Two Short Catechisms
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The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
Dr. John Owen 's TWO SHORT CATECHISMS, Wherein the PRINCIPLES OF THE Doctrine of Christ Are Unfolded and Explained.
Proper for all Persons to Learn before they be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and Compos'd by Him for the use of all Congregations in General.
The Second Edition.
Come ye Children, hearken unto me, I will teach you the Fear of the Lord, Psalm 34. 11.
LONDON: Printed for, and Sold by Will. Marshal at the Bible in Newgate-street: Where you may be supplied with most of Dr. Owen 's Works. Likewise the true Effigies of Dr. Owen: Also other Effigies, as Mr. Caryl, Mr. Mead, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Clark, &c.
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Where is sold, a Guide to Parish Clerks for Singing Psalms, by Henry Playford, price 1 s. As also Playford, Psalms, and his Divine Companion, &c.
〈1 page duplicate〉TO My loving Neighbors and Christian Friends.
Brethren,
MY hearts desire and request unto God for you is, that ye may be saved: I say the Truth in Christ also, I lie not, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great Heaviness, and continual Sorrow in my Heart, for them amongst you, who as yet walk disorderly, and not as beseemeth the Gospel, little laboring to acquaint themselves with the Mystery of Godliness; for many walk, of whom I have told you often weeping, and now tell you again with Sorrow, that they are the Enemies of the Cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their Belly, who mind earthly things. You know (Brethren) how I have been amongst you, and in what manner, for these few years past; and how I have kept back nothing (to the utmost of the dispensation to me committed) that was profitable unto you; but have shown you and taught you publicly, and from House to House, testifying to all, Repentance towards God, and Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. Now with what Sincerity this hath been by me performed; with what Issue and Success by you received, God the righteous Judge will one Day declare; for before him, must both you and I appear, to give an account of the dispensation of the glorious Gospel amongst us: in the mean while, the desire of my Heart is, to be Servant to the least of you in the Work of the Lord. And that in any way, which I can conceive profitable unto you either in your Persons or your Families. Now amongst my Indeavours in this kind, after the Ordinance of Public Preaching the Word, there is not, I conceive, anymore needful, (as all will grant that know the Estate of this Place, how taught of late days, how full of grossly ignorant Persons) then Catechising, which hath caused me to set aside some Hours for the compiling of these following, which also I have procured to be printed merely because the least part of the Parish are able to read it in Writing, my Intention in them being, principally, to hold out those necessary Truths, wherein you have been in my Preaching more fully instructed: as they are, the use of them I shall briefly present unto you.
1. The lesser Catechism may be so learned of the younger sort, that they may be ready to answer to every Question thereof.
2. The greater will call to mind much of what hath been taught you in public, especially concerning the Person and Offices of Jesus Christ.
3. Out of that you may have help to instruct your Families in the lesser, being so framed for the most part, that a Chapter of the one, is spent in unfolding a Question of the other.
4. The texts of Scripture quoted, are diligently to be sought out and pondered, that you may know indeed whether these things are so.
5. In reading the Word, you may have light into the meaning of many places, by considering what they are produced to Confirm.
6. I have been sparing in the Doctrine of the Sacraments, because I have already been so frequent in examinations about them.
7. The handling of moral Duties I have wholly omitted, because by God's assistance I intend for you a brief Explication of the Lord 's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, with some Articles of the Creed, not unfolded in these, by themselves, by the way of Question and Answer.
Now in all this as the pains hath been mine, so I pray that the Benefit may be yours, and the Praise his, to whom alone any good, that is in this or anything else, is to be ascribed. Now the God of Heaven continue that Peace, Love, and Amity amongst ourselves, which hit herto hath been unshaken, in these divided Times, and grant that the Scepter and Kingdom of his Son may be gloriously advanced in your hearts, that the things which concern your Peace may not be hidden from your eyes in this your day: which is the daily Prayer of
Your Servant in the work of the Lord, J. O.
From my Study, Septem. the last.
THE Lesser Catechism.
Question, WHence is all Truth concerning God, and our selves to be learned?
Answer. From the Holy Scripture, the Word of God.
Q. What do the Scriptures teach that God is?
A. An eternal, infinite, most holy Spirit, giving Being to all things, and doing with them whatsoever He pleaseth.
Q. Is there but one God?
A. One only, in respect of his Essence, and Being, but one in three distinct Persons, of Father Son, and Holy Ghost.
Q. What else is held forth in the Word concerning God, that we ought to know?
A. His Decrees, and his Works.
Q What are the Decrees of God concerning us?
A. His eternal purposes, of saving some by Jesus Christ, for the Praise of his Glory; and of condemning others for their Sins.
Q. What are the Works of God?
A. Acts or Doings of his Power, whereby He createth, sustaineth, and governeth all things.
Q. What is required from us towards Almighty God?
A. Holy and spiritual obedience, according to his Law given unto us.
Q. Are me able to do this of our selves?
A. No, in no wise, being by nature unto every good Work reprobate.
Q. How came we into this Estate, being at the first created in the image of God, in righteousness and innocence?
A. By the fall of our first Parents, breaking the Covenant of God, losing his Grace and deserving his Curse.
Q. By what way may we be delivered from this miserable Estate.
A. Only by Jesus Christ.
A. God and Man united in one Person, to be a Mediator between God and Man.
Q. What is He unto us?
A. A King, a Priest, & a Prophet.
Q. Wherein doth he exercise his Kingly Power towards us?
A. In converting us unto God by his Spirit, subduing us unto his obedience, and ruling in us by his Grace.
Q. In what doth the exercise of his Priestly Office for us chiefly consist?
A. In offering up himself an acceptable sacrifice on the cross, so satisfying the justice of God for our Sins, removing his curse from our Persons, and bringing us unto him.
Q. Wherein doth Christ exercise his prophetical Office towards us?
A. In revealing to our Hearts, from the bosom of his Father, the way, and truth, whereby we must come unto him.
Q. For whose sake doth Christ perform all these?
A. Only for his Elect.
Q. In what condition doth Jesus Christ exercise these Offices?
A. He did in a low Estate of humiliation on Earth, but now in a glorious Estate of exaltation in Heaven.
Q. What is the Church of Christ?
A. The universal company of God's Elect, called to the adoption of Children.
Q. How come we to be Members of this Church?
A. By a lively Faith.
Q. What is a lively Faith?
A. An assured resting of the Soul upon God's promises of mercy in Jesus Christ, for pardon of Sins here, and Glory hereafter.
Q. How come we to have this faith?
A. By the effectual working of the Spirit of God in our hearts, freely calling us from the state of Nature, to the state of Grace.
Q. Are we accounted Righteous for our Faith?
A. No, but only for the righteousness of Christ, freely imputed unto us, and laid hold of by Faith.
Q. 1. Is there no more required of us, but Faith only?
A. Yes, Repentance also, and Holiness.
Q. 2. What is Repentance?
A. A forsaking of all Sin, with Godly sorrow for what we have committed.
Q. 3. What is that Holiness which is required of us?
A. Universal obedience to the will of God revealed unto us.
Q. What are the privileges of believers.
A. First, Union with Christ; secondly, Adoption of Children; thirdly, Communion of Saints; fourthly, right to the Seals of the new Covenant; fifthly, Christian liberty; sixthly, Resurrection of the body to Life eternal.
Q. 1. What are the Sacraments, or Seals of the new Covenant?
A. Visible Seals of God's spiritual Promises, made unto us in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Q. 2. Which be they?
A. Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
A. An holy Ordinance, whereby being sprinkled with Water according to Christ's institution, we are by his Grace made Children of God, and have the promises of the Covenant sealed unto us.
A. An holy Ordinance of Christ appointed to communicate unto Believers, his Body and Blood spiritually, being represented by Bread and Wine, blessed, broken, poured out, and received of them.
