Imprimatur,
THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE Oracles of God.
Explained in a brief Exposition
- Of the CREED.
- The ten COMMANDMENTS.
- The LORDS PRAYER.
- And the SACRAMENTS.
Together With several Hymns, or Psalms of Prayer and Praise, suited to divers occasions.
And these words, which I command thee this [...]ay shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children; and shalt talk of them, when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou lyest down, and when thou risest up.
For when for the time ye ought to be Teachers ye have need that one teach you again, which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God.
LONDON, Printed for John Hancock, at the three Bibles in Popes-Head Alley. 1677.
TO THE READER.
THE Composer of this Catechism adviseth such as are otherwise likely to be discouraged with the thoughts of learning so many Questions and Answers, to begin first of all with those which are marked with Qu. and Answ. in the Margin: After which they may possibly be better incouraged to learn the rest; or at least [Page] such as are Printed in the same large Character. But whatever they learn, let them be careful, to deliver the same distinctly, and without mistakes, the neglect whereof hath occasion'd great prejudice to many, which is much more easily prevented than remedied afterwards.
He desires also such as are inclin'd to think divers of the proofs to be superfluous, especially in that part which treats of Relative Duties, to consider that one Text of Scripture may administer further light than another, [Page] which yet speaks to the same thing: or else the manner of expression, and the Emphasis being various, it may be to good purpose to produce diverse Scriptures in some cases, though the main intendment of them be one and the same. In other places he hath omitted the proofs altogether; to avoid prolixity and frequent quotation of the same Scriptures.
He thinks it requisit likewise to signify, that the following Hymns are collected out of the Psalms of David; several Verses of divers [Page] Psalms being placed under the same Head: and most of them different from the common and ordinary version, or any other heretofore extant.
THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE Oracles of GOD.
[I believe in GOD the Father Almighty.]
Quest. Quest. WHat are the Articles of your Christian Faith?
Answ. Answ. I Believe in God the Father Almighty, &c.
Q. How is it, that men come to Believe?
A. Men come to Believe ordinarily by hearing God's Word.
Q. Are all those true Believers, that do hear Gods Word?
A. No (a); but such only in whom it worketh effectually(b), being applied to them by Gods blessed Spirit(c).
Qu. When is Gods Word received and entertained aright?
A. When it is received with attention(a), Faith(b), Love(c), Meekness(d); and when it is remembred and practised by us(e).
Q. What change doth there pass on those, who are effectually wrought upon by Gods Word and Spirit?
A. 1. There is a change in their Understandings(a), so as they are brought to the knowledg of their own sinful and miserable Estate(b), and to the knowledg of Christ (c), the only Hope set before them (d). 2. There is a change also in their wills(e), so as that they do heartily lay hold upon Jesus Christ, and receive him according as he is offered to them(f).
Q. What are we to believe concerning God?
A. We are to believe that there is a God, and what this God is.
Q. Doth it not appear that there is a God by these things which are seen?
A. Yes, the invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his Eternal Power and Godhead.
Quest. Q. What do you believe God to be?
Answ. A. God is an infinite(a) Spirit(b), and of himself blessed for ever(c).
Quest. Q. What are those Attributes, or Properties, which are ascribed unto God?
Answ. A. Eternity(a), Immensity(b), Majesty(c), Unchangeableness(d), Wisdom(e), Holiness(f), Power(g), Justice(h), Goodness(i) and Truth(k).
Q. What do you learn from Gods being a Spirit?
A. To Worship him in Spirit and truth. Joh. 4.24.
Q. What do you lear [...] from the consideration of Gods Eternity?
A. That he hath no need of us, who was in, and of himself God blessed for ever(a), before the Mountains were framed, or the little Hills brought forth; that the happiness of the Godly(b) and the misery of the Wicked shall never have an end(c).
Q. What do ye learn from the consideration of Gods Immensity?
A. That he is every where present, [Page 7] filling Heaven and Earth, so that 'tis not possible for us to hide our selves or flee from him.
Q. What do you learn from the consideration of Gods Majesty?
A. To adore and fall down before him(a), and to serve him with Reverence and godly fear(b).
Q. What do you learn from the consideration of Gods Ʋnchangableness?
A. To hold fast the profession of our Faith without wavering(a), seeing he is faithful that hath promised; and to be affraid of his threatnings which shall accordingly be inflicted(b).
Q. What do you learn from the consideration of Gods Wisdom?
A. That God will not be mocked(a), that he observeth all our ways(b), and before him all things are naked and open(c). I learn also from hence to desire his guidance(d), to serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind(e), and to pray for the pardon of my most secret Sins(f).
Q. What do you learn from the consideration of Gods Holiness?
A. To abhor that which is evil and cleave to that which is good(a), purifying my self even as God is pure(b).
Q. What are we to learn from the consideration of Gods Power?
A. To fear him above all(a), to humble our selves under his mighty hand(b), not to provoke him(c), or harden our selves against him(d), to believe that whatever he hath promised he is able to perform(e), and to trust in him, not fearing what man can do unto us(f).
Q. What are we taught from the consideration of Gods Justice?
A. To pass the time of our sojourning here in fear(a), to learn righteousness(b), not to complain(c), but accept of the punishment of our Iniquity(d), and acknowledg that the Lord is Righteous in all his ways(e): I learn further from hence to do no evil to my Neighbour(f), not to go beyond, or defraud him in any matter(g), not to have respect of persons(h), to render unto all their dues(i), and to commit my cause to him that judgeth righteously(k).
Q. What doth the consideration of Gods Goodness teach us?
A. To love him who first loved us(a), to give him thanks(b), to cast all our care upon him(c), to do good unto all(d), even to the unthankful and evil(e), and to forgive others as God for Christs sake forgiveth us(f).
Q. What are we to learn from the consideration of Gods Truth?
A. To draw near to him with a true heart in full assurance of Faith(a), to put away lying, and speak truth every man to his Neighbour(b), to harbour no guile(c), but in all simplicity and godly sincerity to have our conversation here in this world(d).
Q. Have not Creatures likewise the same Attributes which are ascribed unto God?
A. Some of Gods Attributes are incommunicable [Page 11] and cannot be ascribed to any Creature: Others are communicable to Creatures. Thus Noah was a just man, Samson a strong man, Solomon a wise man.
Q. But is there no difference between these communicable Properties; as they are in God, and as they are in the Creatures?
A. Yes, they differ in three respects. 1. They are only Qualities in the Creature, but in God they are his very Essence: for whatever is in God is God. 2. They are in God Originally, he is the Fountain of them: but in Creatures they are only by participation, as they are received from him. 3. They are all in God perfectly and infinitely: but Creatures have them only in part and by measure.
Q. How do you then understand those Scriptures; There is none holy as the Lord. Thou only art holy. There is none good but one, that is God?
A. I understand them thus, That God only is Essentially, Originally, and Infinitely holy and good. Or, that Comparatively none is holy and [Page 12] good but God, in comparison of whom all Creatures are nothing and less than nothing.
Quest. Q. What have you learned further concerning God?
Answ. A. That there are three Persons in the God-head, the Father, the Son, and the Holy-Ghost(a); and yet these three are but one God(b).
Q. What are the personal Properties of these three Persons?
A. The personal property of God the Father is to beget the Son from all Eternity: Of the Son, to be from all Eternity begotten of the Father: Of the Holy-Ghost, from all Eternity to proceed from them both.
Q. How may we come to the enjoyment of God?
A. By observing our Rule, which is [Page 13] the word of God, contained in the Old and New Mestament.
Q. What is it that the Word of God doth teach us?
A. It teacheth us what we are to believe, and what we are to practise.
[Maker of Heaven and Earth.]
Quest. Q. What is the difference between Gods work of Creation, and Gods works of Providence?
Answ. A. Gods work of Creation is his making all things of nothing(a). Gods works of Providence are his upholding(b) and disposing of all his Creatures(c).
