:— And that he might make known the riches of his glory oa the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory? Eph. i. 5. 6. Having predestinated us unto ihe adop- tion of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in ihe be- loved. 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 Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. John xiii. 18. I speak not of you all, I know whom I have chosen. V. i Eph. i. 4, 9, 11. 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; — Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his THE CONFESSION OP FAITH, 23 any foresight of faith or good works, or persever- ance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto ; k and all to the praise of his glorious grace. 1 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 elected being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, 11 are effectually good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself. — In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being pre- destinated 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 also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 2 Tim. i. 9. Who hath saved 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. 1 Thess. v. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord J^sus Christ. k Rom. ix. 11, 13, 16. See letter e immediately forego- ing Eph. i. 4, 9. see letter i, &c. 1 Eph, i. 6, 12. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved: That we shotdd be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ VI. m Eph. i. 4, 5. 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. 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. v. 9, 10. For God hath not appointed us to 24 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit working in due season; are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power through faith unto salvation.? Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectu- ally called, justified, 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 justice/ wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Tit. ii. 14. o Rom. viii. 30. Them lie also called. Eph. i. 5. — Ac- cording to the good pleasure of his will. 2 Thess. ii. 13. — Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Rom. viii. 30. p 1 Peter i. 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. q 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. Horn. viii. 28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the call- ed according to his purpose, &c. [to the end of the chap- ter.] John vi. 64, 65. 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 betray him. — And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. So John viii 47. and x. 26— 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. VH. r Mat. xi. 25. At that time Jesus answered and THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. 25 VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of pre- destination is to be handled with special prudence and care, 5 that men attending the will of God re- vealed in his word, and yielding obedience there- unto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vo- cation, be assured of their eternal election. 1 So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reve- said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, be- cause thou hast hid these things from the wise and pru- dent, and hast revealed them unto babes; v. 26. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. Rom. ix. 17, 18, 21, 22. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have 1 raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. — Therefore hath he mercy, &c. Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto disho- nour? What if God willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the ves- sels of wrath fitted to destruction; 2 Tim. ii. 20. — But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and 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. being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. VIII. s Rom. ix. 20. and xi. 33. Nay but, O man, who art thou, that repliest against God? shall the thing formed say unto him that formed it s Why hast -thou made me thus? O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and know- ledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding 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. t 2 Pet. i. 10. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. c 26 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. rence and admiration of God; v and of humility, diligence and abundant consolation, to all that sin- cerely obey the gospel. w CHAP. IV. Of Creation. I. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, a for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, b in the be- v Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. See Rom. xi. 33. letter s. \v Rom. xi. 5, 6, 20. and viii. 33. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the elec- tion of grace. — And if by grace, then is it no more of works; otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise work is no more work. — Well; because of unbelief they were broken oft*, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear. — Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? 7/ is God that justifieth. Luke x. 20. Notwithstand- ing, in this rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. I. a 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. John i. 2, 3. The same was in the beginning with God. — All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made, that was made. Job xxvi. 13. and xxxiii. 4. By his Spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. — 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 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 27 ginning to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good. c II. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female, d with reasonable and immortal souls, e endued with knowledge, righte- ousness, and true holiness, after his own image/ having the law of God written in their hearts,^ and power to fulfil it; h and yet under a possibility Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Psal. civ. 24,. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all, the earth is full of thy riches. c Gen. 1st chap, throughout. Col. i. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and for him. II. d Gen. i. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female cre- ated 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. Luke xxiii. 43. See also 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 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. g Rom. ii. 14, 15. 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. — Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile 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 inven- tions. 28 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their will which was subject unto change. 1 Besides this law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; which while they kept they were happy in their communion with God, k and had do- minion over the creatures. 1 CHAP. V. Of Providence, I. God, the great Creator of all things, doth up- hold, 51 direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, ac- tions and things, b from the greatest even to the i Gen. iii. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree •was good for food, and that it ivas 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. See Eccl. vii. 29. k Gen. ii. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. See Gen. iii. 8. — xi. 23. 1 Gen. i. 28 — And have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing thatmoveth upon the earth. See Psal. viii. 6, 7, 8, verses. 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 of his power, b Dan. iv. 34, 35. — I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlastingdominion, and his kingdom isfrom generation to generation. 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 inhabitants of the earth: and THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 29 least, 6 by his most wise and holy providence,* 1 ac- cording to his infallible foreknowledge, 6 and the free and immutable counsel of his own will/ to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness and mercy.s II. Although in relation to the foreknowledge, and decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly, 11 yet, by the same none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doestthou? Psal. cxxxv. 6. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. See also, Acts xvii. 25, 26, 28, and Job xxxviii, xxxix, xl, xli. chapters. c Mat. x. 29, 30, 31. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. — But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. — Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more va- lue than many sparrows. See also Mat. vi. 26, 30. d Prov. xv. 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 2 Chron. xvi. 9. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him. See also Psal. cxlv. 17. and civ. 24. e Acts xv. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. f Eph. i. 11. — Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Psal. xxxiii 11. — The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all genera- tions. g Eph. ill . 10. To the intent that now unto the principal- ities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. Rom. ix. 17. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same pur- pose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Psal. cxlv. 7. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righ- teousness. II, hActs ii, 23. Him being delivered by the determi- c 2 30 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, providence, he ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely or contingently. 1 III. God, in his ordinary providence, maketh use of means, k yet is free to work without, 1 nate counsel and foreknowledge of God ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. i Gen. viii. 22 While the earth remai.neth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Jer. xxxi. 55. Thus saith the Lord which giveth the sun for a light by c!a\; and the ordi- nances 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 name. Rxod. xxi. 13. If a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand, then I will ap- point thee a place whither he shall flee. 1 Kings xxii. 34. And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: where- fore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. Isai. x. 6, 7. I 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. 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. 24, 31. Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Paul said to the centurion,, and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Isai. Iv. 10, 11. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow, from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. — So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accom- plish that which I please, and it shall prosper m the thing whereto I sent it. 1 Hos. i. 7. But I will have mercy on the house of Ju- dah, and I 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. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 31 above,* 1 * and against them, at his pleasure. 11 IV. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, that it extendeth it- self even to the first fail, and all other sins of an- gels and men , and that not by a bare permission, m Rom. iv. 19, 20, 21. And being not weak in faith, lie considered not his own body now dead; when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. — -He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. — And being fully persuaded that what he had pro- mised, he was able also to perform. n 2 Kings vi. 6. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed 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 counsellors 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. o Rom. xi. 32,33. For God hath concluded them aTl in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. — O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his waj's past finding out! 2 Sam. xxiv 1. with 1 Chron. xxi. 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. 1 Chron. x, 4, 13, 14. Then said Saul to his ar- mour-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 upon it. — So Saul died, for his transgression which he committed 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 inquire of it; and inquired not of the Lord; therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the sun of Jesse. 2 Sam. xvi. 10. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? So let h m curse, be- cause the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who 32 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, but such as hath joined with it a most wise and, powerful bounding,** and otherwise ordering and governing of them, in a manifold dispensation, to his own holy ends;** yet so, as the sinfulness there- of 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. r shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? See also Acts iv. 27, 28. 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 gathered together. — For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy coun- sel determined before to be done. p Psal. lxxvi. 10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. 2 Kings xix. 28. Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way which thou earnest. q 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. Isai. x. 6, 7, 12. I 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. — Howbeit, he meaneth not so, nei- ther doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to de- stroy and cut off nations not a few. — 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. r 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 sitch a one as thyself: but I will re- prove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. — See also, James i. 13, 14, 17. Let no man say when he is tempt- ed, I am tempted of God: for God can not be tempted with THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 33 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; 3 and to raise them to a more close and constant dependance for their support upon himself, aid to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends. 1 VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men •evil, neither tempteth he any man: — But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and en- ticed. — 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. . V. s 2 Chron. xxxii. 25, 26, 31. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; far his heart was lifted up; therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Notwithstanding Heze- kiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. — Howbeit, in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him to try him, that he might know all that -was in his heart. t 2 Cor. xii. 7, 8, 9. 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 Sa- tan to buffet me, lest I should be exaited above measure. — For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. — And he said unto me, My grace is suffi- cient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weak- ness. Most gladly therefore will I. rather glory in my in- firmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Psal. lxxiii. throughout. Psal. lxxvii. 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12. Mark xiv. 66th v. to the end. John xxi. 15, 16, 17. 34 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. whom God as a righteous judge, for former sins f doth blind and harden, v from them he not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts ; w but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had; x and ex- poseth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin; y and withal gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan ; z whereby it comes VI. v Rom. i. 24, 26, 28, and xi. 7, 8. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between them- selves; — For this cause God gave them up unto vile affec- tions; for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind,to do those things which are not convenient. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seek- eth for, but the election hath obtained it, and the rest ■were blinded. — 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. w Deut. xxix. 4. Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears so bear, unto this day. x Mat. xiii. 12. But whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. See Mat. xxv. 29. y 2. Kings viii. 12, 13. 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. — And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The Lord hath showed me that thou shait be king over Syria. z Psal. Ixxxi. 11, 12. But my people would not hearken to my voice* and Israel would none of me. — So I gave them THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 35 to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others.* 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 * up unto their own hearts' lust; and they walked in theifc own counsels. 2 Thess. ii. 10, 11, 12. And with all de- ceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; be- cause they received not the love of the truth; that they might be saved. — And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. a Exod. viii. 15, 12. That when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not un- to them; as the Lord had said: And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. 2 Cor. ii. 15, 16. For we are unto God, a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved, and in them that perish: — To the one ive are the savour of death unto death; and to the other, the savour of life unto life. Isai. 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 Jerusalem. See also Exod. vii. 3. 1 Pet. ii. 7, 8. Isai. vi. 9, 10, with Acts xxviii. 26,27. VII. b Amos ix. 8, 9. Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord — For lo, I will com- mand, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as com 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, them that love God, to them who are tbe called according to his purpose, 36 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, CHAP. VI. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof I. Our first parents, being seduced by the subtil- ty and temptation of Satan, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit. a This their sin God was pleased, according to his 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 righ- teousness, and communion with God, c and so be- came dead in sin, d and wholly defiled in all the fa- culties and parts of soul and body. e I. a Gen. iii. 13. — And 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 F,ve through his subtil- ty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. b Rom. xi. 32. For God hath concluded them all in un- belief, that he might have mercy upon all. II. c Gen. iii. 7 9 8. 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: — 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 t 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 Eph. ii. 1. And yon hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. 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. e Gen. vi. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man tuas great in the earth, and that every imagination of the THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 37 III. They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed/ and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary gene- ration.^ IV. From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled and made opposite thoughts of his heart, ivas only evil continually. Jer. xvih 9. The heart is deceitful above all thi?igs, and desperately wicked; who can know it? See also Rom. iii. 10. to the 19th ver. III. f 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 before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; and Gen. ii. 16, 17. with Rom. v. 12, .15, 16, 17, 18, 19. and 1 Cor. xv. 21, 22, 45, 49. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrec- tion of the dead: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive: and so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam ivas made a quickening Spirit. — 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 mother conceive me. Gen. v. 3. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son, in hi* own likeness, after his image; and called 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 -iOhich is born of a woman, that he should be righteptts? D 38 THE CONFESSION OF FATIH. to all good, 11 and wholly inclined to all evil, 1 do proceed all actual transgressions. k V. This corruption of nature, during this life, doth remain in those that are regenerated; 1 and al- though it be through Christ pardoned and mortifi- IV. h Rom v.6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom. via. T. Be- cause the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be. John hi. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Rom. 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. i Gen. viii.21. And the Lord said, The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. Rom. iii. 10, 11, 12. As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one: — There is none that understandeth, there is none that seek- eth after God. They are all gone out of *he way, they are together become unprofitable, there is none that doeth good, no not one. k Jam. i. 14, 15. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. — Then, when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Mat. xv. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. V. 1 Rom. vii. 14, 17, 18, 23. For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. Now then, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 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. 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. Jam. iii 2. For in many things we offend all. 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. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 39 ed, yet both itself, and all the motions thereof, arc truly and properly sin. m VI. Every sin, both original and actual, being a transgression of the righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto, 11 doth in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner, whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God,P and curse of the law, q and so made subject to death, 1 * with all miseries spirit- ual, 5 temporal 1 and eternal/ m Rom. vii. 5, 7, 8, 25. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sin which were by the law did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. What shall we say then? 7s the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: For I had not known lust, ex- cept the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin tak- ing occasion by the commandment wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin ivas dead. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh, the law of sin. VI, n 1 John hi. 4. Whosoever committeth sin trans- gresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law. o Rom. iii. 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 be- come guilty before God. p Eph. ii. 3. and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. q 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. r Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death. s Eph. iv. 18. Having the understanding darkened, be- ing alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. t Lam. iii. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? v Mat. xxv. 41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting 40 -THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, CHAP. vir. Of God's Covenant with Man. I. 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 blessed- ness and reward, but by some voluntary condescen- sion on God's part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant * II. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of Works, b wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.* 1 fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 2 Thess. i. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from ihe presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. I. a Job ix. 32, 33. For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judg- ment. Neither is there any days-man betwixt us, thai might lay his hand upon us both. Psid. cxiii. 5, 6. Wno is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelled] on high? Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth. Acts xvii. 24, 25 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: — Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life and breath, and all things. See also Job xxxv. 7, 8. and Luke xvii. 10.- II. b Gal. iii. 12. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Hosea vi.7. Gen. ii. 16, 17. c Rom. x. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which doeth those things shall live by them. H r.pn. ii. 17 Rut of thp. trp.fi of the knowledge of THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 41 III. Man by his fall having made himself inca- pable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleas- ed to make a second, e commonly called the cove- nant of Grace: wherein he freely offereth unto sin- ners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved/ and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe.* good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. 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- ed! not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. III. e Gal. iii. 21. — 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. Isai. xlii. 6. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a cove- nant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. Gen. iii. 15. f Mark xvi. 15, 16. And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth 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 everlasting life. g Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. 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. — 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. 37, 44. All that the fa- ther giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. — No man can come to me, D 2 42 THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ, the testa- tor, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it therein bequeathed. 11 V. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the gos- pel: 1 unde lie law it was administered by promi- ses, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signifying Christ to come, k which were for that time sufficient and ef-- except the Father which hath sent me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. IV. h Heb. ix. 15, 16, 17. 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 called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testaments, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament 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. Likewise also the cup after supper saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. See also 1 Cor. xi. 25. V. i 2 Cor. iii. 6, 7, 8, 9. Who also hath 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. But if the ministration of death written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance, which glory was to be done away; — How shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? — For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. k Heb. viii. ix. x. chapters. Rom. iv. 11. And he re- ceived the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteous- T,H£ CONFESSION OP FAITH. 43 ficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the pro- mised Messiah, 1 by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation; and is called the Old testament. 111 VI. Under the gospel, when Christ the sub- ness of the faith, which he had, yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be im- puted 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 circum- cision 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 sacrificed for us. Col. ii. 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 1 1 Cor. x. 1, 2, 3, 4. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 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 pro- mises; but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims 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, 8, 9, 14. Know ye therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. — So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. — That the blessing of Abraham might come ou the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 44 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. stance, 11 was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the word, and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper; which though fewer in number, and administered with more sim- plicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth, in more fulness, evidence, and spiritu- al efficacy,? to all nations, both Jews and Gen- VI. n Coloss. ii. 17. Which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of" Christ. o 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; — Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24, 25. For 1 have received of the Lord, that which also 1 delivered unto you, That the Lord Je- sus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; 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. 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 often as ye drink it in remembrance of me. 2 Cor. iii. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance, which glory was to be done away; — How shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? — For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glo- ry. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. — For if that which -was done away -was glorious, much mors that which remaineth is glorious. p Heb. xii. 22 to 28. See also Jer. xxxi. 31, 33, 34. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, 45 tiles ;* and is called the New Testament. 1 ' There are not, therefore, two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations.* CHAP. VIII. Of Christ the Mediator. I. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son ? q See letter o and Matt, xxviii. 19. Eph. ii. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Having 1 abolished in his flesh, the enmity, even the law of commandments, contained in ordinances, for to make in himself, of twain, one new man, so making peace: — And that he might reconcile both unto Godj in one body- by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: — — And came and preached peace to you which were afi ■ off, and to them that were nigh. — For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. — Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, bur 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. Heb. viii. 7, 8, 9. s Gal. iii. 14, 16. That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith; — Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds as of many; but as of one, rind to thy seed, which is Christ. Acts xv. 11 But we be- lieve, that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved even as they. Rom. iii. 30. — Seeing it is one God which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and tin* circumcision through faith. 46 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. to be the mediator between God and man, a the prophet, b priest, c and king; d the head and saviour of his church, e the heir of all things/ and judge of the worlds unto whom he did from all eternity give a people to be his seed, h and to be by him in I. a Isa. xlii. 1. Behold my servant whom I uphold; mine elect, in -whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gen- tiles. 1 Pet. i. 19, 20. — But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot. — Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one mediator be- tween God and men, the man Christ Jesus. See also, John hi. 16. 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 unto you. Deut. xviii. 13. c Heb. v. 5, 6. So also Christ glorified not himself, to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee: As he saith in ano- ther place, Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchisedec. d Psal. ii. 6. Yet havel set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. Luke i. 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. e Eph. v. 23. For the husband is the head of the w T ife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the sa- viour 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. g Acts xvii. 31. Because he hath appointed a day in the which lie will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained whereof lie hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. h John xvii. 6. I have manifested 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 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 47 time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified. 1 II. The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one sub- stance, and equal with the Father, did when the fulness of time was come, take upon him man's nature, k and all the essential properties and com- mon infirmities thereof, yet without sin: 1 being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the accounted unto the Lord for a generation, Isai. 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 Ms seed, he shall prolong his days, and the plea- sure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. i 1 Tim. ii. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Isai. lv. 4, 6. Behold I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and a com- mander to the people: Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations 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 sanctifi cation and redemption. II. k John i. 1, 14. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God. — 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 understanding 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. 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 17. Wherefore in all things, it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren; that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God; to make reconciliation for the sins of the people, 48 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance" 1 . So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably join- ed together in one person, 11 without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only medi- ator between God and man. III. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit above measureP; having in Ileh. iv. 15. For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. m Luke i. 27, 31, 35. To a virgin espoused to a man. whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name -was Mary. — And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. And ihe 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 letter m immediately foregoing. CoJ. ii 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Rom. ix. 5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. 1 Tim. iii. 16. And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh. o Rom. i. 3, 4. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh: — And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, 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 Je? sus. HI. p Psal. xliv.7. God thy God hath anointed the^ with the oil of gladness, above thy fellows. John iii. 34. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of God: fop God giveth not the Spirit by measure 'iinfo him. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 49 him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge**, in whom it pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell r : to the end that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth 8 , he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a me- diator and surety. 1 Which office he took not unto himself, but was thereunto called by his Father; v who put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same. w IV. This office the Lord Jesus did most wil- lingly undertake,* which, that he might discharge, q Col. ii. 3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wis- dom and knowledge. r Col. i. 10. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell. s Heb. vii. 26. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, 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. t Acts x. 38. How God anointed 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 me- diator of the new covenant, 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 tes- tament. v Heb. v. 5. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest: but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee. w John v. 22, 27. For the Father judgeth no man: but hath committed all judgment to the Son: — And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Mat. xxviii. 18. And Jesus came, and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me, in heaven and in earth. IV. x Psal. xl. 7, 8, Then said I, Lo, 1 come; in the vo- ls 50 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. he was made under the law/ and did perfectly fulfil it; z endured most grievous torments immedi- ately in his soul, a and most painful sufferings in his body; b was crucified ancl died; c was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption.* 1 On the third day he arose from the dead, e with the same body in which he suffer- ed/ with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth on the right hand of his Father^ mak- lume of the book it is written of me. I delight to do thy will, O my God, yea, thy law is within my heart. Phil. ii. 8. And became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. y 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. z Mat. iii. 15. Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righte- ousness. Mat. v. 17. — 1 am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. a Mat. xxvi. 57", 38. And he took with him Peter, and the two sons of Zebedee, and b^gan to be sorrowful and very heavy. — Then saith he unto them, My soul is ex- ceeding sorrowful, even unto death. Luke xxii. 44. And being 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, saying, Eli, Eli, Lama Sabach- thani; that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou for- saken me? b Mat. xxvi. and xxvii. chapters. c Phil. ii. 8. — He humbled himself, and became obedi- ent unto death, even the death of the cross. d Acts ii. 24, 27. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. — Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts xiii. 37. But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption. e 1 Cor. xv. 4. He was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures. THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. 51 ing intercession; 11 and shall return to judge men fcnd angels, at the end of the world. 1 V. The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father; k and purchased f John xx. 25, 27.— But he said unto them, Except T shall see in his hands the prints of the nails, and put my fingers into the prints of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. — 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. g Mark xvi. 19. — He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. h Rom. viii. 34.— -Who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Heb. vii. 25. Where- fore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make in- tercession for them. i Rom. xiv. 9, 10. For to this end Christ both died, and rose and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. For we shall all stand before the judg- ment seat of Christ. Acts i. 11. and x. 42. Mat. |xiii. 40, 41, 42. As therefore the tares are gathered and burn- ed in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. — The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall ga. ther out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity. — And shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jude 6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. See also 2 Pet. ii.4. V. k Rom. v. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous. Heb. ix. 14, 16. 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 ? Rom. iii.25, 26, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through OZ THL CONFESSION OF FAITH. not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheri- tance in the kingdom of heaven, for ail those whom the Father hath given unto him. 1 VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarna- tion, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof, were communicated unto the elect, in all ages suc- cessively 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 serpent's head, and the lamb slain from the beginning of the world, being yesterday and to-day the same and forever." 1 faith in bis blood, to declare bis righteousness for the re- mission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; — To declare, J say at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifiep of him that believeth in Jesus. Heb. x. 14. For by one offering he hath perfect- ed for ever, them that are sanctified. See also Eph. v. 2. 1 Eph. i. 11, 14. In whom also we have obtained an in- heritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. — 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. See also Heb. ix. 12, 15. VI. m Gal. iv. 4, 5. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law, 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. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 53 VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to both natures; by each nature doing that which is proper to itself: 11 yet by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature, is sometimes in scripture, attributed to the person denominated by the other nature. VIII. To all those for whom Christ hath pur- chased redemption, he doth certainly and effectu- ally apply and communicate the same;P making intercession for them; q and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation; 1 * effectually persuading them by his Spirit to be- VIT. n 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. See also Heb. ix. 14. o Acts xx. 28. — Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. John iii. 13. And no man hath ascended 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. VIII. p John vi. 37, 39. All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. — And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the kist day. John x. 16. And other sheep 1 have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice. q 1 John ii. 1. If any man sin, we'have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Rom. viii. 34. — It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter- cession for us. r John xv. 15. — For all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you. Eph. i. 9. Accord- ing to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in him- self. John xvii. 6. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: Thine they E2 54 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. lieve and obey; and governing their hearts by his word and Spirit;* 5 overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in such man- ner and ways as are most consonant to his won- derful and unsearchable dispensation.* CHAP. IX. Of Free Will. I. God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that it is neither forced, nor by were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. s 2 Cor. iv. 13. We having the same Spirit of faith ac- cording as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken: we also believe, and therefore speak. Rom. vlii. 9, 14. 