Section 6
6. Is the whole nature of man corrapted by the fall ? Yes: The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint, Isa. i. 5. Is the understanding corrapted ? Yes: the understanding is darkened, being alienated from the life of God, Eph. iv. 18. Is that unapt to admit the rays of divine light ? Yes: for they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. ii. 14. Is the vrill corrupted? Yes: The neck is an iron sinew, Isa. xlviii. 4. And is that unapt to submit to the rale of the divine law ? Yes: For what is the Almighty (say they) that we should serve him ? Job xxi. 15. Are the thoughts corrapted ? Yes: for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. Gen. viii. 21. Is the fancy full of vanity ? Yes: vain thoughts lodge within us, Jer. iv. 16. Are the affections corrapted ? Yes: It is a carnal mind, Rom. viii. 7. Is conscience itself corrapted ? Yes: even the mind and conscience is defiled. Tit. i. 16. Is the whole soul corrapted? Yes: the heart is deceitful above all things, Jer. xvii. 9.
7. Is this corraption of the mind sin ? Yes: for it is enmity agianst God, Rom. viii. 7. Have we it from our original ? Yes: for that which is bom of the flesh is flesh, John iii. 6. Do we derive it through our parents? Yes: for who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? Job xiv. 4. Does it render us odious to God's holiness? Yes: for the foolish shall not stand in his sight, Ps. v. 6. Does it render us obnoxious to his justice ? Yes : for death reigns over them that have not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgressions, Rodil v. 14.
8. Does this original corraption produce actual transgression ? Yes : for a corrapt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. Matt. vii. 18. Does it produce it betimes? Yes: for the wicked are estranged from the womb, they go astray as soon as they are bom, speaking lies, Ps. Iviii. 3. Does it produce it naturally ? Yes: as a fountain casteth out her waters, Jer. vi. 7. Does all sin begin in the heart? Yes: for when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, James i. 16. Is it not necessary therefore we should have a new nature ? Yes: Marvel not that I said unto you, Ye must be bom again, John iii. 7. Can we get to heaven without it ? No: for flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor XV. 60.
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Q. 19. What t# the mitery of that estate whereinto man fell f
A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under bis wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of bell for ever.
1. When our first parents had eaten the forbidden fruit, did they become as gods? No: they were like the beasts that perish, Ps. xlix. 12. Did the devil make his words good then ? No: for he is a liar, and the father of it, John viii. 44. Did not he put a cheat upon them ? Yes: the woman said, the serpent beguiled me, Gen. iii. 13. Did shame come in with sin ? Yes: for they knew that they were naked. Gen. iii. 7. Did fear come in with sin ? Yes: for they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Gen. iii. 8. Was not that their misery ? Yes: for fear hath torment, 1 John iv. 18.
2. Did they lose communion with God? Yes: for he drove out the man. Gen. iii. 524. Is fallen man unworthy of communion with God ? Yes: for what communion has light with darkness ? 2 Cor. ii. 14. Is be unfit for communion with God ? Yes: for can two walk together except they be agreed ? Amos iii. 3. Could fallen man ever get to heaven by virtue of the covenant of innocency ? No: for tsherubims and a flaming sword were set to keep that way to the tree of life. Gen. iii. 24.
3. Is fallen man under God's wrath ? Yes: for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, against M ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, Rom. i. 18. Are we all so by nature ? Yes: we are by nature children of wrath, even as others, Eph. ii. 2. Are we so by reason of sin ? Yes: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience, Eph. v. 6. Is there a distance between Gt)d and man by reason of sin ? Yes: your iniquities have separated 'between you and your God, Isa. lix. 2. Is there a quarrel between God ^nd man by reason of sin ? Yes: My soul loathed them, and their soul also it abhorred me, Zech. xi. 8. Is it not sad to lie under God's wratb ? Yes: for who knows the power of his anger ? Ps. xc. 11.
4. Is fallen man under God's curse ? Yes: for cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them, Gai. iii. 10. Is this curse in force against all wicked people ? Yes: the curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked, Prov. iii. 33. Has sin brought a curse upon the world ? Yes: Cursed is the ground for thy sake, Gen. iii. 17.
6. Is mankind by the fall become liable to the miseries of this life ? Yes: In sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. Gen. iii. 17. Are we all by nature liable to these miseries ? Yes: for man is born to trouble. Job v. 7. Is all the hurtfulness of the creatures the effect of sin ? Yes: Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth. Gen. liL lb. Is the toil of business the effect of sin ? Yes: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, v. 19. Is pain and sickness the effect of sin t Yes: There is not any rest in my bones, because of my sin, Ps. xxxviii. 3. Are all our crosses the effect of sin ? Yes: our sins have withholden good things from us, Jer. V. 25. Should we not therefore bear them patiently? Yes: Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sin ? Lam. iii. 39.
6. Is all mankind by the fall become liable to death itself? Yes: for so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned, Rom. v. 12. Was a sentence of death immediately passed upon fallen man ? Yes: Dust thou art, and to dust shalt thou return, Gen. iii. 19. Do we all deserve death ? Yes: the wages of sin is death, Rom. vi. 23. Is it the natural consequence of sin? Yes: for sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Jam. i. 15. Can any avoid it? No: What man is he that livetb and shall not see death? Ps. Ixxxix. 48. Is it determined ? Yes: it is appointed to men once to die, Heb. ix. 27. Do you expect it? Yes: I know that thou wilt bring me to death, Job xxx. 23. Is sin the sting of death ? Yes: the sting of death is sin, 1 Cor. XV. 56. Is the amazing fear of death the effect of sin ? Yes: there are those who through fear of death are all their life-time subject to bondage, Heb. ii. 15. Is the body's rotting in the grave the effect of sin ? Yes : as drought and heat consume the snow-waters, so doth the grave those which have sinned. Job xxiv. 19.
7. Is mankind by the fall become liable to the pains of hell for ever? Yes: for he that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead, Prov. xxi. 16. Ps. ix. 17. Can God make a soul for ever miserable? Yes: for after he hath killed he hath power to cast into hell, Luke xii. 5. Is there a state of punishment in the other life ? Yes: for we are warned to flee from the wrath to come. Matt iii. 7. Is it the desert of sin ? Yes: for when God renders to every man according to his works, he will render indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, Rom. ii. 8, 9. Will it be the portion of impenitent sinners? Yes: Ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell. Matt, xxiii. 33.
8. Is hell the wrath of an everlasting God ? Yes: for the breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it, Isa. xxx. 33. Is it tiie anguish of an immortal soul ? Yes : for their worm dieth not, Mark ix. 44. Is any way of relief open to them ? No: Betwixt us and you there is a gulf fixed, Luke xvi. 26. Is their punishment thereforei everlasting? Yes: These shall go away into evei^'
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877 lasting panishment. Matt. xxv. 46. Should we not every one of as dread it ? Yes : for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, Heb. X. 31. Isa. xxxiii. 14.
Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the state of ain and misery ?
A. God having out of his mere good pleasure from all eternity elected some to eternal life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of a state of sin and misery, and to bring them into a state of salvation by a Redeemer.
1. Migfat not God justly hftve left all mankind to perish in their fallen state ? Yes: for in bis sight shall no man living be justified, Ps. cxliii. 2. Would God have been a loser by it, if they had been left to perish ? No: for, can a man be profitable to God ? Job xxii. 2. But did he leave them to perish } No: for the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appears. Tit. iii. 4. Was the case of fallen angels helpless and desperate ? Yes : for God spared not them, 2 Pet. ii. 4. But is the case of fallen man so > No: for he is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, 2 Pet. iii. 9. Is God's patience a token for good ? Yes: the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation, 2 Pet. iii. 15. Does it appear that God has a good will to man's salvation ? Yes: As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but tiiat he turn and live, Ezek. xxxiiv 11- Is this an encouragement to as all to hope in his mercy ? Yes: for if the Lord had been pleased to kill us, he would nothave showed US such things as these, Jndg. xiii. 23.
2. Conld man help himself out of his state of sin and misery ? No: for when we were without streng Christ died for the ungodly, Rom. v. 6. Could any ereatare help us } No: for none of them can by any means redeem his brother, Ps. xlix. 7. Could God himself only help us ? Yes : O Israel! thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help, Hos. xiii. 9. Did God contrive a way for man's recovery ? Yes: be hath devised means that his banished may not be expelled from him, 2 Sam. xiv. 14. Was it the contrivance of infinite wisdom } Yes: it is the wisdom of God in a mystery, ordained before the world for oar glory, 1 Cor. ii. 7. Has he provided a way for oar recovery ? Yes: I have found a ransom, Job xxxiii. 24.
3. Did God particularly design the salvation of a remnant of mankind } Yes: there is a remnant according to the election of grace, Rom. xi. 5. Are there some whom God has chosen ? Yes: God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sancti6cation of the spirit, 2 Thes. ii. 13. Is there a certain number of such ? Yes: for their names are in the book of life, Phil. iv. 3. Rev. xiii. 8. Were they chosen from eternity ? Yes : he hath chosen as in him before the foundation of the world, Eph.
I. 4, Were they chosen for the sake of any thing in themselves ? No: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, John xv. 16. But of his mere good pleasure ? Yes: he hath predestinated us according to the good pleasure of his will, Eph. i. 5. Were they chosen to salvation as the end } Yes: God had appointed us to obtain salvation, 1 Thess. v. 9. And to sanctification as the means ? Yes: he has chosen us that we should be holy, Eph. i. 4. Was it for the glory of God ? Yes: that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, Rom. ix. 23.
4. Shall the election obtain ? Yes: the purpose of God according to election shall stand, Rom. ix.
II. Does our salvation begin there ? Yes: we love him, because he first loved us, 1 John iv. 19. Are others passed by? Yes: when the election hath obtained, the rest are blinded, Rom. xi. 7. Does God know certainly whom he has chosen ? Yes: the Lord knows them that are his, 2 Tim. ii. 19. Do we know it ? No: for secret things belong not to us, Deut xxix. 29. Can we know our own election otherwise than by our being sanctified ? No: we must make our calling, and so make our election, sure, 2 Pet i. 10.
6. Were the elect given to Christ ? Yes: Thine they were, and thou gavest them me, John xvii. 6. Did be undertake their salvation ? Yes: For this is the Father's will, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, John vi. 39. Was it promised him that he should effect it ? Yes: He shall see his seed, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand, Isa. liii. 10. And was he himself assured of it? Yes: All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me, John vi. 37. And does it always prove so ? Yes: As many as were ordained to eternal life believed, Acts xiii. 48. And shall any of them miscarry ? No: for it is said of seducers, they shall deceive, if it were possible, the very elect, Matt, xxiv. 24.
6. Has God entered into a new covenant, pursuant hereto ? Yes: for we are not under the law, but under grace, Rom. vi. 14. Does he insist upon the terms of the first covenant ? No: he hath not dealt with us after our sins, Ps. ciii. 10. Is he willing to deal with us upon new terms ? Yes : I will make a new covenant with them, Jer. xxxi. 31. Is he willing to be ours in covenant ? Yes: I will be to them a God, Heb. viii. 10. Will he accept us as his ? Yes: they shall be to me a people. And will he be at peace with us ? Yes : God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, 2 Cor. v. 19.
7. Is this wrought out by a Redeemer ? Yes: for there is not salvation in any other. Acts iv. 12. Was that Redeemer of God's own providing ? Yes: God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, John iii. 16. Is the new covenant made with us in Christ ? Yes: for he is the Mediator of the
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better co Teoant, Heb. Yili. 6. Is it a covenant much for our advantage ? Yes: for it is well ordered in all things and sore, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. Is perfect obedience the condition of it ? No: for if by grace, then it is no more of works, Rom. xi. 6. Is faith the condition of it? Yes: for by grace ye are saved through faith, Eph. ii. 8. Is sincerity accepted as our gospel perfection ? Yes: Walk before me, and be thou perfect, Gen. xvii. 1. Is that which is required in the covenant promised in the covenant? Yes: I will cause you to walk in my statutes, Ezek. xxxvi. 27. Does every transgression in the covenant cast us out of the covenant ? No: I will visit their transgression with a rod, but my loving-kindness will I not utterly take away, Ps. Ixxxix. 32, 33.
8. Will this covenant deliver us out of a state of sin and misery ? Yes: Whosoever believes in Christ shall not perish, John iii. 16. Will it bring us into a state of salvation ? Yes: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, John iii. 36. And can we desire any more ? No: It is all my salvation, and all my desire, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5.
9. Was there intimation given to Adam of this way of salvation by a Redeemer ? Yes: for it was said to him, That the seed of the woman should break the serpent's head. Gen. iii. 15. Was it made known to the Old-Testament saints ? Yes: for of this salvation have the prophets inquired, and searched diligently, 1 Pet. i. 10. But is it brought to a clearer light in the New Testament? ' Yes: Go preach the gospel to every creature; he that believes shall be saved, and he that belieyes not shall be damned, Mark xvi. 15, 16. Is this good news to fallen man ? Yos: Glory be to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will towards men, Luke ii. 14. Does this covenant exclude any that do not exclude themselves? No: Whosoever will, let him come, and take of the water of life freely, Rev. xxii. 17.
Q. 21. Who u the Redeemer of God's elect ?
A. The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man; and so was, and continues to be, God and Man, in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever.
1. Did mankind need a Redeemer? Yes: for by our iniquities we had sold ourselves, Isa. 1.1. Did the elect themselves need a Redeemer ? Yes: for we ourselves also were sometimes disobedient. Tit. iii. 3. Would there have been a Redeemer if Adam had not sinned ? No: for they that be whole need not a physician. Matt ix. 12. Could an angel have been our Redeemer ? No: for his angels he charged with folly. Job iy. 18.
2. Is Jesus Christ the Redeemer? Yes: there is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Tim. ii. 5, Is he the only Redeemer ? Yes: for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, Acts iv. 12. Is he a universal Redeemer? Yes: he gave himself a ransom for all, 1 Tim. ii. 6. Did he die to purchase a general oifer ? Yes: the Son of man was lifted up, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, John iii. 14, 15. Is all the world the better for Christ's mediation ? Yes: for by him all things consist. Col. i. 17. Is it long of Christ then that so many perish ? No: I would have gathered yon, and you would not. Matt xxiii. 37.
3. Is Christ in a special manner the Redeemer ot God's elect? Yes: I lay down my life for the sheep,; John X. 15. Was their salvation particularly designed in Christ's undertaking ? Yes: Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him, John xvii. 2. Was their sanctification particularly de signed ? Yes: For their sakes I sanctify myself« that they also might be sanctified, John xvii. 19. Is all mankind redeemed from among devils ? Yes: for none must say as they did. What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God, Matt. viii. 29. But are the elect redeemed from among men ? Yes: these were redeemed from among men. Rev. xiv. 4,
4. Is the Redeemer LORD ? Yes: every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, Phil. ii. 11^ Is he Jesus a Saviour ? Yes: Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from theii sins. Matt. i. 21. Is he Christ anointed ? Yes; for God, even thy God, hath anointed thee, Heb. i. 9^ Is he Emmanuel ? Yes: They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is, God with us. Matt. 1. 23.
6. Is he the Son of God ? Yes: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God, Matt. xvi. 16. Is he th< Eternal Son of God ? Yes: for he is before all things. Col. i. 17. Is he God ? Yes: unto the Son he says. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, Heb. i. 8. Is he true God ? Yes: His Son Jesui Christ is the true God, and eternal life, 1 John v. 20i Is he the most high God ? Yes: for Christ is ovei all, God, blessed for ever, Rom. ix. 5. Is he ^ual with tha Father ? Yes: for he thought it not rob bery to be equal with God, Phil. ii. 6. Is he on< with the Father ? Yes: I and my Father are onei John X. 30. Is he to be worshipped as God ? Y'es for all men should honour the Son even as they ha nour the Father, John v. 23. Is he worshipp bj the angels ? Yes: Let all the angels of God wor ship him, Heb. i. 6. And is there good reason foi it ? Yes: for he is the brightness of his Father'j glory, Heb. i. 3. Was he begotten of his Fatfaei before all worlds ? Yes: Thou art my Son, this da have I begotten thee, Ps. ii. 7. Is he the only-be gotten Son of God? Yes: We beheld his glory the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, Johi i. 14.
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6. Did the Son of God become man ? Yes: the Word was made flesh, ttad dwelt among us, John i. xIy. Did he come into this world ? Yes: he came forth from the Father, and came into the world, John XTi. 28. Did he come in the fittest time? Yes: when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, Gal. iy. 4. Did he come with a full commission ? Yes: for the Father sanctified him, and sent him into the world, John x. 96. Did he come to save us ? Yes: The son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke xix. 10. Did he come to conquer Satan ? Yes: for this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he miht destroy the works of the devil, 1 John iii. 8.
7. Did the Redeemer take our nature upon him ? Yes: be was found in fashion as a man, Phil. ii. 8-Had he a being before his incarnation } Yes: Before Abraham was, I am, John viii. 58. Had he a being before the world ? Yes: for the same was in the beginning with God, John i. 2. Is not his incarnation a great mystery ? Yes: without controversy great is the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, 1 Tim. iii. 16. Is it necessary that we believe it ? Yes: for he that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God, I John IT. 3. Was Jesus Christ God even when he was upon earth ? Yes: I am in the Father, and the Father in me, John xiv. 11. Is he man now he is in hea Ten ? Yes: for he that descended is the same also that ascended, Eph. iv. 10.
8. Is the Redeemer both God and man ? Yes: for to us a child is born, to us a son is gven, and he shall be called the mighty God, the everlasting Father, Isa. ix. 6. Is he both the Son of God, and the Son of man ? Yes: he was the Son of Adam, he was the Son of God, Luke iii. 38. Does he continue to be so ? Yes : for Jesus Christ is the same vesterday, to-day, and for ever, Heb. xiii. 8. Was be man that he might suffer ? Yes: for without shedding of blood is no remission, Heb. ix. 23. Was he God that he might satisfy ? Yes: for God has purchased the church with his own blood, Acts XX. 28. Is he God and man in two distinct natures } Yes: for be is both the root and offispring of David, ReT. xxii. 16. compare Matt xxii. 45. Is he so in one person } Yes: for to us there is but one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him, 1 Cor. Tiii. 6. Is he so for ever > Yes: he is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last. Rev. xxii. 13.
9. Is this Jesus the true Messiah promised to the fathers? Yes: we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Sariour of the world, John iv. 42. Were the Scriptures fulfllled in him ? Yes: to him give all the prophets witness. Acts x. 43. Did his miracles prove his doctrine ? Yes: The works that I do bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me, John V. 36. Did the Father himself bear vritness of him ? Yes: by a voice from heaven, saying. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him. Matt xvii. 5. May we venture our souls upon this foundation ? Yes: for this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son, 1 John v. 11.
Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.
1. Did Christ the Son of God become man ? Yes: forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, Heb. ii. 14. Was it requisite he should become man ? Yes: for in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, Heb. ii. 17. Has the Son of man the fulness of the Godhead ? Yes: for in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Col. ii. 9. Has the Son of God the tenderness of a man ? Yes: for he was touched with the feeling of our infirmities, Heb. iv. 16.
2. Did Christ take unto himself a true body? Yes: A body hast thou prepared me, Heb. x. 5. Was it a body like unto ours ? Yes: for he was in the likeness of sinful flesh, Rom. viii. 3. Did he take to himself a human soul ? Yes: for he said. My soul is exceeding sorrowful. Matt. xxvi. 38.
3. Was he conceived by ordinary generation } No: for he said. Ye are beneath, I am from above, John viii. 23. Was he conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost ? Yes: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee, Luke i. 35. Was he bom of tlie Virgin Mary ? Yes: the Scripture was fulfilled. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son. Matt. i. 23. Was his conception and birth supernatural? Yes: that which was conceived in the Virgin Mary was of the Holy Ghost, Matt. i. 20. Yet was he really and truly man } Yes: for he Is not ashamed to call us brethren, Heb. ii. 11.
4. Was Christ the seed of the woman ? Yes: for he was made of a woman, Gal. iv. 4. Was the Scripture therein fulfilled? Yes: for the seed of the woman must break the serpent's head. Gen. iii. 16. Was he the Sou of Abraham ? Yes: for he took on him the seed of Abraham, Heb. ii. 16. Was the Scripture therein fulfilled ? Yes: for it was said to Abraham, In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Gen. xii. 2. Was he the Son of David ? Yes: Hosanna to the Son of David, Matt, xxi. 9. Was the Scripture therein fulfilled ? Yes: He hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spake by the mouth of all his holy prophets, Luke i. 09, 70.
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5. Was Christ born in Bethlehem ? Yes: To you is born this day, in the city of DaTid, a Savioor, Luke ii. 11. Was he bom among the Jews? Yes: of them as concerning the flesh, Christ came, Rom. ix. 5. And was it the honour of that nation ? Yes: he was the glory of his people Israel, Luke ii. 33. Did he come when the Messiah was expected? Yes: they then looked for redemption in Jerusalem, Luke ii. 38. Did he come when the sceptre was departed from Judah? Yes: for there then went out a decree that all the world should be taxed, Luke ii. 1. Did the angels attend him at his birth ? Yes: there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, Luke ii. 13.
6. Was the Redeemer bom in sin as we are? No: he was without sin, Heb. iv. 15. Was he perfectly pure and holy ? Yes: That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God, Luke i. 35. Was he pure and holy in his whole life ? Yes: he did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, 1 Pet ii. 22. Was it requisite he should be so ? Yes: such a High Priest became us, that was holy, harmless, and undefiled, Heb. vii. 26. Could he haye satisfied for our sin, if he had had any sin of his own ? No: for he must through the eternal Spirit offer himself without spot, Heb. ix. 14.
7. Was he subject to the sinless infirmities of our natures ? Yest he was in all points tempted like as we are, Heb. iv. 15. Was he hungry ? Yes: when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterwards an hungred, Matt iv. 2. Was he weary? Yes: Being weary with his journey, he sat on the well, John iv. 6. Did he sleep ? Yes: when the ship was covered with waves he was asleep. Matt, viii. 24. Did he pass through the ages of human life ? Yes: for Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, Luke ii. 52.
8. Was the Redeemer willing to be incarnate for us ? Yes : for when he cometh into the world, he saith, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God, Heb. x. 5, 7. Is it well for us that he was so ?, Yes: for by this will we are sanctified, Heb. x. 10. Was Christ's incarnation great condescension in him ? Yes: for hereby he was made a little lower than the angels, Heb. ii. 9. Was it a great honour to our nature ? Yes: What is man that thou art thus mindful of him? Heb. ii. 6—8. Is it good news to mankind? Yes: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus oame into the world to save sinners, 1 Tim. i. 15.
Q. 23. What offices does Christ execute at tmr Rc' deetner?
A. Christ as our Redeemer executes the offices of a Prophet, of a Priest, and of a King, both in his State of humiliation and exaltation.
1. Is Christ a complete Redeemer ? Yes: for it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. Col. i. 19. Is he completely qualified for the undertaking ? Yes: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him, John iii. 34. Is he authorized for it? Yes: for all things are delivered to him of the Father, Matt, xi* 27. Has he a full cooiiuis-sion? Yes: for the Father judgeth no man. but has coounitted all judgment to the Son, John t. 22. And has he an ability equal to his authority ? Yes: for as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself, v. 26.
2. Is there all that in Christ which fallen man stands in need of? Yes: for Christ is all, and in all. Col. iii. 11. Is he light? Yes: I am the light of the- world, John viii. 12. Is he life ? Yes : in him was life, and the life was the light of men, John i. 4. Is he our peace? Yes: he is oar peace, Eph. ii. 14. Is he our head ? Yes: he is the head of the body, the church. Col. i. 18. Is he the door? Yes: I am the door of the sheep, John x. 7. Is he the way ? Yes: I am the way, the truth, and the life, John xiv. 6. Can we come to God as a Father, otherwise than by Jesus Christ as Mediator ? No: for no man cometh to the Father but by me, John xiv. 6. Is he our food ? Yes: I am that bread of life, John vi. 48. Is he our friend? Yes: This is my beloved, and this is my friend. Cant. v. 16.
3. Is Jesus Christ a Redeemer in office ? Yes: for God hath exalted him with his own right hand to be a Prince &nd a Saviour, Acti v. 31. Is he duly put in office? Yes: for him hath God the Father sealed, John vi. 27. Does he duly execute his office ? Yes: for he was faithful to him that appointed him, Heb. iii, 2. Is he a Prophet ? Yes: This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world, John vi. 14. Is he a Priest ? Yea: he is the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Heb. iii. 1. Is he a King? Yes: he is King of kings, and Lord of lords. Rev. xix. 16.
4. Did Christ execute these offices in his state of humiliation ? Yes: I have glorified thee on the earth, John xvii. 4. Does he execute them in his state of exaltation ? Yes i for in heaven itself he now appears in the presence of God for us, Heb. ix. 24. Is he then an all-suffioient Saviour ? Yes : he is able to save to the uttermost all those that come to God by him, Heb. vii. 26. And is he as willing to save as he is able? Yes: Whosoever comes unto me I will in no wise cast out, John vi. 37.
Q. 24, Jfow does Christ execute the office of a Iro phet
A Christ executes the office of a Prophet, in re. vealing to us by his Word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation.
1. Does Christ execute the office of a Prophet ? Yes: We know that thou art a Teacher come from God, John iii, 2. Does God speak to us by liim ?
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Yes: he hath in these last days spoken to us by his Sod, Heb. i. 2. Were there prophets under the Old Testament } Yes: God sent his servants the prophets, Jer. XXV. 4. But was Christ above them all ? Yes: for he is the Lord God of the holy prophets, Rer. xxil. 6. compare Col. i. 11. And were they his agents > Yes: it was the Spirit of Christ in them that testified, 1 Pet. i. 11.
2. Was Moses the great type of Christ as a prophet } Yes: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me. Acts iii. 22. But was Christ greater than Moses ? Yes: for Moses was faithful as a servant, but Christ as a Son, Heb. iii. 5, 6. And is the doctrine of Christ better than that of Moses } Yes: for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesas Christ, John i. 17. Was Christ completely qaaiified to be a Prophet ? Yes: for in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. ii. 3. Was ever any other so well qaaiified ? No: for no man knows the Father, but the Son, Matt. xi. 27.
3. Has Christ, as a Prophet, revealed God's will to us > Yes: for be said. My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me, John vii. 16. and xii. 49, 50. Has he revealed God's will concerning our duty ? Yes: for he did not come to destroy the law, but to falfil, Matt. T. 17. And concerning our happiness } Yes: for he was anointed to preach the acceptable year of the Lord, Luke iv. 18.
4. Did Christ execute this ofl Scc when he was on earth? Yes: for he taught them as one having authority. Matt vii. 29. Did he introduce his doctrine vith Thus saith the Lord, like the Old-Testament prophets ? No: but Verily, Verily, I say unto you, John iii. 3. Did he confirm his doctrine by mira cles ? Yes: believe me (said he) for the very works' sake, John xiv. 11. Were his miracles many ? Yes: inaoy signs did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, ioho XX. 90. Were they profitable i . Yes: he went about doing good. Acts x. 38. Did Christ teach by tile example of his life } Yes: that we might follow Ills steps, 1 Pet. ii. 21.
5. Does he still execute this office } Yes: for he said, I have declared thy name unto them, and will declare it, John xvii. 26. Does he reveal God's will to us by his word } Yes: for these things are written that we may believe, John xx. 31. And by his Spirit? Yes: The Comforter, which is the Holy (^host, he shall teach you all things, John xiv. 26. lK)es Jesus Christ teach his people ? Yes: All thy children shall be taught of the Lord» Isa. 11 v. 13. And does he teach effectually ? Yes: for the Son of mau is come, and hath given us an understand-ioj, 1 John V. 20. And does he teach compassion-iitely ? Yes: for he can have compassion on the ioorant, Heb. v. 2.
6. Must we learn of this Teacher ? Yes: Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, Matt. xi. 20.
Are we to receive his doctrine i Yes: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Col. iii. 16. And must we abide in it ? Yes: If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, John viii. 31.
Q. 25. How does Christ execute the office of a Priest ?
A. Christ executes the office of a Ptiest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.
1. Did fallen man need a Priest ? Yes: for every high priest is ordained for man in things pertaining to God, Heb. v. 1. Did Christ execute the office of a Priest } Yes: We have a great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God, Heb. iv. 14. Was he appointed to this office ? Yes: for Christ glorified not himself to be made a High Priest, Heb. v. 6. Was he confirmed in this office ? Yes: for the Lord sware, and will not repent, thou art a Priest for ever, Heb. vii. 21.
2. Did Christ, as a Priest, make atonement for sin } Yes: he is a merciful and faithful High Priest, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people, Heb. ii. 17. Did he do this by the sacrifice of himself ? Yes: he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, Heb. ix. 26. Was he himself the Priest ? Yes: for through the eternal Spirit he offered himself, Heb. ix. 14. Was he himself the sacrifice ? Yes: he made his soul an offering for sin, Isa. liii. 10. Was he himself the altar? Yes: for we have an altar, Heb. xiii. 10. Would not the legal sacrifices serve ? No: for it was not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin, Heb. x. 4. Did God declare them insufficient ? Yes: Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, v. 5. Was this sacrifice necessary then ? Yes: what the law could not do, in that it was weak, that Christ did, Rom. viii. 3.
3. Did Christ, as a sacrifice, bear our sins > Yes: his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, 1 Pet. ii. 24. Did he bear them by the Father's appointment ? Yes: the Lord laid on him the iniquities of us lill, Isa. liii. 6. Did he suffer for them? Yes: he was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities, v. 6. And not for any sin of his own ? No : Messiah shall be cut off, but not for hitnself, Dan. ix. 26. Did he suffer to satisfy for sin } Yes : he was once offered to bear the sins of many, Heb. ix. 28. And was the satisfaction accepted ? Yes: he gave himself for us, a sacrifice to God of a sweet smelling savour, £ph. v. 2.
4. Did Christ offer himself voluntarily ? Yes: No man taketh my life from me, but I lay it down of myself, John x. 18. Was it his own act and deed to make his soul an offering ? Yes: for he said. Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit, Luke xxiii. 46. Did this sacrifice need to be repeated ? No: for by one offering he perfected for ever them
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that are sanctified, Heb. x. 14. Did Christ do this for the purchase of our pardon ? Yes: for when he did it, he said, Father, forgive them, Luke xxiii. 34. Was it designed to save as from ruin? Yes: he gave his life a ransom for many, Matt xx. 28. And to reconcile us to God ? Yes: for he made peace through the blood of his cross. Col. i. 20. Is this our plea for peace and pardon ? Yes: Who is he that condemns ? It is Christ that died, Rom. viii. 34. Is Christ then the great propitiation? Yes: he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world, I John ii. 2. And have we hereby access to God ? Yes: he suffered the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, 1 Pet. iii. 18. And had the Old-Testament saints the benefit of this sacrifice T Yes: for he was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev. xili. 8.
5. Does Christ, as a Priest, make intercession? Yes: for he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors, Isa. liii. 12. Is he always doing this ? Yes: he ever lives, making intercession, Heb. vii.*25. Does be do this as an Advocate ? Yes: If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous, 1 John ii. 1. And as a High Priest? Yes: Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, Exod. xxviii. 12. Does he make intercession in the virtue of his satisfaction ? Yes: for by his own blood he entered into the holy place, Heb. ix. 12.
6. Is Christ a Priest after the order of Aaron ? No: but after the order of Melchisedec, Ps, ex. 4. Is he a royal Priest? Yes: for he is a Priest upon his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. Zee. vi. 13. Is he a priest that needs a successor? No: for this man, because he continueth for ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood, Heb. vii. 24. Is he a Priest that needs a sacrifice for himself? No: for the law makes men high priests which have infirmity ; but the word of the oath makes the Son, who is consecrated for evermore, Heb. vii. 28. Have all believers an interest in Christ's priesthood ? Yes: for we have a High Priest over the house of God, Heb. X. 21. Is this an encouragement in our approaches to God ? Yes: let us therefore come boldly to the throne of gce, Heb. iv. 16. And is this it we must depend upon for our acceptance with God? Yes: for spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. ii. 6.
Q. 26. Haw does Christ execute the office of a King ?
A. Christ executes the office of a King, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
1. Is Christ put into the ofiice of a King? Yes: I have set my King upon my holy hill of Sion, Ps. ii. 6. Does he execute that oflice ? Yes: he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, Luke i. 33. Is he King as Mediator? Yes: he hath authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man, John V. 27. Is his kingdom a spiritual kingdom ? Yes: my kingdom is not of this world, John xviii. 36.
2. Is Christ universal monarch? Yes: for all power is gven to him both in heaven and on earth, Matt xxviii. 18. Has he a right to rule all 7 Yes: he is Lord of all. Acts x. 36. Does he rule all * Yes: he is the Governor among the nations, Ps. xxii. 228. Does he rule all for the good of his church! Yes: he is head over all things to the church, Eph. i. 22. Is he in a special manner the church's Kin|r> Yes: O daughter of Sion, thy King comes, Zech. ix.9.
3. Does Christ, as a King, subdue his people to himself? Yes: Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, Ps. ex. 3. Does be do it by the word of his grace ? Yes: he draws with the cords of a man, and with the bands of love, Hos. xi. 4. Does he do it effectually ? Yes: he makes ready a people prepared for the Lord, Luke i. 17. Does he conquer the opposition of the carnal mind ? Yes: for the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds, 2 Cor. x. 4. Does he set up his throne in the soul ? Yes: bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, 2 Cor. x. 6. And does he rule there? Yes: for he writes his law in their hearts, Heb. viii. 10.
