A scheme and abstract of the Christian religion comprized in fifty two heads, with the texts of scripture, on which they are grounded : and some short indications, how they were more largely handled / by a lover of truth and peace.

A scheme and abstract of the Christian religion comprized in fifty two heads, with the texts of scripture, on which they are grounded : and some short indications, how they were more largely handled / by a lover of truth and peace.

Table of contents

Title page

A Scheme of Fifty two Heads of the Christian Doctrine.

THE PRINCIPLES OF THE Christian Religion. COMPRIZED IN Fifty two SERMONS, and Handled From the Texts of Scripture following, Viz:

Books sold by Samuel Sprint, at the Bell in Little-Britain.

THE PRINCIPLES OF THE Christian Religion. COMPRIZED IN Fifty two SERMONS, and Handled From the Texts of Scripture following, Viz:

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I. THe chief End of Man; HAPPINESS. Psalm 4.7. Who will shew us any good?

Principle. Happiness is the general desire of Mankind.

True Happiness is a State free from all the Evils, and filled with all the Comforts whereof the humane Nature is capable.

This consists not in Riches, Reputation, Pleasures, &c. But is compleat, by Perfect Knowledge of God, Perfect Love and Likeness to Him, Perfect Sense of His Love to us, and the Perfect Bliss of the Body.

II. The Only Means to this Happiness is RELIGION. Eccles. 12.13. Fear God and keep his Commandments, for this is the whole duty, (or Happiness) of Man.

[Page]Princ. True Religion is the Only Means to true Happiness.

True Religion is the True Worship of the True God.

That the Christian Religion is the Only True Religion, appears, 1. From the Divinity of its Author [...] 2. The Antiquity of its Institution. 3. The Purity of its Precepts. 4. The Excellency of its Rewards. 5. The Efficacy of its Operation. 6. The Sutableness of it to the Happiness of Mankind. 7. Its Duration.

III. In Religion, Consider 1. The Ground of it, which is THE SCRIPTURE. Iohn 5.39 [...] [...] the [...] for in them [...] life.

Princ. The Holy Scripture is the Ground of True Religion, and the Directory to Happiness.

By the Scripture is meant, the True Sence of the Books of the Old and New Testament. This is the ground of Religion, and Directory to Happiness: Being 1. Divine, for its Authority. Proved from its Antiquity, Purity, Majesty, Harmony, Efficacy. Besides the Testimony of the Spirit, outwardly in Miracles; inwardly in the Conscience. 2. Full for its Sufficiency; without Oral Tradition, or Humane Additions. 3. Cleer for its Perspicuity.

IV. 2. The Parts of Religion are either Doctrinal, and these Concerning God in Himself, and here (1.) THE BEING OF GOD. Heb. 11.6. For he that cometh to God, must believe that he is.

Princ. It is fundamental in Religion, to believe that God is.

This proved 1. From the universal consent of Mankind, 2. From the Being and Temptations of the Devil. 3. From the Creation and Government of the World. 4. From the Testimony of natural Conscience. 5. From the infallible Word of God. This True God is the Object of the Christians Worship.

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V. (2.) THE NATURE OF GOD. Iohn 17.3. This is life eeternal, that they might know thee, the only true God.

Princ. It is life eternal, to know the only true God.

God is a Spiritual Being, infinite in all Perfections.

A Spiritual Being; and so without Body, Parts, or Passions.

Infinite; and so without Cause, without defect, and without limit.

In all Perfections; so remove all imperfection from any thing, and you see God. And conceive a Spiritual Being, abounding with all Perfections, and that is God.

VI. (3.) The Divine ATTRIBUTES. Isa. 57.15. Thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth Eternity, whose Name is Holy, &c.

Princ. The Excellent Nature of God is declared to us by his Divine Attributes.

And these are

1. His Immensity, whereby he fills, and consequently sees all things.

2. Immutability, whereby there is no change in his Nature, or Will.

3. Eternity, whereby he hath a boundless Duration, No beginning; nor end; nor succession.

4. Blessedness and Glory, whereby he is perfectly happy in and by himself: His Glory is the result of his Excellency.

5. Wisdom.

6. Power, and Greatness.

7. Goodness.

8. Holiness.

9. Justice. And

10. Mercy, &c.

VII. (4.) In God there is a TRINITY in UNITY. 1 Iohn 5.7. For there are Three that bear record in Heaven, The Father, The Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these Three are One.

