A BRIEF SUMME OF Christian Religion. OR, Of things most necessary for a Christians Knowledge, Practice, and Comfort.

COMPOSED By THOMAS GREAVES, a Minister of the Gospel.

Deut. 11. 18, 19. & ch. 6. 6, 7.

Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart, and in your soul, and ye shall teach them your Children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

August. de trad. Symb

—Simplex, breve, plenum; Ut simplicitas Audientium consulat rusticitati, brevitas memoriae, plenitudo doctrinae—It is plain, brief, full: that plainness may be an help to the unlearned, briefness to memory, fulness to the in­struction of the Hearers.

Printed at London 1656.

SEt your hearts unto all the words which I testifie among you.—For it is not a vain thing for you, because it is your Life.

Deut. 32. 46, 47.

I pray God that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiri­tuall understanding: That you may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitfull in every good work, and encreasing in the knowledge of God.

Col. 1. 9, 10.

MAny Testimonies of Scripture (for the fuller confirmation of the Doctrine here delivered) are in due order annexed, & ought to be diligently considered. Sometimes the same place, though but once quoted, hath reference to several parts of the same Proposition, which I thought unnecessary to iterate. All joyned together prove the whole proposition, and every branch thereof.

To the Christian Reader.

THis short Treatise I chiefly designed for that Congregation, to which as a Minister, I have peculiar reference, which consisting (for the great­est part) of plain, and unlearned people, plain­ness, and brevity was purposely sought, and inten­ded by me: that so being clear to their Understan­ding, and easie for their Memory, it might be the better conceiv'd, and retein'd.

The Scriptures themselves do often Summarily express the chief points conteined in them, giving us an abridgement of the Law, the Gospel, and Means of Salvation: which Precedent I have willingly followed, endeavouring to omitt nothing that is Necessary, and likewise to insert nothing but what is agreeable to those holy Writings, & received by the Ancient, and present Orthodoxe Churches

I have chosen such words, and expressions as are (for the most part) used in Gods Word, and therefore of greatest significancy, and weight.

I hope the plenty of Quotations will not be ac­counted a superfluity, which I added the more copiously, at first for my own, and now for the Readers satisfaction. Better that of such there should be a redundance, then a defect, and where they most abound, I conceive there is greatest need of them, as in the 14th Proposition, where [Page] almost every word requires a several Testimony: in this, and other places, the cited Texts may supply my very brief mention of such weighty My­steries, which in regard of their use, and impor­tance, deserve the ampler confirmation.

Controverted Points I have laboured to ex­press in temperate, and amicable Terms, and to present the Truth with such indifferency, and mo­deration, as might reconcile, rather then exaspe­rate, disagreeing Parties.

To have severally expounded the Precepts of the Decalogue, would have been inconsistent with the brevity here intended, therefore I have added one Proposition (the 25th) as a general explica­tion of all. So likewise concerning the Creed, and Lords Prayer, I desired to mention that which might be some explanation of them, yet very brief, and proportionable to the rest of the summe.

Those Secrets of Gods unsearchable Decrees I have sparingly mentioned, inculcating rather the Meanes which lead us to the best assurance, and certainty here, and to a blessed fruition at last of eternal salvation.

Concerning Ministers I was willing to add the 34th Aphorisme, specially for the Peoples sake, who not considering the excelloncy of that sa­cred Office do exceedingly offend God, and gra­tifie their enemy, the Devil, some by Usurping, most by Despising it: undervaluing one of the highest fauours, and providences of Christ towards his Church, for the building whereof [Page] and perfecting the Saints,Eph 4. 12. (as the Apostle af­firmes) they are peculiarly set, and assigned.

The Doctrines (and most of the Expres­sions also) being conteined in the Scriptures, I need not be solicitous to make an Apology, or give a further account. Gods Truth, whe­ther we receive, or reject it, still reteins the same authority, and strength, and is (not­withstanding all our Opposition and Diffe­rences) the perfect Rule by which we must now Judge, and hereafter be judged: to which in this summe I only appeal, and re­fer both my self, and the Reader.

I confess that what I here publish, is but small, yet I cannot say that my labour, and study in composing it hath been such also: for I think that with as little pains I might have written a large volume. To make hard things plain, to joyn brevity and perspicuity, and comprehend much in little, without detriment to the sense and matter, to convey the highest things to low capacities, is a matter of great Difficulty, and industry: the very attempt whereof I hope will be favoured, though I much fail in the performance. As I, so others making experiment, will (I believe) acknowledge the words, and Observation of aArch-Bp. of Armagh in a Ser­mon before K. Iames. 1624. Person most eminent for piety and lear­ning (who with others hath encouraged me to publish this Treatise) to be most certain, and true, that ‘—Try it when ever we [Page] please, we shall finde, that to lay this groundwork rightly, will put us to the triall of our skill, and trouble us a great deal more, then if we were to discuss a Controversie, or handle a subtile point in the Schools.’ Thus He concerning the Dif­ficulty of this Work, and that which he adds concerning the Necessity also, is (in our care­less daies) to be sadly consider'd. ‘The neglecting hereof is the frustrating of the whole work of the Ministery: for let us preach never so many Sermons to the people, our labour is but lost, as long as the Foundation is unlaid, and the Prin­ciples untaught upon which all other Doctrine must be builded.’

The Consideration hereof hath chiefly mo­ved me to this labour, and my last desire and advise to the Reader is, in the words of our Saviour, Take heed that you despise not little things,Matth. 18. 10. and intended chiefly for little ones: because, they are such without which none can truly be Great, or Eternally glori­ous, and happy.

THO. GREAVES.

A Brief Summe of Christian Religion.

1. THe sure and only way to obtain eternal life,John 17. 3. and happiness,Acts 4. 12. is to know God,Mat. 16. 15, 16. and his Son Iesus Christ, and to honour and serve him,Joh. 12. 26. as he hath appointed in his Word. 1 Chr. 28. 9. 1 Sam. 2. 30. Deut. 10. 12. 2 Tim. 3: 15. Is. 8. 20. Acts 24. 14. Rom. 16. 26.

2. The holy ScripturesThe Scriptures. of the Old and New Testament are the Word and Oracles of God,Eph. 2. 20. wherein he hath re­vealed his Will and Truth unto us,1 Pet. 1. 25. unto which we ought most diligently to attend. Rom. 3. 2. Heb. 5. 12. Eph. 3. 5. 2 Tim. 3. 16. Mat. 22. 20, Luk. 16. 29, 31. 2 Pet. 1. 19, 21: Deut. 31. 11, 1 [...].

3. The Scriptures principally de­clare unto us, Psa. 145. 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, Gal. 3. 22 1. the Nature, Majesty, and Works of God.Rom. 3. 9, 10, 19, &c. 2. The Misery of all mankind by Sin. 3. Our Redemption and salvation by Iesus Christ.1 Thes. 5. 9, 10. 4. The Duty of the Redeemed towards God. 1 Cor. 15. 3, [...]. Acts 5. 31. Eph▪ 1. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 30, 31. Lu. 1. 74, 75, 77. Psa. 107. 1, 2.

[Page 2]4. God is a Spirit, Gods nature. eternall, Al­mighty, Joh. 4. 24. unchangeable, most pure, holy, wise,1 Tim. 1. 17. just, gracious, and mercifull, infinite in all perfections and excel­lencies.Mal. 3. 6. Jam. 1. 17. 1 Joh. 1. 5. Rev. 4. 8. Exod. 34. 6, 7. Psal. 145. 3, 8, 17. Psal. 147. 5. Job 11. 7. Acts 17. 24, 25.

5. There is but One true God,Joh. 17. 3. who is distinguished by Three Persons, 1 Cor. 8. 5, 6. the Father begetting,Heb. 1. 3. 5, 6. the Son his only be­gotten,1 Joh. 5. 7. andMa [...]. 28. 19. the Holy Ghost proceeding from both:Joh. 1. 14. 18. of one substance, will, and power,Joh. 15. 26. and with equall honour to be worshipped,Gal. 4. 6. and glorified by all.Joh. 10. 30. Phil. 2. 6. 1 Cor. 2. 10, 11. Jo: 5. 23. 2 Cor. 13. 14. Rev. 5. 12, 13.

6: God hath his Being of himself,Gods chief works and is the onely Author of all Being and Blessings unto others;Exod. 3. 14. who crea­ted all things very good,Acts 17. 24, 25, and doth sustein,Gen. 1. 1. 31. preserve, and govern them, exercising an everlasting Kingdom, Neh. 9. 6. and Providence over all.Col. 1, 16, 17. Rom. 11. 36. Heb. 1. 3. Psal. 119. 91. Psal. 145. 13. 1 Chr. 29. 11. Dan. 4. 34, 35. Prov. 15. 3. Joh. 5. 17. Mat. 10. 29, 30.

7. God created Man upright, Mans first state. ac­cording to his own Image, Eccl. 7. 29. in an holy and happy state,Gen. 1. 27, 28. to obey and glorifie his Maker.Col. 3. 10. Eph. 4. 24. Pro. 16. 4. Rev. 4. 11.

[Page 3]8. Adam the first man (of whose nature and condition we all partake) by transgression of Gods Law and Covenant,Mans misery. fell from his first state;1 Cor. 15. 45. 47, 48. Jo. 3: 6. by whose disobedience sin and death en­tred into the World. Gen. 3. 17, 23. Mal. 2. 10. Hos. 6. 7. marg. Ro. 5. 12, 14. 19.

9. All men descending from Adam are guilty of sin,Ro. 3. 9, 19, 23. which dwelleth in us,Ro. 7. 17, 20. the wages whereof is death, Rom. 6. 23. and there­fore cannot (unless born again) enter into heaven,Joh. 3. 3, 5, 6. being wholly corrupt, Gen. 6. 11, 12. and by nature children of wrath. Psal. 14. 1. Ephes. 4. 22. Psal. 51. 5. Ephes. 2. 3. Col. 1. 21.

10. SinSin. is contrary to Gods nature and Law, 1. Joh. 3. 4. which law whosoever doth not fulfill is under a Curse, Hab. 1. 13. and deser­veth all plagues, Gal. 3. 10. and miseries in this life,Deut. 28. 15. Death, Lev. 26. 14, 15, 16. &c. and in the world to come everlasting Condemnation. Rom. 6. 23. 2 Thes. 1. 9. Matth. 25. 41, 46. Joh. 5. 29.

11. Jesus Christ the second Adam, Mans Redemption. the promised Seed, hath in our nature perfectly obeyed Gods law,1. Cor. 15. 45, 47 and suffered punishment and death for our sinnes:Gen. 3. 15. by whose Obedience & Sufferings we are redeemed from the curse,Gal. 3. 16. and recon­ciled to God; Heb. 2. 14, 16. according to his New Heb. 10. 7, 9, 10, 1 Pet. 2. 22, 23, 24. 1 Joh. 3. 5. Joh. 8. 29, 46. Joh. 4. 34. & 15. 10. Phil. 2. 7, 8. I [...] 53. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10. 1 Pet. 3. 18. Gal. 3. 13. Rom. 5. 10, 19. [Page 4] and gracious Covenant made with us in Christ. Jer. 31. 31, 32. Heb. 8. 8, 13. Gal. 3. 16, 17. Lu. 1. 68, 69, 72

12. This was Gods CovenantGods Covenant. (pro­ceeding from meer grace and love to­wards man) to send the MESSIAH, Tit. 3. 4, 5, 6, 7. that is,Isa: 42▪ 6, 7. Christ, Dan. 9. 25, 26. into the world,Joh. 1. 41. and by him to abolish sin and death, Rom. 11. 26. 27 and to give unto us perfect righteousness and life everlasting.Joh. 1. 29. 2 Tim. 1. 10. Heb. 9. 26, 28. Rom. 3. 24. 25, 26. Rom. 5. 17, 18, 21. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Rom. 6. 23.

13. Christ (promised under the old Testament,Christs Office. and given in the New) was ordeined of God,Rom. 1. 2, 3. and anointed with his Spirit to a threefold Office. Isa. 9. 6. 1. of a Prophet, Acts 13. 23, 33, to reveal the way to eternal life.Acts 2. 36. 2.1 Pet. 1. 21, 22. of a Priest, Joh. 1. 42. 46. to make an Atone­ment and Intercession. Acts 10. 38, 42 3.Act. 3. 22. of a King, Joh. 6. 14. 68. to govern his Church,Heb. 5. 5, 6. and enrich it with all Graces,Rom. 5. 10, 11. to overcome the World,Rom. 8. 34. Sin,Lu. 1. 32, 33. Death,1 Cor. 1. 5. and Hell the enemies thereof,Acts 5. 31, 32. that so he might be a perfect IESVS,Eph. 4, 7, 8. and Saviour of his people.Joh. 16. 33. 1 Cor. 15. 25, 26, 27, 55. Heb. 7. 25. Mat. 1. 21.

14. Jesus being true God and man in one glorious Person, Christs Benefits. by his most righteous life, Rom. 9. 5. and pretious Death, 1 Tim. 3. 16. and Sacrifice of himselfe hath obteined forJoh. 1. 1. 14. Luke 1. 35. [Page 5] us Remission of sinnes,Gal. 4. 4. imputation of Righteousness, 1 Cor. 2. 8. Adoption to be Sons of God,Heb. 5. 8, 9. the Spirit of grace, and Sanctifi­cation, 1 Joh. 2. 2. eternal Life and Glory:Heb. 10. 12, 14. all which benefits are promised,Heb. 9. 12, 26. and freely offerd unto us in the Gospell.1 Pet. 1. 18, 19. & 3. 18. Eph. 1. 5, 7, 14. Acts 13. 38, 39. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Ro. 5. 19. Rom. 4. 5, 6, 24, 25. Gal. 4. 5. Rom. 8. 9, 15, 17. Gal. 3. 14. Heb. 10. [...]o, 19, 20. Tit. 3. 6. Joh. 6. 51. 1 Thes. 5. 9, 10. 2 Thes. 2. 14 1 Cor, 2. 12. Rom. 8. 32. Eph. 1. 13. & 2. 8, 9. 1 Joh. 2. 25. Rom. 5. 15, 17, 23. Joh. 7. 37, 38, 39. Is. 55. 1, 2.

15. Of Christ and all his benefits we are made partakers by Faith,Heb. 3. 14. through the Operation of Gods Spi­rit,Col. 2. 10, 12, and this is the Summe of the Gospell, 1 Cor. 12. 6. that whosoever believeth in him shal not perish,Joh. 3. 16, 18. & 5. 24. & 6. 47, 54. but have eternal life, with all graces,Gal. 3. 8, 9. and blessings appertaining unto it.2 Pet. 1. 3, 4. Rom. 8. 32.

16. To believe in Jesus Christ is to receive and imbrace him, Joh. 11. 12. and his Gospel (as the only doctrine which bringeth Salvation) cleaving unto him with the heart,1 Tim. 1. 15. and with confidence (in his mercy, Heb. 11. 13. power, Acts 4. 12. & 11. 23. and truth) to rely upon him for remission of Sins,Deut. 10. 20. and eternal life,Heb. 3. 6, 14. and all other promised blessings. Jude 20, 21. Eph. 3. 12. Heb. 4. 15, 16. & 7. 25, 26. Psal. 25. 10. & 117. 2. 2. Chr. 16. 7, 8. Isa. 26. 3, 4. Acts 5. 31. Mat. 9. 6, 4. Heb. 5 9. Jo. 10. 28, & 17. 2. Eph, 1. 3.

[Page 6]17.Obedience. Every true believer receiveth Christ for his Saviour, Joh. 4. 42. and also for his LORD,1 Cor. 1, 2. & 8. 5, 6. embracing and applying his gracious Promises, Gal. 2. 20. and submitting to his holy Precept, yielding himselfe an obedient Servant, Heb. 10▪ 22, 23 to be governed by him,Rom. 4. 20, 21 and to be saved by those means and waies which he hath appointed.Tir. 1. 2. Acts 15. 11. Heb. 11. 13. Luke 6. 46. 2 Cor 9. 13. & 8. 5. & 10. 5, Rom. 6. 16, 17. Luke 9. 23. Mat. 11. 28, 29.

18. Whosoever (therefore) rightly believeth doth also truly Repent, Acts 11. 17. 18 & 15. 9. and Obey Gods Commandements,Mar. 1. 15. bringing forth the fruits of righteousness,Gal. 5. 6. & 6. 15. and shewing his faith by good works, 1 Tim. 1. 19▪ and an holy conversation:Rom. 6. 22. which are the wayes ordained by Christ,Phil. 1. 11. to bring us to e­ternal life,Col. 1. 6, 10. and salvation. [...]am. 2. 18. & 3. 13. Joh. 12. 26. Eph. 2. 10. Psal. 50. 23. Prov. 28. 18.

19. Repentance is a Conversion, or turning from error to truth,Repentance. from sin unto God, with contrition, and godly sorrow for our offences committed a­gainst him, and a sincere resolution, and indevour to lead a new life, Jer. 31. 18. 19 in constant holiness, and obedience.Ezek. 18. 21, 30▪ 32. Acts 3. 19. Rom. 12. 2. Jam 5. 19, 20. Acts. 26. 18, 20. [...]oel 2. 12, 13. Psal. 51. 13, 17. Isa. 66. 2. 2. Cor. 7. 9, 10. Acts 11. 23, Ps. 119. 106, 112. 1 Pet. 4. 1, 2, 3. Luke 1. 75.

[Page 7]20. Christian obedience, and holinessHoliness. is a Conformity of our will to the whole law,1 Thes. 4. 3. and will of God:Rom. 7. 16, 22, 25. & 12, 1, 2. and a con­versation agreeable to the doctrine, Luk. 1. 6. and example of Christ our Lord.1 Pet. 1. 14, 15▪ & 4. 2. Phil. 1. 27. & 2. 5. Mat. 11. 2 [...]. 1 Joh. 3. 3. Joh. 13. 13, 15.

21. Without repentance,Vse of means. faith,Luke 13. 3, 5. and holiness,Joh. 3. 36 none shall enter into Gods Kingdome,Heb. 11. 6. & 12. 14. or escape his wrath,Mat. 23. 33. and eternal damnation: Rom. 2. 3, 4, 5. Wherefore we must earnestly seek, 2 Thes 1. 9. & labour for these necessary graces,Ma [...]. 6 33. and diligently use the Meanes which Christ hath ordeined,2 Tim. 2. 12. by which he communicateth these,2 Pet. 1. 5, 10. and all other graces unto us,Joh. 6. 35, 37. & 7. 37, 39. and by his Spirit effectually worketh them in us.Eph. 4. 7. 8. Tit. 3. 5, 6. 14. Act. 5. 31. 1 Cor. 12. 9, 11. Rom. 5. 5.

22. The principal meanes to work Repentance,Gods Word. Faith,Luke 11. 32. and Holiness in us,Rom. 10. 14, 17 is the Word of God,1 Cor. 3. 5, and the Ministery thereof:2 Cor. 5. 19. 20 which inlightneth the Under­standing,Eph. 4. 11. 12, 13 and converteth the Soul,Psal. 19. 7, 8, 11 teaching us all Truths necessary for us to believe,Ps. 119. 105, 130 and all Duties requisite,Joh. 17. 17. and necessary for us to practice.1 Pet. 1. 23. Jam. 1. 18. Rom. 15. 4. 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17▪

23. The most necessary Truths & points of Christian belief are briefly compre­hendedThe Creed. 1 Cor. 15, 1. 3. Col. 2. 6, 7. [Page 8] in the Summe called the Creed, Jude 3. agreeable to the scriptures,1 Cor. 14. 33, 36. & 11. 16. and do­ctrine of the Apostles, 1 Tim. 3. 15. and therefore re­ceived by the Churches of Christ,Mat. 28. 19. which sheweth us.Phil. 2. 6, 7, 8, 9. 1.Heb. 2, 9. The only true God in three persons.Acts 26. 18. 2.Joh. 3. 16. The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ.Rom. 10. 9, 10. 3. The Privileges of his Church, and of every particular member thereof.

24. The necessary Duties which God in joyneth us to practice, The ten Com­mandements. are brief­ly comprehended in the Decalogue, Exod. 20. 1, &c or two Tables of the Moral law,Deut, 4. 13. shewing us our Duty towards God and Man. Exo. 34. 27, 28.

25. Gods Law requires sincere obe­dience to every precept,Josh. 24. 14. and a willing subjection of the whole man,Deut. 5. 32, 33. specially of the mind and heart: Luke 17. 10. forbidding both the outward act, Jam. 2. 10. 11, and inward de­sire of evil,1 Chro. 28. 9. and every lust, Deut. 11. 13, 16, 18. motion,Prov. 4. 23, &c. oc­casion,Mat. 5. 22, 28, and appearance of sin;Rom. 7. 7. com­manding us to be perfectly holy in body and spirit, and in every work, 1 Tim. 5. 14. word, and thought to please, and glorifie God.1 Thes. 5. 22, 23 2 Cor. 7. 1. & 10. 5. 2 Thes. 2. 17. 1 Cor. 10. 31. 1 Cor. 6. 19, 20.

26. The end, 1 Tim. 1. 5. and fulfilling of the Commandments is Charity, Rom. 13. 8, 10. and the Summe of the whole law is this,Mat. 22 37. to love God with all our hearts,Deut. 6. 5. and all our po­wer, [Page 9] and to love our neighbour as our selves,Lev. 19. 18, doing unto others what we (in equity) would have done unto us.Mat. 7. 12.

27. For the furthering of repen­tance,The Sacraments faith,Mat. 3. 11. and holiness in us,Gal. 3. 27, 28. and to joyne and unite us unto Christ, Eph. 5. 25, 26: and to his body the Church, 1 Cor. 12. 12, 13 & 10. 16, 17. & 6. 17. out of which there is no Salvation;Acts 2. 41. 47▪ God hath also ordained the Sacraments, Joh. 8. 24. which are Baptisme, Eph. 2. 12, 19▪ and the Lords Super. Mat. 28. 19, & 26. 26, 27. 1 Cor. 10. 1, 2.

28. The ChurchThe Church. is the great Con­gregation of all Gods people,Heb. 12. 22, 23. knit toge­ther in one body, Psal. 40. 9, 10. of which Christ is the Head,1 Cor: 1. 2. and they the Members, quickned by his Spirit, Joh. 15. 1, 2 &c. and receiving all life and grace from him alone,Col. 1. 18. having one Faith, Eph. 4. 15, 16. & 5. 30. Hope, 1 Cor. 12. 13. and brotherly Love, Eph. 2. 21. and partaking of the same Word, Col. 2. 19. Sacra­ments, Joh. 5. 21. and Ordinances of Christ.Eph. 4. [...], 5. Acts 2. 42. 1 Cor. 11. 16. & 7. 17.

29. The Sacraments are visible signes and seales of Gods Covenant,Rom. 4. 11. by which the benefits of Christ are repre­sented, 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17. & 11. 25, 26 applied, and confirmed unto us,Mar. 16. 16. and by which we also are bound and engaged to his service, Gal. 3. 1, 27. and to continue in faith and obedience to God.1 Cor. 12. 12, 13. Mat. 28. 19, 20, Rom. 6. 3, 4. Heb. 10. 23.

[Page 10]30. BaptismeBaptisme. is the washing of rege­neration, Tit. 3. 5, 6. ordeined by Christ to sancti­fie, Mar. 28. 19. clense, Eph. 5. 26. and save us, 1 Pet. 3. 21. if we by wilfull impenitency, Heb. 6. 4, 6. & 10. 26, 29. and unbelief do not hinder and frustrate the virtue thereof:Acts 8. 13, 21, 22, 37. in which we are born again of water and the spirit, Joh. 3. 5. 6. ingrafted into Christ,Rom. 6. 5. and washed from our sins in his bloud,Rev. 1. 5. sealed by his spirit to the day of redemption,Acts 22. 16. and dedicated for ever to the service of that only true God,Eph. 4. 30. the Father, Rom. 6. 4. the Son, Heb. 10. 22, 23, 24. and the Holy Ghost, Mat. 28. 19, 20, in whose Name we are baptized.1 Cor. 1. 13. Acts 1 [...]. 4, 5.

31. As Circumcision was to Abraham and his Seed, Gen. 17. 7. 10, 11 so is Baptisme to belie­vers and their children, Exod. 12. 48. a sign and seal of their Admission into Christs Church,Col. 2. 11, 12. the Remission of sin,Acts 2. 38, 39. Mortification of the Flesh,1 Cor. 7. 14. Death unto sin,Rom. 4. 11. and our Resur­rection to a new Life: Rom. 6. 3, 4 &c. whereby we are ingaged, 1 Pet. 3. 21. and through Gods Spirit in­abled to put off the old man, Gal. 5. 3. to deny our selves, Rom. 8. 13. and Renounce the World the Flesh and the Divel,Eph 4. 22. 24. and to put on Christ by faith,Col. 3. 1, 5, 9. and conformity unto him in his life, Luke 9. 23. and sufferings. Tit. 2. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 2▪ Gal. 3. 27. Rom. 13. 4. Phil. 3. 10. 2 Tim. 2 11, 12. 1 Joh. 2. 6.

[Page 11]32. The Lords SupperThe Lords Supper was institu­ted for a Remembrance of Christ our Passeover sacrificed for us,1 Cor. 11. 24 &c. & ch. 5. 7. and is a Com­munion of his Body, 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17 and Bloud, Mat 26. 26, 28. which with the outward elements of bread and wine every believer doth truly re­ceive for his spiritual nourishment to e­ternal life.Joh. 9. 27. 35, 54, 55, 56, 57. 1 Cor. 10. 4, 5.

33. The Lords Supper obligeth every partaker thereof to Repentance, Joh. 6. 47. Faith Love, 1 Cor. 10. 17, 21 & 11. 26, 28. and thankeful Obedience without which we eat and drink unworthily, 1 Cor. 5. 7, 8. not discerning the Lords body,2 Cor. 13. 5. nor the end and use of those holy Mysteries, 1 Cor. 11. 27, 29 30. and thereby draw judgement upon our selves:Acts 2, 42, 46, but with these we rightly may,1 Cor. 11. 24, 25, 26, and frequently ought to receive it,Jo. 6. 35. 56. 57 and thereby these graces are increased and strengthned in us.1 Cor. 12▪ 13.

34. To edify the Church in faith and godliness, Christ hath ordeined Pastors and Ministers,Ministers. to whom as his Ambassadours, Eph. 4. 11, 12. & Stewards he hath gi­ven special commission and authority to preach the Word of reconciliation,2 Cor. 5. 19, 20. to administer the Sacraments, 1 Cor. 4. 1▪ 2. and other holy Ordinances, Ti [...]. 1. 7. to Bless in his Name,Mat [...]h. 28. 18, 19, 20. to pronounce comfort and pardon to1 Cor. 10, 16, & 11. 23. Deut. 10. 8. Num. 6, 23, 27. [Page 12] the penitent,Luk. 24. 47, 48 to reprove, Mat. 8. 15, 16, 17, 18. & 16. 19. and by censures to bind the disobedient,Joh. 20. 23. to watch over, to pray for,1 Cor. 5. 4, 5, 11, 13. and with the flock, 2 Tim. 4. 2, 3. of which the holy ghost hath made them Over­seers; Iam. 5. 14, 15. whom for the good of our souls, Acts 20. 17, to 31. and for their works sake, 1 Pet. 5. 2, 3. we are com­manded to hear, Heb. 13. 7, 17, 24. reverence, and obey. 1 Thes 5. 12, 13. 1 Tim. 5. 17. Luk. 10. 16. Gal. 6. 6. 1 Cor. 16▪ 16.

35. That we may rightly believe in Jesus Christ,Prayer. and obey Gods comman­dments,Luke 17. 5: and worthily use the Sacra­ments, Psal. 119. 5. and all other meanes of salva­tion,Jam. 1. 5. we must by earnest and frequent Prayer implore Gods Grace,Act. 2. 42. which only doth inable us,Luke 18. 1, 7. and his holy Spi­rit, 1 Cor. 12. 3, 8, 11 & 15. 10. who is the Worker of all knowledge, Joh. 16. 13. & 14. 16, 26. grace, Luke 11. 13. and comfort within us,Eph. 1. 13. whom the Father hath promised to give,Joh. 14. 13. 14. & 16. 26. and also whatsoever we ask in the name of his Son Jesus Christ.

36. All things requisite for us to ask or receive are briefly comprehended in the Lords prayer, The Lords prayer. which teacheth us to direct our petitions to God only, Match. 6. 9. for spi­ritual and temporal blessings,Luke 11. 2. fixing our minds on his Fatherly goodness and power, Psal. 65. 2. and before all, Rom. 10. 14. and in all seeking his glory. Phil. 4. 6. Luke 11. 13. Eph. 3. 20. 1 Cor. 10 31.

[Page 13]37. With prayers to be made in publique and private, for our selves,Confession. and all men,1 Tim. 2. 1, 8. we must joyne an humble Con­fession, Mat. 6. 5. and acknowledgment of our sins,Psal. 32. 5, 6. proceeding from a contrite and penitent heart:Prov. 28. 13. and also constant Praises, Psal. 38. 18. & 51. 4, 5, 17: and joyful Thanksgiving unto God for his abundant mercies,Dan. 9. 4, 5. com­forts,Thanksgiving. and benefits to us,Col. 4. 2. and all o­thers.1 Thes. 5. 17, 18. Phil. 4. 6. Psalm. 145. 9. & 107. 21, 22.

38. The spiritual Sacrifices of prayer and praise,The only Me­diator. with all other Worship and service due unto God,Heb. 13. 15. we must from a pure heart,2 Tim. 2. 22. offer up unto Him by Iesus Christ our only Mediator, 1 Tim. 1. 5. and high Priest, Col. 3. 17. by whose strength we performe them,1 Tim. 2. 5. through whose merits, and in­tercession they are accepted, Heb. 4. 14, 15. 16 & 9. 15. & 7 25, 26. & 13. 21 and shall through his mercy and promise be gra­ciously rewarded. 1 Joh. 2. 2. Phil. 4. 13. [...]o. 15. 5. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Eph. 1. 6. Col. 3. 24. Ps. 62. 12. Mat. 25. 35

39. All must earnestly strive and in­devour both to continue, Perseverance and growth. and to grow and increase in faith and holiness 1.2 Pet. 3. 18. By attending to Gods Word. 1 Cor. 15. 58. 2.1 Thes. 4. 1. By the exercise of love and good Works. 1 Pe [...]. 2. 2. 3. By a right use of the Sacraments. [Page 14] 4.1 Tim 4. 7, 15. By prayer. Acts 2. 41, 42. & 24. 16. 5.Phil. 4. 6. 8. Confession, 1 John 1. 9. and 6. Thanksgiving: Lev. 26. 40, 41. all which are parts of Gods service,Jam. 5. 16. and meanes of salvation,2 Pet. 1. 3, 10, 11 by which God hath appointed,Eph. 2. 8, 10. and decreed to bring his people to ever­lasting glory.

40. They who carefully use these holy meanes are Christs peculiar peo­ple, beloved and chosen of God,Gods Elect. called to grace and glory,Ti. 2. 12, 13, 14 Iustified through Christs obedience,2 Thes. 2. 13. 14 Sanctified and led by his Spirit,1 Pet. 2. 9. Sons of God,2 Pet. 1. 3. and heires of a kingdome,Psal. 84, 11. in which they shall both in body, 1 Thes. 2, 12. and soul, Rom. 5. 19. be eternally blessed and Glorified.1 Cor. 6. 11. Rom. 8. 14. 17. Gal. 5. 18, Jam. 2. 5, Phil. 3. 21. Mat. 25▪ 34. Heb. 12, 22. 23.

1 Pet. 5. 10, 11.

The God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Iesus Christ, after you have suffered a while make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, setle you.

To him be Glory and Dominion for ever. Amen.

The Epitome, and Contents of this Summe, very fit and easie to be remembred.

THe only way to eternall happiness is taught in the Scriptures, which shew unto us, 1. The Nature and works of God. 2. The Misery of man by sin; 3. Our Redemption and deliverance by Ie­sus Christ, of which we are made partakers by Faith, ioyned with Repentance, and ho­liness of life. 4. Our Duty, to believe in Jesus Christ. To shew our faith by obedi­ence to Gods Commandments. To use the Sacraments, and constant Prayer. To confess, and forsake our sins. Continually to give thanks, and praise unto God: which are the Meanes of Grace, leading Gods people to eternal Glory.

2 Tim. 1. 13.

Hold fast the forme of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Iesus.

The Chief Articles of Christian Belief, con­tained in the Scriptures, and generally received by the Ancient & modern Chur­ches of God, as doth appear by their joynt Confessions.

I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth. And in Iesus Christ his only Son our Lord, which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was Crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into Hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: he ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the Right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to Judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: the holy Catholike Church: the Communion of Saints: the forgivenesse of sins: the Resurrection of the Body, and the Life everlasting.

The Ten Commandements.

GOD spake all these words,1 Table. saying, I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in Hea­ven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thy self to them, nor serve them: For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the Fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me: and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my Commandments.

[Page]Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy: six dayes shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattel, nor thy stran­ger that is within thy gates: For in six dayes the Lord made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, & hallowed it.

Honour thy Father,2 Table▪ and thy Mother: that thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his oxe nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours.

The Lords Prayer.

OVR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdome come: Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven: Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespasse against us: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil; For thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever, Amen.

[Page]This Summe may easily be reduced to the usual Form of Gatechismes by Questions & Answers; to which end that it may also serve, I have here distinctly set down the most materiall Questions, to which the Propositions in the Summe, being equal in number, are direct Answers, and may be readily applied.

Question Answer.
1Which is the Way to eternal hap­piness.?Prop. 1*
2What is the Word of God?Prop. 2.
3What doe the Scriptures chiefly declare?Prop. 3.
4What is the Nature of God?Prop. 4.
5Who is the True God?Prop. 5.
6Which are the chief Works of God?Prop. 6.
7What was Mans first state?Prop. 7.
8How did Man loose his first happiness?Prop. 8.
9What is the Misery of Man?Prop. 9.
10What is Sin, and the punishment due unto it?Prop. 10
11How are we freed from sin, and all misery?Prop. 11
12What was Gods Covenant?Prop. 12
13What is the Office of Christ?Prop. 13
[Page]14What Benefits hath Christ obtei­ned for us?Prop. 14
15How are we made partakers of Christs Benefits?Prop. 15
16What is it to Believe in Christ?Prop. 16
17How ought we to receive Christ?Prop. 17
18What is inseparably joyned with saving Faith?Prop. 18
19What is Repentance?Prop. 19
20What is Christian Obedience?Prop. 20
21How may we attain to Faith, and all other Graces?Prop. 21
22Which are the principal meanes to Work Faith, & other Graces?Prop. 22
23Which are the chief points of Christian belief?Prop. 23
24What is the rule of Mans duty, and practice?Prop. 24
25What doth Gods Law command, and forbid?Prop. 25
26What is the End, and summe of the Law?Prop. 26
27Why were the Sacraments ordei­ned?Prop. 27
28What is the Church to which a­lone the Sacraments do belong?Prop. 28
29What are Sacraments?Prop. 29
30What Benefit have we by Baptisme?Prop. 30
31What is further confirmed unto us, and required of us in Baptisme?Prop. 31
[Page]32What is the End, and Benefit of the Lords Supper?Prop. 32
33Who are fit Receivers of the Lords Supper?Prop. 33
34What is the Work, and Office of Ministers?Prop. 34
35What is the Use, and efficacie of prayer?Prop. 35
36What is the best Rule, and Forme of Christian Prayer?Prop. 36
37What is to be joyned with Prayer?Prop. 37
38What maketh our prayers, and all other Duties acceptable to God?Prop. 38
39How may we continue, & increase in Grace?Prop. 39
40Who are Gods Elect, and Heires of of Salvation?Prop. 40
2 Tim. 2. 23.

Foolish and unlearned Questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

Some special places of Scripture ex­pressing the whole Duty of man.

So Worship I the God of my Fathers, be­lieving all things which are written in the Law,Acts 24. 14, 15, 16. and the Prophets. And have hope to­wards God, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the un just. And herein do I exercise my selfe, to have alwaies a conscience void of offence, towards God, and towards men.

The grace of God that bringeth Salvati­on hath appeared to all men;Tit. 2. 1 [...]. 12, 13, 14. Teaching us that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope▪ & the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Iesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and pu­rify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Ye beloved building up your selves on your most holy faith, Jude 20. 21. praying in the holy ghost, keepe your selves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

[Page]He hath shewed thee O man what is good, Mic. 6. 8. and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to Walk humbly with thy God

Trust in the Lord,Psa. 37. 3. and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land.

Hold faith, and a good conscience, 1 Tim. 1. 19. which some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwrack.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, Tit. 3. 8. that they which have believed in God, may be care­full to maintein good works: these things are good and profitable unto men.

Let ours also learn to maintein good works for necessary uses, 14. that they be not unfruitfull.

Add Colos. 1. 9. 10, 11, 12. Deut. 10. 12, 13. &c.

Let us heare the CONCLUSION of the whole matter,Eccles 12. 13, 14. fear God and keep his Com­mandments: for this is the whole Duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Io. 13. 17.

If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

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