Q. What are the parts then of Providence?
A. Preservation(a) and Government(b).
Q. Doth Gods Providence dispose of all things?
A. Yes (a), even those things which to us seem most casual(b) and inconsiderable(c).
Q. What should the Consideration thereof teach us?
A. Not to quarrel at his proceedings, or distrust him; but submit our selves to his holy will, and cast all our care upon him, who careth for us.
Quest. Q. Which are the principle Creatures God made?
Answ. A. Angels and Men.
Quest. Q. What have you learnt concerning the Angels?
A. Answ. That God made them glorious Spirits(a), of whom some continue in their holy state(b), the bright Inhabitants of Heaven(c): other fell from it and became Devils, who are reserved in everlasting Chains under darkness unto the Judgment of the great Day(d).
Quest. Q. Whereof doth Man consist?
Answ. A. Of an earthy Body, and of a reasonable and immortal Soul.
Q. Is not the Soul of man his better [Page 16] part, and chiefly to be minded?
A. Yes certainly; for what will it profit a man to gain the whole world if he lose his own Soul? So that if I should mind my Body, and my outward estate and condition more carefully than my Soul and my Spiritual estate and condition, I shall be guilty of the greatest and most desperate folly and madness; and it would have been good for me if I had not been born.
Quest. Q. In what estate was man at first created?
Answ. A. In a state of Innocency after the Image of God.
Quest. Q. Wherein did that Image of God consist?
Answ. A. In Knowledg(a), Righteousness and Holiness(b), and dominion over the rest of Inferiour Creatures(c).
Quest. Q. What are those two Covenants, which God did make with Man?
Answ. A. A Covenant of Works, and a Covenant of Grace.
Qu. Quest. Which is the Covenant of Works?
A. Answ. The Covenant of Works is that first Covenant, which God did make with man, promising him life upon condition of perfect, Personal, and perpetual Obedience.
Q. Quest. Did man perform this condition on his part?
A. No, Answ. he sinned against God in eating of the Tree of knowledg of good and evil(a), which God had strictly forbidden(b).
Q. What are those heinous sins which man's eating of the forbidden Fruit did include in it?
A. Besides the disobeying of Gods express Commandment, this sin of our first Parents did include in it, 1. A high degree of Pride and Ambition, in that they aspired to be as God. 2. Unbelief, in that they credited not Gods Threatning. 3. Ingratitude towards God, who had made them, and done so much for them, and had given them so great a variety to eat of. 4. Credulity in hearkening to Satan, when he said, Ye shall not surely dye. 5. Discontent with that which was allotted them. 6. Luxury, in indulging so much to please the sense. 7. Sacriledg, in taking that which God had so reserved. 8. Murder of themselves and their Posterity.
Quest. Q. Did all mans Posterity sin in the fall of Adam?
Answ. A. All that came from him by a natural and ordinary way of Generation; for they were all in his Loyns; and the Covenant was made not with him only, but in him with his Posterity also.
Quest. Q. What condition did Man-kind fall into?
A. Answ. Into a sinful and miserable condition.
Q. Quest. Wherein doth the sinfulness of mans fallen Estate consist?
Answ. A. In Original sin(a), and in his actual sins(b).
Quest. Q. What is Sin?
A. Answ. Sin is the transgression (or breach) of Gods Law.
Q. Quest. Wherein doth Original Sin consist?
Answ. A. In the guilt of that first Sin, which Adam committed(a), in the want of that righteousness wherein he was created(b); and in the Corruption of our whole Nature, from whence proceed our actual Sins, which are the particular breaches of Gods Law(c).
Q. How many ways do we fall into actual sins?
A. By Omission, or leaving undone what we ought to do(a): and by Commission, or doing what we ought not to do(b).
Q. What miseries did man by his sin fall into?
A. He not only lost the enjoyment of Communion with his Maker(a), but brought himself under the wrath and curse of God(b), became liable to all the evils, pains and sorrows of this present life,(c) to death(d), and to the endless woes and torments of Hell(e).
Quest. Q. What is the Covenant of Grace?
A. Answ. The Covenant of Grace is that second Covenant, which (when man had broken the first) God was graciously pleased to enter into, and therein to promise him Life and Salvation upon condition of his believing in Jesus Christ.
[And in JESUS CHRIST] his only Son, our Lord, &c.
Q. Quest. What do these words JESUS and CHRIST signify?
Answ. A. JESƲS signifies a Saviour(a), and CHRIST signifies Anointed, that is appointed, fitted▪ commissionated, and sent by God(b).
Q. Who then is Jesus Christ?
Answ. A. Jesus Christ is the Eternal Son of God, who for our sakes became man, and is the Anointed Saviour.
Quest. Q. What is it to believe in Jesus Christ?
Answ. A. To believe in Jesus Christ is to receive him intirely as he is tendered in the Gospel, and to rest upon him only for Salvation; or Faith in Jesus Christ is the hearty accepting of him, as our only Lord and Saviour.
Quest. Q. What are the Characters of this true Faith, whereby it may be known?
Answ. A. A true saving Faith may be known by a ready receiving and obeying of Gods Word(a) by a high prizing of Jesus Christ(b), by purifying of the heart(c), by good Works(d), and by overcoming of the World(e).
Q. How is Jesus Christ Gods only Son?
A. By eternal Generation(a). Angels(b) and men(c) are Gods Children by Creation. All true Believers are Gods Children by Adoption(d) and Regeneration(e); and enjoy the Priviledges of Children, safe Protection(f), suitable Provision(g), due Correction(h), Audience and Acceptance(i), and a sure title to a glorious Inheritance(k).
Q. How do you prove that Jesus Christ is God?
A. 1. Those Attributes are ascribed to him, which are incommunicable to Creatures, as Eternity(a), Omnipotence(b), Omniscience(c), Omnipresence(d). 2. Divine Honour and Worship is to be given to him(e). 3. He is in Scripture called God(f).
Q. Quest. Hath Jesus Christ two distinct intire natures?
A. Yes, Answ. the Human Nature(a) and the Divine Nature(b),(c) both in one person (e).
Q. Quest. Why was our Mediator both God and Man?
Answ. A. He became Man, that he might be capable of suffering, and that he might make satisfaction in the same [Page 26] nature that had offended(a). And being God he was able to undergo, and get through his sufferings(b), and his sufferings were available(c).
Quest. Q. Was Jesus Christ conceived and born in an ordinary way, as others are?
Answ. A. No; He was conceived by the Holy Ghost(a), and born of the Virgin Mary (b), without sin(c).
Q. Quest. What are the Offices of Jesus Christ, our anointed Saviour?
Answ. A. Three; the Office of a Prophet(a), of a Priest(b), and of a King(c).
Q. Quest. What is Christs Prophetical Office?
Answ. A. Christs Office, as he is a Prophet, is to reveal, or make known to us Gods will.
Q. Quest. How doth Christ make known to us Gods will.
Answ. A. Outwardly by his Word(a), and inwardly by his Spirit(b).
Quest. Q. Wherein consisteth Christs Priestly Office?
Answ. A. In Offering up himself a Sacrifice(a) once for all(b), and in making continual Intercession for us(c).
Q. What are the two parts then of Christs Priesthood?
A. Oblation and Intercession.
Quest. Q. Why did Christ offer up himself a Sacrifice?
Answ. A. To satisfy the Justice of God(a), and to purchase for us his favour(b).
Q. How did Christ fulfil and satisfy [Page 29] that first Covenant, whereunto man was obliged?
A. In performing that Righteousness which the Law of God did require(a),(b) and in bearing the punishment which was due for the breaking of it (h).
Q. But is it agreeable to Justice, that the innocent should suffer what the guilty deserve?
A. There is no injustice in [...] [...]ince Christ did willingly, and [...] accord undertake the same, [...] [...]ng power so to do.
Q. Did the benefit of Christs death extend to those who were before his Incarnation?
A. Yes; the Saints of God who before Christs time, were saved likewise [Page 30] by Faith in him(a), who was revea [...] ed to them by Promises(b), Types(c) and Sacrifices(d).