[Page]Princ. There is but One God, but in the Unity of the Godhead, there are Three Persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Here is shewed

1. That there is but One God, and can be no more: Proved from the Perfection, Immensity, and Omnipotency of God.

2. That there are more Persons than One.

3. That there are no more than Three.

4. These are Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

5. These Three have a distinct manner of Subsistence.

6. These Three are One. Co-essential, Co-equal, & Coeternal.

VIII. Next consider God in his Works; which were (1.) From Eternity, His DECREES. Eph. 1.11— Who worketh all things, after the Counsel of his own Will.

Princ. All Events in Time, depend upon the Counsel of Gods own Will.

In the opening hereof, these Conclusions:

1. All Divine Decrees are the Acts of his own Will.

2. They are most free.

3. Most wise and holy.

4. Are from Eternity.

5. Unchangeable.

6. Do respect whatsoever comes to pass.

7. Reach Persons, as well as Things.

8. Extend to the Means as well as the End.

9. The true Cause of a mans Happiness is Gods Will; of his Ruine, his Own.

IX. (2.) Gods Works in Time are 1 CREATION. Gen. 1.1. In the beginning God created Heaven and Earth.

Princ. In the beginning God created Heaven and Earth.

Here was handled [...]

1. The Truth of this. Proved 1. From Scripture. 2. Demonstration.

2. The Nature of Creation, that is, he made Something out of Nothing, and out of that Something, All things.

3. The Author, Almighty God

4. The Object, The Heavens and the Earth.

5. The Order of every Dayes Work.

6. The End, to display his Power, Wisdom and Goodness.

X. The other Work of God in Time, is 2. His PROVIDENCE. Iob 1.21. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.

Princ. The Providence of God hath the perfect disposal of all things below.

Here

1. The Nature of Divine Providence, whereby he Preserves and Orders all his Creatures and their Actions.

2. The Certainty thereof, Proved from the Nature and Attributes of God, the general Order in the World, &c.

3. The Extent. And

4. The Beauty and Excellence of it.

XI. The Principal Objects of Creation and Providence are 1. The ANGELS. Coloss. 1.16. For by him were all things created that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be Thrones, &c.

Princ. All the Angels were created by the Word of God.

Here

1. Their Being was proved.

2. Their Creation demonstrated.

3. Their Nature opened. They are immortal compleat Spirits, created after the Image of God, for his special Service.

4. Their Knowledge, Natural, Experimental, Revealed.

5. Their Power.

6. Their Number.

[Page]7. Their Kinds. 1. The Good Angels, who are those Heavenly Spirits, Who being confirmed by the grace of God, continued their integrity. 2. The Evil, the contrary.

XII. The other Principal Creature is 2. Man, whom consider 1. Severally in his Fourfold Estate; And 1. MAN in INNOCENCY. Eccles. 7.29.—God made man upright.

Princ. Man was created at first, an upright and happy Creature.

Here was shewed

1. The Nature of Man, who is a Living Creature indued with Reason; He consists of Body and Soul.

2. His Creation.

3. His Uprightness, being made in the Image of God: 1. In his Natural Endowments. 2. In his Supernatural.

4. His Happiness Inward and Outward.

XIII. Mans Personal Estate being handled, Now his Covenant Estate; And here THE COVENANT OF WORKS. Genes. 2.17—For in the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely dye.

Princ. Upon the Creation of Man, God entred into Covenant with him.

Here was shewed

1. What is a Covenant, a mutual agreement between Parties, whereby mutual Obligations are contracted.

2. That there was a Covenant.

3. What was this Covenant, whereby God did promise to bestow all Happines [...] on Adam and his posterity [...] on condition of perfect Obedience, and did threaten the contrary upon his disobedience.

4. The End and Use of it.

5. The Quality of it; Equal, Honourable, and Advantagious.

6. How long the Duration of it.

XIV. Mans next Estate is that by the Fall, where 1. His [Page] Sin: And here 1. ORIGINAL SIN IMPUTED. Rom. 5.12.—For that all have sinned.

Princ. Adam and all his Posterity in Him, sinned against God in Paradise.

Here was shewed

1. What Sin is; the transgression of Gods Law.

2. The Nature of Adams Sin; against the Law of Nature, and a Positive Law.

3. The Time of it.

4. The Cause; Outward, Satan; Inward, the Will of Man.

5. The Heinousness of it.

6. Its Derivation to us; by imputation through an haereditary and a Covenant right.

XV. 2. ORIGINAL SIN INHERENT follows. Iohn 3.6. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh.

Princ. Original Corruption is in all men, by their Natural Generation.

Here

1. Its Nature; It is that Natural Corruption, which defiles all Mankind, whereby they are wholly averse to all Good, and prone to all Evil.

2. Its Certainty: Proved from the Death of Infants, the Necessity of Regeneration, the Confession of the Saints, Express Scripture, and sad Experience.

