Two Short Catechisms, Catechism 2

Two Short Catechisms · Catechism 2

p. 7THE Greater Catechisme.

CHAP. I. Of the Scripture.

Question 1. WHat is Christian Religion?

A. The only (a) way of 11Every one out of this way everlastingly damned.22The Life of Religion is in the Life.knowing God aright, and (b) living unto him. (a) Joh. 14. 5. ch. 17. 3. Act. 4. 12. (b) Col. 1. 10. 2. Cor. 5. 15. Gal. 2. 19, 20.

Q. 2. Whence is it to be learned?

A. From the holy 33Popish traditions are false Lights leading from God.Scripture onelyonly. Isa. 8. 20. Joh. 5. 39.

Q. 3. What is the Scripture?

A. The books of the (a) Old, & (b) New 44The Authority of the Scripture dependeth not on the Authority of the Church, as the Papists blaspheme.55All humane inventions, unnecessary helps in the worship of God.66The word thereof is the sole directory for Faith, Worship, and Life.Testament, (c) given by inspiration from God, containing all things necessary to be believed and done, that God p. 8may be worshipped and our Souls saved. (a) Isa. 8. 20. Rom. 3. 2. (b) Rev. 22. 19, 20. (c) 2 Tim. 2. 16, 17. Psal. 19. 7, 8. Jer. 7. 31. Joh. 20. 31.

Q. 4. How know you them to be the word of God?

A. By the (a) testimony 77This alone perswadeth, & inwardly convinceth the heart, of the divine verity of the Scripture: other Motives also there are from without, and unanswerable Arguments to prove the Truth of them: as, 1. their antiquity; 2 preservation from Fury; 3 Prophecies in them; 4 the Holiness and Majesty of their Doctrine, agreeable to the Nature of God; 5 Miracles. 6 the Testimony of the Church of all Ages; 7 the Blood of innumerable Martyrs, &c.of God's Spirit, working Faith in my heart, to close with that (b) heavenly Majesty, and clear divine truth, that shineth in them. (a) Matth. 16, 17. Joh. 16. 13. 1 Thess. 2. 13. 1 Joh. 2. 20. 1 Joh. 5, 6. (b) Luk. 24. 32. 1 Cor. 2. 14. Heb. 4. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 19.

CHAP. II. Of God.

Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning God?

A. First, what he is, or his Nature; Secondly, what he doth, or his Works. Exod. 3. 14. Isa. 45. 6. Heb. 1. 1, 2, 3. Heb. 11. 6.

p. 9Q. 2. What is God in himself?

A. An (a) eternal (b) infinite, (c) 11The perfection of Gods Being is known of us chiefly by removing all imperfections.22Hence, the abominable vanity of Idolaters and of the Blasphemous Papists that picture God.33Let us prostrate our selves in holy adoration of that which we cannot comprehend.incomprehensible (d) spirit, (e) giving being to all things, and doing with them whatsoever he pleaseth, (a) Deut. 33. 37. Isa. 57. 15. Revel. 1. 8. (b) 1 King. 8. 27. Psal. 139. 2, 3, 4, 5. &c. (c) Exod. 32. 20. 1 Tim. 6. 16. (d) Joh. 4, 24. (e) Gen. 1. 1. Psal. 115. 3. & 135. 6. Isa. 46. 10. Joh. 5. 17. Heb. 1. 2.

Q. 3. Do we here know God as he is?

A. No his glorious being is not of us, in this Life to be comprehended. Exod. 33. 23. 1 Cor. 13. 12.

Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefly made known unto us in the Word?

A. First, by his (f) Names, Secondly, by his (g) Attributes, or Properties. (f) Exod. 3. 14. ch. 6. 3. Psa. 83. 18. (g) Exo. 34. 6, 7. Mat. 5. 48.

Q. 5. What are the Names of God?

A. Glorious Titles, whch he 44The divers names of God, signifie one and the same thing, but under divers notions, in respect of our Conception.hath given himself, to hold forth his excellencies unto us, with some perfections, whereby he will reveal himself, Exod. 3, 14, 15. & 6, 3, & 34. 6, 7. Gen. 17. 1.

p. 10Q. 6. What are the Attributes of God?

A. His infinite perfections, in being and working. Revelat. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11.

Q. 7. What are the chief Attributes of his Being?

A. (a) Eternity, (b) infiniteness, (c) simplicity, 11Some of these attributes belong so unto God, as that they are in no sort to be ascribed to any else, as infiniteness, Eternity, &c. Others are after a sort attributed to some of his Creatures, in that he communicateth unto them some of the Effects of them in himself, as Life, Goodness, &c.22The first of these are Motives to humble Adoration, Fear, self-Abhorrency, the other, to Faith, Hope, Love, and Confidence through Jesus Christ.or purity, (d) all-sufficiency, (e) perfectness, (f) immutability, (g) life, (h) will, and (i) understanding. (a) Deut. 33. 37. Psal. 93. 2. Esa. 57. 15. Revel. 1. 11. (b) 1 King. 8. 27. Psal. 139. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9. (c) Exod. 3. 14. (d) Gen. 17. 1. Psal. 135. 4, 5. (e) Joh. 11. 7, 8, 9. Rom. 11. 33, 34, 35, 36. (f) Mal. 3. 6. Jam. 1. 17. (g) Judg. 8. 19. 1 Sam. 25. 34. 2 King. 3. 14. Ezek. 14. 16. & 16. 48. Matth. 16. 16. Act. 24. 15. 1 Thes. 1. 9. (h) Dan. 11. 3. Esa. 46. 10. Ephes. 1. 5. 11. Jam. 1. 18. (i) Psal. 7. 2 & 139. 2. & 147. 4. Jer. 11. 20. Heb. 4. 13.

Q. 8. What are the Attributes which usually are ascribed to him in his Works, or the Acts of his Will?

p. 11A. (k) Goodness, (l) Power, (m) 33Nothing is to be ascribed unto God, nor imagined of him, but what is exactly agreeable to those his glorious properties.44These last are no less essential unto God than the former, onelyonly we thus distinguish them, because these are chiefly seen in his Works.Justice, (n) Mercy, (o) Holiness, (p) Wisdom, and the like, which he delighteth to exercise towards his Creatures, for the Praise of his Glory (k) Psal. 119. 68. Mat. 19. 17. (l) Exod. 15. 11. Psal. 62. 10. Revel. 19. 1. (m) Zeph. 3. 5. Psal. 11. 7. Jerem. 12. 1. Rom. 1. 30. (n) Psal. 130. 7. Rom. 9. 15. Ephes. 2. 4. (o) Exod. 15. 11. Josh. 24. 19. Hab. 1. 13. Revel. 4. 8. (p) Rom. 11. 33. & 16. 17.

CHAP. III. Of the Holy Trinity.

Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these Properties do belong?

A. (a) One onelyonly, in respect of his Essence and Being, but one (b) in three distinct Persons, of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. (a) Deut. 6. 4. Matth. 19. 17. Ephes. 4, 5, 6. (b) Gen. 1. 7. 1 Joh. 5. 7. Matth. 28. 19.

Q. 2. What mean you by Person?

p. 12A. A distinct manner of 11This is that mysterious Ark that must not be pryed into, nor the least tittle spoken about it, wherein plain Scripture goeth not before.22To deny the Deity of any one Person, is in effect to deny the whole God-head, for whosoever hath not the Son, hath not the Father.33This onelyonly Doctrine remained undefiled in the Papacy.Subsistence or Being, distinguished from the other Persons, by its own Properties. Joh. 5. 17. Heb. 1. 3.

Q 3. What is the distinguishing property of the Person of the Father?

A. To be of himself onelyonly, the fountain of the God-head. Joh. 5. 26, 27. Ephes. 1. 3.

Q 4. What is the property of the Son?

A. To be begotten of his Father, from eternity. Psal. 2. 7. Joh. 1. 14. and 3. 16.

Q. 5. What of the Holy Ghost?

A. To proceed from the Father and the Son. Joh. 14. 17. & 16. 14. and 15. 26. and 20. 22.

Q. 6. Are these three one?

A. One (a) every way, in Nature, Will, and Essential properties, (b) distinguished onelyonly in their personal manner of subsistence (a) Ioh. 10. 30. Rom. 3. 30. (b) Ioh. 15. 26. 1 Ioh. 5. 7.

p. 13Q. 7. Can we conceive these things as they are in themselves?

