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CDnfefftonofjfait
The Larger and Shorter
CATECHISMS.
With the Scripture-Proofs at Large.
Together wich
The Sum of Saving Kcwnledge (contain'd in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the faid Cotifeflion and Catcchifms) and Practical Use thereof; C O-
\ I. N A NTSKational and Sole m n League
A C KNOWL EDG M EN T of Si Nl and En G A G E.M ENTtd
Duties, Directories To km of Chirch-Gw- .'fjE r &c.
Of Publick Authority in the
CHURCH of Scotland.
\V I T H
H fc T S of A ParlianientTelative to, and
appro! ative
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Denr. vi. 6. -**& tbu Day,
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~M."~DC<r XLVL
i
THE
General Contents.
Page
"THE "Preface, by fundry Englifli Di-
*■ vines 3
Mr. MantonV Eft file to the Reader: 9
J. The Confefjion of Faith xi
II Tire Larger Catechifm i^-
III. The Shorter Catechifm; 367
IV. The Sum of Saving Knowledge. 411
V. The National Covenant 447
VI The Solemn League and Covenant 46.3 VII. The Acknowledgment of Sins. &c: 471
VII J. The Directory for Tub lick IVor/bip. 483 IX. Tlje Form ofTresbyterial Church-Go- vernment. 52.;
X The Directory for Family-Worfbij?. 5-45-
T.O
+####* ****** * s 5 V* *#*####**• T O T H E
CHRISTIAN READER, Efpecially HEADS of FAMILIES,
AS we cannot but with Grief of Soul Lament thofe Mul- titudes of Errors, Blafphemies, and all Kinds of Pro- fanenefs, which have in this Laft Age like a mighty De- luge overflown this Nation ; So, among feveral other Sins which have helped to open the Flood-Gates of all theie Im- pieties, we cannot but efteem the Difufe of Family -In ft ruc- tion one of the greateft. The two great Pillars upon which the Kingdom of Satan is erected, and by which it is upheld, are Ignorance and Error : The firft ftep of our Manumiifi- on from this fpiritual Thraldom coniifts, in having our Eyes opened and lei: from A£t$ 26. 1S.
Darknefs to Light : How much the ferious Endeavours of godly Parents and Mailers might contribute to an early Seafbning the tend 1 of fuch as are under
their infpecrion, is abundant! . t only from their
fpecial Influence upon them, in 1 their Authority
r them, Intereft in them, continual Pretence with them, and frequent Opportunities of helpful bo them, but
alio from the (ad Effects which by woful Experience we find to be the Eruit of the Omiilion of this Duty. 'Twere eafy to fet, before you a Cloud o£Witneffhs% the Language of whole Practice hath been not only an eminent Commendation of this Duty, bur alio a ferious Exhortation to it. As Aid . lleb. 11. 1.
to us for Imitation of his Faith, dv. So do the ExampL ••/, of Jolhua, of the Parents of
Solomon, of the Grandmother and Mother of Tim the Mother of w hole care was as well to nurie
up the Soul \ Bodies of their little Ones \ and as their
Pains herein was great, lb was their iiiccels no way unan- fwerable.
~\\ e fhould (carce imagine it any better than an Imperii- nency, in this Noon-day of the Goipel, either to inform or
A 2 pei-
4 The Epiflle to the Reader.
perfwade in a Duty fo exprefly Commanded, fo frequently urged, ib highly encouraged, and fo eminently owned by thfc Lord in all Ages with his Bleffing, but that our fad Experi- ence tells us this Duty 8 not more needful than 'tis of late negletted. For the reftoring of this Duty to its due Obfcr- vance, give us leave to fugged this double Advice.
The firft concerns Heads of Families in refpett of them- felves, That as the Lord hath fet them in Place above the reft of their Family, they would labour in all Wifdom and /piritual Underftanding to be above then* alfo. 'Tis an un- comely Sight to behofcl Men in Years Babes in Knowledge and how unmeet a?e thejy to inftruft others, who need them felves to be taught which be the firft Prin- Heb, 5. 12. ciples of the Oracles of God \ Knowledge is an Accomplifhment fo defireable, that the De- vils themfelves knew not a more taking Bait by which to Gen. 2. c. tempt our firft Parents, than by the Fruit of iKin£S,3,c.o. x^e ^ree °f Knowledge : So jhall you be as Gods knowing Good and Evil, When So- lomon had that Favour (hewed him of tile Lord, that he was made his owii Chufer what tojafe, he knew no greater Mercy to beg than Wifdom.- The Underftanding is the Guide and Pilot of the whole Man, that Faculty which fits at the Stern of the Soul : But as the moft Expert Guide may miftake in the Dark, So may the Underftanding, when it wants the Light of Knowledge ; Without Knowledge the Mind cannot be goddf nor the Life good, nor the eternal Condition fafe, My People are deflroyed for lack of Know- ledge. 'Tis ordinary in Scripture t'o fet Pro- fanenefs and all Kind of Mifcarriagfes upon rhe Score of Ignorance. Difeafes iri the Body have many Times their Rife from Diftempers iir the Head, arid Exorbitancies in Pra- ctice from Errors in judgment: And indeed in every Sirr there is fomething both of Ignorance and* Error at the Bottom ; for did Sinners truly know what they do in Sinning, \tfe might fay of every Sin what the Apoftle (peaks concerning that great Sin, Had they known him, they vjould not have cruci- fied t he Lord of Glory ; did they truly know that every Sin is a Provoking the. Lord to Jealoufy, a proclaiming War againft Heaven, a Crucifying the Lord Jefui afrejh. 6
Trix
|
Prov. |
19. |
2. |
|
Eph, |
4> |
18; |
|
Hof. |
4> |
fc |
The Epijfle to the Reader < $
Yrtafuring up Wrath unto them/elves againjl the Day of Wrath, and that if ever they be pardoned it muft be at no lower a Rate than the Price of his Blood . it were fcarce poffible but Sin inftead of alluring fhould affright and in ftead of Tempting, fcare. Tis one of the arch Devices and Principal Methods of Satan to deceive Man into Sin . thus he prevailed againfl our firft Parents, not as a Lion, but as a Serpent, acting his Enmity under a Pretence of Friend- ship and tempting them to Evil under an Appearance of Good ; and thus hath he all along carried on his Defigns of Darknefs by transforming himfelf into an Angel of Light, .making poor deceived Men in Love with their Miferies, and hug their own Deftru&ion, A moft love reign Antidote a- gainft all kind of Errors, is to be grounded and fettled in the faith.: Perfons unfixed in the true Religion are very recep- tive of a Falfe ; And they who are nothing in fpiritual Know- ledge are eafily made any Thing, Clouds without Water are driven io and fro ivith every Wind, and Ships without Ballad liable to the violence of every Tempeft. But yet the ^knowledge we efpecially Commend, is not a Brain -knowledge, a mere Speculation ; This may be in the worft of Men nay, in the worft of Creatures, the Devils theiynQvcs, and thai: in fuch an Eminency, as the beft of Saints cannot attain to, in this Life of Imperfection But an inward, a Savoury an Heart knowledge ilichaswasin that Martyr% whq though fhe could not difpute for Chrift, could die for him. This is that fpiritual Senfe and Feeli/ig of Divine Truths the A- poftle lpeaks of, II eh v. 14. Having your Senjes exircifed^ &g.
But alas we may fay of moft Mens Religion what Learned Rivet (peaks concerning the Er- Rivet ( rors of the Fath^/s They werf not Jo much Sacr. their own Errors , a} the Errors of the Times wherein they lived. Thus d9 moft Men take up their Reli gion upon no better an Account than Turh ana Papifts take up theirs, Becaufc 'tis the Religion of the Times and Places wherein they live t and what they t;*kt up thus {light- ly they lay down as eafily : Whereas an inward Tafte and Reliih of the Things of God is an excellentPrefervative to keep us fettled in the moft unfcttled Times. Corrupt and unfavoury Principles have great Advantage upon us, above . fhole that are fpiritual and Sound , the former being fuitable
A3 tq
6 The Eftftle to the Reader:
fo corrupt Nature, the latter contrary ; the former fpringing -lap of themfelves, the latter brought forth not without a painful Induftry. The Ground needs no other midwifery in bringing forth Weeds, than only the negleft of the Hu£ bandman's Hand to pluck them up ; the Air needs no other Caufe of Darknefs, than the Abfence of the Sun ; nor wa- fer of Coldnefs, than its Diftance from the Fire, becaufe thefe are the genuine Produ&s of Nature : Were it fo with the Soul (as fome of the Philofophers have vainly imagi- ned) tq come into the World as an Ab rafa Tabula, 2l mere- Blank or piece of white Paper, on which neither any Thing, written, nor any Blots ; it would then be equally re- ceptive of Good and Evil, and no more averfe to the one than to the other : " But how much worfe its Condition in- deed is, were Scripture filent, ev^ry Man?s Experience does evidently Manifeft : For, who is there that knows any Thing pfhis own Heart, and knows not this Much, that the Sug- geftions of Satan have fo eafy and free Admittance intq our Hearts, that our utmoft Watchfulnefs is too little to guar4 us from them ? whereas the Motions of God's Spirit are fa unacceptable to us, that our utmoft Diligence is too little to get our Hearts open to entertain them. Let therefore the ^Excellency, neceffity, Difficulty, of true Wifdom, ftir up endeavours in you fomewhat proportionable Prov, 4. 7. to fuch an Accomplishment, Above all getting ProV, £• 4. get Under ft anding, and fearch for Wifdom as for bidden Treafures ; it much concerns you in refpeft of your felves.
Our fecond Advice concerns Heads of Families, in refpeft of their Families. Whatever hath been faid already, tho' it concerns every private Chriftian that hath a Soul to look after ; yet, upon a double Account, it concerns Parents and Mafters, as having themfelves and others to look after. Some there are, who, becaufe of their Ignorance, cannot ; others, becaufe of their Sluggifhnefs, will not mind this Duty. To the fqrmer we propound the Method of Jofhua, who firfl: ]began with hinjfelf, and then is careful of his Family. To the Latter we fhall only hint, what a dreadful meeting thole parents and Mafters muft have at that great Day, with their Children and Servants ; when all that were under their In- fpeftiqn, fhall not only accufe them, but charge their eter- } ^ naj
The Epijlleto the Reader. 7
nal Mifcarrying upon their Score. Never did any Age of the Church enjoy fuch choice helps, as this of ours. Every Age of the Gofpel hath had its Creeds, Confefms, Cate- chifns, and fiich Breviaries and Models of Divinity, as have been Angularly ufeful. Such forms of found Words (how- ever in thefe Days decryed) have been in Ufe in the Church, ever fince God himfelf wrote the Decalogue, as a Summary of Things to be done, and Chrift taught us, that Prayer of his, as a Direftory what to ask. Concerning the Ufefiilnefs of fiich compendiary Syflems Doftor Tuckney, fo much hath been faid already by a Learned m ^s Sermorl Divine of this Age, as is fiifficient to fatis- on z m* 1% l5# fy all who are not refolved to remain unfati^fied.
Concerning the particular Excellency of thefe enfuing Treatifes, we judge it unneedful to mention thofe eminent Teftimonies which have been given them, from Perfons of known Worth, in refpeft of their Judgments, Learning, and Integrity, both at home and Abroad, becaufe themfelves fpeak fomuch their own Praife : Gold ftands not in need of Varnifh, nor Diamonds of Painting, ; give us leave only to tell you, that we cannot but account it an Eminent Mercy to enjoy fuch Helps as thefe are : 'Tis ordinary in thefe Days, for Men to fpeak Evil of Things they know not ; but if any are poffefTed with mean Thoughts of thefe Treatifes, we fhall only give the fame Counfel to them, that Philip gives Nathanael, come and fee. John I, 46. *Tis no fmall Advantage the Reader now hath, by the Addition of Scriptures at large, whereby with little Pains, he may more profit, becaufe with every Truth he may behold its Scripture-foundation. And indeed, confidering what a Babel of Opinions, what a ftrange Confufion of Tongues there is this Day, among them who profefs they fpeak the Language of Canaan ; There is no intelligent Per- fon, but will conclude that Advice of the Prophet efpecially faited to fuch an Age as this, If a. viii, 20. To the Law and to the Teflimcny, if they fpeak not according to this IVord, it is becaufe there is no Light in them. If the Reverend and Learned Compofers of thefe enfuing Treatifes were willing to take the Pains of annexing Scripture-proofs to every Truth, that the Faith of People might not be built upon the Dictates of Men, but the Authority of God : So fome confiderable
A 4 Pains
8 Tha Eftflleto the Redden
Pains hath now been further taken intranrcriblngthQfeSerip- tiires, partly to prevent that grand Inconvenience, (which all former Imprdfiqns, except the Latin, have abounded with, to the great perplexing and disheartning of the Reader) the Mifquotations of Scripture ; the ineaneft Reader being able,' by having the Words at large, to rectify whatever Mi- flake may be in the Printer in citing the particular Place : Partly rq prevent the Trouble of turning to every Proof, which could not but be very great : Partly to help the Me- mories of fuch who are willing to take the pains of. turning to every Proofs but are unable to retain what they read • and partly that this may ferve §s a Bible Common-place, the fe- veral PaiTages of Scripture which are fcattered up and down o the Word, being in this Book reduced to their proper Heads, and thereby giving Light each' "to other. The Ad- vantages, you fee, in this Defign, are many and great : The Way to fpiritual Knowledge is hereby made more eafy, and the Ignorance of this Age more inexcufable.
If therefore there be anyfpark in you of Love to God, be not content that any of you Khould be Ignorant of Him whom you fo much admire, or any Haters of Him whom you fo much Love. If there be any Compaffion to the Souls of them who are under your Care, if any regard of your be: TngfoundFaithfulintheDayofChri.fr, if any refpedt to fu- ture Generations ; Labour to fow the Seeds of Knowledge, which may grow up in after Times. That you may be faith- ful herein, h the earrieft Prayer cf
Henry Wilkin fori
D. I>. A. M P. Roger Drake William Taylor Samuel Annefty Thomas Gouge Charles Ofspring Arthur JacMon John Crcfs Samuel Clark Samuel Slater William Whkaker John Fuller James Nalton Thomas Godwin
Matthew Pool William Beates John Lorier Francis Raworrji William Cooper W ilium Jen kin Thomas Manton Thomas Jacomb George Griffiths Edward Perkins Riiph Venning Jeremiah Bur we! Jofeph Church Haf. Bridges Samuel Smith
Samuel Rowles JohVGlalcock Leo. Cooke John Shtfteild Matthew Havland Will ram Black more Richard Kcntifh >' AKxander Pringle Wiliiam Wickins Thomas Watibn John Jackfon John'Seabrooke John Peachie James Jollire Obadiah Lee»
Mh
QQQQOQQ©QGOQQOQ :iQO9QO9QOQ0Oa0pfl Mr. Thomas Mantous Epiftle to the Reader,
Christian Re a d e r,
J Cannot fippofe thee to be fuch a Stranger in England, as tc be Ignorant cf the general Complaint concerning the Decay of the power of Godlinefs, and more efpecially of the great Corruption of Youth ; wherever thou goeff, thou wilt hear Men crying cut of bad Children and bad Servants: Whereas indeed the Source of the Mifchief muft be fought a little high- er ; '//j bad Parents, and bad Matters, that mate bad Chil- dren, and bad Servants ; and we cannot blame fo much their Untowardnefs, as our own Negligence in their Education. ' The Devil hath a great Spight at the Kingdom cf Chrifl, and he knoweth no fuch compendious Way to Cruftl it in the Egg, as by the Perverfion of Youth, and fupplanting Fa- mily-duties : He ftriketh at all Duties, thofe which are Pub- lick in the Affemblies cf the Saints -, but theje are too ' well guarded by the folemn Injunctions, and dying Charge of Jefus Chrift, as that he fhould ever hope totally to fubvert and undermine them : But at Family-Duties he flriketh with the more Succefs, becavfe the Inftitution is not fo folemn, and the Practice not fo ferioufly and Conftientioufly regarded as it fhould be, and the Omiffion is not fo liable to Notice and Publick Cenfure, Religion was firft hatched in Families, and there the Devil feeketh to crufi it ; the Families of the Patriarchs were all the Churches Cod had in the Wrorld fir the Time, and therefore (/ fippofe) when Cain went cut from Adam's Family, he is faid to go from the Face of the Lord, Gen. iv. 1 6. Now the Devil knoweth that this is a Blow at the Root, and a ready Way to prevent the Sue- ceffion of Churches ; if he can fiibVert Families, other So- cieties and Communities will not long flourifh and fubfift with any Power and Vigour ; for there is the Stock from whence they are fupplied both for the Prefent and the Fu- ture.
For the Prefent, a Family is the Seminary of Church and State ; And if Children be not well Principled there, all mifi- carrieth : A Fault in the Firft Conco&ion is not mended
in
io Mr. Thomas Mantoris
in the Second ; if youth be bred ill in the Family, they prove ill in Church and Common-wealth ; there is the fir (I Making or Marring, and the Prefage of their Future Lives to be thence taken, Prov, XX. II. By Family-Difcipline, Of- ficers are trained up for the Church, i Tim. ill. 4. One that ruleth well his own Houfe, &e, and there are Men bred up in Subjection and Obedience. 'Tis noted, Afts. xxi. £. that the Difciples brought Paul on his Way with their Wives and Children ; their Children probably are mentioned, to intimate that their Parents would, by their own Example and Affe- ctionate Farewell to Paul, breed them up in a Way of Reve- rence and Refpeft to the Pallors of the Church.
For the Future, 'tis comfortable certainly to fee a thriv- ing Nurfery of young Plants, and to have hopes that God Jhall have a People to ferve Him when we are Dead and gone ; The People of God comforted themf elves in that, Pfal. cii. 28. The Children of thy Servants lhall continue, 6c.
Upon all thefe Confederations, how careful jhould Miniflers find Parents be to train up young Ones, whilft they are yet pliable, and, like Wax, capable of any Form and Impreffion, in the Knowledge and Fear of Cod ; and betimes to inftil f/\? Principles of our moft holy Faith, as they are drawn in- to a fhort Sum in Catechifms ; and fo altogether laid in the View of Conference ? Surely thefe Seeds of Truth planted in the Field of Memory, if xthey work nothing elfe, will at leaft be a great Check and Bridle to them, and, as the c a fl- ing in of cold Water, doth flay the Boiling of the Pot, feme- what allay the Fervours of Youthful Lufls and Pajfions
I had upon Intreaty refolved to recommend to thee with the grettcfl Eameflnefs the Work of Catechizing, and, as a meet Help, the Ufefulnefs of this Book as thus Printed with the Scriptures at Large : but meeting with a private Let- ter of a very Learned and Godly Divine, wherein that Work is Excellently done to my Hand, I fl?all make bold to tranferibe a part of it, and offer it to publick view.
The Author having bewailed the great DifrraCtions, Cor- ruptions and Divifions that are in the Church, he thus re- prefents the Caufe and Cure : Among others, a principal Caufe of thefe Miichiefs is the great and common Neglect of the Governors of Families, in the Dilcharge of that Duty which they owe to God for the Souls that are under their
Charge
The Epjtle to the Reader. 1 1
Charge, efpecially in Teaching them the Doctrine of Chri- ftianity. Families are Societies that muft be fanftified to God, as well as Churches ; And the Governors of them have as truly a Charge of the Souls that are therein, as Paftors have of the Churches. But alas, how little is thisconfide- red or regarded ! But while negligent Minifters are (defer- vedly) caft out of their Places, the Negligent Matters of Fa- milies take themfelves to be almoft blamelefs. They offer their Children to God in Baptifm, and there they promife to teach them the Dottrine of the Gofpel, and bring them up in the Nurture of the Lord ; but they eafily promife, and eafily break it •, and educate their Children for the World and the Flefh, altho' they have renounced thefe, and dedica- ted them to God. This Covenant-breaking with God, and Betraying the Souls of their Children to the Devil, muft ly heavy on them here or hereafter. They beget Children, and keep Families, merely for the World and the Flefh; but little confider what a Charge is Committed to them, and what it is to bring up a Child for God, and govern a Fa- mily as a fanttified Society. O how fweetly and fuccesful- ly would the Work of God go on, if we would but all join together in our feveral Places to promote it ! Men need not then run without fending to be Preachers : but they might find that Part of the Work that belongeth to them to be e- nough for them, and to be the bed thatthey can be imploy- ed in. Efpecially Women (houldbe careful of this Duty, becaufe as they are moft about their Children, and have ear- ly and frequent Opportunities to inftrutt them, fo this is the principal Service they can do to God in this World, being reftrained from more publick Work. And doubtlefs many an excellent Magiftrate hath been fent into the Com- mon-wealth, and many an Excellent Paftor into the Church, and many a precious Saint to Heaven, through the Happy Preparations of a Holy Education, perhaps by a Woman that thought her felf ufelefs and unferviceable to the Church. Would Parents but begin betimes, and labour to affect the Hearts of their Children with the great Matters of everlaft- ing Life, and to acquaint them with the Subftance of the Doftrine of Chrift, and, when they find in them the Know- ledge and Love of Chrift, would bring them then to^ the Paftors of the Church to be tried, confirmed and admitted
to
ix Mi. Thomas Mantoris
to the further Privileges of the Church, what happy spell* ordered Churches might we have ? Then one Paftor rieed not be put to do the Work of Two or Three hundred or thousand Governors of Families ; even to teach their Chil- dren thofe Principles which they fhould have taught them Jong before : Nor fhould we be put to preach to fo many miferable Ignorant Squls, that be not prepared by Education tounderftandus : Nor fhould we have need to fhut out fo many from Holy Communion upon the Account of Igno- rance, that yet have not the Grace to feel it and lament it, nor the Wit and Patience to wait in a Learning State, till they are ready to be Fellow-Citizens with the Saints, and of the Houfhold of God. But now they come to us with aged Self-conceitednefs, being paft Children, and yet worfe than Children flill ; having the Ignorance of Children, but being over-.gro\yn the Teachablenefs pf Children ; and think themlelves wife, yea, wife enough to quarrel with the wifefl of their Teachers, becaufe they have lived long enough to have beeri wife, and the evidence of their Knowledge is their aged Ignorance : And they are readier to flee in our Faces for Church-privileges, than to learn of us, and obey our In- ftru&ions till they are prepared for them that they may do them good; like fhappifh Currs, that will fnap us by the Fingers for their Meat, and fnatch it out of our Hands ; and not like Children, that ftgy till we gjive it them. Parents have fo ufed them to be unruly, that Minifters have to deal but with too few but the Unruly. And it is for want of this laying the Foundation well at firft, that profeffors themfelves are fo ignorant as moft are, and that fo many, efpecially of the younger fort, do fwallow down almoft any Error that is offered them, and fellow any feci: of Dividers that will entice them, fo it be but done with Earneftnefs and Plaufi- bility. For alas, though, by the Grace of God, their Hearts may be changed in an Hour, (whenever they Underftand but the EfTentials of the Faith) yet their Underflandings mufl have Time and Diligence to fWnifh them with fuch Knowledge as muft ftablifh then), and fortify them againft Deceits. Upon thefe and many the like Cqnfiderations, we fhould intreat all Chriftian Families, to take more pains in this neceffary Work, and to get better acquainted with the Subftance of Chriftianity. And to that End (taking along
fonae
The Efiftle to the Reader: i j
fbme moving Treatifes to awake the Heart) I know not what Work ihould be fitter for their Ufe, than that com- piled by the AfTembly at Weftminfter : A Synod of as God- ly, Judicious Divines, (notwithftanding all the bitter Words which they have received from difcontented and felf con- ceited Men) I verily think, as ever England faw, Though they had the Unhappinefs to be employed in Calamitous Times, when the Noife of Wars did flop Mens Ears, and the Licentioufnefs of Wars did fet every wanton Tongue and Pen at Liberty to- reproach them ; and the Profecuticn and Event of thofe Wars, did e-xafperate partial difconten- ted Men, to difhonour themfeives by feeking to dishonour them: I dare fay, if in the Days of Old, when Councils were in Power and Account, they had had but fuch a Council of Bi/hops, as this of Presbyters was, the fame of it for Learning and Holinefs, and all Minifterial Abilities, would with very great Honour have been transmitted to Posterity. I do therefore Defire that all Mafters of Families would firft ftudy well this Work themfeives ; and then teach it their Children and Servants, according to their feveral Ca- pacities. And if they once underftand thefe grounds of Religion, they will be able to read other Books more un- derftandingly, and hear Sermons more profitably, and con- fer more judicioufly, and hold faft the Doftrine of Chriit more firmly, than ever they are like to do by any other Courfe. Firft, let them read and learn the Shorter Cate- ehifm, and next the Larger, and laftly read the Confejfon of Faith.
Thus far he ; ivhofe Name I Jhall conceal (though th? Excellency 6f the Matter, and prefent Stile, wilt eafily difcover him) hecaufe I have publijhed it without his Pri vity and Confent, though, I hope, not againft his Liking', i Approbation. I /hall add no more, but that I am
Thy Servant
In the Lord's Work,
THOMAS MANTON.
Art
i4
An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons ajfe?nbled in Par- liament, for the Calling of an Ajfembly of Learned and godly Divines, and others, to be confulted with by the Parliament, for the Settling of the Government and Li- turgy of the Church of England ; and for Vindicating end clearing of the Do Brine of the faid Church from falfe Afperjions and Interpretations* June. 12. 1^43-
WHereas, amongfl the infinite Bleffings of Almighty .God upon this Nation, none is, or can be more dear unto us, than the Purity of our Religion ; and for that as yet many Things remain in the Liturgy, Difclpline and Government of the Church, which d6 neceflarily require a further and more perfect Reformation, than as yet hath been attained : And whereas it hath been declared and refolved by the Lords and Commons afTembled in Parliament, That the prefent Church-Government by Archbifhops, their Chancellors, CommifTarSj Deans, Deans and Chapters, Archdeacons, and other Ecclefiaftical Officers depending upon the Hierarchy, is evil, and juftly ofFenfive and burden- fom to the Kingdom, a great Impediment to Reformation and growth of Religion, and very prejudicial to the State and Government of this Kingdom % and therefore they are refolved, that the fame fhall be taken away, and that fuch a Government fhall be fettled in the Church, as may be mod agreeable to God's holy Word, and moft apt to procure and preferve the peace of the Church at Home, and nearer A- greement with the Church of Scott andi and other Reformed Churches Abroad : and for the better effecting hereof, and for the vindicating and clearing of the Do&rine of the Church of England from all falfe Calumnies and Afperfions ,- it is thought fit and necefTary, to call an AfTembly of learned, godly and judicious Divines, who, together with fome Mem- bers of both the Houfes of Parliament, are to confult and advife of fuch Matters and Things touching the premifTes, as (hall be propofed unto them by both or either of the Houfes of Parliament, and to give their Advice and Counfel therein to both or either of the faid Houfes, when, and as often as they fhall be thereunto required. Be it therefore ordained
by
is
by the Lords and Commons in this prefent Parliament affem- bled, that all and every the Perfons hereafter in this pre- sent Ordinance named, that is to fay,
And fuch other Perfon and Perfons as fhall be nomina- ted and appointed by both Houfes of Parliament, or fo ma- ny of them asfhall not be letted by Sicknefs; or other nece£ fary Impediment, fhall meet and AfTemble, and are hereby required and enjoined upon Summons figned by the Clerks of both Houfes of Parliament, left at their refpeftive Dwel- lings to meet and afTemble themfelves at V/eftminfter , in the Chapel called King Henry the Vllth's Chappel, on the firft Day of July, in the Year of our Lord, One thoufand fix hundred and forty three ; and after the firft meeting, be- ing at leaft the Number of Forty, fhall from Time to Time fit, and be removed from Place to Place ; and alfo, that the faid Aflembly fhall be difTolved in fuch Manner, as by both Houfes of Parliament fhall be directed : and the faid Perfons, or fo many ofthem asfhall be fo affembled, or fit, fhall have Power and Authority, and are hereby likewife enioyned from Time to Time, during this preient Parliament, or until fur- ther orderbe taken by both the faid Houfes, to confer and treat among themfelves, of fuch Matters and Things, touch- ing and concerning the Liturgy, Difcipline and Government of the Church of England, for the Vindication and Clearing of the Doftrine of the fame from all falfe Afperfions and Mifconflruftions, as fhall be propofed unto them by both, or either of the faid Houfes of Parliament, and no other ; and deliver their Opinion, Advices, of or touching the Matters aforefaid, as fhall be molt agreeable to the Word of God, to both, or either of the Houfes, from Time to Time, in fuch Manner and Sort, as by both, or either of the faid Houfes of Parliament fhall be required ; and the fame not to divulge by Printing, Writing, or otherwife, without the Confentof both, or either of the Houfes of Parliament. And be it further ordained, by the Authority aforefaid, That William TwiJJe Do&or in Divinity, fhall fit in the Chair, as Prolocutor of the faid Aflembly ; and if he happen to die, or be letted by Sicknefs, or other necefTary Impediment, then fuch other Perfon to be appointed in his Place, as fhall be agreed on by the faid Houfes of Parliament : And in Caie; any Difference in Opinions fhall happen amongft the faid
Per-
\6
Perfbns fo aflemble^, touching any the Matters that mall 6e propofed to them as aforefaid, that then they fhall reprefen the fame, together with the Reafons thereof, to both, or either of the faid Houfes refpeclively, to the end fuch further Direction may be given therein, as fhall be requisite to that Behalf. And be it further ordained by the Authority fore- faid, that for the Charges and Expences of the faid Divines, and every one of them, in attending the (aid Service there mall be allowed every one of themthat mail fo attend, during the TiMe of their faid Attendance tod for Teh Days before, and Ten Days after the Sum of Four Shillings for every Day at the' Charges of the Common-Wealth, at! Rich Time, and in fuch Manner, as by both Houfes of Parliament mall be appointed. And be it further ordained, That all, and every the faid Divines, fb, as aforefaid, required atad enjoyned to meet 8c aflemble, fhall be freed and acquitted of, and from every Of- fence, Forfeiture, Penalty, Lofs or Damage, which fhall or may enfue, or grow by Reafon of any Non-refidence, or Ab- fence of them, or any of them, from his, or theirs, or any of their Church, Churches of Cures, for or in fefpect of their faid Attendance upon the faid Service; any Law or Statute of Non-refidence, or other Law or Statute injoynmg their At- tendance: upon 'their refpeclive Miniftries, or Charges, to the contrary thereof, notwithstanding. And if any of the Per- fons above-named fhall happen' to die before the faid AflTem- bly fhall be diffalved by Order of both Houfes of Parliament, then fuch other Perfbn or Perfons fhall be nominated and placed in the Robm and Stead of fuch Perfbn or Perfbns fa dying, as by both the faid Houfes mail be thought fit, and agreed upon ; and every fuch Perfbn or Perfbns, fb to b& named, fhall have the like Power and Authority, Freedom, and Acquittal to all Intents and Purpofes, andalfo all fiich Wages and Allowances for the faid Service, duririg the Time of his or their Attendance, as to any other of the faid Perfons in this Ordinance, is, by this Ordinance, limited and appoint- ed. Provided always, that this Ordinance, or any Thing* therein-contained, fhall not give unto the Perfons aforefaid, or any of them, nor fhall they in this x^ffembly affume to* exercife any Jurisdiction. Power or Authority Ecclefiafti- cal whatfoever, or any other power than is herein partial* larly expreffed.
Atfem*
17
dfembly at Edinburgh, Augufl 19. 1643. Seff. 14, Commiffion of the General Affembly to fome Miniflers and Ruling Elders, for repairing to the Kingdom of England. " HE General affembly of t be Church of Sco'land finding it neceffary to jenafome Godly andLearned oj this Kirk to the Kingdom of England, to the Effetl underwritten ; Therefore gives full Power and Com- Tmfficv to Air. Alexander Henderfon, Mr. Robert Douglas, Mr, Samuel Rutnertoord, Mr. Robert Baillie, and Mr. George Gildpie, Minifters;
T
t\ J • £r rLinguvm vj *-..*&.«.— , — r~r"- .* ~
Woiaration lent unto the Parliament of England, and the Letter jent unto the . Affembly of Divines now fitting in th&t Kingdom : and to propone, conjiut, treat and conclude with that Alfi?nbly, or any Cummi jfioners de- puted by them, or any Committees, or Cammijfimers deputed by the Hoffes of Parliament, in all Matters which -may father the Union of this Jjlana in one Form of Kirk-Government, one GmfeJJion of Faith one Ci-
Whitb they foave receive! from the Affembly, or fhall receive from Time tvT'we hereafter, from the Commijfioners oj the Affembiy ieputty pr that -r *' f^ Fmer alf° to them, to convey tq His Ikk'ajetty the humble ^nfwer fent from this Affembly to His Mujefty's Letter, by juch Occa- Jton as they frail think convenient, and fuch like, to deliver the Afcm- blies Anjwer to the Letter fent from fome well affeBed Brethren of th? Minitiry there 5 and generally authorises them to do all Things WlW may .further the jo much d'e fired Union, and nearefl Conjunction °tJ»efLwo Churches of Scotland W^ England, cwformtothdr Mir actions Aforejaid.
Many oi the Per/on s who were called by the foresaid Ordinance of the Lords and Commons (in that broken Stare of" the C:u-ch) to attend the Aflembly, appeared not; whereupon the whole Work lay on the Hands of the Perfons hereafter mentioned.
The Promife and Vow taken by every Member admit- ted to fit in the Affembly.
J A. B. do fer
That in thi. - thing in Point of __.
U'rd oj GOD j nor in Point of Difc'pllne. but what may rm GOD's Glory, and the Peace and Good of this Chu ch
A LIST of the DIVINES who met in the Affembly at Weftminfter.
mod J or
DR. William Twifs oi Newbury, Prolocutor. Dr. Cornelius Burges oi Waterfor;', John White of Dorcheirer, Affeffors Dr. William Gouge of Blackf-i::?, London,
Robert Harris of Hanwell, B. D. Thomas Gattakcr of Rotocrhi the
B..D. Onvur Bowles of Sutton, B. D: Edward Reynolds of Bramiton.
B JeremJah
w
Jeremiah Whitaker of Streton.
Dr, Anthony Tuckney of Bolton.5
John Arrowfmith ot Lynne.
Simeon Afhe ot S'. Bribes.
Philip Nye of Kimbolton.
Jeremiah Burroughs of Stepney.
John Lightfootof Afhiey.
Stanley Gower ot Brampton Bryan.
Richard Heyrick of Manchefier.
Thomas Cafe ot London.
Dr. Thomas Temple of Battery,
George Gibbs of Ayleiton.
Thomas Carter.
Dr Humphrey Cambers of Claver-
ftoun, Thomas Micklethwaic of Cherry- burton. John Guibon of Waltharn. Chriitopher Tcfdale of Uphusborne Henry Philips. George Walker, B D. Edmond Calamy, B. D, of Alder- man bury. Dr. Lazarus Seaman of London, joleph Caryl of Lincoln's-Inn. Dr. Henry Wilkinfon Senior of V/a-
deriton. Richard Vines of Calcof. Nicolas ProrTct of Marlburrou^h. Stephen Marchal, B. D. of Finch-
ingfield. Dr. Jofhua Hoyk late of Dublin. Thomas Wilfon ol Grham. Thomas Hodges of Kenfington. Thomas Baylie of Mildenhal, B. D. Francis Taylor of Yalding. Thomas Ycung of Stownmarket. Thomas Valentine, B. D. ot Chal- 0 font S. Giles. William Greenhil of Stepney. Edward Pele of Compton. John Green of Pencomb. Andrew Pern of Wilby. Simiiel de la Place. John de la March. John D^ry. Philip Delme.
Sidrach Simpfon of London:' John Langley of Weftuderly. Richard Clayton of Showers. Arthur Sallaway of Seaverneftoak. John Ley of Budworth. Charles Herle of Winwickj Vrclo* cutor after Dr. Twifs.
I
Herbert Palmer, B. D, of Afliwel, djfefjor alter Mr. White. [Daniel Cawdrey of Great Billing. Henry Painter, B. D. of Exeter; Henry Scudder of Colingborn. Thomas H'<11, B. D. ot Tichmarch. Wihiara Reynor, B. D. ofEgham. frr Thomas Goodwine ot London, D r William Spurftow of Hampden! Matthew Newcomb ofDcHiiam. Dr. Edmond Staunton of Kingfton. John Conant of Lymmington, B. D.- Anthony Burges ot Sutton Coldfield William Rathband. Dr. Francis Cheynel of Oxon. Dr. Henry WilJusfon Younger of
Oxford. Obadiah Sedgwick, B.Da of Cogfhai Edward Gorbift of Marton Collegl
Oxford Samuel Gibfon of Burley. Thomas Coleman of Biiton, Theodore Backhurft. William Carter of London. Peter Smith.
John Maynard ot May field. William Price of PaulV Church in
Covent-Garden. John Whincop of St. Martins in the
Fields. William Bridge of Yarmouth. Perer Sterrye ot London. William Mew B. D. of Ellington. Benjamin Pickering of Ealt-Hoatljr; John Strickland of St. Edmonds in
Sarum. Humphrey Hardwick. Jaipcr Hicks of Lawrick or Lan*
rake. John Bond:
Henry Hail, B D. ot Norwlck. Thomas Ford of London, after- wards of Exeter. Thomas Thorowgood of Ma fling*
ham. Peter Clark of Kerby-underhiL William Good; John Foxcroft of Cotham. John Ward.
Richard Byfield of Long-Ditton.- Francis Woodcock. John Jackfon of Marske.
Com
*9
Commiffioners from the General Aflembly of the Church of SCOTLAND.
Lexander Henderfon of Edin- i John Earl of Caffils.
fcjL burgh; I John Lord Maitland, afterwards
Robert Douglas of Edinburgh; Duke of Lauderdale, #
Samuel Ru:herfoord of St. Andrews. Sir Archibald Johnlton or Wan-
A1
Robert Baily of Glafgow. ftoun.
George Gillefpy of Edinburgh* Ruling Elders.
>brough, "1 Byfieid, \ Scribe si His. (
Miniflers.
Henry Robrough, Adoniram John Wallii
/4JJemh!y at Edinburgh, Auguft 27M, 1647. Sef. 23. ACT approving the Confeflion of Faith.
AConjeJjion of Faith Tor the Kirks of God, in the Three Kingdoms, being :he chieteft Part of that Uniformity in Religion, which, by the Solemn League and Covenant, we are bound to endeavour ; and there being accordingly, a ConfeJJjon of Faith, agreed upon by the Af- fembly of Divines faring at Weftminfter, with the AiMance of Com- miffioners from the Kirk of Scotland-, which Conjeffion was fent from our Commiff loners at hsndon, to the Commifiioners ot the Kirk met at Edinburgh in January laft, and bath been in this AfFernbiy twice pub- lickly read over, examined and confidered- Copies thereof being alfo Printed, that it might be paniculany perufed by all the Members of this Aitembly, unto whom ir.quent Intimation was publickly made, to put in their Doubts and Objections, if they had any. And the faid ~ Conjej- fun being, upon due Examination thereof, found by the Aficrribiy, to be moit agreeable to the Ward of God, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worfhip, Difcipline and Government of this Kirk ; And, laftly, It being fo neceiTary, and fo much longed for, that the faid Gonjefjion be, with all poftible Diligence and Expedition, ap- proved and eitaoiifhed ifl both Kingdoms, as a principal part of the in- tended Uniformity in Religion, and as a fpecial Means for the more cffedual fupprefling ot the many dangerous Errors and Hcre/ies of thefe Times: The General Aflembly doth therefore, after mature Deliberation, agree unto, and approve the faid Cmfeffion, as to the Truth of the Matter (judging it to be moft Orthodox, and grounded upon the Woid ot Gjd) and alfo, as ro the Point of Uniformity, agree- ing for our Part, that it be a common Confeflion of Faith for the Three Kingdoms. The Aflembly doth alfo blefs the Lord, and thankfully ac- knowledge his great Mercy, in that fo excellent a Confejjion of Faith is prepared, and thus far agreed upon in boih Kingdoms, which we look upon, as a great Strengthens of the true reformed Religion, againft the common Enemies thereof. But, left our Intention and Meaning be in Tome Particulars mifunderftood, it is hereby exprefly declared and
■ z pro*
26
provided, That the not mentioning in this Corjefion, the feveral Sort* o( Ecclefiafticaf Officers and Aflembiies, (hall be" no Prejudice to the Truth of drift, in rhefe Particulars, to be exprefled fully m the Di- reBory of Government. . It is further declared, That the Afllmbiy un- de-r. ideth fome 'Parts of the fecona Article of the Thiity on-- Chap- ter, only of Kirks not fettled, or conltituted in Point of Govern merit; And true although, in luch Kirks, a Synod of Ministers, and other fie Perfons, rrfey he called by the Magiitratefs Authority and Nomination, without any other Call, to confult and advife with, about Matter* of Religion, and" although llkewife the: Minifters of drift, wii ou De- legation irom their Churches, may of themfelvcs, and, by v rue ot their OEce, meeC together Syncdically- in fuch Kirks, not yet onfti* tated; yet neither of theie ought to be done in Kirks conltiriK^a and fettled; It being always free to the Magiftrate ro advile with Syiidds of Minifters and Ruiing Elders, meeting upon Delegation from heir C&urcftes, either ordinarily, or behigjndi&ed by his Authority, occafio- nally and pro re nata\ it being a'Kolree to aiTemble togeifheFTynodfcallf , as well^ro re nata, as ar the o dinary Times, upon Del .-..ation rom the,' Churches, by the Wrinfical fdwer received* from Curaft, as oirer- Ps it is neceilary iof the Good ot 'he Church fo to aiTembie, in cafe (he j#a- giftrate, to the Detriment of the Church, withhold or deny ~his Content, the Neceflry of occafional Aflembiies being firft. rernonftiate* untq hirn by humble Supplication,
A. RER,
Charles L Pari. 2. Sejf. 2. Atl 16.
ACT anent the Catechiftns, Confeffion of Faith,
; and Ratification thereof.
^Edinburgh, February 7th. x tf4o,
THE Eftates of Parliament now prefently conveened in this (econd Sellion ot the fecond Triennial Parliament, by venue of an Act of ?he Committee cf Eflates, who had Power and Authority from the laft Parliament' for conveening the Parliament, having (erioufly confide: ed the Catech>jmt3 v z. the Larger and Shorter Ones, with the Confeffion of 'Faith, with the Three kih ot Approbation thereof,by theCommiinoners of Lhe General Aftembiy; prefented unto them by the Com milTi oners of the faid General AfTembly ■> Do ratify and ap~)iove the (aid Catechifms% Confeffion of Faith, and Afts of approbation ot the fame, produced as it is; and ordains them to be recorded, publifhed and praftiied.
THE
T H E
*
Confeffion of Faiths
Agreed upon by the
Aflembly ofDIVINES
A T
WESTMINSTER,
"With the Affiftance of
COMMISSIONERS
FROM THE
CHURCH of Scotland,
A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of CHR I S T in the Kingdoms of Scotland^ England, and Ireland.
Approved by the General Afemhly 1647, and Ratified and Eftablifhed by Aft of Parliament 1649, as the publick and Avowed Confeffion of the CHURCH of SCOT-" LAND.
With the T roofs from the Scripture.
GLASGOW
Printed by John Roifctfon and Mrs M'Lcan, and fold at" their Shops in the middle of the 8 alt-Merc at
M. DGG. XLVI.
The C O N T E N T S.
CHAP. PaJ* I f\J? the holy Scripture
(J II. Of God and of the holy Trinity 3 l
III. Of Cod's EternalDecree 36
IV. Of Creation, 4l
V Of Providence. 43
VI. Of the Fall of Man, cf Sin, and of the Punifij-
merit thereof 5l
VII. Of God's Covenant with Man 55
VIII. OfChrifl the Mediator 6°
IX. Of Free-mill 68
X. Of Effectual Calling 7l
XI. Of Justification 75
XII. Of Adoption *°
XIII. 0/ SancJif cation °2
XIV. Of Saving Faith *4
XV. Of Repentance unto Life eo
XVI. 0/ 6W flPork ( ?°
XVII. Of the Perfevcrance of the Saints 91
XVIII. Of Ajfurance of Grace and Salvation *oo
XIX. Of the Law of God Io^
XX. O/ Chriftian Liberty, and Liberty of Confaenc* 112 XXI Of Religious Worjhip and the Sabbath-day 119
XXII. O/ lawful Oaths and Vows - **8
XXIII. Of the Civil Magi fir ate *33
XXIV. Of Marriage vnd Divorce *38
XXV. Of '*&? <&W*A J4*
XXVI. Of Communion of Saints JA5
XXVII. Of the Sacraments Hs
XXVIII. Of 5*/*/> ^
XXIX. Of /#<? Lonfr &#/>*r 15'3
XXX. Of GtaS Cenfiures l57 XXyil. Of Synods and Councils l59 XXXIL O/ fl&* State of Men after Death, gnd of the Re-
furred ion of the Dead. 161
XXXIIP Of thi laft frdg?m T^
/^C "ffl*^'*'*
THE
Confession of F a i t h,
Agreed upon by the Ajjembly of Divines at fVefiminfler ; Examined and Approved, Anno 1647, by the General Assembly of the Church of SCOTLAND; And Ratified by A61 of Parlia m e n t 1649.
J'f3jC^/>
Chap. I. Of the Holy Scripture.
ALTHOUGH the Light of Nature, and the **■ Works of Creation and Providence, do fo far manifeft the Goodnefs, "YVifdom, and Power of God, as to leave Men inexcufable a ; yet are they not fufficient to give that Knowledge of God and of his "Will, which is neceflary unto Sal- vation
I: a. Rem, 2. 14. For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things conrained in the law, thefc having not the law, are a Jaw unto themfcivcs: *v, 15. Which (hew the wor/v of the law written in their hearts, thdr , confcienc: alfo bearing wirncfs, and their thoughts the mean whtlc ac- cufing or elfe excusing one another. Rom I. 19. Became that which may be known of God, is manifefr in them ; for God harh fhcwed it tm- ro them. v* 2.0. For the invi/ible things of him irom the creation of rhe world are clearly fcen, being underftood by the things that are made, even his eternal Power and Godhead j (0 that they are without
cxcuil1. Pfal 19 • I! The heavens declare the glory of God, and rhe firmament fheweth his Handy* worK, V. 2. Day unto Day urrcreth fpeech, and rvght jinro nfght fhew- eth knowledge, v. 3- There Is no fpeech, nor language, where rheir voice is not heard. Rem. 1. 32, Who knowing the judgment of God, (thar they which commit fuch things arc wonhv of death) noc only do the hme, but have plea- fure in them rhat do them. With 2. 1 Therefore thru art inex- cufable, O man, whofocver rhou arc that judgefl j for wherein thou judg- ed another, thou condemnor, thy felf ; for then that judgeft doit the fame things.
B 4. 1 Cor.
14 1he ConfeJJton of Faith: Chap: t
vation b; Therefore it . pleafed the Lord, at fundry "-Times, and in divers Manners, to reveal himfelf and to declare that his Will unto the Church c. ; and after- ' wards for the better preferring and Propagating of the Truth, and for the more fure Eftablifhment and Comfort of the Church againft the Corruption of the Fiefh, and the Malice of Satan and of the 6 : World to commit the fame wholly unto "Writing d Which maketh "the Holy Scripture to be moft necefTary e
thofe.
b r Cor. i ~i. For sfrer that, n the XV Adorn of God, rhe World by wiidom knew not God, it pleafed God by the iooiilhnefs oi preaching to lave them that believe, i Or. 2. 13. Which things alfo we fpeak, not in the words which mans wif- dom te?cheth, but which ihc holy Ghoft teachetb, comparing .fpiri- tual things with ipiritnal. v. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolifhnefs unto him 5 neither can he know them, be- caufe they are fp-'rirually difcerned.
c Heb. 1. 1. God who at fundry times, and in divers manners {pake in time pail unto the fathers by rhe Prophets.
d Prov 22. 19. That thy trufr. may be in rhe Lord;. I have made known ro thee this dayveven :: 1;. 2.0. Have not 1 written to thee excellent things in counfeis and knowledge j v. 2.1. That I might make thee know z\>z certainty of the wem^ti truth ; thar thau mighteit ^rfver the words of :r:;n to them that lend unto thee? Lstke 1. 3: It feemed good co me alio, having ^ad perfect imderfbndirig of all tilings from the very firft, to write unto thee, in order, moil excei-ient Theophilur, v. 4: That thou mightft know :he«cer:ainty of thoie things, v/hereia thou haft been inputted.
Ro?v. i) 4.. For whatfoever things were written aforc:ime, were writ- ten for our learning that we through patience and comiorr of thqjjffip- tures might have hen. 4. But he anlwered a"nd (aid, It is written, Man fliail not live by bread alone f but uy every word that proceedethout of the mouth of God. v. 7. Jefos faidtjfo him, Tc is written again, Th] tempt the Lord thy Then (aid jeUis thee hence-Sitan : for Thou (halt worihip theLord th^God and him only fhalt thcu fervc. ify 8. 1 p.- And when they (halt fav unto you, leek u-to them mat have fa- miliar ipi.irs, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter > fhn-jld not a People feek unto their God ? for the living to tiie rie^d ? v. 20* Tz the law and to die teftimony : if they fpeak not according to this word, it is becauie there is no li^hc in them.
e zTlm. 3.15-. And that from a child thou haft known the. holy fcrip^ures, which are able to make thee Wile unto faivatnn, through faith Wh:ch is in Chrift Jeius. 2 Peter 1. 19. We 1 iiavealfoa more fure word of pro- t phecv, whereunto vedo well that ye take heed,as unto a light that fhineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and theday-fuar a*ife in your hears, f &k
Chap, i: Ihe Confeffion of Faith: z$
thofe former Ways of God's Revealing his Will onto his People, being now ceafed £
II, Under the Name of Holy Scripture, or the
Word of God written, are now contained all the
Books of the Old and New Teftament, which are thefe ;
Of the Old Testament.
Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Numeers.
DeUTRGNOMY.
Joshua.
Judges.
Ruth.
I. Samuel,
If. Samuel.
I. Kings.
II. Kings*
I. Chronicles.
Chronicles. II.
Ezra.
Nehemiah.
Esther.
Joe.
Psalms.
Proverb-.
e.ccle5iaste5.
The Song c/Sosgs
Isaiak.
Jeremiah.
Lamentations.
Ezekiel,
Daniel.
Hosea.
Joel
Amos.
O BAD I AH.
Jonah. Micah.
Nahu;
Habakkuk,
Zephaniah.
Haggai.
Zechariah.
Malachi.
Of the New Testament.
The Gofpels accor- ding to
Matthew
Mark.
Lukf. ^
John.
The Atis cf the -! p,>-
Paul's Epiftles to the
Romans. *
Corinthjans I.
Corinthians.il Galatian. Ephesian -. Philippians.
CoLO.^SlANS.
Thessal jniansI. The«saloniAn5II
To Timothy. I. To Tim ithy. II. To Titu
To Philemon.
The Epiftle to the
Heeki \VS. The Epiftle if
|AME .
The firfl and ficotti Epiftles of ?ETzk.
The fir}} feynJ, c-1 third Epi- ftles of John.
The Epiftle of Judf.
The Revelation. All
t Heb. r i. O^d who at fnfltlry
times, and In divers manners (pake
in rime pail unto the Fathers by
he prophets, <i/, 2. Hath in chefc
ys fpdfctri unto us by hh Sort, whom he hath appointed heir of al4 things, by whom alio he made the workls,
I Ldst
z6 The Confejpon of Faith. Chap: i:
All which are given by Inspiration of God, to be the Rule of Faith and Life g.
III. The Books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of Divine Infpiration, 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- wife approved, or made Ufe of, than other human "Writings h ■
IV. The Authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the Teftimony of any Man, or Church ; but wholly upon God (who is truth itfelf) the Author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, becaule it is the Word of God f.
V. We
g. Luke 16*. 29. Abraham faith unto him, They have Mofes and the prophets, let thern hear then?, 1/. 31. And he faid unto him, If they hear not Moies and the pro- phecs. neither wiil they be perfwa- ded, though one rofe from the dead, Eph. 1: 20. And are built u- pon the foundation of the apoftles and prophets,- Jefus Chrht himfelf being the chief corner* flone. Rev, r:z; 18. For I teftify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this Book. If any man fhail add unto thefe things., God fhail add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. nj. 19. And if any man fhail rake a- way from the words ot the book of this prophecy, God fhail take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 2 Tim. 5. 16. All fcripture is given by in (pi ration of Gcd, and is profitable for do- $rine, for reproof, for coirs-
clion, for mftrucnon in righteouf- nels.
III. h L.7^24.27. And beginning at Mofes. and ail the Prophets, he expounded unro them in all the fcriprures the things concerning himfelf. <i/. 44. And he fa d unco them, Thefe are the words which I fpake u-mo you, while I was yet with you, that all things muff be fulfilled which were written in the law ©f Mofes, and in the prophets acd in the Pfalms Concerning ne, Rom 3 2. much every way : chiefly becauie untcT them were committed the oracles of God, zPet. 1. 21. For the prophecy came*not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God fpake as they were moved by the holy Ghoft.
IV. i 2. Vet. 1. 19. We have al- fo a more fure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do wetl that ye take heed, as unto a light that fhineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-ftar ante in your hearts;
<v. 21.
Cap- n The Confejfton of Faith: zy
V. We may be moved and induced by the Tefli* ttiony of the Church, to an high and reverend Efteem of the Holy Scriptures k. And the Heavenlinefs of the Matter, the Efficacy of the Doctrine, the Maje- fly of the Stile, the Confent of all the Parts, the Scope of the "Whole (which is to give all Glory to God) the fyll Difcovery it makes of the only Way of Man's Salvation, the many other incomparable Excellencies, and the intire Perfection thereof, are Arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it felf to be the Word of God ; yet notwithftanding our full Perfwa- lion and AfTurance of the infallible Truth, and Divine Authority thereof, is from the inward Work of the Holy Spirit, bearing Witnefs by, and with the Word in our Hearts I
VI. The
it. 2i. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God fpake as they were moved by the holy Ghoft. l Tim. 3. io\ All fcripture is given by infpiration of God, and is pro- fitable for docfrine, for reproof, for correction, for inftruclion in righteoufnefs. i J$hn s 9- If we receive the witnefs of men the witnefs of God is greater ; for this is the witnefs of God, which he hath teftified of his Son. 1 Theff, 2. 13. For this caufe alio thank we God without ceafing, becaufe when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, bur (as it is in truth J the word of God, which effectually worketh alfo in you that believe.
V. k 1 Tim. 3: 15 Butifl'arry long, that thou mayeft know how thou oughteft to behave thy felf in the houfe of God, which is the
church of the living God, the pil- lar and ground of the truth*
1 1 Jebn z. 20. But ye have an unclion from the holy One, and ye know all things, <u: 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 fame anointing teacheth you of all things, and is troth, and is no lie j and even as it hath taught you, ye fliall abide in him. John 16: 13: Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into ail truth : for he shall not fpeak of him- felf, but whatfoever he shall hear, that shall he fpeak ; and he will shew you things to come: v. £4: He shall glorify me ; for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you: 1 Cor. 2: 1 1: But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit, for the Spirit fearcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God: v. 11: For what man knoweth the things of a man
i8 "the Confejjion of faith: Chap* i?
VI. The whole Counfel of God, concerning all Things necefTary for his own Glory, Man's Salvl- iion, Faith and Life, is either exprefly fet down in Scripture, or by good and necefTary Confequence may be deduced from Scripture ; Unto which nd- thing at any Time is to be added, whether by new Revelations of the Spirit, or Traditions of Men m. Neverthelefs, we acknowledge the inward Illumina- tion of the Spirit of God to be necefTary for the fa- ving Underftanding of fuch Things as are revealed in the Word n ; And that there are fome Circumftan- ces concerning the "Worfhip of God, and Govern- ment of the Church, common to human A&ions and Societies, which are to be ordered by the Light of Nature, and Chriflian Prudence, according t-*>
the
man, lave the fpirit of man which is in him? evert fo the tlrngs of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. v. 12. Now we have re- ceived, not the fpirit: of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us ol God. Ifaiah 59. 2.1. As for me, this is my co- venant with them faith the Lord, My fpirit that is upon thee, snd my words which I have put in thy mourh, (hail not depart out ot rhy mouth, nor out ot the mouth of thy feed, nor out of the mouth o?thy feeds feed, faith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.
Vf. m. 2. Tim. 3. iy. And that from a child thuu haft known the feoly fcpipturcs, which are able to make rheewife untofal vation.through fai'h which is in Chrift Jefus. v 16*. All fcripture is given by inspiration ot God, and is profitable tor doc- trine, for reproof, ior correction,
for inftruclton in righteoufnefs: v: 17. That the man of God may bs perfect, throughly furnifhed unto ail good works. Gal. 1. 8. But though we, or an angel from hea- ven, preach any other gofpel un* to ynu, then that which we have preached unto you, lee him be ac- curfed. <v. 9. As we faid before^ fo fay I now again j If any man preach any other gofpel unto you, than that ye have received, let him be accurfed. 2. Thejf. 2. 2, That ye be not foon fhaken in mind, or be trouoled, neither by fpirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day ot Chrift is at hand.
n John 6. 4?. I«r is written in the prophets, And they (hall be all taught ot God, Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learn dof the Father, cometh unto me. 1 Cor. 2. 9. But as it is written,Eye hath noc feen, nor ear heard, neither have} entred into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for / thetxr
Chap, i The Confeffion of Faith %<)
the general Rules of the "Word, which are always to be obferved o.
VII. All Things in Scripture are not alike plain in themfelves, nor alike clear unto all p; yet thole 'Things which are neceflary to be known, believed, and obferved for Salvation, are fo clearly propounded and opened in fome Place of Scripture or other, that not only the Learned, but the Unlearned, in a due ufe of the ordinary Means, m&y attain unto a fufficient Un- der/landing of them q.
VIII. The Old Teftament in Hebrew (which was the native Language of the People of God of old) and the New Teftament in Greek, (which fy the Time of the Writing of it was moft generally known to the Nations) being immediately infpired by God, and by his lingular Care and Providence kept pure in all Ages, are therefore authentical r ;
fo
them that love him. v. 10; But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit fearcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. * a/, ii. For what man knoweth the things of a man, fave the fpiric of man which is in him ? even fo the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. i\ 12. Now v/c have received, not the fpirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
o 1 Cor. 11. 15; Judge in your f elves, is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered ? v. 14. Doth not even nature ic felt teach you, that if a man luve long hair, it is a fhame unto ruWi Cor. 14 26. How is it then, brethren, when ye come together, every one ot you hath a pfaim, hath a do&rine, hath
a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation i Let all rhings be done unto edifying. 1/. 40. Let all things be done decently, and in order.
VII. p z Pet. 3. 16" As alio in all his epiities, fpeaking in them of thefe things, in " which are fome things hard to be underftocd, which they that are unlearned and un- liable wreft, as they doalfo the o~ ther fcripiures, unto their own r!e- flruclion.
9 Pfalm 1 19 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light un~ to my path. v. 130. The entrance of thy words giveth light, it glveth underitanding unto the fimple.
VIII r Mat. y. 18. For verily I fay unto you, Till heaven and earth pais, one jot, or one tide (hall in no wife pais from the law, till all be fulfilled.
i Jftab
30 The Confeffion of Faith. Chap: r.
fo as, in all Controverfies of Religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them C But becaufe thefe Ori- ginal Tongues are not known to all the People of God, who have Right unto, and Intereft in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the Fear of God, to read and fearch them t- therefore they are to be tranflated in- to the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come v, that the Word of God dwelling plenti- fully in all, they may worfhip him in an acceptable Manner w, and, through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures, may have Hope x.
IX, ^The infallible Rule of Interpretation of Scrip- ture, is the Scripture it felfy and therefore when
there
f Ifaiah 8. 20: To the law, and to the testimony • If they fpeak not according to this word, it is becaufe there is no light in them. Acts iy. ly. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written. John 5. 39, Search the fcriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which teftify of me. v* 4<5. For had ye believed Mofes, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
t John s. 39- Search the fcrip- tures i for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which teftify of me.
v: 1 Cor 14. 6". Now, brethren, if I come. unto you fpeaking wi;h tongues, what fhall I profit you, ex- cept I fhall fpeak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by propheeying, or by do&i ine ? v. 9. So likewiie you, except ye utter by the tongue words eahe to be under (food, how fhall it be*known what is fpoken ? for ye fhall fpeak into the air. v. 11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I fliali be unto him that fpeaketha
barbarian 5 and he that fpeaketh fhall be a barbarian unto me v. I*. Even fo ye, foraimuch as ye are zealous of fpiritual gilts, feck that ye may excel to the edifying of the church, i/, 2.4. But if all prophecy, and there come in one that believ- eth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced ot all, he is judged of all. v. ^7. If any man fpeak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the moil by three, and that by courfe 5 and let one interpreter ir 28. But if there be no interpre- ter, let him keep filence in the church ^ and let him fpeak to him- felf, and to God.
w Col. 3; 1 6, Let the word ot Chrift dwell in you richly in all wifdom, teaching and admonifh- ing one another in pfalms, and hymns, and fpiritual fongs, iinging with grace in your hearts to the Lord;
x Rrt?#. if. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written f :>r our learning j that we through patience and comfort of the fcriptures might have hope.
IX. y 2 M.
Chap. 2: The ConfeJJion of Faith 3 1
there is a Queflion about the true and full Senfe of any Scripture, (which is not manifold, but one) it mull be learched and known by other Places that fpeak more clearly \.
X* The fupreme Judge, by which fall Controver- sies of Religion are to be determined, and all De- crees of* Councils, Opinions of ancient Writers, Do- ctrines of Men, and private Spirits, are to be exa- mined, and in whofe Sentence we are to reft; can be no other but the Holy Spirit ipeaking in the Scrip- ture z.
Chap. II. Of Gody and of the Holy Trinity.
THERE is but One only a, God b, <who is Infinite in
Living and True Being and Perfe- ction,
IX. y 2 Pet. 1. 20. Know:ngthis firfl, that no prophecy of the [crip- ture is of any private interpretation. y. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of Gzd fpake as they were moved by the holy Ghoft. Acts 15. \$. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written, <y, j6. After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down, and I will build again the rums thereof, and I will fet it up,
X. z Mat. 2i 2p. Jefus anfwered and faid unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the fciprures, nor the power of God. 1;. 31. But as touch- ing the refurredion of the dead, have ye not read that which was ipoken unto you by God, faying. Eph. 2.20. And are built upon the foundation of the apoftles and pro- phets, Jefus Chriilhimfelf being the chief corner-ftoac With Act 5 28, 2j.
And when they agreed not among themfelves, they departed, after that Paul had fpoken one word, Well fp*ke the holy Ghoft by Efaias the Prophet unto our fathers.
I. a Deaf. 6\ 4. Hear,01frael,the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. 3. 4. As concerning therefore the eating of thofe things that are offered in facrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one v 6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, ot Whom are all things, and we in him$ and one Lord Jefus Chrill, by whom are all things, and we by him.
b 1 Thejf. u 9. For they them- felves fhew of us, what manner of enrering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols, to (erve the living and true God, Jer. 10. 10. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everiafting King;
3z The Conjejfton of Faith Chap.- i;
cTtion c> a muft pure Spirit d, Inviftble e, without Bo- dy, Parts f, or Paffions ,, Immutable \\ Immenfe \y Eternal \ Incomprehensible J, Almighty m, moft
Wife,
c 'Job. ii. i- Can (I thou by Tea roll- ing find out God ? canft thou lind out the Almighty unto perfection ? y 8 . It is as nigh as heaven, what canft .thou do ? deeper than hell, what canft thou know? <v. 9. The meafure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the. fea. Job. 26. I4# Lo, thefe are parts of his ways, but how little a portion is heard of him ? but the thunder ot His power who can underftand ?
ci Jolra 4. 2.4- God is a Spirit, and they that worihip him, muft wor- ship h;rn in fpirk and in truth.
ci Tim. 1. 17; Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wife God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
f Deut: 4. 1 $, Take ye therefore £ood heed unto your {elves (for ye faw no manner of fimilitude on the day that the Lord fpake unto you in Hoieb, out ot the midft of the fire) <u, 16. Left ye corrupt your f elves, and make you a graven image, the fimilitude ot any tigure, the likenefs of male or female. John 4. 24. God is a Spirit, and they that worfhip him, muit worfhip him in ipirir and in truth. With Luke 24. 39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I my fell : handle me, and See, icra fpirit hath not flefti and bones, as ye fee me have.
g Acts 1 4; 1 1. And when the peo- ple faw what Paul had done, they lie up their voices, faying in the fpeech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likenefs ot men. v, ij, And faying, Sirs, why co ye thefe things ? We aifo are men of like paffions with you, and preach unto you. that ye fhouid turn irom thefe vanities unto the living God, which made heavea
til
and earth, and the fea, and all things that are therein.
h Jam. 1, 17. Every good gift, and every perfect gift is ftom above, and cometh do.vn from the Father ot lights, with whom is no varkble- nefs, neither fhadow of turning. MaL 3, 6". For I am the Lord, I change not : therefore ye foas of Jacob are not confumed.
i 1 Kings 8. 27. But will God in- deed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how muchlefs cjbis houfe that I|iaye builded ?)er; 23. 23. Ami a God ar hand, fa.th. the Lord, and not a God afar off? v. 14. Can any hide himfelf in fe- cfet places, that I fliall not fee him ? faith the Lord : do not 1 fill heaven and earth ? faith the Lord.
k Pjalm 90. 2 Before the moun- tains were brought forth, or ever thou hadft formed the fcaCrtb and the world, even from everlafting to e- verlafting, thou art God. i.Tim. 1 17. Now unto the King eternal, im- mortal, inviiible, the only wifeGjd be honour and glory, fcr ever, and ever. Amen.
1 PJaim 145. 3. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praifed j and his greatnefs is unfearchable.
m Gen. 17. 1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine the Lord appeared to Abram, and faid unto him, 1 am the Almighty God : walk before me, and be thou per fed. Rev. 4. 8, And the four beafts had each of rhem fix wings^ about him, and they were full of eyes within, and they rcit not day and night, faying, H<%. holy, holy, Loid God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
n Rom.
Chap: i: The ConfeJJtori of Faith. jf
Wife n, mofi: Holy o, moil Free p, moft Abfolute g, wor- king all Things according to the Counfelof hisownimmuT table and moft righteous, Will , for his own Glcry f { mofl: Loving , Gracious, Mercihil, Long differing, abundant in Goodnefs and Truth, forgiving Iniquity, Tranfgreffion. and Sin v ; the Rewarder of them that diligently .feek him wj and withal moft Juft and Terrible in his Judgments v, ha- ting all Sin y, and who will by no means clear the Guilty z%
n. God
nRo^. i6\ 26. To God only wife, be glory through Je(us Chriir. for ever. Amen.
o Ija* 6". 3. And one cried unto another, and (aid, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of holts, rhe whole earth is full ot his glory. Rev 4.8. (See letter m immediately foregoing ) p Pfalm 1 15. 3 &" our ^^ is in the heavens, he hath done what- foever he pleafeth.
q Exod. 3. H- And God faid unto Mofes, I AM THAT I AM: And he faid, Thus fhalt thou fay un- to the children ot Ifrael, I A M hath fent me unto you.
r Eph. 1. 11. In whom alfo we have obtained an inheritance, being predci'li oated According to the pur- lofe Of him,who workcrh all things aftor thecounlcl of his own will).
CProv. 16*. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himlelf.^ yea, even the wicked for the day or* evil. Rom. 1 1 . 36^ Forofhim.and through him, and to him are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Anun,
t 1 'lohyi 4. 8. He that lovei:h noti knoweth no: God, tor God is; love. i). 16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us Godisiove; and he that dwel- leth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.
v. Exod. 34, 6". And the Lord paf- (ed by beiore him, and proclaimed, The Lo d, the Lord God, merci- iul and gracibus^lbtfg-fnftering, and, abtindant in goodnefs and truth,
v* 7. Keeping mercy for thoufands5, forgiving iniquity and tranfgrellion and iin and that will by no means' clear the guilty; vifiting the ini- quiry of the fathers upon the chil- dren, and upon the childrens chil- dren, unto the third and to the fourth gentration.
w. Heb 11, 6. Bur without faith ic Is impoilible to pkaie him : tor he that cometh to God, muft believe tsat he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently feek him.
x Nefiem 9. 32. Now the efore, cur Ged, the great, (he mighty, and the terrible God, who keepeit co- venant and mercy j kt i.ot ail the trouble feem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our king?,, on our princes, and on our piieits, and on our prophets, and on our fa- thers, and on all thy people, fince the rime of the kings of Aflyria, unto this day. v, 33. Howbeir, thou art juit in all that is brought upon u:; for thou hair done right/' but we have done wickedly.
y ffatm 5.5. The fooKfh (hall not ftarxl in thy light : thou hateir. alt workers of iniquity* v. 6. Thou (halt deftroy them that (peak lea- ling: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
z Nabum. 1 . 2. God is ^ea!ous,and the Lord rev en get h, the Loci re- vengeth and is furious, the Lord will take vengeance on his adver- saries, and he referveth wrath for his ene;aies, -;• 3. The Lord is (low G &
34 Tfo Confeffion of Faith. Chap- %j
II. God hath all Life a, Glory b Goodnefs c, BlefTed- nefs d, in, and of himfelf ; and is alone in, and unto himfelf All (ufficient, not Handing in need of any Creatures which he hath made e, nor deriving any Glory from them f, but only manifefling his own Glory, in, by, unto, and upbir them: He is the alone Fountain of all Being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all Things g ; and hath mod: fovereign Dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatfoever himfelf pleafeth b.
In
to anger, and g-eat in power, and i#ill not at all acquit the wicked : the Lord hath his way in the whirl- wind, and in the fform, and the clouds are the duft of his feer. Exod. ?4. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and tranfgreffion and fin, and that" will hy no means clear the guilty; viliting the in- iquity of the fathers upon the chil- dren, and upon the childrens chil* dren, unto the third and to the fourth generarion.
II. a lohn 5. 26", For as the Fa- ther hath lite in himfelf, fo hath he given to the Son to have life in himfelr.
bAcis 7. i. And he faid, Men, brethren, and fathers hearken, The God of glory appeared imtc our father Abraham/fthen he was in Mefopotaniia,, beiore he dwelt in Charran.
c ?/"#/«> up. 6*3. Thou art good, and dolt good, teach ine thy fea- tures.
d 1 Tim. 6y \f. Wh'ch in his times he (hall (hew, who is theblefledand only potcnta-e, the King of kin^s, end Lord of lords Korn. 9. 5. V/hofe are the fathers, and or whom as concerning the flefh Crrfift came, v/ho is over all, God blefled for e- ver. Amen.
e Afts 17. 24, God that mads, the world, and ail things therein,
feeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands: i/4 25. Neither is wor- shipped with mens hands, asthougiV he needed any things (eeing he gi- verh to all life, and breath, and ail things.
f ^ob. 22. 2. Gan^a man be profi- table unto God, as he chat is wife may be prorrable unto himfelf? ^ 3. Is it any pleafure ca the Al- mighty tnit: thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makeft thy ways perfect. ?
g Rom. 1 r. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him are all things ;: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
h Rav. 4. u. Thou art worthy,
0 Lord, to receive glory, and ho- nour, and power ^ for thou haft created all things, and tor thy plea- fure they are, and were created.
1 Tim 6 is [See letter d immedi~ atcly fjreg ring 1 Dan. 4. 25-. Tnac they fhali d ive tuee from men, and thy dwelling (hall be wi h the be-afts of the field, and they (hail make thee to eat grafs -as oxen, and they fhaii wet thee with the dew of hea- ven, and (even times /hall pals over thee, rill thou know that the mod High ru'erh in the kingdom ot men, and givuh it to whomsoever he will. 1; 3)". And all the inhabitants of die earth are reputed as nothing :-
and
Chap: x The Confejfton of Faith. $j
In his Sight all Things are open and manifefl i ; his Know- ledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upcn the Grea • ture n, fo as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain .'He is moil holy in all his Counfels3 in ail his Works, and in all his Commands m. To him is due from Angels and Men, and every other Creature, whatfoever Worfhip, Service, or Obedience he is pleafed to require of them n.
Ill In the Unity of the God-head there be Three Per- sons, of one Subftance, Power and Eternity ; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghoft o. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceed- ing,
snd he doth according to his wftl in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants oi the earth: and none can ftay his hand, or fay un- to him, What dofl thou ?
i Heb. 4. 1 3 - Neither is there any creature that is no: manifefl in h:s light : but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with Whom we have to do.
k Rom. 1 1. 33. O he depth of the riches, both or' the WiHom and knowledge of God ! how unfearch- able arc his judgments, and his ways pall iinding our! v. 34. For who hath known the mnd ot the Lord, or who hath been his Cotl'rl- feller? PJahn 1 47. y. Great is our Lord, and of great Power : his un- derspending is infinite.
1 ABs if. io. known unto God are all his works from the begin - ing of the world. Ezek. 11. 5. And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and laid utuo me.SpeaK, Thus 'airh the Lord, Thus have ye faid, O houfe of Ifratl: for 1 know the things that come into your mind every one of them.
] m Pfabn 14.5. 17. The Lord fs righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Ro?;i- 7. 12 Where- fore the law is holy, and the com mandment holy, juir, and good,
n Rev. ft 12.. Saying with a loud
voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was flain, to receive powefr, and richesi and wifdom, and ilrength, and ho- nour, and glory, and bleiling. v. 13: And every creature which is in hea- ven, and on the eardi, and under the earth, and fuch as are in the fea, and all tnat are in them, heard I, faying, Bleiling, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him, that li reth upon the throne, and unto the La mo for ever and ever <v. 14 And the fourbeafte faid, A- men, And the four and twenty el- ders tell down and worfhipped him that livcth for ever and ever. III. o ijuhn $. 7. For there are three that bear reccrd in heaven, the Fa- ther the word and the holy Giioir;: and thefe three are one. Mat. 3 16. And Jefus when he was baptised, went up Itraightway our of the wa- ter: and lo, the heavens we're open- ed unto him, and be (aw the Spirit of God defending like a dove, and lighting upon him. v. 17. And lo, a vice irom heaven, faying, Tnis is my beloved Snn, in whom I am well pleated Mxith. 28 1 p. Go ye therefore r.nd teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, zn<\ of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. z Cor. 13,14. The grace of the Lord Jelus Chnft, and the C 2 tetc
36 The Confejfion of Faith Chap: 3:
ing : The Son is eternally begotten of the Father p, the Holy Ghoft eternally proceeding from the Father and the Sonq.
Chap: III. Of Gods Eternal Decree:
GO D from allEternity, did by the moft wife and holy Counfel of his own "Will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatfoever comes to pafs * s Yet fo, 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 Caufts taken away, but rather eftabliihed c,
II. AI-
love of God, and the communion of the holy G^ft, be with you ail
^John 1. 14. And the Word was made ffefh. and dwelt among us, ( and we beheld his glory, the glory ss of the only begotten of the Fa- ther) full of grace and truth, y. F*. No man hath Teen God at any time ; the only begotten Son, which is in the boiom of the Father, he hath declared him:
q Johns- 1& But when the Com- forter is come, whom I w«H fend unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth* which proceeded^ hum the Father, he iTiall teihfy of me.- Gal. 4. $• And becaufe ye are Ions, God hath fent forth the Spi- rit of his Son into your heaits, cry- ing, Abba, gather;
I, zEph. 1 n, *n whom alto wc have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the pur- pofeof him whowoskerh all things.- after the counfel of his own will; Rom. IV- 3 3* O- the depth of the riches both of the vviidom and knowledge of God ; how uofearch- able are" his judgments, and his ways Pail: finding out! Reb* 6\ 17.
Wherein God willing more abun- dantly to (hew unto the heirs of pro- mife, the immutability of his coun- fel, confirmed it by an oath- Rom. 9. 1 5*. For he faith to Mofcs, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have companion on whom I will have compallion. v. \8. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mcrcv, and whom he will he hardneth,
b James 1 13. Let no nun ""(ay when he is tempted, I am rempred of God: tor God cannot be tempted wkh evil, neither tempteth he any man. v. 17. Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father ol lights, with whom is no variable- nef?, neither fhadow of turning. 1 John 1 5. This then is the meiTage wnich we have heard of hftoy and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no dai knefs at all.
c Attt-L 43. Him, being delivered by the determinate counfel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked bands have crucified and flain. Mat. 17. 12, But I fay unto you, That Eliasis ccme already,- and they knew him
net
Chap/ i? The Qonjejjion of Faith; 37
II. Although God knows whatfoever may, or can come to pafs upon all fuppofed Conditions d ; yet hath he not de- creed any Thing becaufe he forefaw it as future, or as that which would come to pafs upon fuch Conditions e.
III. By the Decree of God for the Manifeftation of his Glory, fome Men and Angels * are predeftinated unto everlafting Life, and others fore-ordained to everlafting Death g.
IV. Thefe
not, but have done unto him what- foever rhey lifted jlikewife /hall al- io the Son of man iufFer of them. Aci: 4. 27. For of a truth againft rhy holy child Jefus, whom thou haft anointed, both Herod and Pon- tius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Ifracl were gathered together <l>. 2.8, for to do whatfo- ever thy hand and thy counfel de- termined before to be done. John 19. 11. Jefus anfwered, Tnou couidft have no powerat all againft me, ex- cept it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me un- to rhee, hath the greater fin, Prov. 16.33. The lot is caft into the lap: but the whole difpoiing thereof is of the Lord.
II. d Acis 15-. i3 Known untoGod are ai; his works from the begin- ing of the world. 1 Sam. 23. II. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as thy fervant harh heard ? O Lord God of Ifrael, I befeeeh thee, tell thy fervanr. And the Lord faid, He will come down, v. 12. Then faid Divid, Will the men of Kcilah deliver me and my men in- to the hand of Saul? And the Lord laid, They will deliver thee up. Mat, 1 1 . 21 Wo unfo thee Chorazin, wo unto tiiee Bethfaida : for li the mighty works which were done in you, had Ipcen done in Tyre and Sidon they v\ould have repented long ago, infackloth and afhes. v. 23. And
thou Capernaum,, which art exalted unto heaven, fhalt 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 unci! this day.
eRo?n. 9. j 1. For the children being not yet borns neither having done any good or evil, that the pur- pole of God according to election, might ftand, not of works, but of him that calle h. V, 13, As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Efau have I hated. 1/. 16. So then, it is not of him that wilierh, nor of him that runneth, but of God that fhewuh mercy, v. t 8. There- lore hath he mercy on whom he w ill have mercy, and whom he will he hardneth.
Uhfiilm 5". 2 1. 1 charge thee be- foreGodand the Lord Jefus Chrilt, and the elect angels, that thou ob- ferve thefe things, without prefer- ring one before another, doing no* thing by partiality. Mat. zj. 4 r; Then fhall he fay alio un:o them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cuvfed, into everlafting hvc pre- pared for the devil and his angels, g Rom. 9. 2,1. What if God, wii. ling to {hew his wrath, and to mike his power known, endured with much long fjfTering the veilels of wrath fitted to deft.ucTion: v- 23, And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vef- felsot mercy, which he had afore C 3 pre-
jS The Confer/ton of Faith. Chap.* 3;
r IV, Theft Angels and Men, thus predeftinated and fore^ ordained, are particularly and unchangeably defigned ; and their Number is fo certain and definite, that it cannot be either increafed or diminished h.
V. Thofe of Mankind that are predeftinated unto Life, God, before the Foundation of the World was laid, accord- ing to his eternal and immutable Purpofe, and the fecret Counfel and good Pleafure of his "Will, hath chofen, in, Chrift, unto everlafting GlGry j. out of his mere free Grace and Love, without any Forefight of Faith, or good Works, or Perfeverance in either of them, or any other Thing in the Creature, as Conditions, or Caufes moving him there- unto k, and all to the Praile of his glorious Grace >.
VI. As God hath appointed the Elefr unto Glory, fo hath he, by the eternal and moft free Purpofe of
his
prepared unto glory ? Eph. i: $, Having predeftinated us unto the adoption of children by Jefus Chrift to himfelf, according to the good pleafure of his Will. v. 6. To the ptiife of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Vrov. 16.4. The Lord hath made all things for himfelf : yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
IV. hiTim. zf 19. Neverthelefs the foundation of God ftandcth lure, having this leal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Chrirt deparc from iniquity. John 13. i8» I fpeak not ot you alt 5 I know whom I have chofen -, but that the icripture might be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me, hacb lift up his heel againlt me. . V.iEpb. 1. 4. According as he hath chofen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we Thould be holy, and without blame fceiore him in love : v. 9. Having ra«ds known unto us the myftery
of Ills will, according to his good pleafure, which he hath purpofed in himfelf. nj 11. In whom alio we have obtained an inheritance, being predeftinated according to the purpofe of him, who worKet i all things after the counfel of his own will. P.om 8, 30: Moreover, whom he dtd predeitmate, them he alfo called : and whom he called, them he alfb jollified : and whom he juftified, them he alfo glo- rified. 2 Tim. 1 9 Who hath faved us, and called us with an ho- ly calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpofe and grace which was given us in Chriif Jefus, before the world began, 1 The/. 5. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath ; but to obtain falvation by our Lord Jefus Chrift.
k Rom* 9: 11, 13, 16. [See letter e immediately foregoing )Eph. 1.4.9. [See letter i immediately foregoing.]
1 Epb, 1. 6. To the praife ol the
glory of his grace, wherein he bath
made us accepted in the beloved
v. 12,'
Chap- ;; The ConfeJJion of Faith. j9
his Will, fore-ordained all the Means thereunto nV Wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by -Chrift n, are effectually called unto Faith in Chrift, by his Spirit working in due Seafon ; are juftified, adopted, fan* ftified o, and kept by his Power through Faith unto Sal- ivation p. Neither .are any other redeemed by Chrift, ef- fectually called, juftified, adopted, fanclified and fave.d, but the Eleft only q. VII. The
<v> 12, That we fhould be to the praifeof his glory, who fiift trufted in Chrift.
VI. m j Pet. I. 2. Elecl accor- ding t@ the iore-knowiedge of God the Father, through fanciificarion of the Spirit unto obedience, and Sprinkling of the Blood of Jefus Chrift. Eph. I. 4. According as he hath chofen us in him, before the foundation of the -world, that we /hould be holy, and without blame before him in love : v. f. Having predeftinated us unto the adoption of children by Jefus Chrift to him- felf, according to the good pleafure of his will. Eph. 2.. 10. For we are his workmanfhip, created m Chrift Jefus unto good works,which God hath before ordained that we fhould walk in them, 2 Thef. 2. 13. But we are bound to give thanks al- way to God for you, brethren, be- loved of the Lord, becaufe God hath from the beginning chofen you to falvation. through fanclifi- cation of the Spirit, and belief of the truth:
o Rom. 8. 50. Moreover, whom he did prerieftinate, "them he alio called : and whom he called, them he aifo juftified ; and w horn he juftified, them he aifo glorified. Eph. 1. 5. Having predeftinated us unto the adoprion of children by Jefus Chrift to himfelf, according to the good pleafure of his will. 2 Thef 2. 1$.. But we are bound to give tnanks to God alway for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, be- caufe God hath from the beginning chofen you to falvaticn through fan&ification of the Spirit, and be- lief of the truth.
p 1 Vetcr 1 . 5. Who are kept by the power oi God through faith unto lalvation, ready to be reveal- ed in the la ft time.
q John 17, 9 I pray for them: I pray not lor the world, but for them which thou haft given me, for they are thine, Rom. 8. 28. And we know that all things work to- gether for good, to thern that love God, to thern who are the called according to his purpofe, &c. [to
n 1 Thef. 5, 0. For God hath not the end of the Chapter] ^ohn 6. 64# appointed us to wrath, but to ob- But (here are fome oi you that be
tain falvation by our Lord Jefus Chrift. <y. 10. Who died for us, that whether we wake or flecp, we (hould live together with him. 77- tus 2. 1 1, Who gave himfelf for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himfelf a peculiar people, zealous of good workst
]kve not. For Jefus knew from the beginning, who they were that believed nor, and who fhould be- tray him.i;. 65". And he faid, There- fore faid I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him ©f my Father, Jo/in 1 o. 16 i But ye believe not, becaufe ye are not of my fhetp, as I faid C + unto
4.o The Confeffion of Faith. . Chap. 5
VII. The reft of Mankind, God was pleafed, accor- ding to the unfearchable Counfel of his own Will, where- by he extended!, or withholdeth Mercy, as he plea- feth, for the Glory of his Sovereign Power over his Crea- tures, to pafs by, and to ordain them to Difhonour and Wrath for their Sin, to the Praife of his glorious Ju- stice r s
: yill. The Doctrine of this high Myftery of Predefti- jiation is to be handled with fpecial Prudence and Care f,
that Men attending the Will of God revealed in his
Word
unto yen, Jobn2.4j. He that is of God, hearerh Gods wort's, ye therefore hear them no% becaufe ye are not of God. i Jolm 2. 19, They went out irom us, but they were not of us: lor if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued wirh us; but they went out, that they might be marie manifeft, that they were not all of us. "
VH. r MMilh I j. zs_. Atthattimc ]efus anfwered and laid, / thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, becaufe thou haft hid thefe things from the wife and pru- xlent, and haft revealed them unto babes, v. 26". Even fa, Fa:her,for fo it ieemed good in thy fight, Rem. 9. 17. For the fcripture faith unto Pharaoh, Even for this fame pur- jpoie have I raifed thee up, that I jnight fhew my power in thee, and chat my name might be declared throughout all the earth v. 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom tie will have mercy, and whom he will he- hardneth: v, 21. Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the fame lump to make one vefTel imto honour, and another unto difhoncur? «j. 22. What if God, willing to fhew his Wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-fufTering, the vef- |b of wrath fitted to deftw&ion ?
2. Tim. 2. 19. Neverthelefs, the foundation of God itandeth fure, ha- ving this feal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And let every one that nameth the name of Chriit depart from iniquity. <v. 20, But in a great houfe, there are not only vcflels of gnld and ot filver, bu: alfb of wood, and of earth ) and fome to honour, and fome to difho- nour: ]ude 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before ot old ordained to this con- demnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into liici- viouinefs, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jefu9 thrift. 1 Vet. 2. 8. And a ftone of ftumbling, and a rock of of- fence, even to them which ftumble at the word, being difobedient, whereunto alfo they were appoin- ted.
f VIII. {Rom.9. 20. Nay but,Oman, who art thou that replicft againft God i (hall the thing formed fay to him that formed \u Why haft thou made me thus? Rom. it. 33: O the depth of the riches both of the wifdom and knowledge of God! how unfearchable are his judg- ments, and his ways paft finding cut ! Vent. 29; 29. The fecret things belong unto the Lord our God : but thofe things which are revealed be- long unto us5 .and to our children
for
Chap- 4. The ConjeJJion of Faith 4 41
Word, and yielding Obedience thereunto, may, from tbc Certainty of their effectual Vocation, be allured of their eternal Election t. So fhall this Doctrine* afford Matter of Praife, Reverence, and Admiration of God v . and of Hu- mility, Diligence, and abundant Confolation to all that fincerely obey the Gofpel w.
Chap. IV. Of Creation.
IT pleafed God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft a, for the Manifeftation of the Glorv of his eternal Power, "Wifdom, and Gpodnefs b, in the Beginning, to
create,
for ever, that we may do all the words of this law,
t 2 Pet. 1. 10, Wherefore the ra- ther, brethren, give all diligence tp make your calling and election fure: lor if ye do thefe things, yc {hall never fall.
v Ephx i- 6 To the praife of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved: Rom. 11. 33. [See letter { immedi al- ly foregoing).
w Rom. 11. $. Even fo then at this prcfent time alio there is a remnant according to the ele£Hon of grace , i). 6. And if by grace, then is it no more of Works : other- wife giacc is is no mere grace But if it be of works, then it no mere grace : other wife w,ork is no more work. v. 20. Weil ; becaule of un- belief they were broken off, and thou (hndeft by fairh Be not high minded, but liar, z Vet. u. 10, (See letter t immediately Joregoixg,) \\o?yi\ 8. 33, Who (hah iay <*ny thing to the charge of Gods ekct ? ir is God that juit.neth. Luke o. 20. Not- wirhftanding in this rejoice nor, that the Ipirits are fubj:ct unto ycu : but rather rejoice becaufe your names are written in heaven.
I. a Reb. j. 2. Hath in thefe laft days fpoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appoinr.ed heir of all things by whom alfo he made the worlds, John 1, 2. The fame was In the beginning with God, nf\ 3. All things were made by h'm; and with- out nim was not any thing made, that was made. Gen 1, 2, And the earth was witheut Form and void, and darknefs was upon the face 01 the deep: And the Spirit of God moved upon the face ot the Waters. Job 2.6". 13. By his fpirit he hath gar- nilru-d the heavens: his hand hath formed the crooked krpcnz.Job. 33. 4. The fpirit of God hath made me, and the breath ot the Almighty hath given me life.
b Rom. 1. 20. For the invlfible things of him from the creation of tne world are clearly feen, being undcrilood by the things that arc made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; fo that they are without excufe. Jer. 10. 12. He hath made the earth by his powe~, he hath eltabiifhed the world by his wifdom, and hath tlretched out the heavens ny his di k retion. Pfalm 104. 24. O Lor*, how manifold are thy works I in wifdom halt thou made them
4% The Ccnfeffion of Faith. Chap. 4
create, or make of nothing the "World, and all Thing! therein, whether vifible or invifible, in the Space of Sh Days, and all very good c.
II, After God had made all other Creatures, he createc Man, Male and Female -, with reafonable and immorta Souls e, endued with Knowledge, Righteoufnefs, and tru< Holinefs, after his own Image f, having the Law of Goc written in their Hearts g, and Power to fulfil it h . anc yet under £ Poffibility of tranfgreffing being left tc the Liberty of their own Will, which was fubjecTV untc
Change
them all : the earth is fWl of thy riches. Tfalm 33. s He loveth righ- teoufnefs and judgment : the earth is full of the goodncfs of the Lord* t>. 6". By the word of the Lord were the heavens made : and all the hoft of them, by the breath of his mouth.
c (The whole Jirft chapter of Gen ) Eeb. 11. 5. Through fairh we under- ftand, that the worlds were framed, by the word of God, lo that things which are feen, were not made of things which do appear. Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, vifible and invifible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers : all things were created by him, and for him. A els 1,7, 24. God that made the World, and all things therein, fee- ing rhat he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.
II. d Gen. 1, 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him : male and female created he them.
e Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed man of the duff, of the ground, and breathed inro his no- firils the breath of life; and man* became a living foul. With EccL it 7, Then (hall the dull return to the earth as it was : and the (piric (hall
return unto God who gave it. Ana Luke 23. 43. And Jefus faid untc him, Verily I (ay unto thee, To daj fhaltthoube with me in paradile And Matth. 10. 28. And fear noi them which kill the body, but are not able to lull the foul : but rather fear him which is able to deftroy both foul and body in hell.
iOen. 1, 26. And God faid, Let us make man in our image, after our likenefs: and let them have dominion over the hfliof the fea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Col. 3.10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in know- ledge, aftsr the image of him that created hijm Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on the new man which after God is created ia righteoufnefs, and rrue hoiinefsi
gRom. 2 1 4.. For when the Gen- tiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, thefe having not the law, are a law untothemlclves: v. 1 5:. Which fhew the work of the law written in their hearts, their confeience a Ho bearing witnefs, and their thoughts the mean while accufing, or elfe excufing one another.
h EccL 7. 29. Lo, this only have
I found, that God hath made man
upright
2hap: £* The ConfeJJion of Faith. 4}
lhange i. Befide this Law written in their Hearts, they eceived a Command, notto eat of the Tree of the Know- >dge of Good and Evil; which while they kept, they /ere happy in their Communion with God k, and had )ominion over the Creatures 1.
Chap: V; Of 'Providence :
r^l O D, the great Creator of all Things, doth up^ i^j hold a, direft, difpofe, and govern all Creatures, Utions, and Things b, from the greateft even to the
' leaft,
nprght} but they have fought out many inventions.
i Gen. 3.6 And when the woman !aw that the tree was good for food ind that it was pleafant to the eyes, and a tree to be defired to make one wife ; fhe took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave alio unro her husband withher, and he did eat. Eccl. 7. 29 (See letter h immediate- ly joregoing.)
kGeris 2. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou fhak not eat of it : for in the day that thou eaten: thereof, thou {halt furely d\e.Ge?i. 3. 18, 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 themfelves from the prefence of the Lord God amongft the trees of the garden, v. 9. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and faid un- to him, Where art thou ? v. 10 And he faid, I heard thy voice in the garden: and /was afraid, becaufe 1 was naked -y and I hid my felt, ff.it. And he faid, Who told thee that thou waft naked ? Haft thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee, that thou fliouldeft not eat ? v. 23. Therefore the Lord God fent him torth trom the garden of Eden, to till the ground, from whence he was taken.
1 Gen. 1. 26". And God faid, Let us make man in our image, after our iikenefs: and let them have do- minion over the fifh of the lea, and ever the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. <v 28. And God blefTed them, and God laid un- to them, Be fruitful, and multiply and replinifh the earth, and (iibduc it : and have dominion over the fifh ot the fea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
La Heb. 1. 3, Who being the brightness of his glory, and the ex- prefs image of his perlon, and up- holding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himfelf purged our fins, fat down on the right hand of rhe majefty on high.
b Dan. 4. 34. And at the end of the days, 1 Nebuchadnezzar lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine underftanding returned unto me, and I bit-fifed the moft High, and, I praifed and honoured him that li- veth for ever, whofe dominion is an everlafting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to ge- neration, v is. And all the inha- bitants of the earth are reputed as nothing : and he doth according to
his
44 The Confefflon of Faith: Chap. 5-;
ieaft c, by his moft wife and holy Providence d, according to his infallible Foreknowledge , , and the free and immu- table Counfel of his own Will f, to the Praife of the Glory of his Wifdom, Power, Juftice, Goodnefs, and Mercy g.
II. Although, in relation to the Foreknowledge and De- cree of God, the firft Caufe, all Things come to pafs im-
his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth* and none can flay his hand, or fay unto him, What doit thou t f flfl.fi i< 6 Whatfoever the Lord pieafed, that did he in heaven and in earth, in the leas, and all deep places, Afis 17 25. Neither is wor- shipped with mens hands, as though he needed any thing, feeing he gi- veth to all lite, and breath, and all things ; <y. 2/>. And hath made of enc biood, all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times be- fore appointed, and the bounds o'f their habitation : v 28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being -y as certain alfo of your own - poets nave (Vid, For we are alfo his offspring. Job j8, 39, 40, 41, Chapters*
c Mat. 10. 29. Are not two fpar- rows fcid for a farthing ? and one of them fhall not fall on the ground without your Father. v. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered, <y. 3 I, Fear ye not there- fore, ye are o more value than ma- ny fparrows:
d Prov. 1 Si 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good PfaL 104. £4. O Lord, how maniiold are thy works: in wifdom halt thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches. VJal. 145".. 17, the Lo:d is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
e Afts iy. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the begin-
mu-
ningof the world. Vfal. 94, 8. Un- deritaijd, ye brutifti among the peo- ple: and ye fools, when will ye be wife ? v. 9. He that planted the ear, fhail he not hear? he that for- med the eye, fliall he not fee i: 1/. 1 o . He that chaftifeth the heathen, fliall not he correct. ? he that reach- cth man knowledge, fhall not he know? <v. 11. The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are Vanity.
f Eph. r, 14, In whom alio we have obtained an inheritance, being predeftinated according to ;he pur- pofe of him who workcth all things after the counfel of his own will. Pfalm 33. 10: The Lord bringeth the counlel ot the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. v3 11, The counfel of the Lord ftandeth for ever, the thoughts ot his heart to all generations.
g Ijaiah 4$. 14, Asa beaft goeth down into the valley, the fpirit of the Lord caufeth h'm to reft: io did ft thou lead rny people, to make thy felf a glonous name. Eph. 3. 10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in hea- venjy places, might be Known by the church the manifold wifdom of God. Rom 9. 17. For the fcrio- ture faith unto Pnaraoh, ' Even f jr this fame purpofe have I railed thee up, that J migot fhew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all toe earth. Gen: 45. 7. And God lent ms before you, to preferve you a poftc- J
Chap. $ i The ConfeJJioti of Faith. 45-
mutably and infallibly h : Yet, by the fame Providence he ordereth them to fall out, according to the Nature of Se- cond Caufes, either neceflarily, freely, or contingently L III. God in his ordinary Providence maketh ufe of Means km
yet
pofreriry in the earth, an£ fo fave between the joints of the harnefs : youi iives by a great deliverance, wherefore he faid unto the driver Pfab?i 1 4). 7. They fhaii abundant, of his chariot, Turn th'ne hand, ly utcr the memory of thy great and cany me out of the hoft, for gcodnefs, and fhall fing of thy I am wounded. I].zlzh io, 6. I vuil Ughteoufnefs. fend h:m agiimt an hypocritical
II h Acls z. 2 3. Him being deliver- nation ; ar,d agoinfr. rhe people of ed by the determinate countel and my wrath whl I givehim a charge foreknowledge of God, ye have to take the fpoii, and to take the taken, and hy wicked hands have prey, and to tread them dov.n like crucified and fLin. the mire of the ilreets. 1/. 7. How-
i Gen.Z 22. While the csrth re- beir, he meaneth not fo, neither mainerh, feed-time and harve/f, doth his heart chink fo, but it ism and cold and hear, and fummer and his heart to destroy, ?.nd cut off winter, and day and night, fhaii narions not a few, not ceate. Jer. y\t xj Thus lairh HI. k ABs 27 31. Paul faid to the Lord which giveth the iun for the centurion, and to rhe foldier*, :hydav, and the ordinances Except thefe abide in rhe fhip, yc of the moon and Of the ftara for a cannot be faved. v. 44. And the Kght by night, wliicii dividerh the red, fome on boards, and fome on lea, when the waives '-hereof roar* ore ken pieces of the fhip : And fo ic tne Lord of hoiis is his name. E.W. came to pafs that they efcaped all 21. 3 I, And if a man ly not in wair, i'^fc to land Ifaisb f$. 10. For as but God deliver him into his hand • the rain cometh down, and the then I will appoint thee a place inow from heaven, and returneth whither he fhaii flee. With Dent. 19. not thither, but watered! the earth, f. As when a man goc h into thQ and maketh it bring torch and bud, wood with his neighbour, to hew that it may give feed to the fewer, wood, and his hand ictcheth a ftroke and bread to the cater; v. u. So With the a< to cut down the tree, fhall my word be that goeth forth and rhe head flippcth frcin rhe out of mv mouth: It Ihali not re- hejve, and pon his neigh* turn unto me void, but it fhall ac-
botir that he dit j ne fliail flee cofripHih that which I p'eafe, and ttnro one of th fe cities, ;;nd it (hall profper in the thing whereof live, i Khigszz. 28. And Micaiah I fern it. H?f. 2. 21. And ir (hall
faid, If thou return at ah n the Lord bath not fpoken And he laid, Hci.ka,, O .' every one of you. V% 34, And a certain man drew a bow at a ven-
corne to pais in that day, I will hear ■ Lord, I wiii hear the hea- vens, anci they fhaii hear the earth, V. 21. And the earth fhaii hear the corn, and the wine, and the oyl,
rare, and imete the king of IfratI and they fhaii hear JtzreeL
1 Hofc
46 The Confeffion of Faith. Chap. 5^
yet is free to work without ', above, m, and againft them at his Pleafiire n.
IV. The almighty Power urifearcheable Wifdom, and infinite Goodnefs of God, fo far manifeft themfelves in his Providence, that it extendeth it felf even to the firft Fall, and all other Sins of Angels and Men °, and that not
by
1 Hof. 1 . 5. But I will have mer- cy upon the houfe of Judah, and will fave them by the Lord their God, and wili not fave them by bow, nor by fword, nor by battle, by horfes nor by horlemen. Maith 4, 4* But he anfwered and faid, It is written, Man (hall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Job. 34. 1 o. Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of underftanding, far be it from God that he fhouid do wicked- nefs, and from the Almighty, that he fliould commit iniquity.
m Rom. 4* 19. And being not weak in faith, he confidered not his own body now dead, when he was aboutan hundred years old, neither yet the deadnefs of Sara's Womb. <v 20, Ke daggered not at the pro- mifeof God through unbelief; but was ftrong in iaith, giving glory to God: *v% 21 And being fully per- iwaded, that what he had prcmi fed, he was able alio to perform.
n 2 Kings 6\ 6. And the man of God (aid, Where fell it ? And he fhewed him the place. And he cut down a ftiek, and caft it in thithei, and the iron did fwim. Dan. 3 . 27. And the princes, governors and captains, and the kings coun fellers being gathered together, faw thefe men, upon whofe bodies the fire had ro power, nor was an hair of* their head ringed, neither were their coats changed, nor the fmell of fire had polled on them.
W.oRom. 11. 32. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that
he might have mercy upon all, hj. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wifdom and knowledge of God, how unfearchable are his judgments, and his ways paft ftid- ing out ! v. 34. For who hath known the m'nd of the Lord, or who hath been his counfeller? 2 Sam. 24. i. And again the anger of the Lord was kindied againft: lfrael, and he moved David again It them, to fay, Go number Ifraei and Judah, With 1 Cor 2it 1. And Satan flood up againit l!rael,> and provoked David to number lf- rael. 1 Kings 22 22. And the Lord (aid unto him, Wherewith ? And he laid, I will go forthy and I will be a lying fpirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he laid, Thou (halt perfwade him, and prevail al- foyy go forth, and do io v. 23 Now therefore behold, the Lord hath put a lying fpirit in the mouth of all thefe thy prophets, and the Lord hath fpoken evil concerning thee. 1 Cbr. 10.4- Then faid Saul to his armour-bearer, Draw thy fword, and thruft me through therewith} left thefe unci; cu mated come, and a- bufe me. But his armour-bearer would not, for he was lore afraid So Saul took a fword, and fell upon it vi 13. StD Saul died, for his tranfgreflion which he committed againft the Lord, even againft the word of the Lord which he kept not, and alto for asking counfel of one that had a familiar fpirit, to enquire of it <v. 14. And enquired not of the Lord : therefore he flew him,
Chap. $: The Confeffion of Faith. 47
I by a bare Permiffion p, but Rich as hath joined with it a mod wife and powerful Bounding q, and otherwife orde- ring, and governing of them, in a manifold Difpenfation, to his own holy Ends r ; Yet fo, as the Sinfulnefs thereof pro- ceeded! only from the Creature, and not from God, who
■ being moft Holy and Righteous, neither is, nor can be the Author or Approver of Sin f.
V. The moft Wife, Righteous, and Gracious God doth oftentimes leave for a Seafon his own Children to mani- fold Temptations, and the Corruption of their own Hearts,
to
him, and turned the kingdom unwo pais, as I: is this dsy, to favc much David the Ion of Jefle. z Sam, 16. people alive, Ifalab 10. 6". I will 10, And the king laid, What have fend him again it an hypocritical I ro do with you,ye Tons of Zeruiah ? nation, and againft the people ot fo let him curie, becaufe the Lord my wrach will i give him a charge barn faid unto him, Cnrfe David, to take the fpoil, and to take the Who (hall then fay, Whereibre haft prey, and to tread them down iilCe thou done fo? Acts 2. 23 Him, the mire of the ftreets, <v. 7. How- being delivered by the determinate beir, he meaneth not fo, neither couniel and foreknowledge ot God, doth his heart th'nk fo, but ic is ye have taken, and by wicked hands in his heart to deftrov, and cut off have crucified and flairu Afts 4. 27,- nations not a few. v, 12. Where- For of a truth againft thy holy fore it (hall come to pafs, that child Jefus, whom thou haft a- when the Lord hath performed his pointed boih Herod and Pontius whole work upon mount Zion, and Piiare with the Gentiles, and the on Jerufalem,! will punifh the fruic people of Ifrael were gathered ro- ofihe Uoiit heart of the king of A£ aether,*;. 28. For to do whatsoever fyria, and the glory ot his high thy hand and thy counfel determi- looks, ned before tq be done. f ' Barnes 1. 13. Let no man fay
p Acls £4. 16. Who in times pair, when he is tempted, I am tempted fufFered all nations to walk in their of God; for God cannot be tempt- own ways. ed with evil, neither tempteth he
q ?faL j6 10, Surely the wrath any man, v. 14. But every man is of man fhall praiie thee: the ie- tempted, when he is drawn away of mainder of wrath fhalr thou re- his own iuft, and enticed, v, 17, ftrain. 2 Kings 19: 28. Becaufe thy Every good s}Azy and every perfect rage agair.it fne, and thy tumult is gft-J is from above, and Cometh come up in to mine ears, therefore I aowii from the Father ot lights, will out my hook in thy nofe, and with whom is no variableness, nei- my * idle in thy lips, and I will therfhadow oi turning, i John 2, 16 turn thee back by the way by For all -hat is in the world, the luft which thcu cameft. ot the fleftl, 2nd die iuft of the eyes,
r Gen. 50. 20. But as for you, ye and the pride of life, is not of the thought evil againit me; but God Father but is of ^ the world, Pfalm meant it unto good, to biin£ to jo, 21, Thefe things haft thou done,
and
48 Tloe Confeffion of Faith. Chap, y:
to chaftife them for their former Sins, or to difcover unto them the hidden Strength of Corruption, and Deceitfulnefs of their Hearts, that they may be humbled • ,- and to raife them to a more ciofe and conftant Dependence for their Support upon himfelf, and to make them more waKhful againft all future Occafions of Sin, and for fundry other juft and holy Ends v.
VI. As for thofe wicked and ungodly Men, whom God as a righteous Judge, for former Sins, doth blind and
har-
and I kept filence : thcu chcughteft that I was altogether fach an one as thy felf : but I will reprove thee^nd fet them in order before thine eyes.' V. t 2 Chr- 32. i$- But Hezekiah rendred notagain, acoordingto the benefit done unto him : for his heart was lifted up ; therefore there was wrath upon hin and upon Jndah and Jerufalem, v- 26- Notwithita tid- ing Hezekiah humbled himfelf, for the pride of his heart (both he and the inhabitants of Jerufaiem) to that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Heze- kiah. <l>, 31. Howbeir, indie buii- nefs of the emboiladors of the prin- ces of Babylon, who fent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him to try him, that he might know all that: was in his hear?. 2 Sam- 24- 1. And again the anger of the Lord was kinded againft ifracl, and he moved David agairtft. them, to fay, Go lumber lfraeJ and Judah.
&r 12 7 And left I fhould be exalted above meafure through rhe abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thnrn in the &zih, the meflenger of Satan to buf- fet me, left 1 fhould be exalted a- bove meafure, v, 8 For this thing I befought the Lord thrice, that k might depait from me, v 9 And he faid unto me, My grace is fuffi*
cient for thee;- for my ftrength is made perfect, in weaknefs. Moft gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Chrift may reft upon me, Pfal- 73- throughout- * Pfal 77- i, I cried unto God with my voice: even un- to God with my voice : and he gave ear unto me. v. 10. And I faid3 This is my infirmity : but I will re- member the years of the right-hand of the moft high, v 12. I will me- ditate alfo of all thy works, and talk of thy doings. (Read the interme- diate verfes in the Bible,) Mark 14, fnm the 66, verje to the endfx>ith~{ohri 21. iy, So when they had dined, Jefus faith to Simon Peter, Simon fon ot Jonas, loveft thou me more than thefe ? He faith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knoweft that 1 love thee. He faith unto him, Feed my lambs, % 16. He faid to him again the fecond time, Simon, fon .of jo« nas, loveft thon me ? He faith unto him, Yea, Lord ; thou knoweft that I love thee: He faith unto him,- Feed my fheep, v. 17. He faith un- to him the third time, Simon, fon of Jonas, loveft thou me ? Peter was grieved, becaufe he faid unco him rhe third time, Loveft thou me? And he faid unto him, Lord, thoii knoweft all things ; 'hou knoweft that I love thee. Jems faith unto him, Feed my fheep.
VI. W Rom*
Chap. $> The Confeffion of Faith. 49
harden w, from them he not only withholdeth his Grace, whereby they might have been enlightned in their Uri- derftandings, and wrought upon in their Hearts x ; but fometimes alfo withdraweth the Gifts which they had v, and expofeth them to fuch Objects as their Cor- ruption makes Cccafion of Sinz; And withal, gives them over to their own Lufts, the Temptations of the World, and the Power of Satan a ; Whereby it comes to pafs, that they harden themfelves, even under thofe
Means*
VI. w Rem. ri 24: Wherefore God alio gave them up to unclean- nefs, through the lufts'of their own hearts, to difhonour their own bo- dies berween themfelves : v. z6 For this caufe God gave them up unto vile affections : For even their wo- men did change the natural ufe in- to that which is againft nature : v. 2.S, And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do thofe things Which are not conveniens Ror/l, 1 1. 7, What then? Ifrael hath not ob- tained that which he feeketh for $ but the election hath obtained it, and the relt were blinded, v. 8. According as ir is written, God hath given them the fpirit of flum* her, eyes that they fhould not fee, and ears that they fhould not hear unto rhis day;
x Deut. 29. 4. Yet the Lord hath not given ycu an heart to perceive, and : yes to fee, and*ears toheai, Onto this day»
y Matth. 13. 12, For whofoever hath, to him fliall be given, and he fhall have more abundance . but whofoever hath not/ from him fhall be taken away, even that he ham. Mat. zf . 29. For unto every one that hath fhall be given, and he fhall have abundance: but from him that hath not fhall be taken away, even that which he hatha
Z Vent, 2. 30, But Sihon king of Hefhbon would not Jet us pafs by him : for the Lord thy God hard- ned his fpirit, and made his heart obftinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day, 2 Kttgs 8, 12. And Haiael f\id, V/hy weepeth my lord ? And he^ anfvvered, Becaufe I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the chil- dren of Ifrael : their iirong holds wilt thou fet on fire, and their young men wilt thou flay with the (word, and wilt dafh cheir children, and rip up their women with childi <2. 13- And Hazael faid, But what, is thy fervant a dog, that he fhould do this great thing J And Elifha an- fwered, The Lord hath fhewed me tha: thou (halt be king over Syria, a P/^ 81, 11, But my people would not hearken ro my voice % and Ifrael would none of me, v. 12^ fo i gave rhem up unto their own hearts Juft: and they talked in their own counfels, 2 Thef.z* 10, And with ah deceivablenefs of un- righreoufnefs in rhem that prrifh ; becaufe they received hot the love of the truth : that they might be faved., v» it'. And for this caufe God fhail knd them ftrong dela- tion, that they fhould believe a lie, v, 12. That they all might be dam- ncd,who believe not the truth, but had pteafurein unrightegufnefs.
I
$o 7#£ Confejjion of Faith.* Chap.
Means, which God ufeth for the foftning of others VII. As the Providence of God doth, in general, rea to all Creatures,- foafteramoft fpecial Manner it tak< Care of his Church, and dilpofeth all things to the Go thereof c. CHAP. ^
■ b K'iodas 7, 3. And l will harden Pharaohs heart, and multiply my figns and my wonders in the land of Egypt, tilth ExbA 8. 1 % But when Fharaoh faw that there was refpire he hardned his heart, and heark- ned not unto them 5 as the Lord had {aid, v- 32. And Pharaoh hard- ned his heart at this time alfo, nei- ther would he let the people go. 2 Cor. 2. 15. For we are unto God a fweet favour ofChrifl,in them that are faved, and in them that perifh^ v, 16*, To the one we are the favour ot death unto death, and to the other the favour of life unto life : And who is fufncient lor thefe things? ifa. &• 14. And he fhall be for a fan&uary ; but for a flone of Humbling, and for a rock of offence to both the houfes of Ifrael, for a gin and for a fnare to the: in- habitants of Jerufalern. 1 Peter z- 7, Unto you therefore which be- lieve, he is precious ; but unto them whicn be difobedieot, the (tone which the builders difaHowed, the fame is made the head of the cor- ner, v. 8, And a (tone of tumbling, tond a rock of offence, even to them which f tumble at the word, being difobedient, whereunto aifo they were appointed, IJa^ 6". 9 And he laid, Go and tell tiiis people, Hear ye indeed, but nndei ftand not j and fee ye indeed, but perceive no&*v, io» Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy,, and fhut their eyes : leit they fee with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and ur.derftand' with their heart, and convert and be healed. With A3 s 2.8. 26, Saying, Go unto this peo- ple, and fay? Hearing ye fhall hear, and {hail ngt un-jerf^udj and feeing
ye fhall fee and not perceive, v:<
For the heart of this people is wai
grofs, and their ears are dull of he
ing,and their eyes Have tWy clofe
left they fhould fee with their e
and hear with their ears,and uud
ftand with their heart,and fhould
converted, and I fhould heal them
VII, c 1 Tim. 4. 10, For therafr
we both labour and fufTer reproa<
becasfe we trull in the living Gc
who is the Saviour of all men, efj
cially of thofe that believe. Amos
8 , Behold the eyes of the Lord G
are upon the finful kingdom, and
will deffroy it from off the face
the earth $ faving that I will not 1
terly deftroy the houfe of Jacob>fa
the Lord, v., 9- For lo> I will coi
mand, and I will lift the houfe
Ifrael among all nation^like as cc
is fifted in a five, yet /hall not t
leaft grain fall upon the earth* Ro
8> 28^ And we know that all thin
work together tor good, to the
that love God, to them who are t
called according to his purpofe. Ij
43- 3, For I am the Lord thy Go
the holy One nf Ifrael, thy Savion
I gave Egypt for thy ranfom,Ethi
pia and Seba for thee. v. 4. Sin
thou wail precious in my fight, th<
hall been honourable, and I hai
loved thee; therefore will I give mi
for thee, and people for thy life* v.
Fear not, for I am with thee : I w
bring thy feed trom the eaft, at
gather thee from the wefL v 1
Thus faith the Lord your redeems
the holy One of Hrael, Foryour fal
I have fent to Babylon, and hai
brought down all their nobles, ar
the Caldeans, whofc cry is in tl
flvp%
I, aGe
Chap. 6: The Confefjimi of Faith: $f
Chap. VI, Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Tunifhment thereof.
r\ U R firfl Parents, being reduced by the Subtility and ^-^ Temptation of Satan finned in eating the forbidden Fruit a . This their Sin, God was pleafed, according to his wife and holy Counfel, to permit, having purpofed to order it to his own Glory b.
II. By this Sin they fell from their original Righteoufhefs and Communion with God c, and fo became dead in Sin d9* and wholly defiled in all the Faculties and Farts of Soul and Body c. HI, They
.1 a Gen. \. 13. And the LordGod faid unto the woman, what is this that thou haft done ? And the wo- man faid, The ferpent beguiled me, and I did ear, z Cor. 11. 3. Bur I fear left by any means, as the ferpent beguiled Eve through his fub:ilicy, fo your minds (houi J be corrupted from the fimplicity that is in Chrift.
b Rom. if. 3 a. For God hath con- cluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all,
II. c Gen. 3. 6". And when the wo- man Taw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleafant to the eyes, and a tree to be delired to make onewile,fhe took of the fruit there- of, and did ear, and gave alfo unto her husband with her, and he did car, v. 7. And the eyes of them both were opened^, and they knew that they were naked; and they fewed fig- leaves together, and made them- fel ves aprons, v. 3' And they heard the voice ot the Lord God, walking in the garden, in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themfelvcs from the preience of the Lord God, amongft the trees of the garden. Eccl. 7. 29, Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have fought out many inventions, Rom, 3, 2.3,
For all have finned and come fhorc of the glory of God.
d Gen 2. i'}* But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou (halt nof eat of it : for in the day that thou eateft thereof, thou fhak iiirely die, Ephn 2. 1, And yon hath he quickned, who were dead in tref- pafles and Sins.
e Tit. 1. 15. Unto the pure all things are pure : but unto them thac are defiled, and unbelieving, is nothing pure, but even their mind and confeience is defiled, Gen- 6. 5, And God faw that the wickednefs of man was great in the earthy and that every imagination of the: thoughts of his heart, was only evil continually, Jer. 17 9. The heart is deceitful ab^ve all things, and defperately wicked, who caa know it ? Kom^ 3 : 10, As it is writ- ten, There is none righteous, no not one v. 1 1 There is none thac ttnderftandeth, there is none that feekzth after God, v„ f2. They are all gone our of the way, they are together become unprofitable^ there is fjone that doth rrood, no not one*- v, 13*- Their throat is an open fe- pulchre; with their tongues1 they have uied deceit ; the poifon of aips is under their lips, v- 1*4.5 •Whofc £ z BXtfftfr
$z The Confefjion of Faith, Chap: 6.
III. They being the Root of all Mankind, the Guilt of this Sin was imputed £ and the fame Death in Sin and cor- rupted Nature conveyed to all their Pofterity defcending from them by ordinary Generation g.
IV. From this original Corruption, whereby we are utterly indMpofed, -difabled, and made oppofite to all
Good
mouth is full of curfing and bitter*, nefs. v, iy. Their feet are fwift to flied blood*. v„ i£. Deftru&ion and miferyare in their way?, v. 17. And the way of Peace have they not known, v. i&. There is no fear of God before their eyes,
III. i Gen* 1.-27.-* So God created man in his own image, in the image ot God created he him : male and female created he them, \\ a'8. And God blefled thenv and God faid unto them<> Be fruitful, and multiply and replinifh the earth, and fub- Hue it: and have dominion over the fifh of the feay and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth* And Gen. z* 1 6,- And the Lord God •commanded the many faying* Of every tree of the garden thou mayil: freely eat. v*. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou fhalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatefl thereof, thou flialt furely die* And At} s 17.26'.. A ad hath made of one bloody all nations of men, for to dwell on ail the face oi the eai th0 and hath de- termined the times before appointed,' and the bounds of their habita- tion. With Rom, jv 12. Wherefore,- as by one man iiri entred into the v/orld, and death by ito ; and (b death pafled upon all men, for that all have finned. «i£ 15V But not as the offeree, 10 alfo is the free gifr# For if rhrough the offence of one many be dead^ much more the grace of God, and the girt by .arace, which is by one nwrvJefiKj
Chrift, hath abounded unto many v. 1 6.- And not as it was by one that finned, fo is the gift: for the judg- ment was by one to condemnation; but the free gift is of many offences imtojuftificatioru v# 17. For if by one mans offence, death reigned by one ; much more they which re- ceive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteoufnefs, fhall reign in life by oney Jefus Chriit. w 18. Therefore as by the offence ot one judgment came upon all men to con- demnation : even fo by the lightc- oufnefs of one, the free gift came upon all men unto jultiflcation of life, v. 19. For as by one mans difobedience many were made fin* ners : fo by the obedience of one, fhall many be made righteous. And 1 Cor. 1 5*., 2i,Forfince by man came death, by man came alfo the refur- re&ion of the dead, v* 22. For as in Adam all die, even fo in Chriit fhall all be made alive. * v. 45V And fo it is written, Thefirfl man Adam was made a living foul, the hit Adam vas made a quickning fpirit, * <v, 49- And as we hoVj born the image of the earthly, we alfo fhall bear the image of the heavenly,
g Pfalm 51. y. Behold, I was fhapen in iniquity: and in fin did my mother conceive me. Gen^s^l* And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a fon in his own likenefs, after his image $ and called his name Sctru Job 14* 4, Who can bring a clean thing out ofi an- unclean? not one. Job I5\ 14, What; is aeaa that he Jhould be clean
Chap, 6, The Qonfeffion of Faith: ?f
Good h, and wholly inclined to all Evil i, do proceed all ^"aftual Tranfgrelfions k.
V. This Corruption of Nature, during this Life, doth re- main in thofe that are regenerated 1 : And although it be,
through
and he whlsh is born of a woman, that he fhould be righteous ?
IV, h Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without flrength, in due timeChrift died for the ungodly. Row. 8. 7 Becaufe the carnal mind is en- mity againft God ; for it is not fub- ject to the law of God, neither in- deed can be, Rom> 7. 18. For I know, that in me (that is, in my flefh) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is prefent witrTme, hut how to perform that which is good, I find not. CoL 1. 21. And you that were fometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.
i Gc?i. 6' s> And God faw that the wickednefs of man was great in the earth, and that every imagina- tion of the thought of his heart, was only evil continually, Gen. 8. 21. And the Lord fmelled a fweet favour, and the Lord (aid in his heart, I will not again curfe the ground any more for mansfake^ foi the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth ; neither will I again finite any more, every thing living, as 1 have done. Rom. 3. io« As it is written, there is none righ- teous, no not one ; i> 11. There is none that underikndeth, there is none that feeketh after God. x>. 12., They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofi- table, there is none that doth good, no not one.
k James 1. 14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lull, and enticed, v. 15. Then when luft .hath conceived, it bringeth forth fin : and fin when it is tinilhed, bringerh forth death*
Eph. 2. 2. Wherein in time pad ye walked according to the courfe of this world, according ro tne prince of the power of the air, the fpirit that now worketh in the children of difobedience. v. 3. A* mong whom alfo we all had our conversion in times pafl, in the lulls of our flefh, fulfilling the de- fires of the fiefh, and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others, Matth. is* 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adu':teiies, fornications, theits, falfe witnefs, blafphemies.
V. / 1 John 1. 8. If we fay that we have no fin, we deceive our felves, and the truth is not in us. v. jo. If we fay tbat we have not finned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us, Rom: 7. U. For we know that the law is fpiri- tual: but I am carnal, fold under fin, v. 17. Now then, it is no more I that do it, but iinthat dwelleth in me, v. 18. Fori know that in me (that is, in my fkfh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is prefent with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find nor, v. 23. But I iee another Jaw in my mem- bers, warring againft the law 01 my mind, and bringing roe into cap- tivity to the law or fin, which is in my members, James 3. 2. F»r in many things we ofie.-id all. If any man offend not in word, the Came is a perfect man, and able alio ro bridle the whole body, Prov, 20 9. Who can fay, I have made rny heart clean, I am pure from my fin? EccL 7. 10. For there is not a D 3 juft
54 7he Confeffion of Faith: Chap.. 6?
through Chrift. pardoned and mortified, yet both it fel£ and all the Motions thereof are truly and properly Sin m.
VI. Every Sin. both original and actual, being a Tran£ greffion of the righteous Law of God, and contrary there- unto , doth, in its own Nature, bring Guilt upon the Sin- jaer .-, whereby he is bound over to the Wrath of God p, and Curie of the Law q, and fo made fubjeft to Death r, with all Miferies fpiritual i, temporal r, and eternal v.
CHAP.
juft man upon the earth that doth good and finneth not.
m Rom. 7. 5", For when we were in the flefh, the motions ot fins which were by the law, did work in pur members to firing forth fruic ifnto death, v, 7. What fhail we fay then? Is the law fin? God forbid, !Nay, I had not known (in, but by the law : for I had nor known luft, except the law had (aid, Thou (hale not covet. v„ 8, But fin raking occafion by the commandment, wrought in me^ll manner of con- cupiicence. For without the law fin was dead^ v„ z$. I thank Go^, thiough Jefus Chrift our I_,ord. So then with the m;nd I my felf ferve the law of God } but with the flefh, the law of fin. QaL 5. 17. For the flefh lulieth againft the Spirit, and the Spiri' againft the Flesh . and thefe are contrary the one to the ©ther, fo that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
VI, 0 1 John 3. 4, Whomever committed tin, tranfgrefTeth alfo rhe law, for Hn is the tranfgrcflion of the jaw,
o Rotf2- 2. I5> Which shew the work, of the law written in their jicarts, their conference alfo hear- ing witnefs, and their thoughts the mean while accufing,or eife excufing pne another. Rom. 3, 9, Whac \htn ? are we better then tney ? No, In no wife : for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, teat they are all under fin, v« 19.
Now we know,^ thar what things foever the law faith, it faith to rhem who are under rhe law : that every mouth may be flopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
p Eph, 2, 3^ Among whom alfq we all had our converfation in times paft, in the luits of our fleih, fulfilling the deiires of the flefh, and of the mind j and were by na- ture the children of wrath, even as others,
q Gal9 3, la. For as many as are, of the works of the law, are under the curfe : for it is written, Cur fed is every one that cpntinucth noc in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them,
r Rom, 6% 2.3, For the wages of fin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jefus Chrinj: our Lord,
f E$h% 4, 18. Having the under- ftandmg darkned, being alienated irom the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, becaufe of the biindnefs of their hearr,
t Rom, 8 20. For rhe creature was made fubjed to vanity, not willingly, but by reafon of him who hath fubjccled rhe fame in hope, L$m 3. 39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the pu- nifhmsnt of his fins ?
v Matth* 25-, 4.1, Then fhall ht
fay alfo unto them on the left hand.
Depart from me, ye curfed, intc
everlafiing fire, prepated for the
devil
Chap.
7:
Ihe ConfeJJton of Faith; 55
G h a P VII. Of Gods Covenant with Man.
THE Diflance between God and the Creature is £q great, that although reafonable Creatures do owe Obedience unto him as their Creator, yet. they could never have any Fruition of him as their Bleflednefs and Reward, but by fome voluntary condefcenfion on God's Part, which he hath been pleafed to exprefs by way of Covenant a
II. The firft Covenant made with Man, was a Cove- nant
devil and his angels. z The/, U 9, Who fhall be punifhed wlah ever- laying deftruclion from the pre- fence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power,
I, a Ijai. 40. 13; Who ha»th di- rected the fpirit of the Lord ? or be- ing his counfeller hath taught him ? v. 14. With whom tookhecounfel, and who inftru£ted him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and (hewed to \nm the way of under/landing ? v. 15. Behold the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the fmall dud of the ballance; Behold, he taketh up the ifles as a very little thing v* 16". And Leba- non is not fufficient to burn, nor the hearts thereof diffident for a bumt-ofiering. v.' 17. All cations before him are as nothing, and they are counted to him lefs than no- thing and vanity. Job p. 32. For he is not a Man,as I am^that 1 fhould anfwer him, and we fhou.d come together in judgment, v. 33 Nei- ther is there any days-man betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. 1 Samuel 2. 25. If one man fin againft another, the judge fhall judge him : bur it a man Sin againft the Lord, who fhall intreat tor him ? Pfalm. 113,5 V/ho is like unto the Lord our God, who~ dwelleth on high i v, 6. Who humbleth hirnfel.l
to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth. PfaL 100. 2. Serve the Lord with gladnefs : come before his prefence with ring- ing, v. 3: Know ye that the Lord he is God, it is he that hath made us, and not we ourfelves j we are his people, and the fheep of his pafture Job. 22. z9 Can a man be piofitable unto God, as he that is wife may be profitable unto him- felf? v 3. Is it any pleafure to the Almighty that thou art righteous ? Or is it gain to him, that thou ma- keft thy ways perfect ? Job. 3$-. 7. It thou be righteous, what giveft tbou him ? or what receiveth he of thine hand ? v. 8; Thy wickednefs may hurt a man as thou art, and thy righteoufnefs may profit the fonofM.n. Luke. 17. 10. So like- wife ye, when ye fhall have don£ all thofe things which are com- manded you, fay, We are unpro- fitable fervants; we have done that which was our duty to do. Acts, 17- 24. God that m?de the wo. M, and all things therein, fedng that he is Lord of Heaven and earth, dwel- leth not in temples made with hands, .v. 25. Nitheris worfhipo ped with mens hands, as thougri he needed any thing, feeing he gi- veth to all life, and breath, and ail things
D 4 II b Gtf*
5 6 7 he Confejjion of Vaith; Chap f.
nanf of Works b, wherein Life was promifed to Adam, and in him to his Pofterity c 5 upon Condition of perfcft ■ and perfbnal Obedience d.
III. Man by his fall having made himfelf uncapable of Life by that Covenant, the Lord was pleated to make a fecond e, commonly called the Covenant of Grace ; Wherein he freely ofFereth unto Sinners Life and Salvation by Jefus Chrift, requiring of them Faith in him, that they may be faved t ; and promifing to give unto all thofe that are ordained unto Life, his holy Spirit, to make them \villing and able to believe g. IV. This
II. b GaL 3. 12; And the law is not of Faith : bur, The man that dcth rherri fhali live in them.
c Rom. 10. s* For Mofes de- fciibeth rhe 1 ighteouinefs which is of the Law, that the man which doth tbefe Things, fhall live by them. 'Romans. $• iz. to 2.0. (See Cba?ter6. § 3. Letter f) ; d Gen 2.17. But of the tree of the Knowledge of good and^ evil, thou (halt not eat of it : for in the day that thou eared thereof, thou '/halt fu rely die. Gal, 3. 10. For as many as are of the Works of the law, arc under the curfe : for it is written, Cuffed is every one that connnueth not in a^ things which are written in the book of the Law, to do them.
III. eGa! 3. 21. Is the law then againfl the promiles of God ? God forbid: for if there had been a law given , which could have given life, verily righteouinefs flinuid have been by the Law0 Ro?», 8. 3. For what the law couid not do, in that it was weak through the flefh, God fending his own Son in the likenefs of finful Sefh, and for fin condem- ned fin in the Hefh. Romans. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there (hall no fiefh be juftificd in his light ; for by the law is the knowledge of fin. v. 21. Bur now the righteoufnefs oi God without the law is maniiefted/ being wic^ defied by the law and the prophets,
Gen. 3» if* And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy feed and her leed. it fhall bruife thy head, and (hou (halt bruife his heel. Ifalah 42. 6. I the Lord have called thee in righteoufr nefs, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee tor a covenant of the peopie, for a light of the Gentiles.
f Mam 16 1$ And he &\d unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gofpel to every creatine, v: 16. He that believeth and is baptized fhall he faved ; but he that believeth nor, fhall be dam- ned. John. 30 16. For G:yd fo loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son; that whofoever be- lieveth iq him, fhould not perifTi but have everlafting life • Row, 10. 6. But the righteoufnefs which is of faith, fpeaketh on this wife. Say not in thine heart. Who fhall af* cend into heaven ? (tjiat is, to bring Chi ii£ down from abovej v 9. That if thou /halt confefs with thy mouth the Lord Jefus, and (halt believe in thine heart, that God hath rai- fed him from the dead, thou (halt be faved. Gal, 3. 11. But that n^ man is juftified by the kw in the fight of God, it is evident : for, The juft fhall Jive fey faith.
g Ezekjel, 36 26. A new heart a!» fo will I giv~ you, and a new fpiric
will
Chap. 7. The Confef/iou of Faith. 57
IV. This Covenant of Grace is frequently let forth in the Scripture by the Name of a Teframent, in reference to the Death of Jefus Chrift the Teftator, and to the ever- lafting Inheritance, with all Things belonging to it, therein bequeathed h.
V. This Covenant was differently adminiftred in the Time of the Law, and in the Time of the Gofpel i ? Under the Law it was adminiftred by Promifes, Prophe- cies, Sacrifices, Circumcifion, the Pafchal Lamb, and o- ther Types and Ordinances delivered to the People of the Jews, all fore-fignifying Chrift to come k, which were For that Time fufficient and efficacious through the Ope- ration
vill I pur within you, and I will take tway the ftony Heart out of your lefh, and I will give you an Heart >f8efh, v» 27. And I will put my fpirit within you, and caufe you to -valk in my Statutes, and ye fhall ieep my Judgments, and do rhem. fohn, 6. 44, No Man can come to me, except the Father which hath rent me, draw him ; And I will raife him up at the laft day. v, 45". It is writren in die prophets, And they liall be all taught of God, Every man therefore that hath heard, and lath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
IV. h Heb. Ot 15 > And for this :aule he is the Mediator of the new Teftament, that by means of ieath for the redemprion 'of the :ranfgrellbns that were under the Erft Teftament, they which arc cal- led might receive the promife of eternal Inheritance 1;. 16. For where a teftament is, there muft alfo of neceffiry he the death of the tefta- tor; v, iji For a Teftament is of force alter men are dead : other- wife it is of no ftrengtn at all whiifr. the teftator liveth. Heh. 7. 22. By lb much was Jefus made a furety :>fa better teftament. Luke. 22. 20. Likewifc alfo the cup atter iupper, (ajing, 1 his cup is the new tene-
ment in my Bloody which is fhed for you. iCor. 11. 25. After the fame manner alfo he took the cup, when he had fupped, faying. This cup is the^ new Teftament in my blood : This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
V- I 2. Cor. 3 6*. Who alfo hath made us able minifters of the new teftament; not of the letter, hue cf the Spirit : for the letter fcilleth, but the fpirit giveth life. v. 7. Bur if the miniftration of death written and engraven in (tone was glorious, fo that the children oflfrael could not ft edfaft ly behold the hce ot Mo- les, for the glory of his countenance, which glory was to be done away 5 v. 8 . How fhall not the minifirarion of the fpirit be rather glorious ? *v. 9; For if the miniftration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the miniftration of righteoufr.eis exceed in glory; »
k (He£,Z,$, 10: Chapters.) Rorn; 4: 11. Aud he received the fign of circumcifion, a feal of the righte« ouinefs of the faith, which he had yet, being uncircurncifed ; that he might be the father ot all them that believe, though they be not tircGmcifed ; thac righteoufnefs might be imputed to them alfo. CoL 2; 11.' In whom alfo ye are circumcifed
58 Ths Cmfeffion cf Faith: Chap/ p
ration of the Spirit,to inftruft and build up the Eleft in Faiih in the promifed Meffiah 1, by whom they had full Remiffion. of Sins, and eternal Salvation ; and is called the Old Tefta- ment m,
VI. Under the ,Gofpel, when Chrift the Subflance n was exhibited, the Ordinances in which this Covenant is difpeiv fed are the preaching of the Word, and the Adminiftration of the Sacrament of Baptifm, and the Lord's Supper o. Which though fewer in Number, and adminiftred with more Simplicity, and lefs outward Glory ; yet in them it is held forth in more fulnefs, Evidence, and fpiritual Effica-
cy
circumcifed with the circumcifion made without hands, in putting of? the body of the fins of the flefh, by the circumcifion of Chriil : v. 12.- Buried with him in Baptifm, wherein ahoyeare rifcn with him, through the Faith of the operation of God, who hath raifed him horn the dead. 1 Cor; 5; 7. Purge out therefore the o]d leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Chrift our pafibver is fa- crificed for us.
1 1 Cor. 10. 1; Moreover, Bre- thren 1 would not that ye (hould be ignorant, how that all our Fa- thers were under the cloud, and ail pafled through the Tea , v. 2: And were all fcptiled unto Mofes in the cloud, and in the fea ; v 3. And did all eat the fame fpiritual meat 5 <v. 4. And did all drink the fame fpiritual drink ; (for they drank of that fpiritual Rock that followed them ; and that rock was Chrift) Heb. 1 1. 13. Thefe all died in faith, not having received the promifes, but having fcen them afar off, and were perfwaded of them, and embraced them, and confefTed that they were ftrangers and pilgrims on the earth; John. 8. 56. Your father Abraham rejoiced to fee my day : and he law it, and was glad.
m Gal* 3. 7. Know ye therefore, that they which are of Faith, the
lame are the Children of Abraham: d. 8; And the fcripture forefeeing that God would juftify the heathen through faitrr, preached before the gofpel unto Abraham, faying, ia thee fliali all nations be bielTed. v: 9; So then, they which be of faith are blefied with iaHiful Abraham; v: 14; That the blefling or Abra- ham might come on the Gentiles through Jelus Chrift, that we might receive the promiie of the Spirit through Faith.
Vi. n; Coloffl 2: 17.' Which are a fhadow of things to comc$ but the body is of Chrift,
o Matth, 28. j 9: Go ye there- fore and teach aJ nations, bap- tizing them in the name of the Fa- ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft: v. 20; Teaching them to obierve all things whatso- ever I have commanded you : and lo, I am with you al way, even unto the end of the world, Amen. 1 Cor; 1 1: 23. For I have received of the Lord? thar which alfo 1 delivered unto you, That the Lord Jefus, the fame night in which he was betray- ed took Bread ; v. 24; And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and faid, Take, ear ; this is my body which is broken lor you; This do in remembrance of me. v; 27. Af- ter the fame manner alio he took
the
Chap. fl TheConfeflion of Faith. 59
cy p, to all Nations, both Jews and Gentiles q ; and is called the New Teftament r. There are not therefore two Covenants of Grace differing in Subftance, but one and the fame under various Difpenfations f.
CHAP. VIII.
the Cup, when he had flipped, fay- ing, This Cup is the New teffament in my blood, this do ye, as ofc as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. p Heb, 12.22. But yea;eccme unto mount Sion, and unto the ci- ty of the living God, the heaven- ly Jerufalcm, and to an innumer- able company of angels, i;, 23. To the general affembly and Church of the firft-born, which are written in heaven., and to God the judge of all, and to the fpirits ofjuft men made perfect, 1?. 24. And to Jelus the Mediator of the new covenant, aed to the blood of fprinkling, that fpeaketh better things than that of Abel. if. 25. See that ye refufc not him that fpeaketh : For if they efcaped not who refufed him that fpake on earth, much more (hall not we efcape, if we turn away from him that fpeaketh from hea- ven. T?, 26. Whole voice then (hook the earth : but now he hath proml- fed, faying, Yet once more I (hake not the earth only, but alio hea- ven. ^,27. And this word, Yet once more, fignifieth the removing of thoie things that are fhaken, as of things that are made, that thole things which cannot be fhaken, may remain. Jer. 31. 33. But this (hail be the covenant that 1 will make with the houfe of Ifrae), After thofe days, faith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward par s, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they fhall be my people. fVi 34; And they fhall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, faying, Know the J^ord 5 for they fhall all know me, jfrcrn the leaft of them, unto the
greater! of them, faith the Lord : for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their Sin no more.
q Mattb. 28. 19. [ See letter o im- mediately foregoing] Eph, 2. jy. Ha- ving abohfhed in his flefh the en- mity, even the law of command- ments, contained in ordinances, for to make in himfelf, of twain, one new man, fo making peace; v. 16, And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the crof ?. having llain the enmity thereby : <v. 17. And came, and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. v. 18 For through him we both have an accefs by one Spirit unto the Father. v, 19. Now therefore ye are no more ftrangers and foreigners, but feliow-citjzens with the faints, and oi the houihold of God.
r Luke 22 20. Likewife alfo the cup after fupper, faying, This cup is the new teflament in my blood, which is (hed lor you.
(Gal 3, 14. That the blefling of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jcius Chrift j that we might receive the promife of the Spirit through Faith, v. 16". Now ro Abraham and his feed were the promifes made. He faith not, And to feeds, as of many; but as of one^ And to thy feed, which is Chrilf. Acts \$, 1 1. But we believe, that through tne grace oi the Lord Jefus Chnit, we {hall be Caved, even as they. Horn 3, 21. But now the righteoufnefs of God without the law is maiiifefted, being witnefTed by the law and the prophets; v. 22. Even the righteoufnefs of God which is by faith of Jems Chrift, un- to
So The Confejfton of Faith. Chap: 8:
C H A ft VIII. Of Chrift the Mediator
IT pleafed God, in his eternal Purpofe, to choofe and ordain the LORD JESUS, his only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and Man a ; the Prophet b, Prieft c, and King d • the Head and Saviour of his Church e;
the
to all, and upon all them that be- lieve j for there is'np difference : y. 23. For all have /uined, and come fhort of the glory of God. v. 30. Seeing it is one God, which (hall ju- itify the circumcifion by Faith, and imcircumcifion through Faith. PJal, 32, 1. Blefled is he whofe tranfgrel- iion is forgiven, whofe jfin is cove- red. With Rom 4. 3. For whatfirith the fcripture ? Abraham believed God, and it waf counted unto him for righteoufnefs. *v. 6, Even as David alio defcribeth the blefled- nefs of the man unto whom God imputcth righteoufnefs without works <v. 16. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end the promife might be fure to all the feed, not to that o?iy which is ot the law, but to that al- io which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 1?. 17. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before Ihim whom he believed, even God who quickneth the dead and cal* leth thofe things which be not, as though they were, <v. 25. Now it was not written for his fake alone, that it was imputed to him; v. 24 Euc for us alfo, to whom it fhalJ be imputed, if we believe on him that raifed up Jefus our Lord from the dead. Hek 13.8 Jefus Chrift the fame yefterday, and today, and for ever.
I. a Ifaiah az, i. Behold my fer- vant whom I uphold, mine elect, in whom my foul delighteth . I have
put my fpirit upon him, he fhall bring forth judgment ro the Gen- tiles, 1 Pet, 1. 19. But with the precious blood of Chrift, as of a Jamb without blemifh and without fpot ; v, 2.0 Who verih was fore- ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifeft in thefelaft times for ycu. John, 3.16"; For God fb loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whofoever belie veth in him, ihould not perifh, but have everlafting life; 1 Tim* 2, 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Chrift Jefus.
b Acts 3. 22. For Mofes truly (aid unto the fathers, A prophet fhall (he Lord your God xaife up un- to you of your brethren, like unto me ; him fhall you hear in all things whatfoever he fhall fay unto you.
c rleb. 5". 5. So a<fo Chrift glori- fied not himfelf, to be made an high prieft 5 but he that faid unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee; v. 6. As he faith al- fo in another place, Thou art a prieft for ever, after the order of Mel- chifedec.
d Pfalm. 2. 6. Yet have I fet my King upon my holy hill oi Zion. Luke: 1. $5« And he fhall reign over the houfe of Jacob for ever, c.nd of his kingdom there fhall be no end,
e Eph, 5. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Chrift is the head of the Church . and he is the Saviour of the body.
f Hek
Chap.- S, The ConfeJJion of Faith. 6\
the Heir of all Things f, and Judge of the World g : Un- to whom he did from all Eternity give a People to be his Seed \ and to be by him in Time redeemed called, juftifi- ed, fanftified and glorified :.
II. The Son of God, the fecond Perfon in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one Subflance, and equal with the Father ; did, when the Fulnefs of Time was come, take upon him Man's Nature fe, with all the efTential pro- perties, and common Infirmities thereof, yet without Sin 1 : Being conceived by the power of the holy Ghoft,
in
ffl& i, 14 Hath in thefc ' lafl days fpoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom alio he made the worlds,
g Acts. 17. 31. Becaufe he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteouf- nefs, by that man whom he hath or* dained, whereof he hath given af- furance unto all Men, in that he hath raifed him from the dead.
h John, 17. 6. Ihave manifefted thy name unto the men which thou gaveii me out of the World : thine they were, and thou gaveft them me ; and they have kep: thy word, P[al. 22. jo. A feed fhall ferve him,- it fhall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. Ifalah. 53. 10. Yec it pleafed the Lord to bruife him, he hath put him to grief: when thou {halt make his foul an offering for tin, he fhali fee his (ccd, he fhall prolong his days, and the pleafure of the Lord fhali profper in his hand.
i i Tim. 2. 6. Who gave himielf * ranfom for all, to be teftxfied in due time* I fa: ah. SS' 4- Behold, 1 have givtn him for a witnefs to the people, a leader and commander to the people, v. $. BehokJ then fhalt call a nation that thou knoweil not, and nations that knew not thee fhall run unto thee, becaufe of the Lord thy God, and for the holy
Oneof Jfrael; for he hath glorified thee. 1 Cor. u 30. But ot him aie ye in Cbrift Jefus, who of God is made unto us wifdom,and righte- oulnefs, and fan&iiication, and re- demption.
II. k 'John* r. 1 : In the begin- ning was the Word, and th^ Word was with God, and the Word was God i>. 14; And tie Word was made flefh, and dwel: among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Fa- ther) full of grace and truth. I 'John. $. 20. And we know than 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, e- ven in his Son Jefus Chriit. This is the true God, and eternal life* Phil. 2. 6, Who king in the forrrr of God, thought it nor robbery to be equal with God. Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulnefs of the Time was- come, God lent forth his Son made or" a woman, made under the law.
I Reb. 2. 14: Fo afmuch then as theO.iidrc* are partakers of ftefh and blood, he alfo himfelf iikewife took part of the fame that through death he might dellrcy him rha: had the power of death, that is, the devil, v. 16". For verily he took not on him che nature of an- gels
6t The Confejfion of Faith: Chap §
in the Womb of the Virgin Mary, of her Subftance \ru So that two whole, perfett and diftinft Natures, the God- head and the Manhood, were infeparably joined together in one Perfon, without Converfion, Compofition or Confu- fion n, Which Perfon is very God, and very Man, yet one Chrift, the only Mediator between God and Man o.
Ill, The Lord Jefus, in his Human Nature thus united to the Divine, was fanftified and anointed with the Ho- ly Spirit above meafure p ; Having in him all the Trea- sures of Wifdom and Knowledge q ; in whom it pleafed
the
ge]s;.|but he took oti him the fee! uf Abraham, v. 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren j that he might be a mercitul and faithful high pried, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the fins of the people. Web. 4. if. For we have not an high prieff. which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yec without (in,
m Luke: 1. 27. To a virgin efpoit- fed to a manwhofe namewasjofeph, of the houfe of David * and the virgin's name was Mary <v. 31. ^nd behold, thou {halt conceive ia thy womb, and bring forth a fon, snd (halt call his namejefus. v. 35-. And the Angel anfwered, and faid unto^her, The holy Ghofl (hall •come upon thee, and the power of the Higheft (hall overfhadow thee ; therefore alio that holy thing which ihall be born of thee, fhali be called the Son of God. Gal. 4. 4. (See Letter k immediately forest- ing.)
n Luke, 1. 3f. (See the foregoing njtrfe.) ColojJ. ^ 9. For in him dwetleth a If the iulnefs of the God- head bodily Rom. 9. 5. Whole are the lathers, and of whom as concerning the flefh,* Chrift came, who is over all, God blefTed for
ever. Amen. 1 Vet. 3. 18, For CrrHft alfo hath once fufeed for fins, the juft for the unjuft, (that he might bring us to God) being put to death in the fle/h, buc quickned by the Spirit. 1 Tim. 3. 16*. And without controveriy, great is the My fiery of godiinefs : God was manifeft in the Flefli, juftiried in the Spirit* teen ot angels, preach- ed unto the Gentiles, believed on in the World, received up into glo- ry.
o Rom, 1. 3. Concerning his Sen Jefus Chrift our Lord, which was made of the feed of David, accor- , ding to the fle/h : 1/ 4. And de- clared to be the Son ot God with power, according to the fpirit of holineis, bv the refurreclion from the dead a 1 Tim 2. 5*. For there is one God, and one Mediator be-*' twecn God and Men, the Man Chrift Jefus.
Ill, xpPlalm.tf. 7. Thouloveft right eoufnels, snd hateit wicked- nefs : therefore God, thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of glad* nefs above thy Fellows. John, 3, 34.- For he whom God hath f"nt,fpe2k*> eth the words of God : for God giveth not the fpiric by meafure unto him
q Colojf. 2, 3, In whom are hid all the treafures ot wifdom and knowledge.
r Co!&
Chap- 8 The ConfeJJion of Faith: 63
the Father that all Fulnefs fhould dwell r- To the end that being holy, harmlefs, undefiled, and full of Grace and Truth, f, he might be thorowly furnifhed to execute the Office of a Mediator and Surety t : Which Office he took not unto himfelf, but was thereunto called by his Father v> who put all Power and Judgment into his Hand, and giv« him Commandment to execute the fame w.
IV. This. Office, the Lord Jefiis did moft willingly undertake x ; which that he might difcharge,he was made
under
r Gtloffi I. 19. For it pleafedtl
Father, that in him fhould all ful- nefs dwell,
f Heb. 7. 26. For fuch an high priefl became us, who is holy, harm- lefs, undeftled, feparate trom fin- ners, and made higher than the heavens. John. i. 14. And the Word was made flefh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glo- ry, the glory as or the o'lly begot- ten of the Father) full of grace ard truth.
t Acls. 10 38- How God anoin- ted Jeius or" Nazareth, with the holy Ghoft, and with power -y who went about doing good, and heal- ing all that were opprelTcd of the devil . For God was with him. Web, 12. 24. And to Jefus the Me- diator of the new covenant, and to the blood of fprrnkling, 'than fpeaketh better rhinos than that of Abel. Web, 7. 22. By fo much was Jefus made a Surety of a better teilameor.
v. Web. 5. 4. And no man taketh ths honour unto himfeli, but he that is called of God, as was Aa- ron, v. $. So alio Chrift glorified not himfelfj to be made an high priefl: : but he that laid unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have 1 begotten thee.
w John 5. 22, For the Father judgeth no man ^ but hath commit- ted ail judgment unto the Son : qj; 27, And hath given him authority
e to execute judgment al Co, b?caufc he is the Son of Man; Mat 28. i8a And Jefus came, and fpake unto them, faying. All powrr is given unto me, in heaven and in earth* Acts. 2.. 36*. Therefore let all the hosie of Iirael know afTuredly, thac God hath made that fame Jefus^ whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Chrifr.
IV. x P/^o.^Thenfaid^Lo,, I come 5 in the volume of thy boo^c it is written of me. v 8. I delight to do thy will, O my God : yeaa thy law is within my Heart. With Web 10. 5. VVhereiore when he cometh into the World, he faith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldft not, but a body haft thou prepared me. v 6t In burnt- offerings and facrifices for fin, thou haft had na piealure : v 7. Then faid I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God. v 8. Above, when he iaid4 Sacrifice and offering, and burnt- offerings, and offering for Sin, thou wouldfl nor, neither hadft pleafure therein, (which are offered by the Law :) v 9, Then faid he, Lo, £ come to do thy will, O God, He taketh away the firff, that he ma? eftabfiSi thefecond. i>. 10. By the which will we fire fanctified, thro- rhe offering of the body of Jefus Chriff, once for all. Job?, 10. 1$, No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of my felf ; I have power
#4 ^ Confeffton of Faith: Chap. 8.J
under the Law v, and did perfeftly fulfil it z ; endured moft grievous Torments immediately in his Soul a, and moft painful iufferings in his Body b 5 was crucified, and. died c ; was buried, and remained under the power of Death : Yet faw no corruption d. On the third Day he arofe from the Dead e, with the fame Body in which he fuffered f j with which alio he afcended into Heaven,
and
power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This com- mandment have I received of my Father. Phil. 2. 8. And being found in fafhion as a man, he hum- bled himielf, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the croft.
y Gal 4. 4. But when the fulnefs of the time was come, God fent forth his Son made cf a woman, made under the law. ,
z. Mat, 3. 15. And jefus anfwe- rmg, laid unto him, Suffer it ro be fo now : for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteoufnef*. Then he fuffered him. Mat, 5. ty9 Think not that 1 am come to deffroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come todeftroy, but to fulfil.
a Tfiat. 26". 37. And he took with frirr* Peter, and the two Sons of Zebedee, and began to be forrow- i\j], and very heavy, v |8. Then (aith he unto them, my ioui is ex- ceeding forrowrul, even unto death : tarry ye here, and watch with me. Luke. 22. 44. And being in an ago- ny, he prayed more earneftly : and his fweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to rhe ground. Mat, 2.7. 4.6". And about the ninth hour, Jefus cried with a loud voice, faying, Eli, Eli, lama- iabachthani ? that is to fay, My God, my God, why haft thou for- i'aken me ?
b Matt hem, 26*. and 27. Chapters.
c Pb/llp 2, 8. {See the laftjcrip- twtt in x immediately foregoing.)
d Acts,z. 13. Him, being delive- red by the determinate counfel and foreknowledge of God, ye have ta- ken and by wicked hands have cru- cified and flain. v» 24. Whom God hath raifed up, having loofed the pains of death: becaufe it was not poflible that he fhould be holden ot it, v. 27. Becaufe thou wilt not leave mv foul in hell, neither wilt thou fufrer thine holy One to fee corruption. And Acts fj; £7, Biic he whom God raifed again, faw no corruption. Rom, 6. p. Knowing that Chriff. being raifed from the dead, dieth no more^ death hath no more dominion over him.
e 1 Cor if. 3. For I delivered un- to you firft of ail, that which I alio received, how that Chriff. died for our fins, according to the fcrip- tures. v. 4. And that he was buried, and that he rofe again the third day, according to the Scrip- tures. * v, 5. And that he was fecn of Cephas, then of the twelve.*
f John. 20; 2^. The other difciples therefore laid unto him. We have feen the Lord. But he faid unto them, Except 1 fhaii fee in his hands the print ot the nails, and put my finger into the piint of the nails, and tburfl my hand into his fide, } will not believe. <z). 27. Then faith fie to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands : and reach hither thy hand, and thurft ic into my fide : and be not faithids, but believing;
9 Marki
Chap*.
The ConfeJJton of Faith.
6?
and there fitteth at the right-hand of his Father r, making Ihterceffiori i ; and fhali return to judge men and Angels, at the end of the World .
V. The Lord Jefus by his perfect Obedience and Sa- crifice of Hmfelf, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully fatisfied the Juftice of his Father k ; and purchafed not only Reconciliation, but
id
g Mark. i6t 19. So thea, after the Lord ha^ fp fcen unto tnefnii; he was received up inro heaven, air! fat on t* v3 ~'sh ■ hand of God.
h Rom. 8 24. VvT is he that cond'.m leth ? it is Chriit thai died, yea rather that is Me*, again, who is even at the right-hand cr God, who alto maketh hitcrceffiqn tor us. Hebrews 9. 24. For Ch:.hi: is not er the holy places
fnade v which are the fi-
jgu ... j but into heaven
it fct, rr;v t-> appear in fhepi 6f God for us. Heh 7. 25. Where- fore he is able alio to lave them to the utternv.fr, that conte unro God by l im, feeing he ^ver livuh to niake intercdEon for rhem. :
i Kmcins 14. <:• For to ^bis end Chnit both died, and rofe, ■ 1 d re. vived, that he might be Lord oorh of 'he dead and living. t> 10: But why doft thou ;udgc th] brorher ? or why doit thou fct at naught thy brother ? for we {hall ali -rand be- fore the jirigmeht-jeai of Chrift. jtrfs 1. il. Which alfo laid, Ye men of Gaiiiee, , 'hy Hand ye ga- sting up into heaven ? this fame Je- fus which is taken up fi •:.: you i >- to heaven, fhall !o coftie; m I fce manner, as yehavefeer him goin-. to heaven Jcls ic. 42. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to tcftiry th?t it is lie, which was ordained of Gnd, to be the judge of quick and dcaoi Mat. !?, 40. As therefore the lares are gathered and burnt h ihe feci fa
{hall it be :n fhe end of this worM: *v 4 1. The Son of man frnll lend forth his angels, and 'hey fliall ga- ther out of his kingdom all things that offend, and then which do iniquity . <v 42. And fhaJl caft them into a furnace of fire : There fhali be wa'uing nd gnafhing of teeth. Jide, 6. And the angels which kept their firft elhte, bur left their cwn habitation, he hath reicrved meverlafting chains under darfc- nefsj u to the judgment or rhe greae day z Peter 2. 4. Per if God fpared not the angels that finned, but cail: them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darJtnefc, to be feferved unto judgment.
v*. k &cm. 5, 19 For as by one mans difobedience rrany were made finners. fo by tne ooedicr.ee of one, fhali many.be made righte- ous. Web. 9 (4, How much more fhali the #ood oi Cnriir, whrif ugh the eternal fpirft, offered . ithout ipot to God, purge your conference from dead works to fery'e the living God? v. i6\ For where a teftamen' is, there muft alfo of neceffity be the death of the teihtor. t\eb 10. i<. For by one offering h 6Wd for
evei them that are fancuned. Epk: f. z. And walk in iov , as C-..ut alfo harji ioved us, and hath gi* ven himfel! tor us. an offering a (ac ifice to God for a fweec fmeiling favour. Korn. $. tf- Whom God hath fet form to be a propiti- acioa through faith in his bloor;, t& £ declare
66 "the Confejfton of Faith. Chap: 8.
an everlafting Inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven, for all thofe whom the Father hath given unto him F.
VI. Although the Work of Redemption was not actual- ly wrought by Chrift till after his Incarnation, yet the Vir- tue, Efficacy, and Benefits thereofwere communicated unto the Elect in all Ages fucceffively from the beginning of the World, in and by thofe Promifes, Types, and Sacrifices, wherein he was revealed and fignified to be the Seed of the Woman, which fhould bruife the Serpent's Head ; and the Larrib (lain from the Beginning of the World, being Yefter- day, and to Day the fame, and for ever nr.
VII. Chrift
declare his righteoumefs for the re- itiiflbn of (ins that are paft, through the lorebearance of God ; v 7.6. To declare, I fay, at this time his righteoufnefs : that he might be jufr, and the juicirier ot" him which nelieveth in Jcfus,
i 'Daniel. 9. 24. Seventy we^ks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finifh the tranfgreflion, and to make an end of fins j and to make reconci- liation for iniquity, and to bring in everlafting nghteoufnefs^ and to feal up the vifion and prophecy, and to anoint the molt holy. v. 26. And after threefcoie and two weeks fhall Mefliah be cut of, but not for himfelf . and the people of the prince that (hall come, fhall de- itroy the city and the fanctuary, and the end thereof fhall be with a flood, and unto rhe end of the war deflations are determined. Col i. 19, For it pleafed the Father, that in him fhould' all luinefs dwell ■> <v 20. And (having made peace through the biood of his crofs) by him to reconcile a 1-1 things unto himfelf; by him, I fay, whether they be things in earEh, or things in heaven, Eph I 1:. In whom alfo we have obtained an inheri- tance, being predeftinated accor- ding to the purpoie of him who
worketh all things after the coun- (el of his own will, v 14. Which is the earneit of our inheritance, until the redemption of the pur- chafed pofleilion unto the praife of his glory. John 17.2. As thou haft given him power over all flefh ; that he fhould give eternal life to as many as thou haft given him. Y\eb 9. 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he en tied in once into the holy , place, having obtained eternal redemption for us» v iy. And for th|s caule he is the me- diator of the new teilament, that by means ot death, for the redemp- tion of the tranigreflions that were under the iirit teftament, chey which are called might receive the promife of eternal inheritance.
VI. m Galat. 4. 4. But when the fulnefs ct the time was come, God fent forth his Son rcnde df a wo- man, male under tne law, <v y. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive tbe adoption of ions Geru 5 iy. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy feed and hei feed: itihall bruife thy lie 1, and. thou (halt bruife his heel Rev 13. 8, And all that dwell upon t\\Q earth fhall worfhiph:m,whofe names are noc written in the book of life of
the
Chap: 8 The Confeffion of Faith: 6?
VII. Chrift, in the Work of Mediation, afteth according to both Natures ; by each Nature doing that which is proper to it felf n ,• Yet, by reafon of the Unity of the Per- fon, that which is proper to one Nature, is fometimes irz Scripture attributed to the perfon denominated by the ether Nature .. , ■ . ...
Till. To allthofe for whom Chrift hath purchafed Re- demption, he doth certainly and effediu ally apply and com- municate the fame P, making interceffion for them q, and revealing unco them in and by the Word the rriyfteries of Salvation r ; effectually periwading them by his Spirit,
to
the Iamb flain frcm the foundation Aoiid.-H^. 13 8. Jefi»Chrifl; rfie fame yefterdaj , and to day, and for ever.
V; 1 71 W(b 9. i+.(See letter k [crip-
'.) 1 Feter 3 18. Per
I (ufiered fa?
j ft, (that he
i ) being put
the fLfh, Luc guickned
0 . \ . p 1.. r there-
to ail
Ghofi h th made y< u o
he hat) is own
:-. 1 j hath al he that can
even tl h is in
heaven, j Jp& '. I
ceive we d ' rod, becaufe
Site foi up . and we ouji down ou: fives for
the bret
VIII. jf ]6,;;i 6*. Father
me, and him I will in m w cafi out And tl hath fell n
loic no- thing, bi *c the bi] i; • As
the Father knoweth me, even Co k: o.v I the Farrier . and I lay down my life for the iheep. v io\ And c her iluep 1 hayej which are net of this fold.' :hem aiio I mnft bring, V (hall hear mv voice ; and there fhail be one fold, and one fhepherd,
q 1 John 2. 1. My little Children, [tings write I unto you, that nor. And if any man iin3 wc have sn advocate with tf,e Fa- ther Jelus Chrift the righteous : v 2 \(\<i he is the propitiation tor ( m lins : ?nd not £>r ours only, but ai(o for tJ f the whole
wo: id. RomaniS, 14. Who is he that con Chrift thac
■ -
■ even' at the rig it hand of ho 1Kb maketh interceffijn
fe I ':
i -. :> Greater iove hath
t a m2n lay
do yt) his life for bis . ieotftj a? 15.
EorthI call yc :ior fcrvants;
for the iexvant knoweth not what
his L^-d doth, bui 1 hatte caJL-J
for ail things that I
,2<:rd of mj I have
town unto you Bffa 1. 7. In
. . through:
his blood, ihe foregwfcnefe of (ins,
according to the riches ot his grace.-
v 8. Wherein he hath abouiidedf
E i tol
6$ The Conjejfion of Faith, Chap. 9
to believe arid obey ; and governing their Hearts, by his Word and Spirit f ; overcoming all their Enemies by his almighty Power and Wifdom, in fiich Manner and wavs as are moft confonant to his wonderful and unfearchable Difpenfation t.
Chap: IX. Of Free-will.
GO D hath indued the Will of Man with that natural Liberty, that it is neither forced, nor by any abfolute Neceffity of Nature determined to Good or Evil a.
II. Mah
toward us in all wifdom and pru- dence, v 9. Having made known unto us the myfkry of his will, ac- cording to his good pleafure, which he hath purpcfed in hinr elf. John, 17. 6\ I have manifefted thy name unto the men which thou gaveft me out of the world : thine they were, and thou gaveft them me » and they have kept thy word.
{John 14. \6\ And I will pray the father, and he (hall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with yap for ever. Hebrews. 12,. 2. Looking unto jefos, the author and finiObcr of our fairh ; who for the joy that was kt before him, endured the crofs, ddpiiing the fhame, and is fet down at the right hand of the throne of God. 2 Cor 4. if. We having the lame fpiiic of lakh $ according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I fpoken : wealfo believe, and therefore ipeak. Rw^JWf 2. 9. But ye are not in the fieih, but in the fphic, if fo be tha? the Spirit of God dwell in vou- Now it any man have no: the Spirit of Q\rM. he is none of his. v U* ?or as ma- ny 2s are led by -he Spirit of God they are the Sons of G^d. Kom\$% j8. For I will not dare to fpeak of any ol thole things, which Qmft
hath not ^ wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deedt v 1 9. Through mighty figns and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God j fo that from Jcru- falem, and round about unto Illy- ricum, I have fully preached the goipelof Chrift. J fan 17. 17. San- ctify them through tby truth : thy word is truth.
t Vfalm ifo. 1 The Lord faid unto my Lord, Si: thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footftool. 1 Cor ic. 25-. For he muft reign, till he hath put all ene- mies under his feet.- v 16. The la ft enemy that (hall be deilroyed, is death. Mai 4. 2. But unto you that fear my name, fhall the fun of righteoufhefs arife with healing in his wings, and ye (hail go forrh, and grow up as calves of the flail; <v ^ 3. And yc (hall tread down the wicked j lor they (hall be afhes un- der rhe foles of your feet, in the day that I (hall do this, fairh the *,ord of Hoftse € I 2, ic. And ha- ving fpoiled principal iries and powers, he made a ihew of them openly? triumphing over them in ic
I. a Mat, 17.12. But I fay unto you, that Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have dQ(K unto him whatioeve* they lilt- ed j
Chap: 9! "The GonfeJJion of Faith 69
II. Man, in his State of Innocency, had Freedom and Power to will and to do that which is Good and \VelI- pleafing to God b; but yet mutably, fo that he might fall From it c.
1JL Man, by his Fall into a State of Sin, hath wholly loft all Ability of Will to any fpiritual Good accompanying Salvation d : So as a natural Man, being altogether averfe from that Good e, and dead in Sin ', is notable, by his owrj Strength, to convert himfelf, or to prepare himfelf there- unto g. IV. When
ed : likewife fhall alfo the* Son of man iuffer of them. ]ame$. r. \\. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lull, and enticed. Dent 30. 19. I call heaven and earth to record this day againft you, that I have fet before you life and death, blefling and cur- fing : therefore choofe lite, that both thou and thy feed may live,
II. b Eccl. 7 29. Lo, this only have I found that God hath nude man upright, but they have fought out many inventions. Gen 1 26". And God faid, Let us make man in cur Image after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fifh of the ft a, and over the fowl of" the air, and over the cattle, and oyer all the earth, and over every creeping thing that crecpeth upon the earth.
c Gen 2. 1 6. And the Lord God commanded the man, faving, Of every tree in the garden thou may- eft freely eat, nj 17. but of the tree of the knowledge ot good and evil, thou (halt not eat ot it : or in the day that thou eaten: there- of, thou iha!t furely die. Gen, 3. 6". And when the woman (aw that tne tree was good for food, and that it was pieaunt to the eyes, and a tree to be defired to mike one wife, fhe took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave alfo to her huf- band with her and he did eat,
III. d Rom s* 5. For when we were yet without strength, in due
time CHrift died for the ungodly, Ram 8. 7. Becaufe the carnal mind is enm'ty againft God : for it is not fubject to the law of God, nei- ther indeed can be John 1$ * s I am the me, ye are the branches : He that abideth m me, and I in hm, the fame bringerh forth much] wm : for without me ye can do nothing;
e Rom, %. 10. As k is written There is none righteous, no not one: i; 2.2, Thev are all gone ouc of the way, they are together become unprofitable, there is none that doth good, no not one.
f Efh 2 1. And you harh he quickned, who were dead in -ref- paflcs and fins. v r. Even when we were dead m fins, hr^rh Qnickned us together wkh ChrHl (to eracc ye are/ave..) Col 2, \{m °And you being dead m your fin< and the unarcumcificui of V01r flefli hath he ouickned togetner with him, having rorgiven you ?a\ tref. pa lies.
g John 6*. 44. No man can come ro me except rhe fa-her which hath lent me draw him: and I will raife him up at t.ie laff dav, v 6y. And he faid, Therefore faid I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto h.m ot my Father. Epb 2. 2 Wherein in time parft, >>e waik-d according to the courfe of this world, according to the prince of E 3 the
e$ The ConfeJJion of Faith: Chap. $
IV. When God converts a Sinner, and tranflates him into the State of Grace, he freeth him from his natural Bon- dage under Sin h ; and by his race alor.e enables him freely to will and to do that which is fpiritually good * >• yet foas that by reafon of his remaining Corruption, he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good, but doth alfo will that which is evil fc,
V. The Will of Man is made perfectly and immutably free to Good alone in the State of Glory only 1.
CHAP,
the power of the air the [pint that now worketh m rhe children of di£ ©bedience. <v ?. Among whom alfo we all had our converfation in times p?ft, in rhe lulls of our £efh, fulfilling the defircs of the flefh, and of rhe mind $ and were fey nature the children of wrath, even as others, v. 4. But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. <v 5: Even when we were dead in (ins, hath qu-'ekned us together with Chrift. (by grace ye are faved.) 1 Cor, 2 14. But the natural man leceiveth not the things of the fpi- rir of God : for they arc fooiifrinefs unto J)im : neither pan he know them, becaufe they are fpirituslly difcerned, Tit. $. 3. For we our leives alfo were fometimes foolifh, diioOedicnt, deceived, fcrving di- vers lufts and plea Cures, living in malice and envy, hatefui, and ha- ting one another, nj ^t But after that rhe kindnefs and love of God our Siviour toward man appeared, V $; Not by wcrfcs of righteouf- hefs which we have done, but ac- cording to his mercy he faved us by the wafhing of legend ation, and renewing of the holy Ghofr,
IV h Colf 1/ n? Who hath de- livered us from the power of dark- nef% and hath tranflated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Tohn $\ 34. Jefus anfwered them, Verily yeniy5 i fay unto you, Whcfgever
committeth fin, is the fervant of fin. v 36. If the Son therefore ihall make you free, ye fhali be free indeed.
i Phil 2. IJ. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleafure. Rom. 6*. 18. Being then made free from fin, ye became the fervants of righteouf- nefs. v. 22. But now being made free from fin, and become fervants to God, you have your fruit unto ho- linefs, and the end everlafting life*
k Gal. 5. 17. For the flefh hifterh againir. the fpirit, and the fpirit a- gainif. the flefh, and thefe are con- trary the one to rhe other ; fo that ye cannot do th^ things that ye would. Row. 7. i$\ For that which I do, I allow not : ior what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. v 18. For I know, that in me (that is, in my flefh) dwelieth no good thing : for to wmII is prefenc with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find nor. v 19. For the good that I would, bdo not . but the evil which I would not, that I do. ^ 21. I find then a Law, that when I would do good, evil is pre- fent with me. <v 23. But I fee ano- ther law in my members warring againft the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of fin, which is in my members.*
V 1 Eph. 4, 13. Till we all come in the Unity ot the Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son oi God, un. *
to
Chap: X. The Conkjjion of Faith. yi
C H A P.- X. Of Effectual Calling.
ALL thofe whom God hath predeflinated unto life, and thofe only, he is pleafed, in his appointed and ac- cepted Time, effectually to call a, by his Word and Spirit b> out of that State of Sin and Death in which they are by Nature, to Grace and Salvation by Jefus Chrift c ; enlightning their Minds, fpiritually and favingly to
un-
to a periea man, unto the meafure of the ftature of tht fuinefs oi Chnft. HeO. n 2?. To the general aflem- bly and church of the Jirft-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the fpivirs of juft Men made perfect. i Jehn: 3 2. Beloved , iiqw are we the fons of God, and it doth nor yet appear what we (Lai) he : but we know, that when he fhili ap- pear., we (hall be like him ; for we (hall fee him as he is. Jude. 2.4. Now unjco him that is able to keep you from tailing, and ro prdent you faultlefs before the prefence of his gforv, with exceeding jay„-— •
I, a Ko7ti. 8.30 Moreover,, whom he did predeftinate, them he alio called , and whom he called*, them he alfo juliified^ and whom lie ju- ftified, them he alfo glorified. Row. 2 I. 7. What then ? Ifrael hath not obtained rhat which he feeketh fbr$ but the Election harh obtained it, and the reft were blinded, £pfc, I, jo* Tnat in the difpenlatlon of the lulnefs ot times, he might gather together in one all things in ChritiL both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. 1/. ii. In whom alfo we have ob- tained an inheritance being pre- deflinated according to the purpofe of him who woi kerb all things af- ter the counfel of his own will,
bzlhefi. 2. 13. But we are bound to give thanks al way to God for you
brethren, beloved of the Lord; be- caufe God hath from the beginning chofen you to fsivation, through fancfification of the fpirit, and be- lief of the truth, v. 14. V/hereunto he called you by our gofpel, r0 the obtaining of the glory or" on: Lord jefus Chrift. 2 Co>\ 3. 3 ?*&£* much as ye are manifcitly declared to be the epiftjc of Chrift, mininrcd by us, written not with Ink, but with the {fpirit of the living God- pot m tables of ftone. but in flefhiy tables of the heart, v. 6\ Who alio made us able minifrers of the ne v teftament, not of the letter • but of the fpirit; tor the letter kifc lerh, buc th^ fpirit giveth life,
cKom. 8. 2, For the law of the fpu it of l:te, in Chrift Jefus baA made me tree from the Jaw of fin and deatJi. Epb, zm 1, And VnU harh he qmckned, who were Hfad in trefpafles and fas v, 2. Wherein m time paft ye walked according to the ccurfe of this world, acc, rrjjng to the prince of the power of the air, the /p;nt mar no v workerh ia the children of dilobedierjcc. v* 2 j Among whom alfo we ajj had 'our conjrertation in times paft, 'm the lulls ofourflefh, fulfilling the de- fires of the flefli, and of the mind; and were by narure the children of wrath, even aj others. <vm 4, But God who is rich in mercy, tor his great love whe ewkh he loved us, v. $. Even when we were dead in £ 4- fafln
y% The Confeffion of Faith. Chap. 10
underftand the Things of God d ; taking away their Heart of Stone, and giving unto them an Heart of Fie/h -; re- newing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is Good I ; and effectually drawing them to Jefus Chrifl .; ; -yet fo as they come molt freely being made willing by his Grace h. >
II, This
fins, hath quickned us together with Cbrift, (by grace ye are faved ) 2. Tim i« 9. Who hath faveJ us, an d called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own pupofe and gracf*, which was given Us in Chrifl: Jefus, before the world began, <v 10. But is now made manifeft by the ap pearing of our Saviour Jefus Chrili, who hath afeolifhed death, and hath brought life and immorc^liiy tc light, through the gofpel.
d Acts 26 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from dark- refs to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may re- ceve forgivenefs of fins, and inhe- ritance among them which are fan- eTified by faith that is in me, 1 Cor 2.. 10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit {earcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. a? 12. Now we have received, not the fpiritof the world, but the fpirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freeiy given to us or God. Epb 117. That the God of our Lord Jefus Chrifl, the Father of glory, may give unto you the fpirit: of wif- dom and revelation in the know- ledge of him : v 18, The eyes of your understanding being enlrght- ned $ that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches ot the glory of his inheri- tince in the faints.
e Ezek 36. 26. A new heart alfo will I give you, and a new fpirit £1)1 1 put within you, and I will take
awny the ftony heart out of your flefh, and I will give you an heart offlefli.
f Ez,ek 1 r; 19. And I will give them one heart, and I mH rut a new fpirit vA/rhin vou; and 1 vvil{ take rh^ i>ony heart <:uc ot their flefh, and will give them an heart or flefh. Phil 2. 13. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do ot his good pleafure. Deut 30. 6. And the Loid thy God will ctrcumcite thine heart, and the heart ot thy (bed^ to love the Lord thy God, with all thine heart and with all thy foul, that thou mayefi livet Ezek 36.27. And I will put my: Spirit within you, and caufe you to walk in my ftatutes, and ye fhall keep my judgments, and do them.
g E-ph i0 190 And what is the ex« ceedirvg greatnefs of his power to us ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. John 6". 44; * No man can come to me, except the Father, which hath lent me, draw him : and I will raife him up at the laff. day. v 45". It is wrirten in the prophet?, and they fliall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned ol the Father, cometh unto mc.
h Cant 1 4 I)raw me, we will run after thee. Pfalm no 3. Thy people fhall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beau:ies of holi- nefs, from the womb of the mor- ning; thou haft the dew of thy youth. Job 6, 37- All that the Father gU verb
Chap. io. The Confeffion of Faith. 73
II. This effe&ual dall is of God's free and fpecial Grace . alone, not from any Thing at all forefeen in Man i, who is . altogether paffive therein, until being quickned and renew- ed by the Holy Spirit k, he is thereby enabled to anfvver this Call, and to embrace the Grace offered and conveyed in it I. - III. Ele£l infants, dying in Infancy, are regenerated and faved by Ghrift through the Spirit m, who worketh
when>
veth me, (hall come to me ; and him that cometh to me, I will in no wife caft our. Rom, 6, io\ Know ye nor, that to whom ye yield your felves fervants to ob^y ; his fervants ye are ro whom ye obey ; whether effin unto death, or of obedience unto righreoufnefs ? i>. jj But God be thanked that ye were the fer- vants of fin j but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doct- rine which was delivered you. nj. 1 8. Being then made free from lin, ye became the fervants of righte» oufncfs.
II. i 2 Tim i o. Who hath faved us, and called us with an holy cal- ling, not according to cur work?, but according to his own purpofe and grace which was given us in Chrifl Jefus, before the world be- gan. Jit 3.4. But after that rhe Eindnefs and love of God our Sa- viour toward man appeared, v 5. Not by works of righteoufnefs which we have done, but according to his mercy, he faved us by the wafhmg of regeneration, and renew- ing of the holy Gho;L Eph. 2. 4.. ButGjd v\ho is rich in mercy, for his great love, wherewith he loved ps, v> 5. Even when we were dead in Sins, hath quickned us together with Chrift, ( by grace ye are laved.) v. 8. for by gisco are ye faved, thiougn faith; cr.dthat not of your feivts, it is the gift of God; v. 9. Motor works, left anv Man fhould ppaft km 9, 11. Foi the children
being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpofe of God according to ele- ction might ftand, not of works, butofhimthatcalieth .
k 1 Cor. 2. 14. But thQ natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are Foolilh- nefs unto him; neither can he know them, becaufe they are fpiritually difcerned. Rom, 8% 7. Becaufe the carnal mind is enm'ty againfr. God; for it is not fubject to the law of God neither indeed can be. Eph: 2, y. Even when we were dead in fins, hath quickned us together with Chriit, ( by grace ye are faved. )
I 'Job?? 6", 37. All that the Father giveth me, {hall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I wilJ in no wife caft out. Ezek 36, 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and caufe you to walk in my fhrutes, and ye fhall keep my judgments, and do them. Job?i 5-. 25. Verily, verily, I lay unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead fhall hear the voice of the Son of God : and they that hear, fhalJ live.
III. m hake 18. 15. And they brought unto him alfo infants, that he would touch them: but when his difciples faw it, they rebuked them. <v 16. But Jefus called them unto him, and faid, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of fuch is the kingdom of God. And y#?/ 2. 38. Then Peter faid unto them, Repent, and be baptized
74 The Confef/ton of Faith. Chap- 10:
when, and where, and how he pleafeth n. So alfo are all pther elect Perfons, who are uncapble of being outwardly called by the Miniftry of the Word o,
IV. Others not elected, although they may be called by the Miniftry of the "Word p, and may have fome com- mon Operations of the Spirit q; yet they neyer truly come to Chrift, aud therefore cannot be faved r : Much lefs can Jvlen not profeffing the Chriftian Religion, be faved in any other "Way whatsoever, be they never fo diligent to frame their Lives according to the Light of Nature, and the
Law
baptised every one of you in the name of Jelui Chiifl, for the remif- fion of fins, and ye fhall receive the gift ot the Holy Ghoit. i/. 39. For the promife is unco ycu, and to your children, and to ali that aie afar of, even as many as the Lord your God (hall call. And John 3 3. Jefus answered and faid unto him, Verily, verily, I fay unto thee, Ex- cept a man be bo;n again, he can- not fee the Kingdom 01 God, v. 5. Jefus aniwercci, Verily, verily, I lay unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Gcd. And \ Johns, i*. He that hath the Son, ha;h \\\q; and he that hath not the Sen ot God, hath not life. And Rom: 8 0. But ye are not in the rleih, but in the Spirit, if (o be that rhe Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not rhe Spirit of Chrift, he is none o ( his. [ Compared to~ gepher ]
n John, 3. 8. The Wind bioweth where it iifteth, and thou hcareft the found ^hereof, but canft not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth : fo is every one that js born ot the Spirit.
o 1 Johns- 12. He that hath toe Son, hath lite ; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life. Afts 4, 12, Neither is there falva-
tion in any other : for there is none ohvr name under heaven given among men, whereby we mult be faved.
IV. p Mat 22, 14. For many are called, but few arechofen.
q Mat 7, 22.. Many will fay to me m that day, Lord, Lord, have we not propheiied in thy name? and in thy name have caft out de- vils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works ? Mat 1 5 20. But he that received the feed into (to- ny places, the lame is he that hear- bth the word, and anon with joy re- ceiveth ir. v, ±l. yet hath lie not root in himfelfj but dureth (or a while : for when tribulation or perfe- ction arifeth becaufe of the word, by and by he is offended. Heb 6, 4. For it is impoffible for thbfe who were once eniightned, and have talkd of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of t\it Holy Ghoft, v> s* And have rafted the good word of God., and the powers of the world to come —
r John 6\ 64,, But there are fome of you that believe not. For Je- fus knew from the beginning, who they' were that believed nor, and who fhould betray him : v. 6$. And he faid, Therefore laid I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father, v. 66, From that time many
Chap: ii-' The Confejfion of Faith. 75
Law of that Religion they do profefs f; and to afiert and maintain, that they may, is very pernicious, and to be de- tefted u
Chap. XI. Of Juftificatzon.
THOSE whom God effectually calleth, he alfo freely juftifieth a : Not by infufing Righteoufhefs into them but by pardoning their Sins, and by accounting and accepting their Perfons as righteous : Not for any Thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Chrift's Sake alone : Not by imputing Faith it felf, the Aft of Belie- ving, or any other evangelical Obedience to them as their Righteouihefs ; but by imputing the Obedience
and
many of his difciples went back, and walked no more with him. Jehn 2, 24, 1 faid therefore unto you £hat you (hall die in yoai fins; f 01 if you believe not that I am he, ye (hall die in ycur fins,
f A:is 4, 12L. Neither is rl»ere fal* vation in any other ; for there s none other name under heaven gi- ven among men, whereby we mud he faved. John 14, 6. jefus faith unto him. I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man comexh unto the Father, but by me. Eph. 2: 12 That at rhat time ye were without Chrift, being aliens from the common- wealth of Ifrael, and ftrangeis from the covenants of promne, having no Lope, and with- out Grid in the world, * Jvhn 4. 22. Ye worfhip ye know not what : we know what weworfliip; forfal- vation is of die Jews, jofm 17. 3. And this is liie eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jefus Chrift whom thou haft ien\
t 2 John 9. Whofoever tranf- grefTeth, and abiderh not in the poQrine of Chrift, hath not God ;
he that abideth in the dcclrine of Chrift, he hath both the Father and the Son. v. 10. If there come any unto you, and bring not this do&rine, receive him not into your houfe, neither bid him God (peed. <v. 11. For he that biddech him God fpeed, is pas taker of his evil deeds. 1 Ccr \6. 22. If any man love not the Lord Jefus Chritf, Jer him be Anathema, Maranatha. Gal 1, 6. I marvel, that ye are ^o fcon removed from him that called you into the grace of Chriit, unto another gofpel. a/, 7. Which is not another; bit: there be fome that trouble you, and would pervert the gofpel of Chrift. y% 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other goipel unto you, tl an that which we have preached unto you, iet him be accurfed.
I. a Rom. 3 30. Moreover, whom he did predeftiriate, then he alio called : and whom he called, them h^alfo jiiitiried; and whom he ju- ftified, tiiem he alfo glorified. Rom, 3, 24. Being jdtified freely by his grace, through the redemption thac isin Jefus Chrift,
b Rem:
7 6 The Confeffion of Faith. Chap, if.
and Satisfaftion of Chrift unto them k, they receiving and refting on him aryl his Righteoufhefs by Faith ; which Faith they have not of themfelves, it is the Gift of God c.
II. Faith
b Rom, 4, J- But to Km that, worketb not, but believeth on him that juftifleth the ungodly, his faith js counted for righteousness. <v. 6. Even as David alio defcribeth the bleflednefs of the man, (into fchorn God itnputerh righteouincfs with- out Woiks, v. 7. Saying, Bulled are they whole iniquities are forgiven and whofe Sins are covered. <u. 8. BlefTed is the man to whom the Lord will not impure Sin. 2 Cor 5. ip. To wit, that God was in Ghriir, reconciling the world unto himfelf, not imputing their trespaffrs unro them: and hath committed unto ns the word of reconciliation <v, 2 1. For he hath made him to be Sin for us, who knew no Sin, that we might be made the righteou'nefs of God in him. Rom, 3,22. Even the righ- teou'nefs or. God which is by Faith of Jcfus Chrift unto all, and upon all them that believe; tor there is fo difference, v. 24. Being jufti- fied freely by his grace, thiough the Redemption that is in Jefus Chrift; <v zs Whom God hath fet forth to be a propitiation, through iaith in his b;ood, to declare his righ eoufnefs for the remiftbn of fins :.hat are paft, through the for- bearance of God. v. 27. Where is boafting then ? It is excluded- By what law ? of Works ? Nay : but by the law of Faith. 1/.28. Therefore we conclude, that a man is jufti- fied by Faith without the deeds of the law. Tit 3, 5. Not by Works of righteoufnels which we have done, but according to his mercy he faved us by the wafhing oi re- generation, and renewing ot the hofy Ghoft. v. 7. That being ju- ftified by liis grace, we fhould be
msde heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Eph 1, 7. In whom we have redemption through his biood, the forgiveneis of Sins, ac- cording to the riches of his grace. *Jer 25, 6", In his davs Judah fhall be faVed, and Ifrael (hall dweU fafe- ly; and this is his name whereby he fhall be called, THE LORD OURRIGHTEOUSN ESS. 1 Cor 1, 30. But of him are ye in Chrift Jefus, who of God is made unto us wifdem, and rfghteoufnefs, and fancrirication and Redemption: u ji. That, according as it is writ- ten, He that glorieth, let him glo- ry in the Lord. Rom ? , 17. For if by one mans offence, death reigned by one; much more they which re- ceive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteoufnefs, fhall reign in life by one, Jefus Chrift. v. 18. Therefore as by the orTlnce of one, judgment came upon ail men to condemnation : even fo by the righ- teoufnefs of one, the free gift came upon all men unro j u ft i ft cation of life. a;. 19. For as by one mans dis- obedience, many were made Sinners : fc by the obedience of one, fhall many be made righteous.
c ABs, 10,44. While Peter yet (pake thefe words, the holy Ghoft fell on all them which heard the word. Gail. 16. Knowing that a man is not juftified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jefus Chrift; even we have believed in Jefus Chrift, that we might be jufti- fied by the faith of Chrift, and net by the works of the Jaw: for by the works of the law fhall no flefh be juftified. Phil, 3. 9. And he found in him, not having mine own righ- teoufnefs, which is of the law, but
that
Chap, ir The Confejfton of Faith. 77
II. Faith, thus receiving and retting on Chrift and his Righteoufnefs. is the alone Inftrument of Juftification d- yet is it not alone in the Perfon juftified, but is ever ac- companied with all other faving Graces, and is no dead Faith, but worketh by Love e.
III. Chrift by his Obedience and Death, did fully di£ charge the Debt of all thofe that are thus juftified, and did make a proper, real, and full Satisfaction to his Father's Juftice in their Behalf ^ yet in as much as he was given
by
that which is t'roSgh the fai h of Chrift, the righteoufnefs which is of God by lakh. ABs 13. 3&- Be it known unto you therefore, nun znd brethren, that through this man h preached un:o you the torgivenefs of Sins : -v- 39. And by him all that believe are juftified from all things, from which ye could not be juititied by the law oi Mo(es\ Epbti. 7. That in the Ages ro come he might fhew the exceeding ri- ches of his grace, in his kindneft towards us, riirough Chrift Jefus. "ji P. For by grace are ye laved through faith ; and that ro: of your lelves j it is the git: of God.
II" d John 1, 12. But 22 many as received him, to them gave he power to become the ions of God. even ro them that believe on his name: Rom. 3. 28. Therefore we conclude, that a man is juitifkd by faith, without the deeds of the law Rem. y. 1, Therefore being juftitied byiai h, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jefus Chrift.
e yames 2. 17. Even fo faith, if k hath not works, is dead being alone, v. 22 Seal thou how iaith wrought with his works, and oy Works was faith made perleci ? v. 2 6. For as the body vuthrurt the Jpirk is dead, fo fairh without W is dead alio Gal. y« 6. Form Jekis Cmiir, neither cjreumaiion avail- eth any thing, nor uhdrcumciiicn \ but faich which worketh by love.