Q. How is it that the second Covenant is called a Covenant of Grac [...] seeing Christ hath paid a full price?
A. It is a Covenant of Grace an [...] Mercy notwithstanding(a); becau [...] 1. Christ was freely given by the Father(b). 2. What Christ did and suffered was accepted for others in thei [...] [Page 31] stead(c). 3. Faith it self, which is required of us, is Gods gift(d), and he inables us to that Obedience and Service we Pay unto him(e).
Q. May we then sit still and say, 'Tis God must do all?
A. No surely; we must strive to enter in at the strait Gate(a), run that we may obtain(b), fight the good fight of Faith, and lay hold on eternal life(c); give diligence to make our Calling and Election sure(d), and because it is God that worketh in us, therefore we must work out our own Salvation with fear and trembling(e).
Q. How could Christs Obedience satisfy for others, since he himself being a man was bound to obey God?
A. Because he was also God, and did freely and voluntarily become man.
Quest. Q. Wherein consisteth Christs Kingly Office?
Answ. A. In subduing us unto himself(a), in protecting and governing us(b), and in Restraining, Conquering, and Triumphing over all his Enemies(c).
Quest. Q. In what respects did Christ humble himself?
Answ. A. That he became a man(a), and was born in so mean a condition(b), that he was subject to the Law(c), that he underwent the sorrows of this life(d), and was tempted of the Devil(e), that he endured heavy and grievous torments in his Soul(f), that he submitted to divers Indignities(g), and died upon the Cross a shameful, painful, and cursed death(h), that he was buried(i), and that he continued three days in the Grave(k).
Q. Who was Pontius Pilate?
A. Pontius Pilate was a Roman sent by Tiberius the Emperour to be a Governour in Judea, who upon the malicious(a) instigation(b) of the Jews (out of whose hands the power of life and death was taken away)(c), and to content them condemned Jesus Christ to dye according to the custom of the Roman Empire, the death of the Cross(d).
Q. Why was it requisite to express the person under whom our Saviour suffered?
A. 1. To assure us of the time in which he suffered; and thereby the more to confirm us in the stedfast belief thereof. 2. That the very naming [Page 36] of Pilate might be a standing Testimony of our Saviours Innocency, which was openly professed and declared even by him, who (to content the people) did sentence him to so ignominious a death. 3. That we may understand how it was brought to pass that Christ suffered according to the Scriptures, the manner of whose death (though he was to dye near Jerusalem) was not agreeable to the Laws and Customs of the Jews.
Q. How can it be, that Christ continued three days in the grave, seeing he was buried the Fryday and rose again the first day of the week, or the Lord-sday early in the Morning.
A. A part of the natural day (which includes both day and night, or twenty four hours) is taken for the whole day: and then the day in which he was buried is one, and the day on which he rose is another; or he was buried upon the first of those three days, and upon the last of those three days he rose. Which is the ordinary way of reckoning in computation of time. When we read then that he was three days and three nights in [Page 37] the Grave, we must not look upon those nights as distinct from the days; but as Moses spake, The evening and the morning (i. e. the night and the day) were the first day.
Q. What are the several parts of Christs Exaltation?
A. His rising again from the dead on the third day(a); his ascending up into Heaven(b), when he had continued after his Resurrection forty days here upon earth(c); his sitting on the Right hand of God the Father(d); and his comming at the last day to judge the quick and the dead(e).
Quest. Q. Whom do you understand to be meant by the quick and the dead?
Answ. A. By the quick are meant such as shall be here alive when Christ comes to judgment: by the dead all those departed hence before the time of Christs coming to Judgment.
Quest. Q. What doth the Scripture declare of those, who shall be found here alive at the last day?
Answ. A. They shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye(a), and caught up in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air(b).
Quest. Q. In what manner will Christ come to judgment?
Answ. A. He will come visibly(a) in great power and Glory(b), accompanied by his holy Angels(c), with a shout, with the voice of the Arch-Angel, and with the Trump of God(d).
Quest. Q. What is the Sentence of Absolution, which Christ will hereafter pronounce at the day of Judgment?
Answ. A. Come ye blessed Children of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World. Matth. 25.34.
Quest. Q. What is the Sentence of condemnation, which Christ will then pass upon the wicked?
Answ. A. Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels. Matth. 25.41.
Q. What are we more especially to learn from the Consideration of this day of Judgment?
A. 1. Not to be ashamed of Jesus Christ now (a). 2. Not to allow our selves in any way of evil, how secret soever(b). 3. To judg nothing before the time(c). 4. To repent(d). 5. To discover our moderation(e). 6. To be patient(f). 7. To maintain [Page 40] a spiritual watch(g), and keep our garments clean(h). 8. To be charitable(i). 9. To wish and pray for its coming(k). And Lastly, To comfort one another with the hopes and expectation thereof(l).
Q. What have you learnt further relating to the Day of Judgment?
A. That this World shall then be burnt up(a); and Christ will resign his Mediatory Kingdom to God the Father, that God may be all in all (b).
[I Believe in the HOLY-GHOST.]
Quest. Q. Whom do you understand by the Holy-Ghost.
Answ. A. The Holy-Ghost (or Holy-Spirit) is the third Person in the God-head(a), who proceedeth from the Father and the Son(b), and yet is equal with them both(c), and is the Sanctifier of all the elect people of God(d).
Q. Shew me more particularly what you have learnt concerning the Operations [Page 43] or workings of this Holy Spirit in the hearts of Gods people?
A, 1. It inlightens their understandings by convincing them of Sin(a), and giving them the knowledg of God(b). 2. It inables them to kill and mortify their corruptions(c). 3. It doth cleanse and renew their natures(d). 4. It quickens and inlivens them(d), dwels in them(f), and makes them fruitful(g). 5. It frees them from a servile slavish disposition, and gives them a filial spirit(h). 6. It leads them into all truth, guides and regulates them in their Conversations(i). 7. It comforts and rejoyceth them even in the midst of sorrows with the sence of Gods love(k). 8. It helps their infirmities, and assists them in their supplications(l).
Q. How do you prove that the Holy-Ghost is God?
A. 1, Those Attributes are ascribed to him, that are proper to God only, as Omniscience(a) and Omnipresence(b). 2. We are Baptized in his name(c). 3. He is in Scripture called God(d), and said to be the same with the Father and the Son(e).
[The holy Catholick Church.]
Quest. Q. What do you mean by the holy Catholick Church?
Answ. A. I mean by the holy Catholick (or Ʋniversal) Church all the people and servants of God throughout all ages, in the several parts and quarters of the World, united to one and the same Head, Jesus Christ(a), quickned by one and the same Spirit(b), and imbracing one and the same Faith(c).
Q. What do you understand by the visible and invisible Church?
A. The Visible Church are those, who do openly profess the true Religion, together with the Children that descend from such Parents, or from one of them: the Invisible Church are those who do heartily and sincerely imbrace the same true Religion, which they do [Page 47] profess, giving up themselves intirely to the Obedience of Faith.
Q. Why are they called Invisible?
A. Because we cannot certainly discern them who they are.
Q. Wbat do you mean by the Church Militant and Triumphant?
A. The Church Militant are the people and servants of God here upon Earth, wrestling and combating with many and various Enemies(a). The Church Triumphant are the faithful servants of God, who by the gracious assistance and strength of Jesus Christ their Leader and Captain of their Salvation have conquered all their Enemies, and are now triumphing in Heaven(b).
Q. Will the Enemies of Gods Church be ever able to overthrow it?
A. No, It hath continued hitherto notwithstanding all oppositions, and it will continue in a constant succession of its members to the end of the World.
[The Communion of Saints.]
Quest. Q. With whom do the Saints injoy Communion?
Answ. A. The Saints do especially injoy Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy-Ghost(a), and with one another(b).
Q. What doth the Communion or Fellowship which the Saints have with God, include or carry with it?
A. 1. Conformity or likeness(a). 2. Peace and Union(b). 3. Mutual interest and right one in another(c). 4. Mutual converse and correspondence; God communicates his Grace to the Soul, and the Soul returns the fruits of it to him(d).