3. Its Seat, in the Body and Soul.

4. Its Evil; for it is Universal, Secret, Active, Mortal and Inseparable.

5. Its Derivation. As Sin, by Natural Generation, and so Christ exempted.

XVI. Next by the Fall comes 2. Mans MISERY by it. Ephes. 2.3.—And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Princ. All men by Nature are the Children of wrath, in a miserable Condition.

[Page]This Misery is

1. Privative, of the Image of God, Of Communion with God, Of Comfortable Relation to him.

2. His Positive Misery is 1. comprehended in the Wrath of God. 2. Declared in the Curse of the Law, which Indicts, Convicts, Sentences, Terrifies him. 3. Executed in that Death threatned; Temporal, Spiritual, and Eternal.

This Misery descends upon us by Nature; And to it all are Obnoxious.

XVII. Now follow Mans Third Estate; viz. Of Recovery, where the COVENANT of GRACE. Rom. 5.21.—Even so grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life; by Iesus Christ our Lord.

Princ. The Grace of God hath sixt upon a way of Recovery for lost Man, by Iesus Christ.

Here was declared

1. That God was so wise and good, that he would not lose the whole Species of Mankind.

2. He judged it most fit to relieve him by way of Covenant.

3. This is a Covenant of Grace: And why.

4. Herein there was a necessity for a Mediator.

5. This Covenant is between God and Man.

6. All adult Persons that accept hereof, are obliged to Conditions.

7. The Manifestation of this Covenant hath been gradual.

8. It is but one and the same Covenant of Grace from Adam, to the end of the World.

9. This the happiest Covenant that ever was made with Man.

10. Our Children are included in it.

XVIII. The Covenant of Grace before Christs coming was administred under the Law. And here of the LAWS of GOD. Rom. 7.12. Wherefore the Law is holy, and the Commandment holy, just and good.

[Page]Princ. The Will of God revealed in his Law, was Holy Iust and Good.

1. God hath revealed his Will. 1. By his Law ingraven in Mans Heart. 2. By the Law Written, which is either Moral, or Mosaical; and This Ceremonial and Judicial.

2. An Abstract of these Laws. 1. Of the Ceremonial in Sacred Persons, and Sacred Things, and Sacred Times. 2. Of the Judicial, being reducible to the Commandments, which do make up 3. The Moral.

3. The use of these Laws severally.

4. The Excellency of them: Holy, Just, Good.

5. Duration of them. The Ceremonial, to the Death of Christ; The Judicial, to the destruction of Ierusalem; The Moral, to the end of the World.

XIX. As this Covenant is administred under the Gospel[?], we 1. Consider CHRISTS PERSON and NATURES. 1 Tim. 3.16. God manifest in the flesh.

Princ. The Son of God became Man for our Redemption.

Here was shewed

1. That Jesus Christ is true God, From Divine Names, Properties and Honour. Because 1. The Evil was so great, which he undertook to remedy. 2. The Good so great, to procure.

2. That Jesus Christ is true Man, hath a true Humane Body and Soul. 1. That he might suffer in the Nature that had sinned; and 2. Sanctifie the Nature that was polluted.

3. That he is God and Man in One Person; without transmutation, confusion, or separation of Either Nature. He is true Emanuel, One Christ, &c.

XX. Next, we consider CHRISTS OFFICE. 1 Tim. 2.5.— And one Mediator between God and Man, the Man Christ Iesus.

Princ. Iesus Christs great Office is, to be a Mediator between God and Man.

Here was declared

1. Who is this Jesus Christ.

2. What it is to be a Mediator.

3. That Jesus Christ, and he only is such; he only had Authority, he only had Ability.

4. In what capacity he is a Mediator; As God-Man.

5. How he performs this Office. 1. Generally, and that by his Merits purchasing; By his Efficacy, applying what he hath purchased. 2. Particularly, 1. By becoming a Divine Prophet, to reveal Gods Will by his Word, and to illuminate Mans heart by his Spirit. 2. A Divine Priest, in his Satisfaction and Intercession. 3. A Divine King, graciously ruling over his Church, and powerfully over-ruling his Enemies.

XXI. Then 3. follows the Consideration of Christs two-fold State; 1. Christ's STATE of HUMILIATION. Phil. 2.8.-He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.

Princ. The Son of God hath greatly humbled himself for the Sons of Men.

Here were opened

1. His Conception and Birth.

2. His Obedience; to the Ceremonial Law, to the Moral.

3. His Sufferings; Outwardly, the Infirmities of the Flesh, the Indignities of the World, the Temptations of the Devil: Inwardly, Fear, Sorrow, Desertion.

4. His Death, attended with Pain, Shame, Curse.

5. His Burial and Descent.

XXII. 2. State of CHRISTS EXALTATION. Acts 5.31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour.

Princ. The same Iesus who was slain for our Sins, was exalted by God for our Iustification.

The Steps of this Exaltation are

1. His Resurrection; whereby Jesus Christ having overcome Death, and so paid the Wages of Sin, and satisfie the [Page] Law, did rise the third day, with the self-same body which dyed.

2. His Ascension; whereby having conversed forty dayes on Earth after his Resurrection, he ascended into the highest Heavens.

3. His sitting on Gods right hand; whereby Jesus Christ is placed in supream Authority in Heaven, for the good of his Church, &c.

XXIII. Having spoken of our Redeemer, there follows 2. His. SATISFACTION and REDEMPTION. 1 Timoth. 2. 6.—Who gave himself a ransome for all, &c.

Princ. The Intent of Iesus Christs Sufferings, was to be a Ransome, and to make Satisfaction, for all that believe.

Here was shewn

1. That Man did once belong to God, and was at peace with him.

2. Man having forsaken God, incurs his Wrath and Curse.

3. There is no fit way known to us, to recover man, but by Redemption.

4. No ransom fit and sufficient for us, but Jesus Christ.

5. Jesus Christ became our Ransome, by satisfying the Justice of God.

6. This Ransome and Satisfaction of Christ was purposely intended, only for all that believe in him.

XXIV. It follows 3. to speak of the Application of this Redemption to us, which is 1. By VOCATION. 2 Tim. 1. 9.—Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy Calling.

Princ. They that are saved, are called with an holy Calling.

Where

1. The Nature of this Calling; The effectual perswasion of a sinner, to renounce his sin, and to embrace Christ.

2. The Author of it, God.

3. The Method; by Inlight'ning the Understanding, convincing the Conscience, and inclining the Will.

[Page]4. The Means; The Word without, and the Spirit of God within.

5. The Necessity of it: For none can, or will come to God without it; None can, or will be saved without it.

XXV. The next Step is 2. JUSTIFICATION. Rom. 3.24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Iesus.

Princ. God doth freely iustifie a believing sinner[?] through the redemption that is in Iesus Christ.

Here was shewed

1. What is Justification; The discharging a guilty sinner from the condemnation of the Law, by imputing to him the Righteousness of Jesus Christ.

2. Who justifieth; God.

3. Who are justified; None but the Elect, none but sinners, none but such as repent and believe.

4. How are we justified. Efficiently, by a Judicial Act of God; Formally, by imputing Christs Righteousness and Satisfaction; Instrumentally, by the Gospel on Gods part, and by Faith on ours; Declaratively, by Christian Obedience.

XXVI. Here was handled the Doctrine of FAITH. Rom. 10.10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.

Princ: Sincere or hearty Faith is necessary for a mans Iustification.

Here was opened

1. Its Nature; such a firm Assent to the Gospel, as prevails with the whole Soul, to receive, and rely on Jesus Christ, as he is there offered.

2. Where it is seated: In the soul of an humbled sinner.

3. On what it is exercised: Generally, on all the revealed Will of God; Particularly, On Gods Promises; Principally, on Christs Person; Formally and properly, on Christ crucified.

4. The Use of Faith.

5. How it is discerned.

6. How procured.

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XXVII. The 3d Fruit of our Redemption, is ADOPTION. Romans 8.15.—But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father.

Princ: It is a Believers great Priviledge, to receive the Spirit of Adoption, whereby to cry Abba, Father.

Here was shewed

1. What is this Adoption; It is the gracious acceptation of penitent sinners, into the rank of Gods dear children: Called the Spirit of Adoption: Because the Spirit of God works it, and also testifies it. By this we cry Abba Father, that is, pray with 1. Filial affection, 2. Confidence, 3. Earnestness.

2. How we come to receive it: 1. The Spirit reveals the Gospel: 2. Operates in the heart: 3. Seals it to the Conscience.

3. The greatness of this priviledge: 'Tis Real, Honourable, Comfortable, Durable, and Beneficial.

XXVIII. The 4th Fruit is SANCTIFICATION. 1 Pet. 1.2.—Through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience:

Princ: Those that are elected by the Father, and redeemed by the Son, are sanctified by the Spirit.

Here

1. Its Nature: It is the changing of our corrupt nature into the Image of God.

2. Its Subject, or Seat; the whole Man, Soul and Body.

3. Its Parts, Mortification to sin, and Vivification to Obedience.

4. Its Causes: The Efficient, God; The Meritorious, by Jesus Christ; The Instrumental, the Word of God: The next End, Obedience; the higher, Salvation; the highest Gods glory.

5. The Adjuncts of it. 1. Imperfection. 2. Perseverance.

XXIX. Here by reason of the imperfection of our Sanctification, follows the Doctrine of REPENTANCE. Heb. 6. 1.—Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works.

[Page]Princ. Repentance from dead works, is a fundamental doctrine in the Christian Religion.

Here was handled

What it is, Such a grief for sin as produces a full purpose of amendment. The Author of it, God; The Essence, the change of the heart from sin to God; The Parts, Contrition and Conversion; The Importance of it, To prevent Judgments and Hell, to procure pardon and salvation. How we may discern it; How we may attain it; And how unreasonable it is to defer it.

XXX. To our Sanctification belongs the Doctrine of GOOD WORKS. Tit. 3.8.—That they might be careful to maintain good works, &c.

Princ. The Christian Religion doth expressely teach Good Works.

Here was shewed

1. The Nature of good works; Those things which a good man doth, by a right rule, to a right end.

2. The Kinds: Spiritual charity, immediately by instruction, reproof, &c. mediately, by promoting Learning, supporting Religion: Corporal charity, relieving the poor, &c. More generally, by promoting the publick good.

3. The Excellency of them.

4. The Abuse of them.

5. Rules about them.

XXXI. Now follows Man in his 4th State of Glory; And in order thereunto, THE RESURRECTION. Acts 24.15.— That there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just, and unjust.

Princ. There shall be a Resurrection of the dead, both of the just, and unjust.

Here was opened

1. The Nature of it; It is Gods raising up the same bodies of all that are dead and re-uniting them to their souls at the last day.

2. The Subject, all the dead both just and unjust.

[Page]3. The Causes hereof.

4. The Certainty of it. Here it was proved to be 1 Clearly possible. 2. Highly probable. 3. Absolutely certain; From Gods own Word; From Christs own Resurrection.

XXXII. Next follows the Doctrine of the LAST JUDGMENT. 2 Corinth. 5.10. For we must all appear before the judgment Seat of Christ, that every one may[?] recieve the things done in his body, &c.

Princ. There will be a final Iudgement past upon all men, according to their works by Iesus Christ at last.

Here was given,

1. The Description of it; It is Christs final determination of the everlasting state of Men and Angels, according to their works. Where 1. the Person judging; in respect of Authority, the Trinity; in respect of Approbation, the Saints; in respect of special disposition, Jesus Christ. 2. The Parties to be judged, Angels and Men, and these of all Sorts, Ages, Conditions, Nations, and Religions, quick and dead. 3. The Matters to be judged; their Titles, Talents, Lives, &c. 4. The Form or Method; where, the Preparation, and the Process.

2. The Proof of this: From the Nature of God, the Word of God, and the Conscience of Man.

XXXIII. The next Step is into HEAVEN. 1 Pet. 1.4.— To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you.

Princ. There is a Place of vast and endless Glory for true Believers.

Where was opened

1. The Glory thereof; privately at large; positively and that is 1. Subjective in respect of the Soul, in all its faculties, graces, indowments. Of the Body, spiritualness, immortality, beauty, holiness. 2. Objective, and that subordinate, the company of glorious Angels, and glorified Saints; and Supreme, in the Vision, Fruition of, and Assimilation to God.

[Page]2. The Eternity hereof.

3. The Certainty, proved from the Light of Nature, of Scripture, of Conscience, of Reason, taken from the Nature of God, of Satan, and of the Soul.

XXXIV. The Opposite State to this is HELL. Mat. 10.18.- But rather fear him that is able to cast the Soul and Body into hell.

Princ. There is certainly an Hell, for them that fear not God.

Where was handled

1. The Nature of it; it is a Place of extream and endless misery; the misery of loss and sense.

2. The Extremity of it; both for soul and body.

3. The Eternity of it.

4. Its Certainty, proved from the Testimony of Nature, the Terrors of Conscience, the Justice of God, and the Word of God.

5. The Equitableness of it.

XXXV. Thus Mans Fourfold Estate being handled, considered in his Several Condition, it follows to handle it in his Social Condition, where we must consider THE CHURCH. 1 Tim. 3.15.—Which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Princ. The living God hath his Church.

Here was shewed

1. What is meant by the Church, which in its most famous acceptation is, The whole Company of visible Believers throughout the World. This Church may sometimes be eclipsed; can never be abolisht; It is but One; is Holy; and Catholick in respect of men, of place, of time. Of this Church Jesus Christ is the only Head.