III. f Rom. f. 3. But God com- meriderh his love towards us, \n that while we we were yet finners, Chrift died ior us: v. 9 lAwch. more then being now jmrificd by his blood, we (hall be faved from wrath through him. v. 10, For if when we were enemies we were re- conciled to God by the death of his Son : much more being rccobci. led we inall be faved by his li:>, rJ. 19. For as by one mans di dience, many were made finners : fo by the obedience of one, fhali many be made righteous* 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Ciirift Jefus; v, 6. Who gave himfelf a ranlom for all, to be refined in due time. Het. 10. 10, By the which will we are iancMed, through tbe offering of the Body of Jefus Chrift once lor ail. v. j^.. For by one offering he hath pe: reeled ior ever them that are ian&iried. Dah 9 24., Seventy weeks are de- termined upon thy people, and up- on thy hoiy ci:y, to nniih the tranf- grelfion, and to make an end of hn=, and to make reconciliation for inquiry, and to bilng in everlafting fighteouincis, and to feal up the1 viijofl and prophecy* and fo anoint me fiaoft holy- v. 26; And a:'*er 3 weeks, fliaii MeiFiah be cut orT, bur nor for him- felt: and :;-,;• people of tbe prince tha: fhall come, (kail deitroy the cky
78 The Confefjion of Faith* Chap. nV
by the Father for them g, and his Obedience and Satisfli&ion accepted in their ftead h ; and both freely, not for any Thing in them ; their Juflification is only of free Grace i : That both the exact Juftice, and rich Grace of God, might be glorified in the Juftification of Sinners k.
IV. God did, from all Eternity, decree t oj uftify all the Eledt 1 ; and Chrift did, in the Fulnefs of Time, die for
their
city and the faucluary, aftict the end thereof (hall he with a flood, and unto the end of the war defolia- tions are determined. Ifa. s$; 4» Surely he hath born oitr grief?, and carried our forrows : yet we did elreem him ftrickep,, fmitten of God and affiled, v. J. But he was wounded for our tranfgrellions, lie w\is bruifed for our iniquities : the chaftifement of our peace was upon him,and with his fhipes we are healed v. 6. All we like fheep have gone aftray : we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath kid on him, the iniquity of us all, <V. io. Yet it plea fed the Lord to bruife him, he hath put him to grief i when thou (halt make his foul an offering lor iin, he fhail fee his feed, he fhall prolong his d.iys, and the pJcaYure of the Lord (hall profper in his hand. Vi it. He thai! fee of the travel of his foul, and fliail be fetisfied : by his know- ledge fhatf ir.y righteous fervanf! j uftify many : for he fhall bear their iniquities, v. \z Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he (hall divide the fp il with the itrong : becaufe he hath poured cut his loul unto death : and he was numbrcd with the tranfgreilbrs, and he bare the iin of many, and made interceffion for the tranfgreflors.
g Rom. 8. 32. He that fpared not IiisownSon, but delivered him up for us all, how (hall he not with him alfo freely give us all things ?
h z Cor. 5. 2. t. For he hath made him to be fin lor us, who knew no
fin : that? we might be made the righteoufnefs of God in him; Mai* 3. 17. And lo, a voice from hea- ven, faying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleafed, Eph. 5. 2: And walk in love, as Cnrift alio hath love^ u?, and bath given himfelf for us, an offering and a facrifice to God, for a fweec fmelling. favour,
i Rom* 3. 24. Being juflificd free- ly by his £jrace,through the redemp- tion that is in Jefus Chrift. Eph. 1: 7- In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgivenefs of fins, according to the riches, of his grace.
k Rom. 3. 2.6% To declare, I fay, at this tinte, his righteoufnefs : that he might bejuft, and thejuftifier of him Which believeth in Jefus. Eph. 2. 7. That in the ages to come he might fhewthe exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindnefs towards (is, through Chrift Jeius.
IV. 1 Gal 3; 8, And the fcrip- ture forefeeing that God would ju- ftity the heathen through faith, preached before the gofpel unto A- braham, faying, In thee fhall all na- tions be bleile'd 1 Pet. 1. z. Eiedfc according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through" fanclifica- tion of the Spirit.,- unto obedience, and fprinkling of the blood of Je- fus Chrilt. v. 19: But with the pre- cious blood of Chrift, as of a lamb without biemifh and without Ipot :' v. 20. Who venly was fore-ordaincd before the foundation of the world,
but
Chap: ii- The Confefflon of Faith. 79
their Sins, and rife again for their Juftification m : Neverthe- lefs they are not juftified, until the Holy Spirit doth in due Time a&ually apply Chrift unto them n.
V. God doth continue to forgive the Sins of thofe that are juftified : And altho' they can never fall from the State of Juftifkation p ; yet they may by their Sins fall under God's fatherly Difpleafure, and not have the Light of his Countenance reftored unto them, until they humble them- felvesy confefs their Sins, beg pardon, and renew their Faith and Repentance q.
VI. The
tut was manifeft in thefe laft times for yeu* Rom. 8, 50. Moreover. vhom he did predeftinate, them he a! o called: and wh m he called, rhcrrfhe alfo ju (lifted : and whom he juftified, them he aifo glorified, m GaI. 4. 4. Bar when the ful- nefs of the time was come, God lent forth his Sen, made of a worn p, made under the law. 1 Tim. 2. 6. Who gave himlelt a rank m to be- terrified in due time. Kcm. 4. 25-. Who was deliveied for oar of- feree?, and wa<rdifeu again for our juitiheation.
n Col* 1 % 21- And' yon that were fhmetime alienated, and enemies in your minH by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, v. 22. In the body of hiefletfi,throagt death, to prefect yon holy, and onblame- able, and unreproveable in his Gal. 1. [6 [Set letter timm
is^JTfV. ?• 4- But after that tlu kintinefs and love of G. d oqr S"vi untoward man appeared, v. /. No: by works ot righteoulnefi which we have done, bur accordin Mercy be faved as by the wafbing of regeneration, and renewing oi the hojy Ghoft , v. 6. Which 'he flicd on us abunda-.tlv, through Jc us Chriti our Saviour : v. 7. That be- ing juftified by 1 is g ace, we fhould b made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
V. o Mattb. 6". 12. And forgive U3 our nebs, as we forgive oui debt- or. 1 rf> hi 1. 7, But if we walk in rhe light, as he is in the lighr, we have fe'lowfhip one with anorher, and the Mood of Jefus Chrift his Son :rh us trem all tin. v. 9. If we cbnfefs our firs, he is faithful, and iuft ro forgive us our fins, and r us f.om all nnrightcouC- nefs. r J hn 2. 1 Bfy lirrie chil- dren, thefe things write I unto you, that yeiin not. And i: any nan fin, W( have an advocate with the Fa- ther, Jefus Chriit tht righteous, v 2. And fie is the propitiation for our lins* and nor for ours only, but alio for the lins of the whole world.
p Luke ii, 32. Bur I have prayed for thee, that thy faith (ail not ; and When thou ait converted, ftreng- rh.n thybrerhr d, Job. 10. 2S. And I give un-o them eternal life, and they ihall never pcrifh, neither fhail any pluck them out of my hand. hub i~. 14. For by one offering he pert< tied for ever them chat a e fan dined.
/ Hoi 51. It" they break my
fa u cs and keep not my com*
mandmenrs : v. 32, Then will I vifit
ns wirh the rod,
if iniquity with ilripes. v. 33-
-, my loving kindnefs
will I not utterly take from him, nor
iuffwr my fairhfuluefs to fail, Pjalm
**«
So The ConfeJJion of Faith. Chap: n
VI, The Juftification of Believers under the Old Teffa- ment, was, in all thefe Refpe&s, one and the fame with thd Juftification of Believers under the New Teftament r-
Chap XII. Of Adoption:
AL L thofe that are juftified, God vouchfafeth, in and for his only Son Jefus Chrift, to make partakers of the Grace of Adoption a : By which they are taken into the Number, and enjoy the Liberties and Privileges of the
Chil-
<i. ?, PiTrge me with hyfTorv, and I ihall be clean ; wafh me, and I fhall be whiter than the fnow. vi 8 Make me to hear joy and gladnefs: that the bones wbich thou haft bro- ken may rejoice, v. ,9. Hide thy face from my fins ,- and blot out all mine iniquities* v. 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God ; end renew a right fpirit within me* v. 11; Cad me not away (rota thy prefence ; and take not thy holy fpirit from me* ru. iz» Reftore unto me the joy of thy (aivation ; and uphold me with thy free fpirit. TJalm 32. 5". I ac- knowledged my fin raito thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid: I faid, I will confeis my tranfgref- fious unto the Lord j and thou for- gaveft the iniquity of my fin. Mat. 7.6. jf. And Peter remembred the Words of Jefus, which faid un- to him, Before the cock crow thou fhait deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. 1 Cur, 1 f. 30* For this cau'e many are weak and iickly among you,; and many flee p. 1/, \%. But when we are judged, we are chaftned uf the Loid, that we fhould not be condemned with the world. Luke %. 20. And behold, thou {halt be dumb, and ret able to Ipeak, until the day that thefe things fhall be per fb: med, besaufe thou believed
not my words which (hall bz fill- filled in their feafon.
VI. r Gal. 3. 9. So then they which be of faith, are bleffed with faith- ful Abraham, v. 13, Chrift hath redeemed us from the curfe ot thQ law, being m^de a curfe for us : for it is written. Curled is every one that hangeth on a tree, v, 14. That the bleiling of Abraham night come on the Gentiles, through je- fus Chrift; that we might receive the prorrrife of the Spirit, through faith, Rom. 4. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righte- -sufnefs. v. 2.3. Now it was not written tor his fake alone, that it was imputed to him$ v. 24. But for us alfo, to whom ic (hall be im- puted, if we believe on him that rai- fed up Jefus cur Lord from the dead. Heb. 13. 8. Jefus Cbrifl the fame yeiterday, and to day, and for ever; I. a EJ>h. i, 5. Having predefti- nated us unto the adop ion of chil- dren by Jefus Chrift, to himfelf, according to the good pleafure of his will,<?#/ 4:. 4S But when the ful- ne(s of the rime was come, God lent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, v. 5. To re* deem them that were under rhe law, that we might receive the adoption of fens.
bRm
Chap, ii. fheConfeffionofPaltk Si
Children of God ; Have his name put upon them c, Re* Ceive the Spirit of Adoption <J, HaveAccefs to the Throne of Grace* with B6ldnefi.: Are enabled to cry, Abba, Fa- ther ( ; Are pitied g, protected h, provided for i, and chafl> hed by him as by a Father k ; Yet never cafl ofFi, but fealed to the Day of Redemption m,- and inherit the Promifes oi as Heirs of everlafting Salvation o.
CHAP.
b Rom. 8 I7. And if children, then hcks; heirs or God, and joint-heirs with Chrift: if fo be thac we fuffer wi?h him, that we may be alfo glorified together. '^h i. 12. But as many as received him* to them gave he power to become the fons of God, even to them that believe on his name
c $&. 14. f . Yet thou, O Lord, art in the iridic of us, and we are call: by thy name, leave us nor 2 Cor. 6*. i3. And will be a Father unto you, and ye fnall be my Tons ana daughters, faith the Lord Abrighty. Rev. 3 J2. Hirn that overccmeth, will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he fhall go no mere cut : and I will write upm niai the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new jerufalcH),' which cometh down out of heaven from n y God : and I will write upon him my new name.
d Rom. 8. 25. Per ye have not received the [pirn of bondage a- gain to fear ; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Fa:.
eEfh. 3. it. In %\hom we have boldneis «nd accels with confi- dence by the faith of him. Rom. f. 2. By whom a He we have accefs by iaith into this £race, wherein we fU nd, and rejoice in hope of the glory oi Gen.
fGal^ 4, 6. And becaufe ye are fons, God hath fent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father;
gPfdlm 10$. 13, Like as a iather pitieth his children : fo the Lord pirieth them that fear him.'
h Prw. 14. 26% In the fear of the Loidisffrong confidence: and his children fhall have a place of refuge.
i Mat.' 6, 30 Wherefore if God fo clothe the grate of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cait in- to the Gven, fha! I he not much more clothe you, O ye 01 little faith i v. 32, For your heavenly Father knoweth thai ve have need of all thefe things, 1 Fefm 5. 7? Catiing all your care upon him, forhecareth ior you,
k Reb* 12, 6« For whom the Lord loveth,he chaftneth, and fcourgetht every ion whom hcreceiveth.
\ Lam. j- jju For the Lord will not cait off tor ever*
m Eph 4. 3c, And grieve not the holy Spirit 01 God, whereby ye are fealed unto the day of redemption*
n Reb, 6. u%Thatye be notfioth- fill, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inheric the promifes.
o 1 P^, 1. 3< BlefTed be the God and Father of our Lord Jefus Qhriil^ which according to his abundanc mercy hath begotten us again un- to a lively hope, by the reiurreelion of Jefus Chr iit from the dead, <y, 4. To an inheritance incorrupt iblsj and undciiled, and that fadeth no: away, referved in heaven ior you. tlek U 14* Are they not all mini- thing fpirits, fenr forth to itfini(rer for them who fhall be heirs of {aU vation ?
F la 1
8 2, The Confeffion of Faith: Chap. 13;
Chap XIH. Of SanSfification:
*~JTH E Y who are effectually called and regenerated, ha- A ving a new Heart and a new Spirit created in them, are farther fandlified really and perfonally through the Vertue of Chrift's Death and Refurrettion it by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them b : The Dominion of the whole Body of Sin is destroyed c, and the feveral Lufts thereof are more and more weakned and mortified -K and they more and more quickned and flrengthned in all faving Graces r, to the Practice of true Holinefs, without which no Man fhall fee the Lord f. II. This
T. a 1 Coy. 6. n. And fuch were feme of you : but ye aie wafhed, but yt are (anctfud, but ye are ju- stified in the name of the Lord Jefns and by the Spirit of our Goo*, A&s 20. 31. And now, brethren, I com- mend you to God and :o the word of his grace, which is able to build 30U up, and to give you an inheri- tance among all them which are fan&ified., VbiL 3. id. That I may know him, and the power of his >e- furre&ion, and the fellowfhip of his fufTerings, being made conform- able unto his deaeh. Rom. 6. 5. For it #e have been planted together its the likenefs ot his death : w ; fhali be alfo in the likenefs ot his rcfur- reclion. v: 6". Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of fin might be de^ itroyed, that henceforth we ihould not fcrve fin.
b John 17. 17. Sanclify them through thy truth, thy woid is truth, Eph >. 20 That f^e might (an&ify and cleant it w th the uafhing of water by the word. 2 Ttef 2. 13 But we are bound o give thanks al- way to God for you, brethren, belo- ved ot the Lord, oecaufe Go.i hath hem the beginning chofen you to r», through farxtlfication of the Spirit, and belief of :hc truth.
c Rom. 6. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is cucificd with h m, that the body of fin might be de- ftroyed, that henceforth we /hould not (ervefin. v. 14. For iin mall not ruve domin on over you : for you aie not under the law, but under grace.
d Gal 5-. 24. And thev rhat are (Thrifts, have crucified the flefh,wkh the aSeclioris and luiK Rom. 8. ij. For if ye live alter the ftefh, ye fli 11 die: but if ye through the Spiutdo mortify the deeds of the bjdy, ye fha;l live.
e Col. \. 11. Strengrhned with all might according to Ills glorious power unto all patience, and iong- iuffering wim joyfutaefs, Epb. 3.. 16". Tiut he would grant you according to the riches ot hi? glory to bs itrengthned with might, be his Spi- rit in the inner man. 1/ 17. That Chi i/> may dwell in your hearts by taich j tiiat ye being rooted and grounded in love. v. 18 Miy be able ro comprehend, with all faints, what is the breadth and length, and depth and height ; t>. *Q. And to know the love or Chrift, which paffetb knowledge, that ye might be filed with all the iulnels of God.
f 2 Or. 7. 1. (laving therelore
rhefe promifes, dearly beloved, Jet
I us
Chap/ 1 ? The Confepon of Faith. S3
II This Salification is throughout in the whole Man g; yet imperfect in this Life there abideth ftill fome Remnants of Corruption in every Part h ; whence arifeth a continu . al and irreconcileable War The Fiefh lulling againft the Spi - rit and the Spirit againft the Fiefh i
III In which War although the Remaining Corruption for a Time may much Prevails ; yet through the continual Supply of Strength from the fancftifying SpiritofG hrift the regenerate Part doth overcome i and fo the Saints grow in Grace m, perfecting Holinefs in the Fear of God n.
Chap.
Us cleanle cur {elves from all fii thi- rds of the fiefh and fpirir, perk dt- ing holinefs in the fear of Gori. Hib. iz, u. Follow peace with all men, and hol"ne(s without which no man {hall lee the Lord.
II. g 1 Jheff 5, 23 And the very God or pe^ce lanc:i;y you wholly : and I pray God, your whole fpiri: and fcul and body be preferved blamelefs un*o the coming of our Lord Jefus Chrilt.
h. 1 John 1. 10. If we fay that we have not finned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Romy J9 18. For I know that in me ftnal is in my fleih) dvvelletn no good thing, for to will, u prefene wirh mc, but how to perform tnat whicn is good, I find nor. <vi$. But I lee another law in my men warring againii the la a of my mind, and bringing me into c^povlc, to the law ol lin, which is in my m m- bers. Phil. 3 12. No. as though I had already acrained, either were already perfect : but I io.iow arte-, if that I may apprehend mac .or which alfo I am apprehended or" C hrift fefus.
i Gal. 517. For rhe fL(h luileth againir. the {pint, an J the i gamir. 1 he fleih : and rh< fe are con- trary the one to the other, lo.nat ye cannot d\> the things rhat ye would. 1 Pez. 2. 11. Dearlj Beloved I beieech you, as it.a.igcxs and pil-
grim?, abftain from flefhly luff *t which war against the foul.
III. L Rom. 7, 2 3. Buc I tee another law in my members, warring againft the law of my mind, and bringing me into captiviry to the law or tin, which is in my member*.
/Row. 6. 14. Fcr tin (hall not have ciomin'on over you : for ye are er the Law, but under grace. 7. 4. For wha:ioever :s born or God, overcnme:h me world : and rhe victcwy that ov-.-comerh . J,even our F li^.Eph. 4. iy. But fpcaking the truth in love, may grow up into nim. in all tilings, which is the n :ad,feven Chriir. v. 16 From whom thte whole body ntly joined together, and comptdbd by t\\2t which every joint fupplieth, according to the crTedhial working in rhe m^aiur^ or every part, ma- ke h increafe of rne body, unto the edifying of it {elfin Love.
m 2 Pet. 3. 1 3. But £;ro*v in grace, aid in -he knowledge of our Loid Hour Jefus Chnft; To him be gl>:y, both nou, jt\d tor ever Am n. 2 Cor, 3. iS. Bat we all wirh open Ucf Denoidii:g as in a glafs »ry or the Lord, are changed, into the fame image, from glory, to glory, even as by the Spirit of tneLord-
m Cor. 7. 1. Havng therefore
thefw promifes, dearly beloved, lee
F X us
84 The Confeffion of Faith Chap. 14:
Chap. XIV. Of Saving Faith.
TH E Grace of Faith, whereby the Eie& are enabled to believe to the faving of their Souls a, is the Work of the Spirit of Chrift in their Hearts b ; and is ordinarily wrought by the Miniftry of the "Word c : By which alio, and by the Adminiftration of the Sacraments and i rayer, it is increafed and ftrengthned d.
II. By this Faith, a Chriftian believeth to be true what- foever is revealed in the Word, for the Authority of God himfelf fpeaking therein e ; and afteth differently upon that
which
uscleanfe our (elves from all filth:* neis of the flefh and fpiric, perfect- ing holinefs in the Fear of God.
I. a Heb 10. 39, But we are not nf them who draw back unto perditi- on; but oi them that believe to the faving of the Soul.
b 2 Cor 4, 15. We having the lame fplrit ot faith, accoiding as it is wiitten, I believed, and there* fore have 1 fpoken ; we al(o believe. and therefore fpeak„ Eph \ \J9 That the God of otfr Lord Jefus Chriir, the Father of glory, may gweunto you uie^fpirit of wifdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him. wi«. The eyes of your understanding being enlighmcd ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance hi the faint?, v. 19, And what is the exceeding grcatneis of his power ro us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,. Eph 2 8, For by grace are ye faved, through faith ; andthat not qf your (elves : it is the gift of God,
c Rom 10; 14. How then fhall they call on aim, in whom they have not believed i and how (hail $hey believe in him, of whom they have not heard ? and how (hail they feou ? without a preacher i n/, 17. So
then, &ith cometh by heaving, and hearing by the word of God.
d 1 Pe* 2, 2, As new born Babes^ defire the fincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. ABi 20, 32. And now, brethren, I com- mend you to God, and to the word ot" his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an iaheri- tance among ail them which arc fanclifred, Anm 4, 11. And here, ceived the iign of circiimciiLn, s feal of the righteoufnefs of th< faith, which he had yet being unc"n« cumcifed : that he might be 'the fa< ther of all them that believe, thougf they be not cricumcHed j that righ eeoufneG might be imputed untc them alfo. Luke 17, fm And the apo files faid unto the Lord, Increafi our Faith. Rom, 1, 16". For I am no afhamed of 'the gofpel of Cnrift for it' is the power of God un o fal vation to every one that believeth to the few fivft, and alfo to the Grcch v* 17, For therein is the righteouf nefs of God revealed from fairh t< faith : as k is written, The juft fhal live by faith„
II, e John 4, 4£< And {aid unt< the woman, Now we believe, nc becaufeof thy laying 5 for we hav heard him our feives, and knov that ^hia is indeed the Chrift, th
S2
Chapx 14? Tloe Confeffion of Faitb: 85*
which each particular Paflage thereof con taineth ; yielding O bedience to the Commands *, trembling at the Threatnings ;-? and embracing the promifes of God for this Life and that which is to come . But the principal Afts of faving Faith are, Accepting, Receiving, and Refting upon Chrift alone for Juftification, San&ification, and eternal Life, by Vertue of the Covenant of Grace \.
III. This Faith is different in Degrees, weak or ftrong k % nay be often and many Ways affailed and weakned, but gets
the
Saviour of the World, i Thejfz, i j , ?or this caufe al(© thank we God without cea(ing, feecaufe when ye received the word of God which ye Ik a rd of us, ye received it not as the *ord of men, but (as it is in truth ) the word of Gcd, which efFedtuaJ- y worketh ai(o hi you that be.ieve, 1 John 5, 10, He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witnefs in hiimfeii : he that believeth not God, lath made him a liar, becaufe he ^elieveth not the record that God yaveofhis Son. Afts 24. 14, But his I conrefs unto thee, that alter the way which they call herefy, fo A'orfhip I the God of my Fathers, relieving all things which are wric- :en in the law anrl the prophets.
f Rom j 6, 25. But now is made naniteft, and by the fenptures of he prophets, according to the com- nan.iment of the everlafting God, nsde known to all nations for the obedience of faith.
g JJa 66% 2. For sll thofe things ia;h mine hand made, and all thofe hings have been, faith the Lord : >ut to this man will 1 look, even to 11m that is poor and of a contrite pirir, and ti .inbie'h army wo; d.
h Heb 11 13, Thefe all died in aith, roc having received the pro* nife -, but having ken them tfar off, ind were perUaded ot them, and imbracvd rncm, and coniefled that hey were Grangers and pilgrims in the earth. 1 Tim 4, 8. For bo-
dily exercifc profiteth little : but godliness is piofi-abie unto ail things, having promife of the lite that now is, and of that which is to come.
i John :„ 12. But as many as re- ceived nim, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Afts 16", 31, And they (aid, Believe on the Lord Jefus Chrift, and thou (halt be laved and »hy noufe. Gal 2, 20 lamcrucihed with Chrift: N ??r- rhelefs I livej yet nor I, but C rift livcth in me ; and the lite which 1 now live intheflefh, I live by the faith of the Son ot God, who loved me, and gave him fell for me. *AS's 15, li, Eut we believe that through the grace ot the Lord Jefus Chrift, wc fhalibe faved even as they.
III. k neb $. 13. For every one that uleth milk, is unskilful in the word of righteouihels : for he is a babe, -u, 14. Bur ftrong meat be» longeth to them tha: are of full age, even thofe who by reafon o: ufe have their f£nfes exerciied to difcern both good and evil Rom 4, 19. And being not weak in faith, lie confide* red not his own body no>\ dead, when he was aoout an hmd-rd years old, neith r yet the deadnefi o! Suahs woir.0 : «v 20. He ftaggered, aot at tii. promife of God through un- belief, but was ftrong in Faith, giving glor J n God. Matth 6.30. Wherefore it God (o clothe the gr*^
F 3 gf
8 6 The Confeffion of Faith. Chap. 15,
the vi&ory 1 ; growing up in many to the Attainment of a full Aflurance through Chriftn^ who is both the Author and flnifher of our Faith n.
R
Chap.- XV. Of Repentance unto Life.
EPENTANGE unto Life is anEvangelical Grace a, the Doctrine whereof is to be preached by every Mi- nifter oftheGofpel3as well as that of Faith inChrift t>.
II. By
of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is caff, into rhe oven, fhall he no: much more clothe ycu, O ye of Utile faith? Mattb 8. 10. W' en Jefus heard it, he marvelled, and i*id to them that followed, Verily I fay ui to you, I have not found lo great faiths no not in Ifiael.
1 Luke 22. 31, And the Lord faid, Simon, Simon, behold, Saran, hath delired to have you, that he may fift you as wheat: v 32. But I have prayed for thee rhat thy faith fail not j and when thou art convened, flrengthen thy brethren. Eph, 6", 10, Above all. taking rhe fhield or faith, wherewith ye fhall be able to quench the fiery darts or rhe wicked. 1 John. 5, 4. For whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the World : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith v 5, Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that beiicveth that Jeius is the Son or. God ?
m 'Heb 6. 1 1. And we defire, that every one oi you do fliew the fame diligence, to the lull aflurance of hope unto the end . v 12 That ye be not flothful, but follow ers of them who through faith and patience in- herit the promifes. He&, 10 22. Let lis draw near with a true heart in full aflurance of iakh, having our hearts {prinkled from an evil confeience, and our bodies waflied with pure Water, Col 2, 2. That their hearts
might be comforted, b.ing knir to* gether in love, and unto all riches of the full aflurance of undei Man- ding, to the acknowiedgment of the mvifery of God, and of the Father, and of Chrift.
n Hcl? 11, 2. Looking unto Je- fus, the author and flnifher of our faith j who for rhe joy that was tet betorehim, endured the crofs, defpi- fing the fhame, and is fet down at the right-hand of the throne of God.
I. a Zech 12, 10. And I will pour up m the houfe of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerufaiem, the fpii it of grace and of Amplications, and thev fhall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they fhall mourn for him,asorje mourneth for his only Ion, and fhall be m bitter- nefs for him, as one that is in bitrcr- nfs for his firft- born. Acts II. 18. When they heard thefe thing?, they, held their peace, and glorified God faying, Then hath God alfo to the Gca tiles granted repentance unto life.
b Luke 24, 47.' And that repen- tance and remiflijn of fins (hould be preached in his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerulalem. Mark 1: iy. And faying, The rime is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe thegofpel. Afts 20. 21. Tcffify- ing both to the Jews, and alfo to the Greeks, repentance toward God
and
Chap, i ? The ConfeCfion nf Faith. 87
II. By it a Sinner, ouf of the Sight and Senfe, not only of the Danger, but alfo of the Filthinefs and Odioufnefs of his Sins, as contrary to the holy Nature and righteous Law of God ; and upon the Apprehenfion of his Mercy in Chrifl: to fuch as are penitent, fo grieves for and hates his Sins, as to turn from them all unto God c purpofing and endeavouring to walk with him in all the ways of his Commandments -,3.
III. Although Repentance be not to be refted in, as any Satisfaftion for Sin, or any Caufe of the Pardon there -
of
and faith toward our Lord Tefus Chrift.
II. c Ezek 18. 30. Therefore I will judge you, O houfe of Ifrael, every one accord ng to his ways, faith the Lord God ; repent and, turn yonr felves from all your tranf- greflionc ; lo iniquity ftiail not be you: ruin, v 51. C?,& away from you all your tranfgrefTions, where- by ye have tranfgrefild, and make you a new heart and a new fpint ; for why wiil ye die, O houfe of Is- rael .? Ezek 3~6~. 3 1. Then (hall ve remerriber your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and fhall lothe your felves in your own iighr, for your iniquities, and .for your abominations, i/#, 30. 22. Ye fhall defile alfothe covering of thy graven images of fiiver. and the ornament of thy molten images of gold : thou fhalr cart them away as a menirruous cloth ; thou (halt (ay unto if, Ger thee hence. PJalm. fl. 4 Againftthee, thee only have I finned, and done this evil in thy tight : that thou mighteit be justi- fied when thou (peakeft, and be clear woen thou judgeft. Jer. 31. j§ I have iureiy heard Ephraim be- moaning hiratelf thus, Thou haft chaliifed me, and I was chaitifed, as a bullock unaccuftomed to the y;>ke: turn thou me, and I dial! be timed ^ for thou arc the Lord my
God. v 19 Sirelv after that I was turned, I repented ; and afrer that I was initrucled, 1 fmote upon my thigh: I was afhamed, yea, even confounded, becaufe I did bear the reproach of my youth, Joel. 2 i£» Therefore alfo now, faith rhe Lord, 1 urn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fatting, and with weeping, and with mourning. 1/1?. Ariel rent your heait and not y< ur garments, and turn unto the Lord your God . for he is gracious and merciful, flow to anger, and of g' eat kindneis. and repenteth him of the evil. Amos $, 15. Hite the evil, and love the good, and ettablifh judgment in the gate: ft may be thar the Lord God of hofts will be gracious unto the renmant of Jo*. ieph. Pfalm. 119, 128. Therefore I eiteem ail thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every ia lie way. z Cor, 7. 11 For behold, this felf-iame thing that ye for rowed after a godly fort, what carcfulnefs it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of your felves. vea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement defire, yea, what xea), yea wnat revenge ! ta aii things ye have approved your felves te be cleir in this matter.
d Vlalm. 1 19. 6 Then fhall I not fee afhamed, when I have refpecT: unrc all thy commandments, v 59.
38 7 he ConfeJ/ion of Faith. Chap 15%
pf e, which is the Act of God-s free Grace in Chrift i ; yet is it of fuch neceflity to all Sinners, that none may expect Pardon without it g.
IV As there is no Sin fo finall, but itdeferves Damna- tion h; So there is no Sin fo great, that it can bring Dam- nation upon thofe who truly repent K V, Men
I thought on my w-ys, and turned iny feet unto thy teftimonies. y. 106*. J have fworn and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judg- ments. Luke l. 6. And thev were both righteous before God, walk- ing in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blamelefs, & Kings 23. \$. And like un:o him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his foul, and with all his might, according t'oall the law of Moles * neither after him arofe there any like hipa.
III. e EzeL 36. 31. Then (hall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and (hall lothe your felves in your own hght, for your iniquities and tor your abominations, v. 32. Not for your lakes do I this faith the Lord God, be it known' unco you : be afhamed and confounded for your own ways, O houle of Ifrael. &zek< r.6- 61. Then thou (halt re- merftber thy ;ways3 and be afhamed, when ihou lhalt receive thy lifters, thine elder and ;rhy younger :and I will give them unto thee for daugh- ters, but not by thy covenant. 1), 62. And I will eitablifh my covenant with thee, and thou /halt know that lam the Lord. 17.63. That thou rnayeit remember and be contound- ed, and never open thy mouih any more, becaufe of thy fliame, when I am pac.fcd toward thee for all that thou hart done, faith the Lord God.
f Hof. 1 4. i- Take with you words, and turn to the Lord, (ay unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive i!5 graciouily ; io will we render the
cal.ves of our lips. v. 4. I will heal their backfliding, I will love them freely* fnr mine anger is turned awa£ irom him. Rom. 3 . 24. Being juftified freely by his grace, through the , redemption that is <n Jefus Chrift. Eph, 1.7. In whom we nave redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of fins according to the riches of his grace
^gLuke 13 3. I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye (hall all likewife perifh.i/. 5. I tell you,Nay: but except ye repent, ye (hail all likewife penlh.- jflfs 17. 50. And 'the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth ail men every where to repent v. 31. Becaufe he bath appointed a day, *in the which he will judge the world in righteoufnefs,by that man whom he hath ordained} whereof he hath given aflurance unro all men, in that he hath raifed him from the dead.
IV" h Rom, 6, 23. For the wages of lin is death , but the gift of God is eternal iife^ through Jefus Chrift cur Lord. Rom. 5. j2. Whereiore, as by one man fin e cered into the world, and death by fin ; and fo death pilled upon all men, for that all have finned. Mat. iz% 36. But f fay unto you, that every idle word that men fhail fpeak, theyfliall give account thereof in the day ct judg- ment.
i 1/c. $$. 7. Let the wicked for- fake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let him re- turn unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him. and to our God, tor he will abundantly pardon, Rom, 8, 1 w There is therefore now no con-
dem,
Chap. 1 5- ? The ConfeJ/ion of Faith: gp
V. Men ought not to content themfelves with a general Repentance, but it is every Man's Duty to endeavour to re* pent oKhis particular Sins particularly k,
VI. As every Man is bound to make private Confeflion of his Sins to God, praying for ther , pardon thereof ; upon which, and the forfaking of them, he fhall find Mercy m; So he that fcandalizeth his Brother, or the Church of Gbrift, ought to be willing, by a private or publick Conieiiion and Sorrow for his Sin, to declare his Repentance to thofe that are offended n, who are there- upon
demnaHon to them which are in Chriit Jefus, who walk not after the flefh, but alter the fpirir. ifa. 1. 16^ Wafh ye, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, ceafe to do evil, 1/, i3. Come now and iec us reafon toge- ther,iait.i the Lord. though your 5ns be as fcarler, they lhali be as white as fnow y though they be red like cnmfon, they /hail be as wooll.
V. kPfalm 19. 13, Keep bxkthy (crvant ailo irom prefiimptaoua lins? let them not have dominion over me*, then fhall I be upright, and I ihail be innocent from the great: tranfgrtilion. Dike 10.8. And Zac- cheos ftood and (aid unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the halt ofmy goods 1 give to the poor: and it 1 have taken any thing from any man by talfeaccuiarion, I reltore him four- fold. 1 Tim% 1. 13. Who was beiore a blafpfumer, and a perfecutor, and injurious. But i obtained mercy, becaule I did it ignorantly, in unbe- lief, v. 15 this is a laithful faying, and worthy of ail acceptation, that Chriit, Jdus came into the world to lave finners ; ot whom I am chid;.
^ VI, 1 YfaL 5, 4, Aga.nlt rhee, thee only have I finned, and done this evil in thy light: that thou mighteir. be juftihed when thou fpeakeit, and be clear when thou judgeit. V\ 5. Behold, I was ftiapen
in iniquity : and in fin did n:y mo- ther conceive me. <v 7. Purge me with hyflbp, and I lliall be clean : wafh me, and I fhall be whiter than fnow. v. 9, Hide thy race from my fins ! and blot cut all mine iniqui- ties. <v. 14^ Deliver me from bloods guiltinefs, O God, thou God of my iaivation : and my tongue fhall fing aloud of thy righteoufnefs. Pfftbn 32, 5, I acknowledged my fin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid : I faid, I will confefs my tranf- grciii mis unro the Lord ; and thou forgavefl: theiniquicy of my fin* Selah, <z/, 6\ For this (hall every one that is godly, pray unto thee, in a time when thou mayeft be found : fureiy in the floods of great wacers, they fhall not come nigh un- to him,,
m Prov. 28. 13. He that covereth his lins, fhall not proiper: but whofo confefieth and jforfaketh them, flail have mercy. 1 John 1+ 9- lr we confefe our iins^. he is faithful and juft co forgive us out- fins, and to cleanfe us from ail un- righreouineis.
n James 5. 16*. Confefs your faults one to another,and pray one for an- other, that ye may be healed : The efiecluai fervent prayer of a righte- ous man availeth much. Luke 17. 3. Take heed to your felves : lr thy brocher uefpais againit thee, rebuke him,
5°
The Qmfejfion of Faith.
upon to be reconciled to him, and him o,
Chap. 1 6
in Love to receive
Chap XVI. Of Good Works.
C"> O O D Works are only fuch as God hath commanded j in his holy Word », and not fuch as, without the AV arrant thereof are deviled by Men, out of blind Zeal, or upon any Pretence of good Intention '>,
II, Thefe good Works done in Obedience to God's Commandments, are the Fruits and Evidences of a true and
live-
him ; and if he repent, forgive him. V 4.. And if he refpafsagainlf. thee feven times in a day, and (even times in a day turn again to thee, faying, I repent $ thou (halt forgive him. Jcjh. 7 iq. And Jofhua (aid unto Acnan, My Son, give, I pray thee glory t^ the Lord God oi Itrael, and m?kt confhYn unto hira ? and tell me now whar thou ha it done, rfide ir Dor from me. (F, *?/?;;. si- throughout.)
O * Cor z. 8. Wherefore I be- feech y u. that you would confirm your love towards him.
I. a M'c 6. 8. He hath (hewed thee, O Man, what is good; and what cloth me Lord require of thee, but to do juftly, and ro love mercy, and .to waik humbly with thy God ? Rem. 12 z. And be not confor- med to this world ; bu: be ye traof- formed by the renewing of your H.ind, that ye may prove what is thar good, and acceprable, and perfeQ will of God. aA 13 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do hjs will, working in you that which is weil pleafing in his hght, through Jtfus Chriftj to whom be g!ory forever and ever, Amen.
b Mat 1 s 9. But in vain they do uorfhip me teaching ior doctrines the commandments ^f men. Jfy. 29. 13. Whereiore the Lord f aid,
Forafmuch as this people draw near me with their mourn, and with their lips do honour me, but have remo- ved their hea;t :ar from me ; and their tear towards me is raught by the precept of men. 1 Pttf,i. 18. For- afmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as filver and gold, f:om your vain con- verfa'vn, received by tradition from your Fathers. Rom ic z. For I bear them record, that they have a z-^al of God, but not according to knowledge, John. 16 2 They fhall put you out of the fynagogues, yea, the time cometh, thar wbofoever killeth you, will think that he doth God fervce. 1 Sam, 15, 21. But the people took of the ipoil, fheep and ox n, the chief of the things which fhouM have been utterly de« ilroycd to facrihee unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal, v 21. And Sa- muel laid, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt -offerings and iaci- fices, as in obeying the voice ot the Lord ? Behold to obey is better rhan iacrifice . and to hearken, than the fat of rams. 1/ 23. For rebellion is as the fin of witchcraft, and ilub- bornnefs is as iniquity and idolatry : becaute thou halt rejected the word of the Lord, he hath alb rejected thee from being king.
II. c James
Uhap. 1 6* The Confeffion of Faith. 9 1
ively Faith c- -And by them Believers manifeft their rhankfulnefs rf, ftrengthen their AiTurance e, edify their brethren t\ adorn the Profeflion of the Gofpel g, ftop he Mouths cf the Adverfaries b, and glorify God i,
whole
U. c Jmmt 2, 18. Yea, a man lay fay, Thou halt tain, and I avc works; (hew me thy faith vvirh- ur thy works, and I vs 111 (hew rhee ly fairh by my works, v. iz. Seeft lou how faith wrought urn his vcrks,and by works was faith made erfect ?
d Pfalm ri6". 12: What fhall I endcr uuto the Lord for all his be- efits towards be? v, 15. I will ike the cup or' falvation, and call pon the name of the Lord. 1 Pet.
9. But ye are a choten generation,
royal Prieft-hood, an holy nation,
peculiar peopie; that ye fhould lew forth the praifes of him, who arh called you out of darknefs in- ) his marvellous light*
e 1 "John 2 9. And hereby we o know that we know him, if we eep his commandments* vm f. Bur .hofo keepeth his word, in him ve- ly is the love or God perfected : icreby know we that we are in him.
Vet i- 5. And befides this, gi- ing all diligence, idd to your aith, virtue; and to virtue; know- r.dge j <u 6. And to knowledge, Hnptranccj and to temperance, atiencej and to patience, godli- ets j v 7. And to godlinefs, bro- icrly kindnefs; and to brotherly indnefs, charity, x;. 8. Forifthefe lings be in you, and abound, they lake you that ye {hall neither be arren, nor unfruitful in the know- ^dge of our Lord Jefus Chrifr. 1; 9. fat he that lackecn thefe things, is lind, and cannot fee far off, and ath forgotten that he was purged ■om his old fins. v. 10 Where- jre the rather, brethren, give dili- enceto make your calling and e-
leclion fare : for if ye do thele
things, ve fhall never fall.
f 2 Cor 9, 2. For I know the forward efs of your mind, for which I boaft of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was rea- dy a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Matth $.16". Let your light fo fhine before men, that they may fee your good wnrks, and glorify your Father which is JQ heaven;
g Tit, 2. f. To he difcreet, chaffe, keepers a: home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blafpricmed. v 9. Exhort Servants to be obedient unto their own matters, & to pleafc them well in all things , not anfwe- ring again, i> 10- Not purloining, but (hewing all good fidelity ■> rha they may adorn the doctrine of God oqt Saviour in all things, v n« For the grace of God thac bringeth faivation, hath appeared to all men ; v 12. Teaching us, that denying ungjdlinefs and worldly lults, we fhould live formerly, rightecufly: and godly in this prefent world. I TirA 6. 1. Let as many fervants as arc under the yoke, count their own matters worthy of all honour; ^rhaf the name of God ana his Doctrine be not bUiphemed.
h 1 Pet z. is* For fo is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may pur to iiience the ignorance of fooiifh men.
i 1 Pet z* 12. Having your con- verfarion honeft among the Gen- tiles; that whereas they ipeak a- gainit you as evil-doers, thev may, by your good works which they fhall behold, glorify God in the day of
vifi-
9% 7 he Confejfion of Faith: Chap. 16;
whofe Workmanfbip they are, created in Chrift Jefus thereunto k ; that having their Fruit unto Holinefs, they may have the End eternal Life .
III. Their Ability to do good Works, is not at all of themfelves, but wholly from the Spirit of Chrift m, And that they may be enabled thereunto, befides the Graces they have already received, there is required an actual Influence of the fame Holy Spirit, to work in them to will and to do of his good Pleafure i : Yet are they not hereupon to. grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform anyDuty, unlefs upon a fpecial Motion of the Spirit >• but they ought to be diligent in ffirring up the Grace of God that is in them0. m . IV, They
vilitation; Phil. I. 11. Being filled with the fruits of righteoufne(s, which are by Jefu? Chriit, urto the glory «nd praife of God. John iy. 8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, (b (hall ye be my difciple?,
k Eph 2, 10, For we are his workmanfhip, created in Chrift Je- fus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we (hould walk in them.
I Rom, 6> 22e But now being made tree from fin, and become fervants to God, ye have your fruit unto holinels, and the end evcrla- fting lite.
ill. mjuhn 15 4, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear iruit of it feif, except ic abide in the vine : no more can ye, ex- cept ye abide in me. * v. y, I am the vine, ve a e the branches : He that abidcth in me, and I in him, the fiiiK bringe h torch much fruit : for without mt ye can do nothing, v. 6*. If a man abide not in me, he is caft forth as a branch, and is u i- thered j and men gather them and caft the m into the fire, and they are burned. Ezek* 36 6 Anew heart alio will I give you, and anew fpirit
will 1 put within you, and I will take away the ftony heart out of your flefri,and 1 will give you an heart of fkfh- v. 2.7- And I will put my Spirit with'n you, and caule you to walk in my ftatures.and ye fhali keep my judgments, and do them.
n Phil, i* 13. For it is God which workerh in you, both to will and to do, of his good pleafure. YhlU 4« 13. I can do ail things ihrcugh Chrift which ftrengthneth me, iQor* 3 5. Not that we are diffident ot our ielvcs to think any thing as of our felvcs ; but our Sufficiency is of Godj
o Vhll 2. 12.. WhererbrCj my be- loved, as ye nave always obeyed, not as in my ^refence " only, but now much more in my abfence ; work out your own falvation with tear and trembling- Heb, 6. u. And we deiire thai every one of you do drew the fame diligence, to the lull afiurance of hope unto the end: v. 12, Tha ye be not flo hrui, hue followers ot them who fhrough iaith ad patience inherit ihe pro- miks. 2. Pa% 1. 3 According as his divire power hath given unto us all t -frigs that pertain unto lite and godliness, through rle know- ledge of him tha; hath called us to glory
Chap 16* The Cotrfeflian of Faith. 93
IV. They who in their Obedience attain to the greatefl rteight which is poffible in this Life, are ib far from being able to fupererogate and to do more than God requires, as that they fall ihort of much which in Duty they are bound to do p.
V. We cannot, by onr beft Works, merit pardon of Sin, x eternal Life at the Hand of God. by realbn of the great Dilpioportion that is between them and the Glory to come, and the infinite Diftance that is between us and God, whom by them we can neither profit, nor fatisfy for the Debta of our former Sins q •, but, when Tire have done all we can,
we
glory and virwe* v. f. And ba- ilees th's, giving all diligence, add to your Faith virtue ; and to vir- tue knowledge, v 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren give diligence to make your calling and election fure * for if ye do rhefe things, ye (hall never fall . v in For (6 an entrance (hall be miniftred unto you abundantly, into the everla/ting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour jelus Cn nil. If a. 6*4 7. And there is none that cailerh upon thy name, that ftirreth up ftimielf to take hold of thee: for thou haft hid thy face from us, and halt confumed us, be- caufcofour iniquities. 7.11m. 1. & Wherefore I put thee in remem- brance, that thou ftir up th: gift of God which is h, thee, by rhe putting on of my hands. Acls 26". 6. And now I ftand, and am judged for the hope of the proroHe made of God unto our fathers. <v 7. Un- to which promhe our twelve tribes inftamiy ieiving God day and night, hope to come : tor which hopes fake, king Agrippa, I am a ecu led of the Jews Jttde 20, Bur ye be- Jpved, building up your felves on your moft holy iaith* paying in the holy Ghoil:* v. 2. Keep your felves in the love o< God, looking for the meicy of ouf Lord Jefus Ghrift unto eternal life,
IV. p Lukeij. 10. Sojikewife ye, when ye ihali have dons all thofe things which are commanded you, fay, we are unprofitable fervants; we have done that which was our duty to do. Is eh. ij. 22. And I commanded the Levites, that they fhould cleanfe themfelves, and thac they fhould come and keep the gates to Lmclify the fabbath-day. Re- member me, O my God, concerning this alfo, and ipare me according to the grearne(s of thy mercy. Jo!?. 9. 2. I know it is (oof a truth : but how (hould man be jiift with God ? <y j, If he will contend with him3 he cannot anfwer him one of a thoufand. Gal. $ 17. For the flefh lufteth tgainft the Spirit, and the Spirit againfr. the fiefh : and thefe are contrary the one to the other ; fo that ye cannot do the things that ye would
V. q Rom. 5. 20. Therefore by the c\c^ds of the law', there fhall no (ieih be juftified in his fight : for by the law is the knowledge of fin. Rom 4. %* For if Abraham were j«. fi tried by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God. v. 4, Now to him that worketh, is the reward nor reckoned ofgrace, but of debt,- v 6. Even as David aifo defcrib-th the bleflednefs of the man, unto whom God imputeth
lights
94 The ConfeJJton of Faith. Chap. 1 6.
we have done but our Duty, and are unprofitable Ser- vants r ; and becaufe, as they are good, they proceed from his Spirit f ; and, as they are wrought by us, they are de- filed and mixed with lb much "Weaknefs and Imperfection, that they cannot endure the Severity of God's Judgment r,
VI. Yet notwithftanding, the Perfons of Believers being accepted through Chrifr, their good "Works alfo are accep- ted in him v, not as though they were in this Life wholly
un-
righreonfrtefs without works. Epb. 2. g. For by grace a;e ye faved, through faim j and that not of your felves .- it is the gift of God. nj 9. Not of wprks, left any man (h >uld hoaft. Tit. 3. 5. Not by works of righreoufnefs which we have done, but according to his meYcv, he laved us by thewafhing of regene- ration, and renewing of the holy Gooft. v 6. Which he Hied on us abundantly, through Jefus Chriit our Saviour, v 7. That being ju- ftified by his grace, we fhjtild be made heirs according to the hops oi eternal life. Romans. 8 18. For I reckon, that the iurlerings of this p;e(ent time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which (h=U be revealed in uf. Pfalm. \6. 2. O my foul thou haft (aid unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord : my good- nefs exrendeth not to thee. Job. 22. 2. Can a man he profitable un- to God, as he that is wife may be pronrabie unto himftli? v 3. Is it any pieafure to the Almighty that thou art righteous ? or is it gain :o him that thou makeft thy ways perfect? Job. 3? 7. if thou be righteous, what giveit thou him ? or what receiveth he of thine hand ? v 8. Thy wickednefs may hurt a man as rhou an, and thy righteouf- nefs may profit the Son ot man.
r Luke 17 10. (See letter? in this Chapter ) '
i Gal. s" 20 But the fruit of the Spirit is iove, joy, peace, lo )g luf-
fe.ing, gentlenefs, goodnefs, faith, ^23. Meeknefs, temperance : a- gamft fiich there is no law.
t 7/i. > 4. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and ail our righteouf- neiT-s are as filthy rags, and *ve all do fade as a leaf, and our iniqui- ties, like the wind, have taken us away. Gal $. 1 7. For the ftefh lufteth again ft the fpirit, and the fpirit a- gainft the ftelh : and thefe are con- trary the one to the o'her ; fo that ye cannot do the things that ye would. PkOW, 7 1 >*. For that which I do, I aliow not : for what I would that do I nor, but what I hate, thai do I. v 1 3 I know, that in mc (that Is, inmyflefh) dwelleth nc good thing : for to will is prefent with me, but how to pei form thai which s good, I rind not. Pfalm, 143. 2. And enter not into judg- ment with thy (ervant : for in thy fight fhall no man living be jufti. fied. Pfalm. 1 30, 3 h thou, Lord fhouldit mark iniquities : O Lord, who (hall ftand ?
VI. v Epb. 1 6. To the praife o the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepfed in the be loved, 1 Pet,z. 5. Ye alfo, as live- ly (tones, are built up a (piritua houfe, an holy pri eft hood, to ofJei up (piritual faenfices, acceptably t< God by Jdus Chriit. Exod 28. 3S And it (hail be upon Aarons fore head, that Aaron may bear the ini quity of the holy things, which tin Ciiii
^hap; 1 6 The Cmfejjlon of Faith; $5
mblameable and unreproveable in God's Sight w,- but that ie, looking upon them in his Son, is pleafed to accept and ■eward that which is fincere, although accompanied with nany Weakneifes and Imperfections x.
VII, Works done by unregenerate Men, although, for :he Matter of them, they may be Things which God rommands and of good Ufe both to themfelves and others y ; iTet, becaufe they proceed not from an Heart purified by
Faith,
rhildren of Ifrael fh*l! hallow in all heir holy gifts : and it (hall be al- ways upon his forehead, that they, ■ray be accepted betore the Lord. Qen. 4.4. And Abel he alio brought }f the firftlings of his flock, and of he tat thereof: and ihe Lord had •efpecl unto Abel, and to his ofTer- ng With Heb' u 4. By faith Abel )ffcred unro God a more excellent aa ifice than Cain, by which he ob- ained witnefs chat he was righce. )us, God teftifying of his gifts : md by ic he being dead, yet peaketh.
w job 9. 20. If I juffify my feif, ny own mouth (ha)i condemn me. f I fay, lam perfect, it (hall alio >rc ve me perverfe. Pfalm 143. 2. Vnd enter not into judgment with h> fervant r for in thy fight (hall 10 man living be juftified.
x Heb. 13. 20. Now the God of >eace, that brought again from the lead our Lord Jelus, that great Ihepherd oi the Sheep, through the ilood of the.everlaiting covenant, K 21,'Makeyou perfect in every pod work to do his will, working 1 you that which is weli-plea- ng in his fight, through Jefus thrift ; to whom be glory :or ever nd ever. Amen. 2 Cor. 8. 12, For there be firft a willing mind, it is capted, according to that a man ath, and nor according o thar He ath hot. Heb, 6. 10 For God is 3t unrighleo s, to forget your ork and labour of love, which ye
have fhewed towards his name, in that ye have mniftred to the faints, and do minilter. Math. 2?. 21, His lord laid unto him, well done, tiion good and faithful fervant ; thou haft been faithful over a tew things I will make thee ruler over man/ things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. v. 23. His lord faid unto him well clone, good and faithful fervant tiiou haft b^ca faithful over a few things i will make thee ruler over many things: enter thoii into the joy o\ thy lord,
VII. y2 Kings, 10. 30. And the Lord faid unto Jehu, Becaufe ehoa haft done well in executing thac which is right in mine eyes, and haft done unto the houfe of Ahab according to ail that was in nine heart, thy children of the fourth generation thai! iit on the throne of If ael. v 31* But Jehu took no heed to walk in the iaw of rhe Lord God ot Urael, with all Wis heart . for he departed not from the fins of Jeroboam, which made Ifrael to fin 1 Kings, 1 p 2?. And it came to pafs when Ahab heard thole wordr, that he rent his clothes, and put fackcloch upon his flefh, and failed and lay in fockcioth, and wentlofcly. Y29. Seeft thoii how Ahab humbleh mmfeif betore me' becaufe he humbleth him (elf be ore me, i will not onng the evil in his days: but in his tons days will I bring the evil upon his houfe. Phil, 1 1 y. Some indeed preach Chrift even
$6 The Cojifejton of Faith. Chap: 16:
Faith?,; nor are done in a right Manner, according to the Word a ; nor to a right End, the glory of God ; they are therefore finful, and cannot pleafe God, or make a Mari meet to receive Grace from God c. And yet their Negleft of them is more finful, and difpleafing unto God d.
CHAP.
even of envy and fhife ; and fomc alfo of good-will, v 16. The one preach Chrifr. of contention, not fincerely, fuppcfmg to add affile! ion to my bonds, v 18. What then ? notwithstanding every way, whe- ther in pretence, or in truth, Chrifr, Is preached ; and I therein do re- joice, yea and will reje-ice.
z Gen 4.. 5. But unto Cain and to his offering he had no refpeft. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. With Web. 11.4. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent facrifice than Cain, by which he obtained wirnefs that he was righteous, God teffifyi.Tg of his gifts; and by it he being dead, yetfpeaketh. Web. ir. 6. Butwih- out faith it is impcilible to pleafe him : for he that cometh to God, muft believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligent- ly feck him.
a 1 Cor r$. 3. And though I be- (fow all my goods to feed the poor, and though 1 give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Jja. 1; 12, When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts ?
b Mat. 6. z. Therefore^ when thou doit thine alms, do not found a trumpet before thee, as the hypo- crites do, in the fynagogues, and in the ftreets, that they "may have glory of men. Verily, 1 (ay unro you, tl cy have their reward, v f: And when thou prayefty thou fhfalc not be as the hypocrites are : for they love to pray Handing in the fynagogues, and in the corners of
theftreers, that they may be feen of men, Verily, I fay unto you, they have their reward: v 16". Moreover when ye fad, be not as the hypo- crites, of a fad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fall:. Verily, i fay unto you, they have their re- ward.
c Hog, 2, 1 4. Then anfwered Hag- gai, and faid, So is this people, and fo is this nation before me, faith the Lord ,* And fo is every work of their hands, and that which they offer there is unclean. Tit, i, iy. Unto the pure all things are Pure . bur unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, but even their mind and confciencc is defiled. Amos, 5. 21. 1 hate, Ide- fpifeyourfeail-days, and I will not fmell in your folemn aftemblies* V2:2. Though ye offer me burnt offerings, and your meat offerings I will not accept them : neither will I regard the peace-offerings of your fat beads. Ho/. 1 4. And the Lord faid unto him, calf his name Jezg reel ; for yet a little whi'e, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon :Hq houfe of Jehu,- and will caulc to ceafe the kingdom of the houfe oflfraei. Row. 9. 16, So then it is not of him that wilieth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that flieweth mercy, Tit. 3 y. Not by works ot righieoufnefry which we have done, but accord- ing to his mercy he faved us by the wafhing of regeneration, and renewing of the holy Ghoff.
d Pjal. 14.4. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge ? who exc
up
Chap. 17 The ConfeJJion of Faith t $?
C h a p:XVIL Of the Verjeverance of the Saints.
THEY whom God hath accepted in his Beloved' effectually called and fanftifiedbyhis Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the State of Grace ; but fhall 'certainly perfevere therein to the End, and be eter- nally faved *.
II. This Perfeverance of the Saints depends not upon their own Free-will, but upon the Immutability of the Decree of Election, flowing from the free and unchange- able Love of God the Father b ; upon the Efficacy of the
Merit
up my people as they eat bread, and . call not upon the Lord. p/Jr/. if. 3. The- words of his mouth are iniqui- ty and deceit : he hath left off to be wife, and to do good, ^ob.zi 14. Therefore they fay unto God, De- pal t from us, for we defire no: the knowledge of thy ways, v. 15-. What is the Almighty, that we fhould ;m i and what profit fhould we hive, if we pray unto him ? Mat zs 41. Then (hall he fay alfo unto them on the left hand, Depart from 'me, yc curfed, into evcrlafting fire prepared for the devil and his an- gels, v &z. For 1 was an hundred and ye gave me no meat : I was . , and ye gave me no drink : v 43. 1 was a ftranger, and ye tdok me nut in : naked, and ye cWhed me not . fick and in prifon, and ye vitited me not. *u 45", Then fhall he anhver them, faying, Verily, I lay unto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the lead of rhefe, ye did it not to me, Mat, 23 23. Wo unto you fcribes and Pharifees, hy- pocrites j for ye pay tithe of mint, ar.d anile, and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith : ihefe ought ye to have done, aid undone-
. a Phil. i. 6, feeing confident oi 6 which h-'-h be^uii a good work iu vou will
perform it until the day of Jefts Chrifh zPzt. 1 10. Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to m-;ke your calling and election hire i for if ye do thefe things, ye fhall never 'fall, John, 10. 28, And I give unto than eternal hfe, and they fhall never perilh, neither fhall any pluck them our of my hand, v 29. My Father,whfch gave them me, is greater than all : and none is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand. 1 "jdm y. o. Whofoever is born of God, doth not commit fin: for his feed remaineth in him : an J he cannot fin, becaufe he is born of God. 1 Pet. J, y. Who are5 kept by the power of God through faith unto falvation, ready to be revea- led in the laff. time, v 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the fal- vation of your fouls.
If. b 2 Tim 2. 18. Who concern, inrj the truth have erred, faying, thac the rclurreclion is paft already; and overthrow the faitnof fome: <v, ip, Neverthelefs, thefounda ion of God llandeth fui e, having this feaJ, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name oi Chriir. depart from iniquity. Jer. j 1. 3, The Lord hath appeared oi old unto me, faying, Yea, I have loved thee with an t verlafting lovej therefore with loving kindnefs have 1 drawn thee.
G cHeh
9§ The Conjejjiott of Fdhh. Chap;. 17
Merit and Interceffion of Jefus Chrift r ; the Abiding of Ac tSpirit and of the Seed of God within them d .; and the Na- ture
c Heb. 10 10, By the which will we are fan&ified, through the offe- ring of the body of jefus Chrift once for all. v 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are fan&ified. Heb 13. 20. Now the Cod of peace, i.han brought again from the dead our Lord Jefus, that great Shepherd of the fheep, through the blood of the everlaifing cove- nanrvi/ 21. Make you penfed in every good" work to ro his will, working m you that which is well -pi baling in his fight, through Jefus Chrift ■ to whom he glory tor ever and ever. Amen. Heb. 9. 12. Neither by the blood of goats, and calves, but by his own blood he cntrei in once in- to the holy p ace, having obtained eternal redemption for us. <v 13. For if the blood of bull?, and of goats and the afhes of an heifer lprinklmg the unclean, fancYifieth to the purifying of the ffcfh j v 14. How much more fhall tiie blood of Chrift, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himftlf without fpot ro God, purge your conference from dead works, tolerverhe living God ? v 15-. And for this caule he is the mediator of the new tenement, that by means of death, for the redemp- tion of the tranfgreflions that were under the firitteftam.nt, they which are called, might receive the p o- rnite or eternal inheritance. Rom. 8. 33. Who diall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect1? it is God that jufbfieth; 734; Who is he that condemneth ? ic is Chrift that died, yea rather that is' rifen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who alio maketh inrerceiii ui ior us. v 35. Who (hall fepiraie us horn the iove ot Chrift '{ fha'.I tribulation,-- or difirefcy or perfect*-
tion or famine, or nakednefs, or peril, or fword? v 36. (As iris written, for thy fake we are killed all the day long ; we are counted as fiieep for the daughter.) v 37. Nay, in all thefe things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us* v 38; For I am perfwaded,that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things prefenr, nor things to come. v 39. Nor height, nor deprh, nor any other creature, fhall be able to feparate us from the love of God which is in Chrift Jefus our Lord. John.ij 11. And now I am no more in thQ woild, but thefe are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own- name, thofe whom thou haft given me, tnat rhcy may be one, as we are. v 24* Father, I will, that they al (0 whom rhou haft given me, be with me where I am j that they may behold my glory which thou halt given me : for th u lovedit me be* fore the foundation of the world. Luke 22, 32. Bur I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not 5 and vvhen thou art converted, ftrengthen thy brethren. Heb, 7. 25. Where- fore he is able aifo to lave them to the utternioft, that come unto God by him, feeing he ever liveth to make intercelfion for them.
d John. 14, 16. And I will pray the Father, and he fhall give you another comforter, that he may a- bide with you for ever ; v 17. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, becaufe it feeth him not, neither knoweth him : but ye know him for he dweheth with you, and (ball be in you. 1 John. 2. 27, But the anointing which ye have received ofhim abidech in you : and
Chap. 17: lbe^onjeytono] tatlh: 99
ture of the Covenant of Grace t; From all which arifetS alfo the Certainty and Infallibility thereof r.
III. Neverthelefs they may, through the Temptations of Satan and of the World, the Prevalency of Corruption remaining in them, and the negle&of the Means of their Prefervation, fall into grievous Sins g ; and for a Time con- tinue therein h : Whereby they incur God's Difplea- fure •, and grieve his holy Spirit k ; come to be depri- ved of fome Meafure of their Graces and Comforts J $ have
their:
ye need not that any man teach you:- Bur, as the fame anointing reach- eth you, otall things, and is truth, and is no lie : and even as It hath taught you, ye fhall abide in him. 1 John 3. 9. Whofoever is born of God, doth net commit fin • for his feed remaineth in him : and he can- not fm, becaufe he is born of God. t Jer. 32. 40. And I will make an evcrlalting covenant with them, That I will not turn away from them to do mem good j but I vull put my tear in their heart?, that they Ihall not depart from me.
f John 10 2.8, And I give unto them eternal ii:c, and they ihall ne- ver peiifh, neither (hall any pluck them out or my hand. 2 ThejJ\ 3. 3; But the Lord is faithful , vviio fhail ftablifh you, and keep yoa ircm e- vil. i John 2. io. They went out from us, but they were not of us : for ii they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us : but rhey went out, that they might be made mamieft, that they were nor all of us.
III. g fifiib* 26", 70. But he de« nied before them all, faying, I know not what tbou fay eft, v. 72, And ftgajn nc denied wirhan Oath, I do >w the nun. <v» 74. Then he to cu lc and to (wear, fay- in • 7 i know not the nun. And im- fti< the cock
£i. The title, To the inuiician,;'.A pukn of David,
when Nathan the prophet came iin-' to hi m,a iter he had gone in tc Bath- fbeb?. v: 14. Deliver me from blood-guiltinefs, O God« thou God of my falvation; and my tongue fhall ling aloud of thy righceouf- nefs.
i If a 64, s- Thou meeteft him that rejoiceth^and w@rketh righteouf- nefs, thofe that remember thee in thy ways : behold, thou art wroth, for we have finned ; ia chnfe is con- tinuance, and we fhall befaved, v.?* And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that ftirrcth up himfelf to take hold ot thee : for thou baft hid thy face Irom us, and halt con- lumed us, bccauie ot our iniquities, <v.% Be not wroth very fore, O Lord, her remember iniquity for ever* behold, fee we beteecn thee, we arc all thy people. 2 to. II. 27. And when tlie mourning w:s pair, David . fent and fet her to his houle, and fhe became his wife, and bare him a Ton : but the thing that David had done, difpieafed the Lord
kEfh* 4. p. And grieve net the holy Spirit ot «.i-od, whereby ye are fealed unto the day of redemption. 1 Fjabn $ 1 . 8 Make me to hear joy anii gladnets; that the bone?0 which thou haft broken may repice v. 10, Create in me a ciean heart, O Gcd, and renew a right fpiric within me. v. 1 :.. Reftoit unto me the joy of thy i&vatfon ; and up- Qz holrf
ioo The Confejfwn ofVaith* Chap. 18
then Hearts hardned m, and their Gonfciences wounded n ; Jiurt and fcandalize others o, and bring temporal Judgments upon themfelves p.
Chap: XVIII.
OftheAffiirance of Grace andSafoation.
A LTHOUGH Hypocrites and other unregenerate jT% Men may vainly deceive themfelves, with falfe Hopes and carnal Prefumpticns, of being in the Favour of God and Eftate of Salvation *s which Hope of theirs
fhall
hold me wMi thy free Spirit- Rev. z. 4. Neverthelefs, I have iomevvhat a- £ainit rhee, becaufe thou halt left thy firfl love. Cant. 5. 2. 1 {Jeep, but rny heart waketh : ir is the voice of my beloved that knockerh, faying, Open to me, my filler, my love, my clove, my unci eh led : for my head 55 rilled with dew, and my loci? with the drops of the nighr. *v 3. I have put off my coat, how fiiali I put it on?l have Wufncd myinet, how fhall I defile them? Vf. My beloved put into his, hard by rhe hole of the dooi, and my bowels were moved for him. v 6 I opened to my be- loved, but mv beloved had with- drawn himlelf, and was gone ? ■■A failed when he fpake : I fought him, but I could not find him ; I called him, but he gave me no anfA'er.
m I fa. 62 17 O Lord, why haft thou made us to err from thy ways ? and hardned our heart from thy fcarV Return for thy fervants kke, the tribes ot thine inheritance,, Mark. 6 52. Efor they coniidered not tne miracle ot the loaves, for their heart was hardned. Mark. i-6". 14. After- Wards he appeared unto the eleven, as they fat ar meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hard- nefs of heart, becaufe they believed not them which had fern him after he was rifen.
n fjalm, 323. When I kept fi- lence, my bones waxed old, throcigh my roaring all the day long, v 4. For day and night thy hand was hea- vy upon me: my moifture is turned into the drought of fummer. pjfah 51, 8. Make me to hear joy and gladnefs : that the bones which thou halt broken may rejoice.
o z Sa?n. 12 1 4. Hovvoeit be- caufe by this deed thou hs:fl given great occalion ro the enemies of the Lord to blafpheme, the child alfo that is born unto thee, fhail furcly die.
p Pji/w.80. 31. It they break my ftatutcs, and keep not my com- mandments: v 32. Then will I vifit their trantgrefiion with the rod, and .their iniquity with ftripes; 1 Cor 11 31. B'-it when we are judged, we arc chained of the Lord, that we {hould not be con- demned with* the world.
I. zjob. 3 13, So are the paths of all tint lorger God, and the hy. pocrites hope (hall periih : v 14. Whole hope fhall be cat off, and Whole' truii fhall be a fpiders web; Mic. 3. u. The heads thereofjudge for reward, and the priefts thereof teach for hire, and rhe prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and fay, Is not the Lord among us ? none e-
vil
Chap: 1 8 The ConfeJJtm of Faith 101
fhall perifli b; Yet fuch as truly believe in the Lord Jefus, and love him in Sincerity, endeavouring to walk in all good Conference before him, may in this Life be certainly affu- reel that they are in the State of Grace c, and may rejoice in the Hope of the glory of God, which Hope fhall never make them afhamed d.
II, This Certainty is not a bare conjectural and pro- bable Perfwafion, grounded upon a fallible Hope e ; but an infallible Affurance of Faith, founded upon the Divine Truth of thePrornifes of Salvation ft the inward Evidence of
thofc
v'l can come uvon vs, T)eut 29. 19. And it came to pais when he hear- eth the words of this curfe, bieis himieif in liis heart* faying, I fhall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of my heart, to add drunkennc/s to third. John, 8. 4.1. • Ye do the deeds of your Father. Then ('aid they to him, We be not born of fornication, we have one even God.
•nh 7. 22. Many Pna'l fay to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophehtd in thy I and in :hy name have call out de- vils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works ? v i$. And tfon will I profefs unro them, I never knew you j depart from me yc that work iniquity.
c 1 joi'i 2. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandment?. 1 John, 3 14 We know thac wc have palled from unto life, becaufe we lore the brethren . he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death, v 18. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth, v 19. And hereby we knew that we are of the truth, and fhall aflure our hearts befo.c him. V21. Beloved, if cur heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God. v 24. And he that keepeth his command-
ments, dwellcth in him, and he in hin : and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit that he harh given us. 1 }ohn. 5. 13. Thefe thing? have I warren 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 S^a of God.
d Rom $. 2, By whom alfo wc have accefs by taith into this grace wherein wc (land, and rejoice in hope of the gory of God. v 5. An,1 hopemaketh not afhamed, becaufe the love of Gid is fhed abroad in our hearts, by the holy Ghoft, which, is given unto u?,
II. e Hcb. 6* 1 1 . And we defire that every one of you do fhew tho fa:ne diligence, to the fill a du- rance of hope unto the end. v 19. Which hope we have as an anchor of the (on!, both fure and ftedfail, and which entreth into that within die vail.
f Heb>6. 17 Wherein God willing more abundantly to fhew unto the heirs of promife the immutability of his counfei, c nfirmed it by an oath. <-j .8. That by two immu- table things, in wnich it was impof- fiblefor God to lie, we might have a itrong con(olati<jn, wno have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope fee before us:
G 3 g*P'f
lo i The Confejfton of Faith: Chap. i§
thofe Graces unto which thefe Promifes are made g, the "Teftimony of the Spirit of Adoption witneffing with our Spirits that we are the Children of God h : Which Spirit is the Earneft of our^ inheritance, whereby we are fealed to the Day of Redemption i.
III. This infallible Affurance doth not fo belong to the Eflence of Faith, but that a true Believer may wait long, and conflict with many Difficulties, before he be Partaker of iffei Yet being enabled by the Spirit to know the Things -which are freely given him of God, he may, without extra- ordinary Revelation, in the right Ufe of ordinary Means,
attain
g2 Yet. i, 4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and pre- cious promifes , chat by rhele you might be partakers of the divine na- ture, having efcaped the corruption that is in the world through Jufr, <v. 5, andbefides this, giving dili- gence, add to your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge, v^ 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election Cure : for if ye do thefe things, ye (hall never fall: v. n. For fo an entrance fhall be miniffred unto you abundantly, into the ever- Jafting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour JefusChrift., \John z. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep bis commandment. 1 Jihn 3 14. We know that we have pafTcd from death unto life, becaufe we love the brethren : he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death 2. Cor* 1. 12. For our rejoicing is this, The teftimony of our confeience, that in {impliciry, and godly iince- riry, not with flethly wifdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversion in the world, and more abundantly to you-wards^
h Rom 8. ijv For ye have not re- ceived the fpirit oi bondage again to fe^r, but ye have received the Spi- rit ofr adoption, whereby we cry, Ab- ba, Father, v, 1 6\ Tlie Spirit it (el f, befnfth witnefs with our fpirir. thac
we are the children of God. lEph. 1. 13, In whom ye alfo milled, after that ye heard the word oftnuh, ti\Q gofpcl of your (alva- tion : In whom alfo, after that ye believed, ye were fealed with thac holy Spirit of promife, v. 14. Which is the earneft of our inheritance, un« ti/ the redemption of the purchafed pofleflion, unto thepraife of his glo- ry; Eph. 4, ^o.And grieve not the ho- ly Spirit gf God, whereby ye are (eal- ed unto the day of redemption, iCor. 1. 2i, Now he which flablifheth us with you, in Chrift, and hath anoirw ted us, is God : u 22. Who hath al- fo fealed us, and given the earneft of the Spirit in our hearts.
Ill, k 1 Johns- 11° Thofe things have I written unto you that be- lieve on the name of the Son of God j that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name ot the Son of God. lfa. 50. to: Who is among you that reareth the Lord, thac obeyeth the voice of his fervantj that walketh in darkiiefs, and hath no light ? let him trufl in the name of the Lord, and itay upon his God. Mark £. Z4.. And tfraightway th^ father of the Child cried out, and fa'id with tears, Lord, I believe ; help thou mine unbelief. (See Pfal. 88. throughout* Yfalrnjj* to the 12. verje,) i i Cor.
Chap. i3; The Confeffion tf Faith. 105
attain thereunto 1-. And therefore it is the Duty of every- one, to give all Diligence to make his Calling and Election fure m; that thereby his Heart may be enlarged in Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghoft, in Love and Thankfiilnefs to God, and in Strength and Chearfulnefs in the Duties of Obedi- ence ; the proper Fruits of this Aflurance n : So far is it from inclining Men to Loofhefs 0. IV. True
1 1 Cor. im it- Now we hare re- ceived, not he Spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God * that we might know the things that are ireeiy given to us of God. i John 4. 13: Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in ns, becaufe he hath given us of his Spirit. Hcb. 6, 11. And we defire, that every one of \ou dofhew the lame diligence, to the iuil afiiirance or hope unto rhe end : v. 22, That you be not ilothlul, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promiles. Epht 3- 17. That Chrilt may dweii in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and grounded In love, 1/. 18. May be ; to comprehend with all faints, what is the breadth and length, and depth and height, v. 19. And to know the love of Chriir, which pallet h knowledge, that ye might be filled with ail the fulncls of God. m 2 Pet. 1. 10, Wherefore rhe rarher, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election fure, for if ye do chefe things, ye thai! never fail.
vm. Si 1« Therefore being jult fied by faith,wc have peace with God through our Lord Jelus Chriif. <v. 2, By whom alio wehaveaceels by faith into this grace wherein we itand, and rejoice in hope of the glory ot God, i». 5. And hope maketh no: afhamed, becaufe the love ot'God is fhed abroad in our , by the holy Ghoff, which u given unto us. Ron;. 14. 17. For the Kingdom of God is not mea:
G 4
arid drink, but righteoufnefs ark! p-ace. and joy in the hoiy Ghoft. Rom. 15. 13. Now the God cf hope, ml you with all py and peace in be- lieving, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the holy Ghofr. Eph. 1. 3. DlcfTed be theGcd and Father of our Lord Jelus Chriif, who hath blelTed us with ali fpiri- tual bledings in heavenly places m Chritr. v. 4 According as he hath chofen us in him, before die foun- dation ot the world, that we (hould be holy, and without Uame before him in love. Ppflm 4. 6. There be manv that fay. Who will fliew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the lighc ol thy countenance upon us, V. 7, Thou hail put gladnefs in my heart, more than in the time thac their corn and their wine increafed, Tjalm. iro. 32. I will run tnG way ot thy commandments, when thou (halt enlarge rny heart.
o 1 Jolmz. 1. My little children, thefe things write 1 unto you, that ye fin nor, And it any man fin, vvc have an Advocate with the Father Jelus Chrill the righteous, v. 2* And he is tne propitiation for our lins : and not for ours only, but al- fo for the lins of the whole worid. Rem* 6, 1. What fl;all we lay tnen ? lhall we continue in /in, that ferace may abound' v, 2, God forbid i how fhal 1 we that are dead to fin, live any longer therein ? Tit. 2 11. For the grace of God that biingeth fai- vatio:, iiath. appeared to ali men, v. 12, Teaching u?, that denying lefc &nd woildiy lulls, we • fliotikj
204 The'Confefflon of Faith. Chap 18
IV. True Believers may have the Affurance of their Salvation divers Ways ftiaken, diminished and intermit- ted ; as by Negligence in preferring of it, by falling into lome fpecial Sin, which woundeth the Gonfcience, andgrie- veth the Spirit, by fome fudden or vehement Temptation, by God's withdrawing the Light of his Countenance, and fuffering even fuch as fear him towajkin darknefsand to have no Light p : Yet are they never utterly deftitute of that
Seed
fhould live foberly, rigJrcoufly and godly in this prefcnt world, v 14. who gave himfelf for us, thar l.e might redeem us from all iniquhy, and purify unto bimielf a peculiar people, zealous of good works, 2 Cor, 7. 1 H ;ving therefore thefe promi- fes (> early beloved) ht us cleanfe our feives from all hlrhinefs oi the flefh and fpirit, per feeling holinefs m the tear of God. Rom, 8. 1. There istheiefore now no condemnation to them which are in Chrifr. Jefus, who walk not after the rtefli, but after the fpirit. v i2t Therefore brethren, we are debrors, not to the fiefh, to live after the flefh, 1 John 9. 2. Beloved, now are we the fons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we fhall be : but we know, that when he fhall appear, wc fhall be like him : for we fhall ice him as he is. v 3. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth him- felf even as Me is pure,. Tfalm, 130, 4. But there isforgivenels with thee that thou mayeft be feared. 1 John 1 6. If we fay that we havefdiowfoip with hin>, and welkin darknefs, we !ie, and do not the truth. %/j. But if we walk in the light, asheisin jhe light, we have feilowfhip one with another, and the blood of Je- w Chi i ft his . Son elcarieth us t roai all un.
IV. p Cant, 4 2. I flecp but my heart waketh : it is the voice of my beloved that knocReth, faying, o- pen tome, my filter^ my love, my
dove, my undefined : for my head is filled with dew,and my locks with the drops of the night, i> 3. I have put oflf my coat, how ftuli 1 put it on ? J have wafhed my feet,how ihal I cK.file them i v 6, I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had with- drawn himfelf, and was gone ; my loul failed when he fpake ; I fought him, but I could not find him ; I cal- led him, but lie gave me no anfwer; Pjabn. 51.8: Make me ro hear joy and gladnefs ; that rhe bones which ihou raft broken may rejoice. 1; 12, Reftore unto me the joy of thy fal- vation : and uphold me with thy free Spirit, v. 14. Delivei me from blood- guiltinefs, O God, thou God of my iaivation j and my tongue fhall fing aloud of thy righteoufnefs. Eph% 4. 30. And grieve not the noly Spirit of God, whereby ye are fealed unto the day of redemption; v 31* Let all bitternefs and wrath, and an- ger, and clamour, and evil fpeak- ing be put away from you with all malice. Pfalm. -j. i; I cried unto God with my voice . even unto God with my voice, and he gave ear unto me. <v z. In the day of my trou- ble I fought the Lord ; my foreran m the night, and cealed not : my foul refuted to be comforted. .1; 3, I remembred God, and was troubled: 1 complained, and my fpirit was o- verwhe'med, Selah. v 4. Thou holdeft mine eyes waking . I am fo troubled, that 1 cannot fpeak. nj s* I .have conlldaxd the days oi old
Chap: 1 8: The ConfeJJion of Faith 105-
Seed of God, and Life of Faith, that Love of Chrift and the Brethren, that Sincerity of Heart and Confcience of Duty • out of which, by the Operation of the Spirit, this Aflu-ance may in due Time be revived q, and by the which, in the mean Time, they are fupported from utter Defpair r.
C< rl A. r .
the years of ancient times, v. 6. I call to remembrance my long in the night : I commune with mine own heart, and my lpirit made diligent fearch. ih 7. Will the Lord caitofT forever? and will he be favourable no more? «u. 8. Is his mercy clean gone for ever ? doth his promife tail for evermore ? v. 9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? hath he in anger (hut up his tender mercies ? Selah. * v. 10. And I laid, This is my infirmity, but I will remember the years of the right hand of the molt High. Matth. 16. 6? Now Pe- ter fat without in the Palace; and a damfel came unro him, faying, thou al o waft w th Jefus oi Galilee. rj. 70. But he denied before them all, faying, I know not what thou fayelt. v. 7i. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid faw him, and laid unto them that were there, This fellow was alfo with Je- fus of Nazareth. 1/. 72. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man, VJal r. 22. For I
for thee that thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted, itrengthen thy brethren. Job 13. if. Though hellay me, vet will 1 truft in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Pfalm 73. 15 Iil fay, i will fpeak thus: behold, I fhould of- fend againlc the generation of thy children. Pfal. 51. 8. j2. [See letter p immediately before.] Ifa. 50. 10. {See letter p immediately furegoing.)
r Mie. 7. 7. Therefore 1 will look unto the Lord : I will wait for the God of my falvation: my Go3 will hear me. v. 8. rejoice not againlt me, O mine enemy ; when 1 tall, I fhallarife; when I lit in darknefs, the Lord (hall be a light unto me. v. 9. I will bear the indignation ol the Lord, becaufe I have tinned a- gciinit him, until lie plead my caufe, and execute judgment for me : he will bring me forth to die light, and behold his righteoufnefs. Jer. 32. 40. And I will make aneverla- iting covenant with them, That I will not turn away from them, to
MJUW lii'w man. J- 11.. 1. j . *-*- «. wi * , . w .
{aid in my haite, I am cut orT from 4° them good* but I wnl put my
fear in their hearts, that they (haii not depart from me. Ija. 5-4 7. For a {mail moment iiave 1 iorfaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather among Cou that'feareth the Lord, thcc.v. 8. In a little wrath 1 hid my that obcyeththe voice of his fervant, bee trum thee, for a moment; but that walketh in darknefi and hath with evenafting kindnefs will 1 have no light Tiet him truft in the name merc7 on th^e, faith the Lord rhy
before thine eyes : nevertheleft thou heaidelt the voice or my lupplicati* ens, when I cried unto thee. [Pfal. ^throughout.] [fa. 5 o. 10.
of the Lord, and itay upon his God.
q 1 John 3.9. Whofbever is born of God, doth hot commit tin; lor his ieed remaineth in him, and he^ cannot (in, becau(e he is born of God Ukiiz. 31. But I have prayed
oer, v, 9. Fortius is as trie waters of Noah unto me: ior asl have iwom that the waters of Noah fhould no more go over the earth -t lo nave i ivvorn that 1 would nor be wroth with thee, nor re- buke thee. v3 10, For the mountains Oul]
io6 ThcConfeffion of Faith. Chap/ \$
Chap. XIX. Of the Law of God.
GOD gave to Adam a Law, as a Covenant of Works, by which he bound him and all his Pofterity to perfo- nal, entire, exact and perpetual Obedience ; promifed Life upon the fulfilling, and threatned Death upon the Breach of it ; and endued him with Power and Ability to keep it a.
II. This Law, after his Fall, continued to be a perfect Rule of Pvightecufnefs , and, as fuch, was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai in Ten Commandments, and written iq. Two Tables b; the Four firft Commandments contain-
ing
(hill depart, and the hills be remo- ved, but my kindnefs (hall not de- part from thee, neither (hail the covenant of my peace be lemoved, faith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee Pfal 22. 1, My God, my God, why ha*t thou torfaken me? why art thou 10 far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring ? (Pfal. 38. throughout,)
I. a Gen. U 26. And God laid, Let us make man in our image, ziier our likenefs: and let them have dominion over the fifh of the Tea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, ry 17. So God created man in his own image, in the image oi' God created he him : male and female created he them Wtb Gen, 2, 17, But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou (halt not eat of it : for in the day that thou eateft thereof, thou fhalt furely die. Rem. 2. 14. For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the laws thefe having not the law, area law un- to themfelves : i\ 15, which (lie w the works ot the law written in their hearts, their cor.fcience alio bearing witnefs, and their thoughts the
mean while accufmg, orelfe excufing one another. Rom, jo, 5, For Mofes defcribeth the righteoumefs which is of the law, that the man which dorh thole things, (hall live by them. 'Rom. 5. iz, Wherefore, as by one man iin entered into the world, and death by fin $ and (o death pafTed upon all men, for that alf have finned, v. 19. For as by one mans difobedience many were madeiinners : fo by the obedience ot one fhail many be made righ- teous. Gal 3, 10, For as many as are of the works of the law, are un- der the curie : for it is written, Curled is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them, 1/. 12. And the law is not of faith : but, The mm that doth them, fhali live in them. Eccl, 7. 29, Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright , but they have fought out many inventions^ 'Job 28. 28. And unto man he laid, Be- hold the fear of the Lord, that is wifdom i and to depart from evil, is underftanding,
II, b James i« 25. But whofo looketh into the perfeel law of li- berty, and continueth therein, h< being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work," this man fhail he bid-
Chap. 19 The Confefflon of Faith: xoy
Ing our Duty towards God, and the other Six, our Duty to Man c.
III. Befide this Law, commonly called Moral, God was pleafed to give to the People of Ifrael, as a Church under Age, Ceremonial Laws, containing feveral typical Ordinan- ces, partly of Worfhip, prefiguring Chrift, his Graces, Aftions, Sufferings and Benefits <' ; and partly holding forth divers Inftruttions of Moral Duties e. All which Ceremo- nial
blefTed in his deed. Japes 2, 8. if ye fulfil the royal law, according to the fcriprure, Thou (hale love thy neighbour as thy (elf, ye do well. *v io- For whofoever fhall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guil.y ot all. v 11. For he that (aid, Do not commit adul- tery 7 faid alfo, do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet it thou kill, thou ait become a tranf- greflbr of the law. v 12. So fpeak ye,'and (o do, as they that fhali be judged by the law of Liberty. Rom. 15. 8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another : for he that lo- veth another, harh fulfilled the law. v 9. For this, Thou fhalt not com- mit adultery. Truu fhalt not kill, Thou fhalt not fteal, Thou fhalt not bear falle witntfs, Thou fhalt not cover, and it there be any other com- mandment, it is briefly comprehen- ded in this faying, namely, Thou fhalt love thy neighbour as tny (elf Dent y, 32. Xt fhall obfe-ve to do therefore as the Lord ycur God ha:h commanded you, you fhall not turn afide to the right-hand or to the left. Dent 10. 4. And he wrote on the tables, according to the firit wricing, the ten commandments, which the Lord fpakeunto you in the mount, out of thexnrdft cf the fire, in the day of the aflerably : and the Lord gave them unto me. Exoci, 34.. 1 And the Lord laid unto Moles, Hew thee two tables of ft one like unto the firit ; and I will write upon thete
tables the words that were in the firit table which thou brakeft.
c hfatth 22. 37. Jefus Qid unto him Thou fhalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and wich ail thy foul, and with all thy mind. i/« 38, This is the firft and great com- mandment, v. 3 p. And the fecond is like unto lr, Thou fhah lore neighbour as thy (elf, v 40. On thefe two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
III. d f Vkb 9, Chapter ) Hebio. 1. For the law having a fhadow of good things to come, and not ihz very image of the things can never with thofe facrifices, which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perlcdL GaL 4. 1 « Now I fay, that the heir as long as he is a Child, difrereth nothing from a fervant, though he be lord cf ail : v. 2. But is under tutors and goi nor?, until the time appointed of the tather. v 3 .Even (o we, when we were children, were in bondage un- der the elements of the world. Colzm 17, Which are a fhadow of things to come, but the body is of Chrift.
e 1. Cos >> 7- Purge our therefore the old leaveo, thar ye may be a new Jump, as ye are unleavened : for e- ven Chrilt, our paflover is facrificed for us: 2 Cor 6", 17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye feperatc, faith the Lord, and touch no: the unclean thing; and I will receive you. Jade 23 . And ethers fave with fear, puling them our of
the
108 The Confeffion of Faith. Chap 19,
nial Laws are now abrogated under the New Teftament f. 1 IV, To them alfo, as a Body politick, he gave fiindry judicial Laws, which expired together with the State of that People, not obliging any other now, further than the gene- ral Equity thereof may require g.
V. The moral Law doth for ever bind all, as well jufti- fied Perfons as others, to the Obedience thereof h ; and that
not
ftie fire ; hating even the garments {ported by theflefh,
f Co/ 2. 14; B'orring cur the banc*, writting of ordinances, that was a- gainft us,^ which was contrary to us, and took it out ofnhc way, nailing it to his profs, v. 16, Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in refpeel of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the fab* bath-days, v. 17. Which are a fhadow or" things to come, but the body is erf Chriil. Dan, 9. 27. And he fhall confirm the covenant with ma- ny for one week : and m the roidft of the week,. he fhali eaufe the facrifice and the oblation to ceafe; and for the overfpreading ot abominations, he (hall make it deiolate, even un- til the confcmmation and that deter- mined fhali be poured upon the deforce. Eph 2. ly. Having abo- iifherf m his fic/h, the enmity, even the law of command mens, contain- ed in ^ ordinances, for to make in himfeif of twain, one new man, fo making peace j v. 16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the crefs, having flain the en miry thereby.
IV. g (Exod, 2 1 . chapter Exod 22. t„ to the 29 verfe : See b >tb in the pick.) Gen. 49, 10. The (ccprre (hall not depart fi cm Judah, nor a law- giver imm between his feet, until Shiloh come j and unto him fhall the gathering of the people be. With 1 Pet, 2. 13, •Submit your fcives to every ordinance of man for the Lords fake, whether it be to the
king, asfupreme; v. 14." Or unto governors, asr unto them that are lent by him, for the puniflnment of evil doers, and for the praile of them that do well. Mat. y, 17; Think not that 1 am come to de- ft roy the law and the prophets : I am not come to deftroy, but to ful- fil. With v. 38. Ye have heard, that it hath been laid, An eye for an eye. and a tooth tor a toorh v. 39 But I fay unto you, that ye refill: not evil but whofocver fhall fmite ihcc on thy right cheek, turn to him the orhei*alfo. 1 Cor 9. 8. Say I thefe things as a man? or fait5i net the law the fame alfo? v. 9. For it is written in the law ot Moles, Tiiou /halt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that tread eth out the corn : Doth God take care for oxen? i>, 10. Or faith he ir altogether for our fakes ? tor our fakes no doub\* this is written, that nc that ploweth fhouid plow in hope, and that he that threfheth in hope, fhouid be partaker of his hope.
V h E.xod. 13. 8, 9 [See above in letter b] vm 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour : therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Eph. 6". 2. Honour tiiy lather and mother, which is the firft commandment with promife. J John v 3. And here- by do we knowr,that we know hirnjf we keep his command ments v. 4, He that faithj know him,and kecp- eth not? his commandments, isaii- ar, and the truth is not in him. v. 7. Brethren, I write no new com- mand-
Chap: 19. The Confeffion of Faith. 109
not only in regard of the Matter contained in it, but alfb in-refpeft of the Authority of God the Creator who gave it:. Neither doth Chrift in the Gofpel any way diffolve, but much ftrengthen this Obligation 'k.
VI, Although true Believers be not under the Law as a Covenant of Works, to be thereby juftified or condemned l ; Yet is it of great Ufe to them, as well as to others ; in that, as a Rule of Life, informing them of the Will of God and their Duty, it direfts and binds them to walk according- ly m ; discovering alfo the finful Pollutions of their Na- ture,
mandment unto* you, but an old command menu which ye had from the beginning : the old command- ment is the word which ye have heard from the . beginning, v. 8. Again, a new commandment I write nr.ro you, which thing ms true in him and in you : txc^ufe the dark- nets is pail, and the true light now ftiineth. i James i. 10 1 1. (See in letter b ) k Matth. 5. 17, (See in later g.) U. 18. For verily I lay untdyou,Till heaven and earth pais on One tittle (hall i . : .is from
the Jaw, til; ail be fulfilled ,, v. 19. Wnofoever therefore friarl hr< of rhefe lea ft commandments, and ftiall tc?xh men fo, he Qi rhe leait in the ku
bur wnofoever (hall do, and reach them, the fame fhall b. in the kingdom of heaven. *}amm 2: 8. (See cfore.) Rom. 3. 31,
Do wc then - oid the law
h faith ? God i'o bid : yea, . rhe law. VL 1 Rem. 6. 14. For fin (hail not have dominion ov< ye are not u: • , but under
grace. Gal z. 16 K a man :
of the law, bu* 1 of Je«
fus Chrift,even we l^a ■/
:that we might be jqt Ititied by the faith of Chrift, and
not by the works ofthclaw : for 07 the works of the law fhall no flefh be juftified. Gal 3, 13. Chriil hath redeemed us from thecurfo of the law, being made a curfe for us: for it is written, Cur fed is every one that hangeth on a tree. GxL 4. 4 But when the fulnefs of the time was come, Gon fent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law. "u. s". To redeem them that were wi- de* the law, that we might receive the adoption of fons. jfcis 13. 59, And by him all that Ik. iiified from all r m the
which ye could no: be juflifi the law ot M >&$. Ron. 8 j . There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Chrift Jefas, who walk not afi h, buc
alter the Spi
m Rc?u^ -}>\z. Where
nd tlie con
and good, v. iz For I delight in t)v*. lav of G rcr the inward man. v 2.5, li
Chiiit our Lord.
1 the mind, I my kit
fcrve the law ot God ; but with the
flefh, the law of fin. Pfaim 1 io- 4,
nded us to keep
thy precepts diligently v. s- O that
0 keep thy
! v , 0. Then fhall I not be
afhamed, when I have refped unto
all tliv comm ndmems. 1 Cor. 7
t n TJt
iio The ConfeJJion of Faith. Chap. 19 •
ture, Hearts and Lives n ; fo as examining thefnfelveS there- by, they may come to further Convi&ion of, Humiliation for, and Hatred againft Sin o ,• together with a clearer Sight of the Need they have of Chrift, and the Perfection of his Obedience p. It is likewife of Ufe to the Regenerate, to reftrain their Corruptions, in that it forbids Sin q ; and the Threatnings of it ferve to fhew what even their Sins de-' ferve, and what Afflictions in this Life they may expeft for them, altho' freed from the Curfe thereof threatned in the Law r, The Promifes cf it, in like manner, fhew them
God's
19. Circumcifion is nothing and uncircumcifeon is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Gal s- 14. i6\ 18, 19,20*2.1, 22, 23., See in the Bible,
n Rom, 7, 7. What fhall we fay then ? Is the law fin ? God forbid. Nay, I had not known fin, but by the law : for I had not known iuit, except the law had (aid,- Thou (halt not covet, Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there fhall no fleih be juftified in his fight . for by the law is the knowledge of i\n:
o 'James u 23* For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face In a glafs : v. 14.: For he behcldeth himfelf, and goeth his way, and ih aightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. v. 2>. But whofo looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and conunueth there- in, he being not a forgetful hearer, hut a doer of the work, this man ihall be bleftd in his deed. Rom. 7. 9, For 1 was alive without the law once : but when the commandment came, fin revivedyand I died, v. 14. For we know that the law is fpiri- tual; but I am carnal,* fold under iin. v. 24. O wretched mm that I am, who ihall deliver me from the body of this death ?
p Gal 3. 24 Wherefore the lav/ toas our fchooi-mafter, to bring us
unto ChrirT, that we might be jufti- fied by faith. Rom: 7* 24. (See be- fore in the Utter oe* v, 25-, in letter m) Ram. 8. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flefh, God (ending his own Son, in the likenefs oi finiul flefli, and for fin condemned fin in the fledi ; v. 4. That the righreoufnefs of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk no: aicer the flefli, but after the Spirit.
q James 2, n. For he that faid, Do not commie adultery, faid alfo, Do not kiii. Now, if thou commie no adultery, yec if thou kill? thou art become a tranfgreflor of the law, ■ Pfalm. 115. 10 1, I have refrained my feet from every evil way : that I may keep thy word. v. 104. Through thy Precepts I gee underltandhg. therefore 1 hate every falfe way, v. 128. Therefore I eileem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every falfe way.
r Ezra 9. 1 3. And after all that is Come upon us for our evil deeds, and fbr our great trelpafs, feeing that thou our God has punifhed us lets than our iniquities deferve, and haft given us hich deliverance as this. r. 14* Should we again breik thy com- mandments, and join in affinity with. the people of thefe abominations ? wouldit r.or thou be angry With us,-
m
Chap, 19. The ConfeJ/ton of Faith: 11 1
God's Approbation of Obedience, and what Bleffings they may expeft upon the Performance thereof f, although not a? due to them by the Law, as a Covenant of Works r, So as a Man's doing Good, and refraining from Evil, becaufe the Law encourageth to the one, and deterreth from the other, is no Evidence of his being under the Law, and not under Grace v. VII. Nei-
till thou had ft ccnCnfntd us, fo that there fhould be no remnant nor e- fcaping {* Tfal 89 30. Ii his children forfake my law, and walk not in my judgments; v 31. If they break my ttatures, and keep not my command- ments : v 32: Then wiii 1 vifit their tranfgrellion with the rod, and their inquiry wirh ffripes. i; 33- Ncver- theiefs,, my loving kindnefs will I not utterly take irom him, nor dif- fer my taithfulnefs to fail, v 34. My covenant vn ill I net break, nor alter the thing that is gone cut of my lips.
[ f Lev 26". to the 14. verfe ] With 2 Cor 6", 16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols i for ye arc the temple of die living Gcd ; as God hath laidy I will dwell in them, and wall; in them; and I wiii be their God, and -hey fliall be mF people. Epb 6", 2. Honour thy father and thy mother ( which is the fkft commandment with promife.) i) 3. Thar it may oe well wirh thee, and thou mayeit live long on rhe earth. PJal 37. 11. But rhe meek fliall inherit the earth : and fhali de- light themfelves in the abundance of peace. With Matthf, 5. Bieiied are the meek, "or they fhall inherit rhe earth. PJaim 19.. 11. Moreover, by them is thy lervant warned : and in keeping of them there is great re- ward.
c Gall, 16. Knowing that a man is net ) drifted by the wo ks of rhe law, but by the faith orJefusChriA, even we have I -n JefusGhrift,.
that we might be jiutihed by the
faith c£ Chrift, and not by the works of the law . for by the works of the law ihali no fleih be juftified. Luke 17, 10. Solikewife ye, whenyefhall have done all rhofe things which are commanded you, fay, We are un- profitable fervants : ws have doi^e that which was our duty to do.
v F.om. 6". 12. Let not fin there- fore reign in your mortal borJy, that ye fhould obey it in the lufi there- of, v 14. For Sin (hall not have dominion over you ; for ye are noc under the law, but imder grace, 1 Pet 3, 8* Finally, be ye all ofene mind, having companion one of another, love as brethren, be piti- ful, be courteous. *v 9. Not ren- dering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise, blemng : knowing that ye are thereunto cal- led, that ye fhould inherit a blei- iing. «y 10. for he thar will love life, and ke good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they (peak no guile. v ii, Let him efchew evil, and do good; let him leek peace and en- fue ir. rJ 12. For the eyes of x\\z Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers : but the face or" rhe Lord is againitthem that do evil. With YJjilm 34. 12: What m*n is lie that dellreth life, and iovtth many days, that he may fee good ? v 1 3 , Keep thy tongue irom evil, and thy lips liorn {peak- ing guile, v 14. Depart from evil, and do gcoci : v^ck peace and pur- ine ir. v. 15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and bis ears
arc
in The Chap 2,0.
VII. JJe d Ufes of the Law con-
twt do f ^mply
Will
illy, which the Will of
: o be do:~ :
Chap. XX. Of Cbriftism Liberty > and Li-
THE L for Believers
Freedom fro/ Guilt . i oi God. the Curie of
ered from this pre-
ind Dominion of Sin b, from
:
I
!
:
I
:>e my
I a 7>ri, 14. Vv
.ni us
1
h rsven,
.
I . cveiy
■ rfier. Q?/ 1, 13- W
: ra the I mayrc: rends of fin
Chap: 10. The Confeffion of Faith, if 3
from the Evil of Afflictions, the Sting of Death, the Victo- ry of the Grave, and everlafting Damnation c ; as alfo in their free Accefs to God d, and their yielding Obedience un- to him, not out of flavifh Fear, but a child-like Love and willing Mind e. All which were common alfo to Believers under the Law I : But,under the New Teflament, the Liber- ty of Chriftians is further enlarged, in their Freedom from the Yoke of the Ceremonial Law, to which the Jewiia Church was fubjected g ; and in greater Boldnefs of Accefs to
the
inheritance among them which are fanctified by faith that is in me. Rom, 6, 14. For fin (hall not have domi- nion over you : for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
c Rom. 8. 28. We know that all things work togrher for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his pur- pofi Vjabn 119. 71, It is good tor me that I have been afflicted : that I might lea: n thy ftatutes.i Car. iy. 54. £0 when this corruptible (hail have put on incorrup:ion, and mis moi ai (haul have put on immortali- ty, tr.cn (hall be brought to pa(s the laying that is wrm«ro,Deatrt is (wal- loped up in victory* v. ff.O death, where is :h) iring?0 grave, where is thy vicliry tv. 56. The 0 death is fin j and rhe itrengrh or (in is Che law. v 57. But tnanks be to God which giveth us rh2 v through our L >id Jefus Chriit.Rw/?. 8. 1. There is therefore now no con- demnation to :htm which are in Ch.itt J .(us, v\ho walk not after the fl.-(h, bat after the Spirit
m. 5, i.Thereiore being ju- y faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jefas Chrift. <y. 2. By v;hcm alio vvc have accefs by faith into hifi grace wherein we md rejokc in hope ot the glorv or God,
e Rom, 8 14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are
the fonsof God. v. ry. For ye have not received the fp'.rit of bondage again to fear ; bur ye hive received the Spirit of adeprin, whereby wc c~v, Abba, Father. 1 John 4.. 18^ There is no fear in bve ; tJut per- fect love calieth cut fear: becaufe fear hath torment : he that ieareth is not made perfect in love,
f Gal. 3. 9, So then they which be of fairn, are biellcd with faithful Abraham, v: 14. That the bit:. ot Abraham might come on the Gentiles through jeius Chrift; that: we might receive the prorrfiie of the Spirit through faith,
g Gal. jl. 1-. Now 1 fey, that heir,as long as he is a chiid,dirlcrcth nothing from a {ervant, though he be lord of all > a>. 2. But is under tu- tors and governors, until the time appointed of the father, v. 3. Even fo we, when ure were childrcn,were in bondage under the eiemen's of the wond. vth 6 And becanfc ye are fon?, God ha;h fen: forth the Spirit of his Son m;o your hearts, crying, Aona, Father, v. 7* Wherctore thou art no more a fervaat, but a fon; and if a ion, thtn an heir of God through Chrift, GaL 5. 1. St^nd fed rm-refore in the iiocrty wl ere- with Chriit. hath made us fret, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage, Ms If. 10. Now c why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the diici- H pies
H4 The Cmfeffion of Faith. Chap 21?
the Throne of Grace h, and in fuller Communications o^ the free Spirit of God, than Believers under the Law did ordinarily partake of iV
II. God alone if Lord of the Conscience k, and hath left it free from the Doftrines and Commandments of Men, which are in any Thing contrary to his Word, or befide it, In Matters of Faith or Worfhip ). So that to believe fuch Doctrines, or to obey fuch Commandments out of Conference,
is
pies, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear : y> 1 i. But we believe, that through the grace of the Lord Jefus Chrlft, we fhall be laved even as they
h Heb 4,14. Seeing then that we have a great high priett, that is paf- fed into the heavens, Jefus the Son of God,- let us hold fait our profef- iion. v 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time oi need. Heb, 10. 19. Having therefore, brethren, boldnefs to enter into the holiett, by the blood of Jefus, v 2.0. By a new and living way which he hath confecrated for us through the vail, thaf is to fay, his fiefh, <v 2 r. And having an high priett over the houfe of Gxl : v 22. Let us draw near with a Uue heart, in full aflti- rance of Faith, having our hearts iprinkled from an evil confcience, and our bodies waOied with pure water.
i Jdhn 7, $8, He that believeth on me, as the Scripture haeh (aid, out of his belly (Kill flow rivers of living water. <v 39. But this (pake he ot thz Spirit, whicii they that believe on him, fliouki receive: tor the holy Ghoft was not yet given, becaufe that jfefiis was not yet glorified, 2. Cor 3. 1 $. And not asMofes, which put a vaii over his race, that the children ot Ifrael could not itedfaitly look to the end of thar which is ab^liMied. <v 17* Now the Lord is that Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is9 there is Liberty, v. 18. But we all with open face, beholding as in a glals, the glory of the Lord, are changed into she fame image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
II. k lam 4. 1 2. There is one la w* giver, who is able to fave, and to de- ttroy : who art thou that judged a- nothcr ? Rom 14,4. Who art thou that judged aaother mans fervant ? to his own mailer he ttanderh or fal- leth ; Yea, he (halt be holden up: for God is able to make him Hand
1 Atis 4. 19. But Peter and John anfwered and faid unto them, Whe- ther it t>e right in the light of God to hearken unto you, more than unto God, judge ye. Acts s, -9- Then Peter and the other apotties anfwer- ed and faid, We ought to obey God rather than men. 1 Cor 7. 2.3, ye are bought with a price, be not ye the fervants of men Match 23. 8. But be not ye ca.\\ed Raooi, for one is your Matter, even Ch:itt, and all ye are brethren, v 9. And call no man your iather upon the car h ; far one is your Father, which is in heaven <v 10. Neither be ye cal- led matters y ior one is your Matter, even Cnritt. 2 Cor 1 24. Not tor that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of you- joy ; for by faith ye ttand, Mcitth. 15-. 9, But in vain they do worfhip me, teaching for doclrines the com- mandments of men,'
m 'lot
Chap, 10 The Confejfton of Faith 4 t\%
is to betray true Liberty of Confcience m ; and the requiring of an implicite Faith, and an abfolute and blind Obedience is to deftroy Liberty of Confcience, and Reafon alio n.
Ill, They who, upon pretence of Chriftian Liberty, do prafrife any Sin, or cherifhany Luft, do thereby deftroy the End of Chriftian Liberty-, which is, that being delivered out of the Hands of our Enemies, we might ferve the Lord
without Fear, in Holinefs and Righteoufnefs before him all the Days of our Life o. IV. And
rn Col.. 2. 20. Wherefore if ye be Thefe were more noble than rhofe dead with Chrlrt trom the rudiments in Tbeflalonica, in that they recei- oftheworld, why, as though li- ning in the woiid, are ye (lib j:£t to ordinance c, vm 22 Which all are to penfh with the iung, after the commandments and doctrines of men ?v. 2:3. Which things have in- deed a fhew of wifdom in will-wor- fhip and humility, and neglecting 01 the body, » ot in any honour to the fatisrying o;the flefn. G%L I. 10. For do i now perfwade men,orGod?
or do I feek to piealc men ? tor if I
yet pleafei men, I fhould not be tht
iervant or Chrift. Gal, z' 4. And
that becaule of ralfe Dremren una-
wares brought in, who came in pri- vily to ipy out our liberty, which
we have *in Ghrift Je'us, that they
might bri tg us into bondage : v. 5.
To w'hom we gj.ve place by fubje-
ction, no not for an h mi : ihat the
trutn ot the gofpel • light continue
with yo:;. Qau $- 1. Stand faff, there- fore m the liberty wbe e*ith Chrift
haih made us free, and be not in-
tangied again with \\\z yoke of
bondage.
n Rwz 10. 17. So ihen, faith
comv.!n by hearing and hearing by
the word 01 •Jo... Rom 14. 23. And
he that deabceth, ic namned it ne
eat, becanfe hesateth not or I
fo- whatfovet l> not of '^^ , is ii^.
If*. 8, 20. To the law and to there*
ttimony ; 1 f t h t y fp : ak no t a ceo id -
ing co this word, it is becaufe there
is no light in them, A0s 17. 11.
ved the word with all readinefs of mind, and fearched the fcriptures dailv,wherher thole things were fo. John 4. 22. Ye worfaip ye know net what : we know what we worflup* for falvation is of the Jews. Hof. f. 11. Ephraim is opprefied, and bro- ken in judgment ; becaufe he wil- lingly walketh after the command- ment. Rev. I|. 12. And he exerd- feth all the po*er of the firft bcait before cim, and caufeth the earth, and them which dw*il therein, to worship the firit beafl . whoie deadly Wound was healed, v* i5. And he caufeth all both imali and gear, rich and poor., tree and bond, to re- ceive a mark in th*ir nghr-hand, or in thai fcre-heads; a/.r\ Anjd that no man might buy, or (el!, lave he thac had the mark, 01 the name of the beaft, or the number of his name. Jer. 8. 9.The wife men areafhamed, tney are difmayed and taken ; lo* they have rejected the word of the Lord,and what wildom is in tliem? HI. o GaL f. 13. Fo-, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty, oniy win noL liberty tor an occaiion to thG fiefh, but by love ferve one another: iFtt.z, 16. As free, andnotohng you liberty for a cloke of maiici- ouineis, hue as the iervants out Goc'o 2 Pet 2. :p, While they promife them liberty, they themfelves are the iervants of corruption ; tor ot whom a man is overcome, of the H z fam«
n6 The Confeffion of Faith. Chap. 20.
IV. And, becaufe the Powers which God hath ordained, ' and the Liberty which Chrift hath purchaled, are not inten- ded by God to deftroy, but mutually to uphold and preferve one another; they who, upon Pretence of Chriftian Liber- ty, ftiall oppofe any lawful Power, or the lawful Exercile of it, whether it be Civil or Ecclefiaflical, refill the Ordi- nance of God P. And for their publishing of fuch Opinions, or maintaining of fuch practices, as are contrary to the Light of Nature, or to the known Principles of Ghriftianity, whether concerning Faith, Worfhip, or Converfation ; or to the Power of Godlinefs ; or fuch erroneous Opinions or Pra&ices, as either in their own Nature, or in the Manner of publifhing or maintaining them, are deitruttive to the external Peace and Order which Chrift hath eftabiifhed the Church; they may lawfully be called to Account,
in
and proceeded againft by the Cenfures of the Church q,
and
fame is he brought in Jbondag?. John 8. 34. Jefus anlwered them, Verily, verily, I fay unto you, whosoever cornmitteth fin, is the fervant of fin. Like 1. 7 4. That he would grant un- to us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enernie?, might ferve him without fear, v, 75. In hoiinefs and righreoufhefs before him all the days of our life*
IV. p Mattb. 11, 2>- And Jefus knew their thoughts, 'and faid unto them* every kingdom divided a- gamit it (elf, is brought t© dcfolari- on ; and every city or houfe divi- ded againir k felt, fliali net (land. 1 fet. z 13. Submit your felves to every ordinance of man tor the Lords lake : whether k be to the kir-g as fupreme , v. 14. Or unto governors, as ttnro them that are fent by him, for the punifhment of evil doers, and for the praife of fhem that cfo well,- v. r£. As free, and not uting your liberty for a etoke of malicioumefe, but as the lei vants of God. (Rom* 13 . 1. to the *. \erfej Hub. 13* 17. Obey them
that have the rule over you, and fubmit your (elves : for they watch for your fouls, as they that mull give sccount: That they may do it with joy and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
q Rum. 1 3 z. Who knowing the judgment of God, (that they which commit fuch things are worthy of' death) not only do the fame, but have pleafure in them that do them; With 1 Cor. s* i . It is reported com- monly that there is fornication a- mong you, and (uch fornication as is not fo much as named amongft the Genti'ie?; that one fhould nave his fathers wife, v. $ To deliver fuch an one unto Saran, for the de- flru&ion or the fiefii, that the fpfrfe may be faved in the day of the Lord Jefus. v, 11. But now I have writ- ten unto you, not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother, be a fornicator, or covetou;, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with (uch an one, no nor to ear, v. 13. Bur them that are without God judgeth. There- fore
Chap. 10. The Confefion of Faith:
and by the Power of the Civil Magiftrate r.
117
fore put away frcm among your (elves that wicked perlon. 2 John jo. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not inro >our houfe, neither bid bjm God fpeed, v. 1 1. For he that bid- deth him God {peed, is partaker of his evil deeds. And z The 'f, 3. 14. And it any man obey not our word by this ep'ftre, no^e that man, and have no company with him, that he may be aihamed. And 1 Tim. 6. 3, If any man teach otherwite, and con- lent net to wholcfome wou!?,^even the words of our Lord Jefus Chriit, and to the do&rine which V accord- ing to godiinefs; v, 4. He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about queilions and ftrifes of words, whereof cometh envy, firife, rail- ings, evil iurmifngs, v. 5. Perverfe difputing? of men of corrupt minds, and deftitute oi the truth, luppofmg that gain is godlinefs : from fuch withdraw thy felt ArJTit. 1, ro. For there are ma^ty unruly and vain talkers 6c deceivers, efpeoklly they of the circumcilion, v. 11. Whole mouths muft beftopped,whoiubverr whole houtes,tieacrnug things which they ought nor, for fikhy lucres fake, v, 13 This witnefe is true: where lore rebuke them iharply, that th.y may be iound in the faith. And Tit 3. 10 A man that is an heretick, after the firft and fecond admoni- tion, reject With Mztth. 18. 15*. Moreover if thy brother fliall trel- paisagainft thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him a- lone : if he (hall hear thee/hou hail gained thy brother, v. 16. But if he will not hear thee,then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three wftneflcs, e- very word may be eftablifhed. v. 17. And if he fhaU neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church : but it he ne-
CHAP.
gleet to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 1 Tim, r 19. Holding faith and a good confeience; which (ome having put away, concerning faith have made fhipwrack, v. 20. Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexan- der : whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to biafpheme. Rev, 2.. 1. I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy pa- tience, and how thou canil nor bear them which are evil ; and thou h*ii tried them, which fay they area po- tties, and are not; and hail found them liars, v, 14. But 1 have a few things againft the?, becaufe thou hait there them that hold the doclrine of Balaam, who taught Baiac to can; a (fumbling- block be- fore the children of Jfael, to tat things faci ificed unto idols, and to commit fornication, v. ly. So hait tf*ou alio them that hefd the do- ctrine of the Nicclaitans, whkh thing I hate. nj. 20. Notwithftand- ing, 1 have a tew things agiinft thee, becaufe thou fuffcrelt that wo- man Jtzebel, which calleth her felf a prophctefs, to teach, and (educe my Icrvants to commit fornicat/on, and to eat things facrlficed umo idols. Rev 3. 9 Behold I will niaJ>e them oi the lynagogue of Sa- tan, (which (ay they are Jews, and are not, but do lie.) behold, I will make them to come and wor- fiiip before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
r (Deut: 13. 6 to the 12) Rom, 13.3. For rulers are not a terror to gooi works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of rhe pow- er { do that which is good, and thou (halt have praiie of the fame. v. 4; For he is the miniifer of God to thee for good. But if thou do tea: which is evil, be afraid j for be bearerh K 3 no
The Confefjion of Faith. Chap. io.
fome treading wine-prefTes on the fabbath. and bringing in (heaves, and lading afTes; as alfo wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerufalem on the fabbath- day : and I teftified againft them in the day wherein they fold victuals, i;. 17. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and faid unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the faboath-dav? v* **« Then I teftified againft them, and faid unto them, Why lodge ye a- bout the wall ? it" ye do fo again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the fabbath. v. iz. And I comman- ded the Levir.es, that they fhould cleanfc themfeives, and that they fhould come, and keep the gates, to fan&ify the fabbath-day. Re- member me, O my God concerning this alfo, and {pare me according to the greatnefs of thy rnercy. v. z$. And I contended with rhem, and curfed them, and f note certain of them, and pluckt off their hair, and made them (wear 'by God, faying, Ye fhall not give your daughters unto their fons, nor take their daughters unto your Tons, or for your felves. 1/. 3. Thus cleanfed 1 rhem from all itrangers, and ap- pointed the wards of the pnefts, and the Levircs, every one in his buii- nefs, 2 Kingsi^, 5. And he put down the idolatrous priefts, whom rhe kings of Judah had ordained to bum incenfe in the high places in the ci- ties of Judah, and jn the places round about jerufalem, them alfo that burnt incenfe unto Baal, to the fun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the hoft of hea- ven. rJ, 6. And he brought out the grore from the houfe of the Lord, without Jerufalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burnt it at the brook Kidrun, and ftampt it fmall to pow- der 3 and caft the powder thereof upon
n8
not rhe fword in vain; for he is the minift er of God, a revenger to exe- cute wrath upon him that doth evil. Wthzjehn 10, 11 [See in the letter q) Ezra 7. 23. Whatfoever is comman- ded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done, for the houfe of the 'God of heaven; for why Ihould there be wtatb againft the realm of the king and his fons? v. if. And' thou, Ez,ra, after rhe wifdom of God, that is in thine hand, fet magiftrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all fitch as know the laws of thy God, and teach yft them that know them not. <v. 26. And whofoever will not do rhe law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be execu- ted fpeediiy upon him, whether it be unto death., or to banifhmenr, or to confifcation of goods, or to im- prisonment, <u. 2,7. B^fied be the Lord God or oiir fathers, which hath put fuch a thing as this in the Kings heart, to beautify the houfe of rhe Lord, which is in Jerufalem : ru. 28 And hath extended mercy unto me, before the king, and his co un fellers, and before all the kings mighty princes ; and I was ftrength- ned, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of lfrael, chief men to go up with me. Rev. 17. 12. And the ten horns which thou faw* eft, are ten kings, which have re- ceived no kingdom as yet5 but re- ceive power as kings one hour with the beaft. v. i£. At*d the ten horns which thou fa weft upon the beaft, thefe {hall hate the whore, and fhall make her defolate, and naked, and {hail eat her flefh, and burn her with fire; v 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agiee, and to give their king- dom unto the beaft, until the words pi God flsall be fulfilled. Neb. 13. Sj9 In thofe days faw I in Judah,
Chap. 21, The Confeffion of Faith. 119
Chap: XXL Of Religions Worfbifc ana the Sabbath-day.
TH E Light of Nature fheweth thajt there is a God, who hath Lordfhip and Sovereignty over all ; is good, and doth Good unto all ; and is therefore to be feared, loved, prai- fed, called upon, trufred in, and ferved, with all the Heart, and with all the Soul, and with all the Might a. But the ac-
cep- upon the graves of the children of amifs againft the God of Shadrach, the people, v. 9. Nevenhelefs, the prieils of the high places came not up to the altar of the Lord m Jeru- salem, but they did eat of the unlea- vened bread among their brethren. nj. 20, And he (lzw all the priefts cf the high places that were there, upon the altars, and burnt mens bones upon them, and returned to Jerufalem: v, 21. And the king commanded all the people, faying, Keep the paflover unto the Lord yuur God, as it is written in the book of this covenant; 2 Chron. 34. 33. And Joiiah tcck away all the a- bominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Krael, at-.d made ail that were pre- fect in Hraei to ferve, even to ferve the Lord tbeir God. And ail his days they departed not from follow- ing the Lord, rhe God of their fa- thers. 2 Chron. ly. 1?. And theyen- tred inro a covenant to feel: the Lord God of their fathers, with ail their heart, and with all their foul ; n\ 13. That whofoever would not feek the Lo;d God of If ael, fhould be put to death, whether fmali or great, whether manor woman, v.it . And aho concerning Maachah the mother of A fa the king, he removed her from being queen, becaufe (he had made an idol in a grove : and
Mefhach, and Abed-nego, fhall be cut in pieces, and their houfes (hall be made a dunghil, becaufe chere is no other god that can deliver after this iort. 1 Tim 2. 2 For kings, and for all that are in authoriry y that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godhne fs and honeity. Ifa. 49. 23. And kings fhall be thy nurfing- fathers, and their queens thy nurfing- mothers: they fhall bow down to thee, with their race toward the earth, and lick up the duff of thy feet, and thou (halt know that I am the Lord : for ihey fhall not beafha- med that wait for me. Ztth. 13. 2. And it fhall come to pafs in that day, faith the Lord of hoffs, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they fhall no more be remembred ; and alfo I will caufe the prophets, and the unclean fpirit to pafs out of the land, <v% ^ And it fhall come to pafs, that when any fhall yet propheiie, then his fa- ther and his mother, that begat him, fhall fay unto him, Thou fhalc not live; for thou fpeakelt lies in the name of the Lord : and his father and his mother, that begac him, fhall thruft him through wnen he propheueth.
1. zRom. 1. 29, For the invifible things of him from the creation of
Afd cut down her idol, and lfamped the world are clearly feen, being
it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. underitood by the things that are
Dan. 3 29. Tnerefore I make a de- made, even his eternal power and
c.ec, That eveiy people, nation, and Godhead; fa that they are without
language, which ipeak any thing H 4. ex*
120
The Confeffion of Faith.
Chap zi
ceptable Way of Worfhipping the true God, is militated by himfelf, and Co limited by his own revealed Will, that he may not be worfhipped according to the Imaginations and Devices of Men, or the Suggeftions of Satan, under any vifible Reprefentation, or any other Way not prefcribed in the holy Scripture b.
II. Religious Worfhip is to be given to God, the Father,
Son,
excuie. Atls 17. 24; GoJ that made the world, and ail tniigs therein, feeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,dwelleth not in temples made with hands, VJaL 119. 68. Thou art good, and doeft good ; teach me thy ftatutes. Jer. 10. 7. Who would not lear thee, O King of na- tions? for to thee doth it apper- tain > tor as much as among all the wile men of .he nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. PfiL 31. 2.5. O love the Lord, all ye his faints: for the Lord prelervC'h the faithful, and plenti- fully rewarded* the proud d^ei\ PfaL 1?. 3. 1 will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to fee praifed ; fo (hall I be (aved from mine ene- mies, Rom. 10. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek : for the fame Lord ever all, js rich unto all that call upon him; ffal. 6*2. 8. Truft in him at all times i ye people, pour out your heart beiore him : God is a refuge for us: ' Jojh 24. J4. Now there- fore, fear the Lord, and ferve him in fincerity and in truth, and puc away the gods which your fathers ierved on the other fide of the flood, and in Egyp:: and ferve ye theLo'd. M&vk 12, 33. And to love him with all the heart, and with all the underftanding, and with all the foul, and with all the ftrengtb, and to love his neighbour as him- felf, is more thanali whole burnt- Oflferiogs and faciiHces**
b Dent. 12; 5 2, What thing fcever I command you, obferve to do it : thou (hale nor add thereto, nor di- minifh horn it. Mat, iy. 9. But in vain do they worfhip rne, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. ABs 17. 25. Neither is wor- fhipped with mens hands, as though he needed any thing, iceing he giy- eth to ai) life, and breath, and all things Matth. 4. 9. And faith unto him, All rhele things will I give thee, it thou wiir fall down and worfhip me <v% ID# Then faith Je- fus unto him, Get thee hence, Sa- tan : for it is written. Thou /halt worfhip the Lord thy God, snd him only fhait fhou ferve. {Dent. 15 to the 20 verfe) Exod. 20. 4. Thou fhait not make unto thee any gra- ven image, or any likenefs of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. v. 5. Thou (halt not bow down thy felt to them, nor ferve them ; lor I the Lord thy God am a jealous vifiring the iniquity of the
God,
fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them^ that hate me : v. 6". And fhewing mercy unto thoufands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Col. 2. 23. Which things have indeed a fhew of wif- dom in will -worfhip and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in ar»y honour to the fatisiying of the fl|&> IL c Mat;
Chap, i i . The Confeffion of Faith. i z i
Son, and Holy Ghoft; and to Him alone c • Not to An- gels, Saints, or any pther Creature d: And, fince the Fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the Mediation of any other but of Chrift alone e.
III. Prayer with Thankfgiving, being one fpecial Part of Religious Worfhip f, is by God required of all Men g ; and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the Name of the Son h, by the Help of his Spirit ', according to his Willi?, with Underftanding, Reverence, Humility, Fer- vency, Faith, Love, and .Perfeyerance ) 5 and, if Vocal,
in
IL c Mat 4, 10, (See before in Ut- ter h ) With John 5 23 „ That all men fhould honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that ho- noureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which hath fent him. 4nd 2 Cor 13, 24. The grace of the Lord Jefus Chrift, and the Jcve of Goo, and the communion 01 the Holy Ghoft, be with you all. Amen.
d Coll. 18; Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility, and worfhipping of an- gels, intruding in*o thofe things which he hath not feen, vainly puftup by his fl.fhly mind. Rev, 19, 19. And I fdl at his feet to worthip him : and he faid unro me, See thou do it not : I am thy iellow- fervanr, and of thy Brethren that have the reftimony of Jefus ; wor- fhip God : fc^ the teftimony of Je- ius is the fpirit of prophecy. Rom, 1 zs. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and wor (hipped and ferved the creature more tnan the Creator, who is bieiled lor eveir Arren.
e John 14, 6*. Jefus faith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life : no man cometh to the Father but by me. 1 Tm 2. $. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Chrift Jefus. Eph 2 18, For through him we both have
an accefs by one Spirit unto the Father. Gl. V l~?* And whatsoe- ver ye do in word or in deed, do all in the name of jthe Lord Jefus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Ill, (Phil 4. 6". Be careful for no* thing ; but in every thing by pray- er and fupplication with rhankigi- ving,, let y ur requefts be made known unro God,
g ?fal 6s 2. O thou that heareft. prayer, unto thee ihall all flefh come;
h John 14.13. And wbatfoever ye fhall ask in my n^me, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son, v 14. It ye fhall ask any thing' in my name, I will do it. 1 Vet, 2, 5, Ye alio as lively ftones, are buiic up a (piritual houfe, an holy prieft- hood to offer up Ipirirnal (acrifices, acceptable to God ?*y Jeius Chrift.
i Rom 8,26. Likewife the Spirit al(o heipeth our mnrmkies: for we know not what we fhould pray for as we ought: but theSpirit kfelfma- keth interceflioil for us with groan* ings which c aanot be uttered.
k 1 John 5. 14* And this is the confidence that we have in him, thar, if we ask any thing according to his Will, be heareth us.
1 Ppl 47, 7. For God is the King of all the earth, ling ye pr^ifes with underftanding. EccU f, i'. Keep thy iooc when thou goeit to the noufe
Pf
l%z The Confejjion of Faith. Chap i z
in a known Tongue m.
IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawful n, and for ^ll Sorts of Men living, or that fhall live hereafter o ; but not for the Dead P, nor for thole of whom it may
be
of God, and be more ready to hear, rhan to give the facrifice of fools : for they confider not that they do evil. v. 2. Be not rafh with thy mouth, and let not thine heart he hafty to utter any thing before God: for G jd is in heaven, and rhou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Heb \z7%. Wherefore we re- ceiving a kingdom, which cannot he moved, let us have grace, whereby we may ferveGod acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Gen i8, 27. And Abraham anfwered and laid, Behold now, I have taken upon me to (peak unto the Lord, which am but du(l and afhes. Jam $ 16. Con- fefs your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed : The efteclual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth t much. Jam. 1, 6\ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth, is like a wave of the lea, driven with the wind and tolled, n) 7. For let not that man think that he ihall rcctive any thing ot the Lord. Hi ark 11. £4. Therefore I fay unto you, What things foever yz defire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye fhall have them. Mat 6, 12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debters. v. 14 For if ye forgive men their trel- pafTes, your heavenly Father will al- io forgive you, a;, jy. But if ye for- give not men their trefpafles, nei- ther will your Father forgive your trefpafles. Col 4, 2 Continue in pray- er and watch in the lame with rhankfgiving. Eph6. 18. Praying al- ways, with all prayer and fuppiica- tion in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perfeveran.ee, and fupplication for all faints*
m \ Cor 14, 14. For if I pray in an. unknown tongue, my {pirit prayeth, but my underftanding is unfruitful, IV. n( 1 John s 14. See letter k.) o i Tim 2, 1, 1 exhort^ therefore, that firft of all, fuppiications, pray* ers, interceflions, dud giving of thank?, b^ made tor all men : *v, 2. For kings, and for all that are in au- thority •' that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godhnefs and honeity. John 17, 20. Neither pray I forthefe alone, but for them alio which fhall believe on me through their word. 2 Sam 7, 29. Therefore now let it plea (e thee to blefs the houfe of thy fervant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, halt (poken it, and with thy blciljng let the houfe of *hy fervant be biefled forever. Ruth$,iz- And let thy houfe be like the houfe of Pharez, ( whom Tamar bare unto Judah ) of the feed which the Lord lhall give thee ot this young woman.
p 2 Sam 12,21. Tiien laid his fer- vants Goto him, What thing is this that thou halt done ? thou didlt fait and weep for the child while it was alive 5 but when the child was dead, thou didft arife and eat bread v 22 And he faid, While the child was yet alive, I faffed and wept: for I laid, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? z? 13, But now he is dead, wherefore fhouid I fail ? Can I bring him back again? I fhall go to him, but he (hall not return to me. ( -with Luke 16. 25. ) But Abraham (aid, Son, remember , that thou in thy 1 fetime receivedft thy good things, and likewife Lazarus evil things : but now
Chap 21 The Confejfion of Faith. izj
be known ~ that they have finned the Sin unto Death q. V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly Fear r • the; found preaching f, and confcionable Hearing of the Word, in Obedience unto God, with Understanding, Faith, and Reverence c ; Singing of Pfalms with Grace in the Heart v ; as alfo, the due Adminiftration, and worthy Receiving of the Sacraments inftituted by Chrift ; are all Parts of the ordinary Religious AVorlhip of God w; Befides Religious
Oaths hear all things that are commanded thee of God, Matth. 13. 19. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and underftandeth it not, lhcn cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was fown in his heart : this is he, which re- ceived feed by the way -fide, Hek 4. 2. For unto us was the gofpcl preached as well as unto them ; but the word preached did not pro- fit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heaid ir. Ija, 66. 2, For all thofe things hath mine hand mice, and all thofe things have been, faith the Lord ; bur to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite fpint, and t.emblethat my word.
v Col. 3. io\Let the word of Chrift dwell in you richly in all wiidom ; teaching and admonifhing one ano- ther in pfalms, and hymns, and fpi- litual longs, ringing with grace in your Hearts to the Lord. Evh. 5. i0. Speaking to your (elves in p(2Jms[ aqd hymns, and spiritual fongs, fing- ing, and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. James$. 1 3 s\$ any among you afflicted < let him pray. Is any mrrry ? let him ling piaims.
w Matth* 28. 19. Go ycrhetefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Farher,and of the Sen, and of the holy Ghoft. ( 1 Cor. 1 1. 23. to qjerje 19) Acts 2. yl' And they continued ltediaitly in the. a potties doctrine and feilow/kip^ , and in breaking of bread, and n{ Payers. x£^
now he is comforted, and thou art tormented, v. 26, And heiides all this, between us and you there is a gveac gulf fixed ; 10 that they which would pa fs tioni hence to you can* Lot } neither czn they pais to uc, rhac would come from thence. Rev. 24. 13. And 1 heard a voice from heaven, faying unto me. Write, Bielled are the d; ad, which die in the Lord, irom henceforth . Yea, faith the 5pi:ir, that they may reft from their labours, and their works do follow them.
q 1 John s- 1 5. It any man fee his brother lin a fin which is not unto death, he fhall ask, and he fhail give him Vik for them that lin nor unto death. The: e is a fm unro death; I do not fay, that he fhall pray for ir* V. r A cfs 15. 2 1 For Moles of old time hath in every city, them that preach him, being read in the fynagogues every fabbar.h-day.;2?fv. j, 3. Bielled is he that rtadeth,and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep thole things which are written therein ; for the time is at hand.
{ztim. 4. 2.. Preach the word, be initant in feaion, out of feaion ; reprove, rebuke, exhort with ail long-iufTering and doctrine.
t Jam* 1. 22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiv- ing jour own felves. ABs 10. 33 Immediately therefore I lent to thte j and tnou halt well don , that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here prelent before God, to
1 14 The Conjejjion of Faith. Chap: zi^
, Oaths x and Vows y, folemn Fadings 2 and Thankfgivings upon feveral Occafions s which are, in their feveral Times and Seafons, to be uled in an holy and religious Manner b.
VI. Neither Prayer, nor any other Part of religious Worfhip, is, now under the Golpel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by any Place in which it is performed, or towards which it is direfted c : But God is to be worfhipped every where d in Spirit and
Truth
x Dent. 6. I?. Thou fhalt fear the Lord thy God, and ferve him,
and (halt fwear by his name . With Heh. 10. 29. They cleave ro their brethren, their nobles, and enrred into a curie, and into an oarh, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moles the fervant of God, and to oblerve and do all the command-, ments of the Lord our God, and his judgments and nis ilatutes.
y IJa. 19. j 1. And rhe Lord fhall be known to Egypr, and the Egyp- tians fhall know the Lord in rhat day, and fhall do facrince and obia- rion j yea, they fhall vow a vow un- to th e L ord , and pei for rn it . With EccL )*. 4. When thou voweft a vow unto God, deter noc to pay it, for he hath nopkafure in tools 5 pay that which thou haft vowed. v. 5. Becer is it that thou fhouldft not vow, than that thou fhouidit vow and not pay.
zjoel 2 12. Therefore a I fo now, faith. the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fail- ing, and with weeping, and with mourning. Efth. 4. 16. Go, gather together ail the Jews that are pre* lent in Shufhan, and fait ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night nor day : I alio and my maidens will fad likewise, and Id will 1 go in unto the king, which is not according to the law : and if I perifh,l perifh. Mav.$t iy. And Je- jfus faid unto them, can the chll- dieii of the bride-chamber mourn,
as long as the bridegroom is with them |f but the days will come,when the bridegroom fhall be taken from them, and then (hail they fait. 1 Cor. 7. 5. Defraud you not one the other, except it be with confent for a time, that ye may give your {elves to iafting and prayer ; and come together again, that Satan tempc you not for your inconrinency.
a (PJalm 107 throughout.) EJiber 9. 22. As the days wherein the Jews retted from their enemies, and the month which .was turned unro them from forrow to j >y, and from mourning unto a good day, that they fliould make them days of fealting and joy, snd offending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor,
bHeb. 12. 28. Wherefore we le- ceiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, where- by we may ierve God acceptably, with reverence and godiy fear.
VI, cjohn 4, 21. Jcfui faith un- to her woman* believe me, the hour cometh, when ye fhall neither in f his mountain, nor yet at Jeiu- falem, worfhip the Father,
d Mai. 1, 1 1 ,For from the riling of the fun even unto tht going down of the fame, my name (hail be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incenfe fhall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering : for my name fhall be great among the heathen, faith the Lord oi holts. I Tim, z% 8. I will therefore, tnac men
Chap; 21 Tlje Confefflon of Faith: *z$
Truth e ; As in private Families f daily g, and in fecret each one by himfelf h ,• fo more folemnly in the publickAfTemblies, which are not carelefly or wilfully to be neglected or forfaken, when God by his "Word or Providence calleth thereunto :.
VII- As men pray every where, lifting up giving honour nnto the wile as unto holy hands, without wrath and the weaker vefTcl, and as being doubting; heirs together of the grace of life
e^Af 13. BurthehourcoTieth, that your prayers be not hindered and now is, when the true worfhip- ABs\o. 2, A devout man, and one pets (hall worfhip the Father in (pi- that feared God wirh ah his houie* rit and in truth: for the Father wbich gave much alms to the peo- (eeketh fuch to worfhip him. v. 24. pie, and prayed to God alway. God is a (pirir,and they that wor- g Matth. 6. n, Give us this day fh'p him, mud: worfhip him in ipirit our daily bread.
and in truth,
f Jer, 10. 25. Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name; for they have
h Ma?. 6. 6\ But thou when thoii prayed, enter into thy clofet, and when thou haft (hut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in fecret, and thy Father which teeth in fee ret*
eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, fhaii reward thee, openly. Eph.6< 18,
and coniumed him, and have made Praying always, with all prayer and
his habitation defolate. Dent, 6, 6. fupplication in the Spirit, and watch-
And thek words which i command ing thereunto with all perfeverance,
thee th*s d^y, (hall be in thine and fupplication for all faints,
heart; v. 7. And thou >hait teach i IJ a. s6„ 6+ Alio the ions of tfee
them diligently unto thy childien, ftranger, that join themfelves to the
and fh a 11 talk of them when thou Lord tofervchim, and to iove the
iitteii in thine houfe, and when name of the Lord, to be hh
thou walked by the way, and when fervants, every one that keepeth
thou lyelt down, and when thou the fabbath from polluting it, and
rifeit up. lob. 1, 5, And it was fo, taketh hold of my covenant ; v, 7.
when the days of their feafting were Even them will I bring to my holy
gone about , thit job lent and fan- mountain, and make them joyful in
ctihoi them, and role up early in my houfe of prayer : their burnt-
the moi ning, and oftered burnt-of- offerings and their facrifias fhali be
fcrin c.s,2cccrding to the number o£ accepted upon mine altar; fo?
them ail : tor Job (aid, It imy be mine houfe (hall be called an houfe
that mv fons have finned, and of prayer for ail people. Heb, io0
eurfed God in their hearts, Tmis 2>% not forfakia* the ailrrn >hng
did Job continually, z+Sam, 6. 18. of our felves together, as the man*
And oiioon as D^vld had nur'e an ncr of fomeis; but exporting one
end ,of ojjFermg bu nr-orlerir,^ and another; and io much the more,
peace-oft rings, he b/.ilcu Jie pec- as ye Ice the day approaching, Pn?i\
pU \n the name of the LorAioi i_ 20. W.fdom crieth without, fhe
holts, v. zo. Then David rerorq urtereth her voice in the ftreets ;
md to bie:'s his houQionld , . Ictcr v. 21, She crieth in the chief, place
5 ;• Liktwife ye husband1, dw.il of conconrle, in the openings of
whn them according co knowledge, the gajes ; in the dtfj fhe utterech
her
i±6 The ConfeJJton of Faith: Chap. %i;
VII. As it is of the Law of Nature, that in general, a due proportion of Time be let apart for the Worfhip of God; fo, in his Word, by a pofitive, moral, and perpetual Commandment, binding all Men in all Ages, he hath parti- cularly appointed One Day in Seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him k : Which, from the Beginning of the "World to the Refurre&ioii of Chrift, was the laft Day of the Week; and, from the Refurre&ion of Ghrift, was changed in- to the firft Day of the Week i, which in Scripture is called the Lord's Day m, and is to be continued to the End of the World, as the Ghriftian Sabbath n. VIII.
her words, faying, <v. £4. Becaufe I h?ve callerl, and ye refuted, I have itretched our my hand, and no man regarded, Frov. 8. 34. Blefled is the man that hearech me, waching daily at my gates, waiting at the pods of my door% Acls 13. 4^, And when the Jews were gone out of the fyragoguc, the Gentiles be- fought that thefe words mieht be preached to them the next fabbath* Luke 4, r>5. And he came to Naza- reth, where he had been brought up : and, as his cuftom was, he went into the fynagogue on the fabbath- day, and llood up for to read. yitis ^4 42.. And they continued itediaftly in the apoitles dochine and fellowflvp, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers,
VILk Exod.zo. P. Remember the fabbath-day, to keep it holy. V, 10. But the feventh day is the fabbath of the Lord rhy God: in it thou fhait not do any work, thou, nor thy fon, nor thy daughter, thy man-fervant, nor thy maid -fer van t, nor thy cat- tie, nor thy ftranger which is with- in thy gates, v 11. For in fix days the Lord rrnde heaven and earth, the fea, and all that in them is, and refted the feventh day : where- for the Lord blefled the fabbath- day, and hallowed it, lfa. 5-6" 2. Bkflcd is the man that doth this, and the ion of nun that iayeth hold
on it; that keepeth the fabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil v+ 4, For thus iaith the Lord unto the eu- nuchs that keep my fabbaths, and choofe the things that pleafe me, and take hold of my covenant* v, 69 7. (See in letter i. )
1 Gen^ 2 z. And on the feventh day, God ended his work which he had made: and he retted on the fe- venth day from all his work which he had made. 1/. 3* And Go J blef- fed the feventh day, and lan&ified it : becaufe that in it he had refted from all his work, which God crea- ted and made* 1 Qor. 16", 1. Now concerning the collection tor the faints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even (o do ye. <y, 2. Upon the firft day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in ftore, as God hath profpered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Acts 20. 7. And upon the firft day of the week, when rhedifci- ples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued his fpeeen un-ii midnight*
pi Rev u io, I was in the Spine on the Lords day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. 9 nExod. 20,8, 10 (See letter \k.)Witb Mat, 5. 17. Think not that I am come to deitroy the law or the prophets : I
a on
Chap;- 2i, The ConfeJJion of Faith. i zf
VIII. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when Men, after a due Preparing of their Hearts, and Or- dering of their common Affairs before-hand, do not only obferve an holy Reft all the Day. from their own Works, Words and Thoughts, about their worldly Employments and Recreations o; but alfo are taken up the whole Time
in he refted,and wasrefrcfhed. Ifa y8, 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the fabbath, from doing thy plea- fure on my holy day, and caj] the fabbath a delight, the holy of die Lord, honourable, and (halt honcur him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleafme, nor fpeaking thine own words. Neh 13. iy. In thofe davs law I in Judah fome treading wine-preiles on the fabbath, and bringing in /heaves, and Jading afTeSi as alfo wine, grapes, arid tigs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought Into Jerufalem on the fabbath-day : and I te/liried againft them in the day wherein they fold vicinal s. i/„ \6. There dwelt men of Tyre alio therein, which brought fiih, and ail manner of ware, and fold on the fabbath, unto the children of Judah, and in Jerufalem 1/. 17 Tnen I conten- ded with the nobles of Judah, and laid unto them, What evil thing is thh that ye do, and profane the iabbath-dav ? v. 18, Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Ifrael, by profaning the fabbath. v. 19. And it came to pals, (hat when the gates otjeru- ialcm began to be dark before the fabbath, 1 commanded that the gites fhould be fhuf, and charged that they fhou!d not be opened till alter the faobath ; and fome of my fetvants let I at the gates, that there fhouid no burden be brought in en the febbath-rfay, v. zi. Then I
erf.
am not come to deflroy, but to fulfil. v. 1 8- For verily I fay unto you, till heaven and earth pafs, one jot or one tittle fhall in no wile pafs irom the law, till all be fulfilled,
VIII. o Exod. 20. Z_(See letter k.) Exod 16.25. And he fa id unto them, This is tha- which the Lord hath faid, To morrow is the reft of the holy fabbath unto the Lord : bake that which you will bake, to day, and feethe that ye will feethe; and that which remaineth over, lay up for you to be kept until the mor- ning, v 25-. And Mofes laid, Eat that today; for to day is a fabbath nn*o the Lord : to day ye fhall not find it in the field, v. 26. Six days )C fhall gather it, hut on the fevenrh day which is the fabbath, in it there fhall be none v. 29. See, for that the Lord harh given < ou the fab- bath, therefore he giveth you on the fixth day the bread of two days : abide ye every man in his place, Jet r.o man go out of his place on the fevenrh day. i\ 30. So the pie relied on the fevenrh day# Exod. 31- 15. Six days may work he done, hut in the feventh is the fabbath of reft, holy to the Lord : whomever doth any work in he fabbath-day, he (hall furely be put to death, v 16. "Wherefore the children of tfrael (hall keep the fabbath, to obferve the fabbath throughout their genc- rationsi *°r a perpetual covenant. v. 17. It is a hen between me, and children of Ifrael ior ever: for m fix da\s the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the feventh day
iz8 The ConfeJJion of Faiths Chap 2ir
in the publick and private Exercifes of his Worfhip, and in the Duties of Neceffity and Mercy p.
Chap. XXII. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows:.
A Lawful Oath is a Part of Religious Worfhip a, where-
«* *■ in, upon juft Occafion, the Perfon {wearing, folemnly calleth God to witnefs what he aflerteth or promifeth ; and to judge him according to the Truth or Falfliood of what he fweareth b.
II- The Name of God only is that by which Men ought to iwear, and therein it is to be ufed with all holy Fear and Reverence c. Therefore, to fwear vainly or rafhly by that glorious and dreadful Name, or to fwear at all by any other Thing, is finful, and to be abhorred d. Yet, as in Matters
of
teftjfied againft them, arid (aid un- them, Why lodge ye about the wall i If ye do fo again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth, came they no more on the fabbath. v. 22. And I commanded the Lcyites, that they fhould cleanfe ihemfelves, and that they fhould come and keep tlie gates, to laqfih* fv the fabbath-day. Remember me, O my God,concerning this alio, and ipare me according to the great- nefs of thy mercy J
p.Ija. S$ U« (See in letter o.) Mat. 12- 1 . to the 13 verfs.)
I. a Deyt. 10. 20. Thou (halt fear the Loid thy God; him (halt thou fcrve, and to him (halt thou cleave, and (wear by his name.
b Exod. 20. 7. Thou {halt not take the name oftne Lord thy God in \rain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltlefsthat taketh his name in vain. Lev. 19. 12. And ye ftiaJJ not fwear by my name falfly, neither (halt thcu profane the name of thy God : I am thQ Lord. 2 Cor. 1. 23. Moreover, 1 call God for a recoid upon my foul, that to fpare you, I
came not as yet unto Corinth. 2 Chvon. 6. 2.2. It a man tin againft his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him, to make him fwear, and the oath come before thine aitar in thishoufe; v, 23. Then hear (hou from heaver, and do, and judge thy (ervants, by requiting the wicked* by recompeniing his way upon bis- own head, and by juitiiying the righteous, by giving him aecor- ding to his lighteoufneis.
II. c Dent, & 13. Thou (halt fear the Lord thy God, and ferve him, and {halt {wear by his name.
d Exod. 20. 7. (See letter b.) Jer6 5, 7, How fhali 1 pardon rhee fur this t thy children have forftken me, and lworn by them that are no- gods: when I led them to the full,, ihen they committed adultery, and aflembled themtelvcs by troops in the harlots houles.' Mat' 5*. 34. But I fay unto you, Sweai not at all ; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne. <v. 37. But let your com- munication be yea, yeaj Nay, nay : for whatfoever is mere than thefc, ccmeth of evil. James 5, 125 But '
Chap. ii» The Confeffion of Faith* 119
* of Weight and Moment, an Oath is warranted by the "Word of God, under the New Teftament, as well as under the Old e ; fo a lawful Oath being impofed by lawful Au- thority, in fuch Matters, ought to be taken f.
III. Whofbever taketh an Oath, ought duly to confider the Weightinefs of fofblemnan Act, and therein to avouch no- thing, but what he is fully perfwaded is the Truth g; Neither may any Man bind himfelf by Oath to any Thing, but what is good and juft, and what he believeth fo to be, and what he is able and refolved to perform h. Yet it is a Sin to refiiie an Oath touching any Thing that is good and juft, being impofed by lawful Authority i. TV. An
But aoove all things, my brethren, 111: g Exod.ro 7: (See letter b) fwear not, neither by heaven, nei- $er 4. 2: And thou fhalt fwear,
ther by the earth, neither by any other oath, but let your Yea, be yea, and your Nay, nay 5 left ye fall into condemnation.
e Hei? 6 i<5 For men verily fwear by the greater : and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all Itrife. 2 Cor 1 23 (See Let* ter b) ljas 6y. 10*. That he who bleiTeth himfelf in the earth, fhall blefs himiel; in the God ot truth 5 and he that (weareth in the eanh, flull fwear by the God of truth; becaufe the former troublcst are forgotten, and becaufe they are hid from mine Eve?.
f 1 Kings. 3.31. If any man tref* pais againit his neighbour, and an oath be laid up >n him, to cnufe him to fwear, and the oath come thine Altar in this houic- Neb, 13. 25. And I contended with them, and curled them, and (mote certain ot them,, and piuckt ofi their hair, and made them (wear by Go' ft (had not give
your daughters u: :heir ions, nor take th.ir di your fons, or ijt you; 10. y, Thoiarofc I\ the chief pricfts, r all Ifrad to (wear, th do according to u tfcey fware.
The Lord liveth, in Truth In judg- ment, and in righteoufnefs ; and the nations fhall biefs themfelves in him, and in him fhall they glory.
h Gen 24, 2. And Abraham (aid unto his eldefl fervant of his houfe, that ruled over all that he had, Pur, I pray thee, thy hand under raj thigh; x»3. And I will make thee fwear by the Lord, the God of hea- ven, and the C^d of the earth, thac thou (halt no: take a wife unromy fon, o t the daughters of the Cana- anites, amongft whom I dwell, v ?, And the fervant {aid unto him, Per- adventure the woman will sot bs willing to foilow me unto this muft 1 needs bring thy foil again un- to the land from whence thou cam- eft ? *0 6 And Abraham (aid unto him. Beware thou, that thou bring not m? Ion rhither a^ain v 8. And if the woman will not b? wi lii fellow thee, then thou fh^lt be clear from this my oath : only bring not my fon thither again, *v p. And the i^rvan: pnt ha hand under the cf Abraham his Matter, and (ware to him concerning :rAt mat-* ter-
1. 5 [9. And tl cha .
IJO
fSe Confeffton of Faith.
Chap-* i%\
IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common ! Senfe of the "Words, without Equivocation or mental Re- fer vation k. It cannot oblige to Sin ; but, in any Thing not Sinful, being taken it binds to Performance, although to a Mans own Hurt 1; Nor is it to be violated, although made to Hereticks or Infidels m. V. A
with thee, and if thou haft net gene afide to uncJeannefs with another inftead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that caufeth the curfe v. i». Then the prieft /hall charge the woman with an oath ofcurfmg, and the prieft (hall fay unto the woman, The Lord make thee a curfe and an oath among the people, when the Lord dnth make thy thigh to rot, and thy bclJy to iwcll, Neh. s U- Then^id rhcy, We will reftofe them, and wi;l re- quire nothing of them j fo will we do as thou layeft. Then I called (he priefts, and took an oath of them, that they fhould do according to this promife. Kxod. 22. 7. If a man lhall deliver unto his neighbour money or ftufr to keep, and if it he ftolen out of the mans houfej if the thief be found, let him pay double, v 8. If the thief be not found, then the matter of the houle AttU be brought unto the judges, to fee whether he have put his hand unto his acighbours goods, v 9. For all manner of U efpafs, Whether it be fbrox,for afs,for Iheep, for raiment, or for any manner of loft thing, which another challen- geth to be his ; the ca-ufe cf both par- ties (hall come before the judges ; and whom the judges (hall condemn, he (hall pay double unto his neigh- bour, v 10. If a man deliver unto his neighbour an afs, or an ox, or a fheep, or any beaft to keep; and it die, or be burr, or driven away, no man feeing it,- v 1 1, Then fhail rhe oath of the Lord be between them both, that lie hath not put his hand unto his neighbours goods : 3nd the owner ol it (hall* accept
thereof, arid he fhall not make k good.
IV. k Jer 4. 2. (See letter g) P&l 24t 4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart j who hath not lift up his foul unto vanity, nor fworn de- ceitfully.
1 1 Sam: 2y# 12. So and more alfo do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him, by the morning light, any that pit feth againft the wall, a; 32. And David (aid unto Abigail, BiefTed be the Lord God of Ifracl, which fens thee this day to meet me: v 33. And bleffed be thy advice, and blel- fed be thou that haft kept me this day lrom coming to fried blood, and from avenging my felf with mine ovvn hand, v 341 For in very deed as the Lord God of Ifrael liveth, which hath kept me back from hur- ting thee, except thou ha !ft hafted and come to meet me, finely there' had not been left unto Nabal, by the morning light, any that pifTeth againft the wall. Pfalm, iy» 4. In whofe eyes a vile pei fon is contem- ned j but, he honourech them that fear the Lord : he that fweareth to his own hurt, and* changed* not,
m K&ek, 17. 16. As I live, faith the Lord God,Surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whofe oath he defpifed, and Whofe covenant he brake, even with him in the midft of Babylon he lhall $ie. v 18, Seeing he defpifed die oath, by breaking the covenant (when lo he had given his hand^ and hath done all thefc things, he fhall no'tefcape. v io. Therefore: thus
Chap.- ii The Confeffion of Faith: 13 1
V. A Vow Is of the like Nature with a promifibry Oath, and ought to be made with the like religious Care, and to be performed with the like Faithfulnefs h.
VI. It is not to be made to any Creature, but to God alone o : And, that it may be accepted, it 1? to be made voluntarily, out of Faith, and Confcience of Duty, ill Way of Thankfulnefs for Mercy received, or for the ob- taining of what we want ; whereby we more ftriftly bind ourfelves to neceflary Duties, or to other Things, fo far andfo Ions; as they may fitly conduce thereunto p.
VII. No
thus faith the Lord God, As I live, (urely mine oath that he hath defplfed, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recom- penfeupon his own head. Jofh. 9. i3. ^nd the Children oflfrael imore them not, becaufe the princes of the congregation had fworn unto them, by the Lord God of Ifrael : and ail the Congregation murmured agzinff. theprinas. <v iy. But all the prin- ces faid unto all the Congregation, We have Iworn unto them by the Lord God of Ifrael : Now therefoie we may not touch them. With 2 Sa7/j,zit 1 Then there was a famine in toe days of David, three year?, year after year ; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord aniwer- ed,It is for Saul and his bloody houfe, becaufe he ilew the Gibeonites.
V. a J fa. 10. 2.1; And the Lord fhall be known to Egypt, and the Epyprians fhali know the Lord m that day, and fh~ll do facnfice and obiation, yea, they (hall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it, Ecd. >*, 4. When thcu voweif. a vow unto God, defer not w pay it : for he hach no pleafure in fools j pay that which thou halt vowed, v 5. Better is it that thou fhouldit. not vow, than that thou (houidit vow, and not pay. v 6, Suffer not rhy mouth to cade thy ricfh to lin, nei- rticr lay thou before the angel, chat
it was an error : Wherefore fhould God be angry at thy voice, and de- flroy the work of thine hands ? PjaL 618. So will I ling praife unto thy name for ever, that I may daily pe:~ form my vows. Pfil, 66. 15. I will go into thy houfe with burnt-offer- ings : I will pay rhee my vows, viq. Wnich my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath (poken when I was in trouble.
VI, o PfaL 76. ii; Vow and pay unto the Lord your God 5 let all thac be round about him bring ptefents unto him that ought to be icared. Jer. 4+. 2.y, Thus (aith the Lord of holts, the God of ifrael, faying, ye and your wives have bo^a Ipokcn with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, laying, We will finely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incenfo to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings unto her : ye will furely accomplish your vows, and lureJy peifoim your vows, v 26". Therefore hear ye the word of the L >rd, all Judah that ;dwell in the land ot Egypt, Behold, i have fworn by my great Name, iaith the Lord, that my name fhall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah, in ail the land of Egypt3 laying, The LoidGod livecn.
pDeut, 23. 21. Wlien thou {halt
vow a vow unco rne Lord (by G *J
I z thoif
13^ Th,e Confejfion of Faith: Chap, z z
VII. No* Man may vow to do arfy Thing forbidden in the word of God, or whaf would hinder any Duty there- in commanded, or which is not in his own Power, and for the Performance whereof he hath no Promife or Abi- lity from God q. In which Refpe&s, Popifh Monaftical Vows of perpetual fingle Life, profefled Poverty, and regu- lar Obedience, are fo far from being Degrees of higher Per- fection,
thou fhak not flack to pay it : for the Lord thy God will furcly require it ot thee $ and it would be hn in thee. ^2,2. But it' thou (halt for- bear to vow, it /hall be no fin in thee. rJ. 23. That which is gone otic of thy lips, thou fhalr keep and perform, even a free-will offering, according as thou halt vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou haft promised with thy mouth. YfaU 5b. 1 4. Offer unto God thanksgi- ving, and pay thy vows unto the molt High- Gen. 28, 20; And Ja- cob vow? da vow, faying, It God wbl be with me, and will keep me in chis way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on. 1/, 21. So that 1 come again to my fathers hou fern peace: then fliall the Lord be my God. v 2,2. And this (tone, which I have fet tor a pillar, fliall be Gods houfe ; and ot ail that thou fhaitgive me, I will finely give the tenth unto thee. 1 Saw. i> J*; And fhe vowed a vow,; and laid, O Lord cf hoils, it thou wiit indeed look on the AiTUclion ot thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine hand- maid, but wilt give unto thine hand- maid a man-child, then will I give him unro the Lord all the days of his life, and there fliall no razor come upon his head. PfaL 66. 13* 24. {See letter n.) PJal, 13 1% a. How lie (ware unto the Lord, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob, v 3.- .Surely I will net come in to the ta- bernacle ot my houfe,, nor go up
into my bed : v 4. 1 will not give fleep to mine eyes, or (lumber to mine eye-lids, v >-. Untill I find out a place for die Lord; an habi- tation for the mighty God of Jacob. VII. q ABsm 23. 12. And when it was day, certain of the Jews ban- ded together, and bound tnemfeives under a curfc, laying, That they would neither eat nor drink, till they hid killed Paul, v 14. And they came to the chiet priefts and elders, and faid, We have bound our felves under a great curfe, that we will eat nothing until we have flain Paul. Mark. 6 16. And the king was exceeding lorry, yet for his oaths fake, and for their fakes which fat with him, he would not reject her* Num. 30 5. But if her father dif- allow her in the day that he hcaretb; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith (he hath bound her fou), fliall ftand : And ;he Lord (hall for- give her, becaufe her father di tal- lowed her, v 8. But it her husband difallow her on the day that he heard it ; then he fhall make her vow which (he vowcd,and that which fhe uttered with her lips, wherewith ihe bound her foul,.. of none effecl: and the Lord fliall forgivs her. v 12. But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the dayhe heard them; then whatfoever proceeded out of her npSjConcerning her vows, or con- cerning the bond of her foul, fliall nor Hand : her husband hath made them void, and the Lord fhall for- give her. v 13, Every vow, and every
Chap.
The Confeffim of Faith. 13;
feftion, that they are fuperftitious and finful Snares, which no Chriftian may intangle himfelf r.
in
C h a P. XXIII: Of the Civil Magiftrate.
GO D, the Supreme Lord and King of all the World, hath ordained Civil Magiftrates to be under him, over the People, for his own Glory, and the Publick Good ; and, to this End, hath armed them with the Power of the Sword, for the Defence and Encouragement of them that are good, and for the Punifhment of Evil-doers a. -
II. It is lawful for Chriftians to accept and execute the Office of a Magiftrate, when called thereunto b ; In the ma- naging;
every binding dath to afflict the foul, her husband may eliablifh it, or her husband may make it void;
r Matih. 19. M# But hefald unto them, All men cannot receive this faying, fave they to whom it is given, v 12. For there are fome eunuchs, which vere fo born from their mo* thers womb; and there arc fome eu- nuchs, which were made eunuchs of: men . and there be eunuchs, which have made themielves eunuchs for the kingdom of heavens lake : He . that is afcle to receive it, let him re- ceive it. i Or. 7 2< Never thelefs, to avuid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband, v 9. But if they cannot contain, Jet them marry : for it is better to many than to burn. Eph, 4. 2.8. Let him that {role, (leal no more : but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 1 Pet; 4. 2. Thar he no longer fljould live the reft o: his time in the riefii, to the lufts of men, bur tothewiir of God. 1 Cor. 7. 29. Ye are bought with a p. ice, be not ye the fervants 01 men.
I 1 Rem* 13. 1. Let every foul
he fubjccT: unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God : the powers that be, arc ordained of v 2. Whoioever therefore refiiieth the power, reiiiteth the or- dinance of God ; and they that re- fill, ihall receive to themf elves dam- nation, v 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the e- .ih thou then not be afraid of the power ? do thac which is good, and thou fh».i: have praife ot che fame . v 4, For lie is the Minifter of God to rl.ee for good. Bur if thou do that which is evil, he afraid ; for he bearethnot ihe fword in vain : for he is the minifter of God, a re- venger, to execute wrarh upon him that doth evil, 1 Pet, 2.13, Submit your iclves to every ordinance of man for the Lords fake . whether it he to the king as fupreme ; v 14. Or unco governors, as unto rhctn mat are (ent by him, for the punl/hment of evil-doers, and for the praile of them that do well.
II. b Prov* 8, ifi Byrne Kings reign, and princes decree ju/rice. v 16. By me princes rule, and no- bles, even all the judges of the earth. Rsm. 33. 1, 2, 4* (fain letter*.)
I 3 e Pfalm,
% 5 4 The Confejfton of Faith. Chap 2 5 :
paging whereof,as they ought efpeeially to maintain Piety, Juftice, and Peace, according to the wholfomLaws of each pommon-wealth c ? fo, for that End; they may lawfully, now under the New Tcftament, wage War upon juft and neceffary Occafionsd.
III. The Civil Magiftrate may not affume to himfelf the Adminiftration of the Word and Sacraments, or the Power pf the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven e : Yet he hath Au- thority, and it is his Duty, to take Order, that Unity and
Peace
c ?Jdmt i 10* Be wile now there- fore, O ye kings : be inftru&ed, ye judges of the earth, v IX. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling: i'+zl iCus the -Son, left he \& atkgry,farid ye perifh from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a litde j bkffed are ail they that put their triift ;n him. I Tjbn 2. U For kings, and for al! that are in autho- rity1,' that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godhnefs and honefty. Tfahn. 82.3. Defend the poor and father. Ids : do juft ice to the afflicted and needy, v 4, De- liver the poor and needy : rid them put of the hand of the wicked. %Sam<2%* 3. TheGodoflfraclfaid, the Rock of Hraei fpake to me ; He that ruleth over men muff, be juft, ruling in the fear oi God .' 1 &&• z* 33. {See in Utter a)
d Luke. 3.14. And the Soldiers likewife demanded of him, laving, And whatfliail we do I And he laid unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accufe any la! fly, and be con- rent with your wages, Rom. 13. 4. (See letter a.) Hat. 8. 9. For I am a man under authority, having fol- diers under me . And I fay to this man Go, and he goeth : and to a- nother, Come, and he cometh : and to .my fervant, Do this, and be dotu it. v 10, When Jeius heard it, he marvelled, and hid to them that followed, Veriiy, I fay unto *<&, I have not found fo great faith
no not in Ifrael. Acts 10. 1. There was a certain man iri Cefarea, called Cornelius, a Centurion of the band called the Italian band, vi. A de- vout Mm, and one that feared God with all his houfe, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. Rev 17. 14. Thcfe fhall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb fhall overcome them : tor he is Lord of lord?, and King ot lungs ; and they that are with him, are called, and cholen, and faithful. V io\ And the ten horns which thou fa weft upon the bean1, thefe' fhall hate the whore, and fhall make her defolate, and naked, and fhall cat her flefh, and burn her with fire.
IILe zChron. 2.5, 18. And they wirhitood Uzziah the king, and faid unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uz-zTuh, to burn incenfc unto the Lord, but to the prieflsthe fons of Aaron, that are confecrated to burn incenfe : go out of the fan- £hiary, for thou haft rrefpa fled , neither fhall it be for thhe honour from the Lord God. With Mat 18. \7\ And if he fhall negletf to hear them, tell it unto the church : buc if he neglect to: hear the church, let him be unto thee as an hearhen man, and a publican* And Mats \6 1$. And I wiil give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven : and whatfoever thou fhalt bind on earth, fhall be bound in heaven 2 and vvhatfoever thou fhaic loofe on earth
Chap 23; 7 he Confejjian of Faith. 135-
Peace be preferred in the Church, that the Truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all Blafphemies and Herefies be fuppreiled, all Corruptions and Abufes in Worfhip and Difcipline prevented or reformed ; and all the Ordinances of God duly fettled, adminiftred, aiad obferved t, For the
bet-
earth fhall be locfed in heaven. I O'A 12, 28. And God hath fet fome in the Church, ftrft apoftles, fe- condarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then ghts of healirgs, hejps, governments, di- verfities of tongues, y 19. Are all apolties '< are ail prophets ? are all teachers ? are all Workers of mi- racles? Eph. 4, 11, And he fome, apoitles : and fome, pro- phets : and fome, evangeiifb : and fome, patlcrs, and teachers j viz. For the perfecting of the faints, for the work of the miniifry, for the edifying cf the Dcdy of Chriif . 1 Cor 4, 1. ]Leta man fo account of us, as of the miniiiersof Chri'f, and (lew* arris of the myfteries of God. v 2. Moreover it Lv required in ire wards, that a man be found faithful. Rim 10. 15"; And how fhall they preach, excep: they be fent '< as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gofpel c: and bring glad tidings of good things! Heb. 5. 4. And no man caketh tiiis honour unto himterf, bur he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
f lja. 49, 23. And kings fiiall be thy nuriing fathers, and the:; 1 thy nuriing mothers ; ih^y fhaJl bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dun; of thy feet, and thou fhilt know that I am the Lord s for tiiey fhall not be afhamed that wait for me. PfaL 122, 9, Becaufe of* the houfe of the Lord our God, I will (eek thy good. Ezra. 7. 234 Whatfof ver is commanded by the God of heaven, kc it be diligently done, for the
houfe of the God of heaven : for why fhould there be wrath againit the realm of the Kins and his fors ? v 15. And thou, Ezra, after the v.ifdom or thy God, that is in thine hand, fet magiifTar.es and judges, which may fudge aii tbe people that arc beyond the river, ail fuch as know the laws of thy God ; and teach ye them that know them not. v 26, And uhofcever fhail not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, tet judgment: be executed fpeediiy upon him, whether it be unto death, or t> banilhment, or to confifcation of goods, or to iropri~ fonmenr. v 27- BiefTed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put fuch a thing as this in the kings hear:, to beautify the houfe of the Lord which is in Jerufalem : v. 28, And hath extended mercy unto me, before the king, and hiscounfellers, and before all the kings mighty princes : and I was ftrengthned as the hand of the Lord my Gcd was upon me, and I gathered together oui of Jfiaci chief men to go up with me. Lev. 24, 16". And he that btafphemeth the name of the Lord, he fhall fureiy be put to death, and all the congregation fhall certainly ftone him : as well the itraDger. as he that is born in the land, when he blafphemeth the name of the Lord, fhall be pat to dea:o. Deut. 1 j. 5*. And that prophet, or tnaE dreamer of dreams, fhall beputro death, (becaufe he hath fpeken to turn you away from the ord your God, which brought you out of the land ofEgyp', and redeemed you cue oi the houfe ot bondage, fa I 4. dirui|
j] 6 ' ' The Confeffion of Faith: Chap. zy>
better effecting whereof, he hath Power to call Synods^to be prefent at them, and to provide that whatfoever is tran- fa died in them be according to the Mind of God g:
IV. It is the Duty of People to pray for Magiflrates b, to honour their Perfons i, to pay them Tribute and other
Dues,
thrufr. thee out of the way which £ne Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in) fo fhalt thou put the evil away from the mid ft of thee. v 6. li toy Brother the Son of thy mother, or thy Son, or thy daugh- ter, or the wife of rhy bofom, or thy friend, which is as thine own fou', entice thee fecietly, faying, Let us go and ierve other gods, which thou bait not known, thou, nor thy lathers. <u 12. If thou fhalt hear fay in one of thy cities, which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell there, laying, 2 Kings i3 4. He removed the high places,f and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brazen (erpent that Mofes had made : for unto thofe days the chil- dren of Ifrael did burn incenle to it, and he called it Nehufhtan, (1 Chro 2 3. 1 . to the 9 verfe, z Kings 23.1. to the i69'verle.) z (Jhro. 34.. 33. And jofiah took away all the abo- minations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Ifrael, and made all that were pre- fent in Ilrael to ferve, even to ferve the Lord their God. And ail his days they departed not from fol- lowing the Lord, the Gv)d of their fathers. zChron. 15. 12. And. they entred into a covenant, to leek the Lord God of their fathers, with all their heart, and with all their foul \ v 13. That whofoever would not feek the Lord God of Ifrael, fhould be put to death, whether fmali or great, whether man or woman.
g z Chron. 1$. 8. Moreover, in Je- rulalerii did jchofhaphat fet of the Levites; %nd of the priefts, and oi
the chief of the fathers of Ifrael, for the judgment of the Lord, and for controveriles, when they returned to Jerufalem. *v 9 • And he charged them, faying, Thus fhall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfecl heart, v 10. And what caufe foever (hall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, flatutes and judgments, ye fhall even warn them that they rrcipafs not againft the Lord, and fo wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren : this do, and ye fhall not trefpafs. <v 1 r. And behold, Ama- riah the chief prieir is overjeu m all matters of the Lord, and Zebi- diah the fon oflfhmaei, the ruler of the houfe of Judah, for all the kings matters : alio the Levites fhall be officers before you? Deal coura- gioufly, and the Lord fhall be with the good. (2 Chroz$. and 30. chap- ters.) Mat. 2. 4, And when he had gathered all the chief prieffs and fcribes of the people together, he* demanded of them where Chrift fhould be born. <v 5. Anathev faid unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
IV. h 1 Tim. 2. i.I exhort there- fore, that firft of all, fupplicstions , prayers, mterceffions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men ; v z. For Kings, and ior all that are in au- thority , that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godlineis and honefty;
i 1 Pet, zi 17. Honour all men. Lcve the brotherhood. Fear God; Honour the Ring,
k Romi
Chap. 2 3 , The ConfeJJion of Faith: 137
Dues K to obey their lawful Commands, and to be fiibjefl: to their Authority, for Confcience Sake ). Infidelity, or Dif- ference in Religion, doth not make void the Magiftrate's juft and legal Authority, nor free the People from their due Obedience to him m ; From which Ecclefiaftical Perfons are not exempted n : much lefs hath the Pope any Power or Jurifdiftion over them in their Dominions, or over any of
their
k Rom. 13.6. For, for this caufe pay you tribute alio : for they are Gods minifters, attending conti- nually upon this very thing, v. 7. Render therefore to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, cuf- torn to whom cuffom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.
1 Rom. 13. s- Wherefore ye mud: needs be fubjecf, not only for Wrath, but alfo for confcience fake. Tit. 3. 1. Put them in mind to be fubjc-ft to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.
m 1 Pet* 2. 13. Submit your fdves to every ordinance of man for the Lords fake, whether it be to the king, as fupreme, v. 14. Or unto go- vernors, as unto them that are fent by him, for the punifhment of evil doers, and for the praiie of them that do well. v. 16. As free, and not ufing your liberty for a cloke of malicioufnefs, but as the fervants of God.
n Row. 13, 1, Let every foul be fubjecl unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God : the powers that be, are ordained of God. 1 Kings z. 35, And the king put Benaiah the ion of Jehoiadah in his room over the hoft; and 24i- dok the prieff. did the king put in the room of Abjathar. yffiszs.y. But Fefhis willing to do the Jews a pleafure, anfwered Paul, and laid, Wilt thou go up to Jerufaiem, and there be judged of tnefe things be- fore me? v, jo. Then faid Paul, I
{land at Cefars judgment-fear, where I ought to be judged : to the jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knoweft. nj. 11. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refufe nor to die: but if there be none of thefe things whereof thefe accufe me, no man may deliver me uuro them. I appeal unto Cefar. z Pet z. 1. Bui there cvere falfe prophets alfo a- mongthe people, even as there {'hall be faife teachers among you, w privily (hall bring in damnable he- relies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon them- selves fwift deff ruction. 9. 10. But chiefly them that walk after the fkfh, in the luff of uncieannefs, and defpife government, prefurnptuous are they, (elf- willed : they are not a- fraid to (peak evil of dignities; v. If. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring no rai- ling accufation againff. them before the Lord. Jude 8. Likewife alfo thefe filthy dreamers defile the flefh, defpife dominion, and {peak e- vil of dignities. <y. 9. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he difputed about the bo- dy of Mofes, durff. not bring againff: him a railing accufation, but fakf, The Lord rebuke thee. v. 10. Buc thefe (peak evil of thole things which they know not : but whac they know naturally, as brute- beafls, in thofe things they corrupt them- feives. v* 11. Wo unto them, for they have gone in the way of Cain,
and
1 }§ 7 he Confefjion of Faith: Chap, zq?
their People ; and leaf! of all to deprive them of their Do- minions or Lives, if he fhall judge them to be Hereticks, or upon any other Pretence whatfbever o.
Chap, XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce.
MARRIAGE is to be between one Man and one Wo- man; neither is it lawful for any Man to have more than one Wife, nor for any Woman to have more than one Hufband at the fame Time a
II. Marriage was ordained for the mutual Help of Hus- band and Wife b ; for the Increafe of Mankind with a legiti- mate Iffue, and of the Church with an holy Seed c* and for preventing of Uncleannefs d
III. It is lawful for all Sorts of People to marry, who are able with Judgment to give their Confent e. Yet it is the
Duty
and r*n greedily after the error ot twain fljall be one flefh. v.6. Wfiere-
Ealaam for reward, and perifhed fore they are no more twain, but one
hi the gain-faying of Gore. #efh. What therefore God hath join-
o 2 Tbef. 2. 4. Who oppofeth and ed together, let no man put afundery
cxaketh himfelf above all that is Vrov. 2. 17. Which forfaketh the
called God, or that is wot (hipped 5 guide of her youth, and forgetteth the
to that he as God fitce:h in the covenant of her God. temple of God, fliewing himlelf II. b Gen^ 2. 18. And the Lord
ishat he is G)d. Rev. 13. tj. And God faid, It is not good that the
he had power to give life unto the man ffcouid be alone ; I will make
image of the heart, that the image of him an help meet for him. thebcaft fhould both (peak, and cMaLz 15*. And did not he make
c*ufe that as many as would not wor- one £ yet had he the reiidue of rhe
ihip the image of the beaft fhould be Spirit : and wherefore one ? that he
kiifed. v. i6t And he caufeih all, both might feek a godiy feed: therefore
fmail and great, rich and poor, free take heed to your fpirit, and let none
and bond, to receive a mark in the deal treacherouily againif. the wife of
right- hand, or in their fore-heads : his youth.
•y/17. And that no man might buy d 1 Gr.j* 2, Neverthelefs, toa-
or fell, fave he that had the mark, void fornication, let every man have
or the name of the beaft, ox the his own wife, and let every woman
number of his name. have her own husband. <v, 9, B\\t
I. a Gen. 2. 24. Therefore fhall a it they cannot contain, lee them,
man leave his father and his mo- marry : for it is better to marry than
ther, and fhall cleave unto his wife j. to burn.
and they fhall be one flefh, Mat, :;. UI.cHek i\; 4. Marriage is ho-
5, And faid, For this caufe flialT a nourable in all, and the bed unde-
man leave father and mother, and filed : but whoremongers and adui-
fluii cleave to his wife: and they terers God will judge, 1 Tim. 4- 3r
For-?
The Confeffion of Faith.
Chap 24. itie ccnjej/ion of faitfj. 139
Duty of Chriftians to marry only in the Lord f : And there- fore fuch as profefs the true reformed Religion, fhould not marry with Infidels, Papifts or other Idolaters : Neither fhould fuch as are godly be unequally yoked, by marrying withfuch as are notoriously wicked in their Life, or maintain damnable Herefies g. IV. Mar-
Forbidding to marry, and command- ing to abitain from meats, which God hath created ro he received with thankfgjving, of them which believe and know the truth, i Q,r 7. 36. But if any man think, that he behav- eth himfeif uncomely towards his virgin, if fhe pais the flower of her age, and need ip require, let him ch what he will, he iinneth not; let them marry, v 37. Nevethekfs, he that ftandah fledfafi in his heart, having nonccefliry, but hath power over his own will, and hath lo de- creed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doth well, .v 38 So then, he that giveth her in marriage, doth well ; but he thar giveth her not in mairiage, doth better- Gen 24, ST And they faid, We will call the damfel, and enquire at her mouth, v. 58. And rhey died Rebekah and faid unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? and the (aid, I will go. f 1 Cor 7, 39, The Wife is bound by (he law as long as her husband h- veth : but if her husband be dead, fhe is at liberty to be married to whom fhe will ; only in the Lord.
g Gen 34, 14. And they faid un- to them, We cannot do this thing, to give our filler to one that is uncir- cumcifed: ior that weie a reproach unto us. Exod 34, 16. And thou take of their daughters unto thy Sons, and their daughters go a shoring alter their gods, and make thy fons go a whoring afrer their gods, Deut. 7. 3, Neither fhalt thou make marria- ges with them; thy daughter thou fhalt not give unto his fon, nor his daughter fhalt thou take unto fJby fon, y, 4. For rhey will turn away
thy fon from following me, that they may ferve other gods: fo will the anger of. the Lord be kindled 3- gain 11 you, and dettroy thee ludden- ly. 1 Kings 1 1, 4. For it came to pais when Solomon was old, that his wiyes turned awa> his heart aiter other gods ; and his heart was nor perfect wth the Lord his God, *$ was the heart of David his father* Neb 13: 5. And 1 contended with them, and curfed them, and fmorc: certain of them, and pluckt ofT the:v hair, and made them (wear by Gon, faying, Ye fhall not give your daugh- ters ur.to their Tons, nor take their daughters unto your Sons, or for your felves. v, 26\ Did not Solo- mon king of Krael fin by th^Cc things 1 Yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all I uael : ne- verthelefs3 even him did ouclandKh women caufe to iin, vzj. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to trangrels again*! our God in marrying ftranee wives ? Mai 2. 11. J udah hath dealt treach- eroufly, and an abomination is com- mitted in Krael, and in Jerufaiem : for Judah hath profaned the hoii- nels ot the Lord, which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a If range god. v. 12, The Lord will cur of the man that doth this: the mailer and the fcholar cut of the tabernaeles of Jacob, and him that ofTereth an offering unto the Lord of hoifs, 2 Cor 6 14. Be ye nut un- equally yoked together with un- believers: [or what fellow fhip hath righteoufnefs with Unrighteout-
140 The Conjefflon of Faith. Chap. 24.
IV. Marriage ought not to be within the Degrees of Con- fanguinity or Affinity forbidden in the "Word h \ nor can fuch inceftuous Marriages ever be made lawful by any Law of Man,- or Confent of Parties, fo as thofe Perfons may live together as Man and Wife i. The Man may not marry any of his Wife's Kindred nearer in Blood than he may of his own, nor the "Woman of her Husband's Kindred nearer in Blood than of her own &.
V. Adultery or Fornication committed after a Contrafr, being detected before Marriage, giveth juft Occafion to the innocent Party to diffolve that Contract K In the Cafe of Adultery after Marriage, it is lawful for the innocent Party
to nets ? and what communion hath not you out alfo* when ye defile
it, as it fpued out the nations that
light with darknefs ?
IV. h (Lev 18, chapter.) i (V5. i. were before you, It is reported commonly that there k Lev, 20, 19 5s fornication among you, and fuch fornication as is not fo much as na
And thou (halt not uncover 'the nakednefs 6f thy mothers filter, nor of thy Fathers
roed amongftthe Gentiles, that one fitter; for he uncovererh his near
fhould have his fathers wife. A- kin: the/ (hall bear their iniquity.
;.»of2, 7, That pant after the dutt v, *o, And if a Man (hall lie with
of the earth on the head of the his uncles wife, he hath uncovered
poor, and turn afide" the way of his uncles nakednefs: they
rhe meek : and a man, and his fa- ther will go in unto the fame maid, to profane my holy name.
i Mark 6. j8. For John had faid unto Herod, It is nor Lawiul for thee to have thy Brothers wife: Lev. 1 8 , 24.. Defile not your (elves in any of thefe things: for in ail thefe rhe nations are defiled which I call out before you. v is* ^»nd the land is defiled : therefore I do vific the Iniquity thereof upon it, and the land it feif vomiteth out her inha- bitants; v. 26*. Y<3 fhall therefore keep my itatutes and my judg-
bear their fin, they fhall die child- lefs, v. ii. 'And if a man (hall take his brothers wife, it is an unclean thing ; he hath uncovered his bro- thers nakednefs, they fhall be child-
V. 1 Mat 1. i3: Now the birrh of JeCus Chrift was on this wife ; When as his mother Mary was e- fpoufed to Jofeph, before they came together, fhc was found with child oi the Holy Ghoft. v. 19. Then. Toieph her husband being a jcit man, and not willing to make her
publick example, was minded to
ments, and fhall not commit any of put her away privily; v. 20. But thefe abominations j neither any of while he thought on theie things,
your own nation, nor any ftranger that fojourneth among you: v. 27; (For ail thefe abominations have rhe men of the land done, which
behold, the Angel of the- Lord ap- peared unto him in a dream, faying, Iofeph,thou fori of David, fear not to take unto thee Ma y thy
y- you, and the land is wife; for that which is conceived
3. That the land fpue in her is of the holy Ghoft. '- r m Mat:
Chap. 24; The Confeffion of Faith. 141
to fue out a Divorce m ; and after the Divorce, to marry another, as if the offending Party were dead n.
VI. Although the Corruption of Man be fuch as is apt to ftudy Arguments, unduly to put alunder thole whofti God ha h joined together in Marriage ; yet nothing but Adultery, or fuch wilful Defertion as can no Way be remedied by the Church or civil Magiftrate, is Caufe fufficient ofdiffolving the Bond of Marriage o : Wherein a publick and orderly Courfe of proceeding is to be obferved; and the Perfons concerned in it, not left to their own Wills and Difcretion in their own Cafe p,
CHAP,
mMaf.fr $U It hath been 6?<k Whofoever (hall put away his wife, \cz him give her a writing of di- vorcement-, v, 32, Bur I lay unto you, that whofoever fhall put away his wife, favfng far rhe caufe of- fornication* caufeth her ro commit adultery : and whofoever (hall mar- ry her that is divorced, commirteth adultery.
n Mat. 1 p. 9. And I fay unto you, Whofoever (hall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and fhall marry another, ccmmitteth adultery : and whofoever marrieth her which is put away, doth commit adultery. B.Q?n. 7, 2. For the woman which hath an husband, Is bound by the law to her husband h long as he liveth : but if the husband be dead, fhe is looted from the law of her husband, v. 3. Si then, if while her husband liveth, fhe be marr ed to another man, fhe fhall be called an adulterers : but if her husband be dead, fhe is tree front that law ; 10 that fhe is no adulterefs, though fhe be married to another man.
VI. o Mat. 19. 8. He faith unto them, Mo(c>, becaufe of the hard- ness of your hearts, filtered you to N out away your wives: bur from the beginning k was not fo. v*$,{See.
tetter n.) 1 Cor. 7. iy. But if theun. believing depart, let him depart* A brother or a lifter is nor under bondage in fuch cafes : but God hath called us to peaces Mat. j^ 6. Wherclore they are no more twain, but one fiefh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man pu: aiun
p Deia. 24. 1. When a rmo hath raiien a wife and married her, and it come to pafs that (1\q find no fa- vour in his eye?, becaufe he hath found fome uncieanneis in her; then let him write her a bill of di- vorcement, and give it in her hand, and fend her out of his houfe. v. 2. And when fhe is departed out of his houfe, fhe may go and be another mans vsife. v. 3. And ii the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and (endeth her out of h;s houfe , or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife-, v. 4, Her former husband which fent her away may not caAe her a- gain to be his wife, after that ine is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord, and thou (halt not caule the land to fin, which Lord thy God g:veth thee for an inheritance.
Eph*
tqi The Conjejjion of Faith. Chap"! if.
Chap, XXV. Of the Church.
THE Catholick or Univerfal Church, which is invifible, cbnfifts of the whole Number of the Eleft, that have been, are, or {hall be gathered into one, under Chrift the Head thereof, and is the Spoufe, the Body, the Fulnefs of him that filleth all in alia.
II. The Vifible Church, which is alfo Catholick or Univerfal under the Gofpel, (not confined to one Nati- on, as before under the Law) confifts of all thofe through- out the World, that profefs the true Religion b, together with their Children c ; and is the Kingdom of the Lord Jefus
Chrift
I a Eph* i, IP; That in the dif- one body, being many, are one feo- penfation of the fuinefs of times, he dy: foalfo is Chrift. v. 13 . For by mighi gather together in one all one Spirit, are we all baptized into things in Chrift, both which are in one body, whether we be Jews or heaven, and which are on earth, Gentiles, ; whether we fee bond or free, even in him, v. 2.2. And hath put and have been all made to drink in- all things under his feet, and gave ro one Spirit PJalm 2. 8. Ask ot him to be the head over all things to rrr, and I fhall give thee the heathen the church. ev. 23. Which is his bo- for thine inheritance, and the utter- ly the fuinefs of him that filleth moft parts of the earth for thy pofc aU'in all. Eph. $. 2.J- For the huf- feffion. B.ev^ 7. 9. After this I be- band is the head of the Wife, even as held, and lo, a great multitude, which Chrift is the head of the church: and no man could number, of all na- he is the Saviour of the body. <u. 27. tions, and kindreds, and people, and That he might prefent it to hirnfelf tongues, flood before the throne, a olorious church, not having fpet and before the Lamb, clothed with or wrinkle 4 or any fuch thmg; DtU white robes, and palms in their thar it fhonld be holy, and without hands, Rorri. \j. 9 And that the btemhli. i'. 32. This is a great my- Gentiles might glorify Goct for his fiery: but I fpeak concerning Chrift mercy, as it is written, For this caufe and the church. Cd% 1. 18, And he I will confefs to thee among the is the head ot the body, the church : Gentiles, and ling unto thy name, who is the beginnings the firft-born v. 10. And again lie faith, Rejoice from the dead ; that in all things he ye Gentiles, with his people, v. 11. might have the preeminence. And again, Prai'fe the Lord all ye
II b 1 Cor. \, 2. Unto the church Gentiles, and laud him all ye peo- of God which is at Corinth, to them pie. v. 12. And again, Efaias faith, that are fancTified in Chrift Jefus, There (hall be a Root of JefTe, and called to be faints, with all that in he that fhall rife to reign over the every place call upon tjhe name of Gentiles ; in him fhail the Gentiles Jefus Chrift our Lord, both theirs truft.
and ours 1 Cm. 12. 12. For as the c 1 Cor. 7, 14. For the unbelie- body is one, and hath many mem- ving husband is fanclifieti by the bers, and ail the, members of that wire, and the unbelieving wife is
faii-
Chap; %$. The Confejjion of Faith. J43
Chrift d, the Houfe and Family of God e, out of which there is no ordinary Poffibility of Salvation f.
III. Unto this Catholick Vifible Church, Chrift hath given the Miniftry, 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 Prefence and Spi- rit, according to his Promife, make them effectual thereunto g.
IV. This fan&ified by the husband : elfe were your children unclean $ but now are they holy; Acts 239. For the pro- mite is unto you, and to your chil- dren, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God {hall call. Ezek. 16. 2.0 Moreover thou haft taken thy fons and thy daughters, whom then haft born unto me, and thefe haft thou faeri- ficed unto them to be devoured : is this of thy whoredoms a fmall mat- ter, v, 21. That thou haft /lain my children, and delivered them to caufe them to pafs through the fire for them? Rom. II. 16 For if the nrft fruit be holy, the lump is alio holy j and if the root be holy, to are the branches. Gen. 3, 15-. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy feed and her (eed . it fhall bruife rhy head, and thou fhalt bruife his heel. Gen. 17. 7. And I ^ill eftabliih my covenant between me and thee, and thy feed after thee, in their genera- tions, for an everiafting covenant; to be a God unto thee, and to thy feed afrcr thee.
d Mat. 13. 47. A^ain, the king, dom of heaven is like unto a net that was call into the fea, and ga- thered of every kind. If a 0, 7. Of the lncreale ot his government and peace there fhaii be no end, npon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, ro order ir, and to efta- bliih it with judgment and with juftice,. from hencctorrh even lor eyer: the z^al of the Lord of hefts will perform this.
c Eph 2. 19. Now therefore ye are no more ftrangers and foreigners, but felloW-cirirzens ^irh the faints, and of the houfhoid of God. Eph. 3. iy. Of whom the whole family m heaven and earth is named.
f ABs 2. 47, Praiiing God, and having favour vvirh ail the people, And the Lo;d added to the church daily fuch as fhou-d be C^ved.