Q How many ways do the Saints injoy Communion one with another?
A. In admonishing, councelling and comforting one another(a), in serving God together(b), in confessing their faults mutually, and praying one for another(c), in bearing one anothers burdens(d), in being good Examples [Page 50] each to other(e), and charitably supplying one anothers wants.(f)
[The forgiveness of Sins.]
Quest. Q. What is meant by the Forgiveness of Sins.
A. Answ. The taking off our obligation to the punishment due unto us for Sin through Jesus Christ, who hath made a sufficient compensation and full satisfaction for the same.
Q. Quest. What is the desert of every Sin?
Answ. A. The curse of Almighty God(a), both here(b) and hereafter(c).
Quest. Q. May we expect forgiveness of our Sins without Repentance?
Answ. A. No, Forgiveness of Sins, and Repentance must go together.
Quest. Q. Wherein doth true Repentance consist?
A. Answ. In an unfeigned sorrow for sin past(a), and amendment of life for the time to come(b).
Quest. Q. What is it to be justified?
Answ. A. To be justified, is to have our Sins pardoned(a), and our persons accepted as righteous in and through Jesus Christ?(b)
Quest. Q. What are the parts then of justification?
Answ. A. Two, Forgiveness and Acceptation.
Quest. Q. What is it to be sanctified?
Answ. A. To be sanctified is to be renewed after Gods own Image in knowledg(a), righteousness, and true holiness(b).
Q. Quest. What are the parts of Sanctification?
Answ. A. Mortification(a), (or dying unto Sin) and vivification(b), or living unto righteousness.
Q. Quest. What have you learnt further concerning Sanctification?
Answ. A. That it is neither equal in all(a), nor in this life perfect in any(b), but growing up towards perfection(c).
Q. Do we deserve forgiveness of sins, and eternal Salvation by our Repentance and Obedience?
A. No certainly, God saveth us according to his mercy(a), and the riches of his Grace(b), and when we have done all that we can, we are unprofitable Servants(c).
Q. What is required to render a mans work meritorious, so as he may truly be said to deserve or merit thereby without any consideration of Grace and Favour.
A. Tis required in order to the rendring of a mans work to be thus meritorious. 1. That it be his own. 2. That it be not due. 3. It must be compleat and perfect, or else 'twill need a Pardon. 4. It must be proportionable to the Reward.
Q. Doth it appear from hence that whatsoever we can do, cannot merit eternal life at Gods hands?
A. Yes, In every of those respects; For, 1. Faith(a), and Repentance(b) (b) are Gods gifts; yea every good and perfect gift is from above (c). 2. We owe all that we have to God as we are his Creatures made and maintained by him(d). 3. There are Iniquities in our most holy things(e). 4. There is no proportion between our finite imperfect Services, and a glorious infinite Reward(e).
[The Resurrection of the Body.] And the life Everlasting.
Quest. Q. Is it certain, that all men must dye?
Answ. A. Yes, 'tis appointed for all men once to dye. Heb. 9.27.
Quest. Q. What should we learn from hence?
Answ. A. To know how frail we are(a), to consider our latter end(b), and to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto Wisdom(c), to work while it is day, seeing the night cometh, when no man can work(d).
Quest. Q. When men dye, what doth become of their bodies?
A. Answ. Their Bodies do return to dust (d), (a) and see corruption(b).
Quest. Q. What becomes of the souls of men, when they depart hence?
A. Answ. The Souls of the godly are then made perfectly holy(a), and received to the immediate enjoyment of God(b), together with an innumerable company, of glorious Angels(b),(c) in the Kingdom of Heaven(d). The Souls of the wicked are cast into Hell(e), where they must suffer the vengeance of eternal Fire(f), prepared for the Devil and his Angels(g).
Quest. Q. Shall the bodies of all men both the godly and the wicked be raised again?
Answ. A. Yes, There shall be a Resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust(a). All that are in the Graves shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the Resurrection of Life; and they that have done evil, unto the Resurrection of Damnation(b).
Quest. Q. When shall this Resurrection be?
Answ. A. At the last day.
Quest. Q. What will immediately follow upon the Resurrection?
Answ. A. The general and final judgment of Angels(a) and Men(b).
Quest. Q. What doth the Scripture declare to us concerning the godly at the day of Judgment?
Answ. A. That (their bodies being then raised up in Glory(a), and united again to their Souls(b), they shall be openly owned and acquitted by Jesus Christ(c), set on his Right-hand(d), joyn with him in judgment on all wicked Men and Angels(e), be for ever freed from all sin(f) and sorrow(g), filled with unconceivable Joy(h), and made perfectly blessed(i), in the immediate(k) full(l) and everlasting Enjoyment of God(m).
Q. What is the difference between Natural, Spiritual, and Eternal (or everlasting) Life?
A. Natural life consists in the union between the Soul and the Body(a), Spiritual Life in the union between the Soul and God(b), Eternal Life in the perfect happiness both of Soul and Body in the full(c) and immediate(d) enjoyment of God for ever(e)
Q. Are there not likewise three kinds of Deaths?
A. Yes. 1. Natural or corporeal death, which is the separation of the Soul from the body(a). 2. Spiritual death, which is the separation of the Soul from God; who only can quicken those that are dead in trespasses and sins(b), by putting into them his Spirit(c), which is the Spirit of Life(d). 3. Eternal death, which is the utter separation both of Soul and Body from Gods favourable presence to suffer the vengeance of Eternal Fire(e).
Quest. Q. What shall be the final portion of all ungodly Men?
Answ. A. They shall be punished with everlasting separation from God, and most grievous torments of Soul and Body without intermission in Hell for ever.
Q. Why is it that the damned must suffer in Hell for ever?
A. Because being finite Creatures they can never make full satisfaction to Gods infinite Justice.
Q. Will not God have mercy upon poor ignorant people?
A. They shall be destroyed for lack of knowledg(a). He that made them, will not have mercy upon them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour(b). Christ will come in flaming fire to render vengeance on them that know not God(c).
THE Ten Commandments.
Quest. WHich be the ten Commandments?
Answ.
1. Thou shalt have none other Gods before me. 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image, &c. 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, &c. 4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, &c. 5. Honour thy Father and thy Mother, &c. 6. Thou shalt not kill. 7. Thou shalt not commit Adultery. 8. Thou shalt not steal. 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour. 10. Thou shalt not covet, &c.
Q. Whereon were the ten Commandments written?
A. Upon two Tables of stone by the finger of God.
Q. What rules are there to be observed, in order to our right understanding of these Commandments?
A. These four especially. 1. That every Commandment both forbiddeth evil, and requireth the contrary good. 2. That every Commandment respecteth not only our words and actions, but our thoughts also, and our affections. 3. That the Duties commanded are not to be done always or at all times: but what is absolutely forbidden must be always left undone. Or, Every negative Commandment doth bind always, and unto all times: Every affirmative doth bind always but not unto all times. 4. Every general expressed in each Commandment includes all the particular kinds thereof, and all irregularities tending thereunto.
Q. How many are the Commandments of the first Table?
A. Four; which do immediately respect God: the other Commandments which are the second Table, do more especially respect our Neighbour.
Q. How are the Commandments of the first Table distinguished one from the other?
A. The first Commandment respects the object of worship, the Second the means, the Third the manner, and the Fourth the time.
Q. Proceed now to tell me what is the main and general scope and import of each of these Commandments, together with some texts of Scripture that respect the principal Duties therein required. And first of all, what is it that the first Commandment doth require of us?
A. That we own and worship the only true God.
Q. What doth the Second Commandment require?
A. That we worship this true God according to his own appointment,(a) and not by Images(b) or any of mens own superstitious Inventions.(c)
Q. What doth the Third Commandment require?
A. That we make use of Gods great and glorious name. Titles and Ordinances with a holy fear and reverence.
Q. What doth the fourth Commandment require?
A. The observing of a sacred or holy Rest one day in seven, which from the beginning of the World to our Saviours Resurrection was the last day of the week, but hath since been, and continues to be the first day of the week, or the Lords Day, which is the Christian Sabbath.