Q. 2. Who have a right unto this Sacrament?
A. They only who have an interest in Jesus Christ by Faith.
Q. What is the Communion of Saints?
A. An holy Conjunction between all God's People, Partakers of the same Spirit, and Members of the same mystical Body.
Q. What is the end of all this Dispensation?
A. The Glory of God in our Salvation.
Glory be to God on high.
THE Greater Catechism.
CHAP. I. Of the Scripture.
Question 1. WHat is Christian Religion?
A. The only (a) way of knowing God aright, and (b) living unto him. (a) Joh. 14. 5. ch. 17. 3. Act. 4. 12. (b) Col. 1. 10. 2. Cor. 5. 15. Gal. 2. 19, 20.
Q. 2. Whence is it to be learned?
A. From the holy Scripture only. Isa. 8. 20. Joh. 5. 39.
Q. 3. What is the Scripture?
A. The books of the (a) Old, & (b) New Testament, (c) given by inspiration from God, containing all things necessary to be believed and done, that God may be worshipped and our Souls saved. (a) Isa. 8. 20. Rom. 3. 2. (b) Rev. 22. 19, 20. (c) 2 Tim. 2. 16, 17. Psal. 19. 7, 8. Jer. 7. 31. Joh. 20. 31.
Q. 4. How know you them to be the word of God?
A. By the (a) testimony of God's Spirit, working Faith in my heart, to close with that (b) heavenly Majesty, and clear divine truth, that shineth in them. (a) Matth. 16, 17. Joh. 16. 13. 1 Thess. 2. 13. 1 Joh. 2. 20. 1 Joh. 5, 6. (b) Luk. 24. 32. 1 Cor. 2. 14. Heb. 4. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 19.
CHAP. II. Of God.
Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning God?
A. First, what he is, or his Nature; Secondly, what he doth, or his Works. Exod. 3. 14. Isa. 45. 6. Heb. 1. 1, 2, 3. Heb. 11. 6.
Q. 2. What is God in himself?
A. An (a) eternal (b) infinite, (c) incomprehensible (d) spirit, (e) giving being to all things, and doing with them whatsoever he pleaseth, (a) Deut. 33. 37. Isa. 57. 15. Revel. 1. 8. (b) 1 King. 8. 27. Psal. 139. 2, 3, 4, 5. &c. (c) Exod. 32. 20. 1 Tim. 6. 16. (d) Joh. 4, 24. (e) Gen. 1. 1. Psal. 115. 3. & 135. 6. Isa. 46. 10. Joh. 5. 17. Heb. 1. 2.
Q. 3. Do we here know God as he is?
A. No his glorious being is not of us, in this Life to be comprehended. Exod. 33. 23. 1 Cor. 13. 12.
Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefly made known unto us in the Word?
A. First, by his (f) Names, Secondly, by his (g) Attributes, or Properties. (f) Exod. 3. 14. ch. 6. 3. Psa. 83. 18. (g) Exo. 34. 6, 7. Mat. 5. 48.
Q. 5. What are the Names of God?
A. Glorious Titles, which he hath given himself, to hold forth his excellencies unto us, with some perfections, whereby he will reveal himself, Exod. 3, 14, 15. & 6, 3, & 34. 6, 7. Gen. 17. 1.
Q. 6. What are the Attributes of God?
A. His infinite perfections, in being and working. Revelat. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11.
Q. 7. What are the chief Attributes of his Being?
A. (a) Eternity, (b) infiniteness, (c) simplicity, or purity, (d) all-sufficiency, (e) perfectness, (f) immutability, (g) life, (h) will, and (i) understanding. (a) Deut. 33. 37. Psal. 93. 2. Esa. 57. 15. Revel. 1. 11. (b) 1 King. 8. 27. Psal. 139. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9. (c) Exod. 3. 14. (d) Gen. 17. 1. Psal. 135. 4, 5. (e) Joh. 11. 7, 8, 9. Rom. 11. 33, 34, 35, 36. (f) Mal. 3. 6. Jam. 1. 17. (g) Judge. 8. 19. 1 Sam. 25. 34. 2 King. 3. 14. Ezek. 14. 16. & 16. 48. Matth. 16. 16. Act. 24. 15. 1 Thes. 1. 9. (h) Dan. 11. 3. Esa. 46. 10. Ephes. 1. 5. 11. Jam. 1. 18. (i) Psal. 7. 2 & 139. 2. & 147. 4. Jer. 11. 20. Heb. 4. 13.
Q. 8. What are the Attributes which usually are ascribed to him in his Works, or the Acts of his Will?
A. (k) Goodness, (l) Power, (m) Justice, (n) Mercy, (o) Holiness, (p) Wisdom, and the like, which he delighteth to exercise towards his Creatures, for the Praise of his Glory (k) Psal. 119. 68. Mat. 19. 17. (l) Exod. 15. 11. Psal. 62. 10. Revel. 19. 1. (m) Zeph. 3. 5. Psal. 11. 7. Jerem. 12. 1. Rom. 1. 30. (n) Psal. 130. 7. Rom. 9. 15. Ephes. 2. 4. (o) Exod. 15. 11. Josh. 24. 19. Hab. 1. 13. Revel. 4. 8. (p) Rom. 11. 33. & 16. 17.
CHAP. III. Of the Holy Trinity.
Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these Properties do belong?
A. (a) One only, in respect of his Essence and Being, but one (b) in three distinct Persons, of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. (a) Deut. 6. 4. Matth. 19. 17. Ephes. 4, 5, 6. (b) Gen. 1. 7. 1 Joh. 5. 7. Matth. 28. 19.
Q. 2. What mean you by Person?
A. A distinct manner of Subsistence or Being, distinguished from the other Persons, by its own Properties. Joh. 5. 17. Heb. 1. 3.
Q 3. What is the distinguishing property of the Person of the Father?
A. To be of himself only, the fountain of the God-head. Joh. 5. 26, 27. Ephes. 1. 3.
Q 4. What is the property of the Son?
A. To be begotten of his Father, from eternity. Psal. 2. 7. Joh. 1. 14. and 3. 16.
Q. 5. What of the Holy Ghost?
A. To proceed from the Father and the Son. Joh. 14. 17. & 16. 14. and 15. 26. and 20. 22.
Q. 6. Are these three one?
A. One (a) every way, in Nature, Will, and Essential properties, (b) distinguished only in their personal manner of subsistence (a) John. 10. 30. Rom. 3. 30. (b) John. 15. 26. 1 John. 5. 7.
Q. 7. Can we conceive these things as they are in themselves?
A. Neither (a) we, nor yet the (b) Angels of Heaven, are at all able to dive into these secrets, as they are internally in God; (c) but in respect of the outward dispensation of themselves, to us, by Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification, a knowledge may be attained of these things, saving, and heavenly. (a) 1 Tim. 6. 16. (b) Esa. 6. 2, 3. (c) Col. 1. 11, 12, 13, 14.
CHAP. IV. Of the Works of God, and First, of those that are internal and immanent.
Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning the Works of God?
A. That they are of two sorts; first, internal in his Counsel, Decrees, and purposes towards his Creatures? secondly, external, in his Works, over and about them, to the praise of his own glory. Act. 15. 18. Prov. 16. 4.
Q 2. What are the decrees of God?
A. (a) Eternal, (b) unchangeable purposes of his will, concerning the being, and well-being of his Creatures. (a) Mich. 5. 2. Ephes. 3. 9. Act. 15. 18. (b) Esa. 14. 24. Esa. 46. 10. Rom. 9. 12. 2 Tim. 2. 19.