HI. g 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath fet foroe in the church, firft apcftles, fecondarily prophets, third- ly teachers, atrer that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, govern- ments, diverhries of tongues. Eph. 4, 1 1. And he gave iome, apoftles : and fome, prophets: and fome evangelifts : and fome paftors and teachers; v. 12. For the pcrfedtin^ oi the faints, for the work ol the miniftry, for the edifying of the b Ay of Chnft : v. 1 3. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of G^d, unto a perieel man, unto the mcafnrc of the ftature of the ful- riefs of Chrift, Mat, 28 jo. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them id the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft : v. 20. Teaching them to obferve all things wharloever I have commanded you : and io, I am with you aiway, even unto the end of the work). Amen. Ifa. 55^ 21. A* for me, this is my covenant with them, faith the Lord, My Spi- rit that is up^n thee, and myavords Which I have put in thy mouth, fhall
not
144 The Confejjwi of Faith. Chap: z$,
IV. This Catholick Church hath been fometimes more, fometimes lefs vifibleh. And particular Churches, which are Members thereof, are more or lefs pure, according as the Doctrine of the Gofpel is taught and embraced, Ordinances adminiftred, and publick Worihip performed more or left Purely in them k
V. The pureft Churches under Heaven are fubjeft ■ both to Mixture and Error k: And fome have Co degenerated, as to become no Churches of Chrift, but Synagogues of Satan U
Never- not depart out of thy mouthy nor out Another parable put be forth unto of the month of thy feed, nor out of them, faying, The kingdom oi hfa* the mouth of thy feeds feed,! aith the ven is likened unto a man which
Lord, from henceforrjb and for ever. / IV- h Rom* ii. 3. Lord, they have lulled thy prophet?, and digged down thine altars; and -I am left alpne, and they ^Qek my life. v. 4
fowedgood feed in his field : But while men flept, his enemy came and lowed tears among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was Tprung up, and brought
But what faith the an fwer of God forth fruit, thm appeared the tares unto him ? I have referved to my alio. &c^ p. 47. Again, the king- feif feven thoufand nun, who have dom of heaven is like unio a net not bowed the knee to the image of that was caft into the fea# and ga- Baal, Rev* 12. 6- And- the woman thered of every kind
1 Rev. 18. 2. And he cried migh« lily with aftrong voice, faying, Ba- bylon the great* is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of de- vils, and the hold of every foul (pi- nt, and a cage of every unclean and Boafr. nor but if thou
fled into the wildernels, where file hath a plsce prepared of God, that they fhouid feed her there a thou- fand two hundred and three (core days* t.>, 1 4. And to- the woman were given two wings of a great
eagle, that (he might flee inta the hatctul bird. Rom* 1 1 "is, into her place: where agalnft the branches nourifhed for a time, and
{he is nouriihed for a time times, and half a time, from the face of the terpen \ i (Rev. t.and ^.chapters throughout.) 1 Cor. .5. °~* Your glorying is not good : Know ye not that a little leaven leavenerh the whole lump? <y. 7. Purge out therefore the old lea- ven, chat yc may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.- For even Chrift our paiTover is facrificed for us,
V. k 1 Cor. 13, 12. for now we fee thorow a glafs, darkly j but then i'acQ to face ; now I know in part ; but then (hall I know even as alfo I am known. (Rev. 2. 3 [ Chapters.) Mttth. 13 24., 25, 26, 27,28,29, 30.
hoait, thou beareit not the root, -but the root riiee. i& 1 9. Thou wilt fay then, The branches were broken oi% - that I might be grafted in, v. 20. Well, becaufe of unbelief they were broken off, and thou ftandeft by faith. Be net high-minded, but fear. v. 21. For if God (pared noc the natural branches, take heed left he alfo (pare not thee, v, 22. Be- hold therefore the goodnefs, and (everity of God, on them which fell, feveriiy .• but towards thee, gcodnefs, if thou continue in his goodnefs: otherwife thou alfo (halt be cut off;
m Mafi
Chap: x<£ The Confejjion of Faith: . j^t
Neverthelefs, there {hall be always a Church on Earth, t01 worfhip God according to his Will m,
VI. There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jefus Chrift n. Nor can the Pope of Rome in any Senfe be Head thereof; but is that Antichrift, that Man of Sin, and Son of perdition, that exafteth himfelf in the Church again!? Chrift, and all that is called God c,
Chap: XX VI. Of the Communion of Saints.
ALL Saints that are united to Jefus Chrift their Head, by his Spirit and by Faith, have Fellowfhip wtth him in his Graces, Sufferings,Death,RefurrecYfon and Glory a t And
being
m Mat. wm 1 8. And I fay alio un- ;, That thou arc Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church . and the gates of hell (hail not prevail againtt ir. ?jalm)yz* 1/. His name (hall endure lor ever : his name (hail be continued as long
Who oppoferh and exalreth him(eit above all that is called God, or that is worfhipped j fo that he as Gc«d fitceth in the temple of God; ihewifg himfelf that he is God: v. 8. And then (hall that wicked be re- vealed, whom the Lord fliajl con-
as the fun : and men (hall be bkfTed fume with the fpirit of his mouth, in him j all nations (hall call him and {hall deitroy with the brigh
bltfkd Pfdm 10: 23. The chil- dren of thy lervants (hail continue, .t ieed l hall be eftabliflied before thee, h\af. 2,8. 19, 20. (See hi Utter gj
VI. n'CoL v 18. And he is the head of the body, the church $ who is the beginning, the firnS born from the dead ; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Eph. j. lz, And hntt: put all things under his icer, and gave him to he the he.d over all things *c the church.
a Mat 23, o. Jut be not ye ca'ded Rabbi : for one is your Mailer, even Chrit:, and all . : are brethren. v. 9. And caii no man ycur father upon earth : »or one is your Father, which is in heaven. vt :o. Nei- ther be ye called mailers : for one M tftcr, even Chrift. 2 The), 2, 3. Lcc no man deceive you by any means: tor that day mail no: come except there come a failing away rim, and tha: man of fin be revealed, the fori of perdition ; v. *.,
Dels of fus coming: v. 0. Even him whofe coming is after the working of Satan with all power, and iigns., and lying wonders. Rev, 13.6". And he opened his mouth in olafphe- my againii God, to blafphemc hi* name and his tabernacle, znd tnem that dwell in heaven.
I. a 1 John 1. 5. Thar which we have ieen and heard, declare we unto you, thar ye ado may have fellowfhip wirh us , and truly our fellowfhip is w: h the Father', and With his don je^us Chrift, Etoh, $* \6, That he would grant you ac- cording to the riches of his glory, ro be iircngthned with might, . by his Spirit in the inner-man ; i>. 17. That Chrift may dwell in your hearts by farhj tnar ye being root- ed and grounded in Ipvcu. 18. Ma 7 be< able to comprehend with ail taints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and neight,7 Vi 10. And to know the love ot K Chriff
f^6 The Confeffton of Faith. Chap. ±6
being united to one another in Love, they have Communion in each others Gifts and Graces b/ and are obliged to the Per- formance of fuch Duties, publick and private, as do conduce .to their mutual Good, both in the inward and outward Mane.
II. Saints, by ProfefTion, are bound to maintain an holy Fel- lowfhip and Communion in the "Worfhip of God; and In performing fuch other fpiritual Services, as tend to their mu- tual Edification d 5 as alfb in relieving each other in outward
Things,
Chrift, which pafieth knowledge, thac ye might be filled wkh all the tulnefs of God. John 1. 16 • And of his tulnefs have all we received, and grace for grace. Eph. 2. 5. Even when we were dead in fins, harh quickned us rogerher with Chriff, (by grace ye are (aved.) v. 6. And hath raifed us up together, and made us lit together in heavenly ghees in Chrift J tliis. Phil. 3 10. That 1 may know him, snd the power of nis refurreclion, and the ieilowfhip of his (ufTerings, being made 'conformable unto his- death Rem. 6. 55 For if we have oeeft plan- ted together in the likenefs of his death : we fhail be alio in the like- nefs of his refurrecYion. <v. 6. Know- ing this, that our old man is 'cruci- fied with him, chat the body of fin wiight be destroyed, that hence- ioith we fhould not ferve fin. 2 Tim. 2. 12. If we differ, we (hall alio reign v/rh him : if we deny him, he alio will deny as.
bEpb,/pi's* B"t (peaking ^he truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Chrift. is 10". From whom the whole body riiy joined together, and compacted by mat which every joint ibpplieth,: according to the eifeSual working in the meafure of every part, makerh increafe of the body, unto the edifying ot it felt in love". 1 Or. 12. 7. -But the rnani- fcftation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal, 1 Gor. y. 21. Therefore let no man glory n men. for. all things are yours: ly. 22. Whether Paul,, or Apollos,
or Cepha*, or the world, or life, or death, or" things prefenr, or things to come; all are yours ; v. 25.- And ye are Chriftsj and Chi iff. is Gods. Co/i.ig. And not holding tiie head, from which all the borij by join's and bands having nourifhrnent minifh ed, and knit together, increafeth with the incieafe of God.
c 1 Theft, s- 1 l- Wherefore corn- fort your i'elves together, and edi- fv one another ; even as alio ye do. <v 14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, fupport the weak, be patient toward all men. Rom 1. 11. For I long to fee you, that 1 may impart unto you fome fpiri- tual gift, to the end ye may be efta- biifhed ; ; <v. 12. Thar is, that I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me, v* 24. I am debter both to the Greek?, and to the Barbarians, both to rhe wife, and to the unvvife. 1 Job. 3. id. Hereby perceive we the love of Goo, becaule he laid down his life tor us. and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. v. 17. But whofo hath this worlds good, and feeth his Brother have need, and fluitteth up his bowels of companion from him ; how dwelieth the love of God in him ? v. 18. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but n deed and in truth. Gal. 6. 10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto aii men, efpecialiy unto them who are of the houfhold of faith*
IIv<tJS#, 10. 24, And let us con- fides
Chap. %6n The Conjejfton ofFahh^ \^j
Things, according to their feveral Abilities and Neceffities,' Which Communion, as God offereth Opportunity, is to be extended unto all thofe, who in every Place call upon the Name of the Lord Jefus ^
III. This Communion which the Saints have with Chrift, doth not make them in any wife Partakers of the fubirance of his Godhead, or to be equal with Chrift in any RefpecT: : Either of which to affirm, is impious and blaiphemous f. Nor doth their Communion one with another, as iaints; take away, or infringe the Title or Property which each Man hath in his Goods and Poheffions g* CHAP.
hder one another to provoke unco III. {Oof. i, i3 And he is the love and to good works, v. 25*. head of the body, the church : who
Not for (a king the afllmbling of our fclves together, as the manner of fome is ; but exhorting one another : and (o much tfce moie, as vou Tee the day approaching. Acis 2, 41. And they corinued ftedfaitly in the apohrles doctrine and fellowship, anji in breaking of bread, and in prayer, v 46. And they continu- ing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking of brc.-d from houfe to houfe., did eat their meat with gladnefs and iinglenefs of heart. .{/}*, 2, 3. And many peo- ple (hall go and fay, Come ye, and let us go up to the monntain of the Lord, to the houfe of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walft in his paths; for out of Zion fhall go forth the law, and the W6rd of the Lord from Jeru- faiem. 1 Cor, u.io. When ye come together therefore into one piace, this is not to eat the Lords (upper,
e Acis 2. 44.. And ail that be- lieved were together, and had all things common, v 45". And to>d their pofleffions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every mar. had need. 1 John 3- 17. {See ir, letter c. ) ( 2 Cor 8 and o chapters.) Acis 11, 29. Then the cjjiqpies, every man according to his ability, determined to fend relief unto the brethren which dwelt m Judea. v 50. Which alio chty did, and fent it to the elders by the lunds pf Bar- ftabas and Saui,
is the beginning, the tirft- born from the dead; that in all things he mighc have the preeminence, v 19. Fork pleafed the Father that.in him'fnculd all fulneis dwell. 1 Cor 8, 6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things-, ancj we \n him ; and one Lord Jefus Chrift, by whom are all things, and we by him. Ija 42,8 I am the Lord, that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praife to graven Images, 1 Tim6, ij. Which in his times he fhall ihew, who is thebieifcd and only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, vt 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath feenj nor can fee : to whom be honour and power everlaiting, Amen. Pfaim 4?, 7. Thou loveft rightepuCnefs, and hateit wicked- ness; therefore God, thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of glad- nds above thy i'e.lows. With Ihb 1, 8. But unto the Son he faithy Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a fceptre of righteoufnefs is the (centre of thy kingdom: v 0. Thou halt loved righteoufnefs, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, harh ano'nted thee with the oil of gladnefs above thy fellows.
g Exod 20. iy. Thou /halt not fteal, Eph.* 4, 28. Let him that flole, fteal no more ; bm rather lee him1
K 4 1*
148 The Sonfeffion of Faith: Chap-. t7 Chap- XXVII. Of the Sacraments.
SACRAMENTS are holy Signs and Seals of the Co- venant of Grace a, immediately inftituted by God b, to reprefent Chrift and his Benefits ; and to confirm our In- erefl: in him c; as alfo to put a vifible Difference between thofe that belong unto the Church, and the reft of the World 6 ; and folemnly to engage them to the Service of God in Chrifty according to his Worde. II, ThereJ
labour, working with h:s hands the tlr.ng which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Acis 5. 4. Whiles it remained, was knot thine own ? and after it was fold, was it not in thine owa power ? why halt thou conceived this thing in thine heart ? thou haft not lied unto men, bur unto God*
I. a Rom. 4. 11. And he received the fign of c:rcumclion,a feal of the- righteouTne's of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcifed : that he might be the lather of all them that bel.icve,rhcugh they be not cir- cumcifed, that righteouihefs might be imputed umo tiiem alfo. Gen. 1 7, 7. And I will eftabliih my covenant between me and thee, and rhy feed after thee, in their generations, for an everlafting Covenant ; to be a God unto thee,and ro thy ieed after thee. (v- 10. (See below hi letter i )
b Matth* 2S 1-9. Go ye therefore and teach all nation?, ^ baptizing mem in thenanK of the Earner, and ot the Son, and of the holy Ghoft, 1 Co*". 1 1. 23, For I have received of the Lord, that which alio I delive- red unto you, 1 hat the Lord Jefus, the fame night in which he wis be- trayed, took bread.
c i Cor. 10. i6.Thecupof bJeflmg which we bleis, is it not the com- munion of the blood of Chrift? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chrift? 1 Or. 1 1' 2.f. After the fame manner alio !ie took the cup, when he had Cupped, laying, Tms cup is the new iciument in my blood : this do ye, as pit as ye drink it, ift remembrance
of me. v> 26. For as often as ye eat thisbrea^, a*} i drink tftis cup, ye do fhew the Lords death till he come. * Gal. 3, 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Chrift, have pur on Chrift. Gal 3. 17 And this I (ay. That the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Chrift, the law which was four hundred and thirty years after can- not difannul, that it fhould make the promife oi none effect.
&Rom. if. 8. Now I fay, That Je!us Chrift was a minifter of the circumcifion for the truth of God, to confirm the promifes made urro% the fathers. Excd. 12. 48. And when a ftranger fliall fojourn with" thee, and will keep the palTover to trie Lord, let all his males be cir- cumciled, and then let him come near and keep it 5 and he fhdl be as' ot e that is born in the land: for no uncircumcifed perfon fball eat thereof* Gen, 34. 14. And they (aid unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our filler to one that is uncircumcifed : for that uere a reproach unto us;
e Rom. 6. 3. Know ye nor, that fo many of us as were baptized unto Jefus Chrift, were baptized into his death? v. 4. Therefore we are buri- ed with him by baprftm into death : that like as Chrift was railed up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even lo we alfo fhould walk in new- ri-s of l'fe,'iO* 10. 16". 1 See in let- ter t) v.ii> Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord,and the cup ot devils : ye cannot be partakers- of the Lorcfs^ table,,
Chap, xjo The Cotife ffion of Fahh. 1^9
II. There is in every Sacrament a lpiritual Relation, or facramental Union, between the Sign and the Thing ilgnifr ed; whence it comes to pafs, that the Names and ErTefts of the one, are attributed to the other t.
III. The Grace which is .exhibited in or by the Sacra, merits rightly uled, is not conferred by any Power in them,- neither doth the Efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the Piety or Intention of him that doth adminifter it p : But upon the Work of the Spirit h •• and the Word oflnflitu- tion, which contains, together with a Precept authorizing the Ufe thereof, aPromifeof Benefit to worthy Receivers'.
IV. There be only Two Sacraments ordained by Chrift our Lord in the "Golpel, that is to fay, Baptifm and the Sup- per of the Lord ; neither of which may be difperjed by any, but by a Minifter of the Word lawfully .ordained k.
V. The
that comcth after me, is mighter than I, whole fhoes I am not" worthy to bear, lie fhaii baptize you with the holy Gboft and with hre, i Cc>\ 12, 13^ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we took the cup, and gave thanks, a id be Jews or Genii Id, whether we be
bono or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit,
i Mat, 26, 27, 28 . (See In letter Q Mat. 2.8.19. (See in letter b) v. 20, Teaching them to obferve all things whatfoever I have commanded you; and io, I am with yon ahvay, ev^n tin ro the end 'of the world. Am n, IV, k M^r.28. 1 ^Goye therefore and teach ail nations, baptizing them in the mine ol the Fath r, *nd of the fon, and of the holy Ghoh\ 1 Or, 1 1. 20, When ye come toge- ther therefore into one piace, this is not to cat the Lords (upper, v, £» for I have eccived c-f :he Lcrd, ;]ut which alfo 1 delivered unto you,Thae the Lord Jefus, the lame night in
table, and of the table oi devils.
II. (Gen. 17. 10. This is my cove- nant, which } e ihall fc^ep between rne and yon, and thy Cced after thec ; Every man-child among you Cnzh be circumcifed. Mat. i6\ 11. And he
d gave 1 gave k to them, laying, drink ye a;l of it. v, 28. For this is my bl bd Of the new teftaqient, which is fhtd for many for the remiiTion of fins. Ji$. 3, S: Not by works of righteoul- nefs which we fuve done, but ac- cording to his mercy he laved us by the wafhing oi regeneration; and renewing of zhc holy Ghofr,
III, g Rom. 2. 28, Fjr he is not a Jew, ^ which i> one ou wardiyj neither is that clrcumciiion, which is outward in the flefh : v, 19. hut he is a Jew, which is one inward- ly ; and circumcifion is that of the heart, in the fpirlt. and nor in the Jctter, whofe praiie is not of men, but of God 1 Pa. 3, ii, The like
fgure ^hereunto, even baprifrn, which he was becrayeJ, took Dread, doth alfo now fave us, (not the put- I Cor. 4. 1. Let a man fo account of
us, as of the mini iters of Chrift and Rewards of the myileries ot God. Heb. j. 4. And no man taffeih this honour unro hirhfclf, but he that is- caned of God, as was Aaron K) V. 1 iCfc
ting away of the filth of the fiei'h, but the anfwer of a gnod confer- ence towards God) by the rcfurrc- ftion of Jefus Chrftt-
h Mat. 3. 11, 1 indeed baptize you \yith water onto repentance, but he
150 The Confejjion of Faith. Ghap. zg,
V. The Sacraments of the Old Teftarnent, in regard of the fpiritual Things thereby fignified and exhibited, were, for Subftance, the fame with thole' of the new 1.
Chap- XXVIIL Of Baptifm.-
A P T I S M is a Sacrament of the New Teftarnent, or- dained by Jefus Chrift' a •, not only for the folemn ad* pillion of the Party baptized into the vifible Church b ; but alfo to be unto him a Sign and Seal of the Covenant of Grace c\ of his Ingrafting into Chrift d, of Regeneration c, of HemiiFion of Sins i, and of his giving up unto God through jefus Chrift, to walk in Newneis of Life g. Which Sacra- ment is by Chrift's own Appointment to be continued m his Church until the end of the World h: II. The
V. 1 i Cor. io. i. Moreover, bre> tin en, I would not chat ye fhould be ignorant, how that all our fathers \verc under the cloud, and all pailld through the fea ; y • %j And were all baptized , unto Mofes in the cloud, and in the lea j v 5. And did all eat the fame fpiiirual meat ' j rv. 4. And did all d ink the fame ipiritual drink ; (for they drank of that (piritual Rock that followed them : and that Rock was thrift, j
I. a Mat. zk. 19. (See letHrkuj chapter i ongoing.)
b 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by oneSpiiic are we all haprized 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.
c Rom, 4. 1 1, And he received the fign of circumciiion, a leal of the nghteoufnefs of the raith, which he had yet being uncircumcifed : that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not cir- cumcUed : that fighteoufnefs might be imputed unto them alfo. With. (jol. 2. 11. In- whom alfo ye are cir- fcumcifed with the circumciiion made without hand?s in putting off Jic body of the Sins of the ftefh, k\ the ckciimciiion of Chrift . v iz*
Buried with him in Baptifm, where- in alfb ye aie nferi with him, through the fairh of the operation of God, who hath railed him from the dead.
d Gal 3; 27. For as many of yon as have been baptized into Chriir, have put nn'Chrilt. Rom. 6. 5-. For if we have been planted together in thelikenefs of his death: welhall Be alfo in the likenefs of his resur- rection.
e Tit.%. 5. Not by works of righ- tcoulncfs which we have done, but according to his mercy he fived us by the wafhing of regeneration, and renewing or the holy GhofL
f l\iark. 1. \. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptifm ot repentance, tor the re- milTion of fins. *
g Rom. 6. 3. Know ye no% that fo many of us as were baptized into
iefus Chrili, were baptized into his eath, ftf'i. Therefore we are bu- ried with him by baptifm into death : that like as Chriil was raifed up from the degd by the glory of the Father, e? en (o we alfo fhould walk in new- neis of life.
h Mat. 28, 19. (See in letter k
foregoing Chapter) v 20, Teaching
thcrn
Chap. 2 b Ipe ^onjej/ton of taith.< 151
JL The outward Element to be ufed in this Sacramen i s Water, wherewith the Party is to be baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft, by aMinifter of the Gofpel lawfully called thereunto i,
III. Dipping of the Perfon into the Water is not nece£ fary, butBaptifm is rightly adminiftred by pouring or fprink- ling "Water upon the Peribn k.
IV, Not only thofe that do actually profefs Faith in, and Obedience unto Chrifl i, but alfo the infants of one or both believing Parents, are to be baptized m. V. AI- thtmrooDierveall things whatfoe- ned. Acts 3, 37, And Philip faid,
ver I have commanded you : and 1 ^, I am with von alway, even in; to the end of the world. Amen,
il, i Mat, j„ 11. 1 indeed bapt'ze you with water unto repentance; but' he that comerb after me, is mightier than I, whofe {hoes I am not worthy to bear: he fhall bap- tize you with the holy Ghoit, and with fire. Jfihft !, 33, And I knew biia not : but he that fent rne to baptize with water, the fame faid unro me, Upon whom thou (halt fee the Spirit defcendmg, and re- maining on hm, the lame is he which baptizeth with the holy .Ghoft. Mat*7.%. 19. (See letter k fore- going chapter. )v. zo.iSee in letter h.)
ii<- k tieb. 9. 10, 19, 20, 21, 22. Acis 2. 4 1. Tnen they that giadJy received his word, were ba prized : and the bine day there were added unro them about three thousand icuJs. Acts 16 3 3. And he took them the fame hour or the Highland waffl- ed their ihipes, and was baptized, he and all h'S, ihaighrway, . 4-. And when they cause irom the market, except they walh, they eat nor. And many ocner ihings tiie.e be, which they ha ve received (o hold, as the wafhin^ of cups and pots,bra- Z£fl veflelr, and oi tables,
IV. 1 Mark 16. 1 5, And hefaid un- to triem, Go ye into ah the world, and preach ye the gofpel 10 every creature, v. 16 , He that beiieveth, as id is baptized, (hall he laved ; but h - that be;;eveth not, (hall be dam-
if thou believelt with all thine heart, thou mayeft. And he anfwered and laid, I believethat (efusChrifl: is the Son of God. v. 38. And he com- manded the chariot to ftand ftijj* 3nd they went down both inro the water, both Ph lip and the eunuch 5 and he bap'iztd him.
m Gen 17. 7. And 1 will efhbiifli my covenant between trie and thee, and thy feed after thee, in their ge- ncrarions, tor an everlafting cove- nant ; to be a God unto thee, and to thy f:ed after thee, v 9. Ani God laid unto Abraham, Thou (hale k ep my covenant therefore, thou? and thy (ted alter thee, in their ge- nerations With Gal. 3. 9. So then they which be of faith, arc blcfled with faithful Abraham, w 14. Thac the bi tiling ot Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jelus Chiifr; that we might receive the promiie of the fpirit through iaitru And Col. 2; 11. In whom aifo ye are circumcifed with the circumci- fion made without hands, in putting or: the body of the hns ot the flefti, 1 y the circumcilion of Chid : v. iz. Buried with him in bap:ifm,wherein ado ye are nfen with him through the faith of the operation of God; who hath raifed him from the dead. And Acts 2. 38. Then Peter faid un- to them, Rtpent, and be baptize J every one ot you, in the name of Jelus Chrift, for the remiilion of lms, and ye fhall receive the gift of the boJjf Ghoft. v. 39. For the pro*
fg% The ConfeJJton of Faith. Chap Sz
V. Although it be a great Sin to contemn or neglect this Ordinance n, yet Grace and Salvation are not fo fnfeparably annexed unto it, as that no Perfon can be regenerated or fa- ved without it u, or that all that are baptized are undoubted- ly regenerated p.
VI. The Efficacy of Baptifm is not tied to that Moment of Time wherein it is admmiftred q : yet no twith {land- ing, by the right Ufe of this Ordinance, the Grace promi- Ted is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by- the Holy Ghoft, to fuch (whether of Age pr Infants) as that
Grace he took them up in his arms, pur ijis hands upon them, and bld'led them. L<ike 18. n. And they brought: nnto him alio infant, that he would couch them j but when his dik'ples law ir, they reouked them,
V, n Luke j. 30. But the Pharifees and lawyers icj'.&ed the counfel of God againft themrelves, being nor 'ha prized of him. With Exod^^ 24, And ic came to pais by the way in the inn, that the ^ord met him, and fought to k;ll him, v. 2^ Then Zipporah took a (harp Hone, and cut orTthe fore skin s>f her fon, and call it at his fta, and faid, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. v. iC. So he let him go: then (he faid, A bloody husband thou ait, be- cause of the circumcifion.
o Rom. 4. 11. (See in inter m) A&s 10- 2, 4, 22,, 31, 4j- 47.
p Acts 8. 13. Then Simon him- felfbcljeved alio 5 and when he was bapci/A'd, he continued with^Philip, and wonched, beholding the- mira- cles and figns which were done. v. 23. Fori perceive that thou arc in the gail of bkrernefs, and in the bond of in-quity-
VI, qjohn 2. 5*, Jefusanfwcred, Veriif, vc.-iiy, i (ay unro thee, Ex- cept a man be born of water and of the Sprit, he cahnot enter into the kingdom of God, v„ 8, The wind blowerh where it litteth, • and thou heareft the lound theieot^ but cartfi ekh tell whence it cometh,
' • • and
roife is unto you, and to your chil- dren, and to ail that are afar off. even as many ss the Lord our God {hall call. jitfd&Om. 411, And he received • the figo of civcumcilion, a. leal of the righ>:eoufaefs 01 he faith, which he had yet being uncir- cumcifed . that he night be the fa- ther of all them thar believe, though they be not circumcifed 5 that righ- teoufriefs might be imputed unto them aifo : v, 12. And the father ot circumcifion to them, who are not of the circumcifion only, bur alio walk in the hreps of that faith 6f our father Abraham, which he had being Vet uncircumcifed. 1 Cor- 7. 14 For the- unbelieving husband is Sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is fanctified by the husband : elfe were your children unclean ;bnt now they arc holy. Mdtf,2 8w 19 Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoh\. Mark 10, 13. And they brought young children to him that hefhou'ld touch them 5 and his dii- ciples rebuked thule that brought them, v, 14. Bur when Jdusiaw ir^ he was much cHfpleaied3 and faid unto them, Suffer the lirtle children to come unto me, and forbid them hot ; for of fuch is the kingdom of Go-*, v. 35 Verily I lay unro you3 Whofoever fhall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he ftail qq£ entei therein, v* 16, And
Chap. 29, The Confeffion of Faith. 15-3
Grace belongeth unto, according to the Counfel of God's own Will", in his appointed Time >.
VII. The Sacrament of Baptifm is but once to be admi- niftred to any Perfon i .
Chap: XXIX: Of the Lords Suffer.
OUR Lord Jefus, in the Night wherein he was betrayed, inftituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood, called the Lord's Supper, to be obferved in his Church unto the End of the World ; for the perpetual Remembrance of the Sacrifice ofhimfelf in his;Death,the fealing all Benefits thereof unto true Believers, their fp ritual Nourifhrrjent and Growth, in him, their farther Engagement in, and to all Duties 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 myftical Body a. II. In
251! whith:r itgoeth: To is every on: that i' born ofthq Spirit.
r GM 3. 27. For as many cf von, as have b.tn biylzzd into Chrir, have putbriGhriit. Tit 3,5, Not by works ot righrfoufocls which we have done, but according to his mercy, he faved us by the wafning of regeneration, ^and renewing ot the holy Ghoft. Epb. $".215. Hus- band?, love your wives, even as Chriit a Ho loved the churchy and gaveThfm{elf tor ir, v. 26. Tnac he m'ght fmctify and cleanfc it with -trie wifhing of v\ater by t\,c word. ABs 2. 33. Then Peter faid untd them, feepenr, and be bapti- 7, d every one of you in the name of Jelus Chriit, for the rcmifli m of tins, an:! ye /hall receive the gi ft of the holy Ghoifc v. 4 1 Then they that gladly received his word^ were b:ptiz^d : and the (ame day- there were added unto thesn about three thoufand (ouls. VII. f Tfln 3. 5. (See in lettrr r ) I, a 1 Cor. 11, 23. For I have re- ceived of the Lord, that which alfo I del vered u^to you, Tiu: the Lord
Jefus, the fa me night in wmich he wss betrayed, t vok b:ead : v. 2.*. And he had given thank', he brake i-, an i laid, Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for 50U : tins do in remembrance of rre. kr. 2jf, After the lame manner alio he took rhecepi when he had flipped, fay- ing, This cup is the new teltamertt in my biood : this do ye, as oft as ye dihk ic, in remembrance cf me, <r. 26, For as of en as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do fh:w the Lord 'sdea:h till he come. 1 Cor 10, 16. The cun of blefling . i w chiefs, is ir not the com- munion of the blood of Chriit ? The bread which we break, is it not t e communion of the body of Chriit. f v. 17, For we being many, are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of thar one bread v. 21. Ye cannot drink the cop of the Lod, and the cup of de- v vis; ye cannot be partakers of th,e Lords cat)lc, and otthetAbie ol de- vils. 1 Cor 1:; 13. For by one Spi- rit are we ail baptised ioj.o one t c- <\y\ whether we be Jews or Gentiles^ whe-
1 54 The Conjejjton of Faith. Chap: %y»
II. In this Sacrament, Chrift is not offered up to his Father, *ior any real Sacrifice made at all, for Remiflion of Sins of the Quick or Dead b; but only a Commemoration of that one Offering up of iiimfelf, by himfelf; upon the Crofs, once for all; and a fpiritual Oblation of all poffible Praife unto GocJ. for the fame c : So that the Popiih Sacrifice of the Mafs, as they call it, is moft abominably injurious to Chrift'sOne only Sacrifice, the alone Propitiation for -all the Sins of the Eledt tf.
III. That the Lord Jefus hath, in this Ordinance, appointed his Minifters to declare his Word of Inftitutionjto the People, to pray, and blefs the Elements of Bread and "Wine, and therer by to fet them apart from a common to a holy Ufe; and. to take, and break the Bread, to take the Cup} and (they commu- nicating alfo themfelves) to give both to the Communicants e ;
itrot
whether we be bond or free; 2nd have been all made to drink into one Spirit;
U.bHeb. 9. 2?.. And almoft all things are by the law purged with blood; and without (heading of blood is no remiflion. v. 25. Nor yet that he fhould offer himfelf of- ten, as the hi»h pt icft entreth in- to the holy pbee every year v/ith Wood of others; v. 2.6, (For then mntt he often have differed fince the foundation of the world) but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away (in by the factifice of himfelf. v, z2» So CHrift was once offered to bear the fins of many ; and uriro thofe thtt look for him, fhall he appear rhe fecond time, without an, un:o faivation.
c f dr. 11 24, 2Lf, 26*. (See the?n hi letter a) Mat. 26". 26*, And as they were eating, Jefus took bread, and biefled it, and brake it, and gave it to the difciples, and (aid, Take, eat^ this is my body. <v. 27, And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, faying, Drinl* ye ail of lev
d Web, 7, 23. And they truly were many priefts, becaule they were not fuffered to continue by reafon of death, v. 24. but this man, becaufe he
conrinuerh ever, hath an unchange- able prielt-hood. 1;. 27. Who need- cth not daily, as thole high priefts, to offer up facrifice, firft tor his own fins, and then for the peoples : lor this he did ooce, when he offered up himtelf. Ileb. 10. 1 1, And every priett itandeth daily miniltring, and offering oftentimes the lame facri- /ices, winch can never rake away fins: <v. 11. But this man, after he had offered one facririce for ims for ever, fat down on the right hand of God. % 14. For by one offering lie bath perfected for ever them thuc aicfandtjfied, v. 18. Now where re- million ox theft is, there is no more offering tor iin.
Ill, e Mat. 2(5. 26, 27. (See in let. per c) v. 28. For this is my blood of the new teftament which is fried for many for the remiflpn of fins: And Mark 14. 22. And as they did eat, Jefus took bread, and biefled, and biake it, and gave to them, and (aid, Take, eat ; this is my oody. y. 23. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them ; and they all drank of it. v. 24, And he laid unto them, This is m.y blood of the new tdhmenr, which is fried for many- And Luke 22. 19; And he took bread, and gave thanks.
Chz?-> ^(:- 7*>* Coftfeffton of Faith. i$$
but to none who are not then prefent in the Congregation f.
IV. Private Mafles,or receiving this Sacrament by a Prieft or any other alone g, as likewife the Denial of the Cup to the People h, AVorfhipping the Elements, the lifting them up, or Carrying them about for Adoration, and the Referving them for any pretended religious Ufe, are all contrary to the Nature of this Sacrament, and to the Inftitution of Chrift •;.
V. The outward Elements in this Sacrament, duly fet apart to the Ufes ordained by Chrift, have fuch Relation to him crucified, as that truly, yet facramentally only, rhey are fometimes called by the Name of the Things they repre- sent, to wit, the Body and Blood of Chrift k 5 albeit in Sub- ftance and Nature, they ftill remain truly and only Bread and Wine, as they were before !.
VI. That Doctrine which maintains a Change of the Sub- fiance of Bread and Wine, into the^ubftance of Chrift's Body and Blood (commonly called Tranfubftantiation) by Confed- eration of a Priefl, or by any other Way, is repugnant, not
to
thanks, and brake it, and gave unto iiicm,!a>ing,This is my body when is given for yen : this do in remt ni- l-nance of me v 20. Likewire ailo the cup alter (upperjfaytrtg, This cup is rhe new u (lament in my blood, which is fheri for yoo. With 1 Cor. 1 1. 23, 24, z$, 7.C, {See all In letter a.)
i Sids 20. 7. And upon the hrft day ox the week, when the dik roles came together ro break biead, Paul preached unto themyeady to depart on the mcr:ow, end continued lis ipecch until midnight. 1 Cor it. 20 When ye come together there- f re into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's tapper.
IV. g 1 Cor 10. 6. New thefe thuzgs were our examples, to rhe uftcm .we fhould net lmt alter evil things, as they alfo hilled;
h markiAtifn [See in letter c) \Cor 1 1 . 2 j", 26 (See Utter a ,}v. 27.W here- lore wholoevcr ihali ear this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord un- worthily, (hall be guilty of the body and blordof the Lord. v. *2$t But let a man examine himfelf; and to let him eat of that bread, and drink
of that cup; v. 29. For he rhat eat- eth and drinketh unworthily, eareth and drinketh damnation to himfeJr, not dmrcrn'rgthe Lord's body,
i Mat. if. 9. But in vain they do wcifhip me, teaching ior dodtiincs the commandments 01 men.
VtikMab 26. 26. And as they we: e eating, Jeius took bread, and bleffedir, and bleak it, and gave it to the diicipies and laid, Take, eat ; this is my body. <i\ 27. And he took the cup. and gave thanks, and gave it to t.;em, faying, D.ink ye all of ;r; <u. 28 for this is my blood of the new teftament which is Hied for many ior the rcmiiTion of lins.
1 1 Cor. 11.26. For as off en as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do lhew the Lord's death till he come. v. 27. Wherefore, uhofo- ever fliall eat rhis bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily. fhali be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, */, 28. But let a man examine himfelf, and fo let him eat of that bread, and drink of than cup. Matm 16. 29. But I fay unto
ycu
156 The ConfeJJion of Faith. Chap; 19
Scripture alone, but even to common Senfe andReafon ; over- throweth the Nature of the Sacrament ; and hath been and i$ the Caufe of manifold SuperfKtionsv yea, of grofs Idolatries m.
VII, Worthy Receivers, outwardly partaking of the vi- fible Elements of this Sacrament nA do then alio inwardly by Faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but fpiritually, receive and feed upon Chrift crucified, and all Benefits of his Death : The Body and Blood of Chrift being then, not corporally or carnally, in, with or under the Bread and Wine ; yet as really, but fpiritually, prefent to the Faith of Believers in that Ordinance, as the Elements themfelves are to their outward Senfes o.
VIII. Although ignorant and wicked Men receive the out? ward Elements in this Sacrament, yet they receive not the Thing fignified thereby.- but, by their unworthy comingthere- unto, are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord to their own Damnation. Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly Perfons, as they are unfit to enjoy Communion with him,fb are they unworthy of the Lord's Table-, and cannot with- out great Sin againft Chrift, while they remain fuch, par-
you,I will not drink hence?or:h of. this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink It new with }ou jn my Fathers kingdom,
VI, m Acts 3, 21. Whom the hea- ven muft receive, uneil the rimes of reilitution of all things, which Cod hath fpoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, iince the world began. With i Cor u. 24* And when he had given thanks, he brake k, and laid, Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you : this* do in remembrance oi me.o/ 25«Af* ter the iarne manner alfo he took the cup when he had fupped, faying, This cup is the new teftament in my blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me, v. 26, (Sge letter i.) Utke 24* 6. He is not here, 5hur is lilen: remember how he fpakc unto you when he was yet in Galilee, v. 39, Behold my hands and x'ny ieetjthat it is I my fclf, handle rne, and fee, for a fpirit hath not fielh and bones, as 7 e let me have;
take
VII. n 1 Cor. 11.28. (See in letter 1.) o iCovro. io\Thc cup of olefin g
which we blefs,is it not the cornmu* nion of the blood of Chrift ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chrift: ?
VIII, p 1 Cor 11 27, z8. (Sep-iti letter].) v. 29. For he that eateth and [drinketh unworthily, eareth and drinketh damnation to himfelf, not decerning the Lords body, z Cor. 6*. 14. Be ye not unequ illy yoked to- gether with unbelievers : for what feilowfhip hath righteoufnefs with unrighteoufnefs ? and whar commu- nion hath light with darknefs? v 15. And what concord hath Chrift wi h Belial? or what part hath he that believeth, with an infidel ? 1/. i6\ What agreement hath the temple ot (pod wi'h idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath laid, 1 will dwell in them,and- walk in them; and I will be their God, and they (hall be my people:
4l Of*
Chap/ f& TJoe Confefflon of Faith; 157
take of thefe holy Myfteries p, or be admitted thereunto
Chap- XXX. Of 'Church-een fares.
THE Lord Jeflis, as King and Head of his Church, hath therein appointed a Government in the Hand of Church- Officers, diftinttfrom- the civil Magiftrate a.
q 1 for. j. 6- Ycur glorying is not good .--Know ye net that a little lea- ven leaveneth the whole lump ? v. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, a? ye are uoleavened. Por even Chrilt our psflbver is facrifked for us. v.- ijw* But rhem that are without, God yadgcth. Therefore put away from among your (elves that wicked per- fon. iTbef. i.6^Now we command you, bre hren, in the name of our Lord Jefhs Chrift, that ye with- draw your felves from every bro- ther that walketh diforderly, and not after the tradition which he re- ceived of us. <v. 14. And if any man obey not our wold by this epiftle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be afhamed, v, if. Yet count him not as an Enemy, but admonifh him as a brorher. Mat. 7 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither caft ye lyour pearls before fwinc, leit tney trample them un- der their ftct, and turn again and rent you.
1. a Ij'a, 9, 6. For Uhro us a child is born, unto us a ivn is given, and the government (hall be upon his fhoulc'er : and his name fhall becal- led Wonderful, Counfelier, The mighty Got1, The everlaiiing Fa- ther, The Prince of peace, v. 7. Of the increa(e of his government and price, there, fhall be no end, upo 1 the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to elta - blifh it with judgment and with j.i- ftice, from henceforth even for ever, the ?>eal of the Lord of lioib-will {frCTfoi m' this;- v Mtift j£ 17,- L& ihcf
II. To
elders that tu\q well, be counted worthy ot double honour, efpeci- ally they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Thef, >*. 12. And ;.ve b. leech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, end aie over you in the Lord, and admonifh you. Jets. 20. 17. And from Mile- tus he lent to Eohefus, and called the' eltfers o^ the church, v, 18 And when they were come to him, he (2id unto ther*, Ye know from the hi ft day that I carne inpo Ails, after what manner I have b^cn with you at all fea for. s. R eb 13 j\ R emeoi- ber them which have the rule over von, who have fpoken unro you rh? word of God: whofe foich follow, considering the end of their Conver- sation, v, 17. Obey them that have the rule over yen, and fuBmit your felves: for they watch for your f uls lis they that m^fr. give account, thac they nw do it with py, and not with grief: for that is un profitable for you. v. 24. Si lute ail them that have the rule over you, and ail the fa'nrs. They of Italy Jaime you, 1 Ca\ 12,7.8, And G d hath fer'ome in the church, hid apeftfes, (econ- d.rriiy prophet?, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts ot hea- ling?, helps, government?, diver- fines of tongues. Hl/lM\ i3. 18 And Jeius came, and fpike uiro them, laying, all power is given unto rne in heaven and in earth, v. 10,. Go ye therefore and ieach all nation", baptizing irem in rhe name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy G'k'u. v. 20. Teaching rhem to obicrve all things whatiuever I have
*5$ The Confefjion of Faith. Chap; 36.
II. To thefe Officers the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are committed, by Vertue whereof they -have Power refpe- ftively to retain and remit Sins; to (hut that Kingdom againft the Impenitent, both by the Word and Cenfures; and to open it unto penitent Sinners, by the Miniftry of the Gofpel, and by Abfolutlon from Cenfures, as Occafion fliall require k
III. Church-cenfures are necelfary for the reclaiming and gaining of offending Brethren, for deterring of others from the like Offences, for purging out of that Leaven which might infect the whole Lump, for vindicating the Honour of Chrift and the holy Profeflion of the Gofpel, and for preventing the Wrath of God, which might jultly fall upon the Church, if they fhould fuffer his Covenant, and the Seals thereof, to be profaned by notorious and obftinate Offenders c.
IV. For the better attaining of thele Ends, the Officers of the Church are to proceed by Admonition, Sufpenfion from the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper for a Seafon, and by Ex- communication from the Church, according to the Nature of the Crime, and Demerit of the Perfon d; CHAP.
have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even uncp the end of [he \Aorld, A nun,
II. h Mat. i6\ 19. And I will give unto thee t\r~ .keys of the kingdom of heaven : and whatfoever thou flialr bind on earth, (hall be bound In heaven . and whatfoever thou mv.i loofe on earth, (hall be loofed in hea- ven, mai'ff. 18. 17. And if he Oiail neglect ro hear them, tell it unto the church . but if ne neglect ro hear the church, let him be unro thee as an heathen man and a publican. <y, l£ Verily I fay unto you, WW- ioever ye fliall bind on earth, (li 11 be bound in heaven: artd whatfo- ever ye (hall loofe on earth, fhall be loofed in heaven. John 20, 2 r. Then (aid Jefus to them again, Peace be unto you ; as my Father hath fent me, even (o fend I y> u. <u.?.2. And when he had (aid this, he breathed en them, and faith unto them, Re- ceive ye the holy Ghoft, rj. 23. Whofoever fins ye remit, they are remitted unto them: and whofo- ever iins ye retain, they are retai- ned. 2. Cor. zl 6» Sufficient to fuch
a man is this puniflimenr, which was InH'cled of many. -v. 7. So that con- trariwife, ye ought rather to forgire him, and comfort him, left perhaps fuch a one fhould be i wallowed up with overmuch forrow. v. 6 . Where- fore I befeech you, that you would Confirm your love towards him.
HLc ( \ Cor. $, chapter throughout.) i Tim. f. 2.0. Them that fin, rebuke before all, that others alfo may fear. Matth. 7. 6 Give not that which is holy unto the do^s, neither caft ye your pearls before fwine> left they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rent you. 1 Tim: j. 20. Or' whom is Hymeneusand Alexander, whom I have delivered uii'o Saran, that they may learn not to blaipheme.( \0or. 1 1.27. to theend) With Jude 23." And others lave with fear, pulling them out of thefiiej Hating even the garments fpotred by the flefh.
IV. d 1 Thcff. s. **• And we be-
feeeh you, brethren, to know them
which labour among you, and are
over you in the Lord, and admonifli-
you
Chap. 31, The Confejjion of Faith: 159
Chap: XXXI Of Synods and Councils:
FOR the better Government and farther Edification of the Church, there ought to be fuch Aflemblies as are com- monly called Synods or Councils 3,
II. As Magistrates may lawfully call a Synod of MinilTers and other fit perfons, to confult and adviie with about Mat- ters of Religion b : So if Magiftrates be open Enemies to the Church, the Minifters ofChrift, ofthemfelves, by vertueof their Office ; or they, with other fit Perfons, upon Delegation from their Churches, may meet together in fuch AfTemblies c.
III. It
you 2 Tkeft. 3. 6. Now we com- mand you, brethren, in the Name ot our Lord Jeius Chriit, that ye with- draw your leives trom every brother that walketh diio deny, and not af- ter the tradition which he received of v.s: v 14. And it any man obey not our word by this epiflle, note fchar. man, and have no company with him, that he may beafhamed *.v 15". Yet count h:m not as an enemy, but admonilh him as a brother. 1 Cur 5. 4. in the name of our Lord Jeius Chriit, wiien ye are gathered toge- ther, and my ipirit,. with the power of our Lord Jeius Chriit, v 5. To deliver iuch an one unco Sitan tor the deftru&ion ot the fltfli, that the ipirit may be laved in the day of the Lord Jeius. a> 13. But them that are without, God judgethi Therefore pur away from among your {elves that wicked peiibn. Mat% 18. 17. And if he fhali neglc&t to near them, tell k unto tlie Church : but if he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unro ihQC as an heathen man and a pubii can. Tit. 3.. 10. A man that is an he- ritick, after the fiiii and iccond ad- monition, reject.
I a j0s. 15.2. When therefore Paui and Barnabas had no imatl dif- fcention and deputation with them, they determined that Pain and Bar- nabas, and certain other of them, (hou:d go up to Jtrufalem unto the apofiies and ides about this que- rtion.-y.4. And when they were come
to Jcnfalem, they were received of the church, and of the apoities and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them, *v 5: And the apoities and eiders came' together lor to consider of this mutter.
II. b I fa. 49 23. And Kfags fed! be thy nuriing fa' hers, and their queens thy nuriing mothers : they (hall bow down co thee with face towards the earth, and lick up the da It of thy feet, and thou (halt know that i am • the Lord : for they fixall nor be airramed that war for me. 1 Tim* 2. i. 1 exhort therefore, that hrft of all, fupplications, pray- ers, Interccffions, and giving of thanks be made for ail men ; «y 2; For kings, and for a'.i that a:e in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all god a-d honefty, (2. Cbo. 19 %.totbt end) (iCoro. 29. and 30 Ckafters tbroughmd.) Mat. 2. 4. And when lie had gathered ail the chief priefts and fcribes of the people together, he demanded ot them where Chrift fhoold be born, v s And ihcy feid unto him, m Bethlehem of Judea .. for thus it is written by the prophet, Pr^v* 11, 1 4. Where no ccimfel is the people fall : But in the multi- tude or counfelkrs there is (afety^
e Acts. 15. 2, s (See in letter a) v 27. Then pleated it the ApofrJes and eldeis,with the whole church, to fend .
j 60 The Confejjioh of Faith. Chap 3 1 J
111. It belo'ngeth to Synods and Councils, minifterially to determine Conttoverfies of Faith, and Cafes of Conference ; to fet down Rules and Directions for the better ordering of the publick Worfhip of God, and Government of his ( Church ; to receive Complaints in Cafes of Mal-adminiftra- tionx and atithoratively . to determine the lame : which Decrees and Determinations, if Confonant to the Word of God are to be received with Reverence and Submiffion ; not only for their Agreement with the Word, but alfo for the Power whereby they are made, as being an Ordinance of God, appointed thereunto in his Word d.
IV All Synods or Councils? iince the Apcftles Time, whether general or particular, may err, and many have er- red : therefore they are not to be made the Rule of Faith or Practice, but to be ufed as an Help in both e.
V. Synods and Councils are to handle or conclude no- thing, but that which is Eccleiiaflical . And are not to inter- meddle with Civil Affairs, which concern the Common- wealth, unlefs by way of humble Petition, in Cafes extraor- dinary ; or by Way of Advice for Satisfaftion of Conlcicnce,
if
(er.d chofen men of their own com- pany to Antioch, with P;ml and Bar- nabas j namely, Judas (ir named fiar- iabas, and Silas, chief men among the brerhicn : v 2.3. And wore kr- ters by ihem after this manner, The apoftlcs, and elders, and brethren 'end greeting unto the brethren wirch are 01 the Gentiles in Ami- och, and Syria, and Ciiicia.- v 25-. It iecmed good onto us, being aftern- b!ed w""h ore accord to fend chokn men unto you with cur beloved .sand Atll.
HI, d ACtl If. 7?, Ip L*, 27, 22,
*5>> 3°> 3 r- ($ee i* the Bible) Acts \6 4. And as rbey went inrough tiie riri; s th.ey delivered them the de- crees for to kef p, that were ordain- ed of the apofiks and elders which were at fcriifalcrp. Hat, 1 8. 17. And ir he fhali neglect ro hear them, tell it unto the chu:ch : but if henegket ro bear the church, let him be nnro thecas an heathen man, and a pub i- can. v 1 3. Veiily I lay unto you Whatsoever ye fhsii bind en earth,
fha}] be bound in heaven : and what- U ever ye thai! loore on earth, (hall be looted in heaven, v in; Again I (ay unto you, that if two or you fhall agree on earth, as touchirgany thingrhat they (hall ask, it (hall be done tor them of my father which is in heaven, v 20. For where two or three art gathered together in my namer there am I in the midit oi rhem.
I V\ e Efh* 2. 20. And ^re built U> pon the foundation of the apoflles ind pro; has, JedlJ Chiiii himfelf being the chief corner- (tone. Jets* 17 1 ! : Thefe were more noble than thole in Thf.flalonica, in that they received the w\>rd wirh all rcadinefs or mind, and fearched the Scripturcsr daily, whether thofe things were fb- 1 Cor, 2. ?. That your faith thnuld not ifcmd m the wif torn of men, but in the rxv-Aer of God. 2 Cor, t 24, Nrtt for that we have dominion over your taih, but are helpers of your
joy : for by faith
e heme, ye itanh.
V, fjtffc
Chap. 31.' The Corife
i^nap. 3 1; ive ^onjejjiGn of ratth.
if they be hereunto required by the civil Magiftratef,
161
Chap. XXXIL Of the State of Men after Deathy
and oj the Rcfmreftion of the Dead.
TH E Bodies of Men, afrer Death, return to Duft, and fee Corruption a - but their Souls (which neither die nor deep) having an immortal Sublicence, immediately re- turn to God who gave them \ The Souls of the Righteous, being then made perfect in Holinefs, are received into the higheJft Heavensr, 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 caft into Hell where they remain in Torments and utter Darknefs, referved to the Judgment of the great Dayd ; Befides thefe Two Places for Souls feparated from their Bodies, the Scripture
II. At
acknowledged none
V f lake. 12. 13, And one ofthz company faid unto him* i'<'' ■ (peak to ;.
e w*:h inc. v 14. And he faid unto him, np^le
fnsajadge, 01 John, iH. 36*. Jefus
gmrn is nor of this World : II kktgitani #ere of tiiis world, would my ferVants ri^h:, .1 r.: I fhuiild not be deliverer* .-■ . rhe | but now is my kingdom hot'
I. a Ben. 3 iq, In tTiefweat of thy fade ihui: rhbu retui
itwa-rrir
and 1 ( sl:fs
ij. 36 For Da v, Ins own generation by :;. God, fell dp Gecp, an I to hi
bLuk< t° h thee, Td •
para-, djf*, 2.. 7, Thenfhafi
duti return ro the C and rhe fpjrn Atari return unto God wha jjave it,
c llcj. i2. 23. To the
and church of the : ich ar^ writteu in heaven,
and to God the juJgc of all, and to r' (pirits ot JUW men made perfect. 2 Cor. 5 1. For v\c Know, that if our hlynouTc of this tabernacle were log of God, an houff not nude with hands eteV- nal Irj / 6". Therefore
we a knowing
that v ire at home in the bo -
dy, we are abLnr from the Lord, lent, Hay, ani willing rather t be abfenf from the 1 to be prefent with the Lord. PhiL 1.23, For I am in a fti btr two, having adeftre rode- C rift j which" ; : 1 . V/noin the heaven eive, until the
times of reftitution of all things, which h (poken by ihz
mourl
.; 1 o. Ha that defcen I thac
up i tens,
dL:i\ri 2.5. And in ft up
his cj . torments, and Teeth
Abraham afar on^ >nd Lazarus in his 1) torn,, v 2- . ft td he effed, and fai J, ,feve mercy on me, a;;d icu i La£$rus that he may dip L thfe
16% cTheConfeJJic4i of Faith. Chap 33.
II. At the Laft Day, fuch as are found alive, fhall not die* but be changed e ; And all the Dead fhall be raffed up with the felf-iame Bodies, and none other, although with different Qualities, which fhall be united again to their Souls for ever U
III. The Bodies of the Unjuft fhall by the Power of Chrift be raifed to Dishonour ; the bodies of the Juft by his Spirit unto Honour, and be made comformable to his own glorious Body g.
Chap. XXXIII. Of the loft Judgment.
GO D hath appointed a Day, wherein he will judge the World in Righteoufnefs by Jefus Chrift a, to whomall
Power the tip of his finger in waver and coul my tongue, for I am 'tormented in this flame, Acts, i i$. Thar he may take part of this miniftry and apo- ftiefhip, from which Judas by tranf- greifion fell, that he might go to his own place, jude 6. And the Angels whicn kept not their fir ft eftate, but left their own habitation, he hath refer ved in everiafting chains under darknefs, unto the judgment of the great day: v 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the dries about them in like manner giving them- ieives over to fornication, and going alter ftrangs flefh, are Kei forth for an example, (offering the venge- ance oi eternal fire; lFei.$. 19. By which alfo he went and preached unto the fpirits in prifon.
If. e 1 Thejf^ 1 7, Then we which , are alive and remain, fhall becaugnt up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and £> fhall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Cor 1 j. 5 1. Behold,l fhew you a myftery; we (hall not all fleep, but we fhall all be changed, v 51. in a monaenr, in fchc twinkling of an eye, at the laft trump, for rhe trumpet fnall found,- and the dead fhall oe raifed incor- ruptible, and we lhall be changed.
t Job. 19, 26. And though after my skin, worms deiiroy this body, yet in my fiefh ftiall I fee God : v 27. Whom I fhall fee for my fcTf, and
mine eyes (hall behold, and not ano- ther; though my reins be con fumed within me, 1 Cor iy. 42 Sj aifo is the refurredtion of the dead It is fown in corruption . It is raifed in inrorru prion * <v 43 It is fown in di (honour, it is railed in glorv; it is fown in weaknef> , it is raifed in power, v 44. It is fown a natural body, it is raifed a fpiritual body; There is a natural body, and there is a fpiritual body.
III. g Acts, 24. 15. And have hope towards God, wfiich they themfelves alfo allow, that there (halt be a re- furredtion of the dead, both of the juft ivA Unjuft. John 5. 28. Marvel not at this : tor the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves fhall hear his voice, v 29. And fhall come forth, they that have done good, u.ito the refurrection of life j and they that have done evil, unto the refurrection of damnation. 1 O. 1? 43. (Seem letter f.) Phil 3. 21. Who fhall change our vile body, that it may be fafhioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to fubdue ail things untohim- fcli.
I a Act;. 17. 31. Becaufe beharh
appointed a day in the which he wilr
judge the world in righceoutnefs, by
that mm whom he hath ordained -y
whsrof
Chap.- 3 j .4 Sfife ConfeJJion of Faith: 1 6j
Power and Judgment is given of the Father b. In whicfi Day, not only the Apoflate Angels (hall be judged c; but like- wife all Perfons, that have lived upon Earth, fhall appear be- fore the Tribunal of Chrift, to give an Account of their Thoughts, Words, and Deeds; and to receive according 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 Man*- feflation of the glory of his Mercy, in the Eternal falvation of the Elect ; and of his Juftice, in the Damnation of the Re- probate, who are wicked and difobedient; For then fhall the Righteous go into everlafting Life, and receive thatfalnefs of Joy and Refrefning, which fhall come from the Prefence of the Lord . but the Wicked, who know not God, and obey not the Gofpel of Jefus Chrift, fhall be caft into eternal Tor- ments, and be punifhed with everlafting Definition from the Prefence of the Lord, and from the Glory of his Power ef
III. As
whereof he hath given afljrance un- to ali men, in that he hath railed him from the dead.
b John. 5 22. For the Father judg- eth no man j but hath coirmitrcd a:l judgment unto the Son ^ v 27. And hath given him authority to execute judgment alfo, bccaule he i: the Son cJ man.
c 1 Cor. 6. 3. Know ye not that we (hill judge angeis ? how much more things that pertain to this 1 fe ? Judem6J(See letter d charier joregolng) 2 Pet. 2 4. For if Gcd (pared not the angels z\w tinned, hue call them down to heli. and delivered them in- to chains ofcaiknefs, to be reicrved unto judgment*
d 2 Cor* 5. 10. For we mud all ap- pear nJorc the judgment- feat ot Chiiil, that every one may receive the things done in his body, accor- ding to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad, Eccl. 12. 14. For God fhall bring every work unto judgment-, with every fecrer thing, whe her it be good, or whether it l?e evil. Rom. 2.. 1 5 In the day, when God the fecrets of men
. accoiding to my 14 10. Bat why do.fi .her? or why doit
thou fet at nought thy brother ? we fhall all fiand before the judgment- feat of Chrift, v 12. So then every one of us fhall give account of him- felf to God. Mat. 12. 36 But I fay unto vou, that every idle word thac men fhall fpeak, they fhall give ac- counB thereof in the day of judg- ment, v 37. For by thy words thou fhalt be juftificd., and by thy words thou fhall be condemned,
II. e {Mat. 25 3 1. to the end) Rom» 2. f. But after thy hardneisaLd im- penitent heart, treafurdt up unto thy felf wrath againlt the day of wrath, and revelation ot the righte- ous judgment ol God; v 6. Who will render to every man accoiding to his deeds Ran. 9.22. What if God, willing to fhew his wrath, and to make his power ksown, endured with much long-furlcring the veilels of wrath iitted to deftruction : v 23: And that he might make known the riches ol his glory on the veflels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory? Mat. 25. 21. His lord laid unto him, Wei done thou good and faithful fervant , thou hali been faithful over a tew dungs, I will make ;hce ruler over many things : L 2, enter
lonfeji
164 The Confejfton of Faith: Chap., 33.
III. As Chrift would have us to be certainly perfwaded >^iat there fhall be a Day of Judgment, both to deter' all Men from Sin, and for the greater Confolation of the Godly in their Adverfity f : So will he have that Day un- known to men, that they may fhake off all carnal Secu- rity, and be always watchful, becaufe they know not at what Hour the Lord will come ; and may be ever prepa- red to fay, Come, Lord Jefus, Come quickly. Amen
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Acts. 3 1 p. Repent ye therefore, and be convened, that your Sins may be blotted out, when the times of refre- fhing fhall come from the prefence of the Lord, zlheffl i. 7, 8, 9, 10. (See in the Bible)
III. f 2 Pet, 31 1 1. Seeing then that all thefe things (hall be diflblved, what manner ot perfons ought ye to be in all holy converfation and godlinefs? v 14. Wherefore, beloved feeing that ye look for iuch Things, be diligent that ye may, be found of him in peace, without fpot and bie- mifh. 2 Cor y. 10. (See letter d) *u 1 1. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we perf wade men*, but we are made manifeft unto God, and I truft a)fo* are made manifeft in your conicienccs. 2 Theff. 1. ft Which is a maniieft token of the lighteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy ot the kingdom of God, tor which ye aKoiuSer; v'6. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompenfe tribulation to them that trouble you -> v 7. And to you who are troubled, reft with us, when the Lord je fus fhall be revea- led from heaven with his mighty angels. Luke, 21. 27. And then fhall they fee the Son of man co- ming in a cloud with power and £rcat glory, v 2,$. And when thefe
things begin to come to pafs, then look up, and lift up your heads -7 for your redemption draweth nigh. Rc?/2. 8, 23. And not only they, but our felves aUo, which have the ririt- frults of the fpirir, even we our felves groan within our felves, wait- ing for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body, v 24, For we are faved by hope : but hope that is feen, is not hope : for what a man feech, why doth he yet hope for •? v 25. But if we hope for that we fee nor, then do we with pati- ence wait for it.
g Mat, 24. 36,42, 43, 44. {See in the Bible.) Mark- 1 5. 35-, Watch ye therefore, (tor ye know nor whea the ma iter of the houfe cometh $ at even, or at midnight, or at rhe cock -crowing, or in the morning) v 36- left coming fuddenly, he find you Qeeping* v 37. And what I fay unto you, I fay unto all, Watch. Luke.iz. 35. Let your loins be gir- ded about, and your lights burn- ing j v 3°". And ye your felves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wed- ding, mat when he comerh and knocketh, they may open umo him immediately. Rev. 22. 20. He which teftiheth thefe things, faith, furely I come quiddy. Amen. Even fo, Come, Lord Jeius.
F I N I 9;
Larger Catechifm,
Agreed upon by the
Affembly of DIVINES
A T ♦
WESTMINSTER,
With the Affiftance of
COMMISSIONERS
FROM THE
CHURCH of Scotland,
A S
A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of C H R I S T in the Kingdoms of Scotland,
England, and Ireland.
AND
Approved Anm 1 64.V, by the General Assembly of the CHURCH of Scotland to be a D 1 r e c t o r y lor Catecnifing fiich as have made lome Proficiency in the Knowledge oi the Gr o u n d s ot RELIGION.
With the T Woofs front the Scripture.
G L A S G 0 IV\
Printed by John Robert/on and Mrs M'Lean, and fold tf their Shops in the middle of the Salt-Mcrcat
M. DCC. XLVJ
j 66
AiTembiy at Edinburgh, Jutyx* 1648: Seffio- A6t approving the Larger Catechifm,
T
HE General Afembly having exaclly examined, and ferioufly confidered the Larger Catechifm, agreed upon by the Jjfembly of Divines fitting at Weftminfter, with Atfiftance of Commi [[toners from this Kirk, Copies thereof being printed, and Cent to Presbyteries, for the more exafi Trial thereof aud publick 'Intimation being frequently made in this Afembly, that every one that had any Doubts or. objections upon it, might put them in ; do find, upon due Examination thereof that thefaid Catechifm is agreeable 10 the Word of God-, and in nothing contrary to the received Dofirine, VVorfhip, Difcipline and Government, of this Kirk ; a necejfary Part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and a rich Treafurefor increafing Knowledge among the People of God : And therefore the Afembly % as theyblefs the Lord, that fo excellent a Catechifm is prepared-, fo they approve the fame, as a Part of Uniformity ; agreeing, for their Part, that it be a common Catechifm/?r the three Kingdoms, and a Diretfcry for Catechifing fuch as have made fome proficiency in the Knowledge of the Groundsof Religion.
•t
THE
THE
Larger Catechifni,
Agreed upon by the Assemble of Divines at Wejhnhilier: Examined and Approved, Anno\6$. by the GenePvAL Assembly- of the CHURCH of SCOTLAND. gfr
i. Queflion.
glorify God a, 2. Queft.
Iff Ma
A T is the chief and higheft End of Man ?
Anfvj. Man's chief and higheft end is to and fully to enjoy him for ever b. How doth it appear that there is a God P Anfv. The very Light of Nature in Man, and the "Works of God, declareplainly that there is a Godc : But his "Word
and
I a Ro:n. ii. 36, For of him, and through him,, and to him are all
things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen, i Co/> io. 31. Whether therefore ye eac or dunk, or whftf- foever ye do, do all to the giory of God.
bPjal. 73 ;-4- Thou (halt gr.ide me with thy counfel, and alt. receive me to glory, v 25". Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none on earth that I dciire betides thee, v 26. My flefh and my heart taileth : but God is the ihcngthof my Heart, and my porti- on (or ever, v 27. For lo, they tnat are tar from theej (hall p rifh : thou (halt dellroy all them that go a whoring from thee. . v :8. Bu: if is good ior me to draw near 'o God : I have put my truftin the Lord God, that i may declare all thy works,
John. ij. 21 That they al! may be one, asth.u, Father, art in me, and 1 in thee ; that they alio may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou haftfent me. v 22. And the glory which thou gaveft me, I have given them : that they may be one, even as we are one. v 23, I In them, and thou in me, that zlicy my be made periect in one, and that the* world may know that thou hail me, and haft loved them, as thou haft loved me.
2. e Ro?ny 1,19, Becaufe that wbicb may be Known 01 God is manifeft in them ; for God hath (hewed it unto 'hem, v 20, For the invift> blc tilings or him from the crea- tion ot the world are clearly (ben, being ir dcrftood by the things that arc made, even his eternal power and Godhead $ lo that they are with- L 4. put
j 6 S The Larger Gatecbifm*
stod Spirit only do fiifficiently, and effectually reveal hina unto men for their Salvation d.
3 Queft. What As the Word of God ? Aufvi The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Teftament are the Word of God c? the only Rule of Faith and Obedi- ence f. 4 Qiieft
out etfcufe- PfaL 19: 1. The hea- vens declare the glorv of God : and
the firmament fheweth his handy- work, v 2.. Day unro day urtereth fpcech, and night unto night fhewedi knowledge. <l> 3. There is no f beech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Acts. 17, 2?. For in him we lives and move, and have our being.
d 1 Cor. 2. 9. But as it h written Eye hath not leen, nor ear heard, neither have cntred into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. *v 10. But God hath revealed them tinto vs by his Spiru : ior the Spirit? fearcheth all things, .yea* the deep things of God» z Xbn* V* »f. And that from a chiifi thou haft known the holy icriptures, which are able to make thee wife unto falvation, through faith which is in Chuff \z- fus. x> 1 <5. AH (cripf ure is given by infpiration oi God,, and is profitable for do&rine, for reproof, for cor- rection, for inftruclion in righteouf- neis : v 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly fumifh- ed unto all good works, jfa, $9 2.1. As for me, this is is my covenant: with them, faith the Lord, My Spi- rit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, (hall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy kcdt nor out of the mouth of thy (etds feed, faith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.
3 e 2 Tim 1, 16, All fcriprureis given by inspiration of God. 2 Yei9 3, 19' We have alfo a more fure word of prophecy i whereunto yerio well that ye rake heed, as unto a ■ iglK that fhineth into a dark place,
until the day dawn, and the day.ftar arilein your hearts; v 20. Knowing tbis firft, that no prophecy or the fci ipture is of any private interpre- tation, v 21. For the prophecv came nor in old time by the will of man : but holy men cf God lpake as they were moved by the Holy Ghofh
f Epb.'2: 20, And are built upon the foundation of the a pottles and prcpheti:, Jefus Chritt himfclf being the chief coiner- Hone. Rev. 22. iS For I teftify unto every man rhac hearcth the v/ords of the prophecy of this book," it any man (hall add unto thefe things, God fhall add un- ro him the plagues that are written in this book : v 19. And if any roan fhall takeaway from the words of the book of this prophecy, God fri.;l! take away his part out of the bock of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book* \fn, 8 20, To the law and to the teitimony : If they fpeak not according to this woid, it is becaufe there is no light in them. Lake. 16 29 They have Mofes and the prophets ; kt them hear them : v 3 1. It they hear not Moles and the prophets, neither will they be perfwaded, though oue rofe from the dead. Gal 1. 3. But though we, or an angel from hea- ven, preach any other gofpel unto you, than that which we have prea- ched unto you, let him be accur- ied. ^9, As we (aid before, fo fay 1 now again, If any man preach any other gofpel unto you, than thac ye have received, let him be ac- curfed, z Tim, 3, 1^,16*. (See let" ter d.j
4 g Hofea
7 'he Larger Gatechtjm
169
4 Queft. How doth it appear ' that the Scriptures are the Word of God ?
Anfw. The Scriptures manifeft themfelves to be the Word of God, by their Majefty p, and Purity h ; by the Confent of all the Parts \ 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 y build up Believers unto Salvation * : But the Spirit of God bearing Witnefs by and with the .Scriptures in. the Heart of
Man and all the world may become guil- ty before God. v 27, Where is boaft- ingthen? It is excluded. By what law ? or works t nay : but by die law o!7 lakh.
1 Acts. 18. it. For lie mightily con*
vinced the jzxs, and that publicK-
by the Ccriprares, that
Jeius wasChrift. H:b> 4 12 For the
word of God is quick, and power*
4. g KofeaK^i' I have written to him the great things of my law, but they weie counted as a it range thing. 1 Cor. 2 6. Howbeit we fpeak wifdom among them that are per- fect : yet not the wifdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought, v 7. But we fpeak the wifdom of God in a myftcry, even the hidden wifdom
which God ordained before the ful and (harper than any two-edged
world unto our glory, v 13. Whic.'i things alio we (peak, not in the words which mans wifdom teachetb, but which the holy Ghoft re.. j
comparing fpiritual things uirhfpi- ritual. P/j/w. 119 18. 0,>en thou mine eyes, that I may behold won- drous things out ©t thy lav/, v i_£. Thy teftiroonies are wonderful: therefore ciorh my foul keep them.
h P/L>/;/7. 12.6.. The woTdsoftHe Lord are pure words : 2? ftlver tried in a furnace oi earth, purified (even times. Yfolrq. 119 140. Thy word is very pure : therefore thy {ervant loyeth it.
i Acts . 10. 1 3. To him give all the -prophets wimefs, that through his name whofoever believeth in him, dial I receive remiffion of fms. Acts 26", 22, Having therefore obtained help oi God, I continue nnro this clay, witne fling both to f trial! and great, faying none other things than thofe which the prophets and Mofcs did lay (hould come.
kRzm. 3. 19. Now weknowthat what things (oever the law fairh, ic faith to them who are under the law, that Q\xiy mouth may be flopped^
fwo.-J, piercing even to the dividing r ot foul and fpirir, and ot the pines and marrow, and is a dilt cerner of the thoughts and intents .;rt, Ja??2Cs, i 18 Of his own wiii begat he us with the wont of tr'T.h, that we ihould be a kind ot firil fruits of his creatures. pj4l 1 ; . 7. Tne law ot theLord is perfect, converting the foul : the teitimonv of the Lord is furc, making wile the fimpie, v 8. The ihtures ot the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of rbe Lord is pore, enlightning the eyes, v 9. Tne fear of the Lord is clean, endu- r ever : thejudgments of the Lord are true and righteous altoge- ther. Rom lfm 4. For wrmfocver things were written aforetime, were written for our learning ; that we through pa-ience and comrort of the fenp'ures might have hope. Acts. 20.51. And now, brethren, I com* mend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheri- tance among ail them which arc lanaifced.
m John.
17° The Larger Catechifm.
is alone able fully to perfwade it that they are the very Word of God m.
5 Queft. What do the Scriptures principally teach ?
Atjfiv, The Scriptures principally teach, what Man is to be- lieve concerning God, and what Duty God requires of Man n.
y Vhat Man ought to believe concerning God.
6 Queft. What do the Scriptures make known of God ? Anfw; The Scriptures make known what God is 0> the
Perfon in the Godhead p, his Decrees q, and the Execution ofhis Decrees fl
7 Queft. What is God I
Anfw. God is a fpirit , in and of himfelf Infinite in Being *,
Glory,
m 'John. 16, 13% Howbeir, when }ie the ipirir of trurh is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he fhall not ipeak of himfelf $ but whttfoever he fhall hear, rhat fhall he {peak : and he will fhew you things to come. 1/ 14.. He fhall glorify rne : for he fhall receive of mine, and fhall (hew ir unto you.
1 John. 2. 20, But ye have an an- cTion fiom the holy One, and ye know all things. <v 27. But the a- ncinting which ye have received of him, abideth in you : and yc need not rhat any man teach you : bur, as the fame anointing teachcth vou of a}l things, and is trurh, and is no lie : 2nd even as it hath taught you, ye (hall abide in him. J h. 2031, But thefe arc written, that ye might be- lieve that Jefus is the Chriii the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name.
5V n 2 7k, I 13, Hold fafr the form of foun-1 words, which thou haft heard of me, in iaith and love which is in Chrift Jefus,
6". o Hebn ii-6, But without
fairh it is imppflible to pleafe him :
for he that cometh to God, muft
that he is, and that he is a
m that diligently
p 1 John* s 7' ^or there are three that bear record in heaven, tne Fa- ther, the word, and the holy Ghoit ; and thefe three are one.
q Acts. ij\ 14.V Simeon hath de- clared how G d at the firjtt d'u\ vific the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name, v j>. And to this agree the words ot the pro- phers».asit is written, v 18, Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
r Acts 4. 27. For of a trurh againfr. thy holy child Jefus, whom thou hath anointed, borh Herod and Pon- tius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people ot Ifrael were gathered fog-ther, i) 28, For ro do whatso- ever 'hy hand and thv counfel de- termined before to be done.
7 f. John 4, 24. God is a Spirit ; and they that worfhip him, mail: worfhip him in fpirit and in truth.
t Exod. 3, 14 AndGodfaidunro Mofes, I AM THAT I AM: And he laid, Thus (halt thou fay unto the children of lirael, I AM hath fent me unto you. Job* 1 1- 7. 8, o.Canft thou by fearching find out God ? Canit tnpu find out the Almighty unro perfection? V 8. It is as high as heaven, what canlt thou
The Larger Catechifm. 1 7 1
Glory v, Bleflednefs w, and Perfection x ; All-fufficient >', Eternal z, Unchangeable c, Incomprehenfible b, *Every- where-prefent c, Almighty d, knowing all Things e, mod "Wife U nioft Holy ^, raoft Juft b$ moft merciful and gra- cious, long-fuffering> and abundant inGqo^nefs and Truth i.- 8 Queft. Are there more Gods than one ? Atifij. There is but One only, tlje living and true God k:
9. Queft, deft my thoughts afar off, &c Whi-
thou do ? deeper than hell, what can It thou know? a; 9. The mealure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the fea.
v Adte, 7, 2 The God j>f glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mefopotamia^ be- fore he dwelt in Charran.
w 1 Tim. 6, iy, Which in his times he (hall (hew, who is the blefied and only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
x Mat. 5 48, Be ye therefore ptr.ect, even as your Father which is in heaven is periecf.
y Gen. 17, i- And when Abraham was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abraham, and fa id unto him, I am the almighty God i walk before me, and be thou perfect.
z PJalm 90.2. Beiore the moun- tains were brought lorth, or ever thou hadii formed the earth and the world, even from everhiiing to everlaitmg thou art God;
a MalK 3. 6*. For I am the Lord, I change not : therefore ye Ions of Jacob are not confumed. James. 1: 1 7; Every good gif-, and every per- fect gilt is from above, and cometh down from the father of lights, w.tii whom is no variablenels, neither fhadow of turning,
K &n%s% 1 3 27. But will God in- deed dwell on the eartn ? Behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee: how much Ids this houfe that I have builded ?
c PJaL 139. 1 to 13 verfe. O Lord, thou haft fearched me and known me : thou knoweft my down-lifting and mine up riling, thou underitan-
ther (hall I go from thy Spirit { or whither fhail I flbe from thy p:e- fence ? iyc,
d Rev. 4. 8. And the four beafts had each of cnem (ix wings about him, and they were full of eyes with- in • and they reft not day and night, faying, Holy*, holy, holv, Lord God almighty, which was, and is and is to come.
e Uebt 4. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifeft in h:z light : but all tilings are naked, and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. VJaL 147, f. Great is our Lord, and or great pow- er ; his understanding is infinite.
f Rom \6.ij% To God only wife be glory through Jefus Chiiit, lor eve. Amen.
g Ifa. 6, 3 And one cried unto another, and (aid, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of holts, the whole earth is fail ot his glory. Rev 15.4. Who lhali not fear thee, O Lord, and glo- riiy thy Name-? for thou only arc holv . ior all nations (hall come and worfhip before thee $ tor thy judg- ments are made manifeft,
h Dent. 32.4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect, lor all his ways are judgment: a God ot Truth, and without iniquity, juft and right is he.
i Exod. 34. 6. And the Lord pal- led by beiore him, ana* proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merci- ful and gracious, long-furring, and abundant in goodnels and truth.
3 k Dent, 6. 4. Hear, O Ifhel, The Lord uur God is one Lord 1 Cor 8. 4, As concerning :heiclorc the
fiat-
j 7 2, The Larger Cat echifm:
9. Queft, How many Perfons are there in the Godhead .? Anfio. There be Three Perfons in the Godhead, the Fa- ther, the Son, and the Holy Ghoft.; and thefe Three are One true, eternal God, the fame in Subftance, equal in Power and Glory : although diftinguifhed by their perfonal Properties |.
10. Queft. What are the perfonal Properties of 'the Three Perfons in the Godhead 9
Anfw. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son m and to the Son to be begotten of the Father n, and to the Holy Ghoft to proceed from the Father and the Son, from all Eternity p.
1 1 . Queft. How doth it appear, that the Son and the Holy ghoft are God equal with the Father ?
Anfw. The Scriptures manifeft that the Son and the Holy Ghoft are God equal with the Father, afcribing unto them
fuch
caring of thcfe things that are offe- red in facrifice unto idols, weknoiv that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. <v 6. but to us there is but one God, the lather, of whom are all things, and v\c in him ; and one Lord jefus Cbriit, by whom are all things, and we by him. Jtrip. 10 But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an evcrlaiting King: at his] wrath the earth {lull tremble, and the nations ilia 11 not oe able to abide his indignation.
9 1 1 John. s. 7„ £°r there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, rhe Word, and the holy Ghoft : and thefe three are one; Mai' 3, 16. And Jefus, when he was baptized, went up ftraightway out of the water : and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he fiw the Spirit of God defcending like a dove, and lighting upon him. v 17. And lo, a voice from heaven, fay- ing, Tiiis is my beloved Son, in whomi ;m wei1 pkafed. Mat. z8, 19. Go ye therefore and teach all na- tions, baptizing them in the name o* the Fa he, and of the Son, and ot xn 1 v Ghoft. z Cor. 13, 14. The grace of the Lord Jefus Chrift,
and the Jove of God, and the com- munion of the holy Ghoft, be with you all. Amen, John. 10 30. 1 And my Father are one.
io« m Heb, 1 5, For unto which of the angels (aid he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begot- ten thee ? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he fhall be to me a Son, v6. And again, when he bringeth in the firft- begotten into the world, he faith, And let all the angels of God worfhip him; v 3. But unto the Son he faith, Thy throne, O God> is for ever ?>nd ever : a fceprre of righteoufnefs is the fceptre of thy kingdom ,
vi John. U 14. And the Word was made rieih, and dwelt among us ('and we beheld his glory, he glo- ry as ot the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth, *v 18. No man hath teen God at any time 3 the only begotten Son, which is in the bolom oi the lather, he hath declared him.
o Jobnx 15. rd. But when the com- forter is come, whom I will fend un- to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which procecdeth from the Father, he fliall reftify ot me. Qal4 4, 6* And becaule ye are (bns?
The. Larger Catechifni: 173
fuch Names p, Attributes q, Works r, and Worfhip y as are proper to God only.
12. Queft. What are the Decrees of i'od?
Jnfw God's Decrees are the wife, free and holy Acts of theCounfel of his Will r, whereby, from all Eternity, he
hath
funs, God hath fent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
11. p //i. 6". 3. And one cried unto another, and faid, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hoits, the whole earth is full of his glory, v. ?. Then faid F, Wo is me, for I am undone, becauie T am a mat* ot unclean lips, and I dwell in the midft of a people of unclean lips : for mine eyes have feen the King, the Lord ot hofts ! v. 8. Alfo I heard the voice ot the Lord, faying, Whom Ihall I fend ? and who will go for us? Then f id I, Here am I, fend inc. Compared mtb John 12. 41. Thefc thing? (aid E(ai?s, when he fa* h« glory* and fpake of him, And with Acts 2S; 2y. And when they agreed not among them- felves, they departed, after that Paul had ipoken one word, Weil (pake the holy Ghott by Efaias the prophet unto our Fathers. 1 1-okn 5.20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an under- fianding, that we may know him that is true: and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jelus Chrifh This is the true God, acd eternal lite. Acts s. 3- But Peter faid, A- nanias, why hath Satan fiiled thine heart to lie to the holy Ghoft, and to keep back pai ; of the price ot the land ? v. 4. Whiies it remained, was it not thine own ? and after it was fold, was it not in thine own power i why hail thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hail: not lied un- to men, but unto G?d.
q Jabn 1,1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, rind the Word was God. Ijs. 9 6. Fortuitous a child is bom, un- co us a ion is given, and the govern-
ment fhall b* upon his (boulder : and his name fhall be called Won- derful, Counfeller, The mighty God, The everlatling Father, 'The Prince of peace. John 2. 24. But jefus did not commit himfelf unto them, becaufe he knew all men? v. 25*. And needed nGt that any (houid teftiry of man ; for he knew what was in man. 1 Or. 2. 30. But God harh revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for rhe Spirit fearcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God, v. 11. For what man know- eth the things of a man, lave the (pint of man that is in him ? even (b the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of Go:'.
vGoL 1. 1 5. For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, vii'ible and inv'fible, whether they be throne*, or dominions, or principalities, cr powers: all things were created by him, and for him. G:n. 1. 2{ And the earth was without form and void, and darknefs was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face oi the waters,
(Mat. 2$. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and ot the Son, and of the holy Qhoih 2 Cur. 13. 14. 7 he grace of tiie Lord Chrilt, and the love 01 God, and the communion ot rhe holy G:io(t,be with you all. Amen.
12. t Eph. i. i 1. In whom alfo we have obtained an inheritance, being predeftinated according to the purpofe of him who worketh all things after the couniel of his own will. Rom. if, 33.O the depth of die riches both ot the wifdom and know
1 74 The Larger Catechifmi
hath, for his own Glory, unchangeably foreordamd whatio- ever comes to pafs in Time v, efpecially concerning Angels and Men.
13. Que ft, What hath God efpecially decreed concerning Angels and Men ?
Ahfw God by an eternal and immutable Decree, out of his mere Love, for the Praife of his glorious Grace to be ma- nifefted in due Time, hath elefted fonre Angels to Glory w ,• and in Chrift hath chofen fome Men to eternal Life and the Means thereof x ; And alfo, according to his fovereign Power and the unfearchable Counfel of his own Will, (whereby he extendeth or withholdeth Favour as he pleafeth) hath pafTed by and foreordained the reft to Difhonour and Wrath, to be for their .Sin inflicted, to the Praife of the Glory of his Jufticey. 14. Queft.
knowledge of God ! how anfearch- lus Chrift, and the elect angels ; able are his judgments, and his ways that thou obferve thefe tilings, pad finding out ! Rom. $• 14.. What without preferring one before a
ihail we fay thtn? Is there unrighte- cufnefs with God? God forbid, v. 1 ft For he faith to Mole', I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compallnn on whom I will have companion, v. 18. There- tore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardneth.
v Eph.\ . 4. According as he hath chofen us in nim before the foun- dation of the world, that we fhould be holy, and without blame betore him in love v, 1 1. In whom alfo we have obtained an inheritance, being predeitina^ed according to the pur- pole of him who worketh ail things atter the counfel ot his own will. Row. p. 21. What if God, willing to fhew his wrath, and to make his pow- er known, endured with much long- fufTcring the vefTels of wrath fitted to de(f ruction : v. 2 J* And that he might make known tne riches of his glory on the vdleiscf mercy, which he had afore prepared unro glory ? Pfal. 33. 1 i. The counfel of the Lord itandeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all, generations,
13. w 1 Tim. 5. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jt.
nother, doing nothing by partia- lity.
xEph 1. 4. According as he hath chqfen us in him, before the foun- dation of the world, that we fhould be holy, and without blame be<ore hirn in iovc: v. 5*. Having prcdefti* nated us unro the adoptioa of chil- dren by Jefus Chrift to himfclf, ac- co-ding to the good plcafure of his will v. 6. To the praife o; ths glory of his giace, wherein he-hath made us accepted in the Beloved. 2 Theffi 2. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, bre- thren, beloved of the Lord, becaufe God hath from the beginning cho- fen you to falvation, through fan- ctiricanon ot the Spiiit, and belief of the truth: v. 14. Whereunto he called you by our gofpel, to the ob- taining of the glory of the Lord Jefus .Chrift.
y Rom. 9. 17. For the fcripture faith unro Pharaoh, Even for this fame purpofe have I raifed thee up, that I mfght (hew my power in thee,/ and that my name might be decla- red throughout all the earth, v. 18; Therefore hath he mercy on whom'
he
The Larger Catec hifnfc ij$
14. Queft. How doth God execute his Decrees ?
Anfw. God executeth his Decrees in the Works of Crea- tion and Providence ; according to his infallible Foreknow- ledge, and the free and immutable Counfel of his own Will z.
15 Queft. What is the Work of Creation ?
Anfw. The Work of Creation is that wherein God did in the Beginning, by the Word of his Power, make of No- thing the World and all Things therein for himfelf, within the lpace of fix Days, and all very good a.
1 6 Queft. How did God create Angels ? Anfw. God created all the Angels 1
tal d, Holy e, excelling in Knowledge t.
Spirits c, Immor- Mighty in Pow- er
hew. ill have mercy,and whom bewill he hardneth, v. 21. Hath nor the porter power over the c) ay,, of the Jame Jurhp to make cue vefleJ unto honour, j.nd another unto difho- nou. < r0% 12.. What if God, wil- ling to fhew his u,ratb, and to make his power known, endured with ir.ucn long- fuffc ring the veiTels of wrath fitted to deft ruction ? MaK J 1. 25*. At that time Jefus anlwered and hid, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, becaufe thou halt hid the fe things from the wife and prftdenf, and hail revealed them unto babes v. 26. Even fo, Father, for 10 it icemed good in thy light. 2 Tim 2. 20. But in a great houfe there arc not only veflels of gold, and of iilver bur alfo of wood, and of earth ; and (ome to honour, and feme to n [honour. Judeq* Foi tnere arc certain men crept in unaware?, who were before ot old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turn ng the grace or our God into lafcivioufnefe, and denying the on- ly Lord Gcr1, and our Lord Jefus Chriit, 1 Pet 2. 3. And a ftotie of (tumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them winch (iu'mblc at 'the word, being dhobedienr, w hereunto aifo they were appoinrcd
l^.zEph'. 1, 11, In whom alfb we have obtained an inheritance, bu,^ predeitinated according to
the ptifpofe cf him who worketfa all
things alter the counfel of his own will.
iy. a (GenH 1 chaffer,) Heb: 11. r. Through faith we' nnderitand that the worlds weie framed bv the word of God, fo that things which are feen were not made of things which c\> appear, ?rov. \6% 4* Tee Lord hath made all things for himfelf: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
16 bC. 1. 1,16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, vitible ancf in- vifible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities or powers : all things were created by him, and for him-
c PfaU 1 04. 4, Who maketh h.:s angels fpirirs : his miniiteis a fla- ming fire.
d Mat. 22 30. For in the - rc&ion rhey neither marry, nor arc given in man-la re* as the
angels of God in heaven.
q Mat, 2). 31, When the Sen of man fhall come in his glory, and aJI the loly an eels with him, then fhall he fit upon the throne ot his glory, f 2 Sam* 14. 17 • Then thine hand- maid fa ri, The word of my lord the king fhall now be comfortable : for ss an angel ot Gud, lo is my lord the king to difcern good and bad : therefore the Lord thy God will be with thee* Mat* 24. 36", But cf that
day
176 The Larger Catecbijm.
erg, to execute his Commandments, and to praife his Nam'e h, yet Tubjett to Change h
17. Queft. Hoio did God create Man?
Afifw. After God had made all other Creatures, he created Man Male &nd Female k ; formed the Body of the Man of the Dull of the Ground ', and the Woman of the Rib of the Man m; endued them with living, reafonable and immortal Souls n ; inade them after his own Image 0; in Knowledge n, Righteoufnefs and Hoiinefs q, having the Law of God written in their Hearts r, and Power to fulfil it f,
with
day and hour fcnowcfh no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
g 2 Ihef. 1. 7. And to you who are troubled, reft with us, when the Lord Jefus (hall be revealed from heaven, wkh his mighty angels,
h Pfal. 103. 20, Blefs the Lord, 5 e his angels, that excel in itrengrh. that do his commandments, heark- ning unto the voice of his word% 1/. 21, B!e(s ye the Lord, all ye his hofts, ye minifters of his that do his pleafure.
i 2. Pet. 2: 4: For it God fpared not the ange's that tinned, but cafl them down to hell, and delivered them in- to chains of darknefs, to be referved unto judgment.
17. k Gen.. i» 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image ot God creared he him : male and female created he them.
1 Gen. 2.. 7, And the Lord God former] man ot the duft of the ground, and breathed into his noftrils the breath oHife.
m Ge?L 2. 22« And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
n Gen. £m 7. And the Lord God for- med man ot the dull of the ground, and breathed into his noftrils the breath of life : and man became a living foul. Compared with 'Job 35-, 1 1- Who teachetii us more than the beails ot the earth, and mafceth us
wifer than the fowls of heaven sind with Eccl 12. 7. Then fliall the dud return to the earth as it was: and the fprit (hall return unto God who gave it. And with Mat. io. 28. And tear not them which can kill the body, but are not able to kill the ioul: but rather fear him which is able to deftroy both foul and body in hell. And mi' h Luke 23 . 43. And Jefus hid unto him, Veriiy I (ay unto rhee, To day {halt thou be with me in paradife,
o Gen. 1, 27. So God crested man in his own image, in the image of God created lie him : male and fe- male created he them,
p Col 3. 10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, af:er the image of him that creared him.
q Epfr. 4. 24, And that ye put on the new man, which alter God is created in righteoufnefs, and true hoiinefs.
r Rom. 2. 74 For when the Gen- tiles which have not the iaw, do by narure the things contained in the law, theie having not the law, are a law unto themtelves: v. 15-. Which fhew rhe work of the law, written in their hearts, their con- ference alfo bearing witnefs, and their thoughts in the mean while ac- cuiing, or eife excuiing one ano- ther.
f Eccl 7. 29, Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man
up»
The Larger Catechifm: iff
with Dominion over the Creatures c; yet fubjedt to Failv>
18. Queft. What are God's Works of Providence ?
An fa. God's Works of Providence are his moft holy w9 wife x, and powerful preferring , and Governing all his Creatures z, ordering them, and all their Actions 4 to his own Glory b.
19 Queft> What is Go d:s Providence towards the Angels ?
Anfa. God by his Providence permitted fome of H& Angels, wilfully and irrecoverably to fall into Sin and Dam- nation e, limiting and ordering that and all their Sins to
his
upright, but they have fought out many inventions*
tGen. U, 28, And God blefTed them, and God (aid unto them, Be fiu'ciui and multiply, and replenish the eaith, and (undue it; and have dominion over the fife of the lea, and over the fowl of the air, and o- ver every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
v Gen. 3 . 6. And when the wo- man law that the tree was ^ood fo r food, and that it was pleafant to the eyes and a tree to be deired to make one wife , (he took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave alfo unto her husband with her, and he did eat. EccL 7. 29. Lo, this only have 1 found, that God hath made man upright- but they have fought out many inventions. % 18. w Vial. 145;. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
x PJal iO-j.. 24. O Lord, how ma- nifold are rhy woiks ! in wiidom hait thou made them ail ; the earth is full of thy riches, If a, 18, 29, This alio cometh fgrth from the Lord of noils, which is wonderful in counlel, and excellent in working,
y Hcb^ 1, t„ Who being the bright- nets ot his glory, and the exprefs image or his perfon, and upholding ail things by the word ot his power, when he had by himfelf purged our
z?Jal 102, 10. The Lord hadl
prepared his throne in the heavens." and his kingdom ruleth over all,
a M/tf, 1 o . 29. Are not two f par- rows lold for a farthing ? and one of them fhall not fall on the ground without your Father, v, 30, Buc the very hairs of your head are all numbred. v, 31. Fear ye not there- fore, ye are of more value than ma- ny (pa rrows. Gen, 45-. 7. And God fent me before you, to pfeferve >oii a poiterity in the earth, and to fave your lives by a great deliverance
b %.m. n* $6, For cf him, and through him, and to him are all things 3 to whpjri be glory for ever Amen. Jfa. 63, 14, As d beafr. goeih down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caufed him to reft : fo didfl thou lead thy people to make thy felfa glorious name.
19. c Jnde 6, And the Angels which kept net their ru if eifate, "buc lelt their own habitation, he hath referved in everlatting chains under darknels, unto the judgment of the great day. 2 *>ett 2, 4. For h God ipared not the angels thar finned,, but cad tiiem down to hcjl, and de- livered them into chains ot dark- nefs, to fee referved unto judgment* Hev.i 16. For verily he rook not 011 him the nature ot angels 5 hot he took on him the teed of Abraham John 8. 44. Ye are of your father the
fite, fat down on ttos right hand of devil, and the lufts oi your father ye the majclty on high, will do. : he was a murderer frorri
M she
i 78 The [Larger Catechifm.
his own Glory d ; and eftabliflied the reft in Holinefs arid' Happinefse; imploying them all f. at his Pleafure, in the Adminiftration of his Power, Mercy, and Juftice g.
20. Queft- What was the Providence of God toward Man in the Eft ate in which he was created?
Anfw- The Providence of God toward Man in the Eftafe in which he was created, was, The placing him in Paradife, appointing him to drefs it, giving him Liberty to eat of the Fruit of the Earth h, putting the Creatures under his Domi- nion 1, and ordaining Marriage for his Help k ; affording him Communion with himfelf), inftituting the Sab- bath,
the beginning, and abode not in rhe truth, becaufe there is no truth in him. When he fpeakerh a lie, he fpeaketh of his own : for he is a liar, and the father of it.
d Job 1* 12. And the Lord faid unto Satan, Behold, all that he fcarh is in thy power; only upon himfelf put not forth thine hand.. So Satan went (ovrh from the pre- fenceotthe Lord* Mat. 8. j*. So the devils' befought him, fay;ng, If thou call us our, differ us to go a- way into the herd or fwine.
e 1 Tim. $. z\. I charge thee be- fore God and the Lord jefus Chriffc, and the ele'dt angels, that thou ob* ierve thefe things without prefer- ring one before another, doing no- thing by partiality, Mark 8 38. Whofoever therefore (hail be afha- med of me, and of my words,in this adukerous and finful generation, of him alfo (hall the Son of man be afhamed when hecometh in the glo- ry of his Father, with the holy an- gels. Heb \z> 2z. But ye are come imro mount Sion, and unto the ci- ty of the living God, the heavenly Jerufalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.
f Pjal. 104. 4. Who maketh his angeis fpirits: his minifters a fla- ming fire.
g z Khigs 19. 35-. And it came to pals that night, that the angel of
the Lord went out and fmotein the camp of the Afiyrians, an hundred fourfcore and Hve thoufand: and when they arofe early in rhe mor- ning, behold, they were all dead corpfes. Heb.i^ 14. Are they nor all miniftring fpirits, fent forth to mi* niiler for them who fhall be heirs of falvation ?
20. hGen. 2,. 8. AndthcLord God planted a garden eaft-ward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed, v. iy. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden, to drefs it . and keep it. v. 16. And the Lord G >d commanded the man, faying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayeit freely eat.
1 Gen. i.iS.AndGod blefled them, and God laid unto them, Be fruit- ful, and multiply and replenifh the earth, and fubdue it : and have do- minion over the fifh of the fea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that movethu- pon the earth*
k Gen. 2. 18. And the Lord God faid, It is not good that the man fiiould be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
1 Gen. 1. 2.5. And God faid, Lee us make man in our image,atter our likenels: and let them have domi- nion over the fifh of nhe fea, and o-
reir
The Larger Catechifrri* iyy
Bath m, entring into a Covenant of Life with him; upon Condition of perfonal, perfect, and perpetual Obedience n, of which the Tree ot Life was a Pledge o; and forbidding to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, u- pon the Pain of Death p.
21 Queft. Did Man continue in that Inflate wherein God at fir (I created him ?
Anfu); Our firft Parents being left to the Freedom of their ovn Will, through the Temptation of Satan, tranfgrefled the Commandment of God, in eating the forbidden Fruit, and thereby fell from the Eftate of Innocency wherein they were created q, 22. Queft,,
vcr the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and o- ver every creeping thing that creep- eth upon the earth: v. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image o{ God created he him : male and female created he them. nj. 28. And God blefTed them,, and God laid unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenifh the earth, and (ubdue it : and have dominion over thcfifh of the fea, and over the fowl ot the air,and over every living thing t.rm moveth upon the earth, «£>, 29. And God faid, Behold, I have £iven you every herb bearing feed, which is upen the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit ot a tree yielding feed : to you u (hall be for meat. Gen. 3. 8 And they heard the voice of the Lord walking in the garden in the cool of the day: And Adam and his wife hid themfelves from the pre- fence of the Lord God among the trees ot the garden.
m Genm 2.3. And God blelTed the fevenrh day, and fan&ified it . be- came rhatin it he had relied lrom all ins work, which God created and made.
a GaU 3- 1 K And the law is not of fairh, bur the man that doth them I v( la them, Row* to. 5. For
J cribeth the righteoufnefs
1 s of the law, Thar the man
loth thofe things, (hail live ty them,
o Gen^ 2. 9. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleafant to the fight, and good for food; the tree of life alfo in the midft ot the garden, and ihe tree of knowledge of good and evil; pGen.i. 17. But of the tree of know- ledge of good and evil, thou (hale not eat ot it : for in the day that thou eatelf. thereof, thou {halt iurely die.
±ij\Gen 3. 6. And when the woman faw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleafant to the eyes, and a tree to be defired to make one wife , fhe rook of the fruit thereof and did ear, and gave alto unto her hu-band v\i:h her, and he did ear. "U.j.And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew thar they were naked:&the7 (hewed fig-leaves together) and made themfelves a- prons v 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the gar- den in the cool of the day : and A- dam and his wife hid themfelves irom the pretence of the Lord God am-jngft the trees of the garden,, 1;. 1 3 . And the Lord God (aid unto the woman, What is this that thoti halt done ? And the Woman faid, The fe! pent beguiled me, and I did ear, Eccl, 7 29. Lo, this only have I found ,that God made man upright : but they have 1 >u^ht out many in- ventions. 2 Cor. 11 3 , But I tear left by any means, as the terpen r, beguiled Eve thiough his fubrjJity M z 105
i go The Larger Catechifm
22. Queft. Did all Mankind fall in thai firjl Tranf greftion S
Anfio, The Covenant being made with Adam, as a pub- lick Perfon, not for himfelf only, but for his Pofterity ; all Mankind descending from him by ordinary Generation r, finned in him. and fell with him in that firft Tranfgreffion f.
23. Queft. Into what Eft ate did the Fall bring Mankind?
y - nfa The Fall brought Mankind into ai* Eftate of Sin and Mifery,
24. Queit- What is Sin?
Anfiv- Sin is any want of Conformity uftta, or Tranf- greffion of any Law of God, given as a Rule to the reafo- nable Creature v,
25. Queft- Wherein confifteth the Sinfulnefs of that Eft ate nvhereinto Man fell ?
Anfw- The Sinfulnefs of that Eftate whereinto Man fell, confifteth in the Guilt of Adam's firft Sin wy the Want of
that
fo your minds fnottld be corrupted from the fimpiicity rhar is in Chrift,
22, r Acts 1 7. 26. And hath made of one biood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth : and hath determined the times be- fore appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.
{ Gen. 2. iC. And the Lord God commanded the man, faying,- Of every tree of the gaiden thou may- eir freely eat . u 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou ihalt not cat of ir : for in the r^ay that thou esteft thereof, thou ■iTialt furely die. (Compared ytfthRdm, f9 12. to 20. vcrfe.) Wherefore, as by ene man Sn entered into the world,, and death by fin ; and fo death pal- kd upon all men, for that all have finned, v. i>\ For if through the offence of one, many be dead ; much more ;-~v, 16.-- For the judgment was by one to condemnation ; — *v. 1 7- For if by .one mans offence, death reigned by one: much more- rj^ 18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation 7 evwn fo,— v 19.
For as by one mans difobedieoce many were made finners, fo by the obedience. « And with 1 Of\ 1f/ ir. For fince by man came death, by man came ajlo the refurrediion of the dead. v. 22. For as in Adam all die, even fo in Ghrift fhail all be made alive,
23 xRom. 5\i2.Wherefore3asbyone man tin entred into the world, and death by fin 5 and fo death paiTed upon all men, for that all have finned Rom. 3. 23; For all have finned, and come fhort of the glory of God.
24. v i John 3. 4.VVhofoever com- mitteth fin, trarifgrefleth alfo the law : for fin is the tranfgreffion of the law. Gdm 3. 10; For as many as are ot the works of the law, are under the curfe : for it is written curfed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them, 1/. 12. And the iaw is not of fakh : bur, The man that doth them fliali live in them.
2.5. w Rom. $. it.. Wherefore^ as by one man fin entered into the. w*+rld. and death by flnj and fo death
The Larger Catechtfm 181
that Rigfiteoiifhefs wherein he was created, and the Cor- ruption of his Nature, whereby he is utterly indifpofed, difabled, and made oppofite unto all that is fpiritually Good, and wholly inclined to all Evil,* and that. continually* ; which is commonly called Original Sin% and from which do proceed all actual tranigreffions? y
26. Queft. ffpwis Original Sin conveyed from our Fir ft Parent; unto their Pofterity ?
Anfd). Original Sin is conveyed from our firft Parents un- to their Pofterity by natural Generation, fo as all that pro. jceed from them in that Way, are conceived and born in Shu.
27 Queft,
death pafTed upon all men, for that fcll have finned, v, 19, For as by one mans difobedience many were made Tinners : (o by the obedience cf one, (hail many be made righte- ous.
%Rom* 3. 10. As ic is written, There is none righteous, no nor one: V* 11. There is none that under- itandetru there is none that feefceth after God, v. 12. Tncy are ail gome ci it o: the way, tncy are toge- ther become unprofitable, there is none that doth good, no not one, <u. 13. Their throat is an open fe- pu'ehre; with their tongues they have ufeii deceit -t the poiipn of afps is under their lips: v. 14, Whofe mouth is full or curling and bitter- ness, fii, 15. Their feet are 1 Ched blood, v 16. DeiLruction and mifcrj are m their ways: v 17. And the way of peace have they not known. 1;. j 8. There is no fear of God before their eyes, 1/, 19, Now we know that what things fever the law faith, it faith- to them who are under the law : that every mouth may be Hopped, and all the world may become guilty before God, ££&, 2, 1. And you hath he quickned who were dead in trefpalies and linsj i/» 2. Wherein in time paf! ye walk- ed according to the courfe oi :his world, according to the prince oi the power ot the air, the fpiri: that jiketh in the children of dif-
obedience, v, 5. Among whom al- io we all had our coaverfation in times paif, in the luits of otlr flefh, fulfilling the de/ires of the flefh, and of the mind j and were by nature the children of wratb,even as others, Rom. y. 6\ For when we were yet without itrength, in due rime Chud died for the ungodly. Row, 8, yt Becaufe the carnal mind is enmity, again!* God . for ir is not fubjecl to tiie law of God, neither indeed can be, v, 8, So then they rrwt are in the flefh, cannot pjeafe G.icf, Geij, 6\ 5, And God faw that the wicked- r.els of man was preat in the earth, zpA that every Imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
y Jmnes U 14. Rut every man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lufr, and enticed- \\ ij-„ Then when In it hath conceived, ic bringerh forth (in : and lin when it is nnifhed, bringeth foirh death. Mat. 1 ; 19. For out of he heart proceed evil Thoughts, murders, a- reries, fornications, thefts, faife withefs, blafphe'-'/ies.
26. zpfiflmfii 5. Behold, I was fhapen in iniquity : and in lin did my mother conceive me, ]cb 14, 4. Who can bring a clean thing out of .an unclean ? net one, )ob ij, 14^ What is man, that he fhould be ciean ? and he 'which is born of a v»oman, that he fhould be righ~
M 3 tCQHS
|8x The Larger Catechifm;
17 Quefl. what Mifery did the Fall bring upon Man- kind?
Anfiv. The Fall brought upon Mankind the Lofs of Com- munion with God-, his Difpleafure and Gurfe ; fo as we sare by Nature Children of Wrath , Bond-flaves to Satan c, and juftly liable to all Punifhments in this World and that which is to comt d.
28. Queft.What are the Punt foments of Sin in this world?
Anfiv. The Punifhment of Sin in this World are ei- ther I nward, as Blindnefs of Mind , a reprobate Senfe f, ftrong Delufions 6r, Hardnefs of Heart h, Honour of Con- fidence, '
dip ? lohn 3. §. That which *s born of the fl ih, is flefh ; and that which is "horn -oftheip iir, is (pirir. "'
27. a Gen 3. 8, And they heard the voice of die Lord God walking in rhe garden in the cool of the day; and Wdam and his wiie hid them* •felvesfrom the pre fence ot the Lord God, amongltthe trees of the gar- den, v. IP. And he faid, I heaid thy voice in the garden ; and I was afraid, becaufe 1 was naked $ and I hid my fclr. v. 24 So he drove out ■the nnn : and he placed at the eaft ofthe'gavden ot Eden, cherubims, and a flaming fword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree *>f lit" .
b Eph. 2. 2. Wherein in time part ye walked according to the courfe of this world,according to the prince oi the power of the air, the fpiric that now worketh in rhe children of difbbedience. v 3. Among whom alfo we all had our convention in limes paft, in the lulls of our ftefh, fulfilling the defires of the flefh ,and ot the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others,
c 2 Tim. sl. 16". And that they may recover themielveS ouc of the fnare of tne devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
d Gen, 2.17. But of the tree of the knowledge ot good and evil, thou |halt not eat of it : for in the day £hou eatett thereof, thou (halt fure- ly t\kr Lam. 3. 35. Wherefore doth
a iving man complain, a m ror the punifhment of his tins ? Rom. 6 23. For the wages of fin is death : but thegit of God is eternal life, through Jefus Chrift our Lord. Mat. 25-. 41. Then (hall be fay alfo unto them on the left hand, De- part from me, ve curied, into ever- laiting hi e, prepared for the devil and his angels, t/. 46. And thefe fhall go away into everlafting pu- nifhment : but the righteous into life eternal, 'fude 7, Even as So- dom and Gomorrah, and the cities abour them in like manner giving them fc Ives over to fornication, and going after fhan^e flclh, arc fet forth for an example, fuflenng the vengeance of eternal fire,
28. e Eph, 4# 1 8r Having the un- derstanding darkned, being aliena- ted from the life of God, through the ignoiance that is in them, be- cau fe of the blindnefs of their heart.
iR'm. 1. 28 Even as they did not like to retain God in their know- ledge, God gove them over to a re- probate mind, to do thofe things which are noc convenient,.
g 2 Theft 2. 1 1, And for this caufe God fhail fend them ffrong delu- fions, th^t they fhould believe a lie; " h Rom. 2. 5. But after thv hard- nels and impenitent heart, trea~ (ureft up unto thy felf wrath againft the dayofwrati, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
I if&i
1
±ne larger Liatechtim; x%%
fcience \ and vile Affeftions fc: Or -Outward, as the Curfe of God upon the Creatures for our Sakes I ; and all other Evils that befal us in our Bodies, Names, Eftates, Relations, and Employments m ; together with Death itfelf n.
29. Queft, What are the Puni foments of fin in the world to come ?
Anfw. The Punifhments of Sin in the World to come, are, everlafling Separation from the comfortable Prefence of God, and molt grievous Torments in Soul and Body, without In- termiffion, in Hell-Fire for ever 0.
30, Queft, Doth i.od leave all Mankind to perijb in the EJlate of fin andMifery*
Anfu\ God doth not leave all Men to perifh in the Eftate of Sin and Mifery p, into which they fell by the Breach of the Firft Covenant, commonly called the Covenant of Works q :
But
i lfa: 33, 14. Twe finners in Z*r,n are afraid, fcarfulnefs harh furpii- led the hypocrites : who among us /hall dwell with the devouring fire ? who amongft us (hall dwell with everlafting burnings? Gen 4. 13.' And Cain faid unro the Lord, My punifhment is greater than I cm bear. Mat 27, 4 Saying, I have iin- ned, in that 1 havi betrayed inno- cent blood, And they f>id, What is that to us ? fee thou to that.
k Rom 1 j 26. For this caufe God gave them up unto vile affclionst for even their women did change the natural ufe into that which is againft nature.
1 Gen 3, 17. And unto Adam he faid, Becaufe thou haft hearkred unto the voice of thy Wife, and haft eaten of the tree, of which I com- manded thee, laving. Thou /halt not eat of it • curfed is the ground lor thy fake; in forrow fhaltrhou eat of it all the days of thy life.
m T>eut 28, if, to the end. But it fhall come to pifs, >f thou wilt not hea ken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to obferve to do all his com- mandments and his ftarutes which \ command thee this day ; that all thefe cuiks (hall come upon rhee,
and overtake thee, v, 16. Curfed (halt thou be in the city, and curfed (hair thou be in the field, v, 17, Cur- fed (hall be thy basket and thy ftore. v. i8,Curfed fhall be the fruit of thy body, and the -fruit of thy land, &c. n Rom>6.z\. What fruit had ye then in thofe things, whereof ye are now afhamed ? for the end of thofe things is death, v, 23. For the wages of Sin is death j but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jefus Chrift our Lord,
29. o 2 The/l i} p.Who (hall be pu- nifhed with everlaiting deftrucrion from the Prefence of the Lord, and from the Glory of his Power, Mark 9,44,46, 48,— To go inro hell,--- Wliere their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Luke 16" 24. And he cried and iYid, Father Abra- ham, have mercy on me, and fend Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue j tor I am tormented in this flame%
30, p 1 The J y, 9. For God hath not appointed us to wiath; but to obtain (alvacion by our Lord Jefus Chrift.
q Gal 3,10. For as many as are o*
the works of the law, are under th*
M 4 <mrf*
184 The Larger Catechifm*
But of his mere Love and Mercy delivereth his Eleft out of it, and bringeth them into an Eftate of Salvation by the Se- cond Covenant, commonly called the Covenant of Grace r.
3 1 . Queft. With whom was the Covenant of Grace made P Jnfw\ The Covenant of Grace was made with Chrift as
£he Second Adam, and in him with all the Eleft as his Seed f,
32. Queft. How is the ^race of Lod manifefled in the fecond Covenant
Anftv, The Grace of God is manifefled in the Second Co- yenant, in that he freely provideth and ofFereth to Sinners a Mediator r, and Life and Salvation by him v > and requi- ring
cnrfe : for it is written, Cuifcd is fcvery one that: continucth not 3n a!l things which are written in the book ot the law to do tbem. <v, \z, And the laiv is not of faith : but, The man that doth them, (hall live in them.
made. He faitn not, And to (cods, as of many ^ but as of one, And to thy f< ed, which is Chi ill. (Rom 5. 15. to the end) I fa. 53, 10. Yet it pleated the Loid to bruife him, he hath put him to grief; when thou
rTit. 3. 4. But after that the kind- / (halt make his foul an offering for
nefs and love of God our Saviour to ward man appeared, to. 5. Not by works ot rignreoulnefs, which we have done, but according to his jnercy hefaved us by the wafhing ot regeneration, and renewing of the holy Gholt > v 6. Which he fhed on us abundantl v, through Jefus Chrift: our Saviour; v, 7. That being jufli- fied by his grace, we fliould be made heirs according ro the hope of eter- nal life. GaL 3: 21, Is the law then againft the promifes of God ? God forbid : for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteoufhefs fliould have been by the law. Rom. 3. 2.0. There- fore by the deeds of the law there fhall no fleih be juff ified in his fight: for by the law is the knowledge of iin. ^.21. But now the righteoul- nefsof God without the law is ma- nifefled, being witnefTed by the law and the prophets j v 22. Even the righteoulnefs of God which is by faith of Jefus Chrift unto all, and tipon all them that believe $ for there is no difference.
f 3 Gal 3; 16, Now To Abraham and his feed were the promifes
fin, he (hail fee his &cd, he fhail pro- long his days, and the pieafure of the Lord fhall profper in his hand* v 1 1 . I le fhall fee of the ' rave) of his foul, and fhall be fatisfied : by his knowledge fhail my righteous fer- var.t juftiiy many ; tor he fhall bear their iniquities.
32. tGen. 3. 1$ And I will put enmky between thee and the wo- man, and between thy feed and her i^cd: it fhall brnife thy head, and thou fhalt bruife his heel. Ija. «2o 6* I the Lord have called rhee in rightcoufnefSj'and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and will give thee for a covenant of the peo- ple, for a light of the Gentiles„* John 6, 27 Labour not for f he meat which perifheth, but for that meat which endurcrh unto everlafting life, which the Son of man fhall give unto you : For him hath God the Father fealed. '
v 1 John j. 11. And this is the re- cord, that God hath given unto qs eternal life : and this life is in his Son. v. ii. He that hath the Son, hath life , and he that hath not the Son pf Gud, hath not life.
w John
The Larger Catechiftn.
18'
ring Faith as the Condition to intereft them in him w> pro - mifeth and giveth his Holy Spirit x to all his Elect, to work in them that Faith y, with all other faving Graces z; and to enable them unto all holy Obedience a, as the Evidence of the Truth of their Faith b, and Thankfulnefs to God c. and as the Vv ay which he hath appointed them to falvation d-
33, Queft Was the Covenant of grace always adm'mu fired after one and the fame Manner ?
Anfiu. The Covenant of Grace was not always admini- ftred after the fame Manner, but the Adminiftrations of it under the Old Teftament were different from thofe under the New .
34, Que ft, How was the Covenant of Grace admimflred under the Old Teftament ?
Anfiv. The Covenant of Grace was adminiflred under
the
w John 3, i6i For God fo loved the World, chat he gave his only be- gbrten Son, that wfaofocver belie- vethin him, (hould not perifb, bur have evcrlafling life, lobn I. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the fons of Goo., even to them that be- lieve on his name.
x Prov, i, 23 Behold, I will pour out my Spirit unfo you, I will make known my word? unto you.
y z Cor 4, 13. We having the fame Spirit or faith, according as it is written, I believed, and there- fore have I fpoken: We alfo be- lieve, and therefore (peak.
Z Gal Sj 2-1 Sut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-fuf- fering, gentienefs, goodnefs, faith, v, 23. Meeknefs, temperance, a- gainlt facti here is no law;
a Ezek \6 , 27. And I will put my Spirit wkbin you, and cauie you to walk in my ftatures, and ye fhall keep my judgments, and do them.
b James 2, iK Yea, a man may fay, Thou halt faith, and 1 have works : fhew me thy faith withouc thy works, and I will fhew thee my faith by my works. v: £2. Seeit
thou how faith wrought with hrs works, and by works was faith made perfect ?
c z Cor 5, 14- For the love of Chiift ccniiraincth us, becaufe we thus judge, that if one dkd for all, then were all dead ; v. i$m Arc* that he died for all, that rhey whi::i live, (hould nor henceforth live un- to thcmfclves, but unto him wb died for them, and rofe again,
d Epb z 10. For we arc his work- manfhip, created in Chrift Jefus ur.ro good works, which God hath before ordained that we fhould walk in them.
33. e 2 Car fc6\ Who al fo hath made usable minifters of the new teftament, not ot the letter, but of thefpirit: for the letter killeth, but the fpirit give th life, v. 7. But it the minittration of Death written and engraven in Hones, was giorious, fo that the children of Ifrael could not ^edfalily behold the face of Mofes, for the glory of his counte- nance, which glory was to be done away $ v. 8. How fhall not the :nini- iiratfcn of the Spirit be rather glo- rious i v; 9, or if the miniftrarion of condemnation be glory, much more
lE6 The Larger Catechtfm:
the Old Teftament. by promifes f, Prophecies g, facrifi- Ces h, Circumcifion ;, the Paffover k, and other Types and Ordinances ; which did all forefignify Chrift then to come .and were for that Time fufRcient to build up the Eleft in Faith in the promifed Meffiah i, by whom they then had full Remiffion of fin and eternal falvation m.
35-. Queft, How is the Covenant of grace adminl fired un- der the New Teftament P
Anfw. Under the New Teftament, when Chrift the fub- fhmce was exhibited, the fame Covenant of Grace was and £H11 is to be adminiftred in the Preaching of the Word n, and the Adminiftration of the facraments of Baptifm o and
the
more doth the miniftrarlon of righ- teoufnels exceed in glory.
34. f Rom if, 8. N#w I (ay, that Jefus Chrift was a minifter of the circumcihV-n for the truth oi God, to confirm the promifes made un- to the fathers.
g ABs 3, zo. And he fhall (end Je- fus Chrift, which beto e was preach- ed unto yen : v. 24. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel, and thofe that follow after, as many as have jpoken, have like wife foretold of thefe days.
h Heb 10. u For the law having a jfhadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with thofe facrifices which they offer year by year con- tinually, make the comers there- unto perfect,
i Rami* it. And he received the fign of circumcition, a feal of lie righteoufnefs of the Faith, which he had yet being uncircumcifcd : that he might be the father of all them thst believe, though they be not circumcifed ; that righteoufnels might be imputed unto them aho.
k 1 Gir S' 7- Purge out therefore tVe old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye arc unleavened.* For even Chrift our paflbver is fa- crificed for us. i {Heb 8, p, and 10. chapters,)
Heb, 11, 13. Thefe all died in fairh, riot having received the promifes, hut having iecn them afar ofT, and were perfwaded of them, and em- braced them, and confefled that they were fti angers and pilgrims on the earth
m Gal $, 7, Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the fame are the children of Abraham. i; 8. And the fcripture torefeeing thai God would juftiry the heathen Through faith, preached before the gofpd unto Abraham, faying, In thee fliall all nations be b.efTed. vy 9. So then they which be of faith, are blcfTed with faithful Abraham; v 14. That the blefTing of Abra- ham might ome on the Gentiles through Jefus Chrift -y that we might receive toe promife of the Spirit through faith.
35-. n Mark 16". iy. And he faid unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gofpel to e- very creature.
o Mat 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and o( the holy Ghoft : v, 20.. Teaching them to obferve all things whatfoever I have com- manded you : and lo, I am with you alway, even unco the end of the world.
f I Gw»
The Larger Catechifm.* i g 7
the Lord's Supper p ; in which Grace and Salvation are held forth in more Fulnels, Evidence, and Efficacy to all Nations q.
36, Queft, Who is the Mediator of the Covenant of Grace ?
Anfiv. The only Mediator of the Covenant of Grace is the Lord Jefus Chrift r, who being the eternal Son of God, of one £ubftance and equal with the Father f, in the Fulnefs of Time became Man r, and fo was and continues to be God and Man in Two intire diflinct Natures, and One
Perfon foe ever v)
p 1 Cor 11,23. For I have recei- ved of the Lord, chat which alfo I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jefiis, the id me night in which he was betrayed, look bread: <v 24. And when he had given thanks, lie brake ir, and (aid, Take, eat ^ this is my body, which was broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. *v 25*. After the fame manner alio he took the cup, when he had fupped, faying, Tiiis cup is the new teitament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remem- brance of me.
q 2 Cor 3, 6 to the end. Who aifo hath made us able ministers of the new teilament, not of the letter, but of the ipirit : for the letter kii- leth but the Ipirit givcth life, v 7. But it the mmiftration oi death written and engraven in ftoncs, was glorious, a;, 8. How fhailnot themi- niftraticn of the Spirit be rather glo- rious ? <u, 9. If tru miniftration of condemnation be giory, much more doth the miniltration of rightcouk ne(s exceed in £^ry, (yc. * Hcb 8, 6. But now hath he obtained a more excellent miniftry, by how much alfo he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was efta- biifhed upon better promifes. i/„ 10; For this is the covenant that I will make with the houfe of lfrael af- ter thoie days, faith the Loidj I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts : and 1 will be to them a God, and they fhali be to me a people. <v 11. And they fliall not teach every man
37; Queft. his neighbour, and every man his bjother, faying, Know the Lord: for all fliall Know me, from the ieafttothe greater!. Matth 28, 19. Go ye theiefore and teach all na- tions-, baptizing them in ihe name of $■*.
36. r 1 T:m 2. 5. For there is one God, zad one Mediator between God and men, the man Chrift Jefus.
(John 1, 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. nj \a And the Word was made flefh, and dwelt among us ( and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of #race and truth. John 10, 30* I and my Father are one Phil 2,6". Who being in the form or Gud, thought it not robbery to be 'equal with God.
t Gal 4, 4. But when thefulncis of the lime was come, God lent forth his Son made of a woman, marie under the law.
v. Luke 1, is And the angel an- fwered <»nd (aid unto her, The holy Gholl lhall come upon thee, and the power of the Higheft fhall over- fhadow th.ee ; therefore alfo that holy thing which (hail be born of thee, fhall be called the Sen of God. Rom 9, 5» Whole are the fathers and or whom as concerning the fleih Chrift came, who is over all God, blefled for ever, Amen. Cot, z, 9- For in him dwelleth all rhe tal- neis of the Godhead bodily. Heb; 7, 14. Bur this man, became he cbn- rinueth ever, hath aa- unchangeable prieft-
1 88 The Larger Catechifm*
37'. Qpeft, How didChrift, being the fen of "W, become Man ?
Anfw. Chrifl: the fon of God became Man, by taking to him- ielf a true Body, and areafonable foul w, being conceived by the Power of the Holy Ghoft, in the "Womb of the Virgin Mary, of her lubftance, and born of her x, yet without fin y,
38. Queft. Why was it re qui file that the Mediator jhould be Goi ?
Knfewy It was requifite that the Mediator fhould be God, that he might fuftain and keep the human Nature frooj finking under the infinite Wrath of God, and the Power of Deaths give Worth and Efficacy to his Sufferings, Obedience, and Interceffion a ; and fo fatisfy God's Ju-
ftice
pricfthood, v, 25. Wherefore he is able alfo to fave them to the utter- mofi, that come unco God by him, jceing he ever iiveth to make inter- ceflion for them.
37. vv John 1. 14. And the Word was made flefh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the dory as of the only begotten of the father) full of grace and truth. Mat. 16. 38. Then faith he unto them, My ioul is exceeding forrow- ful, even unto death: tarry ye here and watch with me,
x Luke i- 27; To a virgin efpoufed to a man whole name was Jofeph, of the houfe of David ; and the vi gins name was Miry, v, 31. And behold, thou (halt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and (halt call iiis Bfcmc Jvfus. v. 35- And the an- gel anfwerejl and (aid unro her, The holy Ghoft (hall come upon thee, and the power of the Highcft fhail overlhadow thee ; therefore aifo that holy thing which fhail be born of thee, jfhi ill be called the Son o. Go<f. y. 42. A.id (Eiifabeth^ (pake out With a loud voice, and laid, Blefled art thou among women, and biefled is the fruit of thy womb. Gal 44. But »hen the tulnefs of the time was come, God lent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law.
y H^.4. 1 jiFor we have not an high
prieff. which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as wc are, yet without fin. Hch 7. 2.5. For fuch an hi&h-prieft became us, who is holy, harmlefs, undefiled, feparate from finners, and made higher than the heavens.
38, z Acts 2. 24. Whom God hath railed up, having looted the pains of death : becau(e it was not poilible * that he ihould be holden of it. v 25-. For David fpeaketh concerning him, I forefaw the Lord always be- fore my face, for he is on my right hand, that I fhould nor be moved. Bom. I. 4: And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holmefs, by the re- fui rection from the dead, Compared -with Rom. 4. 2j. Who was delivered for our offences, ard was raied a- gain for our juiiificarion, Heb.9^ 14. How much more fha 11 the blood of Chrift, who through the eternal Spi- ri:, offered himfelf wirhout fpot to God, purge your conferences from dead works ro ferve the living God ?
a Acts 20. 28. Take heed there- fore unto your felves, and to all the ftack, over the which the holy Ghoff hath made you overfeers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchafed with his own blood. Web: o, 14, How much more fhali the blood
The Larger Catechifm: 189
fticeb, procure his Favour c, purchafe a peculiar People <* give his Spirit to them e, conquer all their Enemies f, ana bring them to everlafting falvation g.
39, Quefi^
blood of Chrftt, who through the eternal Spirit, offered hmife.4 with- out fpet to God, purge your ccn- cc from dead wo*?, to ferve the living God ? Heb. 7. If. Where- fore he is able alio to fave them to the uttermofi, that come unto God by him, feeing he ever liveCh to make intercefibn for them. v. £4. For fiich an high prieft became us, who is holy, haVmlefs3 • undefiled, fe- pavate from tinners, and made high- er than the heavens * v, 27. Who' ncedeth not daily, as thofe high prieirs, to offer up facriiice, firft tor his own fins, and then for the peo- ples; for this he did once, when he offered up himfelf. v. 28- For the law makerh men high piiefts which have infirmity ; bu: the word oi oath which was fince the law, ma- keth the Son, who is confecraced for evermore.
b Rom. 3. 24. Being ju (lifted freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jeftts Chrift : v. zf . Whom God hath fet foith to be a propitia- tion, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteoufneis for the re- miffion of fins that are pail, through the forbearance cf God; v. 26. To declare, I fay, at this time his righ- teoufnefs: that he might bejuft, and thejuftiher of him which belicveth in Jefus.
c Eph. I, 6. To the praife of the glory of his grace, wherein he hah made us accepted in the beloved. Mat 3. 17. And lo, a voice from heaven, faying, This is my belo- ved Son, in whom I am well plea- fed.
d Tit. 2. 1$. Looking for that blefled hope, and the glorious ap- pearing of the great God, and our' Saviour Jefus (Thrift, v. 14. Who gave himfelf (ur us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himfelf a peculiar people, Zealous of good works*
e Gal. 4, 6". And becaufe ye are (on?, God bath fent forth the Spine of his Son into your hearts, crying,, Abba, Father,
f Luke 1. 63, Blefled be the Lord God of Ifraei, for he hath viiired and redeemed his people. v\ 6p0 And hath railed up an horn of falva* tion for us, in the houfe of his fer- vant I>ivid. v. 7 1 " That we ihould be faved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that, hate us, v, 74. That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might ferve him without fear.
g Htb. s> 8, Though he were a fori, yet learned he obedience by the things which he differed, v. 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal falvation unto all them that obey him. Web. 9: irr But Chrift being come an high prieft of good things to ccme, by a greater and moie perfect tabernacle, no? made with hands, that is to fay, not of this building; v. n. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, buz by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. v. 13. For if the blood of bulls, and of goats, and the afhes of an heifer, ling the unclean, fan&ifieth to the pur Tying of the fle/h ; v, Hi- RoW much more fhall the blood cf Ghrift, who through the eternal $fr* rk offered himfelf without fpot to God, purge \oi:r conference from d^ad works to Ccrvc the living G \- ? v. is- And for this caufe he is the mediator of the new teftament, that by means of death, for the redemrw tion of the tran C#r effions that were under the firft teftament, they which
are
igd The Larger Catechifm:
39 Queft. Why was it requifite that the Mediator" fhoutd Id Man I
Anfw. It was requifite that the Mediator ftiould be Man, that he might advance our Nature h, perform Obedience to the Law i, fuffer and make Interceffion for us in our Na- ture k, have a Fellow-feeling of our Infirmities ; that we might receive the Adoption of Sons m, and have Comfort and Accefs with Boldnefs unto the Throne of Grace n.
40. Queft, Why was it requifite that the Mediator ii.ould be God and Man in One Per/on ?
Anfw. It was requifite that the Mediator, who was to re- concile God and Man, (hould himfelf be both God and Man, and this in One Perfon; that the proper Works of each Nature might be accepted of God for us °, and relied •n by us, as the Works of the whole Perfon p*
4 1 . Queft, Why was our Mediator called Jefus ?
Anfw Our Mediator was called Jefus, becaufe he faveth
his
are called might receive, the pro- infie of eternal inheritance.
39. h Heb. 2. 16. For verily he r >ok not on him the nature of angels ; but he took on him the feed ©i Abraham.
i Gal 4. 4., Bur when the fulnefs of the time was come, God fent lorth his Son made 01 a womanj made under the law.
k Heb. 2 1 4- ForafrMUch then as the children are pat takers of ftefh and biood, he alio himfelf likewife rooi part of theiame : that through death he might deft) oy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Heb. 7. 24. But this man, he- cauie he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable pneithood. v. 25-. Whereiore he is able alfo to fave them to the uctermoft, that come v-uto God by him,ieeing he ever li- mn to make intercelTion for them,
1 Heb. 4. 15*. For we have not an high prieit which cannot be touched with the feeling ot our infirmities j but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without fin.
m Gal' 4. 5. To redeem them that Were under the law, that we might
receive the adoption of fons,
n Heb. 4. 16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the fhrone of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
49. o Mat. 1. 21, And fhe fhail bring forth a Son, and thou (halt call his name Jefus : for he fhall lave his people from their fins, v. 23. Behold, a virgin (hall be with chad, and (hall bring forth a Son, and they (hall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is, God with us. Mat, 3. 17. And lo, a voice from heaven, laying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleated. Heb. 9. 14. How much more fhall the blood ol Chriil, who through the eternal Spirit offered himfelf without fpot to God, purge your confeience from dead works, to ferve the living God ?
p 1 Pet. 2.. 6. Wherefore alio it is contained in the fcriptiue, Behold, 1 lay in Zion a chief corner-ftonc, elect precious : and he that be- iieveth on him fhall not be con- founded,
41 qMat
The Larger Catechtfmi jgt
his People from their Sins q.
42, Quefl Why was our Mediator called ChrifT: ?
Anfvv. Our Mediator was called Chrifl, becaufe he wa$ anointed with the Holy Choft above Meature 1 ; and fo fet apart, and fully furnifhed with all Authority and Ability £ to execute the Offices of Prophet t, Prieft y, and King of his Church w, in the Eftate both of his Humiliation and Ex-
altation.
41. q Mat 1, 21, And She
fha'l (halt fhail
bring torth a Son, ^\A thou call his name Jefus: for he fave his people i om their fins.
42. r John 3; 34, Fof he whem Go.-i hath fent, fpeaketh the Words of God : tor God giveth not the Spirit by meafure unto him. Pfalm 45. 7, Thou lovcti righrecufneis, and ba- tdt wickednels: there/ore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of aladneis ubove thy fellows.
f John 6,27. Labour not for the rr.eat which penman, but for that rnca: which endureth unto everlaii- ing life, which the Son of man fhall give unto ycu: for him hath God the Father (baled. Matth 2.8, 18. And Jefus came and (pake unto them, faying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth, i/. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and ofthehoiv Ghoii: nj 20. Teaching them to obieive all things, what- ever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even un- to the end of the wo1 id Amen.
t Atfs 3, 21. Whom the heaven muit receive, until the time 01 rc- ftitution of all tilings, which God hath ipoken by the mouth of ail his holy prophets, iince the world be- gan, u 22. For Mcies truly (aid unto the fathers*, A piophet fhall the Lord your God raife up unto you, ot your brethren, like unto nv. ; him fhall ye hear in a i things he fhall fay unto you, Luke 4. 1 8- The Spirit of the -Lord is upon me, becaufe lie hath anoinced
43, Queft. me to preach the gofpel t© the poor, he hath lent me to heal the broken- hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of fight to the blind, to let at liberty them that are broiled. ^.21. And he be- gan to lay unco them, This day is this fjriprure fulfilled in your ears.
v Heb $ , 5. So aifo Chrifl glorified not him felt, to be made an high pi ieft, buthe that faid unto him, Tnou arc my Son, to day have I be- gotten thee. V 6. As he faith aifo in another place, Thou art a prieft forever at er the order ef Melchifc* dee. v 7. Who in the days of his fiefh, when he had offered up pray- ers and fupplication?, with firong cryingsand tears, unto him that was abie to fave him from death, and was heard, in that he feared. Hek 4. 14. Seeing then that we have a great hign prieft, that is pafled imo the heavens, Jefus the Son ot God. let us. hold fait our prorellion. <v Ij. For we have nor an high prieft which Cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in ail points tempted like as we are, yec without fin.
w Vfalm 2, 6. Yet have I fet my K'ng upon my hoy hill of Zion; Matth z 1 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sun, behold, thy king cometh un- to thee, meek, and fitting upon an afs, and a colt the fole of an afs. Jja y, 6\ For unto us a child is born, unto us a fon is given, and the go- vernment fhail be upon his flioulder; and his name fhall be cailed, Won- derful, Counfeiler, The mighty Gos? The everlaifing Father, The Prince*
of
29- The Larger Catechifm*
43, Queft. How doth Chrifl execute the Office of a Vrophft ?
Anfvv. Chrift executeth the Office of a Prophet, in his re- vealing to the Church x, in all Ages, by his Spirit and Word y, in divers Ways,of Administration z, the whole Will of God a* in all Things concerning their Edification and Salvation b,
44. Queft, How doth Chrift execute the Office of 'aPrhfif Anfw, Chrift executeth the Office of a Prieft, in his
once offering himfelf a Sacrifice without Spot to God c, to
be of peace. *&: 7. Of the increafe of his government and peace there fhail be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to or- der it, and to eftablifh it with judg- ment and with f juftice, from hence- forth even for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hoiis will perform this. Phil, 2, 8. And being found in fa- • fhion as a man, he humbled him- felf and became obedient unto death even the Death of the crofs, v 9. Wherefore God alfo hsth high- ly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name : tt 10 That at the name of Jefus every knee fhouid bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth 5 v„ II. And that every tongue fhouid confcfs,- that Jefus Chrift is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.,
43. x John 1, 18. No man hath feen God at any time j the onJy be- gotten Son which is in the bofom of the Father, he hath declared him.
y 1 Pet i. 1©. Of which falvation fhe Prophets have enquired, and fearched diligently, who prophefied of the grace thai fhouid come unto you ; v. 1 1 . Searching what, or what manner of rime the Spirit of Chrift which was in them did lignity, when it teftified beforehand the fufTerings oi Chrift, and the glory that fhouid foliow. v 11. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themfelves, but unto us they did minifter the things which are now reported unro you* by them that have preached the gofpel unto you, with the holy
Ghoft fent down from heaven ; which tilings the angels defire to look into.
z Heb, 1, i. God who at fundry times and in divers, manners, (pake in time paft unto the lathers by the prophets, v, 2, Hath in thofe lad days fpoken unto us by his Son,- whom he hath appointed heir of all things, bywhonValfo he made the worlds*
a John 1 j, iy. Henceforrhl call you not fervantsj for the fervant knoweth not what his lord doth ; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Fa- ther, 1 have made known unto you.
b Acts 20. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build ynu up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are fancYifkd. Eph 4, ri. And he gave Tome, apoitles-, and lome, prophets; and (ome, evangelifts : and lome, pallors and teachers -9 V. 12. For the perfecting of the faintf, for the work of the miniftry, for the edifying of the b~dy of Chrift: v. 15. Till we all come in the unity of the fairh, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a 'perfect man, unto the meafure of the fta- ture of the tulnefs. of Chriit. John 20, 31. But thefe are written, that ye might believe that Jefus is the Chrift the Son of God, and that be- lieving ve might have life through his name.
44. cH<r&Q.i4.How much more dial 1 the blood of Chrift, who through
the
The Larger Catechtftai 19 j
be a Reconciliation for the Sins of his People d , and in ra& king continual IntercefTion for them e.
4;. Queft How doth Chrift Execute the Office of a King F Anfiv. Chrift executeth the Office of a King, in calling out of the World a People to himfelf t ; and giving them Officers g, Laws h, and Cenfures, by which he viiibly go- verns them 1 3 in beftowing faying* Grace upon his Eleft k%
. " re-
the eternal Spirit, offbred himfelf without Ipot to God, purge your conference from dead works to ferve the living GoJ ? v 2.8. So thrift was once offered to bear the tins of many j and unto them that look ;or him (hall he appear the (e- cond time, without fin, unto fal- va'tiorr
d Ret. 2. 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved liira to be made like unto his brethren 5 that he might be a merciful and faithful high pried, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the fins ot the people.
e Rib. 7. if* Wherefore he Is able alio to fave them to the utter* moil, that come unto God by him, feeing he ever liveth to make inter* ceffun for them.
4 >- . f Alls. 1 $. 1 4.. Simeon ha th declared how God at the riiftdid vl- fitthe Gentiles, to takeout of them a people for his name . <v if. And to this agree the words of the pro- phets j as it is written, v 16. Afrer this 1 will return, and wiil build again the tabernacle of David, which Is fallen do^n : and I will buikl again the ruins thereof, and I will feck up. Ifa. $5. £ Behold, I Dave given nim for a wirnefs to the people, a leader and commander to the people, v f. Behold, thouihalc call a nation that thou k iowcrl nor, and narions that knew not thee, (hall mn unto thee, bscaufe of the Lord thy God, ^nd for the holy One ofllraely for he hath glori- fied r he e. Gen. 4.9^10. The J&cep- frc fhaii no; depart from Jfadah/nbs
a law-giver from between his kett until Shfloh come, and unto him fhall the gathering of the people beB F\ahn„ no. j. Thy peop.e fhall be Willing in the day ot thy power, in the beauties, of hoiincis " trom the womb ot the morning : thou bait Che dew ot thy youths . .
g Efh, 4 it. And he gatfe fome spoilles , and fome, p.opiiets ; and fome, evangeiifts : and fome pa- llors and teachers : v iz. For the perfecting of the faints, for the work ol the miniftry, for the ediiying of the body ofChritt. 1 C0r.i1. 28. And God harh [^t fome in the Church, firft apoitles, fecondariiy prophets, third- ly teachers, after that miracles, then git'es of healings, helps, govern- ments diverhties of tongueSo
hlfa 33. 22.. For the Lord is cur judge, the Lord is our law- giver,' the Lord is our king, he. m\ i fave us,
i, M*f, 18. 1 7, And if ne fhall ne- glect to hear them, tell it unto the Church : but it he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican, v 18. Verily I uy unto you, Whatfoever ye ihall bind en earth, (nail be bound in heaven : and whatfoever ye fliall loofe on earth, fhaii be loofed in. heaven. 1 Ccr. y. 4. In the name of ou; Lord Jelus Chriit,. when ye are gathered toge hers and my Ipirit,. Wi'.h the power of our Lord jefus Chrift. rj ^m x0 deliver (uch an one unto Satan for the deitruction of the fiefh, that the ipi'ftt may be ia- vwd in the day of the Lord Jefus.
k Acts. s. 3 1. Him hath God ex Ir- ed ffiih his right h >nd to be a prioga
it m
194 The Larger Catechifm-
rewarding their Obedience I, and correcting them for their .Sins n , preferring and fupporting them under all their* Tern-' ptations and Sufferings '-<, reftraining and overcoming all their Enemies o, and powerfully ordering all things for his own Glory p, and their Good q; and alfo in taking Vengeance on the reft, who know not God, and obey not the Gofpel f.
4*5. Queft. What was the Eflate ofChrifl's Humiliation ?
Anfiv. The Eftate of Chrift's Humiliation was that low Condition wherein he, for our fakes, emptying himfelf of his Glory, took upon him the Form of a Servant, in his Concep ■ fion and Birth, Life,- Death, and after his Death until his Refurreftion U
and a taviouv, for ro give repentance ttrHraer, ind forgivenefS of fins.
1 Rev. 22. 12 And behold,! come quickly ; and my reward Is with me, to 'give every man according as his works f hall be. Kev. z i O Fear none of thofe tilings which 'hou (halt iitf- fer , behold, the devil fhallcaft lome . of you into prifon, that ye may be tried v and 'ye fliall have tribulation ten days:bethou faithful unto death, and 1 will give thee a crown of life.
rn Rev. 3. r'o. As many as [love, T rebuke and ehaften : be zealous therefore and repenr.
' n Jja, 61.9 In all their arTl'dtion he was ai&i&ed, and the angel of hispreienee feved them : in his love and in his pity he redeemed them, a d he bare them/ and carried them all the^ays of old.
o 1 Cor i$. 25. For he muft reign n'.\ he hath put all enemies under his feer. Plat no. throughout. <v I. The Lord laid unto mv Lord, lie thou at my right hand, until I make thine enernes thy footitooh 1; 2, The L O R D fl^a 11 (end the rod of thy ftrength out or Zbn: rule thou In the mkirt of thine enemies. &c*
p Rom* 14-. 10. But why doit then pidge thy brother ? or why doit thou ht at nought thy brother? for we flullal] ftand before the judgment, leat of Chrift, v. II. For it is writ- ten, As Hive, faith the Lord, eveiy fcnee fhall bow tome, and eve5 y tongue fhail CQiiki's^ God;
47 Queft.' q Rom% 8, 28, And wc know that all rhings work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpofc.
r 2 Thef. r. 8 In flaming fire, ta- king vengeance on them that know- not God, and that obey not the gof- pel of our Lord jefus Chriit : v y. Who fhall be punished with everla- fting deitruclion from the prefence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. PfaL 2. 8 Ask ot me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance,- and the uftermoil parts of the earth for thy poildhon. <u 9. Th -j5 (halt break f/herri with a rod of iron, thou fhalt d a fh them in pieces like a powers vtfiel.
46*. f Phil. 26"; Who being in th? form o. God, thought iz not robbery' to be equal with God :v 7, But made himfelf of no reputation, and took upon hi*n the form *f a fer- vanr, and was made in the iikene(s of men. Hi 8. And being found isv fafhionasa man, he humbled him- felf, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the crofs. Luke<% 1. 3-1. And behold, thou (hale conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a fon, and fhah call his name Jems, z Cor* 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jeius Chriit, that .though he was rich, yet foi your fakes" he became poor, that ye through 'his iwzny might be ifch. hcts,
"the Larger Catechifm xpy
47 Queii.Hovv did Chrljl humble himfelf in his Conception and Birth*
Anfvv. Chrift humbled himfelf in his Conception and Birth> in that, being from all Eternity the Son of God in theBofom of the Father, he was pleafed in the fulnefs of Time to be- come the Son of Man, made of a Woman of low Eftate, and to be born of her, with divers Gircumftances of more than ordinary Abafement. r.
48 Queft. Yiovv did Chrift humble himfelf in his Life*
Anfvv: Gnrift humbled himfelf in his life, by fubjecting himfelf to the Law v, which he perfectly fulfilled w 3 and by conflicting with the indignities of the Worlds, Temp- tations of Satan y, and Infirmities in his Flefh, whether com- mon to the Nature of Man, orparticularlyaccompanying that his low Condition z.- 40 Quell:
Acts. 2 24, Whom God hath raifed x Vjdm. 22, 6, But lam a worm, up, having looted the pains of and no man 5 a reproach of men,
looted the pains of death ; becaufe k was not polfible that he fhouid be holden of ir.
47 t ^ohn i, 14. And the Word was made flefti, and dwelt amon^ us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Fa- ther) full of grace an1 truth, v 18. No man hath (een God at any time ; the only begotten Son, which is in the bolom of the Father, he hath declared him,- Gal 4 4. But when the fulnefs of the time W3S come, God (ent forth his Son made of a Woman, made under the law, Luke* 2, 7, And fhe brought forth her firft- b >rn fon, and wrapped him in lad- ling cli 'her, and laid him in a man- ger, becauie there was no room tor thtm in the inn.
48, v Galn 4, 4. But when the ful- nefs of the time wa< come, God (ent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law.
w Mat. $, 17: Think not that! am come to deftroy the law or the prophets : i am not come to derfro#, hut ro fjilfi). Rom. 5* 19, For as by one mans difobedieoce many were made iinners : (o by the obedience ot one, (hall many be made righ- teous,
and de{p:'.'ed or the people. Ueb 12 9 2, Looking unto Jcfus the author and hnifher of our taith ; who, for the joy that was fer before him, en- dured the crofs,'de(pihng thefhame and is fet down at the right hand of the tn rone of God. v 3; For consi- der him that endured (uch contra* diction of miners agaihft himfelf, left ye be weaiied and iaint in your minds
y Mat. 4 1, to vvje 12, Then was Jedis icd up 01 tne fpirit into the wildernefs, ro be tempted of the devil, &c. Luke* 4. 13, And wh> n the Don had cnd.d allthe tempta- tion, he departed from him tor a' feaion*
z HeO, 2. 17. Wherefore in alt things it behoved him to be made like unro nis brethren j that he might be a mercirul and faithful pweft, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation fpr the tins of the people, v i'S. For in that he hirnfelf hatn Infixed, being tempted, he is able ro uiccour them that are tempted. Web* 4, iy. For we have not an high pcieft which cannot _ be touched win the feeiing 0) cur infirmities $ but was in all N z points"
ip6 The Larger Catechijr*?. ■
4$. Queft- Haw aW C/;r//? bumble himfelfin his Death f Anfiv. Chrift humbled himfelf in his Death, in that ha- ving been betrayed by Judas a, forfaken by his Difciples b, fcorned and rejected by the "World c, condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his Perfecutors d ; having alfo conflicted with the Terrors of Death and the powers of Darknefs,- felt and born the "Weight of God's Wrath e, he laid down Ins Life an Offering for Sin f enduring the painful, fhameful, tod eurfed Death of the Crofs g.
50. Quefh Wherein confined Chrift7 s Humiliation after his Death ?
Anfiv. Chrift's Humiliation after his Death, confifted m fcis being buried h, and continuing in the State of the dead3<
and
points tempted like as we are, yet without iin. If a. 51. 15, Behold, ifny (ervant toll deal prudently 9 he fhall be exalted and extolled, and be very high, v 14. As many were aftonied ar}thee 5 hisvifage was fo mamd more than.any man, and his form more than the fens of men,
49. a Mot. 2,7; 4. Sayingy I have finned, in thsr 1 have betrayed the innocent blood",- And they (aid, What is that ro us ? fee thou to thar^
b Mat. z6. ?(> But all this was done, that the fcripcures of the pro- phets might be fulfilled* Then all the difciples forfookhim, and Med.
c I/#, 5" 3 . 2. For he fliall grow up1 before him as a tender plants and as a root cut of a dry ground: he Math no form nor comelinefs $ and when we fliall fee him, there is no heauty that we fhould defire him. «v 3, He is defpifed and rejected of 3hi?n,a man of lorrow?, and acquain- ted with grief: and we hid, as it w ere, our laces from him ; he was defpiied, and weelteemed him nor,
d MaU 27, 26. to <vcrfe 50. Then reiealed h> Barabbas unto diem: and when he had fcourged Jefus, lie deliveie*! him to be crucified. &p, John, '10. 34. But one of the (oidfcrs with a fpear pierced his fide, and forthwith came there out blood and
e Luke, 22. 24. And being in an agony he prayed more earneftly 5 and his fweat was as it Were great drops of blood falling down to the ground, Mat. 27. 46*. And about the ninth hour Jefus cried with a loud voice, faying; Eii, Eli, lama fa- bacthani ? that is to (ay, My God, my God why hall thou forfaken me?
i IJa% 53. 10. Yet it pleafed the Loid to bruife him $ lie ruth put him to grief; when thou (hair make lvs foul an offering for fin, he fhall fee his feed , he fliall prolong his days^ and the Pieafure of the Lord fhall profper in his hand
g Phil. 2. 8, And being found iii fafhion as a man, he humbled him- feif" and became obedient unto death, even the death of the crofs Weir 12. 2< Looking unto Jefus the author and finifher of our faith, who for the joy that was fet before him, endured the crofs, defpifing the flume, and is let down at the right hand of rhe throne of God. Gal. 3. 13, Chrift hath redeemed us from the curfc of the law, being made a ciHe for us : for it is written, Curfed is every one that hangeth on a tree.
SO. ,h 1 Cons. 3. For 1 delivered unto you firft of al), that which I alfo received, how Chac G hrift d\td * ' fir
The Larger Catechifml j 9 7
aftd under the Power of Death till the Third Day i, which hath been otherwife exprelTed irj thefe Words, He defended into Hell..
51. Queft, What was the Eflate of Chrift^ Exaltation* Anfiv. The Eftate of Chrift's Exaltation comprehended! his Refurreftion K Afcenfion 1, Sitting at the Right-hand of the Father rr, and his Coming again to judge the World n; 52 Queft. How was Chrift Exalted in his Refurreftisnl Anfw. Chrifi v/as exalted in his Refurreftion, ia that? not having feen Corruption in Death, (of which it was not poffible for him to be held c) and having the very fame Body in which he differed, with the eflential Properties thereof p
(but
for oi^r fins according to the fcrlp- tures : v 4 And tna£ he was bu- ried, and that he rofe again the third day according to the ffcrip* tares.
i FfaL 16*. io. For thou wilt not leave my foul in hell ; neither wile thou iurfer thine holy One to fee con u prion. Compared with Acts, 2. 2.4. Whom God hath raifed up, ha- ving looted the pains of death } be- caule it was not poffible that he fhould be holden of it. v 25-. For David fpcakcih concerning him, I forcfaw tne Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I fhould not be moved, v 26. Therefore aid my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover a'fo my flefh (hall reft in hope. ru 27. BecaiUe ti;ou wilt not leave my foul i<ihe 1, neither wilt thonfufler thine holy One to fee corruption, v 31. He feeing this before, fpakeofthe refurrcction of Chrilt, that his foul was not left in hell, neither his flefh did fee corruption Rom 6. 9. Know- ing that Chrift being raifed irom the dead9 dieth no more > death hath no more dominion over him. l/ldt. i z. 4.0. For is Jonas was three da^ 3 and three nigh 3 in the whales beU ly ; fo (hall the Son of man be three days an'd three nights in the heart of the earth.
jTfc k 1 Cor. 15. 4, And fhathf
was buriec!, and that he rote again the third day, according to the fcrip- ures,
I Mark. 16", 19. So then, after the Lord had ipoken unto them, he was received up into heavu}, and (at on the right hand of God,
m Ffh. 1. 20, Which he wrought in Chrilt, v/hen he raifed him irorri the dead, and fet him ac his own right hand in the heavenly places.
n 4ft$* i, it. Which aifo fijrf, Ye men of Galiiee, why ftand y& gazing up into heaven t Tnis fame Jeius which is taken up from yen into heaven, fhall lo come, in like manner as ye have l^.jn hini go into heaven, A:is. 17. 21. Be- caufe he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteoufoef?, by that man whom he hath ordained $ whereof he hath given ailurance unto ail men, in that he hath raifed him from the dead.
p- o Acts. 2. 24. Whom God hath raifed up, having loofed the pains of death : becaufe it was noC poffible that he fhould be holden ot it. v 27. Bc^uCc thou will not leave my foul iri heli, neither wilt thou fufTer fhine holy Qne tq fee corruption.
p Luke, 24, 39, BehoW my h:mJs
and rny feet, that it is I rny (df $
N 3 handle
1 93 TTtf Larger Catechifmn
(but without Mortality and other common Infirmities belong- ing to this Life) really united to his Soul q, he rofe again from the Dead the Third Day by his own Power ,; where- by he declared himfelf to be the Son of God (, to have fatis- fled Divine Jufiice f, to have vanquifhed Death, and him that had the power of it v, and to be Lord of Quick and Dead w . All which he did as a publick Perfonx, the Head of his Church y, for their Juftification, z> Quickning in Grace $, Support againft Enemies b, and to aflure them of
their fhall all be made alive.
l Efh% I. 20, Which he wrought in Chriii when he railed him from the dead, and let him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. <v 22. And hath put all things un- der his feet, and gave him to be the head over ali things o the church, v 2?. Which is his body, the ful- nefs of him that rilleth all in all. CoL x. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church 5 who is the be- ginning, the firft-born from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence,
z. Rom. 4 is* Who was delivered for our offences, and was raifed a- gain for our juitificatlon. % & Eph, 2 1 . And you hath he quick- ncd, who were dead in trefpaffcsand iins. v £. Even when we were dead to fms, hath quickned us together withChrift, (by grace ye are faved) nJ 6. And hath railed us up toge- ther, and made us lit together in heavenly places in Chrifl Jehis .CoL 2,|2. Buried with him in baptifip, wherein alfo ye are rifcn with him, through the faith of the operation of God, wh6 hath raifed him from the dead.
c 1 Cor. 1 5-. 2 f. For he mu ft reign till he hath put all enemies undeF his feet. v. 26. The laft enemy that fhall be deftroyed, is deaih. V 27. For he hath put all things tinder his feet. But when he faith, ali things are pu: under him, it is manifeft that he is accepted which did put all things under him.
handle me, and fee, for ,a fpirit hath not flefh aia'd bones, as ye fee me have.
t q Rom- 6*. 9. Knbwing that Chrift "being raifed from the dead, dieth no more , death* hath no more do^ minion over him. Rev^ 1. 18. t am he that hveth and was dead; und behold, I am alive for ever- more. Amen 5 and have the keys of hell and death.
■'"■ r John 10, 18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of my felf : I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received ot my Father... ••'
• ( Rem. 1. 4. And dtchtcd to be the Son ot God with power, ac- cording to £he fpirit of hoiinefs, by the refurredion from the dead,
■ t Rom. 8. 34. Who is he thatcon- demneth ? ir is Chiiit that died, yea rather that is rifen again, who Is even at the right hand of God, who alfo maketh intercciTipn for u?,
v Web* 2, J 4; For as much then as th& children are partakers of flefh and blood, he alfo himfelf like- wile took part of the fame : that through death he might deftroy him that had the power of death* that is, the devil.
■ w Rom. 14. 9» For to this end Chrilt both died, and rofe., and re- vived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and Hying.
* x 1 Cor is- 21/ForHnce by man came deaths by.mgn came alfo the fduftedfion ol the dead, v 22. For £3 in Adam ali die, even fo in Chrift
The Larger Catechifm. 190
t^ieir refurrecYion from the dead at the laft Day c, 53. QuefL How was Chnft exalted in his Afcenjion ? Anfw% Chrifl was exalted in his Afcenfion, in that ha- ving after his Refurreftion often appeared unto, and 'con- verted with his Apoftles fpeaking to them of the Things pertaining to the Kingdom of God d, and giving them Com- miiiion to preach the Goipel to all Nations e ; Forty Days after his RefarrecYion, he in our Nature, and as our Head i ; triumphing over Enemies , vifibly went up into the high- eft heavens, there to receive Gifts for Men h, to raife up pur ilffe&ions thither K and to prepare a Place for us fc, where himfelf is, and mail continue till his Second Coming at the End of the World \ c 1 Or. 15. 20. But now isChrift
rifen from the de;;<J, and become the firft- fruits of them hat fleep.
5"$ & Acts. 1.4 Until the day in which he v\as taken up, after that he through the holy Ghoft had gi- ven commandments unto the apo- ftles whom he had chofen. v 3. To whom alio he (hewed himfeh aiive after his paflion, by many inial- liole pi oofs, being (een of them forty days, and ipeaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom oi God.
e Mat, 28 19. Go ye therefore 2nd teach all nations, baptizing them in the name ot the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft : v 23. Teaching them to obieive all things whatever I have com- manded you : and lo, 1 am with you alway, even unto the end oftae World. Amen.
f Hit?, 6. 20. Whither the fore- runner is for us entred, even J^ius, ma-Jean high prieit for ever aiter the order ot Mdchifedec.
g Eph. 4. 8 Where tore he faith Wnerr ;e alcended upon high,he led captivity capnve, and gave gi:ts unto men.
h Acts. 1.9. And when he had fpoken thefe things, while they be- held, he was taken up, and a cloud ieceived him ouc of their iighc, v.
54 Qiueft.. to. And while they looked ftedfalfc- ly, toward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men flood by them in white apparel ; v n Which alfo faid; Yemen orGalilee, why fiand re gazing up into heaven ? this fame Jefus which is taken up from you in- to heaven, fha 1 fo come, in like manner as ye have feen him go into heaven, Eph: 4, 1 o. He that rieiccr.- ded. is the iame ai'o that a k ended up far above ail heavens, that he might fill all things, \fabn. 63. 1 3, Thou had afcended on high, tiK>u hail led captivity captive . thou hail received gifts for men $ yea, tor rhe rebellious alfo, that |he Loid God might dweil among them.
i Col 3. j. If ye then be rilen with Chriit, feck thole things which are above, where Chrifl iitteth ori the right hand of G >d. v 2. Sew your affections on things above, no; not on things on the earth.
k John. 14. 3. And it I go and prepare a place tor you, I will cor^Q again, and receive you unto my felf, that where I am, there ye may be alfo,
1 Acts. \f 2 1* Whom the heavens; muft receive, until the times ot re- fHtution of all things, vvnich God hath fpoken by the mouth ot all his holy prophets fince the world be- gan.
N 4 $4. m ?hi\
.GO
4-» . •
The Larger Catcchiftm
54 Quefl. How is Chrift exalted in his Sitt ;tg at the HHiglt- hand of : od ?
Jnjw. ChrifT is exalted in his -Sitting at the Right-hand of God, in .that as God-Man he is advanced to the higheft Favour with God the Father m, with all fulnefs of Joy n, Glory o, and power over all Things in Heaven and Earth p ; and doth gather and defend his Church, and fubdue their Enemies ; furniftieth his Minifters and People with Gifts and Graces q, and maketh Interceffion for them r> JTjV Queft'/" How doth Chrift make Interceffion ? ' j4nfdK ChviR maketh Interceffion, by his Appearing iq. our Nature continually before the Father in Heaven f, in "the Merit of his Obedience and Sacrifice on Earth r, declaring pis "Will to have it applied to all Believers v; anfwe-
ring Sk thou at my right hand, uncirc make rhine enemies rhy foorftooi.
r Rfftx. 8, 54, Who is he that con* demneth? it is Chrift that died : yea rather that is rifen again, who IS even at the right hand of God, who alfc maketh inter ceflnn tor us.
$f, i Viib. 9* 12.. Neither by the blood of goars and calves, but by his owp blood he entred in once in- to the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. v 74. For Chrift is not entred into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true ; but into heaven it felfy now to appear in ihe pi ef nee oi God For us.
t Web. 1 3. Who being the bright* nefs ot his glory, and the cxpie's image ot his pcrfon, and uphol- ding ail things by tiVc word of his power, when he had by himfelf purged our (ins, fare down on the right hand ol the rn: jelly on high.
v John. 3. 16. For God (b loved the world, that he gave his only be** gotten Son, that whoioever beiie- veth in him, fhould not perifli, but have everlalting life. ' Jolon. 17. 9. 1 pray for them ; 1 pray not for the world, bu:for them which thou halt given me, for they are thine. nJ 2o0 Neither pray I for thefe alone, buc for them alio which (hall beiieve on
nig
54 m Vbih 2. 9. Wherefore God al to I ath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name,
n Acts 2, 28. Thou haft made fcnown'fo me toe ways of lite $ thou (halt make me full oL jov with thv countenance. Compared -with Plalm %6. II. Thou Wilt ihew me the patii ot life;; in thy prefence is fulneis of Joy, at thy right hand there are plea fu res tor ever more, l o jo.h?2. 17, S' And now, Q Father, glorify thou me with thine own feif, with the glory which j had with thee betorc theVorjd was. 1 p £pbpl%: 22, And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head ever all things to the chtrch. 1 Vet. 3, 2?. Who is gone Into heaven, an is on the right hand of God, angels, and authorities, and powers being made fubject unto him. '■- ' -
■ q Eph 4. io.Hethatdefccndcd, is the fame aKo that afcended up far above all heavens, that he might nil all things, 11 i 1. And he gave fome, apofHeso- and fome prophets ; and Jome, evangclifts i and fumev 'pa dors 2nd teachers 5 v 12. For the per. fecfing of the taints', for' the work of thic mioiifvy^ for the edifying of the bodj °f Chrift PJalw. iio through-
„ Tke>Lord laid unto my Lord,,
7ue Larger Catechifm ioi
{ng all Accufations againftthem w ; and procuring for therq Quiet of Confcience notwirhftanding daily Failings y, Ac- eels with Boldnefs to the throne of Grace y, and Accep- tance of their Perfons z and Services a,
$6* Quefr. flovv is Cbrift to be exalted in his Coming again I $ \udge the World .?
Anjvv. Chrift is to be exalted in his Coming again to judge the World, in that he, who was unjuflly judged and con- demned by wicked Men b, {hall come again at the La ft Day in great power c, and in the full Manifeftation of his own glory and of his Father's, with all his holy An- gels , with a Shout, with the Voica of the Arch angel, and with the Trumpet of Gode; to judge the World in
Righte-
mo ;Vongh their wo rd; v 24, Fa- ther, I wiil chat they alio whom rhou hail given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behoid my glo- ry which thou halt given me ; tor thou lovedft me before the founda- tion of the world .
w Rom. 8. 1?. Who {hall lay any (thing ro t he charge of God's elect. ? it is God rhatjuiiiiieth : v 34, Who is he that condemneth ? It is Chrift that died, yea rather that is rifen again, who is even at the right hand pi God, who aifo rruketh intercef- J:on to: us.
x Rem. 5. 1. Therefore being ju- ftified by faith we have peace with pad, through our Lord Je'u Chrift, <v 2* By whom alio we have accefs by faith into rhis grace wherein we ffand^ and rejoice in hope or rhe glory of God. 1 9cfefc 2; *«. My little children, thefe things write I onto' you, that ye iin not. And if any man fin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jefus Chrift the righteous : v 2. ' And he is the pro- pitiation tor our fins : and not tor ours only, but alio f. r the fins of the whole world.
y Hcb. 4. 16 Let us therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain merry, ck find grace to help in rime ot need.
z Efk9 1, 6, To the pi aile of the
£.ovy of his grace, wherein he hark made us accepted in rhe belover1:
a 1 Per . 2.. 5. Ye al'oas lively ftencs are built up a fpiritual hottfe, an holy priefthood, to cfrer up fpiri- toa) facrihees. acceptable to God by Jefus Chrift.
56. b jtets* 3 F4; But ye denied the holy One, and rhe jtslt, and de- tired a murderer ro be granted onto you, v 15. And killed the prince of life, whom God hath railed ijpm the dczd, whereof vye are wirnefies,
c Mat 24 jq« And then (haii ap- pear the figh of the Son of m^n in heayeh : and then (hail all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they (hail fee rhe Son ot jnan coming in the clouds or heaven, with power and great glory.
d Luke 9,: o. PxWhofocyer flialj be afhamed of me and of my words, of htm fhall the Son of man be afham- ed when he fhall come in his own giory, and in his Fathers, and of the holy angels. Mat 2;. 31. \V) en the Son of man Ihall come in his glory, and ail the holy angels wirri him, then fhalj he fit upon the throns of his glory,
e 1 Jkef %3 1 6. For the Lord
himfelf fhall deicehd from heaven
with a (hour, with rhe voice ofrhd
aicbangei, and wita. the trump ot
God
<id% The Larger Catechifm:
Righteoufhefs f.
57. Queft. What Benefits hath Chrift procured by his Me? Hat ion ?
dnfiv. Chrift by his Mediation hath procured Redemp- tion g, with all other Benefits of the Covenant of Grace h.
58. Queft, How do vve come to be made Partakers of the benefits' which Chrift hath procured*
Jnfvv. We are made Partakers of the Benefits which Chrift hath procured, by the Application of them unto us i, which is the Work efpecially of God the Holy Gh.oft k.
59. Queft. Who are made Partakers of Redemption through Chrift! * '
hnfov, Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated to all thofe for whom Chrift hath purchafed it J ; who are in Time by the Holy Ghoft enabled to believe in Chrift according to the Golpel m, 6ot Queft
God: and the dead in Chriir. fhall life firft.
i Afts 17, 3 1. Becaufe he hath ap- pointed a day in the which he will judge the world in right eoufnefs, by rhat man whom he hath ordained j whereof he bath given afTurance un- to all men. in. that he hath raifed }iimfr©rn the dead.
57. g Heb% 12, Neither by the blood of goats and calves, bur by his ovsfo blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained sternal redemption for us.
h 2 Cor x, 2c* For all the pro-* mifes ol God in him are yea, and in him amen, unto the giory of God by us
58. i John 1. rr. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. v 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to be- come the fons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
k Titus 3. 1. Not by works of
rjghteou neis which we have done,
but acordi.ig to his mercy ire faved
us W the waihing °* regeneration,
n(l renewing of the holy Qhoft:
t $ Which he fhed on us abu ldant-
?' trirough Jefus ChnhV our Saviour
-Vo 1 ^' l* i3' *n whom ye alio
truffed after that ye heard the word of truth, the gofpel of your falva- tion ; in whom alfo after that ye beiieved, ye were fealed with that holy Spirit of promife, v; 14. Which is the earners of our inheritance, un- til the redemption of the purchaled pofTefiion, unto the praite of his glory.'' John, 6. y, £li that the Fa- ther giveih me, ihall come to me* and him that eometh unto me, I will in no wife cad out., v. 39 And this is the Fathers will which hath fent me, that of all v^hich he hath g.iven me, I fliould lofe nothing, but fhould ratfe ir up agasn at the lallday. Joknio}is. As the Father knoweth me, even Co know I the Father : and 1 hy down my life tor the fheep. v/ \6 , And o:her fheep I have which are not of this fold : them alfo I mull bring, and they fhaii hear my voice, and there fhaii be one fold and one (hepherd.
m Eph 2, 8, F>„r by grace are ye faved through Faith, and that non of your felves: it is the gift of God. 2 Cor 4, 13. We having the fame fpi- rit of faith, according as it is writ- ten, I believed, and therefore have I fpoken : we alfo believe, and there- lore fpeak, 60 n Rva
The Larger Catechifm.-
20-
6o, Queft, Can they who have never heard the Go/pel, and ft know not J ejus Chrijl , nor believe in him, be faved by their living ac- cording to the Light of Nature ?
Anfw, They who, having never heard the Gofpel , know not Jefiis Chrift o, and believe not in him, cannot be faved p, be they never fo diligent to frame their Lives ac- cording to the Light of Nature ,-, or the Laws of that Re- ligion which they profefs r ; neither is there Salvation in
60: n Rom. io, 14 How then r fhah they caii en h m ii 1 whom they have not believed i and how (hall they believe in iiim oi whom they have not heard ? and how (hail they heai* without a preache* (
0 2 Tbef], 8. in flaming fire, raking vengean< e on them that know ifoc God, and that obey not the gc ipci or oar Lord Jelus Chrift ; v. 9* Who (hall be punifhecf with eveiiaiting deitru&ion irorn the presence oi me Lord, and from the' glory oi his power. Efh 2. n. That at that time ye were without Chrift, being aliens from the common-wealth or Ifrat), and ftrangers horn the covenancs oi promife, having no hope, and without God in the world, John, 1, 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and tne world knew him nor, v, if. He came unto his own, and his own re- ceived him not, v. 12, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the ions or God, even to them that believe on nis name.
p John 8, 24. I (aid therefore un- to you, that ye (hall die in your (ins : tor it ye believe not that 1 am he, ye (hall die in your (ins, Mark, 16, j 6. He that beiieveth and js baptized, (hail be laved ; but he that beiieveth not (hall be damned.
q 1 Cor 1, 20, Where is the .wile ? wheie is the lcrioe ? where is the Cifputer of this world ? hath not God made foolifli the wildom of this world '{ v. 21. Forafter that, in the wisdom of God j the world by mi-
any dom knew not God, it pleafed Gjd u> the tuolifhneis ol preaching to fave tnem that believe, v, 22, For the Jews require a iign, and the Greeks leek alter wiidpm : v. 2$; But we preach Chi hi crucified, unto the Jews a ftumbling-block, and unto the Greeks icolifhnefs; v. 24. But un:o them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Chrift, the power ot God, and the wifdom of GodJ
r ]ohn 4, 22, Ye worfhip ye know7 not what: we know what we wor- Jhip, ior faivarion is or the Jews. Rom 9, 31, But Ilrael which ioiiow- ed aiter tne iaw or rigrueouinels* hath not attained to the iaw of righ- ttouineis. v. 32, Wnereiore? Be- cauie they fougri.it not by faith, out as it were by the works of tt)Q law.; lor they /tumbled at mat ftitmbling- itone. Pk$( h f. Though I might aiio have confidence m the Ht(h. If any other-man thinketh that he hath whereof he might truft intheflefh, I more ; v. 5. Circumcifed the eighth day, or the itock of ilrael, oi the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews ; as touching the law, a Pfurifee j v. 6. Concerning zeal, peikcuting the church 5 touching tne rigi'teoumefs which is in tne law, biamelcfs. v. 7. But whac things were gain to me, thole I countediofs ior Chrift v 8. Yea doubtleis, and I counc all things hue iois, tor the excellency of the know- ledge of Chrift Jefiis my Lord-; for whom I have fuilcied the lofs of all things, and do counc them but dung
that
^04 The Larger Catechifm:
any other, but in Chrift alone f9 who is the Saviour only of his Body the Church r':
6 1 . Queft. Are all they faved who hear the Go/pel, and live in the Church ?
knfai. Aii that hear the Gofpel, and live in the Vifible Church, are not faved ; but they only whp are true Mern- bcrs of the Church Invifible v. (
62 Queft. "W hat is the vifible Church ?
A nfio. The vifibleChurch is aSociety made up of all fuchjasin 3.11 Ages andPlaces in the World do profefs the true Religions
and
that I ma^ win Child, v 9, And be iound in him 5 not having mine own nghttoutnds, which is 01 the law, bat that which is through the faith of Chrift, The righteoufnefs Which is of God by faith.
{A fir. 4, 12. Ncitherjs there fa )- vation m any other : for there h none other name under heaven gi- ven among men, whereby we mint be faved.
t Fph, ?. 23. For the husband js the bead ot the wife, even as Chrift is the head ot the church : and he is the Saviour ofthe body.
61.vJ0bn.1z 3 8. That the faying of Efaias trie prophet might be fijji- iilled, which he (pake, Lord, who hath believed our report ? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed ? v 39. Therefore theycouid not believe* becaufe that Rfaias faki again, ra 40, He hath hiindrd their eye-, ar:d hardned their heart; that they fhouid not fee wirh their eyes, nor underftand with their heart, and be converted, and i fhouid heal thtrn. Rom. 9. 6% Not as though the word ot God hath taken none erTecl, For they are not all Ifrael, which are of Ifrael, Mat. 2.2. J 4 For many are called, but few are chofen. Mat. 7. 2, 1- Not every one that faith unto me, Lord, Lord, (hall enter into the kingdom of heaven : but he that doth the will or my Father which is in heaven. Roqs.'iU7. What then ? llrael hath
not obtained that which he feeketh tor y but the election harh obtain- ed 1C9 and the reft were bl'nded,
6*2. w 1 Cor: 1 2. Unto the church ot God which is at Corimh, to thtrn that are (anclified in Q brill Jefus, called to be faints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jefus Chrift our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Cor. ri. 13; For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jew s or Gen- tiles, whether we be bond or free ; and have been ail made to drink in- to one fpirit. Rem. iy. p. And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, as it is written. For this caufe I will confefs to thee among the Gentiles, and fing unto thy name, v 10. And again he faith, R< joice ye Gentiles, w ith his people. v 17. And again, Praife the Lord all ye Gentiles, and laud him. all ye people, v 12. And agiin FAA:$ lakh, There (hall be a root ot Jtfle, and he that (hall rife to reign over the Genriles ; in him (hail the Gen- tiles truft. Rev, 7. p. After this 1 behold, and lo, a great multitudes which no man could number, of ail nations, and kindreds^ and people, and tongues ftood before the throne, and betore the Lamb, cloth- ed with whie robes, and piims in their hands, Pfal. 2. 3. Ask ot me, and I fhall give thec the heathen tor thine inheritance, and the utrermotl parts ot the earth for thy pofT-ftnn, Pjalm,
20J
of the Vifible
The Larger Catechifrri*'
rind of their Children x.
62. Quefl. What are the fpeclal Privileges Church
Aifio. The Vifible Church hath the Privilege of being under God's fpecial Care and Government v ; of being pro- tected and preferved in all Ages, notwithftanding the Op- pofition of all Enemies z , and of enjoying the Communion
of
Pfal 22, 27. All the ends of the world (hall remember and turn unto the Lord : ar.d all the kindreds of the nations (hall worfhip before thee. a> 18. Fur the kingdom is the Lords , and he is the governor among the nations; v 20. Ail they that be fat «pon earth, (hall eat and worship : all they that go down to the duft, shall bow before him, and none can keep alive his own foul, v 30. A iced slull ferve him, ir shall be ac- counted to the Lord for a genera- tion.* 731. They shall come, and shall declare his ri^hteoufnefs unto a people that shall be bom, that he hath done this. PJal, 4.5- l7- l.wfll make thj name to be remembred in all generations : therefore shall the people praife thee for ever and ever. Mat. 28, r'9. Go ye therefore and teach ail nations, paptbyng them in the name of the Father, and 01 the Son. and of the holy Gfroft : 1/ 20. Teaching theriSf to obferve all things whaifoevcr 1 have commanded you: and lo} I am with you a J way, w^o :he end of the world. Amen. Ifa. 5*9 21. As for me, this s my co- venant with them, iaith the Lord, My ipirit that is upon thee, and ny words which I have put In thy nouth, (hail not depart ont of thy nomh, nor out of the mouth of thy ved, nor out of the mouth of rhy eeds (eed, iaith the Lord, ;rom lenceforth and for ever.
x 1 Cer. 7. 14. For the unbelieving uisband is Lndtmcd by the wile, .nd the unbe:ieving wife is fan&ifled >y the husband ; elie were your chii- Iren unclean ^ but now they are holy.
jfcts. 2, 39, For the prom'fe \s unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. R>;ra. 1 .16". Forifthefirft fruit be holy, the lump Is aifo holy : and if 'he root be holy, fo are the brandies, Gen 17. 7. And I will eflabiifh my en venanc between me and thee, and thy kzd after thee, in their generations, for an everiaiting covenant ; to be a God unto thee, and to thy feed af- ter thee.
63 y Ifa. 4 v And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Sion, and up on her afLmblies a cloud; and fmoke by day, -nd the shining of a fl ;ming fire by night : for upon all the glory shall be a de- ft \cc v 5. And there shall be a ta- bernacle tor a shadow in the d^y time Irom the heat, and tor a pbee of refuge, and for a evert irom dorm and from rain. 1 Jim 4 10. For, therefore we both labour, and fuffer reproach, becaufe we truft in the living God, who ?s the Saviour o!^ all men, especially oi thofe that believe
z (Pfabn ii). throughout.) v r. Not unto us, O Lord, not unro u.% bur-.-v 2. V/ncrefore ihould the heathen fay, Where is now th< (Jod? &>c v 9 O Hraei, truft thou in the Lord : he is their help, and their fhield, &c„ Ifa. jf. 4. Fur thus hath the Lord lpoken unto me, like as -the lion and die young lioa roaring on his prey, when a mullj- tude of fhepherds is called fortn a- gainit him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abale lumfeif for
tne
4p6 The Larger Catechifm:
of Saints the ordinary Means of Salvation a, and Offers of Grace by Chrift to all the Members' of it in theMiniftryof the Gofpel, teftifying that whofoever believes in him fhall be laved h, and excluding none that will come unto him c.
64. Quell . What is theinvifible Church ? */"[vv- The Invifible Church is the whole number of the Eleft, that have been; are, or fhall be gathered into One under Chrift the Head d. 65. Quefi.
the noife of them ;fo /hail the Lord his judgments unto Ifrael. v. 20. 01 holts come down to fight for He hath not deal: fo with anyna- nt 5!on,and for the hill thereof, rion : and as for his judgments, they
**{• ^SDIrcls^Ving}fo will the Lord of holts defend Jerufalem, defend- ing alio he will deliver it, and nailing over he tfilipreferve it, Zech. 12, 2,, Behold, I will make Jerufalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they (hall be in the hcge, both againir Judah, and again it Jerufalem. Vt p And in that day will! make jerufalem a burdeniom (tone for all people, all thar burden rhemfelves with its mall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth were gathered together againtt it. v 4, In that day, faith rhe Lord, I will fmite every horiewirh a ftom foment, and his rider wirh madoe(s,and I will rpm mine eyes upon the'houfe of Judah, znd will fmite every horfe of the people with bl indnef*. v. 8. In that day fhall the Lord defend the inha- bitants of Jerufalem, and he that is feeble arnong them at that day fhall he as 1 »avid ; and the houfe of David (hall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them, v 9, And it fhall come to pais in that day, that I will ieek todeftroy all the nations that come again!* jerufalem,
a Actsx. 39; For the promife is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar r fT, even as ma- ny as the Lord uur God fhall call.u, 42. And they continued itedradly in the apoiile> doctrine and fellow- ship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
b PJalm 147. ip. He fheweth his word umo Jacob, his itatutcs and
have not known them. Praife ye the L <rd . Rom 9. 4. Who are 1 fraelites, to whom peitaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and rha ferviceor God, and the promifes. Eph 4. 11. And he gave tome, a- poltles : and fSme, prophets ; and fome, evangel iftsj andfoine, paitors and teachers,^. 12.. For the perfect- ing of the faints, for the work of the miniitry, for ths edifying of the bo- dy of Ghrift Mark 16. 16, And he faid unto them, Go ye into ail the world, and preach the gofpel to eve- ry creature. v\ 16". He that belie v- eth and is baptized, (hall be faved 5 but he that belie veth not fhaii be damned.
c John 6*. 37. All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me ; and / him that cometh to me, I will in no wile caft out.
64 d Eph. 1 1 o That in the difpen- faion of the rulnefs of times, he might gather together in one all things in Qhrift, born which are in heaven,and which are on earth, even in him, <i/_ z& And hath put all things under his fee", and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, v. 2.3, Which is his body,the iulnefsot him that hlleth all in ah John 10, j6. And othcrSheep 1 have which are noc of this fold y 'hem al- fo mufi I bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one' fold,and one S aepherd. John 115-2, And noc lor that nation only, but that
The Larger Catechtfnt; 267
65; Queft. What [fecial Benefits do the Members of the In- tijible Church enjoy by Chrift ?
Anjvv.. The Members of the Invifible Church, by Chrift, enjoyUnion and Communion with him in Grace andGlory e.
66, Queft. What is that Union which the Elecl have with Chrift ?
An/bv, The Union which the Eleft have with Chrift, is the Work of God's Grace r, whereby they are fpiritually and my ~ ftically, yet really and infeparably joined to Chrift as their Head and Husband g ; which is done in their eftecrual Calllngfa
6jf Queft, What is Effectual Calling \
Anjvv, Effectual Calling is the Work of God's almighty Power and Gra^e i, whereby (out of his free and fpecialLove
to that alfo he (hould gather together in one the children of God that Were fcarrered abroad.
6$. ejohn 17. 21. That they all might be one, as Ihou* Father, art in mt, and I in thee , that they alio may be one in us . that the woild may believe that thou haft lent me. Eph. 2. 5. Even when we were dead' in lins.harh quickned us rogetherwith Chriit (by grace ye are favedj v 6, And hath raifed us up together, and made us iir together in heavenly places, in Chrift Jefus, Join lj,
1 o. 28, And I giv unto them erer- nalliie, and they (ha i never periih, neither fhall any pluck them our of my hand. Eph, 5. 23. For the hu{- band is the head of the wife,even as Chriit is the head of the church ; and he is the favburcf the body. v. 30. For we are' members of his body, of his rlefh and of his bones* h j Vet. u l °. But the God c( all grace, who harh called us unto his eternal giory by Cnnit fetus, atrer that ye have fuftred a whin, make yen perfect, ftabitfh, vlirengtheoj Father, I will Chat (hty alio whom ^et[lc >ou> l Cor^ *- 9- .^oci 1S k«hiuL
thou bait given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory which thou hair given me: for thou iovcdtt me before the foundation of the worid
66. t Eph 1- 2;,, And hath pur all thrgs under his feet, and gave him to be rJie head over all things to ti e chinch. Eph. 2. 6, And harh railed us up together,and harh made us lit together in heavenly places,in Chriit Jeius v. 7. Thar in the ages to c me
by whom ye are called unto the iellowihip of his Son Jelus Chriit our Loid,
67. i Jointf* 2f. Verily, verily f fcs unto you, rl ne hooi is o and now 13, when :hecead ilia i hear the voice of the Son of God ; and they that hear (hail live, Eph i. i#„ Ti e eyes of your nnderiranding be- ing entightned , thai ye may know what is die hope of his calling ; and what the nches 01 the glory of his
19.
he might (hew the exceeding riches inheritance in the fai s, n/, of his grace, in his kindncG towards
us, through Clui<* Jdus. v. 8, For by grace are ye laved, through faith- and thar not oi your ielves; it is the gift ot God.
g 1 Cor. 6\ 17, But he that is joined unto die Lord, is one fpirit: John
And what is the exceeding greatnefs or his power to Ui.- ward, who believe according to the working ot his mighty power : v, 20. Which he w rough* in Chrnt, when he railed himaom the dead, and icl tiim at
hi*
2oS The Larger Cdtechifm.
^ohisEleft, and from nothing in them moving him there- unto k) he doth in his accepted Time invite and draw them toJefusChriit, by his Word and Spirit I ; favingly enlight- ningtheir Minds ^renewing and powerfully determining their Wills o, fp as they (although in themfelves dead in Sin) are
here- befeech you alfo, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain, v 2 For he faith, I have heard thee in a lime accepted, and in the day of falvation have I fuccoured thee : behuld, now is the accepted time j behold, now is the day oi Taxation. John. 6. 44. No man can come to me except the Father which hath Tent mc, draw him : and I will raiie him up ar the kit da£, ijfy§ ^-13. But we are bound to give thanks aiway to God for you, b/ethien, beloved oi the Lord, becaOle God hath from the beginning choftn you to iaivation, through fan&ificatibq of the Spirit and belief of the truth; v 14. Where*, unto he called you by our gofpel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord J'- (us Chii/h
m A:tsy 16 18. To' open their eyes.; and to turn them from darknef to light, and from the power oi Satan unto God, thai they may receive tor*
his own right hand in the heavenly p'ac-s. 2 Tim. i; 3. Be not fhou tiiereKore afhamed ot the teftirno- ny of cur Lord, nor of me h:s pri- f ner : bur be thou paiuker d the afUi&ions ot the gofpel, according to the power of God ^ v o. Whfj hath laved us, and cailed us with an holy calling, not according to cur works, bur according to hs own purpo(e, and g^ace which was given us in Chrift Jefus, beiore the world Kgan,
k Tit. 3 4. But after that the kind- nefs and Lve of God our faviour to- ward man appeared, v j. Not by uorks of righteoufaefs which we have done, but according to his meicy he faved us by the wafhingof regeneration, and renewing of the holy Gho0, Eph. 2. 4 But God uhois rich in mercy," for his great lr ve wherewith he loved us, v. j. Even when we were dead in fins/hath quickned us together with Ghrift ( f grace ye are favt.d.) v 7. That in trie ages co come he might (hew the exceeding riches ot his grace, in his k'ndneis towards uc, through Q\n ili J- .us, v 8. Fo by g ace arc ye fa- v.d, throng!) faith ; and that not of your fe!v=s: it is the girt of God. v 9. N >t of woiks, left any man fliould bean. Rum. 9 fi. For the children being nut yet born, neither having done any good 01 eul, that the pirpaje of God according to e- k-clion might ftand, not ot works, but ot bins that calleth.
1 2 Cor. s 20. Now then we are amb-iladors lor.Chri.fi, as though G d did befeech vou by us : we pray you in ChriuU ilecd., be ye rcconci'ed to God. Compared 'with zCor. 6. 1. We then as workers together with him,
1 1
nong them which are fandlitLd ;^y faith that is in me. 1 Or 2. 10 But God hath revealed th^rn unto us by his (pirir. for the lpir.it fearcheth ail things, yea, the de-.p things ot God. viz. Now we have received, not the fpiric ot the Worldy but the Spirit Winch is of God -> that we might know the things that are freely given to us oi G jci.
n Ezzfc. it. 19. 1 will give them one heart, acid I will pu; a new ip I'ie within you; an I I mil take the ituny heart ouc of their fleih, and will give them an heart p{ flesh. Ezjek, 36. 26.. A new heart alfo will 1 give you, and a new fpirit will 1 pui wi.hin you, and I will take aw^y the .itony heart out of your flesh, and I tfili give you an heart oi flesh, v 27, And 1 will
pu:
The Larger Caiechifm 209
hereby made willing and able freely to anfwer his Call, and to accept and embrace the Grace offered and conveyed therein o. - 68 Queft. Are the Elect only effectually called ! Anfiu. All the Eleft, and they only, are effectually called p ; although others may be, and often are outwardly called by the miniftry of the Word q, and fome have common Ope- rations of the Spirit r ; who, for their wilful Neglect and Contempt of the Grace offered to them, being jultiy left in their Unbelief do never truly come to Jefos Chrift f;
6) Quefr.
put my Spirit within yen, and caufe you to walk in my fhtures. and ye (hall keep my judgments, and do them, John 6. 4-S. h is written in the prophets,, And they ih all be all taught of God. Every rrau therefore tlar hath heard, and hath learned oi the Father, cometh unto me.
-o Ephs 2, y, Even when we were dead in fins, hath quickned us toge- ther with Chrift, (oy Grace ve are faved.) Phil. 2, Ij. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleafuie. Deut. 50. 6\ And the Lord thy God will circumcife thine heart and the heart ot thy i~cQdf to love the Lord thy God with aii thine heart, and with all thy foul, that thou mayeit live.
68 p Acts 1 3. 48/And when the Genriies heard this, they were glad, and gloiihed the word of the Lord : and as many as weie ordained to e- rcrnsl life, believed.
q Ma:. .2. 14. For many are called, but lew are cnj'cn
rM/Tf- 7 22 Many fhall fay to me in that d^y, Lord, Lord, have we not prophefied in thy name? and in thy name have ca(t out devil-, 'i an"1 in rhy name done many won- dcriul Works? Mit. 15. 2,0. But he that received the feed into (tony pla- ces tl c fame is he that heareth rhe v/o- :, and . anon With joy reccivcrh it,, v. 2;. Yethach he not root in himfcii J but dure n tor a while : for uibuiauon or perfecution an-
feth becaufc of the word, by and by he is offended1 lib. 6\ ±. b\ri it Is ifapoffible for thofe who were once eniightned, and have tailed of the heavenly gift, and were made par- takers ot the holy Ghc£. v. 5*. And fyiVe rafted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, * v. 6. If they fhall fall away, to> renew them again unto repentance. 1 John 12. 38. That the laying of Efaias the prophet might be ful- filled, which he fpake, Lord, who hath* believed our report? an>i to whom hath the arm oi the Lord been revealed ? v. $g Therefore they could not believe, becaufe that Efaias faid again, v. 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardned their heart; that they fhculd not I with their eyes, nor under/rand with their heart, and be converted, znd i fliouid heal them,' Ms 18. zs* And when they agreed not among theroielveS, they departed, afr£r that Paul had ipoken one word, Well fy-kcthi: holy Ghoir by Efaias the prophet, unto oor fathers, v. ?.6\Say- ing, Go unto this people, a* d teyD Hearing ye ihail hear, and fhall not underhand, and feeing ye ihaii fee, and not perceive; n}% 27. For the heart of this people w waxed grofs, and their ears a-e dull of hearing, and their eyes have they clofed , left they (hould teewjthtb5ir eyes, and hear with their ears, and underftand with their heart, and ftioufd be cdh- v reed, and I ftxould heaJ tH-rr)
,10
The Larger Catechifm:
69. Qpeft. What is the Communion in Grace, whUh the Mem' hers of the Invifible Church have with Chrift ?
Anfix)- The Communion in Grace, which the Members of the Invifible Church have with Chrift, is their parta- king of the Vertue of his Mediation, in their Juftification % Adoption v, San&ification, and whatever elle in this Life manifefts their Union with him w,
70, Quell. What is Juftification ?