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. — For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. See also Rom.xv. 18, 19, and John xvii. 17. t Psal. ex. 1. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 1 Cor. xv. 25, 26. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. — The last enemy that shall be de- stroyed is death. Mai. iv. 2, 3. But unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings ; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. — 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 show of them openly, triumphing over them in it: THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 1)5 any absolute necessity of nature, determined to do good or evil. a II. Man, in his state of innocency, had free- dom and power to will and to do that which is good and well-pleasing to God; b but yet mutably, 60 that he might fall from it. c III, Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation : d so as a natural man be- ing altogether averse from that which is good, e I. a 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 you, thai I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. See John v. 40. 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. c Gen. ii. 16, 17. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest free- ly eat: — But of the tree of the knowledge of good arid evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Gen. iii. 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. 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. v. For without me ye can do nothing. e Rom. iii. 10, 12. As it is written, There is none righ- teous, no not one: — They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable, there, is none that doeth Ijood, no not one. 56 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. and dead in sin, f is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself there- unto. s IV. When God converts a sinner, and trans- lates 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 and to do that which is spiritually good; 1 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 f Eph. ii. 1, 5. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened 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 quick- ened together with him, having forgiven you all tres- passes. g John vi. 44, 65. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: — And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 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 ihem, because they are spiritually discerned. See also Eph. ii. 2, 3, 4, 5. and Tit. iii. 3, 4, 5. IV. h Col. i. 13. Who hath delivered us from the pow- er of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. John viii. 34, 36. Jesus answered them, Ve- rily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. — If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. i Phil. ii. 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Rom. vi. 18, 22. Be- ing then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. — But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. k Gal. v. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 5tf V. The will of man is made perfectly and im- mutably free to good alone, in the state of glory only. 1 CHAP. X. Of Effectual Calling. I. All those whom God hath predestinated un- to life, and those only, he is pleased, in his ap- pointed and accepted time, effectually to call, a by his word and Spirit, b out of that state of sin and the spirit against the flesh, aaid these are contrary 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 would, that do I not; but what I hate that do I. V. 1 Eph. iv. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God; unto a per- fect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Jude 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the pre- sence 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 jus- tified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. — Rom. xi. 6. 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, 11. That in the dispensa- tion of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. b 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14. — God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctifi cation of the Spi- rit, and belief of the truth; — Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Je- sus Christ. 2 Cor. iii. 3, 6, Forasmuch as ye are manifesto 3y declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by u&> 58 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; c enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly, to understand the things of God, d taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh ; e renew- ing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is good; f and ef- vvritten not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, bat in fleshy tables of the heart. Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testa- ment, not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kill- eth, 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 anc death. 2 Tim. i. 9, 10. Who hath saved 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 workl began; but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. See also Eph. ii. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. d Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Siitan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inhe- ritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 1 Cor. ii. 10, 12. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 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. 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. 19. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. Dent. 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. See also Ezek. xxxvi. 27. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. . 59 fectually drawing them to Jesus Christ ;s yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace. 11 II. This effectual call is of God's free and spe- cial grace alone, not from any thing at all foreseen in man, 1 who is altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit, k he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it. 1 g John vi. 44, 45. No man can come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me, draw him.— Every man therefore 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. II. i 2 Tim. i. 9. Who hath saved 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 began. Tit. iii. 4, 5. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man ap- peared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, 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. See also*Eph. ii. 4, 5, 8, 9. 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 spiritual- ly 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 60 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. III. Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regen? erated and saved by Christ through the Spirit,* 1 who worketh when, and where, and how he pleas- §th. n So also are all other elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly called by the minis- try of the word. IV. Others not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the word,? and may have some common operations of the Spirit, * yet they you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall .keep my judgments, and do them. John v. 25. Verily, ve« rily, 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. John vi. 37. Ezek. xxxvi. 27. III. m Luke xviii. 15, 16. And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them; but when his dis- ciples saw it, they rebuked them: — 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, Acts ii. 38, 39. Then Peter said unto them, Kepent, 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: 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. n John hi. 8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. o 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. IV. p Jtfat. xxii. 14. For many are called but few ave chosen. q Mat. xiii. 20, 21. But he that received the seed intc> stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it: — Yet hath he not root in him- self, but dureth for a while: For when tribulation or per- secution arlseth because of the word, by and by he is of- fended. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 61 never truly come to Christ, and therefore can not be saved: 1 ' much less can men, not possessing the Christian religion, be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, and the law of that religion they do profess; 8 and to as- sert and maintain that they may is very pernicious, and to be detested.* r John vi. 64, 65, 66. 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 betray him. — And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can coma unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. — - From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John viii. 34. I said therefore unta you, that ye shall die in your sins: For if ye believe not that I am lie, ye shall die in your sins. s 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. John xiv. 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me. John xvii. 3. — And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the on- ly true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. t 2 John x. 11. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. — For he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds. Gal. i. 6, 7, 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 62 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. CHAP. XI. Of Justification. I. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth; a not by infusing righteousness in- to them, but by pardoning their sins, and by ac- counting and accepting their persons as righteous: not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone: not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evan- gelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, b they receiving and resting on I. a Rom. viii. 30.— Whom he called them he also justi- fied. Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. b Rom. iv. 5, 6, 7, 8. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. — Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blesssed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 2 Cor. v. 19, 21. To wit, that God was in Christ, recon- ciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespass- es unto them: and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 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, 24, 25, 27, 28. Tit. iii. 5, 7.— Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of re- generation, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. — 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 forgiveness of sins, ac- cording to the riches of his grace. Jer. xxiii. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely} THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 63 him and his righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of Gocl. c II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of jus- tification ; d yet is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith; but worketh by love. e III. Christ, by his obedience and death, did ful ly discharge the debt of all those that are thus jus- tified, and did make a proper, real, and full satis- faction to his Father's justice in their behalf/ and this is the name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness. See also 1 Cor. i. 30, 31, and Rom. v. 17, 18, 19. c 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 which is of God by faith. Acts xiii, 38, 39. Eph. ii. 7. and ver. 8. For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of your- selves; it is the gift of God. II. d 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. Horn. iii. 28. Therefore we con- clude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom. v. 1. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. e Jam. ii. 17, 22, 26. Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead being alone; — Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? — For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Gal. v. 6. For in Jesus Christ, neither cir- cumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. III. f Rom, v.*8, 9, 10, 19. But God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. — Much more then being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall 64 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, Yet, in as much as he was given by the Father for them,s and his obedience and satisfaction ac- cepted in their stead, 11 and both freely, not for any thing in them, their justification is only of free grace; 1 that both the exact justice, and rich grace of God, might be glorified in the justification of sinners. k IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justi- fy all the elect; 1 and Christ did, in the fulness of be saved by his life. For as by one man's disobedience, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 1 Tim. ii. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Heb. x. 10, 14. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all: For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. See also Dan. ix. 24, 26. and Isa. liii. 4, 5, 6, 40, 11, 12. g Rom. vlfi. 32. He that spared not his own Son, but de- livered him him up for us all, how, shall he not with him also freely give us all things? h 2 Cor. v. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteous- ness of God in him. Mat. iii. 1/. And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Eph. v. 2. And walk in love, as Christ al- so huth loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet-smelling savour. i Horn. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. Eph. i. 7, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the for- giveness of sins according to the riches of his grace. k Rom. iii. 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righte- ousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Eph. ii. 7. That, in the ages to come, he might show the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus. IV. 1 Gal. iii. 8. And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 65 time, die for their sins, and rise again for their jus- tification: 111 nevertheless they are not justified, un- til the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually ap- ply Christ unto them. n V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified: and although they can ne- ver fall from the state of justification^ yet they may by their sins fall under God's fatherly dis- pleasure, and not have the light of his countenance be blessed, 1 Pet. i. 2, 19, 20. Elect according to tbe foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. — But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot: — Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. See Rom. viii. 30. m Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made un- der the law. 1 Tim. ii. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Rom. iv. 25. Who was de- livered for our offences, and was raised again for our jus- tification. n Col. i. 21, 22. And you, that were some time alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, in the body of his flesh, through death, to present you holy and unblameable, and unreproveahle in his sight. See also Gal. ii. 16. and Tit. iii. 4, 5, 6, 7. V. o Mat. vi. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we for- give our debtors, 1 John i. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John ii. 1. — If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. p Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. John x. 28. And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. Heb. x. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. F 2 €6 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.** VI. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament. 1 ' CHAP. XII. Of Adoption. I. All those that are j ustified, God vouchsafeth, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, to make parta- q Psal. lxxxix. 31,32. If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; then will 1 visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes: Ver. 33. Nevertheless, my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. PsaL xxxii. 5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid: I said, I will confess my trans- gressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Mat. xxvi. 75. And Peter remembered the words of Jesus, — and he went out and wept bitterly. See also Psal. li. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 1 Cor. xi. 30, 32. VI. r Gal. iii. 9, 13, 14. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham: — 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: — That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Rom. iv. 22, 23, 24. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteous- ness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him, But for us ajso, to whom it shall be THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 67 kers of the grace of adoption: 11 by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God; b have his name put upon them, c receive the Spirit of adoption; 11 have access to the throne of grace with boldness; 6 are enabled to cry, Abba, Father; f are pitied,^ pro- tected, 11 provided for, 1 and chastened by him as by imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. I. a Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adop- tion of children by Jesus Christ, to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Gal. iv. 4, 5. God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law; that we might re- ceive the adoption of sons. b Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. — John i. 12. But as ma- ny as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. c Jer. xiv. 9. Yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. 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 / will write upon him my new name. d Rom. viii. 15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father. e Eph. iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Rom. v. 2. f Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. g Psal. ciii. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children: so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. h Prov. xiv. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong con- fidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. i Mat. vi. 30, 32. Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the 68 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. a father; k yet never cast oT, 1 but sealed to the day of redemption,* 1 and inherit the promises, 11 as heirs of everlasting salvation. CHAP. XIII. Of Sanctification. I # They who are effectually called and regenera« ted, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are farther sanctified, really and person- ally, through the virtue of Christ's death and re- surrection, 51 by his word and Spirit dwelling in oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? — For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 1 Pet. v. 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. k Heb. xii. 6. For whom the Lord loveth, he chasten- eth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 1 Lam. iii. 31. For the Lord will not cast off forever. m Eph. iv. 30. Whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. n Heb. vi..l2. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. o 1 Pet. i. 4 To an inheritance incorruptible and un- defiled, and that fadelh not away, reserved in heaven for you. Heb. i. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them, who shall be heirs of sal- vation? I. a 1 Cor. vi. 11. And suchwere some ofyou; 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. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Phil. iii. 10. That I may know him, and the THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 69 tliem: 1 * the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed/ and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, 41 and they more and more quickened and strengthened, in all saving graces/ to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord/ II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his suffer- ings, being made conformable unto his death. See also Rom. vi. 5, 6. For if we have been planted tog-ether in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is cruci- fied with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. b Eph. v. 26. That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. 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. c Rom. vi. 6, 14. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Mm, that the body of sin might be destroy- ed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. — For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. d Gal. v, 24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Rom. viii. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. e Col. i. 11. Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. Eph. iii. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. f 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dear- ly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Heb. xii. 14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. 70 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. man 5 s yet imperfect in this life: there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, h whence ariseth a continual and irreconcileable war, the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. 1 III. In which war, although the remaining cor- ruption for a time may much prevail, k yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctify- ing Spirit of Christ, the*regenerate part doth over- come: 1 and so the saints grow in grace, m perfect- ing holiness in the fear of God. n I!, g 1 Thess. v.23. And the very God of peace sanc- tify you wholly: and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of pur Lord Jesus Christ. h 1 John i. 10. If we say, that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Phil. iii. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but 1 follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. See also Rom. vii. 18, 23 i 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 can not do the things that ye would. Ill k Rom. vii. 23. Rut I see'another law in my mem- bers warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me intoraptivity to the law of si?> which is in my members. 1 Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 1 John \ r . 4. For whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world: And this is 1he victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Eph. iv. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the mea- sure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. m 2 Pet. iii. 18. But grow in grace, and in the know- ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. iii. 18 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 71 CHAP. XIV. Of saving Faith. I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, a is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts; b and is ordinarily w r rought by the ministry of the word: c by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.* 1 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. n 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all fllthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. I. a Heb. x. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the bouI. b 2 Cor. iv. 13. We having the same spirit of faith, ac- cording as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak. Eph. ii. 8. For by gract? '»re ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. c Rom. x. 14, 17. — How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear with- out a preacher? — So then, faith cometh by bearing, and hearing by the word of God. d 1 Pet. ii. 2. As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. Luke xvii. 5. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith, Rom. i. 16, 17. For T am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall liye by faith. See also Acts xx. 32. 72 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. II. By this faith a Christian believeth to be true, whatsoever is revealed in the word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; e and acteth differently, upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands/ trembling at the threatenings,£ and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. h But the principal acts of saving faith are, accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. 1 II. e 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 received it not as the word of man, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effec- tually worketh also in you that believe. 1 John v. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the witness in him- self; he that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, be- cause he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. Acts xxiv. 14 — believing all things which are writ- ten in the law and the prophets. f Rom. xvi. 26. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations, for the obedience of faith. g lsa. lxvi. 2. — To this man will I look, even to him thai is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. h Heb. xi. 13. These all died in faith, not having re- ceived the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them , and embraced them, and confess- ed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 1 Tim. iv. 8. — But godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. i 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 shaK be saved and thy THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. 73 III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; k may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory; 1 growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, m who is both the author and finisher of our feith. n house. Gal. ii. 20. I am crucified with Christ; neverthe- less I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me. Acts xv. 11. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved even as they. III. k Heb. v. 13, 14. For every one that useth milk, is unskilful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. — But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exer- cised to discern both good and evil. Rom. iv. 19, 20.— And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Mat. vi. 30. Shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Mat. viii. 10. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. 1 Luke xxii. 31, 32. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: — But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Eph. vi. 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, where- with ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 1 John v. 4, 5. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that over- cometh the world, even our faith. — Who is he that over- cometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? m Heb. vi. 11, 12. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope ynto the end: — That ye be not slothful, but followers of G 74 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. CHAP. XV. Of Repentance unto Life, I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,* the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ. b II. By it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the ap- prehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God, c purposing and endeavour- them who through faith and patience inherit the promises, Heb. x. 22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full as- surance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. n Heb. xii. 2. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finish- er of our faith. I. a Acts xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath Go'l also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. — Zach. ii.10. b Luke xxiv. 47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, be- ginning at Jerusalem. Mark i. 15. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Acts xx. 21. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. II. c Ezek. xviii. 30, 31. Repent and turn yourselves horn. all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye have transgressed, and make you a new heart and a new THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 75 ing to walk with him, in all the ways of his com- mandments.* III. Although repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the par- don thereof, 6 which is the act of God's free grace spirit; for why will ye die, O House of Israel? Ezek. 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 iniquities, and for your abomina- tions. Psal. li. 4. Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Jer. xxxi. 18, 19. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning hint- self thus, Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a buliock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that 1 was turned, I repented; and after that I was turned, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confound- ed, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. 2 Cor. vii. 11. For behold, this self same thing that ye sorrowed 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 revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. See also Joel ii. 12, 13. Amos v. 15. and Psalm cxix. 128. d Psal. cxix. 6, 59, 106. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. — I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testi- monies. — I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. Luke i. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the command- ments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. See also 2 Kings xxiii. 25. in. e Ezek. xxxvi. 31, 32. 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 iniquities, and for your abominations. — Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God; be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. Ezek, 76 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. in Christ; f yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it.& IV, As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation; 11 so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent. 1 V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins, particu- larly^ xvi. 63. That thou mayest remember and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all thou hast done, saith the Lord God. f Hos. xiv. 2, 4. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord; say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him. Rom. iii. 24. Being justi- fied freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Eph. i. 7. g Luke xiii. 3, 5. I tell you, nay; but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Acts xvii. 30. IV. h Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death. Mat. xii. 36. But 1 say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. i Isa. lv. 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the un- righteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Rom. viii. 1. There is there- fore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Isa. i. 18. Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. V. k Psal. xix. 13. Keep back thy servant also from pre- sumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me, then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. i i VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the par- don thereof; 1 upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy : m so he that scandalizeth his brother, or the church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sor- row for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended; 11 who are thereupon to be recon- ciled to him, and in love to receive him. transgression. Luke six. 8. And Zaccheus stood and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor: and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 1 Tim. i. 13, 15, Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and in- jurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all ac- ceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world, to save sinners, of whom I am chief VI 1 Psal. xxxii, 5, 6. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the ini- quity of my sin. Selah. — For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found; surely in the floods of great waters, they shall not come nigh unto him. See also Psal. li. 4, 5, 7, 9, 14. m Prov. xxviii. 13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 1 John i. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faith- ful and just to forgive us our sins n James v. 16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Luke xvii. 3. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him: and if he repent, forgive him. Ver. 4. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Josh. vii. 19. And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession to him; and tell G 2 78 THE CONFESSION ©F FAITH. CHAP. XVI. Of Good Works. I. Good works are only such as God hath com- manded in his holy word, a and not such as with- out the warrant thereof, are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good inten- tion. 15 II. These good works, done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith : c and by them believers me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. Psal. li, throughout. o 2 Cor. ii. 8. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love towards l>im» See- Gal. vi. 1, 2. I. a Micah vi. 8. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good: and what doVh The Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Rom xii. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. Heb. xiii. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will. b Mat. xv. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Isa. xxix. 13. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me; and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men. John xvi. 2. They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. See 1 Sam. xv. 21, 22, 23. II. c James ii. 18, 22. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith; and, I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. — Seest thou how faith vrought with his worfcs, and by works was faith made perfect? THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 79 manifest their thankfulness,* 1 strengthen their as- surance, 6 edify their brethren/ adorn the profes- sion of the gospel,^ stop the mouths of the adver- saries, 11 and glorify God, 1 whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, k that, hav- d Psal. cxvi. 12, 13. What shall I render unto the Lord /or all his benefits towards me. — I will take the cup of sal- vation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 1 Pet. ii. 9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. e 1 John ii. 3, 5. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. — But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. Here- by know we that we are in him. 2 Pet. i. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. f 2 Cor. ix. 2. Fori know the forwardness ofyour mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia, was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Mat. v. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. g Tit. ii. 5. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 1 Tim. vi. 1. Let as many ser- vants as are under the yoke count their own masters wor- thy of all honour; that the name of God and his doctrines be not blasphemed. See also Tit. ii. 9, 10, 11, 12. h 1 Pet. ii. 15. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. i 1 Pet. ii. 12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may, by your good works which they shall be- hold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Phil. i. 11. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. John xv. 8. Here- in is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit. k Eph. ii. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before or- tlained that we should walk in thcnr. 80 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. ing their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life. 1 III. Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ.™ And that they may be enabled thereunto besides the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure: 11 yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them. 1 Rom. vi. 22. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. III. m John xv 5. 1 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 nothing. Ver. 6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered: and men gather them and cast them into the fire. See Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. n Phil. ii. 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of hit good pleasure. Phil. iv. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me. 2 Cor. iii. 5. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is of God. o Phil. ii. 12. Wherefore my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Heb. vi. 11, 12. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the pro- mises. Isa. lxiv. 7. And (here is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. See also 2 Pet. i. 3, 5, 10, 11. and 2 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 81 IV. They, who in their obedience, attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate and to do more than God requires, that they fall short of much, which in duty, they are bound to do.P V. We can not, by our best works merit pardon of sin, or eternal life, at the hand of God, by rea- son of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come, and the infinite distance that is between us and God, whom by them we can neither profit, nor satisfy for the debt of our former sins;^ but when we have done all we can, we have done but our duty, and are unprofitable Tim. i. 6, and Acts xxvi. 6, 7. together with Jude CO and 21 verses. IV. p Luke xvii, 10. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Job ix. 2, 3. — But how should man be just with God. — If he will contend with him, he can not answer him one of a thousand. 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 can not do the things that ye would. V. q 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. Rom iv 2, 4, 6. For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God. — Xow to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. Even as David also de- scribeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God im- puteth righteousness without works. Eph. ii. S, 9. For bv grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of your- selves; it is the gift of God. — Xot of works, lest any man should boast. Psal. xvi. 2. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord, my goodness extendetfa not to thee. See also Tit. iii. 5, 6," 7. Rom. viii. \% 22. 2-. and chap. xxxv. 7, &, 82 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. servants; 1 * and because, as they are good, they pro- ceed from his Spirit;" 5 and, as they are wrought by us, they are defiled and mixed with so much weak- ness and imperfection, that they can not endure the severity of God's judgment/ VI. Yet notwithstanding, the persons of believ- ers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in him,* not as though they were in this life wholly unblameable and un- reprovable in God's sight ; w but that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to accept and re- ward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections.* r Luke xvii. 10. See letter p in this chip. s Gal. v. 22. 23. Rut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek- ness, temperance. t Isai. lxiv. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy r. gs; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Psal. cxliii. 2. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justifi- ed. Psal.cxxx. 3. If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand rSee also Gal. v. 17. and Rom. vii. 15, 18. VI v Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. 1 Pet. ii. 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, accepta- ble to God by Jesus Christ. Gen. iv. 4. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his Mock, and of the fat thereof; and the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering. With Heb. xi. 4. w Job ix. 20. If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me; If I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Psal. cxliii. 2. x 2 Cor. viii. 12. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted, according to that a man hath, and not ac- THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 83 VII. Works done by unregenerate men, al- though, for the matter of them, they maybe things which God commands, and of good use both to themselves and others ;*" yet because they proceed not from an heart purified by faith, 2 nor are done in a right manner, according to the word, a nor to cording to that he hath not. Heb. vi. 10. For God is not unrigtveous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have minister- ed to the saints, and do minister. Matt. xxv. 21, 23. His lord said unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful ser- vant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. VII. y 2 Kings x. 30, 31. And the Lord said unto Jehu,, Because thou hast done well in executing thai which u right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab, according to all that -wom in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. — But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel, with all his heart; for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sis. Phil. i. 15, 16, 18. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. — The one preach Christ of conten- tion, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds. — What then 3 notwithstanding every way, whether in pre- tence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do re- joice. z Heb. xi. 4, 6. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead, yet speaking. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. See Gen. xlv. a 1 Cor. xiii. 3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Isai. i. 12, "When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this^at your hand, to tread my courts? §4 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. a right end, the glory of God; b they are therefore sinful, and can not please God, or make a man meet to receive grace from God. c And yet their neglect of them is more sinful, and displeasing unto God. d b Mat. vi. 2, 5, 16. Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypo- crites do, in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily, I say unto you, They have their reward. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily, I say unto you, They have their reward. Moreover when ye fast, be not as the hy- pocrites, of a sad countenance; for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily, I say unto you, They have their reward. c Hag. ii. 14. So is this people, and so is this nation be- fore me, saith the Lord, and so is every work of their hands, and that which they offer there is unclean. Tit. i. 15. — Unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Amos v. 21, 22. 1 hate, I despise your feast-days, and 1 will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye oflbr me burnt offerings, and your meat-offerings, I will not accept them, neither will I regard the peace-offerings of your fat beasts. See also Hos. i. 4. Rom. ix. 16, and Tit. iii. 5. d Psal. xiv. 4. Have all the workers of iniquity no know- ledge? who eat up ray people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord. Psal xxxvi. 3. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. Job xxi. 14. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. See also Mat. xxv. 41, 42, 43, 45, and Mat. xxiii. 23. THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. 85 CHAP. XVII. Of the Perseverance of the Saints. I. They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified, by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved. 3, II. This perseverance of the saints depends, not upon their own free-will, but upon the immu- tability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable lave of God the Father; 5 upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ; the abiding of the Spirit and of the I. a Phil. i. 6. Being confident of this very thing 1 , that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. John x. 28, 29. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; nei- ther shall any pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all: and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. See also 1 John iii. 9. and 1 Pet. i. 5, 9. Job xvii. 9. II. b 2 Tim. ii. 19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. — Jer. xxxi. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea I have loved thee with an ever- lasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee. c Heb. x. 10, 14. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. John xvii. 11, 24. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and 1 come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name, those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as iv:e are.— Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast H 86 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. seed of God within thein; d and the nature of the covenant of grace : e from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof/ III. Nevertheless they may, through the temp- tations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into griev- ous sins;£ and for a time continue therein: 11 where- given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovest me from the foundation of the world. Heb. vii. 25. Where- fore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make in- tercession for them. Heb. ix. 12, 13, 14, 15. Rom. viii. 33, to the end. Luke xxii. 32. d John xiv. 16, 17. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; — Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world can not receive; because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 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 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. 1 John iii. 9. "Whosoever is born of God, doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he can not sin, because he is born of God. e Jer. xxxii. 40. And I will make an everlasting cove- nant 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. With Heb. viii. 10, 11, 12. f2Thess. iii. 3. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 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 vent out t that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. John x. 28. They shall never perish. 1 Thess. v. 23, 24. III. g Mat. xxvi. 70, 72, 74. But he denied before them THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 87 by they incur God's displeasure, 1 and grieve his Holy Spirit ; k come to be deprived of some mea- sure of their graces and comforts; 1 have their hearts hardened,™ and their consciences wounded; 11 hurt all, saying*, I know not what thou sayest. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. Then be- gan he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. h 2 Sam. xii. 9, 13. Wherefore hast thou despised 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. — And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The I*ord hath also put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. i Isa. lxiv. 7, 9. — For thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. — Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever; behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. 2 Sam. xi. 27. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son: but the thing that David had done dis- pleased the Lord. k Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 1 Psal. li. 8, 10, 12. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones -which thou hast broken may rejoice. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit with- in me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and up- hold me -mth thy free Spirit. Rev. ii. 4. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. m Mark vi. 52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves, for their heart was hardened. Mark xvi. 14. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven, as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him, after he was risen. Psalm xcv. 8. OS THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. and scandalize others, and bring temporal judg- ments upon themselves.? CHAP. XVIII. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation. I. Although hypocrites, and other unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the fa- vour of God and estate of salvation; a which hope pf theirs shall perish: yet such as truly believe in n Psal. xxxii. 3, 4. When I kept silence, my bones wax- ed old through my roaring all the day long 1 . For day and i tight thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Psal. li. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. o 2 Sam. xii. 14. Howbeit, because by this deed thou Last given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall sure- ty die. p Psal. lxxxix. 31. If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandment; ver. 32. then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquities with stripes. 1 Cor. xi. 32. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I. a Job viii. 14. Whose hope shall be cut off; and whose trust sluill be a spider's web. Deut. xxix. 19. I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. John viii. 41. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they unto him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. b Mat. viii 22, 23. Many will say to me in that day, I^oj-d, Lord, have \ye not prophesied in thy name? and in THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 89 the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity, endea- vouring to walk in all good conscience before him, may in this life be certainly assured that they are in a state of grace, c and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God; which hope shall never make them ashamed. d II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hopef but an infallible assurance of faith, founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation/ the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made/ the testimony of the thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name have done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Job viii. 13. c 1 John ii. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe 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. 1 John in. 14, 18, 19, 21, 24. d Rom. v. 2, 5. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. II. e Heb. vi. 11, 19. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end. — Which hope we have as an anchor of thg soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail. f Heb vi. 17, 18. Wherein God willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise, the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath; — That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. g 2 Pet.i. 4, 5, 10, 11. Whereby are given unto us ex- 2H 90 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God: 11 which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption/ III. This infallible assurance doth not so be- long to the essence of faith, but that a true believ- er may wait long, and conflict with many difficul- ties before he be partaker of it: k Yet, being ena- ceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. — And be- sides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge. Wherefore the rather, breth- ren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: — For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 1 John hi. 14. We know that we have passed from death unto life; because we love the brethren. 1 John ii. 3, and 2 Cor. i. 12. h Rom. viii. 15, 16. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the chil- dren of God. i Eph. i. 13, 14. 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, which is the earnest of our inheri- tance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 2 Cor. i. 23, 22. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us if God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. III. k Isa. 1. 10. Who is among you that fearcth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon iws God. 1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal THE CONFESSION OF FAITH'. 91 bled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may, without extraor- dinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attain thereunto. 1 And therefore it is the duty of every one, to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure; m that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedi- ence, the proper fruits of this assurance: 11 So far is it from inclining men to looseness. life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son Of God. See Psalm lxxxviii. throughout, and Psalm lxxvii. to the 12th verse. I 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 God. 1 John iv. 13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. Heb. vi. 11, 12. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end: — That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Eph. iii. 17, 18, 19. m 2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give di- ligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. n Rom. v. 1, 2, 5. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. — ■ By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. — A.nd hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom. xiv. 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. xv. 13. Now the God of hope fdl you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Psalm cxix. 32. I will run the way of thy 92 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. IV. True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished and intermitted: as, by negligence in preserving of it; by falling into some special sin, which woundeth the conscience, and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation;by God's withdraw- ing the light of his countenance, and suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light:? Yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart and con- science of duty, out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may in due time be re- commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. Psalm iv. 6, 7. Eph. i. 3, 4. o Rom. vi. 1, 2. What shall we say then? shall we con- tinue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid; how shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Tit. ii. 11, 12, 14. For the grace of God that bringeth salva- tion hath appeared to all men; — teaching us, that deny- ing ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live sober- ly, righteously and godly in this present world. — Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all ini- quity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. IV. p Cant. v. 2, 3, 6. I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice ol my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undetiled; for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. — I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet, how shall I defile them? — 1 open- ed to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn him- self, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; J called him, but he gave me no answer. Psalm li.8, 12, 14. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. — Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me -with thy free Spirit. — Deliver me from blood- THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. &3 vived/* and by the which, in the mean time, they are supported from utter despair/ CHAP, XIX. Of the Law of God. I. God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which he bound him and all his posteri- ty to personal, entire, exact and perpetual obedi- ence; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threat- ened death upon the breach of it; and endued him with power and ability to keep it. a guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Compare the above with Psalm Ixxvii. first ten verses, and Mat. xxvi. 69, 70, 71, 72. Psal. xxxi. 22. Psalm lxxxviii. throughout, and Isa. 1. 10. q 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not com- mit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he can not sin, because he is born of God. Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. Job xiii. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Psalm lxxiii. 15. Psalm li. 8, 21. with Isa. I. 10. r Micah vii. 7, 8, 9. Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. — Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise: when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness. Isa. fcv. 7, 8. J. a Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our 94 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. II. This law, after bis fall, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness; and, as such, was delivered by God upon mount Sinai in ten com- mandments, and written in two tables; b the four first commandments containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man. c image, after our likeness. 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. Rom. ii. 14, 15. 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: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing, or else excusing one another. Rom, x. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law; That the man which doeth those things, shall live by them. Rom. v. 12, 19. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death pass- ed upon all men, for that all have sinned. — For as by one roan's disobedience many were made sinners; so by the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous. See also Gal. iii. 10, 12. Eccl. vii. 12. and Job xxviii. 28. II. b Jam. i 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein^ he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in bis deed. James ii. 8, 10, 11, 12. If ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well — For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one pointy he is guilty of all. Rom. iii. 19. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law. Rom. xiii. 8, 9. — Deut. v 32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. And chap. x. 4. And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the Lord spake unto you in the mount, out of the midst of the fire, in the day of the as- sembly; and the Lord gave them unto me. Exod. xxxiv. 1- c Mat. xxii. 37, 38, 39, 40. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 9# III. Besides this law, commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel, as a church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, pre- figuring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings and benefits; d and partly holding forth divers instruc- tions of moral duties. e All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated under the New Testament/ thy soul, and with all thy mind. — This is the first and great commandment: — And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. — On these two com- mandments, hang all the law and the prophets. Exod. xx. 3 to 18. III. d Heb. x. 1. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect. Gal. iv. 1, 2, 3. Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors, until the time appointed of the father. — Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. Col. ii. 17. Which are a shadow of good things to come; but the body is of Christ. Heb. 9th chap. e 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 sacrificed for us. 2 Cor. vi. 17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye sepa- rate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you. f Col. ii. 14, 16, 17. Blotting out the hand-writing of or- dinances, that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink. — Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Eph. ii. 15, 16. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments, contained in ordinances, for to make in himself of twain, one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body, by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. 96 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. IV. To them also, as a body politic, he gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any other, now, further than the general equity thereof may require.^ V. The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof;* 1 and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator who gave it. 1 Neither doth Christ in the gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen, this obligation.* IV. g See Exod. 21st chap, and 22d chap. 1st to the 29th verse. Gen. xlix. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Ju- dah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Mat. v. 38, 39. Ye have heard, that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth; but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil. 1 Cor. ix. 8, 9, 10. V. h Rom. xiii. 8, 9. See above in letter b. 1 John ii. 3, 4, 7, 8. And hereby do we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. — He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the be- ginning. Rom. iii, 31. and vi. 15. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. — What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law but under grace? God forbid. i Jam. ii. 10. 11. See in letter b. k Mat. v. 18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Verse 19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do, and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of hea* ven. Jam. ii. 8. Rom. iii. 31. THE CONFESSION OF FAITtf. 97 VI. Although true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned; 1 yet is it of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life, inform- ing them of the will of God and their duty, it di- rects and binds them to walk accordingly; 111 dis- covering also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts and lives; 11 so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin;° together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of his obedience^ It is Vf . 1 Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Rom, viii. 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. See also Gal. iv. 4, 5. and Acts xiii. 39. m Rom. vii. 12, 22, 25. Wherefore the law is holy; and the commandment is holy, and just and good. Psal. cxix. 5. that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes. 1 Cor. vii. 19. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision 19 no- thing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Gal. v. 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. n Rom. vii. 7. What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, [ had not known sin but by the law; for 1 had not known lust, except the law had said, Thoushalt not covet. Rom. iii. 20. — For by the law is the knowledge of sin. o Rom. vii. 9, 14, 24. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. For we know that the law is spiritual: but 1 am carnal, sold under sin. O wretched man that I ami who shall deliver me from the body of this death? p Gal. iii. 24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster, to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith, Rom. viii. 3, 4. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in £he likeness of sinful flesb, and for sin, condemned sin in I 98 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions; in that it forbids sin;** and the threat- enings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve, and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse thereof threatened in the law. r The promises of it, in like manner, show them God's approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof; 8 although not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works :* so as a man's doing good, and refraining from evil, be- cause the law encourageth to the one, and detereth the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be ful- filled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spi- rit. Rom. vii. 24, 25. q James ii. 11. For he that said, Do not commit adul- tery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. Psalm cxix. 128. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts con* earning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. r Ezra ix. 13, 14. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God, hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations, wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? Psalm lxxxix. 30, 31, 32, 33, 34. s Psalm xxxvii. 11. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm xix. 11. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward. Lev. xxvi. to the 14th verse, and Eph. vi. 2. Mat. v. 5. t 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. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 99 from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law, and not under grace/ VII. Neither are the aforementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the gospel, but do sweetly comply with it; w the Spirit of Christ sub- duing and enabling the will of man to do that freely and cheerfully, which the will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to be done. x CHAP. XX. Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Con- science. I. The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel consists in their freedom v Rom. vi. 12, 14. Let no sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof. — For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Heb. xii. 28, 29. Where- fore, we receiving a kingdom which can not be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a con- suming fire. 1 Pet. iii. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Psalm xxxiv. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. VI[. w 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. Tit. ii. 11, 12, 13, 14. x Ezek. xxxvi. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Heb. viii. 10. For this is the cove- nant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. Jer. xxxi. 33. 100 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law; a and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin, b from the evil of af- flictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation; as also in their free access to God, d and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love, and a willing mind. e All which were common also to believers under the law; f but under the New I. a Tit. ii. 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a pe- culiar people, zealous of good works. Gal. iii. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed, Sec. b Gal. i. 4. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God, and our Father. 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 forgive- ness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanc- tified, by faith that is in me. Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. c Psalm cxix. 71. It is good far me, that I have been af- flicted, that I might learn thy statutes. 1 Cor. xv. 54, 55. — verse 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Verse 57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Horn. viii. 1. d Rom. v. 2 a By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand . e Rom. viii. 14, 15. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not re- ceived the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have re- ceived the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Fa- ther. 1 John iv. 18. There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. f Gal. iii. 9, 14. So then, they which be of faith, are THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 101 Testament, the liberty of Christians is further enlarged in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish church was subjected ;£ and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace, h and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of. 1 II. God alone is Lord of the conscience, k and hath left it free from the doctrines and command- ments of men which are in any thing contrary to his word, or beside it, in matters of faith or wor- blessed with faithful Abraham. — That the blessing- of Abra- ham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. g Gal. v. 1. Stand fast therefore in the liberty where- with Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Acts xv. 10, 11, Now therefore, why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Gal. iv. 1, 2, 3, 6. h Heb. iv. 14, 16. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. — Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. x. 19, 20. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh. i John vii.38, 39. He that believeth on me, as the scrip* ture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that be- lieve on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified. 2 Cor. iii. 13, 17, 18. II. k Rom. xiv. 4. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him Stand, I 2 102 THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. ship. 1 So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commandments out of conscience, is to be- tray true liberty of conscience; 111 and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obe- dience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also. n III. They who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, do practise any sin, or cherish any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty; which is, that, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in 1 Acts iv. 19. But Peter and John answered and said un- to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Acts v. 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God, rather than men. 1 Cor. vii. 23. Mat. xxiii. 8, 9, 10. 2 Cor. i. 24. Mat. xv. 9. m Col. ii. 20, 22, 23. Wherefore, if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, Which all are to perish with the using, after the commandments, and doctrines of men? — Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Gal. i. 10. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Gal. ii. 4. And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage. See Gal. v. 1. n Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Acts xvii. 11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. John iv. 22. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. See also Hos. v. 11, with Rev. xiii. 12, 16, 17, THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 103 holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. IV. And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath pur- chased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another; they who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, shall op- pose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of GocI.p And for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity, whether concerning faith, worship or conversation; or to the power of godliness; or such erroneous opinions or practices, as, either in their own nature, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to HI. o Gal. v. 13. For, brethren, ye have been - called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 1 Pet. ii. 16. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Luke i. 74, 75. That he would grant unto us, that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear,- — in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 2 Pet. ii. 19.. John viii. 34. IV. p 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14, 16. Submit yourselves to every" ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: Whether it be to the king, as supreme; — or unto governors, as- unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise ot them that do well.— As free, and not using pour liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the ser- vants of God. Heb. xiii. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you* See also Rom, xiiL 1> to the 8th verse.- 104 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the church;** they may lawfully be called to account, and proceeded against by the censures of the church/ CHAP. XXI. Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath- Day. I. The light of nature showeth that there is a God, w 7 ho hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is good, and doeth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. a But the acceptable q 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. 1 Cor. v. 1, 5, 11, 13. It is reported commonly that thereis fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named amongst the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. — To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of our Lord Jesus. — But now I have written un- to you, not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one, no not to eat. — But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. r 2 Thess. iii. 14, And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Tit. iii. 10. A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject. I. a Eom L 20. For the invisible things of him from the THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 105 way of worshipping the true Gocl is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the sugges- tions of Satan, under any visible representation or any other way not prescribed in' the holy scrip- ture. 1 * II. Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; and to him alone : c not to angels, saints or any other creature ; d and since creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and god- head; so that they are without excuse* Psalrn cxix. 68. Thou art good, and doestgood; teach me thy statutes. Jer. X. 7. Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain; forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms there is none like unto thee. Psal. i. 23. O love the Lord, ail ye his saints; for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully re- wardeth the proud doer. Psal. xviii. 3. Rom. x. 12. Psal. lxii. 8. Josh. xxiv. 14. Mark xii. 38. h Deut, xii. 32, What thing soever I command you, ob- serve to do it; thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Mat. xv. 9. But in vain do they worship me, teach- ing/or doctrines the commandments of men. Mat. iv. 9, 10. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. — Then saith Jesus un- to him, Get thee hence, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. See also Deut. xv. to the 20th verse, and Exod. xx. 4, 5, 6. IF. c John v. 23. That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not, the Son, honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. Mat. iv. 10. Rev. v. 11, 12, 13. d Col. ii. 18. Let no man beguile you of your reward* in a voluntary humility, and worshipping of angels. Rev. ^ix. 10, And I fell at his feet to worship him, And he said 106 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the media- tion of any other but of Christ alone. e III. Prayer with thanksgiving, being one spe- cial part of religious worship/ is by God required of all men;s and that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, h by the help of his Spirit, 1 according to his w T ill, k with under- standing, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love and perseverance; 1 and, if vocal, in a known tongue. 111 unto me, See thou do it not; I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God. Rom. i. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. e John xiv. 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one Me- diator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. Eph. ii. 18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. III. f Phil. iv. 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests lie made known unto God. g Fsal. lxv. 2. O thou that nearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. h John xiv. 13, 14. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. — If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. i Rom. viii 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our in- firmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which can not be uttered. k 1 John v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. 1 Psal. xlvii. 7. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. Heb. xii. 28. Let us have THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 107 IV, Prayer is to be made for things lawful, 11 and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead,** nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto deaths V. The reading of the scriptures with godly grace whereby we may serve God acceptably, with rever- ence and godly fear. Gen. xviii. 27. — I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes* Jam. v. 16. — The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Eph. vi. 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching there- unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. See also Jam. i. 6, 7. Mark xi. 24. Mat. vi. 12, 14, 15. Col. iv. 2. m 1 Cor. xiv. 14. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. IV. n 1 John v. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. o 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2. I exhort therefore that first of all, sup- plications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in autho- rity: that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godli- ness and honesty. p 2 Sam. xii. 21, 22, 23. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? Thou didst fast and weep for the child while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst arise and eat bread. — And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: fop I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. Luke xvi. 25, 26. and Rev. xiv. 13. q 1 John v. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin un- to death; I do not say, that he shall pray for it. 108 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. fear; r the sound preaching/ and conscionable hearing of the word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith and reverence ;* singing of psalms w r ith grace in the heart ; v as also, the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacra- ments instituted by Christ; are all parts of the or- dinary religious worship of God: w besides religious oaths x and vows/ solemn fastings; 2 and thanks- V. r Acts xv. 21. For Moses of old time hath in every city them tnat preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. Rev. i. 3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand. s 2 Tim. iv. 2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suf- fering and doctrine. t Jam. i. 22. But ye be doers of the word, and not hear- ers only, deceiving your own selves. Acts x. 33. Imme- diately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here pre- sent before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Heb. iv. 2. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Mat. xiii. 19. Isa. lxvi. 2. v Col. iii. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you rich- ly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs; singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Eph. v. 12. Jam. v. 13. w 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. Acts ii. 42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 1 Cor. xi. 23, to verse 29. x Deut. vi. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. y Eccl. v. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, de- fer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 109 givings upon special occasions ; a which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner. b VI. Neither prayer nor any other part of reli- gious worship, is now, under the gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed: but God is to be worshipped every where d in spirit and in truth; e as in private fami- which thou hast vowed. Ver. 5. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow, and not pay. Acts xviii. 18. z Joel ii. 12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting-, and with weeping and with mourning. Mat. ix. 15. Can the children of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the bride-groom is with them? But the days will come when the bride-groom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. 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; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. a Psal. cvii. throughout. b. Heb. xii. 28. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which can not be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. VI. c John iv. 21. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, be- lieve me, the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. d Mai. i. 11. From the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts. 1 Tim. ii. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. e John iv. 23, 24. But the hour cometh, and now is f when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketn such to wor- K 110 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. lies f daily/ and in secret each one by hirftself, 21 so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or wilfully to be neglected or for- saken, when God, by his word or providence, call- eth thereunto. 1 VII. As it is of the law of nature, that, in ge- neral, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in his word, by a positive, moral and perpetual commandment, binding all men in all ages, he hath partictdarly appointed one day in seven for a sabbath, to be kept holy ship him; God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. f Jer. x. 25. Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name. Job i. 5. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered up burnt-offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. 2 Sam. vi. 18. And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt- offerings and peace-offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. Yer. 20. Then David returned to bless his household. g Mat. vi. II. Give us this day our daily bread. Jos. xxiv. 15. h Mat. vi. 6. But thou when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Eph. vi. 18. i Isa. IvL 7. — Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Ileb. x. 25. Not forsaking the as- sembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Prov. viii. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Acts ii. 42. And they contin- ued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, And in breaking of bread, and in nravftrs. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. Ill unto him: k which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ was changed into the first day of the week, 1 which in scripture is called the Lord's day, m and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the christian sabbath. 11 VIII. This sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs before- hand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts, about their worldly employments and recreations; but VII. k See the 4th commandment in Exod. xx. 8, 9, 10, 11. Isa. lvi. 2, 4. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it: that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth. his hand from do- ing any evil. For thus saith the Lord unto the Eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant. Isa. lvi. 6. 1 Gen. ii. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sane- tified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work, which God created and made. 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2. Now concerning 1 the collection for the saints; as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. — Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no ga- therings when I come. Acts xx. 7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. m Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day; and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. n Exod. xx. 8, 10. (See letter k) Mat. v. 17, 18. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily 1 say un- to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. VIII. o Exod. xvi. 23, 25, 26, 29, 30. And he said unto 112 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. also are taken *up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.P CHAP. XXII. Of lawful Oaths and Vows. I. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship,* wherein upon just occasion, the person swearing, them, This » that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which you will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over, lay up for you to be kept un'il the morning. And Moses said, Eat that to-day; for to-day is a sabbath unto the Lord; to-day ye shall not find it in the field. — Six days ye shall gather it, but on the seventh day which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. — See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day, the bread of two days: abide ye every man in his plnce, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. — So the people rested on the seventh d->y. Exod. xxxi. 15, 16. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord; whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. Isa. lviii. 13. Neh! xiii. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22. p Isai. lviii. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the sab- bath, from doing thy pleasure en my holy day, and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words. Mat. xii. 1, to the 13th verse. I. a Deut. x. 20. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 113 solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth or promiseth; and to judge him according to the truth or falsehood of what he sweareth. b II. The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear, and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence: therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful and to be abhorred. d Yet as, in matters of weight and moment, an oath is warranted by the w r ord of God under the New Testament, as well as under the 01d, e so a lawful oath, being impos- ed by lawful authority, in such matters ought to be taken/ b Exod. xx. 7. Thou shalt rrot take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guilt- less that taketh his name in vain. Lev. xix. 12. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou prophane the name of thy God: I am the Lord. 2 Cor. i, 23. Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you, I came not as yet unto Corinth. See also 2 Chron. vi. 22, 23. II. c Deut. vi. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lard thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. d Jer. v. 7. How shall I pardon thee for this? thy chil- dren have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no Gods: when I fed them to the full, then they committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses. James v. 12. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea, be yea, and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. See the third command- ment in Exod. xx. 7. e Heb. vi. 16. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Isa. Ixv. 16. f 1 Kings viii. 31. If any man trespass against his neigh- bour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, K 2 114 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. III. Whosoever taketh an oath ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully per- suaded is the truth.s Neither may any man bind himself by oath to any thing but what is good and just, and what he believeth so to be, and what he is able and resolved to perform. 11 Yet it is a sin to refuse an oath touching any thing that is good and just, being imposed by lawful authority. 1 IV. An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation and the oath come before thine altar in this house. Ezra x. 5. Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Le- vites, and all Israel to swear, that they should do according to this word; and they sware. III. g Jer. iv. 2. And thou shalt swear; The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the na- tions shall tless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. See also Exod. xx. 7. h Gen. xxiv. 2. 3, 9. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, 1 pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: and I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son, of the daughters of the Canaanites amongst whom I dwell. — And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter. i Numb. v. 19. 21. And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bit- ter water that causeth the curse. — Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, The Lord make thee a curse, and an oath among thy people, when the Lord doth make thy thigh to rot and thy belly to swell. Neh. v. 12. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this purpose. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 115 or mental reservation. 1 * It can not oblige to sin; but in any thing not sinful, being taken, it binds to performance, although to a man's own hurt: 1 nor is it to be violated, although made to heretics or infidels. m V. A vow is of the like nature with a promis- sory oath, and ought to be made with the like re- ligious care, and to be performed with the like faithfulness. 11 VI. It is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone: and that it may be accepted, it is to IV. k Psal. xxiv. 4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully. Jer. iv. 2. letter g. 1 Psal. xv. 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 change th not. 1 Sam. xxv. 22, 32, 33, 34. m Ezek. xvii. 16, 18, 19. As I live, saith the Lord God, surely in the place where the king dtvelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. Seeing he despised the oath, by breaking the covenant, (when lo, he had given his hand,) and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. Josh. ix. 18, 19. 2Sam.xxi. 1. V. n 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 perform it. Eccl. v. 4, 5, 6. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow, and not pay. Psal. Ixvi. 13, 14. I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble. Psal. lxi. 8. VI. o 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. Jer. xliv. 25, 26. 116 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. be made voluntarily, out of faith, and conscience of duty, in way of thankfulness for mercy received, or for obtaining of what we want; whereby we more strictly bind ourselves to necessary duties, or to other things, so far and so long as they may fitly conduce thereunto. p VII. No man may vow to do any thing for- bidden in the word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein commanded, or which is not in his own power, and for the performance whereof he hath no promise or ability from God.** In which respects, popish monastical vows of perpetual sin- gle life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, p Dent, xxiii. 21, 23. When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. — That which is gone out of thy lips, thou shalt keep and perform, even a free-will offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. Psal. i. 14. Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most High. Gen. xxviii. 20, 21, 22. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace: then shall the Lord be my God; and this stone which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto thee. — Compare with the above, 1 Sam. i. 11. and Psalm exxxii. 2, 3, 4, 5. VII. q Acts xxiii. 12. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying, That they would neither eat nor drink, till they had killed Paul. Mark vi. 26. And the king was ex- ceeding sorry, yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. See also Num. xxx. 5, 8, 12, 13. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 117 that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself/ CHAP. XXIII. Of the Civil Magistrate. I. God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him over the people, for his own glory and the public good, and to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defence and en- couragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil-doers. a II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and ex- ecute the office of magistrate, when called there- unto; 1 * in the managing whereof, as they ought r 1 Cor. vii. 2, 9. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Rut if they can not contain, let them mar- ry: for it is better lo marry than to burn. 1 Cor. vii, 23. I. a Rom. xiii. 1, 3, 4. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and ihou shalt have praise for the same: — For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger, to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14-. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: Whether it be to kings as supreme; — Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. II. b Prov. viii. 15. By me kings reign, and princes de- 118 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. especially to maintain piety, justice and peace, ac- cording to the wholesome laws of each common- wealth, so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions.* 1 III. Civil magistrates may not assume to them- selves the administration of the word and sacra- ments; 6 or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven; f or, in the least, interfere in matters of cree justice. Verse 16. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. See in letter a. c Psal. lxxxii. 3, 4. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. — Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 2 Sam. xxiii. 3. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men mast be just, ruling in the fear of God. See 1 Pet. ii. 13 let. a. d Luke iii. 14. x\nd the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and he content with your wages. Mat viii. 9, and 10. at large. For 1 am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh: and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. Acts x. 1, 2. Rom. xiii. 4. III. e 2 Chron. xxvi. 18. And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertained not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests, the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense; go out of the sanctuary, for thou hast trespassed: neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God. f Mat. xvi. 18, 19. at large. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shalt be bound in heaven; and what- soever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2. Let a man so account of us, as of the minis- ters of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. 119 Xaith.s Yet, as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the church of our com- mon Lord, without giving the preference to any denomination of Christians above the rest in such a manner, that all ecclesiastical persons whatever shall enjoy the full, free, and unquestioned liberty of discharging every part of their sacred functions, without violence or danger. 11 And, as Jesus Christ hath appointed a regular government and disci- pline in his church, no law of any commonwealth, should interfere with, let, or hinder, the due exer- cise thereof, among the voluntary members of any denomination of Christians, according to their own profession and belief. 1 It is the duty of civil ma- gistrates to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such an effectual manner as that no person be suffered, either upon pretence of religion or infidelity, to offer any indignity, vio- lence, abuse or injury to any other person whatso- ever: and to take order, that all religious and ec- clesiastical assemblies be held without molesta- tion or disturbance. 1 * g John xviii. 36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. Mai. ii. 7. For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. Acts v. 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. h Isa. xlix. 23. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers. i Psalm cv. 15. Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Acts xviii. 14, 15. at large. k 2 Sam. xxiii. 3. 1 Tint. ii. 1 and 2. at large, Rom. xiii ? 4. at large. 120 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. IV. It is the duty of the people to pray for ma- gistrates, 1 to honour their persons, 111 to pay them tribute and other dues, 11 to obey their lawful com- mands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience' sake. Infidelity or difference in re- ligion, doth not make void the magistrate's just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to him:? from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted;* much less hath the IV. 1 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2. I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men: for kings, and/or all that are in au- thority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. m 1 Pet. ii. 17. Fear God. Honour the king. n R >m. xiii. 6, 7. For, for this cause, pay you tribute also; for they are God's ministers attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour. o Rom. xiii. 5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. Tit iii. 1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. p 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14, 16. Submit yourselves to every ordi- nance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the king as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. A.s free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the ser- vants of God. q Rom. xiii. 1. Let every soul be subject unto the high- er powers. Acts xxv. 10, 11. Then said Paul, I stand at Cxsar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged; to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing wor- thy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there be none of these things whereof they accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Csesar. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 121 Pope any power or jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and least of all to deprive them of their dominions or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretence whatsoever/ CHAP. XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce. I. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband, at the same time. a II. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife; b for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and of the church with an holy seed; c and for preventing of uncleanness. d r 2 The9s. ii. 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Rev. xiii. 15, 16, 17, 18. And he had pow- er to give life unto the image, &c. I. a 1 Cor vii. 2. Mark x. 6, 7. at large. II. b Gen. ii. 18. And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. c Mai. ii. 15. And did not he make one? yet had he the residue of the Spirit; and wherefore one? that he might seek a godly seed; therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. d 1 Cor. vii. 2, 9. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. — But if they can not contain, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn. L \%% THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. III. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry who are able with judgment to give their consent, e yet it is the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord/ And, therefore, such as profess the true reformed religion should not marry with infidels, papists, or other idolaters: neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are notoriously wicked in their life, or maintain damnable heresies.^ IV. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity forbidden in the word; k nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful by any law of man, or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together, as man and wife. 1 The man may not marry any of his wife's kindred nearer in blood than he may of his own-, IH. e 1 Tim. iv. 3. Forbidding to marry. Gen. xxiv. 57, 58. And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth. And they called Rebecca, and 9aid unto her, "Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. f 1 Cor. vii. 39. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she .will; only in the Lord. g Gen. xxxiv. 14. Exod. xxxiv. 16. 2 Cor. vi. 14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Compare 1 Kings xi. 4. Neh. xiii. 25, 26 27. IV. h Lev. 18 chap. 1 Cor. v. 1. It is reported common- ly that there is fornication among you, and such fornica- tion as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. i Mark vi. 18. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have tby brother's wife. Lev. xviii. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. 123 nor the woman of her husband's kindred nearer in blood than of her own, k V. Adultery or fornication, committed after a contract, being detected before marriage, giveth just occasion, to the innocent party, to dissolve that contract. 1 In the case of adultery after mar- riage, it is lawful for the innocent party to sue out a divorce,™ and after the divorce to marry another, as if the offending party were dead. n VI. Although the corruption of man be such as k Lev. xx. 19, 20, 21. And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister, for he uncovereth his near kin; they shall bear their ini- quity. And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness; they shall bear their sin, they shall die childless. And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness, they shall be childless. V. 1 Mat. i. 18, 19, 20. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise; When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. m Mat. v. 31, 32. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce- ment. But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced, committeth adultery. n Mat. xix. 9. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall mar- ry another committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth iier which is put away, doth commit adultery. Horn. viL 124 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. is apt to study arguments, unduly to put asunder those whom God hath joined together in marriage; yet nothing but adultery, or such wilful desertion as can no way be remedied by the church or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of marriage: wherein a public and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed; and the persons concerned in it, not left to their own wills and dis- cretion in their own case.? CHAP. XXV. Of the Church. I. The catholic or universal church, which is'iu- visible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. a VI. o Mat. xix. 8. He saith unto them, Moses, because of" the hardness of your hearts, suffered you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so. 1 Cor. viL 15. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. Mat. xix. 6. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. p Ezra x. 3. Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God, to put. away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the law. I. a Eph. i. 10, 22, 23. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 125 II. The visible church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel, (not confined to one nation as before under the law) consists of all those throughout the world, that profess the true reli- gion, 13 together with their children; and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ/ the house and things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. And hath put all tilings under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Col. i. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church. Eph.v. 23, 27, 32. II. b 1 Cor. i. 2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to he saints, with all that in every place, call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Cor. xii„ 12, 13. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 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. 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. Rom. xv. 9, 10, 11, 12. c 1 Cor. vii. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sancti- fied 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. 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. Rom. xi. 26. For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root be holy, so are the branches. Gal. iii. 7, 9, 14. Rom. iv. throughout. d Mat. xiii. 47. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind. Isa. ix. 7, L 2 126 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. family of God, e out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation/ III. Unto this catholic visible church, Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world: and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his pro- mise, make them effectual thereunto.^ IV. This catholic church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. 11 And particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, e Eph. ii. 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Eph. iii. 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Prov. xxix: 18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. f Acts ii. 47. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. HI. g Eph. iv. 11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; verse 12. for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: verse 13. till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a per- fect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Isai. 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 hence- forth and for ever. Mat. xxviii. 19, 20. IV.. h Rom. xi. 3, 4. Lord, they have killed thy pro- phets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved unto thyself seven thousand THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 127 and public worship performed more or less purely in them. 1 V. The purest churches under heaven are sub- ject both to mixture and error : k and some have so degenerated, as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan. 1 Nevertheless, there shall be always a church on earth, to worship God according to his will. m men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Rev. xii. 6, 14. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. — And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might flee into the wilderness into her place: where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. Acts ix. 31. i 1 Cor. v. 6, 7. Your glorying is not good; know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. Rev. 2d and 3d chapters throughout. V. k 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. (Rev. 2d and 3d chapters.) Mat. xiii. 24, 25, 26, 2?, 28, 29, 30, 47. Ano- ther parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. — But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also, &c. Verse 47. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind. 1 Rev. xviii. 2. And he cried mightily, with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Rom. xi. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. m Mat. xvi. 18. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church: and 128 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. VI. There is no other head of the church but the Lord Jesus Christ. 11 Nor can the pope of Rome, in any sense be head thereof; but is that anti-christ, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself, in the church, against Christ, and all that is called God.° CHAP. XXVI. Of the Communion of Saints. I. All saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head, by his Spirit and by faith, have fellowship with him in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrec- tion and glory : a and, being united to one another the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Psal. cii. 28. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee. Mat. xxviii. 19, 20. VI. n Col. i. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-ennnence. Eph. j. 22. And hath put ail things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. o Mat. xxiii. 8, 9, 10. Rut be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your master, even Christ. 2 Thess. i. 2, 3 4, 8, 9. Grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God al- ways for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth. I. a 1 John i. 3. That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father and THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 129 in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces, b and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and out- ward man. c II. Saints, by profession, are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual ser- vices as tend to their mutual edification ; d as also in relieving each other in outward things, accord- with his Son Jesus Christ. Eph. iii. 16, 17, 18, 19, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might, by his Spirit in the inner man; — that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. John L 16. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Phil. iii. 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his suffer- ings, being made conformable unto his death. b Eph. iv. 15, 16. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, ac- cording to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of it- self in love. c 1 Thess. v. 11, 14. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, com- fort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient to- ward all men. Gal. vii. 10. As we have therefore oppor- tunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 1 John iii. 16, 17, 18. II. d Heb. x. 24, 25. And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. Acts ii. 42, 46. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 130 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. ing to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. e III. This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them in any wise par- takers of the substance of his godhead, or to be ^qual with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm, is impious and blasphemous/ Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or property which each man hath, in his goods and possessions.^ — And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking" of bread, from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Isai. ii. 3. 1 Cor. 11, 20. e 1 John iii. 17. But whoso hath this world's g'oods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him; how dwelleth the love of God in him? Acts xi. 29, 30. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. 2 Cor. 8. and 9 chapters. 111. f Col. i. 18, 19. And he is the head of the'body, the church: who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. 1 Cor. viii, 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. Psal. xlv. 7. 1 Tim. vi. 16. g Acts v. 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 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 131 CHAP. XXVII. Of the Sacraments. I. Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace,* immediately instituted by God b 5 to represent Christ and his benefits; and to confirm our interest in him; c as also to put a visible differ- ence between' those that belong unto the church 5 and the rest of the world; d and solemnly to engage I. a Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circum- cision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. Gen. xvii. T. 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. b Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Fatherland of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. xi. 23. For I have re- ceived 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 1 Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor. xi. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup i& the New Testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. Ver. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Gal. iii. 27. for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. d Exod. xii. 28. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. 1 Cor. v. 132 THE CONFESSION OF FATIH. them to the service of God in Christ, according to his word. e II. There is in every sacrament a spiritual re- lation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified; whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one, are attributed to the other/ III. The grace which is exhibited in, or by the sacraments, rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sa- crament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it,? but upon the work of the 21. Ye can not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils, ye can not be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. e Rom. vi. 3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Verse 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. 1 Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the commu- nion of the body of Christ? Verse 2. But were all bap- tized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. II. f Gen. xvii. 10. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep between me and you, and thy seed after thee; every man child among" you, shall be circumcised. Mat. xxvi. 27, 28. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: for this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the re- mission of sins. Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteous- ness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us bv the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. III. g Rom. ii. 28, 29. For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is out- ward in the flesh: but he is a Jew which is one inwardly: and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 133 Spirit, 11 and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers. 1 IV. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospel, that is to say, bap- tism and the supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any, but by a minister of the word, lawfully ordained. k V. The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New. 1 1 Pet. iii. 21. The like figure whereunto, even baptism, doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. h Mat. iii. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me, is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whe- ther we be Jews or Gentiles, whether xue be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. i Mat. xxvi. 27, 28. See in letter f. Mat. 28. 19. See in letter b verse 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever 1 have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. Amen. IV. k 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. 1 Cor. xi. 20, 23. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's Supper. — For I have received of the Lord Jesus, that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed took bread. 1 Cor. iv. 1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Heb. v 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. V. 1 1 Cor, x. 1, 2, 3, 4. Moreover, brethren, I would M 134 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, CHAP. XXVIII, Of Baptism. I. Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testa ment, ordained by Jesus Christ,* not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible church, b but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace; c of his ingrafting not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; — and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ.) 1 Cor. v. 7, 8. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. There- fore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unlea- vened bread of sincerity and truth. I. a Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all na- tions, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, '*m\ of the Holy Ghost. Mark. xvi. 16. b 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether toe be Jews or Gentiles, whether -ii-e be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Gal. iii. 27, 28. c Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumci- sion; a seal of the righteousness of faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised: that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. Com- pared with Col. ii. 11, 12. In whom also ye are circum- cised with the circumcision made without hands, in put- ting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumci- sion of Christ; buried with him in baptism; wherein also XHE CONFESSION OP FAITH. 135 into Christ, d of regeneration^ of remission of sins, f and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life:£ which sacra- ment is, by Christ's own appointment, to be con- tinued in his church until the end of the world. h II. The outward element to be used in this sa- crament is water, wherewith the party is to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the gospel, lawfully called thereunto. 1 ye are risen with him, through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead, d Gal. iii. 17. For as many of you as have been bap- tized into Christ, have put on Christ. Rom. vi. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death; ve shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. e Tit. iii. 5. He saved us by the washing of regenera- tion, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. f Acts ii. 38. Peter said, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins Marki. 4. Acts xxii. 16. g Rom. vi. 3, 4. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? 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. h Mat. xxviii. 19, 20. 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; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. II. i Acts x. 47. Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost. Acts viii. 36, 38, And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, See Jxere is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; 136 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. III. Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring., or sprinkling water, upon the person. k IV. Not only those that do actually profess faith in, and obedience unto Christ, 1 but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized." 1 and he baptized him. 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 III. k Acts ii. 41. Then they that gladly received his word, were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts xvi. 53. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and all his straightway. Mark vii. 4. And when they come from the market, except they wash, (or be baptized) they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing (Greek baptizing) of cups and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Heb ix. 10, 19, 20, 21. IV. 1 Mark xvi. 15, 16. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every crea- ture. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved. Acts viii. 57. And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. m Gen. xvii. 7, 9 with Gal. iii.9, 14. And I will esta- blish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations for an everlasting cove- nant; to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. And God said unto Abraham, Thou shall keep my cove- nant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee, and their generations. So then they which be of faith, are blessed with faithful Abraham. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Col. ii. 11. 12. and K^m. iv. 11, 12. And he received the sign of cicumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith winch he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 137 V. Although it be a great sin to contemn or ne- glect this ordinance, 11 yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no per- son can be regenerated or saved without it,° or that all that are baptized are, undoubtedly, rege- nerated.? VI. The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the fa- ther of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk In the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. Acts ii. 38, 39. Repent, 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. For the pro- mise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts xvi. 15. Lydia, whose heart the Lord touched, and her household were baptized. Verse 33. The Gaoler and all his were baptized. 1 Cor. vii. 14. Mat. xxviii. 19. Mark x. 13, 14, 15, 16. Luke xviii 15. V. n Luke vii. 30. But the Pharisees and lawyers re- jected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Exod. iv. 24, 25, 26. And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him. 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. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, be- cause of the circumcision. o Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumci- sion, a seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. Acts x. 2, 3, 22, 31, 45, 47. p Actsviii. 13, 23. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. — For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitter- ness, ancWrc the bond of iniquity. M 2 138 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. moment of time wherein it is administered ;<* yet notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace be- longeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time. r VII. The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered, to any person/ CHAP. XXIX. Of the Lord's Supper. I. Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed, instituted the sacrament of his body and blood, called the Lord's Supper, to be observed in his church unto the end of the world, for the per- VI. q John iii. 5, 8. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Ex- cept a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. r Gal. iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Eph. v. 25, 26. Christ al- so loved the church, and gave himself for it. That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. Acts ii. 38, 41. \TL sTit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. N. B. There is no command, and no adequate example, for the repetition of baptism. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 139 petual remembrance of the sacrifice of himself in his death, the sealing all benefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to all du- ties which they owe unto him, and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other, as members of his mystical body. a II. In this sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead, b but on- T. a 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24, 25, 26. 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, 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. — 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 remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come, 1 Cor. x. 16, 17, 21. The cup of bless- ing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the com- munion of the body of Christ? For we being many, are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread. Ye can not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye can not be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spi- rit 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. IF. b Heb. ix. 22, 25, 26. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Nor yet that he should offer himself of- ten, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others: (for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world), but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Verse 28. So Christ was once 140 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. ly a commemoration of that once offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all, and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same; c so that the Popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominably in- jurious to Christ's one only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect. d III. The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed his ministers to declare his word of in- stitution to the people, to pray, and bless the ele- ments of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common, to an holy use; and to take offered to bear Hie sins of many; and unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. c Mat. xxvi. 26, 27. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the dis- ciples, and said. Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. Luke xxii. 19, 20. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it unto them, say- ing, This is my body which is given for you; this do in re- membrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. d Heb. vii. 23, 24, 27. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: but this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Heb. x. 11, 12, 14, 18. And every priest standeth daily ministering, and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down on the right hand of God. For by one of- fering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 141 and break the bread, to take the cup, and (they communicating also themselves,) to give both to the communicants; e but to none who are not then present in the congregation/ IV. Private masses, or receiving this sacrament by a priest or any other, alone;" as likewise the de- nial of the cup to the people; 11 worshipping the ele- ments, the lifting them up, or carrying them about for adoration, and the reserving them for any pre- tended religious use; are all contrary to the nature of this sacrament, and to the institution of Christ. 1 V. The outward elements, in this sacrament, duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that truly, yet sacramentally only, they are sometimes called by the name of the things they represent, to wit, the body and blood of Christ; k albeit, in substance III. e See the institution, Mat. xxvi. 26, 27, 28. Mark xiv 22, 23 24. Luke xxii. 19, 20. and 1 Cor. xi. 23, to 27. f Acts xx 7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued his speech until midnight. 1 Cor. xi. 20. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. IV. g h Because there is not the least appearance of a warrant for any of these things, either in precept or ex- ample, in any part of the word of God. See all the places in which the ordinance is mentioned; the most important of which are cited above. \ Mat. xv. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. V k Mat. xxvi. 26, 27, 28. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: for this is my blood of the new 142 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. and nature, they still remain truly, and only, bread and wine, as they were before. 1 VI. That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread and wine, into the sub- stance of Christ's body and blood (commonly call- ed transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is repugnant, not to scripture alone, but even to common sense and reason; over- throweth the nature of the sacrament; and hath been, and is the cause of manifold superstitions, yea, of gross idolatries. 111 VII. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this sacrament, 11 do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually, receive and feed upon Christ crucified, and all benefits of testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 1 1 Cor. xi. 26, 27. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. VI. m Acts iii. 21. Whom the heaven must receive, un- til the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, since the world began. 1 Cor. xi. 24, 25. This do in remembrance of me: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Luke xxiv. 6, 39. He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee. Behold 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. VII. n 1 Cor. xii. 28. But let a man examine himself* and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup, 1 Cor. v. 7, 8. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 143 his death: the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are, to their outward senses. VIII. Although ignorant and wicked men re- ceive the outward elements in this sacrament, yet they receive not the thing signified thereby, but by their unworthy coming thereunto are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, to their own damna- tion. Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with him, so are they unworthy of the Lord's table, and can not, without great sin against Christ, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries,? or be ad- mitted thereunto.* o 1 Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, if? it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor. x. 3. 4. VIII. p 1 Cor- xi. 27. 29. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh. damnation (judgment) to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 2 Cor. vi. 14, 15, 16. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righte- ousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or wiiat part hath he that believeth, with an infi- del? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 1 Cor. x. 21. Ye can not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils, \e can not be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the ta- ble of devils. 144 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. CHAP. XXX. Of Church Censures. I. The Lord Jesus, as king and head of his church, hath therein appointed a government in the hand of church-officers, distinct from the civil magistrate. 11 q 1 Cor. v. 6, 7, 13. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sa- crificed for us. But them that are without, God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 15. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh dis- orderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. — Yet count him not as an enemy, but admon- ish him as a brother. Mat. vii. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. I. a Isa. ix. 6, 7. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoul- ders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it., and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever; the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 1 Tim. v. 17. Let the eld- ers that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Thess. v. 12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. 1 Cor. xii. 28. And God hath THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 145 II. To these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed: by virtue whereof they have power respectively to retain and remit sins, to shut that kingdom against the impenitent, both by the word and censures; and to open it unto penitent sinners, by the ministry of the gospel, and by absolution from censures, as occasion shall re- quired III. Church censures are necessary for the re- claiming and gaining of offending brethren; for de- terring of others from like offences; for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump; for vindicating the honour of Christ, and the holy set some in the church, first, apostles, secondarily, pro- phets, thirdly, teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Psal ii. 6, 7, 8, 9. John xviii. 