Q. What doth the fifth Commandment require?
A. That we carefully perform all the duties of our several Relations.
Q. Who are meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment?
A. By Father and Mother we are here to understand, 1. Our natural Parents(a). 2. Such as are over us in place of authority, either in a Family(b), or Church (c), (2) or Commonwealth(d). 3. Superiours in gifts(e). 4. Superiours in age(f).
Q. What are the relative Duties (expressly mentioned in Scripture) Of Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, Masters and Servants, Magistrates and Subjects, Ministers and People? And first of all, What are the Duties of Husbands to their Wives?
A. 1. To love and delight in them(a). 2. To dwell with them and be respectful of them(b). 3. To be true and faithful to them(c).
Q. What are the Duties of Wives to their Husbands?
A. Love(a). 2. Helping, and assisting [Page 70] them in their affairs(b). 3. Fidelity (c). 4. Subjection and Reverence(d).
Q. What are the duties of Parents to their Children?
A. 1. Tender love and mildness(a). 2. Educating of them in the knowledg and Ways of God(b). 3. Praying for them(c). 4. Correcting of them, when there is need; and keeping them in subjection with all gravity(d). 5. Providing for their comfortable [Page 71] Settlement and Maintenance(e).
Q. What are the Duties of Children to their Parents?
A. 1. Inward honour and Reverence [Page 72] (a), 2. Outward Reverence in Speech and behaviour(b). 3. A ready observing of their good instructions and lawful Commands (c). 4. A meek and patient bearing of their Reproofs and Corrections(d). 5. Providing for their comfortable maintenance, if they want and their Children can relieve them(e). 6. Covering their weakness, and bearing with the Infirmities of their age(f).
Q. What are the Duties of Masters to their Servants?
A. Gentleness and Mercy(a) 2. Ingaging them to serve God.(b) 3. Making convenient provision for them, and paying them faithfully their Wages(c).
Q. What are the Duties of Servonts to their masters?
A. 1. Honour(a). 2. Obedience(b). 3. Faithfulness(c). 4. Meekness(d).
Q. What is the Duty of Magistrates to their Subjects?
A. To govern them Wisely (a), Impartially(b), Courageously(c), with Humility(d), Clemency(e) and Justice(f), in the fear of God(g), incouraging the good (h), and punishing the evil(i).
Q. What are the Duties of Subjects to their Magistrates?
A. 1. Honour(a). 2. Subjection(b). 3. Defence of them(c). 4. Praying for them(d). 5. Paying them tribute(e).
Q. What are the duties of Ministers to their people?
A. 1. Tender love▪ and earnest desires of their Salvation(a). 2. Diligent and faithful instructing and warning them(b). 3. Giving them a good Example(c). 4. Praying for them(d). 5. Blessing of them(e). 6. Comforting and incouraging those that do well(f). 7. Rebuking with Authority those that are obstinate(g).
Q What are the duties of people to their Minister?
A. 1. Esteem and Love(a) 2. Submission(b). 3. Imitation of their graces(c). 4. Praying for them(d). 5. Communicating to them of their temporal things(e).
Q. What are the mutual Duties of Equals?
A. 1. Love(a). 2. Honour(b). 3. Mutual help(c). 4. Rejoycing in each others good, and bearing one anothers griefs(d).
Q. What if any of our Relations fail of their duties to us, or act in contrariety thereunto; are we thereby excused from the performance of our Duties to them?
A. No, in no wise. We must look carefully to it that we do our part notwithstanding, even, for Conscience sake, in obedience to God, who indispensably requireth the same of us.
Q. What doth the Sixth Commandment require?
A. That we carefully endeavour the preservation of our own life(a), and the life of our Neighbour(b).
Q. Is it not lawful in some cases to take away the life of another?
A. Yes, in case of necessary Defence(a), lawful War(b), and publick Justice(c).
Q. What doth the Seventh Commandement require?
A. All purity,(a) or Chastity in heart,(b) in speach and in behaviour.(c)
Q. What doth the Eighth Comandment require.
A. That every man be carefull and laborious in a lawful calling,(a) and yet with due moderation,(b) and a comfortable injoyment of what he hath;(c) that he be true and just in all his ways and dealings,(d) and charitable according to his ability.(e)
Q. What doth the Ninth Commandment require of us?
A. That we speak nothing but the truth at all times; and that when we are sworn, we speak all the truth.
Q. What doth the Tenth Commandment require of us?
A. To rest well satisfied in our own condition(a) ▪ not envying at our Neighbour(b), or greedily desiring any thing that is his(c): but rejoycing in his blessings and in our own, which God distributeth as it pleaseth him, according to his infinite Wisdom and Goodness(d).
Q. Can any meer man since the fall perfectly keep the Commandments of God in this life?
A. No certainely. In many things we offend all(a); and there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not(b).
Q. If there be no man able to keep the Law, wherefore then serveth it?
A. It serveth. 1. As a Rule unto us, according to which we must endeavour to walk and square our whole Conversation(a), 2. As a glass to shew us our spots and deformities, thereby to humble us(b), As a Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, when we are throughly humbled, and see the great need we have of him(c).
Quest. Q. What is that wherein all the Commandments are briefly comprehended?
Answ. A, Love to God(a), and to our Neighbour(b). We are to love God with all our heart, and with all our Soul, and with all our might(c). And we are to love our Neighbour as our selves(d).
THE Lords Prayer
Quest. Quest. LET me hear you say the Lords Prayer.
Answ. Answ. Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.
Q. What are the parts of the Lords Prayer?
A. Three, Preface, Petition, Conclusion.
Q. What do we learn by the preface?
A. To pray with and for others(a), to pray with confidence(b), and with Reverence (c).
Q. How many are the Petitions of this Prayer?
A. Six; Whereof the three former do more immediately relate to the glory of God, the three latter concern our selves.
Q. What do we pray for in the three former of these Petitions?
A. That Gods great and holy name may be ever magnified(a); that his Kingdom of Grace may be advanced, and Kingdom of Glory hastened(b); that we may serve God on earth as the Angels serve him in Heaven, and always readily obey and submit to the will of his Precept and of his Providence(c).
Q. What do we pray for in the three latter of these Petitions?
A. That we may have a competent portion of outward blessings(a), that God will be pleased to forgive us all out sins, as we do hartily forgive others, who have offended us(b); and that he will not suffer us unadvisedly to put our selves upon a temptation, or suffer any temptation to prevail over us, but now and evermore save and deliver us from the evil of all temptations and from the evil one(c).
Q. What do we learn from the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer?
A. To inforce our requests with arguments, to joyn praises unto God together with our prayers(a), and to desire and believe that God will hear usAmen. 2. Chron. 14.11. And Asa cryed unto the Lord his God and said, Lord it is nothing to thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power. Help us O Lord our God, for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God, let not man prevail against thee. 1 Kings, 1.36. And Benajah the Son of Jehoida answered the King and said, Amen, the Lord God of my Lord the King say so too. Jer. 28.6. Even the Prophet Jeremiah said, Amen, the Lord do so, the Lord perform the Words which thou hast prophesied. Rev. 22.20. He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come quickly, Amen, even so come Lord Jesus..
Q. What are the requisite Qualifications of Prayer to God?
A. It must be made in the name of his Son(a), by the help of the Spirit(b), for things lawful or according to Gods will(c), and to a right end(d), with understanding(e), Humility(f), Fervency(g), Faith(h), Submission(i), Sincerity(k) Perseverance(l), Charity(m) and an ardent Zeal for Gods glory(n).