Q. 3. Concerning which of his Creatures chiefly are his decrees to be considered?
A. Angels, and Men, for whom other things were ordained. 1 Tim. 5. 21. Jud. 6.
Q. 4. What are the decrees of God concerning men?
A. Election, and Reprobation. Rom. 9. 11, 12.
Q. 5. What is the decree of election?
A. The (a) eternal, (b) free, (c) immutable purpose of God, (d) whereby in Jesus Christ, he chooseth unto himself, whom he pleaseth, out of (e) whole mankind, determining to bestow upon them, for his sake, (f) grace here, and everlasting happiness hereafter, for the praise of his Glory, by the way of Mercy (a) Eph. 1. 4. Act. 13. 48. Rom. 8. 29, 30. (b) Mat. 11. 26. (c) 2 Tim. 2. 19. (d) Ephes. 1. 4, 5. Mat. 22. 14. (e) Rom. 9. 18, 19, 20, 21. (f) Joh. 6. 37. & chap. 17. 6. 9. 10. 24.
Q. 6. Doth anything in us move the Lord thus to choose us from amongst others?
A. No, in no wise, we are in the same lump with others rejected, when separated by his undeserved Grace. Rom. 9. 11, 12. Matth. 11. 25. 1 Cor. 4. 7. 2 Tim. 1. 9.
Q. 7. What is the decree of Reprobation?
A. The eternal purpose of God, to suffer many to sin, leave them in their sin, and not giving them to Christ, to punish them for their sin. Rom. 9. 11, 12. 21, 22. Prov. 16. 4. Mat. 11. 25, 26. 2 Pet. 2. 12. Jude 4.
CHAP. .V Of the works of God that outwardly are of him.
Q. 1. What are the works of God, that outwardly respect his Creatures?
A. First, of Creation; secondly, of actual providence. Psal. 33. 9. Heb. 1. 2, 3.
Q. 2. What is the work of Creation?
A. An act or work of God's Almighty power, whereby of nothing, in six days, he created Heaven, Earth, and the Sea, with all things in them contained, Gen. 1. 1. Exod. 20. 11. Prov. 16. 4.
Q. 3. Wherefore did God make man?
A. For his own glory in his service and obedience, Gen. 1. 26, 27. & 2. 16, 17. Rom. 9. 23.
Q. 4. Was man able to yield the service and worship that God required of him?
A. Yea, to the uttermost, being created upright in the Image of God, in purity, innocence, righteousness and holiness, Gen. 1. 26. Eccles. 7. 29. Ephes. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10.
Q. 5. What was the rule, whereby Man was at first to be directed in his obedience?
A. The Moral, or eternal Law of God implanted in his Nature, and written in his heart, by creation, being the tenor of the Covenant between God and him, Sacramentally typified by the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2. 15, 16, 17. Rom. 2. 14, 15. Ephes. 4. 24.
Q. 6. Do we stand in the same Covenant still, and have we the same power to yield obedience unto God?
A. No, the (a) Covenant was broken by the Sin of Adam, with whom it was made, (b) our nature corrupted, (c) and all power to do good utterly lost. (a) Gen. 3. 16, 17. 18. Gal. 3. 10, 11. 21. Heb. 7. 19. & 8. 13. (b) Joh. 14. 4. Psal. 51. 5. (c) Gen. 6. 5. Jer. 13. 23.
CHAP. VI. Of God's actual providence.
Q. 1. What is God's actual providence?
A. The effectual working of his Power, and Almighty Act of his Will, whereby he sustaineth, governeth, and disposeth of all things, Men, and their Actions, to the ends which he hath ordained for them, Exod. 4. 11. Job 5. 10, 11, 12. & 9. 5, 6. Psal. 147. 4. Prov. 15. 3. Esa. 45. 6, 7. Joh. 5. 17. Act. 17. 28. Heb. 1. 3.
Q. 2. How is this providence exercised towards Mankind?
A. Two ways: first, (a) peculiarly towards his Church, or Elect, in their generations, for whom are all things: secondly, (b) towards all in a general manner; yet with various and divers dispensations. (a) Deut. 32. 10. Psal. 17. 8. Zech. 2. 8. Mat. 16. 18. & 19. 2. 29. 1 Pet. 5. 7. (b) Gen. 9. 5. Psal. 75. 6, 7. Esa. 45. 6. Mat. 5. 45.
Q 3. Wherein chiefly consists the outward providence of God towards his Church?
A. In three things, first, in (a) causing all things to work together for their good, secondly, in (b) ruling and disposing of Kingdoms, Nations, and Persons, for their benefit; thirdly, (c) in avenging them of their adversaries, (a) Mat. 6. 31, 32, 33. Rom. 8. 28. 1 Tim. 6. 16. 2 Pet. 1. 3. (b) Psal. 105. 14. 15. Esa. 44. 28. Dan. 2. 44. Rom. 9. 17. (c) Esa. 60. 12. Zech. 12. 2, 3, 4, 5. Luk. 18. 7. Revel. 17. 14.
Q. 4. Doth God rule also in and over the sinful actions of wicked men?
A. Yea, he willingly (according to his determinate Counsel) suffereth them to be, for the manifestation of his Glory, and by them effecteth his own righteous ends, 2 Sam. 12. 11. & 16. 10. 1 Kin. 11. 31. & 22. 22. Job 1. 21. Prov. 22. 14. Esa. 10. 6, 7. Ezek. 21. 19, 20, 21. Amos 7. 17. Act. 4. 27, 28. Rom. 1. 24. & 9. 22. 1 Pet. 2. 8. Revel. 17. 17.
Q. 5. Doth the providence of God extend itself to every small thing?
A. The least Grass of the Field, hair of our Heads, or Worm of the Earth, is not exempted from his knowledge and care, Job 39. Psal. 104. 21. & 145. 15. Jonah 4. 7. Mat. 6. 26, 27, 28, 29. & 10. 29. 30.
CHAP. VII. Of the Law of God.
Q. 1. Which is the Law that God gave man at first to fulfill?
A. The same which was afterwards written with the finger of God in two. Tables of Stone on Mount Horeb, called the ten Commandments, Rom. 2. 14, 15.
Q. 2. Is the observation of this Law still required of us?
A. Yes, to the uttermost tittle, Mat. 5. 17. 1 Joh. 3. 4. Rom. 3. 31. Jam. 2. 8. Gal. 3.
Q. 3. Are we able of ourselves to perform it?
A. No, in no wise, the Law is spiritual, but we are carnal, 1 King. 8. 46. Gen. 5. 6. Joh. 15. 5. Rom. 7. 11. and 8. 7. 1 Joh. 1. 8.
Q. 4. Did then God give a Law which could not be kept?
A. No, when God gave it, we had power to keep it, which since we have lost in Adam, Gen. 1. 26. Ephes. 7. 29. Rom. 5. 12.
Q. 5. Whereto then doth the Law now serve?
A. For two general ends, first, (a) to be a rule of our Duty, or to discover to us the obedience of God required; secondly, (b) to drive us unto Christ. (a) Psal. 11. 9. 5. 1 Tim. 1. 8, 9. (b) Gal. 3. 24,
Q. 6. How doth the Law drive us unto Christ?
A. Divers ways, as first, (a) by laying open unto us the utter disability of our Nature, to do any good; secondly, (b) by charging the wrath and curse of God, due to Sin, upon the Conscience; thirdly, (c) by bringing the whole Soul under bondage to Sin, death, Satan, and Hell, so making us long and seek for a Savior. (a) Rom. 7. 7, 8, 9. Gal. 3. 19. (b) Rom. 3: 19, 20. & 4. 15. & 5. 20. Gal. 3. 10. (c) Gal. 3. 22. Heb. 2. 15.
CHAP. VIII. Of the state of corrupted Nature.
Q. 1. How came this weakness and disability upon us?
A. By the sin, and shameful fall of our first Parents, Rom. 5. 12. 14.
Q. 2. Wherein did that hurt us their Posterity?
A. Divers ways; first, (a) in that we were all guilty of the same breach of Covenant with Adam, being all in him; secondly, (b) our Souls with his were deprived of that Holiness, Innocency, and righteousness wherein they were at first created; thirdly, (c) pollution and defilement of Nature came upon us, with, fourthly, (d) an extreme disability of doing anything that is well-pleasing unto God; (e) by all which, we are made obnoxious to the curse. (a) Joh. 3. 36. Rom. 5. 12. Ephes. 2. 3. (b) Gen. 3. 10. Ephes. 4. 23, 24. Col. 3. 10. (c) Job 14. 4. Psal. 51. 7. Joh. 3. 6. Rom. 3. 13. (d) Gen. 6. 5. Ephes. 2. 1. Jer. 6. 16. & 13. 23. Rom. 8. 7. (e) Gen. 3. 17. Gal. 3. 10.