36. IT. b 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 heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Mat. xviii. 17, 18. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. John xx. 21, 22, 23. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you, as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remit- ted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 2 Cor. ii. 6, 7, 8. Sufficient to such a man *sthis punishment, which ivas inflicted of many, so that contrari- wise, ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such an one should be swallowed up with over much sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you, that you would confirm vour love towards him. N 146 THE CONFESSION OF FAITtf. profession of the gospel; and for preventing the wrath of God, which might justly fall upon the church, if they should suffer his covenant, and the seals thereof, to be profaned by notorious and ob- stinate offenders.* IV. For the better attaining of these ends, the officers of the church are to proceed by admoni- tion, suspension from the sacrament of the Lord's supper for a season, and by excommunication from the church, according to the nature of the crime, and demerit of the person. d III. c 1 Cor. 5th chapter throughout. 1 Tim. v. 20. Them that sin, rebuke before all, that others also may fear. Mat. vii. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, nei- ther cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. 1 Tim. i. 20. Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have de- livered unto Sa^an, that they may learn not to blaspheme. Jude, verse 23. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garments spotted by the flesh. 1 Cor. xi. 27. to the end. IV. d 1 Thess. v. 12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that vvalketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us, And if any man obey notour word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 13. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to de- liver such an one unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. Mat. xviii. 17. Tit. iii. 10. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 14T CHAP, XXXI. Of Synods and Councils. I. For the better government and further edifi- cation of the church, there ought to be such assem- blies as are commonly called synods or councils: 51 and it belongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification, and not for destruction, to appoint such assemblies; 1 * and to convene together in them, as often as they shall judge it expedient for the good of the church. c II. It belongeth to synods and councils, minis- terially, to determine controversies of faith, and I. a Acts xv. 2, 4, 6. When therefore Paul and Barna- bas had no small dissention and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem, unto the apostles and elders about this question. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders; and they declared all things thai God had done with them. And the apostles and elders came together, for to consider of this matter. b 15th chap. Acts. c Acts xv. 22, 23, 25. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas, surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: — And they wrote letters by them af- ter this manner, The apostles, and elders, and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia. It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men un- to vou with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. 148 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. eases of conscience; to set down rules and direc* tions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of his church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and au- thoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the word of God, are to be received with reverence and sub- mission, not only for their agreement with the word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God, appointed thereunto in his word. d III. All synods or councils since the apostles' times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred; therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith or practice, but to be used as an help in both. e IV. Synods and councils are to handle or con- clude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs, which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of hum- ble petition, in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate/ 11. d Acts xvi. 4. And as they went through the citie* they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusa- lem. Acts xv. 15, 19, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. Mat. xviii. 17, 18, 19, 29. HI. e Actsxvii. 11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whe- ther those things were so. 1 Cor. ii. 5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 2 Cor. i. 24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye stand. Eph; ii. 20. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 149 CHAP. XXXII. Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Resurrection from the Dead. I. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption;* but their souls, (which neither die, nor sleep,) having an immortal subsist- ence, immediately return to God who gave them. b The souls of the righteous, being then made per- fect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies : c And the souls of the wicked are IV. f Luke xii. 13, 14. And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge, or a divider over you? John xviii. 36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 1. a Gen. in. 19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground: for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou re- turn. Acts xiii. 36. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption. b Luke xxiii, 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Eccl. xii. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. c Heb. xii. 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 perfect. PhU. i. 23. For I am in a strait, betwixt two, having a de» N2 150 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. cast into hell, where they remain in torments, and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great dav. d Besides these two places for souls separated from their bodies, the scripture acknow- ledgeth none. II. At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed: 6 and all the dead shall be raised up with the self-same bodies, and none other, although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls for ever/ sire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better. 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. 2 Cor. v. 1, 6, 8. d Luke xvi. 23, 24. And in hell he lift tip his eyes, be- ing- in torments, and seetli Abraham afar off", and Lazarus in his bosom. 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 torment- ed in this flame. Jude, ver. 6, 7. II. e 1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and re- main, 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 1 Cor. xv. 51, 52. Behold I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a mo- ment, in the twinkling 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. f Job xix. 26, 27. And though after my skin, worms de- stroy this bodxjy yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. 1 Cor, .xv. 42, 43, 44. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weak- ness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there Is a spiritual body. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 151 III. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the pow- er of Christ, be raised to dishonour; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honour, and be made conformable to his own glorious body.s CHAP. XXXIII. Of the last Judgment, I. God hath appointed a day, wherein he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ,* to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father. 5 In which day, not only the apostate an- gels shall be judged; but likewise all persons, HI. g Acts xxiv. 15. And have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrec- tion of the dead, both of the just and unjust. John v. 28, 29. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resur- rection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the re- surrection of damnation. Phil. iii. 21. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glo- rious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. I. a Acts xvii. 31. Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. b John v. 22, 27. For the Father judgeth no man; but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: — And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. c 1 Cor. vi. 3. Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? Jude ver, 152 THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. that have lived upon earth, shall appear before the tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words and deeds; and to receive accord- ing to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil. d II. The end of God's appointing this day is for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy, in the eternal salvation of the elect; e and of his justice, in the damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient/ For then shall the righteous go 6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, hut left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting 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 delivered them into chains of darkm ss, to be reserved unto judgment. d 2 Cor. v. 10. For we must all appear before the judg- ment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Eccles. xii. 14. For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whe- ther it be good, or whether it be evil. Rom ii. 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel, Rom. xiv 10, 12. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother! 5 for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So then every one of us shall give ac- count of himself to God. Mat. xii. 36, 37. But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. II. e Rom. ix. 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory. Mat. xxv 21. His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler ever many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. f Rom. ii. 5, 6 But after thy hardness and impenitent THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 153 into everlasting life, and receive that fulness of joy and refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord:" but the wicked, who know not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. h III. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds. 2 Thess. i. 7, 8. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from hea- ven with his mighty angels, in naming fire, taking ven- geance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. ix 22. g Mat. xxv. 31, 32, S3, 34. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations-, and he shall separate them one from the other, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say un- to them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Actsiii. 19. Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 2 Thess. i. 7. And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels. h Mat. xxv. 41, 46. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into ever- lasting fire, prepared fof the devil and his angels. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment. 2 Thess. i. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Isa. lxvi. 24. For their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched. 154 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, consolation of the godly in their adversity: 1 So will he have that day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watch- ful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. k Amen. III. i 2 Pet. ill. 11, 14. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation nnd godliness? Wherefore, be- loved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blame- less. 2 Cor. v. 11. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God, and I trust also, are made manifest in your con- sciences. 2 Thess. i. 5, 6, 7. Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; — And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be re- vealed from heaven with his mighty angels. Luke xxi. 27, 28. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. k See Mat. xxiv. 36, 42, 43, 44. Mark xiii. 35, 36, 37. Watch ye therefore, for >e know not when the master of the house cometh; at even, or at midnight, or at the cock- crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. — And what 1 say unto you, 1 say unto all, Watch. Luke xii. 35, 36. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, thty may open unto him immediately. Rev. xxii. 20. He which testi- fieth these things saith, Surely 1 come quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus. THE LARGER CATECHISM, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE SYNOD OF NEW-YORK AND PHILADELPHIA, IN MAY, 1788, THE LARGER CATECHISM. Question 1. What is the chief and highest end of man? Answer. Man's chief and highest end is to glo- rify God, a and fully to enjoy him for ever. b Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God? A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God declare plainly that there is a God; c but his word and Spirit only do, sufficiently and a Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him are all tilings: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 1 Cor. x. 31. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or what- soever ye do, do all to the glory of God. b Psal. Ixxiii. 24, 25, 26. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. John xvii. 22, and 24. The glory which thou gavest me, I have given them. 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. c Rom. i. 19. 20. Because that which may be known of God, is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him, frorii the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and God- head, so that they are without excuse. See also Psal. xix, X, 2, 2r. O 158 THE LARGER CATECHISM. effectually, reveal him unto men for their salva? tion. d Q. 3. What is the word of God? A. The holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the word of God, e the only rule of faith and obedience/ Q. 4. How doth it appear that the scriptures are the word of God? A. The scriptures manifest themselves to be the d 2 Tim. iii. 15, 16, 17. 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. AH scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 1 Cor. ii. 10. e 2 Tim. iii. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Pet. i. 19, 20, 21. 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; knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any pri- vate interpretation. 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. f Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Luke xvi. 19, 31. They have Moses and the prophets: let them hear them.— If they hear not Mo- ses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Gal. i. 8, 9. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 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. See also 2 Tim. iii. 15, 16, 17. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 159 word of God, by their majesty? and purity; h by the consent of all the parts, 1 and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God; k by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation: 1 But the Spirit of God, bearing witness by and with the scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very word of God. m g Isa. Ixvi. 1. Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my restr See also Amos ix. 2, 3, 4. Psal. lxxvii. h Psal. xii. 6. The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psal. cxix. 140. Thy word is very pure. i Acts x. 42. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever belie veth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts xxvi. 22. Having there- fore obtained help of God, I continue until this day, wit- nessing both to small and great, saying, none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. k Rom.iii. 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 be- come guilty before God. v. 27. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay; but by the law of faith, 1 Acts xviii, 28. For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures, that Jesus was Christ. Heb. iv. 12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Jam. i. 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth. Psal. xix. 7, 8, 9. The law of the Lord is perfect, convert ng the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. m John xvi. 13, 14. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of 160 THE LARGER CATECHISM, Q. 5. What do the scriptures principally teach 1 ) Jl. The scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of inan. n WHAT MAN OUGHT TO BELIEVE CONCERN- ING GOD. Q. 6. What do the scriptures make known of God? A. The scriptures make known what God is,° the persons in the godhead,? his decrees,** and the execution of his decrees/ Q. 7. What is God? Jl. God is a Spirit,* in and of himself infinite in being, 1 glory , v blessedness,™ and perfection ; x all- truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. See 1 John ii. 20, 27. n John xx. 31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. 2 Tim. i. 13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love. Psal. cxix. 105. o John iv. 24. God is a Spirit. Exod. iii. 14. and xxxiv. 6, 7. p 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. q Acts xiv. 15, 18. r Acts iv. 27, 23. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. s John iv. 24. God is a Spirit. t Exod. iii. 14. And God said unto Moses, T am: that I am: and he said. Thus shalt thou say unto the children or* THE LARGER CATECHISM. 1G 1 sufficient, 5 " eternal, 2 unchangeable,* incomprehen- sible, 1 ' every where present, almighty , d knowing all things, e most wise/ most holy/ most just, h Israel, I am hath sent me unto you. Job. xi. 7, 8, 9. Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven, what canst thou do? deeper than hell, what canst thou know? the measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea, v Acts vii. 2. The God of glory appeared unto our fa- ther Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran. \v 1 Tim. vi. 15. Which in his time he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. x Mat. v. 48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Fa- ther who is in heaven is perfect. y Gen. xvii. 1. And when Abraham was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abraham, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. z Psalm xc. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth, and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. a Mai. iii. 6. For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. With James i. 17. b 1 Kings viii. 27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens can not contain thee; how much less this house which I have builded? c Psalm cxxxix. X 9 % 7. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me: Thou knowest my down-sitting and my up-rising; thou understandest my thought afar off, &c. "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? &c. d 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, who was, and is, and is to come. e Heb. iv. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked, and opened O 2 162 THE LARGER CATECHISM. most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. 1 Q, 8. Are there more Gods than one? A. There is but one, only, the living and true God. k Q. 9. How many persons are there in the God- head? A. There be three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in sub- stance, equal in power and glory; although dis- tinguished by their personal properties. 1 Q. 10. What are the personal properties of tlie three persons in the Godhead? unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. And Psalm cxlvii. 5. f Rom. xvi. 27. To God only wise be glory through Je- sus Christ, for ever. Amen. g 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. Rev. xv. 4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy. h Deut. xxxii. 4. He is the rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. i Exod. xxxiv. 6. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. k Deut. vi. 4. Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord, 1 Cor. viii. 4. There is none other God but one. And verse 6. Jer. x. 19. But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King. 1 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, 17. and xxviii. 19. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. John x. 30. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 163 il It is proper to the Father to beget the Son, m and to the Son to be begotten of the Father, 31 and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son, from all eternity. Q. 11. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father? JL The scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father; ascribing unto them such names,P attributes.^ m Heb. i. 5, 6. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have 1 begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son. John i. 14. n And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt amongst us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. o 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. p Jer. xsiii. 6. And this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord (or Jehovah) our righteousness. 1 John v. 20. And we are in him that is true, even in his Sen Je- sus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal }\fe. Psalm xlv. 6. Thy throne, O God, is fGr ever and ever. Acts v. 3, 4. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie unto the Holy Ghost: Tnou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. q John i. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Isa. ix. 6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. John ii. 24, 25. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men; and needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man. I Cor. ii. 10, 11?. 164 THE LARGER CATECHISM. works,* and worship, 5 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; 1 whereby, from all eternity, he hath, for his own glory, unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever conies to pass in time, v especially concerning angels and men. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spi- rit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Heb. ix. 14. 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. r Col. i. 16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, '- or powers; all things were created by him, and for him. John i. 3. Gen. i. 2. And the earth was without 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. 13. and Psalm civ. 30. s 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. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the commu- nion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. t Eph. i. 11. In whom also we "have obtained an inherit- ance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things, after the counsel of his own will. Rom. ix. 14. and xv. 18. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. There- fore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. And Rom. xi. 33, v Eph. i. 4, 11. 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. Rom. ix. 22, 23. What if God willing to show his wrath, and to make his THE LARGER CATECHISM. 165 Q. 13. What hath God especially decreed con* ceming angels and men? A. God, by an eternal and immutable decree, out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, hath elected some angels to glory ; w and, in Christ, hath chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof : x and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his own will, (whereby he extendeth or withholdeth favour as he pleaseth,) hath passed by, and fore-ordained the rest to dis- honour and wrath, to be for their sin inflicted to the praise of the glory of his justices power known, endured with much long-suffering the ves- sels of wrath fitted to destruction; and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory? Psalm xxxiii. 11. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. w 1 Tim. v. 21. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, x Eph. i. 4, 5, 6. According as he hath chosen us in him, (viz. Christ,) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ, unto himself; To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, be- cause God hath, from the beginning, chosen you to salva- tion, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. Ver. 14. 1 Pet. i. 2. y Rom. ix. 17, 18, 21, 22. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Hath not the potter power over the 166 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 14. Hoic doth God execute his decrees? A. God executeth his decrees in rhe works oi creation and providence: according to his infallible fore-knowledge, and the free and immutable coun- sel of his own wil!. z Q. 15. What is the icork of creation? A, The work of creation is that wherein God did in the beginning, by the word of his power, make, of nothing, the world and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good.* Q. 16. How did God create angels? ii. God created all the angels* spirits, 4 immor- tal^ holy, e excelling in knowledge/ mighty in day, of the same lump, to make one vessel unto honour, and i .; : Jude 4. For there are cer- ta n men crep r o were before of old or- dained to !v men, turning the e of our God into lascti and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Mat. xi. 25, 26. 2 Tim. ; i i. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inhe- ritance, being- predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things af r er the counsel of his own will. a Gen. 1 chap. Heb. xi. 3. Through faith we under- stand thai the worlds were framed by the word of God, so tl seen, were not made of things which do appear. Prov. xvi.4. The Lor le all tilings for himself, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Rlv. it. 11. b Col. i. 16. For by him were all things created that are in beaTen, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him. c Psalm civ. 4. Who maketh his angels spirits; h fire. d Mat. uaL 30. For in the resurrection thev neither THE LARGER CATECHISM. 16T power:" to execute his commandments, and to praise his name; h yet subject to change. 1 Q. 17. How did God create man? J. After God had made all other creatures, he created man male and female, k formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground, 1 and the wo- man of the rib of the man; m endued them with liv- ing, reasonable, and immortal souls; 11 made them marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels of God in heaven. e Mat. xxv. 51. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. f 2 Sam xiv. IT. As an angel of God, so is my lord the king, to discern good and bad — Mat. xxiv. 36. g 2 Thess. i 7. And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels. h Psalm ciii. 20, 21. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts, ye ministers of bis that do his plensure. i 2 Pet, ii. 4. For if God spared not the angels that sin- ned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. k 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. 1 Gen, ii- 7. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground. m Gen. ii. 22. And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. n 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, Compared with Job. xxxv. 11. and Eccl. xii, 7. and Mat. x. 28. and with Luke xxiii. 43. 168 THE LARGER CATECHISM. after his own image, in knowledge,? righteousness and holiness; - having the law of God written in their hearts, 1 ' and power to fulfil it, s with dominion over the creatures; 1 yet subject to fall. v Q. 18. What are God?s works of providence? w3. God's works of providence are his most ho- ly , w wise, x and powerful preserving/ and govern- ing all his creatures; 2 ordering them, and all their actions/ 1 to his own glory. b o Gen. i. 27. So God created man in his own image; in the image of God created he him. p Col. iii. 10. q Eph. iv. 24. v Rom. ii. 14, 15. For when the Gentiles who have not the law, do by nature the tilings contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves? which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else excusing one another. s Eccl. vii. 29. God hath made man upright. t Gen. i. 28. v Gen. iii. 6. Eccles. vii. 29. w Psalm cxliv. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. x Psalm civ. 24. O Lord how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all. Isa. xxviii. 29. This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, who is wonder- ful in counsel, and excellent in working. y Heb. i. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power. z Psalm ciii. 19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heaveus; and his kingdom ruleth over all. a Mat. x. 29, 30. Are not two sparrows sold for a far- thing? and one of them shall not fall to the ground with- out your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 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. b Kom. xl 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, THE LARGER CAfECHIS^. 165 Q. 1 9. What is God's providence towards the' angels? A. God, by his providence, permitted some of the angels, wilfully and irrecoverably, to fall into sin and damnation; limiting and ordering that, and all their sins to his own glory; d and establish- ed the rest in holiness and happiness ; e employing them all/ at his pleasure, in the administrations of his power, mercy, and justice.^ Q. 20. What teas the providence of God toicarA man in the estate in which he was created? A. The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created, was, the placing him in paradise, appointing him to dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth, h putting the creatures under his dominion, 1 and ordaining are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Isa. Ixiik 14. So didst thou lead thy people to make thyself a glo- rious name. c Jude 6. And the angels who kept not their first estate^ but left their own. habitation, he hath reserved in everlast- ing chains under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. 2 Pet. ii. 4. Heb. ii. 16. John viii. 44. d Job. i. 12. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. Luke x. 17. Mat. viii. 31. e 1 Tim. v. 21. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels. Mark viii. 38. Heb xii. 22. f Psal. civ. 4. Who maketh his angels spirits; his minis- ters a flaming fire. g Heb. i. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent- forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 2 Kings xix. 35. h Gen. ii. 8, 15, 16. i Gen. i. 28. P 170 THE LARGER CATECHISM. marriage for his help; k affording him communion with himself, 1 instituting the sabbath, 111 entering in- to a covenant of life with him, upon condition of personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience, 11 of which the tree of life was a pledge; and forbid- ding to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.P Q. 21. Did man continue in that estate wherein God at first created him? A. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, through the temptation of Satan, transgressed the commandment of God, in eating the forbidden fruit, and thereby fell from the estate of innocency wherein they were created.** k Gen. ii. 18. And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; 1 will make him an help meet for him. 1 Gen. i. 27, 28. m Gen. ii. 3. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work, which God created and made. n Rom. v 14. Adam who is the figure of him that was to come. Compared with 1 Cor. xv. 22, 47. and Hos. vi. 7. Gal. hi. 12. And the law is not of faith: but the man that doeth them shall live in them. Rom. x. 5. Gal. iii. 10. o Gen. ii. 9. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. p Gen.ii. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. q Gen. iii. 6, 7, 8. 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 — And they knew that they were naked. And Adam and his wife hid themselves THE LARGER CATECHISM. 171 Q. 22. Did all mankind fall in that first trans- gression? A. The covenant being made with Adam, as a public person, not for himself only, but for his pos- terity; all mankind descending from him by ordi- nary generation, 1 ' sinned in him and fell with him in that first transgression. 8 Q. 23. Into what estate did the fall bring man- kind? A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery. 1 Q. 24. What is sin? A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or trans- gression of any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature/ Q. 25. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. V. 13. And the Lord God said unto the woman. What is i his that thou hast dom? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. With 2 Cor. xi. 3. and Eccl. vii. 29. r Acisxvii. 26. And hath made of one blood all nations of men. s 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. Compared with Rom. v. 12 to 20 verse, and with 1 Cor. xv. 21, 22. t Rom. v. 12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered in- to the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. 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. v Rom. iii. 23. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. 1 John iii. 4. Sin is the transgression of the raw. Gal. iii. 10—12. 172 t;he larger catechism. A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consisteth in the guilt of Adarn^s first sin, w the want of that righteousness wherein he was created, and the corruption of his nature, whereby he is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made oppo- site unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly in- clined to all evil, and that continually; x which is commonly called original sin, and from which do proceed all actual transgressions.** Q. 26. How is original sin conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity? A. Original sin is conveyed from our first pa- rents unto their posterity by natural generation; \v Rom. v. 12, 19. Wherefore, as by one man sin enter* cd into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. By one man's dis- obedience many were made sinners. 1 Cor. xv. 22. x Rom. v. 6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom. iii. 10 to 20. As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one: there is none that understandeth; there is none that seek- eth after God. They are all gone out of the way; they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good; no not one. Eph. ii. 1, 2, 3. And you hath he quick- ened, who were dead in trespasses and sins, he. IZom. viii.7, 8. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh, can not please God. Gen. vi. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. y James i. 14, 15. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Mat. xv. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,^ fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. THE LARGER CATECHIS31. 173 so as all that proceed from them in that way, are conceived and born in sin. z Q. 27. What misery did the fall bring upon mankind? A. The fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God, a his displeasure and curse; so as we are by nature children of wrath, b bond slaves to Satan, c and justly liable to all punish- ments in this world and that which is to come. d Q. 28. What are the punishments of sins in this world? JL. The punishments of sin in this world, are z Psalm li. 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 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? John iii. 6. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh. a Gen. iii. 8, 24. 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. So he drove out the man: and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden, Cherubims, and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. b Eph. ii. 2, 3. Wherein in time past ye walked, ac- cording 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. 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, c 2 Tim. ii. 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Luke xi. 21, 22. Heb. ii. 14. d Rom. vi. 23. The wages of sin is death. Rom. v. 14. Gen. ii. 17. P 2 J74 THE LARGER CATECHISM. either inward: as blindness of mind, e a reprobate sense, 1 strong delusions^ hardness of heart, h hor- ror of conscience, 1 and vile affections ; k Or out- ward: as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes; 1 and all other evils that befal us in our bodies, names, estates, relations, and employ- ments; 111 together with death itself." Q. 29. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come? e Eph. iv. 18. Having 1 the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the igno- rance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. f Rom. i. 28. Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. g 2 Thess. ii. 11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. h Rom. ii. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. i Isa. xxxiii. 14. The sinners in Zion are afraid; fear- fulness hath surprised the hypocrites. "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? Gen. iv. 13, 14. Mat. xxvii. 4. Heb. x. 27. k Rom. i. 26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections. 1 Gen. iii. 17. Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. m Deut xxviii. 14. to the end. If thou wilt not hearken -unto the voice of the Lord thy God, all these curses shall come upon thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, &c. n Rom. vi. 21, 23. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. The wages of sin is death. THE LARGER CATECHISM, 175 A. The punishments of sin in the world to come, are, everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God, and most grievous torments in soul and body, without intermission, in hell fire for ever. Q. 30. Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? Jl. God doth not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery , p into which they fell by the breach of the first covenant, commonly called the covenant of works; * but, of his mere love and mercy, delivereth his elect out of it, and bringeth them into an estate of salvation by the second co- venant, commonly called the covenant of grace. 1 * o 2 Thess. i. 9. Who shall be punished with everlast< ing destruction, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Mark ix. 43, 44. To go into hell; where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched; Luke xvi. 24, 25, 26. Send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue:, for I ara tormented in this flame. Between us and you there is a great gulph fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you can not; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Mat. xxv. 41, 46. Rev. xiv. 11. John iii. 36. p 1 Thess. v. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation, by our Lord Jesus Christ. q 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 hi the book of the law to do them, &c. r Tit. iii. 4, 5, 6, 7. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but accord- ing to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regene- ration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost? which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour: That being justified by his grace, we should be made lieiraac^ 176 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 31. With whom was the covenant of grace made? A. The covenant of grace was made with Christ, as the second Mam; and in him with all the elect, as his seed. 8 Q. 32. How is the grace of God manifested in the second covenant? A. The grace of God is manifested in the se- cond covenant, in that he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a mediator, 1 and life and salva- tion b) r him; v and requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him, w promiseth and giveth his cording tn the hope of eternal life. Tit. i. 2. In hope of eternal life, which God, that can not lie, promised before the world began. Gal. ill. 21. Rom. iii. 20, 21, 22. s Gal. iii. 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. 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. Zac. vi. 13. Luke xxii. 29. 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. Rom. v. 15. to the end. t 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 shall bruise his heel. Isa. xlii. 6. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and will give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. John vi. 27. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 1 Tim. ii. 5. v 1 John i. 11. 12. And this is the record, That God hath given unto us eternal life; and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son, hath life. w John iii. 16. For God so loved the world, that he THE LARGER CATECHISM* 177 Holy Spirit to all bis elect,* to work m them that faith/ with all other saving graces; 2 and to enable them unto all holy obedience,* as the evidence of the truth of their faith, b and thankfulness to God, c and as the way which he hath appointed them to salvation/ Q. 33. Was the covenant of grace always ad- ministered after one and the same manner? Jl. The covenant of grace was not always ad- ministered after the same manner; but the admi- nistrations of it under the Old Testament were different from those under the New. e gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. 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. Chap. iii. verse 36. x Prov. i. 23. Behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. lsa. lix. 21. Zee, xii. 10. y 2 Cor. iv. 13, We having the same Spirit of faith, according as it is written, 1 believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak. z Gal. v. 22, 23. But the fruit of the Spirit, is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek- ness, temperance: against such there is no law, a 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. b James ii. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Verse 22, Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? c 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. For the love of Christ constraineth us. d Eph. ii. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before or- dained that we should walk in them. Tit. ii. 14, and 3, 8. e 2 Cor. iii. 6, 9, Who also hath made us able minis- 178 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 34. How was the covenant of grace adminis- tered under the Old Testament? &. The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament, by promises/ prophe- cies^ sacrifices, 11 circumcision, 1 the passover, k and other types and ordinances; which did all fore* signify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah; 1 by whom they then had full remission of sin and eternal salvation. m Q. 35. How is the covenant of grace administered under the New Testament? A. Under the New Testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the same covenant of grace was, and still is to be, administered in the preaching of the word, 11 and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper;! 