4. Does Christ, as a King, reign in his church? Yes: The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, Isa. xxxiii. 22. Does he enact laws ? Yes: he gave commandments to his apostles. Acts i. 2. Does he commission officers? Yes: By me kings reign, Prov. viii. 16. Does he give judgment? Yes: we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, 2 Cor. v. 10. Is homage and allegiance due to him ? Yes: for at the namei of Jesus every knee shall bow, Phil. ii. 10. Does he rule in righteousness ? Yes: the sceptre of his kingdom is a right sceptre, Ps. xlv. 6.
6. Does Christ, as a King, protect his subjects ? Yes: for he shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, Isa. xxxii. 2. And does he secure the peace of his kingdom? Yes: for this man shall be the peace, Mic. V. 6. Has he authority to pardon sin ? Yes: the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sin. Matt ix. 6. Has he authority to reward services ? Yes: I will give thee a crown of life, Rev. ii. 10.
6. Does Christ, as King, restrain his enemies? Yes: on this Rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt. xvi. 18. Will he conquer them at last ? Yes : for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet, 1 Cor. xv. 26. Will he conquer death itself? Yes: the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,
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1 Cor. X¥. 2& Does he ooant those his enemies that will not hare him to reig over them ? Yes: Those mine enemies which would not that I should rei|^ over them bring hither, and slaj them before me. Lake xix. 27.
7. Is Christ a merciful King ? Yes: he is meek, and having salvation, Zech. ix. 9. Is he the poor man's king ? Yes: he shall deliver the needy when be cries, Ps. Ixxii. 12. Has he a large kingdom ? Yes: he shall have dominion from sea to sea, Ps. Ixxii. 8. Haye we reason to hope it shall be larger than now it is ? Yes: for the kingdoms of the world are become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, Rev. xi. 15. Shall it be a lasting kingdom? Yes: his throne shall be as the days of heaven, Ps. Ixxxix. 29. And when the mystery of God shall be finished, shall the kingdom of the Redeemer be resigned to the Creator ? Yes: then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, 1 Cor. xv. 24.
& Oujt we to rejoice in Christ's dominion? Yes: Let the children of Sion be joyful in their King, Ps. cxlix. 2. Must we accept him for our King? Yes: Take my yoke upon you, Matt. xi. 29. Most we pay tribute to him? Yes: Send ye the Lamb to the raler of the land, Isa. xvi. 1. Must we obey him? Yes: for he is the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him, Heb. v. 9.
Q. 27. Wherein did comist ChriMfs humiliation ?
Christ's humiliation consisted in his being bom, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being boned, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
1. Did Jesus Christ humble himself? Yes: for being in the form of God, he made himself of no reputation, Phil. ii. 0, 7. Was it a deep humiliation ? Yes: for he said, I am a worm, and no man, Ps. xxii. 6. Was it requisite he should humble bimself? Yes: for thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to sui Ter, Luke xxiv. 46. And was that a proper expedient to atone for our sin ? Yes: for the sinner had said, I vrill be like the Most High, Isa. xiv. 14.
Z Did Christ humble himself in his birth ? Yes: for he who thought it not robbery to be equal with
God, was made in the likeness of men, Phil. ii. 6,7.
Was he bom of that which was then a poor family ?
Tes: he was a root of dry ground, Isa. liii. 2. Was he bom of a poor woman ? Yes: for she offered for her cleansing only a pair of turtle doves, or two yoong pigeons, Luke ii. 24. compare Lev. xii. 8.
Was his supposed father a poor man ? Yes: they said. Is not this the carpenter's son, Matt. xiii. 66.
Was he bom in a poor place ? Yes: Bethlehem vas little among the thousands of Judah, Mic. v. 2.
Was he bom in poor circumstances ? Yes: in the stable of an inn, and laid in a manger, Luke ii. 7. Had he the respect paid him that was due to an incarnate Deity ? No: for he was in the world, and the world knew him not, John i. 10. Was he respected by his countrymen ? No: he came to bis own, and his own received him not, «. 11. Was he bom honourably ? No: for he took upon him the form of a servant, Phil. ii. 7. Was he bom wealthy ? No: though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, 2 Cor. viii. 9.
3. Was Christ made under the law ? Yes: God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Gal. iv. 4. Was he circumcised ? Yes: when eight days were accomplished, Luke ii. 21. Was he presented in the temple? Yes: they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, V. 22. Did he keep the passover? Yes : when he was twelve years old, he went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast, v. 4Sl, Was he obedient to his parents ? Yes: he went down with them to Na» zareth, and was subject to them, v. 61. Did he pay tribute? Yes: That give for me and thee. Matt, xvii. 24, 27. Did he fulfil all righteousness ? Yes: Thus it beoometh us to fulfil all righteousness, Matt, iii. 16. Did he submit to the law of the mediator-ship ? Yes: Thy law is within my heart, Ps. xl. 8.
4. Was his education mean ? Yes: for they said. Is not this the carpenter? Mark vi. 3. Was the place of his abode despicable ? Yes: Can any good thing come out of Nazareth ? John i. 46. Did he live in honour ? No: for he was despised and rejected of men, Isa.' liii. 3. Was he attended by great folks ? No: Have any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees, believed on him ? John vii. 48. Were his followers mean ? Yes : for they were fishers. Matt, iv. 18. Did he live in mirth and pleasure ? No: he was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, Isa. liii. 3. Was the sin of sinners a grief to him ? Yes: he was grieved for the hardness of their hearts, Mark iii. 6. Were the sorrows of his friends a grief to him ? Yes: Jesus wept, John xi. 36. Had he a house of his own ? No: The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head, Luke xi. 68. Was he fed with the finest of the wheat ? No: he had barley-loaves, John vi. 9. Did he live upon alms ? Yes: for certain women ministered to him of their substance, Luke viii. 3. Had he a stately place to preach in ? No: he taught the people out of the ship, Luke v. 3.
6. Was he tempted of Satan ? Yes: he was in the wildemess forty days tempted of Satan, Mark i. 13. Was that a part of his sufferings ? Yes: for he suffered, being tempted, Heb. ii. 18. Was he persecuted betimes? Yes: Herod sought the young child to destroy him. Matt. ii. 13. Was he slandered and reproached ? Yes: they said of him,
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Behold a gluttonous man, and a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners, Luke vii. 34. Was be represented as a madman ? Yes: they said. He hath a devil, and is mad, John x. 90. And as one that is in league with the devil? Yes: they said, He casteth out devils by Beelzebub the prince of the devils, Matt, xii, 24. Did they cavil at his preaching ? Yes: he endured the contradiction of sinners against himself, Heb. xii. 3. Did he bear all this patiently? Yes: when he was reviled, he reviled not again, 1 Pet li. 23.
6. But notwithstanding this, had he honour done him in his humiliation? Yes: for it was said of him. He shall be great, Luke i. 32. Did God put honour upon him ? Yes: he received from God the Father honour and glory, 2 Pet. i. 17. Did angels do him honour? Yes: behold, angels came and ministered to him, Matt iv. 11. Did foreigners do him honour ? Yes: Wise men of the east came to worship him, Matt ii. 2. Did the common report of the people do him honour ? Yes: for some said he was Elias, others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Matt. xvi. 14. Did those that saw his miracles do him honour ? Yes: for they said. It was never so seen in Israel, Matt ix. 33. Did inferior creatures do him honour? Yes: even the winds and the seas obeyed him. Matt viii. 27. Were devils themselves compelled to acknowledge him ? Yes: for they said, We know thee who thoa art, the Holy One of God, Mark i. 24.
7. Did he humble himself unto death ? Yes: he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, Phil. ii. 8. Did he die for us ? Yes: he was delivered for our offences, Rom. iv. 25. Was this according to the counsels of God ? Yes: he was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, Acts ii. 23. Did he suffer in his soul ? Yes; for he said. Now is my soul troubled, John xii. 27. Did he suffer from his Father ? Yes: he was stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, Isa. liii. 4. Did ho suffer in soul from his Father ? Yes: for he put him to grief, v. 10. Did this put him into an agony? Yes: He began to be sorrowful, and very heavy. Matt. xxvi. 37. Did he suffer this for us ? Yes: for he made him sin for us who knew no sin, 2 Cor. v. 21. And yet did the Father love him even when he braised him ? Yes: Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, John X. 17.
8. Did he suffer from Satan ? Yes: Thou shalt bruise his heel. Gen. iii. 15. Did Satan set upon him ? Yes : The prince of this world cometh, John xiv. 30. But did Satan conquer him? No: He hath nothing in me, John xiv. 30. Did he suffer from the Jews? Yes: for they cried. Crucify him, crucify him, Luke xxiii. 21. Did he suffer from the chief of the Jews ? Yes: he was the stone which the builders refused, Ps. cxviii. 22. Did he suffer from the Romans ? Yes: the prinoes of this world cm-cified the Lord of glory, I Cor. ii. 8. Was he betrayed by Judas ? Yes: they put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray him, John xiii. 2. Was he sold for thirty pieces of silver? Yes : A goodly price that I was prized at, Zech. xi. 13. Was he forsaken by his own disciples ? Yes: all his disciples forsook him, and fled. Matt. xxvi. 56.
9. Was he falsely accused? Yes: they sought false witness against him to put him to death. Matt, xxvi. 50. Was he basely abased ? Yes: he hid not his face from shame and spitting, Isa. 1. 6. Was he condemned as a blasphemer? Yes: they said. He hath spoken blasphemy. Matt xxvi. 65. Was he condemned as a traitor? Yes: for they said be perverted the nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, Luke xxiii. 2. Was he scourged? Yes: for by his stripes we are healed, Isa. liii. 5. Was he exposed to contempt ? Yes: he was a reproach of men, and despised of the people, Ps. xxii. 6. Did they scoff at him as a Prophet ? Yes: they said. Prophesy who smote thee. Matt xxvi. 68. Did they scoff at him as a King ? Yes: they said. Hail, King of the Jews, Matt, xxvii. 29. Did they scoff at him as a Priest and Saviour? Yes: they said, He saved others, himself he cannot save. Matt, xxvii. 42.
10. Was he sentenced to the cross ? Yes: Pilate delivered him to be crucified. Matt, xxvii. 26. Was he crucified between two thieves; Yes: he was numbered with the transgressors, Isa. liii. 12. Did he die a bloody death ? Yes: for the life of the flesh is in the blood, and it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. Lev. xvii. 11. Did he die a painful death ? Yes: they pierced his hands and feet, Ps. xxii. 16. And a shameful death? Yes: he endured the cross, despising the shame, Heb. xii. 2. And a cursed death ? Yes: for he that is hanged is accursed of God, Deut. xxi. 23. Gal. iii. 13. Did God seem to withdraw from him. in his sufferings ? Yes: he cried with a loud voice, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me ? Matt, xxvii. 46.
11. Did Christ die to glorify God ? Yes: For thb cause came I to this hour. Father, glorify thy name, John xii. 27, 28. Did he die to satisfy for our sins ? Yes: it was to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, and bring in everlasting righteousness, Dan. ix. 24. Did he die to conquer Satan ? Yes: he spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them in his cross. Col. ii. 15. Did he die to save us from sin ? Yes: be gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity. Tit ii. 14. Did he die to purchase heaven for us ? Yes: for it is the purchased possession, Eph. i. 14. Heb. ix. 15. Was he in his death made a curse for us ? Yes: for Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, Gal. iii. 13. Did Christ sweat for us ? Yes: his sweat was, as it were, great drops of
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886 blood, Lake xxii. 44. And thorns being also a fruit of the curse, did Christ wear them for os ? Yes: they platted a crown of thorns and pat it npon his head, Matt. xx Yii. 29.
12. Did Christ do all that was to be done in his safferings for ns? Yes: he said, It is finished, John xix. 90. Did the events answer the predictions? Yes: for the Scriptures must be fulfilled, Mark xir. 49. Are we sare that Christ was truly dead ? Yes: for one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came thereout blood aod water, and he that saw it bare record, John xix. 34,35. Did Christ die as a martyr ? Yes: for before Pontius Pilate he witnessed a good confession, 1 Tim. vi. 13. Did he die as a testator ? Yes: for where a testament is, there must needs be the death of the testator, Heb. ix. 16. Did he die as a sacrifice? Yes: Christ our passover is sacrificed for us, 1 Cor. ▼. 7.
13. Was there honour done to Christ even in his sofferings ? Yes : the earth did quake, and the rocks rent, and the graves were opened, Matt xxvii. 51. And were some thereby convinced ? Yes: they feared greatly, saying. Truly this was the Son of God, Matt, xxvii. 54. Is the cross of Christ then a reproach to us ? No: God forbid that I should ^lory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, Gal. ?L 14. Is it what we should all be acquainted with ? Yes: I determined to know nothing but Jesus Christy and him crucified, 1 Cor. ii. 2. And OQght we to celebrate the praises of our crucified Sa-Tiour? Yes: Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honour, and glory, and blessing. Rev. y. 12.
14. When Christ was dead, was he buried ? Yes: they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. Acts xiii. 29. Was he buried according to the custom ? Yes: as the manner of the iews is to bury, John xix. 40. Did he continue Quder the power of death for a time ? Yes: for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matt xii. 40. Was this his descent into hell ? Yes: he descended into the lower parts of the earth, Eph. iv. 9. Did his separate soul go to paradise ? Yes: This day shalt thou be with me in paradise, Luke xxiii. 43. Did his body see corruption ? No: Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts ii. 27.
Q. 28. Wherein consists Christ's exaltation f A. Christ's exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
1. Is Jesos Christ exalted ? Yes: because he humbled himself, therefore God also hath highly exalted him, Phil. ii. 9. Was his humiliation the way to exaltation ? Yes: he sufiered these things, and so entered into his glory, Luke xxiv. 26. Was his exaltation the reward of his humiliation ? Yes: I have glorified thee on the earth, and now, O Father, glorify thou me, John xvii. 5. Had he it in his eye in his sufferings? Yes: for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, Heb. xii. 2.
2. Was his resurrection the first step of his exaltation? Yes: he was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 1 Cor. xv. 4. Did he continue always in the bands of death ? No: for it was impossible he should be holden of them. Acts ii. 24. Did he rise to life ? Yes: he both rose and revived, Rom. xiv. 9. Did the same body rise? Yes: Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself, Luke xxiv. 39. Is he the same Jesus still ? Yes: I am he that liveth, and was dead. Rev. i. 18. Did he lie in the grave all the Jewish sabbath? Yes: for he rose in the end of the sabbath. Matt, xxviii. 1. Did he rise the same day of the week? Yes: as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, Matt, xxviii. 1. Have we sufficient proof of his resurrection ? Yes: he showed himself alive, by many infallible proofs. Acts i. 3. Did he rise to die no more ? Yes: Death hath no more dominion over him, Rom. vi. 9.
3. Did Christ rise by his own power? Yes: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up, John ii. 19. and x. 18. Was that a divine power ? Yes: for he was crucified through weakness, but he lived by the power of God, 2 Cor. xiii. 4. Was it the great proof of his being the Son of God ? Yes : he was declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, Rom. i. 4. Was it the will of the Father he should rise? Yes: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came, and rolled back the stone, Matt, xxviii. 2. Did the Father raise him ? Yes: God raised him from the dead. Acts xiii. 30. Was this an evidence of the acceptance of his satisfaction ? Yes: for he was raised again for our justification, Rom. iv. 25. And we may plead it? Yes: It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, Rom. viii. .34.
4. Did Christ rise as a public person ? Yes: for since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead, 1 Cor. xv. 21. Are true believers raised with him to a spiritual life ? Yes: he hath quickened us together with Christ, Eph. ii. 5. And shall they be shortly raised to eternal life ? Yes: Christ the first-fruits, afterward they that are Christ's at his coming, 1 Cor. xv. 23. Is tlie resurrection of Christ one of the great foundations of Christianity ? Yes : if Christ be not risen, our faith is vain, v, 14.
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5. Did Christ stay on earth forty days after his resurrection ? Yes: he was seen of them forty days, Acts i. 3. Did he then ascend up into heaven? Yes: while he blessed them he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven, Luke xxiv. 51. Did he ascend in a cloud ? Yes: a cloud received him out of their sight, Acts i. 9. Was he welcome in heaven ? Yes: when the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, he came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him, Dan. vii. 13.
6. Was it for our advantage that he ascended up into heaven ? Yes: It is expedient for you that I go away, John xvi. 7. Did he ascend as a conqueror? Yes: when he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, Eph. iv. 8. Did he ascend as our forerunner? Yes: as the forerunner he is for us entered, Heb. vi. 20. Is he gone to prepare a place for us } Yes: I go to prepare a place for you, John xiv. 2. Did he enter as our High Priest within the veil ? Yes: by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, Heb. ix. 12.
7. Did he sit at the right hand of God ? Yes: be is seated on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, Heb. viii. 1. Has he authority to sit there ? Yes: The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Ps. ex. 1* Is he there now ? Yes: he is even at the right hand of God, Rom. viii. 34. Has he been seen there ? Yes: Stephen said, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God, Acts vii. 56. Will he continue there? Yes: the heavens must receive him till the restitution of all things. Acts iii. 21. Has he the highest honour there? Yes: God hath given him a name above every name, Phil. ii. 9. Has he the sovereign power there ? Yes: for angels, authorities, and powers are made subject to him, 1 Pet. iii. 22. Is he Lord of all there? Yes: Thou crownest him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands, Heb. ii. 7. Ought we therefore to have our hearts in heaven ? Yes: Seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God, Col. iii. 1.
8. Will Christ come again ? Yes: If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, John xiv. 3. Are you sure he will come again ? Yes: for he said. Surely I come quickly. Rev. xxii. 20. Will he come in glory ? Yes : he shall come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matt xxiv. 30. Will his angels attend him? Yes: he shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him. Matt. XXV. 31. Will he come publicly? Yes: Behold he comes in the clouds, and every eye shall see him. Rev. i. 7.
9. Will Christ come to judge the world? Yes: God hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained, Acts xvii. 31. Will he come to the terror of all his enemies? Yes: they also which pierced him shall wail because of him, Rev. i. 7. Will he come to the comfort of all his faithful followers ? Yes: to them that look for him, he will appear the second time unto salvation, Heb. ix. 28. Will this be at the last day ? Yes: I will raise him up at the last day, John vi. 39. Ought we to wait for that day ? Yes: looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearance of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Tit ii. 13.
Q. 29. Howmre we made partaken of the redemp Uon purckaeed hy Christ f
A. We are made partakers of the redemption pnr chased by Christ, by the effectaal application of it to us by his Holy Spirit
1. Is redemption purchased by Christ ? Yes: he obtained eternal redemption for us, Heb. ix. 12. Is he then the Author of it? Yes: be became the Author of salvation, Heb. v. 9. Is it redemption by price ? Yes: Ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor. vi. 20. Is it a redemption by power ? Yes: for he hath led captivity captive, Ps. Ixviii. 18. Is this redemption offered to all ? Yes: he hath proclaimed liberty to the captives, Isa. Ixi. 1. May all that will take the benefit of it ? Yes: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, Isa. Iv. 1. Have all the world therefore some benefit by it ? Yes: Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, Mark xvi. 15. But have all the world a like benefit by it ? No: Thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not unto the world, John xiv. 22.
2. Is it enough for us that there is a redemption purchased ? No: for there are those who deny the Lord who bought them, 2 Pet. ii. 1. Is it enough to hear of it ? No: for to some it is a savour of death unto death, 2 Cor. ii. 16. Is it enough to have a name among the redeemed ? No: Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Rev. iii. 1. Is it necessary therefore that we be partakers of the redemption ? Yes: that we may say. Who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gal. ii. 20. Do all partake of it ? No: Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter. Acts viii. 21. Do all believers partake of it ? Yes : We are made partakers of Christ, Heb. ii. 14. Do they receive the Redeemer? Yes: We have received Christ Jesus the Lord, Cot ii. 6. Do any receive this of themselves? No: A man can receive nothing except it be given him from above, John iii. 27.
3. Must the redemption be applied to us ? Tes: It is Christ in you the hope of glory, Col. i. 27. Is it the Spirit's work to apply it ? Yes: for it is the Spirit that quickens, John vi. 63. Is he sent for that purpose ? Yes: He shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you, John xvi. 15. Is he sent in Christ's name ? Yes : He is the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, John xiv» 26» Have we as much need of
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887 the Spirit to apply tbe redemption to as, as of the Son to purchase it for na ? Yes: for when Christ had purchased it, it was expedient for as he should go airay, that he might send the Comforter, John ivi. 7.
4. Is the Spirit given to the chnrch in general ? Yes: Another Comforter shall ahide with yon for ever, John xiv. 16. Is he promised to particular persons? Yes: Turn ye at my reproof; hehold, I will pour out my Spirit unto yon, ProY. i. 23. Are we to pray for the Spirit then ? Yes: our heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask hira. Lake xi. 13. Do all believers receive of the Spirit ? Yes: God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, Gal. iv. 6. Is he their teacher? Yes: he shall teach them all things. Is he their remembrancer ? Yes: he shall bring all things to their remembrance, John xiv. 26. Is he the earnest? Yes: he hath given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts, 2 Cor. i. 22. Does he begin the good work of grace in the heart ? Yes: for when he is come, he shall convince, John xvi. 8. And does he perfect it? Yes: for he hath wrought us for the selfsame thing, 2 Cor. v. 6.
Q. 30, H&w doe9 the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ ?
A. The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling?
1. Does the Spirit act freely in applying the redemption ? Yes: The wind bloweth where it list-tth, so is every one that is bom of the Spirit, John iii. 8. Does he act mysteriously ? Yes: Thou know-est not what is the way of the Spirit, Eccl. xi. 15. Does he act effectually ? Yes: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, John vi. 37.
2. Is faith necessary to our interest in the redemption? Yes: for without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. xi. 6. Is it the great thing necessary? Yes: only believe, all things are possible to him that can believe, Mark v. 36. and ix. 23. Can we have a saving interest in tlie redemption without faith? No: he that believeth not, is condemned already, John iii. 18. Is it that which is required on our part ? Yes: by grace ye are saved through faith. And is it of ourselves? No: not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, Eph. ii. 8. Is it given for Christ's sake ? Yes : Unto you it is given on tbe behalf of Christ to believe on him, Phil. i. 29.
3. Does the Spirit work faith in us ? Yes: it is the faith of the operation of God, Col 11. 12. Is it a divine work then ? Yes : this is the work of God, that ye believe, John vi. 29. Is it a work of divine power ? Yes: we believe according to tbe work-in;^ of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, Eph. i. 19, 20. Is it wrought in all the saints ? Yes: for they have all obtained a like precious faith, 2 Pet. i. 1. Shall it be wrought in all the chosen ? Yes: for it is the faith of God's elect. Tit i. 1.
4. Are all true believers united to Christ? Yes: He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit, 1 Cor. vi. 17. Are they interested in his death ? Yes: We are crucified with Christ, Gal. ii. 20. And in his burial ? Yes: We are buried with him in baptism, Rom. vi. 4, And in his resurrection ? Yes: He has quickened us together with Christ, Eph. ii. 5. And in his ascension ? Yes: He has made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Eph. ii.6.
5. Is there a real union between Christ and believers ? Yes: for both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one, Heb. ii. It. Is he the Head ? Yes: he is the Head of the body, the church. Col. i. 18. Are they his members ? Yes: Who are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones, Eph. v. 30. Is he the Root ? Yes: for of his fulness have all we received, John i. 16. Are they the branches? Yes : I am the vine, ye are the branches, John xv. 5. Is he the Foundation ? Yes: Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, Isa. xxviii. 16. Are they built upon him ? Yes: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, 1 Pet. ii. 5.
6. Is there a relative union between Christ and believers ? Yes: I ascend to my Father and your Father, John xx. 17. Are they his children ? Yes: Here am I, and the children which thou hast given me, Heb. ii. 13. Are they his brethren ? Yes : he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Heb. ii. 11,12 Are they his spouse ? Yes : I have espoused you to one husband, 2 Cor. xi. 2. Are they his subjects ? Yes: they arc translated into the kingdom of his dear Son, Col. i. 13. Are they his soldiers ? Yes: good soldiers of Jesus Christ, 2 Tim. ii. 3. Are they his servants ? Yes: Ye call me Master and Lord, John xiii. 13. Are they his scholars ? Yes : they sit at Jesus' feet and hear his word, Luke x. 39. Are they his sheep ? Yes: for he is the great Shepherd of the sheep, Heb. xiii. 20.
7. Is it by faith that we are united to Christ? Yes: for Christ dwells in the heart by faith, Eph. iii. 17. Is that owing to the Spirit ? Yes: we arc a habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph. ii. 22. Does communion result from this union ? Yes: for truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, 1 John i. 3. And is that owing to the Spirit ? Yes: we have an access by one Spirit unto the Father, Eph. ii. 18. Can we be united to Christ without the indwelling of the Spirit? No: for if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, Rom. viii. 9. Have all that are united to Christ an interest in the benefits of redemption ? Yes: for of him are we in Christ Jesus, who
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of God is made unto ns wisdom, rigbteoasness, sane-tification, and redemption, 1 Cor. i. 90.
8. Are we united to Christ in oar effectaal calling } Yes: for we are called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, 1 Cor. i. 9. Will the common call unite us to Christ? No: for many are called, but few are chosen, Matt xxii. 14. Is it the effectaal call then that does it ? Yes: for whom he called, them he justified, Rom. yiii. 30.
9. Does the gospel call as from sin to God > Yes: it turns from the power of Satan unto God, Acts xxtL 18. Does it call us from self to Christ ? Yes: If any man will be my disciple, let him deny himself and follow me, Matt. XTi. 24. Does it call us from darkness to light ? Yes: He hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, 1 Pet. ii. 9. And from uncleanness to holiness ? Yes: God hath not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness, 1 Thess. iv. 7. And from this world to the other ? Yes: If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, Col. iii. 1. Is this call effectual when we come at the call ? Yes: Follow me, and he arose and followed him, Matt. ix. 9. Is it our great concern to make this sure ? Yes: Make your calling and your election sure, 2 Pet. i. 10.
Q. 31. What is effectual calling ?
A. Effectual calling is the work of Gods Spirit, whereby convincing us of ou r sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
1. Is the common call given to the world ? Yes: he sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden. Matt. xxii. 3. Can ministers make that call effectual f No: for who hath believed our report, Isa. liii. I. Is it the work of God to make it effectual ? Yes : for it is God that giveth the increase, 1 Cor. iii. 7. Does he do it in a way suitable to our nature ? Yes: I drew them with cords of a man, Hos. xi. 4. Is it necessary to our salvation, that the call should be effectual } Yes: Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, 2 Tim. i. 9.
2. Are all who are effectually called convinced of sin ? Yes: I was alive without the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, Rom. vii. 9. Is it the Spirit's work to convince ? Yes: when he is come he will convince the world of sin, John xvi. 8. Is the word the ordinary means of conviction ? Yes: for by the law is the knowledge of sin, Rom. iii. 20. Is it necessary we should be convinced of sin ? Yes: for they that are whole, need not a physician. Matt. ix. 12. Must we be convinced of the fact of sin ? Yes: These things thou hast done, Ps. 1. 21. And of the fault of sin ? Yes: Know therefore, and see, that it is an evil thing, Jer. ii. 19. And of the folly of sin ? Yes : Herein thou hast | done foolishly, 2 Chron. xvi. 9. And of the filth of sin } Yes: For how canst thou say, I am not polluted } Jer. ii. 23. And of the fruit of sin ? Yes: Your sins have separated between you and your God, Isa. lix. 1, 2. And of the fountain of sin ? Yes: They shall know every man the plagae of his own heart, 1 Kings viii. 38.
3. Must we also be convinced of oar misery? Yes: Thou art wretched and miserable. Rev. iii. 17. And of our danger? Yes: Flee from the wrath to come. Matt. iii. 7. Must we be convinced of our helplessness in ourselves ? Yes: when sin revived I died, Rom. vii. 9. And of the possibility of our being helped by the grace of God ? Yes: How many hired servants of my father have bread enough, and to spare 1 Luke xv. 17. Will these convictions put us in pain } Yes: When they heard this, they were pricked to the heart, Acts ii. 37. And bring as to be at a loss within ourselves ? Yes: Men and brethren, what shall we do } Acts ii. 37. And put os apon inquiry > Yes: They shall ask the way to Sion with their faces thitherward, Jer. 1. 6. Are these convictions necessary to prepare us for an invitation to Christ? Yes: Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden. Matt. xi. 28.
4. Does the Spirit, when he has convinced us of sin and misery, leave us so ? No: for he has torn, and he will heal us, Hos. vi. 1. When he has showed us our wound, does he show us our remedy ? Yes: O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help, Hos. xiii. 9. Does he enlighten our minds ? Yes: the Spirit of wisdom and revelation is given, that the eyes of our understanding may be enligbt* ened, Eph. i. 17, 18. Does he enlighten them with the knowledge of Christ? Yes: he gives the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. iv. 6. Does he discover to the soul Christ's ability to save ? Yes: I have laid help upon one that is mighty, Ps. Ixxxix. 19. And his willingness to save? Yes: I will, be thou clean. Matt. viii. 3. Should we be most ambitious of the knowledge of Christ ? Yes: counting all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord, Phil. iii. 8. Does the Spirit direct convinced sinners to Christ ? Yes: Turn ye to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope, Zech. ix. 12.
5. Is it enough to have the mind enlightened? No: for we are called into a professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, 2 Cor. ix. 13. Must the will therefore be renewed ? Yes: for it is God tliat work-eth in us both to will and to do of his own good pleasure, Phil. ii. 13. Is it the work of the Spirit to incline the will to do that which is good ? Yes: Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, Ps. cxix. 36. And is that the renewing of th will ? Yes: A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I pat within you, Ezek. xxxvi. 26. Does that make the will pliable ? Yes: I will take the stony heart out
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889 of their fleshy and will give them an heart of flesh, Ezek. xi. 19. Does it bring it into subjection to the vill of Grod ? Yes: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do } Acta ix. 6* And is that a cheerfol subjection ? Yes: because the love of God is shed abroad in oar hearts bjr the Holy Ghost, Rom. ▼. 6.
6. Is Christ offered to us in the gospel ? Yes: Behold, I stand at the door and knock, Rev. iii. 20. h he freely offered } Yes: Come buy, without money, and without price, Isa. Iv. 1. Are we concerned to embrace that offer ? Yes: Come eat of my bread, and driok of the wine that I have mingled, Prov. jx. 5. Are we by nature averse to it ? Yes: Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life, John v. 40. Do sinners perish then through their own wilfulness? Yes: I have called, and ye have refused, Prov. i. 24. Does the Spirit in effectual calling overcome this aversion } Yes : With loving kindness have I drawn thee, Jer. xxxi. 3. Does he persuade us to embrace this offer ) Yes: For every man that hath heard, and learned of the Father, cometh unto me, John vi. 45. Does he enable us } Yes: For you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins, Epb. ii. 1.
7. Can we tarn to God by any power of our own } No: for we are not sufficient of ourselves, 2 Cor. iii. 5, Is it the gce of God that turns us to him ? Yes: Turn thou me, and I shall be turned, Jer. xxxi. 18. Is it free grace ? Yes: He went on frowardly in the way of his heart, I have seen his ways, and will heal him, Isa. Ivii. 17,18. Does it turn us by a vork upon the will ? Yes: The Lord opened the heart of Lydia, Acts xvi. 14. Is it special grace ? Yes: It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that ranoeth, but of God that sboweth mercy, Rom. ix. 16. Shall this grace be given to all the elect ? Yes: All that the Father hath given me shall come unto ne, John vi. d7« Shall it be effectual ? . Yes: His ^ce which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, 1 Cor. XV. 10. May we in faith pray for this grace ? Yes: I will for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, Ezek. xxxvi. 37. Can any torn to God without this special grace ? No: For no man can come to me, except the Father, which hath sent me, draw him, John vi. 44. Must that grace therefore have all the glory ? Yes: we must show forth the praises of him that hath called us, 1 Pet ii. 9.
Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectual tailed partake of in this life ?
A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.
1. Are all those happy which are effectually called? Yes: for God hath called us to his kingdom and glory, 1 Thess. ii. 12. Are they partakers of the blessings of the new covenant? Yes: for the promise is sure to all the seed, Rom. iv. 16. Are they happy even in this life ? Yes: For after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Eph. i. 13.
2. Are they dignified and preferred ? Yes: Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, 1 Pet ii. 9. Are they brought near ? Yes: Ye who sometimes were afar off, are made nigh, Eph. ii. 13. Are they enriched ? Yes: God hath called the poor in this world rich in faith. Jam. ii. 5. Are they taken into the communion of saints ? Yes: for we are come to the church of the first-bom which are written in heaven, Heb. xii. 23. And into communion with the holy angels ? Yes: for we are come to an innumerable company of angels, Heb. xii. 22. Are they entitled to the best possessions } Yes: All things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, 1 Cor. iii. 22. Are they happy in the best blessings ? Yes: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly things, Eph. i. 3. Are they happy both for soul and body ? Yes: He hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, 2 Pet. i. 3.
3. Are they justified ? Yes: whom he called, them he justified, Rom. viii. 30. Is that an unspeakable benefit ? Yes: blessed is the man whose iniquity is forgiven, Ps. xxxii. 1. Are they adopted? Yes: for he hath predestinated us to the adoption of children, Eph. i. 5. And is that an unspeakable benefit } Yes: for if children, then heirs, Rom. viii. 17. Are they sanctified? Yes: they are sanctified in Christ Jesus, 1 Cor. i. 2. And is that an unspeakable benefit ? Yes: for we are partakers of his holiness, Heb. xii. 10.
4. Do they partake of other benefits ? Yes: The Lord will give grace and glory, and no good thing will be withhold from them that walk uprightly, Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. Are all these benefits given to them that are effectually called ? Yes: for the promise of the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, is to as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts ii. 39. And shall every thing turn to their advantage? Yes: all things work together for good to them -that are the called, Rom. viii. 26. Will you therefore make it sure that you are effectually called, by coming at the call ? Yes: behold, we come unto thee, for thou art the Lord our God, Jer. iii. 22.