Q. 3. Wherein doth the curse of God consist?
A. In divers things: first, (a) in the guilt of Death, temporal and eternal; secondly, (b) the loss of the Grace and Favor of God; thirdly, (c) Guilt and Horror of Conscience, despair and anguish here, with, fourthly, eternal damnation hereafter. (a) Gen. 2. 17. Rom. 1. 18. & 5. 12. 17. Ephes. 2. 3. (b) Gen. 3. 24. Ezek. 16. 3, 4, 5. Ephes. 2. 13. (c) Gen. 3. 10. Esa. 48. 22. Rom. 3. 9, 19. Gal. 3. 22. (d) Gen. 3. 10. 13. Joh. 3. 36.
Q. 4. Are all men born in this estate?
A. Everyone without exception, Psal. 51. 7. Esa. 53. 5. Rom. 3. 9. 12. Ephes. 2. 3.
Q. 5. And do they continue therein?
A. Of themselves they cannot otherwise do, being able neither to (a) know, or (b) will, nor (c) do anything that is spiritually good, and pleasing unto God. (a) Act. 8. 31. & 16. 14. 1 Cor. 2. 14. Ephes. 5. 8. Joh. 1. 5. (b) Jer. 6. 16. & 13. 2, 3. Luk. 4. 18. Rom. 6. 16. & 8. 7. (c) Joh. 6. 44. 2 Cor. 3. 5.
Q. 6. Have they then no way of themselves to escape the curse and wrath of God?
A. None at all, they can neither satisfy his Justice, nor fulfill his Law.
CHAP. IX. Of the Incarnation of Christ.
Q. 1. Shall all mankind then everlastingly perish?
A. No, God of his free grace hath prepared a way, to redeem and save his Elect. Joh. 3. 16. Esa: 53. 6.
Q. 2. What way was this?
A. By sending his own Son Jesus Christ, in the likeness of sinful flesh, condemning sin in the flesh, Rom. 8. 3.
Q. 3. Who is this you call his own Son?
A. The second Person of the Trinity, co-eternal, and of the same Deity with his Father, Joh. 1. 14. Rom. 1. 3. Gal. 4. 4. 1 Joh. 1. 1.
Q. 4. How did God send him?
A. By causing him to be made flesh of a pure Virgin, and to dwell among us, that he might be obedient unto death, the death of the Cross, Esa. 50. 6. Joh. 1. 14. Luk. 1. 35. Phil. 2. 8. 1 Tim. 6. 16.
CHAP. X. Of the Person of Jesus Christ.
Q. 1. What doth the Scripture teach us of Jesus Christ?
A. Chiefly two things; first, his Person▪ or what he is in himself; secondly, his Offices, or what he is unto us.
Q. 2. What doth it teach of his Person?
A. That he is truly God, and perfect man, partaker of the natures of God and man in one Person, between whom he is a Mediator, Joh. 1. 14. Heb. 2. 14, 15. Ephe. 4, 5. 1 Tim. 2. 5. 1 Joh. 1. 1.
Q. 3. How prove you Jesus Christ to be truly God?
A. Divers ways; first, by places of Scripture speaking of the great God Jehovah, in the Old Testament, applied to our Savior in the New, as, Numb. 21. 5, 6. in 1 Cor. 10. 9. Psal. 102. 24, 25. in Heb. 1. 10. Esa. 6. 2, 3, 4. in Joh. 12. 40, 41. Esa. 8. 13, 14. in Luk. 2. 34. Rom. 9. 33. Esa. 40. 3, 4. in Joh. 1. Esa. 45. 22, 23. in Rom. 14. 11. Phil. 2. 8. Mal. 3. 1. in Matth. 11. 10.
Secondly, By the works of the Deity ascribed unto him, as first, of Creation, Joh. 1. 3. 1 Cor. 8. 6. Heb. 1. 21. secondly, of preservation in providence, Heb. 1. 3. Joh. 5. 17. thirdly, Miracles.
Thirdly, By the essential attributes of God, being ascribed unto him; as first, immensity, Mat. 28. 20. Joh. 14. 23. Ephes. 3. 17. secondly, Eternity, Joh. 1. 1. Revel. 1. 11. Mich. 5. 2. thirdly, Immutability, Heb. 1. 11, 12, fourthly, Omniscience, Joh. 21. 17. Revel. 2. 23. fifthly, Majesty and Glory equal to his Father, Joh. 5. 23. Revel. 5. 13. Phil. 1. 2. 6. 9, 10.
Fourthly, By the Names given unto him; as first, of God expressly, Joh. 1. 1. & 20. 28. Act. 20. 28. Rom. 9. 5. Phil. 2. 6. Heb. 1. 8. 1 Tim. 3. 16. secondly, of the Son of God, Joh. 1. 18. Rom. 8. 3. &c.
Q. 4. Was it necessary that our Redeemer should be God?
A. Yes, that he might be able to save to the uttermost, and to satisfy the wrath of his Father, which no creature could perform. Esa. 43. 25. & 53. 6. Dan. 9. 17. 19.
Q. 5. How prove you that he was a perfect man?
A. First, by the Prophesies that went before, that so he should be, Gen. 3. 15. & 18. 18.
Secondly, by the relation of their accomplishment, Mat. 1. 1. Rom. 1. 4. Gal. 4. 4.
Thirdly, by the Scriptures, assigning to him those things, which are required to a perfect man; as first, a Body, Luk. 24. 39. Heb. 2. 17. & 10. 5. 1 Joh. 1. 1. secondly, a Soul, Matth. 26. 39. Mark. 14. 34. and therein, first, a Will, Mat. 26. 39. secondly, Affections, Mat. 3. 5. Luk. 10. 21. thirdly, Endownments, Luk. 2. 52.
Fourthly, general infirmities of nature, Mat. 4. 2. Joh. 4. 6. Heb. 2. 18.
Q. 6. Wherefore was our Redeemer to be Man?
A. That the nature which had offended, might suffer, and make satisfaction, and so he might be every way a fit and sufficient Savior for men, Heb. 2. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.
CHAP. XI. Of the Offices of Christ, and First of his Kingly.
Q, 1. How many are the Offices of Jesus Christ?
A. Three; first, of a (a) King; Secondly, (b) a Priest; Thirdly, a (c) Prophet. (a) Psal. 2. 6. (b) Psal. 110. 4. (c) Deut. 18. 15.
Q. 2. Hath he these Offices peculiar by Nature?
A. No, he only received them for the present Dispensation, until the work of Redemption be perfected, Psal. 110. 1. Act. 2. 36. & 10. 42. 1 Cor. 13. 12. & 15. 27, 28. Phil. 2. 9. Heb. 3. 2. 6. & 2. 7, 8, 9.
Q. 3. Wherein doth the Kingly Office of Christ consist?
A. In a twofold power; First, his power of ruling in, and over his Church; Secondly, his power of subduing his Enemies, Psal. 110. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Q. 4. What is his ruling power in, and over his People?
A. That supreme Authority, which for their everlasting good, he useth towards them, whereof in general there be two acts; first, (a) internal and spiritual, in converting their Souls unto him, making them unto himself, a willing, obedient, persevering People; secondly, (b) external and ecclesiastical, in giving perfect Laws, and Rules for their Government, as gathered into holy Societies, under him. (a) Esa. 53. 12. & 59. 20, 21. with Heb. 8. 10, 11, 12. Esa. 61. 1. 2. Joh. 1. 16. & 12. 32. Mark 1. 15. Mat. 28. 20. 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5. (b) Mat. 16. 19. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Ephes. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17. Revel. 22. 18, 19.