A. Neither (a) we, nor yet the (b) Angels 44We must labour to make out comfort from the proper work of every Person towards us.of Heaven, are at all able to dive into these secrets, as they are internally in God; (c) but in respect of the outward dispensation of themselves, to us, by Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification, a knowledge may be attained of these things, saving, and heavenly. (a) 1 Tim. 6. 16. (b) Esa. 6. 2, 3. (c) Col. 1. 11, 12, 13, 14.

CHAP. IV. Of the Works of God, and First, of those that are internal and immanent.

Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning the Works of God?

A. That they are of two sorts; first, internal 11The purposes and decrees of God, so far as by him revealed, are objects of our saith, and full of comfort.in his Counsel, Decrees, and purposes towards his Creatures? secondly, external, in his Works, over and about them, to the praise of his own glory. Act. 15. 18. Prov. 16. 4.

p. 14Q 2. VVhat are the decrees of God?

A. (a) Eternal, (b) unchangeable purposes 22Further reasons of God's decrees than his own will, not to be enquired after.33The changes in the Scripture ascribed unto God, are onelyonly in the outward dispensations and works, variously tending to one infallible event, by him proposed.44The Arminians blasphemy in saying, God sometimes fails of his purposesof his will, concerning the being, and well-being of his Creatures. (a) Mich. 5. 2. Ephes. 3. 9. Act. 15. 18. (b) Esa. 14. 24. Esa. 46. 10. Rom. 9. 12. 2 Tim. 2. 19.

Q. 3. Concerning which of his Creatures chiefly are his decrees to be considered?

A. Angels, and Men, for whom other things were ordained. 1 Tim. 5. 21. Jud. 6.

Q. 4. VVhat are the decrees of God concerning men?

A. Election, and Reprobation. Rom. 9. 11, 12.

Q. 5. What is the decree of election?

A. The (a) eternal, (b) free, (c) immutable 55The decree of Election is the fountain of all spiritual graces, for they are bestowed onelyonly on the Elect.66In nothing doth natural corruption more exalt it self against God, then in opposing the freedom of his grace in his eternal decrees.purpose of God, (d) whereby in Jesus Christ, he chuseth unto himself, whom he pleaseth, p. 15out of (e) whole mankind, determining to bestow upon them, From the execution of these decrees, flows that variety and difference, we see in the dispensation of the means of Grace, God sending the Gospel where he hath a remnant according to Election.for his sake, (f) grace here, and everlasting happiness hereafter, for the praise of his Glory, by the way of Mercy (a) Eph. 1. 4. Act. 13. 48. Rom. 8. 29, 30. (b) Mat. 11. 26. (c) 2 Tim. 2. 19. (d) Ephes. 1. 4, 5. Mat. 22. 14. (e) Rom. 9. 18, 19, 20, 21. (f) Joh. 6. 37. & chap. 17. 6. 9. 10. 24.

Q. 6. Doth any thing in us move the Lord thus to chuse us from amongst others?

A. No, in no wise, we are in the same lump with others rejected, when separated by his undeserved Grace. Rom. 9. 11, 12. Matth. 11. 25. 1 Cor. 4. 7. 2 Tim. 1. 9.

Q. 7. VVhat is the decree of Reprobation?

A. The eternal purpose of God, to suffer many to sin, leave them in their sin, and not giving them to Christ, to punish them for their sin. Rom. 9. 11, 12. 21, 22. Prov. 16. 4. Mat. 11. 25, 26. 2 Pet. 2. 12. Jude 4.

p. 16CHAP. .V Of the works of God that outwardly are of him.

Q. 1. What are the works of God, that outwardly respect his Creatures?

A. First, of Creation; secondly, of 11The very outward works of God are sufficient to convince men of his eternal power & God-head, and to leave them inexcusable, if they serve him not.actual providence. Psal. 33. 9. Heb. 1. 2, 3.

Q. 2. What is the work of Creation?

A. An act or work of God's Almighty power, whereby of nothing, in six days, he created Heaven, Earth, and the Sea, with all things in them contained, Gen. 1. 1. Exod. 20. 11. Prov. 16. 4.

Q. 3. Wherefore did God make man?

A. For his own glory in his service 2, 32, 3The glory of God is to be preferred above our own, either being, or well-being, as the Supream end of them. The approaching unto God in his Service, is the chief exaltation of our Nature above the beasts that perish.and obedience, Gen. 1. 26, 27. & 2. 16, 17. Rom. 9. 23.

Q. 4. Was man able to yield the service and worship that God required of him?

A. Yea, to the uttermost, being created upright in the Image of p. 17God, in purity, innocency, righteousness and holiness, Gen. 1. 26. Eccles. 7. 29. Ephes. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10.

Q. 5. What was the rule, whereby Man was at first to be directed in his obedience?

A. The Moral, or eternal Law of 44God never allowed from the beginning, that the will of the Creature should be the measure of his Worship and Honour.God implanted in his Nature, and written in his heart, by creation, being the tenor of the Covenant between God and him, Sacramentally typified by the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2. 15, 16, 17. Rom. 2. 14, 15. Ephes. 4. 24.

Q. 6. Do we stand in the same Covenant still, and have we the same power to yield obedience unto God?

A. No, the (a) Covenant was 55Though we have all lost our right unto the promise of the first Covenant, yet all not restored by Christ, are under the commination and curse thereof.broken by the Sin of Adam, with whom it was made, (b) our nature corrupted, (c) and all power to do good utterly lost. (a) Gen. 3. 16, 17. 18. Gal. 3. 10, 11. 21. Heb. 7. 19. & 8. 13. (b) Joh. 14. 4. Psal. 51. 5. (c) Gen. 6. 5. Jer. 13. 23.

p. 18CHAP. VI. Of Gods actual providence.

Q. 1. What is Gods actual providence?

A. The effectual working of his 11To this Providence is to be ascribed all the good we do injoy, and all the afflictions we undergoe.22Fortune, Chance, & the like, are names without things, scarce fit to be used among Christians, seeing Providence certainly ruleth all to appointed ends.33No free-will in man, exempted either from the eternal decree, or the overruling Providence of God.Power, and Almighty Act of his Will, whereby he sustaineth, governeth, and disposeth of all things, Men, and their Actions, to the ends which he hath ordained for them, Exod. 4. 11. Job 5. 10, 11, 12. & 9. 5, 6. Psal. 147. 4. Prov. 15. 3. Esa. 45. 6, 7. Joh. 5. 17. Act. 17. 28. Heb. 1. 3.

Q. 2. How is this providence exercised towards Mankind?

A. Two wayes: first, (a) peculiarly towards his Church, or Elect, in their generations, for whom are all things: secondly, (b) towards all in a general manner; yet with various and divers dispensations. (a) Deut. 32. 10. Psal. 17. 8. Zech. 2. 8. Mat. 16. 18. & 19. 2. 29. 1 Pet. 5. 7. (b) Gen. 9. 5. p. 19Psal. 75. 6, 7. Esa. 45. 6. Mat. 5. 45.

Q 3. Wherein chiefly consists the outward providence of God towards his Church?

A. In three things, first, in (a) causing all 44Though the dispensations of Gods providence towards his People be various, yet every issue and act of it tends to one certain end, their good in his Glory.things to work together for their good, secondly, in (b) ruling and disposing of Kingdoms, Nations, and Persons, for their benefit; thirdly, (c) in avenging them of their adversaries, (a) Mat. 6. 31, 32, 33. Rom. 8. 28. 1 Tim. 6. 16. 2 Pet. 1. 3. (b) Psal. 105. 14. 15. Esa. 44. 28. Dan. 2. 44. Rom. 9. 17. (c) Esa. 60. 12. Zech. 12. 2, 3, 4, 5. Luk. 18. 7. Revel. 17. 14.

Q. 4. Doth God rule also in and over the sinful actions of wicked men?

A. Yea, he willingly (according 55Almighty God knows how to bring Light out of Darkness, Good out of Evil, the Salvation of his Elect, out of Judas treachery, the Jews Cruelty, and Pilats Injustice.to his determinate Counsel) suffereth them to be, for the manifestation of his Glory, and by them effecteth his own righteous ends, 2 Sam. 12. 11. & 16. 10. 1 Kin. 11. 31. & 22. 22. Job 1. 21. Prov. 22. 14. Esa. 10. 6, 7. Ezek. 21. 19, 20, 21. Amos 7. 17. Act. 4. 27, 28. Rom. 1. 24. & 9. 22. 1 Pet. 2. 8. Revel. 17. 17.

Q. 5. Doth the providence of God p. 20extend it self to every small thing?

A. The least Grass of the Field, hair of our Heads, or Worm of the Earth, is not exempted from his knowledge and care, Job 39. Psal. 104. 21. & 145. 15. Jonah 4. 7. Mat. 6. 26, 27, 28, 29. & 10. 29. 30.