Q. 33. What isjustifcation 2
A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardons all our sins, and accepts ns as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
1. Have we all need to be justified ? Yes: for we are all guilty before God, Rom. iii. 19. Is it enough if we justify ourselves? No: If I justify
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myself my own mouth shall condemn me, Job ix. 20. Is it enough if our neighbours justify us ? No: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God, Luke xvi. 15. Must it be God's act then ? Yes: It is God that justifieth, Bom. viii. 33. And his only ? Yes: for none can forgive sins but God only, Mark ii. 7. And is it an act of free grace ? Yes: we are justified freely by his grace, Rom. iii. 24.
2. Are all that are justified discharged from the sentence of the law ? Yes: for there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, Rom. viii. 1. Have they their sins pardoned ? Yes; we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, Eph. i. 7. Does God forgive them ? Yes: I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions, Isa. xliii. 25.
3. When God forgives sin does he forgive all ? Yes: Having forgiven all your trespasses. Col. ii. 13. Does he forgive even great sins ? Yes: Though your sins have been as scarlet, they shall be white as snow, Isa. i. 18. Does he forgive many sins? Yes: He will abundantly pardon, Isa. Iv. 7. Does he forgive freely ? Yes : I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. Does he forgive fully ? Yes: Their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more, Heb. viii. 12. Is he forward to forgive? Yes: I said I will confess, and thou forgavest, Ps. xxxii. 5. Does he forgive and forget ? Yes: Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea, Mic. vii. 19.
4. Is forgiveness of sins offered to all upon gospel terms ? Yes: for repentance and remission of sins b preached to all nations, Luke xxiv. 47. Is it secured to all the chosen remnant? Yes: for Christ is exalted to be a Prince, and a Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins. Acts v. 31. Have all believers their sins pardoned? Yes: through him all that believe are justified. Acts xiii. 39. Are they accepted in God's sight ? Yes: he hath made us accepted in the Beloved, Eph. i. 6. Are they accepted as righteous? Yes: for we are made the righteousness of God in him, 2 Cor. v. 21. May those that have been ungodly be thus justified? Yes: he justifies the ungodly, Rom. iv. 5.
5. Can we be justified by the covenant of inno-cency? No: for who can say, I have made my heart clean? Prov. xx.9. Can we be justified by any thing in ourselves ? No: How can men be justified with God ? Job xxv. 4. If we know no ill by ourselves will that justify us ? No: though I know nothing by myself, yet am I not thereby justified, 1 Cor. iv. 4. Will the law of Moses justify us ? No: we are justified from all those things from which we could not be justified by the law of Mose*9, Acts xiii. 39. Will our own works justify us ? No: by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified, Rom. iii. 20. Would the ceremonial sacrifices justify men? No: they could not make the comers thereunto perfect, Heb. x. 1. Are we justified for the righteousness of Christ? Yes: By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous, Rom. v. 19. And for that only ? Yes: Not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, Phil. iii. 9.
6. Is the righteousness of Christ imputed to as for our justification? Yes: for he is made of God unto us righteousness, 1 Cor. i. 30. Did Christ die that it might be imputed ? Yes: He shall j ustify many, for he shall bear their iniquities, Isa. liii. 11. Do we owe our justification then to the death of Christ? Yes: the blood of Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin, 1 John i. 7. And does that lay the foundation of our salvation ? Yes: being justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath, Rom. ▼. 9. Were we justified from eternity? No: for in due time Christ died for the ungodly, Rom. v. 9. If Christ had died, and not risen again, could he have justified us ? No: for he was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification, Rom. iv. 25. Is that then our plea for peace and pardon ? Yes: for who then is he that shall condemn ? Rom. viiL 34. May we then depend upon Christ for righteousness 7 Yes: In the Lord I have righteousness and strength, Isa. xlv. 24. Is it become an act of justice in God to pardon sin upon the account of Christ's righteousness ? Yes: for he is just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus, Rom. iii. 26. 1 John i. 9.
7. Are we to receive the righteousness of Christ? Yes: We have now received the atonement, Rom. V. 11. Do we receive it by faith? Yes: through his name; whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts x. 43. And by faith only ? Yes: for being justified by faith we have peace with God, Rom. V. 1. Did Christ's death satisfy the law? Yes: for Christ hath redeemed us from the corse of the law. Gal. iii. 13. Is that then our only righteousness in the law court ? Yes: for we are reconciled to God by the death of his Son, Rom. v. 10. Do we by true faith come up to the terms of the gospel? Yes: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, Acts xvi. 31. Is that then our righteousness in the gospel court ? Yes: for to him that believeth, his faith is counted for righteousness, Rom. iv. 5. Is it therefore our life ? Yes: for tlic just shall live by his faith, Hab. ii. 4. Is it so as it applies Christ's righteousness? Yes: This is the name whereby he shall be called, the Lord our righteousness, Jer. xxiii. 6.
8. Is justifying faith a working faith? Yes: for by works is faith made perfect. Jam. ii. 22. And will that faith justify us which does not produce good works? No: for by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Jam. ii. 24. Is faith then I dead without good works? Yes: for as the body
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891 without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Jam. ii. 26. And are good works dead without faith ? Yes: for without faith it is impossible to please God, Heh. zi. 6. Must they both act together then ? Yes: for that which avails is faith, which works by love. Gal. y. 6. Do we then make Toid the law through faith 7 No: God forbid, yea, we establish the law, Rom. iii. 31. Is our faith our own ? No: it is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, £ph. ii. 8. Are our good works our own ? No: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us, Isa. XXn. 13. Is any room left for boasting then ? No: it is excluded by the law of faith, Rom. iii. 27. Must God therefore have all the glory ? Yes: for by the grace of God 1 am what I am, 1 Cor. xv. 10.
Q. 34. Wkai is adopiion ?
A. Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.
1. Are all believers God's children? Yes: Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, Gal. ill. 26. Are they so by nature ? No: We are bj nature children of wrath, Eph. ii. 3. A.re they so by adoption ? Yes: We receive the adoption of sons. Gal. iv. 5. Do they deserve to be made God's children? No: How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land ? Jer. iii. 19. Are they altogether unworthy of such a favour? Yes: I am no more worthy to be called thy son, Luke XT. 19. Is it bestowed upon them notwithstanding their unworthiness ? Yes: I will be a Father to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty, 2 Cor. vi. 18.
2. Is adoption an act of God's free grace ? Yes: Behold whatmanner of love the Father hath bestowed apon us, that we should be called the sons of God, I John iii. I. Are we by it received into the number of God's children ? Yes: There shall they be called the children of the living God, Rom. ix. 26. Are we received into that number upon our believing? Yes: As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, John i. 12.
3. Have we leave to call God, Father? Yes : Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father, Rom. viii. 15. Does be encou-raie us to do so ? Yes: Thou shalt call me. My Father, and shalt not turn away from me, Jer. iii. 19. May we call him so, though we have been prodigals ? Yes: I will go to my father, and will say Qotohim, Father, Luke xv. 18. May we look upon all good Christians as our brethren ? Yes: For all ye are brethren. Matt xxiii. 8. And do they all make one family ? Yes: Of whom the whole family both in heaven and earth is named, Eph. iii. 16.
4. Does God give the nature of his children to all whom he receives into the number ? Yes: Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, Gal. iv. 6. Do they partake of a divine nature ? Yes: they are made partakers of a divine nature, 2 Pet. i. 4. Are all God's children born again then? Yes: they are bom not of the will of man, but of God, John i. 13. Is our adop* tion then to be known by our disposition ? Yes: for in this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil, whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God, 1 John iii. 10.
6. Have all God's adopted children a right to the privileges of children ? Yes: they are brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, Rom. viii. 21. Does their Father pity them? Yes: liko as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, Ps. ciii. 13. Does he spare them? Yes: as a man spares his own son that serves him, Mai. iii. 17. Does he take care of them? Yes: Children, have ye any meat 7 John xxi. 16. Does he provide for them ? Yes: for they that seek the Lord shall want no good thing, Ps. xxxiv. 10. Does he correct them in love ? Yes: For what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not ? Heb. xii. 7. Does he hear their prayers ? Yes: Your Father in heaven will give good things to them that ask him Matt vii. 11. Will he give them the inheritance of sons? Yes: It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom, Luke xii. 32. Will he bring them all safe to it ? Yes: He will gather together the children of God that were scattered abroad, John xi. 52. Will Christ present them all to the Father? Yes: Behold, I and the children which thou hast given me, Heb. ii. 13.
6. Must all God's children reverence him? Yes: If I be a Father, where is my honour? Mai. i. 6. Must they obey him ? Yes: as obedient children, 1 Pet i. 14. Must they imitate him ? Yes: Be ye followers of God, as dear children, Eph. v. 1. Must they submit to him 7 Yes: Father, thy will be done, Matt xxvi. 42.
Q. 35. What U sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.
1. Are all that are justified sanctified? Yes: for Jesus Christ is made both righteousness and sanctification, 1 Cor. i. 30. Is it necessary they should be so? Yes: for without holiness no man shall see the Lord, Heb. xii. 14. Did Christ die that they might be sanctified ? Yes : For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified, John xvii. 19. And was this the intention of their election ? Yes: He hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification, 2 Thess. ii. 13.
2. Is sanctification the work of God ? Yes: We are sanctified by God the Father, Jude 1. Is it the
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work of the Spirit of God ? Yea: it is sanctification of the Spirit, 1 Pet. i. 2. Is it a work of free grace? Yes: according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, Tit. iii. 5. Is it a work wrought in us ? Yes: for we are his workmanship, created unto good works, Eph. ii. 10.
3. Is sanctification something more than being civilized ?' Yes: for he is not a Jew, that is one outwardly, Rom. ii. 28. Is it more than being baptized ? Yes : it is not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience, 1 Pet. iii. 21. Is it an inward change of the heart? Yes: we must be renewed in the spirit of our mind, Eph. iv. 23. Is it the renovation of the whole man ? Yes: if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, 2 Cor. V. 17. Will it suffice to have a new name ? No: For thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead, Rev. iii. 1. Will it suffice to have a new face ? No: for there are those that have the form of godliness, but deny the power of it, 2 Tim. iii. 5. Must there be a new heart? Yes: A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, Ezek. xxxvi. 26. And a new nature ? Yes: Put on the new man, Eph. iv. 24. And a new birth ? Yes: Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God, John iii. 3.
4. Most we be cleansed from sin ? Yes : From all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you, Ezek. xxxvi. 25. Must we be consecrated to God ? Yes: for we are the temple of God, 1 Cor. iii. 16. Must the law be written in the heart ? Yes : I will put my law in their heart, Heb. viii. 10. Must the understanding be enlightened? Yes: Anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayst see. Rev. iii. 18. Must the heart be softened ? Yes: I will take away the stony heart, and give a heart of flesh, Ezek. xi. 19. Most the will be bowed ? Yes: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? Acts ix. 6. Must the affections be made spiritual? Yes: Set your affections on things above. Col. iii. 2. Must the body also be an instrument of holiness ? Yes: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, Rom. xii. 1.