Q. 5. How many are the acts of his Kingly power, towards his Enemies?
A. Two also, first, (a) internal, by the mighty working of his Word, and the spirit of Bondage upon their hearts, convincing, amazing, terrifying their Consciences, hardening their spirits for ruin; Secondly, (b) external in Judgments and Vengeance, which oft times he beginneth in this Life, and will continue unto Eternity, (a) Psal. 110. Joh. 6. 46. & 8. 59. & 9. 41. & 12. 40. 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5, 6. 1 Cor. 5. 6. 1 Tim. 1. 20. (b) Mark 16. 16. Luk. 19. 21. Act. 13. 11. Revel. 17. 14.
CHAP. XII. Of Christ's Priestly Office.
Q. 1. By what means did Jesus Christ undertake the Office of an eternal Priest?
A. By (a) the Decree, Ordination, and will of God his Father, (b) whereunto he yielded voluntary obedience, so (c) that concerning this, there was a Compact and Covenant between them. (a) Psal. 110. 4. Heb. 4. 5, 6. & 7. 17, 18. (b) Esa. 50. 4, 5, 6. Heb. 10. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. (c) Psal. 2. 7, 8. Esa. 53. 8. 10, 11, 12: Phil. 2. 7. 9. Heb. 12. 2. Joh. 17. 2. 4.
Q. 2. Wherein doth his execution of this Office consist?
A. In bringing his People unto God, Heb. 2. 10. and 4. 15. and 7. 25.
Q. 3. What are the parts of it?
A. First, (a) oblation; secondly, (b) intercession . (a) Heb. 9. 13. (b) Heb. 7. 25.
Q. 4. What is the oblation of Christ?
A. The (a) offering up of himself upon the Altar of the Cross, an holy propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of all the Elect throughout the World, as (b) also the presentation of himself for us in Heaven, sprinkled with the blood of the Covenant. (a) Esa. 53. 10, 12. Joh. 3. 16. & 11. 51, 52. & 17. 19. Heb. 9. 13, 14. (b) Heb. 9. 24.
Q. 5. Whereby doth this oblation do good unto us?
A. Divers ways: first, in that it satisfied the justice of God; secondly, it redeemed us from the power of Sin, Death, and Hell; thirdly, it ratified the new Covenant of Grace; fourthly, it procured for us Grace here, and Glory hereafter; by all which means, the peace, and reconciliation between God and us is wrought, Ephes. 2. 14, 15.
Q. 6. How did the oblation of Christ satisfy God's justice for our sin!
A. In that for us, he underwent the punishment due to our Sin, Esa. 5. 3. 4, 5, 6. Joh. 10. 11. Rom. 3. 25, 26. and 4. 25. 1 Cor. 15. 3. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Ephes. 5. 2. 1 Pet. 2. 24.
Q. 7. What was that punishment?
A. The wrath of God, the curse of the Law, the pains of Hell, due to Sinners, in Body and Soul, Gen. 2. 17. Deut. 27. 27. Esa. 59. 2. Rom. 5. 12. Ephes. 2. 3. Joh. 3. 36. Heb. 2. 14.
Q. 8. Did Christ undergo all these?
A. Yes, in respect of the greatness and extremity, not the eternity and continuance of those pains, for it was impossible he should be holden of Death, Matth. 26. 28, 29. Mark 14. 33. and 15. 34. Gal. 3. 13. Ephes. 2. 16. Col. 1. 20. Heb. 5. 7. Psal. 18. 5.
Q. 9. How could the punishment of one, satisfy for the offense of all?
A. In that he was not a mere man only, but God also, of infinite more value than all those who had offended, Rom. 5. 9. Heb. 9. 26. 1 Pet. 3. 18.
Q. 10. How did the oblation of Christ redeem us from Death, and Hell?
A. First, (a) by paying a ransom to God the Judge and Law-giver, who had condemned us; Secondly, (b) by overcoming, and spoiling Satan, Death, and the powers of Hell, that detained us Captives, (a) Matth. 20. 28. Joh. 6. 38. Mark 10. 4, 5. Rom. 3. 25. 1 Cor. 6. 20. Gal. 3. 13. Ephes. 1. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 6. Heb. 10. 9. (b) Joh. 5. 24. Col. 2. 13, 14, 15. 1 Thess. 1. 10. Heb. 2. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19.
Q. 11. What was the ransom that Christ paid for us?
A. His own precious Blood, Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 19.
Q. 12. How was the new Covenant ratified in his Blood?
A. By being accompanied with his Death, for that as all other Testaments was to be ratified by the death of the Testator, Gen. 22. 18. Heb. 9. 16. & 8. 10, 11, 12.
Q. 13. What is this new Covenant?
A. The gracious, free, immutable promise of God made unto all his Elect fallen in Adam, to (b) give them Jesus Christ, and (c) in him Mercy, Pardon, Grace, and Glory, (d) with a restipulation of Faith from them unto this promise and new obedience. (a) Gen. 3. 15. Jer. 31. 32, 33, 34. & 32. 40. Heb. 8. 10, 11, 12. (b) Gal. 3. 8. 16. Gen. 12. 3. (c) Rom. 8. 32: Ephes. 1. 3, 4. (d) Mar. 16. 16. Joh. 1. 12. & 10. 27, 28.
Q. 14. How did Christ procure for us Grace, Faith, and Glory?
A. By the way of purchase and merit, for the Death of Christ deservedly procured of God, that he should Bless us with all spiritual Blessings, needful for our coming unto him, Esa. 53. 11, 12. Joh. 17. 2. Act. 20. 28. Rom. 5. 17, 18. Ephes. 2. 15. 16. & 1. 4. Phil. 1. 29. Tit. 2. 14. Revel. 1. 5, 6.
Q. 15. What is the intercession of Christ?
A: His continual soliciting of God on our behalf, begun here in fervent Prayers, continued in Heaven by appearing as our advocate at the Throne of Grace, Psal. 2. 8. Rom. 8. 34. Heb. 7. 25. & 9. 24. & 10. 19, 20, 21. 1 Joh. 2. 1, 2. Joh. 17.
CHAP. XIII. Of Christ's Prophetical Office.
Q. 1. Wherein doth the prophetical Office of Christ consist?
A. In his Embassage from God to Man, revealing from the bosom of his Father, the whole Mystery of Godliness, the way and Truth, whereby we must come unto God, Matth. 5. Joh. 1. 18. & 3. 32. & 10. 9. 14. & 14. 5, 6. & 17. 8. & 18. 37.
Q. 3. How doth he exercise this Office towards us?
A. By making known the whole Doctrine of truth unto us, in a saving and spiritual manner, Deut. 18 18. Esa. 42. 6. Heb. 3. 1.
Q. 3. By what means doth he perform all this?
A. Divers, as first, (a) internally and effectually by his Spirit, writing his Law in our hearts; secondly, (b) outwardly, and instrumentally, by the Word preached. (a) Jer. 31. 32, 33. 2 Cor. 3. 3. 1 Thess. 4. 9. Heb. 8. 10. (b) Joh. 20. 31. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Ephes. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 2 Pet. 1. 21.
CHAP. XIV. Of the twofold Estate of Christ.
Q. 1. In what estate or condition doth Christ exercise these Offices?
A. In a twofold Estate; first, of humiliation or abasement; secondly, of exaltation, or glory, Phil. 2. 8, 9, 10.
Q. 2. Wherein consisteth the state of Christ's humiliation?
A. In three things; first, (a) in his Incarnation, or being born of Woman; secondly, (b) his Obedience or fulfilling the whole Law, Moral and Ceremonial; thirdly, in his (c) Passion, or enduring all sorts of miseries, even death itself. (a) Luk. 1. 35. Joh. 1. 14. Rom. 1. 3. Gal. 4. 4. Heb. 2. 9, 14. (b) Matth. 3. 15. & 5. 17. Luk. 2. 21. Joh. 8. 46. 2 Cor. 5. 21. 1 Pet. 1. 19. 1 Joh. 3. 5. (c) Psal. 53. 4, 5, 6. Heb. 2. 9. 1 Pet. 2. 21.