Q. What are the principal parts of Prayer.
A. Confession(a), Petition(b) Thanksgiving(c).
Q. What are Ejaculatory Prayers, or Ejaculations?
A. Ejaculations are short and sudden dartings or liftings up of the Soul to God.
Q. What reasons can you give, why we must pray to God alone, and why we may not pray to Saints departed?
A. 1. We are to pray to him only in whom we must trust(a), and we must [Page 99] not trust in man(b), but in God(c). 2. We are required to pray in faith without doubting(d); whereas they who are departed hence cannot hear us, nor do they understand how 'tis with us(e). 3. The Scripture requires us to worship God only(f), and condemns the voluntary humility of worshipping Angels,(g) though they are such glorious and excellent Creatures▪
THE SACRAMENTS.
Quest. Quest. HOW many are the Sacraments of the New-Testament?
Answ. A. Two only, Baptism(a) and the Lords Supper (b), which answer to the two Sacraments of the old Testament, Circumcision and the Passover.
Quest. Q. What is a Sacrament?
Answ. A. A Sacrament is an institution of Jesus Christ, wherein by some outward and visible sign he is pleased to represent, exhibit, and seal unto us the benefits of his Mediation.
Quest. Q. What are the parts of a Sacraments?
Answ. A. Two, the outward part or Sign, and the inward part or the Thing signified. Thus in the Sacrament of Baptism the outward part or sign is Water; the inward part or thing signified is remission of Sins and Regeneration or the new birth: And in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper the outward part or sign is Bread and Wine, the inward part or thing signified the Body and Blood of Christ.
Q. Where do we read of Sacraments in the Scripture?
A. Though this very word [Sacrament] be not in the Scripture, as likewise we do not-there find the word Trinity; yet that which we do understand by these words [Sacrament and Trinity] is there delivered to us in other words.
Q. Is it from any vertue in the Sacramental Elements or him that doth ad minister them, that Grace is exhibited or imparted to those, whom the Sacraments are administred to?
A. No (a); The efficacy depends upon Gods Blessing on his own Institutions; his Spirit accompanying the [Page 102] Sacraments, where they are effectual to those blessed purposes for which they were instituted(b).
Quest. Q. What is meant by those words, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy-Ghost, which the Minister is to use when he Baptizeth?
Answ. A. To Baptize In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy-Ghost, is in the Authority, and into the Faith, Profession and Obedience of them.
Quest. Q. What did you promise in that Covenant, which you entered into in your Baptism?
Answ. A. I did promise to forsake the Devil, the World, and the Flesh; to [Page 103] own and profess Jesus Christ; and ever to continue his faithful Servant; whom I did then give up my self unto, and accept of, for my only Lord and Saviour.
Q. What is required of them that come to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper?
A. They are required to examine themselves.
Q. Proceed further to shew what is their Duty with reference to this Sacrament?
A. They ought, 1. To understand it aright, to discern the Lords Body. 2. To judge themselves in a truly humble Penitent manner for all their sins. 3. To quicken their Spiritual Appetites, and inlarge the desires of their Souls; having their eye of Faith fixed on Jesus Christ, who is that Bread which perisheth not, and the Water of Life. 4. To have a sincere and unfeigned resolution by Gods gracious assistance, faithfully to observe and keep that Solemn Covenant with with God, which they come to renew. 5. To cherish and maintain a thankful Remembrance of Christs death. [Page 104] 6. To bear a true Christian Love and Charity towards all their Brethren.
Q. Tell me then what are the cheif ends of this Sacrament?
A. 1. A solemn atd thankful Remembrance, or Commemoration of Christs death. 2. The Renewing of our Covenant with God. 3. The nourishment, strengthening, and refreshing of our Souls. 4. The ingaging us to mutual Love.
Q. What are the Actions of the Minister at the Lords Supper; or holy Communion?
A. 1. He takes the Bread and Wine. 2. He doth Bless or Consecrate them. 3. He breaks the Bread, and poureth out the Wine. 4. He delivers them to the Communicants.
Q. What should these actions of his put us in mind of, and cause us to meditate upon?
A. 1. That God did appoint Jesus Christ for the great work of Mans Redemption(a). 2, That Jesus Christ was furnished and qualified for this work, which he undertook(b). 3. That his body was broken (c), his [Page 105] blood shed (d), his Soul, or Life poured out unto death(e). 4. That God gives his Son(f), and the Son gives himself for the Redemption of fallen man(g).
Q. Are the Body and Blood of Christ in this Sacrament, received and fed upon in a corporeal and carnal manner?
A. No; they are truly and really received by the worthy Partakers, but it is in a Spiritual manner: and they who do receive Jesus Christ therein and feed upon him, do receive him Spiritually into their hearts by Faith.
Q. What do you think then of Transubstantiation, or the converting of the very substance of Bread and Wine by the Priests Consecration thereof into the very substance of the Body and Blood of Christ?
A. 1. It destroys the very nature of a Sacrament, which consists of two parts, The Sign, and the thing signified. 2. 'Tis a Doctrine very opposit to Sense, and Reason, and Scripture.
Q. How is it contrary to Sense?
A. We plainly see and tast that the Elements remain Bread and Wine still, And this Evidence of Sense is the great Argument for the proof of our Christian Religion made use of by the Apostles(a), and by our Saviour himself(b).
Q. How is it contrary to Reason?
A. 'Tis contrary to Reason. 1. That Bread should be turned into that which was in being long before the Bread it self. 2. That Christs Body should be in Heaven, which the Scripture declares(a), and yet here upon Earth at the same time, and in many places upon Earth at once.
Q. Proceed to declare how it is contrary to Scripture?
A. 1. The Scripture declares, that Christ as man was in all points like unto us, Sin only excepted(a), so that his body was like ours, and therefore it cannot be whole and intire (as the Papists pretend it is) in many places at the same time. 2. The Heavens must receive him till the restitution of all things(b), and at the last day he shall descend from Heaven with a shout, and with his mighty Angels(c). 3. They only are blessed, who receive Christ Spiritually(d), and this Sacrament [Page 108] is a Feast for the Soul, which Soul of man would be no way bettered, if he could in a corporeal and carnal manner eat the very Body of Christ(e). 4. That the same Body cannot be in divers places at once, is the Argument which the Angel made use of to those Women at Christs Sepulchre; to whom he said, He is not here, for he is risen (f). Otherwise they could have replied, Though he were risen, yet he might be there too notwithstanding. 5. St. Paul expresly tells us that it is bread we eat in this Sacrament(g).
Q. How do you then understand those words. This is my Body.
A. In like manner as these phrases. The seven Kine, and the seven ears of [Page 109] Corn (which Pharoh dreamt of) are seven years, i. e. they signify seven years: and as I understand what the Apostle means, when he says. The Israelites drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ, i. e. that Rock did denote, represent, or signify Christ. So here This is my Body. i. e. This Bread doth denote, signify, or represent my Body.
Q. Is it ordinary to meet with figurative expressions in such cases?
A. Yes, we meet with them frequently in Scripture. Thus Circumcision is called the Covenant(a), though properly it was not the Covenant, but the Token(b), and Seal of it(c). So also the Lamb is called the Lords Pasover(d), which was the Sacrifice of of the Lords Passover(e). And there is more than one figure in our Saviours expression concerning the Cup, This Cup is the New Testament, &c. Where the Cup is put for the Wine, and the New Testament, for the Seal of the New Testament, or Covenant.
Q. But doth not our Saviour himself tell us, The Bread which I give is my Flesh, which I will give for the life of the World? Joh. 6.51.
A. Christ doth not there speak of the Eucharist, or Lords Supper, For 1. This Sacrament was not then instituted. 2. The eating of Christs flesh there spoken of is such, that all who eat it are saved and all who do not eat it are damned(a), which cannot be truly said of this Sacramental eating.
Q. How do you then understand those words?
A. By eating of Christs flesh and drinking his blood, we are there to understand Believing in him, a receiving of him Spiritually into our [Page 111] hearts; and not a carnal eating of his Body.
Q. But if this were meant of the Eucharist, or the Lords Supper, would it not condemn the Papists themselves, who deny the Cup to the people?
A. Yes certainly; for the drinking of Christs Blood is as indispensably there required of every one, as the eating of his Flesh.