CHAP. VII. Of the Law of God.

Q. 1. Which is the Law that God gave man at first to fulfill?

A. The same which was afterwards 11This Law of God bindeth us now, not because delivered to the Jews on Mount Horeb, but because written in the hearts of all by the finger of God at the first.written with the finger of God in two. Tables of Stone on Mount Horeb, called the ten Commandements, Rom. 2. 14, 15.

Q. 2. Is the observation of this Law still required of us?

A. Yes, to the uttermost tittle, Mat. 5. 17. 1 Joh. 3. 4. Rom. 3. 31. Jam. 2. 8. Gal. 3.

Q. 3. Are we able of our selves to 22After the fall, the Law ceased to be a rule of Justification, and became a rule for Sanctification only.33It is of free Grace that God giveth power to yield any obedience, and accepteth of any obedience that is not perfect.perform it?

p. 21A. No, in no wise, the Law is spiritual, but we are carnal, 1 King. 8. 46. Gen. 5. 6. Joh. 15. 5. Rom. 7. 11. and 8. 7. 1 Joh. 1. 8.

Q. 4. Did then God give a Law which could not be kept?

A. No, when God gave it, we had power to keep it, which since we have lost in Adam, Gen. 1. 26. Ephes. 7. 29. Rom. 5. 12.

Q. 5. Whereto then doth the Law now serve?

A. For two general ends, first, (a) to be a rule of our Duty, or to discover to us the obedience of God required; secondly, (b) to drive us unto Christ. (a) Psal. 11. 9. 5. 1 Tim. 1. 8, 9. (b) Gal. 3. 24,

Q. 6. How doth the Law drive us unto Christ?

A. Divers ways, as first, (a) by laying open unto us the utter disability of our Nature, to do any good; secondly, (b) by charging the wrath and curse of God, due to Sin, upon the Conscience; thirdly, (c) by bringing the whole Soul under bondage to Sin, death, Satan, and Hell, so making us long and seek p. 22for a Saviour. (a) Rom. 7. 7, 8, 9. Gal. 3. 19. (b) Rom. 3: 19, 20. & 4. 15. & 5. 20. Gal. 3. 10. (c) Gal. 3. 22. Heb. 2. 15.

CHAP. VIII. Of the state of corrupted Nature.

Q. 1. How came this weakness and disability upon us?

A. By the sin, and 11This is that which commonly is called Original sin, which in general denoteth the whole misery and corruption of our Nature, as first, the guilt of Adams actual sin to us imputed; secondly, loss of Gods glorious Image, Innocency, and Holiness; thirdly, deriving by propagation a nature, 1. defiled with the Pollution; 2. laden with the Guilt; 3. subdued to the Power of Sin; 4. a being exposed to all temporal Miseries, leading to, and procuring Death; 5. an Alienation from God, with voluntary Obedience to Satan, and lust; 6. an utter disability to good, or to labour for Mercy; 7. eternal Damnation of Body and Soul in Hell.shameful fall of our first Parents, Rom. 5. 12. 14.

Q. 2. Wherein did that hurt us their Posterity?

A. Divers wayes; first, (a) in that we were all guilty of the same breach of Covenant with Adam, being all in him; secondly, (b) our p. 23Souls with his were deprived of that Holiness, Innocency, and righteousness wherein they were at first created; thirdly, (c) pollution and defilement of Nature came upon us, with, fourthly, (d) an extream disability of doing any thing that is well-pleasing unto God; (e) by all which, we are made obnoxious to the curse. (a) Joh. 3. 36. Rom. 5. 12. Ephes. 2. 3. (b) Gen. 3. 10. Ephes. 4. 23, 24. Col. 3. 10. (c) Job 14. 4. Psal. 51. 7. Joh. 3. 6. Rom. 3. 13. (d) Gen. 6. 5. Ephes. 2. 1. Jer. 6. 16. & 13. 23. Rom. 8. 7. (e) Gen. 3. 17. Gal. 3. 10.

Q. 3. Wherein doth the curse of God consist?

A. In divers things: first, (a) in the 22All that a natural Man hath on this side hell, is free Mercy.guilt of Death, temporal and eternal; secondly, (b) the loss of the Grace and Favour of God; thirdly, (c) Guilt and Horror of Conscience, despair and anguish here, with, fourthly, eternal damnation hereafter. (a) Gen. 2. 17. Rom. 1. 18. & 5. 12. 17. Ephes. 2. 3. (b) Gen. 3. 24. Ezek. 16. 3, 4, 5. Ephes. 2. 13. (c) Gen. 3. 10. Esa. 48. 22. Rom. 3. 9, 19. Gal. 3. 22. (d) Gen. 3. 10. 13. Joh. 3. 36.

p. 24Q. 4. Are all men born in this estate?

A. Every one without exception, Psal. 51. 7. Esa. 53. 5. Rom. 3. 9. 12. Ephes. 2. 3.

Q. 5. And do they continue therein?

A. Of themselves 33The end of this is Jesus Christ, to all that flye for refuge to the hope set before them.they cannot otherwise do, being able neither to (a) know, or (b) will, nor (c) do any thing that is spiritually good, and pleasing unto God. (a) Act. 8. 31. & 16. 14. 1 Cor. 2. 14. Ephes. 5. 8. Joh. 1. 5. (b) Jer. 6. 16. & 13. 2, 3. Luk. 4. 18. Rom. 6. 16. & 8. 7. (c) Joh. 6. 44. 2 Cor. 3. 5.

Q. 6. Have they then no way of themselves to escape the curse and wrath of God?

A. None at all, they can neither satisfie his Justice, nor fulfill his Law.

CHAP. IX. Of the Incarnation of Christ.

Q. 1. Shall all mankind then everlastingly perish?

A. No, God of his free grace hath prepared a way, to redeem and save p. 25his Elect. Joh. 3. 16. Esa: 53. 6.

Q. 2. What way was this?

A. By sending his own Son 11This is that great Mystery of Godliness, that the Angels themselves admire: the most transcendent expression of Gods infinite love: the laying forth of all the treasure of his Wisdom and Goodness.Jesus Christ, in the likeness of sinful flesh, condemning sin in the flesh, Rom. 8. 3.

Q. 3. Who is this you call his own Son?

A. The second Person of the Trinity, co-eternal, and of the same Deity with his Father, Joh. 1. 14. Rom. 1. 3. Gal. 4. 4. 1 Joh. 1. 1.

Q. 4. How did God send him?

A. By causing him to be made flesh of a pure Virgin, and to dwell among us, that he might be obedient unto death, the death of the Cross, Esa. 50. 6. Joh. 1. 14. Luk. 1. 35. Phil. 2. 8. 1 Tim. 6. 16.

CHAP. X. Of the Person of Jesus Christ.

Q. 1. What doth the Scripture teach us of Jesus Christ?

p. 26A. Chiefly two things; first, his 1, 21, 2Though our Saviour Christ be one God with his Father, he is not one Person with him. Jesus Christ is God and Man in one, not a God, and a Man: God incarnate, not a man Deified.Person▪ or what he is in himself; secondly, his Offices, or what he is unto us.

Q. 2. What doth it teach of his Person?

A. That he is truely God, and perfect man, partaker of the natures of God and man in one Person, between whom he is a Mediator, Joh. 1. 14. Heb. 2. 14, 15. Ephe. 4, 5. 1 Tim. 2. 5. 1 Joh. 1. 1.

Q. 3. How prove you Jesus Christ to be truely God?

A. Divers wayes; first, by places 3 The effential properties of either Nature, remain in his Person theirs still, not communicated unto the other, as of the Deity to be eternal, every where, of the Humanity to be born and dye.of Scripture speaking of the great God Jehovah, in the Old Testament, applyed to our Saviour in the New, as, Numb. 21. 5, 6. in 1 Cor. 10. 9. Psal. 102. 24, 25. in Heb. 1. 10. Esa. 6. 2, 3, 4. in Joh. 12. 40, 41. Esa. 8. 13, 14. in Luk. 2. 34. Rom. 9. 33. Esa. 40. 3, 4. in Joh. 1. Esa. 45. 22, 23. in Rom. 14. 11. Phil. 2. 8. Mal. 3. 1. in Matth. 11. 10.

Secondly, By the works of the p. 27Deity ascribed unto him, as first, of Creation, Joh. 1. 3. 1 Cor. 8. 6. Heb. 1. 21. secondly, of preservation in providence, Heb. 1. 3. Joh. 5. 17. thirdly, 444 What ever may be said of either Nature, may be said of his whole Person: So God may be said to die, but not the God-head, the man Christ to be every where but not his humanity, for his one Person is all this.Miracles.

Thirdly, By the essential attributes of God, being ascribed unto him; as first, immensity, Mat. 28. 20. Joh. 14. 23. Ephes. 3. 17. secondly, Eternity, Joh. 1. 1. Revel. 1. 11. Mich. 5. 2. thirdly, Immutability, Heb. 1. 11, 12, fourthly, Omniscience, Joh. 21. 17. Revel. 2. 23. fifthly, Majesty and Glory equal to his Father, Joh. 5. 23. Revel. 5. 13. Phil. 1. 2. 6. 9, 10.

Fourthly, By the Names given unto him; as first, of God expresly, Joh. 1. 1. & 20. 28. Act. 20. 28. Rom. 9. 5. Phil. 2. 6. Heb. 1. 8. 1 Tim. 3. 16. secondly, of the Son of God, Joh. 1. 18. Rom. 8. 3. &c.

Q. 4. Was it necessary that our Redeemer should be God?

A. Yes, that he might be able to save to the uttermost, and to satisfie the wrath of his Father, which no creature could perform. Esa. 43. 25. & 53. 6. Dan. 9. 17. 19.

p. 28Q. 5. How prove you that he was a perfect man?

A. First, by the Prophesies that went before, that so he should be, 5 The monstrous figment of transubstantiation, or Christs corporal presence in the Sacrament, fully overthrows our Saviours humane nature, and makes him a meer shadow.Gen. 3. 15. & 18. 18.

Secondly, by the relation of their accomplishment, Mat. 1. 1. Rom. 1. 4. Gal. 4. 4.

Thirdly, by the Scriptures, assigning to him those things, which are required to a perfect man; as first, a Body, Luk. 24. 39. Heb. 2. 17. & 10. 5. 1 Joh. 1. 1. secondly, a Soul, Matth. 26. 39. Mark. 14. 34. and 6 All natural properties are double in Christ, as will, &c. still distinct, all personal, as subsistence, single.therein, first, a Will, Mat. 26. 39. secondly, Affections, Mat. 3. 5. Luk. 10. 21. thirdly, Indowments, Luk. 2. 52.

Fourthly, general infirmities of nature, Mat. 4. 2. Joh. 4. 6. Heb. 2. 18.

Q. 6. Wherefore was our Redeemer to be Man?

A. That the nature which had offended, might suffer, and make satisfaction, and so he might be every way a fit and sufficient Saviour for men, Heb. 2. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

p. 29CHAP. XI. Of the Offices of Christ, and First of his Kingly.

Q, 1. How many are the Offices of Jesus Christ?

A. Three; first, of a (a) King; Secondly, (b) a 11In the exercise of these Offices, Christ is also the sole head, husband, and first-born of the Church.22Papal usurpation upon these Offices of Christ, manifest the Pope to be the man of Sin.Priest; Thirdly, a (c) Prophet. (a) Psal. 2. 6. (b) Psal. 110. 4. (c) Deut. 18. 15.

Q. 2. Hath he these Offices peculiar by Nature?

A. No, he onelyonly received them for the present Dispensation, until the work of Redemtion be perfected, Psal. 110. 1. Act. 2. 36. & 10. 42. 1 Cor. 13. 12. & 15. 27, 28. Phil. 2. 9. Heb. 3. 2. 6. & 2. 7, 8, 9.

Q. 3. Wherein doth the Kingly Office of Christ consist?

A. In a two-fold power; First, his power of ruling in, and over his Church; Secondly, his power of subduing his Enemies, Psal. 110. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Q. 4. What is his ruling power in, and over his People?

A. That supream Authority, p. 30which 33Christs subjects are all born Rebels, & are stubborn, until he make them obedient by his word and Spirit.44Christ hath not delegated his Kingly power of Lawmaking for his Church, to any here below.for their everlasting good, he useth towards them, whereof in general there be two acts; first, (a) internal and spiritual, in converting their Souls unto him, making them unto himself, a willing, obedient, persevering People; secondly, (b) external and ecclesiastical, in giving perfect Laws, and Rules for their Government, as gathered into holy Societies, under him. (a) Esa. 53. 12. & 59. 20, 21. with Heb. 8. 10, 11, 12. Esa. 61. 1. 2. Joh. 1. 16. & 12. 32. Mark 1. 15. Mat. 28. 20. 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5. (b) Mat. 16. 19. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Ephes. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17. Revel. 22. 18, 19.

Q. 5. How many are the acts of his Kingly power, towards his Enemies?

A. Two also, first, (a) internal, by the 55The end of Christ in exercising his kingly power over his Enemies, is the glory of his Gospel, and the good of his People.mighty working of his Word, and the spirit of Bondage upon their hearts, convincing, amazing, terrifying their Consciences, hardning their spirits for ruine; Secondly, (b) external in Judgements and Vengeance, which oft times he beginneth in this Life, and will continue p. 31unto Eternity, (a) Psal. 110. Joh. 6. 46. & 8. 59. & 9. 41. & 12. 40. 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5, 6. 1 Cor. 5. 6. 1 Tim. 1. 20. (b) Mark 16. 16. Luk. 19. 21. Act. 13. 11. Revel. 17. 14.

CHAP. XII. Of Christ's Priestly Office.

Q. 1. By what means did Jesus Christ undertake the Office of an eternal Priest?

A. By (a) the Decree, Ordination, and will of God his Father, (b) whereunto he yielded voluntary obedience, so (c) that concerning this, there was a Compact and Covenant between them. (a) Psal. 110. 4. Heb. 4. 5, 6. & 7. 17, 18. (b) Esa. 50. 4, 5, 6. Heb. 10. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. (c) Psal. 2. 7, 8. Esa. 53. 8. 10, 11, 12: Phil. 2. 7. 9. Heb. 12. 2. Joh. 17. 2. 4.

Q. 2. Wherein doth his execution of this Office consist?

A. In bringing his People unto God, Heb. 2. 10. and 4. 15. and 7. 25.

Q. 3. What are the parts of it?

p. 32A. First, (a) oblation; secondly, (b) intercession 11Against both these the Papists are exceedingly blasphemous, against the one by making their Mass a sacrifice for Sins, the other by making Saints mediators of Intercession.. (a) Heb. 9. 13. (b) Heb. 7. 25.

Q. 4. What is the oblation of Christ?

A. The (a) offering up of himself upon the Altar of the Cross, an holy propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of all the Elect throughout the World, as (b) also the presentation of himself for us in Heaven, sprinkled with the blood of the Covenant. (a) Esa. 53. 10, 12. Joh. 3. 16. & 11. 51, 52. & 17. 19. Heb. 9. 13, 14. (b) Heb. 9. 24.

Q. 5. Whereby doth this oblation do good unto us?

A. Divers wayes: first, in that it satisfied the justice of God; secondly, it redeemed us from the power of Sin, Death, and Hell; thirdly, it ratified the new Covenant of Grace; fourthly, it procured for us Grace here, and Glory hereafter; by all which means, the peace, and reconciliation between God and us is wrought, Ephes. 2. 14, 15.

Q. 6. How did the oblation of Christ satisfie God's justice for our sin!

A. In that for us, he underwent p. 33the 22Christs undergoing punishment for us was first, typified by the old Sacrifices; secondly, foretold in the first Promise; thirdly, made lawful and valid in it self; first, by God's determination, the supream Law-giver; secondly, his own voluntary undergoing it; thirdly, by a Relaxation of the Law, in regard of the Subject punished; fourthly, beneficial to us, because united to us, as first, our head; secondly, our elder Brother; thirdly, our Sponsor or Surety; fourthly, our Husband; fifthly, our God or Redeemer, &c.punishment due to our Sin, Esa. 5. 3. 4, 5, 6. Joh. 10. 11. Rom. 3. 25, 26. and 4. 25. 1 Cor. 15. 3. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Ephes. 5. 2. 1 Pet. 2. 24.

Q. 7. What was that punishment?

A. The wrath of God, the curse 33No change in all these, but what necessary follows the change of the Persons sustaining.of the Law, the paines of Hell, due to Sinners, in Body and Soul, Gen. 2. 17. Deut. 27. 27. Esa. 59. 2. Rom. 5. 12. Ephes. 2. 3. Joh. 3. 36. Heb. 2. 14.

Q. 8. Did Christ undergo all these?

A. Yes, in respect of the greatness 44The death that Christ underwent was eternal, in its own Nature & Tendance, not so to him, because of his holiness, power, and the unity of his Person.and extremity, not the eternity and continuance of those pains, for it was impossible he should be holden of Death, Matth. 26. 28, 29. Mark 14. 33. and 15. 34. Gal. 3. 13. Ephes. 2. 16. Col. 1. 20. Heb. 5. 7. Psal. 18. 5.

Q. 9. How could the punishment of one, satisfie for the offence of all?

p. 34A. In that he was not a mere 55He suffered not as God, but he suffered who was God.man onelyonly, but God also, of infinite more value than all those who had offended, Rom. 5. 9. Heb. 9. 26. 1 Pet. 3. 18.

Q. 10. How did the oblation of Christ redeem us from Death, and Hell?

A. First, (a) by paying a ransome 66We are freed from the anger of God, by a perfect rendring to the full value of what he required, from the power of Satan by absolute conquest on our behalf.to God the Judge and Law-giver, who had condemned us; Secondly, (b) by overcoming, and spoyling Satan, Death, and the powers of Hell, that detained us Captives, (a) Matth. 20. 28. Joh. 6. 38. Mark 10. 4, 5. Rom. 3. 25. 1 Cor. 6. 20. Gal. 3. 13. Ephes. 1. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 6. Heb. 10. 9. (b) Joh. 5. 24. Col. 2. 13, 14, 15. 1 Thess. 1. 10. Heb. 2. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19.

Q. 11. What was the ransome that Christ paid for us?

A. His own precious Blood, Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 19.

Q. 12. How was the new Covenant ratified in his Blood?

A. By being accompanied with 77The new Covenant is Christs legacy in his last Will, unto his People, the eternal inheritance of Glory being conveyed thereby.his Death, for that as all other Testaments was to be ratified by the death of the Testator, Gen. 22. 18. Heb. 9. 16. & 8. 10, 11, 12.

p. 35Q. 13. What is this new Covenant?

A. The gracious, free, immutable promise of God made unto all his Elect fallen in Adam, to (b) give them Jesus Christ, and (c) in him Mercy, Pardon, Grace, and Glory, (d) with a restipulation of Faith from them unto this promise and new obedience. (a) Gen. 3. 15. Jer. 31. 32, 33, 34. & 32. 40. Heb. 8. 10, 11, 12. (b) Gal. 3. 8. 16. Gen. 12. 3. (c) Rom. 8. 32: Ephes. 1. 3, 4. (d) Mar. 16. 16. Joh. 1. 12. & 10. 27, 28.

Q. 14. How did Christ procure for us Grace, Faith, and Glory?

A. By the way of purchase 88The death of Christ was satisfactory in respect of the strict justice of God, meritorious in respect of the Covenant between him and his Father.(9) All these holy truths are directly denied by the blasphemous Socinians, & of the Papists with their merits, masses, penance and purgatory, by consequent overthrown.and merit, for the Death of Christ deservedly procured of God, that he should Bless us with all spiritual Blessings, needful for our coming unto him, Esa. 53. 11, 12. Joh. 17. 2. Act. 20. 28. Rom. 5. 17, 18. Ephes. 2. 15. 16. & 1. 4. Phil. 1. 29. Tit. 2. 14. Revel. 1. 5, 6.

Q. 15. What is the intercession of Christ?

A: His continual solliciting 1010To make Saints our intercessours, is to renounce Jesus Christ from being a sufficient Saviour.of God on our behalf, begun here in fervent Prayers, continued in p. 36Heaven by appearing as our advocate at the Throne of Grace, Psal. 2. 8. Rom. 8. 34. Heb. 7. 25. & 9. 24. & 10. 19, 20, 21. 1 Joh. 2. 1, 2. Joh. 17.

CHAP. XIII. Of Christ's Prophetical Office.

Q. 1. Wherein doth the prophetical Office of Christ consist?

A. In his Embassage 11Christ differed from all other Prophets first, in his sending, which was immediately from the Bosome of his father, secondly his assistance, which was the fulness of the Spirit; thirdly, his manner of teaching, with Authority.from God to Man, revealing from the bosome of his Father, the whole Mystery of Godliness, the way and Truth, whereby we must come unto God, Matth. 5. Joh. 1. 18. & 3. 32. & 10. 9. 14. & 14. 5, 6. & 17. 8. & 18. 37.

Q. 3. How doth he exercise this Office towards us?

A. By making known 22To accuse his word of imperfection in Doctrine or Discipline, is to deny him a perfect Prophet, or to have born witness unto all Truth.the whole Doctrine of truth unto us, in a saving and spiritual manner, Deut. 18 18. Esa. 42. 6. Heb. 3. 1.

Q. 3. By what means doth he perform all this?

A. Divers, as first, (a) internally and effectually by his Spirit, writing p. 37his Law in our hearts; secondly, (b) outwardly, and instrumentally, by the Word preached. (a) Jer. 31. 32, 33. 2 Cor. 3. 3. 1 Thess. 4. 9. Heb. 8. 10. (b) Joh. 20. 31. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Ephes. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 2 Pet. 1. 21.

CHAP. XIV. Of the two-fold Estate of Christ.

Q. 1. In what estate or condition doth Christ exercise these Offices?

A. In a two-fold Estate; first, of humiliation 11The humiliation of Christ, shews us what we must here do, and suffer; his Exaltation, what we may hope for.22The first of these holds forth his mighty love to us, the other his mighty power in himself.33The onelyonly way to Heaven is by the Cross.or abasement; secondly, of exaltation, or glory, Phil. 2. 8, 9, 10.

Q. 2. Wherein consisteth the state of Christ's humiliation?

A. In three things; first, (a) in his Incarnation, or being born of Woman; secondly, (b) his Obedience or fulfilling the whole Law, Moral and Ceremonial; thirdly, in his (c) Passion, or induring all sorts of miseries, even death it self. (a) Luk. 1. 35. Joh. 1. 14. Rom. 1. 3. Gal. 4. 4. Heb. 2. 9, 14. (b) Matth. 3. 15. & 5. 17. Luk. 2. 21. Joh. 8. 46. 2 Cor. 5. p. 3821. 1 Pet. 1. 19. 1 Joh. 3. 5. (c) Psal. 53. 4, 5, 6. Heb. 2. 9. 1 Pet. 2. 21.

Q. 3. Wherein consists his exaltation?

A. In first, his Resurrection? secondly, Ascension; thirdly, sitting at the right hand of God; by all which he was declared to be the Son of God with Power, Mat. 28. 18. Rom. 1. 4. & 4. 4. Ephes. 4. 9. Phil. 2. 9, 10. 1 Tim. 3. 16.

CHAP. XV. Of the Persons to whom the Benefits of Christs Offices do belong.

Q. 1. Unto whom do the saving Benefits of what Christ performeth in the Execution of his Offices belong?

A. OnelyOnly to his Elect, (11Christ giveth Life to all that world for whom he gave his Life. 22None that he dyed for shall ever dye.33To say that Christ died for every man universally, is to affirm that he did no more for the Elect then the reprobates, for them that are saved, then for them that are damned, which is the Arminian Blasphemy.) Joh. 17. 9. Esa. 63. 9. Heb. 3. 6. & 10. 21.

Q. 2. Dyed he for no other?

A. None, in respect of his Fathers p. 39eternal purpose, and his own intention, of removing wrath from them, procuring Grace and Glory for them, Act. 20. 28. Matth. 20. 28. & 26. 28. Heb. 9. 28. Joh. 11. 51, 52. Esa. 53. 12. Joh. 3. 16. & 10, 11, 12, 13. 15. Ephes. 5. 25. Rom. 8. 32. 34. Gal. 3. 13. Joh. 6. 37. 39. Rom. 4. 25. 2 Cor. 5. 19, 20.

Q. 3. What shall become of them for whom Christ dyed not?

A. Everlasting Torments for their Sins, their portion in their own place, Mark 16. 16. Joh. 3. 36. Matth. 25. 41. Act. 1. 25.

Q. 4. For whom doth he make Intercession?

A. OnelyOnly for those who from Eternity were given him by his Father, Joh. 17. Heb. 7. 24, 25.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Church.

Q. 1. How are the Elect called, in respect of their Obedience unto Christ, and Union with him?

A. His Church, Act. 20. 28. Ephes. 5. 32.

p. 40Q. 2. What is the Church of Christ?

A. The whole company of Gods 11The Elect Angels belong to this Church.22No distance of time or place breaks the Unity of this Church; Heaven and Earth, from the begining of the world unto the End, are comprized in it.33No mention in Scripture of any Church in purgatory.44This is the Catholick Church, though that term be not to be found in the Word in this Sense, the thing it self is obvious.55The Pope challenging unto himself the title of the head of the Catholick Church, is blasphemously rebellious against Jesus Christ.Elect (a), called (b) of God, (c) by the Word and Spirit, (d) out of their natural condition, to the dignity of his Children, and (e) united unto Christ their Head, by Faith in the bond of the Spirit. (a) Act. 2. 47. 1 Tim. 5. 21. Heb. 12. 22, 23, 24. (b) Rom. 1. 5, 6. Rom. 9. 11. 24. 1 Cor. 4. 15. 2 Tim. 1. 9. (c) Act. 16. 14. Joh. 3. 8. 1 Cor. 4. 15. 1 Pet. 1. 23. Heb. 8. 10. (d) Ephes. 2. 11, 12, 13. Col. 1. 13. Heb. 2. 14, 15. 1 Pet. 2. 9. (e) Joh. 17. 21. Ephes. 2. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Q. 3. Is this whole Church always in the same state?

A. No, one part of it is Militant, the other Triumphant.

Q. 4. What is the Church Militant?

A. That portion of Gods Elect, which in their generation cleaveth p. 41unto Christ by Faith, and fighteth against the World, Flesh, and Devil, Ephes. 6. 11, 12. Heb. 11. 13, 14. & 12. 1. 4.

Q. 5. What is the Church Triumphant?

A. That portion of Gods People, who having fought their fight and kept the Faith, are now in Heaven, resting from their Labours, Ephes. 5. 27. Revel. 3. 21. & ch. 14. 13.

Q. 6. Are not the Church of the 66This is that Ark, out of which whosoever is, shall surely perish.Jews, before the Birth of Christ, and the Church of the Christians since, two Churches?

A. No, essentially they are but one, differing only in some outward administrations, Ephes. 2. 12. 13, 14, 15, 16. 1 Cor. 10. 3. Gal. 4. 26. 27. Heb. 11. 15. 26. 40.

Q. 7. Can this Church be wholly overthrown on the Earth?

A. No, unless the Decree of God may be changed, and the promise of Christ fail. Matth. 16. 18. & 28. 20. Joh. 14. 16. Joh. 17. 1 Tim. 3. 15. 2 Tim. 2. 19.

p. 42CHAP. XVII. Of Faith?

Q. 1. By what means do we become actual Members of this Church of God?

A. By a lively justifying Faith, 11Of this faith the holy Spirit is the efficient cause, the Word the instrumental, the Law indirectly, by discovering our misery; the Gospel immediately by holding forth a Saviour.whereby we are united unto Christ, the head thereof, Act. 2. 47. & 13. 48. Heb. 11. 6. & 12. 22, 23. & 4. 2. Rom. 5. 1, 2. Ephes. 2. 13, 14.

Q. 2. What is a justifying Faith?

A. A (a) gracious resting upon 22Faith is in the understanding, in respect of its being, & subsistence in the will and heart, in respect of its effectual working,the free promises of God in Jesus Christ for mercy, (b) with a firm perswasion of Heart, that God is a reconciled Father unto us in the Son of his Love. (a) 1 Tim. 1. 16. Joh. 13. 15. & 19. 25. Rom. 4. 5. (b) Heb. 4. 16. Rom. 8. 38, 39. Gal. 2. 20. 2 Cor. 5. 20, 21.

Q. 3. Have all this Faith?

A. None, but the Elect of God, Tit. 1. 1. Joh. 10. 26. Matth. 13. 11. Act. 13. 48. Rom. 8. 30.

Q. 4. Do not then others believe that make profession?

A. Yes, with first, historical Faith, p. 43or a perswasion, that the things written in the word are true, James 2. 9. secondly, temporary Faith, which hath some joy of the affections, upon unspiritual grounds, in the things believed, Matth. 13. 20. Mark 6. 20. Joh. 2. 23, 24. Act. 8. 13.

CHAP. XVIII. Of our Vocation, or Gods calling us.

Q. 1. How come we to have this saving Faith?

A. It is freely bestowed upon us, and wrought in us, by the Spirit of God in our vocation or calling. Joh. 6. 29. 44. Ephes. 2. 8, 9. Phil. 1. 29. 2 Thes. 1. 11.

Q. 2. What is our Vocation, or this calling of God?

A. The free gracious 11Our effectual calling is the first effect of our everlasting election.22We have no actual interest in, nor right unto Christ, untill we are thus called.act of Almighty God, whereby in Jesus Christ he calleth and translateth us from the state of Nature, Sin, Wrath, and Corruption, into the State of Grace, and Union with Christ, by the mighty, effectual working of his Spirit, in the preaching p. 44of the Word, Col. 1. 12, 13. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Deut. 30. 6. Ezek. 36. 26. Matth. 11. 25, 26. Joh. 1. 13. & 3. 3. 8. Ephes. 1. 19. Col. 2. 12. 1 Cor. 4. 7. Jam. 1. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 20. Act. 16. 14.

Q. 3. What do we our selves perform in this change or work of our conversion?

A. Nothing at all, being meerly 33They who so boast of the strength of free Will, in the Work of our conversion, are themselves an example what it is, being given up to so vile an errour, destitute of the Grace of God.wrought upon by the free grace and Spirit of God, when in our selves we have no Ability to any thing that is spiritually good, Matth. 7. 18. & 10. 20. Joh. 1. 13. & 15. 5. 1 Cor. 12. 3. 1 Cor. 2. 5. 2 Cor. 3. 5. Ephes. 2. 1. 8. Rom. 8. 26. Phil. 1. 6.

Q. 4. Doth God thus call all and every one?

A. All within the pale of the Church are outwardly called by the Word, none effectually but the Elect. Mat. 22. 14. Rom. 8. 30.

CHAP. XIX. Of Justification.

Q. 1. Are we accounted righteous and saved for our Faith, when we are thus freely called?

p. 45A. No, but meerly by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, apprehended and applyed by Faith, for which alone the Lord accepts us, as holy and righteous, Esa. 43. 25. Rom. 3. 23, 24, 25, 26. Rom. 4. 5.

Q. 2. What then is our Justification, or Righteousness before God?

A. The gracious free Act 11Legal and Evangelical justification differ; first, on the part of the Persons to be justified: the one requiring a Person legally and perfectly righteous, the other a believing Sinner; Secondly, on the part of God, who in the one is a severe righteous Judge, in the other, a merciful reconciled Father; thirdly, in the Sentence, which in the one, acquitteth, as having done nothing amiss, the other as having all amiss pardoned.of God, imputing the righteousness of Christ to a believing Sinner, and for that speaking Peace unto his Conscience, in the Pardon of his Sin, pronouncing him to be just, and accepted before him, Gen. 15. 6. Act. 13. 38, 39. Luk. 18. 14. Rom. 3. 24, 26, 28. Rom. 4. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Gal. 2. 16.

Q. 3. Are we not then righteous before God, by our own Works?

A. No, for of themselves, they can neither satisfie his Justice, fulfil his Law, nor indure his Tryal. Psal. 130. 3, 4. Psal. 143. 2. Esa. 64. 6. Luke 17. 10.

p. 46CHAP. XX. Of Sanctification.

Q. 1. Is there nothing then required of us, but Faith onelyonly?

A. Yes, (a) repentance, and (b) holiness, or new obedience. (a) Act. 20. 21. Matth. 3. 2. Luk. 13. 3. (b) 2 Tim. 2. 19. 1 Thess. 4. 7. Heb. 12. 14.

Q. 2. What is Repentance?

A. Godly (a) sorrow for every known 11Repentance includeth first, alteration of the mind, into a hatred of sin, before loved; Secondly, sorrow of the affections, for sin committed; thirdly, change of the actions arising from both.22Repentance is either legal, servile, and terrifying, from the spirit of Bondage: or, Evangelical filial, and comforting, from the spirit of free Grace and Liberty, which onelyonly is available.sin committed against God, (b) with a firm purpose of heart, to cleave unto him for the future, (c) in the killing of sin, the quickning of all graces, to walk before him in newness of life. (a) 2 Cor. 7. 9, 10, 11. Act. 2. 37. Psal. 51. 17. (b) Psal. 34. 14. Esa. 1. 16, 17. Ezek. 18. 27, 28. Act. 14. 15. (c) Ephes. 4. 21, 22, 23, 24. Rom. 6. 12, 13. 18, 19. Rom. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Gal. 6. 15.

Q 3. Can we do this of our selves?

A. No, it is a special gift and grace p. 47of God, which he bestoweth on whom he pleaseth, Levit. 20. 8. Deut. 30. 6. Ezek. 11. 19, 20. 2 Tim. 2. 25. Act. 11. 18.

Q. 4. Wherein doth the being of true Repentance consist, without which it is not acceptable?

A. In its. 33Every part of popish Repentance viz. contrition, confession, and satisfaction, was performed by Judas.performance according to the Gospel rule, with Faith and assured hope of divine mercy, Psal. 51. 1 Joh. 2. 1, 2. 2 Cor. 7. 10, 11. Act. 2. 38. Matth. 27. 4.

Q. 5. What is that holiness which is required of us?

A. That (a) universal 44All Faith & profession without this holiness is vain and of no effect55True Faith can no more be without true holiness, than true fire without heat.sincere obedience to the whole will of God, (b) in our hearts, minds, wills, and actions, (c) whereby we are in some measure made conformable to Christ our head. (a) Psal. 119. 9. 1. Sam. 15. 22. Joh. 14. 15. Rom. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 14. Tit 2. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 5. 6, 7. Esa. 1. 16, 17. (b) 1 Cron. 28. 9. Deut. 6. 5. Matth. 22. 37. (c) Rom. 8. 29. 1 Cor. 11. 1. Ephes. 2. 21. Col. 3. 1, 2, 3. 2 Tim. 2. 11, 12.

Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us perfect?

A. Yes, (a) in respect 66Merit of works in unprofitable servants, no way able to do their Duty is a Popish Miracle.of all p. 48the parts of it, but (b) not in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it. (a) 2 King. 20. 3. Joh. 1. 1. Mat. 5. 48. Luk. 1. 6. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Ephes. 4. 24. Tit. 2. 12. (b) Esa. 64. 6. Psal. 130. 3. Exod. 28. 38. Phil. 3. 8.

Q. 7. Will God accept of that obedience which falls so short of what he requireth?

A. Yes from them 77In Christ are our persons accepted freely, and for him our obedience.whose persons he accepteth, and justifieth freely in Jesus Christ, Rom. 12. 1. Phil. 4. 18. Heb. 13. 16. 1 Joh. 3. 22. Ephes. 1. 6.

Q. 8. What are the parts of this holiness?

A. (a) Internal, in the quickning of all Graces, purging all Sins; (b) and external, in servent and frequent Prayers, Almes, and all manner of Righteousness. (a) Heb. 9. 14. Ephes. 3. 16. 17. Rom. 2. 29. & 6. 12. (b) Matth. 5. 20. Rom. 8. 1, 2. Ephes. 4. 22, 23. Tit. 2. 12. particular precepts are innumerable.

Q 8. May not others perform these Dunes acceptably, as well as those that believe?

A. No, 88The best duties of unbelievers, are but white Sins.all their performances p. 49in this kind are but abominable sins before the Lord, Prov. 15. 8. Joh. 9. 31. Tit. 1. 15. Heb. 11. 6.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Priviledges of Believers.

Q. 1. VVhat are the priviledges of those that thus believe and repent?

A. First Union with Christ; secondly, Adoption of Children: thirdly, Christian Liberty; fourthly, a Spiritual holy right to the Seals of the new Covenant; fifthly, communion with all Saints; sixthly, Resurrection of the Body unto Life Eternal.

Q. 2. What is our Union with Christ?

A. An (a) holy spiritual 11By vertue of this Union, Christ suffereth in our Afflictions; and we fill up in our Bodies what remaineth as his.22From Christ as head of the Church, we have spiritual Life, Sense, and Motion, or growth in Grace; secondly, as the Husband of the Church, Love and Redemption; thirdly, as the Foundation thereof, Stability, and Perseverance.Conjunction unto him, as our (b) Head, (c) Husband, and (d) Foundation, (e) whereby we are made Partakers of the same Spirit with him, (f) and derive all good things p. 50from him. (a) 1 Cor. 12. 12. Joh. 15, 1, 2. 5, 6, 7. & 17. 23. (b) Ephes. 4. 15. & 5. 23. Col. 1. 18. (c) 2 Cor. 11. 2. Ephes. 5. 25, 26, 27. Revel. 21. 9. (d) Matth. 16. 18. Ephes. 2. 20, 21, 22. 1 Pet. 2. 4, 5, 6, 7. (e) Rom. 8. 9. 11. Gal. 4. 6. Phil. 1. 19. (f) Joh. 1. 12. 16. Ephes. 1. 3.

Q. 3. What is our adoption?

A. Our gracious Reception into the family of God, as his Children, and co heirs with Christ, Joh. 1. 12. Rom. 8. 15. 17. Gal. 4. 5. Ephes. 1. 5.

Q. 4. How came we to know this?

A. By the especial working of the holy 33This is that great honour & dignity of believers, which exalts them to & despising all earthly thronesSpirit in our hearts, sealing unto us the promises of God, and raising up our Souls to an assured expectation of the promised Inheritance, Rom. 8. 15. 17. Ephes. 4. 30. 1 Joh. 3. 1. Rom. 8. 19. 23. Titus 2. 12.

Q. 5. What is our Christian liberty?

A. An 44Our liberty is our Inheritance here below, which we ought to contend for, against all opposers.holy and spiritual (a) freedom from the (b) slavery of Sin, the (c) bondage of Death and Hell; the (d) curse of the Law, (e) Jewish Ceremonies, and (f) thraldom of Conscience, purchased for p. 51us by Jesus Christ, and (g) revealed to us by the holy Spirit. (a) Gal. 5. 1. (b) Joh. 8. 32, 34, 36. Rom. 6. 17, 18. Esa. 61. 1. 1 Joh. 1. 7. 2 Cor. 5. 21. (c) Rom. 8. 15. Heb. 2. 15. 1 Cor. 15. 55, 57. (d) Gal. 3. 13. Ephes. 2. 15, 16. Gal, 4, 5. Rom. 8. 1. (e) Act. 15. 10, 11. Gal. 3. 4, 5 Chapters. (f) 2 Cor. 1. 24. 1 Cor. 7. 23. 1 Pet. 2. 16. (g) 1 Cor 2. 12.

Q. 6. Are we then wholly freed from the Moral Law?

A. Yes, as (a) a Covenant 55Nothing makes men condemn the Law as a rule, but hatred of that universal holiness which it doth require.or as it hath any thing in it, bringing into bondage, as the curse, power, dominion, and rigid exaction of obedience, (b) but not as it is a rule of Life and Holiness, (a) Jer. 31. 31, 32, 33. Rom. 7. 1, 2, 3. Rom. 6. 14. Gal. 3. 19. 24. Rom. 8. 2. Gal. 5. 18. (b) Mat. 5. 17. Rom. 3. 31. & 7. 13. 22, 25.

Q. 7. Are we not freed by Christ from the Magistrates Power, and humane Authority?

A. No, being ordained of 66Rule and Authority are as necessary for humane society, as Fire and Water for our Lives.God, and commanding for him, we owe them all lawful obedience, Rom. 13. 1, 2, 3, 4. 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2. 1 Pet. 2. 13, 14, 15.

p. 52CHAP. XXII. Of the Sacraments of the new Covenant in particular, a holy right whereunto, is the fourth priviledge of Believers?

Q. 1. What are the Seals of the new Testament?

A. Sacraments instituted of Christ to be visible Seals and Pledges, whereby God in him confirmeth the Promises of the Covenant to all Believers, restipulating of them, growth in Faith and Obedience, Mark 16. 16. Joh. 3. 5. Act. 2. 38. & 22. 16. Rom. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 2, 3, 4. 1 Cor. 11. 26, 27, 28, 29.

Q. 2. How doth God by these Sacraments bestow Grace upon us?

A. Not by any 11This is one of the greatest mysteries of the Roman Magick and jugling, that corporal elements should have a power to forgive sins, and confer spiritual Grace.real, essential conveying of spiritual Grace, by corporeal means, but by the way of Promise, Obsignation and Covenant, confirming the Grace wrought in us by the Word and Spirit, Heb. 4. 2. 1. Cor. 10. Rom. 4. 11. & 1. 17. Mark 16. 16. Ephes. 5. 26.

p. 53Q. 3. How do our Sacraments differ from the Sacraments of the Jews?

A. Accidentally onelyonly, in things concerning the outward matter and form, as their number, quality, clearness of signification, and the like, not essentially in the things signified or Grace confirmed, 1 Cor. 10. 1, 2, 3. &c. Joh. 6. 35. 1 Cor. 5. 7. Phil. 3. 3. Col. 2. 11.

CHAP. XXIII. Of Baptism.

Q. 1. Which are these Sacraments?

A. Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Q. 2. What is Baptism?

A. An (a) holy action appointed 11Not the want, but the contempt of this Sacrament is damnable.22It is hard to say whether the Errour of the Papists, requiring Baptism of absolute indispensable necessity to the Salvation of every Infant; or that of the Anabaptists, debarring them from it altogether, be the most uncharitable.of Christ, whereby being sprinkled with water in the Name of the whole Trinity, by a lawful Minister of the Church, (b) we are admitted into the Family of p. 54God, (c) and have the benefits of the blood of Christ confirmed unto us. (a) Matth. 28. 19. Mark 16. 15, 16. (b) Act. 2. 41. & 8. 37. (c) Act. 2. 38, 39. Joh. 3. 5. Rom. 6. 3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 12. 13.

Q. 3. To whom doth this Sacrament belong?

A. Unto all, to whom the promise of the Covenant is made, that is, to Believers and to their Seed, Act. 2. 39. Gen. 17. 11, 12. Act. 16. 15. Rom. 4. 10, 11. 1 Cor. 7. 14.

Q. 4. How can Baptisme seal the pardon of all Sins to us, all our personal Sins following it?

A. In as much as it is a Seal of that promise which gives pardon of all to Believers, Act. 2. 39. Rom. 4. 11, 12.

CHAP. XXIV. Of the Lords Supper.

Q 1. What is the Lord Supper?

A. An (a) holy action instituted and 11Baptisme is the Sacrament of our new Birth, this of our further growth in Christ.appointed by Christ, (b) to set forth his Death, (c) and communicate p. 55unto us spiritually his Body and Blood, by Faith, being (d) represented by Bread and Wine, (e) blessed by his Word, and Prayer, (f) broken, 22No part of Christian Religion was ever so vilely contaminated and abused by profane wretches, as this pure, holy, plain action, and institution of our Saviour: witness the Popish horrid monster of transubstantiation, and their Idolatrous Mass.powred out, and received of Believers. (a) Mat. 26. 20, 21. Luk. 22. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24. (b) Luk. 22. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 25, 26. (c) Mark 14. 22, 23, 24. 1 Cor. 11. 24. 25. Joh. 6. 63. (d) 1 Cor. 11. 23. 25. (e) 1 Cor. 11. 24. Mat. 26. 26. (f) Mat. 26. 26. Mark 14. 22. Luk. 22. 19.

Q 2. When did Christ appoint this Sacrament?

A. On the night wherein he was betrayed to suffer, 1 Cor. 11. 23.

Q 3. Whence is the right use of it to be learned.

A. From the Word, 33Whatever is more than these is of our own.practice, and actions of our Saviour, as its institution.

Q. 4. What were the actions of our Saviour to be imitated by us?

A. First, blessing the elements by Prayer; secondly, breaking the bread, and powring out the Wine; thirdly, distributing them to the receivers, sitting in a Table gesture, p. 56Matth. 26. 26. Mark. 14. 22. Luk. 22. 19, 20. 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24.

Q. 5. What were the words of Christ?

A. First, of command, Take, eat; Secondly, of Promise, This is my Body; Thirdly, of Institution, for perpetual use, This do, &c. 1 Cor. 11. 24, 25, 26.

Q. 6. Who are to be 44Faith in Gods promises which it doth confirm, union with Christ, whereof it is a Seal, and obedience to the right use of the Ordinance it self, is required of all Receivers.55There is not any one Action pertaining to the Spiritual Nature of this Sacrament, not any end put upon it by Christ; as first, the partaking of his Body and Blood; Secondly, setting forth of his Death for us; Thirdly, declaring of our Union with him and his, but require Faith, Grace, and Holiness in the Receivers.receivers of this Sacrament?

A. Those onelyonly have a true right to the Signs, who by Faith have an holy interest in Christ, the thing signified, 1 Cor. 11. 27, 28, 29. Joh. 6. 63.

Q. 7. Do the elements remain Bread and wine still, after the blessing of them?

A. Yes, all the spiritual change is wrought by the Faith of the Receiver, not the words of the Giver; to them that Believe, they are the Body and Blood of Christ, Joh. 6. 63. 1 Cor. 10. 4. and 11. 29.

p. 57CHAP. XXV. Of the Communion of Saints, the fifth priviledge of Believers.

Q. 1. What is the Communion of Saints?

A. An holy conjunction 11By Vertue of this we partake in all the good and evil of the People of God throout the World.between all God's People, wrought by their participation of the same Spirit whereby we are all made Members of that one Body, whereof Christ is the head, Cant. 6. 9. Jer. 32. 39. Joh. 17. 22. 1 Cor. 12. 12. Ephes. 4. 3, 4, 5, 6. 13. 1 Joh. 1. 3. 6, 7.

Q. 2. Of what sort is this Union?

A. First, (a) spiritual and internal, in the injoyment of the same Spirit and Graces, which is the union of the Church Catholick; Secondly, (b) external and ecclesiastical in the same outward Ordinances, which is the Union of particular Congregations. (a) 1 Cor. 12. 12, 13. Ephes. 2. 16. 19, 20, 21, 22. 1 Cor. 10. 17. Joh. 17. 11. 21, 22. Joh. 10. 16. Heb. 2. 11. (b) 1 Cor. 1. 10, 11. Rom. 12. 5. 1 Cor. 12. 27, 28. Ephes. 4. 11, 12, 13. Phil. 2. 2. Col. 3. 15. 1 Pet. 3. 8.

p. 58CHAP. XXVI. Of particular Churches.

Q. 1. What are particular Churches?

A. Peculiar (a) Assemblies (11Every corruption doth not presently unchurch a People., 22Unholiness of fellow worshippers, defileth not Gods Ordinances.) of Professors in one Place, (b) under Officers of Christs Institution, (c) enjoying the Ordinances of God, (d) and leading Lives beseeming their holy Calling. (a) Act. 11. 26. 1 Cor. 4. 17, & 11. 22. 2 Cor. 1. 1. (b) Act. 20. 17. 28. & 14. 23. 2 Cor. 8. 23. Heb. 13. 17. (c) 1 Cor. 1. 5. Revel. 2. 1, 2, 3. (d) 2 Thess. 3. 5. 6. 11. Gal. 6. 16. Phil. 3. 18. 1 Thes. 2. 12.

Q. 2. What are the ordinary Officers of such Churches?

A. First (a) Pastors or Doctors 33Ministers are the Bishops of the Lord; Lord-bishops came from Rome.to teach and exhort; secondly, (b) Elders to assist in Rule and Government, thirdly, (c) Deacons to provide for the poor, (4) Rom. 12. 7, 8. Ephes. 4. 10. 1 Cor. 12. 28. (b) Rom. 12. 8. 1 Tim. 5. 17. (c) Act. 6. 2, 3.

Q. 3. What is required of these Officers, especially the chiefest, or Ministers?

p. 59A. (a) That they be faithful in the Ministry committed unto them, (b) sedulous in dispensing the Word, (c) watching for the good of the Souls committed to them, (d) going before them in an Example of all godliness and holiness of Life. (a) 1 Cor. 4. 2. Act. 20. 18, 19, 20. (b) 2 Tim. 2. 15. and 4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. (c) Tit. 1. 13. 1 Tim. 4. 15, 16. (d) Tit. 2. 7. 1 Tim. 4. 12. Matth. 5. 16. Act. 25.

Q. 4. What is required in the People unto them?

A. Obedience (a) to their Message and Ministery, (b) honour and love to their Persons, (c) maintenance to them and their Families. (a) 2 Cor. 5. 20. Rom. 6. 17. Heb. 13. 17. 2 Thess. 3. 14. Rom. 16. 19. 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5, 6. (b) 1 Cor. 4. 1. Gal. 4. 14. 1 Tim. 5. 17, 18. (c) Luk. 10. 7. Jam. 5. 4. 1 Tim. 5. 17, 18. 1 Cor. 9. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

p. 60CHAP. XXVII. Of the last Priviledge of Believers, being the Door of entrance into Glory.

Q. 1. What is the Resurrection of the Flesh?

A. An Act of the (11The Resurrection of the Flesh hereafter, is a powerful motive to live after the Spirit here.) mighty power of Gods holy Spirit, applying unto us the vertue of Christs resurrection, whereby at the last day, he will raise our whole Bodies from the Dust to be united again into our Souls in everlasting Happiness, Job 19. 25, 26, 27. Psal. 16. 9, 10, 11. Esa. 26. 19. Ezek. 37. 2, 3. Dan. 12. 2. 1 Cor. 15 16. &c. Revet. 20. 12, 13.

Q. 2. What is the end of this whole Dispensation?

A. The Glory of God in our eternal Salvation.

To him be all Glory, and Honour for evermore,

Amen. FINIS.

Imprimatur,

John Downame.

End of the text · John Owen, Two Short Catechisms (1700)