Q. 3. Wherein consists his exaltation?
A. In first, his Resurrection? secondly, Ascension; thirdly, sitting at the right hand of God; by all which he was declared to be the Son of God with Power, Mat. 28. 18. Rom. 1. 4. & 4. 4. Ephes. 4. 9. Phil. 2. 9, 10. 1 Tim. 3. 16.
CHAP. XV. Of the Persons to whom the Benefits of Christ's Offices do belong.
Q. 1. Unto whom do the saving Benefits of what Christ performeth in the Execution of his Offices belong?
A. Only to his Elect, ( ) Joh. 17. 9. Esa. 63. 9. Heb. 3. 6. & 10. 21.
Q. 2. Dyed he for no other?
A. None, in respect of his Fathers eternal purpose, and his own intention, of removing wrath from them, procuring Grace and Glory for them, Act. 20. 28. Matth. 20. 28. & 26. 28. Heb. 9. 28. Joh. 11. 51, 52. Esa. 53. 12. Joh. 3. 16. & 10, 11, 12, 13. 15. Ephes. 5. 25. Rom. 8. 32. 34. Gal. 3. 13. Joh. 6. 37. 39. Rom. 4. 25. 2 Cor. 5. 19, 20.
Q. 3. What shall become of them for whom Christ died not?
A. Everlasting Torments for their Sins, their portion in their own place, Mark 16. 16. Joh. 3. 36. Matth. 25. 41. Act. 1. 25.
Q. 4. For whom doth he make Intercession?
A. Only for those who from Eternity were given him by his Father, Joh. 17. Heb. 7. 24, 25.
CHAP. XVI. Of the Church.
Q. 1. How are the Elect called, in respect of their Obedience unto Christ, and Union with him?
A. His Church, Act. 20. 28. Ephes. 5. 32.
Q. 2. What is the Church of Christ?
A. The whole company of God's Elect (a), called (b) of God, (c) by the Word and Spirit, (d) out of their natural condition, to the dignity of his Children, and (e) united unto Christ their Head, by Faith in the bond of the Spirit. (a) Act. 2. 47. 1 Tim. 5. 21. Heb. 12. 22, 23, 24. (b) Rom. 1. 5, 6. Rom. 9. 11. 24. 1 Cor. 4. 15. 2 Tim. 1. 9. (c) Act. 16. 14. Joh. 3. 8. 1 Cor. 4. 15. 1 Pet. 1. 23. Heb. 8. 10. (d) Ephes. 2. 11, 12, 13. Col. 1. 13. Heb. 2. 14, 15. 1 Pet. 2. 9. (e) Joh. 17. 21. Ephes. 2. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.
Q. 3. Is this whole Church always in the same state?
A. No, one part of it is Militant, the other Triumphant.
Q. 4. What is the Church Militant?
A. That portion of God's Elect, which in their generation cleaveth unto Christ by Faith, and fighteth against the World, Flesh, and Devil, Ephes. 6. 11, 12. Heb. 11. 13, 14. & 12. 1. 4.
Q. 5. What is the Church Triumphant?
A. That portion of God's People, who having fought their fight and kept the Faith, are now in Heaven, resting from their Labors, Ephes. 5. 27. Revel. 3. 21. & ch. 14. 13.
Q. 6. Are not the Church of the Jews, before the Birth of Christ, and the Church of the Christians since, two Churches?
A. No, essentially they are but one, differing only in some outward administrations, Ephes. 2. 12. 13, 14, 15, 16. 1 Cor. 10. 3. Gal. 4. 26. 27. Heb. 11. 15. 26. 40.
Q. 7. Can this Church be wholly overthrown on the Earth?
A. No, unless the Decree of God may be changed, and the promise of Christ fail. Matth. 16. 18. & 28. 20. Joh. 14. 16. Joh. 17. 1 Tim. 3. 15. 2 Tim. 2. 19.
CHAP. XVII. Of Faith?
Q. 1. By what means do we become actual Members of this Church of God?
A. By a lively justifying Faith, whereby we are united unto Christ, the head thereof, Act. 2. 47. & 13. 48. Heb. 11. 6. & 12. 22, 23. & 4. 2. Rom. 5. 1, 2. Ephes. 2. 13, 14.
Q. 2. What is a justifying Faith?
A. A (a) gracious resting upon the free promises of God in Jesus Christ for mercy, (b) with a firm persuasion of Heart, that God is a reconciled Father unto us in the Son of his Love. (a) 1 Tim. 1. 16. Joh. 13. 15. & 19. 25. Rom. 4. 5. (b) Heb. 4. 16. Rom. 8. 38, 39. Gal. 2. 20. 2 Cor. 5. 20, 21.
Q. 3. Have all this Faith?
A. None, but the Elect of God, Tit. 1. 1. Joh. 10. 26. Matth. 13. 11. Act. 13. 48. Rom. 8. 30.
Q. 4. Do not then others believe that make profession?
A. Yes, with first, historical Faith, or a persuasion, that the things written in the word are true, James 2. 9. secondly, temporary Faith, which hath some joy of the affections, upon unspiritual grounds, in the things believed, Matth. 13. 20. Mark 6. 20. Joh. 2. 23, 24. Act. 8. 13.
CHAP. XVIII. Of our Vocation, or God's calling us.
Q. 1. How come we to have this saving Faith?
A. It is freely bestowed upon us, and wrought in us, by the Spirit of God in our vocation or calling. Joh. 6. 29. 44. Ephes. 2. 8, 9. Phil. 1. 29. 2 Thes. 1. 11.
Q. 2. What is our Vocation, or this calling of God?
A. The free gracious act of Almighty God, whereby in Jesus Christ he calleth and translateth us from the state of Nature, Sin, Wrath, and Corruption, into the State of Grace, and Union with Christ, by the mighty, effectual working of his Spirit, in the preaching of the Word, Col. 1. 12, 13. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Deut. 30. 6. Ezek. 36. 26. Matth. 11. 25, 26. Joh. 1. 13. & 3. 3. 8. Ephes. 1. 19. Col. 2. 12. 1 Cor. 4. 7. Jam. 1. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 20. Act. 16. 14.
Q. 3. What do we ourselves perform in this change or work of our conversion?
A. Nothing at all, being merely wrought upon by the free grace and Spirit of God, when in ourselves we have no Ability to anything that is spiritually good, Matth. 7. 18. & 10. 20. Joh. 1. 13. & 15. 5. 1 Cor. 12. 3. 1 Cor. 2. 5. 2 Cor. 3. 5. Ephes. 2. 1. 8. Rom. 8. 26. Phil. 1. 6.
Q. 4. Doth God thus call all and everyone?
A. All within the pale of the Church are outwardly called by the Word, none effectually but the Elect. Mat. 22. 14. Rom. 8. 30.
CHAP. XIX. Of Justification.
Q. 1. Are we accounted righteous and saved for our Faith, when we are thus freely called?
A. No, but merely by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, apprehended and applied by Faith, for which alone the Lord accepts us, as holy and righteous, Esa. 43. 25. Rom. 3. 23, 24, 25, 26. Rom. 4. 5.
Q. 2. What then is our Justification, or Righteousness before God?
A. The gracious free Act of God, imputing the righteousness of Christ to a believing Sinner, and for that speaking Peace unto his Conscience, in the Pardon of his Sin, pronouncing him to be just, and accepted before him, Gen. 15. 6. Act. 13. 38, 39. Luk. 18. 14. Rom. 3. 24, 26, 28. Rom. 4. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Gal. 2. 16.
Q. 3. Are we not then righteous before God, by our own Works?
A. No, for of themselves, they can neither satisfy his Justice, fulfil his Law, nor endure his Trial. Psal. 130. 3, 4. Psal. 143. 2. Esa. 64. 6. Luke 17. 10.