Ahjw, Juftification is an Aft of God's free Grace unto Sinners x, in which he pardoneth all their Sin, accepteth and accounteth their Perfons righteous in his Sight y ; not for any Thing wrought in them, or done by them £, but only
for
John 6» 6*4. But there are fome of you that believe nor. For Jefus knew from the beginning, who they were that believed nor, and who ihould betray him. v. 65. And he faid, Therefore fa id I unto you,that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him 01 my Fa- ther. PjaU 81. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice: and Ifraci would none of me; nj. 12. So I gave them up unto their own heans lulls : and they walked in their own counfcls.
69. t Ro?nt 8. 30. Moreover, whom he did predeftinate, them he alfo called: and whom lie called, them he aKo jullified : and whom he ju- ilified, them he alfo glorifie:};
v Epb. i. 5". Having predestinated us unco the adoption of children by Jefus Chrift to himfeif, according to the good pjeahirc of his wilJ.
w 1 Co \ :; $0. But of Iran are ye in Chrift Jefus, who ot God is made unto us wifdorn, and righteoufnefs, and fanctincaticiv and redemption,
70. x Rom. 3 , 2.2, Even the ngh- tcouinefs ot God which is by faith of Je(us Cnrilt unto all, and upon all, rhem that believe ; ior there is no difference, v. 24. Being juftified freely by his his grace, through the redemption that h iu Jelus Chrift ; nj. 2y. Whom God harh fet forth to be a pi opinion through faith in
his blood, to declare his lighteoufnefs for the remifiion of fins chat are paff, through the forbearance of God. Rom. 4. y. But to him that work- eth nor, but believeth on him that .juitifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righreoumefs. ]
y 2 Cor $. i$. To wit, that God . was in Chrift, reconciling the world umo himfelf, not imputing their trefpafles unro them ; and hath committed unto us the word of re- concilia ioo. <v. it. For he hath made him to be fin for us who knew no iin; that we might be mide the righreouf lefs of G >d in him. Rom 3. 22. Even t'liQ rigfiteoiilnefs of God which is by hithof ]eiusC irift un- to ail, and up)n all, them that be- lieve ; for there is no difference* v. 24. Being jufiified freely by his grace, through the redemption trm is in Jefus Chrift; v. 2>\ Whom God hath fet torth to be a propiti- ation, through faith in his blood, to d dare his rigrreouf nefs tor the 1 c- miffion of fins chat are pa ft, through tht forbearance of God. v. ij. Where is boaiting then ? It is exclu- ded. By what law '( of work i _Nay : but by the law or faith, v 28 There- fore we conclvdc, tbat a man is ju- ftified by faith without the deads of .the law; 2.' Tit, 3.5". Not by works of righ. / teouG.
Ttoe Larger Catechifm: zii
for the perfect Obedience and full Satisfaction of Chrift., by God imputed to them a, and received by Faith alone r> 71- Queft. How is JiiJlification an ACi of Gods free Grace?' Jnfw\ Although Chrift by his Obedience and Death, did make a proper, real, and full Satisfaction to God's Jus- tice in the Behalf of them that are juftified c : Yet in as much as God accepteth the Satisfaction from a Surety, which he might have demanded of them ; and did provide this Surety, his own only Son d, imputing his Righteoufnefs to
them
tcoufnefs, which wc have done, but according to his mercy he laved us by the wafhing of regeneration, and renewing of the holy Ghoft * v. j. That being juftified by his grace, we fhould be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Eph. 1 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgivenefs of fins, ac- cording to the richer of his grace.
a * . am. y. 17. For if by one mans offence, death reigned by one : much more they which receive abundance of grace, and oftne gift of righre- oufneis ihall reign iq life by one, Jefus Chrift v. 18. Thereiore as by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation j even fo by the r;ghteonfneis ot one, the free gift came upon all men unto •unification of life, v- 19 For as by one mans diiobedience many were made miners : fo by the obedience of one, fhail many be ma^e righ- Kgus. Ro?/2, 4. 6. Even as David al« fo deicribetfc the bleffedneis of the man unto whom God imputeth righteoufnefs without uorks. V 7, Saving, BL-fledarc they w ho fc ini- quities aie forgiven, and whole iins are covered, v, S. Blefled is the man to whom the Lord will not impute lin,
b Act; 10. 43, To him give alf the prophets witnes, that through his name whofoever believeth in him, (hal^ receive remillion of lins, Gal. 2.. 16 Knowings that a man is njj juftified by the works of the law,
but by the faith of Jefus Chrift, even we have believed in Jefus Chrift: that we might be juftified by the faith of Cnnft, and net by the works of the law : for by the works of the law (hall no flefti be juftified. Phil, 3. 9. And be found in him, not ha- ring mine own righteoufnels, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Chrift, the righ- ceouinefs which is ot God by faith.
71 c Rom. v 8 But God com- mendeth his 1 ve towards us, in thac while we were yet iinneis, Chrift died for us. v 9. Much more then being no. v juftified by his blood, we shall be faved fro 11 wrath thiough him, v. ro For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death, of his Son : much more being reconciled, we shall be faved by his lite v. 19. For as by one mans difobedience many were made tinners. 1.0 by theobenience of one7 shall many be made righteous.
d 1 lim,t $. For there is oneGod, and one mediator between God and men, the man Chr'ift J'eius. v„ 6". Who gave himielf a raniom for all, to be teftitied in due time. Heb, 10. 10 By the which will we are fan- ctiiied, through rhe offering of the body of Jefus Chrift once for aik Mat. 20. 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be miniftred unto, but to minifter, and to give his life a ranfom for many. Dart. 9. 24, Se- venry weeks are determined upon thy pesple, and upon the holy city, O2 t0»
iii Tloe Larger Catechifmi
theme, and requiring nothing of them for their juftification but Faith t, which alfo is his Gift g, their Juftification is to them of free Grace h,
72. Qneft, What U juftifying ¥ ' alth ?
Anfw. Juftifying Faith is a faving Grace i, wrought in the Heart of a Sinner by the Spirit k and Word of
God
to finifh the tranfgreflkn, and to make an end of tins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlaiting rlght€Oirfne£s, and tofeal up the viiion and pro- phecy, and to anoint theraoft Holy. 1/. 26. And after three (core and two weeks fhall Meffiah be cur off, but not forhimfelf: and the people of the prince that (hall come, (hall de- stroy the city and the fanciuary, and the end thereof fhall be with a Hood, and unto the end of the war, deflations are determined. Ifa. 53. 4, Surely he hath born our grieis, and carried our forrows : yet we did efteera him Uric ken, fmitren of God, and airlifted, v. s- But he was wounded for our tranfgretiions, he was hruifed for our iniquities : the chatiifement of our peace was upon him.and with his (tripes we are heal- ed, v 6", All we like fheep have gone aftray:" we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all* <y. io„ yet it pleafed the Lord to bruife him, he hath pur him to grief: when thou (hall mate his foul an offering ior fib,- he fhall fee his feed, he (hall prolong his days, and the pie a lure ot the L01 d fha \\ pi o'per in his hand. <y, 1 1. He fhall fee of the travel of his foul, and fhall be satisfied : by his knowledge (hill my righteous fervant juihiy many : for he fhall bear theii iniquities, v. 12. Therefore will I divide him a porti- on with the greatvand he fhall divide the fpoil with the ftrong: becau'e he hath poured out his foul unto death : and he was numbred with the tt^nfgrciiors,. wd he bare {he
fin of many, and made inrerceflion for the tranfgrtflors. Rib. 7, 22, By fo much was J (as made a furety of a better testament. Rom. 8„ 32. He that fpared not his own Son, but: delivered him up for us all, how fhall he not wirn him alfo freely give us all things ? 1 Pe^ 1. 18. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed witn corruptible things, as tilver and gold, from your vain converfation received by tradition from your fathers ; v. 19, But with the precious blood of Chi i it, as of a lamb without biemifh and with- out fpor.
e 2 O. s 2.1. For he hath made him to be tin for us, who knew no tin j that we mi^ht be made the righteoufnefs of God in htm,
tRom. 3,24. Being jufiirled free- ly by his grace, through the redem- ption that is in Jdus Citriit v. 25-., Whom God harh let for- h to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare hs righteoufnefs for the remiition ot' fins that are pair, through the forbearance of God.
g Eph* 2, 8. For by grace are ye faved, through faith $ and that not of your (elves : it is the gift of God. h Eph, 1 . 7, In whom we have re- demption through his blood, the torgivenefs of fins, -"according to the riches of his g ace,
72 i Web. 10. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto per- dition; but of them mat believe to the laving of the foul,
Kz Cor. 4.. 13. We having the fii me (pint of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and thtcrei >re have
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God1, whereby he, being convinced of his Sin and Mifery, and of the Difability in himfelf and all other Creatures to re- cover him out of his loft Condition m, not only afTenteth to the Truth of the Promife of the Gofpel n, but receiveth and refteth upon Chrift and his Righteoufhefs therein held forth, for Pardon of Si n °, and for the accepting and accounting of his Perfon righteous in the Sight of God for Salvation p
73 Queft. How doth ^ Faith juftify a Sinner in the Sight of God?
Anfw. Faith juftifies a Sinner in the Sight of God, not be- caufe of thofe other Graces which do always accompany it, or of good Works that are theFruits Qf it q 5 nor as if theGrace
of
have I fpoken : we alfo be!ieve,and therefore (peak. Eph, i- 17- ^h^ the God of our Lord Jefus Chriti, the Father of giory, may give un- to you the fpiric of wifdom and re- velation, in the knowledge of him : v. 18. The eyes of your understand- ing being enlightned ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling: and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the faints: v. 19 And what is the exceeding greatnefs of his power to us- ward., who be- iievi ., according to the working of his mighty power. .
IRom 10. 14. How then fhall they call on iiim in whom they have rut believed? and how (hall they believe in him of whom they have nor heard ? and how fhall they hear without a preacher ? * vm 17, So then, faith cometh by hearing, and heating by the word of God.
mAftsii 37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and faid unto Peter,and to the reft of the apofties, Men and brethren what fhall we do i Acts \C. 30 And brought them our, and faid, Sirs, what mull: I do to be la- ved ? John 16. 8, And when he is come, he will reprove the world of iin, and uf righteoufnefs, and ot judgment: v. 9> Of iin, becaufe they believe not in me, Rem. 5. 6*. For w*ien we were yec without
ftrength, in due time ChriftV died for the ungodly. Eph. 2.- i. And you hach he quickned who were dead in trefpa lies and fins. Acts 4/ n« Nei- ther is there falvation in any ether : for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we mult be faved.
nEph, 1. 13, In whom ye alfo (rafted alter that ye heard the word of truth, !he gofpel of your falvation? in whom alfo after th3t ye believ- ed, ye were fealed with that holy Spiric of promife.
o John Ii2.< But as many as re-, ceived him, to them gave he power to become the fons of God, even to them that belfcve on his name. Acts i6\ 31. And they faid, Believe on the Lord Jefus Chriii, and thou fhalt be faved, and thy houle, Acts 10. 45, To him give all the prophets witnefs, That through his name whofoever believeth in him, fhali receive remiiiion of fine.
p PhU. 3 9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteoufnefs, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Chrift, the righteoufnefs which is of God by faith. Jets if* if. But webeiieve that through the grace of our Lord Jefus Ghriit, we fhall be faved even as ihcy.
73. q Gal. 3. 1 1. But that no man O $ k
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of Faith, or any Act thereof, were imputed to him for his 'juftification r -, but only as it is an Inftrument by which he receiveth and applieth Chrift and his Righteoufnefs f.
74., Quell, What is Adoption ?
Anfw. Adoption is an Aft of the free Grace of God r, in and for his only Son Jefus Chrift v, whereby all thofe that are juftified, are received into the Number of his Children w, have his Name put upon them x, the Spirit of his Son given to them y, are under his Fatherly Care, and Difpenfations at, admitted to all the Liberties and Privileges of the Sons of God. made Heirs of all the Prqmifes, and Fellow-heirs with Chrift in Glory a: 57, Queft,
is juiiifierl by r he law in the fight of to the good pleafure of his will
<3jd, it is evident : for, T>\e jult fhall live by faith. Rom. 3 :.8. There- fore we conclude, that a man is ju« flitied by iaith, without the deeds ot the law;
r Rom, 4. 5*, But to him that work- eth not, but believech on him true juir;fieth the ungudly, his faith is counted for rightequmefe. Compared with Rom. 10, 10. For with ihc heart jimp, belieueth unto righteoufnefs, and with the mouth confeffion is made unto faivation.
{ 'fob n. 1. n: But as many as re- ceived him, to them gave he power to become the fons of God, even to them that believe on his name, "Phil. 5- 9. And be fo;:nd in l im,
Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come, God lent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law, v £, To redeem them thar were under the law, that we might rec ive the adoption of fons.
w John. 1 12. But v' 5 many as re- ceived him, to them ga vi he power to become the fons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
x 2 Cor 6\ ig. And will be a Fa- ther unto you, and ye fhall be my fons and daughters, faith the Lord Almighty.Rru 3. 12, Him thatover- comcth, will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he mail go no more out, and I will write upon him the name of mv Qod, and the
not having mine own righteoufnefs 9 name of the city of my God, which is
w^iich is of the law, but that which Is through the faith of Chrift, the righteoufnefs which is of God by faith, GfJ. z. 16, Knowing that a man is not jultified by the works of thQ iaw, but by the faith ot Jefus (Chrift, even we have believed in Je- fus Chrift, that we might bejuftihed by the faith of Chriit, and not by the works ofthe law : for by the works
new Jeiufalem, which cometh down ou* or heaven from my God : and I will wrte upon him my new namev
y GaL ^ 6, And beomfe ye ; are fons God hath fent forth the fpirk ot his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father,
z Pfaim* 103 13. Like as a father pirieth his children : fo the Lord pi- tieth them that fear him. Ynv 1 \ z6.
ot the law fhall no flefh be juftified- In the fear of the Lord is ftrong con
74. t John, 3. i. Behold, what manner of love the father hath be- llowed upon us, that we ihould be tailed the fons of God. 1 v Eph, 1 5. Having predeftinated us to the adoption of child] en by Jefus Chriit to himfeif, according
fidence : and his children fhall have a place of refuge, Mat 6. 32.- For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all thefe things.
a Heb. 6. 12; That ye be not floth-
fu), but followers of them, who
through
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75-. Quefl. What is Santlification \
Jafw. Sanctification is' a Work of Gods grace, whereby they whom God hath before the Foundation of the World chofen to be holy, are in Time, through the powerful Ope. ration of hisfpirit t>, applying the Death and Refurreffion of Chriit unto them S renewed in their whole Man after the Image of God d ; having the Seeds of Repentance unto Life, and of all other faving Graces, put into their Hearts e, and tfiofe Graces fo ftirred up, increafed and ftrengthned f, as
thap
through faith and patience inherit the promifes. Rum. 8. 17. And if children, then heirs -y heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Chriit. if To be that we furTer with him, that we may be alio glorified together.
j$. b Eph 1,4. According as he hath chofen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we Should be holy, and without blame before him in love. 1 Cor. 6. 1 1. And fuch were iome of you, bur ye are wafhed, bur .ye are fa notified, but ye are juilitied in the name of "the Lord Jefus, and by the Spirit ol our God. z Thejf* 2. 13. But we are bound to give thanks to God alway for you, brethren, beloved of the LorJ, beeaule God hath from the beginning chofen you to (alvatioo, through fa notification of the Spi- rit and belief of the truth,
c Rom. 6 ^Therefore we are buri- ed with him by baptifm unto death : rha: like as Chrift was raifed up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even fo we alfo fnouid walk in new- nets of life v y, For if we have been planted together in the likenefs of his death ; We fhall be alfo in the lik-neis or his refurreclion : v 6. knowing this, that our old man is Crucified with him, tnat rhe body, of In . mi—ir* -be- tldrr^eds that henceforth we Should not 'ferve fin;
d Eph. 4.2.3. And l)c renewed in the fpirii of your mind ; v 24; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteoufnefs and true holinefs.
e Acts. 11 18. When they heard thefe tilings, they held their peace, and glorified God, faying Then hath God alfo to the Gentiles gran- ted repentance unto life. 1 John. 3- 9. Who/be ver is born of God doth net commit fin; for his feed remained) in him ; and he cannot fin, becaufe he is born of God.
f cjude. 2.0. But ye beloved, build* ing up your (elves on your molt ho- ly faith, praying in the holy Ghoff, \-\cb. 6 1 1. And we defire that every one ot you do fhew the fame dili- gence to the fail aiTu ance of hope unto the end : v 1 2. That ye be not fbthful, bur followers of them, who thioqgh faith and patience inherit the promises. Eph. \. 16*. That he Would gran: you, according to the richus of his glory, to be ftrength- ned with might, by his fpirit in the inner-man ; <v\]. That Chrift may dwell in vour hearts by faith j that ye being rooted and grounded in love, v 18. May be able to compre- hend with all faints, what is the breadrh, and length, and depth, and height, v 19. And to know the love of Chrift, which paflVth knowledge, that ve might be filled wirh all the fulnefs of Gol CoL I. 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all plealing, being fruitful in every good work , and increafing ia rhe knowledge of God, v Ii» Strehgthned with all might, accord- ing to his glorious power, unto all O 4 patisj
The Larger Cafechlfm.
that the}'' more and more die unto Sin, and rife unto New- ftefi of Life £. ■*]6. Queft. What is Repentance unto Life? Anfai- Repentance unto Life is a laving Grace n, wrought in the Heart of a Sinner by the Spirit i and Word of Gcd k, Whereby out of the Sight and Senfe, not only of the Danger ', but alio of theFilthinefs and Odioufhefs of his Sins % and upon the Apprehenfion of God's Mercy in Chrift, to fuch as
- are
pauetoce and long-(tifIenng with joyiu;? eft
g Rom.. 6. 4, Therefore we are buried with him by baprifrn imo death, that like as Chrift was -aired pp from the dczd by rhe glory of the father, even fo we ai(o fhould walk In newneis of !:t". Vm 6. Knowing tfiis thai our old rain is crucified y/kh h'aii, that the body of fin might be deflroyed, that henceforth we ihonlri net ferve (m, v 14. For fin iiwli not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but un- der grace. Cid. 5. 24. And they-that are Chrifts, have crucified the fk-fh, with rhe affe&ions and lulls.
76. h zTi-m- 2. 25, In meeknek ittftrudftng thole that oppofe them- selves j if God peradventure will give them repentance to the ac- knowledging o: the truth,
i Zccb" 12. 10. And I will pour upon rhe hdufe of David, and upon the inhabitants ol Jerufalem, the fpiritoi grace and of fappjjkadqris ; and they (haH look upon rn£ whom » they have pierced, and they fhall mourn for him, as one mournerh tor h's bnly ion, and fhail be in butcrnef? for him, as ore that is in hitrernefs for his rirft-born.
k A els n. 18, When they heard thele things rbev' held their peace, and glorified Go35 faying, Then hath 'God alio ro the Gentiies gran- ted repentance unto lire., v. 20. And fame oi rhem were men of Cy- prus end Cyrene, which wh-.-n they were come to Antioch, (pake unto km Grecian^ preaching the Lord
Jefus. <v% 2.1. And the hand of the Lord was with them .° and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lordfc
1 Ezcks 18. 2S. Becaufe he confi- derech,and turnerh away fix m nil his tranfgreflions that he fiath com- mit! ed, he fhall finely live, he fhall not die, <v. 30. Therefore I will judge you, O houfe of llrae), every one according to his ways, laith the Lord God : repent and turn your felvesfrom all your tranfgrcflions ; fo iniquity fhall not be your ruin. v. 32, For I have no plcaiure in the death of him that that rlietb, faith the Lord God : wherefore mm your felves, and live ye* Luke iy. 17, And when he came to htmfelf, he laid, How many hired fervants ot my fathers have bread enough and to fpare, and J pcrifh with hunger • "j. 18, 1 will arife, and go to my fa- ther, and will (ay unto him, Father, I have firmed 'a^ainft heaven, ami before thee. Hoj, 2. 6. Therefore behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall that fhe (hall not find her paths. i>. 7. And fhe fhall follow after her lovers, but fhe fhall not overtake them ! and fhe fhall leek them, but (hail not find them : then fhail {he fay, I will go &: return to my firit husband, lor ihtn was it better with me than now.
m Ezek. • 36. 3 10 . Tiien shall ye re- member your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good,and shall lothe your felves in your own fight, for your iniquities, and for your abomination^ Ifa: 30, 22;
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zi7
are penitent n ; he fo grieves for 0, and hates his Sins Pj as that he turns from them all to God q, purpofing and en- deavouring conftantly to walk with him in all thb Ways of new Obedience r. /
77-Queft. Wherein do J ufli fie ation and §anftification differ ?
AnfiV, Although Sanclification be infeparably joined with Jufufication U yet they differ, in that God in Juftification im-
puteth
Ye fliall defile alfo the covering or ihy graven images of tilver, and the ornament- of thy molten images of gold : thou (halt caft them away as a menitrunus cioth , thou (halt fay unto ir, get thee hcr.ee.
n $ocl 2, 12, Therefore alfc now faith the ord, Turn ye even to me wi h ail your heart,and vvith faffing, and with weeping, and with mourn- ing, v 13. And rent your heart and not your garments, and run unto the Lord your God : for he h gra- cious and merciful, flow to anger, and of great kindneis, and repent* ethhim of the evil,
o Jen 31 ihJ. I have furely heard Ephraim bemoaning himfelf thus, Thou haft chaftifed me, and I was chaftifd, as a bullock unaccu itemed ro the yoke: Turn thou me,and I fhall be turned ; tor thou art the Lc rd my God, v io« Surely after that I was turned, 1 repented ; and after that I was inftructed, I (mote upon my thigh : 1 v/as afhamed, ^ea, even confounded, becaule I did bear tfie reproach of my youth.
p 2 Or. 7, 1 1 . For behold, tin's felt tame thing that ye farrowed al- tera godly fort, what carefulness it wi ought in you, yea, what clearing of your felyes, yes, what indigna- tion, yea, what tear, yea, what ve- hement deure, ^ea, what zeal, yea, what revenge; in all things ye have •approved your felves to De clear in this matter,
q Ac?:. 16. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darknefs to light, and from the power ot Satan unto God, that they may receive for-
givenefsof fin?, and an inheritance ami-.ng iherh that are fanctitied by faith which is in me, Ezek u: & Therefore fay unto the houfe of If- rael, Thus faith the Lord God, Re- pine and turn your felvosfrom WoUj nd turn away your faces from all your abominations. 1 Kings. h0 47, Yet if they fhall bethink cnem- feives, in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make (implication to thee in the land of them that carried them cap- tives, fayings we have tinned, and have done perverfly, we have com- mitted wicked nefs j ^48. And to return unto thee with all their heart and with all their foul.
r ?falm. 119, ft Then fhall not I be afhamed, when I have refpect un- to all thy commandments. v^9- I thought on my way?, and turned my feet unto thy teitimonies. v Therefore 1 eiteem all thy preceprs concerning all things to be right, and I hate every faife way Luke 16". And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the command- ments and ord 'nances of the Lore, blamelefs. 1 Kings. 2.3 25-; And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord vvirh all his heart, and wirh all his foul, and with ali his might, according to all the law of Moles ; neither alter him role there any like him.
77, ( 1 Cor. 6 11. And fuch were (ome of you . but ye are wafhed, but ye are fan&ificd, bur ye are justified in the name of me Lord Jefus, and by the fpirit of our God* 1 Cor. 1: 30, Buc of him are vein Chriit Jefus Who
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puteth theRighteoufnefs of Gh rift t ; in Sanftification ; his Spirit infufeth Grace, and enableth to the Exercife thereof v; in the former, Sin is Pardoned v ; in the other, it is rubdued x, the one doth equally free all Believers from the revenging Wrath of God, and that perfectly in this Life, that they never fall into Condemnation v ; the other is neither equal in All 7. nor in this Life perfect in any a, outgrowing up toPerfecti- on b- 78 Queft,
who of God is made unro us wH* from the beginning, I write unio dem, and righteouinefs, and fan- you, young Ivten, becaufe ye have
clification, and redemption
t Ro?n. 4. 6\ Even as David alfo dercribeth the bleflcdnefs of" the man unto whom God impureth righteoufnefs without works, v 8; BlefTed is the mm to whom the •Lord will not impure fin.
v Ezek $6. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and caufe you co walk in my itatutes, and ye fhall keep my judgment, nnd do them.
w Rom. 3 24. Being juftitied freely by his grace, through the redemp- tion that is in Jefus Chi HI ; t; 25-. Whom God hath fet forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his biood, to declare his righteonfnefs for the rcmillion ot fins that are paft, through the fortbearanceofGod.,
X R pk 6 6* Knowing this, that cur old man is ciucitied with him, that the body ot fin mighrbere- ilroyed, that henceforth we fhould notfervefin. v 14. For fin fhall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but under £ra.e,
y Rem. 8, 33, Who fhall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect J it is God that jurtineth : v 34 Who is he that condemncth ? It is Chrift that died, yea, rather that is rifen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who alfo maketh intercef- fion for us.
z 1 John. 2, 12. I write unto you,
little children, becaufe your fins are
forgiven you for his names fake.
3 I writ* unto you, fathers, be-
;;cve known him that is
overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, beraufe ye fpve known the Father, v 14. I have written unto you, fathers, be- caufe ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, becaufe ye are flrong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have over- come the wicked one. Heb. 5, 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again, which be the firS principles of the oracles of God ; and are become fuch as have need of milk, and not of (hong meat. yi 3. For every one that ufeth milk, is ur skilful in the word of righteouf- nefs : for is he a babe, v 14. But ftrong meat belongerh to them thac are ot full ag.% even thofe who by reafon of u(e have their fenfes exer- ciied to difcern both good and evil.
a 1 John. 1 8. And if we lay that we have no (in, we deceive ourfelves and the truth is not in us, v 10. If we fay that we have not' iinned, we make him a iiar, and his word is not in us.
b2Cor 7, 1. Having thercfoie thefe promifes, (dearfy beloved) let us cleanfe our f elves from all fil- thinefs ot the flefli and fpirit, per* feding holinefs in the fear of God. Phil. 3. 1 2. Noras though I had al- ready attained either were already perfeel : but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which alfo 1 am apprehended of Chrift Jefus. V13. Brethren, I count not my felf
tp
The Larger Catechifm %m
78, Qpeft, Whence arifeth the Imperfection of 'Sanfiif cation in Believers ?
Anfw. The Imperfection of Salification in Believers ari- iethfrom the Remnants of Sin abiding in every part of them, and the perpetual Luftings of the Flefh againft the (pint, where- by they are often foiled with Temptations, and fall into many Sins c, are hindred in all their fpiritual Services d, and their beft Works are imperfect and defiled in the fight of God e,
79. Queft, May not true Believers, by reafon of their Imperfefti- ens, and the many Temptations and fins they are overtaken with, fail a- way from the ft ate of Grace ?
A. True Believers, by reafon of the changeable Love of God[,andhisDecreeandCovenant,togive themPerfeveranceg ;
their
1 to have apprehended : but this one thing I do, forgeting thofe things which are behind, and reaching forth unto thofe things which are before, I to 1 4. I preis toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling or God in Chritt Jefus.
78. c Rom 7; 18. For I know that h me ( thati-, in my flefh ) dtycl- Jerh no good thing : tor to will is prefent with me, but how to per- form that which is good, I find nor, a>, 13, But I fee another law in my members, warring againft the law , of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the fewofSin, Which is in my members. Mark 14, 66, to the end. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, thoe comerhone of the maids ot the high p:ieft, fae. Gal 2, 1 1. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, becaufe he was to be blamed. V, 12. For before that terrain came from James, he did cat with the Gentiles : but when they were come, he withdrew, and ftpira ted himfelf, fearing them which were of the cir- cumcifion.
d Kcb 12, 1. Wherefore, feeing we alio are compared about with io great a cloud ofwimefles, let us Jay afide every weight, and the fin which doth fo eaiiiy befet us, and
let us run with patience the race that is fee before us.
e ifa 64, 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righre- oufmfTes areas filthy rags, and wc all rio fa/Je as a leaf, and our ini- quities, like the wind, have taken us sway, Ey.od 28, 38. And it fhali be upon Aarons forehead, that Aaron may b:ar the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Ilrael fhafl hallow in all their holy girts, and it fhail be always upora his forehead, that they rmy be ac- cepted before the Lo^d,
79. t Jcr 31. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, faying, Yea, I nave loved thee with an ever- laftl glove: therefore with loving kindnefs have Idiawn thee.
g 2 Ti?n 2, 19. N evert* telefs, the foundation of God itandeth fure, having this Seal, The Lord know- eth them that are hic And, Let every one that namerh the name of Chrhl depart from in:qu::y, Hcb* 1 3, 20. Now the God ot peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jefus, that great- fh< p herd of the fheep, through the blood of the everlafring covenant, nj 21. Make you perfect in every good wjik to do his will, working in you than which is well-picaiing in his fighr, rhrou^h
zzo 7 be Larger Catechlfm.
their infeperable Union with Chrift b, his continual Inter- ceffion for them >, and the Spirit and Seed of God abiding in them k, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the State of Grace *, but are kept by the Power of God through Faith unto Salvation m.
80. Quell Can true Believers be 'infalliby- affured that they ars in the Eftate of Grace, a\id that they jhall perfevere therein unto Sah-at.ion ?
Jnfiv. Such as truly believe in Chrift, and endeavour to walk in allgood Conference before him n,may, without extra- ordinary Revelation, by Faith grounded upon the Truth of God's Promifes, and by the Spirit enabling them to difcern in themfelves thole Graces to which the Prorhifes of Life are made o> and bearing Witnefs with their Spirits that they are
the
through Jefus Chrift ; to whom be glorylor ever and ever. Amen, 2-S^w?,2.j, 5. Although my houfe be not io ' wirh God $ yet he hsth inane with me an everlafting co- venant, ordered in ail things, and lure : for this is ali my falvation.and all my dciire, although he make it not to grow,
h iCw, 1, 8. Who fhallalfo- con- firm you unto the end, that ye may be bkmelefs in the day of our Lord Jefus' Chrift. v» 9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the feLVvihip of his Son jefus Chrift onr Lord,
\Hehysis. Wherefore he is able alio to bye rhem to the uttermoft, that come unto God by him, feeing he ever liverh to make inte.ceilion ior them, Luke 22. 32, But I have prayed for thee, that thy fairh tail not j and when thou art converted, ftrengrhen thy brethren.
k 1 John 3,9. Wholoever is born of God, doth not commit (in; for his feed remaineth in him: and he cannot fin, becaufe he is born of . God. 1 John 2, z?. But the anoint- ing, which ye have received ot him, abideth m you; and ye need not 1 tetany man teach you : but as the fame anointing Wacheth> you of ail . s, and is truths and is no lie :
and even as it hath taught you, ye ihall abide in him,
J Jer 32,40. And I will make an everlafting covenant with them ihat I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they {hall not depart from me, John 10. 2. 8, And I gave unto rhem eternal life, and they (hall never peiifh, neither (hall any pluck them out of my hand.
m 1 Vet 1. y. Who are kept by the power of God through fairh un- to Salvation, ready to be revealed in the la ft time.
80, n 1 John 2, 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, it we keep his commandments.
o 1 Cor 2, 12: Now we have re- ceived, not the fpirit ot the World , but theSpirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given ro us of God. 1 John 5, 14, We know that we have palled from death unto life, becaufe we love the brethren : he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. v. i3. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth, v. i.p. And hereby we know that we are of the tiuch, and (hail allure our hearts be- tore
The Larger Catechlftn. 221
the Children of God p, be infallibly affured that they are in the Eftate of Grace, and lhall perfevere therein unto Salvation, q.
81 Queft. Are all true Believers at all Time a affured of their ■prefent being In the Eftate of Grace, and that they /hall be faved ?
Anfiv. AfTurance of Grace and Salvation not being of the EfTence of Faith -\ true Believers may wait long before they obtain it t ; and, after the Enjoyment thereof, may have it weakned and intermitted, through manifold Diftempers, Sins, Temptations, and Defertions t : Yet are they never left
with-
fore him* % 21. Beloved, it our heart condemn us not, then we have confidence towards Godc v, 24. And he that keepeth his command- ments, dweileth jn him, and he in him: and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he ha:h given us. 1 John 4., 1 3 , Here- by we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, becaufe he hath given us of his Spirit, v. 16. And we have known, and believed the love that God hath to us, God is love, and he that dwelieth in love, dwel- led! in God, and God in him. Heb 6, 1 1. And we delire, that everyone 0! you do (hc^ the fame diligence, to the full ailiirance of hope unco the end : v, 12, Thar ye be not iloriitul, out followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the pro mills,
p Rovi, 8. *6\ The Sp'vi: it (e!f- beareth witnefs with our ipirir, that we are the chiljren ot God.
q 1 John 5* 13 Theie (rings have I written' unto you, thatbeiieye on j:he name of the Son 01 God j rJiaj re may know that ye have eterrtaj life, and that ye may b-lievc on the name of the Son of GoJ„
81. r Efh 1 M, In "whom ye al- fo truited after that ye heard the word ot truth,- the gofpel of yoqr 1: in whom alio after that* ye hciiev.r^ ye Acre tea led with that t>oly Spiiii (>f p >mile.
f I [a, j-o, 10: who is among you that ieaicrh die Lor.., that oi:eycch
the voice of his fcrvant that wal- keth in darknefs,- and hath no light ? let him trti;t in die Lord, and (ray upon his jGoS. ¥fah». 8 8. throughout., ro} 1, O Lord God of my Salvarion, I have cried day and night before thee, v, 2. Let my prayer come be- fore thee : incline thine ear unco my cry. v. 3. For my ioul is full ot trouble : and my life draweth nigh
unto the grave, v, 6*- Thou halt
hid me in the lowefl pit, ii> dark- nefs, in the dtens. v. 7, Thy wrath lieth- hard upon me, and thou haft afrlidled me with ali ihy waves. »Se- Jah. — v. 9. .Mine eye mourneth by reaion of affliction; Lord, I have called daily upon thee I have ft: etched our my hands unro thee, v. 10. Wilt thou /hew wonders to> the dead ? — v, 13 But unro thee have I cried, O Lord, and in the rooming mail my prayer prevenc th^c. 14.. Lord, why cade ft tfrofi off my Soul ? why hidtit thou thy face from m^ ? v, 15. lam airlicred and ready to die, irom rny youth np : while J (after thy terrors, I am diftaa&ed, &c„
t (Pfzlm 77 1 to the iz verfe.) v. i 1 cited unto thee with my voice: even unto God witii my voice, and he eave e*r unto me, v. 2, In the day ot my rouble I (ought the Lord ; my 9j\-c ran in the night, and ceafed nor . my Soul refuled to be comfort- ed; v 3. 1 remenibred God, and was troubled : I complained, and
my
iii The Larger Catechijm.-
without fuch a Prefence and Support of the Spirit of God, as keeps them from finking into utter Defpair v.
82, Queft. What is the Communion in Glory, which the Members if the Invifible Church have with Chrifl ?
(inf. The Communion in Glory which the Members of the invifible Church have with Chrift, is in this Life w, immediately after Death x, and at laft perfected at the Refur- recYion and Day of Judgment y .
83. Quell. What is the Communion in Glory with Chrifl, which the Members of the Invifible Church enjoy in this Life P
Anfiv,-
myfpiritwas overwhelmed.— »n? 7 Will the Lord call off for ever ? and will he be favourable no more ? &c. Cant y, 2^ I ikep, but my heart waketh : it is rhe voice of my be- loved that knocketh, faying, Open co me, my lifter, my love, my dove, my undented : for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. <v 3, I have put off my coat, how (hall I put it on? 1 have wafhed my-feer, how vhail I defile them ?. v 6. I opened £0 my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn himfeif, and was gonej my ioul failed when he (pake : I fought him, but I could not find him , 1 called him, but he gave me no anfwer. ?falm. $i. 8v Make me 10 hear joy and gladnefs : that the bones which thou ha ft broken, may ujoice. ro 12. Reftore unto me the joy of thy Salvation, an^i uphold me with thy free fpirir. Vfalm. 31. 22.. For I (aid in my hafte, i am cut eff trom before thine eyes: nevcithe- lefs thou heardeft the vo;ce of my ■Supplications, when f cried unto thet. Vjalm. zi> 1. My G)d, my God, why haft thou forfahen me ? why arr thou fo far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring ? V 1 'John. 3. 9. Whofoeve/is born of God, doth not con mit fin $ for his feed remained! in him : and he cannot fin, became he is born of God. jfa£. 13 ly. Though he flay me, y ct will 1 truft in him : but I vviil maintain mine own ways be-
fore him* Vjalm. 73. 15. If I fay, I will (peak thus: behold, I fhould cfrend againft the generation of thy children. *v 2.3. Neverthelefs, I am continually with thee : thou haft holden me by my right hand, lfct: 54, 7. For a fmall moment have I foriaken thee, but with great mer- cies will I gather thee, <u 8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but with everlafting kindneis will I have mercy on thee, faith the Lord thy redeemer, v 9. For this is as the waters of Noah un- to me, for as I have fvvorn that the waters of Noah fhould no more go ever the earth , fo have I fworn tliac 1 would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee, nj 10. For the mom- tains fhall depart, and the hills fhall be removed, but my kindnefs fhall not depart from thee, neither fhall the covenant of my peace be re- moved, faith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
Si. w 2 Cor 3.18. But v/e all with open face, beholding as in a glafs, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the fame image, from glo y to glory, even as by the fpiiin of the Lord.
x Luke. 23. 43. And Jefus faid un- to him, Veriiy I fay unto thee, Tc day flialc thou be with mc in pa« rzdiic
y 1 Tkefm^. 17. Then we which are alive, and remain, fhall U caught up together with them in
the
The Larger Cdtechtfm* n]
Anf The Members of the Invifible Church ha^re commu- nicated to them, in this Life, the/flrft Fruits of^Glory with Chrift, as they are Members of him their Head, and fo in him are interefled in that Glory which he is fully pofTefTed ofz, -, and, as an earnefr thereof, enjoy the Senfe of God's Love a, Peace of Confcience, Joy in the Holy Ghofl, and Hope of Glory b : As on the contrary, Senfe of God's revenging "Wrath, Horror of Confcience, and a fearful Expectation of Judgment, are to the Wicked the Beginning of their Torments, which they mall endure after Death c,
84, Queft. Shall all Men die I
Anfw. Death being threatned as the Wages of Sin ^, it is appointed unto all Men once to die e ; for that all have finned t.
85-, 0»3.eft- Death being the Wages of Sin, why are not the Righteous delivered from Death, feeing all their Sins are fir given in Chrifl ?
Anjw. The Righteous (hall be delivered from Death itfelF at thelafr Day, and even in Death are delivered from" the Sting
and the clouds to meet the Lord in the lir : and (o (hall we ever be with [he Loid.
83. 2. Eph, 2. 5-. Even when we were dead in, fins, hath quickned :is together with Chrift, (by grace ^e are faved) v 6, And hath railed js up together, 2nd made us fit to *erher in heavenly pi sees, in Chi ill fefus.
1 Ro?n, y, fi And hope makeih lot a/hamed, becailfe the 3od is (hed abroad in our hearts, >y the holy Ghoil which is given' nro us, Compared with 2 Car 1. 22, VJtko aifo hath feaied [us, and gi- en the earneil ot the (pirit in our 1 eari?s.
b Rom f. 1. Therefore being iu- ified by faith, we have p^ ace with ■bo*, tl 1 rough ouv Lord JefusChriil. 2. By whom aifo we have ac- :(s by faith into this grace where- v\e (land, and rejoice in hop? of jC glory of God. Rorn.x^ 17. For ie kingdom of God is not meat kI drink, but righteoumeis, and
peace, and joy in the holy 'Ghofl.
c Gift. 4. 13. And Cain (aid unrc- the Lord, my piirJflimen: is greater than I can bear. Mat* 27. 4; Saying., I have finned, in that I have betray- ed the innocent blood. And they faid, what is that to us ? fee thou to that Hib* 10, 27. But a ceitaln fear- iul looking tor of judgment, and fiery indignation, which (hall de- vour the adversaries. Rom, 2. 9. love of Tribulation and anguifh upon every foul of man that doth evil, of the Jew fid, and alio oi the Gentile* Mark. 9 4^. Where their worm dierli not, and the fire is not quenched.
84. d Ram, 6. 23 For the wages of fin is death : but the gift of God is eternal life through Jems Ckriil cur Lord.
e rich. 9. 27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
1 Rom. 5", 12. Wherefore,25 by c?ie man im entred into the world, and death by un -9 and fo death pafTed up- on all men, for that all have tinned. Sy- g 1 Cw.
214 The Larger Catechifm%
and Curfe of it g / ib that, although they die, yet it is out of God's Love h, to free them perfectly from Sin and Mifery I, and to make them capable of further Communion \Vith Chrift in Glory, which they then enter upon k.
86. Quell. What is the Communion in Glory with Chrift y winch the Members of the Invifible Church enjoy immediately after Death ?
Anfw, The Communion in Glory with Chrift, which the Members of the Invifible Church enjoy immediately after Death, is in that their Souls are then made perfect in Holi- ness i, and received into the higheft Heavens m, where they be-,
hold
Sy. g i Cor iy, 26". The laft ene- my that (hall be dcftroyed is death. * W SS-O death, where is thy fting ?
0 grave, where is rhy victory r v. 56. The fling of death is fin, and the ih-ength of Sin is the law. v. 57- But thanks be to God, which giverh us the victory, through our Lord Jefus Chrift. Heb 2, 15. And deliver, them who through tear of death, were all their lifetime fubjecl to bondage.
h IJa $7. r. The righteous pe- r fheth, and no man Jayech it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none confidermg that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. v. 1. He /hall enter into peace, they ihall reft in their beds, each one walking in his up-
1 ightnefs. z Kings 22, 20. Behold, therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fatheis, and thou (halt be ga- thered into thy grave in peace, and thine eyes fhall not fee all the evil which I will bring upon this place,—
I Rev 14, 13: And I heard a voice from heaven, faying unto me, Write, BlefTed are the dtad which die jfi the Lord, from henceforth : Yea, faith the Spirit, that they may reft from their labours; and their works do follow them. Eph 5, 27. That he might prefent it to himfelf a glo- rious church, not having fpot or wrinkle, or any fuch thing, but that it fhould be holy, and withouc blemifh;
kLukei}, 43. And Jefus faid unto him, Verily I fay unto thee, To day fhalt thou be with me in paiadiie. lJh'l, 1. 23. For I am in a ffrait betwixt two, having a defire to deparr, and to be with Chrift $ which is far better.
86. 1 Heb i2 23. To the general ahem My and church of the hrft- born which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the fpirirs of juit men made perfecl„
m 2 Cor, Si i* For we know, that ifour earthly honfe of this taberna- cle were dhTolved, we have a buil- ding of God, an Innfe not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, v. 6. Therefore we are always confi- dent, knowing, that whilft we arc at home in the body, we are abfent from the Lord, 1;, 8. We are con- fident, I fay, and willing rather to be abfent from the body, and to be prefent with the Lord, jfhil 1, 23. For I am in a ftrait betwixt two, having a defire to depart, and to be with Chrift which is far better Com* paredvoith ABs 3,21. Whom the hea- ven muft receive, until the times of reftitution of all things,- which God hath fp >ken by the mouuh of all his prophets, fince the world began; And with Eph 4, 10, He that de- fended, is the fame alfo that af- cended up far above all heavens that he might till all things,
iv x Johi
The Larger Catechifrm %%$
hold the Face of God in Light and Glory n ; waiting for the full Redemption of their Bodies n, which even in Death con- tinue united to Ghrift p, and reft in their Graves as in their Beds q, till at the Laft Day tHey be again united to their Souls •> Whereas th6 Souls of the Wicked are at Death caft into Hell, where they remain in Torments and utter Darknefs ,• and their Bodies kept in their Graves? as in' their Prifons, till the Refurrec/tion and Judgment of the Great Day L
87. Q. What are we to believe concerning the Refurrefiion ?
Anfu), We are to believe, that, at the Laft Day there (hall- be* a general .Refurreftion of the Dead, both of the Juft and Unjuftt; When they that are then found alive, fhalL in a Moment be changed ; and the felf-fame Bodies of the Dead which were laid in the Grave, being then again united to their Souls for ever, (hall be raifed up by the Power of
Chrift
n 1 John 3, 2. Beloved, now are we the fens or God, and it doth nor yc appear what we fhal] be : but we know, char when he (hall appear, we fhall be like him , tor we fhall fee him as he is. i Cor 13, 12. For now we fee through a glafs, darkly $ but then face to face : now I know in part; but then fhali i know even as a lib lam known;
o Rom 8, 23. And nor only they, but our felves alfo,. which have The nrft fruits of the Spirit, even we our felves groan within our felves3 wait- ing ior the adoption, to wir, the re- demption of our body. Tfahn 16". p. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glorv rejoiceth: my flefh aifo fhall re.* in hope.
p 1 Thejf, 4. 14. For if we believe that Jefus died, and rofe again, even To tftem alfo which fleep in Jeius, will God bring with him.
q Ifa, $7. 2. He fhall enter into peace : they fhali reft in their bed?, each one walking in ins upnghrnefs.
r Job 19. 26. And though liter my
skin worms deftroy this body, yet
in my flefh fhali I fee God ? ^,27.
Whom I {hail fee for my felf* and
mine eyes mall behold, and nor. a*
nother; though my reins be con- fumed within me.
f Luke 16, 23, And In hell he life up his eyes, Oemg in torments, and fee:h Abraham afar off, and Laza- rus in his 5o(om. v. 24, And he cried and faid, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and fend Laza- rus, that he may dip the tip of his ringer in water and ccol my tongue 5 for 1 am tormented in this flame. Acts 1. if. Thar he may rake partot this miniftry and apofilefhip, from which Judas by rranfgreffion fell, that he might; go to his own place. JudeC. And the angels which kept not their tirfi cfrate, but left their own habitation, he hath referred in everlafhng chains under darknefs, unto the Judgment ot the great day, v, 7 Even is Sodom and Gomorrha^ and the cit *s about them in like manner giving themidves over to fornication, and g ing after ftrange flefh, are let forth for an example, (offering the vengeance oi eternal fire,
87, t AB 24, 15: And hsve hops
towards God, which they mem felves
alio allow, rha t there (hall be a re-
P far-*
1 16* The L arger Catechifm
Chrift v. The Bodies of the Juft, by the Spirit of Chrift, an* by vertue of his Refurreclion as their Head, (hall be raifed in Power, fpiritual, incorruptible, and made like to his glorious Body w ; And the Bodies of the Wicked fhall be raifed up in Difhonour by him as an offended Judge <.
88. Quefr. What /ball immediately follow after the Refur- rettiorii
Jufxj, Immediately after the Refurreftion, fhall follow the general and final Judgment of Angels and Men y . The Day
and every man in his own order: Chrift the firfK fruits, after wauls' they that
furrc#ion of the dead, both of the juft and urjuft.
v i Cor 1 St 51. Behold, I (hew you a rnyflery ; We fhall not all ileep, but we fhall all be changed, *v. 52.. In a m menr, in the twinkling of an eye, at the lahV trump ( for the trumpet fhall found ) and the dead fhall be raffed incorruptible, and we fhall be changed, -u, 53. For this corruptible mult put on incorrUp- tion, and this mortal mufr. put on immortality. 1 The ft. 4, 15. For this we fay unto you by the word of the LoH, that we, which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, fhall net prevent them which are aileep. <v. 16, For the Lord him- felf fhall defcend from heaven with a fhout , with the voice of the arch- angel, and with the trump of God: ' and the dead in Chrift fhall rife firit ; v. 17. Then we which are alive, and remain* fhall be caught up together wi?h them in the clouds, to meet the Lor' in the air: aid fo fhall we ever be with rhe Lord, John 5, 28. Marvel riot at this : for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the gra\ cs fhall hear his voice, v. 29. And fliall come forth, they that have done good, unto the refurreclion of life; and they that have done evil, unto the refurreclion of damnation
w 1 Cor is 2.1- For fince by man came death, by man camq alfo the refurreclion of the dead. vjzz. For as in Adam all die, even fo m Chrift ihr.llall be made alive, v. 23, Bar
are Chrifts, at h's coming, in 42. So alfo is the refurredhon of the dead. It is (own m corruption, it is raifed in incorruption: v. 4.3. it is town in difhonour, it is raifed in1 glory : it is fown in weaknefs, it is raifed in power : v. 44. It is fown a naturalbo- dy, it is raifed a fpirirual body. Ph U 3,21. W ho fhuU change ojrvjie body, that it may be fafhioned like unto his glorious body according to the working w hereby he is able even to fubdue all thing9 unto hirmelf,
x John 5, 27. And harh given hint authority to execute judgment alfo, becaufe he is the Son of man. v, 28, A/aryel not at this .- for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves fhall hear his voice, v, 2.9. And fhall come forth, they that have done good, unto the refurreclion of life; and they that have done evi'y unto the refur- rectrn of damnation, fctwf 25, 33 And he fliall fct the ihe p on his right-hand, but the goats on the Left:
88: y 2 Vet. 2. 4. For if God fpired not the angeis that finned, but cafl them down to hell, and de- livered them into chains of dark; nefs, <-o be referved unto judgment jncie 6" And the angels wnich kep: not their fiur. eftate, bur left their own habitation, he hath referved in everlafting chains under dark- nefs, unco the judgment of tha great day
The Larger Catechifmj z%7:
and Hour whereof no Man knoweth, that all may watch and pray, and be ever ready for the Coming of the Lord z.
89. Quefl. What flail be dvw to the -wicked at the Day of Judg- ment ? -
r An fa. At the Day of Judgment, the Wicked ftiall be fet on GhrifVs Left-hand % and upon clear Evidence, and fall Con- viction of their own Conferences b, ftiall have the fearful, but juft Sentence of Condemnation pronounced againft theme - and thereupon ftiall be caft out from the favourable Prefence of God, and the glorious Fellowftiip with Chrift, his Saints, and all his holy Angels, into Hell, to be puniftied with unfpea- kable Torments both of Body and Soul, with the Devil and his Angels for everd, 90. Queft.
day. v, 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner giving them- ielves over ro tornicatiun, and going after ftrange fiefh, are fet forth for an example, fuftenngthe vengeance of eternal fire. 1/, 14, And Enoch aifo, the feventh from Adam, pro- phefied of thefe, faying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his faints, <v i>". To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungochy committed, and of all their hard fpeechcc, which un- godly finnrrs have fpofcea againft hioi. Mat. if. 46, And the'e ihall go away into everiafting pujiifh- ment ; but the righteous into lite t° ternal,
% Mat. 24. 36. But of that day arid hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Fa fher only. v. 4.1 Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come: v \ 4. Therefore, be ye alio ready : for in fuch an hour as you thi \k nor, the Son of man cometh. Luke 21. 35-, For as a fnare (hall it come on ail them that dwell on the :ace of the whole v earth, v 36. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be ac- counted worthy to efcape all thefe
things that (hall come to pafs, and to ftand before the Son of man,
89. a Mat. is. 3? And he ihall fee the fheep on lis right-hand, but the goats on the left.
bRom. 2. 15-, Which (hew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience alio bear- ing witneft, ai.d their thoughts the mean while acculing, or elfe ex- cufing one another v 16 In the day when God (hall judge thi fea- rers of men by Jiius Chrift, according to my gofpel.
c Mafn zS 4.1. Then fhall he fay alfo unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye curled, into everiafting tire, prepared for the devil and his angels, v. 42. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat :
1 was thirily, and ye gave me no drink; v 43 , f was a ftranger^and ye took me not in : naked, and ve clot- hed me not . tick, and in prifon, and ye viired me not,
d Luke 10. 26. And befides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed : fo that they which would pals from hence to you, cannot 3 neither can they pafs to u?, rhat would come from thence,
2 Tbejj. 1.8 In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know noc God, and that obey not the gofoef of eiir Lord Jcfus Chrift v 9 . Who
p z oiuir
22,8 The Larger Catechifw.
90; Quell:. What /ball be done to the Righteous at the Day of Judgment ?
Anfw. At the Day of judgment, the Righteous being caught up to Chrift in the Clouds e, (hall be fet on his right- Hand, and there openly acknowledged and acquitted \\ {hall join with him in the Judging of reprobate Angels and Men g,* And (hall be received into Heaven h, where they fhall be fully and for ever freed from all Sin and Mifery i ; filled with unconceivable Joys k , made perfectly holy and happy both in Body and Soul, in the Company of innumerable Saints and holy Angels I, but efpecially in the immediate Vifion and Fruition of God the Father, of our Lord Jefus Chrift, and of theHoly Spirit to all Eternity m. And this is the perfeft and full Communion, which the Members of the Invisible Church fhall enjoy with Chrift in Glory, at the Refurrefti-
on and Day of Judgment, fhall be punilhed with everlaihng deitru&ion from the prefence of the Lord, and troni the glory of his powe'%
5%ei Thejf 4,17. Then we which are aiive, and remain, fhall be caughc up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and io (hail we ever be with the Lord.
f JAat 25, 3 3. And he fhall fet the fhecp on his right- hand, but the goars on the left, Matth, 10, 32 Whofoever therefore fhall conlefs in! before men, him will I conlefs alfo before my Father which is in heaven ,
g 1 Cor 6, 2. Do ye not know that the Saints" fhall judge the world? And if the world (hall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the imalleft matters ? v- 3. Know ye nor that we fhai! judge angels? how much more then the things that pertain to this life ?
h Mattb. 25-, 34. Then fhall the K^ng fay unto them on his right- hand, Come, ye blelTed of my Fa- uier, inherit the 'kingdom prepared tor you from the foundation 01 the World, v, 46, And thefe fhall go away -to eveilading punifhment : but
e righteous into life eternaJ;-
Ha-
i Eph y. 27. That he might pre- fent it tohimfelfa glorious church, not having ip.t or wrinkle, 01 any fuch ihing } but that it mould be holy and without blemifh Rev 14.. 1 3. And I heard a voice from hea- ven, faying unto me, Write, Blef- fed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth : yea, faith the Spirit, that they may eft from thei? labours; and tneir woiks do_ foilow them. *
k Pfalm, 16, u Thou wiit (hew me the path of life : in thy prefence is fulnefs of joy, at thy right-hand there are plealures for evermore.
1 Ykb 12, 22. But ye are come un- to mount Siony and unto the cry of the living God, the heavenly k> rufalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. to 23. To the general aflembly, and church of the li it-born which are written in hea- ven, 6c to God the judge of all, and to the (pints of juft men made perfect*
m 1 ]ohn 3,2. Beiov.d, now are we the fons-of God, and it doth not yet appear wfiat we (hall be: but we know mat when he fhaii appear, we fhail be like him; lor wc ihali fee him as he is 1 Cor 13 t z For now we fee through a gials, darkly y bu: the
The Larger Cat echifm. ?,Z9
Having feen, what the Scripture principally teach us to believe concerning God; it follows to con- sider, what they require as the Duty of man.
o i Queft. What is the Duty which Cod requireth of Man ?
Anfw. The Duty which God requireth of Man, is Obe- dience to his revealed Will n.
02 Queft. What did God at fir ft reveal unto Man as the Rule of his Obedience*
Aff/w.The Rule of Obedience revealed to Adam in the Eftate of Innocence, and to all Mankind in him, befide a fpecial Command, not to eat of the Fruit of the Tree of the Know- ledge of Good and Evil, was the Moral Law o.
93. Queft. What is the Moral Law*
Anfw. The Moral Law is the Declaration of the will of God to Mankind, directing and binding every one to per- fbnal, perfect, and perpetual Conformity and Obedience thereunto, in the Frame and Difpofition of the whole Man,
foul
then face to face : now I know in parr, but then (hall I know even as I am known 1 Theft 4.17. Then we which are alive, and remain, fhall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and fo fhall we ever be with the Lord. 1/18. Wherefore, com- fort one another with thefe woids, 91. nRom. 12. 1. I befcech ycu therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye prefent vour bodies a living facrificc, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reafonable fervice. v z. And be not conformed to this worltffr but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,and acceptable and pertect will of Gcd, Micak 6. 3, He hath (hewed thee,
0 man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but tn do juftly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ?
1 Sam, l Si 2.2. And Samuel faid, Hath the' Lord as fcreat delight in burnt-offerings and facrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord ? Be-
hold, to obey, is better than facrificej and to hearken, than the fat of rams. 92/ oGsn. I. z6m And God faid, Let us make man in our image, afrer our likenefs . and let them have do- minion over the fifh of the tea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. <v 27. So God created man in his own image : in the image of God created he him, male and lemale created he them* Rom. 2, 14., For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by na- ture the things contained in the law, thefe having not the law arc a law unto themielves : v If. Which fhew the work of the law written in their hearts, their confaencc alfo bearing witnels and their thoughts the mean while accufing, or elfe excu ling one another. R007, IQ, j. For Mofes defcribeth the righteouf- nefs, which is ot the law, That the man wheh doth thole things, (hall live by them. Gen. z, 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good P 3 and -
f$P The Larger tatechifm.
Soul and Body p, and in Performance of all thofe Duties of Hoiinefs and Righteou fnefs which he oweth to God and Manq: Promifing Life upon the Fulfilling, and threading Death u- pon the Breach of it .
94, Queft," Is there any Xjfe of the Moral Law to Man fince the Fall ? ' . .
Anfw, Altho' no Man, fince the Fall, can attain to Righte- oufnefs and Life by the Moral Law i ; yet there is great Ufe thereof as well common to all Men, as peculiar either to the I/nregenerate, or the Regenerate ra oj. Quell,
an! evrl,>h oti (halt not eur of it : for in rhe day that thou eateil thereof, thou jfcaljp ur--ely die.
9^?Deut. s- i. AndM)fes cal- Jed h\\ ]{;ae],:and ftid unto them, ■ ir, O IfraeT, the ftaiuus and judgments which I (peak in your car: rhis dr;y, rhat ye may learn them, and kc^p, and do them. v 2 T e Loid our God made a c wenahl with us in Horeb. <v 3. T.'x Lord made rot this covenant wi fj our fathers, but with usa even its, who are all of us here alive this dav. v. 31 But as lor thee, fbnd thou here by me, and I will fpeak unto thee all rhe commandments, and the ilaturts, and the judg- ments which, thou (halt teach them, mar they may do them in the land which I give them ro poflefs it v. 35. You (hall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, 2nd that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye fhall pofl'ls. Luke 10. 26", He faid unto him, What is wrircen in the law ? how readeft thou ?<!/., 27. And heanfwering, faid3 Thou fruit love the Lord thy God widi all thy heart, and with all thy foul, and with all thy ftrengtb, and with all thy mind; and thy neigh- bour as thy (elf. Gal 3, 10. ^or hs mony us are of trie works of the lav, are under thecui/e. for it h Written, Curfed is every one that conrinueth not in all things which kre written in the book of rhe lav/
tc do 'bem. 1 Thef $. 23 . And the very God of peace iancriiy you whol- ly ; and I pray God, your whole fpirit and foul and body be preferved blame- N Jefs unto the coming of our Lordjefus Chriu\
q Luke \. j$, In hoiinefs and righ- teoufnefs before him all the days of our life- /lets 24. 16 And heiein do I exercife my felf to have always a confeience void of offence both to- ward Go ! a id toward man.
r Rom 10. 5, For Mofes defcribeth x the righteoufnefs which is of the law, That the man which doth thofe things, fhall live by them. GaL 3,10. F01 as many as are of the works .of ■ the law, are under the curfe . for it is written, Curfed is every one that continuerh not in all things which are written in rhe book ot the law to do them, v 1 2 And the law is not of fairh ; bur, The man that doth then fhall live in them.
j5;. f Rom 8,3. For what the law Cuu/d not do, in that it was weak through the rlefh, God (ending his own Son, in the likenels of iinful flefli, and for fin condemned jin in the rlefh. GaL 2, 16. Knowing that a man is not jullifi d by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jclus Clirift, even we have believed in Jefus Chriii, that we might be jufti- tied by the fairh of Chrilt, and not by the works of the law; for by the works oi the law fhali no rlefh be ju- stified.
t 1 Tim. 1. 8. But we know that ths
x]i
Tfje Larger Catechifm.
■95-. Queft. Of what Ufe is the Moral Law to all Men P
Anfiu. The Moral Law is of Ufe to all Men, to inform them of the holy Nature and Will of God v, and of their Duty binding them to walk accordingly w • to convince them of their Difability to keep it, and of the finful Pollu- tion of their Nature, Hearts and Lives x ,. to humble them in the Senfe of their Sin and Mifery v, and thereby help them to a clearer Sight of the Need they have of Chrift z, ' and of the Perfeftion of his Obedience ,
o 6. Queft. What particular Ufe is there of the Moral Law to wire generate Men ?
'Anfw. The Moral Law is of Ufe to Unregenerate Men, to awaken their Cocfcien.ces to flee from Wrath to come h, and
to
the law is good, if a man ufe It law? telly.
95". v Lev, li. 44. For I am the Lord your God : ye (hall therefore isnclhy your felves, and ye (hall be holy ; for I am holy : neirher (hall ye defife-ryeur felves with any man- ner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, v 45-. For I am the Lord that briugeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your Gcd : ye fhall therefore be holy, fori am ho\y.Lev 2.0 7, San&ify your (elves therefore, and be ye holy : for I am the Lord your God. v 8. And ye ihall keep my natures, arid do-them: lam the Lord which fandily you. Rom. 7. 12, Wherefore the law is ho- ly•"$ and the commandment holy, and juit and good.
w Mic. 6. 8. He hath (hewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do juiily, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God r Jam, 2. 10. For whofoever (hall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. v u. For he that fain', Do not commit adul- tery, laid alfo, Do net kill, Now if tnou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a tranl- greffor of the law.
X Pfalm, 19 1 1. Moreover by chera ?s thy ieryant warned: and in keep-
ing of tbem there is a great reward. v 12. Who can underitand his er- rors ? cleanle t'lou me from fecret faults, Rom. 3. 2.0. Therefore by the deeds of the law there (hall no flcfli be juftifled in his light : for by the law kthe knowledge of fin. Rom, 7. 7. What (hall we fay then ? is the law (in ? God foi bid. Niy, I had not kr.own fin, but by the law : for I had nor Known luii, except the law had faid, thou (halt not cover.
y R>m. 3, 9, What then ? are we better than they ? No, h no wife ; for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under fin. v 23, For all have finned, and come (hort of the glo y of God.
z Gal. 3 2 1 Is the law then againfr. the promitesof God ? God forbid ; for if there had £>een a law given which could have given life, veri- ly righteoufnefs fhould have been by the law, <u 22 . But the fcripture harh concluded all under (in, that the promife by faith of Jefus Chrift might be given to tbem that be- lieve,
a Rom. io- 4. For Chrift is the end of the law for righteoufnefs to eve- ry one that believeth.
96* b 1 Tim. 1 9, Knowing this,rhat
the law is no: made for a righteous
'" ? 4 man.
2,}x. The Larger Catechlfm.
to drive them to Chrift c : Or, upon their Continuance hi the Eftate and Way of Sin, to leave them inexcufable <J, and under the curfe thereof e.
97. Queft. What fpecial Ufe is thereof the Moral Law to the Regenerate I
Anfw. Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Chrift, be delivered from the Moral Law, as a Covenant of Works t, fo as thereby they are neither juflified g nor con- demned h . Yet, befide the general Ufes thereof common' to them with all Men, it is of fpecial Ufe, to ftiew them how much they are bound toChrift for his fulfilling it, and en- during the Curfe thereof in their Stead and for their Good 1 ,-
and
man, but for the lawlefs and difo^ betfienr, for the ungodly and fin- has, ior unholy and profane, for inurder&s of lathers, and muide- rersot mother for man- flayers, y 50; For whoremongers, for them that defile the nfelves with man- kind, for man-ftealeis, for iiars, for perjured perfons, and it there be a- ny erher thing that is contra' y ro
found doctrine
c Gal. $. 24, Wherefore the law was our fchool- matter to bring us unto Chrift, that we might be julti- £ed by faith. -
■ d Rem,. 1/20. For the invifible things of him from the creation of the world are clear!]/ kcnt being imderftood by the things that are made, even his eternal power arid Godhead ; fo that they are without excufe. Compared with Rom. 2, ij. Which (hew the works of the law written in their hearts, their con- science alio bearing wi.tnds, and their thoughts the mean while ac- cufing, or elie excufing one ano- ther. -
e Gal. § . 10. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under the curfe : for it is written, Curfed rs every one rhat continued! not in all things which are written in the fcook 01 the Jaw, to do them. ;
9;. f Rem. 16. 14. For fin fhall Dpc have dominion over you; for ye
are not under the law, but under grace. Rom. 7. 4, Wherefore, my brethren, ye are aflb become dead to the law, by the body of Chi iit$ rhat ye fhou Id be married to ano- ther, even to him who is railed from the dead, that we fhould bring forth fruit unto God. v 6. But now we are delivered from the law, that be- ing dead wherein we were held ; that we fhould ferve in newnefs of fpirit, and not in the oldnefs of the letter. Gal, 4. 4. 5ut when the fulnefs of the time was come, God fent forth his Son, mide of a woman5 made under the lata, v 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption offons.
g Rom. i.zo. Therefore by the deeds oi the law there ihall no flefh be juflified in his fight : for by the law is the knowledge of fin.
hGa!,s-2-h Mecknefs, tempe- rance : agjinlfc fuch there is no law. Rom 8, 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Chriff. Jefus, who walk notafcerche fkfh, but after the fpirit,
i Rom 7. 24. O wretched man that 1 am, who fhall deliver me from the body of this death ? v 25, I thank God, through Jefus Chrift our Lord. So then, with the mind I my felf ferve the law ot God ; but with the fkfh 9 the law of fin. Gal; 1 3*
The Larger Catechifm: 233
and thereby to provoke them to more Thankfulnefs fc, and to exprefs the fame in their greater Care to conform them- ielves~thereunto as the Rule of their Obedience L
98. Queft. Where is the Moral Law fummarily comprehend- ed?
Anfv), The Moral Law is fummarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments, which were delivered by the Voice o( God upon Mount Sinai, and written by him inTwo Tables of Stone m; and are recorded in the Twentieth Chapter of
Exodus
3 13. Chrift hath redeemed us from the curfe of the law, being made a curfe for us ; for it is written, Curfed is every on that hangeth on a tree : JL 14 That the bleffing of Abraham might come on the Gen:iles through Jvius Chrift; that we might receive the promife of the Spirit through faith. Rem. 8 3. For what rhe law could not do, in hm it was weak thioughVie fiefh, God fending his own Son in the likenefs of iinful fkfh, and for /in condemned fin in the fiefh : v. 4. That the righteouf- nefs of the law might he fulfilled in us, who walk not alter the fiefh, but after the Soirit.
k Luke \. 68. Elefled be the Lord God of Ifraei, for he hath'vifited and redeemed his people, v. 69. And» hath railed up an horn of fal- vation for us, in the houie of his fervant David, v 74.: Thar he would grant unto us, that we being deli- vered out of the hands of our ene- mies, might ferve him without fear, v. 75, In holinefs and righteoufnels before him all the days of our life. Col. j 12. Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the faints in light: v. 13. Who hath delivered us irom the power or darknefs, and hath tranflated us into the kingdom of his dear Son : jp, 14. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgive- nefs of fins.
1 Rom. 7. i%. For I delight in the fawoiGod, after the inward man,
Rom. 12 2, And be not conformed to this world ; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, than ye mav prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect- will of God, TiK 2., 11. For the grace of God that bringerh falvation, harh ap- peared to all men 5 v. 12. Teach- ing us, that denying ungodlinefs and worldly lulls, we fliould live foberly, righteoufly, and godly in this prefenr. world $ 1/. 15. Looking for that biefTed hope, and the glo- rious appearing <af the great God5 and our Saviour jlfus Chrift : *y. 14, V/ho gave him lei F for us, that he might redeem us from all Iniquity, and purity unto himfelf a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
98. m Deut. ii. 4, And he wrote on the tables, according to the firft writring, the ten commandments^ which the Lord fpake unto you in the mount, out of the midrt of the fire, in the day of the afTembly : and the Lord gave them unto me. Exody 34.^ 1. And the Lord faid unto Mofes, Hew thee two taoles of ftone like unto the firft: and I will write upon thefe tables the words that were in the firft tables which thou brakcftw 1; 2. And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai/ and prefent thy felf there to me, in rhe top of the mount. v. 3. And no man (hall come up with thee, <lyc* v. 4, And he hewed two tables of ftone, like unto the firft $ and Mqfes rofc up early in the morn-
f H The Larger Catechifm.
Exodus. The Four firft Commandments containing our Duty toGod, and theother fix our Duty to Man n.
90. Queft. What Rules are to berifervedfor the right under flan- ding of the Ten Commandments ?
JnJiD, For the right under/landing of the Ten Command- ments, thefe Rules are to be obferved,
1 . That the Law is perfeA, and bindeth every one to full Conformity in the whole Man unto the Righteoufnefs there- of and unto entire Obedience for ever ; fo as to require the utmoft Ferfe&ion of every Duty, and to forbid the leaft Degree of every Sin o.
2 That it is fpiritual, and fo reacheth the underftanding, "Will, Affections and all other Powers of the Soul ; as well as Words, Works, and Geftures p. 3. That
ir.ftriiing, and went up unto mount S nai, as the Lord had commanded htm and took in his hand the two rabies of flone,
n Mat. 22. 37, Jefus faid unto him, Thou fhai: love the .Lord thy God, with all thy Ik art, and witfl allth} (oat, and with all thy rrund, v 38. This is the firit and g eat com- mandments v 39. And the fecond ;$ 1 ke unto it, Thou (halt love thy neighbour as thy felf v 40. On thefe two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
90. o Platm, 19, 7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the foul : the teitimony of the Lord is lure, making wife the fimple .Jdm. 2, 30. For whefoever CbaU'keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty o{ all. Mat. 5.21. to the end, v 21. Ye have heard that it was laid by them of old time, Thou fhalt not kill, and wh'ofoever Thai! kiii, (hall be in danger of the judgment. <v 22. But I lay unto you, That whofoever is angry with his brother without a caule, fha'l be in danger of the judgment : and whofocver fhall fay to his brother, Raca, ttizK be in danger of the coun- cil : bur wholoever fhall fay, Thou fool, (hall be in danger of h ell fire — v 27. Yc have heard that it was
faid by them of old time, Thou fhalt not commit adultery; *v 28, Bu; I fay unto you, That wholoever loofceth on a woman to luft after her, huh committed adultery with her already in his heart— ~v 33. Again, ye have heard that it hath been laid by themofold time, Thou fhalt not forfwear thy felf, bu: fhair perform unto the Lord thine oaths. v 34. But I fay unto you, Swear not at ali j neither by heaven/ for it is Gods throne :— - f 37. But let your communications be, yea, yea; Nay, nay: for v\hatfocver is more than thefe cometh of evil, v 38. Ye have heard, that ic hath been faid, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, v 39. But I fay unro you, that ye refill not evil,— - v 43 Ye have heard that it ha h been faid, Thou fhalt love thy neighbour, ana hate thine enemy, v 44 But I fay unto you, love your enemies, blefs them that cuilc you, do good to them that hate you, and p ay for them which defpitefuily ufc you, and perfecu e you : &c.'
p Rom, 7 14, For wc know that the law is fpiritual : bud am carnal, fold under iin. ' Deut 6\ y. Thou fhalt love tta Lord thy God wi-h all thine heart, and with ail thy (oul, and Aith all thy mighc. Cm- fared
I be Larger Catechijm.
That one and the fame Thing, in diver:
Refpecte, is
required or forbiddenin feveral Commandments q,
4. That as, where a Duty is commanded, the contrary
Sin is forbidden r • and where a Sin is forbidden, the contra- ry Duty is commanded i . So, where a Fromife is annexed,
the contrary Threatning is included t ; and where a Threat-
ning is annexed, the contrary Promife is included v.
5. That
Compared with Mat. 22. 37 Jefus faid
Onto him, Thcu (halt love the lord
thy God with ail thy heart, ar.d
with all thy foul, and with all thy
mind, v 38. This is the firft, and
great commandment; v. 39 And
the fecond is like un'o it, Thou
(halt love thy neighbour as thy feif. qCW, Us. Mortify therefore ycur
membeis which are upon the earth :
fornication, unclcannefs, inord.'nate
affect ion, evil concupifcence, and
coveronfnefs, which is idolatry.
Amos. 8. 5. Saying, When will the
new- moon be gf ne, that we may
•fell com? and the (abbath, that .we may (ct forth whear^ making
the ephah fmatl), and the fliekel
great and falfrving the balances
bydeccit ? Vrov^ 1, 19. So are the • ways of every one that is greedy
of gain : which tajveth away the life
o( the owners thereof 1 Tim. 6. 10.
For the love cf money is the root
of all evil; which while (ume cove- ted alter, they have erred from the
iairh,and pierced themfelves through
with many for rows. r Ija. 58. 13. If thou turn away
thy toot from the fabbarh, jrom
dping thy plealure'on my holy day,
and call the fabbarh a delight, the
holy of the Loid, honourable, and
(halt honour him, not doing thine
own ways, nor finding thine ov\n
pleafure, ror fpeaking thine own
words. Deut. 6. 13. Thou (halt fear
the Lord thy God, and ferve him,
and (halt fwear by his name. C m» pared with Mat. 4.. 0 And faitli un«
10 him, all thefe things wil 1 give
jthjee, if thou wilt fall down and
worfhip me. 1; to Then faith Je- fus unto him, Get rhe^ hence, Sa- tan : for k is written, Thou (halt worfhip the Lord thy God, and him only (halt thou ferve TAat, iy; 4.. For God command ,d, faying, Ho- nour :hy lather and mother : and, He that curfeth father or mo:her, let hjm die the death, v 5. Eut ye fay, Wholoever (hall fay to his father or his mother, it is a gift by whatsoever thou mightefr. be pro- fired by me, v 6. And honour not liis farher or his mother, he (hall be free. Thus have ye made the com- mandment of God of none cficft by your tradition.
{Mat. 5. 21, 22. (See letter o)V 23. Therefore it thou bring thy gift to the alrar, and there remembreff. that thy brother hath ought againft thee ; v 24. Leave there thy gift before the ska r, and go thy way, firft be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Efb. 4, 28. Let him that dole, fteal nu more : but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may hate to gwt ro him that ncedeth.
t Excd. to* 12, Honour thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth rhee. Compared with Prbv% 30. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father, and delpileth to obey his morher, the ravens cf ihe valley frail pick it out, and the young eagles fhali eat it.
v Jer. 18,7, At what inflant I (hall fpeak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck
ft
236 The Larger Catechifm:
$ That what God forbids, is at no Time to be done w* what he commands, is always our Duty x, and yet every particular Duty is not to be done at all Times y.
6. That under one Sm or Duty, all of the fame Kind are forbidden or commanded together with all the Gaufes, Means, Occafions, and Appearances thereof and Provocations, there- unto. 2, ;.That
»p, and to pull down, and to de- ihoykiv, 8. If that nation againft whom I have pronounced turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. Exodt 20. 7- Thou (halt not cake the name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guilt- Ids that takcth his name in vain. Corstparedwth Pfal. is. i. Lord.who { hail abide in thy tabernacle? Who {hali dwell in thy holy hill? v. 4, In whole eyes a vile perfon is con- temned 3 but he honoureth thern that fear the Lord : he that fwear- ethiobis own hurt, and changeth not. v. 5. He that putteth not out his money to ufery, nor taketh re- ward againft the innocent. He that doth thefe things fhall never be mo- ved. And with Pfalm 24. 4 He that hath clean handsfanda pure heart: who hath not lift up lus foul unto vanity, nor'fworn deceitfully. 1/, 5. He (hall receive the blefring fiorn the Lord, and righteoufnefs from the God oi his falvation.
w fob 1 3 7.Will ye fpeak wicked- ly for God ? and talk deceitfully for him ? v. 8. Will ye accept his per- fon ? will ye contend for God ? Rom^ 3. 8, And not rather, as we be flan- deroufly reported, and as fome af- firm that we lay, Let us do evil, that good may come ? whofe dam- nation is juft. Job 36. 2.1. Take heed, regard not iniquity : for this haft thou cholen rather than affli- ction. Heb. 1 1 , 25, Chofing rather to fuffer atflidtion with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleafures of fin for a feafon ■
x Vent. 4 8. And what nation is there (ogreat,thathath fiatutes and
judgments fo righteous, as all this law whicn I fet before you this day ? "j. 9. Only take heed to thy kit, and keep thy foul diligently, left thou forget the things which thine eyes have feen, and left they depart from thy heart all the days, of thy life : but teach them thy fons, and thy Tons ions.
y Mat. 12, 7, But if ye had known what this meaneth,I will have mercy and not facrihee, ye would not have condemned the guiltlefs.
zMat„ 5.21. 2^ 27, 18. See in letter o before) Mai. 15. 4. For God commanded, laying, Honour thy father and mother j and, He that curfeth lather or mother, let him die the death v. f. But ye fay. whofoever (hall iay to his father or mother, It is a gift by/ whatsoever thou migfueft be profited by me, rJ. 6, And honour not his father or his mother, he fhall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect, by your tra- ^ dition. Heb. 10, 24. And let us confider one another to provoke un- to love and to good works: v. z$\ Not forfaking the aflembling of our felves together, as the , manner of fome is ; bu exhorting one another : andfo much the more ?as ye fee the day approaching. 1 TheJ* y. 22 Abftain from all appearance of cvil% Jude 23. And others fave with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment (potted by the flefh. Gal 5. 26. Let us not be de- ft reous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Col. 3. 21, Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, left they be dik couraged a Exo((,
*£he Larger Cdtechlfm N, 2,37
7. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourfelves, we p. re bound x according to our Places, to endeavour that it may- be avoided or performed by others, according to the Duty of their Places a.
8. That in what is commanded to others, we are bound according to our Places and Callings to be helpful to them b; and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbid- den theme
100. Quell- What fpecial Things are we to confider in the Ten Commandments. t
Arifw. We are to confider in the Ten Commandments, the Preface, the Subftance of the Commandments tbemfelves, and feveral Reafons annexed tofome of them, the more to inforce them.
10 1. Que ft. What is the Preface to the Ten Command- ments ?
An fa. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is con- tained in thefe Words, J am the Lord thy Gcd, which have brought thee cut of the Land of Egypt, out of %be Houfe of Bondage d. Wherein God manifefleth his Sove- reignty, as being Jehovah, the Eternal, Immutable, and
Almighty
a Exod.i o. 10, Rut the feventh dzy is the fabb:.?h oi the Lord thy God : in it thou ihalt not do any work, thou, nor thy fon, nor thy daughter, thy man-lervanr nor thy jnaid fer- vant, nor thy ca::Ie, nor thy Granger that is w.thin thy gates. Lev, 19. 17. Thou (halt not hate thy brother in thine heart ; thou ihalt in any wife rebuke thy neighbour, and nor i ut- ter iin upon him. Gen 1 8. 19+ For I know him, thatne will command hiscnildren and hfs !v,u(hold after him, and they (hall keep the way of the Lord, to co jtniice and judg- ment j that the Lord may bring up- on Abraham, that whicn he riarh fpoken oi him, Jcjh z± 15. And if it leem evil unto . ou to lerve the Loid, choofc you this dz\ wnom ve will ferve, whether the god^ which your fathers ierved, that were on the other iide ot the flood, o- the of ;ne Amorites, la whofc
land ye dwell ; but as tor me and my houfe. we will ferve the Lord. Veut; 6. 6. And thefe words which I command thee this day, (ha I be in thine heart: v. 7. And thou fhak teach trum diligently unto thy chil- dren, and (hall talk of them when thou fit tell in thine houfe, and when thou walkeit by the way, and when thou iieit down, and when thou rifcit, up.
b z Cor. 1. 24. Not for that we hav* dominion over your faith, h helpers oi your joy : for by faith ye ltand.
c 1 Tim. f* 21: Lay hands kid- denly on rip man, neither be par- takers of other mens fins : keep t.hy Wr pure. Epb. s, ri- And have no teiiovvlhip with the unfruieful works or' darkneis, but raiher re- prove them,
10 u dE;:od. 2D. 2,
e ttai
% ) 8 The Larger Catechl'fm%
Almighty God e ; having his Being in and of himfelF, and giving Being to all his Words g and "Works h ; And that he is a God in Covenant, as with Ifrael of old, fo with all his People ; ; who as he brought them out of their Bondage in Egypt, fo he delivered! us from our fpiritual Thraldom k; and that therefore we are bound to take him for our God alone, and to keep all his Commandments !.
102. Queft. What is the Sum of the Four Commandment s9 which contain our Duty to (•od>
Anfa. The Sum of the Four Commandments containing our Duty to God, is, To love the Lord our God with all our Heart, and with all our Soul, and with all our Strength, and with all our Mind iv,
103. QueH;
e Ha. 44. <>+ Thus faith the Lord the King of Ilrael,and his redeemer the Lord ot hofls, I am the firit, and I am the lair, and befides me there is no God.
f Exod> 3, H- And God laid unto Mofes, I AM THAT I AM: and he (aid, Thus ftialt thou fay un:o the^children oflirael, I AM hath lent me unto you.
g Exod. 6. 3* • And I appeared unto Abraham, unco Iiaac, and unto Ja- cob, by the name of God Almighty, bat by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
hsJcfsij. 24. God that made the world, and all things therein, teeing that he is Lord of heaven and of earth, dwellerh not in temples made with hands, v. 28, For in him we live, and move, and have our being ; as certain alfo of your own poets have (aid,For we are alio his offspring.
IGen. 17, 7- And I will eftabiifh my covenant between me and thee, and thy feed after thee, in their ge- nerations, for an everlafting cove- nant 5 to be a God unto thee, and to thy feed alter thee, Compared with Rom 3, 29 Is he the God otthe ]ews only ? is he not alfo of the Gentiles? Yes of the Gentiles alfo.
kLuke 1. 74. That he would grant
unto us, that we beingdelivered out of the hands of our enemies, might ferve him without fear, v, ys- In hoiinefs and righteoulhefs before him all the days of our life,
1 1 ?et. 1. i?.j But as he which hath v ailed you is holy, fo be ye holy in all manner of con verfationj v 16. Becauieitis written Be ye holy, for 1 am holy, v. 17. And if ye call upon the Father, who with- out refpedt of perfons judgeth accor- ding to every mans work, pafs the time of your fojourning here in fear: v. 1 8; Forahnuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed wrth corruptible things, as lilver and gold, from your vain convention received by tradi- tion from your fathers. Lev, 18 * 30. Therefore fha.l ye keep mine ordi- nance, that ye commit not any one of thefe abominable cuftoms, whicii were commited before you, that ye deh'e not your felves therein ; I am the Lord your God. Lev. 19, 37. Therefore fhail ye obferve all my i*arutes,anrl all my judgments, and do them ; I am the Lord.
m 102.. Luke 10. 2.7, And he an- swering, fair!, Tnou ihalt love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy foul, and with all thy ftrength, and with all thy mind 5 and thy neighbour as thy felt.
10?.
The Larger Catechism I 139
103; Queft. Which is the fir ft Com?nandinent ?
Anfon. The Firft Commandment is, Thou Jhalt have no other Cods before me n.
104. Queft, What are the Duties required in the firft Command' ment ?
Anfiv. The Duties required in the Firft Commandment, are, the Knowing and Acknowledging of God to be the only true Cod, and our God o ; and to Wprfhip and Glorify him accordingly p, by Thinking q, Meditating r9 Re- j^embringi, highly Efteemingr, Honouring v, Adoring w,
Choofing,
103. n Exod. 20. 3.
104. o 1 Cbrott. 28. 9, And thou, Solomon my Ion, know thcu the God of thy farher, and ferve him with a perifcl heart, and wi:h a wil- ling mind : for the Lord fearcbeth all hearts, and underftandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts : if thou feefc him, he will be found of thee, but if thou forfake him, he Vs ill cad thee off for ever. Deut.z6 17. Thou haft avouched the Lord this day ro be (hy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his ftatutes, and Yvs commandmen s, and his judgments, and -to hearken unto his voice. Ifa. 43, 10. Ye are rny wit- ntiles, iai^h the Lord, and my fer- vantwhom I havecbokn: that ye may know and believe me, and un- derftand that I am he.- be tore me there was no God formed, neither fhall there be af'er me. ^z-* 14. 22. Are there any among the vanin s of the Gentiks that can caufe rain ? or can the heavens give {hewers? Art no: rhou-hc, O Lord our Gcd ? there- fore we will wait upon rhee : for thou haft made all thele things.
p Vjalm 9> 6. O come let us worfhip and bow down : It r us kned before the Lord ou'- maker, v 7. For he is cur God, and we' are the people of his pafture, and the ftieqr ot his hand. Mat. 4. ro. Then laid Jefus unto him, Gel thee hence, Sa- tan; tor it is written, Thou fhalc
worfhlp the Lord thy God, and him only {halt thou ferve. PfaL 29, i. Give unro the Lord t)\e glory due un- to his name; worfhip the Lord in the beauty cf hoiinefs,
q Mai. j. 16. T en they that fea- red the Lord, ipake often one to a- nother, and the Lord hearkned, and heard it, and a bo^k of remembrance was wiirten before him for them thac* feared tha Lord, and that thought upon his name,
r Pfalm 63. 6, When I remember thee upon mv bed, and meditate oa thee in the night-watches
f Eccly 12.. 1, Remember now thy Creator m the days of thy youth, while the e\ii days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou fliaic fay, I have no pleafure in therm
t P/k7, 7i. 10. Thy rightepumets alfo, O God, is veiy high, who halt done great things? O God, who is like bnqg thee?
v. Mai i. 6, A (on honourerh Its father, and a iervaat his matter; Jf then I be a father, where is mine honour-? and it 1 be a mafter, where is my fear? faith r e Lord of holts unto ^ou, O p: lefts, that defpiie my name : --•
w IJa* 45, 23.I have iworn by my felf, tne wvrd hath gone out oi my moyrh in righttoufneis, and fhall net. return, that unto me every knee fhall bow, every tongue fhall iwear,
2,40 The Larger Catechif?n- ,
Choofing */ Loving v, Defiring Zy Fearing of Him a ; Be lieving Him b Trufting c, Hoping d, Delighting c, Rejoi cing; in Him f ; being Zealous for Him g ; Calling upon Him giving all Praife and Thanks b, and yielding allObedienceanc Submiffion to Him with the whole Man i ; being careful all Things to pleafe Him k, and forrowful when in anj Thing he is offended 1 : and walking humbly with Him m
105*. Queft
x Jcjh. ia 1 j. And if ft feem evil unco yon to ferve the Lord, choofe you this day whom ye will lerve, whether the gods which your fa- thers ferved, that were on the other iide of tne flood, or the gods of the Amoritei, in whofe land ye dwell :'- bur as for me and my houfc, we will ferve the Lord, v* 22. And jofhua (aid unco the people, Ye are wimefles againfr. your (elves, that ye have chQlen the Lord, to ferve him. And they faid, We are wimefles
y Vent 6 y. And thou fhalt love fheLorJ thy God with all thine heart," and with all thy foul , and with all thy mrghr.
z?faL 73. 2/, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I defirc befidesthee.
a ifa 8. 1 j. San&ify the Lord of,. holts himfelf, and let him be your* itar, and let him be your dread,
b Exod. 14. 13. And Hrael faw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians : and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his fervant Moles.
c Ifa, 26. 4. Trull ye in the Lord for ever : for in the Lord Jehovah iseverlaitingftrength.
d Pfalm* I'jtf, 7. Let Ifrael hope In the Lord jf tor with the Lord there » mercy* and withyhim is plenteous redemption.
ePjalm 37.4.* Delight thy felf ilfo m the Lord, and he fliall give thee the deiircs of thine heart.
f Pjalm 32. 11. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice ye righteous 5 and fhout for joy all ye that are upright In heart.
gRow. 1 z. 11. Not flo:hfuL in
bufinels ; fervent m fpirit ; ferving the Lord, Compared with Numb, z$ \ M.Phineas the (on of EleaZjr, the1 ion of Aaron the prieft, hath turned | my wrath away trom the children I of Ifrael (while he was zealous for my fake among them) that I con- fumed not the children of Ifrael in my jealoufy.
h Vhll 4. 6" Be careful for no- thing \ but in every thing by prayer and Amplication wich thanksgiving, let your requeils be made known unto God.
i Jck 7: 23. But this thing com- manded \ them,fayng,obey myvoices, and I will be your Goa>and ye fhali be my people; and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well. unto you, James 4. 7% Submit your (elves therefore to God j refill the devil, and he will free from you.
k 1 John 3. 229 And whatfoever We ask, we receive of him, becaule we keep his cqmmandments, and do thete things that arc plcaiing in his fight.
[Jer. 31^18,1 have furely heard Ephraim bemoaning him felf thus, Thou hail chaftifed me, and I was chaftiied, as a bullock unacuftomed to the yoke ;' turn thou me, and I fhail be turned , for thou art theLord my God. Pfal. 119. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes ; be- cause they keep not rhy law.
m Mic. 6. 8 He hath (hewal thee, Oman, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do juitly, and to !ove mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ?
joy. n Vfalm
The Larger Cdtechtfm% 241
soy, Queft. What are the Sins forbidden in the Fir/i Command- ment t
Anfixu The Sins forbidden in the Firft Commandment are, Atheifin, in denying, or not having a God n ; Idolatry, in having or worihipping more Gods than One, .or any with, or inftead of the true God 0; the not having and avouch- ing Him for God and our God p; the OmiiTion or Ne- glect of any Thing due to Him, required in this Command- ment q •, Ignorance ., Forgetfulneis !? Mifapprehenfions \
falfe
105. n Vfalm 14, 1. The fcol hath faid in his heart, There is no God : they are corrupt, they havedone a- bominable works, there- is none' that doth good. EfL 2„ 12. Thsc at that time ye were without Chrill, being aliens from the common- wealth of Ifrael, and Grangers from the covenants of promiie, having no hope, and without God in the world -
o Jer. 2. 17. Saying to a Rock, Thou art my father; and to a Hone, Thou haft brought me torth : ior they have turned cheir face : but in the time of their trouble tfiey will fay, Arife, and lave us. v. 28, But where are thy gods that tnou hait made thee < iet them ariie if they can lave thee in the time oi thy trouble : for according to the num- ber of thy cries are chv gods6 O Ja- dah. Compared with 1 Tbejfi,^. i?or they thcmfelves (hew of us, what manner ol entring in we had unto you, and how ye returned to God lrom idols, to ferve the living ancj true God.
p PfalmSi; II. But my people would not hearken to my voice : and Ilrael woiikynoneofme.
q ifa* 4.3, 2.2., B it thou haft not called upon me, O Jacob, but fchou hait been weary ol me, O lirael, *6t 23. Thou hafi not brought me the (mail cattle bT thy ournc : ings, neither halt thou hono me with rr:y facrifices . 1 have not cauica chec to ferve with an offer*
irig, ncr wearied theewith incenfe: <v. 24. Thou hafl bought me no fweet cane with money, neither hall thou filled me witn the lac of thy facrifices: but thou halt made me to lervc with thy fins, thou hair, wearied me with rii iniquities^ : -
r *fern $t 2.2. For my people is foolifh, they hay-? not known me, they a;e (ottifh-children, .and they have none understanding : they are wife to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. _ ■Il-.jjea^ 4, I* Hear the word-01 the Lord, ye chiU dren of lirae! $ for ihe Lord hath a controvert with the inbobitaots of the land, becaufe there is no nuth, nor me:cy, nor knowledge cr God in the land^ nj 6 My people are deftroyed ior jack 01 knowledge : becauic thou haft re;ec"Ld Know- ledge, I alio will reject thee, that rhou (halt be no prielt to me.* feting thou haft .orgorren the law of thy* God, I will alio forget thy chil- dren. .
f Jer\ 2, 3a, Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride r»,r at- tire? yet my people have torgofeea me day? without number.
l.Atis I?, 23. For as I pdff.d oy, and beheld your devotions, i found, an altar with this inferiorion, TO THE UNKNOWN GOO. Whom therefore ye ignoranuy worfhip, him d; ciare I unto you. v. 29 Fbr- timuch then «we are theo&pring of Gjdt we ought aot to chiaJuha*
thd
%^% The Larger Cdtechlfm
falfe Opinions v? unworthy and wicked Thoughts ofHim w; bold and curious Searching into His Secrets x ; all profane- nefs y, Hatred of God % -; Self-love 2, Self-feeking b, 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 Parte ; vain Credulity d, Un-
belief e, Herefy V Misbelief g, Diftruft b, Defpair
Incorri- giblenefs
the Godhead is like unto gold, or Elver, or ftone graven by art and mans device,
v [faiah 40, 18. To whom then will ye liken God ? or what like- nefs will ye compare unto him ?
w Pfalm jc 21, Thefe things haft thou done, and 1 kept iilence : thoir thoughreft that I was altogether luch an one as thy ielf ; but I will re- prove thee, and let them in order before thine eyes.
x Deui 29, 2q. The fecret things belong unto the Lord our God : but thofe things which are revealed be- long unto us, and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words cf this law.
y Tit 1, 16*. They profefs that they know God ; but in works the? deny him, being abominable, and dhobedienr, and un?o every pood work reprobate, Heb 12, 16 Left there be any fornicator, or proiane perfon, as Elau, who for one mcr- felof meat fold his birth-right.
z Rom 1. 30. Backbiters, haters of God, delpiteful, proud, boa- iters,—
a 2 Tim 3, 2. For men fhall be lo- vers oi their own felves, covetous, boaftcrj, proud, blafphemer?! di(- obedienc to parents, unthankful, unholy.
. b Phil 2. 21. For all fcek thteir own, not the things which are Je- fus Chrifts.
ci John 2, I ?, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the ivorld. If any man love the world, the love or the Father is nor in rtim, v, itf, F?r all cii3.{ i^ in ;hc
v/orid, the luft of the flefh, and the luft of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 Sam. 2, 29. Where- fore kick ye at my facrihee, and at mine offering which I have com- manded in my habitation, and ho- noureft chy fons above me, to make your {elves fat with the chiefetr. of all the offerings of Kracl my peo- ple? 0/3. 2. St your affection on things above, not On things on the earth, v 5, Mortify therefore your members which sre upon the earth; fornication, uncleannefF, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetoufnels, which is idolatry.
d 1 John +9 1, Beloved, believe not every fpirit, but try the fpirirs whether they are of God : becaufe many ialfe prophe:s are gone out into the world,
e HeB ?, 12. Take heed, brr ■? thren, left there be in any of you sn evil heart of unbelief, in depart- ing from the living God,
f Gal 5. 20, Idoatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, ftrife, (editions, heVefies.' Tttus '3. 10. A. man that is an hererick, after the m-ft and kcond admonition^ reject.
g Acts z6. 9. I verily thought wich my felf, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of jefus of Nsaereth.
h Pfalm 78. 22. Becaufe they be- lieved not in God, and trufted not in his {alvation.
i Gen 4,13. And Cain faid unto the Lord, My puniQimxn: is grea. tcr than I qsn ^ar:1
*The Larger Catechifm: 2,43
Mblfcnefsk and infenfiblenefs under Judgments], Kardncfs of heart m, Pride n, preemption o, Carnal . Security pf Tempting of God q, ufing unlawful Means r, and trufting in lawful Means f, carnal Delights and Joys c ; corrupt, blind, and indifcreet Zeal v ; Lukewarmnefs w, and Deadnefs in the Things of God x,- Eftranging our felves, and Apoftati- zingfrom God y ; Praying, or giving any Religious Wor-
ftiip
k Jer. 5. 3.O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth ? thou halt ftricken them, but they. have net grieved ; thou hail cenfumed them, but they have refilled to, receive cor- ie&ion -, they have made^their faces harder than a rock, tney have re- filled to return..
1 If a. 42, 25-. Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the ftrength of battle 3 and it hath fet him on fire round about, yet he knew not 5 and ic burned him, yet he laid it not to heart;
m Romw 2. 5. But after thy hard* nefs and impenitent heart, treafu- reftup unto thy felf wrath againft the day of wrath, arid reflation of the righteous judgment of God; njer. 13, 15. Hear ye, an J give car, be not proud . for the Lord hath fpoken.
o Pjalm. 19. 1 3. Keep back thy fer- vant alio from preiump uous fins, let them not have dominion over me ; then ihuii I be uprig .t, and fhal! be innocent from the great tranigre/Iion.
pZepb. 1. i2. And it fhall come to pafs at that time, that i will (earch • Jeruialem with candies, and pu i'h the men that are fettled on -heir lee?, that fay in their hea:t, The Lord will not do good, neich he do evil.
q Mat.- 4.7. Jefus (aid unto him * It is written again*, Tnou ihi tempt the Lord thy God.
r Rom. 3, 2. And not father as we be flandcrouily reported, and as fome affirm that we lay, Let us do
evil, that good may come ? whole damnation is juff.
{ Jer. ij. 3". Thus faith the Lord, curfed b? the mm that trufteth in man, and r*v;fceth fl-.ih his arm, and whole heartdcpartethfro.cn the Lord.
tzTim. 3. a. Trakots!, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleaiure, more than lovers of God.
v Gal. 4. 1 7. They zealoufly af- fect, you, but not well j yea, they would exclude you, ..that ye might affect them, John, i5. ?, They fhall put you our ot the fynagogues: yea, the time comethj that whofotver fcilleth you, will think that he doth God iervice. Rom% 10. 2. For I bear them record, that they have a zeal of God, but not according!© know- ledge, Luke, 0, 5-4. And when his dilciples James and John /aw this, they laid, Lord, wilt thou rh.it we command fire to come down from heaven, and confume- them, even asEJiasdu}? v ss> But he turned,, and rebuked them, and faid, Ye kaow not what manner of foirir, ye are o^
w Rev 3. 16", Sothen,berauCe thou art Luke-warm, and neither cold nor* nor, I will fpaethee cut of my mouth.
x Rev 3,i, And unto the angel in thecburc . •" is, write, Thefe things (aith he 1 ;rj icven.
fpirits ot God, and the kvm ihis ; I know thy works, that thou haft a name that thou iiveif, and arc dead.
y Ezek. 14, s+ That I may take ths houie of lira el la their own
a44 Tfcs Larger Gatechijm.
ftiip to Saints, Angels, or any other Creatures z ; all Coni- pa#C& and Confalting with the Devil a, and hearkning to his Suggeftlons b; making Men the Lords of our Faith and Con- fdence c ♦, Slighting and DefpifingGod, and his Commands d;
Refitting
heart, becaufe they are all eflranged from me through their idols. Ifa. t, 4% Ah Untul nacion, a people laden with iniquity, a feed of evil- doers, children that are conupters, they have forfaken the Lord, they have provoked the holy One of If- rael unto anger, they are gone away backward, 4i $. Why fhould ye be firiken any more ? ye will revolt more and more : the whole head is lick, and the whole heart faint.
z Rom, 10, 13, For whofosver (hall call upon the name of the Lord, ("hall be faved, <v. 14. How then (hall they call on hirn in whom they have not believed * and how ihall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? and how fliali they hear without a preacher ? Eof* 4.. 12. My people ask counfel at their flocks, and* their ftarT declareth unto them: for the fpirit of whoredoms hath caufed them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God, Atis 10, zyl And as Pe- ter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feer, and worshipped him* v. 2.6. But Peter took him up, faying, Stand up; Imyiclfalfo am a man, Rev rp. 16. And I fell at his feet Co worfhip him : and he (aid unto me, See thou co it not: I am thy fellow- (ervanr, and of thy brethren that have the teftimony of Jeiusj worfhip God; for the teftimony' of Jefus is the fpirit of prophecy. Mat, 4, 10. Then iaith Jtfus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan; for it is written, TTjoi: fhak worfhip the Lord thy God, ajnd him only (halt thou ferve. Col i; 18. Let no man beguile you or your reward, in a voluntary humility, and worfhipping of angels, intru- ding into thole things which he
hath not feen, vainly puft up by his flefhly mind. Rom 1 . 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worlhipped and fcrved the creature more than the Creator, who is bleiled forever. Amen.
a Lev? 20,6. And the foul that turneth after fuch as have {? miliar fpirits, and after wizards, to go a' whoring after them, I will even fet my lace agafrift that foul, and will cue him off from among his people. 1 $am\ 28. 7. Then faid Saul unto his lervants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar fpirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his fervants faid to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a fami- liar fpirit at Endor. <v ii". Then faid the woman, Whom (h 11 1 bring up unto thee? and he faid, Brine: me up Samuel* Compared with 1 Chron* 10. 13. So Saul died for his tranl- gveflion which he committed a- gainlt the Lord, even againft the word of the Lord which he kept not3 and alio for asking counfel of one that had a familiar fpirit, to enquire of it , v^ 14. And enquired not of the Lord: therefore he flew him, and turned the kingdom unto David rhe Son of jkfle.
b A&s 5. 3. But Peter (aid, Ana- nias, why nach Safari tilled thine heart to lie to the holy Ghoft, and to keep back part ot the price of the land ?
c 2 Car: 1, 24. Not for, that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers or you joy. fbi by faith ye (land. M^r 23, p. And call no man your lather upon earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven.
d Deut 32, 15. But Jefhurun waxed fet, pvi kicked : chuu ait waxen
The Larger Catechifm. 24^
Refitting and Grieving of his Spirit ?, Difcontent and Impatience at his Difpenfations, Charging him foolifhly for the Evils he inflic/ts on us < ; and afcribing the Praife of any Good we either are, have, or can do, to Fortunes, Idols h, ourfelves K or any other Creature k.
106, Queft, What are we efpeclally taught by theft Words (Before Me) in the Firjl Commandment ?
Jnfio. Thefe Words {Before Me) or before my Face in.
the
ht, thoH art grown thick, thou arc covered with fatnefs : then he foriook Qod which made him, and lightly elieemed the reck of his falvation. 2 Sam. 12. 9. Where- fore haft thou defpifed the com- mandment of the Lord, to do evil in his light ? thou halt killed Uriah the Hittire with the fword, and hail taken his wife to be thy wife, and halt flain him with the fword of the children of A rumor* Prov, 15. 13, Whofo defpifed) the word, fhall be deftroyed • but he chat fearerh the commandment, {hall be rewarded.
e Afis. 7, <i« Ye ftiff-necked and uncircumcifed in heart and ears, ye do always retift the holy Ghoft : as ycur fathers did, fo do ye. Eph, 4. v 50. And grieve not the holy Spirit ot God, whereby ye are ieaied un- to the day of redemption,
f Pfahn. 73.2. But as for me, my feet were a)moft gone; my ileps had well-nigh flipt. rJ 3. For I was envious at the foollfh ; when I faw the profperity ot the wicked. i> 13. Verily I have cleanfed my heart in vain, and wafhed my hands in innocency, <v 14. For all the day long have 1 btxn plagued, and chaftned every morning, *o 15. If 1 lay, I will ipeak thus : Behold, I {hould offend againft the genera- tion ot thy children, «u 22. So foolfli was I, and ignorant ; 1 was as a beaft before thee. Jot?. 1. 22. In all this Job finned not, nor charged God foolifhly.
g 1 Sam. 6\ 7. Now therefore make a new cart, and take two
BUlch-kinc on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to tbc cart, and bring their calves home from them: <u8. And take the ark of the Lord, and lay it u- pon the cart, and put the jewels of goJd which ye return him for a trefpafs -offering, Li a coffer by the fide thereof, and fend k a- way, that it may go. v g. And fee ii it goeth up by the way of his own coaft to Bethfhemefh, then he hath done us this great evil : but if not, then wefnall know that it is not his hand that fmore us j it W£S chance that happened to
h Dav<; $. 23. But haft lifted up thy feif againft the Lord of heaven, and they have brought the vefleis of his houfe before thee, and thou and rhy lords, thy wives and thy concubines have drunk wine in them, and thou haft prailed the gods of fiiver and gold, of brat?5 iron, wood, and ftone, which fee nor, nor hear nor know : and the God in whole hand thy breath is, and whofe are all thy ways, haft thou not glorified,
\ Vent 3, !7f And thou fay in thine heart, My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth. Dan. 4. %o. The king fpake, and faid, Is not this great Babylon that I have built tor the houfe of the kingdom, by the might of my power, and for the honour of my msjefty ?
k Hab. 1. \6. Therefore they fa- crifice unto :heir net, and burn in-
2,4*5 c^e Larger Catechifm:
the firft Commandment, teach us, That God who feeth all 1 TThinas, taketh fpecial notice of, and is much difpleafed with the Sin of having any other God ; that fo it may be an Argument to diffwade from it, and to aggravate it as a molt impudent provocation I ; as alfo to peri wade us to do •as in his Sight, whatever we do in his Service m,
107, Quell. Which is the Second Commandment ?
Anfw. The Second Commandment is, Thouflmlt not male unto thee any graven image, or any Li ken efe of any Thing that is in Heaven above, or that is in the Earth beneath, or that is in the Water tinder the Earth. Thou /halt not bow down thy felf to them, ?icr ferveth^m -i Fori the Lord thy God am a jealous God, vi filing the Iniquity of the¥ at hers upon the Children unto theThird andYourth Generation of them that hate me : and /hewing Mercy unto Thoufand; of them that love me,' and keep my Commandments n-
108. Quefl". What are the Duties required in the Second Command* went ?
Anfiv. The Duties equired in the Second Command- inent are, the receiving, Obierving; and keeping pure" ancj entire, all luch religious Wbrihip 0 and Ordinances as God hath inftituted in his Word-, particularly Prayer and Thanks- giving
cenfe onto their drag ; pecanfeby Shall not Gcd fearch this out? th;m their portion is far, and their for he knoweth the iecrets of the meat plenteous. heart,
106. 1 Ezek. 8,5. Then lair! he m 1 Chron. 28 p. And thou, Solo-
uirome, Sen of man, lift up thine moil my Son, know thou the God
eyes now the way towards the ofrhy father, and (erve him with
north : To I lift up mine eyes tYi^ a pe»fec3 heart, and with a wii-
way towards the north, and be- ling mind : for the Lord fearch-
hold northward, at the gate of eth all hearts, and underitandeth all
rhe altar, this, innate of jealoufy in the imaginations of the thoughts:
the entry, <v 6. He faid further- if thou ice.!; him, he will be
more unto me, Son of man, fecit found of thee ; our if thou for-
thou what they do/ even the great fake him, he will cait. thee off tor
abominations that the houje of If- veyer.
jaei commitierh here, mat I should 107. n Exod. 2.0, 4.. $> 6.
go far off from my (ancillary 1 but 108 o Deri. 32. 46". And he (aid
turn thee* yet again, and thou shalt unto them, Set your hearts unto all
£ee greater abominations. &c. (to the words which I teftify among you
the end of the chapter.) PJalm 44 20. this day $ which ye shall command
If we have forgotten the name of your children to obferve to do all
pur God, or if retched out our the words of this law. v 47, For
is to a itiange Gad: v 2..1. it is act a vain thing for you: be-
cauk
The Larger Catechtfm\ 2,47
givlngin the Name ofChrifl p ; the Reading, Preaching and Hearing of the Word q ; the Adminiftration and Receiving of the Sacraments r ; Church-government and Difcipline \%
the
caufe it is your life ; and through this thing ye (hall prolong your days in the land whither ye go over Jor- den to pollefs it. Mat. 28. 20. Teach- ing them to obferve all things what- foever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you aiway even unto rhe end of the world Acis 2. 42. And they continued ftedfaitly in ti\c apo- ftles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers 1 Tim. 6\ 13. I give thee charge ki the light of God, who quickneth all things, and before Chnft }efu?, • who before Pontius Pilate wirnef- fed a good confeffion ; v 14. That ibou keep this commandment with- out (pot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jefus Chriit.
p Phil. 4; 6* Be careful for no- thing : but in every thing by prayer and luppiication with tnanklgiving let your requeffc be made known unto God. Eph- 5. 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jefus Chi ill.
q Dent 17, 18. And it-fhall be when he fitreth upon the throne or his kingdom, that befhall write him a copy of this hw m a book, out of that which is before the prices the Levites, v 19. And it fhail be wirh him, and he fhali read therein ail the days of his life : that he may Jearn to fe^r the Lord his God, to keep all the words ot this law and theie ila'utes to do rhem. Acis- 15". 21. For Moics of, old. time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the fynagogues every ■ iabbath-day. 2 Tits. 4,2. Preach the word, be inibnt in lea Ton, out of feaion , reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all iong-iui?enng, and doctrine, Ja:n^ 1.2.1. Wnerefore lay apart ail fiithinefs and luperfluity of naugh- t.;nefs3 and receive with meeknefs
the ingrafted word, which is able to lave your fouls, v 2.2. But be ye do- ers ot the v\ord, and not hearers only, deceiving your own (elves. Act s9 10. 33. Immediately therefore I Cent to thee ; and thou haft well done that thou art come ! Now therefore are we all here prefent before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
tMqt% 28* jq. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name ot the Father, and of the Son, and ot the holy GhofL 1 Cor. 1 1 . from verfe. 2 3 . to 30. For 1 have received of the Lord, that which alfo I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jefus, the fame nighc in which he was betrayed, tools bread, &c.
i Mat 1S. \$: Moreover, if thy brother fhali trefpafs againll thee, go and it\\ him his fault between thee and him alone: if he fha'l hear thee, thou halt gained thy brother, v 16". But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that m the mouth of two or three witnelTes every word may be eitablifhed. 1/ 17. And if he fhail negker. to hear them, tell if unto the church : but if he ne- glect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Mat: 16*. 19; And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatfo- ever thou (halt bind or. eai th, fhali be bound in heaven : and whatfo- ever thou (halt bole on earth, shall be looled in heaven. 1 Ccr. s.cbap* ter. 1 Cor. 12,28. And God hath fet fome in the church, firfl apo. irles, fecondarily prophets, third- ly teachers, after that miracles, tnen gifts of healings, helps, go- vernments, diverfities ot tongues!
248 Tfje Larger Catechifm:
the Minilhy and Maintainance thereof r, Religious Fa- iling v ; Swearing by the Name oi God w, and Vowing unto him x . As alfo the Difapproving, Detefting, Oppo- fmg all -falfe Worfhip v ; and, according to each one's Place and Calling, removing it, and all Monuments of Idolattry z, 100, Queft. -Wlm are the -Sins forbidden hi the Second Command- m nt ?
nfiu. The Sins forbidden
nient aren
II Dc
ail
wumz k
in the Second
Ccunfelling b,
t Epht 4. IK And he* gave foire apoitl . s: and (cmc5 prophets: aid lotik, evangeliihj and fome, pa- ftnr* and reacliers • v 12. For the pe feeing of the faints, for the v,vk or the miniftry, tor the edi fv : n g of t h e be I y of Ch rtft, i Ifm. 5\ 17. f.c; :rhc eiders thai rule weli5 nfed worthy of double ho- nour, efpcciaiiy thty who labour in word and doctrine, v 18.
Poi the fcriptnref jfaitb/ Thcu (halt not muzzle the ox that trc±deth our the coin: and, The labourer is w "^rthy oi his reward. , » Cor pi 7. £0 15, Who gee h a ware fare any .tune at his own charges ? who plan- tab a vineyard, ana eateth not of the fruit thereof ? or who feedeth a fl ck, and eateth net oi the milk o£ Jehe fl <h ? ^c. ■ . . : , : • v rJce/. 2.. ^.Therefore alfo now9 faith 1 e Lord, Turn ye even to me With all your heart, and with falling, and with weeping, and with mourn- ing, v 13, and rent your heart :and not your garments, and turn y; to the Lord your God, lor he is us and merciful,—-— 1 Cor*, 7 5 •, D fraud yon not one the other, except it '".with confent foratirnes thar ye may give your fclves to fail- ing and prayer ;« — -
w Dent 6. } 3, Thou fhak fear th& JLord thy God, and ferve hmi, and fhalt (wear by his name. ■ x If a. 19? 21. And the Lord fhall be known to Egypt, and the Egypt- ians fhall know the Lord in" that tfcy, and fhall do facrifice and obla»-
Command- Command- ing
tlon, yea, they fhall vow a vow un- to the Lord, and perform it. Y\ah 76* 11: Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God ; and ier all that be round about him bring prefents unto him thar ought to be leered, r y Afts, 17. 16*. Now while Paul waitentor them at Athens, his.Spi* rit was itirred in him, when he faw all the city wholly given to idola- try, v 17] Therefore difputed he in the fynagogue with the Jew?, an4 with the devout pcrlons, and in the market daily with them that met with hinv PfaL 16. 4.- Their lor. rows fhall be multiplied, thathaften after another God ; Their drink offer- ings of blood will not I offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
z Dent- 7 $\ But thus fhall ye deal with them, ye fhall defrroy their al- tars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their giaven images with fire- lfy. 30, 22 Ye fhall defile al fo the cove- ring of thy graven images of filver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold ; thou {halt call them away as a menftruous cloth ; thou (halt fay unco it, Get thee hence.
ioq> a Ki'.m. ip 59 And it fhall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them : and that ye feek not after your own heart, and your own eyes, after which ye ule to go a whoring, b De&, 13.6, If thy brother the fon of thy mother, or thy (on, or
thy
The Larger Catechtfnv 249
ing c> Ufmg ff, and any wife Approving any Religious Wcr- (hip not inftituted by God himielfc; Tolerating a falfe Re- ligion*; The making any Reprefentation of God, of all or of any of the Three Perlbns;either inwardly in our Mind, or
out-
thy daughter, or the wife of thy bo- fom, or thy frJend, which is as rhine own foul, entice thee fecreriy, fay- ing, Let us go and fervc other gods, which thou halt noc known, thou, nor thy fathers , v. 7, Namely of the -gods or the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far onfromtbee, from the one end of the earth: even unto the other end or the eartn, y. 8. Thou {halt not confent unro him, nor hearken unto him, neither (halt thine eye pity him, neiher (halt thou fpare,, aei- iher /halt thou conceal him.
cHo/.S' 11. Epnraim isupp reeled and broken in judgment : becaufe he willingly walked after the com- mandment M/V, 6a 16, For the (fatutes ol Omri are kept, and all the works ot the houft of Ahab, and ye walk in their couniels, that I fhouid make thee a defoiation, and the in- habiants thereof an hilling; there- fore ye {hall bear the reproach ol my people.
d *| Kiitgs 11. 33. Becaufe trnt they have totfaken me, and have worfhipped Afhtoreth the goddefs of the Zidonians, Chemofh tiie god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon,and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my fiatutes and my judgments, as did David his father. 1 Kings 12.. 33 • So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Beth-el, the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had de- yiftd of his own heart, and ordain- ed afcati unto the children of Ii- rael,andhe offered upon the aitar3 and burnt incenfe.
e Dent. 12. 30. Take heed to thy felf,' that thou be not fnared by fol-
lowing them after th^ir they be de- ftroyed from before thee, and that thou enquire not after their gods, laying. How did thefe narions ferve their gods?ev n io will I do like- wife, v. 31 Thou ihdk not do fo unto the Lord thy God; tor every abomination to the Lord which he hateth, have they done unto their gods : for even their Ions and their daughters shey nave burnt in the lire to their gods. y. 32, Wnat thing foever I command you, obierve to do it j thou (halt not .add thereto, nc; diminifh from it.
f Deut 1 $.ji 'om verfe 6\ £0 j. 2 . (See letter b,) ZccIk 13. 2. And ir ihaii come to pats in that day, faith the Lord of holts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they (hall no more be re mem- bred j andalfolwil caufe the pro- phets, and the unaean.fpirit to pafs out ot the land. v. 3, And it fhail come to pafs, that when any fhail yet prophefie, then his father and his mother, that begar him, fhall fay unro him, Thou fhalt noc live ; for thou fpeakeii, lies in the name of the Lord ; and his father and his mother, that begat him, fhail thruft him through when he prophefietb. Rev. 2,2, 1 know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canii: not bear them which are evil . and thou bait tried them which fay they are apoffies, and are notj and haft found them liars, v. 14. But I have a tew things agam(x thee, becaufe thou hail there them thac hold the doclrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to caft a itumbiing- block before the children of Jfrael, to eat things facrificed unto idois, and to commit [fornication, v, iy. So haft thou alfo them that hold the
do-
SL^O
The Larger Catechifm.
outwardly in any Kind of Image or Likenefs of any Crea- ture whatfoever g ; allWorfhip of it h, orGod in it or by it i ; the making of any Reprefentation of feigned Deities k, and all Worftiip of them, or Service belonging to them 1 ;
all
dGclrineof the Nicolaitans, which thing i hare, <v io» Not with (land- ing, i have a few things againft thee, becaufe thou fufpreft that woman Jezebel, which calleth her felf a prophetefs, to teach and to fed nee my fervams to commit for- nication, and to eat tilings facri- f iced unto idpfo, Rev. 17. 12. And the tea horns which thou {aweft ate ten kings, which have received no* kingdom as yet $ bur receive power as kings one hour with the Dcafl. i>, j6. And the ten horns which thou la weft upon the beaft, thefe fhall hate the whore, and fliall make her ddclate, and naked, and fhall eat her flefti, and burn her with hie. <!'» 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and 10 agree, and give their kingdom uni;o the beaft, until the woids oi God fhall be fulfilled,
g Tkiih 4- if. fake ye therefore good heed' unto your felves (for ye faw no manner of iimilirude on the day that the Lord [pake unco you iuHorcb, out 61 the midft oi the nre) aJ* i6\ Left ye corrupt your {elves, and make you a graven image, the iimiiitude of any figure, the likenefs of male or female, <vm 1 7. The likenefs oi any beaft that Is on the earth, the likenefs of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, *v. 18. The likenefs oi any thing that creepeth on the ground, the iikenefs of any hfh that is in the wa- ters beneath the earth v. 10* And left thou lift up thine eyes unto hea- ven, and when thou (eeft the fun, and che moon, and the ftais, even all the hoft of heaven, ftiouldft be driven to woj fhip them, and ferve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unco all nations under the
whole heaven. Acts 17. 292 For- sfmuch then as we arc th? offspring of God}we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or filver, 'or irone graven by art and maris device. Roj^.'i. 21. Becaufe that when they knew God, they glorified nim not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imagination?, and their fboiifh heart was darkned. v. zif Profeiling themfelves to be wife, they became fools: v. 2.3* And changed the giory of ' the uncor- ruptible God, into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds and four footed- beafts, and creep- ing things, if. if. Who changed the truth of God unto a lie, and wor- shipped arid lerved the creature more than the Creator, who is bkfTed for ever. Amen.
hDan. 3. 18. But if nor, be ic known unto thee, O king, that we will not ferve thy gods, nor worlhip the golden image which thou haft [a up. Gall 4. 8. How- beit, then when ye know not God, ye did fervice unto them which by' nature are no gods.
lExod, jzm y. And when Aaron faw ir, he built an airar before it, and Aaron made proclamation, and faid, To morrow is a feaft to the Lord.
k Exod, 32. 8. They have tur- ned aiide quickly out of the way which I commanded them : they have made them a molten calf, and have worfliipped it, and have facri- ficed thereunto, and laid, Thefe be thy gods, O Ifrael, which have brought thee up out of the iand of Egypt.
1 1 Kings 18. 2.6". And they took the bullock which was given them,
and
The Larger Catechifm. &51
all Superfluous Devices m, corrupting the Worth ip of God n, adding to it, or taking from it o, whether invented and taken up of ourlelves i, or received by Tradition from others q> though under the Title of Antiquity r, Cuftom Devotion r,
good
and they dreffcd it, and called on tie name cf Baal from morning even until noon, faying, O Baai, hear, us: But there W2S no voice, nor any that aniwered. And they leapt upon the altar wnich was made; v 2.8. 4nd tneyciied aloud, a,nd cut themfelves alter their man- ner with knives and lancets, riil
r o Dent. 4: 2. Ye (hall not add un- to the word which I command you, neither fhall ye diminiih ought from it, that yc may keep the command- ments of the Lord your God which I command you.
p Uriahs 106. 39. Thus were thty defiled with their own wo.ks, and went a whoring with their own in-
the blood gufhed out upon them, venrtons,
jja 65. II. But ye are "they that q Mat. g5\ 9- But in vainthey do
iorfake the Lorn, that forget my worfhip me, reaching for doctrines
holy mountain, that prepare a cable the commandments ot men
tor that froop, and that iurnifh r lVet . 1.18 Forafmuch as ye knew
the drink-offering unto that cum- that ye were not redeemed withCor-
ber, ruptible things, as filver a^d gold,
m Acts. 17,22.. Then Paul flood from your vain converfarion recei-
in the midft of Mars-hill, and faid, ved by tradition from your fathers,
Ye Men ct Athens, 1 perceive that i Jer. 44. ij. But we willcertain-
in ail things ye are too fuperftiti- ly do whatfoever thing goeth forth
cms. Col 2, 2.1. (Touch not, tafte out ot our own mouth, to burn in-
not. handle not; rJii. Which all cenfe unto the queen of heaven,
are to perifn with theufing) after and to poor nut drink- offerings un-
the commandments, and doctrines to her, as we have done, we and
of men v 23. Which tilings have our fathers, our kings and our prin-
indeed a (hew ot" wifdom in will- cts, in the cities cf Judah, and in
worfhip and humility, and negie- the If reers of Jerufafeni j for then
ding oi the body, not in any ho- had we plenty oi victuals, and were
nour to the fat'sfying of the fltfh.
n Mai, 1. 7. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar ; and ye fay, Wherein have we polluted thee? in that ye fay, The table or the Lord is contemptible, v 3. And if ye offer the blind for facritice, is it not evil ? and if ye offer the lame and lick, is it not evil ? offer it now unto thy governor, will he be plea- ted with thee, or accep* rhy ner- fon? faith the Lord ot Hofls But curled be the deceiver, Which hath in his fleck a male, and vow- eth and facriheeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing : lor I am a great King, faith the Lord of Hofis, and my name is di udiui among the heathen
well, and few no evil.
t ;/.;. 6y. 3 A people that provo- keth me to anger continually to my face, that {acrificeth in gardens, and burnetii infcerile upon altars of brick* V4, which remain among the graves, and lodge in th e monu- ments, which eat Iwines flefi), and broth of abominab.e things is in their veil!!?, v 5, Which lay, Stand by thy feJf, come not ne^r to me, tor 1 am holier than thou : theie are a fraoke in my noie, a fire that bnrneth all the day. Gal. 1. 13. For ye have heard of my conveiia- tion in time pail, in the Jews reli- ligion, how that beyond meafure I perJecHced the Church of God, and waited
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frood intent, or any other pretence whatfoever v ; Simo- ny w ; Sacrilege x ; all Negleft y, Contempt z, Hinder- ing a, and oppofing tne Worfliip and Ordinances which God hath appointed,.
no Queft. What are the Reafons annexed to the Second Commandment, the more to enforce it ?
Anft). The Reafons annexed to the Second Command- ment the more to enforce it, contained in thefe Words, For I the Lord thy Cod am a jealous Cod% vifiting the Iniquity of the Y athers upon the Children unto the Third a>id Fourth Ge- neration of them that hate me . And Jhewing Mercy un- to
wafted it : ». u. And profited in
the Jews religion above many my canals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
v i Sam 13- 1 1. And Samuel iaida What hail tnon done ? Aud Saul Taid, Becaufe 1 law that the people were icattered from me, and that thou cameft not within the days ap- pointed,and that the Philiftines ga- thered themfelves' together to Mich- inafh : v. 12. Therefore hid I, The Philiftines will come down now up- on me to Gilgal, and I have not made (implication unro^ the Lord ; I forced my felt therefore, and of- fered a burnt offering. 1 Sam. If. 2.1. But the people (feidSaatjf took of the fpoil/heep and oxen, thechiet of the things which ihouid have been utterly destroyed, to (acririce unto the Loid thy God in Gilgal.
w Atfo 8, 18 And when Simon^ faw that through the laying on of theapoftles hands, the holy Ghoft was given, he offers rh m money.
x Rom. 2. 22. Thou that abhor- reft idols, doit thou commit fa* criiege ? Mat, 3. 8. Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me: but ye fay, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
y Exod* 4 24, And it came to pals by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and (ought to kill him. v. 25. Then Zipporah
took a fliarp (tone, and cut ofTrhe lorcskinof her Ion, and caft it at his feer, and laid, Surely a bloody husband art thou to, me. v. 26\ So he let him go; then fhe faid, A b'oody husband thou art, becaufe of the circumciiion.
% Mat. 22. 5. But they made light of it,and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandize. Mai. 1. 7. Ye ofter polluted bread u- pon mine altar,and ye fay, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye fay,The table of the Lord is contem- tible. i/, 13. Ye faid alfo, Behold, what a wearinefs is it, and yea have fnuffed at it, faith the Lord ot hofis; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame,and the fick ; thus ye brought an offering : fhould I accept ths of your hands? faith the Lord, a Mat. 23. 13. But wo unro you fcribes and Pharifecs, hypocrites: for ye (hut up the kingdom of hea- ven againit men : lor ye neither go in your felves, neither fuffer ye them thac are entring to go in. : b AslsVj. 44, And the nexe fab- bath- day came almoft the whole city together to hear the word of God: v 45. But when the Jews faw the multitudes, they were tilled with envy,and (pake againit thofe things which were fpoken by Paul, contra- didtir.g, and blaipheming. 1 The}. 2, 15. Who both killed the Lord jeius, and their own prophets, and have
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tcThoufands of them that love me, and keep my Ctrmnah&mthh c •, are bolide God's Sovereignty over us, and Property in us h, his fervent Zeal for his own "VVorfhip e, and his revengeful In- dignation againft all falfe Worfhip, as being a Spiritual Whoredom i ; accounting the Breakers of this Command- ment fuch as hate him, and threatning to punifh them unto
diverfe
have perfecnted us ; and they plcafc nor God, and are contrary to all men: v. 16*. Forb:dding us to (peak to the Gen riles, that they might be faved ; to fill up their fins always, for the wrath is come upon them to the ottermoii . 9
1 10. c Exod. 2.0. f, 6.
6 Pfabn 45. 1 1, So (hail the king greatly defire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord, and worfhip thou him. Rev. if. 3, And they fing the fong of Mofes the fervanc of God, and the fong ot the Lamb,- faying, Great and marvellous are thy wo;ks, Lo<d God Almighty; jufland true are thy ways, thou King of faints, v 4. Who (hall not fear (hoc, OLord, and glorify thy name ? for thou only ar: holy : tor ail nations (hall come and worfhip before thee : for thy judg- ments are made mani;
e Exod. 34. 13, But ye fh'all de- ftroy their altars, break their ima- ges, and cut down their groves, v. 14. For thou {halt worfhip no other god : for the Lord, w hole name is Jealous, is a jealous God*
f 1 Cor. 10, 20. Bur I fay, That the things which the Gentiles faeri- fice, they facrifice to devils, zr\d not to God : and I would not that ye fhould have fellowship with devils, V2i, Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cuv> of devils: Ye cannot be partakers of the Lords table, and of the table of c evils v* 22. Do we provoke the Lord to loufie? are we Sronger than he? Jer.j.iS.The children gather w and the Fathers kmdle the fire, and the women knead their dough to make cakes to the queen of heaven,
and tcr-power out drink-offerings Co other gods, that they may provoke me to anger, v. 19. Do they pro- voke me to anger ? faith the Lord : do they not provoke themfeives to the confufion of their own faces? v» 20. Therefore thus faith the Lord God, Behold, mine anger and fury fhali be poured out upon this place, upon man and upon beaft, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground ; and it fhali burn, and (hall not be quenched Ezek 16. 2.6. Thou hall alfo committed for- nication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of fkih, and haft increafed thy whoredoms, to pro- voke me to anger. <v 27,Behoid there- fore,- I have fti etched out my hand over thee, and have diminiihed thine ordina-.y food, and delivered thec un- to the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philifrines, w; i:h are afhamed of thy lewd way* D'cut. 32, \6. They provoked him to jealoulie with firange gods, with abo- minations provoked they him to v, 17. They facrjficed oQto not to God, to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. \\ 18. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and haft forgotten God that formed zhce; v, 19, And when the Lord faw it, he abhorred them, becaufe of the pro- voking of his 1 ns, and of his daugh- ters, v. 20, And he laid, I will hide my face from them, 1 will fee wha: their end fhali be: for they are a ward generation, children in . is no faith,
gar-
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diverfe Generations g; and efteeming the Obfervers of ifc fuch as love him and keep his Commandments, and promi- fing Mercy to them unto many Generations h.
in. Queft. 'Which is the Third Commandment ?
Anfw. The Third Commandment is, Thou fljalt not take the Name of the Lord thy Odd in vain • for the Lord will not hold hi?n guilt- left that taketh his Name in vain '*.
1 1 2. Queft. 'What is required in the third Commandment ?
Anfw* The third Commandment requires, That the Name of God, his Titles, Attributes k ; Ordinances I, the "Word m, Sacraments n, Pray- er,
g Wcf. 2. 2. Plead with your mo- ther, plead : for (lie is nor my wife, neither am 1 her husband : let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her fight, anc) her adulteries from between her breads; v. 3. Left I drip her naked, and let her as in the day that (he was born, and make her as a wildemefs, and fet her like a dry land, and flay her with thirff, v, 4. And I will not have mercy upon her children; tor they be the chil- dren of whoredoms.
h 'Dent, 5. 2.9. O that there were fuch a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my ieommandments alway?, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever. 1 t 1 . i Exod. 20. 7. 112, k Mat. 6. 9. After this man- ner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.' Dent. 28. 58. If thou wilr not obferve to do all the woids t)\ this law, that are written in this book, that thou rriayeft fear this g orious and fearful name, THE LORD THY fiOD. Pfalm 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worfliip the Lord in die beauty or holiness, Pfalm 68. 4. Sing unto God, fing praifts to his rtame : extol him that rideth upon die heavens by his name J AH, and
rejoice before him. Rev, 15. 3, 4.
(See above in d„)
1 Mai* 1. 14.. But curfedbe ths de- ceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth and facrificeth, unto the Lord a corrupt thing : lor I am a great King, faith the Lord of hours, and my name is dreadful a- mong the heathen. EccL s*. 1. Keep thy foot when thou goeft to the houfe of God, and be more ready ro hear, than to give the (acrifice of fools : for they conlider not that they do evil.
m Pfalm 138. 2. I will worfhip to- wards thy holy temple, and praile thy name, for thy loving kindnefs, and for thy truth : for thou had mag- nified thy word above all thy name, n 1 Cor. 11.24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and faid, Take, eat ; this is my body, which is broken for you; this do in re- membrance of me. v. 25. After the fame manner alio he took the cup, when he had fupped, faying, This cup is the new tdlament in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. v 28. But let a man examine hirnfeif, and fo let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. v. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himfell, not dikxmng the Lords body.
o ] 7im«
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tr r, Oaths p, Vows q, Lotsr 5 his "Works f ; and whatfb- cver elfe there is whereby he makes himfelf known, beholily* and reverently ufed in Thought , Meditation v, Word w and Writing x ; by an holy Profeffioiiy, and anfwerable Con- verfation z, to the Glory of God^and the Good of ourfelves b,
o I Timi 2., 8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
p Jer, 4, 2. And thou (halt fwear, The Lord livetn, in trutH, in judg- ment, and in righteouir.efs , and the nations fhali blels themfclves in him, and in him (hall they glory.
q Ecei 7.1: Be not r'afh with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be halty to utter any thing before God : for Gcd is in heaven, and thou upon earth : there/ore let thy words be few, v 4. When thou voweir. a vow unto God, defer not to pay it : for he hath no pleaiurem fools 3 p3y that which thou halt vowed. *v 5, Bet- ter is it that thou fhouldft not vow, than that thou fhouid vow, and not pay, v 6 Suffer not thy mouth to caufe thy flefh to fin, neither fay thou before the angel that it was an error ; whereiore fhouid God be angry at thy voice, and deftroy the work ofthine hand ?
r Acts. 1. 24. And they prayed, and laid * thou Lord, which know* eft the hearts of ail men, lhew whe- ther o; thefe two thou haft chofen. t> 26\ And rney gave forth their Jots, and the lot \t\\ upon thias. and he was numbred with the eleven apoftles.
f J(>b, 36\ 24, Remember that thou magnity his work, which men behold.
t Mai. 3,16. Then they that feared the Lord fpake < ften one to ano- ther, and the Lord hearfcned, and he-:rd it, and a b:,ck of remembrance was written before him for T • m that feared the Lord, and tkat thought upon his name,
v FJalm 8 threughotf, 1/ i.O Lord our Lord, how excellent is
thy name in ah the eaitli ! who haft fet thy glory above the heavens, *d 3. When I confidef the heavens, the work ot thy fingers, rhe moon and the liars which thou hail ordained ; *V 4. What is man, that thcu arc mindiul of him ?— nj 9. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name m ail the earth !
w €ol: 3,17« And wharfocver ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jeius, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Vjam, lc?. 2. Sing unto him, ling pfalms unto him: talk ye of all his won- drous works, v 5. Remember his marvelous works that he nar his wonders and the judgments or his mouth.
x ?[alm. 102 18
lis fhail be
written for the generation to come : and rhe people which (hall he crea- ted, fhall praife the Lord.
y 1 P«f, £. ij\ But ianciify the Lord God in your heans : and be ready always to give an anfwer to everv man that asketh you a reafou of rhe hope that is in you, with meeknefs and fear. Micak. 4. 5. For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, a::d we will v.zlk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and 1
% Phil. 1 , 27. Only let your con- □ be fuch as becometh the gofpel ofChriit
a 1 Cor. 10.51. Whether there- fore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever re <doy do all to the glory of God,
D !?#*> r2* 39- * nc* * w*^ £*v'e them one heart, and one way, that' they may iear me tor ever, :■ good oi them, and of v e;r chil- ler rhe m.
C I tit4
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and others . -.- ,. . . . •
in, Quell. 'What are the Sins forbidden in the Third Ctmmand* went P
Anfa). The Sins forbidden in the Third Commandment are, the not ufing of God's Name as is required $ ; and the Abufeof it in an ignorant c, vainf, irreverent, prophane gv fuDerftitious h, cr wicked Mentioning or otherwise Ufing
his
c i "Pet* i: Hi Having your con- vention honeit among the Gen- tiles, that whereas they fpeak a- galnft you as evil doeis, they may by your good works which they (ha] I behold, glorify God in the day of vi- iitation.
1 1 3* d MriL 2. 2,, !f you will not hear, and if you wiii not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, faith the Lord of hods, I will even fend a curfe upon you, and I will eurfe your bleilings : yea, I have curfed them already, be'ea'ufe you do not lay it to heart,
e ABs. 17. 2.3. For as I pafTed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inferprion, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worfhip, him declare Iunro you,,
fPm/. 30. 9. Left I be full3 and deny thee, and (ay, Who is :he Lord ? or left I be po )r, and ileal, and take the name of my God in vain.
g MaL K 6\ A ion honoureth his father, and a fervant his mallei . if men 1 be a father, where is mine honour? and ifl be a mafter, where Is my fear ? faith the Lore of hofts Hiiro you, Opriefts, that defpife my name: and ye (ay, Wherein have we defpifed thy name ? v 7. Ye of- fer polluted bread upon mine altar j and ye fay, Wherein have wc pol- luted thee? in that ye fay, The table of the Lord is contemptible, v 12. But ye bave profaned it, in that ye uv, The table of the Lord is pollu- ted, and the fruit thereof, even his meat is contemptible* Mat* 3.^ 14. Ye have faid* It is vain to ferve God i
and what profit is f£ that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have/ walked mournfully before the Lord of hofts? ;
.. h 1 Sam 4, J. And when the peo- ple were come into the camp, the elders of Ifrael faid, Wrherefore hath the Lord fmitten us to day before the Philiftines? Lee us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that when it cometh among us, it may lave us out of tlie hand of our enemy, ro «*. So the people lent to Shiloh, that they: might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hofts, which dwelleth between the cheru- bfrriSo0 and the two fons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there, with the ark .of the covenant of God; 4 $. And when the ark of the covenant cf the. Lord came in- to the camp/ all Ifrael fhouted with a great /hour, fo that the earth rang again, Jet., 7. 4. Trull ye not in lying words, faying, The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are thefe. nj 9. Will ye ileal? murder, and commit adultery^ and fwear falfly.; and burn incenfe unto Baal, and walk after other, gods whom ye know not $ v 10, And come and (land before me in this houfe, which is called by my name, and fay, We are delivered to do ail thefe abo- minations? v 14* Therefore will I- do unto this houfe which ist called by my name, wherein ye truft, and unto the place which I give to you, and to your fathers, as 1 have done to Shiloh/ v 31. And they have^ built
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his Titles, Attributes i, Ordinances k, or "Works 1, by Blas- phemy m, Perjury n, j all finful Curlings o, Oaths p, Vows qr * and
built the high places of Tcphet, which is in the valley of the (on of Hianom, to burn their^ Tons and daughters in the fire, which I com- manded them not, neither came it inro my heart. GjL 2, 20. Wherer fore if ye be dead with Chritt from the rudiments of the world ; why as though living in the world, are ye (ubject to ordinances? *p. 21. (Touch not, talte nor, handle not; v, 22. Which all are to perifh with the uiing ) after the commandments and doctrines of men.
i 2 Kings 18, 30, Neither let He- zekiah make you truit in the Lord, faying, the Lord will iurely deliver us, and this city fhall not be deliver- ed into the hand of the king 01 Af- lyria. <v. 35 Who are they among all the go- s of the countries, tbac have delivered their country our. of mine hand, char the Lord fhould deliver Jcrafalefli out of mine hand ? Exod. f. 2.. And Pharaoh laid, Who is the Lord, that I fhould obey his voice, to let Ilrael go/ I know not the Lord, neither will I let Iifrael go. V\dm 1 3 9. zo. For they fpcafc agamftthee wicfcedlyj and thine e- nemies take thy name in vain,
k Pfahn 50. 16. But unto the wick< d God faith, Whac halt thou to do o declare my ftatiitesi or that thou fhoui.iit rake my covenant in tny mouth ? v\ 17, Seeing thou hateft initruction. and caitcit my words behind t
1 \\a. s* 12. And the harp and rlie viol, tne rat ret and pipe, and wine are irnheir feaih : but they no: the work of r neither
coniider the operation or his h
m 2 Kings 19,22. Whom utinou reproached and biafpheaied ? and againit whom haft thou and lit up thine 1 even agsiait the holy One ofllraeij
Lev, 24. 1 :. And the Ifraelitifh wq- mans (en blafphemd the name of the Lord, and curfedj and they brought him unco Mofes,
n Zech 5. 4 I will bring it forth J fairn the Lord of hofb, and it fhall enter into the houfe of the thiefj and into the houfe cr him that f.vea- reth falily by my name ; and it fhall remain in the mid it of his houfe, and fhall coniume it, with the tim- ber thereof, and the (tunes thereof, Zech. 8. 17, And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts againft your neighbour, and love no falfc oath : for ail thefe are things that I hate, fairh th Lord.
o 1 Sani. 17. 43, And the Phili- ftine (aid. unto David, Am I a dog, that riiou comeit to me with ftaves ? and the Phiiifti.ne curfed David by his gods, 2 Sam i5„ $•. And when king David came to Bahurirn, be- hold, thence came out a man of me family of -he houfe of Saul, whofe nam? was Shimci the ion ofGcra, he came forth, and curled ftill as ha came.
p Jcr. 5T , 7. How (hall 1 pardon thee for this ? thy children bare for- f ken me, and (worn by them tha£ are no gods ; when I had fed them to che full, the? then commuted adultery, and aflembied ihemielves by troops in the harlots houfes. Jer* 23, 10. For the land is full of adul- terers, for becaufc of iwearing the land moumeth ; the pieafant places of the wild erne is are dried up, and their oourfe is evil, and their force is n. I right.
q Veut 23, i&. Thou fhalc nc£ brin^ . ?, cr the
of a dog 'into the houfe of the • Lord thy God 1 or any vow : iur even both thefe are ah- -mination unto the Lord thy God. yj'^sz}, \zJ And When it was cia\ , certain of the jews K ban*
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and Lotsr; Violating of our Oaths and Vows, if law- ful f ; and Fulfilling them, if of Things .unlawful (m Murmuring and Quarrelling at v, curious Prying into w,« and Mifapplying of God's Decrees x, and Providen-
ces
banded together, and bound them- felves under a curfe, faying, ttot they would neither eat nor drink till fhey had killed Paul, <v. 14. And they came to the chief priefts and el- ders, and laid. We have bound our felves under a great curfe, that we will eat nothing until wehaveflain Paul;
r Ejlhf h 7« fa the firft month (that is, the month Nifan) in the twelfth year of king Ahafuerus, chey caft Pur, that is, the lot, before Ha- man, Jrom day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is the month Adar. Esih 9, 24. Becaufe Haman the (on of Ha-
fake, and for their fakes which fat with him,- he would not reject her. 1 Sam zy, 22, So and mo e alfo do' God unto the enemies of David, if I, leave of all that peitain to him, by the morning light, any that pifTeth againff the wall; v, 32. And Da- vid (aid to Abigail, Bailed be the Lord God of Ifrael, which fent thee this day to meet me : ^,33. And blefled be thy advice, and bleflcd be thou, which hall kept me this day from coming to fhed blood, and from avenging my felf with mine own hand. v. 3^ For in very detd, as the Lord God of Ifrael liveth, which hath kept me back from hurt-
medatha the Agagite, the enemy of ing thee, except thou had it ha (ted
all the Jews, had devifed againfi th Jews to deflroy them, and had cart Pur, (that is, the lot) to confume them, and to deftroy them. ?fabn« 2.2- 18. They part my garments a- mong them, and cad lots upon my Vefrure.
f Pfalm 24, 4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart 5 who hath not lift up his foul unto vanity, nor fworn deceitfully. Ezek iT. 16. As I live, faith the Lord God,furely in the place where the king dwelieth, that made him king, whofe oach he defpifed, and whole covenant he brake, even with him, in the midft of Babylon he fhall die. v. 18, See- ing he defpifed the oath,- by break- ing the covenant, (when lo, he had given his hand) and hath done aM thefe things, he fhall not efcape^ <v 19. Therefore thus faith the Lord God, As 1 live, furely mine oath that he hath defpifed, and my cove- nant that he hath broken, even it will I recompenfe upon his own head.
t Mark 6. Q.6. And the king was <$xsceding forry, yet for his oaths
aad come to meet me, furely there had not been left unto Nabal, by the morning light? any that piffctir againft the 'wall.
v Rom 9. 14. What /hall we fay then i Is there unrighteoufnefs with God ? God forbid, v. 19. Thou? wilt (ay then unto me? Why doth he yet find fault ( for who hath refilled his will ? v^ 20. Nay, but,0 man,' who art thou that repiiett againlt God ? fhall the thing formed fay to him that formed it, Why haft thoir made me thus ?
w Dent 29, 29, The fecret things- belong unto the Lord our God : but thofe things which are revealed be- long unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
x Rom 3, 5. But if our unrighte- oufnefs commend the righteoufnefs of God,- what fhall we (ay '{ is Gocl unrighteous who taketh vengeance ? I ipeak as a man- v* 7. For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory, why yet am I alfo judged- as afinner?
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£e$yi Mifinterpreting z, Mifapplyinga, or any way Per- verting the Word, or any Part ot it >>, to profane Jeftsc) cu- fious or unprofitable Qucftions, vain Janglings, or the Maintaining of falfe Doftrines d ; Abufing it, the Greatare^
Rom. 6. i.Whst {hall we fay then? (hail we continue in tin, that gr^ce may abound ? God forbid.
y Eccl. 8, ii, Becaufe fentence again it an evil work is not executed fiJeedily ; therefore the heart of rhe fons of men is fully fct in them ro do evil, EccI 9, 3. This is an eyil among all rhinos that are dene un- der the fun, that there is one event unto all ; Yea, alio the heart of rhe (bns of men is full of evil, and mad- nefs is in their heart while they live, and alter tha»", they go to rhe dead, Pfalm 39. throughout. I faid, I will take heec to my ways, that I fin not wirh my tongue:—
.z Mat% y . 21. to the end. (See Que ft. 99 letter o.)
a Ezekx 13. 22. Becaufe with lies ye have made the heart of the righ» teoui iad, whom I have nnt made (ad j and ftrengthned the hands of the wicked, that he fhould not re- turn from his wicked way, by pro- rnihng hjm life.
b 2 Vet 3t 16". As a Ho in all his e'piitles, (peaking in them, of thefe things: in which are fome things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unliable wreft, as they do aifo the other (cap- tures, unto their own riclmicn »n, Mat. 22, 24. to the 31. Saying, Ma- iler, Mofes ia»d, If a man die, ha- ving no children, his brother (hail marry his wife, and rai(e up teed unto his brothe -, v. 1$ , Now there were with its feven brethren, and the Hrft— —a;. 28, Therefore in the lefurreciion whole whe (hall (he be of the (even? for they ail hud her, a>. 29. Ictus anfwered and (aid uno them, Ye do err, no: knowing' the fcriptures, nor the power of God. Vo Jo. For in the rduireclion-—
or
c Ifii. 22. 13, And behold, joy 2nd gtadneis, flaying oxen, and kil- ling ineep, eating riefh, and drink- ing wine j ht us eat and drink, for to morrow we fh?H die. $ft%4$« 34* And as for the prophet, and the prieii, and the people that (hall lay, The burden of the Lord, I will even, punifh that man and his houfe. <p* 36"; And the burden of the Lord fhail ye mention no more , for every mans word fhall be his bur- den, for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of th^ Lord of hofts cui God. v 38. But fith ye fay; The burden of the Lord* therefore, thus iairh the Lord, Becaufe you lay rh?s word, The burden of the Lord, and 1 have fent unto you, fay- ing, Ye (hall not fay, Tne burden of the Lord.-
c 1 Tith. u 4. Neither give heed" to tables, and end left genealogies^ which minifter queftions, lather. than godly edifying, which i.c in faith; fo do. v. 6", From which (rairh)' (ome having fwerved, have turned aude unto vain fugling; v. 7. De- firing to be teachers of the Jaw, ua- derihnding neithci whac they fav, nor whereof they affirm, i'Tim 6, a, He. is prod4, knowing nothing, our doting about quell ions and ftrifes ot words, wnereof cometh envy, (trite, railings, evil furmi- fings. v. 5. Perverfe difputings of men ot corrupt minds, and delli- tute of the truth, . fuppofi'ng tFiat gain is godl'nefs: from fitch with- draw thy (eif, fpjf.6 O Timothy,' keep that which is commuted to thy truft, avoiding proline and vain babfings, and oppn kioas of (cience», V'ily (o called. 2 Tim., 2. 14. Of thefe things put them in, remem- brance, charging them before the. R 2 Uvd
%6o *£he Larger Catechifm
or any Thing contained under the Name of God, to Charms $i or fmful Lulls and Practices f ; the Maligning g, Scorning h, Reviling i, ©r any ways Oppofing of God's Truth, Grace, and Ways h ♦, making Profeffing of Religion in Hypocrify,
or
Lord, that the/ RvWq not about end then carry him out, and (lone
words, to no profit, but to the fub- him that he may die4 Jude. v. 4;
verting of the hearers. Tit 3. 9. For there are certain men crept
But avoid fooliih queftions, and in unawares, who were before of
genealogies, and contentions and old ordained to this condemna-
Srivings about the law; for they are tion, ungodly men, turning the
unprofitable, and vain. grace of our God into laiciriouf-
e Dent, 18. 10, ii, it, 13, 14. nefs, and denying the only Lord
There (hall not be found among God, and our Lord Jefus Chrift. you any one that maketh his (on or g Acts. 13. 45", But when the Jews
his daughter to pais through the kw the multitudes, they were filled
fire, or that uferh divination, or an with envy, and {pake againf! thoie
obfervcr of times, or an inchanter, things which were fpoken by. Paul,
or a witch, 1;. 11. Or a charmer, or coniiadicling and blafpheming;
a confulter with familiar fphits, or I John 3, ri. Not as Cain, who was
a wizard, or a necromancer*- <y 12. For all that do thefe things are an abomination unto the Lord. &<h Acts 19. 13* Then certain1 of rhe va- gabond Jews, exorcifb, rook vpw them to call over them which had evii fpirits, the name of the I ord Jefus, laying, We adjure you by Jefus whom Paul preacneth.
f 1 Jim: 4. 3. For the time will come when they will not endure ieund doctrine; but after their own lulls ill all they heap to them* felves teachers, having itching ears.
of that wicked one, and iiew his brother: And wherefore /lew he him ? becaufc hjs own works were evil? and his brothers righteous,
h Pfalm i, 1. Blelicd :s the man that walketh not in the counlel ot the ungodly, nor (tandeth in the way of fmners, nor ikteth in the feat of the fcornfuh 2 Pet 3, 3; Knowing th's nXf, that there (hail come in the lad days fccfT.rs walk- ing after their own luffs.
i 1 Pet. 4. 4. Wherein they think it flrange that you run not with them
v. 4. And they (hall turn away their to the fame excefs of riot, fpeaking
ears from the truth, and fhali be evil'of you.
turned unto fables, Rom, 13, 13, k Acts 13, 47. But when the Jewsr
Lee us walk honeftly as in the day; faw the multitudes,' they were filled
not in rioting and drunkennefs, not with envy, and ipakepgainfl thofc
in chambering and wantonnefs, not things which were fpoken by Paul,
in if rife and envying, v. 14. But put contradicting and blaipheming. v.
ye on the Lord jefus Chriit, and make not provifion for the fiefb, to fulfil the lulls thereof! 1 Kings 21. 9. And fhe wrote in the let- ters, laying, Proclaim a fait, and fet Naboth on high among the people : v. 10, And fet two men, ions of Belial, before him, to bear witnefs againff him, faying, Thoii #dft blaph?m? $§d §nc} gjj king •
46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and faid, It was nccefTary that the word of God fhould firft have been fpoken to you : but fee- ing ye put it from you, and judge your (elves unworthy of everlafling life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. rJ. 50. But the Jews flirred up the devout and honourable women, and jhq stlitfm<fl9flhQSity, Qnd railed
per-
The Larger Catechifm: %6i
or for finifter Ends !, being afhamed of it m, or a Shame to it, by uncomfortable n, unwife 0, unfruitful p, and offen-
five
peifecution a.gainft Paul and Bar- nabas, and expelled them out of their coafts. Acts 4, 18, And they called them, and commanded them not to fpeak at all, nrr teach in the name of Jefus, Acts 10, 0., But when diverfe were hardned, and believed nor? but fpake cviJ of that way before the multitude, he de- parted from them, and feparated the ciiiciples, difputing daily in the fchco! of one Tyrannus, 1 Thef, 2. 1 5. Forbidding us to fpeak to the Gentiles, thatf they might be laved, to fill up their fins a! way : tor the wrath is come upon them to the urtermoft. Heb. t o. 29, Of how much iorer punifhment, fup- jofe ye, fhall he be thought worthy, who harh troden under foot the •Son ol God, and hath counted the blood ot the covenant wherewith lie was ianctified, an unholy thing, and hath done defpight unto the Spirit ot grace i
1 2. Tim. 3, y. Having a form of gcdli ets, but denying the power thereof, from fuch turn away. Mat. 13. 14. Wo unto you fciihes and Pnarifces, hypocrites: for ye devour widows hotiits, and tor a pretence make long prayers 5 there- lore ye ihaii receive the greater damnation. Mat. 6, 1, Take heed that you do not your alms betore men ro be ken of them ; other- wife ye have no reward of your Father which is In heaven, i?, 2. Therefoie whe/i thou doll thine alms, do not found a trumpet be- fore thee, as the hypocrites do, in the fynagogues, and in theflreet^ that they may have glory of men. Verily i fay unto you, tbey have their reward. <y. 5. And when thou pi ay eft, thou {halt not be as the hy- pcc. ites are9 for they love to pray Handing in the fynagogues, and in the corners of the ftrsecs5 tha: they
may be feen of men. Verily Hay unto you, they have their reward. *v- 16. Moreover, when ye fall, be not as the hypocrites, of a fad coun- tenance: for they disfigure their fa- ces, that they may appear unto men to fail. Verily I fay unto you, they have their reward,
m Mark 8. 38. Whofoever there- fore fhall be afhamed of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and fintul generation, of him alfo fhall thQ Son of man be afhamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Fa- ther with the holy angel?.
n?fa!mj$. 14. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chaftned every morning, v. 15. If I fay, J will fpeak thus: behold, I fhould offend againft the generation of thy children.
o \Cor. 6, y. I fpeak to your fhame. Is it fo that there is not a wile man amongfl: you ? no not one that fhall be able to judge between his bre- thren ? v. 6\ But bother c,oeth to law with brother, and rhat before the unbelievers^ Efh. 5. 1 5 See then that ye walk circumfpe&ly, not as fools, but as vs'ik. v. 16". Redeem- ing the time, becaufe the days are evil, v* 1 j Wherefore be ye not unwife, but unoWriianding what the wiii of the Lord is.
p I fa. $. 4. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it ? wherefore when I looked that it fhould bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes ? 2. Pet. 1. %. For \{ thefe things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye fhall neither be barren, nor un'ruitful in the Know- ledge ot our Lord Jefus Chri/L vm 9. But he that lacketh thefe things, is blind, and cannot fee far of}, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old fins.
The Larger Catechifm^
five Walking q, or Backfliding from ir
114. Queft. What Reafons are annexed to the Thircl ' Commandment ?
JnfiiK The Reafons annexed to the Third Command- pent, in theft Words, (The Lord thy L,od) and (For the ■Lord will mi hold him guiltlefs that taketh his Name in vain >,) are, Becaufe he is the Lord and our God, therefore his >Tarne is not to be profaned;' or any Way abufed by ust ; cfpecially becaufe he will be fo far from acquitting andlparing the TranfgrefTors of this Commandment, as that he wj.ll not luffer them to efcape his righteous Judgment v, albeit many &ch efcape theCenfures and Puniiliments of Men w,
115. Quefh
q Horn. 2. 23, Thou thar make ft tliy boa^i of die law, 'through brea- king the law dishonoured thou God? *v. 24. 7<jy the- nsme of God is bla(« phemeJ among the Gentiles, through ^ou, as u is writ ten ,
r QaL 3, i. O foolifh Galatians, who hath be^ itched you, that you Ihould not obey the truth s before whole eyes Jefus Cnrilt hath been evidently fet; forth, crucified among you? ru. 3. Are ye fo fooliih I ha* ving begun in the fpirit, are ye now made perfect by the flefh ? Eel?. 6. 6". it they fhall fall away, to jenew them again unto repentance ; feeing they cruchy to themfeives the Son of God afreflr, anci put him to an open fhame. i
114. f Exod. 20. 7,
t L?v: 19^ 12. And ye fhall not fwear by my namefalfiy, neither ihalt thou profane the nam,e c?f thy God : I am the j^ord. ; v Ezek,^6. 21. But I had pity for mine holy name^ which the houfe of Krael had profaned among the heathen whither th,ey went v. 22, Therefore lay unto the hqufe of if- rael, Thus faith the Lord God, I do not this for your fakes, O houfe of Ifrael, but for mine holy names (ake.whkh ye have profaned among trhe heathen, whither ye went. v. 2?, find I will ianfiify my great name,
which was profaned among the hea- then, which yc have profaned in the mid it of tiurm ; and the heathen fhail know that lam the Lord, faith the Lord God. when I fhall be lan- chri< d in you before their eyes. Deut. 18. 58. It thou wilt not ob- iei ve to do a J the words of this law that are written in this book, than thou mayeft fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD : v, 59. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy feed, even great plagues, and of long conti- nuance, and fore ficknefTes, and oflong continuance. Zech* f-2. And he laid unto mcy What (cell thou ? and I aniwered, I fee a flying roll, the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the bread thereof ten cubits, y. 3 . Then faid ]ie unto mc. This is the curfe that goerh forth over the face of the whole earth: tor every one that (lealech, fhail be cut off as on this fide, according to it; and every one that fweareth, fhall be cut of} as on that fide, ac- cording to ic. v. 4, I will bring ic forth, fakh the Lord of holts, and it fhall enter into the houfe of the thie£ and into t\ie houfe of him thac fweareth falfly by my name.
w. iSam, 2. 12, Now the fons of Eli were fons oi Belial, they Knew
not
The Larger Gatechifm- 2.63
I If. Quefh Which is the Fourth Commandment ?
Anfw. The Fourth Commandment, is, Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy- Six Days /halt thou labour and do all thy Work : But the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; In it thou /halt not do any Work, thouy nor thy Son, nor thy Daughter, thy Man-fervant, nor thy Maidser- vant, nor thy Cattle , nor thy Stranger that is within thy Gates. For in Six Days the Lord made Heaven and Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and refted the Seventh Day ; Wherefore the Lord blejfed the Sabbath Day, and hallowed it x%
116. Que ft. What is required in the Fourth Command* went ?
Anfw. The Fourth Commandment requireth of all Men the San&ifying or keeping holy to God fuch fet Time as he hath appointed in his Word, exprefly One whole Day in Seven ; which was the Seventh from the Beginning of the World to the Refurredtion of Chrift, and the firft Day of the Week ever fince to continue to the End of the World, which is the Chriftian Sabbath y, and in
the
not the Lord. v. 17. Wherefore the fin ot the young men was very great before the Lord : for men ab- horred the offering of the Lord. v, 22. Now Eii was very old, and heard ail that his fons did unto all Ifrael, and how they lay v-uh the women that aiTembied at ihQ door of the tabernacle of the congrega- tion, v. 24. Nay, my fens : for it is no good report that I hear 5 ye make the Lords people to tranl- grefs. Compared with 1 Sam. 3.13. fori have told him, that I will judge his houfe for ever, for the iniquity which he knoweth : becauie his ions made themleives vile, and he retrained them not.
115- x Exod. 20. 8, 9, 10,11. 116. y Dent. 5. 1 a, Keep the lab- bath-day to lan&ify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee. y. 13. Six days (halt thou labour, and do all thy work: v. 14. But the feventh day is the fabbathj of
the Lord thy God : in it thou (hale not do any work, thou, nor thy fon, nor thy daughter, nor thy man- fervanr, nor thy maid fervant, nor thine ox, nor thine afs, nor an? of thy cattle, nor thy ftranger that is within thy gates ; that thy man- fervant, and rhy maid- fervant may reft as well as thou. Gen* 2. 2. And on the feventh d*y God ended his work which he had made : and he refted on the feventh day from all the work which he had made. v. 3. And God blciied the (evenrh day, and ran&ified ic : becauie that in it he had refted from all his work which God created and made, j Cor. 16*. 1, Now concerning the colle- ction for the faints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even fo do ye, v. 2; Upon the firft day of the week,ler every one 01 you lay by him in (lore, as God hath pro- fpered him, that there be no gather- ings when 1 come; Acls 20, 7. And $ 4 »E°R
& 64 Tfo Larger CaUchtfin:
the New Teftament called the Lord's Day z.
117 Qiieft. How is We Sabbath or Lord's Day to fo fandifiedl '
Jnfw The Sabbath or Lord's Day is to be fanftified by an holy Refting all the Day "3, not only from.fuch Works as are at all Times finful, but even from fuch worldly Em- ployments' and Recreations, as are one other Days lawful b ;
1 and
Upon the nrft dzy of the week,when the difciptes ctme together to break bread, Paul preached cu them, rea- dy to c epurt on the morrow, and continued his fpeech until mid- night. Mat,s* 17, Think not that lam core todcifcroy the law or the prophets • I am not come to defiroy, tut co fulfil; <v. 18. For verily I fay unto yon. Till heaven and earth paf% one jot or one title fhall in no wife pafs from the law, till all be {dril- led. Ifa. 56. 28 Blefled is the man that doth this, and the fon of man thatlayeth hold on hthat keep;th the Sabbath from polluting it, and keep- ieth his hand . from doing any evih ty. 4, For thus faith theLord unto the eunuchs that keep my fabbaths, and choofe the things that plcafe me,and take hold of my covenant. vt 6. Alfo the fons of the Granger, that x>in themf elves to the Lord, to ferve him, and to love the name of the JLord to be his fervanr, every one that keepeth the iabbatn from pel- luting it, and taketh hold of my co- venant .- a;. 7. Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and imake them joyful in my houte of prayer : their burnt-offerings and their {acrihees fhall be accepted u* pon mine altar- lor mine houie thall be called • an houie of prayer for all people,
zRra 1. iq. I was in the Spirit on the Lords day,and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.
1 17. a Ezod. 20. 8. Remember the labbath-day, to keep it holy— — — •v9 10. But the feventh day is the febbath of the Lord thy God: in it
thou fhak not do any work, thou nor thy fon, fyc.
b Exod. 16. 25, And Mofes faid, Eat that to day ; for to day is a lab- bath unto the Lord; today ye fhall not find it in the held vn 26. Six: day fhall ye gather ir, but on the feventh day which is the fabbath* in it there fhall be none, y: 2.7. And it came to pals, that there went out fomeof the people on the feventh day for to gather, and they found none v 280 And the Lord laid unto Mofes, How long rcfufe ye to keep my commandments and my laws? ileh. 13. 15. In thofe days faw i in Judah fome treading wine- prefles on the fabbafh, and bringing an fheaves, and lading afles; as alio wine, grapes, and figs, and all man- ner of burdens, winch ihey brought into Jerufalcm on the fabbath-day : and 1 teftihed again it them in the day wherein they fold victuals, i). x6. There dwelt men of Tyre alio therein, which brought hih^arAd all manner of wares, and fold on the fabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerufalem. <v. 17. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah. and faid unto them, What evil 'hing is this that ye do, and profane the fabbath-day ? v. i3. Did not your fathers thus3 and did not our G)d bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet bring moie wrath upon Ifrael by profaning the fabbatb. <-y. 19. And it came to pa's, that when the gates of Jerufalem began to be dark belore the fabbatb, I commanded that the gates fhould be fhuf ; and charged that chey ihould
not
The Larger Catechifm. ' %6?
and making it our Delight to fpend the wholeTinie (ex- cept fo much of it as is to be taken up in Works of Ne- cefiity and Mercy ) in the publick and private Exercifes of God's Worfhip \ : And, to that end, we are to prepare our Hearts, and with {ucH forefight, Diligence and Moderation, to diipofe, and feafbnably to difpatch our worldly Bufmefs, that v/e may be the more free andiit for the Duties of that Day . 1 i3. Queft,
nor be opened till after the fabbath t own ways, nor finding thine own and (ome of my fervants fee I at the plea fine, nor (peaking thine own
gates, that there fhould ne burden be brought in on the (abbath-cky, v 20. So the merchants, and (ellcis of all kind of ware, lodged with- out Jerufalcm onee.pr-ttyi.ee, ro 21. Then I teftirkd againit them, and faid unto them, Why lodge ye&bout the wail «? if >e do fo again, I will lay hands on you From that time forth came they no more on the fab- bath v 22, And I commanded the Levites, that they fhould cleanie themfelvcs, and that they fhould come and keep the gates, to ian- cYiry the fabbath-day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this alio, and fpare me according to the gre^t- nefs of thy mercy. Jer. 17. M- Thus faith the Lord, Take heed to your (elves, and bear no burden on the fabbath-day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerufalcm. v 22. Nei- thct carry forth a burden out of your houfe on the fabbath day, nei- ther do ye any work, but hallow ye the fabbath-day, as I command- ed your fathers,
c Mat. 12. from <&& R, $0 1 3- At that rime Jelus went on the fab- bath-day through the corn, and his riifciples were an hungred, and be
word--, Lffke, 4. 16, And he came to Nazareth, where he had been t up : and, as his cuflom was5 he went into the lynagogue on the fabbath-day, and flood up for to read. ABr. 2.0. 7. And upm the firnVday of the week, when the difc. ciples came together to break bread, Paul preacled unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; 1 Cor. 16. 1, Now concerning the collection tor the faints, as I have given order to the churches of Ga~ latia. even fo do ye. v 2. Upon the firfr, day of the week, let ever? one of yoli lay by »-im in (lore, as God hath profpered him, that there be no gatherings when I came. Vfalm. 02. Title. A pfalm or fbng for the fabbath-day, Ija, 66. 2$. And it (lull come to pais, that from one new-moon roanorher, and irom one fabbath to another, /hall all fiefh come to v/orfhip before me, faith the Lord- Lev, 23. 3, S\% days (hall work be done, but the feventh day is the fabbath of reft, an holy convocation; ye flv»ll do no work therein : it is the fabbath of the Lord in your dwellings; e Exod. 20. 8. Remember the fab-
gan to pluck the ears of corn, and bath-day to keep it holy Luke* 23 But when the Phari- $4. And that day was the prtpara-
to eat. <v 2 fees faw it, $■?«
d 7/^.78. 13. If thou turn away thy toot from the fabbath-day, from doing thy pleaiureon my hol> day, and call the fabbath a delight, the holy ot the Lord, honourable, and (halt honour him,, not doing thine
tion, and the fabbath drew on. v 56. And they returned, and prepared (pores and ointments , and relied the fabbath-day, according to the commandment Exod. 16. 22. Andic came to pals tfrat on the fixrh day they gathered twice as much bread,
two
2.66 The Larger Catechifm:
1 1 8. Queft, Why is the Charge of keeping the Sabbath, more fpecially dire Bed to Governors of Families > and other Superiors ?
Anfw. The Charge of keeping the Sabbath is more lpe- cially directed to Governors of Families, and other Superi- ors, becaufe they are bound not only to keep it themfelves, but to fee that it beobfervedby all thole that are under their Charge ; and becaufe they are prone oft-times to hinder them by Employments of their own U
119. Queft What are the fins forbidden in the Fourth Command- ment P
Anfw. The Sins forbidden in the Fourth Commandment are, ail omiffions of the Duties required a, all carelefs ne- gligent, and unprofitable Performing of them, and being weary of them h j all Profaning the Day by Idlenefs, and
doing
two omcrs for one man : and all the rulers of the congregation came and fold Mofes. *vzj. And Mofes faic!, Eat that to day ; for to day is a fab- bath unto rhe Loid : to day ye fhall not find it in riie field, v 26. Six days ye fhall gather it : but on the {eventh day, which is the fatbath, in k there ftail be none. *v 29. See. for that the Lord hath g'ven you the Habbatb, therefore he giveth you on the fixth dzy the bread of two days : abide you every man in his placed let no man go out ot his place on the feventh day. heh. 13 19. (See let* Hrb.)
118. f Exod. 20. 10. But the feventh day is the fabdath ot the Lord thy God . in it thou, fhalt not do any work, thou nor thy ton, nor thy daughter, thy man-fer- vant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy flranger that is within thy gates. Jojh 240 15. And if it fetm evil unto you to ferve the Lord, choofe you this day whom you will ferve, whether the gods which your fathers ferv- ved, that were on the other fide ot the flood, or the gods of the Amorkes, in who(e land ye dwell : but as tor ms and my houfe, wc
will ferve the Lord. Nehem. 13. 15-. 17. (See above in b.j Jer. 17.20. And lay unto them, Hear the word of rhe Lord, ye kings i>f Judah, and all judah, and all the inha- bitants of Jcrufalem, that enter in by thefe gates, <v 21, 22. {See above in b.) Exod. 23. 12. Six day? fhalt thou do all thy work, and on the feventh day thou fhalc reft; that thine ox and thine afs may reit, and the {on of thy hand- maid and the ftranger may be re- frefhed.
119. g Ezek. 2.2. 26*. Her pnefts have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things ; they have put no difference between thq holy and profane, neither have they fhewed difference between the un- c eanand clean9andhave hid their eyes from my iabbaths, and i am profaned among them.
h Acts. 20, 7. And upon the fir ft day of the week, when the difciples came together to break oread, Paul preached unto them, ready to de- part on th& morrow, and continued his fpeech until midnight. v 9. And there fat in a window a cer- tain young Man named IJutychus being fallen into a deep fleep : and
as
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doing that which is in itfelf iinful j, and by all needlefs Works, Words, and Thoughts about our worldly Employments and Recreations *
1 20. Quell. What are the ^eafons annexed to theY our th Command- went, the more to enforce it ?
Anfiv. The Rccfcas annexed to the Fourth Command- ment, the p:cre £0 enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, Cod allowing us Six Days of Seven for our own Affairs and referring hue One for himfelf, in theie Words, Six Days fait thou labour and do all thy work 1 : From God's challenging a fpe- cial Propriety in that Day, The Seventh Day is the fabhath of the Lord thy Godm ; From the Example of God, who in fix Days made heaven and Earth
as Paul was long preaching, he funk down with fleep, and fell down from the thlc loir, and was taken up dead. E&ek. 33. 30. Alf > thou fon of man, the chi.dren of thy people ftiiJ are talking aPz'mlt thee by the walls, and in the doors of the houfes, and fpeak one to an- other, every one to his brother, faying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that comcth forth frcm the Lord, p 3 r. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they fit before thee as my people, and hear thy words, but they will not do them ; for with their mouth they {hew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetoufnefs.. v 32. And lo, thou art unfo ihem as a very lov- ly long of one that hath a plea fane yoice, and can play well on an in- ftrument : for ihey hear thy words, but they do them not. J?ms. 8. 5, Saying, when will the new- moon be gone, that we may fell corn ? and the fabbath, that we may fet forth wheat, making rhe ephah fmall^ and the fhekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? Mai. 1, 13. Ye faid alio, Behold, what a wearinefs is it ! and ye have fnuffed at it, faith the Lord of Holts , and ye brought that which was torn,
and ihe lame, and the flck ; thai ye brought an offering: fhouid 1 accept this of your hands ? iaith the Lord.
i Ezek 23 38, Moreover^ this they have cone unto me: they have dth- Jed my fanctuary in the fame day, and have profaned my fabbaths.
k Jer. 17, 24. And it fhall come to pafs, if ye diligently hearken unto me, iaith the Lord, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the fabbath-day : but hallow the fabbath-day, to do no work therein. <v 27. But if ye will not hearken unto me to haliow the fabbath-day., and not to bear a bur. den, even entring in at the gates of jerufalcm, on the fabbath-day ; then will I kmdle a fire in the gates there- of and it- (hail devour the palaces of Jerufalem, and it fhall not be quenched, ifa, 58.13. if thou turn away thy foot from the fabbath, from doing thy plcafure on my holy day, and call the fabbath a delighr, the hcly of the Lord, honourable, and (halt honour oim r.oc doing thine own ways, nor rinding rhine own pleafure, nor fpeaking thing cwn words.
120. 1 Exod* 20, 9,
in Exod, 20. 10.
n Exod*
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Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and refled the Seventh Day : And from that Bleffing which God put upon that Day, not only in fan&ifying it to be a Day for his Service, but in ordaining it to be a Means of Bleffing to us in our fan&ifying it ; Wherefore the Lord blejjed the Sabbath-day^ and hallowed it n.
121. Quefr. Why is the Word Remember fit in the Beginning of the Fourth Commandment ?
Anfw, The Word Remember is fet in the Beginning of the Fourth Commandment <->, partly becaufe of the great Benefit of Remembring it, we being thereby helped in our Preparation to keep it p, and, in keeping it, better to keep all the reft of the commandments q, and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great Benefits of Creation and Redemption, which contain a fhort Abridg- ment of Religion re- and partly becaufe we are very ready
to
n Exod. 20, n0
111. o Exod 20. 8.
p Expd . 1 6. 2 3 . And he (aid unto them, This is that which the Lord hath laid, To morrow is the red of the hoty fabbath unro rhe Lord : bake chat which ye will bake, to ray, and feethe what ye will feethe; and that which remaineth over, lay up for you to be kept until the mor- ning. Luke. 23, 54. And that day was the preparation, and the fab- bath drew on. v jo\ And, they returned, and prepared (pices and ointments, and retted on the fabbath- day, according to the command- ment. Compared with Mark, is* 42' And now when the even was come, becaufe it was the preparation, that is, the day before the fabbath. j&ehem. 13.19* And it came to pafs, that when the gates of Jerufalem began to be dark before the fab- bath, I commanded that the gates Should be fhut, and charged that they fhould not be opened till after the fabbath: and (ome of my fer- yants let I at rhe gate, that there . burden be brought in on •day,
p Pfalm 92. (Title) A pfalm or {ong for the fabbath-day. Compared with v. 13. Thofe that be planted in the houle of the Lord, fhaU flourifli in the courts of our God. And v 14, They fhall ftill bring forth fruit in old age ; they fhali be i*x, and flourifhing, Ezek, 20. 12. Moreover alfo, I gave them my {abbath, to be a fign between me and them, t! at they might know that I am the Lord that fanctify them, v 19. I am the Lord your God, walk in rny ltatutes, and keep my judgments, and do them, v 20, And hallow my fabbaths , and they fhall be a fign between me and you, that ye may kno* that I am the Lord your God;
r Gen. 2* 2, And on the feventh day God ended his work which he had made : and he retted on the feventh day from all his work which he had made, v 3. And God blelTed the feventh day, and {anctified it : becaufe that in it he had retted from ail his work, which God created and made. Pfal. 118. 22. Tne ttone which the builders refuici is become the head -ttone of
the
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to forget' it f,for that there is lefs Light of Nature for it f, and yet it reftraineth our natural Liberty in Things at other Times lawful v ; that it eometh but once in Seven Days , and many worldly Bufineffes come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to fanftify it a ; and that Satan with hislnltruh ments much labour to blot out the Glory, and even the Me- mory of it,- to bring in all Irreligion and Impiety x.
122 Queft.
! the corner; v 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rcjo'ce and be glad in it. Compared with Acts, 4 10. Be ir known unro you all, and to all the people of Ifrael, that by the name of Jefus Chriit of Nazareth, whom ye cru- cified, whom God raifed from the dead, even by him doth this man ftand here before you whole, t/, ir„ This is the ftone which was fet at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Rev* 1. io, I was in the fpijiton the Lords day, and hcar.i be- hind me a great voice as of a trumpet..
^ { Ezek. 22. 26", Her priefts have violated my law, and profaned mine holy things ; they have put no dif- ference between the holy and pro- fane, neither have they fhewed dif- ference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes ir^m my fabbaths, and lam profa- ned among them.
t Neh. 9. 14. And madeft known Unro them thy holy fabbatb, and commnndedft them precepts, ita- tutes, and laws, by the hand of Moft-s thy fervanr.
xExod. 34. 21. Six days thou (halt work, but on the feventh day thou (halt reft in earing-time and in harveft thou (halt reft.
w Dent. s. U. But the feventh day is the labbath of tht Lord thy God : in it thou (halt not do any
thy maid-fervant, nor thine ok, nor thine ais, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy ftranger that is within thy gates ; that thy man- fervant and thy maid* fervant may reft as well as thou, v 1 s> And remember that thou waft a fervant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence, through a mighty hand, and by a ft retched out arm: there- fore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the iabbath-day. Amos* 8, f* Saying, when will the new- moon be gone, that we may left corn? and the fahbath, that we may fet forth wheat, making the ephah fmall, and the fhekei great, and falfifving the balances by de- ceit?
x Lam. 1 7. Jerusalem remem- bred in the days of her affli#icn, and oi her Mitenb, all her plea- fan t things that (he had in the days of old, when her people fell into :lrc hand ot the enemy, and none did help her, the adversaries {aw her, and did mock at her fabbaths„ Jcr, I/. 21. Thus faich the Lord J Take heed to your fclves, and bear no burden on the faboath-day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerufa- lem. v 22,. Neither carry tbrth a burden out of your houfes on the labbath- day, neither do ye any work, hut hallow ye the fabbath- day, as I commanded your fathers. v 2.3. But they obeyed aor, nei- ther inclined their c^v, but made
work, thou, nor thy (on, nor thy their neck ft iff, that they might r not daughter, nor thy man- fervanr, nor hear nor receive infttuction. 27eb*
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122> Queft. What is the fum of the fix Commandments which coxJ tain cur Duty to Man ?
Anfw. The Sum of the fix Commandments which contain our duty to man, is, to love our Neighbour as ourfelves y, and to do to others what we would have them do to usz.
123. Queft. Which is the fifth Commandment \
A?fw. the Fifth Commandment is, \ Honour thy Father and « thy Mother ,• That thy Days may be long upon the Larid « which the Lord thy Godgiveth thee a. ■
124. Queft. Who are meant by Father 0/wf Mother, in the fifth Commandment 1
Anfw. By Father and Mother, in the Fifth Commandment, are meant not only natural Parents h, but all Superiors in Age, c and Gifts d • and efpecially fuch as by God's Ordinance are over us inPlaceofAuthority, whether in Family ^Church tf
or
13 from verfe if to 23. In thofe days (aw I in Judah, fume treading wine-prefTes on the fabbath-day— — (See in letter b.)
122. y Mat, 22, 39, And the fecond Is like unto ir, Thou (halt We thy neighbour as thy felf.
z Mat: j. 12. Therefore all tilings v/hatfoever ye would that men fhouid do ro you, do ye even fo to mem : for this is the law and the prophets.
123 a Exod 20. 12. 124; b pKrc/,23. 22, Hearken un- to thy lather that begat thee, and defpife not thy mother when (lie Is old, v 25. Thy father and thy mother fhall be glad : and /lie that bare thee (hall lejoice. Ej>£. 6 1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for rhisis right. *v 2: Ho- nour thy father and mother, ('which is the firft commandment with promife)
c 1 Tim. f.%. Rebuke not an el- der, but intreat him as a father, and the younger men as brethren ; nj 2. The elder women as mothers, the younger as fillers, with ail pu- rity.
d Gin. 4. 2o:And Adah bare Ja- bal : he was the father of fuch as dwell in tents, and of fuch as have cattle, v 2i» And his brothers name was Jubal ; he was the father of all (uch as handle the harp and organ, v zi. And Ziiiah, flie alio bear TubaUCain, an inilrucler of every artificer in orafs and iron :— — (Jew, 4J. 8. So now it was not you that fern me hither, but God : and he hath made me a father to Pha- raoh, and lord of all his houfe, and a ruler throughout ail the land of Egypt.
e 2 Kings, 5, 13. And his ferrant came near, and fpake unto him, . and (aid, My tather, if the prophet had bid thee do fome great thing, wouldft thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he faith to thee, Wafh and be clean ?
f a. lUrip. 2, 12. AndElifha faw it and he cried, My Father, my father, the chariot of Ifrael and ttie horfe- men thereof.— z Kings. 13. 14. Now Elifha was fallen lick, of his ficknefs whereof he died, and Joafh the king of Ifrael came down un- to him, and wept over his fcce, and
laid
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6t Common-wealth g-
12 5- Queft, Why are Superiors /tiled lather and Mo- ther :
Anfiv. Superiors are filled Father and Mother, both to teach them in all Dtrties towards their thfertors, like Natu- ral Parents, to exprefs Love and Tendernefs to them^ accor- ding to their feveral Relations h ; and to work Inferiors to a greater Willingnefs and Cheerfulnefs in performing their Duties to their Superiors, as to their Parents ?,
126. Queft. What is the general Scope of thi Fifth Com, waiidment ?
Anfwy The general Scope; of the Fifth Commandment is the Performance of thofe Duties whicn we mutually owe in our feveral Relations, as Inferiors, Superiors, or E- quals fc.
127, Que ft, What is the Honour that Inferiors owe to their Superiors ?
Anfu>y The Honour which Inferiors owe to their Supe- riors,
faid,' O my father, my father, the chariot of I frael, and the horfemen thereof Gal, 4. 19, My iitrle chil- dren, of whom 1 fravci in birth, a- gain until Chriil be formed in you. g Ifa, 49. zf. And kings (hall be thy curling fathers, and their queens thy nuriing mothers . they mall bow down to thee with tneir face toward the earth, and lick up the duff, of thy feet5and thou fhalt know that I am the Lord : for they (hall not be afhamed that wait for me.
125. h Epb. 6 4. And ye fathers, provoke nor your children ro wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 2 Cor. 12! 14.— For the children ought not to lay up for the parent s, bur the parents for the children- x Thef, 2 7. But we were gentle among you, ev-n as a nude cheriiheth her chil- dren : v. 8. So, being a fit cliorta re- ly deftreous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gofpel of God only, but alio our own fouls, becaufe ye were dearjjn- fo as. v, 11. As ye know, how we "
exhorted and comforted, and char- ged every one of you, as a father doth his children. Num. 11 nsAnd Mofes faid unto the Lord, Wherefore half thou afflicted thy fervant ? And wherefore have I not iound favour i?. thy fight, that thou layeit the burden or all this people upon me ? <v. 12 Havel conceived all thi? peo- ple ? have I begotten them ? that thou fhouldft fay unto me, Carry them in thy bofom, (as a r.urling- father beareth the fucking child ) un*o the land which thou fwareft unto their fathers ?
i 1 Cor. 4. 14. I write not thefe things to fhame you, but as my beloved fons I warn you. v* iy. For though ycu have ten thoufand in- ftru&ers in Chriit, yet have ye not many fatheis; for in Chrifr, Jefus I have begotten you through the gof- pel, v. 16. Wherefore 1 oefecchyou, be ye tollowers of me, 2 Kings $* 13. (See Utter e)
12S. k Eph. 5. 21 Submitting your fclves one to another in the itsr of God. 1 Fet2 a. 17, Hcncu:
all
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riors, is all due Reverence in Heart 1, Word m, and Beha- viour n ; Prayer and Thankfgiving for them o; Imitation of their Virtues and Graces; ■ ± willing Obedience to their lawful Commands and Counfels H; due Submiffion to
their
sjJJ rrjeri. Love the brotherhood.
Fear God. Honour the king. Rom. 1% 10. Be kindly afTecliontd ooeto another, with l?>iothej ly love, in honour preferring cne another
12.7. i Mai i„ 6; A (on hononrcrh bis father .and a fervanc his matter : It tlun I be a inner, where is mine honour ? and if I be a mailer, where is my fear ? faith the Lord of "boils unto you, O priefts, that deljpife my name : and ye lay, Wherein have we deipifed thy name ? Lev. !p J& ifejbtll fear every man fcis mother, and his father,- and keep my fab- baths: I am the Lord ycur God.
m Pro. 3 r. 28, Her children a rife up, and call her biciTed, her huf- hand aifo, and bepraiieth her. 1 Pet. 2. 6. Even as Sarah obeyed Abra- ham, calling him lord 1 whole daughters ye areas long as ye do well, and are not affraid with any temeni n Lev. ip. fit Thou (halt rife up : re the noary head* and honour trie face of the old man, and tear God; I am the Lord* . Kings i. 19* Bathfheba therefore wenfcuri* to king Solomon, tofpeak unto him for Adonijah ^ and the king role up to meet her, and bowed hirnfeif iinto her,- and fat down on his throne, and cauied a feat to be fet for the ps mother j and fhe fat on his light hand.
o 1 %tm. 2. 1. I exhort therefore, tthat ririt of all, fupplications, pray- ers, iiverceiiions, and giving of Thank* be made for all men: v," 2. For kings, and lor ail that are in authority , that we may lead a quite and peaceable life in all godnnels and honelty.
p lleb. \y 7. Remember thern which nave the rule over you, who
have fpoken unto you the word of God: whoie faith follow, confiderine the end of their converUtion, Phil. I. 17. Brerhren be followers toge- ther of me, and mark them which walk (o, as ye have us tor an en- fample.
q Eph. 6, 1, Children, obey your parents in the Lord : forgthis is right ? v. z. Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the firft command- ment with promife, v. $. Servants/- be obedient to them that are your matters according to the (kill, with fear and trembling, in fmglends of your heart, as unto Chritt : v, €9 Nocwith eye-Service, as men- plea- lures, but as the fervants of Chritt, doing the will of God from the heart 5 v, 7, with good will doing (ervice as to the Lord, and not to men. i Yet» 2, 13. Submit your felves to every ordinance of man for the Lords fake : whether it be to the king as (upferrie; v. 14.. Or unto governors, as unto them that are Cent by him for the puniihmenc of evil doers, and for the praife of them that do well. Row, 13. 1 Lee every foul befiirjedtunto the higher powers. For there is no power bi*t of God ; the powers that be, are ordained of God. v„ 2> Whofoever therefore refitteth the power, re- filteth the ordinance of G od . and . they that refift7fhall receive tothem- felves damnation, v_ 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, hue ro the evil. V/ilt thou then not be afraid of tfte power? do that which is good, and thou fiialt have praife ot the lame : v. 4, For he is the mi- nifter ol Gad to thee for good, But it thou do that which is evil. ^>e atraid } tor he bearetH not the fv/ord in vain.* for he 1: the minifter o£ God,
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their Corrections r ; Fidelity to f Defence t and Mainte- nance of their Perfons and Authority, according to their fcveFal Ranks and the Nature of their Places v- bearin
God, a revenger to execute wrath n- pon him that doth evil, v. s Where- fore ye rnuft needs be fubjed, not osly for wraTn. but alfo ror ccn- icience fake. Heb, 13, 17* Obey them that have the rule over you, and fubmir your (elves: for they watch for your foul?, as they that mud give account : that they may do' it with joy, and not with grief : for that is unprofuabe for you. Prov 4, 3. For I was my fathers (on, tender and only beloved in the fight of my mother, v. 4. He taught me alfo, and (aid nnto me, Let thy heart retain my words, keep my commandments and live. Vrrv. 23, 22. Hearken unto tlv/ facher that begat thee, and defpife noc thy mo- ther when the is eld. Exod, i$j 19. Hearken now unro my voice, J will give thee counfel, and God /hall be with rhec. v. 24. So Moles hearkned to the voice oi his lather in law, and did ali that he had faid.
r Heb, i%. 9. Furthermore, we have had lathers of our flelh who corrected us. and we gave them re* verence : frail we not much rather be in (ubjedtion unto the Father of fpi its, and live ? 1 Vet. 2, 18, Ser- vants, be iucjjc't to your makers with all fear, not only ;o the good and gentle, bur Ho to the froward, <v. 19. For -this is thank-worthy, if a man tor ccn*cience toward God endure grief, fafferiog wrongfully. nj, 20. For whac glory is ;r, it jwhen ye be buffeted for your tanlts, ye fliall take it patiently ? but if when ye do well, afldfefferfir ir; ye take it patiently i this is acceptable with God.
I Tit, 2, a. Exhort fcrvanrs to be obedient unto their own maiters, and to pleafe them well in all things j not amV ering again ; <o\ \o.
with
Not -purloining, but (hewing all good fidelity j that they may 2do\n the dextrine of God our Saviour in all things.
t 1 Sam, 26". 15*, And David laid to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man ? and who is Itke ro thee iu Ik kept thy lord the king ? tor there came one of the people in todeftroy the king thy lord. <i\ 16 This thing is not good that thou halt done : As the Lord livefh, ye are worthy to die, becaufe ye have noc kept your matter the Lords anoin- ted, 2 Sanr, 18. 3, But thep.ople anfwered, Thou (halt not go forth : for if we flee away, they will not care for ysj neither if haif of us dk, will they care for us : hut now thou art worth ten thoufand of us: thereiore now it is better that thou fuccour us out of the city, Effb0 6. 2 And 11 was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Terefh, two of the kings chamber- lains, the keepers of the door, who (ought to lay hand on the king Aha- fucrus.
v Mat, 22. 2 ra They fay unto him, Ce(a;s, Then faith he unto them, Render unro Ccfa- the things which are Cefors and unto God , the things that are God?. Rom; j 3: 6*. For, for this caufe pay you trrbure alfo; for they are God: mi- nitters, attending continually upon rh:3 very thing. rj. 7. Render there- fore, to all their dues : tribute to whom tribute is due, cuftom to whom cujiorn, tear to whom fear3 honour to v\hom honour. 1 7*7 5. 17. Ler die elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, efpeciaily they who labour in the word and dodrinc. <v- 18. For the kripuire faith, Thou flialr no":
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with their Infirmities, and covering them in Love w, tha fothey may be an Honour to them and to their Govern ment x.