1 ters of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. Heb. i. 1, 2. chap. viii. 7 3 8, he. f Rom. xv. 9. Now I say, that Jesus Christ was a minis- ter of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. Acts hi. 20. g Acts iii. 20. 24. h Heb. x. 1. i Rom.iv. 11. k 1 Cor. v. 7. Exodus xii. 14, 17, 24. 1 (Heb. viii. 9 and 10 chapters). Heb. xi. 13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but hav- ing seen them afar off; and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. m Gal. iii. 7, 8, 9, 14. n Mark xvi. 15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. o Mat. xxviii 19, 20. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. p 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24, 25, 26. For I have received of the THE LARGER CATECHISM, It 9 iii which grace and salvation are held forth in more fulness, evidence and efficacy to all nations.** Q. 36. Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace? A. The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ/ who being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father, 5 in the fulness of time became man; 1 and so was, and continues to be, God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person for ever. v Q. 37. How did Christ, being the Son of GoA y become man? Jl. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul; w being conceived by the power of the Holy Lord that which also T delivered unto you, &c. This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. [Till he come to judg- ment: for he hud come in the Spirit long before this time.] See also the gospels. q 2 Cor. iii. 6, r 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. s John i. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John x. 30. I and my Father are one. Phil. ii. 6. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. t Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come* God sent forth his Son made of a woman. v Luke i. 35. That holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God, Rom. ix. 5. W T hose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came-, who is over all God blessed for ever. Amen. Col. ii. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. w John i. 14, And the Werd was made flesh, and dweft 180 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary^ of her substance, and born of her, x yet without sin.** Q« 38. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God? A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be God, that he might sustain and keep the human nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God, and the power of death ; z give worth and ef- ficacy to his sufferings, obedience, and interces- sion ; a and to satisfy God's justice, b procure his fa- among us. Mat. xxvL38. My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. x Luke i. 31, 35, 42. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow Jthee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Gal. iv. 4. God sent forth his Son made of a woman. y Heb. iv. 15. For we have not an high priest who can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb. vii. 26. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undented, separate from sinners. z Acts ii. 24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death; because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Rom. i. Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. a Acts xx. 28. To feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Heb. ix. 14. 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? Heb. vii. 25, 27, 28. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them, &c. b Rom. iii. 24, 25, 26. JJeing justified freely by his grace, THE LARGER CATECHISM. 181 vour, c purchase a peculiar people, d give his Spirit to them, e conquer all their enemies/ and bring them to everlasting salvation. s Q. 39. Why was it requisite that the mediator should be manl Jl. It was requisite that the mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, 11 perform obedience to the law, 1 suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, k have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities; 1 that we might receive the adoption of through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness, for the remission of sins; that he might be just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. c Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. d Tit. ii. 13, 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a pe- culiar people, zealous of good works. e John xv. 26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father. John xvi. 7. xiv. 26. f Luke i, 68, 69, 71, 74. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us, that we should be saved from our enemies, g Heb. v. 9. He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. Chap. ix. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. h Heb. ii. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. i Gal. iv. 4. God sent forth his Son, made of woman, made under the law. Rom v. 19. By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. k Heb. ii. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are par- takers 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. Heb. vii. 24. 25. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing" he ever liv- eth to make intercession for them, Q 182 THE LARGER CATECHISM. sons 5 m and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace. 11 Q. 40. Why was it requisite that the mediator should be God and man in one person? Jl. It was requisite that the mediator, who was to reconcile God and man, should himself be both God and man, and this in one person; that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us,° and relied on by us, as the works of the whole person.^ Q. 41. Why was our mediator called Jesus? A Our mediator was called Jesus, because he saveth liis people from their sins.** Q. 42. Why was our mediator called Christ? A. Our mediator was called Christ, because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure; 1, and so set apart, and fully furnished with all au- 1 Heb. iv. 15. For we have not an high priest who can not be touched with the feeling" of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, vet without sin. m Gal. iv. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. n Heb. iv. 15, 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. o Mat. i. 21, 23. Behold a virgin shall bring forth a son; and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which, being in- terpreted, is, God with us. Mat. iii. 17. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am we!l pleased. p 1 Pet. ii. 6. Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious* and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. q Mai. i. 21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. r John iii. 34. God giveth not the Spirit by measure un- to him. Psalm xlv. 7. God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thyfellows. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 183 thority and ability, 8 to execute the offices of a pro- phet, 1 priest/ and king of his church, in the estate both of his humiliation and exaltation. w Q. 43. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet ■? A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in his revealing to the church* in all ages, by his Spirit and word/ in divers ways of administra- tion/ the whole will of God, a in all things con- cerning their edification and salvation. 13 s John vi. 27. Labour not for the meat which perishetb, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed. Mat. xxviii. 19,' 20. t Acts iii. 21, 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 shal ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. Luke iv. 18, 21. v Heb. v. 5, 6. So also Christ glorified not himself, to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Heb. iv 14, 15. w Isa, ix. 6, 7. The government shall be upon his shoul- der. — Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. Psalm ii. 6. x John i. 18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. y 1 Pet. i. 10, 12. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired, and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you. Unto whom it was re- vealed that not unto themselves, but unto us they did mi- nister the things which are now reported unto you, by them that have preached the gospel unto you, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. z Heb. i. 1, 2. God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers, by the pro- phets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son> 184 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 44. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest? Jl. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, c to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people ; d and in making continual intercession for them. e Q. 45. Hoio doth Christ execute the office of a king? A Christ executeth the office of a king, in call- ing out of the world a people to himself; f and giv- ing them officers^ laws, 11 and censures, by which a John xv. 15. But I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you. b Eph. iv. 11, 12, 13. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the know- ledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the mea- sure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. John xx. 31. c Heb. ix. 14, 28. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience? So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. d Heb. ii. 17. That he might be a merciful and faithful high priest, in things pertaining to God, to make recon- ciliation for the sins of the people. e Heb. vii 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever livetli to make intercession for them. f lsa. Iv. 4, 5. — Behold thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and nations 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. Gen. xlix. 10. g 1 Cor. xii. 28. And God had set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Eph. iv. 11, 12. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 185 he visibly governs them; 1 in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, k rewarding their obedience, 1 and correcting them for their sins, m preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, 11 restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory ,p and their good; - and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel. 1 ' h Isa. xxxiii 22. For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our law-giver; the Lord is our king; he will save us. i Mat. xviii. 17, 18. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. 1 Cor. v. 4, 5. 1 Tim* v. 20. Tit. in. 10. k Acts v. 31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Is- rael, and forgiveness of sins. Psalm Is viii. 18. 1 Rev. xxii. 12. And behold I come quickly; and my re- ward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Mat. xxv. 34, 35, 36. Rom. ii. 7. m Rev. iii. 19. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Heb. xii. 6, 7. n Isa. Ixiii. 9. In all their affliction he was afflicted; and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them, and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old o 1 Cor. xv. 25. For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. Psalm ex. throughout. p Rom. xiv. 11. As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Phil. ii. 11. And that every tongue should confess that Je- sus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. q 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. r 2 Thess. i. 8. In flaming fire, taking vengeance on Q2 186 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 46. What was the estate of Christ's humilia- tion? A. The estate of Christ's humiliation was that low condition, wherein he, for our sakes, empty- ing himself of his glory, took upon him the form of a servant, in his conception and birth, life, death, and after his death until his resurrection. 8 Q. 47. How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth? A. Christ humbled himself in his conception and birth, in that, being from all eternity the Son of God in the bosom of the Father, he was pleased in the fulness of time to become the son of man, made of a woman of low estate, and to be born of her, with divers circumstances of more than ordi- nary abasement. 1 Q. 48. How did Christ humble himself in Ids life? A. Christ humbled himself in his life, by sub- them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm ii. 9. Thou shall break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. s Phil. ii. 6, 7, 8. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 2 Cor. viii. 9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Luke i. 31. Acts ii. 24. t John i. 14. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Ver. 13. The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father. Luke ii. 7. And site brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 187 jecting himself to the law, v which he perfectly fulfilled, w and by conflicting with the indignities of the world,* temptations of Satan/ and infirmi- ties in his flesh; whether common to the nature of man, or particularly accompanying that his low condition. 2 Q. 49. How did Christ humble himself in his death? .#. Christ humbled himself in his death, in that, having been betrayed by Judas* forsaken by his disciples, b scorned and rejected by the world, condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his per- secutors^ having also conflicted with the terrors v Gal. iv. 4. God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. w Mat. v. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets, 1 am not come to destroy, but to ful- fil. Rom. v. 19. x Psalm xxii. 6. But I am a worm, and no man; a re- proach of men, and despised of the people. Isa. lift, 2, 3. Heb. xii. 2, 3. y Mat. iv. 1 to 12. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil, &c. Luke iv. 1 to 14. z Heb. ii. 17, 18. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren: for in that he himself hath suffered, being" tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Heb. iv. 15. Isa. lii. 14. a Mat. xxvii, 4. b Mat. xxvi. 56. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. c Isa. liii. 1, 3. He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we es- teemed him not. d Mat. xxvii. 26. And when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. John xix. 34. Luke xxii. 63, 64, 138 THE LARGER CATECHISM. of death and the powers of darkness, felt and borne the weight of God's wrath ; e he laid down his life an offering for sin/ enduring the painful, shame- ful, and cursed death of the cross. B Q. 50. Wherein consisted Christ* $ humiliation after his death? il. Christ's humiliation after his death, con- sisted in his being buried. h and continuing in the state of the dead, and under the power of death, till the third day; 1 which hath been otherwise ex- pressed in these words, He descended into heU. Q. 51. What was the estak of Chrisfs excdta- *i. The estate of Christ's exaltation compre- hended his resurrection^ ascension, 1 sitting at the right hand of the Father, 111 and his coming again to judge the world. n e Luke xxii. 44. And being 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, Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama sabacthani 5 — My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me: Rom. viii. 32. Luke xxii. 23. f Isa. liii. 10. Thou shaft make his soul an offering for sin. g 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. Heb. xii. 2. Gal. iii. 13. h 1 Cor. xv. 3, 4. i Mat. xii. 40. For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Psalm xvi. 10. compared with Acts ii. 24, 25, 26. Rom. vi. 9. k 1 Cor. xv, 4. And that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures. 1 Mark xvi. 19. So then, after the Lord had spoken un- to them, he was received up into heaven. m Eph. i. xx. And set him at his own right hand. n Acts i, 11. The same Jesus who is taken up from you THE LARGER CATECHISM. 189 Q. 52. How ivas Christ exalted in his resurrec- tion? A. Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen corruption in death, (of which it was not possible for him to be held, ) and having the very same body in which he suffer- ed, with the essential properties thereofp (but without mortality and other common infirmities belonging to this life) really united to his soul;°* he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power; r whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God, s to have satisfied divine justice, 1 to have vanquished death, and him that had the power of it, v and to be Lord of quick and dead. w into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts xvii. 31. o Acts ii. 24. Whom God hath raised up, having" loosed the pains of death; because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Psalm xvi. 10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption. p Luke xxiv. 39. Behold 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. q Rev. i. 18. I am he that liveth and was dead; and be- hold I am alive for evermore. Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. r John x. 18. No man taketh it from me, but T lay it down of myself: I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. s Rom. i. 4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resur- rection from the dead. t 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. v Heb. ii. 14. That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil. 190 THE LARGER CATECHISM. All which he did as a public person, x the head of his church/ for their justification, 2 quickening in grace, a support against enemies, 1 * and to assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day. c Q. 53. Hmo was Christ exalted in his ascension? A. Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that, having, after his resurrection, often appeared unto, and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, d and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nationsf forty days after his resurrection, he, w 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. x 1 Cor. xv. 21, 22. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. y Eph. i. 20, 22, 23. And gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Col. i. 18. z Rom. iv. 25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. a Eph. ii. 1, 5,6. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. Col. ii. 12. b 1 Cor. xv. 25, 26. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his^eet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death. c 1 Cor. xv. 20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. d Acts i. 2, 3. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he, through the Holy Ghost, had given command- ments unto the apostles whom he had chosen. To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion, by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speak- ing of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. e Mat. xxviii. 19, 20. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, &c. Mark xvi. 15. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 191 in our nature, and as our head/ triumphing over enemies,^ visibly went up into the highest hea- vens, there to receive gifts for men, h to raise up our affections thither, 1 and to prepare a place for us, k where himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world. 1 Q. 54. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God 6 ) A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favour with God the Father," 1 with all fulness of joy, n glory, and power over all things in heaven and earthy and doth gather and defend f Heb. vi. 20. Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever. See also letter d. g Eph. iv. 8. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended upon high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. h Acts i. 9, 10, 11. While they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. Psal. lxviii. 18. Thou hast ascended on high; thou hast receiv- ed gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. i Col. iii. 1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. k John xiv. 1, 2. I go to prepare a place for you. ■1 Acts iii. 21. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things. m Phil. if. 9. Wheretore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. n Acts ii. 28. Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Compared with Psa. xvi. 11. o John xvii. 5. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory with I had with thee before the world was. p Eph. i. 22. And he hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church* 1 Pet. iii. 22. 192 THE LARGER CATECHISM. his church, and subdue their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts aad graces/ 1 and maketh intercession for them. 1 ' Q. 55. How doth Christ make intercession? A. Christ maketh intercession, by his appear- ing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, 5 in the merit of his obedience and sacri- fice on earth; 1 declaring his will to have it applied to all believers/ answering all accusations against ihem; w and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings/ access with bold- ness to the throne of grace/ and acceptance of their persons* and services. a q Eph. iv. 11, 12 Psa. ex. throughout. r Rom. viii. 34. s Heb. ix. 2 k For Christ is not entered into the holy- places made with hands, which ;*re the figures of th£ true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God tor us. t Heb. i. 3. When he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. v John xvii. 9, 20, 24 Father, 1 will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where lam; that they may behold pay glory, which thou hast given me. w Rom. viii 33,34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's eVct? Ith God that justifieth. 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. x 1 John ii. 1, 2. Lf any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Rom. v. 1. y Heb.iv. 15, 16. L,et us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need, z Eph. i. 6. To the priise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. a 1 Pet. ii. 5 Ye also as lively stones are built up a spi- ritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacri fices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, lie v. viii. 3, 4, THE LARGER CATECHISM. 193 Q. 56. How is Christ to be exalted in his com- ing again to judge the world? A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world, in that he, who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men, b shall come again at the last day in great power, c and in the full manifestation of his own glory, and of his Father's, w T ith all his holy angels, d with a shout^ with the voice of the archangel, and with the trum- pet of God, e to judge the world in righteousness/ Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation? A. Christ by his mediation hath procured re- demption^ with all other benefits of the covenant of grace. h b Acts iii. 14, 15. But ye denied the Holy One, and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the prince of life. c Mat. xxiv. 30, And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. d Luke ix. 26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when "he shall come in his own glory, and his Father's, and of the holy angels. Mat. xxv. 31. e 1 Tbess. iv. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. f Acts xvii. 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. g 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 eternal redemption for us. h 2 Cor. i. 20. For all the promises of God in him are. yea* and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us, R 194 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 58. How do we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured? A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured, by the application of them unto us 1 , which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost. k Q. 59. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ? A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effec- tually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it; 1 who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ; according to the gospel. 111 Q. 60. Can they who have never heard the gos- pel, and so know not Jesus Christ, nor believe in /iim, be saved by their living according to the light oj na- ture? A. They who having never heard the gospel, 11 I 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. k Tit. iii. 5, 6. But according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. John xvi. 7, 8. 1 John vi. 37, 39. All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. And this is the Father's will who hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John x. 15, 16. Hay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice. Eph. i. 13, 14. m Eph, ii. 8. For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. John iii. 36. n Rom. x. 15. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him THE LARGER CATECHISM. 195 know not Jesus Christ, and believe not in him, can not be saved,? be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature,* or the laws of that religion which they profess ; r neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone, 8 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. Ml that hear the gospel, and live in the vi- sible church, are not saved; but only they who are true members of the church invisible/ 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 religion, w and of their children.* of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? o 2 Thess. i. 8, 9. In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gos- pel of our Lord Jesus Christ. p John viii. 24. If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Mark xvi. 16. He that believeth not shall be damned. q 1 Cor. i. 20 to 25. r John iv. 22, Phil. iii. 4 to 10. s 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. t Eph. v 23. Even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the Saviour of the body. v Rom. ix. 6. They are not all Israel, who are of Israel 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 who is in heaven. Mat. xxii. 14. John xii. 38, 39, 40. w 1 Cor. i. 2. Unto the church of God which is at Co- 196 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 63. What are the special privileges of the visible church? A. The visible church hath the privilege of be- ing under God's special care and government/ of being protected and preserved in all ages, notwith- standing the opposition of all enemies; 2 and of en- joying the communion of saints, the ordinary means of salvation,* and offers of grace by Christ, to all members of it, in the ministry of the gospel, testifying that whosoever believes in him shall be saved, b and excluding none that will come unto him. c rinth, 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. Rom. xv. 9. to 13. Mat. xxviii. 19, 20. x Acts ii. 39. For the promise is unto you and to your children. 1 Cor. vii. 14. Rom. xi. 16. Gen. xvii. 7. y Isa. iv. 5, 6. 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 flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 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. z Mat. xvi. 18. And upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Isa. xxxi. 4, 5. Zee. xii. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9. Exod. iii. 2, 3. Psal. cxv. throughout. a Acts ii. 42. They continued steadfastly in the apos- tles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. b Psa. cxlvii. 19, 20. He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation; and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Rom. ix. 4. Mark xvi. 15, 16. Preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Acts. xvi. 31. Isa. xlv. 22. Rev. xxii. 17. THE LARGER CATECHISM, 197 Q. 64. What is the invisible church? A. The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gath- ered into one under Christ the head. d Q. 65. What special benefits do the members of the invisible church enjoy by Christ? A. The members of the invisible church, by Christ, enjoy union and communion with him in grace and g!ory. 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/ whereby they are spi- ritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably joined to Christ as their head and husband;* which is done by their effectual calling. 11 c John vi. 37. And him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. d Eph. i. 10. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. John xi. 52. And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. John x. 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. Eph. i. 22, 23. e John xvii. 21. That they all may be one, as thou, Fa- ther, art in me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us. Eph. ii. 5, 6. 1 Johnl. 3. And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. John xvii. 24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast giv- en me be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory. f Eph. ii. 6, 7, 8. For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. g 1 Cor. vi. 17. But he that is joined to the Lord, is one spirit. John x. 28. And I will give unto them eternal life, R 2 198 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 67. What is effectual calling? *#. Effectual calling is the work of God's al- mighty power i.md grace, 1 whereby (out of his free and especial love to his elect, and from nothing in them moving him thereunto 1 ') he doth in his ac- cepted time invite and draw them to Jesus Christ, by his word and Spirit; 1 savingly enlightening their and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. Eph. v. 23, 30. Even as Christ is the head of toe church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. h 1 Cor. i. 9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Pet. v. 10. i Eph. i. 18, 19, 20. That ye may know what is the hope of his calling — and what is the exceeding- greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from ?he dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. 2 Tim. i. 8, 9. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not ac- cording to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began. k Tit. iii. 4, 5. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Eph. ii. 4 to 10. God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ; (by grace ye are saved;) Not of works, lest any man'should boast. Rom. ix. 11. According to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth. 1 2 Cor. v. 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Cor. vi. 2. 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 THE LARGER CATECHISM. 199 minds,™ renewing and powerfully determining their wills; 11 so as they (though 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 therein. Q. 68. Are the elect only effectually called? A. All the elect, and they only, are effectually called;? although others may be and often are outwardly called by the ministry of the word, * and have some common operations of the Spirit; 11 who, who hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14. 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 sanctiflcation of the Spirit and belief of the truth; 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 inheri- tance among them who are sanctified by faith that is in me. n Ezek. xi. 19. 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, 27. o John vi. 45. And they shall be all taught of God. Every 3nan, therefore, that hath heard and hath learned of the Fa- ther, cometh unto me. Phil. ii. 13. P'or it is God that work- eth in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Deut. xxx. 6. Eph. ii. 5. p Acts xiii. 48. And as many as were ordained to eter- nal life, believed. q Mat. xxii, 14. For many are called, but few are cho- sen. r Mat. xiii. 20, 21, But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word: 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 ; 5, 6. 200 THE LARGER CATECHISM. for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them, being justly left in their unbelief, do never truly come to Jesus Christ. 55 Q. 69. What is the communion in grace, ichicli the members of the invisible church have with Christ*? A. The communion in grace, which the mem- bers of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification, 1 adoption/ sanctification, and whatever else in this life manifests their union with him,* Q. 10. What is justification? Jl. Justification is an act of God^ free grace unto sinners, x in which he pardoneth all their sin, s Psalm lxxxi. 11, 12. Rut my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me: so I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust; and they walked in their own counsels. John xii. 38, 39, 40. 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? Therefore they could not believe, because Esaias said again, 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 1 should heal them. Acts xxviii. 25, 26, 27. John vi. 64, 65. Pro v. i. 24 to 32. Psal. xcv. from verse 9 to the end. t Horn. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also jus- tified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. v Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself. w 1 Cor. i.'SO. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. x Rom. iii. 22, 24, 25. 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. Being justified THE LARGER CATECHISM. 201 accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight;^ not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them,* but only for the perfect obedi- ence and full satisfaction of Christ, by God im- puted to them, a and received by faith alone. b Q. 71. How is justification an act of God? s fret graced 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 jus- freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Rom. iv. 5. y 2 Cor. v. 19, 21. To wit, that God was in Christ, re- conciling the world unto himself, not imputing their tres- passes unto them. 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, 24, 25. Even the righteous- ness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe. zEph. i. 6 and 7. Wherein he hath made us accepted In the Beloved; in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of his grace. Rom. iii. 28. Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. a Rom. iii. 22, 24, 25. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. — Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood* Rom. v. 17, 18, 19. Much more they who re- ceive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. By the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous. Rom. iv. 6, 7, 8. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, &c. b Rom. v. 1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God. 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. Phil. iii. 9. Rom. iii. 25, 26. 202 THE LARGER CATECHISM. tified; c yet in as much as God accepted the satis- faction from a surety, which he might have de- manded of them: and did provide this surety, his only Son, d imputing his righteousness to them, e and requiring nothing of them for their justifica- tion but faith/ which also is his gift,& their justifi- cation is to them of free grace. h Q. 72. What is justifying faith? c Mat. xx. 28. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ran- som (or price of redemption) for many. See also 1 Tim. ii. 6. 1 Pet. i. 18, 19. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Rom. v. 8, 9, 10. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. d Dan. ix.24, 26.— Isa. liii. 6, 10, 11, 12. And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 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. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied. 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 sins of many. 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? e 2 Cor. v. 21. That we might be made the righteous- ness of God in him. Rom. iv. 11. 1 Cor. i, 30. f Rom. iii. 24, 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a pro- pitiation, through faith in his blood. Acts xvi. 31. 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 forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 203 A. Justifying faith is a saving grace, 1 wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit k and word of God; 1 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 con- dition, 03 not only assenteth to the truth of the pro- mise of the gospel, n butreceiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth, for pardon of sin,° and for the accepting and account- ing of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.? Q. 73. Hvw doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God? i Heb. x. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. k 2 Cor.iv. 13. We having the same spirit of faith. Eph. i, 17, 18, 19. 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. 1 Rom. x. 14, 17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. i. 16. m John xvi. 8, 9. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me. Acts xvi. 30. Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Acts ii. 37. Eph. ii. 1. Actsiv. 12. Rom. vii. 9. n Eph. i. 13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. o Acts x. 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts xvi. 31. John i. 12. p 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 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, 204 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Jl. 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;^ nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification^ but only as it is an instrument, by which he re- ceiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness.* Q. 74. What is adoption? A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God, 1 in and for his only Son Jesus Christ; v whereby all those that are justified are received into the num- ber of his children," have his name put upon them, x the Spirit of his Son given to them/ are under his q 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, butbelieveth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Compared with Rom. x. 10. s John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. Phil. iii. 9. t 1 John iii. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God. v Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Gal. iv. 4, 5. But when the ful- ness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 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. x Rev. iii. 12. And I will write upon him my new name. 2 Cor. vi. 18. y Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Sun into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. TtfE LARGER CATECHISM. 203 fatherly care and dispensations, 2 admitted 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. What is sanctification^ A. Sanctification is a work of God's grace; whereby they, whom God hath, before the founda- tion of the world, chosen to be holy, are, in time, through the powerful operation of his Spirit, b ap- plying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them, c renewed in their whole man after the image of God; d having the seeds of repentance unto life> z Psalm ciii. 13. Like as a Father 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 hea- venly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things, a 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. Heb. vi. 12. 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 justified in the name of the Lord Je- sus, and by the Spirit of our God. 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 Spi- rit and belief of the truth. c Rom. vi. 4, 5, 6. 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. For if we have been plant- ed together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: &c. Phil. iii. 10. d Eph. iv. 23, 24. And be renewed in the spirit of your S 206 THE LARGER CATECHISM, and all other saving graces, put into their hearts, e and those graces so stirred up, increased and strengthened/ as that they more and more die tmto sin, and rise unto newness of life.? Q. 76. What is repentance unto life? *3. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, h wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit 1 and mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness, and true holiness. e Acts xi. 18. When they heard these tilings, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God al- so 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 can not sin, because he is born of God. f Jude 20. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Eph. iii. 16, IT, 18 That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might, by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith: that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, &c. Col. i. 10, 11. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing, be- ing fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joy fulness. g Rom. vi. 4, 6, 14. Even so we also should walk in newness of life. — Knowing this, that our old man is cruci- fied with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed., that henceforth we should not serve sin. — For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law, but under grace. h 2 Tim. ii. 25. If God peradventure will give them re- pentance to the acknowledging of the truth. i Zech. xii. 10. I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications; and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 207 word of God; k whereby, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, 1 but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, m and upon the appre- hension of God's mercy in Christ, to such as are penitent, 11 he so grieves for,° and hates his sins,P as k Acts xi. 18, 20, 21. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Psalm xix. 7 to the 14th verse. Acts ii. 37. 1 Ezek. xviii. 28, 30, 32. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Turn, — and live ye. Luke xv. 17, 18. How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough, and to spare, and I perish with hunger! Hos. ii. 6, 7. m Ezek. 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 iniquities, and for your abominations. Ezek. xvi. 61, 63. Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed. — That thou mayest remember and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame. Isa. xxx. 22. n Psalm cxxx. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is for- giveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared Joel ii. 12, 13. Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn un- to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of evil. Zech. xii. 10. o Jer. xxxi. 18, 19. I have surely heard Ephraim be- moaning himself 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. Surely after that I was 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 re- proach of my youth p 2Gor.vii.il. For behold, this selfsame thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indigna- 208 THE LARGER CATECHISM. that he turns from them all to God,** purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience/ Q. 77. Wherein do justification aud sanctifica- tion differ? A. Although sanctification be inseparably joined with justification, 8 yet they differ, in that, God, in justification, imputeth the righteousness of Christ; 1 in sanctification his Spirit infuseth grace, and ena- bleth to the exercise thereof: v in the former, sin is pardoned ; w in the other, it is subdued : x the one tion, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! q Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Ezek. xiv. 6. Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations. 