CHAP. XX. Of Sanctification.
Q. 1. Is there nothing then required of us, but Faith only?
A. Yes, (a) repentance, and (b) holiness, or new obedience. (a) Act. 20. 21. Matth. 3. 2. Luk. 13. 3. (b) 2 Tim. 2. 19. 1 Thess. 4. 7. Heb. 12. 14.
Q. 2. What is Repentance?
A. Godly (a) sorrow for every known sin committed against God, (b) with a firm purpose of heart, to cleave unto him for the future, (c) in the killing of sin, the quickening of all graces, to walk before him in newness of life. (a) 2 Cor. 7. 9, 10, 11. Act. 2. 37. Psal. 51. 17. (b) Psal. 34. 14. Esa. 1. 16, 17. Ezek. 18. 27, 28. Act. 14. 15. (c) Ephes. 4. 21, 22, 23, 24. Rom. 6. 12, 13. 18, 19. Rom. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Gal. 6. 15.
Q 3. Can we do this of ourselves?
A. No, it is a special gift and grace of God, which he bestoweth on whom he pleaseth, Levite. 20. 8. Deut. 30. 6. Ezek. 11. 19, 20. 2 Tim. 2. 25. Act. 11. 18.
Q. 4. Wherein doth the being of true Repentance consist, without which it is not acceptable?
A. In its. performance according to the Gospel rule, with Faith and assured hope of divine mercy, Psal. 51. 1 Joh. 2. 1, 2. 2 Cor. 7. 10, 11. Act. 2. 38. Matth. 27. 4.
Q. 5. What is that holiness which is required of us?
A. That (a) universal sincere obedience to the whole will of God, (b) in our hearts, minds, wills, and actions, (c) whereby we are in some measure made conformable to Christ our head. (a) Psal. 119. 9. 1. Sam. 15. 22. Joh. 14. 15. Rom. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 14. Tit 2. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 5. 6, 7. Esa. 1. 16, 17. (b) 1 Chron. 28. 9. Deut. 6. 5. Matth. 22. 37. (c) Rom. 8. 29. 1 Cor. 11. 1. Ephes. 2. 21. Col. 3. 1, 2, 3. 2 Tim. 2. 11, 12.
Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us perfect?
A. Yes, (a) in respect of all the parts of it, but (b) not in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it. (a) 2 King. 20. 3. Joh. 1. 1. Mat. 5. 48. Luk. 1. 6. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Ephes. 4. 24. Tit. 2. 12. (b) Esa. 64. 6. Psal. 130. 3. Exod. 28. 38. Phil. 3. 8.
Q. 7. Will God accept of that obedience which falls so short of what he requireth?
A. Yes from them whose persons he accepteth, and justifieth freely in Jesus Christ, Rom. 12. 1. Phil. 4. 18. Heb. 13. 16. 1 Joh. 3. 22. Ephes. 1. 6.
Q. 8. What are the parts of this holiness?
A. (a) Internal, in the quickening of all Graces, purging all Sins; (b) and external, in servant and frequent Prayers, Alms, and all manner of Righteousness. (a) Heb. 9. 14. Ephes. 3. 16. 17. Rom. 2. 29. & 6. 12. (b) Matth. 5. 20. Rom. 8. 1, 2. Ephes. 4. 22, 23. Tit. 2. 12. particular precepts are innumerable.
Q 8. May not others perform these Dunes acceptably, as well as those that believe?
A. No, all their performances in this kind are but abominable sins before the Lord, Prov. 15. 8. Joh. 9. 31. Tit. 1. 15. Heb. 11. 6.
CHAP. XXI. Of the Privileges of Believers.
Q. 1. What are the privileges of those that thus believe and repent?
A. First Union with Christ; secondly, Adoption of Children: thirdly, Christian Liberty; fourthly, a Spiritual holy right to the Seals of the new Covenant; fifthly, communion with all Saints; sixthly, Resurrection of the Body unto Life Eternal.
Q. 2. What is our Union with Christ?
A. An (a) holy spiritual Conjunction unto him, as our (b) Head, (c) Husband, and (d) Foundation, (e) whereby we are made Partakers of the same Spirit with him, (f) and derive all good things from him. (a) 1 Cor. 12. 12. Joh. 15, 1, 2. 5, 6, 7. & 17. 23. (b) Ephes. 4. 15. & 5. 23. Col. 1. 18. (c) 2 Cor. 11. 2. Ephes. 5. 25, 26, 27. Revel. 21. 9. (d) Matth. 16. 18. Ephes. 2. 20, 21, 22. 1 Pet. 2. 4, 5, 6, 7. (e) Rom. 8. 9. 11. Gal. 4. 6. Phil. 1. 19. (f) Joh. 1. 12. 16. Ephes. 1. 3.
Q. 3. What is our adoption?
A. Our gracious Reception into the family of God, as his Children, and co heirs with Christ, Joh. 1. 12. Rom. 8. 15. 17. Gal. 4. 5. Ephes. 1. 5.
Q. 4. How came we to know this?
A. By the especial working of the holy Spirit in our hearts, sealing unto us the promises of God, and raising up our Souls to an assured expectation of the promised Inheritance, Rom. 8. 15. 17. Ephes. 4. 30. 1 Joh. 3. 1. Rom. 8. 19. 23. Titus 2. 12.
Q. 5. What is our Christian liberty?
A. An holy and spiritual (a) freedom from the (b) slavery of Sin, the (c) bondage of Death and Hell; the (d) curse of the Law, (e) Jewish Ceremonies, and (f) thralldom of Conscience, purchased for us by Jesus Christ, and (g) revealed to us by the holy Spirit. (a) Gal. 5. 1. (b) Joh. 8. 32, 34, 36. Rom. 6. 17, 18. Esa. 61. 1. 1 Joh. 1. 7. 2 Cor. 5. 21. (c) Rom. 8. 15. Heb. 2. 15. 1 Cor. 15. 55, 57. (d) Gal. 3. 13. Ephes. 2. 15, 16. Gal, 4, 5. Rom. 8. 1. (e) Act. 15. 10, 11. Gal. 3. 4, 5 Chapters. (f) 2 Cor. 1. 24. 1 Cor. 7. 23. 1 Pet. 2. 16. (g) 1 Cor 2. 12.
Q. 6. Are we then wholly freed from the Moral Law?
A. Yes, as (a) a Covenant or as it hath anything in it, bringing into bondage, as the curse, power, dominion, and rigid exaction of obedience, (b) but not as it is a rule of Life and Holiness, (a) Jer. 31. 31, 32, 33. Rom. 7. 1, 2, 3. Rom. 6. 14. Gal. 3. 19. 24. Rom. 8. 2. Gal. 5. 18. (b) Mat. 5. 17. Rom. 3. 31. & 7. 13. 22, 25.
Q. 7. Are we not freed by Christ from the Magistrates Power, and human Authority?
A. No, being ordained of God, and commanding for him, we owe them all lawful obedience, Rom. 13. 1, 2, 3, 4. 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2. 1 Pet. 2. 13, 14, 15.
CHAP. XXII. Of the Sacraments of the new Covenant in particular, a holy right whereunto, is the fourth privilege of Believers?
Q. 1. What are the Seals of the New Testament?
A. Sacraments instituted of Christ to be visible Seals and Pledges, whereby God in him confirmeth the Promises of the Covenant to all Believers, restipulating of them, growth in Faith and Obedience, Mark 16. 16. Joh. 3. 5. Act. 2. 38. & 22. 16. Rom. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 2, 3, 4. 1 Cor. 11. 26, 27, 28, 29.
Q. 2. How doth God by these Sacraments bestow Grace upon us?
A. Not by any real, essential conveying of spiritual Grace, by corporeal means, but by the way of Promise, Obsignation and Covenant, confirming the Grace wrought in us by the Word and Spirit, Heb. 4. 2. 1. Cor. 10. Rom. 4. 11. & 1. 17. Mark 16. 16. Ephes. 5. 26.
Q. 3. How do our Sacraments differ from the Sacraments of the Jews?
A. Accidentally only, in things concerning the outward matter and form, as their number, quality, clearness of signification, and the like, not essentially in the things signified or Grace confirmed, 1 Cor. 10. 1, 2, 3. &c. Joh. 6. 35. 1 Cor. 5. 7. Phil. 3. 3. Col. 2. 11.
CHAP. XXIII. Of Baptism.
Q. 1. Which are these Sacraments?
A. Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Q. 2. What is Baptism?
A. An (a) holy action appointed of Christ, whereby being sprinkled with water in the Name of the whole Trinity, by a lawful Minister of the Church, (b) we are admitted into the Family of God, (c) and have the benefits of the blood of Christ confirmed unto us. (a) Matth. 28. 19. Mark 16. 15, 16. (b) Act. 2. 41. & 8. 37. (c) Act. 2. 38, 39. Joh. 3. 5. Rom. 6. 3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 12. 13.
Q. 3. To whom doth this Sacrament belong?
A. Unto all, to whom the promise of the Covenant is made, that is, to Believers and to their Seed, Act. 2. 39. Gen. 17. 11, 12. Act. 16. 15. Rom. 4. 10, 11. 1 Cor. 7. 14.
Q. 4. How can Baptism seal the pardon of all Sins to us, all our personal Sins following it?
A. In as much as it is a Seal of that promise which gives pardon of all to Believers, Act. 2. 39. Rom. 4. 11, 12.
CHAP. XXIV. Of the Lord's Supper.
Q 1. What is the Lord Supper?
A. An (a) holy action instituted and appointed by Christ, (b) to set forth his Death, (c) and communicate unto us spiritually his Body and Blood, by Faith, being (d) represented by Bread and Wine, (e) blessed by his Word, and Prayer, (f) broken, poured out, and received of Believers. (a) Mat. 26. 20, 21. Luk. 22. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24. (b) Luk. 22. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 25, 26. (c) Mark 14. 22, 23, 24. 1 Cor. 11. 24. 25. Joh. 6. 63. (d) 1 Cor. 11. 23. 25. (e) 1 Cor. 11. 24. Mat. 26. 26. (f) Mat. 26. 26. Mark 14. 22. Luk. 22. 19.
Q 2. When did Christ appoint this Sacrament?
A. On the night wherein he was betrayed to suffer, 1 Cor. 11. 23.
Q 3. Whence is the right use of it to be learned.
A. From the Word, practice, and actions of our Savior, as its institution.
Q. 4. What were the actions of our Savior to be imitated by us?
A. First, blessing the elements by Prayer; secondly, breaking the bread, and pouring out the Wine; thirdly, distributing them to the receivers, sitting in a Table gesture, Matth. 26. 26. Mark. 14. 22. Luk. 22. 19, 20. 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24.
Q. 5. What were the words of Christ?
A. First, of command, Take, eat; Secondly, of Promise, This is my Body; Thirdly, of Institution, for perpetual use, This do, &c. 1 Cor. 11. 24, 25, 26.
Q. 6. Who are to be receivers of this Sacrament?
A. Those only have a true right to the Signs, who by Faith have an holy interest in Christ, the thing signified, 1 Cor. 11. 27, 28, 29. Joh. 6. 63.
Q. 7. Do the elements remain Bread and wine still, after the blessing of them?
A. Yes, all the spiritual change is wrought by the Faith of the Receiver, not the words of the Giver; to them that Believe, they are the Body and Blood of Christ, Joh. 6. 63. 1 Cor. 10. 4. and 11. 29.
CHAP. XXV. Of the Communion of Saints, the fifth privilege of Believers.
Q. 1. What is the Communion of Saints?
A. An holy conjunction between all God's People, wrought by their participation of the same Spirit whereby we are all made Members of that one Body, whereof Christ is the head, Cant. 6. 9. Jer. 32. 39. Joh. 17. 22. 1 Cor. 12. 12. Ephes. 4. 3, 4, 5, 6. 13. 1 Joh. 1. 3. 6, 7.
Q. 2. Of what sort is this Union?
A. First, (a) spiritual and internal, in the enjoyment of the same Spirit and Graces, which is the union of the Church Catholic; Secondly, (b) external and ecclesiastical in the same outward Ordinances, which is the Union of particular Congregations. (a) 1 Cor. 12. 12, 13. Ephes. 2. 16. 19, 20, 21, 22. 1 Cor. 10. 17. Joh. 17. 11. 21, 22. Joh. 10. 16. Heb. 2. 11. (b) 1 Cor. 1. 10, 11. Rom. 12. 5. 1 Cor. 12. 27, 28. Ephes. 4. 11, 12, 13. Phil. 2. 2. Col. 3. 15. 1 Pet. 3. 8.
CHAP. XXVI. Of particular Churches.
Q. 1. What are particular Churches?
A. Peculiar (a) Assemblies ( , ) of Professors in one Place, (b) under Officers of Christ's Institution, (c) enjoying the Ordinances of God, (d) and leading Lives beseeming their holy Calling. (a) Act. 11. 26. 1 Cor. 4. 17, & 11. 22. 2 Cor. 1. 1. (b) Act. 20. 17. 28. & 14. 23. 2 Cor. 8. 23. Heb. 13. 17. (c) 1 Cor. 1. 5. Revel. 2. 1, 2, 3. (d) 2 Thess. 3. 5. 6. 11. Gal. 6. 16. Phil. 3. 18. 1 Thes. 2. 12.
Q. 2. What are the ordinary Officers of such Churches?
A. First (a) Pastors or Doctors to teach and exhort; secondly, (b) Elders to assist in Rule and Government, thirdly, (c) Deacons to provide for the poor, (4) Rom. 12. 7, 8. Ephes. 4. 10. 1 Cor. 12. 28. (b) Rom. 12. 8. 1 Tim. 5. 17. (c) Act. 6. 2, 3.
Q. 3. What is required of these Officers, especially the chiefest, or Ministers?
A. (a) That they be faithful in the Ministry committed unto them, (b) sedulous in dispensing the Word, (c) watching for the good of the Souls committed to them, (d) going before them in an Example of all godliness and holiness of Life. (a) 1 Cor. 4. 2. Act. 20. 18, 19, 20. (b) 2 Tim. 2. 15. and 4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. (c) Tit. 1. 13. 1 Tim. 4. 15, 16. (d) Tit. 2. 7. 1 Tim. 4. 12. Matth. 5. 16. Act. 25.
Q. 4. What is required in the People unto them?
A. Obedience (a) to their Message and Ministry, (b) honor and love to their Persons, (c) maintenance to them and their Families. (a) 2 Cor. 5. 20. Rom. 6. 17. Heb. 13. 17. 2 Thess. 3. 14. Rom. 16. 19. 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5, 6. (b) 1 Cor. 4. 1. Gal. 4. 14. 1 Tim. 5. 17, 18. (c) Luk. 10. 7. Jam. 5. 4. 1 Tim. 5. 17, 18. 1 Cor. 9. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
CHAP. XXVII. Of the last Privilege of Believers, being the Door of entrance into Glory.
Q. 1. What is the Resurrection of the Flesh?
A. An Act of the ( ) mighty power of God's holy Spirit, applying unto us the virtue of Christ's resurrection, whereby at the last day, he will raise our whole Bodies from the Dust to be united again into our Souls in everlasting Happiness, Job 19. 25, 26, 27. Psal. 16. 9, 10, 11. Esa. 26. 19. Ezek. 37. 2, 3. Dan. 12. 2. 1 Cor. 15 16. &c. Revet. 20. 12, 13.
Q. 2. What is the end of this whole Dispensation?
A. The Glory of God in our eternal Salvation.
To him be all Glory, and Honor for evermore,
Imprimatur,
John Downame.