128. Queft, "What arc the Sins of Inferiors again ft theu Superiors \
Anfw, The Sins of Inferiors againft their Superiors are all Negleft of the Duties required toward them y ,• Envying at Con tempt of, and Rebellion k againft their Perfons c.
aild muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn ; and, The labourer^ is worthy of his reward. Gal 6". 6. Let him that is taught in the word, com- municate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Gen. tf* iu And there will I nourifh thee ( for yet there are five years of famine ) left thou, and thy houQiold, and all that thou haft come to poverty. Gen. 47. 12. And Jofeph noiuifhed his father and his brethren, and all his fathers houftiokl with bread accord- ing to their families,
w 1 Pet. 2. 18. Servants, be Cub*. je&to your mafters with all fear, "not only to the good and gentle, but alio to the iroward. Prorv* 23. 22. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and defpife not thy mo- ther when file is old. Gen 9. 23. And Shem and Japheth took a gar- ment and laid it upon both their fliouiders, and went back-ward,- and covered the nakednefs of their fa- ther; and theii faces were backward, and 'they (aw not their fathers na- kednefs,
x Pfalm 127. J. Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord : and the fruit of the womb is his reward, v. 4. As arrows are in the hand of a migh- ty man: fo are children of the yotub0 <u« $. Happy is the man that harh his quiver full ot them; they (h all not be afhamed, but they (ha 1 fpeak with the enemies in the gate, Prov 31.23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he iitteth among the elders ot tbe land.
128, y Mat, is* $> For God com-
manded, faying, Honour thy la ther and mother: and, He thai curfeth father or mother, let him die the death. <v, 5: But ye fay. Whoioever ihall fay to his father 01 his mother, It is a gift by whatlo ever thou mighteft be profited by me, v 6. And honour not his fa- ther or his mother, he fhali be free. Thus have ye made the command menr of God of none efUdf by your tradition,
7, Numb. 11.28. Andjofhuathe fon of Nun, the fervant ofMofes, one of his young men, anfwered and iaid, My lord Mofes, forbid them. v. 29, And Mofes faid unto him3 Envieft thou for my fake? Would God that all the Lords people were prophers, and that the Lord would* put his fpirit upon them.
a 1 Sam, 8. 7. And the Lord faid unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in ail that they fay unto thee : for they have not re*- jected thee, but they have reje&ed me, that I fliould not reign over them. J fa 5. 5, And the people fhali be opprefTcd, every one by a- nother, and every one by his neigh* bour : the child fhali behave him- felt proudly againft the ancient, and the bafeagainli the honourable.
b 2 Sam; 15, from <verje 1. to- n$ And it came to pals after this, that Abfalom prepared him chariots and horfes, &c
c Exodiii. iy. And he thatfmi- teth his »ather or his mother, fhali f urely be put to death.
' i 1 Sana
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and Places d, in their lawful Counfels e, Commands, and Corrections f, Curfing, Mocking g, and all fuch refractory and fcandalous Carriage, as proves a Shame and Difhonour to them and their Government h.
129. Quell:, What is required of Superiors towards1 their Inferiors ?
Anfw. It is required of Superiors, according to that Power they receive from God, and that Relation ^herein they ftand, to Love i, Pray for k, and Blefs their Inferiors 1; to Xnftruct m? Counfel and admonifh
them ;
d 1 Sam. 10, 27. Bur the children cf belial (aid, How fhall this man iave us? And they deff>i(ed him, and brought him no preientsj but he held his peace.
e I Sam. 2, 2.5-. — -Notwithftand- ing they (viz, the fins of Eli) heark- ned not untp the voice or their fa. ther, becaule the Lord would flay them.
f Deut, 21, 18. If a man have a flubborn and rebellious (on, which will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and that when they have chaftned him, will not hearken unto them ; v »<?. Then ftall his father and his motiier lay hold on him, and bring him cut unto the elders of the city, and unto tDe gate of his place: v, 20, And they fhall (ay unto the elders of his cay, This our (on is (tubborn and rebellious he will not obey our voice, he is a glutton and a drunkard, v. 21. And all the men of his city fhall (tone him with (tones, that he die: Co (hale thou put evil away from among you, and ali ifrael (hail hear, and fear.
g Prov 3 o 1 1 There is a generati- on that cnrleth their rather and doth not blefs their mother, v. 17. The eye chat mocketh ac his farrier, and defpiieth to obey his mothe:', the ravens of the valley fhall picK. it out, and the young eagles (hall eat it.
h Prow 19. 26. He that cvafteth his father, and chafeth away bis mo- ther,- is a fon that caiuech flume,
and bringeth reproach".
129. i Col, 3. 1$. Husbands, love your wives, and be net bitter againit them. Tit, %, 4: That they may teach the young women to be fober, to love their husbands, to love their children.
k 1 Sam. 12. 25. Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I (liquid (in a- gainlt the Lord in cealing to pray for you ; but I will tea en you the good and the right way. Job 1. y. And ic was fo, w hen the day of their ieafling were gone abour, that Job (ent and fancMed them, and ro(c up early in the morning, and of- fered burnt -offerings, according to the number ot them ali ; for Job (aid, It may be that my ions have finned, and curfed God in their hearts Thus did Job conti- nually,
1 1 King* 8,55- And he flood, and blciTed all the congregation of If- rael.. with a loud voice, faying, v. $6 BlrfTedbe the Lord, that hath given reit unto his people Ifrael, ac- cording to all that he promised : there hath not failed.—— Heb. 7. 7. And without all contradiction, the lets is blefled of the better. Gen* 49. 28* AH thefe are the twelve trioes of Ifrael : and this is it than their tarher fpake unto them, and blefled thenvj every one according to nis bldling he blefled them.
m Dent 6 6 And thefe words
which I command thee this day,
S 2. fhall
27 6 The Larger. Catechifrtt:
them n, Countenancing o, Commending p, and rewarding luch as do well q; and Discountenancing r, Reproving, and Cha- ilifing fuch as do 111 ( ; Protecting r, and Providing for them all Things neeeflary for Soul v and Body w : And, by grave, wife, holv and exemplary Carriage, to procure Glory to God x,
Ho-
fhaH be in thine heart, v: 7* And venger to execute wrath upon him
thou fhalt ' teach them diligently that doth evil,
unto thy children, and (halt talk of f Prov* 20. 15. The rod and re-
rhem when thou fitter! in thine proof give wifdom: but a child left
houfe, and when thou walked by to himfelf, bringeth his mother to
the way, and when thou Heft down, fhame. 1 Pet, 2. 14. (See above in p.)
and when thou rifeft up, t Job. i?:ii. Becaufe I delivered the
n Eph, 6. 4, And ye fathers, poor that cried, and the fatherlefs,
provoke not your children to and him that had none to help him v.
Wrath: but bring them up in the 13. The blttfing nf him that wasrea-
nurture and admonition of the dy to perifh, came upon me : and 1
Lord. caufed 'he widows heart to fing for
o 1 Pet 3. 7. Likewife yehuf- joy, v. 14. 1 put on righteoumefs, and
bands dwell with them according it clothed me: my judgment was a
to knowledge, giving honour un- to the wife as unto the weaker veflel, and as being heirs toge- ther of the grace of life -> that your prayers be not , hindrcd.
robe and a diadem. " v. i?. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was 1 10 rhe Jame. v. 16, I was a father to the poor: and the caufe which I knew not, I fearched out. v. 17 And I brake
p 1 Pet. .2, 14. Or unto governors^ the Jaws of the wicked, and pluckc as unto them that are tent by hiin the ipoil out of his teeth. Ifa 1, 10*
for the punifhment of evil doers, and for the praife of them that do well; Horn 13, 3* For rulers are not a ter- ror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power ? do that which is good, and thou (halt have praife of the fame, q EJfh. ft 3. And the king faid, What honour and dignity harb been done to Mordecai for this ? Then faid the kings fervants that mini- fired unto him, There is nothing done for him;
r Rom. iy 3, 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 thou (halt have praife oi the fame : v *' For he is the minifter ot G^d to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for ho beareth not the fword in vain: lor he is the rrn^iftq; oi Godr' a je*
Hear the arord of the Lord, ye rulers of -Sodom, give ear unto the law of* our God, ye people ot Gomorrah, v. 17. Learn to do well, feek judg- ment, relieve the opprefTed, judge the fatherlefs, plead for the widow, v EpB, 6, 4., And ye fathers, pro- voke not your children to wrath : but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;
w : Tim>}%. B'Jtifany provide not for his own, and fpecially for thole of his own houfe, he hath denied the faith, and is worfe than an infidel.-
x i Tim, 4. 12. Let «o man defpife thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in con- vention, ito charity, in fpirit, in faith, in purity. Tit, 2, 3. The aged women likewise, that they be in be- haviour as becometh hoiinefs, not falfe accuiers, not given (p much wine, $a$hcis ofgQgd things j v,4. That
"The Larger Catechifm. %yy
Honour to themfeives v, and ib to preferve that Authority which God hath put uj3on them z,
1 30. Queft What are the fins of Superiors ? Anfuj, The Sins of Superiors are, befide the Ne- glect of the Duties required of them a, an inordinate Seeking 0 fthemfelves b, their own Glory c, Eafe, Pro- fit, or Pleafure d ; Commanding Things unlawful e, or not in the Power of inferiors to perform i ; Counfel
ing
That they may teach the young Women to be fober, to love their husbands, to love their children, v £. Tobedifcreet, chaft, keepers at home, good, obedient ro their own husbands, that the word of God be nor. biafphemed.
y i Kings. 3. 28. And all Ifrael heard of the judgment which the king had judged ,and they feared the king; for they (aw that the wi(dom of God was in him, to do judgment.
•zTit* 2. 1 5. .Thefe things fpeak and exhort, and rebuke with-ali au-. thority. Let no man delpife thee.
130. a Etzek* 34. 2.. Son of man, prophefy againft the fhepherds of Ifrael, prophefy, and (ay unto them, Thus faith the Lord God unto the fhepherds. Wo be ro the fhepherds of lfrael that do feed themfeives : fhouid not the fhepherds feed the flocks ? v %• Ye ear the fat, and ye clothe you with rhe wool, ye kill them that are kd : but ye feed not the flock .* v 4. The difeafed have ye not flrengthned, neither have ye healed that which was lick, neither have ye bound up that which was bu ken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye (ought that which was loll, but wi h force and with cruelty have ye ruled them,
b Phil, 2, n. For all feek, their own, not the things which are Jefus Chriits.
c Jeto. 5. 44. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of ano- ther, and leek not the honour that Cometh irom. God only IJohn. 7* 18,
He that fpeaketh of himfelf, fecketh his own glory : but he that fceketh his glojry that lent him, the fame is true, and no unrighteoufnefs is in him.
d Jfa. 56. 10. His watchmen are blind : they are all ignorant, ttay are all dumb dogs, tpey cannot bark ; ileeping, lying, down, loving to dumber. .1/ u. Yea, the? are greedy dogs, which can never have enough, and they are fhepherds that cannot underfland ; they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quarter. l)eut. 17. 17, Neither (hall he multiply wives to himfelf, thathishean turn not away; neither fhall he greatly multiply to himfelf lilver and gold,
e Dan^ 3 . 4. Then an herauld cried aloud, Toyouitis commands ed, O people, Nations; and lan- guages, v $. That at what time ye hear the found of the cornet, flute, harp, faekbut, pfaltery^ dulcimer, and all kinds of mufick, ye fall down and worfhip the goiden image that Nebuchadntziar the king hath fet up. 1/6, And whofo falleth noc down, and worfhippeth, fliall the, fame hour be cait into the midil of a bnrning fiery furnace. A5fs3 4. 17. But that it fpread no further among the people, let us ' ftraitiy threaten them; rhae rhey fpeak jaencefouh to no man in rhis name, v 18, And # they called them, and commanded them not to (peak at all, nor teach in the name ot Jelus.
f Exod, $. from verle 1 o. to the 1 8,
And the task -mailers of the people
^ 3 went
a7§
TV
The Larger Catechifm.
mgg, Encouraging] h, or Favouring them in that which is evil i , Diffwading, Difcouraging, or Difcountenancing them in that which is good k ; Correcting them unduly i ~, care- lefs Expoiing or Leaving them to Wrong, Temptation and Danger m *, Provoking them to Wrath n $ or any way Difhonouring themfelves, or Lefferiing their Authority,
by
nvent nut, and their officers, and they fp-rike to the people, faying, Thus faith Pharaoh, I will not give you ftraw, &c Matr 23. 2. Saying, The fcribes and rtiarifeei fit in Mofes fear, v 4. For they bind heavy bur- dens, and grievous to be born.»«- ' g Mat. 14 8 .AiuTihe, being be- fore initmdtc^ 01 her mother, (aid <jive me here John Baprfils bead in a charger. Compared with Mark-6, £4, And fhe -went lorth, and {aid, unro her mother, What (hall I ask? and fhe faid5 the head of John the Baptilt,
h 2 Sum,, 1328. Now Abfalom had corn man ded his Servants, fay- ing, Mark ye now when Amnons heart is merry with wine ; and when I fay unto you, Smite Amnon, then lull him, fear not : have not i com- manded you? be couragious and be valiant ^
i 1 Sam. 3 13. For I have told him, that I will judge his houie for ever, for the iniquity which he luioweth : becaufe his fons made themfclves vile, and he reftrained them not. <
k John 7, 46*. The officers an- fwered, never man fpake like this iman. v 47. Then anfwered them the Pharilees, Are ye alfo deceived ? v 48. Have any of the rulers, or of the Pharifees believed on him? V49; But this people who knoweth not the law are'eurfed, Coloj. 3. 21, Fathers, provoke not your children to anger,' left they be difcouraged, ExorL y. 17. But he (aid, Ye are idle, fce are idle: therefore- ye fay, Let us go, and do facrifice to the Lord, .••I 1 FetcZ* j8, Seivanis, be fubjedi
tn yon matters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but alfo to the fro ward, v 19. vdr this is thank-worthy, it a man for confeience toward God, endure grief , lufTcring wrongfully, v 20. For wnat glory is ic, if when ye be buf- feted for your faults, ye (hall take it patiently ? bur if when ye do well, and iufTer for ir, ye take it patient- ly ; this is acceptable with God* Heb. 12, 10. For they verily for a few days chaftned. us after their own pleafure ; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holinefs- Deut. 25. 3. Forty ftripes he may give him, and not exceed : left if he fhould exceed, and beat him above the(e with many ftripes, then thy brother fhould fetm vile unto thee-
m Gen. 38. 11. Then faid Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Re- main^a^widow at thy fathers houfe, till Shelah my fan be grown ; (for he- faid, Left peradvenrure he die alfo as his brethren did) and Ta- mar went and dwelt in her fathers houfe. v i6\ And Judah acknow- ledged them, and faid, She hath been more righteous than I j becaufe I gave her not to Shelah my fon $ and he knew her again no more, Acts% 18, 17, Th n all the Greeks took ■Soiihenes, the chief ruler of the fy« nagogue,.- and- beat him before the judgment-ieat: and Gallio cared for none of thofe things.
n Et>h* 6. 4. And ye fathers, pro- voke not your children to wrath ; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
0 Gm
The Larger Catechifm; 279
fcy an unjuft, indifcreet, rigorous or Re ml fs Behaviour 0.
131. Qpefl. What are the Duties of Equals \
Anfw- The Duties of Equals are, To regard the Dignity and Worth of each other p, in giving Honour to go one be- fore another q ; and to rejoice in each jothers Gifts and Adr vancement, as their own r.
132, Queft. What are the fins of Equals \
Aufuh The Sins of Equals are, befide theNegleft of the Duties required f, The Undervaluing of the Worth r, En- vying the Gifts v, Grieving at the Advancement or Prcfpe-
ritv
<o Gen. 9, 2.1. And he drank of the wine, and was drunken, and he was uncovered within his tenr. I Kings. 12. 13, And the King, {Rehoboam) anfwered the people roughly, and iorfook the old mens Counfel that they gave him ; <v 14. And fpake to them after the counfel of the young men, faying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke; my rather alio chaftifed you with whips,- but I will chaftife you with fcorpions, v 1 $. Wftere- toiethe lung hearkned not unto the ptople J for the*caufe was from the
Lord, v 16* So when all Id ael
law that the king hearkned not un- to them, the people anfwered the king, faying, What portion have we in David ? neither have we inhe- ritance in the fon of Jcfle : to your ten's, O Ifrael : now. tee to thine own houfe, David. So Ifrael de- parted unro their Tents. 1 Ki?igs. 1 6. And his father had not diipieafed him (viz AdorJjah) at any time, in faying, Why halt thou done fo '?— 1 S(im. 2. 29, Wherefore kick ye at my facrifices, ana* at mine offering wnich 1 have commanded in my ha- bitation, and honoured thy 1 >ns above me, to make your felves fat with the chiefeft of ail the offerings of Ifrael my people ? v 30. Where- fore the Lord God of Ifrael faith, 1 laid indeed, that thy houfe, and the houfe ot thy father fhould walk before me for ever : but now the
Lord fakb, he it far from me 5 for them that honour me, I will honour, and they that defpife me, fhall be lightly efteemed. v 31. Behold, the days come that I will cut oft thine arm, and the arm of thy fathers houfe, that there (hall not be an old man in thine houle.
131. p 1 ?et, 1. 17. Honour all men, , love the brotherhood. Pear God, Honour the king,
q Ro?x. 12. 10. Be kindly affcclioned one to another, with brotherly iove, in honour preferring one another.
r Row. t2. 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. <v 16", Be of the fame mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condefcend to men of low eihte. Be not wife in your own conceits. Phil. 2.3. Let nothing be done through Ifnte or vain-glory, but in lowiinefs ot mind let each eiteem other better than themfelves. v 4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man alio on the things of others.
1 3 2. f Rom. 13. 8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another : for he that loveth another, hath fulfilled the law.
t 2 Tim 3. 3 Without natural af- fection, truce-oreakers, falfe-accu- iers, incontinent, fierce, defpifers of thoie that are good,
v A&s* 7. 9. And the patriarchs,
moved with envy, fold Jofeph into
Egypt ; but God was with him> Gal
«? 4 h
a-8o 2ifo Larger Catechifm:
rity one of another w; and Ufurping Preeminence one OVe another x.
133. Queft. W^j is the Re a fin annexed to the fifth Command* went the more to enforce it ?
Jnfa). The Reafon annexed to the Fifth Commandment, in thefe Words, ' That thy Days may be long upon the Land ■* which the Lord thy God giveth thee y ' is an exprefs Pro- jnife of long Life and Profperity, as far as it {hall feTve for God's Glory and their own Good, to all luch as keep this Commandment 2.
134 Qiieft. Which is the fixth Commandment f Apfij. TheSixth Commandment is, c Thou fhalt not kill a. - 13 j. Queft. "W hat are the Duties required in the fixth Command- went ?
Anfw. The Duties required in the Sixth Commandment are, all careful Studies, and lawful Endeavours to pre- ferve the Life of our felves b rvnd others c, by refilling all
> Thoughts?
3, 2.6. Let us no? -be defirous of vain glory", provoking one another, envying one another.
w Nzty.b. j 2. 2. And they (aid, JHteth rhe L .:;rd indeed fpoken only by Mofes ? hath he not ipoken alfo by us ? and the Lord heard it. E/?J;. 6, 12. And Mordecai came again to the kings gate : but Haman hailed to his houte, mourning and having his head covered, y I*. And Ha- . man toidZerefh huswife, and all his friends, ' every thing that had befal- len him. Then (aid hh wile men, and Zerefli his wife unto him, If rnordecai be of th$ feed of the Jews, before whom thou haft begun to fall, thou fhalt not prevail again ft him, but fhalt finely fall before him,
x 3, yifon* 9. i wrote unto the church j but Diotrephes, who lovcth to have preeminence among them, yccciveth us not, Luke 22. 24 And there was alio a ftrife amongft them, which oi them fhould be accounted thegreatcft.
125. y Exod. 20. 12„
zVeut* 5. i'6i Honour thy father 2nd thy mother, as the Lord thy
God hath commanded thee j that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may .go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 1 Kings. 2. %$. There- tore now, Lord God of Ifrael, keep with thy fervant David my father that thou prcmifedft him, faying, There '(hall not 'fail thee a man in my fight to lie on the throne of If- rael j (o that thy children take heed to their way, that they walK before rue as thou haft walked before me. Efh. 6. 1. Honour thy Father and thy mother, (which is the firft com- mandment with promife) v 3. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayeft live long on the earth.
1 34, a Exod% 20. 13;
13). b Eph. 5. 23. So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies ; ; he' that loveth his wife, lovcth limkif. v 20 For no man ever yet hated his own flefh > but nourifheth and cheerifheth it, even as the Lord the church;
c 1 Kings. 18.4. For it was fo,when
Jezebel cut of the prophets of the iOrd, that Obadiah took an hun- dred
ltfl
The Larger Catechlftn.
Thought? and Purpofes d, fubduing all PafTions e, and a- voiding all Occasions f, Temptations g, and Pra&ices> which tend to the unjuft Taking away the Life of any h; by juft Defence thereof againft Violence!-,
dred prophets, and bid them by frty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water,
d Jer* 26 15. But know y e for cer- tain*, rhat if yc put me to death, ye fhall lurely bring innocent blood upon your (elves, and upon this ci- ty, and upon the inhabitants there- oi : for or a truth the Lord hath fent me unto you, to fpeak aJl rhefe words in your ears. 1/. io\ Then laid the princes/ and all the people unto the pi kits, and to thev pro- phets, This rr an is not worthy to die ; for he iiath fpofcen to us in the name ot the Lord our God, AEis 23. 12, And when it was day, certain oi the Jews banded together, and bound, chemfeives under a curfe, fiying, That they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed PauU 'V. 16. And when Pauls lifters fon heard of their lying in wair,ne went and entrcd into the cattle, and fold Paul. v. 17, Then Paul c&lkd one of the' centuuons unto him, and laid, Bring this young man unro the chief captain : ior he hath a certain thing to tell him. v, 2.1. But do not thou yield unto them : for there ly in wait for him more than forty men, which have bound themf elves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him : and now are they ready look- ing for a promifc trom thee;, v. 27. This man was taken of the Jews, and fhouM. have been killed of them : then came I with an aimy, and refcued him, having underifood
that he was a P.oman,
e Eph. 4. 26", Be ye angry, and
fin nor : let not the fun go down
upon your wrath : v. 27, Neither
give place to the devil: f 2 Sam. 2. 22, And Abner laid
again to Afahel? Turn thee aiide
Patient Bear.
from following me : wheretore Ihould I Imitc thee to the ground ?— Deut* 22. 8. When thou buildeft a new houfe, then thou lhalt make a battkment for thy roof, that thou bring nor blood upon thy houfe, if any man fall from thence-
g Mat 4 6. And faith unto him, It thou be the Son of God, caft thy leif down i — v, 7, Jeius laid unto him, It is written again, Thou fhalc not tempt the Lord thy Gcd. Provo 1. 10. My fon, if finners entice thee, content thou not. v, ti» li they fay, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily lor the innocent without caufe j v. if. My fon, walk not thou in the way witii them : refrain thy foot from their path. v. 16, For their feet run to evil, and make hafte to (hed blood.
h 1 Sam, 24. 12, The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee ; but mine hand fliall not be upon thee, 1 Samm 26* 9. And David faid to Abifhai, Dc- ihoy him not : for who can fhetch forth his hand againit tl,e Lords a* nointed, and be guiltlefs ? v. io„ David faid furthermore, As the Lord iiveth, the Lord {hall fmke him, or his day (hall come to die. or he fhall defcend into battle and perifh. v. 11. The Lord forbid that, I fhould fhetch forth mine hand a» gainft the Lords anointed $ — - Gen %jn 2i. And Reuben hea:d it, ancf he delivered him out of their hands 5 and (aid, Let us not kill him. v. 22. And Reuben faid to them, Sbed no biood, but c^ft him into this pic thac is inrhe wildernefs,and lay no hand upon him j that he might rid nim our of rbeir hands, to deliver him to his fatner again, i Pfalm 82. 4, Deliver the poor and
&3& 7 be Larger Catechifm.
Bearing of the" Hand of God K .Quietnefs of Mindj,
Cheerfulnefs of Spirit m, a Drink o, Phyfick p, Sleep q,
fober Ufe Labour r.
of Meat n, and Recrea- tions,
and needy, rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Pw. 24. n, If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and thofe that are ready to be flain: i>, 1 * Jf thou fayeft, gehold, we knew it nor; doth not he that pondcrcth the heart coniider it ? and he that keepeth thy foul, doth not he know it ? and fhall net he render to every man according ro his works? 1 Sam, 14. 4?. And the people faid unto Saul, fhall Jona- rhan die, who hath wrought this great falvation in Ifrael ? God for- bid : As the Lord Hyeth, there (hail not one hair oi his head fall to the ground : for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people refcued Jonathan, that he died not,
kjam. $• 7. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the .coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruits of the earth, and liath long patience for it until he receive the early and ktter rain. 1;. 8. Be ye alio pa- cent; ftabliih your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh, nj: 9. Grudge not one againft ano- ther, brethren, left ye be condem- ned: behold, the judge ftandeth be- tore the door, i/, iQ- Take, my brethren, the prophets, *ho have fpoken in the name of the Lord, for an example oi filtering affliction, and oi patience, u 11. Behold, we coup* them happy which endure. Ye have heard oi the patience of Tob, and have feen the end of trie Lord : that the Lord is very pitiiul and of tender »^-8*- **_% Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flefh, which corrected us, and we gave them reverence : (hall we not much rather be m fubjedion. unto the Father of Ipirits, and live ?
) iThef.4. H' And that ye ftudy to be quiet, and to do your own
bufinefs, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 1 Pet, 3, 3, W! ofe adorning, let it not be that outward adorning — *v, 4, 3ut let it be the hiddea man of the heart, in that which is pqc corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet fpirit, which is in the fight of God of great price. Pfalm 37.8. Ceafe from anger, and forlake wrath : fret not thy lelf in any wife to do evil' <v, 9. For evil- doers fhall be cut off : but they that wait upon the Lord, they fhail in- herit the earth, v* 10, For yet a little while and *the wicked fhall nor be; yea, thou fhalt diligently con- fider his place, and it fhall not be, v 1 1, But the meek fhall inherit the earth; and' fhall delight themfelves in the abundance of peace,
m Prov. 17. 22. A merry heart doth good like a medicine : but a broken lpirit drieth the bones*
n Prov. 2?. 16. Haft thou found hony ? eat fo much as is iufticient for thee, ieftfhou be filled there- with, and vomit it. t/. 2.7; It is not good to eat much hony ; —
o 1 Tim. 5, 23* Drink no longer water, but ufe a little wine for thy iromacks fake, and thine often in- firmities.
plfa. 38. 21. For If aiah bad faid, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaifter upon the boil, and he fhall recover.
qVfalm 127.2. It is vain for you to rife up early, to fit up late, to eat the bread ot forrows . for lo he gi- veth his beloved ileep.
rEccl $t 12. Thefleep of a la- bouring man is fweet, whether he eat little or much : but the abun- dance of the rich will not flitter him to fleep: 2 Tfcjf. 3 *°« F(?r even when we were with you, this we
The Larger Catechifin. 283
dons f, by charitable Thoughts t, Love v; Compaffion w* Meeknefs, Gentlenefs, Kindnefs x> peaceable y, mild and courteous Speeches, and Behaviour z ; Forbearing, Readi- nefs to be reconciled, patient Bearing, and Forgiving of
In*
we command you, That if any Would not work, neither fhpuJd he eat. v, 12, Now them that are fuch, we command, and exhort by our Lord Jefus Chrift, :hat wirh quiet- pefs they work, and eat their own biead. Ro?n. 16. 2,6*. He that labou- red}, laboureth tor' himfeif; for his mouth craveth it ot him.
{Ecd. 3. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to ^ance. v. 1 1 , He hath made every thing beautiful in his time .$ alfo he hath kt the world in their heart.-—
t 1 Sam, Jo 4. And Jonathan fpake good of David unto Saul his Slather, and faid unto htm, Let not the king fin againft his lervant, ----- v. y. For he did put his life in his hand, and flew the Philiiline, and the Lord wrought a great iakation for all Ifraei: thou faweft it, and d id ft rejoice : wherefore then wilt thou fin againft innocent blood, to Hay David without a cade ? i Sam. 2Z. 13. And Saul faid uDto him, why have ye confpired againft me, thou and the (on ©f Jcfle, in that thou haft given him bread, and a fword,--- v. 14. And Abimelech anfwered the king, and (air*, And Who is fo faithful among all thy ier- vants, as David, who is the kings fnn in law, and goeth at thy bid- ding, and is honourable in thine houfe?
v Rom. 13. 10, Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
w Luke 10. 33, But a certain Sa- maritan, as he journed, came where he was : and when he *faw him. he had companion on him, v, 34. And went to him, and bound yp.his wounds, pouring in oil and
wine andj fet him on his own beaft, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him:
x Col. 3 12. Put on therefore (as the eleel of God, holy and beloved^ bowels of mercies, kindcefs, hum? blenefs of mind, meeknefs, long- iufTcnngj v, 13, Forbearing cne another, and forgiving ooe another, if any man have a quarrel againft any * even as Chrift torgave you, fo alfo do ye,
y James 3: 17. But the wifdoin that is from above, is firft pure, then peaceable, gentle and ealy to be intreated, lull of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocriiy.
z 1 Vet. 3. 8. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having companion one of another, love as brethren, be pi- tiful, be courteous, v. o_ Not ren- dring evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwife, bleiling > knowing that ye are thereunto cal- led, that ye fhould inherit a blef- ling. v. 10. For lie that will love lire, and fee good days, let him re- irain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they ipeak no guile, v. u. Lt t him eichew evil, and do good: let him feek peace, and enfue ir. Prow. 15. 1, A leftanfwer turnefh away wrath: but grievous words ftir up anger. Judges 8. r: And the men ofEphraimiaid unto him,Why haft thou ferved us thus, that thou calledft us not when thou wenteft to fight with the Midianites? and they did chide with him fharply, v. 2. And he faid unto them, What have 1 done now in companion of you ? is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vim-age ot Abiezer ? v. 3 God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Mi- dianj
2g4 25Sjr Larger Catechifm:
Injuries, and requiting Good for Evil a ; Comforting and Succouring the Diftrefled ,and protecting and Defending the Innocent b.
136, Quefl. What are the Sins 'forbidden in 'the Sixth Com, mandment ?
Anfw- The Sins forbidden in the Sixth Commandment are, all Taking away the Life of our felves cor of others d, except in Cafe pf publick Juftice e lawful War f or necef-v fary Defence g ) the Neglecting pr Withdrawing the lawful
and
dian, Oreb and Zecb ; and what was I able to do in companion of ^ou ? then their anger was aba ed toward him, when he had (aid that, a MaP y. H> Leave there thy gift before Jthe altar, and go thy way, firft be reconciled to thy bi other, and then come and offer thy gift. Efb. 4. 2. With all lowlinefs and , meekuefs, with long-furTering., for- bearing; one another in love, v 31.
me Trsvi 31 8. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the caufe o( all luck as are appointed to deft ruction, v, 9. Open thy mouth, judge righte- ously, and plead the cauie of "the poor and new dy.
1 36. c Acts 16. 2.8. But Paul cried with a loud voice, faying, Do thy ielf no harm j for we are al 1 herev
d Gen. 9* 6, Whofo fheddeth rnans blood, by man fhall his blood be fried
And be ye kind one to another, for in the image of God made he, tender-hearted, forgiving one an-, man*
other, even as God for Chrifts lake hath foi given you, Horn. 12. 17. p.ecompen(e to no man evil for evil. — v. 2c. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, ked him ; if he thirft, give him drink ^ for in\fo doing thou (halt heap coals of fire upon his head v 21, Be not over- come ot evil, but overcome evil with good-
b 1 Ths}> 5. 14, Now we exhort you, bretfircn; warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble- minded, fupporfthe weak, be patient toward all men, Job 31, ?& lt l havc feen any perifh for want of clothing, or any poor without covering 5 v. 20. If his loins bavc not bleffed me, and if he were not warmed with the jfkece of my fheep. Mitf.-2.jr. 35* For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat * I was thii fty , and ye gave me drink j 1 was a (hanger an S ye took me in ; v> 36 Nakcd,and ye clothed me j 1 was fick, and ye viiited me , |was in priton, and yc came unto
e Numb- 3 ?. 31. Moi eover,ye (hall take no fatisfaction for the life ot a murderer, which is guilty ot death ; but he (hall be iurcly put to death, v, 33. So yefhall not pollute the land wherein ye are; for blood it defileth the land, and the land can- not be cleanled ot the blood that is (hed therein, but by the blood of him that (hed it,
ijer* 48* 1,0. Curled be he that doth the work of the Lord deceit- fully, and curled be he that keep- eth back his fword from biood, Dw, chapter 20. throughout., v, 1, When thou godr. out to battle, a* gainft thine enemies, and (eefthor* ies and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not ajraid of them* for the Lord rhy God is with thee, which brought thee up out qf the land of Egypt, &c.
g Exod^ 22,. 2. If a thief be found
breaking up, and he be fmittten that
he die, there fhali no blood be fhed
for him. v, 3, U the fun be rifen
upon
The Larger Catechifmi z
and nece/iary Means of Prcfervation of Life ; Sinful An- ger i, Hatred k, fenvy 1, Defire of Revenge^ ; all excef- five Paffions n, diftrafting Cares o ; immoderate Ufe of Meat, Drink p7 Labour , nd Recreations r ; provoking
Words
upon him, there fhall he blood fhed for him : for he fhould make fall re- flirurion j if- he have nothing, then he fhall be fold' for his theft.
h Mat. iy. 42, For I was an hen- gred, and ye gave me no meat ; I was thirfty, and ye gave me no drink : njt 43. I was a ftranger, and ye took me nor in : naked, and ye clothed me not : fick, and in prifon, and ye vifited me nor. femes z. 15, If a brother or lifter be naked, and de- finite of daily food; v. 16, And one of you fay unto them, De- part in peace, ne you warmed, and filled . notv\ ithftanding yegive them not thofe things which are needful to the body ; what doth it profit ? Eccl. 6. 1. There is an evil which I hive seen under the fun, and it is common among men : v. 1. A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, fo that he wan-
m Rom. 12. 19. Dearly beloved, avenge not your felves, but ratiier give place unto wrath : for it is writ* ten, Vengeance is mine ; I will repay, faith the Lord,
n Eph. 4. 51. Let all bitternefs, and wrath, and anger, and clamour., and evil (peaking be put away from you, with ail malice.
o Mat. 6 31. Therefore take no thought, faying, What fhal) we ear ? or what fhall we drink? or where- withal fhall we be clothed ?' v* 34. Tase therefore no thought for the morrow : for the morrow fhall take thought for the things of it felf : K unto the day is the evil thereof,
p Luke 21, 34, And take heed tc your felve?, kit at any time your hearts be overcharged with forfeiting and drunkennefs, and the cares or" this life, and 10 that day come upon
teth nothing for his foul- of all that you unawares; Rom. 13. 13. Let ng he^ehreth, yet God giveth him not walk honeftly as m the day; not in
power to eat thereof but a ftranger eateth it; this is vanity, and it is an evil difeafe.
i Mat. s . 2.2.. But I fay unto you, That whofoevcr is angry with his brother without a caule, fhall be in
noting and d\ unkennefs, not in cham- bering and wantonnefs, not in ftrife and envying.
q Eccl. 12. 12. And further, by thefe, my (on, be admonifhed ; of making many books there is no end,
danger of the judgment : and who- and much ftudy is a wearinefs of the
loever flial! fay to his brother, Ra ca, fhall be in danger of the coun- cil ; but who(oever fhall fay, Thou fool, fhall be in danger of hell-fire. k 1 John 3. if. Whofoevcr hateth his brother, is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eter- nal life abiding in him. Lev. '19. 17. Thou (halt not hate thy brother in thine heart : thou (halt in any wife
ffcfbi Eccl 2. 0.:. For what hath man, of all his labour, and of the vexa- tion of his heart wherein he hath la* poured under the fun ? v. 23. For all "his days are Icrrows, and his travel giief; yea, his heart taketh not reft in the night. This is aifb vani-
C>'' r
r Ifa. $• i2-: And the harp and the viol, the tabrct and the pipe,
rebuke thy neighbour, and not (uffer ar.d wine are in their ieafts ; but they
fin upon him. regard not the work of the Lord,
- 1 Prov. i4. 30. A found heart b the neither confider the operation of his
Kfe^ of the flefh : but envy the rotten- hands, Ae& of the bones,- f Pmj,
i86 The Larger Catechifm:
Words r, Oppreffion r, Quarrelling v, Striking, Wounding ^ &whatfoeverelfe tends to the Deftruffion of the Life ofany*%
ig7, Queft. Which is the Seventh Commandment \
Anfb% The Seventh Commandment is. Thou fhalt not com- mit Adultery y.
138. Queft. What are the Duties required in the Seventh Commandment ?
Anfw. The Duties required in the Seventh Command- ment are, Chaftity in Body, Mind, Affe&ions Zy Words a, and Behaviour b; and the Prefervation of it in ourfelves and others' e ,- Watchfulnefs over the Eyes and all the Sen-
fes -j
{ Trov 15. 1. A folt anfwer titrn- erh away wrath ; but grievous words tlir up anger. Prov. 12.. 18. There is that fpeaketh like the piercings of a fword : but the tongue of the wife is health.
t Ezek. 18. j8. As for his father, becaule he cruelly opprefled, fpoil- ed his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he ihall dk in his iniquity. Exod* 1. 1 4« And thev nude their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of fervice in the held ; all their fervice wherein they made them (erve, was with rigour,
v Gal. s *?> But if ye bite and devour one another, take he^d that ye be not confumed one of another* Prov. 2$ 29. Who hath wo ? who hath forrow ? who hath contenti- ons ? who hath bablings ? who hath wounds without caufe ?
w Numb. 35. 16. And if he {mite him with an inihument of iron (to ihat he die) he is a murderer . the murderer {hall furely be put ro death. ti 17. And if he ftnire him with throwing a (tone (wherewith he may die,) and he die, he is a mur- derer j the murderer (hall (urcly be put to death, v 18. Or if he (mite him with an hand-weapon of wood (wherewith he may die) and he die he is a murderer : the murderer fhall furely be pile to death, vn. Or
in enrnity (mite him with his hand, that he die, he that (mote him fhall furely be put to death ; for he Is a murderer. The revenger of blood (hall flay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
x Exod. 21 fromverfe 18 to the ends {Containing laws for fmitersM for an hurt by chance J for' an ox that %oreth, and for him that is m occasi- on of harm.)
1*7. y Exod* 20, 74.
13 8, z j Thef 4. 4. That every one of you fhould know how to pofiefs his veflel in fanclification and ho- nour. rf0bm 31, 1, I made a coyenant with mine eyes ; why then (liould I think upon a maid ? 1 Cor, 7. 3 4. There is difference alfo between a wife and a virgin : the unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that (he may be holy, both in body and in (pirit but (he that is married careth for the things of the world, how fire may plcale her husband.
a Col. 4. 6". Let your fpcech be al- way with grace leafonad with (alt, rhat ye may know how ye ought to anfwer every man.
b 1 Pet. 3.2. While they behold your chair, conversion coupled with fear;
c i Cor. 7, 2. Never helefs, to
avoid fornication, let every man
have his own wife, and let every
Woman have her own huskand. v ff. ,
And
The Larger Catechifm. z%f
fesd ; Temperance e, keeping of chaft Company f, Mode- ily in Apparel g ; Marriage by thofe that have not the Gift of Continency h, Conjugal Love i, and Cohabitation k ; dili- gentLabour in our Callings , fhunning all Occafions of Un- cleannefo, and refitting Temptations thereunto m.
139, Quell.
And this I fpeak for your own pro- fit, not that I may caft a fnare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that you may attend upon the Lord without diltracfion. v 36", But if any man think that he behaveth himfelf uncomely towards his vir- gin, If (he pais the flower of her age, and need (o require, let him do what he will, he finneth not ; let them marry-
d 'Job. 31. 1. I made a covenant with mine eyes ; why then fhould I think upon a maid ?
e Afts% 24. 24. And after certain days, v/hen Felix came with his wife D unite, which was a Jewefs, he fent for Paul, and heard him con- cerning the faith ot Chrift. v 2.5-. And as he realoned ot righteoufnefs, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled,— ~
f Prov, 2. 16. To deliver thee from the ftrange woman, even from the ftranger which fhttereth wirh her words : v 17. Which forfakerh the guide of her youth, and tor- getteth trie covenant of her God; v 18. Fur her houfe inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. v 19. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths ot life, v 20 That thou mayeft walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
g 1 Urn. 2,9. In like manner al- io, that the women adom them- felves in modeit apparel, with fhamefae'dneis and loDriety : not E with broidercd hair, or gold, or pearls, or coif !y aray.
hi Co\ 17 2. Neverthelefs, ro avoid ioinication, let ^vcry man
have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband, v% But it they cannot contain, kc them marry : for it is better to marry than burn,
i Prov* 5. 1 9. Let her be as the lo- ving hind, and nleafant roe 5 let her breails fatisfy thee at all times, and be thou raviQit always wirh her love, V20. And why wilt thou, my (on, be ravifhed with a ftrange woman^ and embrace the boiom of a itran- ger ?
k 1 Ptf. 3. 7. Likewife ye huf- bands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wile as unco [be weaker veilcl, and as being heirs together of the grace of life . that your prayers be not hindred.
1 Prov. j.mi. The heart of her husband ^oth lafelv trutf m her, in I hat he ftiall have no need of fpoil; v 27, She lcoketh well to the ways cf her hnulhold, and eateth not the bread of idleneis. v 2tf. Her chil- dren arile up, and call her blelled j her husband alfoand he praifeth her.
m Prov. 5, 8. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her houfe. GcK 39-8, But he refilled, and faid unto hrs mailers wife, Behold my matter woteth not what is with me in the houfe, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand, v 9, There is ncne greater in this houie than I : neither hath he kept back any crYng from me, but thee, be- caufe thou art his wife . how then can I do this great wickednefs, and iin againft God ? v to. And ic came to pais as (he (poke to Jofeph day by day, that he hearkned not unto
238 the Larger CaUchifm;
1 39 Qu eft. What are the Sin; forbidden in the Seventh Command meni ?
Afw. The Sins forbidden in the Seventh Command, ment, befide the neglect of the Duties Squired n, are, A- dultery, Fornication o, Rape, Inceft p, Sodomy, and all un- natural Lulls q ; all Unclean Imaginations, Thoughts, Pur- pofes and Affe&ions r . all corrupt or filthy Communicati- ons, or Liftning thereunto f ; wanton Looks ', impudenjt or
light-
untc her, to ly by her, or to be with her-
1 39. n Frov., $. 7: Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
o Heb, 13,4. Marriage is honour- able in all, and the bed undefiled : bur whoremungers and adulterers God will judge, GaL $. 19. Now the works of the flefh are manifest, which are thefe, adultery, fornica- tion, uncleannefs, lafciviouinefs:
p 2 Sam 13. 2*. Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice; but being ilronger than flie, forced her, and lay with her; r Cor, f. r. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and iuch fornication as is not fo much as na- med among the Gentiles, that one fhould have his fathers wife.
qRom,i^2>r. Wherefore God a 1- fo gave them up to uncleannefs, through the In its 01" their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies be- tween themfelves. v 2,6. For tHs caufe God gave them up unto vile arTeclions : for even their women did change their natural ufe into that which is againft nature : v 27. And iikewife alio the men, leaving the natural ufe of the ^woman, burn- ed in their luft one toward another, men with men working that which is unleemly, and receiving in them- felves that reeompence of their er- ror which wasmeet.L^-y. to. 15. And if any man iy with a bead, he (halt furely be put to death : and ye fiiali flay the beaft. v 16. And if a wo- n»n approach unto any \ beair, arid
ly down thereto, thou fhalt kill the woman and the bead : they fhall furely be put to death > their blood fhallbeupon them. :
r Mat* $ z%\ But I (ay unto you, that whofoever looketh on a wo- man to lull after her, hath commit- ted adultery With her already in his heart. M#. iy, ?p. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, (alfe -witnefs, blafphtmies, Col 3, J. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth > fornication, uncleannefs,' inordinate affection, evil concupifcence, and covetoufnels, which is idolatry.
f Eph. 5. j. But fornication, and all uncleannefs, or covetoufnefs, let it not be once named amongft you, a? becometh faints : v 4. Nei- ther fikhinefs, nor foolifh talking, nor jetting, which are not conveni- ent, but rather giving or thanks Frov, 7. 5\ 1 hat the y may keep thee from the ftratige woman, from the Granger which flattereth with her words, v 21. With her much fair fpeech fhe caufed him to yield, with the flattering of-her l'ps ihe forced him. v 22. He goeth after her tfraightway, as an ox goeth to tjie flaughter, or as a fool to the cor- rection of the flocks.
t If a. 3. 16, Moreover.,' the Lord faith, Becaule the daughter of %i- on are haughty, and walk with ftretched forth necks, and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling witti their feet. zFet, 2. 1 y> Having eyes
The Larger Catechifm.
ig, -
tangling vows of fingle lire £, undue Delay . age a ; having more Wives or Husbands than one at the
fame
eyes full of adultery, and that can. nor ceafe from (in; beguiling un- fteble fouls :-'---
vProv.j* *Oi and behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and fubrile of hearr, Vi 13 So fhe caught him and kifled him, and with an impudent tace laid qpto him.—
w 1 Tim. 4. 5. Forbidding to mar- ry, and commanding toabftain from irfeats, which God hath created to be received with thankfgiving of them which believe and know the trurh.
x Lev. 18. from Verje 1 to 2i» Mark. 6. 18. For John (aid unto He- rod, it is ncr lawful for thee to have thy brothers wife. MaL 2. ! 1. Judah hath dealt treacheroufiy, and an a- bomination is committed in Ifrael and in Jeruialem . for Judah hath piofanedt tbe holinefs or the Lord which he loved, and harh married the daughter of a it range god. v 12. The Lord will cur off the man that ddth this : the niafter and the Scholar out of the Taber- nacles 01" ]accb, and him that ofTercth an offering unto the Lord of hoUs:
y 1 Kings, i<r. iz. And he took away the Sodomites out of tbe land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. 2. Kings, 2.3 9 7. And he brake down the houtes of the fodomues that were by ttiQ houfe of the Lord, where the wo- men wove hangings tor the grove, Peut- 23, 17, There (hall be no whore of the daughters of lhael, nor a fo- • domite of the ions of Krael. v 18. Thou flialt not bring the hire of a whQre, or the price of a dog into the
houfe of the Lord thy God for any vow : for even both thefe are abomination unto the Lord thy God. Lev. 19. 29, Do not prouriture thy daughter, to caufe her to be a whore > left the land fall to whore- dom, and the laud become fail of wickednefs. Jer. jr. 7, How (hall I pardon thee for this i thy children have forfaken me, and {worn by them that are no gods : vv ben I hatf fed them to the fcijl, they then com* mirted adultery, and atiembled them (elves by troops in the harlots houfes. fyov 7. 2$. Hearken unto rne now therefore, O ye children. and attend to the words of my mouth, v 25*. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not aftray in her paths, v 26", For (he hath calt down many wounded : yea, many ftrong men have been (lain by her v 27 Her houfe is the way to hell, going -down to the chambers of death.
z Mat. 19. 1 Q, His difciples fay unto him. it the cafe of the man be fo with his wife, it is not good to marry, v il. But he faid unto them, All men cannot receive this faying, fave they to whom ir is given,
a 1 Cor. 7. 7. Fori would that all men were even as I my felf ; but every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that, y 3. I fay there- fore to the unmarried and widows, Jt is good for them, if they abide even as I. v 9. But if they cannot contain let them marry ; for it is better to marry, than to burn, G*;;9 38. 26. And Judah acknowledged them, and laid, She hath been more righteous than 1 5 becaufe that I
%^o The Larger Catechifm.
fame Time b ; unjuft Divorce r, or Defertton d; feluttony, Drunkennefs e, unchait Company f, Song?, Bocks, Pictures, Pancing, Stage-plays g
Jdlenefi
lafciviou^
• and all
other,
fave her nor to Shalah my fon : and e knew heragfcmi no more. if b Mai 2. 1 4- Yet ye fay,, where- fore ? becaufe the Lord hath been Wtncfs between thee and the wile T>f thy youth, againft whom thou liaft dealt rreacheroufly ; >et is fhe thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant, v if. ^nd did nor he /make one? yet had he the vendue of the Spirit $ and where tore one i that he might leek a godly fced ; ^ hire* ore take heed to your fpirit, and ltt none deal treacher jufly a- gainft die wife of his youth# M#t, tq# £. And (aid, For this caufe ihall * man leave lather and mother, and (kali cleave to his wife: izd they twain <hail be one flefh,
c U4> z. i6\. For the Lord the God of Hrael faith, •- that he hareth putting away ; for on- covererh vi- olence with his garment, faith the Lord of Hods : therefore take heed to jourfjpiriti that ye deal not treaebcrouiiy. M$f. p 3^: But 1 fay #rit6 you, that whofoever (hall put away his wife, faving for the caufe of fornication, caufeth her to com- mit adultery ; and whofoever fhali inarry her that is divorced, com- mitter h adultery;
r d 1 Csr. 7. u. £ut to the reft fpeak 1, not the Lord, If any brother hath p wire that beiievetli not, and fhe i>e pleafed tp dweli with him, let him not put her away. 1/ 13. And fhe\ w oman which hath an inisband. that beiieveth not, and it he be plea- fed to' tiwdlwich her, let her no: leave him, i
}: e Ezek. l6* 40. Eehold^chis was She Sniguit/ ot^my lifter, Sodom, Pride, iulnttei cf bread,, and abun- dance oi idieiieis.ivas in her, znd jn her daughter neither did /he &ength|3i .$he tends of the'-' pool
and needy. ¥/ov. 2$. 30. ^They that tarry long at the wine; they that go cbjeek mixc wine, v 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it rnoverh it ielf aright, o> \z At the Iaft it biteth like a fer- pent, arid itingeth like an adder, v 3 3 Thine eyes fhall behold ftiange women, and thine heart (hall utter pa verfe thi ngsQ
.' f Gas. 39. 10. And it came to pafe as fhe fpake to Jofeph day by day, that he hearkne d nor unto her, to ly by her, or to be with her. Prey, 5. 8. Remove thy way far from her, and cdme net nigh the door of her houfe.
g Epk* s- 4. Neither filthinefs, nor iooliOx talking, nor jetting, which are not convenient : but rather giv* ing of thank?. Ezck. 2,3. 14. And that (he increafed her whoredoms ; for when fhe faw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with * vermilion, v fjp Girded with girdies upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner ol the Baby- lonians ofChaldea, the land of their nativity : v i5;> And as foon as fhe faw them with her eyes, fhe do- ted upon them, and tent tceflen- gers unto them into Chaldea. If#. 2.2; iy. And it (hall come to pals in that day, uhat Tyre fhall be lorgot- ten (eventy years, according to the days of one king ; after the end of feventy years (hall Tyre fing as an harlot, v io\ Take an harp, go a* bout the city* thou harlot that haft* been forgotten , i&ake fweet melci 4lr> ^°? nwny fongs, |hat thou may- eft be remembred, v 37. And it fhall come to pafs after ; the end of feventy year** thai the Loid will vi*
ft
The Larger Catechifm: 291
pihsr Provocations to, or A&s of yhcteannefs either in qflf (elves or others .
140 Queft. Which it the Eight Commandment?
dnfiv. The Eight Commandment is, Thou Jhalt not jicalu
j 1 . Queft. What arc the Duties required in fhe flight Com* Viandment I
Anfa). The Duties required in the Eight Command^ rnent are, Truth, Faithfulnefs, and Juftice in Contracts and Commerce between Man and Man k ; rendering to every one his Due I ; Reftitution of Goods unlawfully detained from the right Owners thereof m,- Giving and Lending
freely,
fit Tyre, and fhe (hall turn to her hire, and (hall commit fornication with all the kingdoms ot the worid upon the face of the earth. Ifat $ i6\ Moreover, the Lord faith, becaule the daughters or" Sion are haughty, and walk with ftretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking, and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet/ M#rk, 6, 22. And when the daughter of the faid Herodiascame in, and danced, and pleafed Herod, and them that iat with him, the king faid unto the damfel, Ask of me whatfbever thou wilr, and I will give it thee, Rq?x. J3. 13. Let us walk honeitly as in the day: not in rioting and drunken- nefs, not in chambering or wan- fonnefs. not in it rife and envying* 1 ?et, 4, |. For the time pad of our life may lurrlce us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, whea we walked in lafcivioufnefs, iufts, exeds ot wine, revellings, banquet- jngs, and abominable idolatries,
h 2 Kings* 9, 30, And when Je! ;» was come to Jtzred, J.zebel heard of it, and fhe painted her face, and tired her hair, and lcoked out at a window. $ompare% with *ff& 4.
so. And when thou art fpoiled, Vvhat wilt thou do? though thou clotheft thy felt with crimfon^ though thou deckeft thee with orna- ments of Gold, though thourentefl
hy face with painting, in vain fhalt Tthou^rnaKs tny (elf lair, thy lovers
will deip'fe thee, they will feek thy hfe. And with Ezek. 2.3. 40. And furthermore, that ye have fenr for men to come from fjr, unto whom a mefTcnger was fent j and lo, they came, for whtfm thou didft wafh thf felf, piinredft thy eyes, and dec- kedft thy felf with ornaments,
140. i Exod. 20. iy.
J41. k Pfalm% iy» 2. He that v?al£> eth uprightly, and worketh righte- oufnefs, and fpeakerh "the truth in his heart, v 4,— He that fweareth to his own hurt, and chaugethnot, %ech. 7. 4. Then came the word of the Lord" of ho/b. unto me, faying, v io. And opprefs not the widow, nor the fathcrlefs, che if ranger, nor the poor, and let none of you ima- gine evil againli his brother, in your heart. ZcqIk 8. 10. Tnde are the things that ye fhall do, Speak yeeve«? ry man the truth to his neighbour : execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates, v 17. And let hone of you imagine evil in your hearts againft his neighbour, and love no falfc oath : for all thefe are things that I hate, faith the Lord.
1 Rom, 1 1 7* Render therefore to all their dues $ tribute to whom tri- bute is due, cjftom to whom: cu- ftom, fear to wfcqrj} fear, hpnour tb who<n honour
m Lev. 6. 2. If a foul fin and com? Hfit a trefpafs againft the Lord, and lie unto his acjghhour in thgt which
2,9* 7 be Larger Catechlfm^
freely according to our Abilities, and the Neceffities of others n ; Moderation of our Judgments, Wills, and Afte- ftions concerning worldly Goods •■> ; a provident Care and Study to get p, keep, ufe, and difpofe thefe Things which are n^cefiary and convenient for the Sultentation of our Nature, raid fultable to our Condition Q; a lawful Cal
ling
was delivered Wm to keep, or in fellow fliip,6r in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; v 3_ /Or have tound that which was loft, and lleth con- cerning it, and fweareth fa ily , in any ol all thcfe that a itnn doth, iin- ning therein, v 4. Then it (ball be, becaofe he hath finned and is guilty, thafc he (h <ll leftore that which he took . violent) v away, or the thing which he hath deceirftlly gotten, or Ithat which was dt-.liv red him to keep, or the Imr thing which he found, v 5. Oi all that about which he hath fworn fa'ily ; he -{hall even yeftore ir in the principal, anri Oiall add the fifth part more thereto, and give If unto him ro whom it apper- tained! in the day of his rreipafs- 'offering. Compared with Luke 19. S. And Zaccheus itood and laid unto the Lord, behold, Lord, the half oi" my goods I give to the poor : and if I have taken any thing" from any man by ralfe accufatibn, I reftore him four fold.
■ n Luke- 6. 30. Give to every man that asketh 01 rhee $ and of him that takcth away thy goods, ask them not again, v 38: Give, and it (hall be 'Ven unto you, 'good meafure, pref- :d down, an'i (hake* together, and running over, /hail men gi'/e into your bofom% ior with the fame mea- sure rhat you mete withal, it thai! be meafured to you a^ain^ 1 Jcbn, 3. if; But whofo h&th tins- worlds good, and iccth his brother have need, and inuctspji ujj his towels ofcom- 1 from him, now- dwelleth ihQ Jove of God in him? Eph. 4^28. jLet him Chtt ftqk,, ileal no more:
i
but rather let him labour, working with his hands the rhirg which is good, thar he may have to give to him that needeth Gal, 6. 10. As we have therefore opportunity, lee us do good unto a)i men, efpeciaiiy unto them who are of the houlhoid of :ai:h,
o 1 Tim 6.6. But godlinefs with contentment 1 is grea: gain, v y. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can car- ry nothing outc v 8, And having t ;od and raiment, let u^ De there- with content, v 9. But they that will be rich, fall into tempfariori, and a fnare, and into many toohfh aud hurrrul iuite, which drown men in deltmclion and perdition* Gal. 6". 14. But God forbid that I Should glory lave in the crois o( our Lord Jefus Chriit, by whom the world rs ciucihed unto me, and 1 unto the world
p 1 Tim. c. 8a But if anv provide nor for his own, and especially for thofe of his own houie, he hath de» nied rhe lakh, and is worle than an infidel.
q Prov zjfwn verfe 2 3 % to the end* Be thou diligent to know the ftate of thy Mocks, and look well to thy herds; For riches are net for ever.-*- 'EccL 2. 24.. There it nothing better for a man, than thac he (hould eat and drink, and that he fhould make his foul enjoy godd in his labour. This aifo i faw, that it was from the hand ot God, EccL 5 12, I know that there is no good fc -hem, but for a man to rejoice, aha to do good ia his life, v 13. And alfo that every man fliouid eat a ad drink, and enjoy 1 ci:c
The Larger Catechiftm
193
jihg r, and Diligence in it I ; Frugality t ; avoiding unne* ce/Tary Law-fuits v and Suretifhip, and other fifce Engage- ments w , and an Endeavour by all juft and lawful Means to procure, preferve and further the Wealth and outward Eftate of others, as well as our own x,
142, Queflv the goH of all his labour, it is the gift of .1 Tim C. 1*. Charge them that are rich in this wor^', that they be not high-minded, n- r iruft in uncertain riches, bur in the living God, whogivech us richly all things 1 1 enjoj : v iS. That they do good, that rhey be r.ch in good works, rea^y to diftribuc& v to c mmunicate. Z/i. 30. i, In
w frorv^.fromverje. u to 6. My
ton, if thou be iurety [or thy friend,
1: c ou halt itricken thy hand v*. ith a (hanger, thru arc fnared with the
words ©f thy mouth, Pnv. 1 1 .
J £ He thar is furety for a ftranger, (hall fmarr for ir *, and he that ha- tcth fureriQv.p .s mre.
x Lev. iy. 35"- And if thy bro- ther be waxen, poor, snd tai.en in
tho'e days was Hezekiah ti:k unro decay .with theej Chen thou /halt re
death : and iiaiah the prophet rr;e fon 01 Arnos came unto him, and faid unto him Thus faith the Lord, Set thine hoof e in older $ for th-.-u (halt die, anc, not live. Mif, 1 1. 8 • — Behold, they tnat weui loit clo- thing, a<ein kings hotifes,
J 1 CV. 7, -.0, Let every man a- bidein th ling wnexein he
was calied Gen. 2. i>. And the Lord God to k the man, and put him into rhe gaoJcn 01 E;kn, to rrc is it, and 10 keep it. Gen. 3. 19. in the ivseatut :hy face ihalt ti nu ea bread till :hou return un:o die gun y -.
{ Efh. 1.28. Let him that ftcle, fttal no more; but rather let nun labour, working with his hands the thing which is^ood, 'hit he may h-vcto give to him that needeth- Prov. 10.4. He become th poo: that \ th a flack hand : b'j- :he h*n i or the diligei t makcth rich.
t ^u.'ra. 6K 1 ey were fil-
led, belaid u nrq his difcijrtes, Ga- I e up the fragments thai tha^nohing be 10.:. Pnrtf. n. 20. Theieisa treafurcto be retired, and oil in the dwelling or" cut wile j but a fbolifh manfpenderh it up
v iC/r. 6. jmm-va-fe i/#9.Dare anyo. you, having a matcer againil ar.o:ho, go to la*v before rhc u:> j ulr, and~not before the faints i &4.
heve him : ye - , though he be a llran- gcr. or a fojeurner ; rha: he may live with thee* Dent, zi^ 1. Thou /halt r.ot iee thy brothers ox, or his /hecp go a ft ray, and h ',' trom
them; rhou fha t in any cafe b;ir.^ them again unto thy brother, v 2, And if thy brothel _h unta
thee, or if thou kn< w nim nor, then ineown houfe, and i:
thy brother feck after it. and rhou fhal: reftore it to hi.n agjin. <v 3. In like manner fhait thou do widi his afs, and io fhalt th m do with bis
ti anr! with all loft rh thy brcrheis, which he huh loft, and thou half found, ilialt thou do like wile : th u owyeft not hi felt v 4^ Thou {ha;t not fee thy bi others afs, or his ox tali down by the way, and hide thy felf from them : thou (halt ' him to
lift [h^m up again, 4. If
thou meet thine enemies ex or afs going afrray, thou (halt furcly it hack to him again, -j 5-. i fee the afs of fun rhac hateth rhee, lying under h:s t -d . : , \ wou dlt forbearto help i.im, ihou fhait fure« lv help with him. Ge?i 47. i^.. And J kph gathered u] that was found i!>the >and oi E and in the land of Canaan, 1
T 3 com
294 The Larger Catechifm
142V Quefh yfM are the Sins forbidden in the Eight Ciitt- tiiandmeni ?
Anfij. TKe Shis forbidden hi the Eight Commandment, befide the negfeft of the Duties required y, are Theftz,, Rob- bery 3, Man-ftealing b , and receiving any Thing that is #oln c, fraudulent, Dealing if, falfe Weights and Meafures c, removingland-marks f, Injuftice and Unfaithful nefs in Con- drafts between Man and Matig, or in Matters of Truft hi
Op-
dclti which they bought : and Jo- feph brought the money into Pha- raohs houfe, v 20. And Jofeph bought all the land of Egypc for Pharaoh ^ Br the Egyptians fold every man his fold, becaufe the fa- ming prevailed over them : (b the land became Pfcusohs, Phil. 2. 4.. Look not every man on his own .things,- but every man a Ho on the tilings' of Others. Mat, 22, 39. And the tecond is like unto it, Thou (halt love thy neighbour as thy felf.
ItfL. y James, z if. If a brother or lifter be naked, and deftitute of <feily food $ v 16, Andoneofyojf fay unto them, Depart in peace, be you warmed, and tilled ; notwith- standing ye give them not thofe tilings which are needful to the bo- dy ; what doth ic profit ? 1 Jokw, 3. 37. But whofb hath this worlds good, and feeth his brother have need, and fhurteth up his bowels of- comparison from him, how dwei- leth the ioveofGod in him ?
z Eph. 4, 28. Let him that ftole, fteal no more, but rather-—
a PJaim. 62. 10. Truff. aot in op* preiHon, and become not vain in robberyv»—
b i Tim: 1; 10. [Th% la& Wat made) for whoremongers, forthen* that defile thcmfelvcs wrh man- kind, for men-fteaiers,, for liars, &r perjured perfons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to found" doctrine
c frbif. v$. ?-4o Whofo is partner ivith a thief, hatcth his own foul : $e hcaretf* iariin^ and bewf&yetk
knot. ?fatmm fo: ig4 When thou la weft a thief, thea thou confen- tedft with him,
d 1 Thejf. 4, 6", That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter : becaufe 'hat the Lord is the avenger oi a!l fuch, as we alfo have forewarned you, and tc» ftitied-
ePrav. 11, 1. A falfe balance is abomination to the Lord : but ajuft weight is his delight ?rov~ 20 10. Diver fe weights and divcrfe mea- fures, both of them are alike abo- mination to the Lord.
f Dent. 19. 14. Tiiou fhak not re- move thy neighbours land-mark, w hich they of old time have fet in thine inheritance,— Troy. z$> 10. Remove not the old land- mark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherlefs.
g Amos 8. 5. Saying, When will the new-moon be gone, that we may fell corn ? and the fabbath, that we may fet forth wheat j making the cphah fmall, and tnc (hekel great, and fallifyirig the ballances by de- ceit ? ?falm 57. 21. The wicked bor- rowern, and payeih not agaii*.—
h Lukt. \6i 10 He that is faithful in that which is leait, is faithful alfo in much ; and he char is unjutl m the ieaff, is unjuit alfo in much, •oil. Ii thereof eye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mam- mon, who will commit to your m.ut, the true riches ? v iz. And it ye have not b'-en faithful in that which h another n>ans, who fliail give you tha.s which is vgar own I
i Muki
. The Larger Catechifm zy I
Gppreffion U Extortion k, Ufury 1, Bribery ^; vexatious Law-fuits n, unjuft Inclofures and Depopulations o- in- groffing Commodities to inharice the Price P, unlawful Gal- lings q, and all other unjuft or fulfill "Ways, of taking or withholding from our Neighbour what belongs to him* or of inriching' our felves r f Govetcufiiefs f; Inordinate,
Prizing
i Ezek; 12.. 29, The people of the land have ufed oppretfl on and exer- cifcd robbery and have vexed the poor and needy : yea, they have op- prtfTed the ftranger wrongfully. Lev, 25. 1 7. Ye (hail not therefore oppreis one another .3 but thou (halt fear thy God : for I am the Lord your God;
k Mat, 2.3. 25-. Wo unto ycO, feribes and Pharifees,' hypocrites $ for ye mike clean the out-tide of the cup and oi the pla ter, bu: withip they are fuii of cxrorriu. and ex- cels. Ezek, 2z. 12. In thee have they taken gkts to lhed blood: thou halt taken ufury and increafe, and tt.on halt greedily gained of thy neigh- bours by extortion, and has for- gotten me, laith the Lord God.
1 Pfalw is, s* He tiiatputiethmt out ,iiis money to ufury, nor ukerji reward agaiiuf. the innocetr.— .
in Job 15, 34.. For the congrega- tion o hypocrites dial be deioiare^ ?.nd hie fhaii couiauie the, taber- nacles of bribery.
n 1 Or. 6, 6. But brother goeth to iaw with brother, ar.u thai before the unbelievers, -v. 7. Now therefore there is utterly a la lr a'mou$> youV becauie y^ j,o to law one with an- other ; why do ve uot rather wrung $ why do ye not tathtr furler ^c;ur fchres to h; defrauded ? v, 3. Yea, you do wrong and defraud, ami thai >u- brethren. Prsv j. 2$. Deviic no- evil againft tny ncigh- bour, tetibg he d>vcl:eth fecu rely by thee. 1/. Ji Strive not witnaman withour caule, if he have done ihzQ no harm.
o Iji*. 5. 8. Wo unto them that join home to ho^ie/ that lay iizd
to field, t'!l thers be no place, thac they may be placed alone in the midit of the earth, Micah. 2. 2. And thev covet fields, and take them by. violence -y and houfes, and take them away ; io they opprefs a man and his houk, even a man and his heritage.
p ?rcvm II, 26. He that withhold deth corn, the people fhsli curfe him ; bur bleillng {hall be upon the be; of him tharieheth.it.
q A&s. 19. 19. Many alTooftheni which uled curious arts, brought their books together, and burnec^ them before all men ; and they counted the price of them; and found it fitty thotrfand pieces of di- ver, -y, 24, For a certain man named Demetrius., a iiiver-lmirh, winch mane lilver fhnnes for Dianafl brought no inrjA .i^ain unto the craftsmen ; v. 25% Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and (aid, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
r lob, 20. 10. Because he h?zh op« p'TiTcd, a' •! fovfaken the poor f be- caufc he hdth violently taken awa7 an houie which he buildednot. J-dm% j, 4, BehoW, the .lire of the iaobu- reij, whicfe have reaied down your fi ics, which' i3 ot yo'A kept back oy fraud, cnerh j and the ci ics of ch-m whicli have reaped, are encred into the eats c. .he Lord of {abbacth. , : 1. o„ Til e getting A trcafuref by a lymg tcingue; is a vanity /offed to and fro 01 them that ieefc deatJi.
f L.\e 12.. i>\ And he (kill them, Ake heed, and beware c* covetouUiets ^ for a mans iife con- T 4 fijK
^6 The Larger Catechiftn%
Prizing and Affc&ing worldly Goods t ; diflruftfui and di- ffracting Cares and Studies in getting, keeping, and ufing them v : Envying at the Profperity of others w : As likewife Idlenefs x, Prodigality, wafteful Gaming; and all other Ways,- whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward EflateV; And defrauding our felves of the due Ufe and Comfort of that Eftate which God hath given us £< 143. Queftj Which is the Ninth Commdndment ?
hnfiv.
fifteth nor m the abundance ot the 4hmfl£ w hich he pofiefieth.
t i Tim. 6. 5 Perverfe deputing s of men of corrupt minds, and defti- xw<e of rhe truth, luppofing that go in is gcdlinefs ; from (uch with- draw thy felf. Col. 3. 2. Sec your affection on things above, not on things on ihe earth. Prov z 3. y. Wiit r) ou let thine eyes upon that which is not ? for riches certainly make themfelves wings, rhey My away as an eagle towards heaven. Pjalmi f>2> 10 — If riches incieafe, lei not ycur heart upon them.
Matth. 6. 25; Therefore I fay un- to J#u, Take no thought for your life, what ye (hall eat, or what ye Jhali drink \ nor yet for your body, what ye (hail put on : is not rhe lite more than meat, and the body than raiment ? v. 31. Therefore rake no thought, faying, What fhall we ea! ?-- ■▼. 34, Take therefore no thought tor the morrow . for trip the morrow dial I take thought for the things of « fel£f Inrricient unro ?he d?y is rhe evil i hereof, fed. 5". 12. The flcep of a labouring man is (weet, whe- ther She eat iittle or much : but the abundance of the rich will not (ut- ter him to iieep,
w Pjahn 73, 3. For I was envious a! the roolifh, when I law die pro- : y ot »he wicked, VJalm 37. I Fret not thv (el becaufe of evil do- cu% neither be thou envious againft ■^o->kzi$6f iniquity, v. 7. Reft m tr.c L'jrd, and wait patiently for htrh : fret not thy fdf bc-caufe of him who profpereth ia his way, be-
caufe of the man who bringeth wicked devices to p As.
x 2 jheff 3. ii. For we hear that tl ere are (ome wh'ch walk among yeu diforderly, working not at all, but are bufy-oodies. Prov. 18.9 He alio that is ilothfui in his work, s brother to him that is a great waiter,
y Prov. 21. 17, He that loverh plcature (hall be a poor man, he that loveth wine and oil (hall net be rich. Prov 23, 20. Be notamongft wine-hibers; among ft liorus earers oi flefh. v. 21. For the drunkard and glutton fhall come to poverty : and croufinefs fha/l clothe a man with rags. Prov 28, ,19. He that tilietf* his land, fhall have penty of bread : but he that follow eth alter vain perfons, fhall have pover- ty enough.
z Heel 48. There is one alone, and there is not a fecond , yea, he hati) neither child nor brother: yet is there no end or all his labour, nei- ther is his eve lavished vvitb liches, neither faith he, For whom do I la- bour, and bereave my foui of good i This is AU> vanity : \ea, it is- a fore travel1; EccL 6*., 2. A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, (o that he wanreth nothing for his foul of all .'hat he deii'di, yet God giverh him not power to eat thereof, but a firariger earefh it; this is vanity, and it is an evil difeaft; 1 Tim, 5. 3. But if any provide not for his own, and fpe- cially for thofe of his own houfe, he hath denied the iaith, and is worfe than an infidel.
143, a Exua
The Larger Catechlfm. i^y
Anfibi The Ninth Commandment is, Thou jbalt not bear falfe Witnefs again ft thy Neighbour a.
144. Queft. What are the Duties required in the Ninth Com- mandment ?
Ahfij. The Duties required in the Ninth Commandment are, the Preferving and promoting of Truth between Man and Man 6. and the good Name of our Neighbour, as well as our own c ; Appearing rjnd {landing for the Truth d ; and from the Heart e, fincerely f, freely g, clearly hf and fully i, fpeaking the Truth, and only the Truth, in Matters of Judgment and Juftice k> and in all other Things what-
lbever, to flay David without a caufe £
h 4cfijua 7 19* And Joihua /aid unto Achan, My ion, ght, I pray thee, glory to fhe L^rd God ot II- rael, and make conreilbn unto him ; and tell me now what thou haft done, hide it not from me,
\zSam« 14. 18. Then the king aniwexed and faid unto the woman, Hid not i'om me, 1 pray rhte, the thing that I /hall ask thee.,And the woman faid, i et my lory rhc king now (peak. y„ 19. And the king faid, is not the hand of Joab with thee in all 1 his ? And rhe wo- man anfwered and laid, As thy foul hveih my lord the king, none cui turn to the right hand or to the left from ought than my lord the king hath fpoken ; tor thy fervant Joab he bao.e me, and -he put all tttefe words in the mouth of thine hand- maid, v. 20. To fetch about this form of fpeech hath thv fervanc Juab done this thing: and my lord is wife. - — . k Lev. 19. 15. Ye {hall do no un- righteoufnefs in judgment thou (halt not relp- & the perfon of the poor, nor honour the perfon of the mighty, but in righteouihefs ihalc thou judge thy neighbour. Prov> 14, 5. A faithful wiriKfs will not lie : but a falfe witnefs will utter lies. v. if. A rrue wi-nefs delivered
143. a Exod* 20. 16",
144- h Zech. 3 16. Thefe are the things that ye {hall do, Speak ye every man the truth to his neigh- hour : execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gare?.
c 3 Joh/i 12* Demetrius hath good repeat of all men, and ot the truth ic felf; yea, ard we alfo bear record, and ye know that our record is true,
dProv, 31. 8. Open thy mouth for the dumb, in th^ c*u(e of ail fuch as are appointed to deltruchon. v. 9, Open thy mouth, judge righte- ouiiy, aad plead the caufe ot the poor and neeoy,
ePJalw 15. 2. He that walketh upng.Miy, an:: worketh iighceoul- nefs, a d lpe$ketfi the truth from his hear*.
f xChrQ?i. 19, 9, And he charged them, lay, rig, Thus (hail ye do' in the fear of the Lord, faithiuily, and w.tti a perfect heart,
g 1 Sa?n 19. 4. \nd Jonathan (pake good ot" David u to S.ul his lather, and laid unto him, Let not the king froagarnlt his iervanr, a- gainit David, became ke hath not imncd *■ gain it tnee,and becaufe his works have bven to tbee-ward very goon. v. 5-, For he did put his lite in ins land, and Hew the Philiitine, and the Lord wrought a gre
tion for all Ilrad 5 thou :aweil it, fouls, but a deceitful friends ipeak-
and didil rejoxc ; wherefore then eth lies.
wilt thou fin againii innocent bfc od, I a O.
The Larger Caiechijrnt
%9$
foever 1 ; a cHaritable Efleem of our Neighbours m ; loving;' defiring, and rejoicing in their good Name n ; fbrrowing for o ; and covering of their Infirmities p, freely acknow- ledging of their Gifts and Graces q, defending their Inno- ^ency r ; a ready receiving of a good Report I, and Unwil. lingnefs to admit of an evU Report concerning them t,
dit
\zCor. i. 17* When I therefore was thus minded, did I u(e light- nefs ? or the things that i purpofe, do I purple according to the fiefli, that with me there fhouid be yea, yea. and nay, nay-? v. *i8. But as God is true, our word toward you, was not yea and nay. Eph. 4 25. Where- fore putting away lying, {peak e- very man truth with his neighbour % tor we are members one of another.
m Heb% 6. 9. But, beloved, we are periwaded better things of you, and things that accompany falvation, though we thus fpeak. 1 Or. 1 j. 7. (Charity) beareth all things* belie- vethall things, hopeth ail -things, uidureth all things,
n Rvm. Si 8. Firft I thank my God through Jelus Chrift for you all, that ^cur taith is fpoken of throughout the whole world. 2 John 4- I re- joiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in the truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. 3 John 3, For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and teitified of the truth that ?S in thee, even as thou waikeft in the truth, v 4. I have no greater py than to hear that my children ■jvaik in the truth,
o 2 Cor. 2. 4. For out of much af- Siction and anguifh of heart, I wrote unto you with many tears $ not that you (hould be grieved, but that ye might know trie love which I have more abundantly unto you. 2 Cor. j2. 21. And leit when I come again, my God wih humble me among you, and that 1 (hall bewail many who have finned already, and have not repented ot the uiickarinafs, and
fornication/and lafciviodnefs which they have committed.
pVrov. 17.9. He that covereth a tranfgredion, ieeketh love^ but he that repeateth a matter, icparateth very friends, 1 Pet. 4. 8, And above all things have fervent charity a- mong your (elves: ior charity (hall cover the multitude of fins.
q 1 Cor. i • 4. 1 thank my God al- ways in your behalf, ior the grace ot God which is given you by Jclus Chrift ^ v. 5. That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all ut- terance, and in all knowledge, v, 7, So that ye come behind in no gift 5 waiting for the coming of the Lord Jefus Chriii. i Jim, \. 4. Greatly deliring to fee thee, being mind- ful of thy tears, that I may be fil- led with joy ; if.f. When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt firit in thy grandmother Lois, and - by mo- ther Eunice $ and I am periwaded that in thee aifo*
ri Sam. 22. 14 Then Ahtmel ech anlwered the king and laid, And who is fo laithiul amorg all thy fer- vants, as David, wiiich is the kings Ion in law, aoc goah at thy bid- ding , and is honourable in thine horn I
I 1 Cor. 13. 6, (Charity) rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth : v. 7. Bearctii ail things, belie- veth all tirngs, iiopeui ail tilings, endureth allthings.
tPfalm i$* 3. Hethat backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a re* proach againft his neighbour.
v. Proverbs
The Larger CaUchifin £px
difcC^raging Tale-bearers v, Flatterers w, and Slanderers x ; Love and Care of our own good Name, and defending it when Need requireth y ; keeping of lawful Promifesz >• ftudying and practifing of whatfoever Things are true, ho neft, lovely, and of good Report a.-
145. Qpeft. What are the Sins forbidden in the Ninth Com- mandment ?
Anjw. The Sins forbidden in the Ninth Commandment are, all prejudicing the Truth, and the good Name of our Neigh- bour, as well as our own h, efpecially in publick Judicature c;
giving
v Proverbs is- *£ The north- wind driveth away rain ; (o doth an angry countenance, a backbiting tongue*
w ?rov. i6i 24. He that hareth, diflembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him. v. 25. When he fpeaketh fair, believe him not : for their are leven abominations in his heart.
x?falm 101? 5. Whofo privily (landereth his neighbour, him will I cutoff: —
y frov 22. 1, A good name is rather to be chofen than great rich- es, and loving favour, rather than filver and gold. John 8. 49. jefus anfwercd, I have not a devil ; but I honour my Father, and ye do dif- honour me,
z?Jairn ly. 4. He that fweareth to his c*n hurt, and changem nor.
a ?hil. 4, 8. Finally, brerhrtn, whatsoever thing? aie true, what- ioeve: things are h"tidt, whatsoever things are juit, whatsoever things are pure, whatfoever thing- are love- ly whatioever things are of good report ; it there be am vinue,and if there be any praiie, think on thele things.
145". b 1 Sam. 17.28. And Eiiab his t Melt brother heard when lie fpake unto the man, and Eliabs was kindled a^rairUt D.vid, and he iaiVr, Why camcir. thou t&wq hither? kftdwith whom nait thou left thofe few iheep in the wilder*
nefs ? I know thy pride, and the naughriueis of thine hear', for thou art come down that thou mightcit (ee the battle. 2. Sam. 16.'^ And the king laid, And where is thy ma- tters Ion ? And Ziba faid unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jeru- faleai : for he (aid, To day fhall the houfe of lira el reftore rpe the king- dom ot my father, a Sam, 1; 9- He faid unto me again, .Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and flay me : to an^uifh is come upon me, be- cauie my life is yet whole in me. v, 10. So i itood upon him, and licw him, becauie I was fare that he could not Jive after rhat he was [al- ien . And 1 took the crown that was on his head, and the braccler that was on ii>s arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord, v \f± And D^vid cahed one ot the young men, and (aid, Go near, and fall upon him And he fmotc hin that he died. v. 16. And David faid un- to him,TJ>y Wood pe upon thy head, for thy mouth ruth teitiried againir. th^3 laying, I have ilain die Lords a nuii 1 ted,
c Lev, 19. i^, Ye (hall do no tin- righteouinels in judgment -, thou fl j a i r not reipecl: the pciion of the poor, nor honour theperion of the 'mighty : but in ri£hieouinefs (hale thoujudae thy neighbour. Hab^ 1 4 Theveioie.he law is Slacked, and judgment doth never go forth ; for the wicked;doch compais about the riga-
^00 The LwgerCatechlfrn:
giving falfe Evidence d; fuborning falfe Witnefles e> wit- tingly appearing and pleading for an evil Caufe, out-facing' and over-bearing the Truth f ; palling unjufl Sentence gv calling Evil Good, and Good Evil; rewarding the Wicked according to the Work of the Righteous, and the Righ- teous according to the Work of the Wicked h , Forgery '•
con*
rigbteoir: therefore wrong ju'^g* mem proceedeth.
ci Frov. 19 5. A falfe witnefs fhall not be ifnpuni{hed,and he that fpeak- erh lies (hail not efcape. Prov. 6". 16", The(e fix thing: doth the Lord hate 5 yea, fcven are an abomina- non unto hinu v. 19. A talie wit* nefs that fpeaketh lies, and him ihat (oweth dilcord among brethren,
e j0s 6. 1 3; And fet up frlie wit- ness, which (aid, Tnis man cea- ietb not to fpeak blalphemcus words againtt this holy place, and the law.
i^fer. 9, 3. And they bend then- tongue like-their bow for lies : but they are not valiant for the truth upon die earth 5 for they proceed trom evil to evil, and they know not me, lakh the Lord, v, $. Aud they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not (peak the trurn : they have taught their rongue to (peak iies, and weary themfelves to commit iniquity* ABs 24. 2. And When he was called forth, Ter- tuhus began to accufe him, *- v, 5. Kor we nave found th is man a pefti- lent fellow, and a mover of (edition among ail tne Jews throughout the world, and a nng-kader of the uct ot the Nas.artnts' VfaL 12. 3 Tne Lord (hall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue rnat (peaketh proud things, v. 4. Who have {aid, With our tongue will We prevail, our lips are our own : who is Loid over us/ Vfalm S?- t.Why boalteit thou thy {tit in mitehiehO mighty man? the poortnefs ot God enciureth continual- ly, v. 2. Thy tongue devileth mif- chkis , like a iharp razor, working
deceitfully, v. f. Thou lovefl* evil more than good ; and lyhig **atr,er. than to fpeak righteoufnels. Selah, v, 4. Thou loveft all devouring words, O rhou deceitful tongue.
g Frov. 17. ts\ He thar juititieth the wicked, and he that condenr- neth the juft, even they both are abomination to the Lord. 1 Ki ngt ri. from verfe 9. to 14, And (he (rf£- zehel) wrote in the letters, laying, Proclaim a fad, and fet Naboth on high among the people : 1>„ 10. And fet two men. Ions ot Beifel, before him, to bear witnefs a^ainft nim, faying, Ihou'didft b^fpheme God and die king : and then carry him our, and itone him that he may die. it. 11. And the men of 'his city ,even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had fent unto them. 1/. 13. And (they) ironed him with itones that he died,
h If a. 5. 23. Which juftity the wicked for a reward,and take away the righteoufnels oi the righteous from mm
i Vfalm 1 19' 69. The proud have forged a He again It me: bur I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. Luke 19. 8. And Zaccheus (food and (aid unto the Lord, Be- hold. Lord, the half of my goods 1 give to the poor: and it I have taken any thing from any man by felfeaccufation, 1 reiWe him four- fold. Luke 16. 5. So he called eve- ry one of his lords debtors unto him, and laid unto the firit, How milch owed thou unto my lord ? n). 6 And he fa id, An hundred mea- sures oi oil. And he laid unto him*. Take
TJje Larger Catechifw. 301
concealing the Truth, undue filence in z Juft Caufe k, and iioldlng our Peace when iniquity calleth for either a Re- proof from our felves , or Complaint to others m ,• (peek- ing the Truth unfeafonably n, or malicioufly to a wrong "End .; or perverting it to a wrong Meaning r, or in doubtful and equivocal Expreffions, to the Prejudice of Truth or Jufticeq ; fpeaking Untruth r, Lying 1, flan-
de-
Take thy bill, and fir down quickly, and write fifty. <l> 7. Then faid he to allot, er, and how much owed thou t
k Lev. Sj h And '* a ^ou^ *{n-> anf* hear rhe voice of [wearing, and is a \a itnefs, whether he hath (een or known of it, if he do nor otter k,then he (hill bear his iniquity Deut. 13. 8. Thou (halt not confenr unco him, riojr hearken unto him : neither mail 'thine eye pi:y him, neither ilia 1 c thou fpare, neither (halt thou conceal him. Atfs. s- 3 Bbi Peter faid, Ana- nias, wh- haft Satan filled thine heart to lie to rhe holy Ghoft, and to keep back parr ot the price or the land ?<y 8. And Peter anfwered un- to her, Tell me whether ye fold the land for fo much. And (he faid, yea, >'cr (o much, v £. Then Peter {aid unto her, how is it that you have a- greed together, to tempt the Spirit
of the Lord? zTim. 4. 16. At
my firft anfwer no man trood with me, but all men lorfook me : I Pray God :hac it may not be laid to their charge.
J I Khigs. 1, 6. And his father had not difpleafed him at any time, in
faying, Why haft thou done fo ?
Lev. 19. ij. Thcu fhalr not hate thy brother in thine heart : thou fhalt in any wife rebuke thy neighbour, and not fufTer fin upon him;
^ m J la 59. 4. None calleth for ju- ftice, nor any pi adeth for truth ; they truft in vanity,
n Pr»v. 2.9. 11. A fool uttereth all his mind : but a wife man keepeth it in rill afterwards.
o 1 Sam. 22. 9, Then anfwered P^eg the Edomite, (which was ice
over die fervants of Saul) and faid, 1 faw the Son of jeffe coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the Ton of Ahi- tub, v to. And he enquired of the Lord for him . aud gave him vi- ctuals, and gave him the fword of Goliath 'he Phihftine. (Compared with Pfalm. 52.) A Pfalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told S-iul,- v. 1. Why boafteft tho* thyfclf n mifchief, O mghty man ? &c. to verfe. $.
p Pjatrh. $6, 5. Every day they wreft my woj ds -y all their thoughts are againft me for evil. John. 2. 19. Jefus anfwered and faid unto them, Deftroy this temple, and in three days I will raife it up. Qrmpared with Mat. z6. do.-— At the laft came two faife wirneiTcs, v 61. And faid, This fellow faid, 1 am able to deftroy the temple of God, and to build it in thicedays,
q Gen^ 3. 5, For God doth know, that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes fhali be opened : zind ye /hall be as gods knowing good and evil. Gen. 16, 1. And the men of the place asked him of his wife ; and he faid, fhe is mv filter : for he fear- ed to fay, fhe is my wife, v 9. And Abimdech called Ifaac, and faid, Behold of a iurety fhe is thy wife : and how faidft thou, SfiQ is my filter Tr: -
r lfa. * 9. 13; In tranfgrefling and lying againft the Lord, and de- parting away from our God, (peak- ing opprefrr.>n and revolt, e concei- ving and uttering from the heart, words of falfhood.
f Lev* 19, 1 1, Ye fhali not ileal nei-
$$i The Larger Catechifm.
dering r, Backbiting v3 Detracting w, Tale-bearing x,Whifp£- ring y,Scoffing i, Reviling a, rafh b, harfhc, and partial Cen- furing dj mifconftruftirig Intentions, Words and Anions e;
Flat-
neithcr deal falfjy, neither lie one ro another. CoL 3. 9. Lie not one to another, feeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.
tPfa/inso. 20. Thou fitter! and
fpeakeft agamft thy brother, thou
fhnderefr, rhine own mothers fon.
v VJalm 1$: 3. He that backbiteth
cot with his tongue*—-
w James 4, 11. Speak not evil one pf another, brethren, He that fpcak- cth evil ot his brother, and judgeth his brother, fpeakerhevilof the law, and jndgerh the law; but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. Jer. 38. 4. Therefore the princes faid nneo the king, We befeech thee, let this man , be put to* death : for thus he weak- neth the hands of the men of war that remain in fhe city, and the hands of all the people, In fpeajdng [uch words unto them : for this man feeketh not the welfare of this peo- pie, but the hurt-
xLev, 19. io\ Thou fhalt not go rap and down as a Tale-bearer a- mong thy people $ neither fhalt thou jftand againfr. the blood of thy aeighbour. I am the Lord.
y Rom* 1. 2.9. Being filled with all unrighteoumefs, fornication, wick- ^dneis, covetoufnefs, malicioufhefs ; full of envy, murder, debate, de- ceit, malignity, whifperers, v. 30. Backbiters, haters ot God.—
z Gen. 21. 9. And Sarah faw the fori of Hagar the Egyptian, which Ihehad born unto Abraham, mock* Jng, Compared with Gal 4; 29. But as then he that was born after the flefh, persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even fo it is now,
a 1 (or, 6. 1.0, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, not revi- iers, nor extortioners, (hall inheric ffg kingdom of Gc-do
b ltfat. 7. 1. Judge not, that ye be nor judged
c Afts 28. 4. And when the bar. barians faw the venemous bead hang on his hand, they faid among themfelves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom though he hath cfcapedthe lea, yet vengeance fuf* fereth not to live.
d Ge#n 38. 24. And it came to pais about three months after, that it was told Judah, faying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot .- and alio behold, (he is with child by whoredom . and Judah faid, Bring her forth,and let her be burnt; Horn* 2, 1. Therefore thou art inex- orable, O man, whofoever thou art that judgett : for wherein thou judgeft another, thou conHcmnelfc thy fell ; for thou that judgeft, doft the finite things.
e 'Nehem* 6. 6. Wherein was writ- ten : it is reported among the hea- then, and Gafhmu faith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel : For which caufe thou buildeft the ( wall, that thou mayeil be their king, ac- cording to thefe words, v. 7. And thou hail: alio appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerufaiem, faying, there is a king in Judah : and now (hall it be reported to the king, according to thefe words; Come now therefore, and let us take counfel together" v. 8; Then I lent unto him, laying, there are no fuch thing done as thou fayeft, but thou feigneft them out of thine own heart* Rom, $, 8. And not ra- ther as we be flanderoufly reported, and asfome affirm that we fay, Lc us do evil that good may come $ whofe damnation is juft, Vjaljq ^9" 10. When I wept, and chaiined my foul with fading, that was tn my reproaeh. i$am* 1,13* Now Han
The Larger Catec hifm 3 03
Pattering f9 vain-glorious Boafting g, thinking or fpeaking too highly or too meanly of ourielves or others h ; deny- ing the Gifts and Graces of God i; aggravating fmailer Faults k ; hiding, excufing or extenuating of Sins, wher* called to a free Confeffion 1 ; unneceflary difcpverjng of Infir-
mi.
nah fhe (pake in her hearr, only her lips moved, but her voice was not hearc; ; therefore Eli thought flic had been drunken. V. 1 4. And Eli (aid ur.ro her, How long wit Hied be drtinken ? put away thy ty jnc from thee, v.- *$• And Hannah anfwered and faid, No, my lord, J am a woman of a (orrow'ul Ipi- rit ; I have drunk neither ftrong drink, but have pc^: : my foul before the Lord, 2 Sam 10, 3. And the princ & of the children €>f Amnion iaid unto Hanun their lord, rhinkeif. thou that David doth honoui thy facher, that he hath fent comforters unto thee i harh net David rather lent his fcrvanrs unto thee to fearch the city, and to fpy it our, an<t to ovenhrow it.-
f ffiilm. $2, 2 They fpeak vanity eveiyman with his neighbour: with flattering Hps, and with a double heart do they {peak, v 3. The Lord (hall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue tliat fpeakcth proud things.
g 2 Tin. 3.2, For menfhalibe lovers of their own felves, covetous, boa tiers.
h Luke. 18, 9.. ^nd he fpake this parable unto certain which trufted in them felves that they were righ- teous, and defpifed other* v 11. And the' Pharifee itoed and prayed thus with himfelf, Gcd, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extorti- oner^ unjuft, adulterers, or even as this publican* £.</.*»■ 12. 16.-— Mind not high things, but condefcend to men of low Lftaee. Be not wife la your own conceit. 1 pr, 4, 6. A net Chefe things, bretheren, I have in a figure transferred to my felf, and to A polios, for your fakes: that you TOght kaia of us roc tp think of
men, above that which is written* that no one of you be puffed up for one again ft another. j4ft$ i2D 22. And the people gave a fhout, faying, It is the voice oi a god^ and not of a man \ Ezcod. 4. 10. And Mofes faid unto the Lord; O my Lord, f am not eloquent, neit-vr he/eroiore nor iince thou h?fr, fpo- kcjj unto thy fcivaaft But I am flow of fpcech, an-.: of a flow tongue, ' v. 1 1: And the Lord faid untohims Who hath made mans mouth ? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the ieeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord i v. 12, Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth* and reach thee what thou (halt faya v, 13. And he faid, O my Lord, fend, I pray thee, by the hand ot him whom thou wik fend; v. 14, And the anger of the Lord war kindled againit Mofes, &c.
i J ok 27. 5, God forbid that I fhoulri juftity you; till I die I will not remove my integrity from mc- v, 6", My righteoufnefs I hold fah\ and will not let it go: my heart fhall rot reproach me fo long as i live. Job. 4. 6". Is not this thy fear^ thy confidence, thy hope, and the upright nefs ot thy ways i
k Mat. 7. 3 And why beholdeffc thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye, but confidereft n©t the beam that is in thine own eye ? v. 4. Or how wilt thou fay to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye -> and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? v. $. Thou hy- pocrite, hrft call out the beam out of thine own eyej and then thou fhalc fee clearly to caft out the mote out of thy brothers eye.
1 fyov; 2.8* 13, lie that covereth
his
304 T)? Larger Catecbifw/
raities m, railing falfe Rumours n , receiving and countenancing ey%l Reports o, and flopping our Ears againft juft Defence p -, e^il Sufpicioii q ; Envying or Grieving at the deferved Cre - dit of any r, endeavouring or defiring to impair it f, rejoiT cing in their Difgrace and Infamy t; fcornful Contempt u9
fond
his fins, (hall not prof per; bur whofo comefleth and forfaketh them, (hall have mercy. Yrov 30. 20, Such is the way of an adulterous woman ; (he earteth, and wipeth her mouth, and faith, I have done no wicked - nefs. Gen, 3. 12, And the man faid, T*:e woman, whom thou gaveri to be with me, (he gave me of the tree, and I did eat. .% 13.— —And the, woman (aid, The ferpent beguiled . me, anc1 I did eat. Jerl 2. 35-. Yet thou fayeft, Bccaule I am innocent furely his anger (hall turn from me; behold, I will plead with thee, be- caufe thou (ayeft, 1 have not finned % Kings S' 2f ..— And Elifha (aid un- to him, Whence Cornell thou, Geha- fi? And he laid, Thy fcrvant went no whither, Gen, 4, 9. And the Lord faid unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he faid, I know not , Am I my brothers keeper ?
ni Gat, 9. 22. And Ham the fa- Cher of Canaan (aw the nakednets or his lather, and told his two bre- thren without. Prju 25, 9. Debate thy caule with thy neighbour him- felfj dtfeover not a (ecret to ano- ther ; 1* 10. Left he that heareth h, put thee to fhame, and thine infamv turn not away.
n Exod. 23, 1. Thou (halt not raife a faife report : put not thine hand with the wicked to be an un* righteous witnefs.
o Vrovi 29. 12. If a ruler hear- ken to lies, all his fervants are wicked.
I did defpife the caule of my man - fervant or of my maid- Servant, when they contended with me: v, 14, What then (hall I do when Goi ri- fcth up ? and when he vilketh, what (hall I anfwer him ?
q 1 Cor, 135. (Charity) doth not behave itfelf unfeemly, (eekern not her own. is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. 1 Tim, 6, 4. He is proud, knowing nothing, but do- ting about questions and ftrifes of words, whereof cometh envy, ftriie, railings, evil furmiiings.
r 7$umb, 1 1. 29, And Motes faid un- to him, Envieft thou for my fake ? would God fhat all the Lords peo- ple were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them. Mat, 21. i^t And when the chief p lefts aud (cribes faw the won- derful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and laying, Hofanna to the Son ot Da- vid ; they were fore difpleafed.
( Ezra 4. 12, Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us, are .come unto Je- rufalem, building the rebellious and the ba,d city, and have fet up the wails thereof, and joined the foun- dations, v. 13* Be ir known now unto the king, that if this city be builded, and the walls (etup again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and cuftom, and fo thou (halt en- damage the revenue of the kings. .
t Jer% 48,27. For was not Ifrael a derifion unto thee ? was he found
p ABs 7* $6: And (Stepbm) faid, among thieves ? for fince thou (pak- Behold, I fee the heavens opened, eft of bim, thou skipped for joy, and t^eSonof man ftanding on the v Vfalm 35. if- Bur in mine ad- right hand of God, <y, 57, Then verfity they rejoiced, and gathered they cried out with a loud voice, and themfelves together : yea, the ab- ftopped their ears, Job. 31, 13. If jecls gathered themtejves together
a-
The Larger Catechifm: 30^
fond Admiration w.j- Breach of lawful Promifes x ; neglect- ing fuch Things as are of good Report y; and practi- cing or not avoiding our felves, cr not hindering what w© can in others, fiich Things as procure an ill Name z>
146? Qneft, Which is the Tenth Commandment ?
Anfev. The Tenth Commandment is, Thou jhali not cc* vet thy Neighbour's Houfe, thou . pah hot covet thy Neigh- bour's Wife, nor his Man-/ervanty nor his Maidservant, nor his 0xt nor his Afs} nor any Thing that is thy Neigh- bour s >. > ... ,«
147. Q^iefc. What arc the Duties required in the Tenth Command- ment ?
Amjwr The Duties required in the Tench Commandment, are fuch a foil Contentment with our own Condition b ; and fuch a charitable Frame of the whole Soul toward our Neigh- bour, as that all our inward Motions and Affections touch- ing him, tend unto, and further all that Good which is hisca
i43. QuefL
agatnfl me.— v. 16*. With hypo- critical mockers in fcatis: ttey gnafhed upon me with their teeth. v. 21. Yci0 they opened rhcir niouh wide again!!: me, and laid, Aha, aha, our eve hath feen it. Mat* 27. 28. Aad they ftripped him, and put 0:1 him a fcarlet iobew v, 29. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it O).' his head, and a xeed in his right hand : and ihey bowed the knee before him, and mocked him3 faying HaiJ, king of the Jews.
w Jude 16: Thefe ajemdrm compiuinus, walking a::e» their own lulls; and their mourh (peak- eth great {we!;in^ vrords, having mens pcn'oQS : jn becauie
of advantage. Acis 12, zz. And che peopie gays a /hour, laving; Iris the Voice of a god, and not of a
x Ro/7i 1. 3 1. Without undc]
ing* covenc\nt-breakjis, r. 3
3. 3. Without natural affe£tk>n, truce-breakers, ialle accufers.
y 1 Sam, 2. 24. Nay, my for it is no good report mac i h ye make the Lords ptopieto crauf- grefs,
£ 2 Sam, 13. 12: And fhe anfwer- ed him, Nav, my bro:he , do noc force me: lor no fuch thing ought to be done in Ifrael : do not thou mis folly; v: 15, And I, whither Oiail I caufe my lhame to go? And as ;or th,eC^ thou fhalc be as one of . : now therefore^- Prov s 0 Remove t^iy way :ar from her, and come nor ni or of
her houfe: v. 9. Leit thou give Chine i.o our unto others, and thy years unto t\\e croeL ftrflv.tf. 33. A wound and diQionour Ihall he ger, and iiis reproaeii fhali no: be wiped
Ia6 a ExoJ. £0. ij.
I47. p y-.y , ;. y. Let your cor> vevi.iffon fiiefe^
and • firings as
f e ha r/lii never
leave rhee, ■- ke thee. iTim*
6. 6, ^tene-
ment is great gain.
c Job, 31*; 20 if I rejoiced at $ie
it hated nfe/ or
Iff/up m . evil tound I
Rm< iz. jj, Pv foiee with them that
y 4q
$o6 The Larger Cateehifert:
148* Quefh *What are the Sins forbidden in the Tenth Command* toent ? .
Anfou The Sins forbidden in the Tenth Commandment are, Difcontentrnent with our own Eftated ,- Envying^, and Grieving at the good of our neighbour f, together with all inordinate Motions and affettions to any Thing that is his g.
149. Quell.
do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Vfdbri. 122.. 7. Peace be within thy walls, and profpeiity within thy places. V 8. For my brethren and companions fake, I will now fay, peace be within thee v, $» Became of the honfe of the Lord our God, I will feekthy good. 1 Tim. 1. 5« Now the end of the commandment is charity, out of a pure heart, and of a good conference, and of faith unfeigned: Eflher. 10, 3. For Mor- decai the jew was next unto king A haft; cms, and great among the Jews, and accepted or rh'e multitude of his brethren, feeking the wealth of his people, and fpeaking peace to all his ieed. 1 Cor. 15.4. Charity (uffereth long, and is kind ; charity envieth not j charity vaunteth not it ieU, is not purled up, v 5. Doth not behave it felt unieem'y, feekcth not her own, is not eaiily provoked, thinketh no evil, v 6. Rejoiceth not ill iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth : v 7. Bearem aH thingi, believeth all things, hepeth all things, endureth all things.
148- d 1 Kings. 2.1, 4. And Ah3b came into his houfe, heavy and di plea ltd, bccaufe of the word which Naborh the Jezreelite had fpoken w him : for he had faid, I will fiot give t5ee the inheritance oi my fathers; and he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. Either* 5.13. Yet all this availeth me nothing, Co long as I fee Mordecai the Jew lifting ^ t the kings gate. nCCr. 10, 10. Neither murmur^ve as lume of them alio murmured, an4 were deftroyed of the deiiroysr.-
e GaL s, 16*. Let us not be defi- rous ot vain-glory, provoking one another, envying one another, jam* 3. 14. But if you have bitter envying and ftrifeinyour hearts, glory not : and lie not againfl: the truth; v 16, For where envying and ihife is, there is confufion and every evil work.
f Vfnhn, 1 12.. 9. He hath difperfed, he hath given to the poor j his righ- teoufnefs endureth for ever ; his horn fhall be exalted with honour, v io. The wicked dial! fee it, and be grieved -7 he fhall gnaQi with his teeth, and melt away :• the dciire of the wicked fhall perifh. Nehem.z. 10. When Sanballat the Horonne, and Tobiah the fervant the Ammo- nite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to {eefc the welfare of the children ot Ifrael,
g ~Rom. "*. 7. What fhall we fay then? Is the law iin ? God forbid. Nay, I bad not known fin, but by the law: for I had not known lufr, except the law had faid, Thou flialc not covet, v 8, But iin taking occafion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of con-: cupifcencc. For without the law iin was dead. Korn, 13. 9, For this, Thou fhaic not commit adultery, Thou fha! r not kill, 7 hou fhalt not fteal, Thou (hale nor bear fah'ewk- nefs, Thon (halt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, k is briefly comprehended in this faying, namely, Thou fhalt love ihy neighbour as thy felfl Cftf„ 3. 5-. Moitify therefore your members which are upon the earth ; fornica- tion5 wncleannefs, inordinate af- fec;io
The Larger Catechifm: %cj
140. Queft. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God? * 3
Anfix). No Man is able, either of himfelf h, or by any Grace received in this life, perfectly to keep the Commandments of God i ; but doth daily break them in Thought k, Word, and Deed I.
150, Queft. Are all Tranfgnjfiqns of the Law of God equally bain* ous in themf elves, and in the fight of God \
Anfiv. All Tranfgreffions of the Law of God are not equally hainous : But fome Sins in themfelves, and by rea-
fort
feclion, evil Concupiscence, and covctoulnefs, which is idok Deut, 5, 2 1. Neither fliait thou <Je- iirc thy neighbours wife, neither fhak thou covet thy neighbours houfe, his field, or his man- fer. or his maidservant, his ex, or his afs, or any thing that is ny heigh* bours.
149, h Jatnes. 3. 2. For in manv things we offend all. If any offend not in word, the {a me is a perfedt man,: and able alio to bridle the whole body. John, is, 5". i 5m the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in htm, the fame brmgeth fortn much rriiit : for without me ye can do nothing. Ro?n„ 8. 3, For what the Jaw could not do, in that it was weal the flefh, God (ending his own .Son, in thelikene s ot finfui \\:(\\, and for iin Condemned . !h„
i EccL 7, 20, For there isn - man upon earth, that do h g and hnnet h nor, 1 J ohn, 1,8. ii we fay chat we have no iin, we deceive our lclves, and the truth.is not in us. v id. If we fay that we have not ned, we make him a liar, and bis word is not in us. Gal, f . 1 7. For the fiefh biftetjh be fphit,
and the fpiiK agamii the Srfh; and thefe are contrary the one to other, Gj that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Rc?n. 7, 1S Fo: i know* thai in me (that is, in ...ng ;
for ro will is prefent with me ; hue how to perform that which is good, I nnd iK.r, v 19 For the good rhac . I would* 1 do nor . but the evil which I would net, that do I.
k Ge&. 3. 5. And God faw tha$ the wickednefs of man was great In the earth; and that every imagina- tion of the tiioughts of his !ua;cwas only evii continually* Gen 8. 21.
And the Lord (aid in his heart, f
u'ili cu ie the ground no m< re for mans fake ; tor the imagination of mans heart is evil irom his youth ;— i Rj?n 3. 9. — - We have beiore proved both Jews and Gentiles, thac they are ail under iin ; v 10. As ic is written, There is none righteous, no no: one : v 1 1. There is none undeHtandcth, there i- none that (eeketh aner God. 1) 12. They are ail gone out of the wav, they are together become nnprontab there is none that. doth good, no not one: v 13, Their throat is an lepulchre ; W&h their tongues have ufa$ d£bei£j the poifon ps is under :heir iip; : ~j ijp Wboie mouth is ru.l ol ctjrfiog and bitrernefs- v if. Their leer are (witi to faed DiWd. v 16. De- ll: uction and milery are ip their : v 17. And the wav of n.ace? hey not known. # if. There :ear of God before their eye: , <v 19. Notv we know rhat vfr.t • ikith
to tfenil V'ho are 1.
jdg The Larger Catechlfm.
fan of feVeral Aggravations, are more hainous in the Sight of God than others m.
15 U Quell, 'What are tfofe Aggravatims that make forte. Sins faore hainous than others ?
Anfiv. Sins receive their Aggravations,
1, From the Perfons offending n,. if they be of riper Age 0/ gfeaterExperienee or Grace p ; eminent forProfeffion q,Gifts r-
Place,
That every month may be flopped, and all the world may become guil- ty beioreGod, James 3. from verje 2. to 13. For in many things we offend all,-—
ifo. m john jo* 11, Jefus an» fweredj Thou couldfl have no pow- er at all againit me, except it were given thee from above : therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater iin, Ezek. 8. 6. .-But turn thee yet again, and thou /halt fee greater abominations, v. 13. —Tuva thee yet again, and thou (hall fee greater abominations that they do. % iy. — Turn thee yet again, and thou (halt fee greater a- feominations than thefe, 1 John 5*. 16. It any man fee his brother iin a fin which is not unto death, he fhall ask, and he fliali give him life for them that iin not unto death* T';ere h?*. iin onto death : I do not lay that he (hall pray ior it. Pfaim 7 8. 1 7. And they finned yet more againit him, by provoking the moil High In the wildern'eis. v. 32., For ail this they iinned (till ; and believed
not for his wondrous works,
v. 56-
Yet they tempted and provoked the mod high God, and kepi not his teiiimonks.
55 i. n Jsr. 2/ 8. The priefrs (aid flor, Where is the Lord ? and they that handle the law, knew me nor „■ the pallors alio trantgrefied agalnft me, and the prophets prophciied by BaJ,and walked after things that do not profrr.
\. 3?.. 7. I iaid^ f>ays mould fp&3Lkf and Tiniltitude of years fhould itttn W&$m* v. 9. Craat mm
are not always wife : neither do the aged underitand judgment. Keel' 4, 1 3. Better is a poor and a wife child t than an old and foolidi king, ',viio will no more be admonifhed.
p 1 Kings ii. 4. Fork came to pais when Solomon was oid, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods ; and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart oi David his father, t)3 9. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, becaufe his heart was turned from the Lord God oflfra- el3 which had appeared unto hrni twice.
q 2. Smfi* li, 14. Howbeit, be- came by this jked thou hait given great occafion to the enemies of the Lord to blalnheme, the child tnat is born unto thee fliali (urely die, I €ok 5. i. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and (ucb fornication, as is not fa much as named among the Gen- tiles, that one fhouid have his la- thers wife,
r James 4, \j} Therefore to him that knovveth to do good, and doth k not, to him it is iin, Ltthe 11. 4.J. And that fervant which knew his lords will, and prepared not him- £lf3 neither did according ro Ivs will, fliali be beaten wim many firipes v. 48. But he that knew nor, and did commit things worthy of itripes, fhall be beaten with few itripes. For unto whomioever much is given,- of him fhail be much re- quired : and to whom men have committed muchjoi him- they will asjfc- she mprc.
S Jm.
The Larger Catechifm: 309
Place r, Office t ; Guides to others *, and whofe Example is likely to be followed by others w.
2 From the Parties offended x ; if Immediately againfiGod y
i Jer. 5. 4. Therefore I faid, Sure* ly thefe are poor, they are tboliih : for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. «y. $•„ I will get me unto the great men, and will fpeak unto them j for they have known the way of the Lord, and the judgment of their God: but thefe have altogether, bro- ken the yoke, and burft Che bonds,
t 2 Sam. 1.2: 7. And Nathan hid to David, Thou art the man. Thus iaith the Lord God of Ifrael, I a- nointed thee king over Ifrael,— v, 2; And I gave thee thy matters houfe# and thy mailers wives into thy bo> [om, and gave thee the houfe of I ft rael and of Judah j and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee fuch and fuch things, v. 9. Wherefore haft, thou delpifed the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his fight ? Ez*k. 8. 1 1, And there (food before them feventy men of the ancients of the houfe of IfraeJ, and in the midft of them flood Jaazaniah the fbn of Shaptian, with every man his cenfer in his hand, and a thick cloud of in eerie went up. v. 12, Then fa id he unto mev Son of man, ha ft thou fcen what the ancients of the houfe of Ifrael do in the dark, every man an the chamber of his imagery ? for they fay, The Loid feeth us not, the Lord hath forlaken the earth,
v Raw, 2, j 7, Behold, thou art cal- led a Jew, and refteft in the law, and makefr. thy boaft of God- v. ]8- And kooweft' his will,— x; 19. And art confident that thou thy feif art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in daiknefs. v, 20, An inftrucler of the foolifh, a teach- er of" babes ,— -17, 21, Thou therefore which reached another, teacheft thou not chy k\il Thou that preach-
ed* a man fhould not Seal, doft thou fteal ? v. 22. Thou that fayefi a man fhould not commit adultery, doft thou commit adultery? thou that abhorred: idols, doii thou commie facriiege ? v. 23, Thou that makeft thy boaftof the law, through break- ing the law, difhonoureft thou God? v. 24., For the name of God is blaf- phemed among the Gentiles, through you.
w Gal. 2. 1 z. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withftood him to the face, becaufe he was t:> be blamed, v. 12, For before that cer- tain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles : but when they were come, he withdrew, and fepa- ratecj ;::rn(clf? fearing them which were of the circumcifion. v, if. And the other Jews difembied like- wife with him ; in (6 much that Bar- nabas alio was carried away vs ich their diiiimulation. v, I ;.. Bj: when I (aw that they walked not upright- ly according to the truth of the gof- pe), I faid unto Peter before them zll, if thou, being a Jew, liveir after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compelled thou the Gentijes to live as do the Jews f
x Mat. it: 38. But when the huf- bandmen Caw the fan, they faid a- mang themfeives, This is the heir, come let us kill hi*n, and let us fei^e on his inheritance, v, 39. And they caught him, and cair. him out cfthe vineyard, and flew him,
y 1 Sam. 2. 25. If one m^n f\n a- gainft another, the judge fliaHjudgt him ; but if a man iln aguinu: the Lord, who fhaii intreatfor him ? — Act: $, 4 — Thou half not lied unto men, but unco God, Ffefa ^1:4 Agaihft thQt:3 thee only have I fin- ned, and done this evil in thy fight ; that thou mighreil be juftifxed when V 3 thog
5 so The Larger Catechtfm.*
his Attributes z, and "Worihip a . againft Chrift, and hN ferace if; the Holy Spirit c, his Witnefsd, and Workings e * againft Superiors, Men of eminency f, and luch as we iia::d especially related and engaged unto g , againft any of
the
thou fpeakeft, and be clear when thou judgeft*
7. Rom, z, 4- Or defpiieft thou the riches of his goo'dnefs, and for- bearance, and Jong-iV.fYcrmg, not kn >wing that t)ye goodnefs of God Jeadeth rhec to repentance ?
a MaL i 8. And if ye offer the blind for lacrifice/isi: not evil i and It ye offer the iaroe and lick, is it not evil * offer it now unto thy governor, will he 'be pleaied' with thee, or ac- cept thy perfon ? faith the Lord of ho'fts, <v 14. But curled be the de- ceiver, which hath in his flock a rmle, and voweth and iacriheeth unto the Lo'da corrupt thing • for I am a great King, faith the Lord 61 boils, and pay name is dreadful a- inong the hcailien, ' b iltb^ 2. 2. For if the word fpoken by angels was ftedfait, and every iranfgreffion and disobedience re- ceived a juit -recompence of reward , 1 How thcli week r.pe, if we ne- g] tit fo grearial vatjoiv •— He!/. 1 2 . t$?>l Sec- that ye refute' not him that fpeaketh : For if they efcaped not who refufed him that Ipake on earth, ynuch more (hall not we eicape,if we tarn ay/ay from him that fpeaketh from heaven. '• / :^
' c'Hcb. 10: 20, Oi how much iorer punilhment,fuppofe ye, (hall 'he be thought worthy, who hath troden under foot the Son ct God, •• -- Mat. 12, 31. Wherefore I lay unto ycu, AH manner of fin and blafphemy final] be forgiven unto men, but the blafphemy againit the holy Ghofl fhaii not be forgiven unto men. y 32. &nd whofbeyer f neakcth a word a- gainft the Son of man. it lhail be for- given him: but whomever f peak- &th againft the holy Choir, it fhalJ I ot he forgiven hiffi, neither in rhfs
world, neither in the world t o come.
d Eph. 4* ?o« And grieve not the holy Spine of God, whereby ye are fealed unto the day cf redemption,
e Web. 6\ 4. For it isimpoffible for rhofe who were once eniightned, and have tailed of the heavenly gifr, and were made partakers oi the holy Gnoft, <v 5V And have tailed the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come ; <v 6. If rhey /hall fall away, to re- new them again unto i tjpentance.—
f Jude,v. 8. Like wife alfb thefe filthy dreamers defile the fiefh, de- fpife dominion, and (peak evil o£ dignities, l^umb, 12. 8.— Where- fore then were ye not afraid to fpeak againft my fervant Mofes S i;K 9, And the anger of the Lord was kindled againft them, and he de- parted, lfa. 3. 5,— 1 he child fliall behave himfelf proudly againif. the ancient, and the bafe againfl the honourable.
g Prov. 30; 17. The eye that moc« keth at his father, and defpiieth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valleys fhall pick it out, and the young eagles fhall eat in zCor.. I2„ 15. And I will very gladly fpend and be fpenr for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the lefs I be loved; VJcilm. 55.12. For k v/as got an enemy' that reproach- ed me, then I could ha^e born it $ neither was it he that hated me8 that did magnify himfelf againft me^ then I would have hid my felt from him. 'v 13. But it was thou, a man, mine equal, my guide, and my ac- quaintance, <y 14. ' We took fweet ecunfel together, and' 'walked unto the houfe of God in company. <v ifa Let death feifce upon them, and kt them go down quick into hell .-•— - '« h Zepk
The Larger Catechifyn. 311
the Saints h, particularly weak Brethren ?, the Souls of them or any other k, and the common Good of all or many l.
3. From the Nature and Quality of the offence m, if it be againft the exprefs Letter of the Law n, break many
Corn-
fa Zefh. 2. 8. 1 have heard the re- proach of Moab, and the leviiings ot the children ot Amnion, whereby they have rep Oiched my people,..- <v, 10: Thisihall they have for their pride, becaufe they have rep roach • ed and magnified themfelves againft the people of the Lord of bods. v. n The Lord will be terrible unto them: — Mat, i3. 6*. Eutwho- fo (hall offend one of theSfe little ones which believe in me, it were better for him tha: a milrtohe, were hanged about his neck, and thar he were drowned in the depth of the fea. i Gar. 6, 8. Nay, you do wrong and defaud, and that your brethren. Rev, 17. 6\ And I (aw the woman drunfcen with the blood of the faints, and with the blood or. the martyrs of J efus; —
i 1 CW*. 8* ii. And through rhy knowledge fhail the weak brother perifh, for whom Chrift died < v. 12. But when ye fin fo againft the bre- thren, and wound their weak con- fcience, ye fin againft Chrift. Ron?, 14, 13. Let us not therefore judge one another any mere : buc judge this rather, that no man put a ftumbhng-biock, or an occafion to fail in Irs brothers way, v. if. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkeft thou not charitably. Deftroy not him with thy meat, lor whom Chrift died, v. 21. It is good neither to eat flefh, nor 10 drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother fturn. bleth, or is offended., or is made weak.
kEzek. 13; 19. And will ye pol- lute me among my people for hand- fuls of barley, and tor pieces of bread, to flay the fouls that fliouid not die, and to lave the 'foijls alive
thatfliould not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies ? 1 Cor. 8. 12. But when ye (in (o a*? gainft the brethren, and wound their weak confeiences, ye fin againft Chrift. Rev. 18.13. &™& merchandife, of gold,) and cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankmceofe and wine, and oil, and fin/ flour, arid wheat, and beaits, and fheep, ^nd borfes, and chariots, and Oaves, and fouls of men. Mat. 23 if. V/o unto you fcribes and pharifees hy- pocrites j for ye compels fea and land to make one proielyie, and When he is made, ye make him two- fold more the child ot hell than your felves.
i 1 7'hef. 2, 1 j. Who both killed the Lord Jefus, and their own pro- phets, and have perfecuted us ; and they pleafe not God, and are con- trary to all men : v. io\ Forbidding us to fpeak to the Gentiles, thac they might r;e laved,*-- Jnjhu/t 22, 20. Did noJAchan the fon of Zerah commie a trefpafs in the accurfed thing, and wrath fell on all the con- gregation of Ifrael ? and that man penihed not alone in his iniquity;
m Prov. 6. 30 Men do notdelpife a thief, if he fteal to fatisfy his foul when he is hungry : v. 3 1. Buc if he he found, he thall reftore ie- ven-fold,-— v. 32. But whofo com- mitteth adultery with a woman, lacketh underftanding : he that doth ir, deftroyeth his own foul, v* 33, A wound and difhonour (hall he get, and his reproach fin 11 not be wiped awav. And Jo vn to the e$d of the chapter,
n Ezra 9, 10. And now, O our Goo, what fhall we fay after this.? tor we have iorfaken thy command- ments. V. II. "Which thou haft U 4. com-
2jf r The Larger Cdtechifrit.
Commandments , contain in it many Sinso ; If not only con- ceived in the Heart ;. but breaks forth in Words and Acti- ons p> feandalize .others q7 and admit of no Reparation/: If
againfi;
commanded fey thy fervsnts th$ prophets, faying, The latfd unto Which ye go to ppifefe it, is an un- clean land with the fii thine fs of die people,— Vo 12, Now therefore give hot your daughters unto their finis, fior - i Kin«s n. 9. And the Lord was angry vrith Solomon, became Jiis heart was turned from the Lord God of Krael, which had appeared p.] to him twice, v x o. Ane bail commanded * him ' concerning rbifs ffvfcig, that he -iliorld not£<Ovfer other gods : but h^ kepi no: that which rheLord commanded. ' o CgI $%*; Mortify therefore yo^r fneinbers which are upon theea?tltj fornication, uncleannels, inordinate a&clion, evil ccncupifcence, and covetoufnefs, which is idolatry,. i 27/?;. d, io. For the love of money is thv root of'ali cvii : which while lome covered alter, they have er- Kd from the faith, and pierced |l^mfelyes through wrth rmny lor* i^vvs. F-Qv- $. S. Remove thy way £a? hom her, and cpftifc not nigh the door of her ho.de ; v. p. Left |^ou give thine honour nnro others, hud' thy years unto the cruel* v. io„ Led Grangers be filled with thy wealthy -Vo i%% And thou mourn at the laft, when thy fleJh and thy body are confumed, v.- 12. And (ay. Hew have! hated inihuchon, and ; heart defpifed reproof ? Prov. & 12* But whofp comttiitreth z. duirery with a Woman,, lackech uri, flerihndmg, he that doch it, deitroy- tin his own icul. -V 33. A Wound ind difiionour i'hall lie get,— Jojl. y a,*, When I (aw among the'lpoiJs i goodly Babylonifh garment, and t?/o hundred ihekeis of fiWer, and a wedge of gold 64 fifty fhckels weight, then I coveted $k$®\\ aud took
p Jdimis 1. 14, But every man is tempted when is drawn away of his own Rifts, and enticed, v% if. Then, when luft hath conceived, it -bringeth forth hn ; and fin , when k h finifhed, bringeth forth death. Mat. 5, 2.2. Burl fay unto you, ihr: wholoever is angry with his brother without a came, (hall be in dan of the .judgment ; and whofoever fhall fay to his brother, Racca, fhall he in daftgerofffoe council i but who- «c;2Vev fhall fay Thou fool, fiiail be in de'i^er of he!Ufire.flf/V. 2.1, Wo unto th in that devile iniquity, and work evil upon their beds: when the mor* nmg is light, they pr^ctife ht becaufe it is in t6e power ol their hand. : q Mat. 18.7. Wo to the world be- caufe of offences: for it muft needs be that offences come: but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh. Rom- U 23- Thou thac makeftthy boaflot the law, through breaking the law difhonoureft thou God ? h) 14 For the name of Gad iV> blafphemed among the Gentiles through vou, as it is written,,
r Be '•;? 22. 22, Ifamanbe found lying with a woman married to an' husband, then they fhall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: fo {halt thou put away evil from Kraeh %mipytdibilhro.14.%y If* a man find a dam'ei that is a virgin which is noc betrothed, and lay ho'd on here, and ly with her, and they be found 1 v. 20, Then the man that lay with her, fhall give to the damfeis lather fifty fhekels oi filvcri and Hie fhall be his wife, becaufe he hath hum- bled her ; h$ may not put her away ail his days. ' Prov, 6. 32. But whoto committeth nduitry with a woman, lacketh under/landing ; he taitdoth it, deit;-oyej:h his cwn fcul v. Ml
The Larger Catechifm.
31*
agamft Means f, Mercies r, Judgments v, Light of Na tux'Q w. Conviction ofConfcience X3 Publick or Private Ad-
moril-
A wound and difftonour fhalt he get, and his reproach (hall net be wiped away. v. 34. Forjealoufy is the rage of a man : therefore he will not fpare in the day of vengeance v. 35, He will not regard any ranfom : neither will he reft content, though chon glveft many gifts.
f Mat. 1 1. 2.1 , V7o nnto thee Cho- razin, wo unto thee Bethfaida : for if the mighty works Which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they won id have repen- ted long ago in /ackioth and aihec. V. 2.2. iiut I fay urrro you, It (hah be more toizrzbiQ tor Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgm -:nr than for you. v. 2f. And thou Capernaum, which art exalted un:o heaven, fhalt be brought down to hell : for if the a ve been done in theea had bc:n dare in Sodom, k wou-d have remained until this clay, v 24. .Hut 1 fay unto you, that it (hah be more roler the land of Sjdoni.-- }:h:i 15. zz, If I had nc-c come, and (poken Unto them, they had not had iin : but now they have no cto&e for then hn.
tlja,i: 3, The ox kcoweth his owner.and the ais Ivs mailers crib: but Ifraeldorh no: know, my people doth not confider. T)eut. 32. 6, Do ye thus requite the Lord, O icoliih people and unwife? is not he thy tat her that hath bought thee ? hath he not made thee, "and eftabhfhed thee ? "
v J$mas 4. S. So two or three cr- ties wandred unto one city, to drink water . but tlicy were not fatisfied ; yet have ye not returned unto me, faith the Lord^ v. 9. I have fmit- ten you with Wafting, and mil-dew : v.hcn your gardens and vineyards, 2nd your fig-trees, and your oliye- trees increaied, the palmer-worm devoured them ; yet have ye no
t
returned unto me, faith die Lord, x>, jo. I have fent amorg you the peitilence after the manner pf E* gypc : your young men have 1 flain with the iword,an.i have taken away your hories, and I have made the itink of your camps to come up un- to yonr noftrils; yet have ye noc returned unto me, faith the Lord, y. 11, I have overthrown iomc ot you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a fire- brand piuckt out or the burning : yet have ye not returned unto me, faith the Lord: Jer. y. 3. O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth ? haft ftriken them, but they have no: grieved -? thou haft con- fumed them, but they have refilled to receive correction; they have made their fac;s harder than a rock, they have refufed to return.
w Rom. 1. 25. For this caufe God gavet&rn up unto vile affections: for even their women did change tiie n^turd uie into that which is aKtinitnatore: v. 27. And likewife afio the men, leaving the natural uie of the women, burned m their luftone toward another , men vvith men working that which is' unfeem- ]y,and receiving in tnemielves that recompence of tiieir error wiiich was meet.
x Rom. I. 32. Who knowing the judgment of God, (chat they which commit Inch things are Worthy of death,) not oniy do the fame, but have pieafinc in them that do them, Dan. 5. iz. And thou his fon, O Bei- fhazzar, haft not humbled thine heart, though thou kne weft all this. TtHs 3. 10. A man that is an here- tick, after the firit and (econd ad- monition, reject ; v. 1 \: Knowing that he that is fuch, is fubverted, and fmncth, being condemned of himfelf.
3 f 4 Ihe Larger Catechlfm;
monition y, Cenfures of the Church z, Civil punifhmeuts a ? and our Prayers, Purpofes, Promifes b ; Vows c, Covenants tf, and Engagements to God or Men e \ If done deliberately f,
wil-
y Prov* 29 ** He that being often reproved, hardneth his neek, fhall iuddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
zlitsts 3. \os A man that is an Iieredck, after the firft and fecond admonition, reject. T&at. 18. 17. And if he (Hal) neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto rhec as an heathen man . and a pubtican.*
aProv* 27. 22. Though thou (houidit bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pdtii, vet will r.ot his fooiiftinefs depart from him, Vrov. 23. 3 j. They have ftricken me, (halt thou fay, and 1 was not lick ; they have beaten me, and f felt it not : when (hall 1 awake ? I will ieek it yet again.
bPfalm 78, 5^* When he flew them, then they fought him; and they returned and enquired early after God. y„ 35-, And they re- membred that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. v 36. Weyerthelefs, they did flat- ter him wnh their mouth, and they Ued unto him with their tongues, v. 37. For their heart was not right wkn him, neither were they fkdraft in his covenant. Je?\ i> 20. For of "old time I have broken thy yoke, •2nd burif. thy band*, and thou (aidff, I will not tranfgrefs, When upon every high 'hill, and under every green tree thou wandrefr, playing the harlot. Jen 42. 5*. Then tney faid to Jeremiah, The Lord be a true 3nd faithful wirnefs between us, if we do not even according to ail things for which tne Lord thy God fha \\ (end thee :p us. v. 6. Whether it be good9 or whether it be evil, we will obfcy'jhe voice of the Lord our God, to. whom we
fend thee : — v. 20. For ye dif- icmbled in your hearts, when yc fent me unto the Lord yourGod,fay- ing, pray for us unto the Lord our God, and according unto all that the Lord our God will fay, fo de- clare unto us, and v/e vs ill do it. v; 21, And now, I have this day de- clared It to you, .but ye have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God, nor any thing for the which he hath fent me unto you.
c Eccl' 5\ 4. When thou vowed a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pJeafure in fools, pay that which thou halt vowed, v. 5. Better is it that thou fhouldft not vow, than that thou fhouidit vow and not pay, v. 6. Suffer not thy mouth to caufe thy flefh to fin$ neither (ay thou before the sngeh that it was an error .-wherefore fhoula God be angry at thy voice, and deitroy the work cf thine hands? Prov, 2.0. 25. It is a inare to the man who devoureth that which is holy j and after vows to make enquiry!
d Levmz6. 25, And I will bring a (word upon you, that fha 11 avenge the quarrel of my covenant: -— '
e P^y, 2. 17. Which forfaketh the guide of her youth, and for- getteth the covenant of her God, Ezekn 17. 18. SsQlng he defpifed the oath by breaking the covenant (when 1q, he had given his nand) and hath done all tndc things, he (hall not efcape. v. 19. Therefore thus faith the Lord God, As I live, (urejy mine oath that he hath defpifed, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recom- penfe upon his own head.
f?falw 36. 4. He deviicth mil- chief ujJbn nis bed, he fettetb him- felf in a way that is not good ; he abherreth not evil.
g J?*
The. Larger Catechifm: $1$
v/ilfully £> prefumptuoufly b, impudently ;, boaftingly k, faalicioufly 1, frequently rn, obftinately n ; with Delight , Continuance p, orrrelapfing after Repentance q.
4. Fron\
.g Jer. 6. 16*. Thus faith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways and fee, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye fhall find reft lor your fouls ; but they (aid, we will no: wzik therein.
h Numb. 15. 30. But the foul that dorh ought prefumptuouily, ( whe- ther he be born in the land, cr a stranger) the fame reproached! the Lord j and that foul ihall be cut oft from among his people. Exocf 21. 14. But if a man come prefumpruoufly upon his neighbour, to flay him with* guile j ihou fink take him from mine altar, that he may die.
i 3#i 3. 3« Therefore the fhowers have been witholden, and there hath been no latter rain, and thou had it a whores forehead, thou re- fufedfttobe alhamed. Prov. 7.15. (fee caught him and Rifled him, and with an impudent face laid un» to him,
kPM5i.i. Why boafteft thou thy feii in mifchief, O mighty man ? 1 3 John 10. Wherefore it 1 come, I will remember his deeds which he doth prating againft us with mali- cious words.—
m *&urnb> 14. 22; Becaufe all thofe men which have feen my glory, and my miracles which I did in Egypt and in the wildernefs, and have tempted me now thefe ten' times, and have not hearkned to my voice, n Zech.. 7. 1 1* But chey refufed to heaiken,and pulled away the fhoul- der, and flopped their ears, that they fhould not hear, v, 12. Ye?, they made their hearts as an ada- imnt-ftone, left they fhould hear trie law, and iho words which the Lord of hofts hath km In his Spirit by the former piophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of fiofist
o Prov. z. 14. who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardnefs of the wicked
p Ifa. 5 j. 17. For the iniquity of his coyetoufnefs was I wroth, and (more him ; I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on trowardly in the way of his heart.
q Jer, 34.. 8 This is the word that came unto Jeremiah irom the Lord, ai{ r that trie king Zedekiah had made a covenant with ail the peo- ple which were at Jerufalem, to proclaim liberty unto them j <v. 9. That every man fhould let his man- fervant, and every man his maid* fcrvanr, being an Hebrew, or an He- brewtfs, go free, that none fhould ferve himfelf of them, to wit, of a Jew his brother, v. 10. Now when all the princes, and all the people which had eritred into the covenant, heard that every one fhoui i let his rpan-fervanr, and eve* ry one his maid-fervant go free^ that none fhould ferve themfelves of them any more, then they obey- ed, and let them go. nj, 11. But afterwards they turned, and caufed the ftrvants and the hand-maids, whom they had let go free, to re~ turn, and brought them into fub- jeclion for fervants and for hand- maids. 2 Vet. 2, 20. For if after they have efcaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and .Saviour Jefus Chrift, they are again in tangled therein, and overcome 5 the latter end is worfe with the m than the begin* ning. <v.z\. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of rigbteoufnefs, than after they have known ir, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. v. 22. But it is happened un;o them according to the true
pro*
3*6 The Larger Catechifm;
4. From Circumftances of Time r, and Place { : If on the or other Times of Divine Worfiiip v ;
Lord's Day t,
mediately before w or after thefe x, or
or im-
Q|:her Helps to pre? vent-
proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again $ and, The fow that was waflred, toiler wallowing in the mire,
r 1. Kings $> %6? And he fa id unto himi {Gehazi) Went not mine heave with thee, when the man turned a- gain from his chariot to meet thee ? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive- yards, and vineyards, and fheep, and oxen, and men fervants and maid* fervants?
f Jer, 7. 10. And come and (land before me in this houle which is called by my name, and (ay, We are delivered to do all thefe abo- minations, Sa, 2.6". 10 Let Favour be (hewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteoufr.efs : in the land of uprightnefs will he deal un* jurrJy, and w*& not behold the ma- 'jeity of the Lord.
t £zek -3. 37* That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery,— -1/. 38, Moreover, this they have done unto me : they have denied my fan* cluary in the fame day, and have profaned my &bbaths. v, 30^ For when they had flain their children ro their idols, then they came the fame day into my fanciuary to pro- fane it 5 and lo, thus have tiiey done in the midfr. of my houfe.
v lfa y<>.8 3« Wherefore have we failed, iay they, and thou iteft nor ? •wherefore have wearHicied our foul, and thou takefc. no knowledge ? Be- hold, in the day of your fall you find pkaiure, and exact ail your labours* w4 4. Behold, ye hil for itri/e and debate, and to imite with the fills oi wkkednefs, ye (hall not fati: as ye do this Say, to make your voice to be heard on high. <u. ?• J$ it fuch a faft thai; I have chofen ?
a day for a man to afflict his foul ? Is it to bow down his head as a bul- rufh, ard to fpread fackcloth and afhes under him ? Wilt thou call this a fair, and an acceptable day to the Lord ? TSJ'umby 25, 6. And be- hold, one of the children of Ifrael came and brought unto his bre- thren a MidianitiQi woman, in the figHt olMoies, and in the light of all the congregation of the chil- dren of Ifrael, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, <u. 7. And when Phinehas the fon ofEleazer, the fon of Aaron the prieft, fow ir, he rofe up from among'ft the con- gregation^ and took a Javelin In hie hand.
w 1 Ccr, 1 1. iq. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lords fupper. <y, 21. For in eating every one taketh before other, his own fupper: and one is hungry, and another is drun- ken.
x Jcr. 7. 8, Behold, ye trull in lying words, that cannot profit. v. p. Will ye ileal, murder, and commit adultery, and fvvear fa lily, and burn incenfe unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; • «zj? 10, And command if and U fore me in this houfe, which is called by my name, and fay. We are delivered to do ail thefe a- bominations? Prov. 7. 14. I have peace-oHerings with me ; this day have I paid my vows. <u, 1 y. There- fore came I forth to meet thee, di- ligesily to leek thy face, and I have found thee. ]chn 13 27. And alter thQ fop, Satan entred into him* Then (akl Jefus unto him, That thou dorf, do quickly, v. 30. He then having received the fop, went immediately outr« •-
'y [Ezra*
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tent or remedy fuch Mifcarriages y >• If in Publick, or in the Prefence of others, who are thereby likely to be pro. Voiced or defiled &.
152, Queft. What doth evfty Sin deferve at fit Hands of Cod ?
Anfv). Every Sin, even the leaft, being againft the Sovereign- ty a, Goodnefs b, and Holinefs of God c, and againft hi£ righteous Lawd, deferveth his "Wrath and Curfe e, both
id
£ Ezra, 9- 13* And after rll that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and lor our great trelpais, feeing that thou our God halt punifhed lis lefs than our iniquities deferve, and has given us inch deliverance as this; v. 14* Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of thofe abominations? wouidft not thou be angry with us till thou hadil confumed us,
z 2 Sam. i6\ 22. So they fpread Abiolcm a Tent upon the top of the houfe, and Aoiolom went in unto his fathers concubines, in the fight of all Ihaei. i Son 2, 22. Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his fons did unto ail Hrael, and how they lay with the women that aflemUcr at the door 01 the tabernacle *bt the congregation. <v. 23. And he laid unto them, Why 'do ye fuch things ? for I hear 01 your evil dealings, by all this people. *V. 24, Nay, my fons: for it is no good report that I hearj ye make the Lords people to tranf- grefs.
152 a James 2. 10. For whome- ver fhall Keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point he is guil- ty of ail <y. 11. For he chac laid, Do nor ccminir adultery 5 faid alfo,
Do not kill
b Ex.d 20. I,- God fpake all thefe wore, laying, v. 2. I aai the Lord thy God, which have bronghttfiee our of the land of Egypr* cue ct {h« houfe of bondage,-
c Hab, if i?. Thou arc of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canft not look on iniquity : wheretorc lcokci! thou upon them that deal treacheroufly, and holdelt thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he? Lev. 10. 5. Then Mofes faid unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord fpake, faying, 1 will be (an- dtified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people i will
begloriiixL Lev% 11. 4^. For I
am the Lord your God: ye fhall thereiore far.clify your feives, and ye fhall he holy; for I am holy; neither fhall ye defile your feives with any manner of creeping thing that crecpeth upon the earth, y< 4^# For I am the Lord that bringetfi you up out of the land of Egypt; to be your God : ye fhall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
d 1 \bhn. 3. 4. Whomever com- mitteth iin, tranfgrefieth aJfo the law: lor fin is the tranigreflion of the law. Rc?/2n 7, 12. Wherefore the law is hoiy ; and the command- nient holy, and juit, and good.
e Epb. )-. 6. Let no man decdve you with "ain words: for becaufc of thefe things cometh the wrath of God upon the children ofdifo- bedienee. Qal% 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under the curfe : for it is written Curfe "I is every one rhat condnuetli not in aii tilings which are Written in &s bwk of the law to do them.
|i8
The Larger Catechifm:
in this Life f, and that which is to come g ; and cannot be expiated, but by the Blood of Chrift h,
153. Queft- What doth God require of ury that Wff may e- fcape his Wrath and Garfe due to us by Reafen of the Tranf- grejfwn of the Law?
Anfiu. That we may efcape the Wrath and Curfe of God due to us by Reafon of the Tranfgreffion of the Law, he re- quireth of us Repentance toward Gocf, and Faith toward our Lord Jefus Chrift i, and the diligent life of the outward Means whereby Chrift communicates to us the Benefits of his Mediation k. 15-4. Queli:^
f Latn, 3. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punifhtnent or" his fins. ? Veut. 2.8. from verfe i>-. to the' end. But it fhall come to pafs, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to obferve to do all his commandments and his (ratines which I command thee this day -> shat all thefe curfes fhall come upon thee, and overtake thee. <zi. 16. Curied fhalt thou be in the city, and curled (halt thou be in the field, v. 17. Curfed fhall be thy basket and thy ftore, &c»
g Matth. 25; 41:— Depart from me, ye curfed, into everlafting fire, prepared for the devil and his an- gels.
h Heh> 9. 22. And almoft all things are by the law purged with blocd ; and without fhedding of blood is no remiiTion. 1 Pet. 1, 18 Forafmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible rhings,as iilver and gold, from your vain convei lacion received by tradi- tion from your iatfrersv 'v. J9. But with the precious "blood of Chrift, as of a lamb without blemifh and Without lpor„
153. i Jets 20, 2U Teftifying both to the Jews, and alio to the Greeks, repeiitance tcwaid God,and lakh toft and our Lord J< fus Chrift Mat. 3. 7. But when he fsw many of the Phaniees and Sarxicees come to hisbzptiim, he laid unco them
O generation of vipers, who ha^h warned you to flee from the wrath to come ? rJ. 8, Bring forth there- for e fruits meet for repentance, Luke \y 3, 5, I tell you, Nay; hue except ye repent, ye fhall all like- wife perifh .A&s 16*, 30- Av\d(thejay*> lor) brought them out, and (aid? SiiSj what mult. I do to be faved ; <v, $i. And they faid, Believe on the Lord Jelus Chriit, and thou (halt be faved, and thine houfe, John 3. 16, For God lo loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whofoever believeth in him, fhou'd not perifh, but have ever- iafting life. v. 18. He that believ- eth on him, is not condemned : but he that believeth nor, is con- demned already,—
k ?rov, 2. i. My (on, if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee; i/» 2. So that thou incline thine ear unto wifdom, and apply thine heart to understanding : <v^ £ Yea, if thou crieft after knowledge, and lifteft up thy voice for undcrftanding : nj, 4. If thou feekeit her as hlver, and fearcheft for her, as lor hLct treafures, v. 5. Then (halt thou un- derftand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge oi God. Pror. 8. 33. Hear inftrucilon, and be wife and refufe it not. v. 34. Bidled is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the polls of my doors: v. 35*. For whofo' hndesh*
The Larger Gatechifm. 5 19
t£_|. Quell. What are the outward Means whereby Chrifl communicates to us the Benefits of his Mediation ?
Anfvj. The outward and ordinary Means whereby Chrift communicates to his Church the Benefits of his Mediation, are all his Ordinances ; efpecially the Word, Sacraments, and Prayer .- All which are made effettual to the Elect for their Salvation),
15-5-. Quell. How is the Word made effectual to S ah at ion 1
Anfw. The Spirit of God maketh the Reading, but eipe- cially the Preaching of the Word, an effectual Means of en- lightning m, convincing and humbling Sinners n ; of driving
them
findeth me, findeth life, and (hall obtain favour of the Lord, v 56*. But he that iinneth againff. mc, wrongeth his own foul; all they that hate me, love death,
154. 1 Mat, 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations., bap:iz,ing them in the name or the Father, and of the Son, and of the ho!y Ghoft : v. 20. Teaching them to obferve all things whatfoeter I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Acfs 2, 42. And they continued fiedfaftly in the apoilles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and m prayers, v, 46". And they con- tinuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from houfe to houte, did eat their meat wirh gladneis and iin- gienefs or heart, v. 47, Praifing God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord ad- dcd ro the church daily fuch as frouid be fayed.
155- m Isfeh, 8. 8. So they read in the nook, in the law of God di- rhnctly and gave the ien-fe, and eaufed them to underftand the read- ing. Acts 76. 18. To opei their eyes, and to turn :htm from dark- nefs to light, and fom the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveriefs of fins,- and in- heritance among chero wiieh a-xef
fan&'fied by faith that is in me; Pfalm ip. 8. - — The commandment of the Lord is pure, cnlighthing the eyes.
n i Cor, 14, 24. But if all prophe- fie, and there come in one that be- lieveth not, or one. unlearned, h^ is convinced of all, he Is judged of all : v. is- And thus are the fecret* ot his heart made manifeit; and fo falling down on his Face, he will worlhrp God, and report that God is in you ot a truth. 2 Qhron 34. 18. Then Shaphap the fcribe told the king, faying, Hilkiah the pried: hath given me a book And Shi* phan^ read it before the king. v. 19, Anditcime to pads whea the king had heard the words of the isw*, that he rent his ciothes. v, 25* And as for the king of Judah, who fent you to enquire of the Lord, fo {hall ye fay unto him, Tims faith the Lord God of Ifraci concerning the words which thou haft heard 7 v. 27. Becaufe thine heart was ten- der, and thou didft humble tny feif beioreGod, when thou hcardeft his words againft this place, and agalnft the inhabitants thereof, and hum- bleft thy feif before me, and dldih rend thy chzhzs, and weep before me , I have even heard thee aifo, faith the Lord. v. 28; Behold, I will gather thee to thy h:hcr^ and thou ihak be gathered to thy grave in- ptace^--
0 Acts'
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them out of themfelves, and drawing them unto Chrift 0; of conforming them to his Image p, and fubduing them to his Will q ; of flrengthning them againft Temptations and Corruptions r ; of building them up in Giyice f, and
efta-
> o Afis 2. 37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and faid unto Peter, and to the reft of the apofHes, Men and brethren, what fhali we do? v. 41, Then they that gladly re* ceived his words were baptized and the fame day there were added unto them about three thoufand {ouls. Affs 8. from verfe 27. to 30. .......And behold a man of Ethio- pia, an eunuch of great authority-— v. 28. Was returning, and fitting in his chariot, read Efaias the pro- phet, v. 29. Then the Spirit laid unto Philip, Go near and join thy ielf to this chariot; v> 30. And Phi- lip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Efaias, and laid, Underftandeii thou what thou readeft? v, 3J, Then Philip open- ed 'his mouth, and began at the lame fcripture, and preached unto him Jefus. v. 3 6.—-- And the eu- nuch laid, See, here is water -y what doth hinder me to be baptized ? v. 37. And Philip faid, If thou be- lieved with all thine heart, thou mayefh And he anlwered and faid, 1 believe that Jcfus Chrifr. is the Son of God. v. 38.— And they went down both Lito the water, both Philip and the eunuch? and he bap- tized him.
p 2 Cor. 3. 18. But/ we all ivlth open face, beholding as in a glafs the glory of the Lord, are changed into the lame image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord,
q 2 Cor. 10- 4. For the weapons ©f our warraie are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pul'ir.g down of ftrong holds, v. 5, Cart- ing down imaginations, and every hifih thing that exaketh it felf a-
gainft the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Chrift: v. 6\ And having in, a readinefs to revenge ail difob'idience when your obedience is fulfilled. Rom, 6. vji But God be thanked that ye were the fervaiKs of fin $ but ye have o- beyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you;
r fltattti. 4, 4, But he anfwered and (aid, It is written, Man fhall not live by bread alone, but by eve- ry word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Gad. v. 7- J-tas faid onto him,, It is written again, Thou (halt not tempt the Lord thy Godo v, io# Then faith Jcfus unto him, Get the hence, Satan; for it is written, thou fhalt worfhip the Lord thy God, and him only fhalt thou ferve. E?k.6. 16, Above all, raking the fhield of faith, wherewith ye fhali be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, v. 1 7. And take the helmet of falvation,' and the fword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ?folm 19. 11. Morcver, bv them is thy lervanc warned : aritf in keeping of them there is great reward, 1 Cor. i Q, 1 1 Now ali theie things happened unto them for en- famples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
f Afis 20, 32, And now, brethren,' I command you to God, and to the word of hi s grace, which is able to' build you up, and to give you an inheritance among ali them which are fandified £ T$niy 3 if. And r! at from a child thou halt known the holy fcriptures, which are able to make thee wife unto falvation, through faith which is mChrifl Je- ns, v, !$♦ AH fcripture is given
by
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J*!
eftabliihing their Hearts in Holinefs and Comfort through;
Faith unto Salvation r. -
156. Queft. Is the Word of God to be read by all ?
Afifw. Although all are not to be permitted to read the
Word publickly to the Congregation v, yet all Sorts of Peo- ple gofpel of peace, and bring glad r- dings of good things? v. 16. But they have not all obeyed the gofpel, ForEfaias faith, Lord, who bath believed bur report? v.tj. So then faith comedi by hearing, and hear- ing by che word oi'God.Ro?;;. 1. i5. Fori am nor alhamed of the go (pel of Chrift .- for it is the power of God unto falvation, to every one
by infpirarion of God. and is pro- fitable for dodrine, 'for reproof, for correction, lor inftruclion in nghtebufnefs : y. 17 That the man of God may be perfedt, throughly furnifhed unto all good works.
t Rom, 16. 25-. Now t:> hina that is oi power to eitablifh you accord- ing to my gofpel ,aid the preaching of Jefus Chriit, according to the re.
velation of the myftery, which was that believerh, to the Jew firlt, and kept fccret fince the world began aifo to the Greek. j
i The/. 3. 2. And fent Timotheus our brother and minifier of God, and our fellow-labourer in the goi- pel of Chrift, to cfiablifh you, and to comfort you concerning your faith j w io. Night and day pray- ing exceedingly that we might fee your face, and might perfect that which . is lacking in your faith. *vn 11. Now God himfelt and our Father, and our Lord Jefus Chrift. direct our way unco you. v% 13 To the end he may eftablifh your hearts unblameable in holinefs be- fore God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jefus Chrift with all his faints. Ro?n, \$* ^ For whatsoever things were written atoretime, were written for our learning ; that we through patience and comfort of the fcripcure? might have hope, Rom, 10. 13, For who- foever fhall calj upon the name of the Lord, fhajl be faved: rJ« 14. How then fhall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? and how ihall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how fhall they hear without a preacher? v, iy. And how fhall they preach, except they be fent ? as it is written, Mow beautiful are ihe feet of them that preach the
150. v. Dent. 5 1- 9- And Mofes wrote this law, and delivered it un- to the pricfts the Ions oi Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and unto all the el- ders of Ifrael. v. tu When all lfc rael is come to appear before the Lord thy God, in rhe place which he fhall choofe : rhou fhalt read this law before all Ifrael, in their hear- ing. v% 12. Gather the people to- gether, men, and women, and chil- dren,and thy itranger that is within thy gates, that ihey may hear, and that they may learn, and fear die Lord your God, and obferve to do all the words of this law; v% 13. And that their children, which have not known any thing,may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as ye live in the Land, w hi- ther ye go over to pofTefs ir. Nth 8. 2 And Ezra the prieft brought the law tbeiore the congregation, both of men and women, and ail that could hear with understanding, upon the firit day after the feventli month, v. 3. And he read therein belore the ftreet that was before the water-gate, from the morning until mid-day, before the men and the women, and rhofe that could
under
and the ears of all X the
3xi ! The Larger Catechifm\
pie are bound to read it apart by themfelves w, and with their Families x , To which End, the holy Scriptures are to be tranflated out of the Original into Vulgar Languages y.
i57,Quefl,
rfie people were attentive unto the book of rhe law : 'hehm 9* 3, And they flood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of rhe Lord their God, one fourth part of the day,and another fourth part they confefled, and wordi'pped the Lord their God. v, 4. Then flood up upon the ffairs of the Levites, fe- fhua,and Bani, &c. and cried with a loud voice unto the Lord their God, v. j. Then the Levites, Jefhua, and Kadmiel, &c. faid, Stand up, and bids the Lord your God for ever and ever ; and bleiled be thy glori- ous name, which is exalted above all bleiling and praife.
w Deut, 17. 19. And it fhall be with him, and he fhall read therein all the days of his life : that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words cf this law, and thefe Matures, to do them. Rev. 1, 3 . Bleiled is he that readech, and they that hear the words of this pro- phecy, and keep thofe things which are written therein : for the time is at hand. John 5. 39* Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which terrify of me- Ifa% 34. io\ Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read ; no one of thefe fhall f r ),.-.-
x Deut. 6, 6\ And thefe words which I command thee this day, fhall be in thine heart: v. 7. And thou fhair teach them diligently un ; to thy children, and fhalt talk of them when thou fitted in thine houie,and a hen thou walked by the way, and when thou Heft down, and when thou rift 11 up, v. 8. And thou fhair bind them lor a iign upon thy hand, and they ffiall be as irontlecs between thine, eyes. v. 9. And rhou fhalt write them upon the polls of
thy houfc^and on thy gates. Gen, 18, t-7- And the Lord (aid, Shall I hide from Abraham tha- thing which \ do i v. 19* For I know hwn, that he will command his children and his houfhold after him, and they fhall keep the way of the Lord,— Pfalm 78* 5. For he eftablifhed a teftimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Ifrael, which he command- ed our fathers, that rhey fhould make them known to their children. v0 6. That the generations to come might know them, even the children which fhould be born : who fhould a rife and declare them to their chil- dren: v, 7. That they might fee their hope m God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his com- mandments.
y 1 Cor. 1 4* 6. Now, brethren, if I come unto you, fpeaking with tongues,what fhall I profit you, ex- cept I fhall fpeak to you either by re- velation, or by knowledge, or by prophelying or by doctrine j* v, 9, So likewife you, except ye utter by the tongue words eafy to be under- ftood, how fhall it be known what is fpoken ? for ye fliali fpeak into the air v. it. Therefore if 1 know not the meaning of the voice, I fhall be unto him that fpeaketh a Barbarian, and he that ipeaketh fhall be a Bar- barian unto me. v- 12. Even fo ye, foralmuch as ye are zealous of (pi- ritual gilts, reek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church- v. 15. What is it then ? I will pray with the fpirit, and I will pray with the underf landing alfj : I will fing with the (pint, and 1 will fing with the understanding alio. v. 16. Elie vwhen thou fhait blefs with the fpirit, how fhall he that occupieth the room of. the unlearned, fay, Amen at thy giving of thanks, feeing he
7 he Larger Catechifm. 4tJ
iSlh QPeft- H°w 1S *b* W6rd of God to be read?
Aufdo. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverend Efteem of them z ; with a -firm Perfwaiion that they are the very Word of God a, "and that he only can enable us to underftand themb; with Defire to know, be- lieve and obey the Will of God revealed in them c ; with
Dili-
underftandeth not what thou fayefl? v. 24. But it ail propheiie, and there come in one thar believeth nor, or one unlearned, he is convin- ced of all, he is judged of all. v. 27. If any man fpcak in an unknown tongue, let ic be by two, or at the moll by three, and that by courfe • and let one interprete. v. j8. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep filence in the church $ and let him fpenk to himfelf, and ro God,
157= f. Pjam 19, io% More ro be deiired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold ; tweeter alfo than the hony, and the hony-comb JSTeb. 8. 3. And he read therein be- iore the ftreet that was before the water-gate, from the morning un- til mid-day before the men and the women, and rhofe that could under- hand; and the ears of the people weie attentive umo the book of the law. v. 4. And Ezra the fcribe ftood Upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpofe, rJ. 5. AndEz*a opened the book in the fight ol ali the people, (for he was above all the people) and when he opened it, all the people ftood up. v, 6. Aad Ezra biefTcd the Lord the great God : and all the people an- fwered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worfhipped the Lord with their faces to the ground, &c. to verje 10. Exod. 24,7. And he (Mofis) rock rhe book oi Me co- venanr, and read in the audience of the people : and they faid, All that the Lord hath faicl, will we do, and be obedient. 2 Cbron. 34. 27. Be- eauie thine heart was tender, and
thou didft hurrble thy felf before God, when thou heardif. his wads againft this place, and againit rise irihabirants thereof, and humbledffc thy felf belore me, and didft rend thy clorhes, and wept beiorr me; I have even heard thee aiio/^rh rhe Lord. IJa. 6* 5. 2. -But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite f pint,, and trembleth at my word.
a 2 Pet, 1, 1 p. We have alfo 2 more fine word ot prophecy; where- unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that fhineih in a dark place, until rhe day dawn, and the day-ftar arife in your hearts :* v. 20* Knowing this fir ft, thar no prophe- cy of the icriprure is of any private interpretation: v. 21. For the pro- phecy came not in old time by rhe will of man: buc holy men of God Ipake as they were moved by the holy Ghoft.
b Lukez^. 45, Then opened he their underftanding, that they might underlland the icriptures, 2. Cor. 3. 13. And not as Moies, which puc a vail over his face, rhat the chil- dren of Hrael could net ftedfaftly look to the end of that which h . bo- lifhed. v, 14. But their minds were blinded ; for until this dav remain- eth th - lame vail unraken away, in the reading of the old reftament; which vail is done away in Chrift, v. 1 fi But even unto this d<?y, when ' Mofes is read, the vail is upon their heart, v. 16, Neverrhc!e(~, when it fliaii rum to the Lord, the vail [hall be tak:n away.
c Dcut. ij. 19. And ic Pnall bs with him, and he fhall read there.
X2
3 24 The Larger Catechifm.
Diligence d, and Attention to the Matter and Scope of theme; with Meditation f, Application g, Self-denial n, and Prayer k
158. Queft; By whom is the Word of God to be preached ?
Anfiv. The Word of God is to be preached only by fiich as are fufficiently gifted k, and alfo duly approved and
cal-
ta ail the days of his life ; that he ir.av learn to tear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law, and thefe ftatutes, to do them : v. 10, That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not a fide from the command- ment, to the right-hand or to the left : to the end that he may pro- long his days,-—
d ABs J 7. 11. Thefe (Beream) were more noble than thofe in Theflaionica ; in that they received the word with all readinefsof mind, and fearched the fcripturcs daily whether thefe things were fo.
c-Acfs 8. 30. And Philip ran thi- ther to him, and heard liini read the prophet Efaias ; and faid, Un- derftandeft thou what thou readeft? v. 34. And the eunuch anfy/ered Philip, 2nd faid, I pray thee, of whom fpeaketh the prophet this ? oi himtelf, or of fome other man i Luke 10. 26. He (aid unto him, What is written in the law ? how readeft thou? v. 27. And heanfwer- ing, faid, Thou,fhalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy foul, and with all thy ftrcngth, and with all thy mind ; and thy neighbour as thy felt v. 2.8. And he faid unto him, Thou ' haft anfwered right : this do, and th)U fhaltlive.
f Pfalm 1. 2. Bat his delight is in .the law ot tne Lord, and in his b .v £c>:h he meditate day and night; Vfalw 119. 97. O how iove 1 thy }aw ' it is my meditarion all the
6y
the
y
preform. 34. 21. Go, enquire of e^Lovd ior me* and for theffl that
are left in Ifrael, and in Judah, con- cerning the words of the book that is found ; for great is the wrath of zHq Lord that is poured out up in us, becaufe our fathers have not kept the word ot the Lord, to do alter all that is written in this book
h Vrov. 3. 5. Truft in the Lord with ail thine heart,and lean nor un- to thine own understanding. Deut, 33. 3. Yea, he loved trK. people; all his faints are in thy hand ; and they fat down at thy feet, every one (hall receive of thy words,
i Frov. 2. 1. My fon, it thou wilt receive my words, and hide my com- mandments with thee; v. 2. So that thou incline thine ear to wi{- dom, and apply thine heart to im- derftanding: v. 3. Yea, if then crieft after knowledge, and lifteft up thy voice for underftanding ; v. 4. If thou feekeftheras filver, and learcheft for her, as for hid Dea- fures : v. y. Then (halt thou under- ftand the fear ot the Lord, aid find the knowledge of God, v. 6. For the Lord giveth wifdom : out of his mouth cometh knowledge and un- derftanding; P/alm 119. 18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Neh* 8. 6. And Lzra blefled the Lord the great God; and all the people anfwered, Amen, amen, with lift- ing up their hands ; And they bow- ed their heads, and worfhipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. v. 8. So they read in the book, in
the law of God diftinclly
158, k 1 Tim 5. 3. A bifhopthen
muft be blarnelefs, the husband of
one wife, vigilant, fober, of good
be-
The Larger Catechijm; 3z$
called to that Office 1.
159, Quell* How is the Word of Cod to be preached by thofe that are called thereunto P
AnfuK They that are called to labour in the Miniftry of the Word, are to preach found Doctrine m diligently n, in Seafon and out of Seafon o ; plainly p, not in the entiqing "Words of Man's Wifdom, but in Demonftration of the Spi- rit.
behaviour, given to hofpitality, ape to teach ; v, <5, Not a novice, left being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation, of the de- vil. Eph. 4. 8 . Wherefore he faith, When he afcended up on high,he Jed captivity captive, and gave gitts un- to men. v. 0. (Now that he amen- ded, what is it but that healfo de- scended firft into the lower parts of the earth? v. 10. He that de- fended, is the fame aJfo that a- lcended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) v. 11. And he gave Tome, apoiiles: and fome, prophets : and fome, evan- gelifts ;and fome, pallors and teach- ers. Hof. 4. 6, My people are de- stroyed for lacke of knowledge: becaufe thou haft rejedted know- ledge, I will alfo reject thee, that thou fhalt be no prieir. to me : fee- ing thou halt forgo; ten the law of thy God, I will alfo forget thy chil- dren. MaL 2. 7. For the priefts lips fliould keep knowledge; and they fhould ieekthelaw at his mouth": for he is the mcllenger of the Lord of hofts. z Cok y6. Who alio hath made us able miniiters of tht new teitament, not of the letter, but oi the fpirit; for the letter killeth, but the fpirit giveth life.
1 Jer 14. is. Therefore thus faith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophefy in my name, and I fent them nor, Rom. io. 15. And howfliall they preach, except they be lent ? — - Heb. 5. 4. And no man ta- keth this honour unto him (elf, but he that is called of God. as was Aa*
ron. 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath fet fome in the church, firft apoftles, fecondarily prophets, thirdly teach- ers, alter that miracles, then gifts ot healings, helps, governments, diverfities of tongues, v. 29. Are all apoftles? are ail prophets? are all teachers? areall workers of mi- racles? 1 Tim. 3. 10. And let rhefe alio firft be proved : then let r.hem ufe the crnce of a deacon, bein^ found blamelete* 1 Tim 4- 14. Ne- glett not the. gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophcly, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 1 Tim. s 22. Lay hands fuddeniy on no man; nei- ther be partaker of other mens tins, keep thy Celt pure.
IS p. m Titus 2, 1. But fpeak thou the things which become iound do- ctrine, v. 8. Sound fpeech thai can- not be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part, n,ay beafharn- ed, having no evil rhlng to lay of you;
n Acts 18.. 25, This man was in- ftrucled in the way of the Lord ; and being fervent in the fpirit, lie fpake and **taught diligently the things of rhe Lord,—
o 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word, be infeant in feafon, out of fcafon ; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-lufTering, and doctrine.
p 1 Cor. 14. 19 JFet in the church I had rather fpeak five words with my undemanding, that by my vo:cc I might teach , others alio, than ten thouiand words in an unknown tongue,
X 3 A I Gw,
3 z(5 The Larger Catechifm.
rit, ajid of Power q; faithfully r, making known the whols Counfel of God i ; wifely r, applying themfelves to the ,Ne- ceflities and Capacities of the Hearers y •, zealoufly w, with fer- vent Love to God x and the Souls of his People y •, fincerely z,
aim
q i Cor, 2, 4. And my fpeech, and my preaching was not with enticing words ot mans wiiclom, but in de monitration of the fpirit, and of power.
rjer. 23, 18. " The prophet that hath a dream, let him rell a dream ; and he that hath my word, Jet him ipeak my word faithfully ; what is ?:he chaff to the wheat ? faith the ]Lord. 1 Cor, 4. r. Let a man fo ac- count of us, as of the minifters of Chrilr, and itewards of the myhreries of Cod] ro. 2. Moreover it is re- quired in (reward?, that a man be lound faithful.
i ABs 20 27. For I have not ftunned to declare untd you all the counfel of God*
t Co/, 1. 28. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every rnan in all wifdom : that we may prefent every man perfect in jphritt Jefus, 2 Tim. z. 1$ Study to fhew thy (elf approved unto God, "a workman thatneedeth not to be ailiamedj rightly dividing the word bt truth,
v 1 Cor. 3. 2.. I have led you wirh milk, and not with meat; for hi- therto yc weie not able to bear it, neither yc: now are ye able, Heh~ $. ji. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers.yehavt need that one teach you again which be the firft principles of the oracles of God ; and are become fuch as have need of milk, and not of fircng meat. <v„ 13. For ■every one that uferh milk, is unskiltul in thp word of rightecufnefs ; for he is a babe, v; 12. But ftrong meat beloogerh to them that are of full age^ even thofe who by reafgn of ufe have their fenles exera/ed ro difcem both good apd evil. £itk'$ 12 42. And- the
Lord faid, Who then is that faithful and wife fteward, whom his lord lhall make ruler over his houfholid, to give them their portion of meat in due leafcn. *
w Acts i8% 25, This man was in- ftrufted in the a ay of the Lordj and being fervent in the\ fpirir, he ipake and taught diligently the things of the Lord,—
x 2. Cor. f. 13, For whether we be befides our f elves, u is to God; or whether we be to her, it is tor your caufe, nj, 1 4 . For the love of Chrift conffcraineth us, becaulc (f
judge, that if one died tor .. were all dead, Phil. U i$* indeed preach Chrift even of ^ vy and ft rife, and Gome alfo of good will, 'V. 16. The one preach Chnlfc of contention, not iincerely, fuppo- fing to add affliction to my bonds ; v 17. But the other of love, know- ing that I am fet for the defence of the gofpel.
y Col. 4. 12. Epaphras, who is one of you, a lervant of Chrifr, faluteth you, always labouring lervently for yon in prayers, that ye may Hand perfect and compleat in all the will of God. 1 Cer. 12. if. And
1 will very gladly fpend and be fpint for you, though the more a- bundantly I love you, the lefs ,1 be loved.
z zCor. 2. 1 7. For we are not as ma- - ny, which corrupt the word of God, but as of Sincerity, but as of God, in the fight of God, fpeak we in Chriffc
2 Cor, 4. 2, But have renounced the hidden things of difhcnelty, not walking in craftinefs, not handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, com- mending our felves to every mans confeience in the fight of God.
a 1 The(f
The Larger Catechifm: 327
aiming at his Glory a, and their Converfion b, Edification c, and^Saivation d.
1 (5o, Quefh What is required of thofe that hear the Word preached f
Anfw, It is required of thofe that hear the Word prea- ched, that they attend upon it with Diligence e, Prepara- tion t, and Prayer g ; examine what they hear by the Scrip-
tures ;
a 1 Theffl z. 4. But as we were al- lowed of God to be put in truit with the gofpei, even lb we (peak, not as pleafing men, but God, which rrieth our hearts, v. 5*. For neither at any time ufed we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetoufnefs ; God is wttnefs. v 6. Nor of Men fought we glory, nei- ther of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdenfom, as the apoitles of Chriih 'John, 7. io. He that fpeaketh of himlelf, feck- eth his own glory : but he that feek- eth his glory that fent him, the fame is true, and no unrighteoufnefs is in him,
b 1 Cor. 9. 19. For though I be free from all men, yet I have made my felt (ervant unto all, that I might gain the more, v 20, And unto the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews j to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are un- der the law ; v 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law toChriit) that I mighr gain then; that are without law, v 22. To the weak, became I as i\eak, that I might gain the weak : lam made all things to all men, that I might by all means fave fome.
c 2 Cor. 12. 19 Again, think you that we excufe our felves unto- you? we fpeak before God in Chriit : but we do all things, dearly beloved, tor your edifying. Eph, 4. 12. For the perfecting of the (ain ts, for the wo' k of the miniitry, for the edify* ing of the body of Chrift,
d 1 Tim. 4. 16: Take heed unto thy felf, > and unto thy doctrine j continue in them . for in doing thi $ (hou (halt both fave thy felt, and them that hear thee. Acls. 26 16 But rif , and ftand upon thy feet for I have appeared unto thee fo« this purpofe, to make thee a1 mini- fter, and a witnefs both of rhefe things which thou hair feen, and ot thofe things in the which f will ap- pear unto thee -, v 17. Delivering thee from the people, and irom the Gentiles, unto whom now I lead rhee./v 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darknefs to light, and irom the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgivenefs of fins, and inheritance among tnem which areianctified by iaith that is in me.
160, e Prov. 8. 34. RleiTed is the man that heareth me, watching chily at my gates, waiting at the potts of my doors.
f 1 Vet. 2. 1. Wherefore laying afide all malice and all guile, and hypoGi-fies, and envies, and all evii- f pea kings, v 2. As new born babes dciire the fincere miik of the word, that yc may grow Thereby, Lukem 8. 1 8. Take heed therefore how ye hear : for whofoever hath, to him fhall be given ; and whofoever hath not, from him fhall be taken even that which he feemerh to have,
g VJalm. 1 19. 18. Open thou mine eye?, that I may behoid wondrous things out of thy law. Eph. 6. 18* Praying aiways with ail prayer and fuopiication in the fpirir, and watch- ing chereunto with ail perieverance, X 4 At*^
318 The Larger Ccttechtfrn*'
tures h ; receive the Truth with Faith i,' Love k, Meekneft h and Readinefs of Mind m, as the "Word of God n ; meditate o, and confer of it p; hide it in their Hearts q, and bring forth the Fruit of it in their Lives r,
i <5 1. Quefl. How do the Sacraments become effectual Means cf S 'ah at ion ?
Jnfw. The Sacraments become effectual Means of Salva- tion, not by any Power in themfelves, or any Vertue deri- ved from the Piety or intention of him by whom they a re adminiftred 9 but only by the working of the Holy Ghoft»
and
and (upplicanon for all fdintS; v. 19. And lor me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the myftery of the gofpeJ,
h Acts 17. 11. Thefe were more ncbie than thofe in ThefTalonica, in niac they received the word with all readinefs of mind, and fearc li- ed rhe fcriptures daily, whether thole things were fo. ; \ Heb^ 4. 2. For unto us was the gofpcl preached, as well as unto iiiem : but the word preached did not profit, them, not being mixed With faith in them that heard it-
k 2 Thejf. 2, :o. And with all dc~ ceiverblenefs of unrighteoufnefs, in snem that peri(h ; becaufe they re- ceived not the love of the truth, that they might be (aved.
1 Raines i„ iiy Wherefore lay a- part'all htthinefs, and fuperfluity of naughtinefs, and receive with mtek- nefs, the ingrafted word, which is able to fave y^ur fouls.
m Acts 17. 11. Thefe were more noble than thofe in Theflalonica, in that they received the word with all readinefs of mind, and fearched the fcriptures daily ? whether thofe things were io,
' n 1 Thefl. 2. ly, For this caufeal- fo thank w-fe God without ceafirig, becaufe when ye received the word qf God which ye heard of us, ye re- ceived it no: as the word of men, 1 kut*'(as£c is m truth) the word of
God, which effectually workerh aUo in you that believe.
o Luke 9. 44. Let thefe fayings fink down into your ears ; for the Son of man fhall be delivered into the hands of men, * Heb. 2. 1, Therefore wc ought to give the more earneff heed to the things we have heard, leu; at any time we (hould let them flip.
p Luke 24. 14. And they talked together of all thefe things whicli had happened. Deut. 6. 6, And thefe words which I command thee this day, fhall be in thine heart: v. 7 And thou fhalt teach them di- ligently unto thy children, and (Irak talk of them when thou fined in thy houfe, and when thou walk- eft by the way, &nd when thou licit down, and when. thou rifefl up.
q Prov. 2, I. My ion, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee. Pfair/z 119. 11, Thy word have I hid m mine heart, that 1 might not fin a- gainfl: thee.
r Luke 3. iy. But that on the good ground, are they, which in an honefi; and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience, fames 1. z^.Butwho- fo looketh into the perfect law of \l~ berty,and continueth therein, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man ihall be blef- fed in his dc^d..
161. f 1 Pet*
The Larger Catechifm. 529
and the Bleffing of thrift by whom they are inftituted {.
162. Queft. What is a Sacrament I
Anfw, A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance inftituted by Chrift in his Church r, to fignify, feal, and exhibite v unto thole that are within the covenant of Grace w, the Bene- fits of his Meditation x; to ftrengthen and increafe their
Faith
\6u i 1 Pet, 3, 2.1. The like fi- gure whereunto, even baptifm, doth alfo now fave us, ( not the purring away of rhe filch of the fLfh, bur the anfwer of a good confeience tgward Godj by the relurre&ion of Jefus Chrifr. AEis 8. 13. Then Simon himfeli believed alfo; and when he was baptized, he continued With Philip, and wondred, beholding the miracles and iigns which were done. Qytmbared with ia 23; For I perceive (jaid Pete?' to Simo?i) that thou art in the gail of buternefs, and in the bend or iniquity. 1 Cor. 3. C. I have planted, Apollos ware« red, but God gave the increafe. nj 7. So then, neither is he that plan- teth any thing, neither he that ware- reth ; but God chat givetb the in- creafe. 1 Cor: 12. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Geu- tiles, whether we be bond or free ; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
162. t Gen. 17. 7. And I will eftablifh my covenant between me and thee, and thy feed after thee, in their generations, for an everla- iting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy feed after thee, V 10. This is my covenant, which ye ilialJ keep between me and you, and thy ktd after thee ; every man- child among you fhall be circumci- fed. Exod chapter 12. containing the inflitutim of tfoe pajfover. Mat^ 2 b' 19; Go ye therefore and teach all nati- ons, baptizing them in the name of. the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. * Matth. 26. 26 And as (hey were eating, Jefus took
bread, and Hefted it, and brake it, and gave it to the d'liciples, and faid, Take, eat; this is my body. rj 27. And he tpok the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, faying, Drink ye all of it; v 28, For this is my blood of the new te- iiament, which, is ihed for many, for the remiflion of fins,
v Rom. 4, 1 1« And he received rhe fign bf circumcifion, a feal of the righteoufnefs of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcifed ; that he might be the father of all thera that believe, though they be not circumcifed : that righteoufnefs might be imputed unto them alfo; 1 Gor. 1 1, 24, And when he had gi- ven thanks, he brake it, and faid, Take, eat ; this is my body, which is broken for you : this rio in re- membrance of me. v 25. After the fame manner aifo he took the cup, when he had fupped, faying, Thiscupis the new teftament in my blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
w Row. if, 8. Now I fay, That Jefus Chrift was a miniikr of the circumcifion, for the truth of God$ to confirm the promifes made unto rhe fathers. Exoa. 12.4.8; And when a ftranger friall fojourn with thee, and will keep the pafTover to the Lord, let all his males be circumci- fed, and then let him come near and keep it ; and he fhall be as one that is born in the land : for no uncir- cumcifed perfon fhall eat thereof.
x sifts, 2. 38. Then Peter faid unto them, Repent and be bapti- zed every one of you, in the name of Jefus Chrift, for the remiffiouof
ins
33° The Larger Catechifm;
Faith, and all other Graces y ; to oblige them to Obedience z, to teftify andcherifh their Love and Communion one with another *, and to diftinguifh them from thofe that are with- out b.
163. Queft. "What are the Parts of a Sacrament ?
Anfw. The Parts of a Sacrament are Two ; the One, an outward and fenfible fign ufed according to Chrift's own Appointment ; the other, aa inward and fpiritual Grace there- byfignified.
164. Queft. How many Sacraments hath Chrijl inflitute din his Church under the New Teftament ?
Anfw.
iins, and ye (hall receive the gift of the holy Ghoft. 1 Cor. 10, \6. The cup of blefling which we blefs, is knot the communion of the blood of Chrrff. i The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chriff. ?
y Rom. 4. a. See inv above, Gal 3. 27 For as many oi you as have been baptized into Chrift, have put on Chriit.
z Rom 6 3, Know ye not, that fo many of us as were baptized into Jefus Chriit, were baptized into his death, v 4. Therefore we aie bu- ried with him by baptifm into death; that like as Chrift was railed up irom the dead by the glory of the Father, even To we alfo fhould walk in new- ness of life. 1 Cor. 10, 21, Ye can- not drink the cup cf the Lord, and the cup of devils ; ye cannot be par- takers ot the Lords table, and trie table of devils,
a Eph* 4. 2. With all lowlinefs and raeeknefs, with long-lurTcring," forbearing one another in love ; v 3. Endeavouiing to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, v 4. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling $ v 5, One Lord, one faith, one bap:ifm, 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to diink into one Spirit,
b Epfci. ii. Wherefore remem- ber that ye being in times pafled Gentiles in the flefh, who are cal- led urcircomcirTon by that which is called the circumcifion iu the flefh made by hands : v 12, That at that time we were without Chriir, being aliens from the common- wealth oflfrael, and if rangers from the covenant of promi(e, having no hope, and without God in the world, Gen. 34, j4. And they faid unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our filler ro one that is un- circumcifed; for that were a re- proach to us.
i6$>cMat. 3. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unro repentance ; but he that cometh after me, is mightier than I, whofe (hoes I am not worthy to bear ; he fhall baptize you with the holy Ghoft, and with fire. 1 Pet. 3. 2.1, The iike figure whereunto, even baptifm, doth alfo now fave us, (not the putting away the filth of the £efh, but the an- iwer of a good conference towards God) by the refurrecnon of Jefus Chrift. RomM 2. 28. For he is not a Jew, thac is one outwardly ; nei- ther is that circumcifion, which is outward in the flefh : v 29. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly ; and circumcifion is that of the heart, in the fpirit, and not in the letter, whofe praife is not of men, but of God,
1 54, d Wat*
The Larger Catechifm. 331
Anffo- Under the new Teflament Chrift hath inftltuted in his Church only Two Sacraments, Baptifm and the Lord's Supper d. ^
165-. Queft. What is Baptifm ?
Jn/iv. Baptifm is a Sacrament of the New Teftament, wherein Chrift hath ordained the wafhing with Water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft e. to be a fign and Seal of Ingrafting into himfelf », of Remiflion of Sins by his Blood g, and regeneration by his Spirit h ; of Adoption i, and Refurreftion unto Everlafting Life k : And whereby the parties Baptized are folemnly admitted into the vifible Church 1, and enter into an open and profefTed En- gagement to be wholly and only the Lord's m.
1 66. Queft. Unto whom is Baptifm to be adminiflred ?
Anfw. Baptifm is not to be adminiftred to any that are out of the vifible Church, and fo ftrangers from the Cove- nant of Promife, till they profefs their Faith in Chrift, and
Obe-
164.dMattb.1S. 19.' Gove there- fore and reach ail nations, baptizing them in the name of rhe Father,and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. 1 Cor. 1 1 . 20. When ye come toge- ther therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lords (upper, v 23. For I have received of the Lord that which alio 1 delivered unto you, That the Lord Je(us? the fame night in which he was betrayed, took bread. Matth. 16. 26, 27, 28. See above in t.
165. e Mattk. 23 > \$* Go ye there- fore and teach all nations^ baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the fon, and oi the holy Ghoft,
f Gal. 3 , 27. For as many of you as have been baprized into Chrift, have put on Chrift.
g Mark. 1. 4, John did baptize in the wildernefs, and preach the bap- tifm of repentance, for the remif- fion of fins. Rev 1. y.-— Unto him that Joved us. and wafhed us from our fins in his own blood. - h Titus, 3.5", Not by works of righteoufnefs which we have done, but according to his mercy he faved as by the wafhing of regeneration
and renewing of the holy Ghoft. Eph. $. 26, That he might fanctify and cleanle it with the wafhing of water by the word.
\Gai. 3. 16. For ye are all the- children of God by faith in ChriO Jefus, v,?7^ For as many of yoc as have been baptized into Giirtft, have put on Chriit.
k 1 Cor* 15.19. Elfe what fhiii they dlo, which are bapti 'ed for the dead, if the dead rife not at all ? why are they then baptiztd for the dead ? Rorn.6, s. For if we have been plan* ted together in the likenefs of bib death : we fhall be alfo in the like- nefs of his redirection.
1 1 Cor. 12, 13, For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free 5 and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
m Rom. 6. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptifm into death: that like as Chrift was railed up from the dead by the glory of his Father, even (o we alfo fhouid walk in newnefs of life.
1, n Jets
111
TJjc Larger Catechifm'*
Obedience to him n ; but Infants defcending from Parents, either both or but one of them profeffing Faith in Chrifl and Obedience to him, are in that Refpeft within the Covenant, and to be baptized o.
167. Quell- How is our Baptifik to be improved by us P Jnfw. The needful, but much neglefted Duty oi proving our Baptism, is to be performed by us all our Life long, efpecially in the time of Temptation, and when we
166. n ABs. 3. 36. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch (aid, See, hereis water; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? v 37. And Philip faid, it thou believed with all thine heart, thou mayeft. And he anlwered and faid, 1 believe that Jefus Ghviit is the Son of God. J0K21 98. Then Peter (aid unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name ot Je- fus Chrift, for the remiflion of iins, and ye (hall receive the girt of the holy Ghoft. ' .
' oGen, 17. 1- Andl willeftabhfh my covenant between me'and thee, and thy feed after thee, in their ge- ncrations for an everlaftmg cove- nant ; to be a a God unto thee, and to thy feed alter thee, v 9. And God faid unto Abraham, Thou ftp\t keep my covenant therefore, thou and thy feed after thee, in their generations. Compared -with Gal q, 9, So then they which be of faith are bleffed with faithful Abra- ham' i) 14. Thac the bleffing of Abraham might come on the Gen- t:ies through Jefus Chrifl : that we nv°hr receive the promiie ot the Spirit through faith. And toith G?/- i[ 1 1 , In whom alfo ye are circum- cifed with the circumaiion made without hands, in putting ofl the body oS the fins oi the fleth, by the cireumdfioa ofChnit: viz. Buried with him in baptif m, where- in alfo you are rifen with him through the faith of the operation efGod, who hath raifed him from
are
the dead. And with ABs 2. 38. Then Peter faid unto them. Re- pent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jefus Chrift, for the remiflion of iins, and ye (hall receive the girt of the holy Ghoft. t) 39. For the promifc is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord cur God fhall call. And with Rom. 4. 1 1 . And he received thefign ofcircumriiion, a feal of the righteoufnefs of the faith, which^he had yer being un- circumcifed: that he might be the lather of all them that believe, though they be not circumcifed ; that righteoufnefs might be im- puted unto them alfo : 1/12. And the father of circumci/ion to them who are not ot the circumcifion on- ly, but alfo walk in the fteps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumciled. 1 Cor. j, 1 4. For the unbelieving hus- band is lanctified by the wife,and the unbelieving wife is fanclified by the husband : elfe were your children unclean : but now they are holy, Mitf.S.8. 19* Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. Luke: 18. iy; And they brought un- to him alio intants that he would touch them: but when his dilciples faw it, they rebuked them: v i6\ But Jefus called them unto him, and faid, fufTer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not ; for of inch is the kingdom of God. Rom*
The Larger Catechtfm: 333
prefent at the Adminiftration of it to others p .• by ferious
thankful Confederation of the Nature of it, and of the
for which Chrift inftituted it, the Privileges and Bene-
onferred andfealed thereby, and our folemn Vow made
• by being humbled for our finful Defilement, our
ig fhortof, and walking contrary to, the Grace of Baptifm
our Engagements r ; by growing up to Aflurance of
a of Sin, and of all ether BlelTmgs fealed to us in that
: ; ; by drawing Strength from the Death and Re-
of Chrift, into whom we are baptized, for the
ifying of Sin, and Quickning of Grace t; and by en-
dea-
n 16. For if the fird fruit be the lump is alio holy j and if c : be holy, fo are the branches. l6j, pCol. 2. 11* In whom alio J with the circum- cifion 1 -uc hands, in put-
y of the fins ot the .'.icumciiion of Chrift: v. iz , ith him in baprifin,
in a. To ye are rifen with him through the feith or the operation of God, who bath railed him from the dead, Horn. 6", 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baprifm into death, that like as Chrift uas raifed up ijom the dead by the glo- ry of his Farher, even fo we alfo fhou'.d walk in newnefs of life. v. 6. Knowing this, that our eld man is jd with him that the body of lin irught be deiiroyeJ, that hence- forth we fhould not fcrve fin. 4. 1 1, Likewiic reckon ye alfo your felves to be dead indeed unto lin, but alive unto God through Jefus Chrift cur Lord,
q Rem. 6\ 3. Know ye nor, that Co many of us as were baptized into Chrift, were baptized into his v. 4. Therefore we are bn- 3 led with fcini bv baptifm into : that like as Chrift was railed up from the dead by the glory o;'his Father, even fowe alio fhouLd walk in newnefs of Fife. v. £ For it we have been planted together in the ilkcnefs of hh rfeath : wc fhail be al- moin the likenefi of his refurrecrion.
r 1 Cer. r '11. For it hath been ;!:. clared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the houfe of Cloe, that there are contentions among you, v. ii. Now this I fay, that every one of you faith, I am of Paul, and I of A polios, and I of Cephas and I of Chrift. v 13. Is Chrift divided ? was Paul crucified ior you ? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul ? Rrm. 6. 2; God for- bid : how (hail we that are dead to fin, live any longei therein ? v. 3. Ve nor, that fo many of us as v\ere baptized into Jelus Chrift, were baptized into his dearh ?
f Rom. 4. ii. And he :eccived the fign of circumcifion, a fe the nghteoulnefs qf the faith which he had yet being uncircumcifed . that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be nor . chcumcifcd j that rig might be imputed unto them alio. v* 12. And the father of circumci- fion to them who are nor o: : cumcifion only, hut alfo v.a!k in the fteps of that faith of our father A- braham, which he had being vet un- circumcifed. 1 Pet. 3 2.1. The hke %ure w hereunto, even h dorh alfo now fave us (cor the put- ting away of the filth of the ilefh, but the anfwer of a good ten towards God) by the rein: r< ofjejus
v Gal,
334 2fo Larger Catechifm:
deavouring to live by Faith , to have our Converfafion iti Holinefs and Righteoufnefs w, as thole that have therein given up their Names to Chrift x, and to walk in brotherly Love, as beijig baptized by the fame Spirit into one Body y; "
1 62. Queft. What is thd Lord's Supper \
Anfwy The Lord's Supper is a Sacrament of the New Te« ftament z, wherein, by giving and receiving Bread and Wine, according to the Appointment of Jefus Chrift, his Death is ftiewed forth ; and they that worthily communicate, feed tipon his Body and Blood, to the ir fpiritual Nourifhment and Growth in Grace a, have their Union and Communion withhim confirmed & ; teftify and renew their Thankfolnefs c,
and
v Gal. 1- 26, For ye are all the children of God by faith in Chrift Jefus. v: 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Chrift, have put on Chi iff.
w Rom 6. 22. But now being made free from fin, and become ier- vants to God, ye have your fruit unro holinefs, and the end ever- Jailing life.
x Afts 2, 38. Then Peter laid tin- to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jefus Chrift, for the remiffion of nns, znd ye fliall receive the gift of the holy Ghoft,
y 1 Cor. 12. it,. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiks,whe- rher we be bond or free ; and have hucn all made to drink into one Spi- rit. rJ- iy. That there Ihould be no khifm in the body; but that the members fhould have the fame care one of another, v. 26. And whe- ther one member fufkr, all the members furTer with it : or one member be honoured, ail the mem- bers rejoice with ir. v. 27. Now ye arc the body of Chrift, and members in particular.
168, z Luke. 22,20 Likewife al- fo the cup after flipper, faying, This cup is the new teftament in my Wood, which is fhed for .you.
2 Mrttth. 26, ±6. And as they were eating, Jefus took bread, and blefled it, and brake it, and gave ic to the difciples, and (aid, Take, eat ; this is my body.- v. 27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, faying, Drink ye all of it : v. 28. For this is my blood of the new teftament which is fried for many for the remiffion of fins. 1 Cor 11. 23, For 1 have received of the Lord, that whkh alfol delivered unto you, That the Lord Jefup, the fame night in which he was betrayed, took bread & v. 24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and (aid, Take * eat j this is my body, which is broken for you : this do in lemem- brance of me. v. z$. After the fame manner alfo he took the cup, when he had fupoed, faying, This cup is the new teftament in my blood : this do yc, as oft as ye diink it, in remembrance of "me. v. z6. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do fhew the Lords death till he come.
b 1 Cor. 10, 16. Thecupofblef- fing which we blefs, is it not the communion of the blood of Chrift ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chrift ?
c 1 Or. 1 1 . 24. See above in a.
d 1 Cor
Tht Larger Catcchtfnt o ? c
and Engagement to God d, and their mutual Love and F^llowfhip each with other as Members of the fame Myfti. cal Body e.
169. Queft How hath Chrift appointed Bread and Wine to he given and received in * the Sacrament of the Lord's Stpper P
Jnfw. Chrift hath appointed the Minifters of his Word in the Adminiflration of this Sacrament of the Lord's Sup- per, to fet apart the Bread and Wine from common Ufe by the Word of Inftitution, Thankfgiving, and Prayer,- to take and break the Bread, and to give both the Bread and the Wine to the Communicants : Who are by the fame Appointment to take and eat the Bread, and to drink the Wine ; in thankful Remembrance that the Body of Chrift was broken and given, and his Blood ftied for them L
170, Queft. Bow do they that worthily communicate in the Lord's Supper, feed upon the Body and Blood of Chrift therein ?
knfw. As the Body and Blood of Chrift are not corporally or carnally prefent in, with, or under the Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper g ; and yet are fpiritually prefent to the Faith of the Receiver, no lefs truly and really than the Ele- ments themfelves are to their outward Senfes h . So they
that
d 1 Cor. 10. 14. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, dee from idolatry. v. 15. I i peak as to wife men ; judge ye what 1 fay. v. 16. 'The cup of blefiing which we bids, is it not the (Communion oi the blood ofChrift ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chrift ? v. 21. Ye cannot diink The cup of the Lord, and the cup of de- vils: ye cannot be partakers oi" the Lor 's table, and of the -table of devils,
e 1 Cok 10, 17. For we being ma- ny are one bread, and one body: tor we are all partakers of that one bread.
169 f : Cor. iu 23 24. See be- fore unci r a . WLatth ,26,26,27,28, See before at*. Mask 14. 22. And as. they did tar, Je;us took bread, :fled, and Drake ir, and gave to thin:, and faid, Take, eat: this
is my body, <w. 23. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it ^ to them :' and they all drank of if, z\ 24. And he faid nnto them, This is m'v blood of the new teftamenr, which is (bed lor many. Luke, zz> 10. And he took bread, and gave thanks, a^d brake it, and gave unto them,, lay- ing, This is my body which is given lor you . this Co in remembrance of me. v. 2.0. Likewfie al(b the cup alter fupper, faying, This cup is the new tellament in my bicod, which is fhed lor you,
i;.c. g Acts. 3, 21, Whom the heaven mult receive until the times of rettitutica of all things, which God hath fpoken by the mouth of a!l .his Italy propnets, ■ fince the world b gjn.
h Mattb 26, 16 And as they were eating, jefus took bread, and bJel-
fed
336 The Larger Catecbifm:
that worthily communicate in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, do therein feed upon the Body and Blood of Chrift, not after a corporal or carnal, but in a fpiritual Manner ; yet truly and really i, while by Faith they receive and apply unto themfelves Chrift crucified, and all the Benefits of his Death k.,
171. Queft. How are they that receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to prepare themfelves before they come unto it I
Anfw. They that receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Sup- per, are, before they come, to prepare themfelves there- unto , by examining themfelves 1, of their being in Ghrift m, of their Sins and "Wants n ; of the Truth and Meafure of their Knowledge o, Faith P, Repentance q, Love to God and
* , the
(ed it, and brake if, and gave it to the difciples, and faid, Take, ear; this is my body, v. 28, For this is my blood of the new teftament, which is fhed tor many for the re- million of fins,
i 1 Cor. 11. 24* Arid when he had given thanks, he brake it, and faid, Take, eat -, this is my body, which is broken for you : this do in re- membrance of me. v. 25 After the fame manner alfo he took the cup, when he had flipped, faying, This cup is the new teftament in my blood : this do ye, as oircn as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. v* z6> Fo«- as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do fliew the Lords death till he come, v. 27. Wherefore, whofoever fhall ear this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, (hall be guil- ty of the body^ and, blood of the Lord. v. 28, But let a man ex- amine hirnieif, and fo let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup, v, 29, For he that eateth and dfjnketh unworthily, eateth and drfnketh damnation to hirnfelf, not difccrning [he Lords body; m k 1 Cor: 10, 1 6. Thecupofblei- fing which we bleis, is it no: the com- n of the blood of Chrtll f The bread which we break, is it nor the communion of the body cf GhrllH
171 J 1 Q>r. 11. 28. But let a man examine hirnfelf, and fo let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
m 2 Cor, 13. s Examine your felves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own (elves; know ye not your own ielves, how that Jefus Chrift is in you, except ye be re- probates ? '
n 1 Cor. s. 7- Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Chrift our pailovcr is fa- crificedfor us. Compared with Exod. u. iy, Seven days (hall ye^ eat un- leavened bread, even the firft day ye fhall put away leaven out of your houfes : for whofoever eateth lea- vened bread , from the firft day un- til the feventh day, that foul fhall be cut off front Ifrael:
0 1 Car^ 1 1. 29. For he that eateth and drinKeth unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to hirnfelf, not difccrning the Lo^ds body.
p 1 Or. 13, 5^ See above in m Mattb. 16. 28. For this is my blood of the new teftament, which is ihed for man? for the icmiilion of fins.
q Zech, 12. 10. And I will pour upon the houfe of David, and upon the inhabitants or. Jerufalem, _ the fpirit of grace and of (applications, and they fhall lock upon me whom
they
The Larger Catechifm; 337
he Brethren r, Charity to all Men f, forgiving ' thofe that have done tbem "Wrong r, of their Defires after Chrifl v, and of their new Obedience w ; and by renewing the Ex- crcife of thefe Graces x, by ferious Meditation y, and
fervent
they have pierced, and they fhall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only fon, and fhall be in bit- ternefs tor him, as one that is in bitterneis for his firit-born. i Cor* 11. 3 1, For if we would judge our ielves, we fhould not be judged,
r 1 Cor. 10, 16. The cup of blef- fing which we blefs, is ic not the communion of the blood of Chrift ? the bread which we break, is it not the cvmmunion of the body of Chrift ? v. 17. For we being many, are one bread, and one body : for we are ail partakers of that one bread. Acts 2, 46*. And they con- tinuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from houfe to houfe, did eat their meat with giadnefs and hnglenefs of heart, v. 47. Praiiing God, and having iavour with all the people : and the Lord added to the church daily fuch as fhould belayed.
f 1 Cor. s- 8.Tnerefote let us keep the lean, not wirh old leaven, nei- ther with the icavvti of malice and wickenneis, but Witn the unleave- ned bread or iinceaty and truth. 1 Cor. 11. ib', For hrit of all, when ye come together in the church, i hear mat there be divifions among you j and I partly believe it v, 20, When ye come together therefore into c ne place, this is not to cat the Lords (upper,
t Mattb. y. i3. Therefore, if thou bring tny giu t0 the altar, and there rcraemPreit that thy brother hath ought againfl thee j v. 24. Leave there thy gift before nic altar, and go thy way, fnit be reconciled to thy brother, and then cone and of- fer thy gift.
y\ IJ&. $f. 1. Ho, every one that thirtieth, come ye to the waters.
and he that hath no money! come ye buy and eat, yea, come, buy wine and milk without monev, and without price. John 7. 37. In the laft day, the great day of the feaft, Jefus ftood and cried, faying. If any man thirft, let him come unto me, and drink,
w 1 Or. 5*. 7, Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Chriftj our palTover is fa* crificed for us. v. 8. Therefore let us keep the feaft, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wicked nefs, bu.t with the unleavened bread of fxneeriry and truth.
x 1 Cor. \i. zs* After the fame manner alfo he took the cup, when he had flipped, faying, This cup is the new teltament in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink ir, in remembrance ofc me, v* 26. For as often as yc eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do fhew the Lords death till he come, v- 23. But lee a man examine himlelf, and fo let him eat of that bread, and drink of thar cup. Web. 10* 21. And having an high prieit over the houfe of God : v, 22. L.t us draw near with a true heart, in full aiTurance of faith, having our hearts fpiinkled, from an evil confeience, and our bodies wafhed with pure water.%/. 24 And let us confider one another to provoke unto love, and to good works, pfalm 26. 6. I will wafh mine hands in innocence: fo will I compafs thine altar, O Lord;
y \ C^- 1 *• 24» And when hehatj
given thanks, he brake ir, and faid.
Take, eat, this is my body, whicfi
is broken for you ; this do in r >
Y msmr
3 3 8 The Larger Catechijm:
fervent Prayer z,
172. Queft. May one who doubt eth of 'his being In ChriJI, or of his due Preparation, come to the Lord's Supper f
Anfw. One who doubteth cf his being in Ghrift, or of his due Preparation to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, may have true Intereft in Chrift, tho' he be not yet allured thereof a, and in God's Account hath it, if he be duly affe&ed with the Apprehenfion of the Want of it l\ and un- feigned-
ccafed not : my foul refuted to be comforted, v, 3. 1 remembred Go^i, and was troubled: I complained, and my (piric was overwhelmed, Se- lah,^ v. 4. Thou holdeft mine eyes waking , I am fo troubled that I cannot (peak, &c. v. 7, Will the Lord cad off for ever? and will he be favourable no more ? <v. 8. Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth bis promife fail for evermore ? v. 9. Hath God forgotten to be gracious $ hath he in anger (hut up his tender mercies? Jonah z* 4. Then I (aid, I am caft out of* thy fight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple, v. 7. When my foul fa n ted within me, 1 remembred the Lord, and my prayer came in unto thee,into thine holy temple.
b lCat 54. 7. For a imail mo- ment have I torfaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee; 1/. 8. In a li:tle wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlafting lundnefs will I have mer- cy on thee, faith the Lord thy re- deemer. vm 9. For this is as the wa- ters of Noah unto me : for as 1 have {worn that the waters ot Noah fhould no more go over the earth; fo have I fworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee, 1/. \o. For the mountains fhall de- parr, and the hills be removed, but my kindnefs fhall not depart from thee, neither (hail the covenant of my peace be removed, faith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee, Mattb* y, $• Blefled are the poor m /piiic. for chdrs is the, kingdom of heav;n
membrance of me v. z$% Afrer the fame manner alio he took the enp, when he had fupped, faying, This cup is the new teftamfent in my Mood : this do ye> as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
z z Chron- 30. 18. For a multitude of the people, even many of E- phra:m, and ManaiTeh, IfTdchar, and Zebulun, had not cleanfed themfelves, yet did they eat thepaf- fover, otherwife than it was written : but Hezekiah prayed for them, faying, The good Lord pardon every one, v. 19. That prepareth his heart to feek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleanfed according to the purification ©f the fandiuary. Matth, z6, 26*. And as they were eating, Jefus took bread, and blefled it, and brake it, and gave it to the difeiples, and faid, Take, eat j 'his is my body,
172. a lfa. 5"c. 10. Who is among you that fearcth the Lord, that o- beycth the voice of his fervant, that walketh in darknefs, and hath no light ? kc him truft in the name of the Lord, and Hay upon his God. 1 John ?. 1?. Thefe 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 bf lieve on the name of the Son of God. Vjalm 88. throughout. Vfalm 77, 1, to the u. i>. I, I cued untoGod with my voice: even unto God with my voice, and he £ave ear unto me, v. 2. la the day of my trouble I fought the L ord j my fore ran in the nigh , atid
The Larger Cattchifin: 339
feignedly defires to be found in Chrift c, and to depart from Iniquity d ; In which Cafe (becaufe Promifes are made, and this Sacrament is appointed for the Relief even of weak and doubting Chriftians e) he is to bewail his Unbelief r,
and
heaven, v. 4. Bleffcd are they that mourn .for they fhall be comfor- ted. Pjalm 3 1. 22. For I faid in my hafte; 1 am cut orTirom before thine eyes: neverthelefs^ thou heardeft the voice of my fup plication, when Icried unto thee. Pfafm 73. M, Ve- rily I have cleanfed my heart in vain, and walhed my hands in in- nocency. t/, 22: So ioolith was I, and ignorant: 1 was as a beaft be- fore thee. v. 2.3 Neverthelefs, I am continually with thee; rhou haft liolden me by my right hand.
c Phil. 3. 8. Yea doubriels, and I count all things bur lofs, for the excellency of the knowledge of Chrift Jelus my Lord ; for whom I have (uffered the lols of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Chrift. <z> 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righ* teoufhefs which is of the law, but that which is. through the faith of Chrift, the rightcoumefs which is or God by lakh. Pjalm 10. 17. Lord, thon haft heard the deiire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt caulc thine ear to hear. * Pjalm. 42. 1. As the harr panteth after the water- brooks, fo panteth my foul afrer thee, O God, *v J, My ioul thrifteth tor God, for the living God . when (hail I come and appear before God ? v. 5. Why art thou eaft down, O my foul / and why arc thou dhquietod within me ? hope rhou in God, for I fhall yet praiie him for the help of his counte- nances. 1 1. Why a:t:.ou caft down, O my foul* and why art thou dif- quieted wirhi:i me ? hope thou in God, fori (hail yet praife him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
d 2 Tim. 2. i£. Ncverchelefs,the
foundation of God fhndeth fare, having this leal, The Lord know- eth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Chrift, depart fom iniquity, Ifc yo. 10. Who is among you that fearerh the Lord, that obeyetlr the voice o£ his fervanr, that waiketh in daik* nefs, and hath no light? let him truft in the name of the Lorrf* and ftay upon his God. Pjalm. 66. i8« If I regard iniquity in my heart : the Lord will not dear me. i\ 19. But verily God hath heard me . he hath" attended to the voice of mv prayer, t), 20. BlefTed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me,
clja. 40. 11. He (hall feed his flock like a fhepherd : he fhall ga- ther the Jambs with his arm, and tarry them in his boiom, and (hall gently lead thofe that are wirh young, v. 29. He giveth power to the faint j, and to them that have no might, he increafeth ftreagth. <v. 31. But they that wait upon the Lord, (hall renew their ftrength : thay mail mount up with wings as eagles; they ihai! run, and not be wtdry 3 and they fhall walk, ani not fcrinr* M^r. 11.28. C^me unto me, all jc that labour, and arc heavy iaden, and I wwl give you reft. Mat,, 12. 20. A bruited reed fhall he not brea/^and imoking flax (hall he noC queried, till he send fo. th judgment unto viftory Mat 26.28. F^r rhis is my blood of the new tefta merit whicii is fhcjd for rmny for the re- million of ims.
i Mark 9.^ 24 And ftraighrway the Uiiiercf the child cried out, and laid with tears. Lord, I believe, hap.tbou iHine unbw*iic:#
Y 1 g Acfs
340 The Larger Catechifm:
and labour to have his Doubts refolved g ,• and fo doing,he may and ought to come to the Lord's Supper, that he may be further ftrengthned ba
173. Quell, May any who profefs the Faith, and de fire to come to the Lord's Supper, be kept from it ?
Anfuf. Such as are found to be Ignorant or Scandalous, notwithflanding their Profeffion of the Faith and Defire to come to the Lord's Supper, may and ought to be kept from that Sacrament by the Power which Chrift hath left in his Church i , until they receive Inflruftion, and manifeft their Reformation k.
174. Queft. ~W hat is required of them that receive the Sacra- ment of the Lords Supper in the Time of the Adminiftration of it ?
Anfw It is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, That during the Time of the Admi- niftration of it, with all holy Reverence and Attention they wait upon God hi that Ordinance \ diligently ob-
ferve
g Acts 2; 37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and (aid unto Veter% and to the reft of the apoftles, Men and brethren, what (hall we do? Alls 16", 30 And he brought them out, and (aid, Sirs, what muft we do to be (avcd ?
h Rom. 4% 11. And he received the lign of circumcifion, a leal of therighteoufnefs of the faith which he had yet being unci) cumci fed ; that he might be the father of all them that believe* though they be not cir- cumciftdj that rignteoulnefs might be imputed unto them alio. 1 Cor. Ii. 28. But let a man examine him- felf, and io let him eat otthat bread, and drink of that cup.
173, i 1 Cor, 11. 27. to the end Wherefore, whofoever (hall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, ihall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. *v. 28 ; But let a man examine him- felf, and io let him eat of that bread, a nd drink of that cup. v. 2.9. For he tfcac eaceth and diinkech unworn
thily, cateth and drinketh damna- tion to himfelf, not decerning the Lords body, v 30. For this caufe many are weak and fickly among you, and many ileep. v j|- For if we would judge our (elves, we fhould not be judged, &c to the end of the Chapter, Compared with Mat. 7 o. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither caft ye your pearls before fwinc, left they trample them under their feer,and turn again and rent you. And with 1 Cor. 5. chapter to the end And with Jade, v. 23. And others (ave with fear, pulling them out of the fire* hating even the garments (potted by the flefh; And with 1 Tims. *%* Lay hands (uddenly on no man, neither be par- taker cf other mens fins : keep th y (elf pure
k 2.Gr. 2. 7. So that contra riwife, ye ought rather ro forgive him, and comfort him, left perhaps fuch a one fhould be fwalrowed up with o- ver much (orrow.
174. 1 Lev. 10; 3. Then Moles
laid unto Aaron, This is it that the
Lord
The Larger Catechifm. 341
ferve the Sacramental Elements and Aftions m> heedfully difcern the Lords Body d, and affectionately meditate on his Death and Sufferings o, and thereby ftir up themfelves to a vigorous Exercife of their Graces P; in judging them- felves q, and forrowing for Sm r ; in earnefl Hung- ring and thrifting after Chrift f, Feeding on him by Faith t. Receiving of his Fulnefs v, Trufting in his Me.
rits
Lord (pake, faying, I will be fan- clified in them that come nigh me, and before all the People I will be glorified.— Heb. 12. 28, Where- fore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may {erve Gud accepta- bly, with reverence, and godly fear. Pfal. s* 7- But as for me, 1 wil come into thy houfe in the multitude of thy mercy, and in thy fear will Iwor- (hip toward thy holy temple 1 Cor. II. 17. Now in this that 1 declare unto ycu, 1 praife you not, that ye como together not for the better, but for rhe woife* nj 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do ihew the Lords death till he come. *v. 27, Wherefore, whofoever fhall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unwor- thily, fhail be guilty pf the body anH blood of the LorJ.
mExod 24. 8. And Mofes took the blood and fprmkied it on the people, and faid, B.nold the blood of the covenant which the Lord hath made wrh you, concerning all thefe words. Compared with Mat. 26. 28, For this is my biood of the new te- fhment which is fhed for many for the remiflion of iins.
n 1 Cor. 11.29 For he that eat- eth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh dam ation to himfeif, not difcerning the Lord's body.
o Luke 22, 19. And he took bread and gave thanks, and brake it, and, gave unto them, faying, This do in remembrance of me.
p 1 Cor. 11, 16 , For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, yedofhewthe Lords death till he
c^me. 1 Cor. 10. y And did all eat the lame fpiritual meat; v, 4 And did all drink the fame fpirituaj dnnk: (for they drank of that ipi„ rirual Rock that followed than c and that Reck was ChrA\)v. 5. Ba with many of them God was net well pleated : for they were over* thrown in the wildernefs. v. 11 Now all thefe things happened unto them for enfaniplts: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. v. 14. Wherefore, my dear- ly beloved, flee from idolatry.
q 1 Cor. 11^31 For if we would judge our (elves, we fhould not be judged.
r Zccb. 12, 10. And I will pour upon the houfe ot David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerufalem, the fpirit of grace and of fupplicarjons, and ihcy fhall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they fhall mourn for him, as one mourneth tor his only fon, and fhall be in bitter- nels for him, as one that is in bitter- nefs for his firft- born.
f Rev. 22. 17. And the Spirit and the bride fay, Come. And let him that hearetn, fay, Come And let him that is athrift, come : And whofoever will, lee him take the water of life freely.
t Jofoi 6, 35\ And Jefus faid un- to them, I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me, fhall never hun- ger i and he that beiieveth on me, (hall never thirft.
v John 1. 1 6*. And of his fulnefs have all we received, and grace for grace* ._
1 i w niu
$qz The Larger Catechtfm.
ritsw, rejoicing in his Loyex ; giving Thanks for his Grace y ; in renewing of their Covenant with Godz, and Lgve to all the Saints a.
J75S Qp^ft, What Is theButyofChriftians, after they have re* ceivtd the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper P
Anjw. The Duty of ChriiHans, after they have received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, is ferioufly to confider how they have behaved themfelves therein, and with what Succefs b ; if they find Quickning and Comfort, to blefs God for itc> beg the Continuance of it d, watch againft
Re-
vv ?hil 3, 9. And be found in \)\my not having mine own righie- nufnefs which is of the law, but thar which is through the faith oi Chrift, the rightepufnefs which is of God by faith.
X ?falt 63. 4: Thus will I blefs thee, while I live : I will lift up my hinds in thy name, v. S- My foul (lull be latisfied as wj<h marrow and fame Is : and my mouth ilia II praife thee *\th joyh.il iips. 2 Qhron* 30; 2j, And the children of Ilrael that were prclcnt at Jerufalem, kept the f'eaft of unleavened bread feven days wirh great giadnefs : and the Levites, and the priefrs praifed the Lord day by day, finging with loud iufrruments to the Lord.
y fjal. 22. 25. The meek fhall cat and befatjsfjed : they fhall praife the Lord that feek him'5 your heart (hall live for ever,
z Jer. 50, s. They fhall ask the way to Zion with their faces thither- waid, (aying, come and ht us join our felves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that ihail not be forgotten. Pjalm 50. 5. Gather my faints toge- ther unto me : thole that have made a covenant wjth oie by facrifice.
a Afts 2- 42. And they continu- ed itedfaitly rn the apoftles doctrine arid fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
175. b Pjahn 28. 7. The Lord is »r,y itrencrir and my ftiield, my heart trufted fa him, and I am
helped, therefore my heart great- ly rcjoiceth, and with my fong will I prajfe him. Vfalm 85*. 8 1 will liear what God the Lord will fpeak ; for he will fpeak peace unto his people and to his faints . but let them not turn again to folly. 1 Cor: if, 17: Now in this rhat I declare? unro you, I praife you not, that you come together not tor the better, but for the wqrfe. v* 3.0. For ilisj caufe many are weak and fickly a- rr.ong you, and many fleep, <t>. 3 1, For it we would judge our felves, we fhould not be judged.
c zChron. 30. 21, 22, 2^ 25*, i6D <v. 21. And the children of Ifiael that were prefentat Jerufalem, kept the feafr. of unleavened bread feven days with great giadnefs : and the Levires,and the prielb praifed the Loid day by day, finging with loud inftrumenrs unto the Lord. &c* A 0s 2. 42. And they continued fiediaftly in the apoftles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, <v. 46 And they continued daily with one ac- cord in the temple, and breaking bread from houfe ro houle, did eat their meat with giadnefs and fin- glcnefs of heart; v. 47. Pi ailing God, and having favour with all the people,-—
d ?JaU 36". 10. O continue thy
Joving kindnefs unto them thac
know thee -> and thy righteoufhefs
to the upright in heart. Cam, 3, 4,
U
The Larger Catechifm 34}
RelapfeSe, fulfil their Vows f, and encourage themfelves to a frequent Attendance on that Ordinance g : But, if they find no prefent Benefit, more exactly to review their Preparation to, and Carriage at the Sacrament h . jn both which, if they can approve themfelves to God and their own Confidences, they are to wait for the Fruit of it in due Time i ; But if they fee they have failed in either,
they
It was but a little that I pa/ltd from them, but I found him whom my foul loverh : I held him, and would not let him go, until I had bi ought him into my mothers houfe, and into, the chamber of her that con- ceived me. 1 Ckron 29. 18. O Lord God of Abraham, lfaac, and Jfiael, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and pre- pare their heart unto thee.
e 1 Or. 10, $. And did ail ea; the fame ipiritual meat; v. 4. And did all drink the fame fpiritual dink- (for they drank ot that fpiritual Rock that followed them ; and that Rock was Chrifr.) <-j. f. But with manv of them God was not well pleafed: for they were overthrow n in the wilderneis. v. 12. Wherefore let him that thinketh he itandeth, tike heed left he fall.
f Pfalrn 50. 14. Ofifer into God thankfgiving, and pay thy vows unto the moll High
g 1 Cor. 11. 2? Afer the (ame manner alfo he took the cup, when he had topped, faying, This cup is the new teftament in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me? v. 26. For as often as ye eat th*s bread, ancj df ink this cup, ye do (hew the Lord's death till he come. Acts, a, 42. Anc! they continued ftedfaitiy, in the a- poftles doctrine and fellowfhip, and in breaking of bread, and in pray- ers, v. 45. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from hcufe to houfe, did eat their meat with glad- nefs and finglenels of heart,
h * Cant. 5. 1 . 1 am come into my garden, my fitter, my fpoufe ; I have gathered my myrrh with m? fpice, I haye eaten my hony-comb wich my hony I have drunk my wine with my milk; eat, O friends, drink, yea, dnnk abundantly, O beloved, v. 2. I deep, but my heart waketh ; it is rhe voice of my beloved that knock* eth, faying, Open to me, my filter my love, my dove, my undefiled ; for my head is filled with dew, and my iocks with the drops of the night, v- 3. I have put off my coat, how fhall I put it on? I have wafhed my feet, how fhall I defile them > v. 4. My beloved pur in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. v. y. 1 rofe up to open to my beloved, and my hands dropped witJi myrrh, and my fingers with {weet-fmelling myrrh upon the handles of the lock. v, 5. I opened to my beloved, bu: my beloved had withdrawn himfelf, and was gone; my foul failed when lie fpake : I fought him, but I could not find him j \ called him, but he gave me no aniwev*
i VJalm. 123. 1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O 'hou that dwelJeit in the heavens. * v. 2. Behold, as the eyes of (ervants look unto the hand of their mafters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her miftrefs: fo our eyes wait upoa the Lord ou: God, until that he have mercy upon us. Tfalm. 42, $. Why art thou cait down, O my foul : and why art thou difquieted in me? hope thou in God, for I (hail yet praife him for the help oi his countenance,
y 4 v, s,
344 The Larger Catechifm*'
they arc to be humbled k, and to attend upon it afterward with more Care and Diligence [,
1 7^- Queft. Wherein do the Sacraments of Baptifm and the Lord's Supper agree P
Jnfw, The Sacraments of Baptifm and the Lord's Supper agree, in that the Author of both is God m , the fpiritual Part of both is Chrift and his Benefits n ; both are Seals of
the
njy 8. Yet the Lord will command his loving kmdncfe in the day-time, and in the night his fong fhall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life, Pjfl:im. 43, 3. O fend out thy light and thy truth ; let them lead me) let them bring me onro thy holy hill, and to rhy raberna- cks. v 4 Then will I go unrothe alrar of Go:l, unro God my exceed- ing j , ve;, upon ihr. harp will I praie thee, O God, my God <v 5 why art thou caft down, O my foul r and why art tliou difquieted within me? hope in God, for I fhall ye: praife him, who is the health of my coun enancc and my God.
k 2 Chron 30; 18. For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephra- im and Manafleh, lfTachar, and Zc- bulun, had not cleanied themfelves, yet did they eat the pafTover, other- wife than it was written : But Heze- kiah prayed for them, faying, The good Lord pardon every one. v. 10. That prepareth his heart to kck God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleanied according to the purification of the fancluary. Jja. 1. 16; V/afh ye, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; ceafe to do evil, v, 18. Come now, and ht us reafon together, faith the Lord : though your fins be as fcarlet, they fhall be white as fnow ; though they be red like crimfon, they (hail be as wool
1 I Cor. J. 11. For behold, this felf-fame thing that ye forrowed af- ter a godly fort, what carefulnefs k wrought in you, yea f *^t clearing
of your (elves, yea, what indigna- tion, yea, what fear, yea, what ve- hement defire, yea, what zeal, yea, whar revenge ! in all things ye have appmved your f elves robe clear in this matter. 1 Chron ij. 12. And David faid unto them. Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levitcs : fanclity your felves, both ye and vour brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of If rati, unto the place that I have picp ired tor it* v. 13. For becaufe you did »t not at the tirft, the Lord our God m de a breach upon us, for that we fought him not*:ter the due order. 1/, 14. So the priefts and Levitcs fanclifi- ed themtelves (o bring up the ark of the Lord God of lfrael,
176". m Matth. 2.8, to. Go ye there- fore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. 1 Cor. 11.23 For I have received ot the Lord, that which I alfo delive- red unto you, That the Lord Jefus, the fame night in which he was be- trayed, took bread.
n Rom. <5< 3. Know ye nor, that fo many of us as were baptized into Jefus Chrift, were baptized into his death? v. 4- Therefore we are bu- ried with him by baptifm into death : that like as Chrift was raifed up from the dead by the glory of his Father, even fo we alfo fhould walk in new- nefsoflife. I Cor. 10. 16"* The cup of bleiling which we blefs, is it not the communion of the blood of Chrift ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body 6! Chrift ?
0 Rotn,
The Larger Catechifm: 34^
the fame Covenant o, are to be difpenfed by Minifters of the Gofpel, and by none other p, and to be continued in the Church of Chrift until his Second Coming q.
177. Queft, V^herein do the Sacraments of Baptifm and the Lord's Supper differ i
Anfij, The Sacraments of Baptifm and the Lord's Supper differ, in that Baptifm is to be adminiftred but once, with "Water, to be a Sign and Seal of our Regeneration and In- grafting into Chrift r, and that even to Infants 1 ; whereas
the
o Rom, 4, ii. And he received the iign oi circumcifion, a feal of the rigrueouf xfs of the iaith which he had yet being uncii^umciied : that he might be the Father or ail them tha: believe, though they be notcir- cumciied; that righteoufncfs might he imputed ur.ro them alio. Co?n- fared with Col. 2. 12. Buried with him in baptifm, wherein alfo ye arc rifen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath rai- ed hi ii hom the dcad^ Match. 26~. 27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it ro them, lay- ing, Drink ye ali oi it: v* 28; For this is my blood or" the Lew tefta- ment which is fhed for many for the remiilion of fins,
p John, 1, j^Andlknew him nor: but he that lent me to baptize with water, the fame faid unto me, Upon whom thou (halt fee the Spirit de- fending and remaining on him, the fame is he which baptizeth with the holy Ghoft. Matthz%,i9. Go ye therefore and teach al) nations, bap- tizing them in the name of the Fa. ther, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. f . Or. gf, 2$* For I have received ot the Lord, that which alfo I delivered unro you, That the Lord Jefus, the fame night in which he was betrayed, took bread, 1 Cor. 4» U Let a man fo account of us, as of the minifters of Chrift, and Rew- ards of the myfteries of God, Heb. 5\ 4. And no man rakcth this ho- nour unto himfelf, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
q Matth 28, 19 Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name ot the Father, and of the Sun and of the holy Ghoft: v. 20. Teaching them to oblerve all things whatsoever I have comman- ded you : and Jo, I am with you al- way, even unco the end of the world. Amen. 1 C07; 1 1, 26, For as of tea as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do (hew the Lords death till he come.
177. r Mat, 3. 11. I indeed bap- tize you wrh water unto repen- tance; but he that coraerh after me, is mightier than I, whofe fhocs I am not worthy to bear : he (hall baptize you with the noly Ghoft, and with rire. Titus. 3, $: Mot by works of righteoufncfs, which we have done, but according to his mercy he faved us by the wafhing ot regeneration, and renewing ot the holy Ghoft, Gal. 3. 27. For as many ot you as have been baptized into .Chrift, have put on Chrift.
f Gen.. 17. 6*. And I will eftablifh my covenant between me and thee, and thy feel after thee, in their ge- ncra'ions, for an everlafting cove- nant $ to be a God unto th^e, and to thy feed after thee, v, 9. And God laid unto Abraham, Thou flialc keep my covenant therefore, thou, and t,;y teed a;ter thee, in their ge- nerations. Afts 2. 38. Then Pe- ter faid unto them, Regent, and be baptized every one ot you in the name of Je<us Chrift, for the re- miifion oi fins, and ye (hall receive
the
346 the Larger Catechlfm.
the lord's Supper is to-be adminiflred often, in the Elements of Bread and Wine, to reprefent and exhibite Chrift as fpiritual Nourifliment to the foul r, and to confirm our Counti nuance and Growth in him v, and that only td fuch as are of Years and Ability to examine themfelves w,
1 78, Queft, What is Prayer ?
Anj-u). Prayer is an Offering up of our Defires unto Godx; in the .Name of Chrift y5 by the Help of his fpi- rit 2; with Confeffion of our fins a, and thankful Acknow- ledgment of his Mercies I.
1 79, Queft, Are we to pray unto Cod only P
Anfw. God only being able to fearch the Hearts c, hear the
Re-
rhcgift of the holy Ghoft. <y. 29. For the prornife is unto you, and to your children, and to all that arc a- lar off, even as many as the Lord om God fhall call. 1 Cor, 7. 14. For the unbelieving husband is fjn&ifi- ed by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is fanctihed by the husband: e<fe were ycur children unclean ; but now are they holy.
t 1 Cor. 11. 23. For I have re- ceived of the JLord, rhat which alfo I delivered unto you, That the Lord jefus, the fanie night in which he was betrayed, took bread : nj. 24. And when he had given thanks, he brake ir, and laid, lake, eat; this is my body which, is broken for you : tins do in jeniembrance of me. v. 1$. After the fame manner alfo he lock the cup, when he had (uj)ped, laying, This cup is the new tefta- menr in my blood : this do ye, as ©it as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. v. 2.6. for as ofren as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye co (hew the Lords death till he come.
v 1 Cor. io, 16. The cup of blefTing which we blefs, is it not the com- munion of the blood of Chrift { the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chrift ?
w 1 Cor. 11.28. But let a man ex- amine himfelf, and fo let him eat oi that bread, and drink of that cup. v. 20, For he diateatethanddnnk»
I
cth unworthily, eateth and drink* eth damnation to himfelt, not de- cerning the Lards bedy;
178, x ?jalm. 6\ 8, Truftin him at all times ; ye people, pour out your hearts before him ; God is a refuge for us. Selah,
y John, 16, 23. And in that day ye fhall ask me nothing : verily, ve- rily, I fay unto you, Whatfoever ye fhall ask the Father in my name, he wiil give it you.
z Rom 8, 26 Likewise the Spirit alto helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we (hould pray for as we ought: but the Spirit it fell maketh intcrceifion for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
a Vfalm. 32, 5. I acknowledged my fin unto thee, and mine iniqui- ty have I not hid: I laid, I will confefs my tranfgreflions unto the Lord ; and thou forgaveft the ini- quity of my fin. Selah. v. 6. For this fhall every one that is godly, pray unto thee, "in a time when thou
mayeft be found. T>an. 9. 4. And
I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confeflion, and faid, O Lord, the great and dreadful God,—
b Phil, 4. 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and fupplication with thankfgiving, let your requefts be made known unto God.
179 c 1 Kingly 8. 39. Then hear thou
The Larger Catechifm. 347
Requeflsd, pardon the Sinse, and fulfil the Defires of ail * . and only to be believed in g, and worfhipped with Religious Worfhiph ; Prayer, which is a fpecial Part there- of t, is to be made by all to him alone ]., and to none other',
j So. Quefh What is it to pray in the Name ofChrifl ?
Anfv) To pray in the Name of Chrift, is, in Obedience to his Command and in Confidence on his Promifes, to ask Mercy for his Sake m ; net by bare mentioning of his Isarne . ; but by drawing our Encouragement to pray and our Boldnefs, flrength, and hope of Acceptance in Prayer, from Ci.iift and his Mediation o.
181 Quefh
thou in Heaven thy dwelling place, and torsive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whole h; a t > hou knoweft ; fcr rhou, even thcu only kiowefl the beans of all the children of men. Acts, j, is. And they prayed, and fa id, thou Lord, which knoweft the hearts of all men (hew whether of thefe two thou Jiaft cliofen. Rom. 8. 27. And he that fear cheth the hearts, know- lat is the mind of the Spirit, becauic he maketn intercelTion ior tfit lain is according to the wft! of God.
d Pfalm. 6s. z% O thou that heareft prayer, unto thee fhall allflefh come.
e Micah. 7. 18. Who is a God like un'o thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and pafleth by the tranfgrefiion of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, bc- caufe he delighteth in mercy;
i Pjalm. 14*, 1 8, The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth, *v 19 He will fulfil the defire of them that fear him : he alfo will hear their cry, and will fave them.
g Row. 10. 14. How then fhall they call on him in whom they have not believed ?
h Mat. 4, 10. Then faith Jefus rnto him, Get thee hence, Satan ; for it is written, Thou fhalt wor- ship the Lord thy God, and him only Jhalr. thou ferve.
i 1 Cor. I. 2. Unto the Church of God, which is at Corinrh, to them that are fanciified in Chrift Jekis, called to be faints, with all that in every place call upon the Name of Jefus Chrift our Lord, both theirs and ours,
k Pfalm so. iy. And call upon me in the day of trouble $ I will de- liver thee, and thou fhait glorify me,
1 Rom 10. 14. How then fhali they call on him in whom they have not believed ?— —
180. m Job?i. 14. 13, And what* foever ye fhali ask in my namev that will I do, that the Father may be plorified in the Son. a; 14. It ye lhall ask any thing in my name, I will do it, John. 16.24. Hitherto have ye asked noth'nejinmy name : a k, and ye fhall receive, that your joy may be full. Dan. 9. 17, Now thereloie, O our God, hear the prayer of thy fei vant, and his fup- plications, and caufe thy face to fhine upon the fanduary that is de- iolate, for the Lord's fake.
n Mattb* 7. i\. Not every one that faith unto me, Lord, Lord, fhall enter into the kingdom ot heaven ; but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
o Hcb. 4, 14. Seeing then that ws have a great high prieft, that is pafTed into the heavens, Jefus the Son of God, let ns hold fail our profellion, v. ij, For we have nor
an
348 The Larger Catechifrn.
1 8 1 ,Quefh Why are we to pray in the Name ofChrifl ?
Anfw. The Sinfulnefs of Man, and his Diftance from God by reafon thereof, being fo great, as that we can have no Accefs into his Prcfence without a Mediator P; and there be- ing none in Heaven or Earth appointed to, or fit for that Glorious Work but Chrift alone q ; we are to pray in no other Name but his only r.
182. Queit. How doth the Spirit help us to pray P
Anfw. We not knowing what to pray for as we ought, the Spirit helpeth our Infirmities, by enabling us to underftand both for whom, and what, and how prayer is to be made ; and by working andquickning in our Hearts (although not In all Perfons, nor at all Times in the fame Meafure) thofe Apprehenfions, Affedtions, and Graces, which are requifite for the right Performance of that Duty f.
183. Qneft.
an high Prieft which cannot be rouched with the feel;ng of our In- firmities i but was in all points tempted Ike as we arc, yet with- out fin. v 16, Lee us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need; 1 John. £• 13; Thefe things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know rhat ye have eternal Life, and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God, v 14. And this is the confidence that we have in 1 im, that if we ask any thing ac- cording to his will, lie heareth us. v. 15. And if we know that he hear us> whatfoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we deiired of him,
181. p John. 14. 6". Jefus faith un- to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by^ me. Ifau S9* 2» But your iniquities have feparated between you and your God, and your fins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear; Eph* 3. 12. In whom we have boldnefs and ac- cefs with confidence by the faith of him.
4 'John. 6, 27; Labour not for the
meat which perifheth, but for that meat which endureth unto ever- lafting Life, which the Son of man fhall give unto yon : for. him hath God the Father feaW. Heb. 7. 25-, Wherefore he is able alfo to lave them to the uttermoft, that come unto God by him, leting he ever liverh ro make interceilion for them, v 16. For fuch an high prieft became us, who is holy, harm- left, undefiled, feparate from iin- ners, and made higher than the heavens 5 1/ 2^. Wno needeth not daily ; as thofe high Pf iefts, to offer up facrifice, firft ior his own fins, and then tor the peoples ; for this he did once, when he offered up himfeif. 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator be- tween God and Men, the man Chrift Jefus.
r Col. 3. 17. And whatfoever ye do in word or deed, do all fn the name of the Lord Jelus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Heb. 13, 15. By him therefore let us offer the facrifice of pratfe to God continually, that is, the fruit of cur Lips, giving thanks in his name.
x8z; I Rom. 8, 2$, Likcwile the Spirit
The Larger Catechijm: 349
183* Queft. For whom are we to Pray ?
Anfw. We are to pray for the whole Church of Chrift up- on Earth t, for Magiftrates v, and Minifters w, for our felves x; our Brethren y ; yea, our Enemies z ; and for all Sorts of Men living a, or that fhall live hereafter b : But not for the Dead r, nor for thofe that are known to have finned the Sih unto Death d. 184. 'Queft
Spirit al(b helpeth our Infirmities : for we know not what we fhculd pray for as we ought : but the Spi- rit it telf maketh interceflion for us with groanirgs which cannot be uttcied, -u. 27 . And he that fearch- eth the heam, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, becaufehe ma- kerh inrereilion for the faints ac- cording to the will of God. Vfabn 10. 17. Lord, thou had heard the defire of the humble ; thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt caufe thine ear to hear. 'Zech. 12. ic. And I will pour upon the houfe of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jeru- fakm, the fpirit of grace and of fuppiications, and they fhall look upon me whom they have pierced, and ihey fhali mourn.
183. t Eph. 6. 1 8. Praying always with ail prayei and fuppii- cation in the Spirit, and watching fhcrcunro with all perfeverance, and (implication for all (aims. Pfalm 28.5,. Save thy people, and ble.s thine inheritance j teed them alio, and lift rhem up tor ever»
v 1 Tim. 2. 1. I exhort therefore, that fnlt of all, fuppiications, pray- er?, inteic (lions, and giving of thanks be made for all men : v. z For kings, and 'or ail that are in authoiity ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable lite in ail godluieis and honeity.
w Qol 4. 5 . Withal, praying al- Co for us, that Grd would open un- to us a ciocr o! utterance, to fpeak the myliery oi Chriit, ior which I am aifo in oonds. X Gen 31, 1 1. Deliver me, I pray
from the hand of Efiu : for I fear him, left he will come and fmi e me, and the mother with the children, y James 5. 16. Confefs your tauhs one to another, and pray one fnr another, that ye may be healed , The efTeclual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
z Mattb*$. 44. But I fay unto you, Love your enemies, blefs them that curfe you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for rhem which defpitefujly ufc you, and perfecuce you,
a. 1 Tim. 2.. I, 2. See above inv b ]vhi. 1 j, 20. Neither pray I for rheie alone, but tor them alio which fhall believe on me through their word. 2 Sam. 7K 29, Therefore now let it pleafe thee to biefs the houfe of thy fervant, that it may continue for ever before thee : for thou, O Lord God, haft fpoken it, and with thy Welling let the houfe of thy fcrvant be blefled for ever.
c 2 Sam* 12. 21. Then laid his
fervants unto him, What thing is
this that thou haft done ? thou didfc
faft and weep for the child while it
was alive, but when the child was
dead, thou didft rite and eat bread,
v 22 And he faid, While the child
was yet alive, I tailed and wept : for
I faid, Who can tell whether God will
be gracious ro me, thau the child
iruy live, 1/23. But now he is dead
wheieforefhould I fair ? can I bring
him back again ? I fhall go to him,
but he (hall not return to me.
d 1 John. f. 16. If any man fee his brother tin a (in which is not unto death he fhall ask, and he fhall give
thee, hum the hard of my biorhci' him life for them that iin not una*
death
3 jo The Larger Catechif?H%
184. Quell. For what things are we to Pray ?
Anfiv, We are to pray for all Things tending to the Glo- ry of God e, the Welfare of the Church f, our own g or others Good h : But not for any Thing that is unlawful it
185. Queft. How are we to pray ?
Arfa. We are to pray with an awful Appreheniion of the Majefty of God 1^ and deep fenfe of our own Unworthinefs 1, Neceffitiesm, and fins n; with penitent o» thankful p, and enlarged Hearts q ; with Underftanding r,
Fai*h
death. There Is a fin unto death . I do not fay that he (hall pray fork:
i84-e Hi at* 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye : Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
f Vfabn. 5-1; 18. Do good in thy good Pieafure unto Sion : build thou the walls of Jerufakm. Vjalm. 122. 6*. Pray for the peace of Jerufalem: they fliall profper that love thee.
g Mat. 7. 1 1. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more (hail your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him ?
h Vfabn. 125-, 4. Do good, OLord, unto thofe that be good , and to them that are upright in their hearts.
i 1 John, 5, 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he hearerh us.-
18 j. k EccL 5, 1, Keep thy foot when rhou goeft to the houfc ot God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the (acrifice ot' fools : for they confider not that they do evil.
1 Gen. 1 8. 27, And Abraham an- fwered and (aid, Behold now, 1 have taken upon me to fpeak unto the Lord, which am but dull and afhes. Gen. 31. 10. 1 am not worthy of the leaifc of all the mjreies, and of all the -rruth, which thou halt (hewed unto thy iei vant ;-•-
mLukc. is. 17. Andwhenhecame to himielf, lie laid, How many hi- led fervanrs of my fathers have biead enosjgli and to fparc, and I perilh with hunger ! v lS, I will
arife, and go to my father, and' will lay unto him, Father, I have finned a^ainfl heaven, and before thee, v» ?o. And am no more worthy to be called thy Son : make me as one of thy hired fervants,
n Luke. 18. 13. And the publican (landing afar off, would not lift up fo much as his eyes unto heaven, but fmote upon his breafr, faying, God be merciful to me a (inner v 14. I tell you, this Man went down to hia houfe juftified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himfelf, (hall be aba fed : and he that humbleth himfelf, (hall be exalted.
o Vjalm. si- 17. The facririces of God are a bioken (pint: a broken and a contrite Heart, O God, thotf wilt not defpile.
p Vhll. 4. 6, Be careful (or no- thing : but in ever/ thing by prayer, and fupplication with thanksgiving, let your rcquetis be made known unto God.
q l Sam 1 es\ And Hannah an- fwered and (aid, No, my io^d, I am a woman ot a (orrowful fpirit: I have drunk neither wine no- itrong drink, but have poured out my foul before the Lord. 1 Sam. 2. 1. And Hannah prayed, and Gid, My heart •rtjoicerh in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord ; my mcttth is enlarged over mine enemies, be- cau(e 1 rejoice in thy falvadon.
r 1 Cor. 1 4- **• What is it rhen*?
I will pray w'rh the ipirit, and I will
pray v\Uy tbs undemanding aifo.— •-
f Mark.
The Larger Catechifm. 551
Faith f, Sincerity r. Fervency v, Love w, and Perfeveraneex, waiting upon himy, with humble Submiffion to his "Willz;
1 8 6i Queft. What Rule bath God given for our Direction in the Duty of Prayer I
Jnfw. The whole Word of God is of Ufe to direct us in the Duty of Praying a ; but the fpecial Rule of Direction is that Form of Prayer which our Sav iour Chrift aught his Dif- ciples, commonly called The Lord's Prayer b,
187. Queft. How is the Lord's Prayer to be ufed ?
Anfw. The Lord's Prayer is not only for Dire&ion, as a Pattern according to which we are to make other Prayers ; but may alfo be ufed as a Prayer, fo that it be done with Un- derftanding, Faith, Reverence, and other Graces neceflary to the right performance of the Duty of Prayer c.
188. Q. Of how many Parts doth the Lord's Prayer confift ? Anfw. The Lord's Prayer confifts of Three Parts,a Preface,
Petitions, and a Conclufton.
189. Q. What doth the Preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us ? Anfw. The Preface of the Lord's Prayer (contained in
thefe Words, Our Father which art in Heaven ^) teach- eth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with Con- fidence of his Fatherly Goodnefs, and our lntereft there-
in
2
i Mark 11. 24, Therefore I fay all perfe vera rice, and fuppiicatioi
unto you, What things foever ye for all Lints.
deiire when ye pray, believe that y Mi cub. j.7- Therefore, I will
ye receive them, and ye (hall have loo/; unto the Lord, 1 will wait for
them; Tames. 1.6. But let him ask the Godot my falvation, my God
in hich, nothing wavering : for he will hear me.
that wavcrerh is like a wave of the z Mat. 2.6. 39. And he went a little
fea, \ riven with the wind, and tofTed further. and reli on his face, and pray-
t Pf. i4-f. iS.The Lord is nigh unto cd, faying, O my Father, if if be poll:-
Jl tnem that call upon him, to all bie, iet mis cup pals from me: never*
that call upon him in truth. YJal. 1 ~% thelefs not as I will, but as thou wilr,
I. Hear the rignt, O Lor\ attend 18 5. a 1 John. S. I+. And this is
unto my cry, give ear unto my pray~ the c mrldence that we have in him,
ei tJiat gocrh not out of feigned lips that it we ask any thing according
v Tames sj 6,.-Tne eftedtual tcr- to his will, he heareth us.
vent prayer of a righteous man a- b Mattb. 6 vfrjes 9* 10, 1 r, 12, 1 j.
vailetli much. After this manner Therefore prav
w i Tim. 1. 8 I will therefore tha: ye ; Our Father, $*c. L&e. n verbs
men pray every where, !i icing up 2, $, 4, And he laid unto them,
holy hands, without wiatn and when ye pray, fay, our Father £»;.
doubting 1S7. c Mattb6 9. Compared with
x Eph. 6", 18. praying always with Luke. 1 1. z. See above in letter b.
all Prayer and {"implication m the . 189 d Match, 6 9,
8 pint, and watching thereunto wi:a c Luke*
3 5 z The Larger Catechifm.
in e ; with Reverence, and all other Child-like Difpofitiorts f% Heavenly AffedHons / , and due Apprehenfions of his So- vereign Power, Majefty, and gracious Condefcenfion h . As alfo, to pray with and for others h
190, Quefh What do we pray for in the Virft Petition Anfw. I n the Firft Petition (which i s, Hallowed be thy Name k) acknowledging the utter Inability and Indifpofi- tion that is in ourlelves and all Men to honour God aright!, we pray, that God would by his Grace enable and incline us and others to know, to acknowledge, and highly to efteem him », his Titles n, Attributes o, Ordinances,
Word, and terrible God, that keepeth cove- nant and mercy for them that Jove him and obferve his commandments : v 6". Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou may- eft hear the Prayer of thy fervant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of If- rael thy (ervants, and confefs the fins of the children of Ifrael, which we have finned againft thee : both 1 and my fathers houfe have fin* ned.
i Acts* iz, 5\ Peter therefore was kept in prifon ; but prayer was made without ceafmg ot the church unto God for him.1
190. kMattb.6. 9, 1 z Cor. 3. 5\ Not that we are Ef- ficient of our felves : to think any- thing as of our lelves : butourfuf- ficiency is of God- Vjalm. 51. iy O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth (hall fhew forth thy praife,
m P/ahn. 6j. z. That thy way may be known upon the earth, thy laving health among all nations, v 3- Let the people praife thee, O God j let all the people praife thee.
n ?Jabn: 83. 18. That men may know, that thou, whole name alone is J E H O V A H art the molt High over all the earth.
o Pfal.6%. 10. For thou art great
and doit wondrous things ; thou
art God alone 1/ 11. Teach me
thy way, O Lord, I will walk in thy
truth,
e Luke. ii. 13. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children : how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy fpirit to them that ask him .? Rom. 8. \$. For ye have not received the fpirit of bondage again to fear 5 but ye have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
t l[a. 6*4, <?. Be not wroth very lore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever : Behold, fee, we befcech thee, we are all thy people; g Tfalm% 123. I. Unto thee lift 1 up mine eyes, O thou that dwelleft in the heavens. Lam% 3, 4.1, Let us lift up our heart with out hands un- to God in the heavens
hlsa 63. 15-. Look down from heavenc and behold from the habi- tation of thy bolinefs and of thy glory : where is thy zeal, and thy firength, the founding of thy bowels, and of thy mercies towards me ? are they retrained . <^ 16. Doubtlefs thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Ifrael acknow- ledge us not : thnu, o Lord* art our rather, our Redeemer, thy Name is fromeverialting.TV^tw. 1.4. And it came to pafs when I heard thefe words, that I fat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fait- cd and prayed before the God of Heaven, vs* And (aid, I befeech thee,OLord God of heaven, the great
The Larger Cdtechijm: 3 j ?
"Word p, Works, and whatfoevcr he is pleafed to make him- felf known by n ; and to glorify him in Thought, Word r, and Deed I : That he would prevent and remove Atheifm r, Ignorance v, Idolatry w, Profanenefs x, and whatfoever is difhonourable to him y ; and by his over-ruling Provi- dence, me, btefs his holy name. P\alm. 19. 14. Lee the Words ot my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be ac- ceptable in thy fight, O Lord my lirengfh, and my redeemer,
f Phil. 1. 9. And this 1 pray, that your love may abound yet more 2nd more in knowledge, and in all judgment, v 11. Being filled with the fruits of righteouinefs. which are by Jefus Chru'l unto the glory and praife of God. ,
t Pfalm, 67. i_ God be merciful unto us, and blefs us : and caufe his face to fhine upon us Selah. v, z9 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy laving health among all nations* v 3. Let the people Praife thee, O God ; let all the people praife thee; v 4, O let the nations be glad and ling lor joy ; for thou (halt judge the people righteoufly, and govern the nations upon earth. Sclah.
v Efhn 1; 17. That the God of our L^oid Jelus Chrilt, the Father of gloiy.) may give unto you the fpiric of wiic'om and revelation, in the knowledge of him: v 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned $ that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches ot the glory ot his inhe- ritance in the faints.
w Pfa(m, 97, 7. Confounded be all they that (erve graven images, that boa ft themfelves ot idols . wor- {hip him, all ye gods.
x Pfalm. 74. 18. Remember this, that the tntmy hath reproached, O Loid; and that rhe foolifh people have blajphemed thy name, v 21, Aiile, O God, plead thine own czvk : remember how the foolifh man re- proached thee daily, v 23. For-
truth; unite my heait to fear thy name, v 1 2. I will praife thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart : and I will gloiify thy name for e- vermore. v 13. For great is thy mercy toward me; and thou halt delivered my foul from the loweft hell* v 15, But thou, O Lord, arc a God full of Companion, and gra- cious x long-fuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
p 2 Thejj. 3, 1, Finally, Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free courfe, and be glorified, even as h is with you. PjaL i$j. 19, He fheweth his word unto Jacobj his fhratcs and his judg- ments unto IfraeL v 20, He hath not dealt fo with any natior ; and as for his judgments, they have not known them. PraHe ye the Lord ; Tjalm, 1 $8, 1. 1 will praife thee with my whole heart, before the gods wi.i I img praife unto thee, v 2. I will worihip towards thy holy temple, and praife thy name, for thy levin g kindneis,and for thy truth : for thou haft magnified thy word above all thy name, v 3. In the day when I cried, thou anfweredif, me : and ftrengchnedft me with ftrcngth in my foul. 2 Cor. 2. 14. Now thanks be unto God, which always caufcth us to triumph in Chrift, and maketh maniteft the lavour of his know- ledge by us in every place, v 15 For we are unto God a fweet favour of Chrilt, in them that are faved, and in them that perifh
q Pfalm. 1 4s ^throughout* T will ex- tol thee, my God, U King. &c. Pfalm. 8% throughout, O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! &c.
x Pfalm. 103, 1. Biels the Lord, O my ioul; and ail that is wkhin
354 The Larger Catechlfin.
dence, direft and difpofeof all Things to his own Glory t9 191. Quefl. What do we fray for in the fecond Petition ? Anfiv. In the Second Petition (which is, Thy Kingdom come a) acknowledging ourfelves and all Mankind to be by Nature under the Dominion of Sin and Satan b, w pray, that the Kindgdom of Sin and Satan may be deftroyed c, the GoC- pel propogated throughout the World d, the Jews called e,
the
get not the voice of thine enemies : the tumult of thote that rife up a- gainft thee, increafcth continually.
y 2 Kings, 19. is. And Hezekiah prayed be tore the Lord, and faid,
0 Lord God o( Hrael, which dwel- led between the Cherubims,thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth, thou haft made heaven and earth. 1/, 16. Lord, bow down thine car, and hear, o- pen, Lord, thine eyes, and fee; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath lent him co reproach the living God,
z zQbron, 20. 6 (And Jehojhaphat) faid, O Lord God of our Fathers, art not thou God in heaven ? and ru- led not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen ? and in thine hand is there not power and might,fo fhat none is able to withftand thee ? i\
1 o. And now, Behold, rhe children ot Ammon, and Moab, and m nine Seir, whom thou wouldft not let If- rael invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, .but they turned from them and deftroyed them not : v 1 1. Behold, I fay, how they re- ward us, to come to caft us out of thy pofTeflion, which thou had: givtn us to inherit. V 12. O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might againft this great company that cometh againft us : neither know we what ro do, but our eyes are upon thee. P/^/83 through out. Keep not thou fil'-nce, O God : hold not thy peace, ire. Pfalm. 540. 4. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked, prderve me from the violent man, who have purpolecl to overthrow my &oin£$, v 8. G;anc
nor, O Lord, the deiires of the wick- ed, further not his wicked devices, kit they exalt themfelves. Selah. 151 aM^6, 10. b Eph 2. 2: Wherein in time pad: ye walked according to the courle of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the ipiric that now woi keth in the children of, difobedience, v 3. Among whom alfo we all had our converfation in times pad, in the lulls of our flefh fulfilling the deiires of the flefh, and of the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others
c Vjalm. 68. 1. Let God arife, kt his enemies be fcattcrcd : let them al(b that hate him, flee before him; v 18. Thou haft afcended on high, thou haft led captivity captive : thou haft received gifts for men ; yea, for •the rebellious alfo, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Rev 12., 10. And I heard a loud voice fay- ing in heaven, Now is come Salva- tion, and ftrength, and the king- dom of our God, and the power of his Chrift : for the accufer of our brethren is caft down, which accu- fed them before our G*A day and night. 1/ n. And they overcame by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their teftimony , and they loved not their lives unto the death.
d 2 TheJ. 3. 1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free courie, and be glorified, even as it is with you.
e Rom. 10. 1. Brethien,my hearts defire and prayer to God for Ifrael is, that they might be faved
f Jo I'M
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the Fulnefs of the Gentiles brought inf; the Church fur- nifhed with all Gofpel-Officers and Ordinances g, purged from Corruption K countenanced and maintained by the Ci- vil Magiftrate i : That the Ordinances of Chrift may be purely difpenfed, and made effectual to the Converting of thofe that are yet in their Sins, and the Confirming, Comfort- ing, and building up of thoie that are already converted k :
That
f John. 17*9. I pray for them : I pray not for the world, but for them which thou haft given me, for they are thine, v 2.0. Neither pray 1 for thefe alone, but for them alio which fhall believe on me through their Word. Row 11. If* Fori would not, brethren, that ye fhould be ignorant or 'his myifery, (left ye fhould be wife in your own conceits) thac blindnefs in part is happened to Ifrael, until the fulnefs of the Gen- tiles be come in. v 26. And fo all Ifraei fhail be laved : as it is written, There (hall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and fhall turn away un- godiinefs from Jacob. Psaia 67, throughout. God be merciful unco us, and Dlefs us : and caufc his face to fhine upon us, &c.
g Mat. 9. 38. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harveft, thac he will fend forth labourers into his harveft. 2 Thef. 3.1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free courfe, and be glori* fieri, even as it is with you.
h Mai. J. 1 1 , For from the riling of the fun even unto the going down of the fame, my name fhall be great among the Geniiles, and in every place mc rk fhall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering; for my na.ae {hail :>e great among the hea- then, faith the Lord of Holts. Zeph. 3,9, For then wul I turn ro rhe peo- ple a pure language, thai *«iey may all call upon the name of the Lord, to ferve him with one confenr.
i 1 77*72.2., 1. 1 exhort therefore, that fir ft oi'nj, iupplicadens, pray- ers, interceiiions, and giving of
thanks be ma-ie for all men* v zr For kings, and for all that are in authority j that we ma? lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinefs and honefty,
k Afts, 4 29. And now, Lord, be- hold their threatnings ; and granc unco thy fervancs, that with ail bold- ne's they m*y fpeak thy word, v 30. By ftretehing forth thine hand to heal : and that iigns and wonders may be dxieby the name of thy ho- ly child jefus. Eph. 5, 18, praying always with all prayer and fuppii- cation in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perfeverance, and fupplicarion for all faints, v 19. And for me, that utterance may b* given unto me, that 1 may open my mouth boldly, 10 make known the myifery of the Gentiles: <y 20. For which I am an ambaflador in bonds : that therein I may fpeafc boldly, as I ought to ipeak- Rs?.1?. 15-. 29. And I am furc/that when £ come unro you, I ftial I come in the fulnefs of the bJefling of theGofpel of Chrift, v. 30. Now I befeech you, brethren, for the Lord Jefu* Chrifts lake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye ftrive together with me in your prayers to God for me. 1/ 32. Thar I may come unto you with joy by the will ot God, and may with you be rehefhed. 2 Tfref*. 1. 1 1- Wherefore alio we pray al- ways ior you, that our God would count you worthy of his calling, and fulfil all the good pleafure of hig goodneis, and the work ot faith with power. 2 Thejf, 1 id Now qur Lord Jefus Chrift himfelf, Z» 2 aad
356 Hoe Larger Catechifm:
That Chrift would rule in our Hearts here U and haften the Time of his Second Coming, and our Reigning with him for ever m ; And that he would be pleafed fo to exercife the Kingdom of his power in all the world, as may beft conduce to thefe Ends n.
192. Queft. What do tve pray for in tie Third Petition ?
Anfij. In the Third Petition (which is, Thy will be done hi Earth as it is in Heaven, o) acknowledging that by Na- ture we and all Men are not only utterly unable and un- willing to know and do the will of God P; but prone to rebel againft his Word q9 to repine and murmur againft
his
and God even oar Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlafting contortion, and good hope through Grace, v 17, Com- fort your Hearts, and ftabli/h you in every good word and work
1 Eph. 3. r*. Forchiscaufel bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, v 1;. Ol whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, v 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be ftrength- ned with might, by his Spirit in the inner man, v. 17. That Chrift may dwell in your hearts by faith j that ye being rooted and grounded in love, v 18. May be able to com- prehend gwith all faints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height ; v 19, And to know the 3ove of Chrift, which pafterh know- ledge, that ye might be filled with all the iulnefs of God. v 20. Now unro him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that workerh in us. »
m Rev, 22. 20. He which teftifie h theie things, faith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even fo, come, Lord jefus.
n Is a* 64. u Oh that thou wouldft rent the heavens, that thou wouldft come down, that the mountains might ffow down at thy prefence, v 2, As when the melting fire bur- netii, the fire caufeth the water te
boil, to make thy name known to thine, adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thv prefence, Rev. 4, 8 , And the fcur beafts had each of them fix wings about him, and rhey were full ol eyes within j and they reft not day and night, faying, Holy, holy, holy, Loid God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come, v 9. And when thofe beafts gave glory, and honour, and thanks to him that fat on the throng, who ii- veth for ever and ever, v 10. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that fat on the Throne, and woifhip him thathveth forever and ever, and caft rheir crowns be- fore the throne, faying, v 11. Thou arc worthy, O Lord, to receive glo- ry, and honour, and power : for thou haft created all things, and for thy pleaiure they are, and were created,
1 pa, o Matth 6. 10.
p Rom 7. 18. For I know, that in me (that \s, in my flefh) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is prefene with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find not. 'Jokzi 14 Therefore they fay unto God* De- part from us ; we defire not the knowledge of thy ways, 1 Cor. 2. 14, But the natural man receiveth not the things of tiie Spirit of God . for they are fooliflmefs unto him ; nei- ther can he know them,becauie they are fpirituafiy difcerned;
q Raw> 8, 7, Becaufe the carnal mind
The Larger Catechifm. ? 57
his Providencer, arid wholly inclined to do the Will o? the Flefh, and of the Devil f: We pray, That Gad would by his Spirit take away from ourfelves and others all ]31indnefs r, Weaknefs *, Indifpofednefs w, and Per- verfenefs of Heart x, and by his Grace make us able and willing to know, do, and fubmit to his Will in all Things y, with the like Humility z, Chearfulnefs a,
Faith,
mind is enmity againft God : for it is not fubject to the law of God, nei- ther indeed can be,
r Exodt 1 7 7 And he called the name of the placi MaflT'h, and Me- ribah, becaule of the chiding of the children of lfrael, and becaule they tempted the Lord, (a>ing, Is the Lord among us, or no: ? Numb. 14. 2, And ail the children oi lfrael murmured againft Mofcs, and a- gainlf, Aaron; and the whole con- gregation laid unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt, cr would God we had died in this wiMcrnefs.
{ Ej>b. 2. 2. Wherein in time paft yewjjked according to the courfe of this world, according to the prince of the power oi the air, the Ipiiit that now wcrketh in the chil- dre ot ditjbedience.
t Ef!\ 1. 17, That the God of our Lord Jelus Chnft, the Father of Glory, may give unto you the fpiric of wiidem an revelation, in the knowledge of him. v. i3. The eyes of your understanding being enlightneri , tnac ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the faincs.
v Epb 3, 16". Thar he would grant you according to the riches of his . glory robe ttrengthned with might, by fus Spirit in the inner man,
w Math, 26. 40. And !>e cometh nnto thediiciples^and tindeth them afleep, and faith 'unro Perer, What, could ye not watch with me one liour ? 1/. 41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation 5 the
fpirit indeed is willing, but the flefh is weak.
x Jer. 31, 18. 1 have furely heard Ephrsim bemoaning himftlf thus, thou halt chaftKed me, and I was chaftiicd, as a bullock unaccutto- med to the yoke turn thou me, and I fliall be turned ; for thou art the Lord my God, v. 19. Surely after that I was turned, 1 repented and after that I was initructed, I fmore upon my thigh : I was afhamcd,yea, even confounded, becaule I did bear the reproach of my yourh.
y Pfalm 119* l, BiclTed are the undefiled in the way, who walk ;n the law of the Lord. <y, 8, 1 will keep thy ftarutcs : O ioriake me not utterly. >v. 3;. Make me to go in the path of thy commandment, for therein do I delight, v. $6". In- dint my heart unto thy testimonies, and no: to covetoumefs. j0s 2i% 14. And when he would not be perfwaded, we ceafed, faying, The will ol the Lord lie done.
z UlcahS. 8. He harh (hewed thee Oman, what is good j and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do jultly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly wrh thy God ? J
a Vjabn ioo. v Serve the Lord with g.'arfnefs ; come before his pre* fence with Tinging, Job u i\. And (Job) bi i, Naked erne I our of my mothers womb, and naked fhalj I return thither : the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blefled be the name of the Lord, iSam is, 25-. And the king (aid unco Zadok, Cany bacfe the ark Z» 5 of
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Faithfalnefs b, Diligence c, Zeal f1, Sincerity 0 and Con- ftancy •, as the Angels do in Heaven g,
193. Queft. What do we pray for in the Fourth Petition f Anfvj. In the Fourth Petition (which is, Give us this Day . our daily Bread^) acknowledging that in Adam, and by our own Sin, we have forfeited our Right to all the outward Bleflings of this Life, and deferve to be wholly deprived of them by God, and to have them curfed to us in the Ufe of them i ; and that neither they of themfelves are able to fu-
flain
of God into the city ; if I (hall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and fhew me both it and his habitation. * ev. 26. But if he fay thus., I have no delight in thee ; behold, here am \» let him do to me as feemcth good unto him-
b Ifa. 58. 3. And laid, Remem- ber, now, O Lord, I beieech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect he it, and have done that which is good in thy fight : and Hczckiah wept fore,
c?',alm. 119, 4. Thou haft com- manded us to keep thy precepts di- ligently, v Sp.-O that my ways yvere directed to keep thy llarutes!
d Rom. 12 11. Not flothtul in bufinels : fervent in fpirit ; ferving the Lord.
e Vfalm 1 19. 80. Let my heart be found in thy Itatutesj that I be not alhamed.".
f Vfalm 119, I iz,. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy iratures plway, even unto the end.
g I\a. 6\ a.Ahove it flood the fe- laphims : each one had fix wings • with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly: v. 3. And one cried unto another, and faid, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hoils, the whole earth is full of his glory, Vfalm 503, 20. Blefs the Lord, ye his angek, that excel in flrength. and do his command- ments, hearkning unto the voice of his word, t>, 21. Blefs ye the Loxd, all ye hi? h oft?, ye minifteip
of his thar r^o his pkafure M#tth. ' ■18. 10. Take heed ye d one oi thefe little ones ; for I fay ' unto you, that in heaven their an- gels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 193. h Ma*:b, 6. 11. i Gen. z. ij. But ot the tree of the knowledge of good and cvi!, thou (halt not eat of it; for in the nay that thou eateft thereof, thou ihalt furely die. Gen. 2, 17, And unto Adam he faid, Becaue thou haft hti/kned unto the voice of thy wife, and haft eaten of the tree cf which I commanded thee, faying, Thou fhalt not eat ot it. curfed is the ground for thy fake ; in forrcw fhait thou eat of it all the days of thy life. Row, 8.20. For the creature was made fubjecl to vanity, not willingly, but by rcafon of him who hath fubjedled the fame in hope : v .21. Becaufe the creature itieif alfo fhall be delivered from the bondage ot corruption, into the glo- rious liberty ot the children of God, I/. 22. For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and tra- vaileth in pain together until now, Jer. 5. 25*. Your iniquities have turned away thefe things* and your fins have withholden good things from you. Y)eut 28. frwn verfe tf. to the end of the chapter, v. 15. But k fhall corhe to pais, if thou wile not hearken unto the voice ot the Lord thy God, to obferve to do all his commandments and his ftatutes which I command :hee this day; that
The Larger Catechlfm. 3^9
ftain. us k ; nor v/e to merit I, or by our own induflry to procure them m ; but prone to defire n, get0) and ufethem unlawfully p : We pray for our felves and others, That both they and we, waiting upon the providence of God from Day to 'Day in the Ufe of lawful Means, may of his free Gift, and as to his Fatherly AVifdom (hall feem beft, enjoy a competent Portion of them q, and have the fame continued andbleffed unto us in our holy and comfortableUfe of them r,
and p James 4, 3. Ye ask.and receive no: becaufe ye ask amifs, that you may confume it upon your lulls.
q Ge?t. 43. 12. And take double money in ycur hand :and the money that was brought again in the mouth of the facks, carry it again h\ your hand ^ peradventuve it was an over- fight. Vn IJ. Take alio your bro- ther, and arKe, go again unto the man, v. if. And God Almighty give you mercy before the man,— - Ge?i, 28. 20. And Jacob vowed a vow, laying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go. and will give me bread to ear, and raiment to put on. £ 4. 28. Let him that ftole, fieai no mure : 6ut rather Jet him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him tha: necdeth, 2 Thef; 3. |i« Fcr we hear tha: there are lome which walk among you difbr- deily, working not at all, but are bufy- bodies, v, 12. Now them that are fucb, we command and exhort by cur Lord Jefus Chrift, that with quietnUs they work, and e«at their own bread. ?bilipm 4, 6", Be care- lul for nothing : but in every tiling by prayer and fuppiicarion with thankfgiving, let your requests be made known unto God,
r 1 Jhfh 4. 3. Forbidding to mar- 175 and commanding to abltain from meats which' God hath created to be received with thankfgiving of them wh'ch believe and know the truth, v 4. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be re- Z 4 filled
that ail thefe cur Pes ftiall come up- on thee, and overtake thee. v% 16*. Cur fed Oialt thou be In the city, and curled ("halt thou be in the field v. 17. Curfed (hall be thy basket and ch7 iiore, &c
kDcut. 8. 3. And he humbled thee, and differed thee to hunger, and teed thee with manna, ( which thou kneweil not, neither did thy fathers know) that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that procedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.
I Gen. 32. 10, I am not worthy of the leait of all the mercies, and of all die truth which thcu halt (hew- ed unto thy fervant.
m Deut, ft. 17. And thou fay in tr ine hearr,My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth* v. 18. Bur thou (halt re- member the Lord thy God . for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may eilablifh his covenant which he fware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
n jter 6. 13. For from the leafl of them even unto the greateit of them, every one is given to cove- toufntfsj and from the prophet even unto the prieft, every one deair ethialfly. Mark. >. 21. For from within, out ot the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, for- nications, murders, v. 22, Thefts, covetonfneis, wickednefs, deceit.—-
o Hof. 12. 7. He is a mcrchanr, the balances of deceit are in his hand; he loveih to opprefs.
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aud Contentment in them I ; and be kept from all Things that are contrary to our Temporal fupport and Comfort t.
194. Quell. What do we- pray for in the Fifth Petition?
Anfio. In the Fifth Petition (which is, Forgive us our Debts, as we forgive our Debtors v ) acknowledging that we* and all others are guilty both of Original and Adhial Sin, and thereby become Debtors to the Juftice of God ; and jhat neither we, nor any other Creature can make the leaft Satisfa&ion for that Debt v ; "We pray forourfel^es and o- thers, That God of his free Grace would, through the Obe- dience and atisfa&ion of Chrift apprehended and applied by Faith, acquit us both from the Guilt and Punifhment of Sin*, accept us in J}is Beloved y, continue in his Favour and Grace
tQ
fufed, If it be received with thankf- giving : v. 4. For it is fanclified by the word of God and prayer,
f 1 Tim 6. 6*. Bu: godlinefs with contentment is great gain, tfc 7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain w? can carry nothing out, <v, 8. And having food and raiment, let us* be there- with content.
t Prov, 30, 8. Remove far from me vahity and lies; give me nei- ther poverty, nor riches ; feed me with tood convenient forme : v. 9. Left I be full9anddeny thee, and fay, Who is the Lord ? or left I be poor, and fteal, and take the name of my God in vain,
194 v Matth. 6. 12.
w Rojs, $.from vcrfe 9 to 2,2. <u 9, What then ? are we better than they? No in no wife : for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under fin ; 1/. 10. As it is written, there is none righte- ous, no not one; 1/. 11. There is none that underftandeth, There is ncvne that feeketh after \ God, v. 12, they are all gone out of the way, they are altogether bacome un- profitable, there is none that doth good, no not onevd^- *&• r5V- That every mouth may be flopped, and aH the world may become guily
before God, &c Matth; 18.24. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought un^o him which owed him ten thouiand talents. i>, *$• Buf forafmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be (old; and his wife, and his children, and all that he had, and pavment to be made. Pfalm, 130, 3. If thou. Lord, fhouldlr mark iniquities : O Lord, whofhall ftand? v. 4. Bus tnere is forgivends with th;.e ; thac thou maycir ie feared,
x Rom 3. 24. Being juftihed free- ly by his grace, through ihe redem- ption tha: is in Ciirilt Jefus : ru% 25; Whom God hath fet forth to be ta propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righ- teoumefs for the remiflion of Sns that are pad, through the for- bearance of God ; v: z6. To de- clare, I fay, at this time his righ- teoufnefs: that he might be juft, and the juftifier of him which be- lie veth in Jefus. Heb. 9. 22. And almoft all things are by the law purged with blood: and withouc fhedding of blood is no remiffion.
y Eph. 1,6*. To the praifeofthe glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved : v. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgivenefs
of
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to Us z, pardon our daily Failings a, and fill us with Peace and Joy, in giving us daily more and more Aflurance of For- giveneis ^; which we are the rather emboldned to ask, and encouraged to expect, When we have this Tefrimony in pur felves, that we from the Heart forgive others their Of* fencx
I05 Queft. What do ive pray for in the Sixth Petition ?
Anfw* In the Sixth Petition (which is, And lead us not into Temptation, t u t deliver us from Evil d ) acknowledge that the moft wife, righteous and gracious God, for divers holy and juft Ends, may fo prder Things, that we may |*eaflaulted, foiled, and for a Time led captive by Temptati- ons ; that Sadfh f, the World g, and the Flefh, are ready
pow-
of fins, according to the riches of his grace,
z 2 Pa. i. 2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jcius our Lod.
a Hojea 14* 2: Take with you WorHs, and rum to the Lord, {ay unto mm, Take away ail iniquity, and receive us gracioufly : ib will we render the calves of our lips. Jerem. 14. 7. O Lord, though our iniquities tettify againft us, do thou it for thy names fake ; for our back- flidings are many, we have finned againft thee:
b Rom 15-. 13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the holy Ghofr. Pjalm. 51, 7. Purge me with hyfTop, and I fhallbe clean; wafh me, and I fhall be whiter than fnow. V: 8. Make me to hear joy and gladnefs : that the bones which thou haft broken may rejoice; v. 9, Hide thy face from my iins, and bloc out all mine iniquities, v. 10. Crea:e in me a clean heart, O God ^ and re- new a right fpirit within me, v. 12. Reftore unto me the joy of thy fal- vation: and uphold me with thy free Spirit.
c Uike% 1 1, 4, And forgive us our
fins; for we aUo forgive everyone that is indebted to m]~Matth. 6, 14. For if ye forgive men iheir tref- pafles, your heavenly Either will alio forgive you. v. 15. But if ye forgive nor men their trefpafles, neither will your Father forgive your trefpafles. Matth. 18. 35. So iikewile fhall my heavenly Father do aifo unto you, if ye fiom your hearts fcrgive not every one his brother their treipafTes.
195. d Matth. 6, 13.
e zGbmt.jz. 31, Howbeic, in the bufinefs of the ambafTadors of the princes of Babylon, who fent unto him to enquire of the wonder ihac was done in the land, God left him to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart,
f I Ckron. 21, 1. And Satan ftood up againft Ifrae), and provoked Da* vid to number Ifrael,
g Luke. 21, 34. And take heed to your tdves, Ieaif. at any time your hearts be overcharged with fur- feiting and drunkennefs, and cares of this life, and fo that day come upon you unawares. Maik, 4. 19* And the cares of this worid, and the deceitfulnefs of riches, and the lufts of orher things, entring in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful,
h Jar,i,
%6z The Larger Catechifm:
powerfully to draw us afide, and infhare us h ; And that we, even after the Pardon of our Sins, byreafon of our Cor- ruption i, Weaknefs, and Want of Watchfulnefs k, are not only fubjeft to be tempted, and forward to expofe our felves unto Temptations 1 ; but alio of our felves unable and unwilling to refill them, to recover out of them, and to im- prove them m j and worthy to be left under the Power of
them:
h James i. 14. Bat every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lufl and enticed.
i Gal. $ . 17* For the flefti lufteth againft the fpirit, and the fpirit a- gainft the flefh: and thefe are con- trary the one to the other ; fo that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
k Matth. 26, 41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation : the fpirit indeed is willing, but the fiefh is weak.
1 Matth. 26, 69. Now Peter {an without in the palace: and a dam- ftl came unto him, faying, Thou alfb wail: with Jefus of Galilee. v. 70. But he denied before them all, faying, I know not what thou fay efl. v. 71. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid faw him, and laid unto them that were there, This fellow was al- fb with Jefus of Nazareth. v. 72. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man, GaL 2, i\. Bur when Peter was come to An. tioch, Iwithftood him to the face, becaufe he was to be blamed, v. 12. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles ; but when they were come, he with- drew, and feparated hirafelf, fearing them which were of the circumci- lion v. 13, And the other Jews crhTembled like wife with him, in- ibmuch that Barnabas alfo was car- ried away with their diflimuiation. v, 14. But when I faw that they walk- ed not uprightly, according to the truth el the gofpe), I laid unto Pe- *eiy..~ 2 Clmn% i%, 3. And Ahab
king of Ifrael faid unto Jehofhaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth-gilead ? And he an- f wered him, I am as thou art, and my People as thy people, and we will be with thee in the war; te- paredwith 2 Chron. 19, 2. And Jehu the fon of Hanani the feer, went out to meet him, and laid to king Jehofhaphat, Shouldft thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord ? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord.
rn Ram. 7, 23. But I fee anorhcr law in my members, warring againft the Jaw ot my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law offin> which is in my members, v. 24, O wretched man that I am, who (hall deliver me from the body of this death! 1 f bron* 21, u And Sa- tan flood up againft Ifrael, and pro- voked David to number Ifraei- v, 2, And David (aid to Joab, and to the rulers of the people, Go, num- ber Ifrael, from Beer-fheba even to Dan, and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. v, 3 , And Joab anfwered, The Lord make his people an hundred times fo ma- ny more as they be: bur, my lord the king, are they not all my lords fervants { why then ' doth my lord require this thing ? why will he be a caufe of trefpafs to Ifrael ? v. 4« Neverthelels, the kings word pre- vailed againft Joab : wherefore joab departed.—— 2 Chron. 16". 7. And at that time Hanani the feer came to Afa king of Judah, and (aid unto him, becaufe thou haft relied on the king of Syih, and not relied
cm
The Larger Catechijm.
3*3
themn: We pray, that God would fo over-rule the World an/ .: in it fiibduc the Flefla p, and reftrain Satan q; or- der all Things r ; beftow and blefs all Means of Grace f, and quicken us to Watchfulnefs in the Ufe of them 5 that we and all his People may by his Providence be kept from being tempted to Sin t, or, if tempted, that by his Spirit we may be powerfully fupported and enabled to ftand in the Hour of Temptation v ; or, when fallen, raifed again and reco- ver
on the Lord tfiy God, therefore Is the hoft oi the king of Syria eicaped out ot thine hand, v. 8. Were not d Eciiiopians and Lubims a huge hoit, with very many chariots and horlemenf yet, becaule tlioti did ft reiy on tiie Lord, he delivered them into thins hand, v. 9. For the eyes of :i;e Lo~d run to and fro through- out tlic whole earth, to fhew him- fcif lirong in th( behalf of* them, whofe heart is pc -l towards him. Herein thou h done foolifhly; therefore n henceforth thou
jfhal hat s, v 10. Then Afa •j\ss wroth with the leer, and put him into a ;,rifon»hou{e ; for he was jn a age with him, becaufe of this thing, and Afa opprefled fome of the people the fame time.
n Yfalm. 81, u< But my people would not hearken to my voice, and Ifrael would none of me. v. 12. jSo I gave them up to their own hearts luft : and they walked in their own counfels.
o John. 17, iy. J pray not that thou fhouldft take them our ot the world, but that thou fhouldft keep them from the evil.
p Tfalm. $u 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God ^ and renew a right fpirit within me, ?falm. 1 jq. 133. Order my fteps in thy word -y and let not any iniquity have domi- nion over me.
q 2 Cor, 12. 7, And left! fhould be exalted above meafure, through the abundance of the revelations, there was given co me a thorn in
the flefh, the mclTenger of Satan to buffet mc, left I (hould be exalted above meafure, v. 8. For this thing I befought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me,
r 1 Cor. 10. i:. Wherefore let him that thinketh he ftandeth, take heed left he fall. v. 13. There hath no temptation taken you, but fuch as is common to man ; but God is faithful who will nor fufJer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation alfj make a way to efrape, that ye may be able to bear it.
{ Heb. 13. 20; Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jefus, that greac fhepherd ot the fheep, through the blood of the everlaiting covenant, v. zi, Make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleating in his fight through Jefus Chrift ;—
t Matth. 26". 4.1. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation,—- Pfafm. 1 p, 1 3. Keep back thy fervan; alio from prefumptuous fins, lee them not have dominion over me: then fhall 1 be upright, and I fhali be innocent from the great tranf- grefiion.
v Epb. 3, 14. For this caufe I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, v, iy. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, v, 16*, That be would grant you according to the riches ot his glory, to be ftrength- ned with might, by his Spirit in the
in-
364 , Ihe Larger Catechi(tn:
vered out of it w% and have a fanftified Ufe and Im- provement thereof x; That our Sanftification and Sal- vation may be perfected y, Satan trodert under our Feet z, and we fully freed from Sin, Temptation, and all Evil for ever a.
196. Queft. "What doth the Conclufion of the 'Lord's Prayer teach us?
Anfio. The Conclufion of the Lord's Prayer (which is, Tor Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory \ for ever, Amen b) teacheth us to enforce our Petitions with Arguments c, which are to be taken, not from any Worthi- ness in our felves, or in any other Creature, but from God & :
And
inner man; v. 17. That Chrift may dwell in your hearts by faith j— - 1 Ihejf 3. 13. To the end he may ftablifh your hearts unblameable in holineis before God even our Fa- ther, at the coming of our Lord Jdus Chrift with all his Saints, *Jude. 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from tailing, and ro prefent you fauhlefs before the prefence of his glory with exceed- ing joy;
w Pfalm. s h llm Reftore unto me the joy ot thy falvation : and up- hold me with thy free Spirit.
x 1 Pet* Si 8. Be fober, be vigilant; becauie your adverfary the devil, as a roring lion, wa!keth about feek- ing whom he may devour. vN 9. Whom refill: ftedfaft in the faith, knowing that the fame afflictions are accomplifhed in your brethren that arc in the world, v, 10 But the God of all grace, who hath ai- led us unto his eternal gloiy by Chrift Jefus, after that ye have iqrTered a while, make you per- fed, ftablifti, Itrengthen, fettje you,
y 2 O. 13,7. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil, not that we (hould appear approved, but that ye (hould do that which is honeft, though we be as reprobates, v. 9. For we are glad when we are weak* and ye ate
ftrong : this alfo we wifh, even your peifection,
z, Ro?n. 16* 20. And the God of peace fhall bruife Satan under your
feet (hortly, Zecb. 3. 2. And the
Lord laid unto Satan, The Lord re- buke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that hath chofen Jerufalem, rebuke thee: is not this a brand pluckc out of the fire? Luke. 22. 31. And the Lord faid, Simon, Simon, be- hold, Satan hath defired to have you, that he may Tift you as wheat : v. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy taith fail not* and when thou art conyerted, ftrengthen thy brethren.
a John 17. is, I pray not that thon fliouldft take them out of the world but that thou fhouldft keep therr from the evil. 1 Theffl 5. 23- Anc the very God of peace fandtuy yoi wholly : and I pray God your wbol< fpirir, and Soul and body, be pre* ferved blamelcfs unto the comin| of our Lord Jefus Chriftv
196. b Matth. 6\ 13.
c Rom. 15. 30. Now I befeecf ycu, brethren, for the Lord Jefu Chrifts fake, and for the love o the Spirit, that you ftrive togethe with me in your prayers to God fo me,
d Dan. 9. 4. And I prayed unt<
the Lord my God, and made m]
con
The Larger Catechifm^ 36-
And with our Prayers to join Praifesr> afcribing to God alone eternal Sovereignty, Omnipotency, and glorious Excellency f; in regard whereof, as he is able and willing to help us g, fo we by Faith are emboldned to plead with him that he would h, and quietly to rely upon him that he
will
confefiion, and (aid, O Lord, the Blefled be thou, Lord God of Ifracl great and dreadful God, keeping our father, for ever and ever, v, u. the covenant, and mercy to them Thine, O Lord, is the greamek, that love him, and to them that ana1 the power, and the glory, and keep his commandments, v. 7. O the viclory, and the majefty: for Lord, righteoufneCs belongeth unto all that is in heaven, and in the thee, but unto usconfufion of face?, earth is thine j thine is the king- as at this day: — v. 8. O Lord, to dom, O Lord, and thou art exaited us belongeth confufion or face, to as head above all v. i2« Both our kings, to our princes, and to riches and honour come of thee* our fathers, becatife v\ e have finned and thou reigneit over ali, and in againft thee. v. p. To the Lord thine hand is power and might, and our <God belong mercies and for- in thine hand it is to make great giveneiTes, though we have rebel- and to give ftrength unto all. v. 13! led againit him. v. 16". O Lord, ac- Now therefore, our God, wc thank cording to all thy righteoufnefs, I thee, and praile thy glorious befeech * thee, let thine anger and name,
thy fury be turned away from thy g Eph. 5, do. Now unto hlmj city Jerulalem,-.— v. 17. Now there- that is able to do exceedingly abun. fore, O our God, hear the prayer of dandy above all that we ask or thy fervanr, and his fupplications, think, according to the power and caufe thy face to (nine upon that workcth in us, v„ 2.1. Unto the {ancluary that is defolate, tor him be glory in the church by the Lords (ike, v. 18. O my God, Chrift Jefus, throughout all ages^ incline thine ' ear, and hear $ open world without end, Amcru thine eyes, and behold our defola- Luke 11; 13, If ye then being tions, and the city, which is called ^y^t know how to give good gilts by thy name; for we do not pre- unto your children: how much ■ Mot our (upplicarions before thee more (hail your heavenly Father* fcr our rightcoufneilcs, but for thy give rhe holy Spirit to them that great mercies, v. 19. O Lore*, ask him?
hear, O Lord, forgive, O Lord, h 2 Chron. 20, 6. And (Jehojb*.
hearken and do, defer not, for thine t^O faid* O Lord God of our fa-
own fake, G my God . for thy city, the: s, art not thou God in hea-
and thy people are called by thy ven - an<* ra-^ net thou over ail
name the kingdoms of the heathen?
c Pfo'l, 4. £. Be careful for no- and in tQinc. nanc* is there not
thing: but in every thing by prayer power and might, fo that none is
and Supplication with rhanhigiving, »Wc co withftand thccJ v. u. Be„
let your lequdts be made known hoid» L laV» how they reward us,
unro God, frCt ,t° come to call us out of thy pof-
f 1 ChroK '29. io Wherefore kffi^j which thou haft given us
David blefled the Lord before all ***&«*
the congregation; and David laid, * C2w<
The Larger Cateehifmt
366
will fulfill our requefts i -, and, to teftify this our Defire and Aflurance, we may fay, Amen k.
I z Ctoron^ 1 4, 11. And Ala cried unto the Lord his God, and faid, Lord, it is nothing with thee to hslp, whether with many or with them that have no power : help us, O Lord our God 5 for we rcit on thee, and in thy name we go a- gainft this multitude : O Lord, thou art our God, let not man prevail a- gainlt thee. k 1 Cor. 14. 16*. Elfe when thou
flialt blefs with the fpirit, how (hall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned, (ay Amen at thy giving of thanks, feeing he underftand- eth not what thou fayeft? Revl 2.2. 2.0. He which teftifteth thefe things, faith, Surely I come quick- ly, Amen. Even fo, come, Lord Jefus. i\ 21- The grace of our Lord Jefus Chrift be with you all, Amen.
FINIS.
THE
Shorter Catechifm;
Agreed upon by the
AfTembly of D I V I N E S
A T
WESTMINSTER,
With the Aflifrance of
COMMISSIONERS
FROM THE
CHURCH of Scotland,
A S
A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of CHR I S T in the Kingdoms of 'Scotland, England, and Ireland.
AND
Approved Anno 16*4.8, by the General Assembly of the CHURCHof Scotland ,tobz* Directory lor Car-. fuch as have made fome Proficiency in the Knowledge ot the Gr o u n D i ot RELIGION.
With the T roofs jrom the Scripture.
" * n 1 1 iMi . ,i in,., ,
GLASGOW, ■
Printed by John Robert/on and Mrs M Lean, and fold at their Shops in the middle of the Salt-Merest
JVi. DCG. XLVL
Aflcmbly at Edinburgh. July, i$: 1648. Sq& 19!
A&< approving the Shorter Catechifm.
THE General Ajfemlly having ferioufly confidered the Shorter* Catechi m, agreed upon by the Aflcmbly of Divines fitting at Weftminfter, with afliflance ofCommifioncrsfrom this Kirk ; do find, upon due Examination thereof that the faid Catechifm is agreeable to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary to the receiv- ed Dottrine, Worjhip, Difcipline and Government of this Kirk : And therefore approve the faid Shorter Catechifm as a Part of the in- tended Ifniformity, to be a Directory for Catechifing fach as are $f weaker Capacity.
KER.
THE
.
169
THE,
Shorter Catechifm,
Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Wejiminfter : Examined and Approved, Anno 1648, by the General Assembly of the CHURCH of SCOTLAND, &c.
I. Queflion T % 1 H A T is the Chief eni of Man ? %
V V s Anfiuer- Man's chief End is, to glo- rify God a, and to enjoy Him for ever b,
2 Queft. What Rule hath Cod given to Direfi us hiv Wf may glorify and enjoy Him ?
Anfw. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scrip- tures of the Old andnew Teftament c, is the only Rule to di- rect us how we may glorify and enjoy Him d.
3 Queft,
1. a 1 Cor. 10, 3 1. Whether there- fore ye ear or drink, or whatfbever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Rom,. r.f. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
b Pjalm 7h 25« Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth, that I defire beftdes thee. v. 2.5, My flefh and my heart faileth . but God is the lirength of my htarr, an ! my portion for ever. <v 2.7* Fo: lo, they* that are far from thee, fhali perms thou haft deftroyed all them that go a whoring fiom CDec, v zS But it is good tor me to draw near to God ; I have puc rny truit in the
Lord God, that I may declare all thy
works,
2C2 Tim. 3. 16. All &&); given by iofpiration of God, and
is profitable for doclrine. for re- proof, for correction, for inihu- duon in righteoufnefe. Eph. 2. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apoities and prophet, Jefo3 Chrid himielt being the chief cor- ner-Hone.
d 1 John. 1.3. That which we have feen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye alfo may have fellow- ship with us i and truly our fellow- ship is with the Father, and with his Son Jefus Chrift, v 4* And rhefc rhings write we unto you, that your joy may be full,
A a 3. e 2 Tm,
370 * The Shorter Catechlfm.
3. Quefh What do (he Scriptures principally teach ?
Anfw The Scriptures principally teach, what Man is to believe concerning God, and what Duty God requires of Man e.
4. Qpeft. What isG O D ?
Avfiv. God is a Spirit f, Infinite g, Eternal *\ and Un- changeable \, in his Being k, Wifdom K Power m, Holinefs n, Juftice, Goodnefs and Truth o.
5. Queft. Are there -more Cods than One ?
Anfw. There is but One only, the Living and True God p. 6 Queft. How ma?7y Perfons are there in the Godhead P Anfw. There are three Perfons in the Godhead ; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghofl ; and thefe Three are
One
3 e: Tipu I. tj. Hold faftthe form of found v/ord5, which thou halt heard of me, ia faith and Jove which is in Chrift Jefus, z Tim, 3. 1 6. See in letter c.
4. f John, 4. 24. God is a Spirit, and rhcy ^ that worfhip him, muft worfhip him in fpirit and in truth.
g Job. II, 7. Canft thou by fearch- ing; find out God ? canft thou find out the Almighty unro perfection ? v8. Ic is as high as heaven, what canft thou do ? deeper than hell, what canft thou know? vo. The meafure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the fea.
h Pfalm, 90. 2. Before the moun- tains ^ere brought forth, or ever •thou hadft formed the earth and the world ; even from evcrlafting to e- verlafting thou arc God.
1 James, I. 17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comet h down from the Father of lights, with whom is no varia- blenefs, neither fhadow of rurning* k Exod. 3. 14. And God fa id un- to Mofe, I AMTFATIAMi and he (aid, Thus fhalt thou fay unto the children of lirael, { AM harh fern me unro you.
1 Psalm. \\f. f •. Great is our Lord, and of grrat power; his under- /landing is infinite.
m Rev. 4.. 8. And the four Beafts had each of them fix wings about him, and they were Mi of eyes within : and they reft not day and nighr, faying, Holy* holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
n Rev. iy; 4, Who fhall not fear the''., O Lord, and glorify thy name ? for thou only art holy; for all na- tions fhall come and worfhip before thee; for thy judgments are made manifefh
o Exod. H- 6- And the Lord paf- [q<\ by before him, and picclaim- cd, the Lord, the Lord God, mer- ciful and gracious, long-fuftvring, and abundant in goonnefs and truth, v 7. Keeping merry for thousand?, forgiving iniquity and tranigreftion and (in, and that "will by no means clear the guilty , vifi- nng the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the childrcns children, unto rhe third and to the fourth generation.
S- p Deut. 6. 4. Hear, O IfraeJ, rhe Lord our God is one Lord. Jerem 10 10. But rhe Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlafting King; at his wrath the earth fhail tremble, ard rhe na- tions fhail not be able to abide bis indignation.
6. q i Job n
V-Miev_T<ju, uic lame m ou^naiicc, etiuai m puwcr anu v^riury q,
7. Quefr. What are the Decrees of God \
Anjw. The Decrees of God are, his eternal Purpofe, ac- cording to the counfelof his Will, whereby, for his own Glory, he hath fore-ordained v/hatfoever comes to pals r.
8. Quell. How doth God execute his Decrees*
Anfcv. God executeth his Decrees in the Works of Creation and Providence.
9. Queftv What is the work ofCreaticn ?
Anfo): The Work ofCreation is, God's making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the Space of fix Days, and all very Good U
10 Queft, How did CodcreateMan ?
Anjbv: God created Man Male and Female, after his own Image, in Knowledge, Righteoufnefs, and Holinels, with Dominion over the Creatures r.- 1 1 Queft. What are L o.Vs works of providence ?
6 q i ycfoi. 5\ 7. For there are three that Lxar record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the ho- ft : and thelc three are one. Msttb, 28 19 Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of rhe Father, an o: the Son,- and of the holy Ghoft
7« r Epb. i. 4. According as he hath choien us in him, before the toundd^ior- cfrlie world, that we fhou.d be ho'y, and without llame him in love, v •, 1. In Whom (Drained an inheth- tanct, heing predeftin
the puip fe r him who w •- k- etii all r mgs after the c uk
m. 9, 12: What if God,
ath, an-! to
:ndtired
udtion j make
•ry on
th v ffelsof mercy, which he had to Giorv.
•'• 1 :.- ■; g .: Htb, 1 1". *» lajth v, l updciifrnd muc
the worlds wfre framed by the m of God, fo that things which are fcen tAcre not made of tilings which do appear,
10 t Gen. 1 26". And G Let us make man in our o . after our likcrids ! and let chein have dominion over rhe fi:h or rhej (ea, and over rhe fowl of the and over the cattle, and over a ( the earth, and over every crccj tniog that creepeth upv>:i rhe ean v 27. So God h;s
own imape, in :he image of On ! C» eated he him: male and "'Male
red he them, v is. And God blejlcd them, and G them, Be. fru-tful and multiply, and
ruffe rhe earth, and fubdue ir ;
tavc dominion over the rii'h of the le :,, and over the fowl of th j air,
urcr every , hat n -
rjpon rhccjrth. dl \> o \m\ have put on the new man,
ved in kii<
j of him th -•• 2 . A:..: . it \e put on rne new min, which k righ -
Aai ii,^
37^
The Shorter Latechifm:
God's Works of Providence are, his moft Holy v> Wife w, and powerful Preferving x, and Governing all his Creatures, and all their Adtions v.
12, Queft. What fpecial att of Providence did God exercife toward Man in the Eft ate wherein he was created ?
A?ifw. When God had createdtMan, he entered into a Co- venant of Life with him, upon Condition of perfect Obedi- ence .- forbidding him to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, upon pain of Death z.
13- Quell. Did our fir ft Barents continue in the Eftate wherein they were created ?
Anfw. Our firft Parents, being left to the Freedom of their own will, fell from the Efiate wherein they were created by finning againft God a.
14. Queft What is Sin*
Anfw. Sin is any Want of Comformity unto or Tranfgref fion of the Law of God b. 15-. Qneft-
1 1. v Vsalm. 145. 17. The Lord is But of the tree of the knowledge of
righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
w Psalm 104, 24, O Lord, how manitold are thy works ! in wif- dom hail thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches. Isa, 28. r.p. This alfo cometh forth from the Lord of Hofb, which is wonder- ful in counfel, and excellent in working. '
x Eeb„ 1,3. Who being the bright- Dels of his glory, and the exprefs image oS his perfon, and uphold- i g ali things by the word of his power, when he had by himfelf purged our /ins, fat down on the right hand of the majefty on high.
y Psalnt. 103. 19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all, Maith. 10.29. Are not two fparrows fold for a farthing? and one of rhem (hall not iall on the ground without your Father, v 30. But the very bans of your head are all num- bred. v. 3 1 Fear ve not therefore, ye are cf more value than many fparrows.
12. ?, Gal,$; 12, And the law is not of faith : bur, the man that dorh tt.em, (hall live in ihenu Q$n. 217.
good and evil, thou fliaknot eat < f it : for in the day thou eatcft there- of, thou (halt furely die;
13. a G<?;:. 3. 6, And when the woman law that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleafant to the eyes, and a tree to be defired to make one wife; fhe took of the fruit thereof and did ear, and gave alio to her husband with her, and he did eat> v 7, And Che eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked 7 and they fewed fig-leaves together, and made themftlves aprons, v 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the Day; and Adam and his wife hid tbemlelves] from the pre- tence of the Lord God, amongft the trees of the garden, v j 3 . And the Lord God faid unto the woman, What is this that thou haft done ? and the woman faiJ, the ferpent be- guiled me, and i did ear. Keel 7. 29 . Lo, this only have I found, that Gol hath made man upright , but they have fought out many inventions.
I4,b j John. 3. 4, Whofbevercom-
rruccejh fin tranlgrefleth alfo ths
law i
of that eft ate when where] nto Man fell,
The Shorter Catechifm. 373
1 5* Queft. What was the Sin whereby our firfl parents fell from t^e ejlate wherein they were created ?
Anfw. The fin whereby our firft Parents fell from theE- ftate wherein they were created, was their Eating the forbid- den Fruit c9
16. Queft. Did all Mankind fall in Adam's firfl Tranfgref fion ?
Anfw. The Covenant being made with Adam, not only for himfelf, but for his Pofterity, all Mankind defcending from him by ordinary Generation, finned in him, and fell with him in his firft Tranfgrefiion d.
1 7. Queft. Into what ejlate did the Fall bring Mankind ?
Anfw. The Fall brought Mankind into an Eftate of fin and Mifery c.
18. Queft. Wherein confifls the finfulnefs Man fell ?
A*/*. The Sinfulnefs of that Eftate, confiftsin the Guilt of Adam's firft fin, the Want of Original Righteoufhefs, and the corruption of his whole Nature, which is commonly called Original fin, together with all aftualTranlgreffions which proceed from it f.
19, Queft law ; for fin is the tranfgrefiion of the law.
i$*cGen. 3 6. See in Letter a: v I2> The Woman whom thou ga- veft to be with mc, (he gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
16. dG#/, 2. 16. And the Lord God commanded the Man, faying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayeft freely eat. v i/. But of the tree oi the knowledge of good and evil, thou flialt not eat of it . tor in the Day that thou eatelt there- of thou fhalt mrely die. Rom y, 12. Wherefore, as by one man, fin entered into the world, and death by fin 5 and lo death patted upon all men, for that all have finned • 1 Cor. 1 y. 2.1. For iince by man came death, by man came alio the refur- redion of the dead, v 22. For as in Adam all die, fo in Chrift (hall all be made alive,
17. e Rom. s* 12. W lerefore, as by one man fin entrcd into the
world, and death by fin $ and lb death patted upon all men, for that all have finned.
1 3. tRom.s* 12. Wherefore, as by one man iin entred into the world, and death by fin; and fo death patted upon all men, for thac all have finned, v 19. For as by one mans difobediencc many were made iinners ; fo by the obedience of one, fhall many be made righte- ous. Rom* $* fromverfe 10. to the 20. Ef b. 2, 1. And you hath he quick- ned who were dead In tiefpafles and tins; v 2.. Wherein in times part ye walked according to the courle of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the {pint that now worketh in the chil- dren of difobedie ice : v 3. Among whom alfo we all had our convert fation in times pa ft, in the luffs of our flefh, fulfilling the defires of th^ fldh, and of die mind j and were A 3 3 by
j 74 *Fhe Shorter Catechifm.
19. Queft #7>tfr *J //><? Mifery of that Eft ate whereintb Matt fell?
dnfw. All Mankind by their Fall loft Communion with God g, are under his Wrath and Curfe h, and fo made liable to all Miferies in this Life, to Death it felf, and to the Pains of Hell for ever,'.
20 Queft. Did Cod have all Mankind to perljb In the E(late of Sin and Mifery ?
Anfv. God having out of his mere good Pleafure from all Eternity elected fome to everlafting Life k, did enter into a Covenant of Grace, to deliver them out of the Eftate of Sin and Mifery, and to bring them into an Eftate of Salvation by a Redeemer 2.
2 1 Queft.
by nature the children of wrath, even as others. James 1. 14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of Jus own luff, and enticed. *vt if. Then When luff hath conceived, it biing?:h forth fin : and fin. when it is firufhed, bringerh forth death. Matth. 15-, 19. For our of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thiits, falfe witneis, blafphemles.
J 9. g Gen, 3, 8 And they heard the voice of tne Lord God walking in *he garden Si the cool or tne diy : hud Adam and his wife Kid them (elves from the prefence of the Lord God amongft the trees oi rhe garden. 1/. 10. And he laid, I heard thy voice in the garden: and I was afraid, becauie I was na- h:d and I hid my felf. <v. 24. So he drove out the man . and he pla- ced at the eaii of the garden of E- den, cherubims, and a flaming (word which turned every way, ro keep the v\ ay of" the tree of life*
h Efh. 2, 2. Wherein in times pafl ye walked according to the courfe oi this world, according to the prince of the power or" the air, the fpirif that now Worketh in the chil- dren of dibbedience . v. 3. Among whom alfo we all had cur conver- sion in times paft in the iuirs of
our flefh, fulfilling trie de" fires of the flefh, and of the mind , rnd were by nature the chMrsn of wrath even as others. Gal. 3, to. For as niany as are or the wo ks of the law, are under the curfe: for it is written, Curfed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
i Lam. ^, 39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punifhment of his fins ? * Rmn. 6 23 For the wages of fin is dea tn ; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jefus Chrifr. our Lord, Mau 2.$ 41. Then mall he fay unro them on rhe left-hand, Depart from me, ye curfed, into everlafting fire, pre*, pared for rhe devil and his a«igeJs <v. 46". And thtfc /hail go away into everiafling punifhmenrj but the righteous into life eternal.
zo. k Eph 1,4. According as he hith cholen us m him btioie the foundation ot the world, that we fhou.'d be hoiy and without blame before him in love
I Rom^ 3. 20. Therefore by ths deeds of the law, there fhail no flefH be juftified in his light: for by the law is the knowledge oi tin, a>. 2.1. But now the righteouinefs of God without the law is manifthVd, being witneiied by the law and rhe
pro*
The Shorter Catcchifm. 375-
2 I Queft. Who is the Redeemer of 'God '» E/efi ?
Jnfiv. The only Redeemer of God's Eleft is the Lord Jefus Chrift m, who, being the eternal Son of God, became Man n'% and fo was and continueth to be God and Man in two diftinft Natures, and one Perfon for ever <\
22 Queft, Hnv did Chriftt being tie Son of God, . Man ?
Kr.fvv. Chrift, the Son of God, became Man, by tak. ing to himfelf a true Body p, and a reafonable Soul q, being conceived by the Power cf the Holy Ghoft,
in the Womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of
prophets; v. 22. Even the righte- oufnefs of God which is by faith of Jefus Chrift unco all, and upon all them that believe ■> for there is no difference Gal. 3, zi. Is the law t.cn againft the promifes of God? God forbid : for if there had been a law given wh'ch could have given lfe, verily righteoufnefs fhould have been by the law. v. 22. But the fcrip- ture hath concluded ah under fin, that the promiie by faith in Jefus Chrift might be given to thtm that believe.
zi. m 1 Tim. 2. s. For there is one God, and one mediator be- tween God and men, the man Chrift Jefus ; v. 6*. Who gave him- felf a ranfom for all, to be teftifi. ed in due time.
n John 1, 14. And the Word was made fled:, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the gio- ry as of tht only begotten of the Fa- ther) lull of^-race and trurh. GaL 4, 4. But when the futnefs of the time was come, God fent forth ^ is Son made of a woman, made under the law.
o Row. 9, ft Whofe are the fa- thers, and of whom as concerning thefiefh Chrift came, who is over all, God blcfled for ever. Amen. Luke. 1 , 3 f. And the angel anfwercd and laid unto her, The holy Ghoft fhdl come upon thee, and ihe power of the Higheft fhali ovcrfhadow
her r, yet
thee : therefore alfo that holy thing when fhall be born of t*iee, fhall be called, Tiie Son of G:d. Co , 2. o. For in him dwelleth all the of the Godhead bodily. Hib 7 24. But this man, becau.e he c n ever, hath an unchangeable pricfl- hood. v. Zf. Wherefore he is abfc tlfo to fave them to the irtermoft, that come unto God by him, feeing he ever livcth to make mtercetfion for them.
22. p Hcb 2. 14, Foraftnuch then as the children are parrafcers and blood, he alfo himfelf likc^iie took part of the fame : thar through death he might deftroy him that had the power of dearh, that ls9 the devil: vt io\ For verily he took not on him the naru:e of angels j but lie took on him the iced of A- braham. Heb. 10, $. Wherefore when he comcth into the world, he faith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldft not, but a body halt thou prepared me.
q Matth 25. 38. Then faith he un- to thcmy My foul is exceeding for- rowfui, even uito deaths tarry ye here and watch with me.
r Luke. 1, 27. To a virgin efp^u- fed to a man whofe name was Jo- feph, of the houfc of David; and the virgins name was Mary, v$ 31, And behold, thou fhalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a foil, and fhalt call his name Jefus. i>. ism A a + And
376 Ihe Shorter uatecMjp?;
yet without Sin f.
^.Queft.- "What Offices doth Chrift execute as cur Redeem. er>
Anfw. Chrift, as our Redeemer, executed* the Offices of a Prophet, of a Prieft, and of a King, both in his Eftate of Hu- miliation and Exaltation r„
24 Queft
And the Angel snhvered and faid unto her, The holy Ghoft (hall come upon chec, and the power of the Higheit fhall overfhadow thee : tlieretore alfo that holy thing which (hall be born of thee, fha'i be cal- led the Sod of God. v 41. And fhe fpake out with a loud voice, and {aid, Buffed art thou among wo- men, and blefled is the fruit of thy womb, Gaf. 4, 4* See in the pre* ceedwqiiejh'm letter n.
f Heb. 4" 1 <*, For we have not an prieit which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was m all points tempted like as we are, yet v\ ithout fin. Heb' 7. 26. For iuch an high pried became us, who is holy, harmiefs, under!* Ice's ieparate from finners, and made higher than the heavens,
23. tAEls* g.ai. Whom the hea- ven muffc receive, untill the times of feftitution of all things, which God hath fpoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, fince the world be- gan, v 2.2. For Mofes truly faid unto the fathers, A Prophet fhali the J-»ord your God raife up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me , him fliall ye hear in all things whatioever he fhaU fay unto you. Heb* 12. 2. J. See that ye refufe not him that fpeakerh : for it they efcap- ed not who refufed him that fpake on earth, much more (hall not we efcape, if we turn away from him that ipeaketh from heaven. Compa- red with z Cor. 13; 3 . Since ye leek a proof of Chriit ipeaking in ms, which of you- ward is not weak, bu: i« mighty in you. Heb, $ '; $. So al- io Chrift glorified no: hiinfelf, tQ
be made an high prieit , but he that laid unto him, Thou art mv Son, to day have 1 begotten thee* v 6. As he faith alio in another pb.ee, Thou art a priefr. for ever after the order ot Melchizedec, v ;, Who in the days ot his fledi. when he had offered up prayers and fuppli- - cations, with fhong crying ind tears, unto him, that was able to lave him from death, an uvas he^rd in that he feared. Heb. 7. 15 :rc-
fore he is able alfo to fav i ther to the uttermoft, that come unto God by him, feeing he ever livcrh to make intercefhon lor rhem. Pjalm* 2: 6". Yet have I kt my king upon my holy hill of Sion. Iffy 9. 6". For unto us a child is born, unto us a fon is given, and the government fhaU be upon his Shoulder, and his name fliall be called Wonderful, Counfeiler, The mighty God, The cverlafting Father, Tiie prince of peace, v 7. Ot the increafe of bis government and peace there (hall be no end, upon the throne ot David, and upon his kingdom, to order ir, and to eftablifh it with judgment, and with juitice from henceforth even for ever : the zeal of the Lord of holts will perform this. Matth* 2.fc 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy kingcometh unto thee meek, and fitting upon an afs, and a colt the fol'e of an afs. Vfalm, 2 8, Ask of me, and I fliall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermoft parts of the earth for thy pofTeilion v 9. Thou fhalt break rhern-with a rod ot iron, thou fh'dit dafli them in pieces like a pot- flcl, v Jo. Be wife now there- lore
377
The Shorter Catechifm,
24Queft. Hem doth drift execute the Office of a Prophet ?
Anfia. Chrift executeth the Office of a Prophet, in reveal- ing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the AVill of God for our Salvation v;
25, Queft. How doth Chrift execute the Office of a Prieft I Anfw. Chrift executeth the Office of a Prieft, in his once
offering up of himfelf a Sacrifice to fatisfy Divine Juftice w% and reconcile us to God x, and making continual Intercei- fion for us y.
26, Queft. Horn) doth Chrift execute ihe Office of a King ? Anfw. Chrift executeth the Office of a King, in
fubduing us to himfelf z, in ruling a, and defending
fore, O ye kings : fce inftruc'tcd, ye judges o; the earth. *v. 11. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling'
24, v John 1. 18. No man hath
feen Gcd at any time; the only begot-
ten Son, which is in the boiom of
the Father, he hath declared him.
I P#« J. 10. Of which Salvation :he
prophets have enquired, and fearch-
ed diligently, who pophefied of the
grace that fhould come unto you ; v,
1 i.Searching what, or what manner
ot time the Spirit of Chrift which
wa^ in then- did fignify, when it te-
ftifitd before- hand the furTerings
of Chrift, and the gi »y thar fhould
follow, v. 12. Unto whom it was
revealed, that not unto themfelves,
but unto us they did minifter the
tilings which arc now repored unto
you, by them that have preached
the gofpel unto you, with the holy
Gholt fent down from heaven ;
which things the angels deiire to
look into. John iy. i*. Henceforth
I call you not fervants ; for the fer-
vant knoweth not what his lord
doth: but I have called you friends ;
for all things that 1 have heard of
my Father, I have made known
unto you. John 20, 31. But thefe
are written that ye might believe
that Jufcsisthe Chriil: the Son of
God, znd that believing ye might
have life through bis name.
2j. vv Hcb, o, 1 4, How much
us more fliall the b'ood of Chrift, who through the eternal Spirit, of- fered himfelf without fpot to God, purge your confciencc from dead worKs to feive the living Gcd '( <vt 28, So Chrift was once offered to bear the tins of manyj and un- to them thdt look for him fhaJJ he appear the fecond time, withou: fin, unto falvation.
x Heb, 2; 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren ; that he might be a merciful and faithful high prieft in thing? pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the fins 01 the people.
y He£. 7. 24, But this man, be- caufe he conrinueth ever, hath an unchangeable piiefthood. v. 2y. Wherefore he is able alfo to fave them ro the uttermoft, that come unto God by him, feeing he ever li- veth to m3ke intercelfion fot them.
26.2 Afts 15; 14. Simeon hath declared ho u God at thefirft did vi- iit the Gentiles, to take out of them apeopb for his name. v. iy. And to this agree the words of the pro- phets; as is is written, v. 16. Af- ter this I will return, and build a- gain the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down: and I wi.l build again the ruins thereof, and I will tec it up.
a Ija, 33* 22,, For the Lord is our judge,
373 The Shorter Cdtechifm.
usb, and in retraining and conquering all his and our Ene- mies c,
27. Queft Wherein did ChrijPs Humiliation confifl ?
Anfw. Chrift's Humiliation confifted in his being born, and that in a low Condition d, made under the Law e, un- dergoing the Miferies of this Life f, the Wrath of God g, and the curfed Death of the Crofs h •, in being buried i, and continuing under the Power of Death for a Timek-
28. Queft.
judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king* he will lave us.
bljai. 32. ij Behold, a Kin« fhall reign in righteoufnefe, and princes fhal. rule in judgmen:. v. z. And a man frrali be as an hiding-place iiom the wind, and a Covert from :hc teRipcii ; as rivers of water in s dry place, as the fhadow of a great rock in a weary land.
c t Cor. 15. 25. For he mud reign, riii he ham pu: all enemies under his ieet. Vfalrn no. throughout.
27. d Luke 2. 7. And (he brought forth her ririt-born Son, and wrap* pec* him in fwadiing-clothes, and laid h"«m in a manger, becaufe there was no room :or them in the Inn.
C OaL 4. 4- But when the fulnefs of the tunc was come, God fent forth his Son nude of a woman, made under the hw:
iihb% a, 2. Looking onro Jefus rhe-ft.uthpi arid tiriifher or our iaicfa, . who for the joy that was fer before imr, tndutcd the crofs, ddpiiing the lhame, a d is fct down a: the right-hand oi the throne or Cudt i& |. For conuder him that endured inch contradiaion of iinneis a- gainft himtelf, left ye be wearied and faint in your minds ljat $3, 2. For he lira 11 grow up before him as a tender plane, and as a root ou: of a dry ground : he hath no form nor comelineis; and when we fhall fee him these is no beauty riiatwe mould ddnehim. «v, 3. He is defpifed and rejected of men, a man of furrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our laces Irom him ;
he was defpifed, and we eftecmed him nor.
g Luke iz* 44. And being in an agony, he prayed more earnellly : and h.s Iweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground, Matth* 27. 46. And about the ninth hour Jefus cried with a loud voice* faying* TLii, Eli, lama- iabachthani ? That is to lay, My God, my God, why halt thou tor- faken me I
h Phil 2. 8. And being found in fafhion as a man, he humbied him- feif, and became oi>edient unto death, even the death of the crofs.
i 1 G?r, ij, 3. For I delivered un* to youhrit of ah, that which I al- fo received, how that Chrift died for our iins,according to the fcrip- tures ; v, 4. And that he was buried, and that he rofe ?gain the third day, according to the ienptures.
k ABs 2. 24. Whom God hath raifed up, having looted tiie pains of dearn: becaule it was not pof- fible that he mould be holden 01 it. v. 2j. For David fpeaketh concern- ing him, I ioiefaw the Loid always before in7 race, for he is on my right-hand that I fhould not be mo- ved* vl 26. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad ; moreover aib my flefti fhali reft in hope: v. 27. Becaufb thou wilt not leave my foul in hell, neirher wilt thou luffer thine holy One to tee corruption. <v, 31. He feeing this before, ipake of tne rdurrcctioii of Cfeiift, that his foul was not left
in
379
The Shorter Catechifm.
c8- Queft- Wherein confide th Chrift's Exaltation ?
Attfifi Chrift's Exaltation confifteth in his Riling again from the Dead on the Third Day1., in Afcending up into Heaven m. in iSitting at the Right-hand of God the Father n, and in coming to judge the World at the laft Day o-
20. Queft How are -we made Partakers of the Redemption pure ha fed by Cbrifl ?
An/hi- We are made Partakers of the Redemption pur- chafed by Chrift, by the effectual Application of it to us p, by his Holy Spirit q •
30 Queft How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption pur- chafed by Chrift?
Anfjj, The Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purcha- fedby Chrift, by working Faith In us ;, and thereby uni* ting us to Chrift, in our effectual Calling f
3 1 • Queft •
ved him, to them gave he power ro become t.ie Ions 01 God, even to them rhat believe on his name.
q 7/f. 3. * . Net by works of righ- teouf'iefs, which we have done, but according to his mcicy be (aval us b> the wafhing of regeneration, and renewing ot the holy Ghoftj <v. 6. Which he (htd on us abundantly, through Jefus Chrift our Saviour.
30. r Epb. 1. 13. In whom ye alfo tallied, after that ye heard the word ot truth, the gofpel of your falvati- on : in whom alio after that ye be- lieved, ye were feaied with that holy Spirit of promife. v, 14. Which is the carnelt of our inheritance, unrill the redemption ot the purchafed pofleflion, unto the praiie o: his gloiy. lohn 6. 37. AH that the Father givcih me, fhali come linio me j and him thac coracth to me, [ will in no \*i{e ca(t out. o\. 39. And. this is theFatherl will which hath fent me, that or ajl which he hath given me, I fhould lofe nothing, but fhould raiie ic up again at the .laft day. Epb 2. 8. For by grace are ye faved, through faith; and thar no: of your felvcs: it is the gift of God.
f Epb. 3. 17. That Chrift may dwell in your hearts by faith j that
ye
in hell, neither his flefh did fee corruption.
18. i 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that h? was mined, and thar he rofe aguin the fniid day, according to [he lc ip tuies.
m Mark 16-19 So then, after the Lord had fpoktn to them, he was received up into heaven, and (at on th^ right-hand ot God.
n Epb. 1, 20 Wnicii he wrought in Cnriit, when he railed him fiom the dead, and fet him at Jus own right-hand in the heavenly places.
o AEts I. II. Which aho fa!d, Yemen ot Galilee, v\ hy ihnd ye gazing up into heaven ? this lame Jeius which is taken up from you into heaven, fhail fo come in like manner as ye have feen him go into heaven. Ads 17. 31. Ee- caufe he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteoulnefs, by that man whom lie hath ordained y wiiereof he hatli given aflurance unto ail men, in that he hath railed him from the
$9,\>1ohn i. 11, He came unto his own, and his own received him not* Ui ii. But as many as recei-
380. The Shorter Catechifm%
31. Queft. What is Effectual Calling ?
knfa. Effe&ual Calling is the Work of God's Spirit t, whereby, convincing us of our Sin and Mifery v, inlight- ning our Minds in the Knowledge of Chrift w, and renewing our Wills x, he doth perfwade and enable us to embrace Je- fus Chrift, freely offered to us in theGofpely.
32. Queft. What Benefits do they that are effe dually called -par- take of in this Life ?
' Anfw, They that are effectually called do in this Life partake of Juftification £, Adoption a, Sanftification, and the feveral Benefits which in this Life do either accompany or flow from them t1-
3 3 • Queft . What is Juftification ?
Anfw, Juftification is an aft of God's free Grace, where- in
ye being rooted ' and grounded in love. 1 Cor: 1. 9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jelus Chrift our Lord.
31 t 2 Tim. 1. 9. Who hath fa. ved us, and called us with an holy calling, "not according to our works, dlk according to his own purpofe and giace which was given us in C'nrilt Jefus, before the world be- gan. 1 Ttkf* 2.. 13. But we are bound ro give thanks to God alway ior you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, be- raufe God hath from the beginning chofen you to falvation, through iancTirication cf the Spirit, and be- lie* of the truth : v. 14.. Whereunto he cailed you by our gofpel, to the obtaining of the glory ot our Lord jeius Chriit.
v A&s 2. 37. Now when they heard this,they were pricked in their hearts, and {aid unto Peter, and to die reit of the apoftles, Men and bre- thren, what fliall we do ?
w Afis 26. iS, To open their eyes, and to turn them from dark- nefs'to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may re- ceive forgivenefs of fins, and inhe- ritance among them which are fan- dined by faith chat is in mc.
x Ezek. 36. 26. A new heart alfo will I give you,and a new fpirit will 1 put within you, and I will take a- way the ftony heart out of your flefh, and I will give you an heart of flefh. v. 27. And I will put my Spirit with- in you,and caufc you to walk in my ftatutes, and ye (hall keep my judg- ments, and do them .
y 'John 6+ 44. No man can come to me,except the Father which hath fentme, draw him: and I will raifc him up at the laft day. v9 45. It is written in the prophets, And tney {hail be all taught of God, Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me; ftuf. 2; 13. For it is God that worked^ in you, both to will and to do ot his good pleafure. '
32. z Rom. 8; 30. Moreover, whom he did predeftmate, them he alfo called: and whom he called, them he alio jullified, and whom he justified, them he alfo gloiified,
a Eph. 1 . 5*. Having predeftina- ted us unto the adoption of children by Jefus Chrift to himfelf, accord- ing to the good pleafure of his will.
b 1 Cor, 1. 26. For ye fee your ca- ling, brethren, how that not ma- ny wile men after the flefh, not many mighty, not many noble are cal-
The bborter Latechijm 381
in he pardoneth all our Sins c,and accepteth us as righteous in his Sight d, only for the , Righteoufnefs of Chrift imputed to us e, and received by Faith alone f.
34 Queft. What is Adaption ?
An fin, Adoption is an Act of God's free Grace £, where- by we are received into the Number, and have a Right to all the Priviledges of the Sons of Godh.
35-- What is Salification?
Anfov. Sanctification is the Work of God's -free Grace ?, whereby we are renewed in the whole Man after the Image
of
called: v. 30. But of him are ye in Chrift Jefus, who of God is made unto us wifdom, and righteoufnefs, and fanclift cation, and redtn,
33. cRom. 3. 24* Being juftified freely by his Grace, through the redemption that is in Jefus Chrift: V. 2$. Whom God hath fet forth to be a propitiation through faith in his Blood, to declare his ilghte- oufnefs for the remifBon of his fins that are paft, through the forbear- ance of God. Rom. 4. 6". Even as David alfo defcribeth the blcfledficfs of the man unto whom God irnpu- teth righteoufnefs without won.?, y. 7-. Saying, Blefted are they whofe iniquities are forgiven, and wl fins are covered.' v. S, Bleftld is the man to whom the Lord will not impute fin,
d 2. Cor\ 5-. 19, To wit, that God was in Chrift, reconciling the world unto himfelf, not imputing their trefpafles unto them; and hath com- mitted unto us the word of recon- ciliation* ■». 21. For he hath made him to be fin for u?, who knew no fin, that we might be made the lighrcnufaefs of God in him.
e Rem. 5. 17. For if by one mans offence, death reigned by one; much • more they which receive abundance of grace, and uf the gift of righ- teoufnefs, fhall reign in J ife by one, is Chrift. v. 18, Therefore as by i he offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnaii
even, by the righteoufnefs of one, the tree gilt came upon all men un- to juftification ot life. i>. 19. For as by one mans disobedience, many were made tinners : fo by the obe- dience of one, fhall many be made rightedus-
f Gal% 1- itf- Knowing that a man is not juftified by the works ot the law, but by the faith of Je- fus Chrift, even we have believed in jeiiis Chrift , that we might be fied by the faith of Chrift, and not by the works of the law : by the works of the law, fhall n*i fk-fh be juitiricd. Phi! 3. 9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteoufneff, which is of the law, bat that which is through the iaith of Chrift, the righteoufnefs which is of God by faith.
34. g 1 John 3. 1. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be- ftowed upon 115, that we fhculd be. called the ions of God: therefore the world knoweth us nor, bee- it knew him not.
n 1. 12. But as many as re- cdved him, to them g^ve he power to become the ions of Go*!, even to them that believe on his name, R07/J. 8t 17. And if children, then heirs; heus of God, and joint- heirs with Chrift , it fo be we liv wich him, that we may be alfo glo- rified together.
3 ). i zlbejf. 2., 1?.. --God hath from the beginning chofen you to
iai-
381 The Shorter Catechijm:
of God fr, and are enabled more and more to die unto Sin> and live unto Righteoufhels I
36 » Queii* What are the Benefits which In this Life do accom- pany or few from Jujlfication, Adoption, and Sanfiification*
Anfvv. The Benefits which in this Life do accompany or flow from Juftification, Adoption and Sanftification, are, AfTurance of God's Love, Peace of Confcience m, Joy in the Holy Ghoftn, Increafe of Grace 0, and Perfeverance there- in to the End \\
3 7* Queft, What Benefits do Believers receive from Chrift at Death i
Anfwt The Souls of Believers are at their Death made perfect in Holinefs q, and do immediately pafs into Glory - ;
and
falvarion, through fa notification of the Spirit, and beliet of the truth,
k Eph. 4. 23. And he renewed in the fpn it of your mind $ v: *4« And :hat ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteoufne/s , and true holinefs.
\ Rim. 6. 4. Therefore we are bu- ried with him by baptifm unto death : that Jike as Chrili was raifed up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even fo we all > fhould walk in newnels oi life, <v% 6". Know- ing this, that our old man js cru- ohed with him, that the body of fin might be deitroyed, that hence- 2orth we fhould not ferve fin.
36. m Rom. 5. I. Therefore being juitiiied by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jelus Chriit : v. 2. By whom aifo we have ncceis by iaith into this grace where- in we ftand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God* <v, $. And hope ma ket h not afhamed, becaufe the love ot God is fhed abroad in our hearts, by the holy Ghoit which \s given unto us.
11 Row, 14. i"*, For the kingdom of Goci is not meat and drink, but righteoulnds and peace, and joy in the hoiy ghoft.
o Prov. 4. 1 3. But the path of the juit is as the (hitting light, that fhi- neth more and more unto the per«* fed day.
p 1 John y. 1 3. Thefe things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 Pet, 1.5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto falvation, ready to he revealed in the laft time:
37, q Heb. 12. 23. To the general afiembiy and church of the ftrft- born which are written in heaven, and to God* the judge of all and r.o the (pirits of jure men made perfect;
r 2 Cor. s'u For we know, that if our earthly houlc of this tabei> nacie were diffolved, we have a building of God, an houfe not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, <v> 6. Therefore we are a Iways con- fident, knowing that wliillt we are at home in the body, we are ab- lent from the Lord: <y, 3. We are confident, I lay, and willing ra- ther to be ablent from rhe body, and to be prefent with the Lord. Phil. 1.23, For 1 am in a itrak be- twixt two, having a defue to im- part,
The Shorter Catechtfrn 38$
and their Bodies, being ftilJ united to Chrifl f, do refl: in their Graves r, till the Refurrection v,
38, Quell, "What Benefits do Believers receive from Chrifl at the Refurrettion ?
Anfa. At the Refurrection, Believers, being railed up in Glory w, (hall be openly acknowledged, and acquitted in the Day of Judgment x, and made perfectly blefled in full enjoying of God y, to all Eternity z.
39, t^ueft, What is the Duty which God requireth of Man ? Jnfw. The Duty which God requireth of Man, is Obe- dience to his revealed Will »,
40, Quell, "W hat did God at fir ft reveal to Man for the Rule of his Obedience ?
hnfo9% The Rule which God at firft revealed to Man for ' his Obedience, was the Moral Law b,
41 Qucft, part, and to he wi h Chrifl ; which is far better. Luke, !*• 43. And Je(us laid unto him, verily I fay unto thee, To day fhsic then be with me in paradie-
{ 1 Thejf: 4. 14. For if we believe that Jefus died, 2V\i rofcagaini even fo them alfo which ileep in Jefus will God bring with him.
t J[a. si* 2, He fhali enter into peace : they fhali reft in their bed?, tach one walking in his uprighrnefs,
y 1 John, $. 2. BJovcd, now arc we the ions of God, and it dorh not yet appear what we fh*U be: but wc know, that when he flu;] ap- pear, we fhali be like him ; for we /hall fee him as he is. 1 Cor. 13, 12, For now we lee through a gkfs, darkly; but then tecz to race: row I know m partj but then know even as a! fo I am known.
z I TfrjT, 4, 17- Then we which are alive and remain, fhali be; canghc
v Job io, 25. And thougn after my up together with them in the clouds,
skin, worms deftroy this body, yet in my flefh (hall I fee Go'!: v. 27. Whom I /hall fee for my Celf, and mine eyes fhali behold, and nor another $ though my reins be con- fumed within me.
38. w 1 Cor. iy. 43. Itisfownin diftmnour, it is railed in g'ory : ic is fown in weaknefs, it is railed in power.
X Mattb, 25-, 2:. His lord fa id unto him, Well done, good and faithful (ervantj thcu halt been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler ever many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matth. 10, 32, Wholoever therefore fhali confefs me before incn, him will I confefs alfo before my Fa c her which is in heaven.
to meet the Lord in the air: and io frnll we ever be wirh the Lord. v, 18. Wherefore, comfort one ano- ther with thefe words.
39. a Micab. 6", 8. He harh (hewed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do juitly, anj :o love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 1 Sam. 1;. 22. And Samuel fai'd, Hath the Lord as great delig burnt- offerings and iacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord ? Be- hold, to obey is better than facrj* fice: ?nd to hearken, than thz (z: of rams.
40- b Rdm. 2; 14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the iaw, cH by nature the things contained ir*
thc
384
The Shorter CatechtJrH:
41. Queft. Where is the Moral Law fummarUy comprehend- ed?
Anpiv. The Moral Law is fummarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments c,
42. Queft, What is the Sum of the Ten Commandments ? Anfw, The Sum of the Ten Commandments is, To love
theLord our God with all our Heart, with all our Soul, with all our Strength, and with all our Mind ; and our Neigh- bour as our felves d.
43, Queft, What is the Preface to the T en Commandment s\ Anjw, The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in thefe
"Words, I am the Lord thy Codt which have brought thee out of the Land 0/~Egypt, out of the Houfe of Bondage e.
44, Queft, What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teach usi
Anfw, The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us, That, becaufe God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeem- er , therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments f%
4 j. Queftt Which is the Firft Commandment ?
Anfvvx
the law, thefe having not the law, are a law unto themfelves : v . \$. Which fhew rhe work of the law written in their hearts, their confer- ences alfo bearing witnefs, and their thoughts the mean while accufing or eiie excufing one another. Rom. 10, 5. For Mofes defcribeth the righteoufoefs which is of the law, that the man which doth thole things, lhall live by them,
41, c Peut. io, 4. And he wrote on the tables, according to the firit writing, the ten commandments, which the Lord fpake unto you in the mount, out of the mid ft of the fire, in the day of the aftembly : and the Lord gave them unto me,
42. d Mat. 22. 37, Jeius faid un- to him, Thou (halt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy teal, and with all thy mind. v. 38. This is- the firit and great commandment. rJ 39, And the fecond is like unto ir, Thou (halt love thy neighbour as thy (eif v% 40,
On thefe two commandments hang ail the law and the prophets.
43. e YLxod* 20. 2,
44. f Luke^ 1, 74: That he would grant unto us, that we being delive- red cut of the hands of our enemies, might (erve him without fear. <v, 1$. In holinefs and righteoufhefs before him, all the days of our life. 1 Vet: ] . 1 $. But as he which hath called you is holy, fo be ye holy in all man* ner of conversion ; v* J6\ Becaufe it isv\ricten, Be ye holy, for I am holy, v. 17. And if you call on the Father, who without refpeel of perfons judgcth according to every mans work, pafs the time of your fo- journing hear in tear : v. 18. Foraf- rnuch as ye know that ye were^ not redeemed with corruptible things, as filter and gold, from your -vain converfarion, received by tradition from your fathers ; v. 19. But with the precious blood of Chriir, as of a lamb without blcmith and with- out fpot.
4;. g Exod*
The Shorter Catechlfm: 33>
h»f*. The Firft Commandment is, Thou (halt have no other God's 'before Me g.
46. Queft. What is required in the Firft Commandment 1
Unfit, The Firft Commandment require th us to know, and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God h, and to worfhip and glorify him accordingly!.
47. Queft. What is forbidden in the Firft Commandment \ Anfev. The Firft Commandment forbiddeth the Deny- ing k, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God, as God j, and our God m ; and the giving that Worfhip and Glory to any other, which is due to him alone 0.
48. Queft. What areivefpecially taught by theft -^n/; [Before Me] in the Tirft Commandment f
Anfw, Thefe Words [Before Me] m the Firft Com- mandment, teach us,, That God, who feeth all Things, ra- keth notice of, and is much difpleafed with the Sin of ha- ving any other God c, 49> Quelh
45. g Exod. 20, 3. not as God, neither were thankful
46. 11 1 Chron. 2f% 9. And thou, but became vain in rheir imagina-
Solomon my (on, know thou the God of thy ftthcr, and ferve him with a perfect heart, and with a g mind : for the Lord fearch- cth ail hearts, and undcrihndcth all the imaginations of the rb if thou leek him, he will be of theej bat if thou forfakc him, he will Caft thee cfFfbr ever, 3 1 26, 17. Thou halt avouclied the L»rd this day to be thy God, and co walk in his ways, and to keep Nil fbtutes, and his com- mandments, and hi? judgments, irken unto his voice. i Mattb. 4. 10. Then faith Jefus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written, Thou (hah worfhip the Lord thy God, and hnn only fhak thou fcrvtt Pj.ilm. 2?. 2. Give unro the Lord the glory due uvo his name; worfhip the LorJ in die beauty of holin
47, k Vpflm. 1 4 . 1 . The fool h a th {aid in nis heart, There h no God : they are eorropr, they have
Hoiks, there is none
th.
1,21. Eecaufc r!v
> 3od, they glorified him
tiors, and their iooiifh heart wa* daikned.
m?jal?n. 21, 10. 1 a: G^d, wnich brought thee *otoi the land of Egypt . vviue, and i will fill i*. V* n. my people would no: hearken K> n»y voice: and Kiaei weuid n ut m:.
n Rom, I, 25-. Who changed the trurh of God inro a He, and wor-
C lipped a^d fcrved trie creature lore than the Creator, who is bkfled, for ever, Amen. V. 2.6. For this catlfe God gave them up unto vile afle&ions : for even their wome.i did change the natural^ufe into that which is againfr. nature.
43. o Ez.ek. 8. 5. Then faid he unto rrc, Son of nun, lift up thine eves now the way towards the north : 10 I lift uw mine eftfl the way to- ward the north, and behold, nor
the ^are of the altar, this idol o* jealoftfy in the entry, v. 6. He laid fi me, Son
bog what they cL> ? ions that noiKTeth here, B .) that
49. Qjfeft.
The Shorter Catecbifm.
Which is the Second Commandment ?
AkPx. The Second Commandment is, Thou fhalt not make unto tlee any graven Image, or any JLiknefs of any Thing that is in Heaven above, or that is in the Earth be- neath, or that is in the Water under the Earth i Thou fhalt not bow de-ivn thy fclfto them, nor ferve them ; For I the lord thy God am a jealous God, vifiting the Iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children unto the Third and Fourth Gene- ration of them that hate me : And fhewing Mercy unto Thou- jands of them that love me, and keep my Commandments P#
50* (^ What is required in the fecond Commandment ?
Anfiv. The Second Commandment requireth the recei- ving, obferving, and keeping pure and entire, all luch Reli- gious Worfhipand Ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word q.
5l> Q: What is forbidden in the Second Commandment ?
Anfw. The Second Commandment forbiddeth the Wor- shipping of God by Images r, or any other Way not ap- pointed in his Word \, 52. Quell, tiat I fhonld go far off from my is on the earth, the likenefs ot any
winged fowl that flieth in the air, v. 18. The likenefs of any thing
ianctuary ? but turn thee yet again, and thou (halt fee greater abomina- tions, &ci to the end of the chapter,
49. p Exod. 2.0. 4 5. 6.
50. q Deut. $2. 46"- And he (aid unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I teftify among you this day; which ye thall com- mand your children to obferve to do, all the words of #he law. Matth 28. 20. Teach-ng them to obferve ail things whatfoever I have com* manded you : and \o, I am with you alway, even umo the end of the world. Amen, jifts. 2 42. And they continued ftedfaitJy in the a- poftles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
51. r De-At. 4, 15. Take ye there- fore good heed unto your felves (Tor ye faw no manner of fimili- tude on the day that the Lord fpake unto you in Horeb, outofthe midff. of the fire) v. 16. Left ye corrupt your felves, and make you a graven image, rhe fimilitude of any figure, rhe Mends of male or female, v 17. The likends of any beaft that
that creepeth on the ground, the likenefs of any fifli that is in the waters beneath the earth: v> 19* And left thou lift up thine eyts unto heaven, and when thou fecit the fun, and the moon, and the ftars, even all the hoft of heaven fhou?dlt be driven to worfhip them, and ferve them, which the Lord thy God hath devided unto all na- tions under the whole heaven. Exod 32. f. And when Aaron faw it, he built an altar before ic 5 and Aaron made proclamation, and (aid, To morrow is a feaft to the Lord, v 2, They have turned a!i.Je quickly 01;: of the way which I commanded them : they have made them a mol- ten calf, and have worflvpped Hi and have faoiriced rjicreurro, ami faid, Thefe be thy gods, O Hrael, which have hi ought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
f Aa' I2i?$> Thou fhalt nor r*o
fo unto the Lord ihy God: K«r
eveyy
lie Shorter Catechifa. 38-
52, Queft. What are the Reafons annexed to the Second Commandment ?
Anjw. The Reafons annexed to the Second Command, ment are, God's Sovereignty over us r, his Propriety in us v, and the Zeal he hath to his own Worfhip w.
53, Queft. Which is the Third Commandment \
Anfw. The Third Commandment is, Thou fh alt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain ; Tor the Lord will not hold him guiltlefs that taketh his Name in vain x.
54, Queft. What is required in the Third Commandment ? Anfw. The Third Commandment requireth the holy
and reverend life of God's Namesy, Titles &, Attributes *, Ordinances b, "Word c, and Works d. 5-5-. Queft,
eveiy abomination to the Lord that ricJerh upon the he-vens oy ins
which he haterh, have they done Onto their gods: for even their Ions ciiid their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. v. 32. What thm£ ioever f commani you, ob(tf ve to do it : thou (halt not add thereto, nor 11101101111 from it.
jfz, t Vfalm. 9;. 2. Let us come be* fore his preknee with thankfgiving, and nuke a joyful noife unto him with pfalms. v. 3 . For the Lord is a great God, and a great Ring above ail go4?. v. 6 O come let us worfhip and b ,w down ; let us kneel before the Lord our maker;
v Pfa/m, a-S- t i vSo (hall the King greatly deiire thy beauty ; for he is tuy Lord, and worfhip thou him.
w Exod.i4..i 2, But ye lhall dedroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves v. 14 For (hnu fhalt worfhip no orher god ; for the Lord, whole name is Jealous, is a jealous God. .53. x Exod 20, 7. )~4. y Matth. 6. Qi After this man- ner Therefore pray yc : Oiir Father which ait in heav.n, hallowed be. thy name. D^at. 28. $$. U thou wilt not obferve to do all the words of ihis law that are written in this book, that thou rmyeft tear this glo- rious and fearful name, THE LORDTHYGOD. _ a Pjjb/i 6$, 4. Sing unto God, li'ig praiiesimto his name : extol him
name J A H, and rejoice before him. a Rev. i?. 3. And thev fiag the fong of Mofes the fervant of God, and the fbng of the Lamb, faying, Great ^nd marvellous are thy works. Lord God almighty, ju:r and true are thy ways thou King of faints, v. 4. Who Pnall not tear thee, O Lord, and glorify rhy name ? foi tht#i only art holy : tor all nations (had come and worfhip before mee; fax, thy judgments are made roanJfeJt,
b MaL I, 1 j. For from the of the fun, even unco rhe gofetg down of the lame, my name flialj be g-eat among the G utiles, an J a every place incenle lha<l be uuro my name and a puie erfJering ; for my nave fhaii be gre&t imon^ the heathen, laich the famed r>t v, 14., But cuiled be the J ceiver, which ham in i;H rloc.\ a male, and voweth and (aci ificcth unto the Lord a corrupt thine . for I am a great Kin^„ faith the Lord oi hods, and my name is dreadful among the heathen,
c Pfilm, 1 38. 1. I will praife thee with my whole heart, befoie dn: gods will I fam% praife un:o t!?ee v. 2. i wll worfhip cowards rhv holy- temple, and p ajfc thy inaro^j. m thy. loving k'mdiief^ and fat thy truth: for t)le& ha!: magnified thy Word above a; ! rhy. nanu.
d Jc\ \6 11. }| f/m-
B b 1
388 The Shorter Catechifm.
57, Queft, What is forbidden in the Third Command- merit ?
Anfw, The Third Commandment forbideth all Profa- ning or Abufing of any Thing whereby God makethhim-^ ielf known c,
56, Queft, What is the Reafon annexed to the Third Command, racnt ?
Anfw, The Reafon annexed to the Third Command- ment is, That however the Breakers of this Commandment may efcape Punifhment from Men, yet the Lord our God will notfuffer them to efcape his righteous Judgment f.
57, Queft, Which is the Fourth Commandment ?
Anfw, The Fourth Commandment is, Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six Days floalt thou labour, end do all thy work : But the Seventh Day is the Sab- bath
thou magnify his work, which men behold.
55". e Mai. 1. 6*. A fon honou- reth his father, and a fcrvant his matter: Ifthenlbea lather, where is mine honour ? and if I. be a mafter, where is my fear ? faith the Lord of holts unto you, O pried s, that defpife my name: and ye fay, Wherein have we defpifed thy name ? v. 7. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar, and ye ky, Wherein have v.-e polluted thee •? in that ye fay, Tne table of the Lord is contemp- tible, v. 11. But ye have profaned it, in that ye fay, The table ot the Lord is polluted, and the fruir there- of, even his meat is contcmpriole* Mai. 2., 2. If ye will not hear, ■-md if ye will nor lay it to heart, . ro gtve glory unto my name, iaith the Lord of ho(rc, I will even (end a curfe upon you, and I will curfe your blcdings : yea, I have cur fed them already, becaufe ye do not lay it to heart, Mai. 3. J 4.. Ye have laid, It is van ro ferve God: a nd what profit is it, rhat we have kept his Ordinance, and that we have vvalkcd mournfully before zhe Lord o' hoi rs ? ■ » 6. f 1 Sam.z. 12. Now the fons
of Eli were fons of Belial, they knew not the Lord. v. 17, Wherefore the fin of the young men was very great before the Lord ; for men ab- horred the offering of the Lord; v. Q.2. Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his fons did unto all Ifrael, and how they lay wuh the women that aflembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congrega- tion 29. Wherefore kick ye at my^ facrifice, and at mine offeiing which I have commanded in my ha- bitation, and honoured thy fons above me, to make your fclves iat with the chiefeff. of all the offerings of Ifrael my people? 1 Sam. 3 13. For I have told him, that I will jadge his houfe for ever, for the iniquity which he knoweth ; becaufe his tons made Jhemfelves vile, and he re- trained them not. JDeutn 28. $3. If thou wilt no: obferve to do all the words of this law that are writ- ten in this book, that thou may ft fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; % 59. Then the Lord will make chy piagu: s wonderful, and the plagues or thy feed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and fore l\ck- nefks and of long continuant.
$?. g to •
The Shorter CaUchifm. 3S9
bath of the Lord thy God : in it thou Jhalt pot do any work, thou, nor thy Son, nor thy Daughter, thy Man-fervani, nor thy Maidservant, nor thy Cattle 9 nor thy Stranger that is with- in thy Gates, For in Six Days the Lord made Heaven and the Sea, and all that in them is, and refted theSc: wherefore the Lord bleffed the Sabbath-day, and halhwel
Earth, Day :
it ^
58, Queft "What is required in the Efflrth ( ment ?
Anfw, The Fourth Commandment requireth the keep- ing holy to God, fuch fet Times as he hath appointed in his Word ; cxprefly on whole Day in Seven, to be a holy Sabbath to himfelf h,
59, Quefl, 'Which Day of the Seven hath God appointed to be tfe weekly Sabbath ?
A?fu>, From the Beginning of the World to the Reflir- rection of Chrift, God appointed the Seventh Day of the Week to be the Weekly Sabbath ; and the firft Day of the Week, ever fince, to continue to the End of the World, v is the Chriftian Sabbath f.
<5o, Queft, How is the Sabbath to be fanttifiedl
Anfiu, The Sabbath is to be fanftiried, by a holy RefKng all that Day k, even from fuch Worldly Employments and
Re.
57- g Exod. 20, 8, 9, 10, 11.
58. h Deut.. y, 12. Keep the fab- bath-day to fanctiry it, a? rhe Lurd thy God hath commanded thee. v, 13. Six days (halt thou labour, and do ail thy wok; v. u. Bur the Ieventh day is the (aboath of rhe Lord thy God; in it thou ihalt not do any work, rhoi;, nor thy^ Ton, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-tervant, nor thy inaid- lervant, nor thine ox, nor thine ais, nor any of thy thy ifcranger that is gates; that thy man-fervant and thy maid-fervant may rcit as well as thou.
59. i Gen. 2: 2. And on the fe- venth day God ended his work which he had made: and he relied on the feventh day from all his work which he had made, v* 5. And
God bleflld the ieventh day, and lancrified it : becaufe that in it he had relied from all his work, which God created and made. 1 Cor, 16: 1. Now concerning rhe collection for the taints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even (o do ye. v. 2, Upon the iiril day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in itore, as God harh prol- pered him, that there be no ga- therings when I come, Acls. 20 7. cattle, nor And upon the fix it day of the week, within thy when the difciples came together to break bread* Paul preached cn- to them, ready to depart on the marrow, and continued his fpeech until midnight.
60. k Exod, 20, 8, Remember^ the
fabbath-day, to keep it holy. v. 10.
But the feventh day is the fabbath
ot the Lord thy God ; in it thou
Bb 3 {halt
590 The Shorter Catechifrn.
Recreations, as are lawful on other Days J, and {pending the whole Time in the publick and private Exercifes of God's Worftiip m, except fo much as is to be taken up in th€ Works of Neceffity and Mercy n.
6iy Quell, 'What is forbidden in the Fourth Command- ?nent :
Anfw. The Fourth Commandment forbiddeth the Omif- ilon or careiefs Performance of the Duties required o, and
the that they fhould not be opened till alter the fabbath : and tome of my fervants fee I at the gates, that there fliould he no burden brought in on the fabbath-day. v. 21, Then I teftified againft then, and faid un- to them, Wiry lodge ye about the wall? if ye do fo again, 1 will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the fab- bath. v, 22. And I commanded the Levites, that they fhould cleanle themftlve?, and that they thould come and keep the gate?, to fan&ify the (abbath-day : Remember m?, O my God, concerning this alfo, and (pare me according to the great- nefs of thy mercy:
m Luke 4, 16. And he came to Naz-aicrh, where he had been brought up: and, as his cuftom was, he went into the fynagogue on the (abbath-day, and flood up for to read. ABs. 20, 7. And upon the firft day of the week, p*c. See letter t. P\zlm. 92. Title. A pfaim or fong lor the l^bbarh-day. Ifa, 66. 23. Ao'fj it (Ball come to pafs, that from one new -moon pq another^ and from one fabbath to another, (hail all flefh come to worfbip before me, faith the Lord.
n MaHh 12, from verfe. 1,^031. At tbat time Jeius went on the fab- barivday through the corn, and hi? difciplcs were an hungrcd, and be- gan to pluck the ears of corn, and to cat. v, 2. But when the Phari- fees, $?£, v,. 12,—— h is lawful to do weii on the fabbath'. day S;
61 > o Ezek, 22, zS, Her prfrfts
(halt net do any work, thou, nor ri.v (on, &c< Exod. 16, z>. And Mo- les faid. Ear that to dav; for to day is a fabbath unto the Lord : to day ye (hall not find ir in the held. i)f 26. Six days ye fhall gather if , but on the feventh dav which is the bbath, in it there fhall be none. 27. And it came Co pafs, that went cue fome of the people fevemh day for to gather,
. rbcy tcund none, y 28. And Lord faid unto Molts, How
-; refute ye to keep my command- . ...rs and my law ?
Sreh. 15, ij\ In thofe days faw fudah fomc treading win^-prei- fes on the fabbath, and bringing in I -caves, and lading a lies : as alfo j inc, grapes, and qgf; and all man- :\-r of burdens, which they brought ■into Jcrufalam on the fabbath-day: and I rcliiried againft them in the day therein they told viauais. v. 16^ There dwelt men of Tyre aifo there- .m, which brought tifh, and all man- ner of wares and fold on the fab- bun unto the children of furfah, and in Jerufalem. v. 17. Then I contended with the nobles of fu- el* h, and faid unto them, What evil <hing is this that ye do, and pro- fane the fabbath day ? v. 18. Did not your fathers thus, and did not pur God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city ? Yet ye bring more wrath uppn Ifrael by profa- ning the fabbath. v, 19. And it came to pais, that when the gates of Je- rufalem began to be dark before the fabbath, I commanded that the gates fhould be fhut, and charged
The Shorter Catechtfm 39 1
the Profaning the Day by Idlenefs p, or doing that which is in hfelf finful q, or by unnecefTary Thoughts, Words or Works, about our Worldly Employments or Recreations-,
62. Queft. What are theReafcns annexed to the fArt 6 i ment ?
Anfw: The Reafons annexed to the Fourth Command* ment are, God's allowing us Six Days of the Week for ocr own Employments f, his challenging a fpecial Propriety in the Seventh, his own Example, and his BlefTingthe Sab- bath-day t,
have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things; they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they fhevved difference between the un- clean and clean, an 1 have hid their eyes from my (abbaths, and I am profaned amjng them. Aims 8.y. Saying, When will the new-moon bz gone, tnat ye may fell corn { and the (abbath, that ws may fet loith wheat, making the ephah imall, and the (hekel great, and faKifying the baliances by deceit? Mai 1. 13. Ye faid alfo, Behold, what a wearinefs is it ?. and ye have inuffed at it, laith the Lord ot holts; und ye brought that which was torn, and the lame and the tick -9 thus ye brougnt an offering : fhould I accept this ot your hand;, faith the Lord ?
p Afts 20. 7. And upon the firft day of the week, when the difcipies came togethei to break bread, Paul peached unto them, reaJy to de- pa! t on the morrow and continued nis (pecch until midnight, v. 9. And there Cu in a window a certain young man named Eutychns, being fallen into a deep lleep : and as Paul was long preaching, he iunk down withfkep, and fell down from the third lofrand was raken up dead,
ej Ezek. 23. 38. Moreover, this
they nave done unto me : they
have defiled my fandtuary in the
fame day, and have prolaned my
. faobaths.
r Jcr. 17, 24. And ic (hall come
Quell.
to pafs, if ye diligently hearken unto me, faith the Lord, to bring in no burden through the gites of this city on the fabbath-day, bur. hallow the fabbath-day, to do no work therein : v, 15. Then (hail there enter info the gates of this city, kings and princes, fitting upon the throne oi David, riding in cha- riots, and on horfes. they and their p inccs, the men ot Judah, and the inhabitants ot Jerulakm ; and this city fhali remain tor ever. v. z6. And they fhail come trom the ci- ties of Judah, and from the places about Jerufalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and trom the plain, and from rhe mountains, and from the fouth, biinging burnt-offering and facririces, and meat offering?, and incenfe, and bringing facrifices of praife unto the houfe of the Lordt IJa. 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from trie (abbath, from doing thy pleafureon my holy day, and call rhe (abbath a delight, the ho- ly of the Lord, honourable and (halt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleafure, nor fpcaking thine owo words.
61. CExod. 20. 9, Six daysfhale thou labour, and do all thy work:
t Exoa. 20. 11. For in fix days the Lord made heaven and earth, the lea, and all that in them is, and .retted the feventh day; wherefore the Lord blefled the fabbath-day, and hallowed it.
fi b + 61 v Exnd,
391 The Shorter Catechifm.
63 ■ Queft. Which is the Fifth Commandment ?
Anfv)y The Fifth Commandment is, Honour thy Father and thy Mother : That- thy Days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God give th thee v. ,
64- QPeft- What is required in the Fifth Commandment ?
Jnfi). The Fifth Commandment requireth the Preferving the Honour, and Performing the Duties belonging to every one in their feveral Places and Relations, as , Superiors w, Inferiors x, or Equals y.
65. Queft/ What is forbidden in the Fifth Command- ment P
Anfiv. The Fifth Commandment forbiddeth the Negle- fting of, or doing any Thing againft the Honour and Duty which belongeth to every one in their feveral Places and Relations z.
66. Queft. What is the deafen annexed to the Yifth Com- 7i;andment*
An/w, The Reafon annexed to the Fifth Commandment is a Promife of long Life and Profperity (as far as it mail ferve for God's Glory, and their own Good ) to all luch as keep this Commandment a;
67. Queft,
65, V; Exod. "20, 12. prophefie agair.ft the fhepherds of
64, w Eph^s- 21. Submitting your Hrae), prophefie and fay unto them,
felves one to another in the fear Thus faith the Lord God unto the
of God, fhepherds, Wo be to the fhepherds
x 1 Pet. 1, v. Honour all men. of Ifrael, that do feed themfelves :
Love the brotherhood, Fear God. fhould not the fhepherds feed the
Honour the king. flocks? v. 3, Ye eat the fat, and ye
y Rom. 12. 10. Be kindly arTedi- clothe you with the wool, ye kill
oned one to another $ with brother* them that are fed, but ye feed not
ly love, in honour preferring one the flock. *v. 4. The difeafed have
aiother, ye not ftrengthned, neither have ye
6;. z Matth, if, 4- For God com- healed that which was lick, neither
manded, faying, Honour thy father have ye bound up that which was
and mother : and, He that curfetli broken, neither have ye brought a-
father or mother, let him die the gam that which was driven away,nei-
dealh. v, 5. But ye fay, Whofoe- ther have ye fought that which was
ver fhall fay to his father or his loft ; hut with force and with cruelty
mother, ft is a gift by whatsoever have ye ruled them. Rom i3.B.Owe
thou mighteft be profited by me, no man any thing, but to love one
v. 6. And honour not his father or another ; for he that loveth ano-
his mother, he fhall be free. Thus ther, hath fulfilled the law. have ye made the commandment 66. a.M 5. 16. Honour thy
oiGodof none efk& by your tra- father and thy mother, as the Lord titm, $uk. S4, 2, ^-i pf man,
39}
Tloe Shorter Catechifm.
6~j* Queft. Which is the Sixth-Commandment I
Anfwy The Sixth Commandment is, Thou fialt not Klllh* v 68' Queft. What is required in the Sixth Command. ment ?
Anfoj. The Sixth Commandment requireth all lawful En. deavours to preferve our own Life c, and the Life ofothers : ,
69. Quett. What is forbidden in the Sixth Commandment f
Anjiv. The Sixth Commandment forbiddeth the Taking away of our own Life, or the Life of our Neighbour un- juftly, or whatfoever tendeth thereunto e.
7c- Queft, Which is the feventh Commandment]
Ajjjh The Seventh Commandment is. Thou (halt net com- mit Adultery f.
71. Queft. What is required iu the Seventh Com::, ment i
An/vu The Seventh Commandment requireth the Prefer- vation of our own and our Neighbour's Chaftity, in Heart, Speech and Behaviour g.
72. Queft
thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and rhar it may go well with rhee in dw Land which inc Lord thy God glveu' tiict, Epb. 6- 2. Honour cbyfarher and thy mother, (which is mma rid ment with pro* mifc) v. 3, That it may be well with thee, and thou mayeit live long on rhe earth.
67. b Extd. 20 !£,
68. c Eph. 5. 28. So ought men to love their own wives, as rheir own bodies : he that lovethhis wife, bveth himfelf. v. 2.9. For no man ever hated his own fkfh; but nou- rifheth and cherifheth it, even as the Lord the church.
d 1 Kings 18. 4: For ir was fo, when Jez.ebel cut of the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fiity in a cave, and led them with bread and water.
69. e Atts 16. 2.8. But Paul cried with a loud voice, faying Do thy leifdo h^rm; ior we are all here,
Gen, 9 6. Whofo (heddeth blood, by man (hall his blood 5^ ftied ; tor in the image of 3od made he man.
70 fExod. 20, i/r,
ji.g lGr. 7. 2. Neverthelefs, to avoid fornication, k: every maa have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. ^. 3., Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence 5 and wife alio the wife unro the husband* tL 5. Defraud ye nor one the other, except it be with confenc for a time, that ye may give your felves to falling and prayer j and come together again, that Satan tempt you noc for your inconti- nency. v. 34. There is difference alio between a wife and a virgin; the unmarried woman careih for the things of the Lord, that fhe may- be holy, both in body and in fpirk : but fhe that is married careth for: the things of the world, how fhs may pleafe her husband, v; 56. But if any man think that hs beha vech him-
394 The Shorter Catechifm.
72. .Quell.- What is forbidden in the Seventh Command- ment. ?
Jnfw. The Seventh Commandment forbiddeth all un- chaft Thoughts, Words, and Affions h>
V^ Queft, Which is the Eighth Commandment*
Jnfw. The Eighth Commandment is, Thou jh alt not Steal \.
74. Queft. What is required in the Eighth Command- ment? ' '
Anfia. The Eighth Commandment requireth the lawful
procuring, and furthering the Wealth and outward Eftate of our felves and others K
7j. Queft/
himluf uncomely towards his vlr- gin, ifihe pafs the flower of her age, and need fo require, let him do what he will, he linnecrT not : let them marry, t'oi. 4. 6, Let your i'peech be alway with grace, fea- ioned with fair, that ye may know how yc ought to anfwer every man. 1 Pet. 3. z. While they behold your chaft conversation coupled with fear 72. h Mdt' 1 y, 19, For out of the heait proceed1 evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, ihefts, talfe witnefs, blafphemies. Mat- >. ' z?>. But I fay unto you, That whoioeverlooketh upon a wo* man to iuft after her, hath com- mitted adultery with her already in his heart. Efh% f> 3. But fornica- tion, and all uncleannefs, or cove- roulneis, lent r.or be once 'named amonglt you, as become th faints : v. 4 Neitiier filtbinefs, nor fooiifh talking nor jetting, which are not convenient : but rather giving of thanks.
73. i Exody 2.0. 15.
74. k Gen. 30. 30! For it Was little which thou 'hadft before I came,and it is now iriaeafed Unto a multitude^ and the Lord hath bleilcd thee fince
my coming* and now when fhalil provide tor mine own houfe alfo? 1 Tim. $, 8. But ii any provide not for his own, and elpeciaiiy for thofe his afs going altray, thoU flialt (ure-
, >*Ytq rtwn honf^ he harh rfcnifH iv
the faith, and is wcrfc than an in- fidel Liv. 25. J j And if thy bro- ther be waxen. po0j, and fallen in decay with thee, then thou ftialt re- lieve him j yeviwugh he be a 'ftrari- ger,or a fojourner ; that he may live withehee.D*«f,aa. i.Thou ftialt not lee thy brothers ox or his fheep go ail ray, and hide thy felt trom them : thou fha'lt in any cafe bring them again unto thy brother; v 2! And it thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou (halt bring it unto thine own houfe, and it fhall be with thee until thy brother feek after ir, and thou (halt reftore ic to him again, v. 3. In like manner (halt thou do with his afs, and 10 (halt thou do with his raiment, and with all loft thhg of thy brothers, which lie harh loir, and thou halt found, fhait rtoou do likewise : thou mayeit not hide thy felf. v, 4. Thou (halt not fee thy brothers a Is or his ox >all down by the way, and hide thy felf from them . thou (halt lureiy help him to lift them up again, v- 5:, Tne woman fhall not wear that which perraineth unto a man, neither (hall a man put on a womans garment : for all that do fo, are abomination unto the Lord thy God. Exod.zy, 4, If thou meet thine enemies ox or
v: his own houfe, he ha:h denied
ly
The Shorter Catechifm. 3^
75: Queft: 'What is forbid Jen in the Eighth Command* ment ?
Ah/w. The Eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatfo- ever doth, or may unjuftly hinder our own, or our Neigh- bour's Wealth, or outward Eflate u
76, Quell: . 'Which is the Ninth Commandment r
Anfw. The Ninth Commandment is, Thou (halt not bear falfe Witnefs again/} thy Neighbour m.
77. Queft, What is required in the Ninth Commandment f An/w. The Ninth Commandment requireth the Main.
taining and promoting of Truth between Man and Man n, and of our own, and our Neighbours good Name o, efpeci- ally in witnefs bearing p,
78' Quell. What i* forbidden in the Ninth Command, ment ?
A»/n>. The Ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatfoever is prejudicial toTruth, or injurious to our own or our Neigh- bour's good Nameq.
19 Queft:
]y bring ic back to him again, v, 5-. If th "i lee the afs of him chat hatetn rnec, lying under his burden, and wouldlt forbear to help hbi j thou fhalt lurely help with him. Gen. 47. 14 And Joleph garnered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, tor the corn wh'w:h tney bought : and Joleph brought the money into Pharaohs houie, v, 20. And Jofeph bomht all the land of Egypt tor Pharaoh ; fur the Egyp- tians fold every man his held, be- came the famine prevailed over rhem : fo the land became Pha- raohs,
75. 1 Vrov. 21, 15. He that loveth pleasure (hail be a poor man : he 'hat loveth wine and oil (hall not be rich. ?rov. 23. 20.. Be not a- mongft wine-bibers, amongft riot- ous eaters of flefh. v: 21. For the drunkard and the glutton fliall come to pDverty: and drowfinefs fhali clothe a man with rags. Pw. 28. !?. lie thar rilleth his land, fnall have plenty oi biead : but he that
followeth after vain perfons, fhail have poverty enough. Epb. 4, 28. Let him that itole it^a! no more : but rather let him labour, working with his hands the rhing wnich is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 76", m Exod ao 16.
77. n Zechn 8. 16. Thefe are the things that ye fhall do, Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour. execute the judgment ot truth and peace in your gates.
o 3. John 12. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth ic feu"; yea, and we alfo bear record, and ye know that our record k true.
p Pro v. l$+ $. A faithful witnefs, will not lie : but a falfe witnefs will utter lies. v. 25; A true witnefs de- livered fouls, but a deceitful witnefs fpeaketh lies.
78. q 1 Sam. 17.28. And Eliab bis eldelt brother heard when he fpake unto the men i and Eliabs anger was kindled againft David, and he fa id, Why camelt thou down
hither ?
396
Thi Shorter Catechifm.
Oueft Which is the Tenth Commandment*. A,,'/™ The Tenth Commandment is, Thou /halt not covet ,by Neighbour's Houfe, thou fludt not covet thy Neighbours Wife' 'no- his Man-fervant, nor his Maidjervant, nor his Ox, no? 'his A/i, nor any thing that is thy Neighbour's*- g Queft What is required in the Tenth Commandment V Anfw The Tenth Commandment requireth full Con- tentment with our own Condition r, with a rightj ^d/fcan- table Frame of Spirit toward our Neighbour, and all that
iS Si Oueft. What is forbidden in theTenth Commandment ?
KnfZ The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all UU- contmtment with our own Eft-ate v, Envying or Gney- Sg at the Good of our Neighbour w, and all mordmate
higher? and with whom haft thou kit thole lew iheep in the wilder- nefs ? 1 Know thy pride, and the ^au^htineis oi thine heait ; ior thou arc come down, that rhou mighteit -fee 'he battle. Lev, 19. 16* Thou 'Oialtnoi go up and down as a tale- Nearer among thy people ; neither faafe thou itand a^ainit the blood pithy neighbour : I. am the Lord. PWjw 15 '• 3 He that backbiteth not '•vrh feis tongue, nor doth evil to his .eighbouiViortaketh up a reproach aaamtthi^eighbour.
3o.f utb. is- s- h% y°urconvep;
f'.ron be without covetoulncfs 5 and he content with Tuch things as ye ^ave ' ior he hath (aid, I will never ^ave thee, nor forfake thee. 1 Tw. "^ 6 But godlinefe with content- ment is gi eat gain:
t rj$y 3 1 1 20. U I rejoiced at the deltvaction or him that hated me, oi lilt up iny Ceil, when evil found him. $m* *- Sfl Rci°icc Wlth them that do rejoice, and weep wim them chat weep, 1 Tim. L 5. Now th° end of the commandment is charity, out of a pure heart, and of a good conicience, and ot iaitn tiQUafned. x O, 13, 4. Cliaricy
fufisreth long and is kind ; chan- ty envierh not j chanty vauntech not it felf, is not puffed mil f< Doth not behave it felt unfeeraly {eeketh not her own, is not eafa.y provoked, thinketh no evil, v, 6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but re- joiceth in the truth :^. 7, Beareth ill things, believcth a^i^ *£ peth all things, endurethall things. *Yi'vV. i'-K/ig/ai. 4. AndAhab cameintohis houfe, heavy and dit- pleaied, becaufe of the word which Naboth the Jezrehte had fpoken to him; for he had find, I wnl not give thee the inheritance oi my fa- thers: and he laid him down upon Ins bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread, Mh. £. 13- Yet all this availeth me notinng, folongasliee Mordecai the Jew fitting at the. Jungs gate. 1 Cor. 10 l o, Neither murmur ye, as tome of them alio murmured, and were deiirovcd of the deftroyer:
WM 5. 2^. Letus noc oerVe' fireous ot vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. James 1. *4- But if ye have bitter *&. • vying and ftrife in your hearts, glo- ry not, and lie not againit the truth v. 16 For where enving and itnfe
397
The shorter Latechtjm:
Motions and AffecTions to anything that is his x>
82. Queft. Is any Man able perfectly to keep the Commandm of God*
Anftv. No mere Man, fince the Fall, is able , in this Life, perfectly to keep the Commandments of God) : but doth daily break them in Thought, Word and DeecU,
83. Queft. Are all Tranfgrcjfrs of the Law ec-.cll.
r?
nous :
Anfio' Some Sins in rhcmfelves, and by reafon of fevers' Aggravations, are more hainous in the Sight of God than others a. 34, Queft
15, there is coniufion, and every evil work.
x Rmn. 7. 7. What fliall we (ay rhen \ Is the law fin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known tin, but by the law ; for 1 had not known luft, except the law had {aid, Thou (halt not covet, 1/. 8. But fin raking occa- iion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner ot concupifcence. For without the law tin was dead* RL?n. 13. 9. For this, thou ihaltno: commit adultery, Thou (halt not kill, Thai (halt not ileal, Thou (halt not bear fal(c wimefs, Thou (halt not covet j and it there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this faying, name- ly, Thou (halt love thy neighbour as rhy felt. Deut. 5. zJ. Neither (halt thou defire thy neighbours wife, neither (halt thou covet thy neighbours houte, his field, or his man-fervanr. or his maid-fervnnt, his oK, or his afs, or any thing that is thy neighbours.
$jL y EccL 720. For there is not a juli man upon earth, that dcth good and iinnerh nor. t Jofri 1. 8. It wc fay, that we have no tin, we deceive our (elves, and the truth is not in us, ~j. 1 o. If we fry, rha: \v e have not (inner!, wc make hurt a Ifer, and his word is net in us. Gal. y. 1/. For the fieflbtlufefh agaimt the fpirir, and the fpiri: igafhft the flefh : and thefc are contrary the cne to the other ; (o tfiat ve cannot do the things that ye would.
z Gen. 6 f. And Gcd faw cfiat
the wickedneis or man wis greac in tKe earth, and that every imagi- narion ot the thoughts of his was only evil continually Gen. e\ 21, And the Lord imelied a fweet (avour : and the Lord ;aid in Wb hear:, I wSil not again ciirfc the ground any more for mans fake, tor the imagination of mans heart
Jth . neither will 1 fi it any more evtrv thing
'one. Ro?n. 3. 9. Wnat ti.cn/ are wre better than they? No in no wife, for we have before proved both Jews and Gentries, that • e ah under fin — - ard jeont* WT/ftli J&nes 3. 2. For Hi many things we offend all. If any ma offend not in word, the fame is a perfect man, and ablealfo to bridle the whole b dy-andfoonto njerje n^ S3, a Ez(k. 3 6, He laid furiner- morc unto me, Son of man, (eeft rhou what they do ? even the great abominations that the houfe of lf- rael commktcth here, that I fhould go far off from my fanctuarv * but turn thee yet again, and thou (hale fie greater abominations, v. 13, He laid alfo uno me, Turn thee yet agnin, and thou (halt ice greater abominations 'hat they do. vl ly. Then laid he unto me, Halt thou feen thir, (Men of mm ? turn thee yet again,- and thou (halt (ee greater abom -.nations than theie. I Job;: y. iu, Ir any man (ee his brother fa a
tin
39§ The Shorter Catechtfm,
84. Qiieft What doth every Sin deferve P
Anfiv Every Sin deierveth God's Wrath arid Curfe, both m this Life, and that which is to come b,
85, Queft, What doth God require of us, that -we may efcape his wrath and Curfe, due to us for Sin ?
Anfw, toefcape the Wrath and Cnrfe of God due to us
for Sin, God requireth of us Faith in Jefus Chrift, Repen .
tance unto Life c, with the diligent Ufe of all the outward
. Means whereby Chrift communicateth to us the Benefits of
"Redemption d,
8o\ V<aeft, What is faith in Jefus Chrift ?
Anfu\ Faith in Jefus Chrift is a laving Grace e, where- by we receive, and reft upon him alone for Salvation, as he is offered to us in the GofpeR 87, Quefh
fin which is nor unto death, he (hall ask, and he (hall give him Wfc for :hem that fin nor nr.ro death There is a fin unto death : I do not (ay, that he (hall pray for it. PJalm 78. 17. and they finned yet more a- gainft him, by provoking the molt High in the wildernefs, v, 32. For all this they finned ftill : and be- iieved not for his wondrous works. v. 56. Yet they tempted and pro- voked the molt high God, and kept not his tefiimonies.
84., b kfb, y. 6. Let no man de- ceive you with vain words : for be- cause ot thefc things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of di (obedience. Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the 'aw, are under the curfe . for it is written, Curied is every one that vonrinueth not in all things which ire written in the book oifthe law to do them. Lament, 3. 39. Where- fore doth a living man complain, a man for the puriifhmenc ot his fins? Uatth. 2> 41. Then fhall he alfo fay unco them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye Curfed, into cvti failing fire, prepared for the devil and his angels
& 5. c Alls 20 .2 1 . Tefiify ins both fo the Jews, and alio to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith Toward our Lord Jefus Crmir*
d Prov. 2. 1. My fon, if thou wilr receive my woids, and hide my commancments with thee: v, 2. So that thou incline thine ear unto wifdom, and apply tnine heart to underftandiag: v, 3. Yea, if thou ciieft after knowledge,and lifteif. up thy voice for underftanding : v. 4. If thou feekeft her as fi iver, and fearcheft for her, as for hid trea- furc ; v. $ Then flialtthou under- itand the fear of the Lord; and find the knowledge of God Prov% 8. 33, Hear inftrucYion, and be wiie, and refute it not. v. 34. BleiTcd is the man that heareth me, watch- ing daily at my gates, waiting at the polls of my doors, v, 35* For whofofindeth me, findeth hie, and fhall obtain favour of the Lord. v. 36. But he that finneth agaiml- me, wrongerh his own foul , all chey that hate me, love death. Jja. 57, 3. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your fcul thai! live, and 1 v/ill make an everlaflim; covenant with you, even the iure mercies of David.
86. e Hcb 10. 39. But we are nor of them who draw back unto pe:d» - rion i but of them that believe, w the laving of the foul.
I ]obn k 12. But as many as re- ceived him, to them gave he power •
to
The shorter Catecbtfm. 399
£7 Quell. "What is Repentance unto Life P
w. Repentance unto Life is a Saving Grace g, where- by a Sinner, out of the true fenfe of his fin hj and Apprehen- fion of the Mercy of God in Chrift ;, doth, with Grief and Hatred of his fin, turn from it unto God j„ with full purpofe of, and Endeavour after new Obedience i.
8S. Queft. 'What are the outward Mec; vmnicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption ?
Anjiv The outward and ordinary Means whereby Chrift comniunicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption
Or-
to became the S^ns o'Gj'l, even to them chit believe on hi- Name,//.?. 2.6. 5. Thou *iit keep him in perfect peace, whofe mind is itayedon thee : becaute he rrufteth in thee, v 4. Tiuft ye in the i^ord for ever : for in the Lord Jehovah is everiatting ftrengrh, Pbt'f, 5.9. And be found in h;m, not having mine own righ- teoulhefs, which is of [lie Jaw, but that which is through the faith ot Chrift, the righreo':fne(s which is of God by tairh. Galt 2. \C. Know- ing that a man is not jultitted by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jcfus Chrift, even we have believed in Jefus Chnit, that we might be juftrfied by the faith of Chrift, and not by the woiks of the Jaw : tor by the works of the law fhall nnflefli be juttificd.
87 g Acts, 11. 1?. When they luard thele things, they held their peace, and glorified God, faying, Then harli God a.io to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto life.
h Act 5^ i. 37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, aid faid unto Peter, and to the reft of the apoftles, Men and brethren, what fhall we do ? v 3$, Then Peter laid unto them, Rcp/nr. end be baptized every one of you in the rame of Jcfus Chrift, tor rhe remilhon of iins, and ye fhail re- ceive the gift of the holy Ghoft.
i 7<*7. 2: 12. Therefore alfo now, faith me Lo;d, Turo ye even :o me
with all yr\-
modrning. ;/.■
ye backfliding cnildren,
heal your bacwlidmgs r fc
c >nie unto thee, io: rhed arc chc
Lorcfuni God.
kjerem. 31. 18. I have frreiy heard Ephraim bemoaning himieif rhus, thou halt chaftifed me, and I was chaftifed us a bullock unac- cuitomed to the yoke : turn thou me, and I fhail be turned ; to art the Lord my Go(U v i£. S alter that I was turned, I repented , and after that I was inftructcd, I fmote upon my thigh : I wasafham- ed, yea, even confounded, becauie I did bear the reproach of my youth, Ez.ek. 56. 31. Then fhall ye remem- ber your own evil ways, and four doings that were nor gated, ar.d fhail lothe your felves in your own fight, for your iniquities, and your abominations.
1 2 Cor. ; 11. For behold, this felf-lame thing that ye forrdWcd after a godly fort, vshac carcfulnef? it wrought in you, ye*, what clear- ing of your (elves, yea, what in- dignation, yea, what tear, yea, what vehement dclirc, yea, what zca\ yea ; what revenge ! in ail things ye have approved your [elves to be clear in this matter. Isa. 1% 1 6*. Wafh ye, make you ciean, put a* way the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, ccafe to do evil, v 17,
400 The Shorter Catechtfm^
Ordinances, efpecially the Word, Sacraments and Prayer, all which are made effectual to the Eleft for Salvation m,
89, Queft. How is the word made effectual to Salvation?
Anfvv, The Spirit of God maketh the Reading, but efpe- cially the Preaching of the Word, an effe&ual Means of con- vincing and converting Sinners, and of building them up in Holinefs, and Comfort, through Faith unto Salvation n.
90, Queft,
v. \f. Learn to do well, feek judg- ment, relieve the opprefled, judge the facherlef ?, plead tor the widow. 88. m Mat. '28. ip Go ye there- fore and teach all nations, baptizing rhem in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghofi: *j. 20. Teaching them to obferve all rhings whatfbevtr I have comman- ded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unco the end of the vorid. Amen. Afts, 2, 42. And they continued iiedfaftly in the apoflles doctrine and fellowfhip, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, v. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from houfe to houfe, did eat their meat with gladnefs and foglenefs ot heart $ i>. 47. Prailing God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added ro tne church daily fuch as fhould be laved,
89, n Nehem. 8. 8, So they read in the book, in the law of God di- ilinctly, and gave the fenfe, and caofed them to underftand the read- ing. 1 Cor. 14, 24. But if all pro- priety, and there come in one that bciieveth no% or one unlearned, he 1% convinced of all, he is judged of ii! : u 25. And thus are the fecrets oi his heai t made manifeft ; and fo Tailing down on his face, he will worlhip God, and repon that God )~s in you of a truth. Acls 26. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn iicm from darknels ro light, and ;'rom the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgivenels oi fins, and inheritance among
them which are fanciihed by faith that h in me. ?jahnt 19, 8. The ftatutcs of the Lord are right, re- joicing the heart: the command- ment of the Lord is pure, enlight- ning the eyes. Acts. 20, 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 ail them which are fan&ifted. Rom* 15", 4. For whatfoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning 5 that we through pa- tience and comfort of the fcriptures might have hope, 2 Tim. 3, ty. And that from a child thou haft known the holy fcriprures, which are able to make thee wile unto (al- vation, through faith which is in Chrift Jdus. v. 16. All icripture is given by infpiracion of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for re- proof, for correction, for inftrucTion in righteou(nefs : v. 17. That the man of God may be perfect, through- ly furnifhed unto all good works Ro?n> 10. 13, For wholoever fhall call upon the name of the Lord, fhall be faved. v, i*. How then fhall they call on him, in whom they have not believed ? and how fhall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? -and how fhall they hear without a preacher ? Vi is. And how (hail they preach, excepe they be lent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that pieach the golpel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things ? v. 16. But they have not all obeyed the gofpel. For Etaias taich, Lord, who
The Shorter Catechijm* 401
90. Quell. Hgvj is the Word to be read and heard, that it may be* Come effe final to Salvation ?
Anfih That the Word may become effe&ual to Salvation, we mufl attend thereunto with Diligence c, Preparation p, and Prayer q5 receive it with Faith atxi Love r, lay it up in our Hearts f, and praclile it in our Lives \
01. Quell. How do the Sacraments become cfeclual Means of Salvation ?
Anfu. The Sacraments become effectual Mearis of Salva- tion, not from any Vertue in them, or in him that doth ad- minifler them, but only by the Bleffing of Chrift v, and the Working of his Spirit in them that by Faith receive them yv.
92. Queft. What is a Sacrament I
AnfiV*
who hath believed our report? v. 17. So then, faith comtch by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 1, 16. For ijm not afhamt d of the gofpe! cf Chrm : tor it is the power of God unto falvation, to every one that believerh, to the Jew firft, and alfo to ihe Gieek*
90. o Prow 8. 34. Bleiled \s the man that heartth me, watching dai- ly at my gates, waiting at the polls of my doors.
p j Vet. 2, r* Wherefore laying aiide all malice, and all goije, and hypoaificsi and envies, ;.nd all evil fpeakings v. 2. As new born babes defire the iinccre milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
q Viai'ni. 1 19. 18. Open thon mine eye?, that I may behold wondrous thing', out of thy law.
r fkb. 4 , 2.' For unto ?ts was the
gbfpel pi Weil as unto
ached did
raixt
, faith in them rd it.
17, '.veivable-
fnefs, in tl rfiat perifli • becaufe they rec< not the ittve of tht .
I
t tuke, Z, if. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honeir. and good hearr, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fmic with patience. James. 1, 25. buc whofo Jooketh into the perfect Jaw ol liberty, and ccntinuetK therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer "or- the work, this man ihall beblefled in his deed.
91. v 1 Peter. 3.21. The like fi- gure wlureunto, even baptifltt, doth alio now favc us, nor the putting away the hJch of the flefh, buc the anfwer of a good confe'encc 10- s God, by the resurrection of Jefus Chrilh Aiatffr. 3. II* 1 in- deed baptize yen with water unro repentance but he that come:'] at- me, is mighrier than i, wliofe fhoes I am no: worthy to bear: he Avail baptize you with the holy Gholl arid with fire. 1 Cor. ». 6, I have pl-mted, Apollos watered : but Gq<\ gave the increafe. & J* is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increaie, w 1 Cor. li, U. For by on:
into one body,
■•; Jews or Gentiles,
. ; . id; or tree j and
. to drink into
;;rr.
C c 04 t -Gen
40 z ifoe ohorttr Latechijm.
Anfw. A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance inftituted by Chrift ; wherein, by fenfible Signs, Chrift and the Benefits of the New Covenant are reprefented, fealed and applied to Believers v.
93. Quell. Which are the Sacraments of the New Tejta- ment ?
Anfw, The Sacraments of the New Teftament are Bap- tifm y, and the Lord's Supper z,
04.- Queft. What is Baptifm P
Anfw. Baptifm is a Sacrament, wherein the Wafhing. with "Water, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft a, doth fignify and feal our Ingraf- ting into Chrift, and Partaking of the Benefits of the Cove- nant of Grace, and our Engagement to be tfae Lord's b.
95 Queft, To whom is Baptifm to be adminiflredl
Anfw, Baptifm is not to be adminiftred to any that are out of the Vifible Church, till they profefs their Faith in Chrift, and Obedience to him c ; but the Infants of fuch as
are
92, x Gen, 17. 7; And I willefta- blifh my covenant between me and thee, and thy feed after thee, in their generations, for an everlalting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy feed after thee. v. io This is m; covenant, which ye mail keep between mc and vou, and thy feed after thce$ Every man-child among you (hall be circumcifed, Exod. 12. throughout \ 1 Or. 11.2$. For I hsve received or* the Lord, ihat which alfo 1 delivered unto you, That the Lord jefus, the fame flight in which he was betrayed, took brei^ <v. 26. For as often as ye eat tnis bread, and drink this cup, ye do fhew the Lords death till he come.
93. y ALitth. 28, 19. G)ye there- fere and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and. of the holy Ghoft.
z Martha 26, 26, And as they were ea'jng, jdus took bread and blef- ied ir, and brake it, and gave it to the difnples and ilvA Take, ear; this is my U;dy. njr zj. And he
took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, faying, Drink ye all of it : a/, 28. For this is my blood of the new teftament, which is ihed for many for the remiilion cf fins. 94.: a Matth. 28, 19- See in letter y* b Rom. 6. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptifm into death : that like as Chrift was railed up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even fo we alfo (hould walk in newnefs of life; GaL 3*27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Chrift, have put on Chrift.
9f. c Afts. 8. iC And as they went on their way, they came unro a certain water: and the eunuch faid, See here is water ; what doth hinder me to be baptized? vn 37. And Philip faid, If thoj believeft with all thine heart, thou mayeft. And he anfwered and laid, 1 be- lieve that Jefus Chrift is the S >n cf God. Als. 2. <8, Then Peer (did unto them, Repent, a -r< baptized every one ct you in
tJ
The Shorter Catechifm 40 3
are Members of the Vifible Church, are to be baptized d.
96, Queft What it the Lord's Suppper P
Anfa)' The Lord's Supper is a Sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving Bread and Wine according to Chrift's Appointment, his Death is (hewed forth , and the worthy Receivers are, not after a Corporal and Carnal Manner, but by Faith, made Partakers of his Body and Blood, with all his Benefits,to their Spiritual NouriQiment, and Growth in Grace e,
97, Queft. What is required to the worthy Receiving of the Lord's Supper,
Anfo>. It is required of them that would worthily par- take of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themfelves, of their Knowledge to difcern the Lord's Body \\ of their Faith to feed upon him g, of their Repentance h, Love?,
and
name of Jefus Chrift, for the rc- ntiffioa or. fins, and ye (hall receive the gift oi the holy Ghoft.
d Acls 2. $3, See bejore. v. 3Q.?or the promife is unto you,and to your children, and to all :hat are afar of*, even as many as the Lord our Gjd fhail call •Gen. 1 7. to. See in letter x. Compared with Col'z. 11. In whom alio yc arccncumcifed With the Cir- cumciaon made without hand?, in putting off the body of the fins ot the fhfh, by the circumcifion of Chritt : v. 12. Buried with him in baptifm, wherein alio ye are rifen with him through the faith of the operation uf God, who hath raifed him from the dead. 1 C»\ 7. 14. For the unbelieving husband isfan- c.fcined by tie wi:-3 and the unbelie- ving wife is fandtiried by the huf- bdnd. clfe were your children un- clean, but now are they h >ly
96". e 1 Cur, 11. 23. For I Irive Received or the Lord, that which alfo I delivered unto you, Thar the Lordjefus, the fame night in which ]re vAas betrayed, took bread . i> 24. And when be had given thanks, he brake i:, and laid, Take, eat, this is -ny b dy, which is broken for } m ; this do ki rirnembifancg of
me. y. if. After the fame man- ner alfo he took the cup, when he had (upped, faying, This cup is the new tcftament in my blood: rhii do ye, asottas yediink ir, in re- membrance ot me, V* 26. For ar ten as yc ear this bread, and drink this cup, ye do fhew the Lords dear.1-! till he: come. 1 Ccr. 10. i6\ The cup ofblcfling which u s Ids not the communion ot the biodd of Quilt ? The bread which we b;: is it not the communion oi the bo- dy of Chrift ?
97. t 1 Cfr* If, 23- Bit let a rmn exainne himteli, and fo let him cat of that bread, tnd drink of that cup v. 29. For he tha eiteth and drinketh unworthily, ca.eth and drinkah damnation to him(d£ noc difuernin^ the Lords body.
g 2. Cor. 1$. 5. E.<.m'ne yoifr lelves, whether ye be in the fairh .* prove your own feves . ha ">w yon not your own felves, how that Je- fus Chrift is in you, except ye be reprobates ?
h 1 Ot, 11. 31. For i' we would Judge our fclves, we fhuild not be '•
i 1 Cor. ic. 16 The cupcf blef-
fing which we .blela, is it not the
C e 2 con •
404 The Shorter Latechifm.
and new Obedience k, left coming unworthily, they eat and drink Judgment to themfelvesi,
08. What is Prayer ?
Anfip. Prayer is an Offering up of our Defires unto God t>, for Things agreeable to his 'Will n, in the Name of Chrift o, with Confeffion of our Sins p, and thankful Acknowledgment of his Mercies q.