1 Kings viii. 47,48. If they shall bethink themselves — and so return unto thee with all their heart and with all their soul. 1 Sam. vii. 3. r Psalm cxix. 59, 128. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate eve- ry false way. Luke i. 6. 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 sanctifi- cation, and redemption. t Horn. iv. 6, 8 Even as David also describeth the bless- edness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. — Messed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 2 Cor. v. 21. Rom. hi. 24. v Ezek. xxxvi. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, anil ye shall keep my judgments and do them. V Horn. iii. 24, 25. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God THE LARGER CATECHISM. 209 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, a but growing up to perfection. 15 Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of sane- tification in believers'? hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins. x Rom. vi. 6, 14. Knowing this that our old man is cru- cified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. y Rom. viii. 1, S3, 34. There is, therefore, now no con- demnation to them who are in Christ Jesus. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? z Heb. v. 12, 13, 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For evei^one that useth milk, is unskilful in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But strong meat belong- ed! to them that are of full age, even those who, by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 1 John ii. 12, 13, 14. a 1 John i. 8, 10. If we say that we have no sin, we de- ceive ourselves; and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. b 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dear- ly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Philip. III. 12, 13, 14. Brethren, I count not myself, to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. S 2 210 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Jl. The imperfection of sanctification in be- lievers arisethfrom the remnants of sin abiding in every part or 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 imperfections, and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with, fall away from the state of grace? A. True believers, by reason of the unchange- able love of God/ and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance,^ their inseparable union c Rom. vii. 18, 23. 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. 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. d Gal. v. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit — so that ye can not do the things that ye would. Heb. xii. 1. Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us. e Isa. lxiv. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing; and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Exod. xxviil. 38. f Jer. xxxi. 3. I have loved thee with an everlasting love. John xiii. 1 g Heb. xiii. 20, 21. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting cove- nani^ make you perfect. 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. — Yet hath he made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure, Isa. liv. 10. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 211 with Christ,* 1 his continual intercession for them, 1 and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them, k can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, 1 but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. 111 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 endea- vour to walk in all good conscience before him, n may, without extraordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God's promises, and b 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. i 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. Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. k 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God, doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and lie can not 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 cove- nant 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. Phil. i. 6. — He that hath be- gun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. n 1 John ii. 3. And hereby we do know that we know bimj if we keep his commandments. Acts xxiv. 16, 312 THE LARGER CATECHISM. by the Spirit enabling them to discern in them- selves those graces to which the promises of life are made, and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God,** be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation. *. Q. 81. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved? A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith, 1 * true believers may wait long before they obtain it; s and, after the enjoy- o 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 God. 1 John iv. 13, 16. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his spirit. 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. 1 John iii. 14, 18, 19, 21, 24. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. Be- loved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confi- dence towards God. And he that keepeth his command- ments dwelleth in him, and he in him: and hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us. p Rom. viii. 16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. q 1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life. r 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. s Isai. 1. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, THE LARGER CATECHISM. 213 ment thereof, may have it weakened and intermit- ted, through manifold distempers, sins, tempta- tions, and desertions :* yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair./ Q. 82. What is the communion in glory, which tlie members of the invisible church have with Christ? A. The communion in glory, which the mem- bers of the invisible church have with Christ, is in this life, w immediately after death, x and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgments that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that vvalketh in dark- ness and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Psa. Ixxxviii. throughout. t Psa. lxxvii. 1 to the 12 verse. — Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Cant. v. 2, 3, 6. 1 sleep — I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on? — My beloved had withdrawn 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. xxxi. 22. For I saidj in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes. Psa. xxx. 6, r.andli. 8, 12. v Job xiii. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. Psa. lxxiii. 13, 14, 15, 23. Nevertheless I am con- tinually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 1 John iii. 9. Isa. xiv. 7 to the 11 verse. 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 who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to 214 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 83. What is the communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy in this life? A. The members of the invisible church have communicated to them, in this life, the first fruits of glory with Christ, as they are members of him their head, 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 fear- ful expectation of judgment, are to the wicked the beginning of the torments, which they shall en- dure after death. c meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. z Eph. ii. 5, 6. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ; and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. a Rom. v. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 2 Cor. i. 22. Who also hath sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. b Rom. v. 1, 2, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: 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 kingkom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. c Gen. iv. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord, My pun- ishment is greater than I can bear. Mat. xxvii. 4. I have sinned, in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. Heb. x. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 215 Q. 84. Shall all men die? A. Death being threatened as the wages of sin, d it is appointed unto all men once to die; e for that all have sinned/ Q. 85. Death being the ivages of sin, why are not the righteous delivered from death, seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ? A. The righteous shall be delivered from death itself at the last day, and even in death are deliver- ed from the sting and curse of it;s so that, although they die, yet it is out of God's love, h to free them perfectly from sin and misery, 1 and to make them capable of farther communion with Christ in glo- ry, which they then enter upon, k Mark ix. 44. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Rom. ii. 9. d Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death. e Heb. ix. 27. And as it is appointed unto all men once to die. f Rom. v. 12. So death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. g 1 Cor. xv. 26, 55, 56, 57. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who giv- eth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. ii. 15. h Isa. lvii. 1, 2. The righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace; they shall rest upon their beds. 2 Kings xxii. 20. Behold, therefore, 1 will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered in- to thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shallnot see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. i Rev. xiv. 13. Blessed are the dead who 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. k Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say 216 THE LARGER CATECHlStt. Q. 86. What is the communion in glory with Christy which the members of the invisible church en- joy immediately after death'? A. The communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy imme- diately after death, is, in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness, 1 and received into the highest heavens, 111 where they behold the face of God in light and glory; 11 waiting for the full re- demption of their bodies, which even in death continue united to Christ,? and rest in their graves as in their beds,** till at the last day they be again united to their souls. 1 ' Whereas the souls of the wicked are at their death cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness; and unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Phil. i. 23. For I am in a straight betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ; which is far better. lHeb. xii 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. 1 John iii. 2. Eph. v. 27. m 2 Cor v. 1, 6. 8. If our earthly house of this taberna- cle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. n 1 John iii. 2. 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. Now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face. Rev. xxii. 4, 5. Mat. v. 8. o Rom. viii. 23. Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the re- demption of our body. Psalm xvi. 9. My flesh also shall rest in hope. p 1 Thess. iv. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also who sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. q Isa. lvii. 2. H« shall enter into peace; they shall rest* in their beds. r Job xix. 26, 27. And though after my skin worms de- THE LARGER CATECHISM. 217 their bodies kept in their graves, as in their pri- sons, until the resurrection and judgment of the great day. 8 Q. 87. What are we to believe concerning the resurrection } A. We are to believe, that at the last day there shall be a general resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust/ 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.^ stroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. s Luke xvi. 23, 24. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in wa- ter, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Acts i. 25. From which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. Jude 6. He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. t Acts xxiv. 15. There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. v 1 Cor. xv. 51 52, 53. Behold I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised in- corruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corrupti- ble, must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Thess. iv. 15, 16, 17. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them who are asleep. 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. Then we who are alive and remain, shall be T 218 THE LARGER CATECHISM. The bodies of the just, by the Spirit of Christ, and by virtue of his resurrection as their head, shall be raised in power, spiritual, and incorruptible, and made like to his glorious body: w and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended judge/ Q. 88. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection'? A. Immediately after the resurrection shall fol- caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we be ever with the Lord. John v. 28, 29. w 1 Cor. xv. 12, 22, 23, 42, 43, 44. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [It is evidently the scope of the apostle's argument in this passage, to prove, that as all the natural seed of Adam, their covenant-head, were subjected to death by his offence; so all the spiritual seed of Christ, their new covenant head, shall be raised from death, to an immortal life of glory and blessedness, by virtue of his re- surrection. It is therefore a perversion of the scripture, to adduce this text as a proof of universal redemption.] But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterwards they that are Christ's at his coming. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour, it is rais- ed in glory: it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. Phil. Hi. 22. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. Dan. xii. 2. x John v. 27, 28, 29. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth, they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Dan. xii. 2. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlast- ing contempt. Mat. xxv. 33. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 219 low the general and final judgment of angels and men:* the day and hour whereof no man knoweth, that all may watch and pray, and be ever ready for the coming of the Lord. 2 Q. 89. What shall be done to the icickcd at the day of judgment? A. At the day of judgment, the wicked shall be set on Christ's left hand, a and upon clear evidence, and full conviction of their own consciences, 11 shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them; c and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable presence of God, and the glorious fellowship with Christ, his saints, and all his holy angels, into hell, to be punished with y 2 Pet. ii. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sin- ned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. 2 Cor. v. 10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things dci.e in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Rev. xx. 12. z Mat. xxiv. 36, 42, 44. But of that day and hour know- eth no man; no, not tiie angels of heaven, but my Father only. Watch, therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Luke xxi 35, 56. a Mat. xxiii. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. b Uom. ii. 15, 16. Which show 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. In the day when God shali judge the secrets of all men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. c Mat. xxv. 41, 42, 43 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me ye cursed, into everlast- 220 THE LARGER CATECHISM. 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 clay 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 there openly acknowledged and acquitted/ shall join with him in the judging of re- J>robate angels and men:& and shall be received into ieaven, b where they shall be fully and for ever freed from all sin and misery; 1 filled with inconceivable ing fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat. d Mat. xxv. 46. And these shall go away into everlast- ing punishment. 2 Thess. i. 8, 9. In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Luke xvi. 16. John iii. 36. Mark ix. 43,44. Mark xiv. 21. e 1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive, and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, lo meet the Lord in the air. f Mat. xxv. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand. Mat. x. 32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father who is in heaven. g 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? h Mat. xxv. 34, 46. Then shall the King say unto them 6n his right hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. — Bur the righteous into life eternal. i Eph. v. 27. That he might present it to himself a glo- rious church, not having spot or wrinkle. Rev. xxi. 17. and vii. 17. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, Kev. xiv. 15. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 221 joys, k made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul, in the company of innumerable saints and angels, 1 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." 1 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. k Psalm xvi. 11. Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fulness of joy, at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore. 1 Cor. ii. 9. 1 Heb. xii. 22, 23 But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living" God, the heavenly Jerusa- lem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 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 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, 18. So shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words. Ber. xxii. 3, 4, 5. T 2 222 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Having seen what the Scriptures princi* pally teach us to believe concerning God, it follows to consider 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, beside a special command, not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the moral law.° 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, perfect, and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto; in the frame and dispo- sition of the whole man, soul and body,? and in performance of all those duties of holiness and j\ Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things wldch are revealed belong unto us, and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Mich. vi. 8. 1 Sam. xv. 22. o Rom. x. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man who doeth these things shall live by them. Rom. ii. 14, 15. Which show the work of the law written in their hearts. Gen. ii. 17. p Deut. v. 1, 2,3, 31, 33. 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. — I will speak THE LARGER CATECHISM. 223 righteousness which he oweth to God and man:** promising life upon the fulfilling, and threatening death upon the breach of it. r Q. 94. Is there any use of the moral law to man since the fall? A. Although no man since the fall can attain to righteousness and life by the moral law, s yet there is great use thereof, as well common to all men, as peculiar either to the unregenerate, or the regenerate. 1 Q. 95. Of what use is tJie moral law to all men? A. The moral law is of use to all men, to in- unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you. Luke x. 26, 27. What is written in the law, how readest thou? And he answering 1 , 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 1 Thess. v. 23. I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. q 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 of- fence toward God, and toward man. r Rom. x. 5. The man which doeth these things, shall live by them. Gal. iii. 10, 12. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. s 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. Gal. ii. 16. For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. t 1 Tim. i. 8. But we know that the law is good, if a liian use it lawfully. 224 THE LARGER CATECHISM, form them of the holy nature and will of God, v and of their duty, binding them to walk accord- ingly^ to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts and lines ; x to humble them in the sense of their sin and misery;^ and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, 2 and of the perfection of his obedience.* Q. 96. What particular use is there of the moral law to unregenerate men? A. The moral law is of use to unregenerate v Lev. xi. 44. 45. For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy. Lev. xx. 7, 8. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy; and the commandment holy and just and good, w Jam. ii. 10, 11. For whosoever shall offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Mich. vi. 8. What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? x Psa. xix. 11, 12. Moreover by them is thy servant warned — Who can understand his errors? Rom. iii. 20. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. Horn. vii. 7. 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, 23. 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. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. vii. 9. 13. When the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. — That sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. z Gal. iii. 21, 22. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbidl For if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 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 righ- teousness to every one that believeth. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 225 men, to awaken their consciences to flee from the wrath to come, b and to drive them to Christ; or, upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin, to leave them inexcusable,* 1 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 co- venant of works/ so as thereby they are neither justified^ nor condemned; 11 yet, beside the gene- ral uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use, to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and endur- ing the curse thereof in their stead and for their b 1 Tim. i. 9, 10. Knowing this that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, Sec. Horn. vii. 9. c Gal. iii. 24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. d Rom. i. 20. So that they are without excuse. Com- pared with Rom. ii. 15. e Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse. f Rom. vii. 4, 6. Wherefore, 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. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. And vi. 14. For ye are not under the law, but under grace. g Rom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight h Rom. viii. 1, S3, 54. There is, therefore, now no con- demnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. Who is he that condemneth? 226 THE LARGER CATECHISM. good; 1 and thereby to provoke them to more thank- fulness, k and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience. 1 Q. 98. Wherein 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 writ- ten by him on two tables of stone ; m and are re- corded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus: the i Gal. iii. 13, 14. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Rom. viii. 3, 4. For what the law could not dc, 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; that the righteousness of the law, might be ful- filled in us. 2 Cor. v. 21. k Col. i. 12, 13. 14. Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the king- dom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Luke i. 68, 69, 74. 75. 1 Rom. vii. 22. For I delight in the law of God, after the inward man. Tit. ii. 11, 12, 13, 14. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this pre- sent world: looking for that blessed hope, and the glori- ous appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar peo- ple, zealous of good works. Rom. xii. 2. m Deut. x. 4. And he wrote upon the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments. Exod. xxxjv. 1, 2, 3, 4. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 227 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 understanding of the ten commandments'? A. For the right understanding of the ten com- mandments, 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 require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin. 2. That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the un- derstanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and ges- tures^ n Mat. xxii. 37, 38, 39, 40. 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. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. o Psalm xix. 7. The law of the Lord is perfect. Jam. ii. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Mat. v. 20. to the end. Whosoever shall say, (to his brother,) Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire. Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. But let your communication be, yea, yea; nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. But I say unto you, Love your enemies; bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you. p Rom. vii. 14. For we know that the law is spiritual. Deut. vi. 5. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Mat, xxii. 37, 38, 39. Mat. xii. 36, 37. 22$ THE LARGER CATECHISM. 3. That one and the same thing, in divers re- spects, is required or forbidden in several com- mandments.** 4. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; 1 * and where a sin is for- bidden, the contrary duty is commanded 8 ; so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threat- ening is included; 1 and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included/ q Col. iii. 5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 1 Tim. vi. 8. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have err- ed from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. E.vod. xx. 3, 4, 5. Amos viii. 5. r Isa, lviii. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the sab- bath, 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 finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words Mat. xv. 4, 5, 6. For God commanded, saying, Honour thy fa- ther and mother: and he that curseth lather or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift by whatsoever thou might- est be profited by me, and honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the command- ment of God of none effect by your tradition. Deut. vi.13. Compared with Mat. iv. 9, 10. s fcLph. iv. 28. Let him that stole* steal no more, but ra- ther let him labour, &,c. t Exod. xx. 12. Honour thy father 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 mo- ther, 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; if that nation against whom T THE LARGER CATECHISM, 229 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/ 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 provocations thereunto. 2 7. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavour that it may be avoided or performed fey others, according to the duty of their places. a have pronounced, turn from their evil way, 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 Psalm xv. 1,4, 5. and with Psalm xxiv. 4, 5. w Rom. iii. 8. And not rather, as we be slanderously re- ported, and as some affirm that we say, Let us do evil, that good may come; whose damnation is just. Heb. xi. 25. x Deut. iv. 8, 9. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget 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. Mark xiv. 7. z 1 Thess. v. 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Gal. v. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Heb. x. 24. Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works. Col. iii. 21. 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, nor thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thv gates. Gen. xviii. 19. For I know him that he O 230 THE LARGER CATECHISM, 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 par* taking 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 command- ments, the preface, the substance of the command- ments themselves, and several reasons annexed to some of them the more to enforce them. Q. 101. What is the preface to the ten command- ments? A. The preface to the ten commandments is contained in these words, / am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.^ Wherein God mani- fested his sovereignty, as being Jehovah, the eter- nal, immutable, and almighty God; e having his will command his children and his household after him., and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Deut. vi. 6, 7. And these words which I com- mand thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children; and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risestup. Jos. xxiv. 15. b 2 Cor. i. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy. c 1 Tim. v. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Eph. v. 11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. d Exod. xx. 2. e Isa. xliv. 6. Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the Lord of Hosts; I am the first, and I am the last, and besides me there is no God. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 231 being in and of himself/ and giving being to all his wordss and works : h And that he is a God in covenant, as with Israel of old, so with all his peo- ple; 1 who as he brought them out of their bondage in Egypt, so he delivereth 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. 1 Q. 102. What is the sum of the four command- merits which contain our duty to God? A. The sum of the four commandments con- taining our duty to God, is to love the Lord our 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 unto you. g Exod. vi. 3. And I appeared 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, 28. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earthy dwelleth not in the temples made with hands — For in him we live, and move, and have our being. i Gen. xvii. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and 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, 75. That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness be- fore him, all the days of our life. 1 1 Pet. i. 15, 16, 17, 18. But as he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation: be- cause it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons jtidgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your so- journing here in fear: — Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation. Lev. xviii. 30. and xix.„ 37. (See also letter k.) 232 THE LARGER CATECHISM. God with all our 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 me. n Q. 104. What are the duties required in the first commandment? A. The duties required in the first command- ment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God;° and to wor- ship and glorify him accordingly;? by thinking,** meditating, 1 " remembering, 5 highly esteeming, 1 hon- m Luke x. 27. Thou shalt love the Lord, &c. n Exod. xx. 3. o 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. Deut. xxvi. 17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God. lsa. 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. p Psalm xcv. 6, 7. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Mat. iv. 10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Psalm xxix. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: wor- ship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. q Mai. iii. 16. Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared tiie Lord, and thought upon his name. r Psalm lxiii. 6. When 1 remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. s Bccl. xii. 1. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. "t Psalm lxxi. 19. Thy righteousness also, O God, is very THE LARGER CATECHISM. 233 ouring, v adoring, w choosing,* loving/ desiring,* fearing of him; a believing him; b trusting, hoping, d delighting, e rejoicing in him; f being zealous for him;s calling upon him; giving all praise and thanks, h and yielding all obedience and submis- sion to him with the whole man; 1 being careful in all things to please him, k and sorrowful when in high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee? v Mai. i. 6. If then I be a father, where is my honour? 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 shall every knee bow, every tongue shall swear. Psalm cvi. 21 and xcvi. throughout. x Jos. xxiv. 15, 22. Ve are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the Lord to be your God, to serve him. y Deut. vi. 5. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God. z Psalm Ixxiii. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside 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 the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord. Rom. x. 11. Acts x. 43. c Isa. xxvi. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever. Psal. xl. 4. d Psalm cxxx. 7. Let Israel hope in the Lord. e Psalm xxxvii. 5. Delight thyself also in the Lord. f Psalm 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. Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Rev. iii. 19. Be zealous therefore. Num. xxv. 11. h Phil. iv. 6. But in every thing by prayer and suppli- cation, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. i 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 command- ed you. James iv. 7. Submit yourselves therefore to Gad, liom. xii. 1. U2 234 THE LARGER CATECHISM. any thing lie is offended; 1 and walking humbly with him. m Q. 105. What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment? A. The sins forbidden in the first command- ment are atheism, in denying, or not having a God; 11 idolatry, in having or worshipping more gods than one, or any with, or instead of the true God;° the not having and vouching him for God, and our God;P the omission or neglect of any thing due to him, required in this commandment;^ ig- norance, 1 ' forgetfulness, s misapprehensions, 1 false k 1 John iii. 22. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him; because we keep his commandments, and do those things that arc pleasing* in his sight. 1 Neh.xiit.23. And it grieved me sore. Psalm lxxiii. 21. Tims my heart was grieved. Psalm cxix. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes; because they keep not thy law. Jer xxxi. 18, 19. m Mich. vi. 8 And to walk humbly with thy God. n Psalm xiv. 1. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Eph. ii. 12. And without God in the world. o Jer.H.27, 28 Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth. Where are thy gods tint thou hast made thee? — for according to the num- ber of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. Compared with 1 Thess. i. 9. p Psalm Ixxxi. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice, and Israel would none of mc. q Isa. xliii. 22, 23, 24. But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. Tnou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt-offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. r Jer. iv. 22. For my people is foolish; they have not known me, they are sottish children, and they have no un- derstanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. Hps. iv. 1, 6. For the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land: because there THE LARGER CATECHISM. 235 opinions/ unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; w bold and curious searchings into his secrets; x all profaneness/ hatred of God, z self-love, a self- seeking, 13 and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in part; c vain credulity , d unbelief, e heresy/ mis- is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. s Jer. ii. 32. Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. Psalm 1. 22. t Acts xvii. 23, 29. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, to the fn- knovs God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. We ought not to think that the God- head is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. v Tsa. xl. 18. To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? w Psalm 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 order be- fore thine eyes. x Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God. y Tit. i. 16. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. Heb. xii. 16. z Rom. i. 30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters. a 2 Tim. iii, 2. For men shall be lovers of their own- selves, covetous, &c, b Phil. ii. 21. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. c 1 John ii. 15, 16. 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. 1 Sam. ii. 29. And hon- ourest thy sons above me. Col. iii. 2, 5. d I John iv. 1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but 236 THE LARGER CATECHISxM. belief,* distrust, 11 despair; 1 incorrigibleness, k and insensibleness under judgments, 1 hardness of heart, 111 pride, 11 presumption, carnal security,P tempting of God: * using unlawful means, 1 * and try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. e Heb. iii. 12. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. f Gal. v. 20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emu- lations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. Tit. iii. 10. g Acts xxvi. 9. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. h Psalm Ixxviii. 22. Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation. i Gen. iv. 13. And Cain said, My punishment is greater than I can bear. k Jer. v. 3. Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction; they have made their faces harder than a rock, they have refused to return. 1 Isa. xlii. 25. Yet he knew not; — yet he laid it not to heart. m Horn. ii. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. n Jer. xiii. 15. Hear ye, and give ear, be not proud; for the Lord hath spoken. o Psalm xix. 13. Keep back thy servant also from pre- sumptuous sins: — then shall I be — innocent from the great transgression. p Zeph. i. 12. And punish the men that are settled on their lees; that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, nor will he do evil. q Mat. iv. 7. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. r Uom. 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? THE LARGER CATECHISM. 237 trusting in lawful means; 5 carnal delights and joys; 1 corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; v luke- \varmness, w and deadness in the things of God; x estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; y praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; 2 all compacts and consulting with the devil, a and hearkening to his suggestions; 15 making men the lords of our faith s Jer. xvii. 5. Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. t 2 Tim. iii. 4. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. v Gal. iv. 17. They zealously affect you, but not well. Rom. x. ii. For I bear them record, that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. John xvi. 2. Luke ix. 54, 55. w Rev. iii. 16. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. x Rev. iii. 1. 1 know thy works that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead. y Ezek. xiv. 5. Because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Isa. i. 4, 5. They have forsaken the Lord, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more. z Hos. iv. 12. My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them. Rev. xix. 10. And I fell at his feet to worship him; and he said unto me, See thou do it not: 1 am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God. Col. ii. 18. Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility, and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. Rom. i. 25. a Lev. 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, 11. Compared with 1 Chron. x. 13, 14. b Acts v. 3. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan 238 THE LARGER CATECHISM. and conscience; slighting and despising God, and his commands ; d resisting and grieving of his Spi- rit^ discontent and impatience at his dispensa- tions, charging him foolishly for the evils he in- flicts on us; f and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have, or can do, to fortune^ idols, h ourselves, 1 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 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. Mat. xxiii. 9. d Deut. xxxii. 15. Then he forsook God that made him, and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation. Prov. xiii. 13. Whoso despiseth the word, shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment, shall be rewarded. 2 Sam. xii. 9. e Acts vii. 51. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost. Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God. f Psalm Ixxiii. 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, 22. But as for me my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipt. Fori was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked, &.C. g 1 Sam. vi. 7, 8, 9. But if not, then shall we know that it is not his hand that smote us; it was a chance that hap- pened to us. h Dan. v. 23. 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. i Deut. viii. 17. And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth. Dan. iv. 30. k Hab. i. 16. Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 239 seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other god; that so it may be an argument to dissuade from it, and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation; 1 as also to persuade us to do as in his sight, whatever we do in his service." 1 Q. 107, Which is the second commandment? A. The second commandment is, " Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any like- ness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water un- der 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 fa- thers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." 11 Q. 108. What are the duties required in the second commandment'? A. The duties required in the second command- ment are, the receiving, observing, and keeping 1 Psalm xliv. 20, 21. If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Ezek. viii. 5. to the end of the chapter. And behold northward, at the gate of the altar, this image of jealousy in the entry. But turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations. m 1 Chrom 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 understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. n Exod. xx. 4, 5, 6% 240 THE LARGER CATECHISM. pure and entire, all such religious worship and or- dinances as God hath instituted in his word; par- ticularly prayer and thanksgiving in the name of Christ;? the reading, preaching and hearing of the word; 4 * the administration and receiving of the sa- craments 1 ; church-government and discipline; 5 the o Dcut. xxxii. 46, 47. Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day; which ye shall command your children to observe, to do all the words of this law. Mat. xxviii. 20. Teaching them to observe ail things whatsoever I have commanded you. 1 Tim. vi. 13, 14. That thou keep this commandment without spot, un- rebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts ii. 42. p Phil. iv. 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your re- quests be made known unto God. Eph. v. 20. q Deut. xvii. 18, 19. That he shall write him a copy of this law in a book; and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life. Acts xv. 21. For, Moses — hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. 2 Tim. iv. 2. Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; re- prove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doc- trine. James i. 21, 22. Receive with meekness the in- grafted word* Acts x. 33. r 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. I Cor. 11. from the 23d to the 30th verse. 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. s 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 heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. And John xx. 23. Mat. xviii. 