2. How we may know the true Church; By Gods word truly preached, and the Right Administration of the Sacraments.

3. What Duties we owe to the Church; Knowledg of [Page] it, Union with it, Prayers for it, Due regard to its Decrees.

XXXVI. Hitherto belongs the Doctrine of the COMMUNION of SAINTS. 1 Iohn 1.3.—That you also might have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Iesus Christ.

Princ. The Communion of Saints is a Doctrine to be believed, and a Priviledge to be desired.

Here was shewed

1. Who are meant by Saints; generally and visibly, such as are separated from a common or profane, to some peculiar service and relation towards God: Specially and properly, such as are truly regenerate by the Holy Ghost.

2. What is meant by Communion of Saints; Real Communications grounded upon a real Union.

3. Whom the Saints have Communion with. With God the Father; with Jesus Christ, In Nature, In Grace, In Ordinances, especially in the Lords-Supper, In Sufferings, In Glory; with the Holy Ghost; with the holy Angels; with the Saints in Heaven; with Visible Saints on Earth; with Real Saints.

XXXVII. Concerning the Church two things to be handled, (1.) The MINISTERY. Ephes. 4.11, 12. And he gave— some Pastors and Teachers—for the work of the Ministry.

Princ. The O [...]fice and Work of the Ministry, is of Christs Institution.

Here was shewed

1. That the Ministry is an holy Office or Relation, of a Person duly called, to take care of the souls of men.

2. That this hath a Divine Institution; for God hath given them special Names describ'd their qualifications, prescrib'd their duties, given them Promises.

3. That this is a Peculiar Office.

4. A Perpetual Office.

5. That it is a great Work.

[Page]6. And a great Gift to the Church.

XXXVIII. (2.) The Worship of God, which is either Extraordinary, and here was handled FASTING. Mark 2.20.—And then they shall fast in those days.

Princ. Religious Fasting is a Gospel-Ordinance.

Here was shewed

1. The Nature of it; An holy Abstinence from our Earthly Callings and Comforts, for the taming of our Bodies, and the afflicting of our Souls in the Service of God.

2. The Kinds; Personal, Private, Publick.

3. The Grounds.

4. The Requisites, Inward and Outward.

5. The Occasions; The Prevalence of Sin or Temptation; prevention or removing of some great judgment; procuring of some great mercy or blessing.

6. The Ends; To admonish us of our deserts, to testifie our contrition, to subdue our flesh, to stir up devotion.

XXXIX. The Ordinary worship of God is either Natural, and that is PRAYER. Mat. 6.9, 10, &c. Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, &c.

Here was handled

1. The Author of this Prayer.

2. The Occasion.

3. The Parts.

4. The Order.

5. The Matter and meaning of every Petition, briefly and plainly.

6. The Excellence of this Prayer.

7. The Use of it; being composed for a Prayer, and left as a Pattern.

8. The Abuse of it.

XL. Another sort of like worship is HEARING the WORD. Rom. 10.17. So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,

[Page]Princ. Hearing the word of God, is the ordinary means of Faith.

Here was shewed

1. What is that word that must be heard: viz. That which was immediately spoken; and that which was divinely written; and that which is truly interpreted and applyed:

2. VVhat is meant by hearing this word; any religious perception of the Divine will.

3. VVhat is the Effect of this Hearing; Faith, Repentance, Holiness.

4. How the Spirit in the word works these: viz. The Word propounds, the Spirit verifies: The Word perswades, the Spirit inclines, &c.

XLI. The Positive worship of God in his Church, are the two Sacraments, And (1.) of BAPTISM. Matth. 26.19. Go ye therefore[?] and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Princ. The Sacrament of Baptism is a standing Institution of Iesus Christ.

Here was handled

1. The Nature of Sacraments in general, their Author, Instrument, Use, Number and Effect.

2. The Nature of Baptism.[?] viz: A Sacrament whereby the Covenant of Grace is sealed, by washing with water in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Where the Author, Jesus Christ; the Matter, Water; the Action, VVashing; the Thing signified, generally, Christ and all his benefits; expressly, Remission, Regeneration, &c. The Use, to assure and convey the Benefits of the Covenant to us, and to oblige and bind us to our Duty.

3. The Subjects, All that are in Covenant, all that are Disciples, all that have the Spirit; and therefore the Infants of Believers.

4. The Necessity of it; From Christs Command and Example, &c.

[Page]

XLII. The 2d Sacrament is the LORDS-SUPPER. Luke 22.19. This is my Body, which is given for you; this do in remembrance of me—This Cup is the New Testament, &c.

Princ. The Lords-Supper is a standing Ordinance of Iesus Christ.

Here was shewed

1. What is the Lords Supper, viz: A Sacrament whereby the Covenant of Grace is sealed, by feeding on Christs Body and Blood, set forth in the Elements of Bread and Wine.

2. That this is a standing Ordinance of Jesus Christ; For he appointed it, his Disciples practised it, and his Spirit and Grace accompanies it. Also it is a continuing Ordinance, and to be repeated.

3. Its Parts which are (1.) The Outward Signs, viz The Elements, Bread and Wine, and the Actions both of Christ with his Ministers, and of Believers. (2.) The Inward Grace, Christ as crucified, with all the Benefits of the Covenant.

4. The Ends of it; On Gods part, to assure the Covenant of Grace, and to convey the benefits thereof to us; On our part, to oblige us to God and to our Covenant; For both these Ends, to be a Memorial of Christs Death.

5. The Subjects; All and only such as are Baptized, Adult with the use of Reason[?], that have competent Knowledg, are truly regenerate, that indulge no known sin, and are duly Prepared.

6. The Preparation; Unfained Repentance, Undissembled Charity, Self-Examination, Serious Resolution of better Obedience, &c.

XLIII. So far of the Doctrinal Parts of Religion; The Practical are grounded on the Ten Commandments. The FIRST COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.3. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.

[Page]Princ. As it is a grievous sin to acknowledg or honour any other as God; so it is our Duty to own and worship the true God alone.

XLIV. The SECOND COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.4, 5, 6. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven image[?], &c.

Princ. As all will-worship is a provoking sin; so[?] to worship the true God aright is a grand Duty.

XLV. The THIRD COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.7. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain, &c.

Princ. As it is a dangerous Sin to dishonour the Name of God; so a right use of his Name, Ordinances, Word, and Works is our bounden Duty.

XLVI. The FOURTH COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.8, 9, 10, 11. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, &c.

Princ. There is by Gods moral and perpetual Law, a set Time, which is One Day in seven for an holy Rest and holy Worship; which under the Gospel is every first day of the Week.

XLVII. The FIFTH COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.12. Honour thy Father and thy Mother, &c.

Princ. As the faithful performance of Relative duties is our bounden duty; so to offend those tbat are above, below, or equal to us, is a grievous sin.

XLVIII. The SIXTH COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.13. Thou shalt not kill.

Princ. As we ought in the use of all good means to be tender of our own and others lives; so we ought to do nothing to hurt others lives, or our own.

XLIX. The SEVENTH COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.14. Th [...]u shalt not commit adultery.

Princ. As inward and outward chastity is necessary; so all kind of unchastity is abominable.

L. The EIGHT COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.15. Thou shalt not steal.

[Page]Princ. As it is a great sin to hinder our own, or others outward estate; so to promote both our and their estate, is an undoubted Duty.

LI. The NINTH COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.16. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Princ. As it is our duty to speak the Truth, and greatly to regard our own and others good Name; so to lie, or wrong our good Name or others, is a grievous sin.

LII. The TENTH COMMANDMENT. Exod. 20.17. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, &c.

Priuc. As we ougbt to mortifie all discontent and unruly desires; so we ought to labour for a quiet and charitable spirit towards all men.

Each of these were more largely handled

[1. By shewing the true Meaning of every Commandment.

2. The Extent of them; what they Command and forbid with Respect to our Minds, Wills, Affections, Words and Actions.

3. The Use of them.]

FINIS.

§

[Page]

[Page]

A Scheme and Abstract OF THE Christian Religion.

COMPRIZED IN Fifty two Heads, with the Texts of Scripture, on which they are Grounded.

And some short Indications, How they were more largely Handled.

By a Lover of Truth and Peace.

Zacharias, cùm loqui non potuit, Scripsit.

LONDON, Printed by I. P. for Samuel Sprint, at the Bell. in Little Britain: 1684.

A Scheme of Fifty two Heads of the Christian Doctrine.

[Page]

[Page]

I. Our Chief End, Happpiness. Principle. 1.

II. Our Only Means, Religion. Pr. 2. Whereof,

1. The Ground; The Scriptures. Pr. 3.

2. The Parts.

1. Doctrinal.

1. Of God.

1. In Himself.

1. That God is. Pr. 4.

2. The Nature of God. P. 5.

3. The Divine Attributes. P. 6.

4. The Trinity in Vnity. P. 7.

2. In his Works

1. Before Time, The Decrees of God. P. 8.

2. In Time,

1. The Creation. P. 9.

2. The Providence of God. P. 10.

3. Of the Angels. P. 11.

2. Of Man considered

1. Severally in his State of,

1. Innocency. P. 12. Here of the Covenant of Works. P. 13.

2. Apostacy.

His Sin.

Of Original Sin imputed. P. 14.

Of Original Sin inherent. P. 15.