99- Qs^ft, What Rule hath God given for our Direction in Prayer P
Anjw. The whole Word of God is of Ufe to direft us in Prayer r, but the fpecial Rule of Direction is that Form of Prayer, which Chrift taught his Difciples, commonly called, The Lord's Prayer f,
100, Queft. What doth the Preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us ?
Anfw, The Preface of tlie Lord's Prayer (which is, Our
Fa-
communion of the blood of Chrift ? the bread wh'ch we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chrift ? <v. 17. For we being many, are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
k 1 Cor. 5. 7. Purge our therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new Inm as ye are unleavened. for even Chrift our pafibver is (a- crificed for us. v 8. Therefore let us keep the tealt, not with old lea- ven, neither with the leaven of ma- lice and \A/ickednels ; but with the unicavened bread of iinccrity and "truth.
i 1 Cor. 11. 28, 29; See in letter f.
93, m Pfahn, 62, 8. Truft in him at all umes, ye people, pour out your heare before him: God is a refuge tor us. Selah.
n 1 Job 5. 14-. And this is the confidence that we have in him, Thar if we as't any thing ajreord- ing to his will, he heareth us.
o^cbn 16. 23. and in that day ye (hall ask me nothing : verily, verily I lay unto you, Whatfoever ye fhall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
p ?[alm 32. 5-, I 'acknowledged my fin unto thee, and mine iniqui- ty have I not bid : I faid, T will confefs my tranfgreflions unto the Lord i and thou forgaveft the ini- quity of my lin.Selah. vfi. For this (hall every one that is godly, pray unto thee, in a time when thou mayeft be found : lurely in the flood of great waters, chey fhall not come nigh vnto him. Da?i. 9, 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confeffion, and faid, O Lord, the great and dreadful Gorf, keeping the covenant, and mercy to them that love nim, and to them that keep his commandment*.
q ?hU 4. 6. Be careful lor no- thing : but in every thing ^by prayer an r! (application with thank/giving, let you 1 requeiis be made known unto God.
99. r 1 John s- 14. And this is that confidence that we have in him, That if we ask any thing accord- ing to his will, he heareth us.
iMatth+6-2t 10, 11, 12, 13, Af- ter this manner therefore pray ye : Our Father,&x Compared with Luke 11. 2, 3,4. And he laid unto them*. When ye pray, lay, Our Father fajm 100- t Matth*
The Shorter Catechism: 405-
Father which art in Heaven t) teacheth us , to draw near to God with all holy Reverence and Confidence, as Children to a Father able and ready to help us v ,; and that we fliould pray with and for others w.
10 1. Quell. What do iv? pray for in the fir ft Petition I Anfij. In the firft Petition (Which is, Halloed be thy Name x) we pray, That God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himfelf known y, and that he would difpofe all Things to his own Glory z.-'
102 Quefb What do iveprayfo-rinthefecondVetition*
Anfro: In the fecond Petition (which is; Thy Kingdom
come^) we pray, That Satans Kingdom may be deftroy-
ed b, and that the Kingdom of Grace may be advanced J,
our felves and others brought into it, and kept in it ,
and
100. t Matth. 6. 9.
v Rom. 8. iy; For yc have not re- ceived the fpirit of bondage again to fear: but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Ucke. 1 L 13. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children : how much more fhall your heavenly Fa- ther give the holy Spirit to thern that ask him {
w Acts. \2.. $ Peter therefore was kepr in priion, but prayer was made without: ceahng of the church unto God for him. 1 Tim. 2. 1. I ex- hort therefore, that firft of all, fup- piications, prayers, interceflions, and giving of thanks be made for all men : 1/ 2; For kings, and for all that are in authority , that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godiinefsahd honefty.
10 1. x Matth. 6. 9.
y P/a(m6j ,2,That thy way may be known upon earth," thy faving health among all nations- v $* Let the people praife thee, O God j lee all the people praiie ohee.
Z Psalm. 83 tlmughout.
102. a Matth* 6. io„
b Psalm^ 68: 1. Let Godarife, let his enemies be fcattered : let them
alfo that hate him, fVe before him. V 1S. Thcu halt afcended on high, thou halt \^d captivity cap:ive: thou haft received gifts for men ; yej, for the rebellious alfo, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
c Rev. 12 10. And 1' heard a loud voice* faying in heaven, Now is come (alvation, and ftrength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Chrift : for the acculer of our brethren is call down, which acculed them before our God day and night, v 1 1 . And they over- came him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word ot their teftimo- ny j and they loved not their lives unto the death.
d 2 Tbejf.i. i. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free courfe, and be glorified, even as it is with you* Rom. 10. u Brethren, my hearts defire and prayer to God for Ifrael is, that they might be faved. John. 17; o, I pray for them : I pray not for the world, but for them that thou haft given me, for they are thine, vzo. Neither pray I for thele alone, but for them alfo which fhall believe on me through their word,
Cc 3 eRev,
406 The Shorter Catech't{m:
and that the Kingdom of Glory may be haftned e- 103. Quel}. What do we prey for in the Third Petition ? Anfw. In the Third Petition (Which is, Thy Willie don* on Earthy as it is in Heaven f) we pray, That God by his Grace would make us able and willing to know, obey and fubmit to his Will in all Things g, as the Angels do in Hea- ven h.
104.- Quefh What do we pray for In the Fourth Petition ? AnfWf In the Fourth Petition (which is, Give us this Day our Daily Bread ;) we pray, That, of God's free Gift, we may receive a competent Portion of the good Things of this Life, and enjoy his Bleiling with them*. 10 5"* Qpeft.. What do we pray for in the Fifth Petition ? Anfw. In the Fifth Petition (which is, And forgive us our Debts, as we forgive our Debtors j) we pray, That God, for Chrift's Sake, would freely pardon all our £ins mj , which
we
e Rev 22. 20. He which teftifieth thefe things, f3«h, Surely I corns quickly. Amen, Even (o, come, Luifi J fus.
103, f Mat. 6. 10. g Psalm. 6j. throughout. Vsal. 1 19. 36. Incline my hearc unto thy tefti- inonies, and not to covctoufnefs. Mat. 26. 39. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, faying, O my Father, if it bepoilible, lee this cup pafs from me : neverthelefs not asl will but as thou wilt. 2 Sam. is. 2.f. And the king (aid unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: it I (hall find favour in- the eyes of the Loid, he will bring me again and /hew me both it, and his habi- tation, Job: 1. 21, And (aid, Naked came I cut of my mothers Womb„ and naked (hall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; bltfied be the name of the Lord.
h Psalm. 103. 2oftBlefs the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in ftrength ; that do his commandments, heark- ning unto the voice of his word, v 21. Biefs ye the Lord, .all ye his fcofts, ye miqifterj of his that do "his pleaftire.
104; i Mattk, 6. it. k Prov. 30. 8, Remove far from me^vaniry and lies, give me neither poverty nor riches, teed me with food convenient tor me • v 9. Left I be tjll, and deny thee, and fay, Who is the Lord ; or kit I be poor, and fteal, and rake the name of my God in vain. Gen. 28. 20. And Ja- cob vowed a vow, faying, If dod will be with me, and will keep me in 1 his way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and nimeot to put on. 1 Tim. 4, 4. For every crea- ture of God is good, and nothing to be rcfufed, if it be received with thanksgiving, v j . For it is fancli- fied by the word of God, and prayer; iir. 1 Matth6. 12. m Psalm. 51. 1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindnefs; according unto the mul- titude of thy tender mercies blot out my tranfgreflions. v 2. Wafli me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanfe me from my fin. v 7. Purge me with hyiTop, and 1 flisll be clean: wafli me, and I (hall be whiter than mow: v 9 Hide thy face from my fins; and blot out ail mine iniqui- ties Dan. 9, 1 7, No *y therefore, G our
The Shorter Catechifm. 407
we are the rather encouraged to ask, becaufe by his Grace we are enabled from the Heart to forgive others n.
106: Queft. What do we pray for in the Sixth Petition ?
Anfw. In ihe Sixth Petition (which is, And lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from Evil o) we pray, That God would either keep us from being tempted to Sin p ; or fup- port and deliver us when we are tempted q.
107. Queft. What doth the Conclufion of 'the Lord's Prayer teach us?
Anfw. The Conclufion of the Lord's Prayer (which is, For thine is the Kingdom* the Power, and the Clzry for ever, Amen r.) teacheth us to take our Encouragement in Prayer from God only f, and in our Prayers topraifeHim.
aicrib '
God, hear thou the prayer of thy fervant, and his fup plication*, and caufe :hy face t© fhhe upon thy fancruary that is de folate, for the Lords fake. v. 18. O my God, in- cline thine ear, and hear, open thine eyes, and behold our defolatior.% and the ci y which is called by thy name ; for we do nor prefent our fupplications before thee for our right con fnefTes, but for thy great mercies, v. \y. O Lord hear, O Lord forgive, O Lord hearken and do, daer not, tor thine own fake, O my God: for thy city, and thy people are called by thy name.
n Luke. 11.4. And rorgive us our fu;S; for we alfo forgive every one that is indebred to us, Maith. 18, 35. So likewife fhail my heavenly Father do alfo unto you, it ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trefpaffes;
106, o Matthm 6, 13.
p Matth.z6y 41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the fpirit indeed 1*9 willing, but the flefh is weak.
q 2. Cor. ]2, 7. And left I fliould be exalted above meafure through the abundance of the revelations, •there was given to me a thorn in the flefh, the meflenger of Satan to buffet me, left I (hould be exalted
above meafire. v. 8 For this ti 1 befought the Lo d thrice, ti a: ic might depart from me,
107, r Mattb, 6, 1 3 .
i Dm 9, 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confeilion, and (aid, Q Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping rhe covenant, and meicy to fhem that love him, and to them that keep ?iis commandments: <v. 7. O Lord, rightcoufhds belongcth unto the^-, but pnro us confulion of faces, as ut this day : to the men of Juduh, and to the inhabitants of Jerufalem, and unto all Ifrael that are near, and that are far ofT, through all the coun* tries whither thou haft driven them, becaufe of their trefpafs that they have trefpafled againft thee. v. 8. O Lord, to us belongeth confufion of tece, to our kings, to our p:inces, and to our fathers, becaufe we have finned againft thee. v. 9. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveneffe?, though we have re- belied againft him. v, 1 6", O Lord, according to all thy righteoufnefs, I befeech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerufalem, thy holy mountain : Becaufe for our tins, and tor the iniquities of our lathers, Jerufalem & thy people are become a reproach C c 4 r.0
^o jive owner ^aieinijm*
afcribing Kingdom, Power, and Glory to him t : An in Teftimony of our Defire and Afliirance to be hear we fay, Amen :
to all that are about us. v. I 7, Now therefore, OoirGcd, hear the pray- er of thy fe-rvanf, and Jris fupplica- trons and caufe ;hy face to fhine upon thy fancluary, that is defoiate, for the Lords fake, v. 18, O my GoJ, incline thine ear, and hear: open thine eyes, and behold u'ur oeioiatjons, and thQ city, Which is called by thy name : for we r:o not prelenr our fupplications before thee for our lighttoufneflcs, but for thy great mercies. *v, jo O Lord hear, Q Lord forgive, O Lord hearken and do, dekr nor, for rhine own fake, O my God ; for jny city, and thy people are called by thy name.
10, Wherefore Da-
Lo;d before ail the
and David faid,
Lord God of Ifrael
ever and ever. v.
Mj Tiiin ;, O Lord, is the great-
neis, and the power, and the glo-
t i Chron, 29 vid blclled the Tegaaori;
L a thou,
our i-n^cr, tor
ry, and the victory, and the maje- fty; for all that is in the heaven a«*d in the earth, is thine 5 thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. v, 12,. Roth riches and honour come of thee, and thou reigneft over all, and in thine hand is power and might, and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give ftrcngth uno all. v. 13; Now j.iiercroie,our God, we thank thee, and praife thy glorious name.
v 1 Cor. 1*4, 16. Elfe when thou (halt blefs with the fpirir, how {hall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned, fay Amen ar thy giving of thanks, feeing he understand* eth not what thou fayed? Rev, 22, 10 He which reftifieth thefe things, faith, Surely I come quick- ly, Amen. Even io, come, Lord Jefus. v. 21. The grace of our Lord jefus Chiifr. be with you all. Amen.
The TEN COMMANDMENTS. EXODUS XX.
GO D (pake all thefe Words, faying ? I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt* out °f the Houfe of Bondage,
I- Thou fhalt have no other Gods before Me.
II. Thou fhalt not make unto thee any graven Image, or any Likenefs of any Thing, that is in Heaven above, or that is in the Earth beneath, or that is in the "Water under the Earth. Thou fhalt not bow down thy felf to them, nor ferve them ,• For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, vifiting the Iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate Me; ~ ~ And
The Shorter Catechifm. 409
And (hewing Mercy unto Thoulands of them that love Me, and keep my Commandments,
III. Thou {halt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain ; for the Lord will no: hold him guiltlds that taketh His j in vain.
IV.- Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six Days (halt thou labour, and do all thy "Work But the jnth Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God ; In it thou fhait not do any Work, thou, nor thy Son, nor thy Daugh- Man-iervant, nor thy Maid fervant, nor thy Cattle, nor thy Sti anger that is within thy Gates. For in Six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and relied the Se\ y • Wherefore the Lq
bleiild the Sabbath-day, ball wed it
V. Honour thy Father and thy Mother: that thy Days may be long upon th , hich the Lord ijiy God giveth
thee,
VL Thou (halt not Kill.
VII. Thou (halt not commit Adultery.
YIIL Thou (halt not Steal.
IX. Thou (halt not bear falfe Witnefs againfl th\ bour-
X. Thou fhall not covet thy Neighbour';. Houfe, thou (halt not covet thy Neighhour's Wife, nor his Man-;
nor his Maid fervant, nor his Ox, nor his A(s, nor a Thing that is thy Neighbour's.
The LORDs PRAYER. M vl
OUR Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed by Thy Name/ Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this Day our Daily Bread: And forgive us our Debts, as we forgive our Debtors. And lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from Evil ; For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever, Amen.
The
%
410 The Shorter Catecht[m%
The CREED.
1 Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth : And in Jefus Chrift. his only Son our Lord which was conceived by the Holy Ghoft, Born of the Virgin Mary, fuffered under Pontius Pilate, was cruci- fied, dead and buried ; he defcended into Hell *, , * '• cr ^l The third Day he arofe again from the Dead, flare o^ the He amended into Heaven, and fitteth on the ctead, aid ur> right Hand of God the Father Almighty, from der cne p. wer thence he {hall come to judge the Quick and
he Ehda11 the Dead ; l belieVe in the Holy Ghoft i The holy Gatholick Church, The Communion of
Saints, The Forgivenefs of Sins, the Refurreftion of the
Body, And the Life everlafting. Amen.
O O much of every Queftion, both in the Larger and Shor- es ter Catechifm, is repeated in the Anfwer, as maketh every Anfwer an intire Propofition, or Sentence in it felf; to the End the Learner may further improve it, upon all Oc- cafions, for his Increafe in Knowledge and Piety, even out of the courfe of Catechizing, as well as in it-
And albeit the Subftance of the Doctrine comprifed in that Abridgment commonly called, The Apoflles Creed, be fully iet forth in each of the Catechifms, fo as there is no Neceffi- ty of inferring the Creed itfelf ; yet it is here annexed, not as though it were compofed by the Apoflles, or ought to beefteemed Canonical Scripture, as the ten Command- ments, and the Lord's Prayer, (much lefs a Prayer, as igno- rant People have been apt to make both it and the Deca- logue) But becaufe it is a brief Sum of the Ghriftian Faith, agreeable to the Word of God, and anciently received in the Churches of Chrift.
F I N I A
1 hi E
SUM
O F
Saving Knowledge ;
Or, A Brief S U M of
Chriftian Do&rine,
Contained in the
HOLY SCRIPTURES
And holden forth in the forefaid
ConfeJJion of Faith and Catcchif?ns : together with
The Tracheal Vfe thereof.
John, vi, 37,
All that the Father hath given me* Jballcome unto me ; and him that comet h unto met I will in no wife caft out.
GLASGOW,
Printed by John Rolertfon and Mrs McLean, and fold at their Shops in the middle of the Salt-Mercat
M. DCG. XLVL
■41'
THE CONTENTSof the Sum of Saving
Knowledge.
Page
Head. I. Our woful Condition by Nature, 413
Ii . The Remedy provided in Cbrift ^eftis* 4X4;
III, The Means provided in the Covena?it oj G race* 4 1 6«
IV. The BleJJings con veyed by theje Means, 4 1 j;
The Ufe of Saving Knowledge.
I, Tor convincing oj Sin by the Law. 418
2. Of Righteoufnefs by the Law. 419
3. Of Judgment by the Law. > 421 For convincing of Sin, Righteoufnefs and ^udzxaent by the
Go/pel. ' *; ibid
Of Right -eoujhefs to be had only by Faith in Chrifc 4 1 3
For tirengt hning a Man's Faith* &c. 424
Warrants and Motives to believe.
1. Godfs hearty Invitation. 427
2. Hisearneft Requeftto be reconciled. 43 l \. His Command charging all to believe. 434
4. Much off usance of Life given to Believers, &c. 437
Evidences of true Faith:
t ConviBion of the Believer's Obligation to Keep the Moral
Law 439.
2, That the Believer pracfije the Rules of Godlinefs and
Righteoujnefs. 44 l
3, That Obedience to the Lawrun inthQ right Chanel of
Faith in Qhrifl > 443
4, The keeping of (bait Communion with Chrift, the Foun-
tain of ail Grace and good Works. . . 444 Ctrengtbning the Belitver in Faith and Obedience,
kgi Evidences* 445
THE
4*5
ecseoeeoeeoeeosoeeeoeeooooeooo
The Sum of S Knowledge, &c.
The Sum of Saving Knowledge may be taken up in thefe Four Heads ; i. The wol\ul Conditio on wherein all Men are by Nature^ through breaking of the Covenant of Works, z. 'The Remedy provided for the Eletl in Jefus Chrift by the Covenant of Grace. 3. The Means appointed to make them Tartakers of this Covenant, 4. The Bleffmgs which are effectually conveyed unto the Eleff by thefe Means. Which tour Heads are fet down each of them in fome few Tropofittons.
HEAD. 1.
Our woful Condition by Naturg, through break- ing the Covenant of Works, Hof xiii. 9. O Ifrael, thou haji dejtroyed thy (elf
TH E Almighty and Eternal God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghoft, Three diftinft Perfons in the One and the fame undivided Godhead, equally Infinite inall Perfections, did, before Time, nioft wifely decree, for his own Glory, whatfbever cometh to pafs in Time ; and doth moft holily and infallibly exe» cute all his Decrees, without being Partaker of the Sin of any Creature .
II. This
414 2%? Sum of Saving Knowledge.
II. This God in Six Days made allThings of Nothing very good in their own Kind : in fpecial, he made all the' .Angels holy ; and he made our firft Parents Adam and Eve, the Root of Mankind, both upright and able to keep the Law written in their Heart. Which Law they were natu rally bound to obey under pain of Death ; but God was not bound to reward their Service, till he entred into a Covenant or contraft with them, and their Poflerity in them, to give them eternal Life upon Condition of perfeft perfonal Obedi- ence ; withall threatning Death in cafe they (hould fail. This is the covenant of Works.
III. Both Angels and Men were fubjeft to the change of their own free Will, as Experience Proved. (God having re- ferred to himfelf the incommunicable Property of being na- turally unchangeable ;) For many Angels of their own Ac- cord fell by Sin from their firft eflate and became Devils* Our firft Parents, being enticed by Satan, one of thefe De- vils fpeakingin a Serpent, did break the Covenant of Works, in eating the forbidden Fruit ; whereby they, and their Po- fterity being in their Loins, as Branches in the Root, and comprehended in the fame covenant with them, became not only liable to eternal Death, but alfo loft all Ability to pleafe God ; yea, did become by Nature Enemies to God, and to all fpiritual Good, and inclined only to evil continually. This is our original Sin, the bitter Root of all our actual TranfgreffionSj in Thought, Word/ and Deed.
HEAD- IL
The Remedy provided in Jefus Chrift for the Ele&bythe Covenant of Grace, Hof. xiii. 9- O Ilrael, thou haft deftroyedthy (elf, but in me is thine Help.
ALBEIT Man, having brought himfelf into this woful Condition, be neither able to help himfelf, nor witting to be helped by God out of it, but rather incline d to ly ftill unfenfible of it, till he perifh ; yet God, for the Glory of his rich Grace, hath revealed in his Word a way to -favc Sinners, to wit, by Faith in Jefos Chrift, the eternal Son of God, by Ycrtue of, and according to the Tenor of the
Co-
The Swn cj Saving Knowledge, 415
Covenant of Redemption, made and agreed upon, between God the Father, and God the Son, in the Counfei of the Trinity, before the World began,
II. The Sum of the Covenant of Redemption is this ; God having freely chofen unto Life, a certain Number of loft Mankind, for the Glory of his rich Grace did give them, before the World began, unto God the Son appoin- ted Redeemer, that, upon Condition he would humbk him- felf lb far as to AfJume the Human Nature of a Soul and a Body, unto perfonal Union with his Divine Nature,^ and fubmit himfelf to the Law, as furety for them, and fatisf y Juftice for them, by giving Obedience in their Name, even unto the differing of the curfed Death of the Crofs, he fhould ranfom and redeem them all from Sin and Death, and purchafe unto them Righteoufnefs and eternal Life, with all faving Graces leading thereunto, to be effectually by Means of his own^ppointment, applied in due iFime to every one of them. This Condition the Son of God (who is Jefus Chrift our Lord) did accept before the World began, and in the fulnefs of Time came into the World, was born of the Virgin Mary, fubjected himfelf to the Law, and compleatly paid the Ranfom on the Crois but by Y t tue of the forefaid Bargain, made before the World teg he is in all Ages, iince the Fall of Adam, full upon the Work of Applying actually the purchafed Benefits unto the Eleft And that he doth by way of entertaining a Cove- nant of free Grace and Reconciliation with them, through Faith in himfelf; by which Covenant he makes over to e- very Believer a Right and Interelt to himfelf; and to all his Bleflings.
III. For the Accomplifhment of this Covenant of Redemp- tion, and making the Elect Partakers of the Benefits thereof in the Covenant of Grace, Chrilt Jefus was clad with the threefold Office of Propher, Prieft, and King. Made a Prophet, to reveal all Saving Knowledge to his People, and to perfwade them to believe and obey the lame-. Made a Prieft, to offer up himfelf a Sacrifice once lor them all, ; tointerceed continually with the Father, tor making rheir Perfons and Services acceptable to him; And made a Kivg^ to lubdue them to himfelf, to feed and rule them by his own appointed Ordinances, and to defen% them'from their Ene- mies. FIFAD III,
4 1 6 The Sum of Saving Knowledge.
HEAD TIL
The out ward Means appointed to Make the Elec^ Partakers of this Covenant, and all the reft that arc called to be inexculable, Mat. xxii. 14. Many are called.
TH E outward Means and Ordinances for making Men Partakers of the Covenant of Grace, are fo wifely dif. penfed, as the Elect (hall be infallibly converted and faved by them ; and the Reprobate, among whom they are, not to be juftly Humbled. The Means are efpecially thefe Four •, 1. The Word-ofGod- 2. The Sacraments. 3. Kirk-Government, 4. Prayer. In the Word of God preached by fent MefTengers, the Lord makes offer of Grace to aU Sinners, upon Condi- tion of Faith in Jefus Chrift ; andwholbever do canfefs their Sin, accept of Chrift offered, and fubmit themfelves to his Ordinances, he will have both them and their Children re- ceived into the Honour and Privileges of the Covenant of Grace. By the Sacraments, God will have the Covenant fealed for confirming the Bargain, on the forefaid Condition/ By Kirk-Government, he will have them hedged in, and helped forward unto the Keeping of the Covenant. And by Prayer, he will have his own glorious Grace, promifed in the Covenant, to be daily drawn forth, acknowledged, and imployed- All which Means are followed either really, or in Profeffiori only, according to the Quality of the Covenan- ters, as they are true or counterfeit Believers.
II. The Covenant of Grace, fet down in the Old Tefta- ment before Chrift came, and in the New fince he came is one and the farrife in Subftance, albeit different in outward Adminiftration ; For the Covenant in the Old Teftament, being fealed with the Sacraments of Gircumcifion and the Pafchai Lamb, did fet forth Chrift's Death to come, and the Benefits purchafed thereby, under the Shadow of Bloody Sacrifices, and fundry Ceremonies; bat, fince Chrift came; the Covenant being fealed by the Sacraments of Baptifm and the Lord's Supper^doth clearly hold forth Chrift already cru- cified, before our* Eyes, ^iclorlous over Death and the Grave, and gloriously ruling Heaven and Earth, for the Good ofhi~ awn People. HEAD
The Sum of Savhtg Knowledge. 417
H E A D. ' IV.
Tlie Bleflings which are effectually conveyed by
thefe Means to the Lord's Ele£t, or choien
Ones, Matth: xxii. 14. Many are called kit
few are ehofini
BY thefe outward Ordinances, as our Lord makes the Re- probate inexcufable, feu in the power of his Spirit, he applies unto the Elect, effectually, all faving Graces purcha- fed to them in the Covenant of Redemption, and maketh a Change in their Perfons. In particular, t. He doth Convert or Regenerate themt by giving fpiritual Life to them* in ope- ning their Underftandings, renewing their Wills, Affections, and Faculties, for giving fpiritual Obedience to his Com- mands. 2 He gives them Saving Faith, by making them, in the Senfe of deferved Condemnation to give their Con- fent heartily to the Covenant of Grace, and to embrace Jeflis Chrift unfeignedly^ 3, He gives them Repentance, by mak- ing them, with godly Sorrow, in the Hatred of Sin, and Love, of Righteoufnef:, turn from all iniquity to the Service of God, And, 4 He SancJiftes them, by making them goon and perfevere in Faith, and fpiritual Obedience to the Law of God, manifefted by Fruitfulnefs in all Duties, and doing good Works, as Godoffereth Occalion.
II; Together with this inward Change of their Per fon 9, God changes alfo their State; For, fo foon as they are brought 6y Faith into the Covenant of Grace, 1. Hzjufli- Jies them, by imputing unto them that perfect Obedience which Chrift gave to the Law, and the Satisfaction alio which upon the Crofs Chrift gave unto Juftice in their Name, 2. He Reconciles them, and makes them Friends to God, who were before' Enemies to God. 3. He Adopts them, that they jhall be no more CMldren of Satan, but Children of God, enriched with all ipiritual Privileges of his Sons/ And la ft of all, after their Warfare in this. Life is ended, he perfects the Holinefs, and BlefTednefs, firft of their Souls at their Death, and then both of their Souls and their Bodies, being joyfullv joined together again in the Re- furreftion, at the Day of his glorious Coming to judgment,
D d .when
4i 8 The TrafficalUfe of
when all the Wicked fliall be fent away to Hell, with Satan whom they have ferved ; But Chrift's own chofen and re- deemed Ones, true Believers, Students of Holinefs, ihsll remain with hjmfelf for ever, in the State of Glorification.
The Pra&ical Ufe of Saving Knowledge,
Contained in ScripUire, and holden forth briefly irr thefore&idConJeJton of Faith and Catechifms^
TH E chiefgeneral Ufe of Chriftian Doftrine is, to con- vince a Man of Sin, and of Righteouluels, and of Judg- ment,' John. xvi. 8. Partly by the Law or Covenant of "Works, that he may be humbled and become Penitent ; and partly by the Gofpel or Covenant of Grace, that he may become an unfeigned Believer in Jefus Chrift, and be ftrejigthned in his Faith upon folid Grounds and Warrants, and give Evidence of the Truth of his Faith by good Fruits, and fo be faved.
The Sum of the Covenant of Works, or of the Law, h this, If thou do all that is commanded,, and not fail in any Point 7 thou jh alt brfaved ; But if thou fail, thou Jhalt die, Roni. X. $, Gal. iii, io. 12.
The Sum of the Gofpel, or Covenant of Grace and Re- conciliation, is this, If thou flee from deferved Wrath to the true Redeemer JefisGhriftj (who is able to lave to the uttermoft all that come to God through him) thou /halt not peri fiy but have eiemal Life, Rosa. X, 8, 9,11.
For convincing a Man of Sin, of Righteoufiiefs, and of Judgment by the Law, or covenant of Works, let thefe Scriptures among many more be made ule of.
For convincing a Man of Sin by the Law confidcr Jer. %yii: 9, 10.
TH E Heart is deceitful above all Things, and defter afrfy wicked, who can know it I I the Lord fcarch the Hart,
Saving Knowledge: 4 j«
1 >&y the Reins, even to give every Man according to his Ways, and according to the Fruit cfhis doings:
Here the Lord teacheth thefe two Things :
1. That the Fountain of all our Mifcarriage, and a&ua! Sinning againft God, is in the Heart, which comprehendeth the Mind, Will, Affections, and all the Powers of theSoul, as they are corrupted and defiled with original Sin ; the Mind being not only ignorant anduncapable of faving Truth, but alfo full of Error and Enmity againft God ; and the "Will and Affe&ions being obftinately difobedient unto all God's Direftions, and bent toward that only which is Evil : The Heart (faith he) is deceitful above all Things, and defperately wicked ; yea, and unfearchably wicked, fo that no Man can inowit; and Gen, vi. 5. Every Imagination of the Thoughts* of Man's Heart is only Evil continually , faith the Lord, whofe Tefl> imony we muft truft in this and ail other Matters ; and Ex- perience alfo may teach us, that- till God make us deny our- felves, we never look to God in any Thing, but flefhly Self- intereft alone doth rule us, and move all the Wheels of our Attions.
2. That the Lord bringeth our Original Sin, or wicked In- clination, with all the Attual Fruits thereof, unto Reckoning before his Judgrnent-leat ; For he fearcheth the Heart \ and trieth the Reins y to give every Man according to his Ways, and ac* cording to the Fruit of his Doings,
Hence let every Man reafon thus ;
" What God and my guilty Confcience bearetk Witnefe u of, I am convinced that it is true.
" But God and my guilty Confcience beareth Witnefs, <c that my Heart is deceitful above all Things, and defpe- *' rately wicked ; and that all the Imaginations of my Heajt> " by Nature, are only Evil continually."
" Therefore I am convinced that this is true."
Thus a Man may be convinced of Sin by the Law,
II. For convincing a'Man of Righteouiiieis by the Law, confider Gal. iii. 10.
AS many as are of the Works of the haiv\ are under the Curfe ; for it is Wnften, -Curfd- is every one that Con- D d 2 tinueth
4io The Tragical Ufe of
linnet h not In all Things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them.
Here the Apoflle teachethus three Things ; i, That, by reafon of our natural Sinfulnefs the Impof- fibility of any Man's' being juflified by the Works of the Law, is fo certain, that whofoever do feek Juftification by the Works of the Law, are liable to the Curfe of God, for breaking of the Law ; For as many as are of the Works of the Law, are under the Curfe, faith he. *
2. That unto the perfeft Fulfilling of the Lav/, the Keep- ing of one or two of the Precepts, or doing of fome, or of all Duties (if it were pofTible) for a Time, is not fufficient ; for the Law requireth, that a Man continue in all Things which a>e written in the Book of the Law, to do them.
3. That, Becaufe no Man can come up to this Perfe&i- on, every Man by Nature is under the Curfe \ for the Law faith, Curfed is every one that continueth not in all Things which are written in the Book of the Law, to do them.
Now, to be under the Curfe, comprehendeth all the Dif- pleafure of God, with the Danger of the breaking forth more and more of his Wrath upon Soul and Body, both in this Life, and after Death perpetually, if Grace do not prevent the full Execution thereof.
Hence let every Man reafon thus,
" Whofoever, according to the Covenant of Works, is u liable to the Curfe of God, for breaking the Law, Times u and Ways out of Number, cannot be juflified, or find " Righteoufhefs by Works of the Law.
But I {may every Man fay) according to the Covenant of a Works, am liable to the Curfe of God, for breaking the u Law, Times and Ways out of Number.
" Therefore I cannot be juflified, or have Righteoufnefs " by the Works of the Law. "
^ Thus may a Man be convinced of Righteoufnefs, that it is not to be had by his own Works, or by the Law.
III. FV
S avhig Knowledge. q%i
III. For Convincing a Man of Judgment by die Law, confider \ Thejf. \; 7-
r'H E Lord J ejus (hall I e revealed from Heaven, with h is ?;:' Angels 1 Verie. 8. Inflaming Fire, taking vengeance en them that know nommod, and that obey not the Go (pel of 'our Lord Jefus Chrift. \~erfe9. -Who jhall be f unified with everlafling Deftructicn from the Pre fence of the Lord, and from the Gl&yofhks Power; Verfe. 10. When he fhall come to be glorified ih his ' Saints, and to be admired in all them that Believe.
Wherein we are taught, that our Lord Jefus, who now offers to be Mediator for them who believe in him, fhall, at rhelail: Day, come armed with flaming Fire, to judge, con- demn, and deftroy all them who have not believed God, have not received the offer of Grace made in ftk Gofpel, nor obeyed the Doctrine thereof; but remain /n their natural State, under the Law or Covenant of Works.
Hence let every Man reafon thus,
" What the righteous Judge hath forewarned me, fhall a be done at the lad Day, I am fure is juft Judgment.
" But the righteous Judge hath forewarned me, that, if ^ I do not believe God in Time, and obey not the Do- fi ctrine of the Gofpel, I fhall be fecluded from his Prefence u and his Glory, at the laftDay, and be tormented in Soul " and Body for ever " Therefore I am convinced that this is juft Judgment.
" And I have Reaibn to thank God heartily, who hath iC forewarned me to flee from the Wrath which is to come."
Thus every Man may be, by the Law or Covenant of Works, convinced of Judgment, if he fhall continue under the Covenant of Works, or fhall not obey the Gofpel of our Lord Jefus,
IV. For Convincing a Man of Sin, Righteouf- nefs, and Judgment, by the Golpel.
A S for convincing a Man of Sin, and Righteoufnefs and ~ *■ Judgment, by the Gofpel or Covenant of Grace ; he
D d 3 mult
42 % The Tracheal Ufe of
muft underftand three Things; i: That Not-believing in JefusChrift, or refilling of the Covenant of Grace offered in him, is a greater and more dangerous Sin, than all other Sins again ft the Law,- becaufe, the Hearers of the Gofpel, not believing in Chrift, do reject God's Mercy in Chxift, the only Way of Freedom from Sin and Wrath, and will not yield to be reconciled to God. 2. Next, He muft un- derftand, that perfect Remiffion orem, and true Righteouf- nefs, is to be had only by Faith in Jefus , becaufe God re- quired! no other Conditions but Faith ; and teftifies from Heaven, that he is well pleafed to juftify Sinners upon this Condition, 3. He muft underftand, that upcJn Righteouf- nefs received by Faith, Judgment fhall follow, on the one - Hand, to the deftroying of the Works of the Devil in the Believer, and to the perfecting of the Work of Sanctifica- tion in him, with Power . x^nd that upon refufing to t?ke Righteoufner\ by Faith in JefusChrift, Judgment lhall fol- low, on the other Hand, to the condemnation of the Mif- believer, and deftroying of him with Satan and his Servants for ever.
For this End, let thefe Paffages of Scripture, among many others, ferve to make the greatnefs of the Sin, of not-belie- ving in Chrift appear; or, to make the greatnefs of the Sin of Refufing of the Covenant of Grace offered to us, in the offering of Chrift unto us, let the fair Offer of Grace be looked upon as it is made, If a. lv, 2. Incline your Ear, and come unto me, (faith the Lord) Hear and your Soul fhall live 5 and I will make an everlafling Covenant with you, even the fure Mercies of David. That is, if ye will believe me, and be reconciled to me, I will, by Covenant, give unto you Chrift, and all faving Graces in him : Repeated, J els: xiii. 34.
Again, confider, that this general offer in Subftance is equivalent to a fpecial Offer made to every one in particu- lar i as appeareth by the Apoftles making ufe cf it, j£h\ xvi. 31,* Believe on the Lord JefusChrift, and thou /halt be 4 faved and thy Houfe.- The Reafon of which offer is given. John. iii. 16. * For God fo loved the World, that he gave his 6 only begotten Son, that wholbever believeth in him, fhould ♦ not perifh, but have everlafting Life.' Seeing then this great Salvation is offered in the Lord Jefus, wholbever be- lieveth
Saving Knowledge. 413
ievelh not In him, but looks for Happinefs fome other Way, What doth he elfe but cbferve lying Vanities, z.n<\forfake his own Mercy, which he might have had in Chrifl ? Jonah. ii, 8, 9. What doth he elfe but Blafpheme God in his Heart? as it is faid, i John, v, 10. * He that Believe th not God,
* hath made him a Liar, becaufe he believethnot the Record « that God hath given of his Son : And this is the Record
« that God hath given to us eternal Life, and this Life is in
* his Son." And that no Sinagainft the Law is like unto this Sin, Chrifl teftifies, join, xv, 22. * If I had not come ' and fpoken to them, they had not had Sin ,- but now they ' have no Glokefor their Sin/' This may convince a Man of the greatnefs of this Sin of not believing in Chrifl,
Forconviiicing a Man of Righteonfiieis to be had only by Faith in Jefus Chrift, confider how, Rom* 10 3. 4.
IT is faid, that/^ Jews, being ignorant of God's Righteoufnefs % md going about to eftablijh their own Righteoufnefs have not fub- mitted themfelves unto the Righteoufnefs of Cod (and fo they perifhed) for Chrift is the End of the Law for Righteoufnefs to e* very one that believetht And ABs. xiii, , 39. By Chrifl Jefus all that believe are jujli fed from all Things y from which ye could net bejujiifiedby the Law of 'Mo ies. And \ John 1, 7. The Blood of Jefus Chrijly his Son cleanfeth us from all Sin.
For convincing a Man of Judgment, if a Man embrace this Righteoufnefs; Confider, 1 John, -iii, 8. ■ For this
< Purpofe the Son of God was manifefted, that he might 1 deflroy the Works of the DeviL AndRsb, ix, 14. How
* much more fhall the blood of Chrift, who, through the e- 4 ternal Spirit, offered himfelf without Spot to God, purge
< your Confcience from dead "Works, to ferve the living « God ? S
But, if a Man embrace not this Ttighteoufhefs, his Doom is pronounced, John. iii. 18. " He that belieVeth not is con-
* demned already, becaufe he hath not believed in the Name 1 of the only begotten Son of God. And this is theCb'ndem.
* nation, that Light is come into the World," and Men loved f Darknefs rather than Light.
D d 4 Hence
zp4 The Tracikal Ufe of
Hence let the Penitent, defiring to believe, reafon thus ;
« What doth iuffice to convince all the Elect in the (< World of the Greatnefsofthe Sin of not believing in Ghrifr, - f < or refufing to flee to him for Relief from Sins done againft .," the Lav/, and from Wrath due thereto ; and what fuffi- f< ceth tO' convince them, that Righteouftiefs arid eternal " Life is tobehad by Faith in Jefus Chrift, or by conferring ft to the Covenant of Grace in him ; and what fufficeth " to convince them of Judgment to be exercifed by Chrift, " for deftroying the Works of the Devil in a Man; and f < fcnerifying and faving all that believe in him, may fufficQ !f to convince rne alfo.
" But what the Spirit hath faid, in thefe or other like *{ Scriptures, fufficeth to convince the Elect Wild of the ff forefaid Sin, and Righteoufnefs and Judgment.
*? Therefore what the Spirit hath faid, in thefe and other . Scriptures, ferveth to convince me thereof alfo."
Vb^reupon let the Penitent, defiring to believe, take with him Words, and lay heartily to the Lord, Seeing thou fayefr, Seek ye my Face, my Soul anfwereth urrto thee, Thy Lord, will I feeki I have hearkned unto the Offer of an everlafting Covenant of all Saving Mercies to be had in 'thrift and I do heartily embrace thy Offer. Lord, let it be a Bargain; Lord, I believe, help my Unbelief \ Behold, I give my felf to thee, to ferve thee in all Things for ever >• and I hope, thy Right-hand frail fave me; the Lord will perfect that which concerneth me ; thy Mercy, O Lord, en- dureth forever; forfake not the Works of thine own Hands.
Thus may a Man be made an unfeigned Believer -in Chrifl.
For Strengthning the Mans Faith, who hatha- greed unto the Covenant of Grace.
^Ecaufe many true Believers are weak, and do much doubt if ever they fhallbe fore of the §oi;ndnefs of their own Faith and effectual (Exiling, or made certain cf their Jufliii- cation and Salvation, when they fee, that many, who pro- fefs Faith, are found to deceive themfelves , let us fee how every Believer may be made ftrong in the Faith, and lure of his owri EleCc.on a::d Salvation upon jfblid Ground-
Saving Knowledge 425-
fure Warrants, and true Evidences of Faith. To this End, among many ether Scriptures, take thefe following.
1. For laying foiid Grounds of Faith, confider 2 Pet. 1. iQ Wherefore the rather, Brethreni give Diligence to make Jure your
Calling end El eft ion ; for if ye do thefe Things, ye fall never
falL
In which Words, the Apoftle teachelii us thefe Four
Things, for Help andDirection, how to be made feong in
the Faith ;
1. That fuch as believe in Chrift Jefus, and are fled to him for Relief from Sin and Wrath, albeit they be weak in the Faith, yet they are indeed Children of the fame Father with the Apoftles ; for fo he accounteth' of them, while he calleth them Brethren,
2. That, albeit we be not fare, for the. Time, of our ef- fectual Calling and Election, yet we maybe made fure of both, ifwTe ufe Diligence ; for this he prefuppofeth, faying*; Give Diligence to make your Calling and E left ion fore,
3. That we muft not be difcouraged, when we fee many feeming Believers prove rotten Branches and make Defecti- on, but we muft: the rather take the better heed to our- felves/ 'Wherefore the father* Brethren, faith he, give all Diligence.
4. That the Way to be lure both of our effectual Calling and Election, is to make fure Work of our Faith, by lay- ing the Grounds of it folidly, and bringing forth the Fruits of our Faith in new Obedience conftantly : For if ye do thefe
j, faith he, ye ft all never fall ; underfhmding by thefe -, v/hathe had laid of found Faith, Verfes 1, 2, 3, 4,
and what he had faid of the bringing out of the Fruits of
/'aith, Verfes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
To this fame purpofe, confider, Komi viii. 1. There is
t href ore now no Condemnation to them that are in Chrift 7<fus, who walk not after the Ylejh, but after the Spirit. Verfe. 2. For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Chrift Jefusy hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death. Verfe, 3. Tor what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the Fief, Cod fending his own *Son in the Like- $ffs of finful Fleft?, and for Sin condemned Sin in the Fief:
Verfe
426 The 'Practical Ufe of
Verfe 4. That the Right eoufnefs of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the Flejht tut ajter the Spirit.
Wherein the Apoftle teacheth us thefe Four Things, for laying of the Ground of Faith foljdly ;
1. That every one is a true Believer, who, in the Senfe of his Sin, and fear of God's Wrath, doth flee for full Re- lief from both unto Jefus Chrift alone, as the only Media- avor, and all-fufficient Redeemer of Men » and, being fled to Chrift, doth ftrive againft his own flefh, or corrupt incli- nation of Nature, and ftudieth to follow the Rule of God's Spirit, fet down in his Word .- For the Man, whom the Apoftle doth here blefs as a true Believer, is a Man in Chrift jefus, who doth not walk after the Flejh, but after the Spirit.
2. That all fuch Perfons as as are fled to Chrift, and do ftrive againft Sin, howfoever they may bepoflibly exercifed under the Senfe of Wrath and Fear of Condemnation, yet they are in no Danger ; for, there is no Condemnation (faith he) to them that are in Chrift Jefus, who walk not after the Flefh, but after the Spirit.
3. That albeit the Apoftle himfelf (brought in here for Example's caufe) and all other true Believers in Chrift, be by Nature under the Law of Sin and Death, or under the Covenant of Works (called the Law of Sin and Death, becaufe it bindeth Sin and Death upon us, till Chrift fet us free) yet the Law of the Spirit of Life in Chrift Jefus, or the Covenant of Grace (fo called, becaufe it doth enable and quicken a Man to a fpiritual Life through Chrift) doth fet the Apoftle and all true Believers free from the Covenant of Works, or the Law of Sin and Death ; So that every Man may fay with him, The Law of the Spirit of Life, or the Covenant of Grace, hath made me free from the Law of Sin cad Death, or Covenant of Works.
4. That the Fountain and firft Ground from whence cut Freedom from the Curfe of the Law doth flow, is the Covenant of Redemption, paft betwixt God, and God the Son as incarnate, wherein Chrift takes the Curfe of the Law upon him for Sin, that the Believer, who could not other- wife be delivered from the Covenant of Works, may be de- livered from it. . And this Dofrrine the Apoftle holdeth forth in thefe Four Branches : (1.) That it was utterly im-
po/fible
Saving Knowledge 417
pofTbie for the Law, or the Covenant of "Works, to bring Richteoufnefs and Life to a Sinner, becaufe it was weak (2.) That this Weaknefs and Inability of the Law, or Co- venant of works, is not the Fault of the Law, but the Fault of finful flefli, which is neither able to pay the Penal- ty of Sin, nor to give perfeft Obedience to the Law pre- fuppofe bygone Sins were forgiven -,) the Law was weak (£r:hhe) through the Flefh. (3.) That the Righteoufhefs and Salvation of Sinners which was impoffible to be brought about by the Lav/, is brought topafs by lending God's own Son, Jefus Chrift, in the Flefh, in whofe Flefh Sin is con- demned and punifhed, for making fatisfa&ion in the Behalf of the Elect, that they might be fet free. (4.) That, by his Means, the Law lofeth nothing, becaufe the righteouP nefs of the Law is beft fulfilled this Way ; Firft, by Chrift's giving perfeft a&ive Obedience in our Name unto it in all Things Next by his paying in our Name the Penalty (due to our Sins) in his Death And laftly; by his working of SancHrkation in us, who are true Believers, who ftrive to give new Obedience unto the Law, and walk not after the Flefli bat after the Spirit*
Warrants to Believe.
T7 O R building our Confidence upon this fblid Ground, thefe four Warrants and fpecial Motives to believe in Chrift may ferve.
The Firft whereof is Gods Hearty Invitation, holden forth, I fa. Iv. i, x, 3, 4, 5.
c TJ "O* every One that thirfteth, come ye to the Waters; X"l * he that hath no Money, come & buy without Money, ' and without Price. Verfe. 2. Wherefore do ye fpend your 6 Money for that which is not Bread, and your Labour for * that which fatisfieth not ? Hearken diligently unto me, and c eat ye that which is good, and let your Soul delight itfeif c in Fatnefs. Verfe 3, Incline your Ear, and come unto me f hear and your Soul fhall live ; and I will make an everlaft-
ing
4", 8 The TrafficalUfeof
7.7 with you, even the fure Mercies c/David. Verfe 4« ; given him for a witnefs to the People, a Leader commander to the People, Sec.
Here (after fetting down the precious Ranfbm of our Re- demption by the fufferings of Chrift, and the rich Bleflings purchafed to us thereby, in the two former Chapters) the Lord, in this Chapter,
i. Maketh open Offer of Chrift and his Grace, by Pro- clamation of a free and gracious Market of Righ teoufnefs & balvation, to be had through Chrift to every Soul with- out Exception, that truly defires to be faved ftom Sin and Ath , Ho, every one that thirfleth, faith he. z. He inviteth all Sinners, that for any Reafon ftandat Diftance with God, to come and take from him Riches of Grace,- running in Chrift as a River, to wafhaway Sin, and to ftocken Wrath ; Come ye to the Waters, faith he.
3'. Left any fhould ftand aback, in the Senfe of his own Sh;f ilnefs or Unworthinefs, and Inability to do any Good, the Lord calleth upon fuch Perfcns, in fpecial, faying, He thai hath m Money, come.
4. He craveth no more of his Merchant, but that he be >>d with the Wares offered, which are Grace and more Grace ; and that he heartily confent unto, and embrace this Offer of Grace, that ib he may clofe a Bargain, and a for- mal Covenant with God 5 Come, buy without Money (faith he) come, eat-, that is, Confent to have, and take unto yon, aving Graces ; make the Wares your own, poflefs them, of all Bleffings in Chrift; whatfoever maketh for your Spiritual Life and Comfort, ufe and enjoy it freely, without paying any Thing for it ■ Come, buy Wine and Milk , . arid without Price, faith he. aule the Lord knoweth how much we are inclined ek Righteoulhefs and Life by our own Performances and .-racrion, to have Righteoulhefs and Life as it ""were by Way of Works ; and how loth we are to embrace Chrift Jefiis, and to cake Life by way of free Grace through Jems Chrift, upon the Terms whereupon it is offered to us : Therefore the Lord lovingly calls us off this our crook, ed and unhappy Way, with ft gentle and timeous Admoniti- on, giving us to underftand, that we fhall but lofe our La- bour
Saving Knowledge. 42,9
bour in this our Way ; Wherefore do ye (faith he) foj^that :: -id your L
which fatisfietn not ?
6. The Lord promifeth to us folid Satisfaction, , in the "Way of betaking ourfelves unto the Grace of €hri(l, even true Contentment, andFulnefs of Spiritual Pleafure Hearken diligently unto me, arid eat that which h ' good9 a::
Soul Delight itfelfin Yatnefs.
7. Becaufe Faith cometh by Hearing, he calleth for Audi- ence unto the Explication of the Offer, and calleth for Be- lieving of, and Liftning unto the Truth, which :
beget the Application of faying Faith, and to draw the Soul to trull in God ; I r Ear, an
he To which End, the Lord promifes, t!: . ffer,
being received, fhall quicken the dead Sinner ; and that, upon the Welcoming of this OiFer, he will clofe the Cove- nant of Grace with the Man that fhall confent unto it, even an mdiflclvable Covenant of perpetual Reconciliation Peace ; Hearken, and your S 7 / vnll
an everla fling Couenant u . Which Covenant,
declareth, lhallbe in Subftance the A fir; nation, and making over of all the Saving Graces, which D. is Jefus Chriil, Acts, xiii, 34.) hath bought for us in th. venant of Redemption ; I
(faith he) even the fure I\l David. By
cits, he means living Graces, fueh as are Righteoufnefs, Peace, and Joy in the holy Ghoil, Adoption, Sanctifica- tionand Glorification, and\yhatibever belongs to Godlinefs and Life eternal.
8. To confirm and allure us of the real Grant ofthefe faving Mercies, and to periwv.de us of the Reality of the Covenant betwixt God and the Believer of this Word, the Father hath made a Fourfold Gift of his Eternal and only begotten Son,
Fir [I, To be incarnate and born for our fake, of the Seed qfjOapldhls Type ,• for which Gaufe, he is called here, and Jcfs. xiii. 34. D A l I D, the True and Everlailing King of Ipraell Thi$ is the great Gift of God to Man, iv. 10. And here, llm - DaVid, or born of
David, to the People.
4 3 o The Tragical life of
Secondly, He hath made a Gift of thrift to be a Witnefs to the People, both of the? fure and laving Mercies granted to the Redeemed in the Covenant of Redemption ; and alfo ofthe fathers "W illingnefs and Purpofe to apply them, and to make them fall in the Covenant of Reconciliation, made with fuch as embrace the Offer : I have, .given him (faith the Lord here) to be a Witnefs to the People. And truly he is a fufficient "Witnefs in this Matter, in many Refpects ; jj}y Becaufe he is one ofthe Perfons of the blefTed Trinity, and Party-Con trafter for us, in the Covenant of Redempti- on, before the World was. idly He is by Office, as Me^ diator, the MefTenger of the Covenant, and hath gotten Commiffion to reveal it. ^dly, He began actually to reveal it in Paradife, where he promifed, that the Seed of the "Woman fhould bruife the Head ofthe Serpent. ^thly% He: fet forth his own Death and Sufferings, and the great Bene- fits that fhould came thereby to us, in the Types and Figures' of Sacrifices and Ceremonies before his Coming. \ihlyy He gave more and more Light about this Covenant, freaking £>yhis Spirit, from Age to Age, in the holy Prophets, 6thlyy He came himfelf in the Fulnefs of Time, and did bear Witnefs of all Things belonging to this Covenant, and of God's willing Mind to take Believers into it ,- partly by uni- ting our Nature, in one Perfon with the Divine Nature,- partly by preaching the good Tidings of the Covenant with his own Mouth ; partly by paying the Price of Redemption on the Crofs ; and partly by dealing ftill with the*"Pebple%. from the Beginning to this Day, to draw in, and to hold in the Redeemed in this Covenant.
Thirdly, God hath made a Gift of Chrift, as a Leader to the People, to bring us through all Difficulties, all Afflictions, and Tentations, unto Life, by this Covenant .• And he it is, andho ether, who doth indeed lead his own into the Cove- nant, and, in the Covenant, all the Way on unto Salvation, 1. By the Direction of his Word and Spirit. 2; By the Ex- ample of his own Life, in Faith and Obedience, even to the Death of the Crofs. 3. By his powerful Working, bearing his redeemed Ones in his Arms, and caufmg them to lean on him, while they go up through the Wilcfernefs.
Fourthly, God hath made a Gift of Chrift unto his People, as a Commander-, which Office he faithfully exercifeth, by
giving
bavwg A ntrji'lefge. 43 T
giving to his Kirk and People, Laws and Ordinances, r* fiors and Governors, and all neceffary Officers ; by keeping Courts and AfTemblies among them, to fee that his Laws be obeyed ; fubduing, by his Word, Spirit, and Difcipline, his Peoples Corruptions/ and, by his Wifdom and Powrer, guarding them againfl all their Enemies whatfoever.
Hence he, who hath clofed Bargain with God, may flrengthen his Faith, by reafbning after this Manner ;
" Whofoever doth' heartily receive the Offer of free " Grace, made here to Sinners, thirfting for Righteoufiiefr, u and Salvation ; Unto him, by an Everlafting Covenant, " belongeth Chrift, the true David > with all his fare and <c faving Mercies.
" But, I (may the weak Believer fay) do heartily receive u the Offer of free Grace, made here to Sinners, thirfUng '• for Righteoufnefs and Salvation,
" Therefore unto me, by an everlafting Covenant, be- ft longeth Chrift Jefus, with all his fure and faving Mercies /'
The Second warrant and ipecial Motive to Embrace Chrift, and Believe in Him, is the Earneft Requeji that God maketh to us to be Reconciled to Him in Chrift, holden forth z Cor. v. Verfes 14, 19,20, zi.
< /"> O D was in Chrift reconciling the World unto himfelf vJT < not imputing their Trefpafles unto them, and hath
< committed unto us the Word of Reconciliation. Verfe.
< 20. Now then we are AmbafTadors for Chrift, as though i God did befeech you by us ; we pray you in Chrift's Stead, 1 be ye reconciled to God. Verfe 2t. For he hath made him « to be Sin for us, who knew no Sin, that we might be 6 made the Righteoufnefsof God in him.
Wherein the Apoftle teacheth us thefe Nine Do£hines ;
Yirfl: That the Eleft World, or World of Redeemed Souls, are by Nature in the Eftate of Enmity againft God : This is prefuppofed in the Word Reconciliation % for Re- conciliation, or renewing of Friendfhip, cannot be, except betwixt thofe that have been at Enmity.
Second
I
4 ] i The Tragical Uje of
Second, That in all the Time bypaft, fincc the Fall of Ada™, Chrift Jefus, the £ternal Son of God, as Mediator, and the Father in him, hath been about the making Friend- fhip, (by his Word and Spirit) betwixt Himfelf°and the Eleft World •, God (faith he) was in Chrifl reconciling the World to himfeif.
Third. That the "Way of Reconciliation was in all Aqes one and the fame in Subftance, viz% by forgiving the Sins of them, who do acknowledge their Sins and their Enmity againft God, and do leek Reconciliation ?nd Remiffion of Sins in Chrift ; Tor Cod (faith he) was in Chrift reconciling the World to hiwfclf, by way of not imputing thar Trejpajfes unto^ ill em.
Fourth, That the End and Scope of the Gofpel, and whole Word of God, is Threefold : i. It fefveth to make People fenlible of their Sin?, and of their Enmity againft God, and of their. Banger, if they flatould fraud out, and not fear God's Difpleafare. 2. The Word of God ferveth to make Man acquainted with the Courfe, which God hath prepared, for making Friendfhip with him" through Chrift, viz, That if Men fhall acknowledge the Enmity, and (hall be content to enter into a Covenant of Friendfhip with God, through Chrifl:, then God will be content to be reconciled with them freely 3. The Word of God ferveth to teach Men how to carry themfelves towards God, As Friends, af- ter they are reconciled to him, viz. to be loth to fin againfl him, and to ftrive heartily to obey his Commandments : And therefore the Word of God here is called the Word of Reconciliation, - becaufe \l teacheth us what need we have of Reconciliation, and how to make it, and how to keep the Reconciliation or Friend/hip, being made with God through Chrift.
Fifth, That, albeit' the Hearing, Believing and Obeying of this Word, doth belong to all Jnofe to whom this Gofpel doth come ; yet the Office of preaching of it,' with Autho- rity, belongethgtOi none/, but tq fuch only as God doth call to his Mirnfhy, and fendeth out with Gommiilion for this "Work. This the Apoftleholdeth forth, V erii 18. in thefe Words, Yie hath committed tons the Word of Reconciliation^
Sixth, That the Minifters of the Gofpel fhtould behave themfelves as Ghrift's Meilcngers, and ftiould clofly follow
their
Saving Knowledge. 4 53
their Commiflion fet down in the Wori Mat. xxviiL 19; 20: And when they do lb, they fhould be received by the People as Ambafladors from God ; for here the Apoftle, in all their Names, faith, We are Ambaffadors for Chrift, as though Cod didbefeech you by us.
Seventh, That Minifters in all Earneftnefs of Affections fhould deal with People, to acknowledge their Sins, and their natural Enmity againft God, more and more ferioufly ; and to confent to the Covenant of Grace and Embaffage of Chrift more and more heartily ; and to evidence more and more clearly their Reconciliation, by a holy Carriage before God.- This he holdeth forth, when he faith, We fray you be reconciled to God.
Eight, That in the Minifters affe&ionate Dealing with the People, the People fhould confider that they have to do with God and Chrift, requefting them by the Minifters to be reconciled : Now, there cannot be a greater Inducement to break a Sinners hard Heart, than God's making Requeft to him for Friendrfiip ; for when it became us, who have done fo many wrongs to God, to feek Friendfhip of God, he preventeth us -. And (O Wonder, of Wonders !) he reque^ Iteth us to be content to be reconciled to him ; and therefore moft fearful Wrath muft abide them, who do fet light by this Requeft, and do not yield when they hear Minifters with Commiflion, faying, We are Ambajfadors for Chrift, as though God did befeech you by us ; We pray you, in Chrift' s ftead, be ye recon- ciled to God.
Ninth, To make it appenr, how it cometh to pafs that the Covenant of Reconciliation fhould be fo eafily made up betwixt God and a humble Sinner fleeing to Chrift, the A- poftie leads us unto the Caufe of it, holden forth in the Cove- nant of Redemption, the Sum whereof is this ; u It is a- 11 greed betwixt God and the Mediator jefus Chrift the Son 16 of God, Surety for the Redeemed, as Parties, Contrafters, 0 that the Sins of the Redeemed ihould be imputed to in- " nocent Chrift, and he both condemned and put to Death. " for them, upon this very Condition, that whofocver hear- " tily contents unto the Covenant of Reconciliation offered u through Chrift, (hall by the Imputation of his Obedience " unto them, be juftified and holden righteous before God ; « for God hath made Chi lie, Who knm fto Sin to bt Sin
E e <Sr
454 The Traflical life of
" fir us (faith the Apoftle) that we might be made the Rights • " oufnefsof God inhim"
Hence may a weak Believer ftrengthen his Faith, by te£* foningfrom this Ground after this Manner ;
<< He that upon the loving Requeft of God and Chrift,
*c made to him by the Mouth of Minifters {having Coin-
" mijfion to that EffeCt) hath embraced the Offer of perpe-
u tual Reconciliation through Chrift, and doth purpofe by
" God's Grace, as a reconciled Perfon, to ftrive againft
" Sin, and tblerveGod to his Power conftantly, may be as
<* lure to have Righteoufnefs and eternal Life given to him,
* for the Obedience of Chrift imputed to him, as it is fure
u that Chrift was condemned and put to Death for the Sins
,f* of the Redeemed imputed to him.
' * ; But I (may the weak Believer fay) upon the loving Requeft
1 of God and Chrift, made to me by the Mouth of his Mini-
<* fters, have embraced the Offer of perpetual Reconciliation
u through Chrift, and do purpofe by God's Grace, as a recon-
\e tiled Perfon, to ftrive againft Sin, and to ferve God to my
;4 Power conftantly.
u Therefore, I may be as fure to have Righteoufnefs and <c eternal Life given to me, for the Obedience of Chrift im- ** puted to me, as it is fure that Chrift was condemned and u put to Death for the Sins of the Redeemed imputed to him.
The Third Warrant and ipecial Motive to be- lieve m Chrifr, is the ftrait and awful Command of God, charging all the Hearers of the Gofpel to approach to Chrift, in the order fet down by him, and to Believe in him ; holden forth, j John. lit. 2.3.
T
HIS is his Commandment, that we Jhould believe in the Name of his Son ]efus Chrift, and love one another, as he gave us Commandment.
"Wherein the Apoftle giveth us to underftand thefe Five Doftrines.
1, That if any Man fhall not be taken with the fweet In- tfetton of God, nor with the humble and loving Requeft of
God,
Saving Knowledge. q 3 <r
God, mr.de to him to be reconciled, he {hall find he hath to1 do with the fovereign Authority of the higheft Majefty > for this is his Commandment, that we believe in him, faith he.
2. That if any Man look upon this Command, as hehath looked heretofore upon the neglected Commandments of the Law ; he mull conftder that this is a Command of the Gol- pel, pofterior to the Law, given for making Ufeof the Re- medy of all Sins ; which if it be diibbcyed, there is no other Command to follow but this, Go, ye Curfid, into the everlajiing Fire of Hell : For this is his Commandment, the Obedience of which is rnofl" pleafant in his Sight, v. 22. and without which it is impoffible to pleafe him, He/?, xi. 6.
3. That everyone, who heareth the Gofpe?, muft make Confidence of the Duty of lively Faith in Cnrift the weak Believer mull not think it Prciumption to do what is com- manded ; The Perfcn incline * to Defperatifn mult take himfelf, and think upon Obedxeiice unto this fweet and la- ving Command 3 The ftrong Brl/ever muft dip yet more in the Senle of his Need he hath of Jefus Chrift, and more and more grow in the Obedience of this Command ; yea, the molt impenitent, profane* and wicked Ptrfon muft not thruft out himfelf or be thruft out by others, from orderly aiming at this Duty, how defperate foever his Condition leem to be ; for he that commands all Men to believe in Chnft, doth thereby command all Men to believe that they are damned and loft without Ghrift He thereby commands all Men to acknowledge their Sins and their Need of Chrift, and in ef- feft commands all Men to repent, that they may believe in him. And whofoeverdo refuftto repent of their bygone Sins, are guilty of Difobedience to this Command given to all Hearers, but efpecially to thefe that are within the vifible Church: For this is his Commandment, that we Jhould believe on the Name of bis Son Jefus Chrift, faith he.
4. That he who obeyeth this Commandment, hath buile his Salvation on a fblid Ground For, 'Fir ft, He hath found the promifed Meffiah, compleately furniftied with all Perfe^ ftions unto the Perfect Execution of the Offices of Prophet, Prieft, and King ; for he is that Chrift in. whom the Man doth believe. 2. He hath embraced a Saviour, who is able tofilve to the uttermolt, ye?, and who doth effectually fa ve every oi,e that cometh to God through him . For he is Je-
■ E e 2 fa
4 } 6 The Tr attic al Ufe of
Jus, the true Saviour of his People from their Sins. 3. He that obeyeth this Command, hath built his Salvation on the Rock, that is, on the Son of God, to whom it is no Robbery to be called equal to the Father, and who is worthy to be the Objeft of faving Faith, and of fpiritual Worfhip : For this is his Cdmmand (faith he) that we believe in the Name of his Son Jefus Chrift:
5. That he who hath believed on Jefus Chrift (though he be freed from the curfe of the Law) is not freed from the Command and Obedience of the Law, but tied thereunto by a new Obligation, and a new Command from Chrift : Which new Command from Chrift, importeth Help to obey the Command : unto which Command from Chrift, the Father addeth his Authority and Command alfo ; For this is his Commandment (faith John) that we believe on the Name of i his Son Jefus Chrift, x and love <me another, as he hath commanded us. The firft Part of which Command, injoining Belief in him, neceflarily implieth Love to God, and fo O- bedience to the firft Table •, for believing in God, and loving God, are infeparable. And the fecond Part of the Command injoineth Love to our Neighbour, (efpecially to the Houfhold of Faith) and lo Obedience to the Second Table of the Law.
Hence may a weak Believer ftrengthen himfel£ fby rea- foningfrom this Ground after this Manner;
* Wholbever in the Senfe of his own Sinfulnefs and Fear " of God's Wrath, at the Command of God, is fled to " Jefus Chrift, the only Remedy of Sin and Mifery, and " hath engaged his Heart to the Obedience of the Law of *< love, his Faith is not Frefumptuous or dead, but true and * faving Faith.
" But I (may the weak Believer fay) in the Senfe of my " own Sinfulnefs, and Fear of God's Wrath, am fled to Je- '< lus Chrift, the only Remedy of Sin and Mifery, and hav« " engaged my Heart to the Obedience of the Law of Love.
" Therefore my Faith is not a prefumptuous and dead <( Faith, but rrue and favin gFaith."
The
Saying Knowledge. 4 3 7
The Fourth Warrant and fpecial Motive to be- lieve in Chrift, is much Affiirance of Life gi- ven, in cafe Men ihall obey the Command of Believing, and a fearful Certification of De- finition, in cafe they obey not ; h olden forth, John. iii. 35.
TH E Father loveth the Son , and hath given all Things into his Hand, Ver. 36. He that believeth on the Scny hath ever- lafling Life ; and he that believeth not the Son, /hall not fif Life, hut the Wrath of God abide th on him.
Wherein are holden forth to us thefe Five following Do- ftrincs ;
1. That the Father is well fatisfied with the Undertakings of the Son, entred Redeemer and furety to pay the Ranfom of Believers, and to perfect them in Holineis and Salvation. The Father loveth the Sen, faith he , viz. as he ftandeth Mediator in our Name, undertaking to perfeft our Redem- ption in all Points : The Father loveth him> that is, doth heartily accept his Offer to vdo ihe Work and is well plea* fed with him ; His Soul delighteth in him, and refleth upon him, and maketh him in this his Office, the Receptacle cf Love and Grace } and Goodwill, to be conveyed by him to Belie- vers in him.
2. That, for fulfilling ofthe Covenant of Redemption, the Father hath given to the Son (as he ftandeth in the Cap^. city ofthe Mediator, or as he is God incarnate, the Word made Flefh) all Authority in Heaven and Earth, all Furni: ture ofthe riches of Grace, and of Spirit and Life, with all Power and Ability, which the Union ofthe Divine Nature with the Human, or which the fulnefs of fhe Godhead dwelling fubftantially in his Human Nature, or which the Indivisible All-fufficiency and Omnipotency of the Infepa- rable, every where prefent Trinity doth import, or the Work of Redemption can require ; The Father (faith he) hath given all Things into the Son's Hand, to wit, for accomplishing his Work.
3. Great AfTurance of Life is holden forth to all, who fhall heartily receive Chrift, and the Qffer ofthe Covenant
E e 3 ot
41 8 TheTractkalUfeof
of Grace and Reconciliation through him, He that belhveth on the Son (faith he) hath ever left mg Life ; for it is made fall: unto him, i. In God's Purpofe, and irrevocable Decree, as the Believer is a Man clotted to life. %. By Effectual Calling of him unto Life by God, who, as he is faithful, fo will he do it. 3, By Promjfe and everlafting Covenant, jfworn by God, to give the Believer flrong Confolation in Life and Death, upon immutable Grounds. 4. By a Pawn ^nd Infeftment under the Great Seal of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, fo oft as the Believer fhall come to receive fhe Symbols and Pledges of Life, j, In Chrift the Fountain and Head of Life/ who is entrtd in PofTefTion, as Attorney for Believers, in whom our Life is fo laid up, that it can- not be taken away. 6. By begun PofTefTion of fpiritual Life and Regeneration, andf a Kingdom confifting in Righ- •teoufnefs, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghoft, ere&ed with- in the Believer, as Earneft of the full Pofleifion ©f Everlaft- ing Life.
4. A fearful Certification is given, if a Alan receive not the Doftrine concerning Righteoufnefs and eternal Life to be had by Jefus Chrift ; He that believes not the Son, fhall not fee Ufo} that is, not fo much as underftand what it Eieaneth.
5. He farther Certifieth, that, if a Man receive not the Po&rine of the Son of God, he fhall be burdened twice with the Wrath of God; once as a born Rebel by Nature, he fhall bear the Curfe of the Law, or the Covenant of Works ; and next he fnall endure a greater Condemnation, in refpect that Light being come into the World, and offered to him, he hath reje&ed it, and Ioveth Darknefs rather than Light : And this double Wrath fhall be faftned and fixed immove- ably upon him. fo long as he remaineth in the Cpr+diuon of Misbelief; TbeIVrdtb'ofQodabidethonhim9 faith he.
Hence may the weak Believer ftrengtheg. his Faith, by rsaibning frQm this Ground after this Manner ;
W Wliofoever believeththe Dofrrine delivered by the Son u of God, and findeth himfelf partly drawn powerfully to <* believe in him, by the Sight of Life in him, and partly i\ driven, by the Fear of God's Wr^th, to adhere untp Him/
" may
Saving Knowledge: ^ ^
I u may be fure of Right and Intereft to Life eternal through " him.
*< but finful and unworthy I (may the weak Believer fafs ** do believe the Do&rine delivered by the Son of God, and *< do feel my (elfpartly drawn, powerfully to believe in him, «< by the fight of Life in him ; andpartly driven, by the Fear
* of God's Wrath, to adhere unto him.
" Therefore I may be lure of my Right ar/d Intereft unto eternal Life through him.''
The tvidences of true Faith.
SO much for the laying the Grounds of Faith, and War. rants to believe. Now, for evidencing of true Faith Traits, the fe four Things are requifite,- i. That the Pelieverbc foundly convinced in his Judgment, of his Obli-
fation to keep the whole Moral Law, all the Days of his ,ife : and that not the lefs, but fo much the more, as he is delivered by Chrift from -the Covenant of Works, and Curfe of the Law. 2. That he endeavour to grow in the JExercife and daily practice of Godlinefsand Rrghteoufnc fs 3. Thar the Courfe of his new Obedience run in the right Chanel, that is, through Faith in Chrift, . ?md through a good Con* icience, to all the Duties .of Love towards God and Man, 4 That he keep ftrait Communion with the Fountain Chrift Jefus, from whom Grace muft run alqng, for furntthing of good Fruits.
For theFiril507^. To convince the Bcliever,in his Judgment, of his Obligation to keep the Moral Law, among many Paifeges, t^ke Matth. v 16:
* T E T your Lfghtfo^fhine-before IVfen^ that they may fee 4 JU your good Works*, and glorify your Father which js in 4 Heaven. Verfi 17. Thmk nor-that Ianiccpme to deftroy the
* Law or the Prophets c lam not. come tQ deftroy but tofuj- 4 fil. Verfe 18. For verily I fay unto you," Till Heaven and
* parth pafs one Jot, or one 'Title mail in no wife pafs from
* theLaw, till all be fulfilled- Verfe, jjk Whofoever there.
E e 4 « for-
440 The Tragical Ufe of
c fore (hall break one of theft Ieaft Commandments, & fliall c teach Men fo, he (hall be called leaft in the Kingdom of
< Heaven : But whofoever (hall do, & teach them, the fame
* (hall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven, verfe 20.
< For I fay unto you, That except your Righteoulhefs (hall
* exceed the Righteoufnefs of th^ Scribes and Pharifees, ye
* (hall in no Cafe enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Wherein ourXord, t. Giveth Commandment to Believers, juftified by Faith, to give Evidence of the Grace of God in them, before Men, by doing good Works , Let your light fo Jhine before Men (faith he) that they may fee your good Works.
2. He induceth them fo to do, by (hewing, that albeit they be not juftified by Works, yet Spe&ators of their good Works may be converted or edified ; and fo Glory may re- dound toGod by their good Works, when the Witnefles there- ofJhall glorify your Yather which is in Heaven.
3. He gives them no other Rule for their New Obedience than the Moral Law, fet down, and Explicated by Mofes and the Prophets -, Think not (faith he) that I am come to dejlroy the law and the Prophets.
4. He gives them to underftand, that the Doftrine of Grace, and Freedom 'from the Curfe of the Law, by Faith in him, is readily miftaken by Mens corrupt Judgments, as if it didloofe or flacken the Obligation of Believers to obey the Commands, and to be fubjeft to the Authority of the Law ; and that this Error is indeed a deftroying of the Law and of the Prophets, which he will in ho Cafe ever endure in any of his Difciples, it isfo contrary to the End of his Co- rning, which is firft to fanftify, and then tofave Believers : Think not (faith he) that I am come to -dejlroy the. Law and the prophets.
5-. Kfe teacheth, that the End of the Gofpel and Cove- nant of Grace is to procure Mens Obedience unto the Mo- ral Law ; / am come (faith he) to fulfil the Law and the Prophets,
- 6, That the Obligation of the Moral Law, in all Points, ymtQ ail holy Duties, is perpetual, and (hall (land to the "V^rld's End, that is, till Heaven and Earth pafs away.
7. That as God hath had a Care of the Scriptures from
1 the
Saving Knowledge. 441
the Beginning, fo (hall he have a Care of them flill to the World's End, that there fhall not one Jot or one Title of the Sub- flanoe thereof be taken away, fo faith the Text, I'erfe. 18.
8. That as the Breaking of the Moral Law, and Defen- ding the Tranfgreffions thereof to be no Sin, doth exclude Men, both from Heaven, and jjiftly alfo from the Fellowship of the true Kirk ; So the Obedience of the Law, and teach- ing others to do the fame, by Example, Counfel and Do- ctrine, according to every Man's Calling, proveth a Man to be a true Believer, and in great Eftimation with God, and worthy to be much efteemed of by the true Church, verfe. 19.'
9. That the Righteoufnefs of every true Chriflian mufl be more than the righteoufnefs of the Scribes and Pharifees ,- for the Scribes and Pharifees, albeit they took great pains to difcharge fundry Duties of the Law, yet they cutted fhort the Expofition thereof, that it might the lefs condemn their Practice ; they ftudied the outward part of the Duty, but neglected the inward and fpiritual Part; theydifchargedfome meaner Duties carefully, but neglected Judgment, Mercy, and the Love of God: In a Word, they went about to efta- blifh their own Righteoufnefs, and rejected the Righteoufnefs of God by Faith in Jefus. But a true Chriflian muft have more than all this ; he mufl acknowledge the full Extent of the fpiritual Meaning of the Law, and have a Refpeft to all the Commandments, and labour to cleanfe himfelf from all Filthinefs of the Flefhand Spirit, and not lay Weight upon what Service he hath done% or fhall do , but clothe himfelf with the imputed Righteoufnefs of ChriJft, which only can hide his Nakednefs, orelfe he cannot be faved ; ib faith the, Text Except your Righteoufnefs, &c.
The Second Thing requifite to evidence true Faith is, that the Believer endeavour to put the Rules of Godlineis and Righteoufnefs m Pra- ctice, & to grow in the daily E xercife thereof ; holden forth, z Tet.i. 5:
c A N D befides this, giving all Diligence, add to your -^ * Faith, Virtue, and to Virtue, Knowledge; verfe 6.
< And
4 4.z The TraEikal Ufe of
< Andttf Knowledge, Temperance ; and to Temperance, Pa"
* tience; and to Patierjce Godlinefs ; verfe 7. And to God- ' linefs, Brotherly -kiadnefs ,- and to Brotherly-kindnefs, Cha-
* xky. verfe 8. For if thefe Things be in you, and abound* \they make you, that ye fhall neither he barren nor unfruit-
* ful in the Knowledge of our Lord Jefus Ghrift.
Wherein, 1. The ApoftJe teacheth Believers, for eviden- cing of Precious Faith in themfelves, to endeavour to add to their Faith feven other Sifter -graces; The firft is Virtue^ or the a&ive Exercife and Practice of all Moral Duties, that fo Faith may not be idle, but put forth itfelf in Work. The fecond is Knowledge, which ferves to furnifti Faith with Information of the Truth to be believed, and to furnifti vir- tue with Direction what Duties are to be done, and how to go about them prudently. The third is Temperance, which ferveth to moderate the Ufe of all pleafant Things, that a Man be not clogged therewith, nor made unfit for any Duty whereto he is called. The fourth is Patience, which fer* veth to moderate a Man's Affections, when he meeteth with any Difficulty or unpleafant Thing ,- that he neither weary , for Pains requiiedin Welldoing, nor faint when the Lord chaftifeth him, nor murmur when he croffeth him. The fifth is Godlinefs, which may keep him up in all the Exer- cifes of Religion, inward and outward ; whereby he may be furnifhed from God, for all other Duties which he hath to do. The fixth is Brotherly kindnefs% which keepeth Eftir mation of, and Affe£tion to, all the Houfhold of Faith, and to the Image of God in every one wherefoever it is (ben. The feventh is Love, which keepeth the Heart in Readinefs to do Good to all Men, whatibever they be, upon all Occa^ fions which God fhall offer.
2. Albeit it be true, that there is much Corruption and Infirmity in the Godly -, yet the Apoftle will have Men up- rightly endeavouring, and doirjg their beft, as they are able, to join all theft Graces one to another, and to grow in the Meafure of Exercifing therri ; Giving all Diligence" (faith he) add to your Faith 7 &c.
3. He affureth all profeffed Believers, that as they fhall profit in the Obedience of this Direction , fo they fhall pro- fitably prove the Soundnefs of th eir own Faith ; and if they
want
Saving Knowledge. 443
want thefe Graces, that they fliall be found blind Deceivers of themfelves, ve?fe. 9,
The Third Thing requifite to evidence true Faith is, that Obedience to the Law rim in the right
♦ Chanel, that is, hrough Faith in Chnft, f$c. hclden forth, i Tim. i. 5.
^i 0 JVy the End of the Commandment is Love, out of a pure f Hearty and of a good Confcience, and of Faith unfeign < ed.
Wherein the Apoftle teacheth thefe Seven Do&rines ;
1. That the Obedience of the Law mult flow from Love, and J-ove from a pure Heait, and a pure Heart from a goad Conference, and a good Confcience from Faith inifeigr.ed : This he makes the only right Chanel of good Works ; The End of the Law is Love, &C.
2 That the End of the Law is not, that Men maybe jufii- fled by their Obedience of it, as the Jewijh Doctors did fali- ly teach ; for it is impoffible that Sinners can be juflified by the Law, who, for every Tranlgreffion, are condemned by the Law . For the End of the Law is (not fuch as the Jewfjh Dolors taught, but) Love out of a pure Heart, &c.
3. That the true End of the Law, preached unto the Peo- ple, is, that they, by the Law, being made to fee their de- fended Condemnation, (hould flee to Chriit unfeignedly, ' to be juftified by Faith in him ; fo faith the Text, while itma- keth Love to flow through Faith in Chnft.
4. That no Man can fet himfelf in Love to obey the Law, except in as far as his Confcience is quieted by Faith, or is feeking to be quieted in Chriit ; for the End of the Law ts Lovey out of a good Confcience, and Faith unfeigned.
$. That feigned Faith goeth to Chriit without reckoning with the Law, and fo wants an Errand ; but unfeigned Fait;: reckoneth with the Law, and is forced to flee for Refuge un- to Chriit, as the End of the Law for Righteoufnels, fo often as it finds itfelf guilty for breaking of the Law ; For the End of thehaw is Faith unfeigned.
, .6. That the fruits of Love may come forth in Att parti-
cular
444 The Tragical life of
eularly, it is nece/Tary that the Heart be brought to the Ha. tred of all Sin and Uncleannefs, and toaftedfaft Purpofeto follow allHolinefs univerfally ; For the end of the Law is Love, cut of a pure Heart.
7. That unfeigned Faith is able to make the Conference good, and the Heart pure, and the Man lovingly obedient to the Law ; for, when Chrift's Blood is feen by Faith to quiet Juftice, then the Conference becometh quiet alio, and wiu not fufFer the Heart to entertain the Love of Sin, but lets the Man on Work to fear God for his Mercy, and to obey all his Commandments, out of Love to God, for his free Gift of Justification, by Grace beftowed on him : For this is the end of the law indeed, whereby it obtaineth of a Man more Obe- dience than any other "Way.
The Fourth Thing requisite to Evidence true Faith is, the keepng ftratt Communion with Chrift, the Fountain of all Graces,& cf all good VVorks ; holden forth, Jobn.xv; 5V
1
Am the true vine, ye are the Branches : He that abideth in me, and I in him, the fame bringeth forth much Fruit ; for without me ye can do nothing*
WhereinChrift, in a Similitude from a Vine-tree, teach* eth us,
1. That by Nature we are wild barren Briers, till we be changed by coming unto Chrift; and that Chrift is that noble Vine -tree, having all Life and Sap of Grace in himfelf, and able to change the Nature of every one that come th to him, and to communicate Spirit and Life to as many as fhall believe in him : I am the vine (faith he) and ye are the Branches.
2. That Chrift loveth to have Believers fo united unto him, as that they be notfeparated at any Time by Unbelief : And that there may be a mutual Inhabitation of them in him, by faith and love ; and of him in them, by his Word and Spirit : For he joineth thefe together, If ye abide in me, and Iinyou} as Things infeparable,
3. That, except a Man be ingrafted in Chrift, and united to him by Faith, he cannot do any the leaft good Works of
his
Saving Knowledge ^a?
his own Strength ; yea, exeept in as far as a Man doth draw Spirit and Life from Ghrift by Faith, the Work which he doth is naughty and null in the Point ofGoodnefs, in God's Eftimation ; for without me (faith he) ye can do nothing.
4. That this mutual Inhabitation is the Fountain and infal- lible Caufe of conftant continuing and abounding in Well- doing : For he that abideth in mey and I in him (faith he) the fame beareth much fruit. Now, as our abiding in. Ghrift prefuppofeth three Things, 1. That we have heard the joyful Sound of the Gofpel, making offer of Chrift to as, who are loft Sinners by the Law ; 2. That we have hear- tily embraced the gracious offer of Chrift ; 3. That by Re- viving of him we are become the Sons of God.- Johnt 1, 12. md are incorporated into his Myftical Body, That he may Iwell in us as his Temple, and we dwell in him, as in the Re- sidence of Righteoufnefs and life : So our abiding m ^Cfrrrft importeth other three Things, 1. An Impkying of Chrift in all our addre/Tes to God, and in all our Undertakings of whatfoever Piece of Service to him. 2. A Contentednefs with lis Sufficiency, without going out from him to feek Righte- oufnefs, or Life, or Furniture in any Cafe, in our own 0$ any )f the Creatures Wortliinefs. 3. A Fixednefs in ouvtieliev- 'ng m him, a Fixednefs in our Imploying and making Ufe of 11m, and a Fixednefs in our Contentment in him, and adhe- ring to him, fo that no Allurement, no Temptation of Satan )r the World, no Terror, nor Trouble maybe able to drive }ur Spirits from firm Adherence to him, or from the conftant Avowing of his Truth, and Obeying his Commands, who lath loved us, and given himfelf for us ; and in whom, not only our Life is laid up, but alfo the fulnefs of the Godhead Iwelleth bodily, by reafon of the Subftantial and perfonal Jflion of the Divine and Human Nature in him.
Hence let every Watchful Believer, for ftrength- ning himfelf in Faith and Obedience, reafon after this Manner ;
' \ft7HOSOEVER doth daily imploy Chrift Jefus, for :« \'V cleanfing his Conference and Affections from the < Guiltinefs and Filthinefsof Sins againft the Law, and for
u enabling
44<5 The XP radical Ufe &c:
•* enabling him to give Obedience to the Law in Love, he hath the EvU *f denceof true Fairh in Kimfelf.
" But I (may every watchful Believer fay) do daily imploy Jeftfs Chrif% " for cleanfing my Conscience ana AflLctions from he Guilciuels and Filthi- *• nefs of Sins againft the Law, and for enabling of mc to give Obedience M to the Law in Love*
" Therefore I have the Evidence of true Faith in my felf,"
Arid hence aHo, let thefleepy and fluggiih Believer' reafon, for his own 'Up-itining, thus;
>* Whatfoever is neceflary for giving Evidence of true Faith, I ftudy to *c do it, except I would deceive my fell and perifh. " Bur, to imploy Chift Jefus daily, for cleanfing of my Confcienee and C€ Affections from the Guiltinefs and Filthinefs of Sins, againli the Law, and " for enabling me to give Olxdience to the Law in Love, is neceflary for fi evidencing of r rue Faith in me,
" Therefore this I muft ftudy to do, except I would deceive my (elf and « perifh."
And, Laftfy, Seeing Chrift himfelf hath pointed this forth, as an undoubted Evidence or a Man Elected of God unro Lite, and &iven to Jefus Chrift to be redeemed, if he come un'o him% that is, clofe, Co vena nr, and ketp Com- munion wirli him, as he tocheth us, John, vi 37. faying, Al that the J? other hath given me, Jhall come tome : and him that comet h to me, I will in no wise cail out : Let every Perlon who doth no: in Earneft make Ufe of Chrift for Remidion of Sin, and Amendment of Life, reafon hence, and from the whole Premises alter this Manner, that his Conference may be awakened j
Ci Whofcever is neither by the Law, nor by the GofpeJ, fo convinced "- Sin, Righreoufnefs, and [udgment, as to make him come to Chrift, " and imployhim tlaiiy for Remiflion of Si«, and Amendment of Life ,he M wantcth not only all Evidence of Caving Faith, but alfo all Appearance of " his Election, fo long as he rermmeth in this Condition,
u But I (may every impenitent Person say) am neither by the Law *' nor Gofpei fo convinced of Sin,Righteou(nc{s and Judgment, as to make <e me come to Chrift, and imploy him daily for Remiffion of Sin, and *' Amendment of Life;
*K Theretore I want, not onlv all Evidence of faving Faith, but alio all ** Appearance of my Election, fo long as I remain in this Condition,"
FINIS.
T HE
THE
Confeffion of Faith
OF THE
Kirk of Scotland i
OR, THE
National Covenant,
WITH
A Designation of fuch A&s of Parliaments are expedient for Jufcifyiiig the Union after-men- tioned."
Jofh. xxiv. 25. So Jofhua made a Covenant with the people that day, Andfet them a ftatute, and an ordinance in Shechem.
2 Kings, xi, 17. And Jehoiada made a Covenant between the Lord, and the king and the people ; that they [hould be the Lords people . between the king alfo and the people.
Ifaxliv. 5-. One {hall fay, I am the Lords : and another Jball cajf himjelfby the name of Jacob : and another jhall fubfcrihe with his band unto the Lord, and furname himfelf by the name ^Ifrael.
GLASGOW,
Printed by John Robert fon and Mrs M<Lean,Hud fold it their Shops in the middle of the Salt-Mercat
M, DCC. XLVL
449
6O0QO6QOQGGQQOQQOQ0SQ QQQQQQQQQ
Jtffimblj at Edinburgh^ Auguft 30. 1639. Sep. 23.
Aft ordaining, by Ecclefiaftical Authority, the Subfcriptlon of the Confejfion of Faith and Covenant } ^7ith the Affemblfs Declaration,
CT* H E General Affembly confjering the gre **i Happnef which may 0m -*• from a full and'perfecl Imion oj this Kirk ana Kingdom, tyjotmngoj
and i and
H$n§L. -
coming to fubfcribe r^Confeilion of Paith and Covenant ; which, as a ie jtimonv (fear Fidelity to God, andLoyaky to err King, we haoefubfcribedj And feeing his Mr/sly's High ComniJJi-wer and the Units of bi$ Majejtff Honourable Privy Council, have granted the Defre ofow Supplication, Ordain* k, by Civil Authority », all his Majefly's Lieges, in lime coming , to jubferibj the forefaid C venant ; That ear Union may be the more full arid prrfecl^ We, by our Aft and Qonftitv.lion Ecclepaliical, do approve the forejaid 'Cove- nant/w all the Heads and CLvifes thereof ; and ordain of new, under all EcclefiaHical Cenfure, That all the Mnfier; cfUr.iverfitits, Gd leges and Schools, all Scholars atthepaffiyig oj their Degrees, all PerfcnsfjpeJ of Papiftry or any ether Errvr, and finally, all the Members of this Kirk and Ksngd&h fufycriqe the fame, with tbefe Words prefixed to their Jubfcriptien, The Article of this Covenant, which was at the firft Sublaiprion tci rred to the Dererm'na-ion of tbe General Aflembly, being determined ; and thereby the Five Articles ©/Perth, the Government of the Kirk by Bijhops, the Civil Places and Power of Kirhnen, upon tlv Reafons and Grounds contained in the A&sot the General Ailembly, declared to be unlawful within this Kirk . We fubfcribe according to the Determinirion forefaid. And erdain the Covenant, with this Declaration, to be infertinthe P^egl tiers of the Ajjembhes cf this YJrk, General Provincial, a?id Presbyteria.', ad perperuan-*r. i memorhm And
on, the King's Majefty's Honour, and perfect Pease of this Kirk and King* dim*
Ff Charles
45°
Charles I. Pari a, Jtt, 5.
Act anent the Ratification of the Covenant, and of the Afiembl); 's Supplication, Act of Council, and Ad of Aflembly concerning the Covenant.-
At Edinburgh, June nth. 1640.
< *Tp H E Ettates of Parliament, prefently conveened by his Majefty's
4 A fpecial Authority, confidering the Supplication of the General A f»
4 fembly at Edinburgh, the 12th of Augujt 1639, to his Majefty's
* High Commiffioner, and the Lord's of his Ma jetty's Honourable Privy
* Council i and the Aci of Council of the 30th of Auguft 1639, contain-
* ing the Anfwer of the faid Supplication j and the Ati of the faid Ge-
* neral ArTembly, ordaining by their Ecclcfiaftick Constitution, the Sub-
* fcription ot the Confeflton of Faith and Covenant mentioned in their
* Supplication : And withal having fupplicated his Majetty to ratify
* and injoin the fame 'by his royal Authority, under all Civil Pains, as
* tending to the Glory of God, the Prefervation of Religion,the King's Maje-
* fly's Honour, and the perfeci Peace of this Kirk and Kingdom^ do ratify
* and approve the faid Supplication, A£\ of Council, and A& of Aflem-
* bly j and, conform thereto, ordain and command the faid Confeffwi
* and Covenant to be fubferibed by all his Majetty 's Subjects, of wnac r Rank and Quality foever, under all Civil Pains ; And ordain the faid 1 Supplication, Act of Council, and Ad of the Aflembly, with the whole c Confejfion and Covenant itfelf, to be infert and rcgiitrate in the Acls c and Books of Parliament 5 and alfb ordain the lame to be prefented
1 at the Entry of every Parliament, and, before they proceed to any other E Act, that the fame be publickly read, andfwom by the whole Mem - [ bersof Parliament, claiming Voice therein; otherwiic the Rtfufers to ■ fubferibe and fwear the fame* fhall have no Place nor Voice in Parlia. 1 ment : And fuch like ordain all Judge?, Magittrates, or other Officers, 1 of whatsoever Place, Rank or Quality, and Minitters at their Entry
to (wear and fubferibe the fame Covenant, whereof — — — *«the Tenor
follows/
THE
THE
National Covenant.-
O R,
The CONFESSION of FAITH: Suhfribed
at firft by the Kings Majcfiy and his Houfboldin the Tear i$%o;thereafter by Terfons of all Ranks in the Tear 15-81, by Ordinance of the Lor as oj Se- cret Council, and aEis of the General Ajffemhly : Subscribed again by all - or ts of Terfons in theTear 1 5 ijo^bya n&wOrdinance or Council, at theDi oj the General Ajfembly\ with a General 1 for the Maintaining of the true Chrijitan Religi- on, and the Kings "Per {on ; and together With a Refolution anaPromife.for the Can fes after- cx- frejfed, to maintain the true Religion, and the Kings Majefiy, according to the fore faidConfei and Acts o\ Parliament, fubferibed by Bartons % Nobles, Gentlemen, Burgeffes, Min'iflers, and Commons, in the Tear 1638 ; At proven by the General Ajffembly 1638. and 1639; and fub- feribed again by Terfons of all Ranks and Moll- ifies in the Tear 16 49, by an Ordinance of Coun- cil and A£l of the General Afjembly vffon the Supflkatien of the General AJfe?nbly : Rati fed by an Afil of Parliament 1 640. ; and fubferibed by King Charles II.- at Spey, June 23d 1 65 o. and Scoon, January lit 1 65 1 .
WE all and every one of us underwritten, Protefl, That, after long and due Examination of our own Conferences in Matters of true and falfe religion, we are now throughly refolved in the Truth by the \Vord and Spirit of God : And therefore we
F f 2 Be
4 $ z I he Confejfion of Faith,
Believe with our Hearts, Confefs with our Mouths, Sub* fcribe with our Hands, and conftantly Affirm before God and tfie whole World, That this only is the true Chriftian Faith and Religion, pleafmg God, and bringing Salvation to Man, which now is, by the Mercy of God, revealed to the World by the preaching of the blefTed Evangel ; and is re- ceived, believed, and defended by many and fundry notable Kirks and Realms, but chiefly by the Kirk o? Scotland, the King's Majefty and Three Eftates of this Realm, as God's Eternal Truth, and only Ground of our Salvation ; as more particularly is expreffed in the Confeflion of our Faith, efta- blifhed and publickly confirmed by fundry A&s ofParlia* ments, and now of a long Time hath been openly profefled by the King's Majefty, and whole Body of this Realm, both in Burgh and Land. To the which ConfefFion and Form of Religion, we willingly Agree in our Confcience in all Points as unto God's undoubted Truth and Verity, grounded only upon his written Word, And therefore we Abhor and De- teft all contrary Religion and Doftrine ; but chiefly all Kind of Papiflry in general and particular Heads, even as they are now damned and confuted by the Word of God and Kirk <o? Scotland. But in fpecial we Deteft and Refufe the uftflr- ped Authority of that Roman Antichrift upon the Scriptures of God, upon the Kirk, the Civil Magiftrate, and Confci- encesofMen.- All his tyrannous Laws made upon indiffe- rent Things againft our Chriflian Liberty .• His erroneous Doftrine againft the fufficiency of the written Word, the Perfection of the Law, the Office of Ghrift and his blefled Evangel .- Hiscorrupted Do&rine concerning Original Sin, our natural Inability and Rebellion to God's Law, our Jufti- frcation by Faith only, our imperfe&San&ification and Obe- dience to the Law ; the Nature, Number, and Ufe of the holy Sacraments ; His five baftard Sacraments ; with all hisa Rites, Ceremonies and falfeDo&rine, added to the Miniitra- tionofthe true Sacraments without the Word of God : His cruel Judgment againft Infants departing without the Sacra- ment .- His abfolute Neceffity of Baptifm : HisBlafphemous Opinion of Tranfubftantiation, or real Prefence of Chrift's Body in the Elements, and receiving of the fame, by the "Wicked, or Bodies of Men . His Difpenfations with folema Oaths, Perjuries, and Degrees of Marriage forbidden in the
Word ;
Or , National Covenant. 45:3
"Word 5 His Cruelty againfl the Innocent divorced : His de- vilifli Mafs . His Blafphemous Prieflood . His Profane Sa* crifice for the Sins of the Dead and the Quick ; His Canoni- zation of Men ; Calling upon Angels or Saints departed ; Worshipping of Imagery, Relicks and CrofTes ; Dedicating of Kirks, Altars, Days , Vows to Creatures His Purgatory, Prayers for the Dead ; Praying or Speaking in a ftrange Language; with l\is Proceffions and blafphemous Litany, and Multitude of Advocates or Mediators : His Manifold Or- ders, Auricular Gonfeilion His defper^te and uncertain Re- pentance His general and dgubtfom Faith ; His Satisfactions of Men for their Sins His juftification by Works, Opus operation, Works of Supererogation, Merits, Pardons, Pe- regrinations, and Stations : His holy Water, baptizing of Bells, Conjuring of Spirits, Croffing, Sayning, Anointing, Conjuring, Hallowing of God's good Creatures, with the fuperftitious Opinion joined therewith : His worldly Monar* chy, and wicked Hierarchy : His three folemn Vows, with allhisShavellingsoffundry Sorts: His erroneous and bloody Decrees made at Trent ^ with all the Subfcribers or Approvers of that cruel and bloody Band, conjured againft the Kirk of Cod. And finally, we deteft all his vain Allegories, Rites, jSigns, and Traditions brought in the Kirk, without or againft the Word of God, and ' Doftrine of this true reformed Kirk 5 To the which we join our felves willingly, in Do&rine, Faith, Religion, Difcipline, and Ufe of the holy Sacraments, as lively Members of the fame in Chrift our Head Promifmg and (wearing by the Great Name of the LORD our GOD, That we fhall continue in the Obedience of the DQftrine and Difcipline of thisKirk, * and fhall defend the fame, according to our Vocation and Power, all the Days of our Lives ; un- der the Pains contained in the Law, and Danger both of Body and Soul in the Day of God's fearful Judgment.
And feeing that many are fUrred up by Satan and that Ro- man Antichrift, to promife, fwear, fubfcribe, and for a Time ufe the holy Sacraments in the Kirk deceitfully* againft
Ff3 their
* The Confejfion whfch'ms fubfcribed at Halyrud-houfe, the isth Vf February 1587-8, by the King, Lennox, Huntly, the Chancellor, and about' 9$ other Perjons, hath here added. Agreeing to the Word. Sir Joha Maxwel of Pollock hath the original ?arckmcntl
4J4 The Conjejfion of Faith
their own Confcience ,- minding hereby, firft, under the ex- ternal cloke of religion, to corrupt and fubvert fecretly God's true religion within the Kirk ; and afterward, when Time may ferve, to become open Enemies and Perfecu tors of the fame, , under vain Hope of the Pope's Difpenfation, devi- fed againft the Word of God, to his greater Confufion, and their double Condemnation in the Day of the Lord Jefis ; We therefore, willing to take away all Suspicion of Hypo- crify. and of fuch double Dealing with God, and Irs Kirk, Proteft, and call the Searcher of all Hearts for Witnefs, That oar r.linds and Hearts do fully agree with this our Confeffion, Promife, Oath, and Subfcription -, fo that we are not moved with any worldly Refpecl, but are perfwaded only in our Confcience, through the Knowledge and Love of God's true Religion, imprinted in our Hearts by the Holy Spirit, as we ftull anfwer to him in the Day when the Secrets of all Hearts fiiall.be difclofed.
A. d becaufe we perceive, that the Quietnefs and Stability of our Religion and Kirk doth depend upon the Safety and good Behaviour of the King's Majefty, asupon a comfortable Inftrument of God's Mercy granted to this Country, for the Maintaining of his Kirk, and Miniflration of Juftice amongft us ; We proteft and promife with our Hearts, under the fame Oath, Hand-writ, and Pains, that we fhall defend his Perfon and Authority with our Goods, Bodies and Lives, in the Defence of Chrift his Evangel, Liberties of our Country, Mi- niflxation of juftice, and punifhment of Iniquity, againft all Enemies within this Realm or without, as we defire our God to be a ftrong and merciful Defender to us in the Day of our Death, and Coming of our Lord Jefus Chrift-. To whom, •with theFather and the Holy Spirit/ be all Honour and Glo- ry eternally. Amen*
LUCE AS many A£ls of Parliament, not only in general do abrogate, anul, and refcind all Laws, Statutes, Afts, Conftitutions, Canons civil or municipal with all other or- dinances, and praftique Penalties whatfoever, made in pre- judice of the true Religion and ProfefTors thereof; or of the true Kirk-difcipUne, Jurifdiclion and Freedom thereof; or in favours of Idolatry and Superftition, or of the Papiftical Kirk : As, AH 3* Act 31* Pari. 1. Act 23. ParL 11. Act-
J 14*
£r, National Covenant: 4^
1 14, Pari, 1 2. of King James VI. That Papiftry and Super- ftition may be utterly fuprefTed, according to the Intention oftheA&s of Parliament, repeated in the 5- Aft, Pari. 20, King James VI. And to that End they ordain all Papifts and Priefts to be punifhed with manifold Civil and Ecclefiaftical Pains, as Adverfaries to God's true Religion, preached/ and by Law eftablifhed within this Realm, Act 24, Pari. tj9 King Ja VI. as common Enemies to all Chriftian Govern- ment, Act 18. Pari. 16. King Jat VI. as Rebellers and Gainftanders of our Sovereign Lord's Authority, Act, 47. Pari. 3. King J a. VI. and as Idolaters, ^,104. Pari. 7. Kingy^z. VI. But alfo in particular, by an attour the Con- feflion of Faith, do abolifh and condemn the Popes Autho- rity and Jurifdiction out of this Land, and ordains the main- tainors thereof to be punifhed, Act 2. Pari i,Act 5 , ParL 3. Act 106 Pari 7. Act 14 Pari \% King J at VL do condemn the Popes erroneous Doftrine, or any other erro- . neous Do&rine repugnant to any of the Articles of the true and Chriftian Religion, publickly preached, and by Law eftablifhed in this Realm ; and ordains the Spreaders and Ma- kers of Books or Libels, or Letters or Writs of that Nature, to be punifhed, Act, 46 Pari 3 Act 106. Pari 7. Act 24. Pari u. K. J a. VI do condemn all Baptifm conform to the Pope's Kirk, and the Idolatry of the Mafs ; and ordains all Sayers, wilful Hearers, and concealers of the Mafs, the Maintainers and refetters of the Priefts? Jefuits, trafficquing Papifts, to be punifhed without any Exception or reftriftu on, Act 5 Pari 1. Act .20 Pari. 2. Act 164 Pari. ,3. Act j 93 Pari 14. Act *. Pari »9 Acts Pari 2° K> Ja. I. do condemn all erroneous Books and Writs, con- taining erroneous Doftrine againft the religion prefently profeffed, or containing fuperftitious rites and Ceremonies Papiftical, whereby the People are greatly abufed ; and or» dains the Home-hringers of them to be punifhed, Act 25". Pari 1 1 K. Ja. VI. do condemn the Monuments and Dregs of bygone Idolatry, as going to Crofles, obfervingthe Feftival Days of Saints and fuch other Superftitious and Pa- piftical rites, to the difhonour of God, Contempt of true religion, and fpftering of great Error ampng the People 5 and ordains the Ufers of them to be punilhed for the fecon<4 Fault, as Idolaters, Act iO^Parl, 7. K Ja% VL
Ziffas
45 6 The Confejjion of Faith.
Likens many Acts of Parliament are conceived for Main- tenance of God's true and Christian Religion, and the Purity thereof, in Doftrine and Sacraments, of the true Church of God, the Liberty and Freedom thereof, in her National, Sy- nodal AfTemblies, Presbyteries^ Seffions, Policy, Difcipline and jirrifdiftion thereof ;' as that Purity of Religion and Li- berty of the Church was nied, profeffed, exercifed, precachedf and confeffed according to the Reformation of Religion in this Realm. As for Inffance, the -99 Aft, Pari 7. Ati 25. Pari 11.- Jtiiij. Pari. 12. A# 160. Pari. 13. of \C Ja% VI. ratified by the ^ Ad of K. Cha. So that the 6. Atff Pari. 1. and 6%. AQ> Pari 6. cfK. fa VI. in the Year of God 15-79, declares the Minifters of the blefTed Evangel,whom God of his Mercy had raifed up, or hereafter fhould raife, agreeing with them that then lived, in Doctrine and Admi- niftration of the Sacraments ; and the People that profeiTed Chrift, as he was then offered in the Evangel, and doth com- municate with the holy Sacraments (as in the reformed Kirks pf this Realm they were prefently adminiftrate) according to the ConfeiTion of Faith ; to be the true and holy Kirk of Chrift Jefas within this Realm. And decerns and declares all and fimdry, who either gainfays the Word of the Evangel received and approved, as the Heads of the Confeffion of Faith profeffed in Parliament, in the Year of God i^tfo, fpe- cified alio in the firft Parliament of K. Ja. VI. and ratified In this prefent Parliament, more particularly do exprefs 5 or that refutes the Adminiftration of the holy Sacraments, as they were then miniftrated : To be no Members of the faid Kirk within this Realm, and true Religion prefently profeiTed, fo long as they keep themfelves fo divided from the Society of Chrift's Body. And the fubfequent Ail 69. ' Pari. 6. of K> Ja. VI. declares y That there is no other Face of Kirk, nor other Face of Religion, than was prefently at that Time, by - the Favour of God, eftabiifhed within this Realm ; Which therefore is ever filled God's true Religion, Chrift s true Re* tip-ion, the true and 'Chrijjiaii Religion, and a perfect Reli- gion; which, by manifold Acls of Parliament^ all within this Realm are hound to pro fete, to fubferibe the Articles, there- of, the Confeffion of Failh, fa recant all Docrrines and Errors repugnant to any of the laid Articles, Act 4. and 9. Pari 1. 0 4> * 45, 47. Pari 3 Jcl jl Pari, 6. A& \o6. Pari
Or, National Covenant. 4^7
7. AB 24. Pari, it. z# 123, Par!. 12. ./#?, 194. and 197, iW. ifV<gf£. >. VI. And all Magiftrates, Sheriffs, 6c9 on the one Part, are ordained to fear ch, apprehend, andpu- nifh all Contra veeners. For Inflance, AB 5. Par!. 1. AH 104. Pari 7. AB 25. far!. 11. K- 70. VI. and that not? withftanding of the King's Majefty's Licences on the contrary, which are difcharged, and declared to be of no Force, in fo far as they tend in any wife to the Prejudice and hinder of the Execution of the Afts of Parliament zgainft Papifts and Adverfaries of true Religion, Act 106, Pari, 7. K. /#. VI. On tie other Part, in the 47. Act. Pari: 3. K. J a* VI. it is declared and ordained, Seeing the eaufeof God's true Re • ligion, and his Highnefs's Authority are fbjoined, as the Hurt of the one is common to both ; that none fhall be reputed as loyal and faithful Subjects to our Sovereign Lord or his Au- thority, but be punifhable asRebellers and Gainftanders of the fame, who fhall not give their Gonfeffion, and make their Profeilion of the faid true Religion And that they who after Defeftion fhall give the Confeffion of their Faith of new, they fhall promife to continue therein in Time coming, to main- tain our Sovereign Lord's Authority, and at the uttermoft of their Power to fortify, affift and maintain the true Preach* ers and profeffors of Chrift's Religion, againft whatfbever Enemies and Gainftanders of the fame ; and namely, againft all liich, of whatfoever Nation, Eflate or Degree they be o£ that have joined and bound themfelves, or have afTifted, or affifts to fet forward and execute the cruel Decrees of the Council of Trent, contrary to the true Preachers and ProfeP- fbrs of the Word of God. "Which is repeated, Word by- Word, in the Articles of Pacification at f'ertb, the 23d of February 1572, approved by Parliament the Laft of April *513* ratified in Parliament 1587 and related Act 123. Pari. 12. of K Ja. VI. with this Addition, 'That fbey are found to refijl all trea finable Uproars and Hoftilities raifed againft the true Religion, the Kings Majejly, and the true Profeffors.
Likeas, all Lieges are bound to maintain the King's Ma* jetty's Royal Perfonand Authority, the Authority of Parlia- ments, without the which, neither any Laws or lawful Ju« dicatories can be eftablifhed, AB 130. and 131, Pari 8.- KV J a. VI. and the Subje&s Liberties, who ought only to live
arid
45 8 The Confejfton of Faith.
a*d be governed by the King's Laws, the common Laws of this Realm allenarly, Act 48 Pari 3. K Ja. I. yfrt 79* iV/ <5. K. ^ IV repeated in the Act 3 Pari 8 K. 5^. VI. Which if they be innovated and prejudged, the Com- ?nifion annent the Union of the Two Kingdoms of Scotland end England, which is the fole Act of the 17 Pari of K. Ja. VI Declares, fuch Confufion would enfue, as this Realm could be no more a free Monarchy : becaufe, by the funda- mental Laws, ancient Privileges, Offices and Liberties of this Kingdom, no: only the Princely Authority of his Majefty's Royal Delcent, hath been thefe many Ages maintained ; but alfo the Peoples Security of their Lands, Livings, Rights, Offices, Liberties and Dignities preferved. /and therefore, for the Prefervation of the faid true Religion, Laws and Liberties of this Kingdom, it is flatute by the 8 A£t, Pari t. repeated in the 99 Jet Pari. 7. ra- tified in the 23 Act, Pari. 1 t and 1. i 4. Act, Pari, 1 2 of K. Jam VI mdfr Act. Pari. \. ofK. Char. I. That all Kings and Princes at their Coronation, and reception of their princely Authority, fhall make their faithful Promife by their folemn Oath, in the prefence of the Eternal God, that, enduring the whole Time of their Lives, they fhall ferve the fame eternal God, to the uttermoft of their power, according as he hath required in his moll holy Word, con- tained in the Old and New Teftaments, and according to the fame Word, fhall maintain the true Religion of Chrift Jefus, the preaching of his holy Word, the due and right Minifiration of the Sacraments, now received and preached within this Realm (according to the Confefion of Faith im- mediately preceeding) and fhall abolifh and gainftand all falfe religion contrary to the fame ; and fhall rule the people committed to their Charge, according to the Will and Com- mand of God revealed in his forefaid Word, and according to the laudable Laws and Conftitutions received in this Re-, aim, nowife repugnant to the faid Will of the Eternal God : and fhall procure, to the uttermoft of their Power, to the Kirk of God, and whole Chriftian People, true and perfeft peace in all Timecoming And that they fhall be careful to root out of their Empire, all Hereticks and Enemies to the true Worfhip of God, who fhall be convi&ed by the true Kirk of God of the forefaid Crimes, Which was alfo o!fer-
ved
Or, National Covenant. 45^
VedbyhisMajefly, at his Coronation in Edinburgh 1633, as may be jeen in the order of the Coronation
tn Obedience to the Commandment of God, conform to the Practice of the Godly in former Times, and according to the laudable Example of our worthy and religious Proge- nitors, and of many yet living amongft us, which was war- ranted alfb by Aft of Council, commandinga general Band to be made and fubfcribed by his Majefty's Subjects of all ranks, for Two Caufes . One was, for defending the true Religion as it was then reformed, and is exprefTed in the Con - fejfion of Faith above-written, and a former large Confeffi- on eftabliihed by fundry A£ts of lawful General ^Jfemblies and of Parliaments, unto which it hath relation, fet down in publick Catechifms ; and which had been for many Years, with a Bleffing from Heaven, preached and profefled in this Kirk and Kingdom, as God's undoubted Truth, grounded only upon his written Word. The other Cauie was, For maintaining the King's Majefty his Perfon and Eftate , the true worfhip of God and the King's Authority being fo ftraitly joined, as that they had the fame Friends and Com* mon Enemies, and did ftand and fall together. And finally, being convinced in our Minds, and confelling with on Mouths, that the prefent and fucceeding Generations in this Land are bound to keep the forefaid National Oath and Sub* fcription inviolable
We Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, BurgefTes, Mini- sters, and Commons under-fublcribing, considering divers Times before, and efpecially at this Time, the Danger of the true reformed religion, of the King's Honour and of the publick Peace of the Kingdom, by the manifold Innovate ons and Evils generally contained, and particularly mentio- £>v ned in our late Supplications, Complaints and Proteftations ; Do hereby profefs, and before God, his Angels, and the "World, fblemnly declare, that with our whole Heart we agree, and refolve all the Days of our Life conftantly to ad- here unto and to defend the forefaid true religion. And for- bearing the Practice of all Novations already introduced in the Matters of the Worlhip of God, or Approbation of the Corruptions of the publick Government of the Kirk, or Civil Places and Power of Kirkmen, till they be tried and allowed in free AfTemblies and in Parliaments ; to labour by
all
460 The Confeffion of Faith:
all Means Lawful, to recover theJPurity and Liberty of the Gofpel, as it was efta61ifhed and profelTed before the forefaid Novations ; And becaufe, after due Examination, we plain- ly perceive, and undoubtedly believe, that the Innovations and Evils contained in our Supplications, Complaints and Proteftations, have no Warrant of the Word of God, are contrary to the Articles of the forefaid Confeffion, to the Intention and Meaning of the blefFed Reformers of Religion in this Land, to the above-written Afts of Parliament ; and do fcnfibly tend to the re-eftabliftiing of the Yopljh Religion and Tyranny, and to the fubverfion and Ruin of the true Reformed Religion, and of our Liberties, Laws, andEftates: We alfo declare, That the forefaid Confeffions are to be in- terpreted, and ought to be underftood of the forefaid Nova- tions and Evils, no lefs than if every one of them had been expreffed in the forefaid Confeffions ; and that we are obliged to deteft and abhor them, amongft other particular Heads of Papiftry abjured therein. And therefore, from the Know- ledge and Confcience of our Duty to God, to our King and Country, without any worldly Refpe£r or Inducement, fo far as human Infirmity will fuffer, wifhing a further Meafure of the Grace of God for thisEffeft ; We prormfeand fwear by the GREAT NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD, to continue in the Profeffion and Obedience of the forefaid religion ; and that we (hall defend the fame, and refift all theft contrary Errors and Corruptions, according to our Vocation, and to the uttermoft of that Power that God hath put in our Hands, all the Days of our Life.
And in like Manner, with the fame Heart we declare be- fore God and Men, That we have no Intention nor Defire to attempt any Thing that may turn to the Difhonour of God, or to the Diminution >©f the King's Greatnefs and Au- thority But, on the Contrary, we promife and fwear, That we fhall, to the uttermoft of our Power, with our Means and Lives, ftand to the Defence of our dread Sovereign the King's Majefty his Perfon and Authority, in the Defence and Preftrvation of the forefaid true religion, Liberties and Laws of the Kingdom As alfo, to the mutual Defence and Affiftance every one of us of another, in the fame Caufe of Maintaining the true religion and his Majefty's Authority, jwith our beft Counfel, our Bodies, Means and whole Power,
a-
Or^ National Covenant. 4$r
againft all Sorts of Perfons whatfoever ; fo that whatfoever fhall be done to the leaft of as for that Caufe, fhallbe taken as done to us all in general, and to every one of us in par- ticular. And that we {hall neither directly nor indirectly fuf- fer our felves to be divided or withdrawn, by whatfoever Suggeflion, Combination, Allurement, or Terror, from this blefled and loyal Conjunction ,- nor (hall call: in any Let or Impediment that may flay or hinder any fuch reiolution, as by common Confentihall be found to conduce for fo good Ends But, on the Contrary, {hall by all lawful Means labour to further and promote the fame ; and if any fuch dangerous and divifive Motion be made to us by Word or Writ, We, and every one of us, fhall either fupprefs it, or, if need be, fhall incontinent make the fame known, that it may be timeoufly obviated. Neither do we fear the foul Afperfions of rebellion, Combination, or what elfe our Adverfaries, from their Craftand Malice, would put uponus ; feeing what we do is fo well warranted, and arifeth from an unfeigned Defire to maintain the true Worfhip of God, the Majefly of our King, and the Peace of the Kingdom, for the common Happineis of our felves and our Pofterity,
And bccaufe we cannot look for a Bleffing from God up- on our Proceedings, except with our Profeilion and Sub- fcription we join fuch a Life and Converfation, asbefeemeth Chriflians who have renewed their Covenant with God i We therefore faithfully promife for our felves, our followers, and all others under us, both in publick, and in our particu- lar Families and perfonal Carriage, to endeavour to keep our felves within the bounds of Chriflian Liberty ; and to be good Examples to others of all Godlinefs, Sobernefs, and righteoufnefs, and of every Duty we owe to God and Man.
And, that this our Union qjid Conjunction mav be obfer- red without Violation, We call the LIVING GOD THE SEARCHER OF OUR HEARTS to witnefs, who know- eth this to be our fincere Defire and unfeigned Refolution;as we fhall anfwer to J E S U S CHRIST m the Great Day, and under the Pain of GOD's everlafling Wrath ; and of Infamy and lofs of all Honour and refpecl in this World : Molt humbly befeeching the LORD to ftrengthen us by his HOLY SPIRIT for this End, and to blefs our Defires and
Pro-
a 6 z The Confejjion of Faith. &c.
Proceedings with a happy Succefs ; that Religion and righ- teouihefs may flour iih in the Land, to'the Glory of GOD, the Honour of our King, and Peace and' Com for: of us all- in witneis whereof, we have fhbfcribed with our Hands all the PremuTes.
rH E Article of this Covenant, whichivas at the firft Suhfcrip- tion referred to the Determination of the General Affembly, bein* now determined ; and thereby the Five Articles of Perth the Government of the Kirk by Bifhops, and theCivil Places and Power of Kirkmen, upon the Reafons and Grounds con* tained in the Acis of the General Aflembly, declared to be unlaw- ful within this Kirk ; we fab j crib e according to the Determination fire/hid*
FINIS.
THE
THE
Solemn League
AND
COVENANT
FOR
Reformation and Defence of RELIGION, the honour and Happinefs of the King, and the Peace and Safety of the Three Kingdoms of Scotland^ England^ and Ireland.
Taken and Subfcribed feveral Times by King CHARLES II. and by all Ranks in the faid Three Kingdoms,
WITH
An Aft ofthe General Aflembly 1643, and an Aft of Parlia- ment 1644, Ratifying and Approving the laid League and Covenant.
Jer. 1. 5-. Come let us join our felves to the Lord in a perpetual
Covenant that frail not be forgotten*
Prov. xxv. 5- Take away the Wicked from before the King, and
his Throne fh all be ejlablijhtd in right eoufnefs. 2 Chron. xv. 1 j. 4nd all Judah rejoiced at the Oath ; for the/
hadfworn with all their Heart. Gal. iii. 15. Though it be but a Maris Covenant , yet if it be
confirmed by an Oath, no Man Dij annul eth> or addeth thereto.
GLASGOW,
Printed by John Robertfon and Mrs M'Lean. and fold at their Shops in the middle of the Salt -Merc at
M, DCG. XL VI.
Ajfemhly at Edinburgh, Aiignfi 17. 1 643 ♦ SeiT 14; The General Affembly's Approbation of the Solemn League and Covenant.
CT* H E Ajfembly having re contended unto a Committee* appointed by them •*' to join with the Committee of the Honourable Convention of Eftates* and the Go?nmijfioners of the honourable Houjes of the Parliament o/ England, for bringing the Kingdoms to a more near Conjunction and Union, received from the aforefaid Committees the Covenant after -mentioned) as the Refult of troeir Conjugations : And having taken the fame, as a matter of fo pub- lick Concernment ^ and of fo deep Importance doth require unto their gravefi gonjideration, did wit b all their Hearts, and -with the Beginnings of the Feelings of that Joy, which they did find in fo great Me a jure upon the Re- novation of the & ational Covenant of this Kirk and Kingdom, All with one Voice approve and embrace the fame as the mofi powerful Jv^ean by the Blejfmg of (J 0 D>> for jet t ling and preferving the true Pntefiant Religion, with perfeel Peace in his Majejiy's Dominions, and prorogating the jame to other Nations, and jor eftablifhing his MzjeJIy's Throne to all Ages and Generations. And therefore with their beji AJfeciions, recomend the lame to the Honourable Convention of Ejiates, that being examined and approved by them, it may be fait with all Diligence to the Kingdom of England, that, being received and approven there, thefa?ne may be witb publick Hu- miliation, and all religious and anjwerable Solemnity, jworn and feb- jcribed by all true Profejfors of the reformed Religion, and all his Majejly's good Subjetls in both Kingdoms,
A, Johnftoun*
Charles I. Par. 3d. SeflC r. A3, j; A& anenc the Ratification of the Calling ut the Convention, Ratification of me League and Covenanr, Articles of Treaty betwixt the Kingdoms of Swtlandznd England, and remanent Acts of the Convention of Eftates and Committee tnereoi;
At Edinburgh >, July 15. 1644.:
THE EftatesofPariiament prefentiy conveened by vertue of the laftAelof the lait Parliament holckn by his Majefty, and the three Eftates, in MWB 1641. Conirieiing, that the Lords ot his Majeily's privy Council, and ComrniiTioners for conlerving tfos Articles of the Treaty, having, accor- ding totittir Interetts and Trim committed co them by hisMajeity and E- ftates ot Parliament, ufed all Means, by Supplications, Remonftrances, and fending of Connniilioner, foriecuring the Peace of this Kingdom, and re- moving the unhappy Diftraclions betwixt his Majeity and his Subjects in England, in Inch a Way as mignt ferye moil for his Majeiiy's Honour, and good of both Kingdoms ^ and their humble and dutiful Endeavours for fo good Ends having proven inefTccluai, and their Offer of Medication and InteicerBon being refufed by his Majeity 5 and thereby finding the Weight and Difficulty ol Affairs, and the charge lying on (hem, to be greater than they couid Dear ; did therefore in the Monch of May 16+3, meet togerher with the Commulioners tor the Common Burdens, that by joint Advice tome Refolution might be tane therein ; and \h refnedt of the Danger imminent to the true Prou franc Religion, his Mijeily's Honour, and Peace or thlr Kingdoms, by the Multitude of Papifts and their Adherents in Arms in.Eng*
and and Ireland, and of many other publick and important' Affairs, which could npt admi' delay, arid did require the Advice of the Representative Body of the Kingdom ; appointed and caufed indicl a Meeting of the Con- vention of Eftates (his Majefty having formerly refuted their humble De* fires for a Parliament) to be on the zzd of June following ; which Diet be- ing frequently kept by the Noblemen, Commiflioncrs of Shires, and Burghs, and they finding thefe Dangers againfl this Kirk and State (till increafmg, refolved, after krious Deliberation arid Advice of the General AfTembly, and joint Concurrence of the Commiftioners authorized by the Parliament of England, that one of the chiefeft Remedies, for preventing of thefe and the like Dangers, for prefervation ot Religion, and both Kingdoms from Ruin and Deftruclion, and for procuring of Peace, That both Kingdoms fliould for thefe Ends, enter into Covenant ; which was accordingly drawn up, and chearlully embraced, and allowed.— -And at laft, a Treaty was agreed unto by both Kingdoms, concerning the faid Covenant, and Affiftance craved from this Kingdom by the Kingdom of England, in purfuance of the Ends ExprelTed therein : — — And the Eftates being ft ill defirous to ufe all good Means, that, without the* EfTufion of more Blood, there may be. fuch a bfcfled Pacification betwixt his Majefty and his Subje&s, as may tend to the good of Religion, his Majefty's true Honour and Safety, and Happinefs of his People; did therefore giveiCommiffion to John Earl of Lon- don, Lord Chancellor, Lord Matt land, Lord Warifioun* and Mr. "Robert 'Barely, to repair to Ungland, and endeavour the effectuating of thefe Ends contained in the Covenant and Treaties, conform to their Inftruclions,— ~- And the faid Eftates having taken the proceedings above-written to their. Confideration, do find and declare, That the Lords of Council, and Comer- vers cf Peace, did behave thernfelves as faithful Councilors, loyal Subject?, and good Patriots, in tendering their humble Endeavours for removing the Diftraclions betwixt his Majefty and his Subjects, and in calling the Com- miflioners for the common Burdens, and by joint Advice appointing the late Meeting f f Cc-n vention, wherein they have approven thernfelves anfwerabie to the Duty of their Places, and that Truft committed to them; and there- fore ratifies and approves their whole proceedings therein, and declares the f lid Convention was lawfully called, and alfo full and free in itfdf, con- fining of all the Members thereof as any Convention hath been at any Tims bygone, and ratifies and approves the feveral Ac~te made- by them, or their* Committee, for injoining the Covenant. ----- And alio, The faid Eftates of Parliament (buc prejudice o! the rremiBes, and of the general Ratification above mentioned) ratifies, approves and confirms the lorefaid murual League and Covenant, concerning the Reformation and Defence of Religion, the honour and happinefs of the lying, and the Peace and Safety of the Three Kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland ; together with the Acts of Kirk and Eftate authorizing the fame League and Covenant $ together alfo with the forefaid Articles of trea:y agreed upon betwixt the (aid Commiftibners ot the Convention of Eftates of Scotland, and the Com- milTiofters of both the Houfes of Parliament of England, concerning the faid
Solemn League and Covenant. -And the faid Eftates ordains the fame
Acts, with the League and Covenant above fpecified, Acrs authorizing the lame and the Articles of Treaty forefaid > to have the ftfll Force and Strength of perfect Laws and Act of Parliament, and to be obferved by all his Ma- jefty *s LiegeSjConform to the Tenors thereof rejpettive, Of the which League and Covenant, ••...- the Tenor follows,
THE
. w
the ;OLEMN LEAGUE and COVENANT
FOR
Reformation and Defence of Religion, the Honour o> Happinefs of the King, £§ the i e ice and Safety of theT'hree Kingdoms ^SrotIand,England$#//^Ire- Jand; agreed upon by CommiJJioners from theTar- itament & Ajjembly of Divines in England, with Commifftoners of the Convention tj Effates © Ge- neraljfffemblyinScothnd;approved by the^eneral Ajjembly of the Church of Scotland, and by both Houfes of P arliament and AJfembly of Divines in England, v£ taken andfubfcribedby them. Anno 1643; and thereafter, by the f aid Authority taken &fubjcribed by allRanks in Scotland ^England, the fame 1 ear gratified by Ael of the Parliament of Scotland, Anno 1644. And again renewed m Scotland, with an Acknowledgment o\ Sr;s.tly Engagement to Duties, by all Ranks, Anno, 16^ 8 and ty the Parliament 1649 ; and taken 55 fub+ fcribed by King Charles Ii. at :pey, June 2.3 1650. and at Scoon, January u 1651..
WE Noblemen, Earons, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens, Burgeflec, ; Unifiers of the Gofpel, and Commons of dl Sorts in the Kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland, by the Provi- dence of GO D, living under one King, and being of one Reformed religion having before our Eyes the Glory of God, and the Advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift, the Honour and Happinefs of the King's Majefly, and his Pofterity, and the true publick Li* berty, Safety, and Peace of the Kingdoms, wherein every
G g 2 one's
4^8 The Solemn League and Covenant.
one's private Condition is included : And calling to mind the treacherous and bloody Plots, Confpiracies, Attempts and Pradticesof the Enemies of G O D, againft the true Religi- on, and Profeflbrs thereof in all Places, efpecially in thefe Three Kingdoms, ever fince the Reformation of Religion ; and how much their Rage, Power and Preemption are. of late, and at this Time increafed and exercifed, whereof the deplorable State of the Church and Kingdom of Ireland, the diftrefTed Eftate of the Church and Kingdom of England, and the dangerous Eftate of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, are preient and publick Teftimonies ; We have now at laft (after other Means of Supplication, Remon- x ftrance, Proteftation and Sufferings) for the Prefervation of our felves and our Religion, from utter Ruin and Deftru- £tion, according to the commendable Pradtice of thefe King- doms in former Times, and the Example of GOD's People in other Nations ; after mature Deliberation, refolved and determined to enter into a mutual and fblemn League and Covenant, wherein we all fubfcribe, and each one of us for himfelf, with our Hands lifted up to the mo ft High GOD, do f wear,
I. O^ HAT we (hall fincerlv, really, and conftantly, g through the Grace of GOD, endeavour, in our Se- veral Places and Callings, the Prefervation of the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland, in Doftrine, Worfhip, Difcipline and Government, againft our common Enemies ; the Reformation of Religion in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, in Do£trine, "Worfhip, Difcipline and Go- vernment, according to the Word of GOD, and the Ex« ample of the beft reformed Churches ; And fliall endeavour to bring the Churches of GOD in the Three Kingdoms, to the neareft Conjunction and Uniformity in Religion, Confeffion of Faith, Form of Church-Government, Dire- ctory for Worfhip and Catechizing ; that we, and our Po- fterity after us, may, as Brethren, live in Faith and Love ,♦ and the Lord may delight to dwell in the Midft of us.
II. That we ihall in like Manner, without Refpeft of Perfons, endeavour the Extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, (that is, Church Government by Arch bifhops, Bi{hops> their Chancellors, and GommiiTaries, JDeans, Deans and
Chap*
The Solemn League and Covenant: 469
Chapters, Arch-deacons, and all other Ecclefiaftical Offi* cers depending on that Hierarchy ; Superftition, Herefy, Schifm, Profanenefs, and whatfbever fhall be found to be contrary to found Doctrine, and the Power of Godlinefs ; left we partake in other Men's Sins, and thereby be in Danger to receive of their Plagues And that the Lord may be One, and his Name One in the Three Kingdoms,
III. We fhall with the fame Sincerity, Reality, and Con* ftancy, in our feveral Vocations, Endeavour, with our Eftates and Lives, mutually to preferve the Rights and Privileges of the Parliaments, and the Liberties of the Kingdoms ; and to preferve and defend the King's Majefty's Perfon and Autho- rity, in the Prefervation and Defence of the true Religion, and Liberties of the Kingdoms ; that the World may bear Witnefs with our Confciences of our Loyalty, and that we have no Thoughts or Intentions to diminiih his Majefty's juft Power and Greatn efs,
IV. We fhall alfo, with all Faithfulnefs, endeavour the Dif- covery of all fuch as have been, or fhall be Incendiaries^ Ma* lignants, or evil Inftruments, by hindring the Reformation of Religion, dividing the King from his People, or one of the Kingdoms from another, or making any Faction or Parties arnongft the People, contrary to this League and Covenant, that they may be brought to publick Trial, and receive con- dign Punifhment, as the Degree of their Offences fhall re* quire or deferve, or the fupreme Judicatories of both King- doms refpeftively, or others having power from them for that Effect, fhall judge convenient*
V. And whereas the Happinefs of a blefTed Peace between thefe Kingdoms, denied in former Times to' our Progenitors, is by the good Providence of God granted urtto us, and hath been lately concluded, and fettled by both Parliaments ; We fhall each one of us, according to our Place and Intereft, endeavour that they may remain conjoined in a firm Peace and Union to all Pofterity ; and that Juftice may be done upon the wilful Oppofers thereof, in Manner exprefTed in the precedent Article.
VI. We (hall alfo, according to our Places and Callings, in this common Caufe of Religion, Liberty and Peace of the Kingdoms, affift and defend all thofe that enter into this League andGovenant, in the maintaining and pursuing therof:
Gg3 apd
47 o TA* Solemn League and Covenant.
•and (hall not fnfr r « ur feives Directly or indire&ly, by whatfoever Com- bination, Perfwaiion or Terror, to be divided and withdrawn irom this bit fled Union and Conjundtion, whether to make Defection to the Contrary Pait, orto^iveour (elves to a deniable indifferency, or Neutrality in this Caufe; which to much ccncerneth the Glory of GOD, the Good ot the Kingdom, and honour of the King; but /Hal) ail the Days f our Lives zeajoufiy 3nd contianly continue therein, againft all Qppofi.ion, and pro? 'mote the fame, according to our Power, againft all Lets and Impediments wharjoever; anda what we are not able our (elves to fuppreft or overcome, we (hall reveal and make known, that it may be timely prevenred or re- moved ; All which we (hall do ^s in the Sight of God.
And, becaufe thefe Kingdoms are guilty of many Sins, and Provocations ogainit God, and his Son }e(us Chrut, as is *oo manitefl by our preient Diitrtfles and Dangers, the Fruits thereof; We profefs and r'edare, before G »c and the Work!, our unfeigned Dtfire to be humbled for ottf own fwns, & for the Sins ot thefe Kingdoms cfpecialiy that we have not ss we ought, valued the mettitnJibleBenentotthe < rolpel, that we h^v- not laboured lor the Purity and Power thereof, and that we have nor endeavoured to re- ceive Chrift in our Hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in cur Lives; which are the Caufes of other Sins and Tranigr-ellionsfo much abouadmg amongft ns; And our true and unfeigned Purpofe, Dclire, and Endeavour foi our feives, and all others under our Power and Charge, both in Publick and in private, in all Duties we owe to God srid Man, to i.nt^.cv: lives snd each one ro go bc±©re another in the Example of a real Reformation , that th~ Lord may turn away his Wrath and heavy Indignation, and efta- biiih thefe Churches and Kingdoms in Truth and Peace. And this Cove- nant we make in the Pretence of ALMIGHTY G O D, the Search- er of all Hearts, with a true Intention to perform the lame, as we (hall an- fwer at that great Day, when the Secrets of all Hearts fhall be difclofed ; mofi humbly beleeching the Lord, to (trengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this End; and to bids our Defiies and Proceedings with fuch Succeis as xnay be Deliverance and Safety to his People, and Encouragement to other Chriftian Churches, groaning under, or in Danger of the Yoke of Anti- chriftian Tyranny, to join in the fame, or like AfTociation and Covenant, ro the Glory of God, the Enlargement of the Kingdom of Jcfus Chrift, and the Peace and Tranquillity of Chriftian Kingdoms, and Common- wealthy
FINIS.
Solemn Acknowledgment
OF
Publick Sins,
AND
Breaches of the CO VE N ANT;
A N D A
Solemn Engagement
To all the
DUTIES, contained therein,
Thofe which do in Vmore fpecial Way relate unto the Dangers of thefe limes.
Together with The Aft of the Commiffion o? the General Afemily i<J48, and AB : of Parliament ic^o, for renewing the League and
Covenant.
GLASGOW,
Printed by John Robertfon and Mrs MLean and fold at thek Shops in the 'middle or xheSalt-Mercat a
Ik' DCG, XLVI.
47*
The Aft of the Commifion of the General A jfembly for Renewing the Solemn League and Covenant-
Edinburgh, Oclober 6. 1648.
THE Corpmiffion of the General AiTembly conftdering, that a great Part ol this Land have Involved fhcmfelves in many and grois Breaches oi the Solemn League and Covenant ; and that the Hands of many are grown llack in following and pursuing the Duties contained therein ; and that many , y/hs> not being* come to furficient Age when it was hrft fworn and {ubkribed, have nor hitherto ken received into the fame : Do, upon thefe, and cher grave and important Conudera- tions, appoint and ordain the Solemn League and Covenant co be renewed throughout all the Congregations of this Kingdom, and, becaufe ic is a Duty of great Weight and Confequence, Minivers, after the Sight hereof would be careful to take Pains, in their Doctrine and other- wife, thar their People may be made fehfibie of thefe Tilings wherein they have broken the Covenant, an:; be prepared for the renewing there- of, wich fuitable ArTe&ions and Diipotitions ; And, that the'fe Things may be the better performed, we have thought it neceflary to conde- fcend upon a folcmn Acknowledgment of publick Sins and Breaches of the Covenant, and a (olemn Engagement to all the Duties contained therein, namely, thofe which do in a more (fecial Way relate unto the Dangers of thefe Times j and this Solemn AcknowUag/uyii and Engage' went, tern herewith fhal) be made Ufe of, and the League and Covenant <haii be renewed in iuch Manner as toi'ows. Firll, The e ih -11 be inti- mation ol a folcmn publick Humiliation and Fait the fecond Sabbath of December, to be kept upon the nex; Tburfday, and tiie Lord's Day therea:ter, £t which intirna:ion, 'he League and Covenant \ a^.d the publick Acknowledgment of Sins, and Engagement unto Duties, are to be publickly read by the Minifier, in the Audience of all the People $ and they are to-be exhortcfi to get Copies theieof, that they may be made acquainted therewith ; and tht Humiliation and Fait is to be kept the next thurjday fhVeafrer, in reference to the Breaches of the Covenant, container in the Solemn Publick Acknowledgment, as the Cauies thereof . and the next Loru*s Day thereafter, which is alfo to be fpeht in publick Humiliation and Faitmg immediately at;er the Ser- mon, whicii is to be applied <o the Bufincls of that Day, the Publick Atknwlttig&ent and b?igagemait r- kgain ro be publickly read * and thereafter r .a-.er is to be m-iuc, containing the Co nieffion of the Breach- es mentioned therein, and begging Mercy for thefe Sins* and Strength ot God for renewing the Covenant m Sincerity and Truth \ aftc which Prayer, the Soleynn League and Covenant is ro he read by the Miniltcr, and then to oe iworn Dy him and all the People, who are to engage themieives for Performance of all the Duties contained therein, name- ly thefe which are mentioned in the ?yH!ck Ackvcvplcdg?yient and k#- gagemex'?, and are oppofitc unto the Sins therein comefkd: And tire Action is to be doled wkh Prayer to God,^ that his People may be en- abled, m the Ppwer of his Strength, to* cio their Duty, aceoiding ro their Oath, now renewed info fokmn a Way : it is alio hereby provi- ded, That «!1 thofe, Who icnew the -League and Ccvemut, fh all again fubferibe 'the famej and that none be admitted to rhe renewing or Sub- fcribing thereof Who are excluded by the c;her 'KSt land Direction tent herewith,
A. KER,
47$ qQOOOOOOaGQOQOQOOQOOQPOSOOOOOQ
The Acl of the Committee of Eftates of Parlia- ment, for Renewing the Solemn League and Covenant,
Edineurc f, October 14. 1648,
7H E Committee of Y*fl at es> being very fenfble of the grievous BackJIidtngi of this Laud, in the Manifold Breaches of the Solemn League and Covenant, made and fmm to the vwfl high God ; do therefore unamiou/ly and heartily ap- prove the feafonahle and Pious kefolation of the Cammijficn of the rr a folemn ciaowhdgjnent vxf puldick Sins and tally the Breaches of the Covenant,- w/ /a Solemn Engagement to ^ Wr* Confcionalte Performance of the Duties there- in contained, and fr renewing the Solemn League and Covenant. and 00 rejuire and ordain. That the Directions of tl/f faid Commifi:;* of Affembly, in their tl cfthe Sixth of this Month, fr a fkbfiek sLknoivledgn;ent of Sins and Engagement to Duti.
■ I ; thai . , e relig:>-
ci fly obfiefved ; and thttt fie Soktafc League and Covenant be juicer ly and cor ai ally renewed and fubjeribed, in the Manner they have J. txtraelum.
Mr, Tho- Henderfbn.
474
.QQOQQQQ093OQQO3 QQQQQQQQaQOftQOg
A Solemn Acknowledgment of Tublick Sins, ^Breaches of the COVENANT ; And a Solemn Engagement to all the DUTIES
contained therein, namely thofe which do in a more fpecial Way relate unto the Dangers oj thefe links.
WE Noblemen, Barrons, Gentlemen, BurgefTes, Minifters of the Gofpel, and Commons of all Sorts within this Kingdom, by the good Hand of God upon us, taking into ferious Confide- ration the many fad Affii&ions, and deep diftrefTes where- with we have been exercifed for a long Time pafl ; and that the Land, after it hath 'been fore walled with the Sword and the Peftilence, and threatned with Famine ; and that Shame and Contempt hath been poured out from the Lord againft many Thoufands of our Nation, who did in a fin- ful Way make "War upon the Kingdom of England, con- trary to the Teftimony of his Servants, and defires of his People; and that the Remnants of that Army, returning to this Land, hath fpoiledand opprefled many of our Brethren; and that the Malignant Party is ftill numerous, and, retaining their former principles, wait for an Opportunity to raife a new and dangerous War, not only unto the rending of the Bowels of this Kingdom, but unto the dividing us from Eng- land^ and overturning of the Work of God in all the Three Kingdoms : And confidering alfo, That a Cloud of Calami- ties doth ftill hang over our Heads, and threaten us with lad Things to come, we cannot but look upon thefe Things as from the Lord, who is righteous in all his Ways, feeding us with the Bread of Tears, and making us to drink the Waters of Affliction, until we be taught to know how evil and bitter a Thing it is to depart away from him, by break- ing the Oath and Covenant which we have made with him :
and
An Acknowledgment of Sins; &c. 47 ^
and that we may be humbled before him, by conferring our Sin, andforfaking the Evil of our Way.
Therefore being prefTed with fo great NeceiTitie and Straits, and warranted by the Word of God, and having the Example of God's People of Old, who in the Time of their Troubles, and when they were to feek delivery and a right Way for themfelves, that the Lord might be with them to profper them, did humble themfelves before him, and make a free and particular Confeffion of the Sins of their Princes, their Rulers, their Captains, their Prielts and their People, and did engage themf elves to do no more fo, but to reform their Ways, and be ftedfaft in his Covenant , And remembring rhe Practice of our PredecefTors in the Year 1596, wherein the general Aflenibly, and all the Kirk-ju- dicatories, with the Concurrence of many of the Nobility, Gentry and BurgefTes, did, with many Tears, acknowledge before God the Breach of the National Covenant, and en- gaged themfelves to a Reformation -9 even as our PredecefTors and theirs had before done, in the General Aflembly and Convention of Eftates, in the Year 1567. And perceiv- ing that this Duty, when gone about out of Confcience and insincerity, hath always been attended with a Reviving out of Troubles, and with a bleffing and fuccefs from Heaven; We do humbly and fmcerely, as in his fight, who is the Searcher of Hearts, acknowledge the many Sins and great TranigrefTions of the Land 5 we have done wickedly, our Kings, our Princes, our Nobles, our Judges, our Officers, our Teachers, and our People. • Albeit the Lord hath long and clearly fpoken unto us, we have not hearkned to his Voice ; albeit he hath followed us with tender Mercies, we have not been allured to wait upon him, and walk in his VVay ; and tho' he hath ftricken us, yet we have not grieved: Nay, tho' he hath confumed us, we have refufed to re- ceive Correction ; we have not remembred to render unto the Lord according to his Goodnefs, and according to our own Vows and Promifes, but have gone away backward, by a continued Courfe of Backfliding and have broken all the Articles of that Solemn League and Covenant, which we fworg before God, Angels and Men.
Albeit there be in the Land many of all Ranks, who be for a Teflimony unto the Truth, and for a Name of Joy
and
47 6 <An Acknowledgment of Sins.
and Praife unto the Lord, by living godly, ftudying to keep their Garments pure, and being ftedfaft in the Covenant and Gaufe of God ; yet we have Reafon to acknowledge, that moil: of us have not endeavoured, with that Reality, Sincerity and Conftancy that did become us, to preferve the "Work of Reformation in the Kirk of Scotland : Many have fatisfied themfelves with the Purity of the Ordinances, ne- glecting the power thereof ,- yea, fome have turned afide to crooked Ways, deftrudtive to both. The Profane, loofe andiniblent Carriage of many in our Armies, who went to the AiTiftance of our Brethren in England, and the Tarn* perings and unftraight Dealings of fome of our Commiffio- ners, and others of our Nation, in London , the Ifle of * Wight , and other Places of that Kingdom, have proved great Lets to the Work of Reformation, and fettling of Kirk-Govern- ment there, whereby Error and Schifm in that Land have been increafed, and Sectaries hardned in their Way ; We have been fb far from endeavouring the Extirpation of Pro- fanenels, and what is contrary to the Power of Godlinefs, that Profanity hath been much winked at, and profane Per- fons much countenanced, and many Times employed until Iniquity and Ungodlinefs hath gone over the Face of the Land as a Flood ; nay, furficient Care hath not been had to feparate betwixt the Precious and the Vile, by debarring from the Sacrament all Ignorant and fcandalous Perfons, accord- ing to the Ordinances of this Kirk.
Neither have the Privileges of the Parliaments and Liber- ties of the Subject being duly tendred; but fome amongft our felves have laboured to put into the Hands of our King an arbitrary and unlimited Power, deftructive to both, and ma- ny of us have been acce.fibry of late to thofe Means and Ways, whereby the Freedom and Privileges of Parliaments have been encroached upon, and the Subjects oppreffed in their Confciences, Perfons and Eftates .- Neither hath it been our Care to avoid thefe Things which might harden the King in his Evil Way ; bat upon the contrary he hath not only been permitted, but many of us have been inftrumental, to make him exercife his Power, in many Things tending to the Prejudice of Religion, and of the Covenant, and of the Peace and Safety of thefe Kingdoms ; which is fo far from the right Way of prelerving his Majefty's Perfon and Autho- rity
and Engagement to Duties. 477
rity, that it cannot but provoke the Lord againfr him, unto the Hazard of both : Nay, under a Pretence of Relieving and doing for the King, whilft he refufes to do what was necef- fary for the Houfe of God, fome have ranverfed and viola - tedmofl of all the Articles of the Covenant.
OurownConfciences within, and God's Judgments upon us without, do convince us of the manifold wilful re- newed Breaches of that Article, which concerneth the Dif- covery and Punifhment of Malignants, whofe Crimes have not only been connived at, but difpenfed with and pardoned, and themfelves received into intimate Fellowfhip with our ielves, and entrufted with our Counfels, admitted unto our Parliaments, and put in Places of Power and Authority, for managing the publick Affairs of the Kingdom ; whereby in God's Jultice they got at lafl into their Hands the whole Power and Strength of the Kingdom, both in Judicatories and Armies ; and did employ the fame unto the EnacYmgand Profecu ting an unlawful Engagement in WaragainiltheKing- dom of England, notwithstanding of the Diilent of many conflderable Members of Parliament, who had given conftant Proof of their Integrity in the Caufefrom the Beginning ,- of many faithful Teftimonies and free Warnings of the Servants of God ; of the Supplications of many Synods, Presbyteries and Shires t and of the Declarations of the General Afiembly and their Commiffioners to the contrary Which Engage- ment, as it hath been the Caufe of much Sin, fo alfbofmuch Miiery and Calamity unto this Land ; and holds forth to us the Grievoufnefs of our Sin, of complying with Malignants, in the greatn^s of our Judgments, that we may be taught never to fplit again upon the fame Ruck, upon which the Lord hath letfb remarkable a Beacon. And after all that is come topafs unto us, becaufe of this our Treipafs ; and a& ter that Grace hath been fhewed unto us from the Lord our God, by breaking thefe Mens Yoke from off our Necks, and
f Hitting us again into a Capacity to ac~V for the Good of Re- igion, our own Safety, and the Peace and Safety of this Kingdom, fhould we again break his Commandment and Co- venant, by joining once more with the People of thefe Abo- minations, and taking into our Bofom thofe Serpents, which had formerly flung us almoft unto Death; this, as it would argue great Madnefs and Folly upon our Parts, fo no
doubt,
478 An Acknowledgment of Sins:
doubt, if it be not avoided, -will provoke the Lord againft us, to confume us, until there be no Remnant nor Efcaping in the Land.
And albeit the Peace and Union betwixt the Kingdoms be a great Bleiling of God unto both, and a Bond which we are obliged to preferve unviolated ; and to endeavour, that Juftice may be done upon the Oppofers thereof * Yet fome in this Land, who have come under the Bond of the Cove, nant, have made it their great Study how to diflblve this U- nion, and few or no Endeavours have been uled by any of us for puniming of fiich
We have fuffered many of our Brethren, in feveral Parts of the Land, to be oppreffed by the common Enemy, with- out Gompaffion or Relief There hath been great Mur- muring and repining, becaufe of Expence of Means, and Pains in doing of our Duty ; Many, by Perfwafion or Ter- ror, have fuffered themfelves to be divided and withdrawn, to make Defection to the contrary Part : Many have turned off to a deteftable Indifferency and Neutrality in this Caufe, which fomuch concerneth the Glory of God, arid the Good of thefe Kingdoms ; Nay, many have made it their Study to \valkfo> as they might comply with all Times, and all the Revolutions thereof. It hath not been our Care to counte- nance, encourage, intruft and imploy fuch only, as from their Hearts, did affecT: and mind God's Work ; but the Hearts of fuch many Times have been difcouraged, and their Hands weakned, their fufFerings neglected, and themfelves flighted j and many, who Were once open Enemies, and al- ways fecret Underminers, countenanced a*d employed : Nay, even thofe who had been looked upon as Incendiaries, and upon whom the Lord had fet Marks of delperate Ma- lignancy, Falmood and Deceit, were brought in, as lit to manage publick Affairs Many have been the Lets and Im- pediments that have been caft in the Way, to retard and ob- struct the Lord's Work ; an4 fome have kept fecret , what of themfelves they were not able to fupprefs and overcome.
Befides thefe, and many other Breaches of the Articles of the Covenant in the Matter thereof, which it concerneth e- very one of us to fearch out and acknowledge before the Lord, as we would wifhhis Wrath to be turned away from us ,- ' fo have many of us felled exceedingly in the Mann er of
• our
and Engagement to Duties. 475*
Otir following and purfuing the Duties contained therein ; not only feeking great Things for our felves, and mixing of our private Interefts and Ends concerning our felves, and Friends, and Followers, with thofe Things which concern the pub- lick Good -, but many Times preferring fuch to, the honour of God, and Good of his Caufe, and retarding God's Work, until we might carry along with us our own Interefts and Defigns. It hath been our Way to truft in the Means, and. to rely upon the Arm ofFlefn for Succefs, albeit the Lord hath many Times made us meet with DifTapointment there- in and flamed the Pride of all our Glory, by blafcing every carnal Confidence unto us : We have followed for the moil Part theCounfels of Flefti and Blood, and walked more by the rules of Policy than Piety, and havehearkned more un- to Men than unto God.
Albeit we made folemn publick ^rofeffion before the World, of our unfeigned Defires to be humbled before the Lord for our own Sins, and the Sins of thefe Kingdoms, e- ipecially for our undervaluing of the ineftimable Benefit of the Gofpel/ and that we have not laboured for the power thereof, and received Chrift into our Hearts, and walked worthy of him in our Lives ; and of our true and unfeigned purpoie, Defire and Endeavour for our felves, and all others under our Power and Charge, both in Publick and Private,, m all the Duties which we owe to God and Man, to amend our Lives, and each one to go before another in the Example of a real reformation, that the Lord might turn away his Wrath and heavy Indignation, and eftabliih. thefe Kirks and Kingdoms in Truth and Peace : Yet we have refufed to be reformed, and have walked proudly and obftinately againfl: the Lord not valuing his Golpel, nor fubmitting our felves unto the obedience thereof; not feeking after Chrift, nor ftudying to honour him in the Excellency of his Peribn, nor employ him in the Yertue of his Offices ; nor making Con- fidence of publick Ordinances, nor private nor fecret Du- ties , nor ftudying to edify one another in Love. The Ig- norance of God, and of his Son Jefus Chrift, prevails exceed- in in the Land ; the greateft part of Mailers of Families, jft Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, BurgeiTes and C is, neglect to feek God in their Families, and to
t the Reformation thereof; and albeit it .hath been
much
480 An Acknowledgment of Sins.'
touch preffed, yet few of our Nobles, and great Ones, ever to this Day, could be perfwaded to perform Family-duties themfelves, and in their own Perfons ; which makes fo ne- ceffary and ufeful a Duty to be mifregarded by others of in- ferior Rank ,• Nay, many of the Nobility, Gentry and Bur- rows, who fhould have been Examples of Godlinefs and fo* ber Walking unto others, have been Ring-leaders of Excefs and Rioting, Albeit we be the Lord's People, engaged to him in a folemn Way ; yet, to this Day, we have not made it our Study, that Judicatories and Armies, fhould confiftof, and Places of Power and Truft be filled with, Men of a blamelefs and ChriftLin Converfation; and of known Inte- grity, and approven Fidelity, Affeflion and Zeal unto the Gaufe of God ; but not only thofe who have been neutral and indifferent, but difaffedted and Malignant, and others who have been profane and fcandalous, have been intrud- ed ; By which it hath come to pafs, that Judicatories have bttn the Seats oflnjuftice and Iniquity; and many in our Armies, by their Mifcarriages, have become our Plague, un- to the great Prejudice of the Caufe of God, the great Scan- dal of the Gofpel, and the great Increafe of Loofnefs and Profanity throught all the Land. It were impoffible to reckon up all the Abominations that are in the Land •, But the Blafpheming of the Name of God, Swearing by the Creatures, Profanation of the Lord's Da}?", Uncleannefs, Brunkenefs, Excefs and Rioting, Vanity of Apparel, Lying and Deceit, Railing and Curfing, Arbitrary and Vn. controuled Oppreffion, and Grinding of the Faces of the Poor by Landlords, and others in Place and Power, are be- come ordinary and common Sins .- And, befides all thefe Things, there be many other Tranfgreffions, whereof the Lands wherein we live are guilty. All which we defire to acknowledge and to be humbled for, that the World may bear witnefs with us, that Righteoufnefs belongeth unto God, and Shame and Gonfufion of Face unto us, as appears this Day.
And Becaufe it is needful for thofe who find Mercy, not only to confefs, but alfo toforfake their Sin ; therefore, that the Reality and Sincerity of our repentance may appear, we do refolve and folemnly engage our felves, before the Lord, carefully to avoid for the Time to come all thefe Offences,
whereof
and Enagement to Duties. 48 r
whereof we have now made fblemn publick Acknowledg- ment, and all the Snares and Tentations which tend there- *unto; And to telHfy the Integrity of our Refolution herein, and that we may be the better enabled in the power of the Lord's Strength to perform the fame, We do again lenew our Solemn League and Covenant, promifing hereafter to make Confcience of all the Duties, whereunto we are obliged, in. all theHeads and Articles thereof, particularly of thefe which. follow.
1 Becaufe Religion is of all Things the moft excellent and precious, the Advancing and Promoving the Power thereof againft all Ungodlinefs andProfanityr, the Securing and Pre- ferving the Purity thereof againft all Error,Herefy and Schifmj and namely, Independency, Anabaptifmy jfytjftomianijh, Armimanifrriy and Sochiamfm, Famil'ifm, Likertinif?*, Scefticifm, and Erajliamfm, and the Carrying on the Work of Uniformity fhall be ftudied and endeavoured by us, be- fore all worldly Interefts, whether concerning the King, our felves, or any other whatfpmever. 2. Becaufe many have of late laboured to fupplant the Liberties of the Kirk, we fhall maintain and defend the Kirk of Scotland, in all her Liberties and Privileges, againft all who fhall oppofe or un- dermine the fame, or encroach thereupon, under any Pre- text whatfomever. 3. We fhall vindicate and maintain the Liberties of the Subjects, in all thefe Things which concern their Confciences, Perions and Eftates. 4 "We fhall care- fully maintain and defend the Union betwixt the Kingdom?/ and avoid every T hing that may weaken the fame,or involye us in any Meafure of Acceffion unto the Guilt ofthofe, who have invaded the Kingdom of England. $ As we have been -al- ways loyal to our King. To we iliall ft ill endeavour to give unto God that which is God's, and to Gafar the Things which are CW/jr's 6. We (hail be fo far from conniving at? complying with, or countenancing of Malignancy, Ioj j ,^c, Iniquity, Profanity, and Impiety, that we (hall not on . a- void and Difcoumenance thofe Things, and che/ifh a id en- courage thefe Perfons who are zealjus for the Caufe of God., and1 alk according to the Gpfpel ,• butajfb fhall take a mere effectual Courlethan heretofore, in our refpedtive Places and Callings, for puniihing and iiippr effing thefe Evils ; and faunfuily endeavour that the belt and fitted Remedies may
H h be
48 z An Acknowledgment of Sins. &c
be applied for taking away the Caufes thereof, and advan- cing the Knowledge of God, and Holinefs and Righteoufnefs in the Land. And therefore, in the laft Place, as we ihall earneftly Pray unto God, that he would give us able Men, fearing God j Men of Truth, and hating Covet oufnefs, to judge and bear Charge among his People ; fo we fliall, according to our Places and Callings, endeavour that Judicatories, and all Places of Power and Truft both in Kirk and State, may con- fift of, and be filled with, fuch Men as are of known good Af- feftion to the Caufe of God, and ofa blamelefs and Chriftian Converfation.
And,* becaufe there be many, who heretofore have not made Confcience of the Oath of God, but fome through Fear, others by Perfwafion and upon bafe Ends and human Inte- refts have entred thereinto, who have afterwards difcovered themfelves to have dealt deceitfully with the Lord,in fwearing falfly by his Name ; Therefore we, who do now renew our Covenant, in Reference to thefe Duties, and all other Duties contained therein, do, in the Sight of him who is the Search- er of Hearts, folemnly profefs, that it is not upon any po- litick Advantage, or private Interefl or By-end, or becaufe of any Terror or Perfwafion from Men, or hypocritically and deceitfully, that we do again take upon us the Oath of God, but honeftly and fincerely, and from the Senfe of our Duty i and that therefore, denying our felves and our own Things, and laying afide all Self-intereft and Ends, we fhall above all Things feek the honour of God, the Good of his Caufe, and the Wealth of his People , and that, forfaking the Counfels of Flefh and Blood, and not leaning upon car* nal Confidences, we fhall depend upon the Lord, walk by the Rule of his Word, and hearken to the Voice of his Servants. In all which, profefiingourown Wea-knefs, we do earneftly Pray to God, who is the Father of Mercies, through his Son J ejus Chriji, to be merciful unto us, and to enable us by the power of his Might, that we may do our Duty, unto the Praife of his Grace in the Churches. Amen.
FINIS.
THE
...
THE
DIREC TORY
FOR THE
Publick Worftiipof God,
Agreed upon by the
Affembly of DIVINES
A T
WESTMINSTER,
"WiththeAffiftanceof
COMMISSIONERS
FROM THE
Church of Scotland,
A S
A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of Chrifl in the Kingdoms of Scotland, En* gland, and Ireland.
WITH
An Act of the General Affembly, and Aft of Parliament, both in Anno 1 645-, Approving and Eftablifhing the faid DIRECTORY.
1 Cor, xiv. 48. Let all Things he done decently, and in Order , Ver* 2.^ Let all Things be done to edifying.
G L A S G 0 W7
Printed by John Robertfon and Mrf M'Lean, and fold a': their Shops in the middle of theSalt-Mercat
M DCC! XLVL
434
Charles l. Pari. 3. SefT, ^
An Aft of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland, Approving and Eftablijhing the Directory for Publick Worjhip.
//Edinburgh, February 6. 1645-.
TH E Effaces of Parliament now conveeneJ, in the Second Seflion of thi? firft Triennial Parliament, by venue of the laff Act of rte la it Parliament, holden by his Majefty and the three Eftates, in Anna 1641 j After publick reading, and fenous Confideration of the Ace under- written of the General AiTembly, approving the following Di- rectory for the publick Worfhip ot God in the three Kingdoms, lately united by the Solemn League and Covenant, together with the Ordi- nance of the Parliament of England eihbliihing the (aid Directory, and the Directory it felf ; do heartily and chcariully agree to the laid Dire- ctory, according to the Act ot the General Aflembiy approving the fame. Which Act, together with the Directory itfelr, the Elates of Parlia- ment do, without a contrary Voice, ratine and approve in all the Heads and Articles thereof . and do interpone and add the Authority of Parliament to the laid Act of the General AiTernbiy. And do ordain the fame to have the Strength and force of a Law and Act of Parlia- ment, and Execution to pafs thereupon, for obferving the faid Direc- tory, according to the faid Act ot- the Genera) Aflembiy in all Points.
Alex. Qibjon Cler. Regijbi,
Ajjembly at Edinburgh, February 3. 1645. Self, io.
Ail of the General /ffembly of the Kirk of Scotland, for the EJlabliJhing and putting in Executionof /A^Direftory for the Publick Worjhip of God.
WHereas an happy Unity, and Uniformity in Religion amongft the Kirks of Chriit, in thefe Three Kingdoms, united under one So- vereign, hath been long and earncffly wifhed for, by the Godly and Well-affected amongi-t. us, was propounded as a main Article ot the large Treaty, without which Band and Bulwark, no fafe, well-ground- ed and laliing Peace could be expe&ed $ and afterward, with greater Strength and Maturity, revived in the Solemn League and ^Covenant of the Three Kingdoms $ whereby they ftand firaitly obliged to endea- vour the neartit Uniformity in one Form of Church-Government, "Di* reclery of Worjhip, Qonfejfion of Faith, and Form of Catechifmg ; Which hath alfo before, and un.ee our eniring into that Covenant, been the Matter of many Supplications and Remonstrances, and fending Com- iniiliuners to the King's Majefty, of Declarations to the Hoaourablc II. jules of the Parlarncttt of England, and of Letters to the .Reverend
Af-
Affcmbly of Divines, and others of the Miniilry ot the Kirk of Eng- land ; being alfo the End oi our fending Coromiffioners, as was defired, from this Kirk, with^Commiflion to treat of Uniformity in the Four Particulars afore*mentioncd, with fuch Committees as fhould be appoin- ted by both Houfes of the Parliament of England, and by the Aflem- bly of Divines fitting at V/eftmhifteri and befide all this, it being, in Point of Conscience, the chief Motive and End of our adventuring u- pon manifold and grear. Hazards, for quenching the devouring Flame of the preient unnatural and bloody War in England, tho' to the Weak- ning ot this Kingdom within it fclf, and the Advantage of the Ene- my which hath invaded it, accounting nothing too dear to us, fo tha£ this our Joy be fulfilled. And now this great Work being fo far ad- vanced, that a Vireftory for the publick Worfhip of God in all the Three Kingdoms, being agreed upon by the Honourable Houfes of the Parliament of England ', after Confutation with the Divines of both Kingdoms there afiembied, and fent to us for our Approbation, that be* ing alto agreed upon by this Kirk, and Kingdom of Scot lands it may be in the Name of both Kingdoms prelented to the King, for his Royal Content and Ratification; The General Aflembly having moft ferioufly considered, reviled, and examined the Direftory afore-mentioned, after fevera) publick Readings of it, after mil. h Deliberation, both publickly, and in private Committees, after full Liberty given to all to object a- gainft it, and earnelt Invitations of all who have any Scruples about it, to make known the lame that they might be fatisfied ; Doth unani- mouiiy, and without a contrary Voice, agree to, and approve the fol* lowing Directory, in all the Heads thereof, together with the Preface let beiore it: And doth Require, Decern, and Ordain; That according to the plain Tenor and Meaning thereof, and the intent of the Preface, it be carefully and uniformly obferved and pradhfed by all th^ Mini- fters and others within this Kingdom, whom it doth Concern; which Practice fhall be begun, upon intimation given to the fevera I presby- teries, trcm the Commillioners of this General AlTembly, who fhall alfo take ipecial Care for the timeous Printing ot this Directory, that a printed Copy of it be provided *nd kept for the U(e of every Kirk in this Kingdom; Alio, that each P esbytery have a printed Copy thereof for r..eir Ule, and take fpecial Notice of the Observation or Neglect thereof, in every Congregation within their Bounds, and make known the urae to the Provincial or General AfTembly, as there fhall be Caufe0 Provided always, that the Claufe in the Direftory, ot the Adminirrra- tion ot the LOR D's Supper, which mentioneth the Communicants fitting about tne Table, or at it, be not interpreted, as if, in the Judg- ment of this Kirk, it were indifferent, and tree for any of the Commu- nicants, not to come to, and receive at the Table; or as if we did ap- prove the Diftribuuing of the Elements by the Mmifter t*> each Com- municant, and not by the Communicants among themfelves- It is alfo provided, That this fhall be no Prejudice to the Order and Practice of this Kirk, in fuch Particulars as are appointed by the Books of Difcipline, and Acts of General Aflemblies, and are nor otherwile ordered and ap- pointed in the Direftory^
Finally, The Aflembly doth, with much Joy and Thankfulnefs, ac- knowledge ;he rich BicfTjng and invaluable Mercy of God, in bringing the io much wifhed for Uniformity in Religion to fuch a happy Peri- od, that thefe Kingdoms," once at fo great Diitance in the F^rm of Wor- H h 3 (hip.
486
fhip, are now by the Bleffinff of God brought to a nearer Uniformity than any other reformed Kuks; which is unto us cpe return of our Prayers, and a Lightning of our Eyes, and Reviving of cur Hearts, in the midft of our many /Sorrows and Sufferings ; a taking away, in a great Meafure, the Reproach of rhe People ofr God, to the (topping of the Mouths of Malignant and Difr fleeted Perfons, and an opening unto us a Door of Ho£e, that God harh yet Thoughts of Peace row ards us, and nor of Evil, to give us an expecred End : In the Expectation and Confidence whereot, we do rejoice, beiceching the Lord to prefervc thefe Kingdoms from Herefics, Schiims, Offences, Profanenefs, an4 whadoever is contrary to found Doctrine, and the Power of Godlinefsj and to continue with us, and the Generations following, thele his pure and purged Ordinances, together with an Increafe of the Power and Life thereof, to the glory of his great Name, the Enlargement of the Kingdom of his Son, the Corroboration of Peace and Love between the Kingdoms, the Unity and Comiort of all his People, and our Editying one another in Love.
The CONTENTS
7 HE Preface. Of the Ajfembling ef the Congregation. OfPublick Reading of the Holy Scripture. Of Publick Prayer before the Sermon. Of Preaching of the Word. Of Prayer after Sermon. Of the Sacrament ofBaptifm. Of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Of the Santfificaiipn of the Lord's Day% Of the Solemnization of Marriage^ Of the Vifitation of the Sick, Of Burial of the Dead. Of Publick Solemn Fa/ling, Of the Obfervatim of Days of publick Thanksgiving. £ f Singing of Pf alms Ah appendix touching Days and Places of publick IVorJbip.
THE
487
THE
DIRECTORY
FOR THE Publick WORSHIP of G O D,
Agreed upon by the Anembiy of Divines at Wefi- minjler; examined and approved. Anno 1645-, by the Gene ral Assembly, of the Church of SCOTLAND ; and rati* fied by Acl of Parliament the lame Year,
The "PREFACE;
N the Beginning of the blefled Reformation, our wife and pious Anceftors took Care to fet forth an Order for Redrefs of many Things, which they then, by the Word Difcoveredto be Vain, Erroneous, Superfluous, and Idolatrous, in the publick "Worfhip of God. This occa- fioned many Godly and Learned Men to rejoice much in the Book of Common-Prayer, at that Time fet forth ; becaufe the Mafs, and the reft of the Lathe Service being removed, the publick Worfhip was celebrated in our own Tongue : many of the common People alfo received Benefit by hear- ing the Scriptures read in their own Language, which for- merly were unto them as a Book that is fealed.
Howbeit, long and fad Experience hath made it manifefl, That the Liturgy ufed in the Church of England (notwith- flanding all the Pains and religious Intentions of the Com- pilers of it) hath proved an Offence, not only to many of the Godly at Home, but alio to the Reformed Churches A-
H h 4 broa4
488 The "Preface.
broad. For, not to fpeak of urging the Reading of all the Prayers, which very greatly increafed the Burden of it ; the many unprofitable and burdenfom Ceremonies contai- ned in it, have cccafloned much Mifchief, as well by dis- quieting the Conferences of many Godly Minifters and People, who could not yield unto them, as by depriving them of the Ordinances of God, which they might fiot enjoy without conforming or fubferibing to thofe Cere- monies. Sundry good Chriftians have been, by Means thereof kept from the Lord's Table, and divers able and faithful Mi- niflers debarred from the Exercife of their Miniftry (to the Endangering of many Thoufand Souls, in a Time of fuch Scarcity of faithful Pallors) and ipoiled of their Lively hood, to the Undoing of them and their Families. Prelates and their Faction have laboured to raife the Eftimation of it to fuch an Height as if there were no other Worfhip or Way of "Worfhip of G O D, amongft us, but only the Service. Book ; to the great Hindrance of the Preaching of the Word, and (in fome Places, efpecially of late) to the juftiing of it out, as unnecefTary ; or (at beft) as fir inferior to the Read- ing of Common-Prayer, which was made no better than an Idol by many Ignorant and Superfluous People, who plea, jfing themf elves in their Prefence at that Service, and their Lip-labour in bearing a Part in it, have thereby hardned themfelves in their Ignorance and Carlefnefs of laving Knowledge and true Piety.
In the Mean Time, Papifts boafted, that the Book was a Compliance with them in a great Part of their Service ; and . lowere not a little confirmed in their Superftition andl- dolatry, expecting rather our Return to them, than en- deavouring the Reformation of themfelves : In which Ex- peftation they were of late very much encouraged, when, upon the pretended Warrantablenefs of impofing of thu former Ceremonies, new Ones were daily obtruded upon the Church,
^dd hereunto (which was not forefeen, but fince hath come to pafs) that the Liturgy hath been a great Means, as on the one Hand to make and increafe an idle and unedifying Miniftry* which contented itfelf with fet forms made to their 'Han^s by others, without putting forth themfelves to exeicife &$ Gift of Prayer, with which our Lord Jefus
TbeTreface: 489
Chr'ifl pleafeth to furnifh all his Servants whom he calls to that Office : So, on the other Side, it hath been (and ever would be, if continued) a Matter ofendlefs Strife and Con- tention in the Church, and a fhare both to many godly and faithful Mihifters, who have been perfecuted and filenced upon that Occafion •> and to others of hopeful Parts, many of which have been, and more ftill would be diverted from all Thoughts of the Miniftry to other Studies ; efpecially in theie later Times, wherein God vouchfafeth to his People more and better Means for the Difcovery of Error and Super- ftition, and for attaining of Knowledge in the Myfteries of Godlinefs, and Gifts in Preaching and Prayer.
Upon thefe, and many the like weighty Confiderations, in Reference to the whole Book in general, and becaufe of divers Particulars contained in it ; not from any Love to Novelty, or Intention to difparage our firft Reformers (of whom we are periwaded, that, were they now alive, they would join with us in this Work, and whom we acknow- ledge as excellent Inilruments, railed by God, to begin the Purging and Building of his Houfe, and tdefire they may be had of us and Poflerity in everlafting Remembrance, with Thankfulnefs and Honour ;) But that we may, in fome Meafure, anfwer the gracious Providence of God, which al this Time calleth upon us for further Reformation, and may fatisfy our own Confciences, and anfwer the Expectation of other Reformed Churches, and the Defires of many of the Godly among our (elves, and withal give fome publick Te* ftimony of our Endeavours for Uniformity in Divine Wor- fhip which we have promifed in our Solemn League and Covenant We have, after earned and frequent calling upon the Name of God, and after much Confutation, not with. Flefli and Blood, but with his holy Word, refolved to lay afide theformer Liturgy, with the many Rites and Ceremo- nies formerly ufed in the Worfhip of God •, and have agreed upon this following Directory for ail the Parts of publick Worihip, at ordinary and extraordinary Times.
Wherein our Care hath been, to hold forth fuch Things as are of Divine Inftitution in every Ordinance ; and other Things we have endeavoured to fet forth according to the Rules of Chriftian Prudence, agreeable to the general Rules of the Word of God; Our Meaning therein being only,
that
49 o The Directory for the
that the General Heads, the SepSc and Scope of the Prayers* and other Parts of publick Worfhip, being knG\vn to all, there may be a confent of all the Churches, in thofe Things that contain the Subftance of the Service and Worihipcf God ; and the Minifters may be hereby directed in their Ad- miniftrations, to keep like foundnefs in Doctrine and Pray.- er •, and may, if need be, have fome help and Furniture ; and yet fo, as they become not hereby flothful and negligent ia ft'irring up the Gifts of Gh rift in them ; but, that each one, by Meditation, by taking heed to himfelf and the Flock of God committed to him, and by wife Obferving the Ways of Divine Providence, may be careful to furniih his Heart and Tongue with further, or other Materials of Prayer and Exhortation, as fliall be aeedful upon all Occalions
Of the rfjfernbling of the Congregation and their Behaviour in the publick Worjhip of God.
WHen the Congregation is to meet for publick Wor- ship, (the People having before prepared their Hearts thereunto) ought all to come, and join therein >• not abfenting themfelvcs from the Publick Ordi- nances through Negligence, or upon Pretence of private Meetings
Let all enter the Aflembly, not irreverently, but in a grave andfeemly Manner, taking their Seats or Places without a- doration, or bowing themfelves towards one Place or other.
The Congregation being AiTembled, the Minifter, after fa- letnn calling on them to the Worihipping of the great Name of God, is to begin with Prayer,
" In all Reverence and Humility acknowledging the in- u comprehend ble Greatnefs and Majefty of the Lord, (in u whole Prefence they do then in a fpecial Manner appear) " and their own Viienefs and Unworthinefs to approach fo €l nearhim, with their utter inability df themfelves to fo tC great a Work ; and humbly befeeching him for Pardon, " Affiftance, and Acceptance in the whole Service then to <* be performed , and for a Bleffing on ifhat particular Por-
" tion
Tublick IVorJbip of God. 49 1
u tlon of his Word then to be read: And all In the Name and ** Mediation of the Lord Jefus Chrift."
The publick "Worfhip being begun, the People are wholly to attend upon it, forbearing to read any Thing, except what the Minifter is then reading or citing ; and .ibftaining much more from all private WhUperings, Conferences, Sa- lutations, or doing Reverence to any Perfon prefent, or coming in ,- as alfo from all Gazing, Sleeping, and other un. decent Behaviour, which may difturb the Minifter or People, or hinder themfelves or others in the Service of God.
If any, through Neceffity, be hindred from being prefent at the Beginning, they ought not, when they come into the Congregation, to betake themfelves to their private De- votions, but reverently to compofe themfelves to join with the AiTembly, in that Ordinance of God, which is thea in Hand.
Of publick Reading of the holy Scf/fiures:
REading of the Word in the Congregation, being part of the publick Worfhip of God, (wherein we acknow- ledge our Dependence upon him, and Subjection to him) and one Means fanctified by him for the Edifying of his People, is to be performed by the Paftors and Teachers.
Howbeit, fuch as intend the Miniftry, may occafionally both read the Word, and exercife their Gift in Preaching in the Congregation, if allowed by the Presbytery thereunto.
All the Canonical Books of the Old and New Teftament (but none of thefe which are commonly called Afoq-ypha) fhall be publickly read in the Vulgar Tongue, out of the bell: allowed Tranflation, diftinctly, that all may hear and un- derstand.
How large a portion fhall be read at once, is left to the Wifdom of the Minifter •, but it is convenient, that ordinari- ly one Chapter of each Teftament be read at every Meeting, and fometimes more, where the Chapters be ihort, or the Coherence of Matter requireth it.
It is requifite that all the Canonical Books be read over in Order, that the People may be better acquainted with the whole Body of the Scriptures ; and ordinarily, where the Reading in either Teftament endeth on one Lord's -Day, it is to begin the next.
We
49^ The Directory for the
We commend alfo the more frequentReading of fuch Scrip- tures, as he that readeth fhall think beft for Edification of his Hearers, as the Book of Pfalms, and fuch like,
"When the Minifier, who readeth, fhall judge it necefTary to expound any Part of what is read, let it not be done un» til the whole Chapter or Pfalmbe ended ; and Regard is al- ways to be had unto the Time, that neither Preaching, nor other Ordinance, be ftraitned, or rendred tedious. "Which Rule is to be obferved in all other publick Performances.
Befide publick Reading of the holy Scriptures, every per>- fon that can read, is to be exhorted to read the Scriptures privately, (and all others that cannot read, if not di.fabledby Age, or otherwife, are likewife to be exhorted to learn to read) and to have a Bible.
Of Tublkk Trayer before the Sermon.
AFter Reading of the Word, (and Singing of the Pfalm) the Minifter who is to preach, is to endeavour to get his own, and his Hearers Hearts to be rightly affe&ed with their Sins, that they may all mourn in Senfe thereof before the Lord, and hunger and third after the Grace of God in jefus Chrifr, by proceeding to a more full Confeffion of Sin, with Shame and holy Confunon of Face, and to call upon th.e Lord to this Effeft ;
«* To Acknowledge our great Sinfulnefs, Firfty by Reafon *< of Original Sin, which (befide the Guilt that makes us li- « able to everlafting Damnation) is the Seed of all other ?« Sins, hath depraved and poifoned all the Faculties and *c powers of Soul and Body, doth defile our beft A£tions, and <4 were it not reftrained, or our Hearts renewed by Grace) <* would break forth into innumerable Tranfgreffions, and u o-reateft Rebellions againft the Lord, that ever were com- '< mined by the vileft of the Sons of Men. And, Next, <* by Reaibn of aftual Sin, our own Sins, the Sins of Ma- in, giftrates, ofMinifters, and of the whole Nation, unto " which we are many Ways acceffbry.- Which Sins of ours «• receive many fearful Aggravations, we having broken all W the Commandments of the Holy, Juft, and good Law of c< God, doing that which is forbidden, and leaving undone ?< what is enjoined j and that not only out of Ignorance and
in-
jruvMLiz worjrJiY I'j viva. 493
•Infirmity ; but alfo more prefumptuoufly, againft the Light 44 of our Minds, Checks of our Conferences, and Motions u of his own holy Spirit to the contrary, fo that we have 44 no Cloke for our Sins ; yea, not only defpifing the Riches << of God's Goodnefs, Forbearance, and Long-iuffering, «< but ftanding out againft many Invitations and Offers, of " Grace in the Gofpel ; not endeavouring as we ought, " to receive Chrift into our Hearts by Faith, or to walk 4c worthy of him in our Lives.
u To bewail our Blindnefs of Mind, Hardnefs of Heart, " Unbelief, lmpenitency, Security, Lukewarmnefs, Bar- u rennefs ; our not endeavouring after Mortification and u Newnefs of Life ; nor after the Exercife of Godlinefs in 41 the Power thereof: and that the beft of us have not fo " ftedfaftiy walked with God, kept our Garments fo un* <c fpotted, nor been fo zealous of his Glory, and the Good 4k of others, as we ought : And to mourn over fuch other " Sins, as the Congregation is particularly guilty of, not- " withftanding the manifold and great Mercies of our God, " the Love of Chrift, the Light of the Gofpel, and Re - u formation of Religion, our own Purpofes, Promifes, « Vows, folemn Covenant, and other fpecial Obligations to *( the contrary.
" To acknowledge and Confefs, that, as we are convin- u ced of our Guilt, fo, out of a deep Senfe thereof, we <; judge ourfelves unworthy of the fmalleft Benefits, moft <£ worthy of God's fierceft Wrath, and of all the Curies 4< of the Law, and heavieft Judgments inflicted upon the <-* moft rebellious Sinners ; and that he might moft juftiy « take his Kingdom and Gofpel from us, plague us with all " forts of fpiritual and temporal Judgments in this Life, « and after caft us into utter Darkneis, in the Lake that ii burneth with Fire and Brimftone, where is Weeping and *< Gnafhing -of Teeth for evermore.
" Notwithftanding all which, To draw near to the ic Throne of Grace, encouraging our felves with Hope of " a gracious Anfwer of our Prayers, in the Riches and u jfiifficiericy of that only one Oblation, the Satisfaction 4t and IntercefTion of the Lord Jefiis Chrift, at the Right- 41 hand of his Father, and our Father ; and, in Confidence u of the exceeding great and precious Promifes of Mercy
c< and
494 ^je Direfttry for the
u and Grace in the new Covenant, through the fame Medi- " ator thereof, to deprecate the heavy Wrath and Curfe of u GOD, which we are not able to avoid, or bear ; and u humbly and earneftly to fupplicate for Mercy in the free u and full Remiffion of all our Sins, and that only for the <l bitter Sufferings and precious Merits of that our only Sa- " viour Jefus Chrift.
u That the Lord would vouchfafe to fned abroad his Love <l in our Hearts by the Holy Ghoft ; feal unto us, by the " fame Spirit of Adoption, the full Affiurance of our Pardon " and Reconciliation ; comfort all that mourn in Zion> fpeak
* peace to the wounded and troubled Spirit, and bind up ** the Broken-hearted And as for fecure and presumptuous " Sinners, that he would open their Eyes, convince their r< Confidences, and turn them from Darknefs unto Light, {* and from the power of Satan unto God, that they alfb « may receive Forgivenefs of Sin and an Inheritance among '< them that are fanftified by Faith in Chrift Jefus,
« With Remiffion of Shis through the Blood of Chrift,
* to pray for SancYification by his Spirit ; the Mortificatioa *< of Sin dwelling in, and many Times Tyrannizing over us $ is the Quickning of our dead Spirits, with the Life of God u in Chrift > Grace to fit and enable us for all Duties of Con* u verfation and Callings towards God and Men ; Strength « againft Temptations, the fanftified Ufe of Bleffings and *' Croffes, and Perfeverance in Faith and Obedience unto the « End,
" To Pray for the Propagation of the Gofpel and King- u dom of Chrift to all Nations ; for the Converfion of the a Jews, the Fulnefs of the Gentiles, the Fall of Anticbrift, u and the haftning of the Second Coming of our Lord ; </ for the deliverance of the diftrefled Churches Abroad il from the Tyranny of the Antichrijlian FaBion, and from " the cruel Oppreffions and Blafphemies of the Turk ; For " the Bleffing of God upon all the reformed Churches, ef- <* pecially upon the Churches and Kingdoms of Scotland,, V England, and Ireland, now more ftri&ly and religioufly *<< united in the Solemn National League and Covenant, and *< for our Plantations in the remote Parts of the World : {? more particularly for that Church and Kingdom where- " of we are Members, that therein God would eftablifh Peace
" and
Tub lick } Wot '/hip of God. 495-
'l and Truth, the Purity of all his Ordinances, and the €( Power of Godlinefs ; prevent and remove Herefy, Schifm, u Profanenefs, Superftition, Security, and Unfruitfulnefs un- << der the Means of Grace ; heal all our Rents and Ditifi- M ons, and preferve us from Breach of our Solemn Cove ic nant.
« To Pray for all in Authority, especially for the King's u Majefty, that God would make him rich in Bleffings, both " in his Perfonand Government ; eftablifh his Throne in " Religion and Rightepufnefs, fave him from evil Counfel, €i and make him a blefTed and glorious Inftrument, for the u Confervation and Propagation of the Gofpel, for the " Encouragement and Protection of them that do Well, u the Terror of all that do Evil, and the great good of the u whole Church, and of all his Kingdoms ; for the Con- " verfion of the Queen, the religious Education of the " Prince, and the reft of the Royal Seed ; For the Comfor- " ting the Afflicted Queen of Bohemia, Sifter to our Sove- " reign ; and for the Reftitution and Eftablifhment of the " illuftrious Prince Charles, Ele&or Palatine of the Rhine f u to all* his Dominions and Dignities ; For a Blefling upon u the high Court of Parliament (when fitting in any of " thefe Kingdoms refpeclively) the Nobility, the ftibordinate u Judges and Magiftrates, the Gentry, and all the Com- " monality; For all Paftors and Teachers, that God would u fill them with his Spirit, make them Exemplarily Holy, u Sober, Juft, Peaceable, and gracious in their Lives ; w Sound, Faithful, and Powerful in their Miniftry ; and u follow all their Labours with Abundance of Succefs an£ u Bleffing ; and give unto all his People, Paftors according u to his own Heart ; for the Univerftties, and all Schools u and Religious Seminaries of Church and Common- wealth, u that they A ay flouriih more and more in Learning and u Piety ; For the Particular City or Congregation, that " God would pour out a Bleffing upon the Miniftry of the " Word, Sacraments and Discipline, upon the Civil Go- " vernment, and all the feveral Families and Perfons therein; u for Mercy to the Afflicted, under any inward or out- u ward Diftrefs ,- For feaionable Weather and fruitful Bea- H fons, as the Time may require ; For Averting the Judg-
" men't
496 Zfig Directory for the
" ment that weeither fee], or fear, or are liable unto, asFa- €i mine, Peftilence, the Sword and fuch like.
" And with Confidence of his Mercy to his whole " Church, and the Acceptance of our Perfons, through the " Merits and Mediation of our High Prieit the Lord Jefus, " to profefs that it is the Defire of our Souls to have Fel- *'•' lowfhip with God, in the reverend and confcionable Ufe " of his Holy Ordinances ,• and, to that Purpofe, to Pray " earneftly for his Grace, and effectual Affiftance to the "■ SancYification of his holy Sabbath, the Lord's Day, in <• all the -Duties thereof, publick and private, both to our <* felves, and to all other Congregations of his People, ac« u cording to the Riches and Excellency of the Gofpel, this " Day celebrated and enjoyed.
" And, becaufe we have been unprofitable Hearers in " Times paft, and now cannot of our felves receive, as we " fhould, the Deep Things of God, the Myfteries of Jefus " Chrifl, which require a fpiritual Difcerning f To Pray, " that the Lord, who teacheth to profit, would gracioufly *< pleafe to pour out the Spirit of Grace, together with the « outward Means thereof, cauflng us to attain fuch a Mea- *{ fure of the excellency of the Knowledge of Ch rift Jefus " our Lord, and, in him, of the Things which belong to " our Peace, that we may account all Things but as Drofs
* in Comparifon of him . and that we, tailing the firft " Fruits of the Glory that is to be revealed, may long for " a more full and perfect Communion with him, that where *« he is, we may be alfo, and enjoy the fulnefs of thoie " Joys and Pleafures, which are at his Right-hand for <?< evermore.
4i More particularly, that God would in a fpecial Manner
* lurniih his Servant (now called to difpenfe the Bread of *< Life unto his Houfhold) with Wifdom, b^fjelity, Zeal, <f and Utterance, that he may divide the Word of God 4* aright, to every one his Portion, in evidence and De- " monftration of the Spirit and Power -, and the Lord " would circumcife the Ears and Hearts of the Hearers, to ii hear, love, and receive with Meeknefs the ingrafted « Word, which is able to fave their Souls ; make them as " good Ground to' receive in the good Seed of the Word, " and iirengthen them againft the Temptations ofS-uan,
" the
Tu bitch If orfbip of God. 49 f
K the Cares of the World, the Hardnefs of their own Hearts^ " and whatfoever elfe may hinder their Profitable and fa* M ving Hearing ; that fo Chrift may be fo formed in them, *< and live in them, that all their Thoughts may be brought " into Captivity to the Obedience of Chrift, and their' H Hearts eitablifhed in every good Word and Work for e- u ver>»
We Judge this to be a convenient Order, in the ordinary publick Prayers ; yet fo, as the Minifter may defer (as in Prudence he (hall think meet) Some Part of thefe Petitions, till after his Sermon, or offer up to God forne of the ThankC giving, hereafter appointed, in his Prayer before his Sermon.
Of the T reaching of the Word.
PR E A C H I N G of the Word, being the Pcwtr of God unto Salvation, and one of the greateft and moft excellent Works belonging to the Miniftry or the Gofpel, mould be fo performed, that the Workman need not be aflnmed, but may lave himfelf, and thole that hear him,
It is prefuppofed (according to the Rules for Ordination) that the Minifter of Chrift is in fome good Meafure gifted for fo weighty a Service, by his Skill in the Original Lan- guages, and in fuch Arts and Sciences as are Handmaids un- to Divinty ; by his Knowledge in the whole Body of Theo- logy, but moft of all in the holy Scriptures, having his Senfes and Heart exerciied in them above the common Sort of Believers ; and by the Illumination of God's Spirit, and other Gifts of Edification, which (together with Reading and Studying the Word) he ought ftill to feek by Prayer, and an humble Heart, refblving to admit and receive any Truth not yet attained, whenever God (hall make it known unto him. All which he is to make U:e of, and improve, in his private Preparations, before he deliver in Publick what he hath provided.
Ordinarily, the Subjecl of his Sermon is to be fome Text of Scripture, holding forth fom*? Pi inciple or Head of Reli- gion, or durable to Tome fpecial Occafion emergent ; or he may go on in fome Chapter, Pfalm, or Book of the holy Scripture, as he (hall fee fit.
Let the Introduction to his Text be brief and perspicuous,
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drawn from the Text itfelf, or Context, or fome parallel Place, ^r general Sentence of Scripture.
If the^Text be long, (as in Hiirories and Parables it fome-
times muft be) let him give a brief Sum of it ; if [hart, a
Paraphrase thereof, if need be: In both, looking diligently
to the Scope of the Text, and pointing at the chief Heads
"amd Grounds of Do&rine, which he is to raifefrom it.
li. analyfing and dividing his Text, he is to regard more the Order of Matter, than of Words ; and neither to bur- den the Memory of the Hearers in the Beginning with too many Members of Divifion, nor to trouble their Minds with obfeure Terms of Art.
In raifing Doclrines from the Text, his Care ought to be, Firfl, That the Matter be the Truth of God. Secondly, That it be a Truth contained in, or grounded on that Text, that the Hearers may difcern how God teacheth it from thence. Thirdly, That he chiefly infill upon thofe Do&rines which are principally intended, and make moft for the Edification of the Hearers.
The Doftrine is to be exprefTed in plain Terms ; or, if any Thing in it need Explication, is to be opened, and the Confequence alfo from the Text cleared, The Parallel Pla- ces of Scipture confirming the Doftrine are rather to be plain and pertinent, than many, and, (if need be) fbmewhat - inflfted upon, and applied to the purpofe in Hand,
The Arguments or Reaftms are to be folid, and, as much as may be, convincing^ Thellluflrations, of what kind lb- eve r, ought to be full of Light, and fuch as may convey the Truth into the Hearer's Heart with Spiritual Delight,
If any Doubt, obvious from Scripture, Reafon, or Pre- judice of the Hearers, feem to arife, it is very requifite to remove'it, by reconciling the feeming Differences, anfwering the Reafons, and difcovering and taking away the Caufes of Prejudice and Mi flake. Otherwife, it is not fit to detain the Hearers with propounding or anfwering vain or wicked Cavils, which, as^they areendlefs, fo the propounding and an- iwering of them doth more hinder than promote Edification.
He is not to reil in general Doftrine, although never fo much cleared and confirmed, but to bring it home to fpeci- al -Uie, by Application to his Hearers : Which albeit it prove a /Work of great 'Difficulty to himfelf, requiring much Pru-
dencs,
Tublick Worjhij)of God. 499
dence, Zeal, and Meditation, and to the natural and Cor^ rupt Man will be very unpleafant ; yet he is to endeavour toperform it in fiich a Manner, that his Auditors may feel the Word of God to be quick and powerful, and a Difcer- ner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart ; and that, if any Unbeliever or ignorant Perfon be preient, he may have the Secrets of his Heart made manifefl, and give Glory to God.
in the Ufe of Inftruction or Information in the Know- ledge of forne Truth, which is a Confequence from his Do- ctrine, he may (when convenient) confirm it by a few firm Arguments from the Text in Hand, and other Places of Scripture, or from the Nature of that Common place in Divinity, whereof that Truth is a Branch,
In Confutation of falfe Doctrines, he is neither to raife an old Herefy from the Grave, nor to mention a blafphemous Opinion unneceffarily But, if the People be in Danger of an Error, he is to confute it foundly, and endeavour to fa- tisfy their Judgments and Consciences agalnft all Objections.
In Exhorting to Duties, he is, as he fee th Caufe, to teach alfo the Means that Help to the Performance of them.
In Dehortation, Reprehenfion, and puBlick Admonition (which require fpecial Wiidom) let him, as there mall be Caufe, not only difcover the Nature and Greatnefs of the Sin, with the Mifery attending it, but alfo (hew the Danger hisHearers are in ro be overtaken and furrrized by it, toge- ther with the Remedies and bed "Way to avoid it.
In applying Comfort, whether general again!! all Tenta- tions, or particular againft fome fpecial Troubles or Terrors., he is carefully to anfwerfuch Objections, as a troubled Heart and afflicted Spirit may fugged to the contrary.
It is alfo fometimes requiiite to give fome Notes of Trial (which is very profitable, efpecially wThen performed by able and experienced Miniiters, with Circumfpection and Pru- dence, and the Signs clearly grounded on the holy Scripture) whereby the Hearers may be able to examine themfeh whether they have attained thoie Graces, and perform thole Duties to which he exhorteth, or be guilty of the Sin reprehended, and in Danger of the Judgments threatned, or are fiich to whom the Cqj /pounded do be-
long ; that accordingly they may be quickned and excited to
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Duty, humbled for their Wants and Sins, affected with their Danger, and ftrengthned with Comfort, as their Condition upon Examination fhall require.
And, as he needeth not always to profecute every Do- ctrine which lies in his Text, ib is he wifely to make Choice of fuch Ufes, as, by his Residence and Converfing with his Flock, he findeth moft needful and feafonable ; And amongfls fhefe, fuch as may moft draw their Souls to Chrift, the Fountain of Light, Holinefs and Comfort.
This Method is not Prefcribed as necefTary for every Man, or upon every Text.- but only recommended, as being found by Experience to be very much Bleffed of God, and very helpful for the Peoples Understandings and Memories.
But the Servant of Chrift, whatever his Method be, is to perform his whole Miniftry,
t. Painfully, not doing the Work of the Lord negli- gently.
2. Plainly, that the meaneft may underftand -, delivering the Truth, not in the enticing Words of Man's Wifdom, but in Demonftration of the Spirit and of Power, left the Crofs of Chrift fhould be made of none Effect ; abftaining alfo from an unprofitable Ufe of unknown Tongues, ftrange Phrafes, and Cadences of Sounds and Words, Sparingly ci- ting Sentences of Ecclefiaftical or other Human Writers, an- cient or modern, be they never fo elegant,
3. Faithfully, looking at the Honour of Chrift, the Con- vert on, Edification and Salvation of the People, not at his own Gairj or Glory; keeping nothing back which may pro- mote thofe holy Ends, giving to every one his own Portion, and bearing indifferent Refpect unto all, without neglecting the Meaneft, or fparing the greateft in their Sins.
4. Wifely, framing all his Doctrines, Exhortations, and efpecially his Reproofs, in fuch a Manner as may be moft likely to prevail, fhewing all due Refpect to each Mans Per- form asd Place, and not mixing his own Paffion or Bitter- Be fs.
5. Gravely, as becometh the Word of God, fhunning all fuch Gefture, Voice and Expreffions, as may Occafion the Corruptions of Men todefpife him and his Miniftry.
6. With loving Affeftion, that the People may fee all coming from his godly Zeal, and hearty Defire to do them good. And, 7. As
iniql lb
Tublkk Worjbip of God: 501
7; At taught of God, and perfwaded in his own Heart ; that all, that he teacheth, is the Truth of Chrift ; and wal king before his Flock, as an Example to them in it 5 earned ly, both in in Private and Publick, recommending his Labours to the Bleffing of God, and watchfully looking to himfelf, and the Flock whereof the Lord hath made him Overfeer .- So fhall the Doftrine of Truth be preferved uncorrupt, many Souls converted and built up, and himfelf receive ma- nifold Comforts of his Labours even in this Life, and after- ward the Crown of Glory laid up for him in the World to come.
Where thexe are more Minifters in a Congregation than, one, and they of Different Gifts, each may more efpecially apply himfelf to Doctrine or Exhortation, according to the Gift wherein he mofl excelleth, and as they fhall agree be- tween themfelves.
Of Tr oyer after Sermon.
THE Sermon being ended, the Minifter is u To givg <c Thanks for the great Love of God, in lending his " Son Jefus Chrift unto us , for the Communication of his « holy Spirit,- for the Light and Liberty of the glorious " Gofpel, and the rich and heavenly Bleffings revealed there- " in ; as namely, Ele£lion, Vocation, Adoption, Juftifica- " tion, Sanftification, and Hope of Glory ; for the admi- " rable Goodnefs of God, in freeing the Land from Antichri- " ftian Darknefs and Tyranny, and for all other National " Deliverances 5 for the Reformatiqn of Religion 3 for the u Covenant, and for many temporal Bleffings,
<c To Pray for the Continuance of the Gofpel, and all <l Ordinances thereof in their Purity, Power and Liberty : " To turn the chief and mofl ufeful Heads of the Sermon " into fome few Petitions ; and to pray that it may abide ir* P the Heart, and bring forth Fruit.
ii To pray for Preparation for Death and Judgment, and u a Watching for the Coming of our Lord Jefus Chrift.'
* to intreat of God the forgivenefs of the Iniquities of our " holy Things, and the Acceptation of our fpiritual Sacri- M fice, through the Merit and Mediation of our great High
* Prieft and Saviour the Lord Jefus Chrift,
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And becaufe the Prayer, which Chrift taught his Difciples, is not only a pattern of Prayer, but itfelf a moft comprehen- Prayer, we recommend it alio to be ufedin the Prayers of the Church.
And whereas, at the Admin iftration of the Sacraments, the holding publick Falls and Days of Thanksgiving, ;indT other fpecial Oecafions, which may afford JMatter of fpecial Petitions and Thanksgivings ; it is requiftte to exprefs fbme- what in our publick Prayers (as at this Time it is our Du- ly to pray for a Bleffing upon the Aiiembjy of Divines, the Armies by Sea and Land, for the Defence of the King, Par- liament, and Kipgdom) Every Minifler is herein to apply iiimfelr in his Prayer, before or after Sermon, to thole O.c- cafions; but for the Manner, he is left to his Liberty, as God fliall direct and enable him, in Piety and WifdQm tq dif- Charge his Duty
'The Prayer ended, let a Plain* be fung, if with Conveni- ency itmiy b- done After which (unlefs fome other Or- dinance of Chrhr, that concernefch the Congregation at that Time, be to follow) let the Miniiter difmifs the Congregati- on with a folcmn Buffing,
joooeoeoeecoeeo© eoesoefioeeof e©9 1 he Adminiftration of the Sacraments. And firjl, OfBapijm;
Aptiim, as it is not unnecefTarily, to be delayed, fo it is not to be adminiftred in any Cafe by any Private Per- fon, but by a Minifter of Chrift, called to be the Steward of the Myfteries of God.
Nor is it to be adminiftred in private Places, or Privately, but in the Place of Publick Worfhip, and in the Face of the Congregations where the People may moft conveniently fee and hear ; and not in the Places; where Fonts, in the Time of Popery; were unfitly and fuperftitioufly placed,
The Child to be baptized, after notice given to the Mi- nifter the Day before, is to be prefented by the Father, or (iri cafe of his neceffary Abfence) by fome Chriftian Friend
in
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in his Place, profefTing his earneft Defire that the Child may be baptized.
Before Baptifm, the Minifter is to ufe fome "Words of In- flruction, touching the Inftitution, Nature, Ufe, and Ends of this Sacrament : Shewing,
* That it is inftituted by our Lord Jefus Chrift; That iM it is a Seal of the Covenant of Crace, of our Ingrafting u into Chrift, and of our Union with him, of Remiffion H of Sins, Regeneration, Adoption, and Life eternal : That iC the Water in Baptifm, reprefenteth and fignifieth, both <• the Biood of Chrift, which taketh away all Guilt of Sin, u original anda&ual; and the fan&ifying Vertue of the " Spirit of Chrift againft the Dominion of Sin, and the <c Corruption of our finful Nature ; That Baptizing, or u Sprinkling and Wafhing with Water, fignifieth the Clean- lc fing from Sin by the Blood, and for the Merit of Chrift, " together with the Mortification of Sin, and Riling from H Sin to newnefs of" Life, by vertue of the Death and Re- u furrection of Chrift .- That the promife is made to Belie- «v vers and their Sclu , and that the Seed and Pofterity of the
* Faithful, born wifhin the Church, have, by their Birth, li Intereft in the Covenant, and right to the Seal of it, and a to the outward Privileges of the Church, under the Gof« ** pel, no left than the Children of Abraham in the Time " of the Old Teftament ; the Covenant of Grace, for fub- " fiance, being the fame >• and the Grace of God, and the
* Confolation of Believers, more plentiful than before : a That the Son of God admitted little Children into his K< Prefence, embracing and blefiing them, faying, For of « fucb is the Kingdom of God \ That Children, by Baptifm, " are folemnly received into the Bofom ofthe vifible Church, M diftinguifhed from the World, and them that are without, " and united with Believers , and that all who are bapti- " zed in the Name of Chrift, do renounce, and, by their " Baptifm, are bound to fight againft the Devil, the World, " and the Fleih : That they are Chriftians, and fbederally *l holy before Baptifm, and therefore are they baptized : That " the inward Grace and Vertue of Baptifm is not tied to that <«' very moment of Time wherein it is adminiftred, and that M the Fruit and Power thereof reacheth to the whole Courfe <; of our Life, and that outward Baptifm is not foneceflary,
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<< that through the Want thereof, the Infant is in Danger .<« of Damnation, or the Parents guilty, if they do not con» c< temn or neglect the Ordinance of Chrift, when and where f* it may be had."'
in thefe or the likfe Inflru&ions, the Minifter is to ufe his pwn Liberty and godly Wifdom, as the Ignorance or Errors in the Doftrixierof Baptifm, and the Edification of the People (hall require."
, He is alfo to namomjb all that are Prefent, *i To look back to their Baptifm ; to repent of their Sins ^ againft their Covenant with God ? to ftir up their Faith ; '** to improve and make the right Ufe of their Baptifm and *< of the Covenant fealed thereby, betwixt God and their « Souls."
He is to exhort the Parent.
u To ccnfider the great Mercy of God to him and his M Child; to bring up the Child in the Knowledge of the V Grounds of the Chriftian Religion, and' in the Nurture ** and Admonition of the Lord ; and to let him is&ow the y« Danger of God's Wrath to himfelf and Child, if he be w negligent requiring his folemn Promife for the Perfor- ms* manceofhis Duty."
This being done, Prayer is alio to be joined with the Word of Inltitution, for lanftifyingj'he Water to this fpiri- tual Ufe ^ 'and the Minifteristo pray to this or the like Ef-
m.
" That the Lord, who hath not left us as Strangers with- a out the Covenant of Promife, but called us to the Privi- f< leges of his Ordinances/ would gracioufly vouchfafeto ^'fanftify and blefs his own Ordinance of Baptifm at this ** Time, that he would join the inv/ard Baptifm of his ** Spirit with the outward Baptifm of Water ; make this M Baptifm to the Infant a Seal of Adoption, RemifTion of *< Sin, Regeneration and eternal Life, and all other Promifes *< of the Covenant of Grace That the Child may he plan- « ted into the likenefs of the Death and Refurrection of ff Chrift and tha"t the Body of Sin being deftroyed in him, ff he may ferve God in newnefs of Life all hi~> Days."
Then the Minifter is to demand the Name of the Child, which being told him, he is to fay,, (calling the Child by his Name)
I
Tublkk Worfhip of God, 505-
I B affile thee In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and o the Holy Choft.
As he pronounceth thefe Words, he is to baptize the Child with Water Which, for the Manner of doing it, is not on- ly lawful, but fufficient and moft expedient to be, by pouring or fprinkling of the Water on the Face of the Child, with- ' out adding any other Ceremony.
This done, he is to give Thanks and Pray, to this or the like Purpofe ,
" Acknowledging with all Thankfulnefs, that the Lord " is True and Faithful in keeping Covenant and Mercy « " That he is Good and Gracious, not only in that he num.- * bereth us . among his Saints, but is pleafed aMb to beftow *' upon our Children this fingular Token and Badge of his u Love in Chrift . That, in his Truth and fpecial Provi- <c dence, he daily bringeth feme into the Eofom of his ft Church, to be Partakers of his ineftimable Benefits, pur- €< chafed by the Blood of his dear Son, for the Continuance ft and Increafe of his Church.
•4 And praying, That the Lord would ftill continue, and H daily confirm more and more this his unfpeakable Favour : 14 That he would receive the Infant, now baptized, and Si folemnly entred into thelioufhold of Faith, into his Fa- " therly Tuition and Defence, and remember him with the 4 Favour that he fheweth to his People That, if he fhall be " taken , out of this Life in his Infancy the Lord, who is " rich in Mercy, would be pleafed to receive him up into it Glory; and if he live, and attain the Years of Difcretion, " that the Lord would fo teach him by his Word and Spi- " rit, and make hisBaptifm effectual to him, and fo uphold t\ him by his Divine Power and Grace, that by Faith he u may prevail againft the Devil, the World, and the Flefh. " till in the End he obtain a full and final Victory, and fo " be kept by the Power of God, through Faith unto Salva* *f tion, through Jefus Chrift our Lord "
Of the Celebration of the Commumonr or Sacra- ment of the Lords Supper.
TH E Communion, or Supper of the Lord, is frequently* to be celebrated ; But how often, may be confidered,
and
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and determined by the Minifters, and other Church-Govern- nors of each Congregation, as they ffiall find mod conveni- ent for the Comfort and Edification of the People comit- ted to their Charge. And when it (hall be Adminiftred, we judge it convenient to be done after the Morning Ser- mon.
The Ignorant and the Scandalous are not fit to receive this Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
"Where this Sacrament cannot with Convenience be fre- quently Adminiftred, it is requifite that publick Warning be given the Sabbath-day before the Adminiftration thereof , And that either then, or on fome Day of that Week, fbme- thing concerning that Ordinance, and the due Preparation thereunto, and Participation thereof, be taught ,• that, by the diligent Ufe of all Means fanctified of God to that End, both in Publick and Private, all may come better prepared to that heavenly Feaft.
When the Day is come for Adminiftration, the Minifter, having ended his Sermon and Prayer, fhall make a fhort ex. hortation,
" Expreffing the ineftimable Benefit we have by this Sa- u crament, together with the £nds and Ufe thereof: Set- *4 ting forth the great Neceffity of having our Comforts and " Strength renewed thereby, in this our Pilgrimage and War* u fare : How neceffary it is, that we come unto it with " Knowledge, Faith, Repentance, Love, and with hungring " and thirfting Souls after Chrift and his Benefits ; How « great the Danger, to eat and drink unworthily.
" Next, he is, in the Name of Chrift, on the one Part, " to warn all fuch as are Ignorant, Scandalous, Profane, il or that live in any Sin or Offence againft their Knowledge lC or Confcience, that they prefame not to come to that u holy Table ; fhewing them, That he that Eateth and u drinketh Unworthily, Eateth and Drinketh Judgment " unto himfelf : And on the other Part, he is in efpecial u Manner to invite and encourage all that labour under the " Senfe of the Burden of their Sins, and fear of Wrath, i<r anddefire to reach out unto a greater Progrefs in Grace " than yet they can attain unto, to come to the Lord's u Table; affuring them, in the fame Name, of Eafe, Re- u frefhing and Strength to their weak and weaned Souls "
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After this Exhortation, Warning, and Invitation, the Table being before decently covered, and fo conveniently placed, that the Communicants may orderly lit about it, or at it, The Minifter is to begin the Action, with fanctifying and bleffing the Elements of Bread and "Wine fet before him (the bread in comely and convenient Veilels, fo prepared, that being broken by him, and given, it may be diftributed amongft the Communicants The Wine alfo in large Cups-,) having firft in a few Words (hewed, That thole Elements, otherwife common, are now let apart and fanclified to this holy Ufe, by the Word of Inftitution andPrayer.
Let the Words of Inftitution be read out of the Evange- Iifts, or out of the firft Epiftle of the Apoftle Paul to the Corinthians, Chap, xi Verie 23. / have received of the Lord, &c. to the 27. Verfe, which the Minifter may, when he ieeth requifite, explain and apply.-
Let the Prayer, Thanksgiving, ' or blefling of the Bread and Wine, be to this Effect,
' \ \ 7 * T H ^um^e anc* hearty Acknowledgment of the « \'V Creatnefs of our Mifery, from which neither Man <; nor Angel was able to deliver us, and of our great Un- " worthinefs of the leaft of all God's Mercies ? To give u Thanks to God for all his Benefits, and efpecially for " that great Benefit of our Redemption, the Love of God * the Father, the Sufferings and Merits of' the Lord Jefts <( Chrift the Son of God, by which we are delivered ; and u for all Means of Grace, the Word and Sacraments ; and " for this Sacrament in particular, by which Chrift, and f* all his Benefits, are applied and fealed up unto us, which, " notwithftanding the Denial of them unto others, are in ** great Mercy continued unto us, after fo much and long " Abufeofthemall.
" To profefs, that there is no other Name under Heaven, u by which we can befaved, but the Name of Jefus Chrift, u by whom alone we receive Liberty and Life, have Accefs u to the Throne of Grace, are admitted to eat and drink u at his own Table, and are fealed up by his Spirit to an il AiTurance ofHappinefs and everlafting Life,
ic Earneftly to Pray to God, the Father of all Mercies, u and God of all Gonfblation, to vouchfafe his gracious Pre*
a fence,
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6 fence, and the effe&ual Working of his Spirit in us, and *< fo to fanftify thefe Elements, both of Bread and "Wine, u and to blefs his own Ordinance, that we may receive, by »* Faith, the Body and Blood of Jefus Ghriil crucified for Ct us, and fo to feed upon him, that he may be one with us, u and we with him ; that he may live in us, and we in him, *■ and to him, who hath loved us, and given himfelf for " us"
All which he is to endeavour to perform with fuitable Af- fections, anfwerable to iuch an holy A&ion, and to ftir up the like in the People.
The Elements being now fanctified by the Word and Pray- er, the Mini Iter being at the Table, is to take the Bread in his Hand, and fay, in thefe Expreffions (or other the like, ufed by Chrift, or his Apoftle upon this Occafion )
u According to the holy Inftitution, Command, and " Example of our blefled Saviour Jefus Chrift, I take this iL Bread, and, having given Thanks, I break it, and give u it unto you (There the Mi nifter, who is alfo himfelf to a communicate, is to break the Bread, and give it to the u Communicants ) Take ye, eat ye ; This is the Body of ii Chrift which is broken for you ; Do this in Remembrance of ** him."
In like manner the Minifter is to take the Cup, and fay in thefe Expreffions (or other the like, ufed by Chrift, or the Apoftle upon the fame Occafion )
« According to the Inftitution, Command, and Example u of our Lord Jefus Chrift, I take this Cup, and give it " unto you (Here he giveth it to the Communicants) This « Cup is the New Teftament in the Blood of Chrij}, which ~*< is Jhed for the Remijfion of the Sins of many : Drink ye « all of it"
After all have communicated, the Minifter may, in a few Words, put them in mind
" Of the Grace of God, in Jefus Chrift, held forth in " this Sacrament ; and exhort them to walk worthy of it "
The Minifter is to give folemn Thanks to God,
""For his rich Mercy, and invaluable Goodnefs vouch- u fafed to them in that Sacrament ; and to intreat for Par- u don for the Defefts of the whole Service, and for the u gracious Affiftaiice of his good Spirit, whereby they may
" be
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<< be enabled to walk in the Strength of that Grace, as be- * cometh thofe who have received fo great Pledges of Sal- " vation."
The Collection for the Poor is fo to be ordered, that no Part of the publick "Worfhip be thereby hundred.
T
Of the Sanflificathn of the Lords Day.
H E Lord's Day ought to be fo remembred beforehand* as that all worldly Bufmefs of our ordinary Callings may be fo ordered, and fo timely and feafcnably laid aiide, as they may not be impediments to theMue fanctifying of the Day when it comes,
The whole Day is to be celebrated as holy to the Lord, both in Publick and private, as beingthe Chriftian Sabbath, To which End, it is requifite, that there be a Holy Ceffa- tion, or refting all the Day, from all unnecefTary Labours ; and an abftaining, not only from all Sports and Paftimes, but alfo from all worldly "Words and Thoughts.
That the Diet on that Day be fo ordered, as that neither Servants be unnecefTarily detained from the publick Worfhip of God, nor any other Perfon hundred from the ianftifying that Day.
That there be private Preparation of every Perfon and Family, by Prayer for themfelves, and for God's AfTiftance of the Minifter, and for a BlefTing upon his Miniftry •, and by fuch other holy Exercifes, as may further difpofe them to a more comfortable Communion with God in his publick Ordinances.
That all the People meet fo timely for publick Worihip, that the whole Congregation may be prefent at the ning, and with one Heart folemniy join together in all Parto of the publick Wrorfhip, and not depart till after the Blef ling.
That what Time is vacant, between, or after the folemn Meetings of the Congregation in Publick, be fpent in Read- ing, Meditation, Repitition of Sermons ; (efpeciaily by cal- ling their Families to an Account of what they have heard,) and Catechizing of them, holy Conferences, Prayer for a Bieiiing upon the publick Ordinances, Singing of Pfalms, Viiiting the Sick, Relieving the Poor, and fuch like Duties
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of Piety, Charity and Mercy, accounting the Sabbath a De- light.
The Solemnization of Marriage.
ALthough Marriage be no Sacrament, nor peculiar to the Church of God, but common to Mankind, and of publicklntereft in every Common-wealth ; yet, becanfe fuch as marry are to marry in the Lord, and havefpecial Need of Inftruction, Direction and Exhortation, from the Word of God, at their Entring into fuch a new Condition ; and of the Bieffing of God upon them therein : we judge it expedient, that Marriage be lblemnized by a lawful Minifter of the , Word, that he may accordingly counfel them, and pray for a Bieffing upon them.
Marriage is to be betwixt one Man and one Woman only; and they, fuch as are not within the Degrees of Conlangui- nity or Affinity prohibited by the Word of God ; and the Parties are to be of Years of Difcretion, fit to make their own Choice, or, upon good Grounds, to give their mutual Confent.
Before the Solemnizing of Marriage between any Perfons, their Purpofe of Marriage (hall be publiflied by the Minifter, three feveral Sabbath days, in the Congregation at the Place or Places of their mod uiiial and conftant Abode lefpeftively. And of this Publication, the Minifter who is to to join them in Marriage, fliall have fufficient Teftimony, before he pro- ceed to folemnizethe Marriage.
Before that Publication of fuch their purpofe (if the Parties be under Age) the Confent of the Parents, or others under whofe Power th£y are (in cafe the Parents be dead) is to be made known to true Church-Officers of that Congregation, to be recorded .
The like is to be obferved in the Proceedings of all others, although of Age, whole Parents are living, for their firft Marriage. And in after Marriages of either of tbofe Par- ties, they fliall be exhorted not to Contract Marriage with- out firft acquainting their Parents with it, (if with Conve- niency it may be done) endeavouring to obtain their confent.
Parents ought not to force their Children to marry with* out their free Confent, nor deny their own Conleiit with- out juftCaufe. After-
Tnblkk WorfiipofGod. At
After the Purpofe or Contraft of Marriage hath been thus publi hcd the Marriage is not to be long deferred. There! tore theMinuler, having had convenient Warning, and no- thing been objected to hinder it, is publicklv to folemnize k in the Place appointed by Authority for public* Worfhio before a competent Number of credible Witnefles, at fome Convenient Hour of the Day, at any Time of the Year ex! cept on a Day of publick Humiliation. And we advife that it be not on the Lord's Day.
And, becaufe all Relations are fan&fied by the Word and
mm&; er is to Pra>' for i bleflins uf°n them> to
* felltJHWiCdg!nug ?m SinS' Whereb>' We h:lve raade our U S3 d3tkan tbeI^ ofall the Mercies of God, and pro-
« iw TruThhter a11 OUr Comfom ■ r- W the
« Jame °f Chnll, to entreat the Lord (whole Pretence and
** evJ^VY HaPPine^ of every Condition, andlwcetens « rrn7th -2) t0 be their portion, and to own and ac- >< nour hlf rn "P' who are now t0 he joined in the Ho- « AnTi aa? 0i Marriage, the Covenant of their God : « denJ !' 3S hf,hath broUSht them together by his Provi. aence, he would lanctify them by his Spirit, giving them
« hiXnmme,°?Carr' * for ** ne* Eft"e; fnS « £ W- a 5 Grac"' thereby they may perform the
- K?TenJ°ythe Comforts, undergo the Cares, and re- " ^me* ChPS^^hich —npany that Condition, as
doTJ^T'T1", bd,1gended> ^ is convenient that theMinifter
.« -r i J" 'e unt°them, out of the Scripture.
„ ~ lhc fnftitutipn, IJi 1 Ends of Marriage, with the
* UOn?uSal duties, which, in all Faithfulnels, they are to
.% %l ST ?? ^ other s exhorting them to ftudy the holy
v\ ord or God, that they may learn to live by Faith, and
to be content in the Midft of ail Marriage Care and
Troubles, God.s Nam b a tl4kftil f
" wifh S f k 0t aJl C°njllSal Comforts , praying much
with, auu for one another, watching over, andprovok.
ingeacn other to Love and good Works; and to live to-
gether as the 1 [eirs of the Grtce of Life."
After folemn Charging of the to be raarried,before
the great God, who fearcheth all Hearts, and to whom they
mull
fix The Directory for the
muft give a ftrict Account at the laft Day, that if either of them know any Caufe, by Precontract or otherwife, why they may not lawfully proceed to Marriage, that they now difcover it The Minifter (ifno impediment be acknowled- ged) fhall caufe firft the Man take the Wonran by the right Hand, faying theie Words,
/ N Do take thee N. to be ?ny married Wife, and St in the Prefence of God, and before this Congregation, promife and Cove- nant to be a loving and faithful Husband unto thee, until Cod Jhall feparate us by Death.
Then the Woman lhall take the Man by his right Hand, and fay theie Words,
/ N. Do take theels. to be my married Husband, and I do , in the Prefence of God, and before this Congregation, promife and covenant to be a loving, faithful, and obedient Wife unto thee, until God Jhall feparate us by Death.
Then, without any further Ceremony, the Minifter (hall, in the Face of the Congregation, pronounce them to be Husband and Wife, according to God's Ordinance •, and fo conclude the Aftion with Prayer to thisEffett ;
" That the Lord would be pleafedto accompany his own *< Ordinance with his Bleffing, befeeching him to enrich the « Perfons now married, as with other Pledges of his Love, << fo particularly with the Comforts and Fruits of Marriage, " to the Praife of his abundant Mercy, in and through Chrift « Jefus "
A Regifter is to be carefully kept, wherein the Names of frhe Parties fo married, with the Time of their Marriage, are forthwith to be fairly recorded in a Book, provided for that J :rpofe, for the Perufal of all whom it may concern.
Concerning Vifitatton of the Suk.
IT is the Duty of the Minifter not only to teach the Peo- ple committed to his Charge, inPubiick; but privately and particularly to admonifh, exhort, reprove, and com- fort them, upon all feaibnable Occafions, lb far as his Time, Strength, and perional fafety will permit.
He is to admonifh them, in Time of Health, to prepare for Death ; and for that Purpofe, they are often to confer with their Minifter about the Eftate of the Souls ; and in
Times
*PuWk£ V/orjhip of MM fti
Times of Sicknefs, to deftre his Advice and Help/ timely and feafonably, before their Strength and Under Handing Fail them ;
Times of Sicknefs and Affliction arefpecial Opportunities put into his Hand by God, to minifter a Word in Seafon to weary Souls Becaufe then the Confcitnces of Men are, ex mould be more awakned to bethink tfiemfelvep of their fpiri- tual Eftate for Eternity ; and Satan alio takes Advantage then, to load them more with fore and heavy Temptations : Therefore the Minifter, being fent for, and repairing to the Sick, is to apply himfelf with all Tendefneib and Love, to* adminifter fome lpiritaalGood to his Sou!, to this Effect'.
He may, from the Confideration of the prelent Sicknefs^ inftruct him out of Scripture, that Difeafes come not by Chance, or by Diftempers of Body only, but by the wife and orderly Guidance of the good Hand of God, to every particular Perfon fmitten by them. And that, whether it bz laid upon him out of Difpleafure for Sin, for his Correction and Amendment, or for Trial and Eziercife of his Graces^ or for other fpecial and excellent Ends, all his Sufferings mail turn to his Profit, and work together for his Good, if he fincerely labour to make a fanclified XJfe ofGod'3 Vihtation, neither defpifing his Chaftning, nor waxing weary of his Correction.
If he fufpeft him of Ignorance, he fliall examine him in the Principles of Religion, efpecially touching Repent- tance and Faith ; and, as he feeth Caufe, lnftruft him in jftie Nature, Ufe, Excellency and Necefiity of thofe Graces ; as alfo touching the Covenant of Grace, andChrift the Son of God, the Mediator of it, and concerning Remiffion of Sins by Faith in him,
He fhall exhort the fick Perfon to examine himfeif, to fearch and try his former Ways, and his Eftate towards God.
And if the Sick Perfon mail declare any Scruple, Doubt or Temptation that are upon hini, Inftruftions and ilelblu*' trons fhall be given to fatisfy and fettle him.
If it appear that he hath not a due Senfe of his Sins, En<* deavonrs ought to be ufed to convince him of his Sins, of the Guilt and Ddert of them ; of the Filth and Pollution,- Which the Soul contracts by ihcm ; and of the Curfe of the Law, and Wrath of God, due to mem , that he may be truly affected with, and tumbled for them ; And withal to
K k make
^ 1 4 The DtreStery for the
make kriown the Danger of deferring Repentance, and of negledling Salvation at ariy Time offered •, to awaken his Confcience, and rouze him up out of a ftupid and fecure Condition, to apprehend the Juftice and Wrath of God, before whom none can ftand, but he that, being loft in himfelf, layeth hold upon Chrift by Faith.
If he have endeavoured to walk in the Ways of Holinefs, and to ferve God in Uprightnefs, altho* not without many Failings and Infirmities ; or if his Spirit be broken with the Senle of Sin, or caft down through Want of the Senle of God's Favour ; then it will be fit to raife him up, by letting before him the Freenefsand Fulnefs of God's Grace, the Sufficiency of Righteoufnefs in Chrift, the gracious Of- fers in the Gofpel, that all who repent, and believe with all their Heart in God's Mercy through Chrift, renouncing their own Righteoufnefs, (hall have Life and Salvation in him: It may be alfo ufeful to (hew him, that Death hath in it nofpiritual Evil to be feared by thofe that are in Chrift, becaufe Sin the Sting of Death is taken away by Chrift, who hath delivered all, that are his, from the Bondage of the Fear of Death, triumphed over the Grave, given us Vi- ctory, is himfelf entred into Glory, to prepare a Place for his People i So that neither Life nor Death (hall be able to feparate them from God's Love in Chrift, in whom fuch are fore, though now they muft be laid in the Duft, to obtain a joytul and glorious RefurredHon to eternal Life.
Advice alfo may be given, as to beware of an ill-groun- ded Perfwafion on Mercy, or on the Goodnefs of his Con- dition for Heaven, fo to difclaim all Merit in himfelf, and to caft himfelf wholly upon God for Mercy, in the fole Merits and Mediation of Jefas Chrift, who hath engaged himfelf never to caft off them, who in Truth and Sincerity come unto him. Care alfo muft be taken, that the fick perfon be not caft down into Delpair, by fuch a fevere Re* prefentation ofthe Wrath of God due to him for his Sins, as is not mollified by a fenfible Propounding of Chrift and his Merit, for a Door of Hope to every Penitent Believer.
When the fick Perfon is bed compofed, may be leaft dip turb'ed, and other necefiary Offices about him leaft hindred, the Miriifter, if deft red, (hall pray with him, and for him, to this Effect i
"Con-
TublkkWorfhip of God. 5t U
'• Confefting and bewailing of Sin original and actual, the " miferable Condition of all by Nature, .as being Children " of Wrath, and under the Curie ,- acknowledging that all " Di/eafes Sickneftes, Death and Hell itfelf, are the pro- iC per IlTiies and Effects thereof: Imploring God's Mercy u for the fick Perfon, through the Blood cf Chrift ; befeech- " ing that God would open his Eyes, difcover unto him his 16 Sins, caufe him to fee himleif loft in himielf^ make " known to him the caufe why God fmiteth him, reveal Jefus 0<i Chrift to his Soul for Righteoufnefs and Life, give unto u him his Holy Spirit to create and ftr^ngthen Faith, to " lay hold upon Chrift, to work in him comfortable £vi- * dances of his Love, to arm him againu Temptations, to " take off his Heart from the World, to fanfrify his pre- €i fent Vifitation, to furnifh him with Patience and Strength u to bear it, and to give him perfeverance in faith to the " End.
" That, if God fhall pleafe to add to his Days, he would " vouchfafe to blefs andfanclify all Means of his Recovery* u to remove the Difeafe, renew his Strength, and enable u him to walk worthy of God, by a faithful Remembrance, u and diligent Obieiving of fuch \ ows and Promifesof Ho- " linefs and Obedience, as Men are apt to Make in Times " of Sicknefs, that he may glorify God in the remaining u Part of his Life.
«■ And, if God have determined to finifh his Days by th>? " prefent \ ifitation, he may find fuch Evidence of the Par- u don of all his Sins, of his Intereft in Chrift, and Eternal " Life by Chrift, as may caule his inward Man to be renew- u ed while his outward Man cfecayeth •, that he may be- 4- hold Death without Fear, caft himfHf wholly upon Chrift " without doubting, defire to be diffolvjd and to be with u Chrift, andfb receive die End of his Faith, the Salvation " of his Soul through the only Merits and Incerceffion cf H the Lord Jefu9 Chrift, our alone Saviour and AU-fufficient 4i Redeemer."
The Minifter fhall admoniih him alfo (as there fhall be Caufe) to fet his Houfe in order then, by to prevent In* conveniencies ; to take care for the Payment of hisDebts^ and to make ReftitiHion or Satisfaction where he hath dons any "Wrong ; to be reconciled to thofe with whom he hath
K k 2 been
5 1 61 The UireBory for the
been at Variance, and fully to forgive all Men their Trefpaf fe's againft him, as he expects Forgivenefs at the Hand of God.
Laftly, the Minifter may improve the prefent Occafion to exhort thole about the fick Perfon, to confider their own Mortality, to return to the Lord, and make Peace witji him; in Health to prepare for Sicknefs, ; Death, and Judg- ment •, and all the Days of their appointed Time fo to wait until their Change come, that when Chrift, who is our life, fhall appear, they may appear with him in Glory.
Concerning Burial of the Dead.
Wfl EN any Perfon departeth this Life, let the dead Body, upon the Day of Burial, be decently attended from the Houfe to the Place appointed for publick Burial, and there immediately interred, without any Ceremony.
And becaufe theCuftoms of Kneeling down, and Praying by, or towards the dead Corps, arid other fuch Ufages, in the Place where it lies, before it be carried to Burial, are fuperftitious ; and for that, Praying, Reading, and Singing both in going to, and at the Grave, have been grofly abu- fed, are no way beneficial to the Dead, and have proved many Ways hurtful to the Living, therefore let all fuch Things be laid afide.
Howbeit, we judge it very convenient, that the Chriftian Friends, which accompany the dead Body to the Place ap- pointed for publick Burial, do apply themfelves to Medita- tions, and Conferences fuitable to the Occafion : 'And that the Minifter, as upon other Occafions, fo at this Time, if he be prefent, may put them in Remembrance of their Duty. . That this fhall not extend to deny any civil Refpe&s or Deferences at the Burial, fuitable to the Rank and Condi- tion of the Party deceafed, whiles be was living.
Concerning publick J 'olemn Fafting:
WHEN fome great and notable Judgments are either in- flicted upon a People, or apparently imminent, or by sqx& extraordinary Provocations notoriously deferved ? as at" *o when fome fpecial Ble/fing is to be fought and obtained,
ptfr>
Tublkk Worfbty of God 517
publick folemn Fading (which is to continue the whole Day) is a Duty that God expecteth from that Nation, or People.
A Religions Fafl requires total Abftinence, not only from all Food (unlefs bodily Weaknefs do manifeftly difabl^from holding out till the Faft be ended, in which Cafe, fomewhat may be taken, yet very fparingly, to fupport Nature, when, ready to faint) but alfo from all worldly Labour, Difcour- fes and Thoughts, and from all bodily Delights, (although at other Times lawful) rich Apparel, Ornaments, and fuel) like, during the Faft ; and much more, from whatever is in the Nature, or Ufe, fcandalous and OfFenfive, as gaudifh Attire, lafcivious Habits, and Geftures, and other Vanities of either Sex ; which we recommend to all Minifters, in their Places;* diligently and zealoufly to reprove, as at other Times, fo efpecially at a Faft^ without refpeft of Peribns? as there fhall be Occafion.
Before the publick Meeting, each Family and Perfon a7 part are privately to Ufe all religious Care to prepare their Hearts to fuch a folemn "Work, and to be early at the Con? gregation,
So large a Portion of the Day, as conveniently may be, is to be fpent in publick Reading and Preaching of the Word, with finging of Pfalms, fit to quicken Affections fui- table to fuch a Duty , but efpecially in Prayer, to this or the like Effeft :
* Giving Glory to the great Majefty of God, the Cre- u ator, Preferver, and fupreme Ruler of all the World, the ff better to affeft us thereby with an holy Reverence and " Awe of him* Acknowledging his Manifold, great and *J tender Mercies, efpecially to the Church and Nation, the " more effectually to foften. and abafe our Hearts before him, fc Humbly Confeffingof Sins of all Sorts, with their fever al u Aggravations , juitifying God's righteous Judgments, as 14 being far lefs than our Sins do deferye ; yet humbly an4 " earneftly imploring his Mercy and Grace for our felves,s •j the Church and Nation, for oar King, and all in Au- lC thority, and for all others for whom we are bound to *c pray (according as the prefqnt Exigent require th) with li more fpecial Importunity and Enlargement than at other u Times : Applying by Faith, the Pronjtfes and Gqodnefs
K k 3 ■- of
5 1 3 The Diretforv for the
'H of God, for Pardon, Help, and' Deliverance from the E- '& yils felt, feared, or deferved ; and for obtaining the Blef- ** fmgs which we need and expect , together with a giving *< up of oudHves wiiolly and for ever unto the Lord."
In all thefe, the Minifters, who are the Mouths of the People unto God, ought fo to fpeak from their Hearts, u- * ponv ferious and thorow Premeditation of them, that both themfelves and their People may be much AfFefted, and even jnelted thereby, efpecially with Sorrow for their Sins, that it may be ipdeed a Day of deep Humiliation and Afflifting of the Soul.
Special Choice is to be made of fuch Scriptures to be read, and of fuch Texts for Preaching, as may beft work the Heart of the Hearers to the fpecial Bufinefs of the Day, and moft difpofe them to Humiliation and Repentance ; infifting moft on thofe Particulars, which each Minifter's Obfervation and Experience teils him are moft conducing to the Edification and Reformation of that Congregation tp which he preach- eth.
before the Glofe of the publick Duties, the MiniOer is,- in his pwn and the Peoples Names, to engage his and their Hearts to be the Lords, with profefled Purpofe and Refolu- tioa to reform whatever is amifs among them, and more particularly fiich Sins as they have been more remarkably guilty of; and to draw near unto God, and to walk mor^ clofely and faithfully with him in new Obedience, than ever before.
He is alfo to adrrionifh the People with all Importunity, that the Work of that Day doth not End with the publick Duties pfit, but that they are fbto improve the Remainder cf the Day, and of their whole Life, in reinforcing upon themfelves and their Families in private, all thofe godly Af- fe<fuons and Refolutions which they profefTed in publick, as that they may be fettled in their Hearts for ever, and them- felves may more fenfibly find that God hath fmelt a fweetSa- Viour hi Chrift from their Performances, and is pacified to- wards them, by anfaers of Grace, in pardoning of Sin, in removing of Judgments, in averting or preventing of Plagues, and in conferring of BlefTmgs fuitable to the Conditions arid Prayers of his People, by Jefus Ghrift,
Tubkck Worjbtp of Qiod. 5- 1 9
Befides folemn and general Falls injoined by Authority, we judge that at other Times, Congregations may keep Days ofFafting, as Divine Providence fhall Adminifter unto them fpecial Occafion ,♦ and alfo that Families may do the fame, fo it j>e not on Days wherein the Congregation to which they do belong is to meet for failing, or other publick Duties of Worfliip.
Concerning the Observation of Days of Tublick Thanksgiving.
WHEN any fuch Day is to be kept, let notice be given. of it, and of the Occafion thereof, fome convenient Time before, that the People may the better prepare them* felves thereunto.
The Day being come, and the Congregation (after pri*- vate Preparations) being affembled, the Minifter is to begin with a Word of Exhortation, to flir up the People to the Duty for which they are met, and with a {hcrt Prayer for God's Affiftance and Bleiling (as at other Conventions for publick Worfhip) according to the particular Occafion of their Meeting.
Let him then make fome pithy Narration of the Delive* ranee obtained, or Mercy received, or of whatever haveOc. cafioned that AfTembling of the Congregation, that all may- better underfland it, or be minded of it, and more affected with it.
And becaufe Singing of Pfalms is Gf all other the moft proper Ordinance for expreffing of joy and Thankfgivmg, let fome pertinent Pfalm or Pfalms be fung for that Purpofe, before or after the Reading of fome Portion of the Word, fji table to the prefent Bufinefs;
Then let the Minifter, who is to preach, proceed to fur- ther Exhortation and Prayer before his Sermon, with fpeci- al Reference to the prefent Work ; After which, let him. preach upon fome Text of Scripture pertinent to the Qcca? lion.
The Sermon ended, let him not only Pray, as at other Times after Preaching is dire&ed, with Remembrance -of the Neceffities of the Church, King, and State (if before the Sermon they were omitted) but inlarg§ hUnfelf in due
K k 4 and
f i d The Direffory for the
$nd folemn Thanksgiving for former Mercies and DeliveraQ.* ces, but more efpeeially for that which at the prefent calls •them together to give thajiks With humble etition for tlhe Continuance and Renewing of God's wonted Mercies, •as Need (hall be, and for fan&ifying Grace to make a right life thereof And fo, having fung another Pfalm fui table to the Mercy, let him difmifs the Congregation with a BlefTing, fhat they may have iomt convenient Time for their Repaft
i lijeftefhing
: But the Mmifter (before their Difmiffion) is folemnly to admonifh them, to beware of all Excefs and Riot, tending vo Gluttony qr prunkennefs, and much more of thefe Sins themfelves, in tfieir Eating and Refrefhing •, and to take C^T(t that their Mirth and Rejoicing be not Carnal, but Spi- iitoiai,which may make God's Praife to be glorious, and th&ri; felves humble and fober ; and that both their feeding and Re- joicing may render them more cheerful and Inlarged, further to celebrate his Praifes in the midii of the Congregation, when they return unto it, in the remaining part of that Day.
When the Congregation ihall be again aflembled, the like Courie in prating, Reading, Preaching, Singing of Pfalms, and offering up of more Praife and Thanksgiving, that is before directed for the Morning, is to be renewed and con- tinued fo far as the Time will give Leave,
At one, or both of the publick Meetings that Day, a Col- teftion is to be made for the Poor (and in the like Manner, lipon the Day of publick' Humiliation) that their Loins may bjefs us, and rejoice the rnqve with us And the People are to be exhorted, at the end of the latter Meeting, to fpend ■ the Refidue of that Day in holy Duties, and Teitifkations of Chriftian Love and Charity one towards another, and of Rejoicing more and more in the Lord ; as becoineth thofe who make the Joy ofthe Lord their Strength,
OfSmging of QF [alms.
IT is the Duty of Chriftians to praife "God publkkly, by finglng of Pfalms together in the Congregation, and sifb privately in' the Family/'
In Singing of Pfalms, the voice is fo be tunably and grave- ly ordered, but the chief Care muft be, to fing with Unde$>
JVand
Tublkk Worjhip of God. 52X
(landing and with Grace in the Heart, making Melody un- to the Lord,
That the whole Congregation may join herein, every one that can read is to have a Pialm book; and all others, not- diiabled by Age, orotherwife, are to be exhorted to learn to read. But for the prefent, where many in the Congrega- tion cannot read, it is convenient that the Minifter, or fome other fit perfgn, appointed by him and ftie other Ruling Officers, do read the Pialm, Line by Line, before the Sing- ing thereof.
An Appendix touching the Days and Places for PuDlick VVorihip.
rHere is no Day commanded in Scripture to be kept holy under the Gofpel, but the Lord's Day, which is the Ghriftian Sab- bath.
FejlivaldaySy vulgarly called Holy -days, having no Warrant in the Word of God, are mt Po be continued.
Never thelefs, it is lawful and neceffary, upon fpecial emergent Qc C a/ions, to feparate a Day or Days for pub lick Fafting or Thanksgiving, as the fever al eminent and extraordinary Difpenfations of God's Pro- vidence Jhall admimfter Caufe and Opportunity to his People*
s no Place is capable of any holwefs, under Pretence of what fe- ver Dedication or Confecration -, fo neither is it fubjecJ to fuch Pol- lution by any Super ft ition formerly ufed, and now laid a fide y as may render it unlawful or inconvenient for Chriftians to meet together there- in for the publick Worfhip of God. And therefore we hold it requijite, that the Places of publick nffemblin^ for Worjhip among ut, Jhould be continued, and imployed to that Ufe.
FINIS,
I
JVJD
THE
FORM
Of Fresbyterial
Church-Government.
A N D O F
Ordination of Minifters ;
Agreed upon by the
Aflfembly of DIVINES
A T
WESTMINSTER,
"With the Afftftance of
COMMISSIONERS
FROM THE
Church of Scotland,
A S
A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of Chrifl in the Kingdoms of Scotland, En- gland, and Ireland.
WITH
An Aft of the General Aflembly, Anno 1645. Approvino- thefame ; rr *
Ezek. xliii. 1 1 . «nd if they be Ajhamed of all that they have done, flew them the Form of the Houfe, and the Fa/hi on thereof and the goings out thereof and the Comings in thereof and all the Forms thereof and all the Laws thereof ', and write it in their Sight, that they may keep the whole Form thereof and all the Ordinances thereof and do them.
GLASGOW
Printed by John Robert fon and Mrs McLean, and fold at their Shops in the middle of theSalt-Mercat
U DCC- XL VI.
S*9
Aflembly at Edinburgh, February 10. 1645-. SefT. 16%
A# of the General Aflembly of the Kirk of Scotland, approving thePropofitioils concern- ing Kirk-Government, & Ordination of Mini* Hers,
THE General Aflembly, being rnd^ detSrous and folicitous, not only of the Eftablifhment and Prefervation of the form of Kirk- government in this Kingdom, according to the Word of God, Books of Difcipline, Acts of General Afkmblies, and National Covenant ; but alio 01 an Uniformity in Kirk-government betwixt thefe Kingdoms, now more ftraitly and ftrongiy united by theiate foiemn League ancT Covenant: And confidering, Thz.t as in iormer Times there did,, l"o bereatter there may arife, through the Near- nefs ot Contagion, manifold Mifchiefs to this Kirk, irom a corrupt Form of Government in the Kirk of Ergland'i Likeas the prefent Opportuniry 01 bringing the Kirks of Chriif. in ail the three Kingdoms to an Uniformity in Kirk-government, being the Happinefsof thepreient Times above the for- mer j which may alfo, by the blefling of God, prove an effectual Mean, and a good Foundation to prepare for a fafe and well- grounded Pacification, by removing the Caufe irom which the prefent Prefiurcs and bloody Wars did originally proceed ; And now the Aflembly having thrice read, and diligent- ly examined the Proportions (hereunto annexed ) concerning the Officers', AfTemblies, and Government of the Kirk; and concerning the Ordination of Mmiiters, brought unto us, as the Refults of the long and learned de- bates ot the Afiemoly of Divines fitting at V/eftmin(icr, and o{ the Trea- ty of Uniformity with the Commiflioners of this K'rk there refidingj after mature Deliberation, and after timeous Calliig upon and Warning of all, who have any Exceptions againft the lame, to make them known, that they might receive Satisfaction ; doth agree to and approve the Proportions aiore-mentioned,touchingKirk-government andOrdin=eionjand doth hereby authorize che Comnrffioners of this Aflembly, who are to meet at Edin- burgh, to agiee to, and conclude, in the Name of this AfTembly, an Unifor- mity betwixc the Kirks in both Kingdoms, in the aforementioned Particulars, as foonas the fame fhall be ratified, without any fubftantial Alteration, by an Ordinance 01 the Honourable Hollies of the Parliament of England: Which Ratification fhall be timely Intimate and mads known by the Com- miilioners of this Kirk rending at London' Provided always, That this Ail be noways Prejudicial to the further Difcuffion and Examination of tha* Article, which holds forth, thar the Doctor or Teacher hath Power of the Administration of the Sacraments, as well as. the Paftor; as alio of the diitinct Rights and Interests of Presbyteries and people, in the calling of Minifters : 3m that it fhail be free to debate and dilcufs thefe Points, as God thai! be pleated to give further Light.
THE
5\r>
The CONTENTS
rHE Preface. Of the Church.
Of the Officers of the Church. Paftors.
Teacher or DoCior. Other Churc-h governors. Deacons.
Of particular Congregations. Of the Officers of a particular Congregation. Of the Ordinances in a particular Congregation, Of Church-government, and the fever al Sorts of Afcmblidsfor the
fame. Of the Power in Conmon of all thefe s'ffemblies. Of Congregational rffiemblies, that is, The Meeting of the Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation, for the Government thereof. Of Glaffical Affiemblies. <
OfSynodical Affiemblies. Of ordination of Miniflers. Touching the Dofirine of Ordination. Touching the Power of Ordination t
Concerning the Dottrinal Part oftheOidinaiim ofViinijlcfs. The Directory for the Ordination of Mini flers.
THE
5*7
30eeoeeoeoooeoo eoee©©e©eeoeeoo
THE
FORM
4 O F
Presbyterial Church-Government.
Agreed upon by the Aflembly of Divines at Weft- minfter; examined and approved, Anno 1645-, by the G e n e k a l A s s e.m b l y, of the Church of SC OT L A N D. &c.
The PREFACE
Y^Sf/S CHRIST, upon whofe Shoulders the Govern* j went is, whofe Name is called Wonderful, Counfellor, the Mighty * God j the Everlafling Father 5 the Prince of Peace a, of the In* creafe of whofe Government and Peace there fhall be no End, who fits upon theThrone of David, and upon his Kingdom y to order it, ind to eftablijh it with Judgment and yuflice, from henceforth even ror every having all Power given unto him in Heaven and in Earth hy the Father , who raifed him from the Dead, andfet him at his own Right-hand^ far above all Principalities and Power \ and might and Dominion , and every Name that is named, not only in this World f hut. alfo in that which is to come, and put all Things under his Feetf and gave him to be the Head over all Things to theChurch, which is his Body j the Fulnefs of him thatfilleth all in all ; He being afcended up far above all Heavens, that he might fill all Things, received Gifts for his Churchy and gave offices necejfary fir the Edification of his Churchy and Perfecting of his Saints b.
Of
a Ifa% ix. 6, 7. b Mat. xxviii. i3. 19, 20, Eph« i3 20, 21, zz> 25,
compared with Eph. iv, 8, ai ar,d?iz\} lxviii. iS-,
5 2, 8 The Fcrtn of Church- Government:
Of the Church.
THERE is one General Church vifible held forth In the New Teftament, i Cor, xii, 12, 13,28. together with the reft of the Chapter.
The Mmiflry, Oracles, and Ordinances of the New Te- ftament, are given by Jeihs Chrift to the General Church vi- fible, for the gathering and perfecting of it in this Life, until his fecond Coming, 1 Cor. xii. 28; Eph. iv. 4, y Compared vtixhVerf. 10, 11, 2, 3, 5, 1 6, of the fameChapter. - Particular viiible Churches, Members of the General Church, are alfo held forth in the New Teftament, Gal. 1. 27, 22. Rev/\. 4, 20 and Rev. ii. 1. Particular Churches, in the primitive Times, were made up or vifible Saints, viz. 5f ftch as, being of Age, profeffed Faith in Chrift, and O- •edience unto Chrift, according to the Rules of Faith and Jfe, taught by Chrift and his Apoftles , and of their Chil- Iren, dfts. i'u 38.- 41. Ads. ii. i erfe la ft, compared with 4tis v. 4. i Cor. u 2. compared with 2 Cor. ix 3. '(ftj ii. g£. t Cor. vii. 14. Rom. xi, 16. and fo forward. jMa^'i x, 14. compared with Matth.xix, 13. 14. Luke.xviiu i$. 16;
Of the Officer* of the Church.
TP H E Officers which Chrift hath appointed for the '"* Edification of his Church, and the Perfe&ing of the Saints, are,
Some extraordinary, as Apoftles; Evangelifts, and Pro* phets which are ceafed,
Others ordinary and perpetual, as Pallors, Teachers, and other Church governors, and Deacons.
Taprs.
THE Paftor is an ordinary and perpetual Officer in the Church, Jer.m. 15, 16,17. prophefying of the Time of theGofpel. ' 1 et> v. 2, 3, 4. Eph. iv. 11, 12, 13. Firft, it belongs to his Office.
To Pray for and with his Flock, as the Mouth of the People. unto .God.,. Adrm 2, 3, 4, . Mis;-y,%> 36. y Where
Preac&-
The Form of Church-Government. $z$
Preaching and Prayer are joined as feveral Parts of the fame Office, James v 14. 15. The Office of the Elder, that Is the Paftor, is to Pray for the Sick, even in private, to which a Blefling is efpecially promifed ; much more therefore ought he to perform this in the publick Execution of h:£ Office, as a Part thereof, 1 Cor. xiv, v 15, 16.
To read the Scriptures publickly ,- for the Proof of which?
1. That the Priefts and Levites, in the Jewijh Ghurch, were trufted with the publick Reading of the Word, as is proved, Deut xxxi 9, 10, 11. 'Neb. viii. 1, 2, and 13.
2. That the Minifters of the Gqfpel have as ample 3, Charge and Gommiffion to difpenfe the Word, as well as other Ordinances, as the Priefts and Levites had under the Law, proved, If a. lxvi. 21. Mat. xxiii. 34. Where our Sa- viour intituleth the Officers of the New Teftament, whom he will fend forth, by the fame Names of the Teachers of the Old:
Which Propofitions prove, that therefore (the Dutys be* ing of a moral Nature) it followeth by juft confequence., that the publick Reading of the Scriptures belongeth to the Paftors Office.
To feed the Flock, by Preaching of the Word, according to which he is to teach, convince, reprove, exhort, and com- fort, I Tim. lii. 2. ? Tim. ii , v. T<$, 17- Tit. i. 9,
To Catechize, which is a plain laying down the firft Prin* ciples of the Oracles of God, Weh. via. or of the Dottrine of Chrift, and is a part of Preaching.
To difpenfe other Divine Myfteries, I Cor. iv. 1, 2.
To Adminifter the Sacraments, Maith. xxviii. 19. 20. Mark. xvi. 15, 16. 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24, 25V compared with 1 Cq,\ x. 16.
To Blefs the People from God, Numb. vi. 23, 24, 25-, 26. compared with Rev. xiv. 5. (where the fame Bleflings, and Perfons from whom they come, are exprefiy mentioned) If a. lxvi. 21. where, under the Names of Priefts and Le- vites to be continued under the Gofpel, are meant Evange- lical Paftors^ who therefore are by Office to blefs the People, Deut. x, 8. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. Eph i. 2.
To take care of the Poor, A&s xi? 30. Atfs* iv. 34 35. 36, 37. Atis+vi. 2, 3, 4. 1 Cor. xvi 1, 2, 3, 4. al. ii. 9 jq,
And he hath alfo a Ruling Power over the Flock, as a Par
h \ ftp*
£}p 'floe Form of Church-Government:
Sor, iTm. v 17. Ms. xx. 17, and 28. 1 Thetf, v 12, gth. xiii. 7>^7-
Teacher or Doctor.
TH E Scripcure doth hold out the Name and Title of Teacher, as well as of the Pallor, 1 Cor. xii. 28. Eph. iv.. ir.
Who is alfb a Minift.er of th.e Word a$ well as the Paftor, and hath Power of Adminiflration of the Sagraments.
The Lord having given diiferent Gifts, and diyerfe fixer* jeifes according to thefe Gifts, in the Minn.ry ot the W<?>rd, Rom. xil. 6,. 7, 8. I Cor, xii. 1, 4, 5, 0, 7. Though thefe diiferent Gifts may meet in, and accordingly be exercifed by one and the fame Miniftcr, 1 Lor. x v 3 2 Tim, iv, 2* Tit. it 9> yet, where be feveral Ministers in the fame Congregati- on they may be defigned to feveral Imployments, according to the dihereiU Gifts in which each of thern doth moil e£- xel, £om. yji. 6, # 8. 1 Pet. iv. 10. 1 1. And he that; doth Snore excel in Exppfition of Scriptures, in teaching, found "Doctrine, ,and in .convincing Gainfayers, than he doth in .^Application, and. is accordingly imployed therein, may be Called a Teacher or Doctor (the Places alledged by the Na- tation, of the Word doth prove the Proportion.) Neverthe- iefs, Where is but one Miniller m a particular Congregation, he is to perform fo far as he is able the whole Work of the "Minifrry, as appeared ift the % Tim iv. 2. Tit, i, 9. before : alledged, 1 Tmr vh 2..
A Teacher or Doctor is of mpft excellent Ufe in Schools and Univerfities ; a^of old in theSchools of the Prophets, and at ^r^/i/^///, whei*e Gamaliel ^nd others taught as Do- ctor?.
Other Church-Governors:
' "A S there were in the Jewijh Church, Elders of the People ■*f^- joined with the Priefts and Levites in the Governmeht cf the Church (as appeareth in the 2 Chrm xix. 8, 9> ro0 So Chrift, who hath lnitituted a Government, and Gover- nors Eccleiiaftical in the Church, hath furnifhed feme in his ^mth/'befide- the'Minifters of the Word, with Gifts for
Govern-
The Form of Church-Government. .5-3 1
Government, and with Commiffion to execute -the fame when called thereunto, who are to join with the Minifter in the Government of the Church, Rom. xii. 7, 8/ 1 Cor, xir. 28. Which Officers, Reformed Churches commonly call El* ders.
Deacons.
TH E Scripture doth hold out Deacons, as diftinft Offi; cers in the Church, thily i. 1. 1 Tim. iii. 8.- Whofe Office is perpetual, 1 Tim* iii. 8. to verfe 15. A(h vi. t, 2, 3> 4, To whofe Office it belongs not to Preach the Word or Adrninifter the Sacraments, but to take fpecial Care in diftributing tp the Neceffities of the Poor, sifts, vu i, 2, 3, 4. and the Yerfes following.
Of particular Congregations.
JT is lawful and expedient that there be fixedCongregations, that is, a certain Company of Chriflians to meet in one AfTembly ordinarily for publick Worfhip, When Believer? multiply to fuch a Number, that they cannot conveniently meet in one Place, it is lawful and expedient that they fhould be divided into dillin£t and fixed Congregations, for the bet- ter Adminiftration of fuch Ordinances as belongs unto them, and the Difcharge of mutual Duties, 1 Cor xiv. v 26. Lit all Things be done unto Edifying ; and verfe s 33 and 40
The ordinary Way of dividing Chriflians into diftinvt Congregations, and mod expedient for Edification, is by the refpedtive Bounds of their dwellings ,
Firjl. Becaufe they who dwell together, being bound to all kind of moral Duties'one to another, have the better Op- portunity thereby to difcharge them > which moral Tye is perpetual, for Chrifl came not to deftroy the Law, but to fulfil it. Deut. xv, 7, 11. Mat. xxii. 39, Mat. v. 17.
Secondly, he Communion of Saints rnuft be fo ordered, * as may (land with the moft convenient Ufe of the Ordinan- ces, and Difcharge of moral Dutie^ without Refpedt of Per- fons, 1 Cor- xiv. 26. Let all Things be done unto Edifying-. Hep. X. 24, 25, Jam. ii. I. 2.
Thirdly The Paftor ana People. n*ufc fo^sriy cshabite
h 1 2, XQ
^% The Form of Ghurch-Gwernrnent.
together, as that they may mutuallyperform theirDuties each
to other -with mod Conyeniency.
' £n this Company fbme muft be fet apart to bear Office.
Of the Officers of a particular Congregation. •
FO R Officers in. a firigle Congregation, there ought to be oiie at the leaft, both to labour in the "Word and Do- $xine? and to Rule, Prov. xxix. 18. I Tim, V17. Yieb. xiii. 7.
It is alf® requifite that there lhould be others to join in Government, 1 Car. xii. 28.
' And likewife it isrequifite that there be others to takefpe- e'ial Care for the Relief of the Poor, Atts vi. 2, 3,
The Number of each of which is to be proportioned ac- cording to the Condition of the Congregation. *
Tb-efe Officers are to meet together at convenient and let Times, for the well -ordering of the Affairs of that Congre- gation, each according to his Office
It is moft expedient that, in thele Meetings, One whofe Office is to labour in the Word arid Dodtrine, do Moderate in their Proceedings, 1 T'm^ v 17.
Of the Ordinances in a particular Congregation;
TH E Ordinances in a fmgle Congregation are Prayer, ' Thanksgiving, and Singing pfPfalms, 1 Tim ii% tj; 1 Cor xiv 15-. 16.0 The Word read (although there follow no immediate Explication of what is read) the Word ex, pounded and applied, Gatechizing, the Sacraments Admini- ftred, Colle&ion made for the Poor, Difmiffing the People v/ith a Bieffing,
Of" Church-Government, and the fever al Sorts of ' AJfemhlies for the fame*
C^l H R I S T hath .inftituted a Government, and Govrer- j, nors EccLeliaftical in the Church t To that Purpofe, the XpoftleS did immediately receive the Keys from the Hand of jefus Ghrift, anddid ufe and exercife them in all the Churches of the; World upon all Occafions.
l::A Ghrlft hath fin-ee continually furniihed fome in his
Church
I
The Forffi ofChurch-QfOvernfneni. 5 $\i
Church with Gifts of Gove rnment, and with GommhTicn to execute the fame, when called thereunto.
It is lawful, and agreeable to the Word of God, that :he Church be governed by feveral Sorts of Aflemblles, which are Congregational, Gl'aflical, and SynodicaL
Of the Tower in common of all thefe AJfemblies:
Tis lawful, and agreeable to the "Word of God, that the feveral Aflemblies before mentioned have power to con- vent, and call before them any Perfon within iheirfeveral Bounds, whom the Ecclefiaftical Bufmefs which is before them doth concern, proved by Mat Chap. xviil.
They have Power to hear and determines fuch Cauies and Differences as do orderly come before them,
It is lawful, and agreeable to the "Word of God, that aH the faid AiTemblies have fome Power to dilgenfe Church- cenfures.
Of Congregational Affembftes, thai is f the Meet- ing of the Ruling Officers of a particular Con- gregation for the Government thereof
THE Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power, authoritatively, to call before them any Mem- ber of the Congregation, as they (hall feejuft Oceaiion.
To enquire into theEnowledge and fpiritual Eftate of the feveral Members ot the Congregation.
To admonifhand Rebuke.
Which three Branches are proved by Heb xiii 17, I Thcf. v 12, 13. Ezsk. xxXiv. 4.
Authoritative Sufpenfion from the Lord's Table of a Per * fon not yet caftout of the Church, is agreeable to the Scrip" ture,
FirJI, Becaufe the Ordinance itfelf muft not be profaned.
Secondly ■, Becaufe we are charged to' withdraw 'from thefe that walk diforderly
Thirdly, Becaufe of the great Sin and Danger, both to him that comes unworthily, and alfo to the .whole Church, Met, vii 6. 2 Thejf iii. 6, 14, 15*. I Cor xir 17. tathe End of the Chap, compared with Judc verfe 23. iTim, V22,
L 1 3 And
534 The Form of Church-Government.
..And there was Power and Authority, under the Old Tcfta- jnent, to keep unclean Perfons from holy Things, Lev. xiii. 5. Numb. ix. 7. iChron. xxiii. 19.
- The like Power and Authority, by way of Analogy, con- tinues under the New Teftament. .
The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have Power authoritatively to fufpend from the Lord's Table a Perfon not yet caft out of the Church.
F/>(/. Becaufe thofe who have Authority to judge of, and admit fuch as are fit to receive the Sacrament, have Authori- . ty to keep back fuch as ftiall be found unworthy. k
Secondly, Becaufe it is* an Ecclefiaftical Bufmefs of ordinary Praftice belonging to that Congregation.
When Congregations are divided and fixed, they need all mutual Help one from another, both in regard of their in* trinfecal Weakneffes and mutual Dependence, as alfo in regard of Enemies from without.
Of Clajftcal Affemhlies:
THE Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church, both inthefirft Epiflleto 7/w^/, Chap, iv. verfe 14. ?*rid in Atts, xv verfes 2, 4, 6.
A Presbytery confifteth of Minifters of the Word, and fuch other publick Officers as are agreeable to, and warran- ted by the Word of God, to be Church-Governors, to 'join with the Minifters in the Government of the Church; asappeareth, Rom, xii. 7, 8. 1 Cor, xii. 28. : The Scripture -doth hold forth, that many particular Con- -gregations may be under one Presbyterial Government. This Proportion is proved by *nftances.
- I. Fir ft, Of the Church of Jerufalem, which confifted of '•inbre Congregations than one, and all theft Congregations "were under one Presbyterial Government.
This appeareth thus :
1 Firft. The Church of; Jerufalem confifted of more Con* " gregations than one, as is manifeft.
Firft, By the multitude ofBelievers mentioned in divers. Both before the Diiperfion ot the Believers there, by means of the Perfecution (mentioned in the rftis of the Apofties, Chap. "viii. in the beginning thereof) Witnefs, Chap, i. verfe
If.
The Form of Church-Government? $ 3 51
II. Chap, ii . verfes 4 1 . 46, and 47* 67;^>. iv. 4. Chap, v* 14. 6^/>. vi. of the fame Book of the Atts, Veries 1, 7. Anxk alfo after the Difperfion; Ads. ix. %tl Chap, aii.24 Chap. xxi. ver. 20. of the fame Book.
Secondly, by the many Apoftles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerufalem And if there were butt one Con- gregation there, then each Apoftle preached but feldom ; which will not confift with Chap. vi. verfe, 2, of the. lame Book of the Ads of the Apoftles.
Thirdly, The Diverfity of Languages arnongft the Belie- vers, mentioned both in the Second and Sixth Chapters of the Ads, doth argue more Congregations than one in that Church.
2. Secondly, all thofe Congregations were under one Pres- byterial Government. Becaufe, Fir/I, They were one Church, Ads. viiL 1. and Chap. ii. 47, compared with Chap v. 11. Chap. xii. 5. and Chap. xv. 4. of the fame Book.
Secondly, The Elders of the Church are mentioned, /Wr, xi. 30. Chap. xv. 4, <5, 22. and Chap. xxi. 17. 18. of the fame Book.
Thirdly, The Apoftles did the ordinary Afts of Presby- ters, as Presbyters in that Kirk ; which proveth a Presbyte- rial Church before the Difperfion, Ads. vi.
Fourthly, The fevcral Congregations in jferu/a/em being one Church, the Elders of that Church are mentioned a9 meeting together for Afts of Government, Ads. xi. 30. Ads. xv. 4, 6, 22. and Chap. xxi. 17. 18. and fo forward : which proves that thofe feveral Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government.
And whether thefe Congregations were fixed, or not fix- ed, in regard of Officers or Members, it is all one as to the Truth of the Propofition.
Nor doth there appeaF any material Difference betwixt the feveral Congregations in Jerufalem, and the many Congre- gations now in the ordinary Condition of the Church, as to the Point of Fixednefs required of Officers or Members.
3 Thirdly^ Therefore the Scripture doth hold forth, that many Congregations may be under on^ Presbyterial Govern* ment.
II. Secondly, By the k.ifance of the. Church of Ephefus *, for,
L: 1 4 1. Th^t
5 3 6 7 he Form of Church-Government:
U That they were more Congregations than one in the Church of Ephefus, appears by Sis xx. 31. where is Men- tion of Paul's Continuance at Ephefus in Preaching for the Space of three Years , and ABs xix. 18, 19; 2 . where the fpecial Effect of the Word is mentioned ; and verfe 10, and 17. of the fame Chapter^ where is a diftin£Uon of Jews and Greeks-, and 1 Cor, xvi. 8, and 9. where is a Reafonof Paul's Stay ai Ephefus until Pentecofl and verfe 19. where is mention of a particular Church in the Houfe of Aquila and Prijcilla then at Ephefus ; as appears. Sis xviii. 19. 24, 26. All which laid together doth prove, that the Mul- titudes of Believers did make more Congregations than one m the Church of Ephefus.
2. That there were many Elders over thefe many Con* gregations, as one Flock, appeareth, .itfs. xx. 17, 25, 28. 3°; 3d> 37. 1
3. That thefemany Congregations were one Church, and that they were under one Presbyterial Government, appear- eth//?^'. ii. the firft fixz^r/^, joined with Atfsxx. verfe, 17, I&.
Of Synodical Affimblies*
'Tp* HE Scripture doth hold out another Sort of AfTemblies,
for the Government of the Church, befide Glaffieal snd Congregational, all which we call Synodical, Atts xv. Paftors and Teachers, and other Church-Governors (as al- io other fit Perfons, when it fhall be deemed expedient) are Members qf thofe AfTemblies which we call Synodical, where they have a lawful Calling thereunto.
Synodical AfTemblies may lawfully be of feveral Sorts, as Provincial, National and Oecumenical.
It is lawful, and agreeable to the Word of God, that there be a Subordination of Congregational, ClafTical, Provincial, and National AfTemblies, for the Government of the Church.
e©oeo©9eee©9eoo A©§ec©0oefloeQp6
Of Ordination of Mimiters.
.TT 7 N D E R the Head ofOrdination of Miniflers is to 1 1 be confidered, either the Doftrinc of Ordination, or '., ^-^ the Power of ir.
Touch*
The Form of Church .Government: 537 Touching the Dottrine ofOrdination.
NO Man ought to take upon him the Office of a Mini-' fter ofthe Word, without a lawful Calling, John, iii. 27. Rom. x. 14, ij*. Jer. xiv, 14. Hcby ^ 4.
Ordination is always to be continued in the Church, Tit. i. 5. 1 Tim. v 21. 22.
Ordination is the folemn Setting apart of a Perfon to fome publick Church-office, Numb. viii. 10, 1% 14, 19, 22. Afts. vi. 3, ^ ^.
Every Minifter of the "Word is to be ordained bylmpofi- tion of Hands, and Prayer with Fading, by thofe Preaching Presbyters, to whom it doth belong, 1 Tim. v. 22. ABsm xiv. 23. and ffh xiii. 3.
It is agreeable to the Word of God, and very expedient, that fuch as are to be ordained Minifters, be defigned to fome particular Church, or other Minifterial Charge, Affs. xiv. 23. Tit. 1. j. /fls.xx. 17, and 28.
He that is to be ordained Minifter, muft be duly quali- fied both for Life and Minifterial Abilities, according to the Rules of the Apoftle, 1 Tim. iii. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. aad Tit. 1.5. 6, 1> 8, 9.
He is to be examined and approved by thofe by whom he is to be ordained, 1 Tim. iii. v 7, and 10. and Chap., v.
V 22.
No Man is to be ordained a Minifter for a particular Con- gregation, if they of that Congregation can lhew juft Caufe of Exception againft him, I Tim. iii. 2. Tit. i. 7.
Touching the Tower of Ordination.
Oltdination is the A£k of a Presbytery, 1 Timothy, iv.
14-
The Power of ordering the whole Work of Ordination, is in the whole Presbytery, which when it is over more Congregations than one, whether thofe Congregations be fixed or not fixed, in regard of Officers or Members, it is indifferent, as to the Point- of Ordination, 1 Tim. iv. x 4. It is very requifite that no f ingle Congregation, that can conveniently affociate, do affume to itfelf all and fole Power in Ordination : 1 Be*
£ 3 3 The form of Church-Govemntmt.
i: Becaufe there is no Example in Scripture, that any An- gle Congregation, which might conveniently affociate, did afluine to itfelf all and (ble Power in Ordination ; neither is there any Rule which may warrant fuch a Pra&ice.
2. Becaufethere is in Scripture Example of an Ordination in a Presbytery over divers Congregations ,- as in the Church of Jerufiilem, where were many Congregations, thefe many Congregations were under one Presbytery, and this Presby- tery did ordain.
The Preaching Presbyters orderly aflbciated, either in Ci- ties or Neighbouring Villages, are thofe to whom the Impo* fition of Hands doth appertain, for thofe Congregations with, in their Bounds refpe&ively.
concerning the Do&rinal Part of Ordination of MINISTERS.
I -m ~T"0 Man ought to take upon him the Office of a |^^j Minifter of the Word, without a lawful Calling, •f* -John. iii. 27. Rom. x 14, 15. Jer. xiv. 14. Heb.
V. 4.
2. Ordination is always to be continued in the Church, Tit. i, 5. 1 Tim. v 21, 22.
3. Ordination is the folemn fetting apart of a Perfon to fome publick Church-office, AW>, viii. 10, n, 1 4, 19, 22. Alls.vu 3, 5, 6.
4. Every Minifter of the Word is to be ordained by Impo- sition of Hands and Prayer, with failing, by thefe Preach- ing Presbyters to whom it doth belong, 1 Tim. v. 22. Ath. xiv. 23. Atts.^i\\. 3.
5. The Power of ordering the whole Work of Ordinate on, is in the whole Presbytery, which when it is over more Congregations than one, whether thofe Congregations be fixed, or not fixed, in regard of Officers or Members, it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination, t Tim. iv. 14.
6. It is agreeable to the Word, and very expedient, that -fuch- as are to be ordained Minifters, be defigned to fome par- ticular Church, or other Minifterial Charge, Atfs. xiv. 23. 17/. i. 5 . Acls. 1 7, and 28,
* 7. He
The Fonti of Church-Government. 5 3 9
7. He that is to be ordained Minifter, muft be duly qua- lified, both for Life and Minifterial Abilities according to the Rules of the Apoftle, i Tim% iii. 2, 3, 4, ft 6. T/7. i. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
8. He is to be examined and approved of by thole by whom he is to be ordained, 1 Tim. iii- 7, 10. 1 Tim. v. 22.
9. No Man is to be ordained a Minifter for a particular Congregation, if they of that Congregation can fhew juft Caufe of Exception againfthim, 1 Tim. iii. 2. T/7. i. 7.
10. Preaching Presbyters orderly afTociated, either in Ci- ties, or Neighbouring Villages, are thofe to whom the Im pofition of Hands doth appertain, for thefe Congregations within their Bounds refpe&ively, t Tim. iv. 14.
11. In extraordinary Cafes, fomething extraordinary may be done, until a fettled Order may be had, yet keeping as near as poffiblymay be to the Rule, 2 Chron. xxix. 34. 35-. 36. 2 Chron. xxx, 2, 3, 4, 5".
12; There is at this Time (as we humbly conceive) an ex- traordinary Occafion for a Way ofOrdination for the prefent Supply of Minifters,
7 be Directory for the Ordination of Minijlers.
IT being manifeft by the Word of God, that no Man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minifter, of the Gofpel, until he be lawfully called and ordained thereunto , and that the Work ofOrdination is to be performed with all due Care, AVifdom, Gravity, and Solemnity We humbly tender thefe Directions, as requifite to beobferved.
Firfl He that is to be ordained, being either nominated by the People, or otherwife commended to the Presbytery for any Place, mull addrefs himfelf to the Presbytery, and bring with him a Teftimonial of histaking the Covenant of the Three Kingdoms, of his Diligence and Proficiency in his Studies , What Degrees he hath taken in the Univerfity, and what hath been the Time of his abode there ; and with- al of his Age, which is to be Twenty-four-years ; but elpe- daily of his Life and Convention.
2, Which being cohfidered by the Presbytery, they are to proceed, to enquire touching the Grace of God in him, and whether he be of fuch Holinefs of Life, as is requifite in a
Mini-
54<3 The Forin of Church-Government
Minifter of the Gofpel ; and to examine him touching his Learning and Sufficiency, and touching the Evidences of his Calling to the holy Miniftry, and in particular, his fair and direft calling to that Place.
The Rules for Examination are thefe ;
I.. That the Party Examined be dealt with all in a Brotherly JVays with M'Udnefi of Spirit, and 'with fpecial Refpett to the Gravity^ Itfodefty, and Quality of every One,
2« He jhall be examined touching his Skill in the Original Tongues, Gnd his Trial to be made by Redding, the Hebrew arid Greek Tejlaments, and rendering fome portion of feme into La tine j and if he be defective in them, Enquiry Jhall be made more Jlriclly after his ether Learning, and -whether he hath Skill in Logick and Phil- osophy,
3. What Authors in Divinity he hath read, and is befl acquainted with; And Trial (hall be made in his Knowledge of the Grounds of Religion, and of his Ability to defend the Orthodox Dofirine, con- tained in themj again ft all un found and erroneous Opinions t efpecially thefe of the prefent Age ; Of his Skill in the Serfe and Meaning' of fuch Places of Scripture as jhall be propofed unto him, in Cajes of Confcience, and in the Chronology of the Script urejtand the Ecclefiajlical Hijlory.
4. If he hath not before preached in puklick with Approbation of fuch as are able to judge, he jhall at a competent Time affigned him^ expound before the Presbytery jiich a Place of Scripture as jhall be given him*
5. He fjall alfo, within a competent Time, frame a Dfcourfe in Latine, upon Jiich a Common place or Controverfv in Divinity as jhall be ajjigned to him, and exhibite to the Presbytery fuch Thefe s as exprefs the fum thereof and maintain a Difpute upon them.
6. He Jhall Preach before the People, the Presbytery^ #r fome of the Minijlers of the Word appointed by them, being prefent.
7. The Proportion of his Gifts in Relation to the Place unto which he is called jhall be conjidered.
8. Befide the trial of his Gifts in'} reaching, he [hall undergo an Examination in the Premijfes two feverd .Days, and. more if the. Presbytery jhall judge it necejfary.
9. And
The Form of Churvh-Government. 54 1
9. And as for him that hath formerly been ordained a Mini fiery and
is to be removed to another Charge, he fh all bring a Tefli??ionial of his Ordination j and of his abilities and Conv erf ation9 whereupon his Fitnefs far that Place /hall be. tried by his Preaching, there and {if it fhall be judged nsceffary) by a further Examination of him.
In all which he being approved, he is to be fent to the Church where he is to ferve, there to preach, Three feveral Days, and to converfe with the People, that they may have Trial of his Gifts for their Edification, and may have Time and Oc^afion to enquire into, and the better to know his Life and Gonverfation.
4 In the laft of thefe Three Days, appointed for the Tri- al of his Gifts inPreaching, there fhall be fent from the Pres- bytery to the Congregation, a publick Intimation in Writing, which fhall be publickly read before the People, and after af- fixed to the Church-Door, to fignify that fuch a Day, a com- petent Number of the Members of that Congregation, nomi- nated by themfelyes, fhall appear before the Presbytery, to give their Content and Approbation to fuch a Man fo be their Minifies or otherwife, to put in, with all Christian Difcre- tLon and Meeknefs, what Exceptions they have againflhim ; and if, upon the Day appointed, there be no juft Exception againft him, but the People give their Content, then the Pres- bytery fhall proceed to Ordination.
5. Upon the Day appointed for Ordination, which is to be performed in that Church, wheie he that is to be ordained is to ferve, a folemn Faft fhall he kept by the Congregation, that they may the more earneftly join in Prayer for a Blef- fing upon the Ordinance of Chrift, and the Labours of his Servant for their Good. The Presbytery fhall come to the Place, or at leafl Three or four Minifters of the Word fliall be fent thither from the Presbytery ; of which one, appoin- ted by the Presbytery, fhall preach to the People, concerning the Office and Duty ofMinifters of Chrift, and how the People ought to receive them for their Work's fake.
6. After the Sermon, the Minifter who hath preached, fhall, in the Face of the Congregation, demand of him who. is now to be ordained, concerning his Faith in Chrift Jefbs, and his Perfiyafion of the Truth of the Reformed Religion
ac«
54^ The Form of Church-Governments
according to the Scripture ,- his fincere Intentions and Ends* in defiring to enter into this Calling ; his diligence in Pray- ing, Reading, Meditation, Preaching, Miniftring the Sacra- ments, Difcipline, and doing all Minifterial Duties towards his Charge j? his Zeal and Faithfulnefs in maintaining the Truth of the Gofpe-1, and Unity of the Church, againft Er- ror and Schifm. ; his Care that himfelf and his Family may be unblameable, and Examples to the Flock ; his Willing- nefs and Humility, in Meeknefs of Spirit, to fubmit unto the Admonitions of his Brethren, and Difcipline of the Church ; and his Refolution to continue in his Duty againft all Trouble and Perfecution.
7. In all which having declared himfelf, profeffed his Wil- Jingnefs, and promifed his Endeavours, by the Help of God ; the Minifter likewife fhall demand of the People, concern- ing their willingnefs to receive and acknowledge him, as the Minifter of Chrift , and to obey, and fubmit unto him, as having Rule over them in the Lord , and to maintain, en- courage and affift him in all the Parts of his Office.
3. Which being mutually promifed by the People, the Presbytery, or the Minifters lent from them for Ordination, fhall folemnly let him apart to the Office and Work of the Miniftry, by laying their Hands on him, which is to be ac- companied with a fhort Prayer or Bleffing, to this Effeft ;
" Thankfully acknowledging the great Mercy of God, in
li fending Jefus Chrift for the Redemption of his People ;
" and for his Afcenfion to the Right-hand of God the Fa-
H ther, and thence pouring out his Spirit, and giving Gifts
" to Men, Apoftles, Evangelifts, Prophets , Pallors, and
" Teachers, for the gathering and building up of his Church;
i4 and for fitting and inclining this Man to this great Workf •
" To entreat Him to fit him with his holy Spirit, to give him
" (who in his Name we thus fet apart to his Holy Service)
" to fulfil the Work of his Miniftry in' all Things that he may
" both lave himfelf, & his People committed to his Charge."
9. This, or the like Form of Prayer and Bleffing being
ended, let the Minifter who preached, briefly exhort him
to confider of the greatnefs of his Office and Work, the
Danger of Negligence, both to himfelf and his People, the
Blef-
. f Here let them impofe Hands on his Head.
The Form of Church-Government* 543
Blefling which will accompany his Faithfulnefs in this Life, and that to come ; and withal exhort the People to carry themfelves to him, as to their Minifter in the Lord, accord- ing to their folemn Promife made before ; and foby Prayer commending both hitm and his Flock to the Grace of God, after finging of a Pfalm, let the Aflfembly be difinifTed with a Blefling.
10. If a Minifter be defigned to a Congregation, who hath been formerly ordained Presbyter according to the Form of Ordination which hath been in the Church of England, which we hold for Subftance to be valid, and not to be dis- claimed by any who have received it ; then there being a cautious Proceeding in Matters of Examination, let him bs admitted without any new Ordination.
1 1. And in cafe any Perfon already ordained Minifter in Scotland^ or in any other Reformed Church, be defigned to another Congregation in England, he is to bring from that Church to the Presbytery here, within which that Congre- gation is, a fufficient Teftimonial of his Ordination, of his Life apd Converfation while he lived with them, and of the Caufesof his Removal ; and to undergo fuch a Trial of his Fitnefs and Sufficiency, and to have the fame Courfe held with him in other Particulars, as is fet down in the Rule im* mediately going before, touching Examination and Admiflion.
12. That Records be carefully kept in the feveral Presby* teries, of the Names of the Perfons ordained, with their Te- ftimonials, the Time and Place of their Ordination, of the presbyters who did impofe Hands upon them, and of the Charge to which they are appointed.
13. That no Money or Gift of what kind foever (hall be received from the Perfon to be ordained, or from any on his Behalf, for Ordination, or ought elfe belonging to it, by any of the Presbytery, or any appertaining to any of them, upon what Pretence foever.
Thus far of ordinary Rules and Courfe of Ordination, in the ordinary Way -, Thar which concerns the ex- traordinary Way^ reauifite to be now praclifed, fol- lowed*
1, In
5,44 The Form of Churcl>Qjovernment.
i. In thefe prefent Exigences, while we cannot have any Presbyteries formed up to their whole power and Work, and that many Minifters are to be ordained for the Service of the Armies and Navy, and to many Congregations where there is no Minifter at all ; and where (by Reafbu of the publick Troubles) the People cannot either them- felves enquire, and find out One who may be a faithful Mi- nifter for them, or have any with Safety fent unto them, fbr fuch afolemn Trial as was before mentioned in the ordi- nary Rules ;efpecially when there can be no Presbytery near unto them, to whom they may addrefs themfelves, or which may come or fend to them a fit Man to be ordained in that Congregation, and for that people And yet notwithftand- ing,°ir is requifite that Minifters be ordained far them, by fome, who, being fet apart themfelves for the Work of the Miniftry, have power to join in the fettjng apart others, who are found fit and worthy. In thofe Cafes, until, by God's Blefling, the aforefaid Difficulties may be in fome good Meafure removed, let fome godly Minifters in or about the City of London be defigned by publick Authority, who being aifociated, may ordain Minifters for the City and the Vicinity, keeping as near to the ordinary Rules forementio- ped, as poffibly they may ; And let this Affociation be for no other Intent or purpofe, but only for the Work of Ordination,
2. Let the like Affectation be made by the fame Authority in great Towns, and the neighbouring parifhes in the feve- ral Counties, which are at the prefent quiet and undiftur- bed, to do the like for the parts adjacent.
3. Let fuch as are chofen, or appointed for the Service of the Armies or Navy, be ordained, as aforefaid, by the AfToci- ated Minifters of London, or fome others in the Country.
4. Let them do the like, when any Man fhall duly and lawfully be recommended to them for the Miniftry of any Congregation, who cannot enjoy Liberty to have a Trial of his parts and Abilities, and defire the help of fuch Minifters fo affociated, for the better furnifhing of them with fuch a perfon, as by them fhall be judged fit fbr the fervice of that Church and people.
FINIS,
THE
THE
DIRECTOR
FOR
Family 'Worfhip,
Approved by the
GENERAL ASSEM-BLf
OF THE
Church of Scotland,
FOR
? i e t y snd UnieoH tA i T t m S-. and Private WORSHIP, and mu B r-
hcation.
W I T H
An Aft of the General AfTembly, Ar.m 16-77, for elf;, the fajne.
\
GLASGOW, Printed by 7 ' jtfrs M'Lean, andfc'
their Shops i.ithe huddle of xhsSdlt-Mereft
M- DCC. XL VI.
54^
Jffembly at Edinburgh, Jug. 24, 1647. Seff. 19;
J
ACT for obferving the Directions of the General Ailembly, for lecret and private V Vorihip, and mutual Edification, and cenfiirmg fuch as ne- gle*6l Family- VTorihip.
TH E General Affembly, after mature Deliberation, doth approve the following Rules and Directions, for cherifhingPi. ety, end preventing Divifion and Schifm ; and doth appoint Miniflers and ruling Elders, in each Congregation , to take fpecial Care that thefe Directions be obferved and 'followed ; as likewije, that Presbyteries and Provincial Synods enquire and make Trial, whether the J aid Directions be duly obferved in their Bounds ; and to reprove or Cenfurs {according to the quality of the Offence} fuch as/hall be found to be reprovable or cenfurable therein. Jnd, to the End that thefe Directions way not be rendered ineffectual and unprofi- table among fome, through the ufual Neglecl of the very Sub fiance of the Duty of Family ^Worfhip ; The Affembly doth further, require and appoint Miniflers and ruling Elders to make diligent Search and En* quiry, hi the Congregations committed to their Charge re/pectively, whether there be among them any Family or Families, which ufe to ne- glect this neceffary Duty , and if any fuch Family be found, the Head of the Family is to be firjl admonifljed privatelv to amend this Vault ; and in cafe of his continuing therein, he is to be gravely and fadly re- proved by the Seffion. fter w hid Reproof, if he be found fli 11 to neglect Family -Wor/l/ip^ let him be, for his Obfiinacy in, fuch an Offence, fufpended and debarred from the Lord's Supper, as being juji- ly edeemed unworthy to communicate therein) till he amend.
DI-
S\7
o
>^rv*A-^*^^
D IRE CT IONS ofthe General As- s e m b l y, concerning Secret and Private fforjhipi and mutual Ediftc.nton ; for cherish-
. ing Piety, for maintaining Unity, and avoid- ing Schiiiji) and Divifion.
BESIDES the publick Woffhip iri Congregations, mercifully eftabli(hed in this Land, in great Purity i it is expedient and neceffary, that fccret Worfhip of each Perfon alone, and private Worihip of Fami- lies, be prefled and fet up .- That, with National Reformati- on, the Profeffion and Power of Godlinefs, both perfonal and Domeftick, be advanced.
I. And firfi, for fecret Worfhip, it is mofi neceflary, fftkt every one apart j and by themfeives, be given to prayer and Meditation, the unfpeakable Benefit whereof is beft known to them who are moft exercifed therein ; this being the Mean whereby, in a fpecial Way, Communion with God is enter- tained, and right Preparation for all other Duties obtained ; And therefore itbecometh not only Pa dors, within their fe< veral Charges, to prefs perfons of all Sorts to perform this Duty, Morning and Evening, and at other Cccafions,- but alfo it is incumbent to the Head of every Family, to have a care that both themfeives, & all within their Charge> be daily diligent herein,
II. The ordinary Duties comprehended under the Exer- cife of piety, which mould be in Families, when they are conveened to that Effect, are thefe Firft, prayer, and praifes performed with a fpec'al Reference, as well to the publick Condition of the Kirk of God, and this Kingdom, as to the prefent Cafe of the Family, and every Member thereof, Nexty Reading of the Scripture, with Cat fing in a plain "Way, that the Understandings of the
M m 2 pl^r
548 Diretf ions for Vamily-Worfbify.
pier may be the better enable&to profit under the publick Or- dinances, and they made more capable to underftand the Scriptures, when they are read; together with godly Con- ferences tending to the Edification of all the Members in the moil holy Faith : As alfo, Admonition and Rebuke, upon juft Reafons, fromthofe who have Authority in the Family.
III. As the Charge and Office of Interpreting the holy Scriptures, is a part of the Minifterial Calling, which none (howfoever otherwife qualified) (hould take uponhim in any place, but he that is duly called thereunto by God, and his xKirk -, f© in every Family, where there is any that can read,
the holy Scriptures fnould be read ordinarily to the Fami- ly *, and it is commendable, that thereafter they confer, and by Way of Conference make fome good Ufe of what hath btcn read and heard i As for example, if any Sin be reproved m the Word Read, Ufe may be made thereof, to make all the Family circumfpeft and watchful againft the fame ; Or if any judgment be threatned, or mentioned to have been infli&ed in that portion of Scripture which is read, Ufe may be made to make all the Family fear, left the fame, or a worfejudgmentbefal them, unlefs they beware of the Sirf that procured it. And finally, if any Duty be required, or Comfort held forth in a promife, Ufe may be made to ftir up themfelves to imploy Ghrift for Strength to enable them for doing the commanded Duty, and to apply the offered Comfort, in all which, the Mafter of the Family is to have the chief Hand ; and any Member of the Family may pro- pone a Queftion or doubt for Refolution.
IV. The Head of the Family is to take care that none of the Family withdraw himfelf from any part of Family- Worfhip : And, feeing the ordinary performance of all the parts of Family- worfhip belongeth properly to the Head of the Family, the Minifter is to ftir up fuch as are lazy, and train up fach as are weak, to a fitnefs for thefe Excrcifes ; It being always free- to perfons of Quality, to entertain One approved by the Presbytery for performing Family-Exercife : And in other Fancies where the Head of the Family is un- fit, that another conftantly refiding in the Family, appro- ved by the Minifter and Seflion, may be imployed in that Service / wherein the Minifter and Seflion are to be coun- table to the Presbytery, And if a Minifter by Divine Pn>
dencc
Directions for Family-Worfloip: ^ ^
vidence be brought to any Family, it is requifite, that at no Time he convecn a Part of the Family for Worfhip, fe- cluding the reft, except in fingular Cafes, especially concer- ning thefe Parties, (which in Chriftian Prudence) need not, or ought not, to be imparted to others.
V. Let no Idler who hath no particular Calling, or va- grant Perfon under pretence of a Calling, be fuffered to perform Worfhip in Families, to, or, for the fame ; Seeing Perfons tainted with Errors, of aiming at Divifion, may be ready (after that Manner) to creep into Houfes, and lead captive filly and upftable Souls.
VI. At Family- Worship, a ipecial Care is to be had, that each Family keep by themfelves : Neither requiring, inviting, nor admitting Perfons from diverfe Families ;urddTs it be thofe who are lodged with them, or at Meal, pr othei> wife with them upon fome lawful Gccafion.
VII. Whatfoever have been the Effe£b and Fruits of Meetings of Perfons of divers Families, in the Times of Cor- ruption or Trouble (in which Cafes many Things are com- mendable, which otherwife are not tolerable) Yet, when God hath bleffed us with Peace and Purity oftheGofpel,, fuch Meetings of Perfons of divers Families (except in Cafes mentioned in thefe Directions) are to be difapproved, as tending to the hindrance of the Religious Exercife of each. Family by itfelf, to the prejudice of the publick Miniftry, to the Renting of the Families of particular Congregations, and (in Progrefs of Time) of the whole Kirk. Befides many Offences which may come thereby, to the Hardning of the Hearts of carnal Men, and grief of the Godly.
VIII. On the Lord's Day, after every one of the Fami- ly apart, and the whole Family together, have fought the Lord (in whofe Hands the Preparation of Mens Hearts are) to fit them for the publick Worfhip, and to blefs to them the publick Ordinances •, the Matter of the Family ought to take Care, that all within his Charge repair to the pubr lick Worfhip, that he and they may join with the reft of the Congregation ; and the publick Worfhip being finifhed, after Prayer, he fnould take an account what they have heard : -And thereafter, to fpend the reft of the Time, which they may fpare, in Catechifmg, and in fpiritual Conferences upon the Word of God ; Or elfe (going apart) they ought
M m 3 to
c^o I)jre£fmi? for Family-Pforjbip.
piy themfelves to Reading, Meditation, and fecret Pray- gT| that they may confirm and increafe their Communion y/jth God . That fo the Profit which they found in the publick Ordinances may be cherifned and promoved, and they more edified unto eternal Life.
IX. So many as can conceive Prayer, ought to make Ufe of that Gift of God ;, albeit thole who are Rude and Weaker may begin at a Set form of Prayer, but fo as they be not fluggifh in ftirring up in themfelves (according to their daily JMecefTities) the Spirit of Prayer, which is given to all the Children of God in tome Meafure ; To which Effect, lhey ought to be more fervent and frequent in fecret Fraye>- to God, for enabling of their Heart's to conceive, and their Tongues to exprefs convenient Defirei to God for their Fa* rally. And in the mean Time, for their greater Encourage- ment, let thefe Materials of Prayer be meditated upon, and made U (e of, a s fo 1 1 owe t h .
s* Let them confefs to God how unworthy they are to Cl come in Ijfis Prelence, and how unfit to WorfhipHis Maje- ii fry ; and therefore earneftly ask of God the Spirit of Prayer;
fc They are to corifeK; their Sins, and the Sins of the Fa- ff niilv; accufing, judging and condemning themfelves for £ tkegi, till they bring their Souls to fome Meafure of true iC Humiliation!
" They are to pour out their Souls to God, in the Name *< of Chrift, by the Spirit, for Forgivenefs of Sins ; for « Grace to repent, to believe, and to live foberly, righ- <} teoufly, and godly ; and that they may ferve God with (} Joy and Delight, walking before Him.
<< They are to give Thanks to God for his many Mercies << to his People and to themfelves, and efpecialiy for his <* Love in Chrift, and for the Light of the Gofpel.
u They are to Pray for fuch particular Benefits, fpirituai <- and Temporal, as they ftand in need of for the Time f< (whether it be Morning, or Evening) as anent Health or << Sicknefs, Profperity or Ad/erfity.
" They ought to Pray for the Kirk of Chrift in general, *( for all the Reformed Khks, and for this Kirk in particular, f* and for all that fuller for the Name of Chrift; for all our " Superiors, the King's Majefty, the v^jueen, and their ^ Children ,■ fpr the Magistrates, Minifters, and whole Body
of
Directions for Family-Worjhif. £ £j
** of the Congregation whereof they are Members, as well " for their Neighbours abfent in their lawful Affairs, as for « thofe that are at Home.
** The Prayer may be clofcd with an earned: Defire that " God may be glorified in the Coming of the Kingdom of *< his Son, and in doing of his Will, and with Affurance t( that themfelves are accepted, and what they have asked ic according to his Will {hall be done,"
X. Thefe Exercifes ought to be performed in great Since- rity without Delay, laying afide all Exerciies of Worldly Bufinefs or Hinderances, notwithstanding the Mockings of Atheifls, and profane Men ,- in refpeft of the great Mercies of God to this Land, and of his fevere Corrections where- with lately he hath exercifed us. And, to this Effect, perfons of Eminency (and all Elders of the Kirk) not only ought toftirup themfelves and Families to Diligence herein •, but alfo to concur effectually, that in all other Families, where fhey have Power and Charge, the Grid Exercifes be confeio- nably performed.
XI. Befides the ordinary Duties in Families, which are a* bove-mentioned, extraordinary Duties, both of Humiliation and Thanksgiving, are to be carefully performed in Fa- milies, when the Lord by extraordinary Occafions (private orPublick) calleth for them.
XI . Seeing the Word of God requireth, that we fhould confider one another to provoke unto Love and good Works; therefore, at all Times and efpecially in this Time, where- in Profanity abounds, and Mockers, walking after their own Luiis, think it iirange that others run not with them to the fame Excefs of Riot ; every Member of this Kirk ought to ftir up themfelves, and one another, to the Duties of mu- tual Edification, by Inftruction, Admonition, Rebuke ; ex- porting one another to manifefl: the Grace of God, in deny- ing Ungodiinefs and Worldly Lufts, and in living godly, fo- berly, and righrecufly in this prefent World •, by comforting the Feeble-minded, and praying with, or for another : Which Duties reflectively are to be performed upon fpecial Occafi- ons offered by Divine Providencq •, as namely, when un- der any Calamity, Crofs, or great Difficulty, "Counfel or Comfort is fought, or when an Offender is to be reclaimed by private Admonition, and if that be not effectual/ by M m 4 join
f $i Dirtmons for VatritlyJVorJbty.
joining one or two more in the Admonition, according tp the RuleofChnft That in the Mouth of two or three "WitnelTes ever} Word may be eftablifhed.
XIII. And, became t is not given to every one to fpeak a Word in Sealbn to a wearied or diftrefTed Confcicnce, It is expedient, that a Perfcn (in that Cafe) finding no eafe after the Ufe of ail ordinary Means, private and publick, have their Addrefs to their own Pallor, or feme experien* ced Chrifti-vi : But if the Perfon, troubled in Confcience, be of that Condition, or of that Sex, that Difcretion, Mo- defly, or Fear of Scandal, requireth a godly, grave and fe- c'ret Friend to be prefent with them in their faid Addrefs, it is expedient that fuch a Friend beprefent. -; XIV0 When Perfons of diverfe Families are brought to- gether by Divine Providence, being abroad upon their par- ticular Vocations, or any neceflary Occafions , as trey would have the Lord their Go4 with them whitherfoever they go, they ought to walk with God, and not neglect the Duties of Prayer and Thanksgiving but take Care that the fame be performed by fuch as the Company fhall judge fitteft. And that they likewife take heed that no corrupt Communication proceed out of their Mouths, bat that which i: good, to the life of Edifying, that it may minifter Grace to the Hearers, * The Drift and Scope of all thefe Directions is no ether, but that, upon the one Part, the Power ana fraftice of God- linefs amongftali the Minifrers ?nd Members of this Kirk, according to their feveral places and Vocations, may be che* riihed znd advanced, and ail Impiety and Mocking of Religi* cus exercifes fupprefled : And upon the other part, that, un- der the Name and pretext ofReiigiousExerciles,no fuch Meet- ings or praftices be allowed, as are apt to breed Error, Scan- dal, Cchiim; Contempt,- or Mifregard .of the publick Ordi- nance? and Minifter s, or Neglect of the Duties of particu- lar Callings, or fuch other Evils as are the Works, not of the but oftheFlefh, and are contrary to Truth and peace.
A: K E R,
F I N I
eoaooooOQflOspooeoQ eooaoeooeeos
TABLE
Of the Chief Matters contained in the
Confeffion of Faith,
AND
Larger Catechijm
Corisfigmfies the Confeffion of Faith. The fir Jl Figure de- notes the Chapter, The following Figures denote the Fa~ ragraphs.
Cat. jignifies the Larger Cateehifrn^ endthe figures the Numbers of the Queflhns.
AC C E P T A N C E, The Per- Tons of Believers are ac- > cepred as righteous in the Sight of God, only for the Obedience snei Satisia&ion of Chrilr, Con. n, I. Cat. 70. Which is imputed to them by God, and icceived by Faith, Cc?U ill I- Cat. 70, 71, 72. How their good Works are accepted in Chriir, Con, 16 6\ Acceptance in Prayer, through Chriit and his Mediation, Cat* 180, ACCESS, No Accefs into the Pre- fence of God, without rhe Me- diator Jeius Chrifr, Con. 12. Cat. 39>5/>i2k Who hath purchased
for Believers under the Gcfyzl, a greater boldnefc of Accer: Throne of Grace, than Believers urn er the Law did ordinarily par- take or, Qmi^ 20. 1
A C T I O N S. God orders anx! verns a.l the Actions of his Crea- tures, by his moil wife and holy provider ce, according to his in* taliible Foreknowledge, and im- mutable Decree, Con, j\ l. Cats 18, See Vrovidence.
ACTUAL S i N S proceed from the original Corruption of Na- ture, Con. 6*. 4; Cat.. 25-. See Sin,
ADMONITION of the Church, Con* 30. 4,
h
Ihe FABLE
ADOPTION, The Nature and Pri- vileges of it, Cm: !:. Cat* 74.
ADULTERY, a juft Ground oi Di- vorce, Con. 24. s 6.
AGGRAVATIONS of Sin. Cat, I jr.
AMEN, the Meaning g{ if, Cat. 96.
ANGELS, God's Decree concern- ing them, Con. 3,3,4. Cat 13. Bow created . Cat. 1 6. God's Pi o- videtice towards them, Cat. 19. They are ail imployed at his jjleaiure in the Adminiftrations of his Power, Mercy and Ju- fHec, Ibid. Nor to be worfhipped, G/2.%1. 2. Cat. toy.
ANTICHRIST. What, *>& ar, 6*. The Pope is Antichi Hi, Bid.
ANTIQUITY, no Pretence for ufing the Devices of Men in the worfhip of God. Cat* 109,
ANXIETY about the Things of this Life, tintul, Cat loy. 136, 142.
The APOGRAPH A, ^ not txing ci
divine Inspiration, is or no Au- thority in the Church, Con. I. i>.
Imraodeii APPAREL, forbidden, C^ no.
ASCENSION of Chrift, Cm. 8, 4.
ASSEMBLY, &r Cei^/fc
Publick ASSEMBLIES for the Worfhip of Gcd not to be csrelefly or wilfully neglected, Con. 21, 6\
ASoURANcE 01 Grace and Salva- tion attainable in tills Life, Con, J 8. 1, 2. Cat. So. Without exrra-, oidinary Revelation, (.on. 1^, 3. Catf, 80. Upon what is is founded, Cow, 3 8. 18. 2. Or?, 80. It is .tirengchncd by good Works, Qi{f. 16". 2* Believers may want i , C on 18. 3. Oatf. 80. 172. They may have it dirniojfhed and intermit* red : and be deprived of comfort and the Light of God's cotmte- i*znc,,C(m. 11. $. 17.3.18.4; Cat, 81. But they are nacx ut- terly deftitute of that Seed ©f God, and Life of Faith and I. ove, A*e. put o! which, AlFurance may bv 1 he Spirit, be in due Time re- vived ; Cm. 18.4* Cat. 81. And by which in the mean Time they
are fupported from utter Defpajr, Ibid. It is the Duty of all to 'en- deavour after AfTurance Con. it* 3. And to pray ior it, Cat. 194. The Fruits of it, it inclines no: to loofneft, Con. 18. 3..
ATHEISM, the denying or not having a God. Cat% ioy.
ATTRIBUTES of God, Con, 2. 1, zCat» 7. fc, xbi,
B
BAPTISM, Whar, Con* 28. 1. 2. Catm 16*5-, To continue to the End of the World, 0», 28. 1. Cat, 116. But once to be ad mini* fired to any Perfon, Con, 28. 7. tat. 177. By whom, Cow. 27 4, 2-8,2. Cat 176. to whom, Cow, 28.4. Gatf. \66. Dipping, not nt- ceflary in Baptifm, but it may be rightly adminiffred by fprink- ling, Con. 28. 3, Baprilm not re- ceiiary to Salvation, yet it is a Si 1 tonegle&it, Con 28.5. The E> neacy 0f jr> con-, 2 86: How to be improved, Oatf 167. wherein it agrees wirh the Lord's Supper Cat \j6, Anci wherein they dif- fer . C^. 177.
BELIEVERS, See Faith, Jujlifica- tion, Acceptance, Adoption, San* tvifcation, Unim. Gommxmon, Li- berty, tVorhy Perseverance, Afju- ra?ice
^M^YVS which the Members of rhj inviiible C*nurch enjoy by Ciirift, Cat, 6$. The Benefits of Chriil's Mediation, Cat 57: 5$,
The BQDY of Chrift, how prtfent in the Sacrament, Con. 29. 7.
The MYSTICAL BODY of Chrifr, True Believers are Members of Chriil's myftical Body, Con. 2.9. 1* Cat. 168, Which is the whole Number of the Elect that have been, are or fhaJi be united to Chriit as iheir Head, Con. 25. 1. What that Union is, Cat. 66. See
Communion.
T»e BODIES of the ElecV after Death, and at ihe Raurrecfioa, Con
7heTABLE
Con. 32* 2, 3. Cat. 86: 87. Of [he Wicked, Ibid. Laavious BOOKS not to be read, Cat. 139.
CALLING, See effectual CaB*g To have a kwrui CALLING, and to be diligent in ir, is a Du- ty. Cat 141.
Vows or v„ELEBRACY unlawful, Co?;. 22, 7. Cafc J|p;
CENoURES 01 the Church, what Cow. 30. 2, 4, Their Uie, Cow, 3<>* 3, Who arc to be proceeded a- gainft by the Ceniures of the Church, CoiX^iO 4.29.8. 30.2. They'are to be managed accord- j ing to the Nature of the Grime and the Demerit of the Perfoiif Cow. 30,4. Penitent Sinners are to be, abioived from Ceniuies, Con, 30. a.
CENSURING, Raft), harfb, and r r v during* finful, Cat. 145.
CEREMONIAL LAW, See Law,
CHARITY towards our Neigh- bour, wherein it contiils, Cat, 135, *4l> H4j H7 What con- tray to it, Cat. 136", 142 1 4J, 148. Giving and {ending freely according to our Ability and the Nt a fli ies oi others, is a Duty, Con, 26,2 Cat, 141.
CHARMS, unlawful, Cat 113,
CHASTITY. Cat, 13$.
CHILDREN that die in Infancy, how faved, Cow, 10, 3. The Chil- dren of fuel/ as protefs the true Religion, are Members oi the viubie Church, Con, 25;, 2. Cat* 6zs And are to be baptized; Cow. 28, 4. Cat. 166.
CHRIST, Why io called, Cat, 42. is the only Mediator between God and Man, Con. 8, 1, Cat* .36 Who being very God of one Subftance, and equal with the Fa- ther, Cow, 8, 2. Cat. 11. 36", In the Fuinefs of Time became Man, Cow. 8, 2. Cat, 36 37, The neceffiry of his being God and Man, Laii 38, 30, 40. He
was ordained by God from Eter- nity to be Mediator, C<m. 8, 1, He was fanclihcd and anointed with the Holy Spirit, to execute . the Office of "Med'atcr, Co?/. 8. 3. Cat. 4.2, To which he was caU 'led t y the Father, Cow, 8. 3. And Willingly undertook and dis- charged it, Cow, 4, 8. By his per* CtX Opedience, and facrifice of himfelr, he purchafed Reconci- liation and eternal Life for all thcEkct, Cow. 8, >-. Cat 38. To whom in all Ages the Benefits 01 his Mediation are efLctualiy ap- plied* Cow. 8. 6. 8. Chiiii's Cfe- nccs of Prophet, Prieit, King, Gfl&49, 44, 45". See Acceptance,, Accefs, Body of Chrift, €k&cht Death ef Chrift, Exaltation, Ex- piation, Hu?ni 'liation, Imputatwk; Intercejfion, Judge, Merit, Mej- Jiah, - Name of Chrift, Perfonai, Union, Propitiation, Reconciiiatwi., Redemption, Re forfeit on, teoujnels, Sacrifice, Salvation , Sa- tisfaction, Surety. CHRISTIAN Liberty, See Liberty The CHURCH is the Object oi God's fpecial Providence, Cow. $ 7. Cat. 63. Chrift the only Head of it. Cow, S, 1 . 2j. 6. The Catholick Chuich INVISIBLE, What, Cow. 25, 1. Cat. 64. Gi* ven to Chrift from all Eternity, Cow. 8. 1. The Benefits which the Members ot ic enjoy by Chrat, Cat. 6s, €6, 69, 82/83, %6, 90 Tiie Catholick Church VISIBLE, What, Cow. 25-. 2.. Cat, 6z, Qui of ic no ordinary PcrTibility of Salvation, Con, tf\ 2. Its pri- vileges, Con, 25*. 3. Cat.. 6*3 „ Particular Churches more or feis pure, Cow. 2j\ 4. The pure if fub- jeS to Mixture, and Error, Cow, 25, s- There (hall always be * Chuich on Iimh to toorjfrip God according to his Will, *&*■ CHURCH-CENSURES. See Cc&
fires. CHURCH-GOVERNMENT, ap- pointed by the Lord jefas in fne Hand
The TABLE
JIand o( Chnrch-Officers, diftinft irom the Civil Magifirate, Con. 30 1. Cat. 45. io3. But they are net exempted tiom Obedience to the Ma^iitiate, Cwz ^3- 4« They have the Power 01 the Keys com- 'mined to them, Con, 30.2. What that Power is, and us yic, Con. 30 2, 3, 4. Tiiey are not to be oppoica m the lawful Exercife oi their Powers, upon Pretence et Chritlian Liberty, Con. 20. 4. See Cotmcikf There areiome Cii- cumftaiices concerning Church© Government, which arc _ to be or- dered by the Light of Nature, and Chrwian Prudence, according to the general Rules ot tire Word, Con J; 6. C-RCUMCSION, one of the Ordinances by which the Cove* uanr oi Grace was adminUtred under the Law, Con 7* 5* Cat*
CIVIL Magiftrate, or Civil Poweis See Magi&raU.-
Tne Ten "COMMANDMENTS are the Sum oi the Moral Law, Cm* 19. 2. Cat oS. They are a per-
• feci Ruje 01 Righteoufncfs, Con. j 9. 2. Rules, tor Understanding mem, Cat. 99, Tire Preface! ex- plained, Qat. 10 1. The hilt Commandment, Cat 103.-106., The Second, Cat, 107.— -no. Thethitf, Cat. 111— 114, The iourth, Latm 115. — 121, Tne
' fifth, Cat. 1 13 ... - 1 3 3 • The fixth, C/tfvi34-~- 136. The ieven.h,C#r. 23;, — 13$.. Tne eight, Ozf. 140. +L+ J42, Tne ninth, Cat 143.-- iUj, Tne tench, C#£. J.46V— 148. The Sum oi she tirlt four Com- mand mencs, which contain our Du:y to God, Qat* 102. The Sum of the other 6ix. which contain cur Day to Man, Cat. 122. No Man is able to Keep the Com- mandments oi God periedtly, Cat. u.9.
The COMMUNION, Seethe Lord's Supper. COMMUNION oi Saints, where-
in it confifts, Con. 26. 1. 2. The Enjoyment of it is one of the Privileges of the vifibie Church. Cat, 63. In the Lord's Supper, Communicants teftify their mu- tual Love and Fellowflu'p each withother, Cat, 168. That Sa- crament being a Bond and Pledge ol Believers Communion with Chrift, and with each other, as Members of his Myftical Body, Cow, 29, 1, The Communion of Saints doth not infringe a Man's Property in his Goods and Pof« lefions, Con. 7.6; 3.
COMMUNION which the Eiecl have with Chrift, Con. 2.6 1. In this Life, Cat. 69, 83. Immedi- ately atter Death, Cat. 86. At the Refurredion and' Day of Judgment, Cat. 87.90 It is a Conlequence of their Union with him. Coftj 2<5. 1. jit doth not make them partakers of his Godhead, nor equal with him, Con. z6, 3, It is confirmed in the Lord's Sup- per, Cat. 168.
Unchait COMPANY not to be kept, Car. , 39. Nor corrupt Com- munications to be uied or liitned to Ibid.
CONDITION. Perfecl, perfonai and perpetual Ouedience the Condition ot the Covenant of Works, Con. 7. 2, 19 1. ^Cahzo. God requires Faith as the Con- dition to interest Sinners in the Mediator ot the Covenant of Grace Catn 32- ,
CON. -EbSiON of Sins always to be made in private lo God, Con. IS", 6. And is to be joined with Prayer, Qatm 178. When to be made to Men* ton. 15. 6. Upon Conieflion the otfending Brother is to be received in Love, Ibid.
CONSCIENCE, to Liberty qj -on- Jcience. Peace of Comcicuce a fruit of the Senfe of God's Love, Qon. 18, 1, 3. df.83. Believers may tali into Sins wljicn wound the Confcience, Con. 17. 3. 18. 4. The Wicked are Punilhed with Hor-
TheTJ BLE.
Horror ofCortfcience, Cat. 28. 83 . CONTENTMENT. Submiflion ro God is our Duty, Cat, 104 Dil- conrent ac his Difpeniarions, is finful, Cat 105". A full content- ment with our Condition, is our Duty. Cat. 147. Diiconrent- ment with our own Eitate, " a Sin, Cat 148. CONTROVERSIES. It belongs to Synods and Councils minifte- rially, to determine Controver- iics of Faith, and Cafes of Con- icience. Cow. 31. 3. The Spirit ipeaking in the Scriptures, is the fupreme judge of all Controver- ts in Religion, Con. 1, 10, The original Text of the Scriptures is that to which theChu; ch is finally to appeal, Con. 1. 8, Our CONVERSATION ought to be in Holinefs and Righteoufnefs, anfwerabL- to an holy ProfelTion, Cat. in. 167. CORRUPTION of Nature, what, Con. 6. 2, 4. Cat. Q.5. A Confc- quence ol the Fall 01 Man . Ibid. Aclual Sin a Fruit of it, Con. 6. 4* Cat] 2$. How it is propagated, Con. 6. 3. Cat. 0.6. Itdoch remain during this Life in the Regene- rate, and all its Motions are tru- ly Sin^ Con. 6, 5, 13. 2. Cat ;8, Bur it is Pardoned and mortified through Chriii, ion. 6, s\ COVENANT, No enjoying ot God, but by Way or Covenant, C on 7, t . COVENANT of WORKS, What, and with whom made, Con. 4. 2. 7, 2. 19, i.Gtf, 20 f 2.2, Perfect perfonal and perpetual Obedi- ence the Condition of it, CcW 7# 2., 19 1. %. at. 20 It is called a Law and a Command, Con* 4 2. And a Law given as a Covena nr, Cm. i$u 1. And a Covenan: oi Lire of which the Tree of Life was a pledge. Cat. 20. COVENANT of GRACE, What. Con 7. $:Cat. 50 32 It was made Witn Cririft as the fecond Adam, and m\h all the Elect in him is
his Seed, Cat, 3r> fn it God re- quircth of Sinners Fai'h inChriif, that they may be juftified and laved, Con. 7.3. Cat. 71. Faith being required as the con to intereit them in dhritr, Cat. \z; Who is the Mediator of this Co- venant, Con. 8, i. Cat. 36. Why it is called a Teltamenr, Con. 7, 4, It was dirTerentiy adrnioHcred in the Time of the Law, and ir* Time of the Goipel, Con. 7. fm Cat, 3 3 . How it was adminiftrcd under the Law, Con. 7 $* Cat* 34. How under the Gofpei, Con. 7, 6", Cat. \$. COUNCILS or Synods ought vt> be, Con $U I* They may oe cal- led by the Civil Magiurate, Cm. 25,3* 31.2, When Mini iters may meet without ii\Q call of the Civil Magiftrate, Con. 31. 2 Wcat power Councils have, Con. 31. 3* What *ubmii](ion eve ro their Decrees, Ibid. Not wfal* iible iince the Apoftles Tinus, Con. 31.4. But their Determinati- ons are to be tried by the Scrip, ture?, Con \. 1.0. How tar they may ir.cddle In civil Arlairs, Can
M« s
CREATION of the World, Gwr. 4, 1. Cat. is* Of Man, Cox.4, 2. Cat. 17. Of Angels Cat, 16 1 CREATURES Dominion over die Creatures given to Man, Con. 4* 2. Cat. 17. They are curled tor our fakes, iince che Fall, C-at* 2$, Religious Worfhjp to be given to* no Creature. Cffti 21. 2. Cat, icy. CURIOSITY, Bold and Curious (earciiing into God's Secrets. di{* charged, Cat. ioy. Cuiiods Pry- ing into God's Decrees forbid- den, Cat* 1*3. Curious or un- profitable questions are to be a» voided, Ibid. The CURSE and Wrath of Gorf, Man liable to it, botn by original and aclual Sin, Con, 6. 6. Cat. 7; How it may be e leaped, Cont j* h Cat. 153.
CUR-
theTABLE.
CURSING, finfuJ,Qtf. 113.
DANCING Lafcivious Dancing forbidden, Cat. i^. ul AD nor co be prayed tor, Co;/.
A^-ATH, bang toe Wages or Sin, Cwfc 6. (5. Or. 28, 8j. ^ is ap.
pointed for ah Men, O. .
How it is an Advantage to the
Righteous, Or, 85. f h^ S.a e
ot Believers immedia*ely alter
w*th, Coif. 31. 1. l.^, $6", Of
m to Wicked. Ibid,
rfe DEATH of CHRIST, C<k
8. 4. Or. 49 in ic he law no
J^rruprion, Con. 8. 4. Car. 52.
Divine Nature having in-
:d the Human from link-
under the Power of Death,
Or, 3S. By his 0«3edience and
Death, he made a proper, reai
and full Satisfaction to the Ju
itfee of the Father, Con. it. it
Or. 71. Through the Vertue of
his Death and Relurre&ion, Be-
lievers are (anclitied. Cow. 13. 1.
Believeis have Fcllqwfhip with
Chriir. in his Death, Con. 26*. i.
from his Death and Relur-
>n they draw Strength for
tne mortitying ot Sh, and quick*
ntng of Grace, Or, 16 Ji The
Lord's Supper is a Memorial of
fr-is Death, Con' 29? 1, Or, 168.
• in that Sacrament, wo; thy
..nunicants medkace affecti-
eiy on nis Death and Suffer
hngs. Cat. 174. And receive and
reed upon all the Benefits of his
Death, Co;;. 29. 7
fheDECALQ§UEj$tt Command.
. xis.
The DECREES of God, the Na- ., Eid, Extent, and Proper- pi mem, 0:> 3. *,2. ^at 12. The Decrees of Predomination, . 4. O' Election and Re- . ^cn. 3. 5? 6, 7. Or. 13. . God executsth his Decrees, 14. How theDjctrine of De- crw is to be toadied, and what
^ie to be made of them, Con. JJ 8. Curious Prying into G^d'c De- crees, forbidden, C/if, 112. ^E.ERTION. Wilful Drierdon, unUwiuk Cat: 139. Such as can- not be remedied, by the Church or civil Mi filtrate, is eaufe fiii- ncient ot LWflbWing the B;>nd of Marrfegi , Con 24, 6. DESPAIR, fmfni, Or. 105. Belie- vers aJ^ays iupported from ut- ter Ddpair, Con. 18. 4. Cat. 8i« DEVIL, all Comp.dis a d confu- ting wirh him, lmfu), Cat. . DILIGENCE in our Calling, a Du- tv, Cat. ,41,
DIPPING in Baptifm, not neerf- Urv, Cow. 28. 3. DISCONTENT at the Dlfpenfari- cos or God's Providence, fm- iul, Or, 105-. 113. Difcontenr. menc wirh our own Eltate, fin- ml, Or. 1 48. DIVORCE, lawful in cafe of A- dulcery alter Mannge, or of luch wil.ul Defertion as cannot be remedied, Qon, 24, 5, 6V A Publick and orderly Courfe of Proceeding is to be observed in ir. Co?t 24, 6. DOMINION. See Sovereignity, Qrea» tares, Sin
DOUBTING of being in Chriif, may conliif. with a true Interclt in him, Con. 17 3, 18. 4. Cat. 81. 172. And therefore (hould not hinder fiom partaking of the Lord's Supper, Cat. 172. ' DRUNKENNESS torbidden, Cat.
139. DUTY to God by the Light of NaiU'e, Con. 21. 1, Dunes re- quired in rhe hrit Command- ment, Cat. 1 04. In :ne Second Cit. 108. In the Third, Cit. 112. In the Fourth, Cat, no". Ducks of Inferiors to th ir Super: Con. 23. 4. Cat 127, What is le- qnirert oi Superiors, Cim\ 23. 2. Cat, 120. DiihCS of equals, Caty !3i. Duties of the S:xra QtiMt mmdm-nr, Cnr. \*$ Or the Se- venth, Cat. 13s, O: th« Eigur,
Cat. 14 1. Of the Ninth, Cat, 144.
K* TABLE
ECCLESIASTICAL Powers not to oc qppuied upon P.e- ; ct Chnitian Liberty. J *. 20, 4. Eccleiiaiixal ferloni not exempted ;rom Oxdier.ce to the C ril MEagiftrate C/#' 23, 4, EFFECTUAL CALLING, what Co;;. 10. 1 Cat. 67. It is of God's free Grace, not lrom any Thing forleen in Man. Con. 10: 2. C*f. 67, All the Elect, and thcyoaiy, are efleftoallj caUkd, <?*»• ic. 1, 4. Cat, 63. Tne El. c: united to Chriit in their cirecruai Canii-g Cat, 66. ELECTiON, out of God's mere tree Grace, Con. 3. 5. Cat 1 3 . From ail E:ernity in C init, Ibid E.eciion not or.iy to eternal Lite and Gory, our alb to the Means thereof* Con. 3. 6. Cat, 13. All the Elect, and :hey only, are ene- y cal-ed and iavtd, Con- 3. 6, 10. 1, 4. Cat. 63. Tho; others may be outwardly ca.ied by tne Word, and nave iome com non operations of the Spirit, Ibid. Eiect infant* and other eiecc Persons who are incapable or oe- ing called by the Word, how laved. Con. 1^3, What I be made of the Doctrine of Ele- ction, Con. 4. 3. And how Men may oc afliircd of their eteinai Election, bid See sijjwraacem ENVY. Uumi, Cat. uo. 13.6", i$u
EQIJALS, their Duaes and Sins,
C.U. 131, 132. ; .._.
EoyiVUC^al'wN, Ipe i/ruch m doBOOul and cq Exprcffions, tp the Prejudice of T.uth or Juftice, Goth!, Cs* 14J-
EUCHARIST. See Lora'j Sf$?er.
exaltation pi C?"^ *«. 6, T. £rf. 51. lo nil ft 4! £tf. 52. Kfl his AJceftfton, Cat,
53. In h;s Sitting at int Righ/ Hand of God, Ctf. £4. In ^
coming to , |JJ jr^
SELF-EXAMINAWON, C^, 171. EXCOMMUNICATION, Con. 30,
V 3. 4, EXPlAT;ON. Sin cannot be ex- piated but by the Blood of Chrilr, Cat. i51.
r
FAITH, what, C*». t4% 2. fl#. 72. God requi'reih nothing of Sinners that they may be juitiii- ed, bur Faith in C ii<
I Cat, 71. Whicn he xtquireth as the Con-iiiicn to intereit them :n the Mediator of rhc Cove- nant cf Grace, Cat. 32. Ic jufti- hes a Sinner in the Sight or God only as it is an [nitiuirkot by which, he receivetii Chrifi and his Righteoulhefe, Co > it. 2. Cat* 73, Fa«h is the Gift c(Gcc% fov. 1 1, i. £*£, 7 j. it being l Work of the Spiri:? Cjtz. 14. ft Cat. S3, 72. I: is ordina wrougnt by the Mtniirry of the Word. C<??z. 14. r. incrtafed arid ftrength- cd by ihz Word, Sa- craments and P.z\z7t Ibid* O.ten weakned, bur always gets the victory, On 14.3. Gro.vhgup in many to a full Aflurance. Con. 14. 3 Cat. fta- < iks
tut; Fruit and EvidemcC of trU2 i, Co*. iS.z.Cxt, 52. Which is UQ\tr a. one, out always ac- companied w/it h Caving
Grace?, ai
but * Cm. 1 1. 2,
^ 7h
F \LL ot M IN, rhe Natirre an4
Effects of it, Cm. 6 Cat 21.23,
2y, 27, 2S. 2;w
C./J- & I- Bow : con-
p ALLiN eje^*r#e.
ulLV-WORc>H P da;:i>, requi-
God, C»n xi. 6,
FASTING, K., imfe a
Da y, C^. 10 : ■ Patting
a Par: ct ReUgOUJ Worlhrp,
The TABLE;
FEl ,L0 WSHIP, See Communion.
FOREKNOWLEDGE* all Things come to pais infallibly according to the Foreknowlede of God? Con 5.2.. >
FORGIVENESS, Set Pardm.
FORNICATION committed after contract of Marriage, a tuft Ground of diflolving the Con- trad, Con, 24. s*
FORTUNE, Toaicribeany Thing ro Fortune, is finful, Cat. ioj.
FREE-WILL. Seetf://,
FRUGALITY, a Doty, Cat. i4l.
G
GAMING. Waftful Gaming for- bidden, Cat. 142.5
GLORY, the communion in Glo* rywith Chrifr, which Believers enjoy in this Life, Cat, 83. Con. 18, 1, 2, 3* Immediately after Death, Gwfc 32.* U Cat. 85. At the Relurrecticn and Day of Judgment,- Cw. 32.. 3, 33* 2« Caf. 87. 90.
The GLORY of God, the End of his Decrees, Con, 3. 3; Cat, 12. The Glory of his Grace the End 01 Election," Con. 3 5; Cat, 13. The Glory of his Julrice the End of the Decree 01 Reprobation, Con, 3 7, Cat, 13: The Glory of bis eternal Power, Wifdom and Goodneis, the End of tiie Crea# tion, Con. 4. I. The Maniiefta- tion of the Glory of his Wifdom, Power, Jukice, Goodneis and Mercy is the End of all God's Works of Providence, Con. 5. U Cat. 18 , The End of Godsappoint- he bft Judgment is tnc Ma- ftifeltatieto oi the Glory of his Mercy and Juftice, Con. 32. 1.0. To glorify God is the Chief End of Man, Cat. 1. God is glorified by good Works, Con. 16.2. GLUTTONY, a Shi, Cat. ijo.
GOD. -the Light of Nature iheweth that there is a God, Con. 21. 1. Cat. 2 . What it declares concern- ing him, and of our Duty to hi r>, Coff. 1, |< 11. x, It is not {iiffi.
cent to give that Knowledge of God and of his Will, which is neccflary unto Salvation, Con. I. 1 Cat 2. The Attributes or Per- fections of God, Cov, 1. 1, 2. C/tf. 7. 1 01. There is but one only God, Con, 2,. I. Cat* 8. There are three Perfons in the Godhead, diftinguifibed by perlonal Proper* ties, Con, 2. 3 Cat. 9 10. The Co-equality of the Perfons pro- ved, Cat. 11- To him is due from all his Creatures, what'oever WorQiip, Service, or Obedience he is Plea fed to require, Cox. 2. 2. Our Duty to God. Cat. 104. 108, 112, 116, What contrary to it, Cat. io$« 109. 113. 1 T9, Re- ligious Worfhip is Co be given to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghofr, and to him alone ; and that only in the Mediation of Chrift, Ca&.'ai, 2: Cat. 179, 181. God is to be worfhipped in that Way only which he hath inffi- tiited in the Scriptures, Cow, 2r I« Cat. 109; To glorify God, and fully to enjoy him for ever* is che chief End of Man. Cat. 1.
GOOD WORKS, SeeWorks^
GOSPEL- How the Covenant of GRACE isadm'niftred under the Gofpei.Gw, 7, 6\ Cat, 35; With- out the Goipel no Salvation, Cat* 60. Con, 10. 4. In It Chrift doth not diflblve, but ftrengthen the Obligation to the Obedience of the Moral Law, Con% 19. $: Be- lievers under the Goipei. have a greater Boldnels j»f Accefs to the Throne of Grace than Be- lievers under the Law did ordi- narily p rtake of, Con. 20. 1.
GOVERNMENT, See Cburch, hit- giitrate.
The GRACE of GOD. Election is of God's mere free Grace, Con. 3. 5. Cat. 13. How the Grace of God is manitetted in rhe (econd Covenant, Con. 7; 3. Cat, ^Ef- fectual ^Calling is of God's free and fpecal Grace, Con. 10. 2, Cat, 67, Juluificauon is only ot tree
TheT ABLE.
free Grace, Con. 113 Cat. 7°-
71. Adr ption is an Acr of tree Grace, Con. 12, Otf 74. The Communion in Grace which Be- lievers have with Chriir, Cat. 69. All faying Graces are the Wo.k of the Spirir, Cow. 13 and 14 and X5-. Cat, j2, 72, 75, 75, 77- And do always accompany Faith. Q(m* 11. 2. Qtf 73 Perievcrance in Grace Con. 17, C** 79 Jncreafe in Grace, Cow, 1$. 1, 3. C^f. 75", 77 Aflurancc of Grace, Cow, 18, C*f, 80, 81.
H
^TARDEN. why and howSinners
71 are hardned, Cg?ihs 6, Belie- vers may have their Hearts hard- ned, Cm 17, 3.
IE AD. Trc Elecl are infeparably uni ed to Chrift as their Head, Con aj, i.16". 1. C.#. 64, 66% He is ine only Head 01 the Church, Cow* 2>. 6.
IE A RING. What is required of thofe trut hear the Word preach- ed. Con. 21.5-. C>A 160.
1EAVEN, the Srate of the Blefted, Co 1. 32. 1. 33.2. Cat% 86. 90.
lELi^, the £tite of trie Damned,
Cow> 32. 1, 33 2. C*f. 29. 86, 89.
tng of mcfe Woids in
>eed, /fc ^(tended into Hell,
Cat. 50.
lERETiCKS to oe rej^cled, Gtf. ior
HOLINESS. God is mod: Holy in ah 1. C unfels. Works and Com- manob, Cow 2.2. Man was citac- ed ho ) aftei the InageofGod, Con. 4 2 Otf. 17. But by the FaJJ he became wholly defiled, Cow. 6 i. B.'lieveis are, by the ianciilyiag Spirit orChrill, quick- re dad lh^ngthned to the Pra- ctice ot Holicefs, Cow, 13 1, 3* Cat ■}$. And are made perfect- ly H'mv in Heaven,- Cow. 32 j. Cat i6. 9^. Set Sanfiificatto?2.
: - HOLY GHOST equal wich
h* Father, Cow. 2. 3. Cat* 1.1*
Hi is promited s© the £!e6J in
the Covenant of Grace, Cow j* 3. Cat 31 By him tin y are uni- ted to Chriir, Lon 16. 1. For by him the Redemption -purcha* led by Chrift is applied to them, C ow. 8.8- 11,4. Cat. 58. S9 By him they are cfF.ctualiy caiicd, Cow. 10, 1. Cat, 67. And have Faich wrought in their Hear s, Cow, 14 uCat* 59, 7:. He is given to them in An\ p- ion, Qon.
12, Cat: 74. And applying the Death and Rcfuneelion of thrift to them, by l;is powerful Ope- ration they are fenciified. Cow.
13. 1. Cat 75, Having Repen- tance wrought, and ail other fa- ying Gracts infk'ed inco their Hears, Low. 13. u Cat. 32. 75-. 76. 77. Through the continual Supply of Screngrh from him, Be- lievers grow in Grace, Cow-, 13 & Cat. 75. The onward Meansare by him made cfTecluaJ ro the Elect tor Sa.vation, Con. 7, 5, 6\ 25. 3. {at tSf-t&l. Prayer is to be made by his Heip, Ccw, jifj 3 Gtf.182, Ability to do good Works is irom him, Cow. 16. j, A durance of Faith is arrainc:! by his witmiTrng win cur S .mi s that we arc rhe Children ot GoJ„ Cow. i8, 2. Cat. 80. By his ahi- ding within Believers, they are fecured irom tailing totally away from the State of Gs ce, and are kept by thz power of God through Faith unto .Salvation, Cow. 17. 2. Cat. J9
HOPE ot Glory Cow, i3, i, Cat; 83. The hope of Hypocri.es, Cow. 18. 1.
HUMILIATION of Chad, Cow, 8. 2, 4» Cat. 46. In his Con- ception and Bj\h, Cat, 47 In his Life, Cat. 48. In his Death, Cat. 49. After 'Death, Cat. <o.
HYPOCRISY, ^ making pfofefixon cf Religion in Hypoaiiy, or fot iiniiter Ends, iimui, Car, t 13, The Hypocrite's hope, Cow 10* 1
HYPOSTAtiCAL- See Mmd
, No - J
The r A
i
TDLENESS, unlawful. Cat. 139. 142.
IDOLATRY, a)! the kinds of it forbidden, Cat, i°Sy iop. All Monuments of idolatry ought to he removed, Cat. ic8.
JESTS. Pei verting the Scripture to prorane Jetls, finfu), Cat. 113.
JESUS, why fo called. Cat, 4.1. SeeC&r//?.
IGNORANT, not to be admitted to the Lord's Table, Co?, 29. 8. Cat. 173.
IMAGE. Man made after the I- mage of God, in Knowledge, Righteoufne(s, and Holiness, Con. 4. 2. Cat. 17, This Image is renewed by Sandification, Cat, -75-." and fully perfected in Hea- ven, Cm. 31 i. Cat. 86,90.
IMAGE* WORSHIP of all Kinds, difcharged. Cat. 109;
IMPUTATION. The Guilt of A4otm\$ firft S'n is imputed to all his Pofteriry, Con. 6. 3. The Obedience, and Satisfaction of Chrift is imputed to Believers, 0», ir, 1. Cat, 70. HisRighte- ouineis is imputed to them, Cat.
71. 77.
INCARNATION of Chrift, Cm. 8 -2. Cat, 37, 39*
INCEST di'charged, Cat. 139. inceituous Marriages, which are within the degrees of Confan- guinky or Affinity, forbidden in. the Scriptures, can never be made, lawfui, Con 24 4,
Unjuft INCLOSURES and Depo- pulations forbidden, Cat. 142
INCREASE of Grace, is from a continual Supply of Strength from the fanctifying Spirit of Chrift, Cm. 13- 1, }• Cat, 75.
3NNOCENCY. The State of Man ir. Innocency, Con. 4 2. Cat. 17.
-c.
INFANTS, How laved* Con. 10. 2/ Intan-sot one or both belie- 'v'yn Parens are to be baptized* Cm. ^,4. f ■ «**
B LE
1NGROSSING. G)mmoditics to mhance their Price, Unlawful Cat, 142.
INSPIRATION. The Books of ^ Old and New Teftament are given by Infpiration of God, Con. 1. 2. But the Apocrypha is not of divine Infpiration, Con. 1. 2
INTERCESSION. How Chrift. makes Interceflion, Cat, $$. h is a Part of his Prkftly Office, Cat. 44. He make? luterceflion* that the Redemption which he hath p'jrchafed m*y be apph'edf to all Believers. Con, 8 8- Cat. SS and their Petfeverance de- pends upon his continual Inter. ctllionfor them, Con, ij. 2. Cat. 79-
JOY in the HOLY GHOST, the fruit of Aflurance, Con. 18. 1. z. C^ 83, Believers, by falling in. to j fome Sins, may grieve the Spiiir, and be deprived of fome Meafure of their Comfort, Ow. 17, 3. 18. 4,
JUDGE. Chriit the judge of the World. Cm 8. i, 4. 33. 1, How he ftull come at the lad Day, Cat. S6.
The JUDGMENTS of God upon Sinners in this World, Con, 5. 6, Cat. 28. 8 3 . How Believers may bring temporal Judgments on themielves, Con. 17, 3, God is juft and terrible m his Judg- ments, Con. 2. i.
The fall JUDGMENT, Whar, Con* 53: 1, Appointed for an- gers and Men, 0».8. 4. 33, 1, Cat 88. The end of irs Ap- poinrment, is the Manifestation of God's Mercy and Juftiec, Con, 33, 2. Chriit (hall be the JiHge, f Con. 8.4. 35.1. How he (hill come to judge the World, Cat. 56. Why he would have us cer- tainly peifwaded of ir, Con, 35. 3. Why the Time of it is con- cealed, Con. H.gtCif, 22, The Judgment of the Righteous, Qon% 33,2. Cat 90. The Judj?mcnr< i the Wicked, Cm, 32,2. C-:
J-
TheTJBLK
JUDICIAL Law, See Law. ihz " JUSTICE ot GOD, fully farisned by Chrrft's Obedience and D-ath Con. 8. f . H 3. Cat 33, ?i, It is Fnsnheffed in rhe Works of providence, Con. $, fi In the Jollification of Sinners, Con* 11. 3, In the la ft judgment, ©#», 33. 2. [USTICE in Conrrstfs and Com- merce between Man and Man, Cat. hi, t4i. JUSTIFICATION, What, Cm. ii. J. Q*r 70, All the Elect, and they only are juliined, Con. 3. 6. Whom God did irom all Eternity decree to joflifie. Con, JL 4. But they are not ju (lined tiil »-he Htly Spirit doth in due Time adraaliy apply Chrift unto them, Ibid. How Juiiihcation is of God's tree Grace, Con. 11.3. Cat. 71. Faith is neceflarily re- quired tor Juftirication, Cat. yu But it juftifies a Sinner only as it is an Inflrument, by which he re- ceived Chriftandhis Righteouf- nefs, Con, ji. 1, 2, Cat, 73. The exaet Jurlice and rich Grace of God, are both glorified in the Ju- itification of" Sinners, Con. 11. 3, Julrihcat:on, the lame under the Old Teihment as under the New, Con. 11. 6. Iris infeparablv join- ed with Specification , Cat, 77, How' they differ, Ibid, Thole that are Julhfied, are perfectly freed in this Life horn the revenging Wrach ct God, that they never Fall into Condemnation, {.on. 17, I. C#f, 77 79 But Corruption re- naming in them Gw, 6. j\ 13; 1. Cat, 78, They fall into many mos. Con; 17. 3. Cat. 78. Which jod continues to forgive; upon heir humbling themteJves, con- effing their Sins, begging Par- Ion, and renewing their Faith nd Repentance, Co». 11, $v
K
' EYS: The Power of the Keys. . What, Con. 30. 1 Commio
red to Church Officer?; lhid% The Civil Magistrate, may not af- (umethis power. Lo?2. 23. u
KING. Chrift the K.nu \>i his Church, Con. 30. x. How he exe- cureth ihc Office of a King, Cat. ^ 4;. W:iac meant by the Coming of his Kingdom, Cat* 191 i
KNOWLEDGE. God's Knowledge is infinite, Infallible, and Inde- pendent upon the Creature, C61. 2. 2. The Knowledge which mav be had of God and of our Duty to him by the light of Nature, Con Ti.4fUi.Yi Cat, 1 The Scrip- tures are -nly fufficient to give that Knowledge of God and of hi* Will, which is neceffary unto Sal- vation. Ibid*
LABOUR is to be moderately uled, Cat, 135-. 136. LaND-MARKS not to be remo-
ved,C/tf. 142. LAW. The Ceremonial Law, What Con. 19, 3. It is abrogated now un- der the New Teftament, Con. ip. 3 20. 1, How the Covenant ot Grace was adminiltred under the Law, Con. 7.5. 8, 6\ Cat ?*. Tne# JUDICIAL LAW expired with the State of the Jews, Con. 19. 4. And obliges no further than the general Equity 0f it re- quires, Ibid. Trie MORAL LAW, What, Cat. 93. Given to Adam with a* power to fulfil it, Con. 4, 2, 19. i, CaU 92. The Ten Command- ments the Sum of it, Con, 19. *. Cat* 98. Tho* Believers are noc under it as a Covenant, Con. 19, 6. And are not able perfectly :o keep ir. Cat. 149, Yet it contimr. nues to be a perfecl Rule of Righ- teoirtnefi. Con. 19. 2. Binding all, as well juffified perfons as others* Con, 19. y. Chriitian the Gotpd, having not abolifhed, but much itreng:hned the Obligation r** the Obedience of it, fy'd. And N n 2 Aii
The TABLE.'
altho, no Man]! fince the Fall can, by the Moral Lav/, attain to Righteoulnefs and I^ite, Con. 19. 6.Q6* °4* Which Chrift alone hath purchafed hv the Eleii by his perfect Obedience, Con, 8. 5: Yet it is of great U(e to all, Con. sp. 6. Gti.tf. TheUfeof it to the Rc^eneiare, Con* 19. 6; Cat. 97. The Ufe of it to the Un regenerate Cat. 96. Not con- trary to the Grace oi the Gofp 1, but doth {weedy comply with it, Con. 19. 7 The Spirit of Christ lubduing and enabling the Will of Man unto a free and chearful Obedience to the Will of God. Co;/. 19; 7. Cat 32.
tJnnecetfary LAW-SUITS to be avoided, Cat* 14U 142.
LIBERTY, Chnftian Liberty, What, Con. 20. 1. Wherein it is inlarged under the Gofpel, Ibid* The End of Chiiftian Liberty, Cow, 20. 3. Liberty to Sin in- conliitent with it, Ibid. It is not intended to deftroy Ecclcfiafti- cal or Civil Powers, but to fup- port and preferve them, Con* 20. 4. Neither are Men thereby al- lowed to publifh Opinions, or maintain Practices, that are con- trary to the Light of Nature, or to the known principles of Chri- stianity, orfuciias are deftru&ive of the peace and Order of the Church, Ibid.
LIBERTY of Confcience, what it is, and what repugnant to it. Con. 20 2. Making Men the Lords of our Faith and Confcience, un- lawful, Con. 20. 2. Cat ^ ioy*
LIFE. Eternal Life purchafed by Chrift's perfect Obedience to the Law. Con. 8. 5, TneTree ofLi'e was a pledge ot the Covenant of Works. Cat. 20. The Life of any not to be taken away, except in Cafe ot publick Juitice, lawful War, or neceflary Defence, Cat
LIGHT OF NATURE. What may be known 9$ God and of yur Du-
ty to him by it. Cm, I, r. 21, »i
Cat. 2. It is not fufficient to make us wife unto Salvation^ Con* 1. 1: 10, 4, 21 1, Cat. 2. 6~o. ' It is oi i\it Law of Nature that a due portion of Ti.r;e be fet a- part for the Worfhip of God, Con. 21. 7 Wanton LOOKS, finful. Cat. 120 LORD'S PRaYER, See Prayer. LORD'S SUPPER. The Inftitu- tion, Nature and Ends of it. Con. 29. 1. Cat. 168. Chriftnot offered up to his Father, nor any real facririce for Sin made in ir, Con. 20, 2. The Mais abomina- bly injurious to Chrift's one on- ly Sacrifice, Ibid^ The outward Elements in this Sacrament are not to be adored, Co«- 29. 4. They ft ill remain truly Bread and Wine. Con. 29. y. The Dodtrine of Traniubitantiation is repug- nant not only to trw Scripture, but even to common Senfe, and has been and is the Caufe ot" ^rofs Idolatries, Con. 29. 6". How Chrift hath appointed Bread and Wine to be given and received in the Sacrament, Con. 29. 3. Cat. 169. It is only to be admimitred by a Minifter ot the word lawfully ordained, Con. 27, 4, Cat. 176, It is not to be received by any one alone, Con. 2.9, 4, It is to be received in both Kinds, Ibid: What Relation the Elements in this Sacrament have to Cbrift crucified, Con- 29, y. How Chrift is prefent there, Con. 29.7. Cat,
170. How Believers ieed on bkn therein. Ibid* What Preparation is required for receiving it. Cat
171. Doubting may coniiit witu an Intereit in Chrift, Con. 17, ?, 18. 4. Cat. 81. And therefore ihould not hinder from paxtakipg of the Lord's Supper, Cat, 17 z. But the Ignorant and icandalons are not to be admitted, Con, 29. 8, Cat; 17?. What Duties re- quired in the Time of receiving, Can } 74% Wll|C Duties after re.
ca?%
TbeTJBLE.
cchuig, Cat. 17 f. Frequent At- tendance on it, a Duty, Off; 175. 177. The Agreement and Dif- ference between the Lord's Supper and Baptifm, Cat. 176; 177.
LOTS, Cat. uz* US-
LOVE. Eiledtion is of God's free Love, Con, 3, 5. Cat. 13. Which is unchangeable, Con. 17, 2. Gtf. 7P» And therefore true Believers can neither totally nor finally falj away from the State of Grace, Ibid. The Senft of God's Love is attainable in this Life, Cat. 83, See Ajfiirance. Love to God is a Duty, O*. 104. which the Light of Nature fheweth, Con. 21. i. To iove the Lord our God with ail our Hearts, &c. is the Sum of our Duty to him, Cat, 102. Love to God is ne.efTaiy to the right Performance of the Duty of Prayer, Cow. 21.3, Cat. 185* Love to God and the Brethren is ne- ceflary to right Communicating, Cat. 16*8, 171, 174 True Belie- vers a;e never utterly deftirutey of the Love of Chiift and the Brethren, Con. 18, 4, Wherein Love towards our Neighbour coniifts, Cat. 135-, 141. 144, 147. what contrary ro ir, Cat.i$6 J42, 145", 148. It is "the Sum of our Duty to Man, Cat. 122.. LYING, iinfui, Cau 14s".
M
MAGISTRATES, appointed by God, Lq?i. 23, !. For what End, Ibid, Lawful for Christi- ans to accept the Office of a Magiftrate, Con, 23; %. The Du- ty of the Civil Magiftrate, Qon. 2 j, 2. Cat* 129, Co», 20. 4. Read the Scriptures Letter r. The Sins of the Magiflrate, Cat. 130. 145,; He may wage War upon juft and neceflary Occaiions, Con, 23. fc# His Power in Church-affairs fta- ted, Con '23, 3. The Duty of the People toward their Magistrates, Con. 23.4.0**. 127. Their Sins againft them, Gat, 12,8. Eccie*
fiaftical Perfons not exempred from Obedience to the Civil Ma- gistrate, Con. 23. 4. The Pope hath no power or J[urifdic~tion over Magistrates or their People, Ibid* The Magiftrate is not to be oppofed in the lawful Exercife of his power, upon Pretence of Chriftian Liberty, Con. 20* 4. Infidelity or Difference in Religi- on doth not make void the Magistrates juft and legal Authori- ty, Con. 23. 4.
MAN, how created, Con. 4, 2 Cat 17. His State before rhe Fall, Con 4. 2. Cat, 17, 20. His Fail, and the ErTe&s of it, Co#. 6, Cat, 21, 22, 23, 2)-, 2,5, 27, 28, 20, His Scare by the Covenant of Grace. Qon. 7, 3,4, ;, 6. Cat. 30. 3i> 3h lh 34> 3>~- Man's chief End, Cat* 1
MAN.STEALING, discharged
Cat, 142.
MARRIAGE, the End of ir, Con, 24. 2. Cat . 20, Between more than one Man and one Woman at a Time, unlawful, Con. 24. 1. Cat. 139; Lawful tor ail Sorts of People who are capable ro give their Content, Con, 24. 3 And who are wirhout the Degrees ol Confanguiniey or Affinity for- bidden in the Scriptures, Qon. 24. 4* But Marriages within thole Degrees can never be made law- ful, Ibid. Proreftants fhould not marry with Infidels, Papiits or other Idolaters, Otf . 24?. 3 . Nor fuch as are Godly, with thofe that are notorioufly wicked. Ibid* A contract of Mairiage may he diilblved for Adultery or Forni- cation committed after the Con* tracl, Con, 24. $\ The Bond of Marriage can only be dlfiblved for Adultery after Marriage, and- ftch wilful Defertion as cannoc be remedied, Cor? 24. $, 6. IJn- due delay of Marriage^ prohibi* ting of lawtul, and difpenfing with unlawful Marriages, are fin- fu), Gat, 130. Vows of perpe- Na I tuat
The TABLE
ruai fingle Life, are fioful Snares in which no Chriftian may in- tan^le himfelf, Con. 22. f. Cat. 139. Thole who bave not the Giit of Comincncy ought to marry Cat. 138. The Duties of marrird PeHons, Cat. 139. I4.T,
The MASS abominably injurious •roChrilt's one only Sacrifice, Con. 29 2.,
MEANS. God in his ordinary Pro- vicitnce makcth ufe of Means, yet is free to Work without, above and againft them at his Pieafure, Con, 5. 3. Thecu wjkI and ordinary Means of Salva- tion under rjhe Law. Con. 7. f} Cat. 34*. Under the Gotpel, Con* 7 6 Cat, 3*. 154- The diligent Ule of ri em is itquiied in o;der to eicape the Wrath of GodB Cat. i;3. ■ How they are made Efkdual, Cow/ 25. 3. Cat. 155-, 361, 182. Truffmg in Means,, imlu\,Cat, 1655 Unlawful Means not tobenfed. Ibid,
Falfe MEASURES unlawful, Cat. 141.
MEAT to be modetately uled, Cat;
MEDIATOR, See Ghrifi.
TheMERCY 01 GOD, Cow. 2, t: Cat, 7. It is manifefted in his Works of Providence, Conm $. I. Ir is of God's free Love and Me.cy that the Eiecl are deliver- ed from Sin and Mifery, and brought, to an Etfare of Salvati- on by the fecond Covenant, Cat. 30. Gcd is merciful to pe- nitent Sinners in Chrift, Con. 15-. z. C at. 76. For whofe fake Mer- cy is to be prayed for, Cat. 180, Woiks of Mercy are to be ''one, ev^n on theLo.d'sDay, Qcx, 21. 8, Cat ny
MERIT, No Merit in good Works, for Pardon of Sin or eternal Life -y and why, Con, 16, 5. Nor can we merit the outward bJeflings of this Lite, Cat, X93. But we are to truft in the Merits ot 'Chrift, £jp, 17^ Who appearing in the '
Merit of his Obedienee and St* crifice, maketh Interceflbn tor his People, Catt *$. MESSIAH. The Eledt under the Old Teftament believed in the promrled Mefliah, by whom they had full RemifTion of Sins, and eternal Salvation, con. 7, 5, 8. 6". Cat, 34. The MINISTRY given by Chrift: to the Vifible Church, G?/. 25, 3. The Maintenance thereof, a T)u- tv, Qat.^ 108. A Minifter of the Gofpel is one Efficiently gifted, and aifo duly approved and law- fully called and ordained to that Office. Coa 27.4. 2§:2, Cat 158. By inch only the Word is to be read publickly and preach- ed, and the Sacraments difpenfed, Con. 27 4, 28, 2. Cat. ijfj, 158, K9 169.' MORAL LAW, See Law. MORTIFICATION. The Rege- nerate have the Corruption ot Nature mortified through Chrift, Co;;, 6*. y. And the feveral Lufts of the Body of Sin, Ow, 13. 1: Believers draw ftiength from the Death and Re(urre£tion ot Chrift for the minifying oi Sin, Cat. 167,
N The T^J A M E OF C H R I S T, ±S$ That Pjayer be accep- ted, it is to be made in the Name cfChrift, Co?-/-. 11.3. Cat. 178. What it if to pray in the Name of Chrift, Cat. 180. Why Prayer is to be made in his Name, Cat. 18 1% The NAME OF GOD is only that by which Men ought to (wear, and therein it is to b: ufed wirh all holy Fear and Reve- rence, Ccw. 21, 2. How the Name ot God ought to be ufed, and how it is prophaned, Cat 1 1 2. 1 1 3 , 1 14. ico.
N ATU RE See Corruption. Origi- nal Sin, Light of Nature. The TWO NATURES of Chrift. •S^e Clirijl, Incarnation Petfo?tal ' XJiiion.
The
TbeTABLE
TheKEW TESTAMENT in Greek is that to which rhe Church is fi- nally to appeal in Controversies of Religon, Cra. i; 8. the Ad- mimiirauon ot the Covenant of Grsce under the Gofpel, is called the New Tcftamenr, Cm. 7. 6-
NEIGHBOUR See ( harity, Love.
N1GGARDLINES, fmful, Cat. Hz.
O
An f^ATH, What it is, Con. 22. 1. V/ It is a part of Religions WprOiip, Ibid. The Name of God is that by which Men ought only to (wear, Con 22. 24 Cart. io3. Vain or rafh Swearing by bis Name is to be abhorred, Con. 22^ 2. Cat. 113, Yet in Matters ot Weight and Moment an Oath is warrantable under the New Te- ftament, Con, 22. 2.. A lawful Qath impofed by lawful Authority, ought to be taken, ibid, I' is a Sin to refufe it, Con. zz. 3. A Man mult iwear nothing but what he is fully perfwaded is Truth; neither may he bir,d himfelf by Oa h to any Thing, but what he believes . to be juft and good, and what lie is . able to perform, Ibid. An Oath is to be taken in the jtfaln and common Senfe of the Wordj and in Things not imLi\x it binds ro Performance, thrf to a Man's , own Hurt, or made to Hueticks, ' Con. 22. 4, Cat. 113. But it can. Dot oblige to Sin, ibid.
OBEDIENT E is due to God in whatsoever he is pkaied to Com- mand, Con. 2. z Vat. i04.Ghriit bath performed perfect Obedi- ence to the Law for us in our Na- ture, Conm tj 4. Cat. 38. 39, 48, $jm And by it purcnaled an ever- lafting Inheritance, in the King- dom of Heaven for the Elect, Qw. S, 5. Cat. 38 His Obedience is imputed to Believers, Con. 11 1. fat, 70. He hath nor aiolifhcd, but much ilrengthned the Obii- ' gation to the Obedience ot the . Moral Law* Cm. jq. 5. Good
Works done in Obedience to
God's Commands, are the F-uks and Evidences ot a true Faith, ' Con. '■ \6 2- Cat. 32, How the fincere. rho' imperfed .Obedi- CRceof. Believers, is accepted and rewarded, Cow. 16.6,
OBEDIENCE is flue to the lawful Commands of a Magiihate,C(^?. 23. 4. Cat. 127. 128,
OFFICES of Chrilt, of Mediator. See Mediator, His Prophetical Office. Cat. 43. Prieftly, .Cat 4+. and Kingly. Car. 4?,
The OLD TESTAMENT in He- brew, i::hat to whicn tire Church is finally to appeal in Contro* verlies of Religion, Con. i%t. The Adminiilration 01 the Co- venant of Grace, under the Law, is called ihe Old Teitament, Cm.
TheORDINAN ES of GOD given by Chriif. to the Vifible Church. , Cow, z$. 3. The Ordinances under theLaw, Co». 7, 5. Cat, 34. Thofe under the Golpei, Con. 7, 6. Cat. 3. 5. Which are fewer, and A"dmi? niitred with more Simplicity, and lefs outward Glory j >'yei in them Gr.ce and ^lyarkm are held forth- in more Fulnefs, Evi- dence and Efficacy, Void, All God's Ordinances, elpetiaily the Word, S*cramems, and Prayer, are the ourwaid and ordinary Means . of Salvation, Cat. i)4„ How they are made effectual,
, Cck, 25 3 Cat. 155. 16 1. 182- The Neglect, Contempt or Oppo- sing them, immi. Cat 1099
ORIGINAL Corruption See Ccr* nptivn* Original Sin, See Sin. P
PAPISTS- Proteftants ftiould not marry with Papitls, Cflf,
*4*5-. - PARPON, See Sin. PASSIONS, to be reftrained, Qatt
PASSOVER,. one of the Types and
- Ordinances hy which the*Cove-
. nani <5f. Grace was^ adminiftred
N u r • • under
Ibe TABL.E
r$it$ the law, Cm. 7. u Cat.
PATIENCE. Patient bearing of the Hand of God. a Duty, Cat. *$$. Parunt bearing and for- giving vi Injures, a Duty, ibid.
PEAlE of Conference. See Con- Icience.
PELO J34PTISM, See Infants.
PERSEVERANCE oi Saints, They Whom God hath accepted in Chriil can never totally or final- ly fill away from the Ertate of Grace, Cm, 17, 1. (at, jy. 79. Upon what their Perfeverance depends, Con, 17, 2. Catn 79 How far they may fjj, Con, 6 $_ n. £ h* f 17 }> 18- 4' ptf, 78. They are always kept from utter D. 'pair, Con, 18.4.(^,81. How the/ are fevered when they fall under Gol/s fathetiy Difpiea- lure, Con iuy. 13. 3.
Thrxe PERSONS in the Godhead diitinguiflied iy pcrfonal Proper- ties, G#, 2. 3 Of, 9. 10. Tne Equality of the Perlons proved, Cat iu
The PERSONAL UN ON of the two Natures in Chritt, Con, 8. 2. Cat, 36, 37 By Reafon of this tJ-nip , the proper Works of each Nature are accepted of God, and yeied on by Believers as the "Work ot the whole Per ion, Com. 8, 7, ( at. 40.
PHYSIC & to beufed moderately, Cat. 135
Lafcivious PICTURES difcharged,
' Cat. 130.
POLiGAMY, unlawful, Con. 24. U Cat. 159*
The POPE has no Power or Jtjfif-
; diction over Civil Magiitrates or their People, Cm* 23 ♦ 4. He is in no Senfe Head of the Church, bur isAntichrifr. Con, 25, 6*.
POWERS Ecciciiaitica! or Civil, not to be oppofed upon Pretence ot Cbrjiiian Liberty, On. 20. 4. tower of the Keys, See Key;*
RAISES to be joined with prayer, Cat' 196.
la PRAISE of any Gcod, we
either are, have, or can do, not to> be afcrbed to Fortune, ldois ourfelves, or any other CYea* tu-c, Cat. io/.
PRAYER, What, Cat, 178, The Duty of all Men, Co??, 21 3 To be made to God oniv, and wl y, Con, 2 1, a.. Cat% 179, That it may be accepted, it is robe made in the Name ot chiift, by the Help of the Spirit, Can, tf, 3, ( at 178. What is it to prav in the Nime of" Chi iff,. C at, 1 80. Why piayer is to he made in his N«uk, Cat, i8u How the Spirit heJp«tb pray 1 Cat, 182. Hi t/v prayer is ro be made, Cm, 2.3 Cat% 1S5, For what and foi whom wc «K 0 pray, Con, 2.1. 4. e at. 183- 184. prayer not to b ra*d< for ti - Dead, nor \^\ thofc oi whom it may be known thai the* hive finned the Sin1 unto Death, 1% prayer, now under the G > is not made more aocepra any piace in which ir is pc Cdjj nor towards which it reefed, Con. 21, 6. Tne Ri prayer ( at, 180.
The LORD'S PR^YrF
beufed, Of. 18/. 1 y I
in the Cattctijm y> 188, to the End. '
PREA\> HING oi the \V. r ; part of the ordinary religious Worfhip oi God, % 0». 2i„ s. And one of the Ordinances in which the Covenant of Grace is admi- niftred under the New Tcfta- menr, Con. 7, 6\ Cat. 35*. None are to preach tne Word, but Mi- niiteis of the Golpel, Cat. lyS. How they aie to preach. \^at 159. How the preaching of the Word is made eftecluai to Salvation, Cat. 15?.
PREDESTINATION, Cow, 3; 3.4. Cat. 13. The Doctiine of prede- stination how to be handled, and what Uie to be made of ir, Con. 3. 8.
PREPARATION required to the
Hearing of die Word, Cat, 160.
Whac
The TABLE
Whu Preparations require to the
Sabbarh, Cat. i\y. What to the
Lord's Supper, Cat. 17 1. PRESCIENCE, See Foreknowledge. PRIESTLY OFFICE of Chxift
how executed. Cat, 44, PRIVATE WORSHIP in Families
daily a Duty. Con. 21. 6. Cat.
IS*. PRIVILEGES of the Invifible
Owirch and of the Vifibie, See
Church. PRODaGALITY, a Sin, Cat 142. Tne PROFESSION of the Goipel,
is adorned by good Works, Con.
16. 2. And ougnt to be attended
vwrh a converiion in Holinefs
and Righteouinefs, Cat. 112.
167.
PROPERTY in Goods and Pof- teUons not infringed by the Ccmmunion of Saints, Qon. 26. 3. ■ PROPHECIES. The Covenant of Oiace aaminiltred by prophecies under the Law, Con. 7. 5. Cat 34.
Tne PROPHETICAL OFFICE of Chrift how executed, Cat. 43.
PROPITIATION. Ghrifi's ore oiuy Sacrifice «he alone propiti- ation for all the Sins of the E- le«j Ce?im 29. 2.
PRO rES PANTS fhould not mar- M with pi pith, Q-'H. 24.3.
PROVIDENCE, is Goa's mod Ho. iy, wile and powerful preier- ving, dnecting, difpofing and governing ail his Creatures and aii their Actions; according to his infallible Foreknowledge
. and immutable Decree $ to the Glory of his Wifc'cm, Power, J u it ice, Good ne Is and Mercy, wm.$,U Cat. 18 Evenrsare ordered according ro the Nature ol (econd Caufes, Con, 3. 1,5, 2, God in his ordinary providence maketh Ufe ol Means, yet is free to Work without, above and a- gainft them at his piealure, Con. S* 3. How providence is exer- ciied about Sin, Con. 5,4. See Sin theaituai Influence of the Hoiy Spirit is required to do good
Works, Ccn. 16", 3. God's pro- vidence towards Angels, Qat .* 19, toward Man when created, Car. Co, God's providence is in a molt Ipecial manner over his Church, Con. 5. 7. Cat. 45- 4? 5$,
FU3L1CK WORSHIP not to be neglected. Qon, 21, 6.
PUNISHMENT. See Sin.
PURGATORY, the Scripture ac- knowledged no fuch place, Con. 32, 1.
a
QUARRELING at God's De- crees and providences, iin- iu Cat, 113, QUARRELING, and provoking
Words iinful. Cat, 136. QUESTIONS that are curious or unprofitable are to be avoided* Lat* 113.
R
READING the Scriptures, a part of religious Worship, Con. 2 1. 5. How made effectual to Solva- tion, Cat: is Si It is the Duty of ail to read them apart by themfeives, and with their Fa- milies, Qon. 1.8* Cat. i$6. How the Word oi God is to be read* Con, 21, $. Cat. 157.
REBELLION, a Sin. Qat. 128;
RECONCILIATION with God purchafed by Chrift's Sacrifice oi himfelf, Qon. 8. s Cat ±±. RECREATIONS to be moderate* iy ufed, Cat 13? 136". But not on the Lord's Di.y. Can% zj. S; Cat. 1 19.
REDEMPTION, how purchafed by Cniift, Ccn, 8,j Qat. 38, 30. 40 For all the Eiedt, and them only, Gm, 3.6". To whom it is certainly applied, Qon. 2.S. Cat 59. Aitho' it was not actually wrought by Chriit till after his Incarnation, yet the Vertae, Ef- ficacy and Benefits of if, were Communicated to the Elecl in all Ages iucceflively from the Beginning of the World, Qon> 2. 6* How it is applied to them,
RE-
REGENERATION, See cffeZual
The REGENERATE are all free- ly P'^ i Com. u. j SeiJnfii- :?t. And Ssnchhed, cot. 13. ■« I .tf/c?;. The Cor-
ruption ot Nature remains in fhem, and all the Motions of it are Sin, ^ont 6\ $> But it is Par* doned and mortified through Chriit, Ibid. The Ufe of the Moral Law to them, Cflw, 19. 6". Co/. 97. REPENTANCE, What, Cw. 15.2. C tt. 75 , Altob* it be no oatisracti- on for Sin, nor Caufe ofpardon, ytt no Pardon without it, Con. 15, :• ^..:, 153. Njr Condemnation where it is, Cwi. 15. 4. 6. h is evciy Man's Dury to endeavour to repent p-rriaiiarly ot his par- ticular Sins, Co*. \$. 5. Tne Do- ctrine of Repeidance to be ::ed by every Miniiter, as w€il as that of FaitO in Chriit, Co7z 15. 1. Repentance to be de- clared to thole that are of ended, W o are thereupon to be recon- o, C«*. 15 6. REPROBATION, Cm. 3. ;, Car,
13. RESURRECTION o£Chiiti,0*. 8- 4 Cat, 52. ThcEiaof his own Power, G*;. yi.it is a Proof oi his being tne Son ot God, and of his Saisiactton to Di- vine Juftice, &c. Ibid. It is an ance ro believers of their Relurrcction* Ibid. They have Fellowship with him in his Retur* lection. Con. 2.6. i. He role again for chur Juft.hcarbn, Con. 11, 4.. Cat, 52. And through rhe Venue oi his Death and Rduirecrion. they are Sancnfied, Un. 1?, i. Cat. 75, They draw Strength from his Death and Rdurrecnon tor the morcf>xng of Sin, and qckk- ning ot dace Car, 52. 167. The RESURRECTION of the D.ad, oi the Juit and Unjuit,
REVELATION. The divers Ways
The TABLE.
of God's Revealing his Will, Con. 1. i.
RIGHTEOUSNESS. Mm was cre- ated Righteous af'er the Image of God, Con. 4. 2. Car, 17 But by Sin he tell from thatorig:nai Rightecufnefs, Con. 6. 2. Cat. 25-, And lincc the Fail no Man can attain to Righteoufnefs by the Moral Law. ^at 94. Nor by having Righteouinels infuied in- to fntm, Con. 11, 1. Car. 70. Buc thofe whom God effectually cal- ieth, he accepre:h and account- ed as Righteous, i>y imputing the Obedience and Satisraccion of Chrrii to them, they receiving aud Refting on him and his Righ- teoufnefs by Faith, Ibid, See Faith Imputation, Jujtifcatien; Why the Righteous a:e not delivered from Death, Cat. 8 c, Their Stare immediately a>tcr Death, Con% 32. 1. Car. 86, AttheRefurrecn- on and Day or Judgment, Con. 32, 3.33, 2, Cat 87. 90. S
SA B B A T H, By the Law of Na- ture, a due Proportion oi Time ought to be let apart for the Woifhip of God,CcH, "i. 7. God harh in his Word by a poiitive and perpetual Commandment, binding all Men in al Ages, ap- pointed one D-iy in Seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy to him- fcli, Con. 21. 7. Cat. 20. 116. Which was the la It Day of the Week irom the Bcginniogofthe World ro the Reiurrecnon of Chriit, and the hrit Day ever iince and fo ro continue to the End of the Woild, Con. fci. 7, Cat. 116. How theSabbarhis to ne fanctified, Con. 21. 8. C*r. 117. How it is profaned, Cat. 119. Why we are commanded to remember it Cat, 121, The Lord's Day is a Memorial of our Creation and Redemption, which contain a fhort Abridgment of Religion, jbia!.. What axe the . Rea-
The TA B LE.
Reafons annexed ro the f i C m ■"■' and the more do d O* 120. Whythf! Charge of
rfttfies and o-
the C.;:. i . ;J.
A SACRAMENT Tie fflfti
. ami Ends of it, Cm 27. :. 1 j2. The Parts of a Sacra. merit, Q.,n, 27.2. Gffc 163. There are only mo Sacra meats infii- tured by Lhriii, Cm, 27, 4. Cat. 164. Which are oniy to oe cif- A by Mini :ers of the Word iawru. 27. 4,
How they are made tfPeclual to Sanation, Gon. 27. 3. Cat. 1S1. The Sacraments of fhe Or Te- stament were the U. fiance with the
Con. 27, 5. W e Sacra-
ments of Bapri of the
Lord's Supper agree, Cat, 176 Wherein they difier, C at. ijy, SACRIFICE. TJ*'-Ge*eaant of Grace ws«s adrniniitred under the Law by Sacrifices, Cm. 7. y. 8. 6"; C*f. 34, Which iion;fled 1 to come, i£/i. Who hath fully ic Jaftkc of his Father, ;-orr-.r:ng-himfe f a Sa- crifice wi-h'u: Spot ro God, Cw. 8, y. Cat, 44. There is no real Bee made lor Sin in the Lore's S pper, Ght, 29,3, Thai 5 initeturcd for rhe r>erpetuai Remembrance of Chill's bra _ io his
Death, Cm 29, 1. C*f* 168. To : is aloft aoom;- ioos, Con. 29, 2. SAINTS. See Believers Qtmtkmion. Tney are not : Ccn. 21. 2- Grtf. ioy. SALVATION, Not to be atrained by Men who do not p.oieis die Chi tftian Religion; be they ne- ver fo diligent to live up to the 'light of Nature, or the Law of that Religion wfeich they profefs, Lin. 10. 4. Qzt 6*> There being no Salvation dot in Chiift .alone, id. Who hath pur<.haled-, it by
his perfed Obedience and Sacri- fice pi
For i .::, and them on-
6, To whom the out-
-ns are made effectual
Spirit,
Cm. 7, &#•*£• Ij £*** U+ *SS:
l6l, :
Hearts Faith in Jefus Chrifi, C R 14. i. Cat. 72 Which is necef-
required of them for their Juft ficanon and Salvation, 7. 3. 11. 1. Cat. 32. fU The Spi- rit alfo worketb RepL.vance, and infufeth all other faving Grace?, Con 13. u Cat. 32, ;y. j6. 77, Which necellariJv accc Fairb, Con. 11. 2- Ckt. ji. The : like wife enables them un- to all Ooedience and the Practice of Hoiinels, which is the
God harh appointed them to S'iivarion> Cm 13. 1. Cat. 32. Infants dying in Infancy are regenerated and faved by Chrift thiough the Spirit, &c Con. 10. 3. 5ANCTIFICATI0N, What, Con. 13. I. Cat. 7$. Infeparab*y join- ed with Juftificacion Cat. 77, Wherein they differ, mil It ts throughout in the whole Man, Cm. i 3. 2, Cat. 75. But in this Life it is not peried in any, ten. 13. 2. Cat. 77, Whence this
rcction proceeds, Cm. 13.
2. Cat. 78. Through nual Supply ot Screngrl
trying Sp'ri: of Saincs grow in Grace, pei: H linefe in the : car ol God, Con. 13. 3. At Death they are mice perfect in Hoiioefc, Qw, 32. 1, C^. g^« And at the Day cf'j and !or ever treed from a
SAT>ISF*C?ION, Repentance is
no Srisiacticri lor Sin, Cra. ty.
3. Nor good Works, and \shy, Con, i5, 5. Neither we nor any ochet Creature can mai^c - : > Stogfefifeb for S.i, trf*
C:
The TABLE
Chrift alone hath made a pro- per, real and full Satisfaction co the juftice of his Father by his Obedience and Sufferings, Con. 8. $. ii. y. Cat. 38. 71. Which Satisfaction is imputed to Believers, they receiving and retting on Chrift, and his Righte- oulnefs by Faith, Con. 11, 1. Cat. 70. SCANDALOUS, not to be admit- ted to the Lord's Table, Con. 29. 8. Cat. 175. SCOFFING and SCORNING, fin-
ful. Cat: 113. 145-. The SCRIPTURE, why necciTa- ry. Cm, 1. 1. What Books to be owned lor Scripture, Con. 1.2, 3. Cat. 3, How proved to be the Word of God, Con. 1,5. Cat. 4. Upon what Authority the Scrip- ture ought ro be believed and obeyed, Con. 1.4.' The Sufficien- cy and Ptrfedu'on of the Scrip- Jure, Co?i. 1 6. Cat. 2. 5. Its Per- fpicusty, Com 1. 7, The Infal- lible P.ule cf Interpreting, Scrip- ture is the Scripture itlelf. Con. ?, 9. The Scripture is the only Rul j of Faith and Praclice, Cm. 3.2. Cat,i,,$. AndofWorfhip Cm. 2 j. i, Cat. 108. 109. The Spirit (peaking in the Scriptures, is the iupreme Judge of all Con- troversies in Religion, Cm. r% 10. The original Text of the Scrip- tures is that to which the Church is finally to appeal, Con% 1, 8, But they are to be tran flared in- to vulgar Languages, Con, 1. 8. Cat. iy5. Becaufe all Sorts of People have an Interclt in them, and are commanded to read them. Ibid-, How they are to be read, Cat 157. Tne Illumi- nation of the Spirit of God is neceflary for the faving Under- Handing of the Scriptures, Con, l. 6. Cat. 157 How the Reading of the Word is made efTecfu - 1 to Salvation, Cat. 157. Mifuuer- preting, Mifapplying, or any way perverting the Word, or any Pare
of it to profane Jefts is finful,
SIN, What, Cat. 24. ORIGINAL Sin, What, Cat. z$. The Sin ot Our firft Parents, Con. 6*. 1. Cat 21. By it they lell from their Original Righteoufaefs and Communion with God, and had tneir Natures wholly corrupted, Con. 6. 2 Cat. 15. 27. The Guilt of this Sin is imputed, and the Corruption of Nature conveyed to all their Po- sterity, Con. 6. 3, Cat. 22. 26; Who are thereby bound over to the Wrath of God, and Curfe of the Law, Con. 6", 6, Cat. 27- 194. from the original Corruption of Nature all ACTUAL SINS pro- ceed, Con, 6*. 4 Cat. 25. Which are not all equally hainous, Cat? I jo. The Aggravations of Sin, Cat, 151. The Demerit of every Sin. Con. 6. 6. Cat. 152. Punish- ments of Sin in this World, Con. 5*. $• 6- 17- 3. 18.4; Cat. 2S.83.* In the World to come, Con. 32. 1, 33.2. Cat) 29.86', 2o. Sin is pardoned for Chritt's Sake alone, Con. u. 1, iy. 3 Cat. 70. See Nullification j Satisjaclion. Every Man bound ro pray for pardon of Sin. Cow, iy. 6. God continues to pardon the Sins of thofe that are juftified, Con. n. $. How pardon of Sin is to be prayed tor: Cat. 194.. The Sin unto Death, Con, 21.4, Cat. 183. Be- lievers have the Dominion of the whole Body of Sin destroyed, and the Lulls thereof more and more weakned and mortified, Con. 6\ 5. 1 3. I, Cat. 7$. See Mortification, Santlification. I low Providence i? excrcifed about Sin, Con. 5. 4# Why God permitted the Sin of our firft Parents. Con, 6. 1. Why* he leaves his Children ro fall in- to Sin, Cm. 5. y Why and how Sinners are hardned* Con. 5. 6m Cat. 68.
SINS againft the firft command
meat, Cat. 105, Againft the te-
coad, Ctf% 109, Againft the third
Cat
The TABLE
CM. 1 1 3. Agamft the Fourth.Car. Up. Sins of Inferiois, Cat. 128; Sins of Superiors, Cat. 150. Sins of equals, Qat. 132. Sins againft the lixth Commandment, Cat. 136". Agamft the Seventh, Cat% 1 39. Againft the eight, Cat, 142. Againft the ninth, Qat. i^S* Againft the tenth, Cat. 148.
SINCERITY, Believers love Chrift inSinccrity. Qon. 18. 1. They are never utterly deftiture of Sinceri- ty of Heart, Con, 18. 4, Minifters ought to preach fmcerly* Cat. 159. We are to pray with Sin- cerity, Cat. 185. God is pleafed to accept and reward the good Works of Believers, which are fncere, Con. 16 ,6.
SINGING ot Plalms, a part of re- ligious Worftiip, Con. 21.5,
SLANDERING, finful, Cat. j4y,
SONGS that are lafcivious, lor- bidden. Cat. 139.
cThe SOUL of Man is immortal. Con. 4. 2. Cat. 17. Thefiate of Souls when ieparate from their Bodies, Con. 32. 1. Cat. 85.
SOVEREIGNTY. God hath mod Sovereign Dominion over his Creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon them wharloever he pieafeth, Con. 2, 2. The Light ot Nature fheweth that God hath Lordfhip and Sovereignty over all, Cow, 21. 1. Eternal Sovereign- ty to be afcribed to God alone, Cat, 19 6. We are to pray with due Appreheniions of his Sove- reign power. Cat. 185. 189,
SPIRIT, See Holy Ghott.
STaGE-PLAYo, forbidden. Cat. 1*9.
STE.WS not to be tolierated, Cat.
SUPEREROGATION, impcffible Cm, 16.4.
SUPERIORS, why filled Fathers and Mother?, Cat. 125". How to be honoured, Con. 23, +,Qat. 127. Their Duty. Qon. 23. 1, 2, 3, Cat, j29. Their Sins, Cat* 130. Sec Mag7ftracy9
SUPERSTITION. God may bc| be worshipped according to the Imaginations <md Devices cf Men, Cn. 21. 1, Religious Wor-
. (hip nor inftituted by God him- (elr, is not to be ufed or appro- ved, Cat. 109, Ail Superitkious Devices, &c. finful, Lat ico, 113.
SUPPER, See Lord's Supper.
SURETY, Chrifi the Surety for Be- lievers, Cat. 71. He was through- ly furnifhed to execute that Of- hce, Con, 3. 3, AndGodaccep- tech Satisfaction from him as their Surety. Cat, 71,
SURETYSHIP j that is not nec^ fary to be avoided, Cat, 14.1,
SUSPENSION from the Lord's Table, Co,v, 30. 4.
SWEARING, See Oaths, Vain or lafh Swearing by the Name of God, or to twear at all by any other Thing, is fo be abhorred, Con. iz, 2'
SYNODS, See Councils. T
TALE. BEARING, Cat, i45v TEMPTATION. JWhy God leaves his Children to manifold Temptations. Con, $: $. The Wicked given up to the Temp- tations of the World. Con. s . 6\ Temptations to Sin are to be a- voided and refitted, Cat, 9 9, p. 6. 135-, 138. How Temptation, is to be prayed agamft. Cat. 105/
TESTAMENT., The Books of the Old and New Teftament are the Word of God* Cow, i. 2. Cat. 3. and the only Rrie of Faith and Obedience, ibid. Sec Scriptures.
TESTAMENT. Why the Cove- nant of Grace is called a Testa- ment, Con. 7, 4. As it was ad- mimitred under the Law, it is called the Old Teitament, Cs»* 7# 5. And as admmiitred under the Gofpel it is called ins New Teftament, Cen.j.6.
THANKSGIVING to tc joined
with Prayer,0»**l.3. Cat. 10&
178.
fki TABLE;
1 ?8. tr is to be made in the Name of Chrift, Cow, 21. 3 Solemn Than!dgivin§, a Part of religi- ous Worfhip, Con. 21. 5.
TOLERATION. A falfe Religioa nor to betolerared, Cat. 109,
TRADITION, no Pretence for tiling fupentitious Devices in rhe Worfhip of God, Cat. 1 op; No Traditions of Men to be added to the Soipture Con. 1 6.
TRANSU8STANTUTION is re. pugnant not only to Scripture, but to common Senfe and Rea- fon, Con, 29, 6. And is the Caule of manifold Superfluous, yea of grols Idolatries, ibid
The TREE of Life was a Pledge of the Covenant of Works, Cat,
The TRINITY, See God, Perlons TRUTH between Man and Man, how prcferved and promoted, Cat. 144. What Things are con- trary to \t3Cat. 145.
U
UNION of the Eicfl with drift, Cm%zs. 1. 26, 1. Cat, 66, It is infeperable, Cat. j$m Belie- vers are united to one another in Love, Con. 26\ 1.
UNION of the two Natures in Chrut, See p wfonnlUnion^
UNREGENERATE, The Ufe of the Moral Law to them, Cat, 96". Their belt Works cannot pleaie God, and why, Qon, i6\ 7. But their Neglect to do what God commands, is more flnful, ibid*
VOCATION, See Calling.
VOW, a Part of religious Worfhip, Cor, 21, 5. What it is, and how to be made, Con. 22, s, 6 To be made to Gnd alone, Con z$. * 6. Cat 108, What Vows are un- law fuL Con. 2i. 7, Violating of lawiul vows, and fulfilling of un- Lawiul is iinful, Cat. J13.
USURY, unlawful, Q># 142.
w
W
A R may be waged by Chri- itians under the NewTefta-
ment, Cw, 23, 1:
The WICKED, Their Condition in this Life, Q*\ 83. Im nediatc-' ly after Death, Cow. 32. k Catf. 86*. In and after Judgment, Con* 33. 2. Gtf, 89.
WILL. The Counfel ot God's Will is moll wife and holy, Con. 3. I, G?£. 12. It ?s unfearcbable, Con* 3. 7. C#£: ij- It is free and im- mutable, Con s* 1. Cat. 14., And mod righteous, 0#. 2 1. How the Will of God is to be done and' fubmitted to, Cat. 191, The Will of God revealed in the Scrip- tures is rhe only Rule of Faith, Worfhip and Practice. See Scrip* ture^ Chrift revealeth to his Church by his Spirit and Word, the whole Will of God, in all Things concerning their Edificai- tion and Salvation, Cat. 43.
FREE-WILL. The Will of Man is neither forced, nor by any ab- fohne Neceflry of Nature, deter- mined to do Good or Evil, Con,
3. 1. 9. 1, Man in his State of lnnocency had Freedom and Power to will and do Good, Con.
4. 2. 9. 2. Qat. 1 y. By h'S Fall he bit all Ability of Will to any fpiritual Good accompanying Salvation, Con. 6, 2.4, 9, 3. Cat* 25*. 191. The will is renewed in Converfion, Cd#« 9, 4* !o. 1. Cat. 67. It is made perfectly and immutably free to do Good alone in the State of Glory only, Cons 9, *•
WORD, See Scripture, Reading^ Preaching Hearing.
WORLDLY-MINDEDNESS, fin- ful, Cat. 105. 142.
WORKS. What are good Works, and what not, Con, 16. 1. Good * works are the Fruits and Evi- dences of a true and Lively Faith, CV2 l£ z> The Ufes ard Ends ot good Works, ibid Ability ro do good Works is wholly from the Spirit ot Chrift, Qmi 16,3.. The actual Influence ot the Spi- rit is required for the Perfor- mance
TheT A B L Li
• mance of rhem, Ibid. This no Pica for Negligence, Ibid- Su- pererogation, impoffible, Con. 16. 4.. We cannor by our belt Works merit pardon of Sin or eternal Lite at the Hand of God, and why Qon, 16*. 5", Yet the good works of Believers are accepted by God in Cnrift> ana* rewarded, Qion% 16". 6". rne Works of unregenerate Men cannot pleafe God, and why, Co7** 1 & 7- But to neglect ro do what God commands, is more finful, Ibid. All perfons fhall in the Day of Judg- ment, receive according to what rhey have done in the Body, whether Good or Evil, Con. 33 i- WORSHIP, To God is due from his Creatures, whatever WorGiip he is pleated to require, Qq?i. 2 2 . The light of Nature fheweth that God is to be worftiipped, ©». 21. 1. But ^ the Acceptable way of worfhipping God is in- ftkuted by himfelf in the Scrip- rures. Ibid. He may not be Wor- shipped according to the Imagi- nations and Devices of Men. Cm. 2,1, 1, OP* J°P- Wife
Worfhip is to he oppofed, Cos.
108. As alfo any Worship no: inftituied by God himfelf, Cat.
109. But there are fome Cir- cumirances concerning the Wor- ship of God. which are to be or- dered by the Light of Nature and Chriflian prudence, according to the general Rules of the Word, Con. 1. 6, Religious Worfhip is to be given to God the Father, Son, and holy Ghofr, and to him alone $ and that only in the Mediation of Chrilr, Lon, 21. 2. Cat. 179.181. The pans or.' religious Worfhip, Con. 21. $.- y. Religious WTorfhip not ry7d to any place, but God is to be Worfhipped every where in Spirit: and Truth, as in private Fami- lies daily, and in tecret, each one by himfelf -y fo more So- lemnly in the publick Aflem- blies, which are not to be ne^ gle&ed, Con. 2* 6".
WRATH, See Lurje.
ZE A L for God, a Duty, Cat, 104., Corrupt, blind, and in- di icreerZal, ftnrui, C^t: io>.
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