15, 16, 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen r and a publican. 1 Cor. v. 1 Cor. xii. 28, THE LARGER CATECHISBI. 241 ministry and maintenance thereof; 1 religious fast- ing; v swearing by the name of God; w and vowing unto him: x As also the disapproving, detesting, op- posing all false worship;^ and, according to each one's place and calling, removing it, and all monu- ments of idolatry. 2 Q. 109. What are the sins forbidden in the se- cond commandment? A. The sins forbidden in the second command- ment are, all devising,* counselling, 15 command- t Eph. iv. 11, 12. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. 1 Tim. v. 17, 18. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 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. 1 to 15. v Joel ii. 12, 13. Therefore also now saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart; and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. 1 Cor. vii. 5. That ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer. w Deut. vi. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. x Psa. Ixxvi. 11. Yow and pay unto the Lord your God, Isa. xix. 21. Psa. cxvi. 14, 18. y Acts xvii. 6, 17. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred within him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Psa. xvi. 4. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another God: their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. z Deut, vii. 5. Isa. xxx. 22. a Num. xv. 39. And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the command- ments of the Lord, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart, and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring. b Deut. xiii. 6, 7, 8. If thy brother, the son of thy rno- X 242 THE LARGER CATECHISM* ing, c using, d and any wise approving any religious worship not instituted by God himself; e the ma- king any representation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature whatsoever:^ all worship of it, h or God ther, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee se- cretly, saying, Let us go and serve other Gods, (which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers); — thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him: neither shalt thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him. c Hos. v. 11. Ephraim is oppressed — in judgment, be- cause he willingly walked after the commandment. Micah vi. 16. For the statutes of Omri are kept. d 1 Kings xi. 33. Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth. 1 Kings xii. 33. So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel, the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even 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. e Deut. xii. 30, 31, 32. Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be de- stroyed before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? Even so will I do likewise. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it; thou shalt not add thereto, nor di- minish from it. g Deut. iv. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. 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,) lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure. Acts xvii. 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. Rom. i. 21, 22, 23, 25. But became vain in their imaginations- 1 - and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an THE LARGER CATECHISM. 243 in it or by it; 1 the making of any representation of feigned deities^ and all worship of them, or ser- vice belonging to them; 1 all superstitious devices,™ corrupting the worship of God, n adding to it, or taking from it, whether invented and taken up image made like to corruptible man, and to birds. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. h Gal. iv. 8. Howbeit, then when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them who by nature are no gods. Dan. iii. 18. i Exod. xxxii. 5. And when xAaron saw it, he built an altar before it, and Aaron made proclamation and said, To- morrow is a feast to the Lord. k Exod. xxxii. 8. 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, 28. 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. Isa. lxv. 11. m Acts xvii. 22. Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars- hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things, ye are too superstitious Col. ii. 21, 22, 23. (Touch not, taste not, handle not: which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men. Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-wor- ship and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. n Mai. i. 7, 8, 14. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar. But cursed be the deceiver who 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. o 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. 244 THE LARGER CATECHISM. of ourselves,? or received by tradition from others,& though under the title of antiquity , r custom, 8 devo- tion, 1 good intent, or any other pretence whatso- ever^ simony , w sacrilege;* all neglect/ contempt; 2 p Psa. cvi. 39. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. q Mat. xv. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines 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 conversation received by tradition from your fa- thers. s Jer. xliv. 17. But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goetli 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. t Isa lxv. 3, 4, 5. A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face, that sacrificeth in gardens, and burnetii incense upon altars of brick; who eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels: who say, stand by thyself, come not near me; for I am ho- lier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. Gal.i. 13, 14. How that beyond mea- sure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it; and profiled 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, 12. I forced 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, 19, 22 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money. x Rom. ii. 22. Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou com- mit sacrilege? Mai. iii. 8. Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me: but ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tythes and offerings. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 245 hindering,* and opposing the worship and ordi- nances which God hath appointed. 13 Q. 110. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it? Jl. The reasons annexed to the second com- mandment, the more to enforce it, contained in these words, " For I the Lord thy God am a jea- lous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my com- mandments:" are, beside God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, d his fervent zeal for his y Exod. iv. 24, 25, 26. And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him. z Mat. xxii. 5. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandize. Mai. i. 7, 13. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar — Ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible — Ye said also, Be- hold what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of Hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick. a Mat. xxiii. 13. But wo unto you, Scribes and Phari- sees, hypocrites; for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suf- fer ye them that are entering to go in. b Acts xiii. 44, 45. But when the Jews saw the multi- tudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blas- pheming. 1 Thess. ii. 15, 16. c Exod. xx. 5, 6. d Psa. xlv. 11. He is thy Lord, and worship thou him. Rev. xv. 3, 4. And they sing the song of Moses the ser- vant 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. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy. X 2 246 THE LARGER CATECHISM. own worships and his revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom ; f accounting the breakers of this com- mandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations,^ and esteem- ing the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations. 11 Q. 111. Which is tlie third commandment? A. The third commandment is, u 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.' n e Exod. xxxiv. 13, 14. But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves. For thou shalt worship no other God; for the Lord whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. f 1 Cor. x. 20, 21, 22. But 1 say, that the things which the Gejitiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God; and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye can not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye can not be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jea- lousy? Are we stronger than he? Deut. xxxii. 16, 17, 18, 19. Jer. vii. 18, 19, 20. Ezek. xvi. 26, 27. g Hos. ii. 2, 3, 4. Plead with your mother, plead; for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband; let her there- fore put away her whoredoms — and her adulteries from between her breasts: lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilder- ness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst. 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 command- ments, always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever? i Exod. xx. 7. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 247 Q. 112. What is required in tlie third command- ment? A. The third commandment requires, that the name of God, his titles, attributes, k ordinances, 1 the word," 1 sacraments, 11 prayer, oaths,? vows,* Iots, r his works, 8 and whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be hdily and k Mat. vi. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye: — Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Deur. xxviii. 58. That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, The Lord thy God. Psalm lxviii. 5. Extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name, Jah. Psalm xxix. 2. Rev. xv. 3, 4. (See above in d.) 1 Eccl. r. 1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacri- fice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Mai. ii. 4. m Psalm cxxxviii. 2. I will worship towards thy holy temple and praise thy name, for thy loving kindness ana for thy truth; for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. n 1 Cor. xi. from verse 23, to 30. But let a man exa- mine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. o 1 Tim. ii. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where* lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. p Jer. iv. 2. And thou shalt swear, the Lord liveth in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness. q Eccl. v. 2, 4. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: — When thou vowest a vow unto^the Lord, defer not to pay. r Acts i. 24, 26. And they prayed, and said, Thou Lord 9 ■who knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias. s Job xxxvi. 24. Remember ttoat thou magnify his work, which men behold. 248 THE LARGER CATECHISM. reverently used in thought, 1 meditation/ word w and writing;* by an holy profession/ and answer- able conversation/ to the glory of God/ and the good of ourselves/ and others. Q. 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment? A. The sins forbidden in the third command- ment are, the not using of God's name as is re- quired; 11 and the abuse of it in an ignorant/ vain/ t Mai. iii. 16. And a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. v Psal viii. throughout. "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers; the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him 5 () Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! w Psal. cv. 2, 5. Talk ve of all his wondrous works. Col, ii. 17. x Psal. cii. 18. This shall be written for the generation to come; and the people which shall be created, shall praise the Lord. y 1 Pet. iii. 15. Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. Mich. iv. 5. We will walk in the name of the Lord our God, forever and ever. z Phil. i. 27. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. a 1 Cor. x. 31. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. b Jer. xxxii. 39. And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for the good of them. c 1 Pet. ii. 12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evil- doers, they may by your good works which they shall be- hold, glorify God in the day of visitation. d Mai. ii. 2. And if ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of Hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. TOE LARGER CATECHISM. 249 irreverent, profane,^ superstitious, 11 or wicked men- tioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes,* ordinances, k or works; 1 by blasphemy;" 1 perjury; 11 all sinful cursing, oaths,? vows, - and lots; 1 ' violat- e Acts xvii. 23. Whom therefore ye ignorantly wor- ship. f Prov. xxx. 9. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. g Mai. i. 6, 7, 12. 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. But ye have profaned it; in that ye say, The table of the Lord is polluted, and the fruit thereof, even his meat is contemptible. Mai. iii. 14. h Jer. vii. 4, 9, 10, 14, 31. Trust ye not in lying words, saying The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these. Col. ii. 20, 21, 22. i Exod. v. 2. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that! should obey his voice, to let Israel go? Psalm cxxxix. 20. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. k Psalm 1. 16, 17. But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes? or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? seeing thou hatest instruction, and callest my words behind thee. 1 Isa. v. 12. And the harp and the viol, the tabret and pipe, and wine are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands. m 2 Kings xix. 22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel. Lev. xxiv. 11. n Zech. v. 4. And it shall enter into the house of a thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name; and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it. o Rom. xii. 14. Bless and curse not. 1 Sam xvii. 43. 2 Sam. xvi, 5. p Jer. v. T> Thy children have forsaken me, and sworn 250 THE LARGER CATECHISM. ing of our oaths and vows, if lawful;* and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; 1 murmuring and quar- relling at, v curious prying into, w and misapplying of God's decrees x and providences; y misinterpret- ing^ misapplying,* or any way perverting the by them that are no gods: Jer. xxiii. 10. For because of swearing the land mourneth. q Deut xxiii. 18. Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow. Acts xxiii. 12, 14. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound them- selves with a curse, saying, that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. r Esth. hi. 7. and ix. 24. They cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Hainan, from day to day, — Because Haman — had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur. s Psalm xxiv. 4. Who hath not lifted up his soul to vani- ty, nor sworn deceitfully. Ezek. xvii. 16, 18, 19. Surely mine oatli that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hat!) broken, even it will 1 recompense upon his own head. t Mark vi. 26. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes who sat with him, he would not reject her. 1 Sam. xxv. 22, 32,33, 34. v Rom. ix. 14, 19, 20. Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. Why doth he yet find fault? For who bath resisted his will? Nay, but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say unto him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? w Deut. xxix. 29, The secret things belong unto the Lord. x Rom iii. 5, 7, 8. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God; what shall we say? Is God unrigh- teous who taketh vengeance? — For if the truth of God bath more abounded through my lie unto his glory, why yet am I also judged as a sinner? y Eccl. viii. 11 Because sentence against an evil work js not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Psalm lxxiii. 12, 13. z Mat. v. 21 to the end. ft Ezek, xiii, 22. Because with lies ye have made the THE LARGER CATECHISM. 251 word, or any part of it, b to profane jests , c curious and unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; d abusing it, the creatures, or any thing contained under the name of God, to charms, e or sinful lusts and practices;*" the maligning,^ scorning, h reviling, 1 or any ways heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hand of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life. b 2 Pet. iii. 16. In which are some things hard to be un- derstood; which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures unto their own de- struction. Mat. xxii. 24 to the 31st verse. Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. c Jer. xliii. 34, 36, 38. d 1 Tim. vi. 4, 5, 20. He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words; whereof com- eth envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disput- ings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth. Avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science, falsely to be called. 2 Tim ii. 14. Charging them before the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Tit. iii. 9. e Deut. xviii. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an ob- server of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a ne- cromancer. Acts ix. 13. f 2 Tim. vi. 3, 4. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. Jude 4. Rom. xiii. 13, 15. 1 Kings xxi.9, 10. g Acts xiii. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blasphem- ing. 1 John iii. 12. h 2 Pet. iii. 3. Knowing this first, that there shall come 252 THE LARGER CATECHIS^I, opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; k making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; 1 being ashamed of it, m or a shame to it, by uncomfortable, 11 unwise, unfruitful? and offensive walkings or backsliding from it. in the last day scoffers, walking after their own lusts. Psa. k 1. Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. i 1 Pet. iv. 4. Wherein they think it strange, that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. k Acts xiii. 45, 46, 50. See in letter h. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. Acts iv. 18. And commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus. Acts xix. 9. 1 Thess. ii. 16. Heb x. 29. 1 2 Tim. iii. 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. Mat. xxiii 14. Wo unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers. Mat. vi. 1, 2, 3, 5, 16. m Mark viii. 58. Whosoever, therefore, shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful ge- neration, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with the holy angels. n Psalm lxxiii 14, 15. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. o Eph. v. 15, 16, 17. See then that ye walk circumspect- ly, not as fools, but as wise. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 1 Cor. v. 5, 6. p Isa. v. 4. What could have been done to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes: 2 Pet. i. 8, 9. q Uom. ii 23, 24. Thou that makestthy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles, through you. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 253 Q. 114. What reasons are annexed to the third commandment? •A. The reasons annexed to the third command- ment, in these words, (" the Lord thy God,") and ("for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain") s are; because he is the Lord and our God, therefore his name is not to be profaned, or any way abused by us; 1 especially be- cause he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judg- ment/ albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men. w Q. 115. Which is the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment is, " Remember the sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid ser- r Gal. ili. 1, 3. O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among your Are ye so foolish? Having- begun in the spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Heb. vi. 6. s Exod. xx. 7. t Lev. xix. 12. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely; neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord. v Deut. xxviii. 58, 59. If thou wilt not observe 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; then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderfjil, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance. Zech. v. 2, 3, 4. Ezek. xsxvi, 21, 22, 23. w 1 Sam. ii, .12, 17, 22. 1 Sam. iii. 13, Y 254 THE LARGER CATECHISM. vant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is with- in thy gates: for in six days the Lord made hea- ven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord bless- ed the sabbath-day and hallowed it." x Q. 116. What is required in the fourth com- mandment? A. The fourth commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his word, ex- pressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the re- surrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath/ and in the New Testament called The Lord^s day. 7 - Q. 117. How is tlie sabbath or Lortfs day to be sanctified? A. The sabbath, or Lord's day, is to be sancti- fied by an holy resting all that day," not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from x Exod. xx. 8, 9, 10, 11. y Gen. ii. 3. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work. 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath pros- pered him. Acts xx. 7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them, ready to depart on the morrow. John xx. 19 to 27. Mat. v. 17, 18. Isa. hi. 2, 4, 6, 7. Blessed is the man that doeth this, — that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it. z Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. a Exod xx. 8, 10. Remember the sabbath-day to keep it holy. In it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy srm, &c. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 255 such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful ; b and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mer- cy ) in the public and private exercises of God's worship. d And, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence and mo- deration, to dispose, and seasonably to despatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and tit for the duties of that day. e b Exod. xvi. 25 to 29. And Moses said, Eat that to-day; for to-day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to-day ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. Jer. xvii. 21, 22. Thus saith the Lord, Take heed to your- selves, and bear no burden on the sabbath-day, nor bring" it in by the gates of Jerusalem. Neither carry forth a bur- den out of your houses on the sabbath-day, neither do ye any work; but hallow ye the sabbath day as I commanded your fathers. Xeh xiii, 15. to the 23d verse. In those days I saw some treading wine-presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens — Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath-day? c Mat. xii. 1, to the 14th verse. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath-day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat But when the Pharisees saw it they said unto him, Behold thy disciples do that wTich is not lawful to do up- on the sabbath-day But be said unto them, kc. d Lev. xxiii. 3. Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation. Isa. lviii. 13. And call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words. Luke iv. 16. And, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath-day, and stood up for to read. Acts xx. 7. e Exod. xx. 8. Remember the sabbath-day, to keep it 256 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 118, Why is the charge of keeping the sab- bath more specially directed to governors of families and other superiors? $.. The charge of keeping the sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by alt those that are under their charge; and because they are prone oft-times to hinder them by employments of their own. f Q. 119. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment? Jl. The sins forbidden in the fourth command- ment are, all omissions of the duties required,^ all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; 11 all profaning holy Luke xxiii. 54, 56. And that day was the prepara- tion, and the sabbath drew on. Neh. xiii. 19. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut; and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath. f See above in b. Exod. xx. 10. In it (the sabbath) thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, &c Exod. xxiii. 12. That thine ox and thine ass may rest; and the son of thine handmaid, and the stranger may be refreshed. Exod. xvi. 22, 25, 29. g Ezek. xxii. 26. Her priests have violated my law, and "have profaned mine holy things; — and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths; and I am profaned among them. h Ezek. xxxiii. 30, 31, 32. And they come unto thee as the people cometh; and they sit before thee as my people, and hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness Mai. i. 13. Ye said also, Behold whnt a weariness is it? and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of Hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame and the sick. Amos viii. 5. Acts xx. 7, 9. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 257 the day by idleness, and doing that which is in it- self sinful; 1 and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and re- creations. k Q. 120. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it ? A. The reasons annexed to the fourth com- mandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for him- self, in these words, " six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work:" 1 from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, " the seventh is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: rm from the example of God, who u in six days made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: 1 ' and from that blessing which God put up- on that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it; " where- fore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallow- ed it." n Q. 121. Why is the word remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment 6 ? i Ezek. xxiii. 39. Moreover, this they have done unto me; they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths. k Jer. xvii. 24, 27. But if ye will not hearken unto me, to hallow the sabbath-day, and not to bear a burden: — then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and shall not be quenched. Isa, Iviii. 13. 1 Exod. xx. 9. m Exod. xx. 10. u Exod. xx. 11. Y 2 25S THE LARGER CATECHISM. A. The word remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment. partly because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it;P and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the com- mandments,^ and to continue a thankful remem- brance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion: 1 ' and partly because we are ready to for- get it, s for that theie is less light of nature for it, f and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things o Exod. xx. 8. •p Exod. xvi. 23. To-morrow is the rest of the holy sab- bath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe. Luke xxiii. 54, 56. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. Com- pared with Mark xv. 42. And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day be- fore the sabbath Neh. xiii. 19. q Ezek. xx. 12, 19, 20. Moreover, I gave them my sabbaths to be a si^n between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them. And hallow my sabbaths: and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that 1 am the Lord your God. r Gen. ii. 2, 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made: and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God bless- ed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work, which God created and made. Psalm cxviii. 22, 24. The stone which the builders re- fused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. Ileb iv. 9. s Ezek xxii 26. Her priests have violated my law: and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths. t Neh.ix. 14. And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 259 at other times lawful ; v that it cometh but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sancti- fy it ; w and that Satan with his instruments much labours to blot out the glory, and even the memo- ry of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety. x Q. 122. What is the sum of the six command- ments which contain our duty to man? A. The sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man, is, to love our neighbour as ourselves,* 7 and to do to others what we would have them to do to us. z Q. 123. Which is the fifth commandment? A. The fifth commandment is, " honour thy fa- ther and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth ihee. a v Exod. xxxiv. 21. Six days thou sbalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing-time, and in harvest thou shalt rest. w Exod. xx. 9. Six days shalt thou labour. Amos viii. 5, When will the new moon be gone — and the sabbath that we may set forth wheat? x Lam. i. 7. Jerusalem remembered in the days of her -affliction, and of her miseries, all her pleasant tilings that she had in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy, and none did help her; the adversaries saw her, and did mock at her sabbaths. Neh. xiii. From verse 15, to 23. In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine-presses on the sabbath. Jer. xvii. 21, 22, 23. y Mat. xxii. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. z Mat. vii. 19. Therefore are all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. 260 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 124. Who are meant by father and mo- ther, in the fifth commandment? A. By father and mother ^m the fifth command- ment, are meant not only natural parents, b but all superiors in age c and gifts; tl and especially such as by God's ordinance are over us in place of au- thority, whether in family , e church/ or common- wealth. s Q. 125. Why are superiors styled father and mother? A. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tender- ness to them, according to their several relations; 11 a Exod. xx. 12. b Prov. xxiii. 22, 25. Hearken unto thy father that be- gat thee, anil despise not thy mother when she is old. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad; and she that bear thee shall rejoice. Eph. vi. 1, 2. c 2 Tim. v. 1, 2. Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father, and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters. d Gen. iv. 20, 21. And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. Gen. xiv. 8, And he hath made me a father to Pharaoh. e 2 Kings v. 13. And his servant came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have done it? f Gal. iv. 19. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. 2 Kings ii. 12. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father! the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. 2 Kings xiii. 14. g Isa. xlix. 23. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers. h Eph. vi. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your chil- dren to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and ad- THE LARGER CATECHISM. 261 and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their su- periors, as to their parents. 1 Q. 126. What is the general scope of the fifth commandment? A. The general scope of the fifth command- ment is the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals. k Q. 127. What is the honour that inferiors owe to superiors? A. The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart, 1 word, m monition of the Lord. 1 Thess. ii. 7, 8, 11. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her chil- dren. So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. As ye know how we exhorted and comforted, and charged everv one of you, as a father doth his children. Num. xi. 11, 12, 16. i 1 Cor. v. 14, 15, 16. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you: for though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you be ye fol- lowers of me. k Eph. v. 21. Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 1 Pet. ii. 17. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Rom. xii. 10. Be kindly afFectioned one to another, with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. 1 Mai. i. 6. A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master. If then I be a father, where is mine honour! 1 and if I be a master, where is my fear? Lev. xix. 3. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father. m Prow xxxi. 28. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 1 Pet. iii. 6. Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. 262 THE LARGER CATECHISM. and behaviour," prayer and thanksgiving for them, imitation of their virtues and graces;P willing obe- dience to their lawful commands and counsels; * due submission to their corrections; 1 " fidelity to, s defence 1 and maintainance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and n Lev. xix. 32. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary- head, and honour the face of the old man. 1 Kings ii. 19. And she sat on his right hand. o 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2. I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in au- thority. p Heb. xiii. 7. Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversa- tion. Phil. iii. 17. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them who walk so, as ye have us for an ensample. q Eph. vi. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters, according to the flesh. 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14. Sub- mit yourselvt-s to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto go- vernors. Horn. xiii. from 1 to 6. Heb. xiii. 17. Prov. iv. 34, and xxiii. 22. r Heb. xii. 9. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh, who corrected us, and we gave them reverence. 1 Pet. ii. 18, 19, 20. Servants, be subject to your masters, with all fear — but if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. s Tit. ii, 9, 10. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not answering again; not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Sa- viour in all things. t 1 Sam. xxvi. 15, 16. Wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? As the Lord liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your masler, the Lord's anointed. 2 Sam. xviii. 3. Esth. vi. 2. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 263 the nature of their places; v bearing with their in- firmities, and covering them in love, w that so they ma\ be an honour to them and to their government/ Q. 128. What are tlie sins of inferiors against their superiors? A. The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required toward them; y envying at, z contempt of it, a and rebellion 11 v Mat. xxii. 21. Render — unto Cxsar the things which are Caesar's. Rom. xiii. 6, 7. For this cause pay ye tri- bute also: for they are God's ministers attending continu- ally upon this very thing. Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 1 Tim. v. 17, 18. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and the labourer is worthy of his reward. Gal. vi. 6. Gen. xlv. 11 and xlvii. 12. w Gen. ix. 23. And Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's naked- ness. 1 Pet. ii. 18. Prov.xxiii. 22. x Psa. cxxvii. 3, 4, 5. Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Prov. xxxi. 23. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders qf the land. y Mat. xv. 4, 5, 6. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the com* mandment of God of none effect by your tradition. z Num. xi. 28, 29. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? Would to God that all the Lord's peo- ple were prophets. a 1 Sam. viii. 7. For they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that 1 should not reign over them. 264 THE LARGER CATECHISM. against their persons and places,* 1 in theirlawful counsels, e commands and corrections ; f cursing, mocking,^ and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government. 11 Q. 129. What is required of superiors towards their inferiors? Jl. It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to love, 1 pray for, k and bless Isa. iii. 5. The child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable. b 2 Sam. xv. from verse 1 to 12. And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, &c. c Exod. xxi. 15. And he that smiteth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death. d 1 Sam. x. 27. But the children of Belial said, How- shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. e 1 Sam. ii. 25. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them. f Dent. xxi. 18, 19, 20, 21. And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice, he is a glutton and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die. g Prov. xxx. 11. There is a generation that curseth. their father, and doth not bless their mother. Verse 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. h Prov. xix. 26. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth. reproach. i Col. iii. 19. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Tit. ii. 4. k 1 Sam. xu\ 23. Moreover, as for me, God forbid that THE LARGER CATECHISM. 2G5 their inferiors, 1 to instruct," 1 counsel and admonish them; 11 countenancing, commending,? and re- warding such as do well,** and discountenancing, 1 * reproving, and chastising such as do ill; 8 protect- ing* and providing for them all things necessary for soul v and body: w and, by grave, wise,*holy and I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. Job. i. 5. 1 1 Kings viii. 55, 56. And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel, with a loud voice. Gen. xlix. 28. m Deut. vi. 6, 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart. And thou sbalt teach them diligently unto thy children; 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. n Eph. vi. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your chil- dren unto wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. o 1 Pet. iii. 7. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. p Rom. xiii. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Do that which is good, and thou shaft have praise of the same. 1 Pet. ii. 14. q Esth. vi. 3. And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? r Rom. xiii. 4. He is the minister of God — a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. s Prov. xxix. 15. The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself, bringeth his mother to shame. Rom. xiii. 4. t Job xxix. from the 12th verse to the 18th. Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him, he. Isa. i. 10, 17. Relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. v Eph. vi. 4. See above in letter n. w 1 Tim. v. 8. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the f'aitb v and is worse than an infidel. Z 266 THE LARGER CATECHISM, exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, x ho- nour to themselves ; y and so to preserve that autho- rity which God hath put upon them. 2 Q. 130. What are the sins of superiors? A. The sins of superiors are, beside the neglect of the duties required of them, a an inordinate seek- ing of themselves, b their own glory , c ease, profit, or pleasure^ commanding things unlawful/ or not in the power of inferiors to perform ; f counselling,^ x 1 Tim. iv. 12. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversa- tion, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Tit. ii. 3, 4, 5. y 1 Kings iii. 18. And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judg- ment. z Tit. ii. 15. These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. a Ezek. xxxiv. '2, 3, 4. Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? The diseased have ye not strengthened, nei- ther have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought- that which was lost. b Phil. ii. 21. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. c John v. 44. How can ye believe, who receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? John vii. 18. d Isa. lvi. 10, 11. His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they can not bark; sleep- ing, \y'u\i^ down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs, who can never have enough. Deut. xvii. 17. Neither shall lie greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. e Acts iv. if, 18. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus. Dan. iii. 4, 5, 6. f Exod. v. from verse 10, to the 19th. There shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of brick. Mat. xxiii. 2, 4. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 267 encouraging, 11 or favouring them in that which is evil; 1 dissuading, discouraging or discountenancing them in that which is good; k correcting them un- duly; 1 careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation and danger; 111 provoking them to wrath; 11 or any way dishonouring themselves, or lessening g Mat. xiv. 8. compared with Mark vi. 24. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. h Jer. v. 30, 31. A wonderful and horrible thing is com- mitted in the land. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means, and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? 2 Sam. xiii. 28. i Jer. vi. 13, 14. From the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of— my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. Ezek. xiii. 9, 10. k John vii. 46, 47, 48, 49. The officers answered, J\ T ever man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pha- risees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. John ix. 28. Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. 1 1 Pet. ii. 19,20. For this is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Heb. xii. 10. They verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Deut. xxv. 3. m Lev. xix. 29. Do not prostitute thy daughter. Isa. Iviii. 7. Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked that thou cover him, and that thou hidemot thyself from thine own flesh? Gen. xxxiii. 11, 26. n Eph. vi. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath. 268 THE LARGER CATECHISM. their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behaviour. Q. 131. What are the duties of equals'? A, The duties of equals are, to regard the dig- nity and worth of each other,? in giving honour to go one before another;** and to rejoice in each others gifts and advancement as their own/ Q. 132. What arc the sins of equals? A. The sins of equals are, beside the neglect of the duties required, 8 the undervaluing of the worth, 1 envying the gifls, v grieving at the advance- o Gen. ix. 21. And he drank of the wine, and was drunken, and he was uncovered within his tent. 1 Kings xii. 13. And the king (Rehoboam) answered the people roughly, and forsook the old mens' counsel that they gave him; and spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will •add to your yoke; my father also chastised you with whips, but 1 will chastise you with scorpions. 1 Kings i. 6. And Lis father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why bust thou done so? 1 Sam. iii. 13. For I have told him, (Eii) that 1 will judge his house for ever for the ini- quity which he knoweth; because his sons made them- selves vile, and he restrained them not. p 1 Pet. ii. 17. Honour all men — Love the brotherhood. q Rom xii. 10. In honour preferring one another. Phil. ii, 3. In lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. r Rom. xii. 15, 16. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, :