Q. Can you tell me by what Arguments they endeavour to justify their denying the Cup to the people?
A. One Argument they urge for it is, The Examples which (say they) are in Scripture of receiving the Sacrament only in one kind.
Q. How do you answer this Argument?
A. 1. There is no mention of the Ministers drinking the Cup neither; and yet the Papists only deny it to the Laity, or common people. 2. The [Page 112] Scripture expresseth in divers: place [...] a whole meal, or feast, by this one act of Eating where doubtless the Guests did drink too(a).
Q. What other Argument do they urge to this purpose?
A. That the Blood is in the Flesh, so that in the Bread, that is (say they) the Body of Christ, the people have his Blood too by concomitancy.
Q. What Answers have you to return thereunto?
A. 1. There is no need then for the Priests to have the Cup neither: yea it doth in effect declare that Christs appointing of the Cup to shew forth his death and the shedding of his Blood was altogether needless. 2. We are commanded to drink as well as eat: but a man doth not drink Blood, if he do eat some of it in Flesh.
Q. What Arguments can you give me why the common people ought to partake of the Cup too?
A. 1. Our Saviour says, Drink ye all of it, which is somewhat the more observable, because he doth not expresly say, Eat ye all of it (though indeed that be a duty too). And the Apostles were at that time in the peoples stead, and Christ was the Minister or dispenser of the Sacrament. 2. Both Eating and Drinking belong to the same persons, and there is no more reason to restrain the one than the other. 3. The Apostle expresly declares himself to the People of Corinth, that a man is to examine himself and then to drink of that Cup as well as eat of that Bread, 1 Cor. 11.28.
Q. What is signified by the Actions of the Communicants, that is to say, their taking the Bread and Wine, their eating the one and drinking the other?
A. Thereby is signified their receiving Jesus Christ, and their feeding on him for their Spiritual nourishment, refreshment, and strengthening; even as mans body is nourished, refreshed, and strengthened by Bread and Wine.
Q. Is it a Duty to receive this Sacrament of the Lords Supper, or only a Priviledge?
A. It is not only a Priviledge, but a Duty expresly required by our Saviour in these words, Do this in remembrance of me.
Q. Do such as receive this Sacrament unworthily, partake of Christ therein?
A. No verily; though they do receive the Bread and Wine in this Sacrament, yet in no wise are they partakers of Christ; but are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord, and do drink Judgement to themselves.
Q. Tell me now wherein these two Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper do agree?
A. They do agree in that 1. The Author of them both is God. 2. The inward and Spiritual part of both is Jesus Christ, and the benefits of his Mediation. 3. They are both seals of the same Covenant of Grace. 4. They are both to be dispensed by Ministers of the Gospel and by none other. 5. They are both to be continued till Christs second comming.
Q. Tell me also in what respects they differ?
A. In these four. 1. Baptism is to [Page 115] be administred but once: the Lords Supper is to be administred often. 2. In Baptism the outward part or sign is Water; in the Lords Supper, Bread and Wine. 3. Baptism is a sign and means, and pledge of Forgiveness and Regeneration: The Lords Supper, of our Spiritual Nourishment, Growth, and Confirmation. 4. Baptism is to be administred even to Infants, whose Parents are not both of them Unbelievers; but the Lords Supper to such only as are of years and ability to examine themselves, and discern the Lords Body.
The CONCLUSION.
Q. May we rest satisfied and content our selves in the bare knowledge of these things?
A. No; We must be careful likewise to practise them, and in all our ways to walk according thereunto.
The CREED.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
The LORDS PRAYER.
The SACRAMENTS.
Psalms of prayer to be used in the Morning.
Psalms of Prayer to be used at Night.
Psalms of Prayer for such as are sick.
Psalms of Praise or Thanksgiving for preservation and Sustenance.
Psalms of Praise or Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Sickness.
Psalms of Praise and consideration of God's wonderful works.
The Blessings and Priviledges of the Godly.
The mournful Souls Complaint and Lamentation.
The believing Souls Confidence.
The joyful Souls Triumph.
Psalms or Hymns for the Lords day.
A Prayer to be used in the Morning.
O most glorious and ever blessed Lord our God, thou searchest the hearts and tryest the reins and understandest all our thoughts; we thy poor Creatures are here now humbly presenting our selves before thee, to implore thy mercy in the forgiveness of all our sins; for his sake, whose Soul was made a Sacrifice for Sin. We confess O Lord, that we are vile and polluted Creatures, unclean, unclean, our natures are altogether corrupted, unwilling and backward to that which is good, prone and forward to that which is We are lost and undone in our selves; Oh that we may be found in him, who came to seek and to save those that are lost; that we may be cloathed in the white Robes of his Righteousness, and become amiable in thy sight! Grant that we may hate sin more than ever we lov'd it; that we may be truly weary and heavy laden under the weight of it, and feel no burthen so heavy upon us as the burthen of Sin. Plant thy fear in our hearts, that we may not depart from thee; and help us in all our ways to acknowledg thee, that thou mayest direct our steps. Let us have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Keep us from the Snares and temptations of evil Company, and let our delight be in them that fear thee. Suffer us not to love the World, nor the things of the World, seeing if we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us. There be many that say, who [Page 164] will shew us any good? Lord lift thou up the light of thy Countenance upon us; and that shall make us more to rejoyce, th [...]n they whose Corn and Wine do increase. Inable us rightly to understand and fait [...]fully to discharge the duties of our several Relations. Keep us from all sinfull wrath and passions, from all unchastity in our thoughts, or words, or actions, from injuring and defrauding others in any matter; from lying, slandering, backbiting, or taking up a reproach against our Neighbour. Convince us more and more of the emptiness and vanity of all Creature injoyments, and that it will no way profit us to gain the whole World, if we loose our own Souls. Incline our hearts unto thy Testimonies and not to Covetousness. Grant that we may be cloathed with Humility as with a Garment, and bestow upon us the Ornament of a meek and of a quiet Spirit, which in thy sight is of great price. Give us a good Concience, in all things willing to live honestly, serving thee faithfully in our places and Relations while we are here, that whensoever it shall please thee to put an end to this frail life, we may be received into thy Presence, where there is the fullness of Joy, and to thy Right-hand where there are pleasures for ever more.
Let all the Earth fear the Lord, and all the inhabitants of the World stand in awe of him. Bless these Nations and all ranks among us, from him that sitteth on the Trone to hear her that grinds at the Mill; that our King and Nobles and all inferior Magistrates may act for thee, and promote thy glory; thy Priests lips may preserve knowledg, and the people receive thy Law from their mouths. Comfort all thine afflicted, and be thou a present help unto them in the needful time of trouble.
And now O Lord, accept our Sacrifice of praise for all thy mercies. 'Tis in thee, that we live and move, and have our beings; and thou givest us all things appertaining to life and Godliness. We bless thee above all for that unspeakable Gift, thy beloved Son in whom thou art well pleased, who is the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that [Page 165] obey him. Through him do thou now graciously accept of us; and as thou hast preserved us in peace the night past, and refreshed us with comfortable r [...]st and sleep, blessed be thy name: so now we humbly commit the keeping of our Souls unto thee in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. Let the blessings of the Lord always accompany and follow us. Suffer not this World to steal away our hearts from thee, but cause us to rejoyce in the ways of thy Testimonies more than in all riches. Herein grant, that we may exercise our selves, to have always Consciences void of Offence both towards God and towards man; so as this may be our Rejoycing, even the testimony of our Consciences, that in all simplicity and Godly sincerity we have had our conversations here in this world. And all we beg of thy mercifull hands with whatever else thou knowest to be needful for us in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, who hath taught us to pray unto thee, saying ‘Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in Eearth as it is in Heaven, Give us this day our daily bread, and forgiv [...] us our Trespasses as we forgive them that tresspass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen.’
A Prayer to be used at night.