His Misery. P. 16.

3. Recovery. Of the Covenant of Grace. P. 17.

Administred,

1. Under the Law. Here of the Laws of God. P. 18.

2. Under the Gospel.

Here

1. Of our Redeemer.

1. His Nature. P. 19.

2. His Office P. 20.

3. His State

Of Humiliation. P. 21.

Of Exaltation. P. 22.

2. Of our Redemption. P. 23.

3. Of its Application.

1. By Vocation. P. 24.

2. By Iustification. P. 25. Here of Faith. P. 26.

3. By Adoption. P. 27.

4. By Sanctification. P. 28.

Here

1. Of Repentance. P. 29.

2. Of Good Works. P. 30.

4. Glory. Here

1. The Resurrection. P. 31.

2. The Last Iudgment. P. 32.

3. Heaven. P. 33.

4. Hell. P. 34.

2. Joyntly. Here Of the Church. P. 35. Where.

1. Its Privilege, The Communion of Saints. P, 36.

2. Its Ministry. P. 37.

3. Its worship.

1. Extraordinary, Fasting. P. 38.

2. Ordinary, and that

Natural

1. Prayer, of the Lords Prayer. P. 39.

2. Hearing the Word. P. 40.

Positive

1. Baptism. P. 41.

2. The Lords Supper. P. 42.

2. Practical, from the

1 Com: P. 43.

2 Com: P. 44.

3 Com: P. 45.

4 Com: P. 46.

5 Com: P. 47,

6 Com: P. 48.

7 Com: P. 49.

8 Com: P. 50.

9 Com: P. 51.

10 Com: P. 52.

Books sold by Samuel Sprint, at the Bell in Little-Britain.

[Page]

THe vanity of Mans Present State, proved[?] and applyed in a Sermon on Psal. 39.5. with divers Sermons of the Saints Communion with God, By Mr. Iohn Wilson.

A Treatise concerning the Lords-Supper, with three Dialogues, By Th [...]mas Dolittle, the ninth Edition.

Time, and the end of Time, in two Discourses; by Iohn Fox.

Godly Fear, or the Nature and Necessity of Fear, and its usefulness, by R. Allen.

The Door of Heaven opened and shut; or a Discourse concerning the absolute necessity of a timely Preparation for a happy Eternity, by Iohn Fox.

The Anatomical Exercises of Dr. William Harvey; with the Preface of Zachariah Wood Physitian of Rotterdam[?], to which is added Dr. Iames De-back his discourse of the Heart-Physitian, in Ordinary to the Town of Rotterdam[?].

Infant-Baptism, from Heaven and not of Men, by Ioseph Whiston. In 4 Parts.

Villare Anglicum, or a view of all the Cityes, Towns and Villages in England, Alphabetically composed; by the appointment of Sir Henry Spelman, Knight; the 2d Edition with Additions.

The Christian Temper, or a Discourse concerning the Nature and Properties of the Graces of Sanctification, written for help[?] in Self-Examination, and holy living; By Iohn Barret: M. A.

Argumentum Anti-Normanicum, or an Argument proving from Ancient Histories and Records that William Duke of [Page] N [...]rmandy made no Absolute Conquest of England, by the Sword in the sense of our Modern Writers.

The Sacred Diary or select Meditations for every part of the day of every Christian.

Manuductio; or a leading of Children by the hand, through the Principles of Gramar, by Ia: Shirley:

The School of the Heart, in 47 Emblems, by the Author of the Synagogue, an [...]xed to Herberts Poems, where unto is added the Learning of the Heart by the same Hand. The 3d Edition.

Correction, Instruction; Or a Treatise of Afflictions; by Thomas Case. M. A.

The true Christians Love of the unseen Christ; by Thomas Vincent, Minister sometime of St. Maudlins Milk-street, London.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

A scheme and abstract of the Christian religion comprized in fifty two heads, with the texts of scripture, on which they are grounded : and some short indications, how they were more largely handled / by a lover of truth and peace.

Steele, Richard, 1629-1692.

Edition statement

1684

Publication

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Text Creation Partnership,

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Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A61397

ID [STC]

Wing S5393

ID [STC]

ESTC R34601

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

14522279

ID [OCLC]

ocm 14522279

ID [VID]

102504

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A61397)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 102504)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1071:22)

Source

— A scheme and abstract of the Christian religion comprized in fifty two heads, with the texts of scripture, on which they are grounded : and some short indications, how they were more largely handled / by a lover of truth and peace., Steele, Richard, 1629-1692..

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[4], 22 p.

Printed by J.P. for Samuel Sprint ...,. London :: 1684.. (Attributed by Wing to Steele.) (Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.)

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