A Light from Christ Leading Unto Christ, Classis 30

A Light from Christ Leading Unto Christ · Classis 30

p. 472The thirtieth Claſsis or company of Queſtions.

1 Queſtion.

VVHat directory or rule is there of your thankfulneſſe and declaration thereof, in doing or ſuffering the will of God, as your God and loving Father in Ieſus Chriſt? What light from Chriſt for inſtruction in our Chriſtian walking with God all our life long?

Deut. 4.1, &c, & 6.1, &c. Pſa. 119.105. Iſa. 8.20. Matthew 5, 6, 7, c.Deut 4:1Ps 119:105Isa 8:20Matt 5:6Matt 5:7Anſ, The will and command of God my God and Father, held forth to his Church and to me in the Decalogue or ten Commandments, and the Explication and meaning of them by Moſes and the Prophets in the Old Teſtament, and by Chriſt and his Apoſtles in the New Teſtament, as is evident by many places of Scripture in the Book of God.

Queſt. 2. What light is there from Chriſt? Or what is that directory or rule of the Decalogue or ten Commandments p. 473held forth as a light to older our obedience and thankfulneſſe is unto God, as to our Father, who hath brought us out of the Aegyptian Bondage of Sin and Satan, and from the power of Death and Hell?

Anſ. The ſame which God ſpake in the Twentieth Chapter of Exodus: ſaying,

I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Aegypt, and out of the houſe of Bondage:

1. Thou ſhalt have no other Gods but me.

2. Thou ſhalt not make to thy ſelf any graven Image, nor the likeneſſe of any thing that is in Heaven above, nor in the Earth beneath, nor in the Water under the Earth: Thou ſhalt not bow down to them, nor worſhip them, for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and viſit the ſins of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate me, and ſhew mercy unto thouſands of them that love me and keep my Commandments, &c.

Queſt. 3. Theſe Commandments or ten Words, firſt, are or may be the heads of direction for a Chriſtians life, who is reconciled to God in Chriſt, and at peace p. 474with the Law of God in and by Chriſt, the condemning power of the Law being taken away, Rom. 8.1, 2.Rom 8:1Rom 8:2in reſpect of that man or woman who hath his or her pardon ſealed in Chriſt. And ſecondly, it may be as a light to them who are in Chriſt, and have the ſpirit of Chriſt to aſſiſt and direct to a right underſtanding of this will of God the Father in Chriſt? But what are the particular branches of duty and obedience to God our Father, according to which a Chriſtian ought to declare his or her thankfulneſſe and love to the Lord, the holy bleſſed God, reconciled to you in Jeſus Chriſt?

Anſ. The Lord Chriſt hath given a more ſhort diſtribution of theſe ten Commandments, dividing them into two principal Tables or Branches:

Mat. 22.35.Matt 22:351. Of the love of God:

2. Of the love of our Neighbour.

Queſt. 4. But are there not in both theſe Tables many particular ſins forbidden as evidences of ingratitude, and contrary to the holy will and nature of our God, and many particular duties required, and directories of our ſpecial duties held forth as rules of our thankfulneſſe, not onelyonly in theſe two Tables of the Law in general, but in every Commandment in particular?

p. 475Anſ. Yes verily, there is not a Commandment, either Affirmative requiring a duty, or Negative forbidding a ſin,Iſa. 1.20.Isa 1:20 but it infolds ſeveral particulars elſwhere expreſſed in the Word of God, and neceſſarily implyed in,Luke 10.25, &c. Pſa. 119.125. Gen. 5.24. & 6.8, 9. Luk. 1.6.Luke 10:25Ps 119:125Gen 5:24Gen 6:8Gen 6:9Luke 1:6 and to be referred unto the particular Commandments of the firſt and ſecond Table, as lights of truth from the ſpirit of Chriſt, for our more comfortable chriſtian walking with God by the ſtrength of Chriſt that great Prince and Law-giver of his Church.

Queſt.. 5. I conceive there are many ſins forbidden, and many duties commanded: But what rules may be obſerved for finding out particular ſins forbidden, and duties commanded in every precept of the firſt or ſecond Table?

Anſ. Firſt, obſerve that in the firſt Table are four Commandments.

1. Rule. The three firſt of which are Negative precepts, forbidding ſin expreſly:

1. Againſt God.

2. Againſt his Worſhip.

3. And thirdly, againſt Gods name.

4. And the fourth which concerneth Gods Sabbath, is partly Affirmative, partly Negative: This you may finde if you p. 476conſider the four firſt Commandments.

Secondly, again, the like you may obſerve in the ſecond Table.

5. The fifth Commandment, which is the firſt of the ſecond Table, is Affirmative, holding forth the duties of children to Parents, and ſo of inferiours to ſuperiours.

The five laſt are all ſet down Negatively forbidding ſins.

6. Firſt, againſt the life of our Neighbour in the ſixth Command.

7. Secondly, againſt the charity of our Neighbour in the ſeventh.

8. Thirdly, againſt our Neighbour in his goods in the eigth.

9. Fourthly, againſt the good name of our Neighbour in the ninth.

10. Laſtly, againſt the coveting or deſire of doing our Neighbour wrong in any of theſe, even in our hearts, in the tenth and laſt.

Queſt. 6. This is the firſt rule: What is a ſecond?

Anſ. Secondly, conſider that in every Negative precept, whatſoever ſin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded: As in that of Pſalm 34.14. Eſchew evil, and do good, both the Negative and Affirmative p. 477are expreſſed:

Firſt Negative, Thou ſhalt do no evil: And,

Secondly, Affirmatively, Thou ſhalt do good: So in every Commandment Negative, though the contrary good is not expreſſed, yet it is implyed, and expreſſed in other places of Scripture, and ſo to be referred to theſe Commandments.

Queſt. 7. What is a third Rule?

Anſ. Thirdly, conſider that in every Affirmative precept commanding a duty to God, or to our Neighbour, the contrary ſin is forbidden: As for example, if God command that I ſhould love my Neighbour as my ſelf, there he doth by that forbid all hatred of my Neighbour, for love and hatred as light and darkneſſe cannot agree together:2 Cor. 6.14.2 Cor 6:14 This is a third Rule.

Queſt. 8. What is a fourth Rule?

Anſ. Every Commandment forbidding any ſin mediatly or immediatly, againſt God or our Neighbour, forbids all means, occaſions, kindes and degrees of that ſin, inward or outward, in thought, word or deed, intention or motion to ſin,Exod. 34 20.Exod 34:20 ſo perfect is the law of God in every particular of p. 478theſe ten Words, or ten Commandments.

For Example, in that ſixth Commandment, Thou ſhalt do no murther, or, Thou ſhalt not kill thy Neighbour; In this is forbidden all kinde of murther, all raſh anger,Mat. 5.21, &c.Matt 5:21 all evil provoking words or deeds, all murthering thoughts, all malice or hatred in the very hearts, and ſo all occaſions of murther, as our Saviour himſelf interprets the Law to his Diſciples, Matthew 5. and ſo in other commands, as forbidding Adultery, or the like.

2. Again, every Commandment requiring the performance of any duty to God, or to our Neighbour, it requireth that we ſhould by the power of Chriſt wait upon God in the uſe of all good means and occaſions, to perform that duty with every kinde and degree of that duty,Mat. 5.44, &c.Matt 5:44 inward and outward, even to perfection of ſincerity, and ſincere endeavour at leaſt to Gods glory, and the good of our ſelves and others. As when the Lord requireth, in the fourth Commandment,Iſa. 58.13.Isa 58:13 That we ſhould remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, he commands we ſhould ſanctifie it, in making it our delight, not doing our pleaſure on Gods p. 479holy day, or ſpeaking our own words,Eph 4.29.Eph 4:29 but ſucn as may be for Gods glory and edification of our ſelves and others, glorifying God, and waiting on God for power in Chriſt, in hearing of the Word Preached, Prayer, Sacraments, catechiſing, conference, meditation, and the like acts of piety, charity or neceſſity.

Queſt. 9. Is there any other rules to be obſerved?

Anſ. There might be divers; but I will name but one more:

Every Commandment Affirmative or Negative, is ſpiritual: A command of God bindes not onelyonly the tongue and the hand, or our works and actions, which humane Laws take notice of;Acts 24.14, 15, 16.Acts 24:14Acts 24:15Acts 24:16 but it bindes our very ſouls and conſciences, thoughts, intentions and motions of the heart to do good, and not to think or act evil: for God is a ſpirit,Iohn 4.24. Ier. 17.10.John 4:24Jer 17:10 and they that Worſhip him muſt Worſhip him in ſpirit and in truth, and he is a ſearcher of the heart, and a tryer of the reins.

Queſt. 10. I am glad to hear your knowledge of theſe Rules in general: Now I pray you what order or method ſhould or may I uſe to know and finde out the particular or ſpecial ſins forbidden, and duties p. 480required in every Commandment? And firſt, in the firſt Commandment, I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Aegypt, out of the houſe of Bondage, thou ſhalt have no other Gods but me.

Anſ. All this is not the firſt Commandment; for properly the firſt words, I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Aegypt, out of the houſe of Bondage, are rather a Preface or entrance into the Commandment, then a command it ſelf.

Queſt. 11. But wherefore doth God ſet a Preface, or Portal, or Entrance before his ten Commandments?

Anſ. To gard them from contempt, and to ſtrike men with an awful reverence of God the Law-giver, when they begin to hear,Exo, 19. or hear, or think of Gods Commandments, as the people were at Mount Sinai.

Queſt. 12. What doth the Lord hold forth by way of Preface to work this conſideration in the hearts of his people?

Anſ. Three things eſpecially:

Firſt, ſetting forth Majeſty by his great Name Iehovah challenging to himſelf Lordſhip and Dominio… over all, p. 481whereby he may compel, and hath juſt right to require and command obedience: I am the Lord.

Secondly,Exo. 19.56. Deut. 10.14, &e. 2 Cor. 5.19.Exod 19:56Deut 10:142 Cor 5:19 he puts them in minde of his being in Covenant with them, by a Covenant of Grace and ſpecial favour, as his choſen people in Chriſt: I am the Lord thy God, which muſt needs be in Chriſt, in whom God had reconciled them to himſelf.

Thirdly, he puts them in minde of the great benefit he had beſtowed upon them, The benefit of Redemption from Aegyptian Bondage, by which they might minde their Redemption promiſed in Chriſt, and in both be ſtirred up to be ſenſible of Chriſt, and declare their thankfulneſſe by willing and ſincere obedience to God Law.

Q…eſt. 13. You have given good reaſon of the Preface: Now what is the firſt Commandment?

Anſ. It followeth in the next words, Thou ſhalt have no other Gods but me?

Queſt. 14. How then may you finde out your particular ſins or duties?

Anſ. Although this is a Negative precept, and therefore I might

1. Conſider the general ſin forbidden. And,

p. 4822. The general duty required in this Commandment, as contrary to the ſin forbidden. And,

3. Obſerve the particular duty required, and the particular ſins forbidden in this firſt Commandment: and might obſerve the like method in the reſt.

Yet I ſhall firſt hold forth the general duty required.

Queſt. 15. What is the general Duty required in this firſt Commandment?Iſa. 43.3, Exo 20.23. Deut. 26.17. Gē. 17.1. Pſa. 16.8 Act. 2.25Isa 43:3Exod 20:23Deut 26:17Ps 16:8Acts 2:25

Anſ. I am commanded to have Jehovah the Lord for my God, and for my God alone, to chuſe and ſet the Lord alwayes before me as my God.

Queſt. 16. What is the general ſin forbidden in this prohibition?

Deu. 4.34. Exo. 34.14. Iſa. 44.8. 1 Cor. 8.4, 5. Phil. 3.10Deut 4:34Exod 34:14Isa 44:81 Cor 8:41 Cor 8:5Phil 3:10Anſ. To make to our ſelves, ſet up, or have any other God or Gods, or any creature, thing, or likeneſſe of thing to be God, or in ſtead of God unto us.

Queſt. 17. What are the particular duties reqoired, and ſins forbidden in this firſt Commandment?

Anſ. There are many particular duties required, and ſins forbidden in other places of Scripture expreſly, and here required or forbidden in the general: I will name but theſe few, the reſt you p. 483may obſerve as you read the holy Scriptures, and refer them to this Commandment.

As I have ſpoken firſt of the general duty required, and after of the ſin forbidden: So I conceive in the particulars, it is beſt to begin firſt with the duties required, and ſo with the Affirmative part, that we may firſt ſee that holy Nature and Righteouſneſſe we had by creation, and loſt by the fall. And,

Secondly, the ſin forbidden, that we may ſee the ſinfulneſſe of our Nature and miſerable condition ſince the fall.

And thirdly, I ſhall oppoſe particular ſins againſt particular duties, as light is oppoſite to darkneſſe. And,

Fourthly, ſet down in brief the bleſſing promiſed to the obedient, and curſe threatned to the rebellious, that we may more clearly ſee our extreme need of Chriſt, both as a Juſtifier and Sanctifier without whom there is no ſalvation, and who is made of God unto his people wiſdom, righteouſneſſe,1 Cor. 1.30. Mat. 1.211 Cor 1:30Matt 1:21 ſanctification and Redemption.

Queſt. 18. Tell me then, what is the firſt particular duty you conceive fit to be obſerved in this firſt of Gods Commandments?

p. 484Deu. 7.9.Deut 7:9Anſ. That as it is a duty to have the Lord the true God for my God, ſo it is my duty,

Rom. 10.13, 14. Acts 17.23, 2 Kings 26.27.Rom 10:13Rom 10:14Acts 17:231. To know this God that is my God, that I may know how to do him acceptable ſervice in Jeſus Chriſt: for how can I worſhip rightly an unknown God.

2. To acknowledge this God to be my God, and to be honoured of me and all men whatſoever.

Queſt. 19. I conceive you anſwer right, that knowledge of God is a particular duty required in the general duty of having the Lord our God: But is there any places of Scripture of which the Lord doth expreſly command to know him what he is, or what a one he is, or hath declared himſelf to be?

Deut. 4.39. & 7.9 Ier. 24.7. Hoſ. 6.6. 2 Chron. 28.9. Pſ. 9.10. Col. 1.10.Deut 4:39Deut 7:9Jer 24:7Hos 6:62 Chr 28:9Ps 9:10Col 1:10Ar.f. There are divers places of Scripture which hold forth this duty; you may ſearch and conſult with theſe noted in the Margin, and refer them and the like places to this duty, as Explications of this Commandment.

Queſt. 20. What is the ſin forbidden, contrary to this duty of knowing God?Hoſ. 4.1.6. Ier. 9, 6.24. & ….25.Hos 4:1Hos 4:6Jer 9:6Jer 9:24Jer 9:25

Anſ. Ignorance of God, or not knowing God; this is a ſin contrary to the duty of knowledge, and contrary to p. 485this Commandment, as is evident in divers Scriptures wherein God diſalloweth of ignorance as a ſin.

Queſt. 21. What ſecond ſin is forbidden?

Anſ. Atheiſm to live without God,Eph. 2.12Eph 2:12 or to deny him in our hearts, words or actions, as in Atheiſm.

Queſt, 22. What is the bleſſing of thoſe who know God aright?

Anſ. It is life eternal with which thoſe are bleſſed who know God to be the onelyonly true God,Ioh. 17.3.John 17:3 and whom he hath ſent, Ieſus Chriſt.

Queſt. 23. What is the curſe or miſery threatned to thoſe who are ignorant and know not God?

Anſ. The Lord Ieſus ſhall come from heaven in flaming fire,1 Theſ. 1.7, 1.1 Thess 1:71 Thess 1:1 and render vengeance to them that know not God, and obey not the Goſpel of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt.

Queſt. 24. What is the condition of ignorant men then, whether ſimple ignorant, or careleſly ignorant, or wilfully ignorant of God? And what counſel is to be given to theſe ignorant and ſinful ſouls?

Anſ. Their condition is miſerable and damnable; therefore they ſhould p. 486wait on Chriſt in his Ordinances for Power to lament their ignorance,Acts 5.31. 1 Cor. 4. Pſ. 9.10. Iohn 3.16.Acts 5:311 Cor 4Ps 9:10John 3:16 and not reſt until Chriſt give them remiſſion of their ſin, that in the end they may know God in Chriſt, and truſt on him and be ſaved.

Queſt, 25. You have ſatisfied me in the firſt particular duty and ſin forbidden: Now what is a ſecond duty required?

Anſ. As it is my duty to know God, ſo it is my duty to believe,Gen. 15.6. 2 Chron. 20.20. Pſ. 9.10. Ioh. 14.1. Heb. 11.6 Pro. 3.5.Gen 15:62 Chr 20:20Ps 9:10John 14:1Heb 11:6Prov 3:5 and repoſe my truſt and confidence in God my God, in Ieſus Chriſt as my God in Chriſt; that ſo I may rightly glorifie God in every condition, by believing and depending upon God in all eſtates, for things corporal, ſpiritual and eternal.

Queſt. 26. What are the contrary ſins to this faith, truſt and confidence in God.

Pſal. 78.21, 22. Num. 20 12 1 Sam. 27.1.Ps 78:21Ps 78:22Num 20:121 Sam 27:1Anſ. Firſt, unbelief and diſtruſt of God, or his goodneſſe manifeſted in Gods Word and faithful promiſes for the good of his Church and children.

Queſt. 27. What is a ſecond ſin?

Deut 1.29, &c. Ier. 49.16. Pſal 118.8, 9.Deut 1:29Jer 49:16Ps 118:8Ps 118:9Anſ. Preſumption againſt Gods threatnings and carnal confidēce in mens riches, and honours, or any thing, but on the Lord and his goodneſſe and truth in his promiſes.

p. 487Queſt. 28. What is the puniſhment and miſery of unbelievers and ſuch preſumptuous perſons?

Anſ. They are curſed in this life,Ier. 17.5 Rev. 21.8 Mar. 16.16. Acts 5.31.Jer 17:5Rev 21:8Mark 16:16Acts 5:31 and to be ſeparated from God, and curſed and tormented for ever hereafter, except God in time give faith and repentance in Chriſt Ieſus.

Queſt. 29. What is a third particular duty required in this firſt Command?

Anſ. Hope,Rom. 5.1, &c. Pſ. 5.6, 7 & 33.22. Tit. 1.2. 1 Pet. 1.3.Rom 5:1Ps 5:6Ps 5:7Ps 33:22Titus 1:21 Pet 1:3 by which we expect and wait for thoſe bleſſings ſpiritual, temporal or eternal, which God hath promiſed in Chriſt, and which we believe God will in his due time give according to his promiſe,

Queſt. 30. What is the contrary ſin?

Anſ. Deſpair,2 Kings 6.33. Mat. 27.4, 5. Heb. 10.38, 39.2 Kgs 6:33Matt 27:4Matt 27:5Heb 10:38Heb 10:39 and impatiently caſting off hope, and refuſing to wait upon God any longer, caſting away confidence in God.

Queſt. 31. What is fourth particular duty required in this firſt Command?

Anſ. If we muſt have the Lord Iehovah for our God (as God commands) then as I muſt know and acknowledge the Lord to be my God,Deu. 6.5.Deut 6:5 and believe in p. 488him, and truſt in him, and hope and depend upon him;Mat. 22.27. & 19. 17. Iam. 1.17 1 Ioh. 1.14.Matt 22:27Matt 19:17Jas 1:171 John 1:14 ſo it is my duty to love him with all my heart and ſoul above all, and for himſelf as the chiefeſt good, and the Author and Fountain of good unto all, and to love Gods Word and children for God, with all the Ordinances and means of grace.

Queſt. 32. What is the contrary ſin?

Mat. 10.37. Ioh. 12.43. 1 tim. 3.2 Ro. 1.30.Matt 10:37John 12:43John 12:1Rom 1:30Anſ. Love of any thing above God, and hatred of God, his Word, Ordinances and children, or any thing that is near and dear to the great God.

Queſt. 33, What is a fifth particular duty commanded?

Gen. 31.42. De. 6.13. & 13.12 Mat. 10.28. 1 Pet. 1.16 17. Gen. 28.Gen 31:42Matt 10:281 Pet 1:16Gen 28Anſ. An holy childe-like fear of ſinning againſt ſo great and good a God, with a holy reverence of his Majeſty at all times, and in all places whatſoever.

Queſt. 34. What are the contrary particular ſins forbidden in this Commandment?

Pſ 30.1, 2 Ro. 3, 18. Luk. 23.30. Eccl. 8.12, 13. Rom. 2.5Ps 30:1Ps 30:2Rom 3:18Luke 23:30Eccl 8:12Eccl 8:13Rom 2:5Anſ. Firſt, carnal ſecurity, or want of the fear of God, or of offending God, preſumption to ſin in Gods preſence, without reverence of Gods Majeſty, and a hardneſſe of heart, or ſeared p. 489conſcience without fear of God.1 Tim. 4.2.1 Tim 4:2

Secondly, ſervile ſlaviſh fear of Gods judgements.Dan. 5.6. Acts 24.25.Dan 5:6Acts 24:25

Thirdly, baſe fear of the creature, without conſideration of Gods greatneſſe and goodneſſe over all.1 Sam. 15.24. Mat. 10.28.1 Sam 15:24Matt 10:28

Queſt. 35. What is a ſixth particular duty in this firſt Commandment?

Anſ. Inward, ſpiritual,Deu. 13.4 Iſa. 1.29.Deut 13:4Isa 1:29 and ſon-like obedience in a gratitude or thankful acknowledgement of Gods free gifts of grace upon us, far above our deſervings,Gen. 32.10. 1 Cor. 1….31. Num. 14.14.Gen 32:101 Cor 1:31Num 14:14 that in all we may ſeek to glorifie this great and good God, not with outward onelyonly, but with ſincere and hearty obedence, as our God and heavenly Father in Ieſus Chriſt.

Queſt. 36. What are the contrary ſins forbidden?

Anſ. Diſobedience, rebellion,1 Sam. 15 22, 23. Iſa. 1.2. Ier. 44.17. Hab. 1.161 Sam 15:221 Sam 15:23Isa 1:2Jer 44:17Hab 1:16 ingratitude, ſacrificing to our own nets, or to any creature in our hearts, and not to God.

Queſt. 27. What other particular duties are required, or ſins forbidden in this firſt Commandment?

Anſ. There are divers other, concerning our inward obedience, which may be found in ſeveral places of Scripture, p. 490and to be referred hither: I will touch but one more.

Quek. 38. What is that duty required?Phil. 4.4. Gē. 17.1. Neh. 8.10. Hab. 3.17, 18. Ioh. 16.21, 22.Phil 4:4Neh 8:10Hab 3:17Hab 3:18John 16:21John 16:22

Anſ. This is joy, delight and content in God, as the chiefeſt good, in which the heart of a childe of God can delight in, or reſt contented or ſatisfied in, either in this world or the world to come.

Queſt. 39. What are the ſins contrary to this joy in the Lord?Gen. 30.1, 2. 1 Kings 21.4, 5. Pſal. 42.5.11.Gen 30:1Gen 30:21 Kgs 21:41 Kgs 21:5Ps 42:5Ps 42:11

Anſ. Firſt, ſinful ſadneſſe and diſcontented heavineſſe, when men are ſo ſorrowful for want of the creature, comforts, or ſatisfaction of their delight in the creature, or their own wills, that they forget that all-ſufficient fulneſſe of joy,Eph. 3.18, 19.Eph 3:18Eph 3:19 or cauſe of rejoycing is in God the Lord and Saviour of his Church and people.

Gen. 6.1, 2, 3. 1 Kin. 11.1, 2, 3. Eccl. 2.8, &c. Ionah 4.6, 7.Gen 6:1Gen 6:2Gen 6:31 Kgs 11:11 Kgs 11:21 Kgs 11:3Eccl 2:8Jonah 4:6Jonah 4:7Queſt. 40. What is a ſecond ſin?

Anſ. To joy and delight in any creature, or creature delight, in husband, Wife, children, friends, or whatſoever earthly thing above God, or to draw our hearts from God. This is a ſin, and ſometimes God ſeeth it beſt to take theſe temporal joyes from his children, or turns p. 491them to ſorrows,Ioh. 16.21, 22.John 16:21John 16:22 that we may ſeek to and reſt in him for joy eternal, which none can take from us.

Queſt. 41. What uſe I pray you can you make of this knowledge of theſe many duties required, and ſins forbidden in this Commandment?

Anſ. Firſt, I may ſee in this light,2 Cor. 2.10. Who is ſufficient for theſe things. 2 Cor. 3.5. Gal 2.16 Iam. 2.10 Gal. 3.24.2 Cor 2:102 Cor 3:5Gal 2:16Jas 2:10Gal 3:24 by the ſtrength of the ſpirit of Chriſt, my own inſufficiency and inability to keep Gods Commandments, or ever to be juſtified by the works of the Law, as being never able to perform perfectly that inward ſpiritual obedience which the Lord requires in his Law; but to ſeek my juſtification by Chriſt; and in this reſpect, this Law may be ſaid to be a School-maſter to bring us unto Chriſt.

Secondly, I may ſee my weakneſſe to walk in this rule of holineſſe,Rom. 3.20. & 7.7. Acts 4.12. 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. Eph. 3.16, &c. 1 Theſ. 5.23, 24. Phil. 4.13.Rom 3:20Rom 7:7Acts 4:121 Cor 1:301 Cor 1:31Eph 3:161 Thess 5:231 Thess 5:24Phil 4:13 which is ſo ſpiritually perfect, and learn again my extreme need of Chriſt, as a ſanctifier, as well as a juſtifier; and therefore to ſeek daily to God in Chriſt, for holineſſe in Chriſt, and the holy ſpirit of Chriſt, that ſo I may be ſtrengthned by Chriſt to walk in this path of holineſſe for Gods glory and my comfort, becauſe I may be able to do all things through Chriſt that p. 492ſtrengthens me, and without Chriſt I can do nothing.

Thirdly, in my daily prayers to my good God and Father in Chriſt,Mat. 6.6. Luk. 10.26. Rom. 2.14, 15.Matt 6:6Luke 10:26Rom 2:14Rom 2:15 from the general and particular duties required, and ſin forbidden in this and other Commandments (comparing this glaſſe of the Law with the glaſſe and book of my own conſcience) by the aſſiſtance of the ſpirit and power of Chriſt, I may

2 Chron. 34.19, 20, 21. Dan. 9.3, 4, 5.2 Chr 34:192 Chr 34:202 Chr 34:21Dan 9:3Dan 9:4Dan 9:51. See my ſins Original, Actual, and of omiſſion and commiſſion againſt every Commandment, and I be more able to confeſſe them to my heavenly Father, and beg the ſeal of my Pardon in Chriſt.

2. I may beg more ſtrength from God in Chriſt, to glorifie God in the ſpiritual and holy practiſe of every duty both towards God and towards my Neighbour.

Laſtly, I may learn what graces and ſpiritual abilities I have received to walk with God by faith in Chriſt, and to perform every particular duty according to my Covenant renewed in the Sacrament,Deut. 26.17, &c.Deut 26:17 and give God the glory in Chriſt Ieſus, reſting upon his promiſe of bleſſing. And thus we have ſo far explained the firſt Commandment.

p. 493The ſecond SECTION of the thirtieth Claſſis, or the ſecond COMMANDMENT.

1 Queſtion.

VVHat is the ſecond Commandment which is next to be conſidered? And what are the parts of it?

Anſ. There ate two parts of it:

1. The Command it ſelf;

Thou ſhalt not make to thy ſelf any graven Image, nor the likeneſſe of any thing that is in Heaven above, nor in the Earth beneath, nor in the Water under the Earth: Thou ſhalt not bow down to them, nor worſhip them:

2. The Reaſon in the words that follow;

For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and viſit the ſins of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and ſhew p. 494mercy unto thouſands of them that love me and keep my Commandments.

Queſt. 2. What is the general ſin forbidden?

Iſa. 29.13, 14.Isa 29:13Isa 29:14Anſ. As in the firſt Commandment the Lord did forbid all falſe or feigned Gods; ſo in this the Lord forbids all falſe or feigned worſhip and ſervice, of what kinde ſoever:

Latreia. Deubeia.Firſt, whether it be the Lord the true God by any Image or invention of man.

Deut. 4.15, ctc.Deut 4:15Secondly, or whether it be to any falſe or imaginary God, to bow down or worſhip that.

Numb. 33.52. Acts 17.29. Iſa. 40.18. Ier. 7.14. Rom. 1.21, &c. Reu. 22.8, 9.Num 33:52Acts 17:29Isa 40:18Jer 7:14Rom 1:21Rev 22:8Rev 22:9Thirdly, or to the likeneſſe or ſimilitude of any, either of Chriſt, or of Saints, or Angels, or Sun, or Moon, or Stars, Birds, Beaſts, or any other thing made by God, or deviſed by man, to be our God, or for our God, or the likeneſſe of any of them, to make the inviſible God viſible to the outward bodily eyes, or to worſhip, or ſerve God in them or by them.

Queſt. 3. What is the duty required, or the Affirmative part of this ſecond Commandment, implied in this Commandment?

p. 495Anſ. The Lord commandeth all to worſhip and to ſerve him who is the true God,Deu 6, 13 & 10.20. Mat. 4.10 1 Sā. 7.3. Heb. 1.5. Iſa. 8.20. Ioh. 4.24Deut 6:13Deut 10:20Matt 4:10Heb 1:5Isa 8:20John 4:24 and to worſhip and ſerve him onelyonly in a true and right manner, even in ſpirit and truth.

Queſt. 4. What is a firſt particular duty required in the general prohibition?

Anſ. To have an eye unto,Deu. 4.2. Exo. 25.40. Iſa. 8.19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.23. 2 Tim. 3.25, &e.Deut 4:2Exod 25:40Isa 8:19Isa 8:201 Cor 11:232 Tim 3:25 and to conſult with the ſpirit of God in the holy Scriptures, both for the matter and manner of our worſhip and ſervice of the Lord according to his will, and this in outward, as well as in ward ſervices.

Queſt. 5. What ſin is contrary unto this?

Anſ. To follow the devices and inventions of men in Gods worſhip,Deu. 12.30, &c. Mat. 14.8, 9. Ioſh. 9.14. Ier. 32.34, 35.Deut 12:30Matt 14:8Matt 14:9Josh 9:14Jer 32:34Jer 32:35 without any ground from Gods word, or ſearch to know the minde of God in his ſervice.

Queſt. 6. What are the particular ſervices or parts of Gods worſhip, in which we ought to worſhip and ſerve the Lord in publike or private, according unto his Word, or will revealed in his holy Scriptures?

Anſ. There in divers publike acts, p. 496and divers private acts or parts of Gods ſolemn worſhip and ſervice, but we may obſerve theſe four that follow:

1. Preaching and revealing of Gods Word and will to the children of men.

2. Adminiſtration of the Sacrament.

3. Spiritual ſacrifices of praiſes and prayer.

4. Covenants, and renewing of our Vows and Covenants with the Lord our God in Chriſt Ieſus.

Queſt. 7. How is God to be ſerved in reſpect of the Preaching and Revelation of the word and will of God?

Ioh. 1.24John 1:24Anſ. In ſpirit and truth, or with ſpiritual worſhip; and that in a fourfold reſpect.

Queſt. What is the firſt?

Anſ. Exo, 3.5, & 19.10, 11. Eccl.. 1. Acts 10.24, 25.Acts 10:24Acts 10:25A holy and ſpiritual preparation of my heart and minde, by examination, meditation, prayer before I come to meet Chriſt, that I may hear the voyce of Chriſt more comfortably when I wait upon him in this Ordinance.

Deu. 33.34. Luk. 10.39. Acts 16.14. & 22.3.Deut 33:34Luke 10:39Acts 16:14Acts 22:3What is the ſecond?

Anſ. A humble and diligent attention, as at the feet of Chriſt, to hear Gods Word, and be inſtructed by him from the mouth of Gods Miniſter.

p. 497Queſt. 10. What is the third?2 Chron. 20.20. Heb. 4.2. Rō. 10.4. 1 Theſ. 2.13.2 Chr 20:20Heb 4:21 Thess 2:13

Anſ. A faithful acceptation or receiving of Gods Word with belief, as the certain truth of the holy bleſſed God.

Queſt. 11. What it the fourth respect in which the Lord is to be ſerved ſpiritualy in hearing of his Word?Mat. 28.20. Rō. 6.17. Ex. 19.5. & 23.21 Heb. 5.4.Matt 28:20Exod 19:5Exod 23:21Heb 5:4

Anſ. In diligent obſervation and obedience to that which the Lord holds forth to be believed or done to Gods glory, and our own good or the good of others.

Queſt. 12. What ſins are contrary to theſe duties concerning hearing or believing and obeying Gods word?

Anſ. To come to Gods houſe without a due preparation of the heart and minde and memory before we come:

1. By examination of our knowledge or want of knowledge, or by meditation of Chriſt and his Prophetical Office, to teach us that we may learn of Chriſt, or prayer for Gods Miniſters, or for our ſelves, for our profiting in the Ordinance.Mic. 7.16 Mat. 13.15. 2 Tim 1.4.3.Mic 7:16Matt 13:152 Tim 1:42 Tim 1:3

2. To be preſent without ſerious attentions, with gazing eyes, deaf, dull, itching, prejudicate ears, or wandring hearts.

p. 498Ier. 6.10.Jer 6:103. To hear with hypocritical, prophane, or uncircumciſed hearts o… ears, without love towards Gods Word.

4. To hear with wilful, hard, impenitent hearts,Acts 28.27, 28. & 17.11.Acts 28:27Acts 28:28Acts 17:11 or diſobedient forgetful mindes, without care to remember or confer of Gods Word after, or prayer to God for a bleſſing upon it to our ſelves, or thoſe who have heard it.

Queſt. 13. What danger or judgement are ſuch evil hearers ſubject unto? Or how doth doth God puniſh ſuch wicked and careleſſe hearers of his word?

Prov. 28.9. Mat. 13.14, 15. 2 Theſ. 2.10, &c. 1 Cor. 1.18, &c.Prov 28:9Matt 13:14Matt 13:152 Thess 2:101 Cor 1:18Anſ. He that turneth away his ear from hearing of Gods Word, his prayer is abominable, and God many times gives them up to blindeneſſe of minde, and hardneſſe of heart, to ſtrong deluſions, to believe lyes, and periſh for ever.

Queſt. 14. What may theſe ſins and dangers teach ſuch wicked men?

Anſ. To come in betimes to wait on Chriſt for hearing ears,Pro. 20.12. Mat. 13.16.Prov 20:12Matt 13:16 and ſeeing eyes, that they may hear and believe on, and receive Chriſt, and be juſtified and ſaved.

Queſt. 15. What way this teach Gods Children?

Anſ. To wait daily on Chriſt for more p. 499ſtrength,Ioh. 15.5John 15:5 to prepare more conſcionably to hearken more attentively, to believe and follow Chriſt more fully until they come to glory.

Queſt. 16. You have anſwered concerning the firſt part of Gods worſhip, the Prceaching of the word: Now what is required in this command, concerning Gods Miniſters, and their duty in this ſolemn worſhip?

Anſ. 2 Tim. 4.12, 3 4. Deu. 33.9. 2 Cor. 5.20. 1 Cor. 5.20. & 2 5, 6.2 Tim 4:122 Tim 4:3Deut 33:92 Cor 5:201 Cor 5:201 Cor 2:51 Cor 2:6The Miniſters of Chriſt rightly called to this great Miniſterial Office, they are to Preach the Word of God in ſeaſon and out of ſeaſon, with all faithfulneſſe, long-ſuffering and patience, as for God, and in Chriſts ſtead, in godly ſincerity, boldneſſe and z…al, for Gods glory, and the ſalvation of ſouls; And this with Divine authority, and holy wiſdom, and in demonſtration of the ſpirit, and of power.

Queſt. 17. What are the ſins of Miniſters contrary to this?

Anſ. To Preach Lyes in Hypocriſie,1 Tim. 4.1, 2. Gal. 1.8, 9. 1 Tim. 1.3, 4. & 6.3, &c.1 Tim 4:11 Tim 4:2Gal 1:8Gal 1:91 Tim 1:31 Tim 1:41 Tim 6:3 or any Doctrine contrary to the word of God or Goſpel of Chriſt, or unprofitable for the people to whom they Preach.

Secondly, to Preach the word of God p. 500corruptly,2 Cor. 2.17. Ier. 23.28. 1 Pet. 5. 1, &c.2 Cor 2:17Jer 23:281 Pet 5:1 or not of a ready minde, but for filthy Lucre ſake, or with Lording over Gods heritage.

Thirdly, to Preach the Word flatteringly to pleaſe men, ſowing pillows under mens Elbows,Ier. 23.18 Ezek. 22.28.Jer 23:18Ezek 22:28 or not as the Servant of Chriſt.

Fourthly, not to Preach, or to be negligent Miniſters in their Miniſterial Office.Exo. 34.2, 3.Exod 34:2Exod 34:3

Queſt. 18. What it the penalty of ſuch Miniſters who Preach, or people Who hear the word of God in ſuch a ſinful manner?

Mat. 7.21, &c. Luk. 13.24, &c.Matt 7:21Luke 13:24Anſ. The Lord Chriſt will not know or own them to be any of his at the day of Judgement, but ſhut them out of heaven.

Quest, 19. What ſhould he the conſideration of this work in theſe mens mindes?

as Ioh. 5.1, &c. to want ordinances. Acts 8.21, &c. 2 Tim. 2, 25, 26. 1 Theſ. 1.10.John 5:1Acts 8:212 Tim 2:252 Tim 2:261 Thess 1:10Anſ. It ſhould teach them in time to wait on Chriſt in his Ordinances, to ſee if God will give them true faith in Chriſt, and true Repentance, and forgiveneſſe of their ſinful ſpeaking or hearing of Gods Word, that they may be delivered from wrath to come.

Queſt. 20. You have anſwered concerning p. 501the firſt outward part of Gods worſhip, the Preaching and hearing of Gods word: Now what are the duties commanded or the ſins forbidden, in relation to the ſecond part of Gods outward worſhip, the bleſſed Sacraments?

Anſ. They are already declared in the former part of this Catechiſm, in the 26, 27, 28, Claſſis, where you may finde divers directions of duties to be practiſed for right preparation and participation for the bleſſed Sacrament: And divers ſins are or may be obſerved contrary to thoſe duties, with the danger of unworthy receiving,1 Cor. 11.27.1 Cor 11:27 both intimated by the Apoſtle, and the Doctrine of the Sacraments are opened at large in the Claſſes aforeſaid.

Queſt. 21. What are the duties commanded and ſins forbidden in the third publike Ordinance or part of Gods worſhip, offering up the ſpiritual ſacrifices of prayer and praiſes unto God? And firſt for prayer;

Anſ. It is a general duty for all to pray to God in the Name of Chriſt for all things lawful and neceſſary for themſelves or others,Ioh. 16.23. 1 Tim. 2.1, 2.John 16:231 Tim 2:11 Tim 2:2 for Gods glory and good of Chriſts Church.

p. 502Queſt. 22. What is the general ſin contrary unto this duty of prayer unto God in the Name of Chriſt?

Iſa. 46.6, 7. & 57.8.Isa 46:6Isa 46:7Isa 57:8Anſ. Firſt, to put up our prayers to any other god, then to the true God, or to any other as to God, or to any Idol, Image or ſimilitude of the true, or any falſe God, or to any Mediator as Mediator, either Angels or Saints departed, or the Image of any of them.

1 Sam. 22.23. Iob. 15.41 Sam 22:23Job 15:4Secondly, to neglect prayer for our ſelves, or not to pray for another, and for the Churches of Chriſt Militant upon Earth.

Queſt. 23. What are the particular duties required in Prayer?

Anſ. There are many particular duties; you may obſerve theſe in brief.

1 Cor. 14.15.1 Cor 14:151. We muſt pray with knowledge and underſtanding, both to whom, in whoſe Name, and for what we pray.

Iam. 1.5.Jas 1:52. We muſt pray with Faith, and in Chriſts Name, having an eye to Gods promiſes of thoſe things for which we pray.

3. We muſt pray with repentance, that our ſins ſeparate betwixt God and us,Iohn 16.23.John 16:23 to keep good things from us.

4. We muſt pray with reverend Devotion, p. 503having our hearts and mindes firmly fixed on God to whom we pray.Acts 10.1, 2.Acts 10:1Acts 10:2

5. In ſincerity powring out our hearts unto God.1 Sam. 1.13, 15.1 Sam 1:131 Sam 1:15

6. With humility or humbleneſſe of ſpirit,Iſa. 57.15 Pſ. 51.17. Luk. 22.41, 42.Isa 57:15Ps 51:17Luke 22:41Luke 22:42 ſubmitting our wills to the will of God.

7. With fortitude, even wreſtling by faith with our God in prayer until we conquer.Gen. 32.24, &c. Hoſ. 12.Gen 32:24Hos 12

8. With fervency and zeal of ſpirit for the grace we do pray for even with tears, ſighs and groans of the ſpirit unto God, at leaſt in our deſires.Iam. 5.10. Rom. 8.26, 27.Jas 5:10Rom 8:26Rom 8:27

9. By way of Covenant,Ier. 50.4, 5.Jer 50:4Jer 50:5 or renewing of our Covenant, and performing our Vows to the Lord.

10. With perſeverance, giving the Lord no reſt, until according to his promiſe,1 Theſ. 5.17. Gen. 32.10, 11. Iſa. 62.6, 7.1 Thess 5:17Gen 32:10Gen 32:11Isa 62:6Isa 62:7 he grant the lawful deſires of our ſouls, ſo far as they may be for Gods glory, and the good of his Church, or that he make Ieruſalem a praiſe in the earth.

Queſt. 24. What are the particular ſins contrary to theſe particular duties in Prayer?

Anſw. There are divers particular ſins oppoſite to theſe duties relating to the p. 504manner of prayer, and eſpecially theſe that follow:

Firſt, it is a ſin to pray ignorantly, not underſtanding to whom,Mar. 10.35, &c.Mark 10:35 in whoſe Name, or for what we pray.

Heb. 11.6 Iam. 1.6, 7.Heb 11:6Jas 1:6Jas 1:7Secondly, to pray without faith, or any eye to a promiſe, that we may have ground to hope for obtaining of that we deſire.

Gen. 4.5. Iſa. 1.15. Pro. 28.9 Iudg. 10.10, &c.Gen 4:5Isa 1:15Prov 28:9Judg 10:10Thirdly, to pray without repentance, ſo as God will not accept our perſons or prayers, but both are abominable in his ſight.

Ier. 14.10, &c. & 4.14. Mat. 15.9Jer 14:10Matt 15:9Fourthly, to pray without reverence and devotion, with wandring imaginations, or vain diſtractions in this holy ſervice.

Iſa. 15.1, &c.Isa 15:1Fifthly, to pray formally, without ſincerity.

Luk. 18.11, 12. Iam. 4.6.Luke 18:11Luke 18:12Jas 4:6Sixthly, to pray without humility ot ſenſe of our own unworthineſſe, or ſubmiſſion to the holy will of the moſt bleſſed God.

Auguſt. Confeſ. lib. O Lord, give me chaſtity, but do not give it yet.Seventhly, to pray without ſpiritual fortitude, or any wreſtling with God, or to pray faintly, as Auguſtine before his converſion, for chaſtity, as deſiring, and not caring whether his petition was granted or not.

p. 505Eighthly,Pſal. 77.1, 2.Ps 77:1Ps 77:2 to pray without zeal or fervency, without ſight or ſenſe of the want or what we pray for,Mark. 2.19, 29.Mark 2:19Mark 2:29 or of the miſery under which we lie, without ſorrow of affliction of ſpirits for the abſence of Chriſt, in reſpect of that preſent diſtreſſe in which we are.

Ninthly,Gen. 35.1.Gen 35:1 to pray without renewing our Covenant, or paying our Vows unto our God.

Tenthly,Iohn 15.4. 1 Sam. 12.23.John 15:41 Sam 12:23 to pray without perſeverance to ſurceaſe or leave off prayer to this great God for our felves, or for the Church and people God.

Queſt. 25. What ſhould the meditation of theſe ſins, evein in our prayers, work upon the ſouls of men?

Anſ. Firſt, to the wicked men out of Chriſt,Pro. 28.9. & 21.4.Prov 28:9Prov 21:4 it may be a Schoolmaſter to ead them to Chriſt, teaching them that even their prayers, and much more, their plowing is ſin, and therefore they ſhould not eat nor ſleep in quiet until they come into Chriſt, and finde pardon.

Queſt. 26. But what may it teach Gods Children?

Anſ. Firſt, to ſee that when we have done all thtt we can, we are unprofitable p. 506ſervants, we can do no duty ſo well as we ſhould; and therefore ſtand in need of Chriſt, and Juſtification by Chriſt, without whom there is no ſalvation.Acts 4.12.Acts 4:12

Secondly, to call to minde that our Sanctification is imperfect; and therefore we had need of Chriſts vertue daily to nouriſh the life of grace in our ſouls, that we may be more able to call upon God and do him ſervice,Rom. 8.26, 27.Rom 8:26Rom 8:27 wich joy and comfort in and by Chriſts ſpirit.

Queſt. 27. You have opened the duties commanded, and particular ſins forbidden, as they relate to Prayer ordinary: Now what are the duties commanded and forbidden in reſpect of Prayer and faſting extraordinary, practiſed by the Church of God?

Lev. 23.17, &c. Ioſh. 7.7, &c. Iudg. 10.28. 1 Sā. 7.6. Acts 14.23. Ionah 3.6.7. Mal. 2.2. Neh. 1.4. &c.Lev 23:17Josh 7:7Judg 10:28Judg 10:1Acts 14:23Jonah 3:6Jonah 3:7Mal 2:2Neh 1:4Anſ. Prayer extraordinary and faſting, uſed by the Church as an outward help and furtherance to fit for Prayer, is Prayer joyned with faſting or abſtinence from ordinary labours, and corporal refreſhments, ſo far as ſtrength and fitneſſe will ſuffer, in ſenſe of our unworthineſſe Ot any creature-comforts, and of our worthineſſe, that all temporal bleſſings ſhould be curſed unto us for our ſins; that being truly humbled with ſigh, and p. 507ſenſe of our ſins,Mark 2.20. Pſ. 85.8. Rev. 8. 4, 5, 6.Mark 2:20Ps 85:8Rev 8:4Rev 8:5Rev 8:6 and ſubjection to miſcry by Chriſts abſence, or ſeeming abſence from our ſelves or any other Saint in particular, or from the Church of God in general, either in reſpect of ſpiritual graces, or want of the manifeſtation of Chriſts power and preſence to help in any diſtreſſe, we may ſeek the face of God in Chriſt with greater earneſtneſſe, and finde a return of our Prayers with more joy in the Lord, who is the hearer of Prayer in and through the mediation and merit of Jeſus Chriſt.

Queſt. 28. What are the ſins contrary to this duty of extraordinary Faſting and Prayer?

Anſ. To refuſe or neglect Humiliation with Faſting and Prayer,Iſa. 22.12, &c. & 58. 3, &c.Isa 22:12 when the Lord calls for it, or to perform the duty formally, or by halfs, not fully as the Lord requireth.

Queſt. 29. You have declared the duties required, and ſins contrary in Prayer: Now what are the duties commanded, and ſins forbidden in reſpect of praiſes and thanksgiving unto the Lord, and firſt in general?Pſal. 50.15, 23. & 103.2, 3.Ps 50:15Ps 50:23Ps 103:2Ps 103:3

Anſ. It is the duty of every childe of God in Chriſt, to glorifie God in all p. 508thankfulneſſe for all deliverances from danger,Rom. 12.1.Rom 12:1 or any other mercies received, either ſpiritual or temporal.

Queſt. 30. What ia the contrary ſin forbidden?

Deu. 32. 5, 6, 7. Luk. 27.17. Hab. 1.16 Iſa. 42.8. Pſ. 110.12.Deut 32:5Deut 32:6Deut 32:7Hab 1:16Isa 42:8Ps 110:12Anſ. To be ingrateful by ſinning againſt God, or to neglect to glorifie God for his favours beſtowed, or to ſacrifice to our own nets, or give the praiſe to any other which is due to God.

Queſt. 31. What are the particular duties required in Thanksgiving?

Anſ. There are divers; you may obſerve theſe four:

Firſt, An acknowledgement of the bleſſings and graces which the Lord hath given us,Gen, 32.10. Neh. 9.5Neh 9:5 to be far above all that we can do, and above and beyond all thankſgiuing and praiſe that can come from us.

Gen. 28.20, 21. Pſal. 16.5. 6, 7.Gen 28:20Gen 28:21Ps 16:5Ps 16:6Ps 16:7Secondly, A contentment in the lot and condition the Lord is pleaſed to order for us in his good Providence.

Acts 17.26. Pſ. 66.4.Acts 17:26Ps 66:4Thirdly, A Declaration of Gods mercies beſtowed upon us to others to Gods glory.

Pſ. 118.5. & 95.1, 2 & 107. 8, &c.Ps 118:5Ps 95:1Ps 95:2Ps 107:8Fourthly, An Exhortation and ſtirring up of others to glorifie God with us for the Lords mercies.

p. 509Queſt. 32. What are the contraries of theſe duties?

Anſ. They are all ſins: As,2 Chron. 35.25. Ion. 4.8, 9.2 Chr 35:25Jonah 4:8Jonah 4:9

Firſt, not to acknowledge Gods mercies, and give the Lord thanks for them.

Secondly,2 Kin. 6.33.2 Kgs 6:33 to be diſcontented at the Lords diſpoſing of us, either in proſperity or adverſity.

Thirdly, to conceal the Lords favour,2 Kings 7, 9.2 Kgs 7:9 and not to tell others what the Lord hath done for our ſouls, that we may praiſe the Lord together.

Fourthly,Iſa. 64.7. not like the woman, Lu. 15.9.Isa 64:7 not to ſtir up others to to praiſe the Lord for his goodneſſe.

Queſt. 33. Theſe are the duties required, and ſins forbidden for private or ordinary praiſes: But what is the duty of extraordinary praiſing God with feaſting and joyfulneſſe?

Anſ. Extraordinary praiſe is when the Church of God for ſome great and extraordinary mercy received,1 Chron. 16.8, &c. 2 Chron. 20.26, 27 Neh. 8.9, 10.1 Chr 16:82 Chr 20:262 Chr 20:27Neh 8:9Neh 8:10 doth celebrate a day of praiſe, ſolemnly glorifying of the Lord, and rejoycing in God in the comfortable ſober uſe of the creatures, remembring our friends, and eſpecially giving gifts to the poor, that they may rejoyce with us, and praiſe the Lord.

p. 510Queſt. 34. You have anſwered concerning the three firſt parts of Gods ſolemn worſhip: Now What I pray yon are the duties required in the fourth and laſt you named, to wit, Covenants, and renewing of our Vows and Covenants before the Lord?

Anſw. To underſtand this, we muſt diſtinguiſh of Covenants, Vows and Promiſes they are of two ſorts:

Firſt, that general Covenant, and Promiſe or Vow, which Gods people make with God in Chriſt in Baptiſm, and renew again and again in tha Lords Supper.

Gen. 17.7, 8, 2.Gen 17:7Gen 17:8Gen 17:2This is an abſolute duty and part of Gods worſhip required in this Command.

Exo. 19.4, &c. & 20.1, &c. Deut. 5.23, &c. & 26.17, Ioſh. 24.19, &c. Gen. 28.20, &c.Exod 19:4Deut 5:23Josh 24:19Gen 28:20That at the Lord doth give himſelf to be our God and Chriſt, as a reconciled God and Father, and take his Church and children to be his people.

So Gods people are bound, and it is tneir duty again not onelyonly to take the Lord for their God; but to Covenant, Vow and Promiſe, and binde themſelves mutually by Vow and Covenant to be Gods people, and to give up themſelves wholly to be the Lords ſervants; and by p. 511all wayes and means to glorifie God and keep his Commandments.

Queſt. 35. But is this renewing of this Covenant, Vow, and general Promiſe, and binding of our ſelves to God by Vow and Covenant, a duty when the Lord calls for it, by an extraordinary occaſion, either of his tryals of us, by dangers and adverſity, or by mercies in deliverances from dangers, and Enemies in time of danger?

Anſ. Yes certainly,Gen. 35.1. 1. Sam. 7, 2, &c. 2 Chron. 15.10, &c. Ier. 50.4, 5.Gen 35:11 Sam 7:22 Chr 15:10Jer 50:4Jer 50:5 it is no more but a duty for a man or woman in particular, or a Church ard Nation in general, upon extraordinaty occaſions of Gods providence in adverſity or proſperity, to ſeek the Lord by way of Covenant, and renewing of our Vows and Covenants with our God in Chriſt.

Queſt. 36. You have anſwered concerning the general Covenant, Vow and Promiſe in Baptiſm, and the renewing of that Promiſe, Vow or Proteſtation of a Childe of God in particular, or the Church and people of God in general, as upon ſpecial occaſions: What are ſpecial Vows?

Anſ. Special Vows and Proteſtations,Gen. 28.21, 22. Pſal. 66.14, &c. & 76.42.Gen 28:21Gen 28:22Ps 66:14 or Promiſes to God for ſome ſpecial cauſes, are to be made by fit perſons, of things lawful, and in our own power in a p. 512right manner,Num. 30.1, &c. Pſa 116.12, 13. Ier. 35.6, 7, 8. Deut. 7.2, &c. Num. 16.3, 33. 1 Sam. 6.19, 20. & 6.7. Eph. 5.15 Ier. 51.45. Rev. 18. Iob. 22.21. 1 Cor. 9.27. Pſa. 132.1, 2, 3. 1 Cor. 9.11. & 16.1, 3. Rom. 14.23. Iohn 4.24. 2 Cor. 5.19, 20.Num 30:1Ps 116:12Ps 116:13Jer 35:6Jer 35:7Jer 35:8Deut 7:2Num 16:3Num 16:331 Sam 6:191 Sam 6:201 Sam 6:7Eph 5:15Jer 51:45Rev 18Job 22:211 Cor 9:27Ps 132:1Ps 132:2Ps 132:31 Cor 9:111 Cor 16:11 Cor 16:3Rom 14:23John 4:242 Cor 5:192 Cor 5:20 and to a right end▪ to glorifie God, and as furtherance for avoiding of ſin, or occaſion of ſin, or of performance of ſome duty, or of declaration of our thankfulneſſe for ſome ſpecial mercy received. As,

Firſt, not to drink wine or ſtrong drink, to avoid drunken company, and all occaſion of familiarity of ſuch as may entice to any ſin; as not to have familiarity with Atheiſts or Papiſts, or any who may draw us to prophaneneſſe, or from our preciſe and ſtrict walking with the preciſe God of Heaven and Earth, or bring us in danger of Gods judgements by their company; or to ſpend ſome time daily in ſecret acquaintance with God.

And ſecondly, to do ſome ſpecial good, as to give ſome part of our eſtate for maintenance of the Preaching of the Goſpel where it is wanting, or ſo much yearly out of our encreaſe, and gain to the Miniſters of Chriſt, or to the poor of Chriſt, in thankfulneſſe to God for his mercies in deliverance from ſpecial dangers, or communicating to us ſome ſpecial favours, and all this in faith, ſpirit, and in truth, as unto God our God, p. 513reconciled unto us in Chriſt Ieſus.

Queſt. 37. What are the ſins contrary to the duty of Vows, and Covenants, and Proteſtations, thus made or renewed in a right manner unto God?

Anſ. Firſt, all raſh, inconſiderate, unlawful Vows.

Secondly, all breaking of our Vows,Ecc. 5.2. & 5.4. Deut. 23.21. Prov. 20.2….Eccl 5:2Eccl 5:4Deut 23:21Prov 20:2 Promiſes or Proteſtations lawful, made to God in a true manner, and to a right end.

Thirdly, all Vows, Promiſes of Covenants made with the Devil,Lev. 20.27. Deu. 18.10▪ &c.Lev 20:27Deut 18:10 or ſervice done unto the Devil immediatly, as Witches, Wiſards, Conjurers, or ſuch like uſe to do.

Or ſervice done to the Devil mediatly,1 Sam. 28.7, &c. Acts 16.19. Ezek. 21.21, 22. Iſ…. 1.19.1 Sam 28:7Acts 16:19Ezek 21:21Ezek 21:22 by feeking unto, conſulting with Witches, Wiſards, Conjurers, Fortune-tellerss, or any of the Devil children of that nature, for help in diſtreſſe, or attaining whatſoever we deſire.

Queſt. 38. Are there any other ſins forbidden in this ſecond Commandment?

Anſ. I will not ſtand to ſet down every particular ſin; nor is it eaſie:foreign Col. 2.20, &c.Col 2:20 But beſides all falſe worſhip, and Ethelothreskeia or Will-Worſhip, framed in p. 514mans brain,Exo. 4, 5. & 12.3.6 & 19.10. 2 Kin. 21.3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 10.17. &c. 2 Chron. 19.1, 2, 3 Deu. 13.6, &c. & 7.2, 3. Eph. 5.11Exod 4:5Exod 12:3Exod 12:6Exod 19:102 Kgs 21:32 Kgs 21:42 Kgs 21:51 Cor 10:172 Chr 19:12 Chr 19:22 Chr 19:3Deut 13:6Eph 5:11 and all neglect of Gods true Worſhip, and of any preparation, means, help or furtherance thereunto, all reſt or confidence in Worſhip, or in any duty, and not on Chriſt in duty; all help or approbation of Idolatrous falſe Worſhip, or Will Worſhip, or inward familiarity with Idolaters, favouring or ſparing of any ſuch as the Word of God holdeth forth to be ſhunned or puniſhed, is a ſin, and contrary to the ſecond Commandment, and ſo to be avoided.

1 Cor. 14.26. & 11.13. & 14.40.1 Cor 14:261 Cor 11:131 Cor 14:40Laſtly, all failing in circumſtances, when what is done is contrary to edification, to decency, or to order.

Queſt. 39. You have thus manifeſted the duties required, and the ſins forbidden in the ſecond Commandment: Now what may be further learned from hence?

Pſa. 119.12, 13. Acts 4.12.Ps 119:12Ps 119:13Acts 4:12Anſ. That the ſins and failings in out holy ſervices, are or may be exceeding many in the manner, as well as in the matter of our Worſhip; And therefore.

1. Men may ſee their extreme need of Chriſt for ſalvation,Iohn 5.40 Mat. 17.5John 5:40Matt 17:5 and come in to Chriſt for Iuſtification and life eternal, and to reſt, not upon our beſt ſervices or performances p. 515of holy duties,Rev. 8.4. Mat. 17.5Rev 8:4Matt 17:5 or any our graces; but upon Chriſt for our acceptance with the Lord.Iohn 15.5. Phil. 4.13.John 15:5Phil 4:13

2. Even Saints themſelves may learn to wait daily on Chriſt in his Ordinances for true light, ſtrength and v…rtue from Chriſt, wiſely, faithfully, ſpiritually and truly to perform our holy ſervices in publike and private,Mark 5.30.Mark 5:30 to Gods glory and our own comfort in Chriſt Ieſus.

And to direct and help you further for a more comfortable walking with God in Chriſt, by true light from Chriſt,Gen. 5.24.Gen 5:24 in your duties general (as a Chriſtian) and particular in your calling, and ſo all Chriſtians in theirs, not onelyonly as they reſpect this ſecond, but all other Commandments of the firſt or ſecond Table; yea, and as they relate to what is to be received by Faith, and believed in the Goſpel, take theſe meditations and directions following:

Firſt, conſider that the Lord Ieſus Chriſt,Ioh. 1.9.John 1:9 he is that true Light that lightneth every man that cometh into the world, foreign, that Light that true, that is, that true Light, with an Emphaſis, that ſurpaſſing excellent Light, that increated Light, that Eſſential Light, p. 516all one with the Fathers,Ioh. 10.30. 1 Ioh. 1.5. Heb. 1.2, 3. Iam. 1.17. Iſa. 45.7.John 10:301 John 1:5Heb 1:2Heb 1:3Jas 1:17Isa 45:7 and ſo that Light in whom there is no darkneſſe at all, who is the brightneſſe of his Fathers glory, and the expreſſe Image of his perſon; That Original Light, as God the Father is the Father of Light, with whom is no Variableneſſe, nor ſhadow of turning; ſo is God the Son, the Father and Creator of Light; for all things were made by him,Iohn 1.3.John 1:3 and without him was made nothing that was made; and ſo he created the light alſo, not as he was God and man, but as he was the eternal and onelyonly begotten Son of God.

As Jehovah is a Name attributed to God,Acts 17.28.Acts 17:28 becauſe he hath his being of himſelf, and giveth being to all Creatures; ſo light is attributed to Chriſt, becauſe he is light in himſelf, and giveth light unto all: He enlightneth every man or woman tht cometh into, and is enlightned in the world; all that receive any true light of nature, grace or glory, they receive it in or by the Eternal Son of God.

That external created light made in the beginning, when God ſaid, Let there be light, he was one perſon of that Elohim, Gen. 1.13 Elohim Barah, &c.Gen 1:13the ſtrong Ones, Father, Son and p. 517holy Ghoſt, of whom Moſes ſaith,Gen. 1.1. 2 Cor. 4.6. Ioh. 1.2.Gen 1:12 Cor 4:6John 1:2 He Created Heaven and Earth; and who commanded that light to ſhine out of darkneſſe, and that as he was with God, foreign in the beginning, and was God with the Father.

And that internal light of natural reaſon and underſtanding, created with Adams ſoul, and communicated to the underſtanding of our firſt Parents before their fall, that was created and communicated by this Son of God, together with the Father and the bleſſed ſpirit,Gen. 1.26. Luk. 10.30. Eph. 4.18. & 5.8.Gen 1:26Luke 10:30Eph 4:18Eph 5:8 he was one of that Counſel who made man in the Image of God, and give that light of reaſon unto man, which was ſo wounded, and the purity and rectitude loſt by the fall, our underſtanding being darkned, and we being by nature darkneſſe, not light.

And for the light of grace,Ioh. 9.5.John 9:5 whoſoever receiveth that light, they received it from Chriſt this eternal Son of God, not only as he is God,Iſa. 7.14.Isa 7:14 but as he is Immanuel, God-Man, Theanthropos, Ioh. 1.14,John 1:14God and Man, the Word made fleſh, in whom dwells the fulneſſe, of the God-head bodily, yea, all fulneſſe,Col. 1, 19. & 2.9. & 2.3.Col 1:19Col 2:9Col 2:3 in whom are hid all the treaſures of the wiſdom and p. 518knowledge of God, he being not only the co-eſſential wiſdom of the Father,Prov. 8.1, 22, &c. Heb. 12.24. Acts 20.28. 2 Tim. 1.10. 1 Cor. 1.30.Prov 8:1Prov 8:22Heb 12:24Acts 20:282 Tim 1:101 Cor 1:30 but the Mediator of the New Teſtament, the eternal High-Prieſt, Prophet and King of his Church, who hath purchaſed us, and light of grace and true heavenly wiſdom for us, and brought life and immortality to light through the Goſpel: yea, is made unto us of God, wiſdom and righteouſneſſe, ſanctification and Redemption, communicating light unto us.

As the Moon receiveth her light from the Sun, ſo the Church of Chriſt and every true Chriſtian ſoul, receiveth the light of grace from Chriſt.

Ioh. 1.16.John 1:16As of Chriſts fulneſſe of grace, we receive grace for grace, ſo of Chriſts fulneſſe of light, we receive light of grace to prepare us for light of glory,2 Cor. 4.6.2 Cor 4:6 light to ſee the glory of a reconciled God in the face of Chriſt.

Ioh. 17.1, 2, 24.John 17:1John 17:2John 17:24And whoſoever have or ſhall receive the light of glory and life eternal, they have, and do, and ſhall receive and enjoy that light of glory, and life in and by Chriſt.

Col. 1.12.Col 1:12God the Father maketh us meet to be made partakers of that inheritance with p. 519the Saints in light;2 Cor. 5.19.2 Cor 5:19 but is in and by his Son Chriſt, in whom God was reconciling the World unto himſelf.

Chriſt is the true light, the fountain,Rev. 22.16. Luke 1.78, 79.Rev 22:16Luke 1:78Luke 1:79 the well-ſpring, the day-ſtar of light, who hath viſited us, To give light to them that ſit in darkneſſe and ſhadow of death, and to guide our feet in the way of peace.

Now, if you meditate and conſider rightly and truly how Chriſt is thus the true Light, and communicates true light of grace to ſinners, and to Saints, and that all that are enlightned, have, and do, and muſt receive their light of grace from Chriſt, and every encreaſe of the light of grace in the ſoul is from Chriſt.

Then you may ſee a ground, wherefore I call this Catechiſm, A light from Chriſt, leading unto Chriſt; becauſe, whatſoever light is in it of God or grace, it is from Chriſt; And whatſoever light a poor ſoul ſtands in need of, it is in, and by, and from God in Chriſt to be received.

And all light, new or old, which is contrary to the light ot Chriſt, it is but a a falſe light, leading out of the true way p. 520of life and light, toward darkneſſe; yea, it is but error, ignorance and darkneſſe it ſelf, and ſo not to be followed; but by the light of Chriſt to be diſcovered and avoided; yea, and the publiſhers of ſuch falſe lights to be rejected, not entertained: If there come any unto you, and bring not this true Doctrine, and light from Chriſt (ſaith Saint John) receive him not into your houſe, neither bid him God ſpeed. 1 Iohn 10, 11.For he that biddeth him, God ſpeed, is partaker of his evil deeds.

By this true light of Chriſt, you may diſcover and learn to flye from all that falſe Antichriſtian light of ſuperſtitious Will-Worſhip of God by mens inventions, contrary to the light of Chriſt in the light of his Word, aqd this Law or commanding part of his will and word in particular.Mat. 15.9.Matt 15:9

By this true light of Chriſt you may finde out the falſhood of thoſe blinding lights, who ſet up the falſe light of natural reaſon corrupted ſince Adams fall without the enlightning of the ſpirit of Chriſt,Rationis lumen quo Deus ns donavit oſtendit non debere nec poſſo paenam corporalem quam unus debea, ab alio perſolvi, Sociuus Tract. de Salvatore. above the light of Chriſt in the ſcripture, as if it were no further to be believed then p. 521the ſenſe can agree with the right reaſon (as they call) it of their darkned underſtanding by which as the wicked Arrians, they queſtion the Divinity of the Son of God, and the All-ſufficient ſatisfaction of Chriſt for poor ſinners,Iſa. 53.5, 6. Ioh. 1.12. 1 Cor. 2.14.Isa 53:5Isa 53:6John 1:121 Cor 2:14 a moſt abominable error, odious to every true Chriſtian whatſoever, and moſt contrary to the light of Chriſt revealed in Scripture, which is ſometimes above not contrary to right Reaſon, enlightned by the ſpirit of Chriſt.

By this light of Chriſt you may ſee evidently that odious, hateful, falſe light of the Mahometan Alcaron, upheld by Turkiſh Tyranny, to the miſerable ſlavery and deſtruction of many thouſands.

I may ſay the ſame of thoſe falſe lights of the Councel of Trent, Conc. Trident. Decret. 1. Seſſ.4. de Tradit. Conc. Trid. de Interpret. Script. Decret. …. Seſſ. 4.making unwritten Traditions of equal Authority with the written Word of God; and the Church of Rome the Judge of all Interpretations of Scripture, as Cardinal Bellarmine maketh the Pope chief Iudge, as being the Church vertual, and having infallibility of ſpirit, as he vainly pretends, when as in truth his light is darkneſſe, a blinde leader of the blinde p. 522to error and deſtruction.

I might name the Arminian falſe light, that gilded Popery, the Antinomian falſe light; I mean not ſuch Orthodox men who Preach Chriſt clearly a juſtifier and ſanctifier, and love the Law of God, the commanding part of the will and word of God, as Chriſt by his light holdeth it forth in Scripture: But Antinomian enemies to the Law of God; indeed, their light is a falſe light, eaſily diſcovered by the true light of Chriſt.

Others there are not worth the naming, who go about like Guido Fauks with the dark Lanthern of Errors,A Memento of Nov. 5. 1605. to blow up the Parliament houſe of the true light of Chriſt from the Saints, if the Lord did not hold forth the light of Chriſt in grace, to quicken them by his Spirit of truth unto glory.

I ſay no more of any theſe falſe lights, but deſire the true light Chriſt (if it be his bleſſed will) may bring them from darkneſſe to light, and from the power of Satan unto God,Acts 26.18.Acts 26:18 reconciled in Chriſt Ieſus.

Again, if Chriſt be ſuch a light, the true light, Then how ſhould every Chriſtian ſoul highly prize this true p. 523light, Chriſt above all falſe wandring uncertain dangerous light wha…ſoever new or old, for this light,Lux vera, et ſincara nil, ficti habeus. Chriſt and his light is true light, without any counterfeit at all, and who will not priſe truth above fallehoodjts not a true precious Diamond far more valued then a counterfeite: Is not pure Gold far more excellent then guilded Lead, or Copper; what woman will not priſe a rich chaine of precious Pearle, above any counterfeit Beads, or Glaſſe, or the like: what hungry man will value a painted banquet above a ſolid feaſt? was not the Land of Goſhen, where was light, far more ſweet and comfortable then Egypt, where was darkneſſe that might be felt?Exod. 10.23.Exod 10:23 even ſo is Chr…ſt and his light, excelling the darkneſſe of all falſe lights in the world; look upon the light of Chriſt, it is pure, cleare, and Genuine, as it hath not falſehood, ſo it hath no obſcurity in it, It is Chriſts owne proper light, as the light of the Sun; not borrowed as the light of the Moone, if it ſeem dark to men at any time, it is becauſe ſome Cloud, or miſt, of ignorance or unbeliefe cometh between a ſoule and Chriſt. Yea Chriſt is a full and perfect light, the light of Chriſt it p. 524ſelf admitteth no leſſening, no decreaſe, the Moon, the more it draweth from the Sun, the more her light decreaſeth; But Chriſts light doth not diminiſh at all, if any darkneſſe ſeem to be, it is the weakneſſe of our eyes, not able to behold the glorious light of Chriſt, as ſick eyes cannot look upon the Sun in his glory. If Iohn Baptiſt was a burning,Iohn 5.35. Iohn. 1.8.John 5:35John 1:8 and a ſhining light, who was not that true light, how much more Chriſt, who is the true light it ſelf, by whoſe brightneſſe we may ſee the glory of a reconciled God,2 Cor. 4.6.2 Cor 4:6 as in the Face of Chriſt: The light of Chriſt is full of vertue to drive away all darkneſſe from a ſoule. The Land that ſate in darkneſſe,Mat. 4.13, &c.Matt 4:13 and in the ſh…ddow of death, unto them hath the light ſhined, and then darkneſſe flieth away; Chriſt ſhineth in the midle of darkneſſe: He is truly a light to lighten the hearts, and the glory or Gods people Iſrael. Luke 2.31, 32.Luke 2:31Luke 2:32He driveth away the darkneſſe of ignorance out of the minde and underſtanding, and cauſeth light of Divine and heavenly knowledge to ſhine into the Soule; as it is with the light of a candle brought into a dark Dungeon, it expelleth darkneſſe, and light ſhineth in the place.

p. 525So it is with the light of Chriſt, when he cometh into a darkned ſoul, he driveth out the darkneſſe of error, and light of truth ſhineth in the place thereof: He driveth out the darkneſſe of unbelief, when a ſoul walketh in darkneſſe and ſeeth no light; yet when the light of Chriſt cometh ſhining into a ſoul, and revealing the light of Divine truth incloſed in the promiſes, the ſparks of faith which were as it were raked up in the Embers, they are kindled, and the flame of faith ſhineth as a light, with joy and peace in believing; yea, Chriſt brings the light of joy to a troubled conſcience,Phil. 4.7.Phil 4:7 and peace of God which paſſeth all underſtanding.

And how then is the light of Chriſt precious: How is it to be reſted in as ſatisfactory above all other lights whatſoever? And how ſhould every ſoul that liveth and walketh in darkneſſe, draw nigh to Chriſt for light, for he lightneth every man that cometh into the world; all that receive light, they do and muſt receive it in and through Chriſt, whether light of Juſtification, or light of Sanctification, or light of glory.

p. 526O then my ſoul, come into Chriſt for increaſe of light; come near to Chriſt and meet him often in his Ordinances, that thou mayſt be more and more enlightned by Chriſts preſence, power and grace.

And ſhall not a poor ſoul fall in love with this true light of the Lord Ieſus. O be it far from thee my ſoul to hate this light,Iohn 3.19, 20.John 3:19John 3:20 as thoſe who love it not, becauſe their deeds are evil. Light is comfortable to ſinners, and ſo is Chriſt to a live pure-ſeeing ſoul, who by a lively faith can look on Chriſt, though the eye of Faith be never ſo weak ſighted, Chriſts light is a healing light, which fills the ſoul wich life, in the end, enabling a poor Saint to follow this light of grace, until it brings the ſoul to life ana light eternal.

And thus by light from Chriſt, we may ſee the uſe of the ſecond Commandment, and the many errors of wandring falſe light, leading to falſe worſhip, and the true light of Chriſt direcing to ſerve God in ſpirit and in truth. O my ſoul, let this lighc of Chriſt be a light to thy feet,Pſa. 119.105.Ps 119:105 and lanthern to thy paths, in all Ordinances of Word, Sacraments, Prayer, and life to life everlaſting.

p. 527And, my ſoul,Chriſt ac Scripturarum lucifuga. lament thoſe Chriſt and Scripture-light-flyers, who cannot away with the light of Chriſt and of the Scriptures, but love darkneſſe rather then lights becauſe their deeds are evil.Iohn 3.19, 20.John 3:19John 3:20 The light of Chriſt in this or other Commandments, might teach them how to finde not their many ſins againſt God, againſt his true ſpiritual worſhip, againſt the honour of his Name, his Sabbath, his Sacrament, the ſeals of the Covenant of Grace, which ſo many multitudes in the world do prophane by coming blindly unto them, never examining whether they have any light or authority from Chriſt to come to that ſacred Banquet; or whether they be drawn by the light of cuſtom or formality only,2 Tim. 3.5.2 Tim 3:5 to do as their Neighbours do, and their fore-fathers have done; never conſidering whether their deſire after the Sacrament be a holy hunger after Chriſt ſpiritually,Iohn 6.56, 57.John 6:56John 6:57 to eat the fleſh of Chriſt, and drink his blood, that Chriſt may dwell in them, and they in Chriſt, that they may live by Chriſt the life of grace here, and glory hereafter. They never look to this light of Chriſt,1 Cor. 11.28, 29.1 Cor 11:281 Cor 11:29 whether they have light of knowledge, and be able to examine themſelves; p. 528or whether they walk in darkneſſe, and are ignorant and blinde, not able to diſcern the Lords body, and ſo eat and drink unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of Chriſt, and eat and drink their own Judgement or Damnation,1 Cor. 11.28, &c.1 Cor 11:28 if the Lord deal in judgement with them. They never examine by any true and impartial light from Chriſt, whether they be prophane and ſcandalous in their lives, common ſwearers, &c. To conclude, they never queſtion their own ſouls, whether they have found by any light from Chriſt that they have the life of grace, ſpiritual eyes to ſee, and hands to receive, and mouth to feed on Chriſt, that they may finde refreſhing indeed at the Lords Table, and ſpiritual feet, and affections of their ſouls to walk with Chriſt in their lives. But, O my ſoul, do thou with the Saints of God moſt high, daily look after this true light of Chriſt, that thou loſe not Chriſts preſence, but travel with Chriſt, and in his light held forth in this Commandment, and all other commanding parts of Gods word by faith, in all the promiſes of Grace through the wilderneſſe of this word, to the Canaan of Heaven.

p. 529Queſt. 40. You have given the uſe of the Commandement in generally but now what doe you conceive of the Reaſon of the Commandement which followeth in particular in the next words?

For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God viſiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate we, and ſhewing mercy unto thouſands of them that love me, and keep my Commandements.

Anſw. I conceive the Lord holdeth forth in this Reaſon principally two things.

Firſt,Ex. 34.6, 7 Deut. 6.13, 14, 15, Deut. 7.4 Deut. 29.19, 20, 21 Ezekel 18 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. Canticles 8.6.Exod 34:6Exod 34:7Deut 6:13Deut 6:14Deut 6:15Deut 7:4Deut 29:19Deut 29:20Deut 29:21Song 8:6 a threatening of ſevere puniſhment to wicked Idolaters (and all others who corrupt the ſervice of God) to them and to their poſterity, if they go on to hate the Lord and continue in their Fathers ſins; and to terrifie men the more from this ſinne, The Lord declares himſelfe to be a jealous God and one that will not hold the wicked innocent.

Queſt. 41. What is the ſecond that the Lord holds forth to perſwade to obedience, and what light from Chriſt herein?

Anſ. Eccl. 8.13 Iſaias 3.11 Jer. 32.18Eccl 8:13Isa 3:11Jer 32:18A gratious promiſe of his owne free mercy and goodneſſe, though man can merit nothing, but when hee hath p. 530done be can, he may and muſt ſay he is an unprofitable ſervant;Luk. 17.10.Luke 17:10 yet the Lord of his own free love wil manifeſt his goodneſſe to them that low him, and keepe his Commandements,Gen. 17.7. Prov. 20.7. Pſal. 112.1, 2.Gen 17:7Prov 20:7Ps 112:1Ps 112:2 and to their Poſterity to thouſands of Generations: ſo abundant is the Lord in his goodneſſe to his children in Chriſt Jeſus.

Queſt. 42. What ſhould the meditation of this threatning and promiſe by Chriſt ſpirit worke in the hearts of men, what light from Chriſt to direct in this duty?

Anſw. Firſt, ſinners ſhould take notice of their miſery,Ezek. 18.21, 22, 23.Ezek 18:21Ezek 18:22Ezek 18:23 and as they tender their owne happineſſe, or the happineſſe of their poore children, waite in the meanes of Grace on Chriſt till Chriſt convert them,2 Tim 2.25, 26. Ezek. 18.14. Num. 16.31, 32. Gen. 9.25.2 Tim 2:252 Tim 2:26Ezek 18:14Num 16:31Num 16:32Gen 9:25 and direct them to repentance, that they and their children after them repenting may enjoy ſweet freedome from Gods Terrible Viſitation, which is ſure to fall upon the wicked and impenitent and their children.

Secondly for Saints to inſtruct them, to waite on Chriſt for power to glorifie God,Gen. 18.19 Joſhua 24.11.Gen 18:19Josh 24:11 and to teach their children, alſo to ſerve him in a right manner in Spirit and Truth,Deut. 3.29Deut 3:29 knowing this that in and for Chriſt it ſhall goe well with p. 531them, and with their children for ever.

The third Section of the thirteth Claſſis, The third Commandment.

Queſt. 1.

YOu have now unfolded the ſecond Commandement; J pray you which is the third?

Anſ. Thou ſhalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vaine; for the Lord will not hold him guiltleſſe that taketh his name in vaine.

Queſt. 2. What is conſiderable in this command?

Anſ. Theve are two things conſiderable.

Firſt, the prohibition, Thou ſhalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine.

Secondly the reaſon, For the Lord wil not hold him guiltleſſe that taketh his name in vaine.

Queſt. 3. What do you underſtand is meant by the Name of God?

Anſ. Whatſoever the Lord hath manifeſted himſelf to be known by,Deut. 12.5Deut 12:5 as men are known by names,Acts 9.15.Acts 9:15 whether it be by p. 532his proper Names or Titles:Exod. 3.15 Exodus 6.3Exod 3:15Exod 6:3 As Jehovah, Jah, Lord, God.

2. Or his Attributes, Eternall, Inviſible, Omnipreſent, All-ſufficient, Immortall, Unchangeable, or the like, and for the Juſtice, Mercy, Goodneſſe, Truth, or any Attribute of that nature.

3. Or his word, The Scriptures of Truth and Gods Will and Ordinances revealed there; Sacraments, Prayer, &c.

4. Or whether it be Gods Worke of Decree, Creation or Providence, Judgment, Mercy, or the Glory or Honour of God in theſe, or any way whatſoever.

Queſt. 4. What is meant by taking of Gods Name, or taking it up as the Hebrew is rendred?

Anſ. Thou ſhalt not take, or take up or touch the holy Name of God,Pſal. 16.4 Pſal. 50.16Ps 16:4Ps 50:16 either in thoughts of thy heart, or in the words of thy mouth, or in thy workes of life and converſation. Thou ſhalt not make any uſe of the Name of God in any reſpect, or of Religion or any part or Gods worſhip in vaine.

Queſt. 5. What is meant by taking or touching this Sacred Name of God in vaine?

p. 533Anſ. Mat. 5.34, 35, 36, 37 Levit. 19.12 Pſalme 111 9.Matt 5:34Matt 5:35Matt 5:36Matt 5:37Lev 19:12Ps 111:9To take or touch Gods Name in any reſpect unneceſſarily without weighty reaſons, when it may be to God honour, or to my own or my neighbours good.

Secondly, irreverently, without feare of diſhonouring the holy Name of the holy bleſſed God.

Thirdly, falſely, in ſpeaking or ſwearing falſely, or abuſing the Name of God erroneouſly, hypocritically or diſhonorably in any manner whatſoever, in word, life or profeſſion.

Queſt. 6. Now having thus explained the precept, tell mee what is the generall ſin forbidden in this generall prohibition?

Anſ. That we ſhould not diſhonour God in taking up in our mouthes,Deut. 28 58. Exo. 3.13, 14, 15. 1 Cor. 11.17, 18. Pſal. 50.26 Rom. 2.24 Mat. 12.31Deut 28:58Exod 3:13Exod 3:14Exod 3:151 Cor 11:171 Cor 11:18Ps 50:26Rom 2:24Matt 12:31 uſing or abuſing this holy Name vainly, or any his Titles, and Attributes, Words, Ordinances or Workes, or whatſoever the Lord is known by as men are known by their names, either in our Hearts, Words, Lives, Profeſſion or any manner of way, or by any meanes whatſoever, knowing we muſt anſwer for every idle word at the day of Judgement.

Queſt. 7. What is the generall duty required and implied in this Commandement, p. 534or the affirmative part contrary or oppoſed to this negative?

Anſ. That wee ſhould honour and glorify Gods Name,Mat. 6.9. 1 Cor. 6.20. Mat. 5.16. Iſaia. 26.9, 10. Pſal. 14.1 Job. 1.5. Pſalme 50.23.Matt 6:91 Cor 6:20Matt 5:16Ps 14:1Job 1:5Ps 50:23 and ſeeke his glory in a holy uſe of his Name, Attributes, Word, Worſhip, Ordinances and Works of Judgement, or Mercy, or whatſoever the Lord is pleaſed to manifeſt himſelfe in or by for his own glory, or the good of his Church and children, and this in all our Thoughts, Words and Converſation.

Queſt. 8. You have declared the Generall ſinne forbidden, and the generall duty required; Now what J pay you are the particular duties commanded, and ſinnes contrary to theſe forbidden in this Commandement?

Anſ. There are many but I will obſerve theſe few.1 Pet. 3.14, 15. 2 Pet. 2.8 Ex. 32.19. Num. 25.9 Pſal. 69.9 1 Kings 19 10. John 2.14, 15, 16, 17. Revel. 3.19.1 Pet 3:141 Pet 3:152 Pet 2:8Exod 32:19Num 25:9Ps 69:91 Kgs 19:10John 2:14John 2:15John 2:16John 2:17Rev 3:19

And the firſt is a holy and reverent and ſincere and right ordered zeale of the glory of God, in our hearts and lives; This zeale of Gods glory is a duty required in this third Commandement; and with this holy zeale have the Saints glorified this holy and dreadfull Name the Lord our God.

Queſt. 9. What are the contrary ſinnes to p. 535this true of the honour and glory of God and his Name?

Anſ Firſt, a lukewarmeneſſe,Kings 18.22. Revel. 3.15 Acts 18.17 1 Sam. 229 1 Sam. 3.13 1 Cor. 5:2Rev 3:15Acts 18:171 Sam 3:131 Cor 5:2 and baſe nutrality in the cauſe of God and Religion, a halting betweene two opinions without any care or zeale of God or his Truth, or of his Honour and Glory.

Secondly, an ignorant ſuperſtitious, hypocriticall, or praepoſterous zeale of Evill, or of Good in a falſe manner.

Queſt. 10. What is a ſecond particular duty required to ſet forth the glory of God, and honour his ſacred Name, and what light from Chriſt for this duty?

Anſ. To glorifie God in his glorious Workes of Creation and Providence,Pſal. 19.1, 2Ps 19:1Ps 19:2 obſerving and ſpeaking of Gods Wiſdome Power, Goodneſſe, Juſtice and Mercy, or any other his Attributes, giving God the glory of all both in conſideration of his Creation and Government of the World,Romans 33.34. and his workes of Juſtice or Mercy to the wicked, or to his own children.

Queſt. 11. What is the contrary ſinne to this honouring of Gods Name in reſpect of his works?

p. 536…ſal. 104 Iſaiah 26.9, 10. Pſal. 147.1, 2. & 26, &c.Isa 26:9Isa 26:10Ps 147:1Ps 147:2Ps 147:26Anſ. To neglect the glory of God, or to diſhonour his Name in the obſervation, or diſregard of Gods Wiſdome, Power, Juſtice or Mercy held forth in his great Worke of Creation or Providence, Judgements or Mercies, Ordinary or extraordinary, ungodly men or to the Saints of the moſt high, not learning Righteouſneſſe or diſhonouring Gods Name in any of theſe.

Queſt. 12. What is a third particular duty required for the honouring of Gods Name, and what light from Chriſt for direction in this particular?

Anſ. To glorifie Gods name in the ſacred uſe of Gods Word,1 Cor. 10 31.1 Cor 10:31 Sacraments, Prayer or any of his Ordinances, and in our Profeſſion of the faith and ſervice of God in Jeſus Chriſt, in the Goſpell of grace ſerving the Lord in ſpirit and truth,1 Sam 2.301 Sam 2:30 and exalting the glory of Gods Name in every particular, profiting and growing in grace in the uſe of them by the power of Chriſt.

Queſt. 13. What is the contrary ſinne to this particular dutie?

Anſw. To diſhonour Gods Name in the prophane and ſinfull manner of hearing Gods Word,Ezek. 44.32.33.Ezek 44:32Ezek 44:33 partaking of his Sacraments, p. 537Prayer or any other of Gods Ordinances, worſhip or ſervice,1 Cor. 11.17.29, 30. Nehe. 9.5 Act… 9.15 Numbers 6.24, 15. Heb. 13.26.21.1 Cor 11:171 Cor 11:291 Cor 11:30Acts 9:15Num 6:24Num 6:15Heb 13:26Heb 13:21 publike or private, or our formall profeſſion or uſe of them without any preparation for to meete Chriſt in the ſpirituall participation of them, or heavenly profit by them to Gods glory and good of our ſelves and others, or for our own by ends, not Gods glory.

Queſt. 14. What is a fourth particular duty required for the honouring of Gods holy Name?

Anſ. To Bleſſe and magnifie the moſt holy Name of God upon all ſpeciall occaſions in himſelf, his Names, attributes, Word, Ordinances or Workes,Ezra. 3.11.Ezra 3:11 whenſoever we are called to defend and beare the Name of God and his Truth, Power and Glory before all the World, and to bleſſe in his Name upon what cauſe ſo ever the Lord mindeth us to that duty.

Queſt. 15. What ſinnes are contrary to this duty of glorifying the holy Name of the holy bleſſed God?

Anſ. Firſt, to neglect the honouring of Gods Name,Nehemias 9.5.Neh 9:5 or not giving the praiſes due to his Name which is far above, and beyond all thanksgiving and praiſe, or neglect to bleſſe his Name when God requires.

p. 538Leviticus 24.15. Job. 2.9. Mark. 5.24Lev 24:15Job 2:9Mark 5:24Secondly, to curſe or Blaſpheame the ſacred Name of God or of Chriſt our Lord, in himſelfe, Word, Ordinances or Works.

Thirdly, to abuſe the fearefull Name of God to conjuration, charmes, exorciſmes or the like wicked abomination.

Fourthly, to diſhonour his Name, Title,Exodus 21.17. Mat. 5.44. James 3.9, 10.Exod 21:17Matt 5:44Jas 3:9Jas 3:10 Word, or Workes of Judgement, or mercy, in uſing and abuſing it in curſing Father or Mother, or others by any wicked imprecation as a plague of God and Pockes on you, or the like moſt odious and prophane termes wicked men practiſe againſt themſelves or others, as God damme me or them.

Queſt. 16. What other ſinne is there contrary to this duty of glorifying Gods Name, in bleſſing in and by Gods Name?

Anſ. To bleſſe or curſe any in the Name of the Devill, whether it be by wicked deviliſh imprecations upon a mans ſelfe as thoſe curſed wiſhes and deviliſh prayers of Atheſticall prophane men in theſe dayes,Job. 2.9, 10Job 2:9Job 2:10 The Devill take me, the Devill confound me body and ſoule, and the like damnable wickedneſſe or the like, worſe then Paganiſh imprecation upon any others, all p. 539being high provocations of the moſt mighty God who is able to caſt both body and ſoule into Hell fire in a moment,Mat. 20.28Matt 20:28 as he made the earth to open her mouth and to ſwallow up Dathan and to cover the congregation of Abiram; Numbers 16.32, 33. 1 Sam. 28.7. 2 Kings 1.1.Num 16:32Num 16:331 Sam 28:72 Kgs 1:1or to bleſſe in the devils name or by the devil, as thoſe whom ignorant people uſe to cal good Witches, abominable to God.

Queſt. 17. What is the firſt particular duty required in this third Commandement, for honoring of Gods Name?

Anſ. Deut. 6.13Deut 6:13To glorifie God in calling him to witneſſe, and judge of the Truth of our words and actions,Jer. 4.2. Jer. 12.16 Heb. 6.16Jer 4:2Jer 12:16Heb 6:16 whenſoever we are called to ſweare in his Name in Truth, Judgement and Righteouſneſſe, and to teſtifie the Truth lawfully concerning our ſelves or others upon Oath, or whenſoever wee bind our ſelves by Oath, Promiſe,2 Cron. 11.12, 13.14 Pſalme 15.4.Ps 15:4 Covenant or Proteſtation in Gods Name for the performance of any thing lawfull, poſſible, acknowledging the Lord to be the Revenger of all falſe Oathes, or falſification of Oathes and Promiſes, and ſubjecting our ſelves to his judgement if we ſwear falſely, or performe not our juſt and lawfull Oathes and Proteſtations, & ſo prophan p. 540and take the name of our God in vain.

Queſt. 18. What are the particular ſinnes contrary to this duty of honouring God, in ſwearing the Lord liveth, in Truth, Iudgemmt, and Righteouſneſſe?

Anſ. Firſt, Not to ſweare and witneſſe the Truth, in judgement and righteouſneſſe,Ierem. 4.2.Jer 4:2 in the name of God, when we are called lawfully and rightly to ſweare to Gods glory, and the good of Gods Church. As thoſe who affirme all ſwearing unlawfull, and utterly refuſe to take any Oath before a lawfull Magiſtrate, upon miſunderſtanding of thoſe places of Scripture which ſeeme to forbid ſwearing at all,M…t. 5.14. Iames. 4.12.Jas 4:12 when as indeed they only forbid all unlawful ſwearing, and all ſwearing in our ordinary communication, by which the name of God is taken in vaine.

Queſt. 19. WVhat is a ſecond ſinne contrary to this duty?Iſaiah. 48.1. Levit. 19.12.Isa 48:1Lev 19:12

Anſ. All perjury or falſe ſwearing when men ſweare by the name of the Lord, but not in truth nor righteouſneſſe, and ſo take the name of the Lord God in vaine,Deut. 3.11 Zach. 5.23 4.Deut 3:11Zech 5:23 contrary to Gods ſtrict commandement.

Queſt. 20. What is a third ſinne, forbidden p. 541contrary to the duty of glorifying Gods name: what light from Chriſt in this duty for our direction?

Anſ. Ier. 5.7.Jer 5:7All ſwearing by the creatures and that which is not God, calling that to witneſſe truth which cannot ſearch the heart, nor try the reines, nor know whether the Oath be true or falſe. As when men ſweare by Heavens,Mat. 5.34, 35, 36, 37.Matt 5:34Matt 5:35Matt 5:36Matt 5:37 or by the Earth, or by our Lady, or by the Maſſe, or by themſelves or any thing in them, or of mans deviſing, ſetting them up for the tryers of Truth in ſtead of God, whether they be Saints or Angels, or any creature whatſoever, or any thing but God himſelfe.

Queſt. 21. What is a fourth ſinne?1 Sam. 14.24, 40, 45. 1 Sam. 25.22.1 Sam 14:241 Sam 14:401 Sam 14:451 Sam 25:22

Anſ. The performing of any unlawfull raſh oathes vowes or promiſes, which are ſinfull and a diſhonour to the holy name of God, and to the hurt of the ſoules or bodies of our ſelves or others,Acts. 23.12.Acts 23:12 and contrary to the true honour of God or love of our neighbour.Prov. 16.33. Prov. 18.18 Numb. 26.25 Ioſhu. 14.2Prov 16:33Prov 18:18Num 26:25

Queſt. 22. What is a ſixt duty in particular, for the honouring of Gods name?

Anſ. The lawfull and right uſe of a lot, for dividing of lands or goods when neceſſity requireth, and God calleth for p. 542it, to end ſome ſuch controverſie which otherwiſe cannot be decided,Acts. 1.24. Pſal. 16.6.Acts 1:24Ps 16:6 and this with prayer to God to direct the lot, and reſting ſatisfied with the lot, when God hath ordered it.

Queſt. 23. What is the ſinne contrary to this duty of ſeeking the honour of Gods name in a lot?

Anſ. All unlawfull common and ordinary abuſe of lots in games, or otherwiſe in a wrong manner or to a wrong end,Heſter. 3.7Esth 3:7 to the prophanation of Gods name, and diſhonour of the Goſpell of Chriſt.

Queſt. 24. What is a ſeventh particular duty, what light from Chriſt herein?

Mat. 10.32 Rom. 10.10. Mat. 5.16. Phil. 1.27 Rom. 1.16 Iude. 4.Matt 10:32Rom 10:10Matt 5:16Phil 1:27Rom 1:16Jude 1:4Anſ. The confeſſion and glorifying of Gods name in our lives and converſations, to Gods honour, the good example of others, and comfort of our owne ſoules in Chriſt Jeſus.

Queſt. 25. What is the ſinne contrary to this confeſſion and profeſſion to the glorifying of Gods name?

Anſ. To deny or be aſhamed of Chriſt,Mat. 26.74 Iohn. 12.42, 43, Rom. 2.24Matt 26:74John 12:42John 12:43Rom 2:24 or the Goſpel, or to diſhonour God in our lives, or cauſe the Goſpel of Chriſt and name of God to be Blaſphemed.

Queſt. 26. You have given me good p. 543ſatisfaction concerning the command it ſelfe; now what doe you believe concerning the reaſon annexed in the words following, For the Lord will not hold him guiltleſſe that taketh his name in vaine?

Anſ. I underſtand in this command as in the former, there is expreſſed a terrible threatning againſt all ſuch as prophane Gods name,2. Chron. 36.132 Chr 36:13 either by prophane ſwearing or forſwearing, or by abuſe of Ordinances or any other way, that God will not hold them guiltleſſe but guilty,Deut. 27.26Deut 27:26 and ſo ſubject to Gods curſe and eternall condemnation for this ſinne.

Queſt. 27. What is further implyed in this threatning, that God will not hold ſuch guiltleſſe who prophane his name?

Anſ. A gracious promiſe of bleſſing to ſuch as by the power of Chriſt carefully endeavour by all good meanes to glorifie the ſacred name of the great God; That the Lord will bleſſe and honour them that honour him,1 Sam. 2.30.1 Sam 2:30 and extoll them who ſeeke in Chriſt to give God the praiſes due unto his name.

Queſt. 28. What may the diligent obſervation of all theſe duties commanded, and ſinnes forbidden, with the threatning and promiſes annexed, hold forth unto the ſonnes p. 544of men, or what may this inſtruct?

Anſ. Firſt to wicked and prophane men this holds forth, and may teach them to take notice of their miſerable condition, living in a continuall prophanation of Gods name, either in his Titles, Word, Ordinance, or workes of Mercy, or Judgement, and ſo of a continuall ſubjection to the curſe of God, ſpirituall and temporall here, and to an everlaſting curſe hereafter.

Queſt 29. What further may ſuch wicked men who are out of Chriſt, learne from hence?

Anſ. Not to give ſleepe to their eyes with quiet, nor take delight in any creature-comfort, but waite on Chriſt in all the meanes of Grace, untill Chriſt make them by his Spirit ſenſible of their ſinne and miſery, and give them faith and repentance, that cloſing with Chriſt they may be freed from the guilt and puniſhment of their ſinnes.

Queſt. 30. What may the Saints of God learn from hence, by light from Chriſt for inſtruction?

1 Cor. 13.9 Phil. 3.12 131 Cor 13:9Phil 3:12Anſ. To ſee the perfection of this holy Law of God, and their owne imperfection, and ſeeke daily to Chriſt as p. 545for aſſurance of Juſtification and Pardon of ſin, ſo for aſſured power of Sanctification and increaſe of ſtrength from Chriſt, that they may be inabled more and more to honour and glorifie the moſt holy Name of their moſt bleſſed Lord God and tender Father in Chriſt Jeſus; and that one day they ſhal glorifie this ſacred Name in Heaven with Saints and Angels for evermore.