O most holy and most merciful Lord God, regard us thy poor Creatures who are hear before thee, have mercy upon us and hear our prayer. We must confess, that we were conceived in sin and brought forth in Iniquity; and have lived as if the Lord did not see, and there were no knowledg in the most high. We have forsaken thee the Fountain of living waters, and hewn out unto our selves broken Cisterns that will hold no water. We have been crrefull about many things, and neglected the one thing necessary. And now O Lord, what shall we say, for we have forsaken thy Commandments? Yet if thou wilt, thou canst make us clean. Let the blood of Jesus Christ thy Son cleanse us from all sin; and our iniquities do thou remember no more. Create in us a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within us, and let not sin reign in our mortal bodies, that we should obey it in the lusts thereof. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy Precepts diligently. O that our ways were directed to keep thy Statutes. Then shall we not be ashamed, when we have respect unto all thy Commandments. Let such a mind be in us, as was also in Christ Jesus. Raise our hearts above this world, and all the things of it; that we may rejoyce as though we rejoyced not, and weep as though we wept not; and use this world as not abusing it, seeing the fashion of all these things passeth away. Feed us with food convenient for us, and give us Godliness with contentment, which is [Page 167] great gain. Let all thy dealings towards us be sanctified, and all afflictions work together for our good. Open our eyes, that we may behold the wondrous things of thy Law; and so prepare us for Death and Judgment, that after this present life is ended, we may be received into thine everlasting Kingdom.
Add daily to thy Church such as shall be saved, both of Jews and Gentiles. Bless these Nations, to which we do belong, forgive our sins, reform and establish us. Give our King thy Judgments O Lord, and teach our Senators Wisdom. Bless all the Ministers of thy word, and grant that they may feed thy people with knowledg and with understanding. Bind up the broken hearted, give liberty to the Captives, and health to those that are sick. Hear the needy when he cryeth, the poor also and him that hath no helper. Let all our Friends and Relations find favour in thy sight, and make this Family an Houshold of faith. Be thou pleased to dwell among us, to dwell in every one of our hearts, and cause us to serve thee our God, and one another in love.
And now blessed be the Lord, who daily followeth us with his mercies. Thou hast given us thy Laws and thy Statutes; and brought life and immortality to light through thy Gospel. God so loved the world as to give his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Thou hast been gracious unto us the day past, blessed be thy glorious name. Because thou hast been our help, therefore do we put our trust under the shadow of thy wings. Be thou our Sun and our Shield, give us grace and glory, and withhold no good thing from us. Keep us now in thy fear and favour this night, who art the Keeper of Israel, and never slumberest or sleepest. Cause us to think on thee last of all when we take our rest, and first of all when we do awake. And thou who knowest our down-sitting and our up-rising, and art acquainted with all our ways, keep us by thine Almighty power through faith unto salvation. And do far more exceeding abundantly for us, than we can either ask or think, for the sake alone of Jesus [Page 168] Christ, in whose blessed name and words we further call upon thee, saying, Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.
A Prayer to be used in secret.
O Lord, look down from Heaven with an eye of favour and compassion upon me thy poor Creature, who in and through Jesus Christ do look up unto thee for mercy. I am a Sinner by nature and by practice, who deserve to be cast into everlasting fire. But do thou deliver me from all my sins. Give me thy grace, that I may not harbor any vain or wicked thoughts in my heart, that I may not lye or swear or take thy holy name in vain, or any other way offend thee with my tongue. Suffer me not to be guilty of stealing or any deceit; but grant that I may be true and faithfull and diligent in the place where thou art pleased to set me; knowing that thine All-seeing Eye observes me in the most secret corner, and that my own conscience is more than a Thousand Witnesses. Inable me to flee youthfull lusts, and to follow after Godliness, and suffer me not to be a Lover of Pleasures more than of God. Prepare me for Death and Judgment; and cause me so to live in thy fear and favour while I am here, that whenever it shall please thee to remove me hence, I may be received into a mansion in Heaven, and the full enjoyment of that Glory, which neither eye hath seen, nor ear heard, nor hath ever entred into the heart of man to conceive.
Bless these Nations, our King and Queen and all [Page 169] that are in Authority. Bless all thy Ministers, all my Friends and Relations, and all thy people. Bless this Family and make me a blessing in it. Comfort those that mourn, and supply their wants.
And now O Lord, as thou hast been good unto me this
- day
- night
past, so bless me this
- night
- day
continue thy mercies to my soul and body; and give me thy grace, that I may be truly thankfull for them and carefull to make a good use of them. Above all I bless thy glorious name for Jesus Christ. Grant, that I may imbrace him in a right manner; and for his sake do thou accept of me and my poor prayers; which I conclude, as he himself hath taught me to pray unto thee, Our father, which art in Heaven, &c.
Another short Prayer to be used especially on the Lords day in the morning, for a Blessing on Gods word, which shall be that day delivered.
O Lord, who art a pure and a holy God, Holiness becometh thy house for ever, I humbly pray thee so to sanctify and prepare my heart, that I may sanctify thee in the Ordinances of thy worship; and serve thee (who art a Spirit) in spirit and in truth. Cause me to hide thy word in my heart, [Page 170] that I may not sin against thee; and grant that it may distil as the dew upon the tender herb and the new-mown grass. Make me as earnestly to desire bread for my soul, as children ask bread of their Parents. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken thou me in thy word. Keep off from me all deadness and drowsiness and distractions, that I may not offer unto thee the Sacrifice of Fools: and inable me to receive the good word of God with attention, faith, love, meekness, and so to understand, remember and practise the same, that it may prove as seed sown in good ground to the praise of the glory of the grace of God, through Jesus Christ my Lord and blessed Saviour. Amen.
Another short Prayer to be used after the word of God is delivered (and especially on the Lords day in the Evening), for his Blessing on that which is heard.
O Lord, I bless and magnify thy glorious name that thou hast caused my ears to hear the joyfull sound and opened the doors of thine house unto me. Follow I humbly beseeeh thee, with thy Blessing that portion of thy word which I have heard this day; and inable me to obey from the [Page 171] heart that form of Doctrine which is delivered unto me; lest I mourn at last and say, how have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof, and have not obeyed the voice of Teachers, nor inclined mine ears to them that instructed me? Let me not be among the number of those, who are ever learning, and yet never come to the knowledg of the truth: but fulfil in me all the good pleasure of thy will and the work of grace with power. Deliver me not up to the fearful Judgment of a hard and seared Conscience: but make my heart soft and tender, and cause me in this my day to know the things that belong to my peace, so as I may not hereafter cry out in the anguish and bitterness of my spirit, that thou gavest me space to repent, but I repented not. Guide me by thy Counsels here in this World, and hereafter receive me into thy glory, through Jesus Christ my only Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Graces to be said before and after meat.
Before Meat.
Bless me O Lord, and these thy good Creatures, which thou hast provided for me; and make me thy true and faithful Servant all the days of my Life, through Jesus Christ my Lord and blessed Saviour, Amen.
After Meat.
Blessed be thy name O Lord, for the good Creatures I have received at this time. O grant that I may carefully seek for the spiritual food of my Soul, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ my Lord and only Saviour. Amen.
A Grace to be said before Meat in presence of others.
O Lord, bless us and these thy good Creatures unto our use; and cause us to serve thee faithfully and thankfully in the strength of these and all thy mercies, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
After Meat.
O Lord, who hast made us by the word of thy Power, redeemed us by the blood of thy Son, preserved us to this day by thy gracious Providence, and at this time comfortably fed us, thy holy and blessed name be praised both now and forevermore. Amen.
Another before Meat.
O Lord forgive us all our sins, and bless these thy good Creatures unto our nourishment and strength. And give us thy grace, that we may hunger and thirst after the food of our Souls and the water of life; so as finally we may obtain everlasting peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour.
After Meat.
We bless thy glorious name O Lord, for Jesus Christ, and all thy mercies that pertain to this life and a better. Grant, we beseech thee, as thou hast now graciously fed our bodies with this perishing food, to feed our souls likewise with that food which will never perish, but endure unto everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen