A Brief Sum of Christian Religion, Title page – To the reader

A Brief Sum of Christian Religion · Title page – To the reader

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

COMPOSED By THOMAS GREAVES, a Minister of the Gospel.

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

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

August. de trad. Symb

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

Printed at London 1656.

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

Deut. 32. 46, 47.

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

Col. 1. 9, 10.

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

To the Christian Reader.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THO. GREAVES.

p. 1A Brief Summe of Christian Religion.

1. THe sure and only way to obtain eternal life,John 17. 3.John 17:3 and happiness,Acts 4. 12.Acts 4:12 is to know God,Mat. 16. 15, 16.Matt 16:15Matt 16:16 and his Son Iesus Christ, and to honour and serve him,Joh. 12. 26.John 12:26 as he hath appointed in his Word.1 Chr. 28. 9.1 Chr 28:91 Sam. 2. 30.1 Sam 2:30Deut. 10. 12.Deut 10:122 Tim. 3: 15.2 Tim 3:15Is. 8. 20.Isa 8:20Acts 24. 14.Acts 24:14Rom. 16. 26.Rom 16:26

2. The holy ScripturesThe Scriptures. of the Old and New Testament are the Word and Oracles of God,Eph. 2. 20.Eph 2:20 wherein he hath revealed his Will and Truth unto us,1 Pet. 1. 25.1 Pet 1:25 unto which we ought most diligently to attend.Rom. 3. 2.Rom 3:2Heb. 5. 12.Heb 5:12Eph. 3. 5.Eph 3:52 Tim. 3. 16.2 Tim 3:16Mat. 22. 20,Matt 22:20Luk. 16. 29, 31.Luke 16:29Luke 16:312 Pet. 1. 19, 21:2 Pet 1:192 Pet 1:21Deut. 31. 11, 1….Deut 31:11Deut 31:1

3. The Scriptures principally declare unto us, Psa. 145. 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, Gal. 3. 22Ps 145:3Ps 145:5Ps 145:6Ps 145:11Ps 145:12Gal 3:221. the Nature, Majesty, and Works of God.Rom. 3. 9, 10, 19, &c.Rom 3:9Rom 3:10Rom 3:19 2. The Misery of all mankind by Sin. 3. Our Redemption and salvation by Iesus Christ.1 Thes. 5. 9, 10.1 Thess 5:91 Thess 5:10 4. The Duty of the Redeemed towards God.1 Cor. 15. 3, ….1 Cor 15:3Acts 5. 31.Acts 5:31Eph▪ 1. 7.Eph 1:71 Cor. 1. 30, 31.1 Cor 1:301 Cor 1:31Lu. 1. 74, 75, 77.Psa. 107. 1, 2.Ps 107:1Ps 107:2

p. 24. God is a Spirit, Gods nature.eternall, Almighty, Joh. 4. 24.John 4:24unchangeable, most pure, holy, wise,1 Tim. 1. 17.1 Tim 1:17 just, gracious, and mercifull, infinite in all perfections and excellencies.Mal. 3. 6.Mal 3:6Jam. 1. 17.Jas 1:171 Joh. 1. 5.1 John 1:5Rev. 4. 8.Rev 4:8Exod. 34. 6, 7.Exod 34:6Exod 34:7Psal. 145. 3, 8, 17.Ps 145:3Ps 145:8Ps 145:17Psal. 147. 5.Ps 147:5Job 11. 7.Job 11:7Acts 17. 24, 25.Acts 17:24Acts 17:25

5. There is but One true God,Joh. 17. 3.John 17:3 who is distinguished by Three Persons, 1 Cor. 8. 5, 6.1 Cor 8:51 Cor 8:6the Father begetting,Heb. 1. 3. 5, 6.Heb 1:3Heb 1:5Heb 1:6 the Son his only begotten,1 Joh. 5. 7.1 John 5:7 andMa…. 28. 19. the Holy Ghost proceeding from both:Joh. 1. 14. 18.John 1:14John 1:18 of one substance, will, and power,Joh. 15. 26.John 15:26 and with equall honour to be worshipped,Gal. 4. 6.Gal 4:6 and glorified by all.Joh. 10. 30.John 10:30Phil. 2. 6.Phil 2:61 Cor. 2. 10, 11.1 Cor 2:101 Cor 2:11Jo: 5. 23.2 Cor. 13. 14.2 Cor 13:14Rev. 5. 12, 13.Rev 5:12Rev 5:13

6: God hath his Being of himself,Gods chief works and is the onelyonly Author of all Being and Blessings unto others;Exod. 3. 14.Exod 3:14 who created all things very good,Acts 17. 24, 25,Acts 17:24Acts 17:25 and doth sustein,Gen. 1. 1. 31.Gen 1:1Gen 1:31 preserve, and govern them, exercising an everlasting Kingdom, Neh. 9. 6.Neh 9:6and Providence over all.Col. 1, 16, 17.Col 1:16Col 1:17Rom. 11. 36.Rom 11:36Heb. 1. 3.Heb 1:3Psal. 119. 91.Ps 119:91Psal. 145. 13.Ps 145:131 Chr. 29. 11.1 Chr 29:11Dan. 4. 34, 35.Dan 4:34Dan 4:35Prov. 15. 3.Prov 15:3Joh. 5. 17.John 5:17Mat. 10. 29, 30.Matt 10:29Matt 10:30

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

p. 38. Adam the first man (of whose nature and condition we all partake) by transgression of Gods Law and Covenant,Mans misery. fell from his first state;1 Cor. 15. 45. 47, 48. Jo. 3: 6.1 Cor 15:451 Cor 15:471 Cor 15:48John 3:6 by whose disobedience sin and death entred into the World.Gen. 3. 17, 23.Gen 3:17Gen 3:23Mal. 2. 10.Mal 2:10Hos. 6. 7. marg.Hos 6:7Ro. 5. 12, 14. 19.Rom 5:12Rom 5:14Rom 5:19

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

10. SinSin. is contrary to Gods nature and Law, 1. Joh. 3. 4.1 John 3:4which law whosoever doth not fulfill is under a Curse, Hab. 1. 13.Hab 1:13and deserveth all plagues, Gal. 3. 10.Gal 3:10and miseries in this life,Deut. 28. 15.Deut 28:15 Death, Lev. 26. 14, 15, 16. &c.Lev 26:14Lev 26:15Lev 26:16and in the world to come everlasting Condemnation.Rom. 6. 23.Rom 6:232 Thes. 1. 9.2 Thess 1:9Matth. 25. 41, 46.Matt 25:41Matt 25:46Joh. 5. 29.John 5:29

11. Jesus Christ the second Adam, Mans Redemption.the promised Seed, hath in our nature perfectly obeyed Gods law,1. Cor. 15. 45, 471 Cor 15:451 Cor 15:47 and suffered punishment and death for our sinnes:Gen. 3. 15.Gen 3:15 by whose Obedience & Sufferings we are redeemed from the curse,Gal. 3. 16.Gal 3:16 and reconciled to God; Heb. 2. 14, 16.Heb 2:14Heb 2:16according to his New p. 4Heb. 10. 7, 9, 10,Heb 10:7Heb 10:9Heb 10:101 Pet. 2. 22, 23, 24.1 Pet 2:221 Pet 2:231 Pet 2:241 Joh. 3. 5.1 John 3:5Joh. 8. 29, 46.John 8:29John 8:46Joh. 4. 34. & 15. 10.John 4:34John 15:10Phil. 2. 7, 8.Phil 2:7Phil 2:8I… 53. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10.1 Pet. 3. 18.1 Pet 3:18Gal. 3. 13.Gal 3:13Rom. 5. 10, 19.Rom 5:10Rom 5:19and gracious Covenant made with us in Christ.Jer. 31. 31, 32.Jer 31:31Jer 31:32Heb. 8. 8, 13.Heb 8:8Heb 8:13Gal. 3. 16, 17.Gal 3:16Gal 3:17Lu. 1. 68, 69, 72

12. This was Gods CovenantGods Covenant. (proceeding from meer grace and love towards man) to send the MESSIAH, Tit. 3. 4, 5, 6, 7.Titus 3:4Titus 3:5Titus 3:6Titus 3:7that is,Isa: 42▪ 6, 7. Christ, Dan. 9. 25, 26.Dan 9:25Dan 9:26into the world,Joh. 1. 41.John 1:41 and by him to abolish sin and death, Rom. 11. 26. 27Rom 11:26Rom 11:27and to give unto us perfect righteousness and life everlasting.Joh. 1. 29.John 1:292 Tim. 1. 10.2 Tim 1:10Heb. 9. 26, 28.Heb 9:26Heb 9:28Rom. 3. 24. 25, 26.Rom 3:24Rom 3:25Rom 3:26Rom. 5. 17, 18, 21.Rom 5:17Rom 5:18Rom 5:212 Cor. 5. 21.2 Cor 5:21Rom. 6. 23.Rom 6:23

13. Christ (promised under the old Testament,Christs Office. and given in the New) was ordeined of God,Rom. 1. 2, 3.Rom 1:2Rom 1:3 and anointed with his Spirit to a threefold Office. Isa. 9. 6.Isa 9:61. of a Prophet, Acts 13. 23, 33,Acts 13:23Acts 13:33to reveal the way to eternal life.Acts 2. 36.Acts 2:36 2.1 Pet. 1. 21, 22.1 Pet 1:211 Pet 1:22 of a Priest, Joh. 1. 42. 46.John 1:42John 1:46to make an Atonement and Intercession. Acts 10. 38, 42Acts 10:38Acts 10:423.Act. 3. 22.Acts 3:22 of a King, Joh. 6. 14. 68.John 6:14John 6:68to govern his Church,Heb. 5. 5, 6.Heb 5:5Heb 5:6 and enrich it with all Graces,Rom. 5. 10, 11.Rom 5:10Rom 5:11 to overcome the World,Rom. 8. 34.Rom 8:34 Sin,Lu. 1. 32, 33. Death,1 Cor. 1. 5.1 Cor 1:5 and Hell the enemies thereof,Acts 5. 31, 32.Acts 5:31Acts 5:32 that so he might be a perfect IESVS,Eph. 4, 7, 8.Eph 4:7Eph 4:8 and Saviour of his people.Joh. 16. 33.John 16:331 Cor. 15. 25, 26, 27, 55.1 Cor 15:251 Cor 15:261 Cor 15:271 Cor 15:55Heb. 7. 25.Heb 7:25Mat. 1. 21.Matt 1:21

14. Jesus being true God and man in one glorious Person, Christs Benefits.by his most righteous life, Rom. 9. 5.Rom 9:5and pretious Death, 1 Tim. 3. 16.1 Tim 3:16and Sacrifice of himselfe hath obteined forJoh. 1. 1. 14.John 1:1John 1:14 p. 5Luke 1. 35.Luke 1:35us Remission of sinnes,Gal. 4. 4.Gal 4:4 imputation of Righteousness, 1 Cor. 2. 8.1 Cor 2:8Adoption to be Sons of God,Heb. 5. 8, 9.Heb 5:8Heb 5:9 the Spirit of grace, and Sanctification, 1 Joh. 2. 2.1 John 2:2eternal Life and Glory:Heb. 10. 12, 14.Heb 10:12Heb 10:14 all which benefits are promised,Heb. 9. 12, 26.Heb 9:12Heb 9:26 and freely offerd unto us in the Gospell.1 Pet. 1. 18, 19. & 3. 18.1 Pet 1:181 Pet 1:191 Pet 3:18Eph. 1. 5, 7, 14.Eph 1:5Eph 1:7Eph 1:14Acts 13. 38, 39.Acts 13:38Acts 13:392 Cor. 5. 21.2 Cor 5:21Ro. 5. 19.Rom 5:19Rom. 4. 5, 6, 24, 25.Rom 4:5Rom 4:6Rom 4:24Rom 4:25Gal. 4. 5.Gal 4:5Rom. 8. 9, 15, 17.Rom 8:9Rom 8:15Rom 8:17Gal. 3. 14.Gal 3:14Heb. 10. …o, 19, 20.Heb 10Tit. 3. 6. Joh. 6. 51.Titus 3:6John 6:511 Thes. 5. 9, 10.1 Thess 5:91 Thess 5:102 Thes. 2. 142 Thess 2:141 Cor, 2. 12.Rom. 8. 32.Rom 8:32Eph. 1. 13. & 2. 8, 9.Eph 1:13Eph 2:8Eph 2:91 Joh. 2. 25.1 John 2:25Rom. 5. 15, 17, 23.Rom 5:15Rom 5:17Rom 5:23Joh. 7. 37, 38, 39.John 7:37John 7:38John 7:39Is. 55. 1, 2.Isa 55:1Isa 55:2

15. Of Christ and all his benefits we are made partakers by Faith,Heb. 3. 14.Heb 3:14 through the Operation of Gods Spirit,Col. 2. 10, 12,Col 2:10Col 2:12 and this is the Summe of the Gospell, 1 Cor. 12. 6.1 Cor 12:6that whosoever believeth in him shal not perish,Joh. 3. 16, 18. & 5. 24. & 6. 47, 54.John 3:16John 3:18John 5:24John 6:47John 6:54 but have eternal life, with all graces,Gal. 3. 8, 9.Gal 3:8Gal 3:9 and blessings appertaining unto it.2 Pet. 1. 3, 4.2 Pet 1:32 Pet 1:4Rom. 8. 32.Rom 8:32

16. To believe in Jesus Christ is to receive and imbrace him, Joh. 11. 12.John 11:12and his Gospel (as the only doctrine which bringeth Salvation) cleaving unto him with the heart,1 Tim. 1. 15.1 Tim 1:15 and with confidence (in his mercy, Heb. 11. 13.Heb 11:13power, Acts 4. 12. & 11. 23.Acts 4:12Acts 11:23and truth) to rely upon him for remission of Sins,Deut. 10. 20.Deut 10:20 and eternal life,Heb. 3. 6, 14.Heb 3:6Heb 3:14 and all other promised blessings.Jude 20, 21.Eph. 3. 12.Eph 3:12Heb. 4. 15, 16. & 7. 25, 26.Heb 4:15Heb 4:16Heb 7:25Heb 7:26Psal. 25. 10. & 117. 2.Ps 25:10Ps 117:22. Chr. 16. 7, 8.2 Chr 16:72 Chr 16:8Isa. 26. 3, 4.Isa 26:3Isa 26:4Acts 5. 31.Acts 5:31Mat. 9. 6, 4.Matt 9:6Matt 9:4Heb. 5 9.Heb 5:9Jo. 10. 28, & 17. 2.John 10:28John 17:2Eph, 1. 3.

p. 617.Obedience. Every true believer receiveth Christ for his Saviour, Joh. 4. 42.John 4:42and also for his LORD,1 Cor. 1, 2. & 8. 5, 6.1 Cor 1:21 Cor 8:51 Cor 8:6 embracing and applying his gracious Promises, Gal. 2. 20.Gal 2:20and submitting to his holy Precept, yielding himselfe an obedient Servant, Heb. 10▪ 22, 23Heb 10:22Heb 10:23to be governed by him,Rom. 4. 20, 21Rom 4:20Rom 4:21 and to be saved by those means and waies which he hath appointed.Tir. 1. 2.Acts 15. 11.Acts 15:11Heb. 11. 13.Heb 11:13Luke 6. 46.Luke 6:462 Cor 9. 13. & 8. 5. & 10. 5,2 Cor 9:132 Cor 8:52 Cor 10:5Rom. 6. 16, 17.Rom 6:16Rom 6:17Luke 9. 23.Luke 9:23Mat. 11. 28, 29.Matt 11:28Matt 11:29

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

19. Repentance is a Conversion, or turning from error to truth,Repentance. from sin unto God, with contrition, and godly sorrow for our offences committed against him, and a sincere resolution, and indevour to lead a new life, Jer. 31. 18. 19Jer 31:18Jer 31:19in constant holiness, and obedience.Ezek. 18. 21, 30▪ 32.Ezek 18:21Ezek 18:30Ezek 18:32Acts 3. 19.Acts 3:19Rom. 12. 2.Rom 12:2Jam 5. 19, 20.Jas 5:19Jas 5:20Acts. 26. 18, 20.Acts 26:18Acts 26:20…oel 2. 12, 13.Psal. 51. 13, 17.Ps 51:13Ps 51:17Isa. 66. 2.Isa 66:22. Cor. 7. 9, 10.2 Cor 7:92 Cor 7:10Acts 11. 23,Acts 11:23Ps. 119. 106, 112.Ps 119:106Ps 119:1121 Pet. 4. 1, 2, 3.1 Pet 4:11 Pet 4:21 Pet 4:3Luke 1. 75.Luke 1:75

p. 720. Christian obedience, and holinessHoliness. is a Conformity of our will to the whole law,1 Thes. 4. 3.1 Thess 4:3 and will of God:Rom. 7. 16, 22, 25. & 12, 1, 2.Rom 7:16Rom 7:22Rom 7:25Rom 12:1Rom 12:2 and a conversation agreeable to the doctrine, Luk. 1. 6.Luke 1:6and example of Christ our Lord.1 Pet. 1. 14, 15▪ & 4. 2.1 Pet 1:141 Pet 1:151 Pet 4:2Phil. 1. 27. & 2. 5.Phil 1:27Phil 2:5Mat. 11. 2….Matt 11:21 Joh. 3. 3.1 John 3:3Joh. 13. 13, 15.John 13:13John 13:15

21. Without repentance,Vse of means. faith,Luke 13. 3, 5.Luke 13:3Luke 13:5 and holiness,Joh. 3. 36John 3:36 none shall enter into Gods Kingdome,Heb. 11. 6. & 12. 14.Heb 11:6Heb 12:14 or escape his wrath,Mat. 23. 33.Matt 23:33 and eternal damnation: Rom. 2. 3, 4, 5.Rom 2:3Rom 2:4Rom 2:5Wherefore we must earnestly seek, 2 Thes 1. 9.2 Thess 1:9& labour for these necessary graces,Ma…. 6 33. and diligently use the Meanes which Christ hath ordeined,2 Tim. 2. 12.2 Tim 2:12 by which he communicateth these,2 Pet. 1. 5, 10.2 Pet 1:52 Pet 1:10 and all other graces unto us,Joh. 6. 35, 37. & 7. 37, 39.John 6:35John 6:37John 7:37John 7:39 and by his Spirit effectually worketh them in us.Eph. 4. 7. 8.Eph 4:7Eph 4:8Tit. 3. 5, 6. 14.Titus 3:5Titus 3:6Titus 3:14Act. 5. 31.Acts 5:311 Cor. 12. 9, 11.1 Cor 12:91 Cor 12:11Rom. 5. 5.Rom 5:5

22. The principal meanes to work Repentance,Gods Word. Faith,Luke 11. 32.Luke 11:32 and Holiness in us,Rom. 10. 14, 17Rom 10:14Rom 10:17 is the Word of God,1 Cor. 3. 5,1 Cor 3:5 and the Ministery thereof:2 Cor. 5. 19. 202 Cor 5:192 Cor 5:20 which inlightneth the Understanding,Eph. 4. 11. 12, 13Eph 4:11Eph 4:12Eph 4:13 and converteth the Soul,Psal. 19. 7, 8, 11Ps 19:7Ps 19:8Ps 19:11 teaching us all Truths necessary for us to believe,Ps. 119. 105, 130Ps 119:105Ps 119:130 and all Duties requisite,Joh. 17. 17.John 17:17 and necessary for us to practice.1 Pet. 1. 23.1 Pet 1:23Jam. 1. 18.Jas 1:18Rom. 15. 4.Rom 15:42 Tim. 3. 16, 17▪2 Tim 3:162 Tim 3:17

23. The most necessary Truths & points of Christian belief are briefly comprehendedThe Creed. p. 81 Cor. 15, 1. 3.1 Cor 15:11 Cor 15:3Col. 2. 6, 7.Col 2:6Col 2:7in the Summe called the Creed, Jude 3.Jude 1:3agreeable to the scriptures,1 Cor. 14. 33, 36. & 11. 16.1 Cor 14:331 Cor 14:361 Cor 11:16 and doctrine of the Apostles, 1 Tim. 3. 15.1 Tim 3:15and therefore received by the Churches of Christ,Mat. 28. 19.Matt 28:19 which sheweth us.Phil. 2. 6, 7, 8, 9.Phil 2:6Phil 2:7Phil 2:8Phil 2:9 1.Heb. 2, 9.Heb 2:9 The only true God in three persons.Acts 26. 18.Acts 26:18 2.Joh. 3. 16.John 3:16 The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ.Rom. 10. 9, 10.Rom 10:9Rom 10:10 3. The Privileges of his Church, and of every particular member thereof.

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

25. Gods Law requires sincere obedience to every precept,Josh. 24. 14.Josh 24:14 and a willing subjection of the whole man,Deut. 5. 32, 33.Deut 5:32Deut 5:33 specially of the mind and heart: Luke 17. 10.Luke 17:10forbidding both the outward act, Jam. 2. 10. 11,Jas 2:10Jas 2:11and inward desire of evil,1 Chro. 28. 9.1 Chr 28:9 and every lust, Deut. 11. 13, 16, 18.Deut 11:13Deut 11:16Deut 11:18motion,Prov. 4. 23, &c.Prov 4:23 occasion,Mat. 5. 22, 28,Matt 5:22Matt 5:28 and appearance of sin;Rom. 7. 7.Rom 7:7 commanding us to be perfectly holy in body and spirit, and in every work, 1 Tim. 5. 14.1 Tim 5:14word, and thought to please, and glorifie God.1 Thes. 5. 22, 231 Thess 5:221 Thess 5:232 Cor. 7. 1. & 10. 5.2 Cor 7:12 Cor 10:52 Thes. 2. 17.2 Thess 2:171 Cor. 10. 31.1 Cor 10:311 Cor. 6. 19, 20.1 Cor 6:191 Cor 6:20

26. The end, 1 Tim. 1. 5.1 Tim 1:5and fulfilling of the Commandments is Charity, Rom. 13. 8, 10.Rom 13:8Rom 13:10and the Summe of the whole law is this,Mat. 22 37.Matt 22:37 to love God with all our hearts,Deut. 6. 5.Deut 6:5 and all our power, p. 9and to love our neighbour as our selves,Lev. 19. 18,Lev 19:18 doing unto others what we (in equity) would have done unto us.Mat. 7. 12.Matt 7:12

27. For the furthering of repentance,The Sacraments faith,Mat. 3. 11.Matt 3:11 and holiness in us,Gal. 3. 27, 28.Gal 3:27Gal 3:28 and to joyne and unite us unto Christ, Eph. 5. 25, 26:Eph 5:25Eph 5:26and to his body the Church, 1 Cor. 12. 12, 13 & 10. 16, 17. & 6. 17.1 Cor 12:121 Cor 12:131 Cor 10:161 Cor 10:171 Cor 6:17out of which there is no Salvation;Acts 2. 41. 47▪Acts 2:41Acts 2:47 God hath also ordained the Sacraments, Joh. 8. 24.John 8:24which are Baptisme, Eph. 2. 12, 19▪Eph 2:12Eph 2:19and the Lords Super.Mat. 28. 19, & 26. 26, 27.Matt 28:19Matt 26:26Matt 26:271 Cor. 10. 1, 2.1 Cor 10:11 Cor 10:2

28. The ChurchThe Church. is the great Congregation of all Gods people,Heb. 12. 22, 23.Heb 12:22Heb 12:23 knit together in one body, Psal. 40. 9, 10.Ps 40:9Ps 40:10of which Christ is the Head,1 Cor: 1. 2. and they the Members, quickned by his Spirit, Joh. 15. 1, 2 &c.John 15:1John 15:2and receiving all life and grace from him alone,Col. 1. 18.Col 1:18 having one Faith, Eph. 4. 15, 16. & 5. 30.Eph 4:15Eph 4:16Eph 5:30Hope, 1 Cor. 12. 13.1 Cor 12:13and brotherly Love, Eph. 2. 21.Eph 2:21and partaking of the same Word, Col. 2. 19.Col 2:19Sacraments, Joh. 5. 21.John 5:21and Ordinances of Christ.Eph. 4. …, 5.Eph 4Acts 2. 42.Acts 2:421 Cor. 11. 16. & 7. 17.1 Cor 11:161 Cor 7:17

29. The Sacraments are visible signes and seales of Gods Covenant,Rom. 4. 11.Rom 4:11 by which the benefits of Christ are represented, 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17. & 11. 25, 261 Cor 10:161 Cor 10:171 Cor 11:251 Cor 11:26applied, and confirmed unto us,Mar. 16. 16.Mark 16:16 and by which we also are bound and engaged to his service, Gal. 3. 1, 27.Gal 3:1Gal 3:27and to continue in faith and obedience to God.1 Cor. 12. 12, 13.1 Cor 12:121 Cor 12:13Mat. 28. 19, 20,Matt 28:19Matt 28:20Rom. 6. 3, 4.Rom 6:3Rom 6:4Heb. 10. 23.Heb 10:23

p. 1030. BaptismeBaptisme. is the washing of regeneration, Tit. 3. 5, 6.Titus 3:5Titus 3:6ordeined by Christ to sanctifie, Mar. 28. 19.clense, Eph. 5. 26.Eph 5:26and save us, 1 Pet. 3. 21.1 Pet 3:21if we by wilfull impenitency, Heb. 6. 4, 6. & 10. 26, 29.Heb 6:4Heb 6:6Heb 10:26Heb 10:29and unbelief do not hinder and frustrate the virtue thereof:Acts 8. 13, 21, 22, 37.Acts 8:13Acts 8:21Acts 8:22Acts 8:37 in which we are born again of water and the spirit, Joh. 3. 5. 6.John 3:5John 3:6ingrafted into Christ,Rom. 6. 5.Rom 6:5 and washed from our sins in his bloud,Rev. 1. 5.Rev 1:5 sealed by his spirit to the day of redemption,Acts 22. 16.Acts 22:16 and dedicated for ever to the service of that only true God,Eph. 4. 30.Eph 4:30 the Father, Rom. 6. 4.Rom 6:4the Son, Heb. 10. 22, 23, 24.Heb 10:22Heb 10:23Heb 10:24and the Holy Ghost, Mat. 28. 19, 20,Matt 28:19Matt 28:20in whose Name we are baptized.1 Cor. 1. 13.1 Cor 1:13Acts 1…. 4, 5.Acts 1:4Acts 1:5

31. As Circumcision was to Abraham and his Seed, Gen. 17. 7. 10, 11Gen 17:7Gen 17:10Gen 17:11so is Baptisme to believers and their children, Exod. 12. 48.Exod 12:48a sign and seal of their Admission into Christs Church,Col. 2. 11, 12.Col 2:11Col 2:12 the Remission of sin,Acts 2. 38, 39.Acts 2:38Acts 2:39 Mortification of the Flesh,1 Cor. 7. 14.1 Cor 7:14 Death unto sin,Rom. 4. 11.Rom 4:11 and our Resurrection to a new Life: Rom. 6. 3, 4 &c.Rom 6:3Rom 6:4whereby we are ingaged, 1 Pet. 3. 21.1 Pet 3:21and through Gods Spirit inabled to put off the old man, Gal. 5. 3.Gal 5:3to deny our selves, Rom. 8. 13.Rom 8:13and Renounce the World the Flesh and the Divel,Eph 4. 22. 24.Eph 4:22Eph 4:24 and to put on Christ by faith,Col. 3. 1, 5, 9.Col 3:1Col 3:5Col 3:9 and conformity unto him in his life, Luke 9. 23.Luke 9:23and sufferings.Tit. 2. 12.Titus 2:122 Cor. 4. 2▪2 Cor 4:2Gal. 3. 27.Gal 3:27Rom. 13. 4.Rom 13:4Phil. 3. 10.Phil 3:102 Tim. 2 11, 12.2 Tim 2:112 Tim 2:121 Joh. 2. 6.1 John 2:6

p. 1132. The Lords SupperThe Lords Supper was instituted for a Remembrance of Christ our Passeover sacrificed for us,1 Cor. 11. 24 &c. & ch. 5. 7.1 Cor 11:24 and is a Communion of his Body, 1 Cor. 10. 16, 171 Cor 10:161 Cor 10:17and Bloud, Mat 26. 26, 28.Matt 26:26Matt 26:28which with the outward elements of bread and wine every believer doth truly receive for his spiritual nourishment to eternal life.Joh. 9. 27. 35, 54, 55, 56, 57.John 9:27John 9:35John 9:54John 9:55John 9:56John 9:571 Cor. 10. 4, 5.1 Cor 10:41 Cor 10:5

33. The Lords Supper obligeth every partaker thereof to Repentance, Joh. 6. 47.John 6:47Faith Love, 1 Cor. 10. 17, 21 & 11. 26, 28.1 Cor 10:171 Cor 10:211 Cor 11:261 Cor 11:28and thankeful Obedience without which we eat and drink unworthily, 1 Cor. 5. 7, 8.1 Cor 5:71 Cor 5:8not discerning the Lords body,2 Cor. 13. 5.2 Cor 13:5 nor the end and use of those holy Mysteries, 1 Cor. 11. 27, 29 30.1 Cor 11:271 Cor 11:29and thereby draw judgement upon our selves:Acts 2, 42, 46,Acts 2:42Acts 2:46 but with these we rightly may,1 Cor. 11. 24, 25, 26,1 Cor 11:241 Cor 11:251 Cor 11:26 and frequently ought to receive it,Jo. 6. 35. 56. 57John 6:35John 6:56John 6:57 and thereby these graces are increased and strengthned in us.1 Cor. 12▪ 13.1 Cor 12:13

34. To edify the Church in faith and godliness, Christ hath ordeined Pastors and Ministers,Ministers. to whom as his Ambassadours, Eph. 4. 11, 12.Eph 4:11Eph 4:12& Stewards he hath given special commission and authority to preach the Word of reconciliation,2 Cor. 5. 19, 20.2 Cor 5:192 Cor 5:20 to administer the Sacraments, 1 Cor. 4. 1▪ 2.1 Cor 4:11 Cor 4:2and other holy Ordinances, Ti…. 1. 7.to Bless in his Name,Mat…h. 28. 18, 19, 20. to pronounce comfort and pardon to1 Cor. 10, 16, & 11. 23.1 Cor 10:161 Cor 11:23 p. 12Deut. 10. 8.Deut 10:8Num. 6, 23, 27.Num 6:23Num 6:27the penitent,Luk. 24. 47, 48Luke 24:47Luke 24:48 to reprove, Mat. 8. 15, 16, 17, 18. & 16. 19.Matt 8:15Matt 8:16Matt 8:17Matt 8:18Matt 16:19and by censures to bind the disobedient,Joh. 20. 23.John 20:23 to watch over, to pray for,1 Cor. 5. 4, 5, 11, 13.1 Cor 5:41 Cor 5:51 Cor 5:111 Cor 5:13 and with the flock, 2 Tim. 4. 2, 3.2 Tim 4:22 Tim 4:3of which the holy ghost hath made them Overseers; Iam. 5. 14, 15.Jas 5:14Jas 5:15whom for the good of our souls, Acts 20. 17, to 31.Acts 20:17–31and for their works sake, 1 Pet. 5. 2, 3.1 Pet 5:21 Pet 5:3we are commanded to hear, Heb. 13. 7, 17, 24.Heb 13:7Heb 13:17Heb 13:24reverence, and obey.1 Thes 5. 12, 13.1 Thess 5:121 Thess 5:131 Tim. 5. 17.1 Tim 5:17Luk. 10. 16.Luke 10:16Gal. 6. 6.Gal 6:61 Cor. 16▪ 16.1 Cor 16:16

35. That we may rightly believe in Jesus Christ,Prayer. and obey Gods commandments,Luke 17. 5:Luke 17:5 and worthily use the Sacraments, Psal. 119. 5.Ps 119:5and all other meanes of salvation,Jam. 1. 5.Jas 1:5 we must by earnest and frequent Prayer implore Gods Grace,Act. 2. 42.Acts 2:42 which only doth inable us,Luke 18. 1, 7.Luke 18:1Luke 18:7 and his holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 12. 3, 8, 11 & 15. 10.1 Cor 12:31 Cor 12:81 Cor 12:111 Cor 15:10who is the Worker of all knowledge, Joh. 16. 13. & 14. 16, 26.John 16:13John 14:16John 14:26grace, Luke 11. 13.Luke 11:13and comfort within us,Eph. 1. 13.Eph 1:13 whom the Father hath promised to give,Joh. 14. 13. 14. & 16. 26.John 14:13John 14:14John 16:26 and also whatsoever we ask in the name of his Son Jesus Christ.

36. All things requisite for us to ask or receive are briefly comprehended in the Lords prayer, The Lords prayer.which teacheth us to direct our petitions to God only, Match. 6. 9.for spiritual and temporal blessings,Luke 11. 2.Luke 11:2 fixing our minds on his Fatherly goodness and power, Psal. 65. 2.Ps 65:2and before all, Rom. 10. 14.Rom 10:14and in all seeking his glory.Phil. 4. 6.Phil 4:6Luke 11. 13.Luke 11:13Eph. 3. 20.Eph 3:201 Cor. 10 31.1 Cor 10:31

p. 1337. With prayers to be made in publique and private, for our selves,Confession. and all men,1 Tim. 2. 1, 8.1 Tim 2:11 Tim 2:8 we must joyne an humble Confession, Mat. 6. 5.Matt 6:5and acknowledgment of our sins,Psal. 32. 5, 6.Ps 32:5Ps 32:6 proceeding from a contrite and penitent heart:Prov. 28. 13.Prov 28:13 and also constant Praises, Psal. 38. 18. & 51. 4, 5, 17:Ps 38:18Ps 51:4Ps 51:5Ps 51:17and joyful Thanksgiving unto God for his abundant mercies,Dan. 9. 4, 5.Dan 9:4Dan 9:5 comforts,Thanksgiving. and benefits to us,Col. 4. 2.Col 4:2 and all others.1 Thes. 5. 17, 18.1 Thess 5:171 Thess 5:18Phil. 4. 6.Phil 4:6Psalm. 145. 9. & 107. 21, 22.Ps 145:9Ps 107:21Ps 107:22

38. The spiritual Sacrifices of prayer and praise,The only Mediator. with all other Worship and service due unto God,Heb. 13. 15.Heb 13:15 we must from a pure heart,2 Tim. 2. 22.2 Tim 2:22 offer up unto Him by Iesus Christ our only Mediator, 1 Tim. 1. 5.1 Tim 1:5and high Priest, Col. 3. 17.Col 3:17by whose strength we performe them,1 Tim. 2. 5.1 Tim 2:5 through whose merits, and intercession they are accepted, Heb. 4. 14, 15. 16 & 9. 15. & 7 25, 26. & 13. 21Heb 4:14Heb 4:15Heb 4:16Heb 9:15Heb 7:25Heb 7:26Heb 13:21and shall through his mercy and promise be graciously rewarded.1 Joh. 2. 2.1 John 2:2Phil. 4. 13.Phil 4:13…o. 15. 5.1 Pet. 2. 5.1 Pet 2:5Eph. 1. 6.Eph 1:6Col. 3. 24.Col 3:24Ps. 62. 12.Ps 62:12Mat. 25. 35Matt 25:35

39. All must earnestly strive and indevour both to continue, Perseverance and growth.and to grow and increase in faith and holiness 1.2 Pet. 3. 18.2 Pet 3:18 By attending to Gods Word. 1 Cor. 15. 58.1 Cor 15:582.1 Thes. 4. 1.1 Thess 4:1 By the exercise of love and good Works. 1 Pe…. 2. 2.3. By a right use of the Sacraments. p. 144.1 Tim 4. 7, 15.1 Tim 4:71 Tim 4:15 By prayer. Acts 2. 41, 42. & 24. 16.Acts 2:41Acts 2:42Acts 24:165.Phil. 4. 6. 8.Phil 4:6Phil 4:8 Confession, 1 John 1. 9.1 John 1:9and 6. Thanksgiving: Lev. 26. 40, 41.Lev 26:40Lev 26:41all which are parts of Gods service,Jam. 5. 16.Jas 5:16 and meanes of salvation,2 Pet. 1. 3, 10, 112 Pet 1:32 Pet 1:102 Pet 1:11 by which God hath appointed,Eph. 2. 8, 10.Eph 2:8Eph 2:10 and decreed to bring his people to everlasting glory.

40. They who carefully use these holy meanes are Christs peculiar people, beloved and chosen of God,Gods Elect. called to grace and glory,Ti. 2. 12, 13, 14 Iustified through Christs obedience,2 Thes. 2. 13. 142 Thess 2:132 Thess 2:14 Sanctified and led by his Spirit,1 Pet. 2. 9.1 Pet 2:9 Sons of God,2 Pet. 1. 3.2 Pet 1:3 and heires of a kingdome,Psal. 84, 11.Ps 84:11 in which they shall both in body, 1 Thes. 2, 12.1 Thess 2:12and soul, Rom. 5. 19.Rom 5:19be eternally blessed and Glorified.1 Cor. 6. 11.1 Cor 6:11Rom. 8. 14. 17.Rom 8:14Rom 8:17Gal. 5. 18,Gal 5:18Jam. 2. 5,Jas 2:5Phil. 3. 21.Phil 3:21Mat. 25▪ 34.Matt 25:34Heb. 12, 22. 23.Heb 12:22Heb 12:23

1 Pet. 5. 10, 11.

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

To him be Glory and Dominion for ever. Amen.

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

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

2 Tim. 1. 13.

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