5. Most we be renewed after the image of God ? Yes : Put on the new man, which is renewed after the image of him that created him. Col. iii. 10. And after the pattern of Christ ? Yes: for Christ must be formed in us, Gal. iv. 19. Is sin mortified in all that are sanctified? Yes: they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh. Gal. v. 24. Is grace planted in them ? Yes: there is a well of water springing up to eternal life, John iv. 14. Is this work perfect at first ? No: it is first the blade, then the ear, after that the full com in the ear, Mark iv. 28.
6. Do all that are sanctified die unto sin ? Yes : Reckon ye yourselves dead unto sin, Rom. vi. 11. Do they live unto righteousness ? Yes: being dead to sin, we live unto righteousness, 1 Pet. ii. 24. Are they enabled to do so ? Yes: for it is through the
Spirit that we mortify the deeds of the body, Rom. viii. 13. And is the course of their conversation ac* cordingly ? Yes: they walk not after the flesh, bat after the Spirit, Rom. viii. 1. Is it our doty to sab-> mit to the Spirit as a sanctifier ? Yes: Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the works of the flesh. Gal. V. 16. And is the grace of God promised us for this purpose ? Yes: Sin shall not have dominion over you, Rom. vi. 14.
Q. 36. What are the heneJU$ which in this life do either accompany or flow from justificationy adoption, and sanetijication ?
A. The benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sane* tification, are, assurance of God*s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.
1. Are they that are justified happy in this life? Yes: for being justified by faith, we have peace with God, Rom. v. 1. And are they so that are adopted ? Yes: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, 1 John iii. 2. And are they so that are sanctified ? Yes: for to the pure all things are pure. Tit. i. 16.
2. May they have an assurance of God's love ? Yes : Ye know that ye have eternal life, 1 John t. 13. Is the Spirit the author of that assurance ? Yes : the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God, Rom. viii. 16. Is it wrought by evidences ? Yes: hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments, 1 John ii. 3. Do all believers attain this assurance ? No: some walk in darkness, and have no light, Isa. 1. 10. But should they labour after it? Yes: Show the same diligence unto the full assurance of hope unto the end, Heb. vi. 11. And is it an unspeakable comfort? Yes: for the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Ghost, Rom. V. 5. And is it just cause for triumph ? Yes: I know whom I have believed, 2 Tim. i. 12.
3. Is peace of conscience a precious privilege ? Yes: for if our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God, 1 John iii. 21. Is it the fruit of grace ? Yes: for the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever, Isa. xxxii. 17. Has Christ left it as a legacy to his disciples? Yes: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, John xiv. 27. Can those who are unjustified have this peace ? No: There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked, Isa. Ivii. 21. Should those that arc justified labour after it? Yes : Return to thy rest, O my soul, Ps. cxvi. 7. Should this peace govern us ? Yes: Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. Col. iii. 15. And will it preserve us ? Yes: The peace of God shall keep your hearts and minds, Phil. iv. 7. And will it be our comfort in the day
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893 of evii ? Yes: oar rejoicing is this, the testimoDy of oar conscience, 2 Cor. i. 12. Is it therefore our interest to secure it ? Yes: Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence, Acts xxiv. 16.
4. May those who are justified have joy in the Holy Ghost? Yes: for helieving we rejoice with joj uDspeakahle, and full of glory, 1 Pet. i. 8. Ha?e they cause for joy? Yes: for gladness is jown for the upright in heart, Ps. xcvii. 11. Is it their duty to rejoice ? Yes: Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice, Phil. iv. 4. Is it their interest to rejoice ? Yes: for the joy of the Lord is their strength, Neh. viii. 10. May they rejoice in all conditions: Yes: for we glory in tribulations also, Rom. v. 3. And is this a superlative joy? Yes: it is gladness in the heart more than in the time that their com and wine increased, Ps. iv. 7.
5. Is grace gwing ? Yes: He that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. Job xvii. 9. Is it so in its nature ? Yes: for it is as the shining light, which shines more and more unto the perfect day, Prov. iv. 18. Is it our duty to grow in grace ? Yes: Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18. And may we rest in what we have attained ? No : but press forward towards the mark, Phil. iii. 14. Is it promised to all believers that they shall grow ? Yes: for to him that hath shall be given, Matt. xxv. 29. 'H'ill the gce of God make them grow ? Yes: I vill be as the dew unto Israel, he shall grow as the lily, Hos. xiv. 6.
6. Shall true believers persevere to the end t Yes: for be that hath begun a good work will perform it, Phil. i. 6L Will hypocrites persevere ? No : these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away, Luke viii. 13. Does it appear by their apostasy that they never were sincere? Yes: They went out from us because they were iK)t of us; for if they had been of us, they would i» doubt have continued with us, 1 John ii. 19. Bat shall any that are justified finally fall away ? ^0: for whom he justified, them he glorified, Rom. viii. 30. Is every fall a falling away ? No: for tho Qgb he falls he shall not be utterly cast down, Ps. nxvii. 24. May the appearances of grace be lost? Yes: From bim shall be taken away even that vhich he seemed to ha?e, Luke viii. 18. But can tme grace be finally lost t No: it is that good part which shall never be taken away, Luke x. 42. Will God recal his gifts ? No: the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, Rom. xi. 29. Will he secure them ? Yes: we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, 1 Pet. i. 5. and V. 7. Is the perseverance of the saints secured by tbe divine power ? Yes: No man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hands, John x. 29. And by the divine providence ? Yes: for he will not sufl Ter you to be tempted above that ye are able, 1 Cor. X. 13. And by the divine grace ? Yes: I will put my fear in their "hearts, that they shall not depart from me, Jer. xxxii. 40. And by the intercession of Christ? Yes: I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, Luke xxii. 32. And by the indwelling of the Spirit ? Yes: The anointing which you have received, abideth in you, 1 John ii. 27. And by the stability of the promise ? Yes: My covenant will I not break, Ps. Ixxxix. 34. May they be secure then? No: Be not high-minded, but fear, Rom. xL 20. But may they be encouraged ? Yes: He will preserve me to his heavenly kingdom, 2 Tim. iv. 18.
Q. 37. WJiat benefits do believers receive from Christ at death ?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies being still united to Christ, do rest in their gves till the resurrection.
1. Is the happiness of believers confined to this present life ? No: if in this life omly we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable, 1 Cor. XV. 19. Is the best of their happiness in this life? No: for in the world ye shall have tribulation, John xvi. 33. Must they die as well as others? Yes: it is appointed unto men once to die, Heb. ix. 27. Must the best and most useful die ? Yes: the righteous perisheth, and merciful men are taken away, Isa. Ivii. 1. Ought they then to wait for it? Yes: All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job xiv. 14. And to prepare for it? Yes: Therefore be ye also ready, Matt xxiv. 44.
2. Is death loss to a good Christian? No: for to -me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, Phil. i. 21. Should it therefore be a terror ? No: for the righteous hath hope in his death, Prov. xiv. 32. Does God take special care of the death of his people ? Yes: for precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints, Ps. cxvi. 15. Is death in the covenant? Yes: All is yours, whether life or death, 1 Cor. iii. 22. Can it separate them from the love of God ? No: neither death nor life can do that, Rom. viii. 38.
3. Are believers perfect in holiness in this life ? No: I have not yet attained, neither am already perfect, Phil. iii. 12. Are their souls made perfect at death ? Yes: the spirits of just men are made perfect, Heb. xii. 23. Are they delivered from sin? Yes: he that is dead is freed from sin, Rom. vi. 7. Are they made perfect in knowledge ? Yes: Then shall I know, even as also I am known, 1 Cor. xiii. 12. And perfect in holiness? Yes; for they are come to the perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, £ph, iv. 13. Might
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they pass into glory without being made perfect in holiness ? No: for corruption cannot inherit incor-mption, 1 Cor. xv. 60. Being made perfect in holiness, are they confirmed in it? Yes: He that is holy, let him be holy still. Rev. xxii. 11.
4. Do the soals of believers at death sleep with their bodies? No: for when we are absent from the body, we are present with the Lord, 2 Cor. v. 8. Do they go to Christ ? Yes: Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, Phil. i. 23. And will he receive them ? Yes: Lord Jesns, receive my spirit, Acts vii. 59. Shall they be where he is ? Yes: That where I am there ye may be also, John xiv. 3. Will they be with him in heaven ? Yes: We have a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, 2 Cor. V. 1. Do they pass into this glory at death ? Yes: That when ye fail ye may be received into everlasting habitations, Luke xvi. 9. Do they immediately pass into it? Yes: This day shalt thou be with me in paradise, Luke xxiii. 43. Are they guarded by angels thither ? Yes: He was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom, Luke xvi. 22. Are they happy then in their death? Yes: Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, Rev. xiv. 13. Happier than in life ? Yes: The day of their death is better than the day of their birth, Eccl. vii. 1. And is their end peace ? Yes: Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace, Ps. xxxvii. 37.
6. Is death gain to the wicked man? No: for when a wicked man dies, his expectation shall perish, Prov. xi. 7. Is it therefore a terror to the wicked ? Yes: This night thy soul shall be required of thee, Luke xii. 20. Do the souls of the wicked at death go into torment ? Yes : The rich man died, and was buried, and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torment, Luke xvi. 22, 23. Do they go away under the guilt of their sins ? Yes : If ye believe not that I am he, ye ^all die in your sins, John viii. 24. Is it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God ? Yes: for our God is a consuming fire, Heb. xii. 29. Are the souls of believers distinguished from them ? Yes: But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, Ps. xlix. 15.
6. Are the bodies of believers well provided for at death ? Yes: for the Lord is for the body, 1 Cor. vi. 13. May they be cheerfully committed to the grave? Yes: liy flesh also shall rest in hope, Ps. xvi. 9. Do they still remain united to Christ? Yes: for they sleep in Jesns, 1 Thess. iv. 14. Do they rest in their graves ? Yes: for there the weary be at rest. Job iii. 17. Is the grave a good Christian's bed ? Yes: He shall enter into peace, they shall rest in thoir beds, Isa. Ivii. 2. May the saints triumph over the grave then ? Yes: O grave, where is thy victory ? 1 Cor. xv. 56. And need they to fear no evil in it ? No: for the sucking child shall play upon the hole of the asp, Isa. xi. 8. Are all who are regenerate delivered from the second death! Yes : Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death shall have no power. Rev. xx. 6.
7. Shall the dead be raised again? Yes: there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust. Acts xxiv. 15. Shall the saim body be raised again ?• Yes: Though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I sec God, Job xix. 26. Shall it be done by the powei of Christ ? Yes: for as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive, I Cor. xv. 22. Shall there be a vast difference between the godly and the wicked at the resurrection ? Yes: for soaie shall awake to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt* Dan. xii. 2. Has Christ himself assured us of this? Yes: the hour is coining when all that are in the gves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good onto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation, John ▼. 28, 29< Is it certain when this shall be ? Yes: for he hath appointed a day. Acts xvii. 31. But is it known to us? No: for of that day and hour knoweth no man, Mark xiii. 32.
Q. 38. What benefits do believers receive from Chrisi at the resurrection ?
A. At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity.
1. Shall the dead bodies of believers be raised I Yes: For the dead shall be raised, 1 Cor. xv. 62. Is it possible that the same body should return to life again ? Yes: Why should it seem a things incredible with you that God should raise the dead 1 Acts xxvi. 8. Is it certain that they shall be raised 1 Yes: for if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen, 1 Cor. xv. 13. Has Christ un dertaken for the resurrection of believers? Yes : I am the resurrection and the life, John xL 26. Are they in error who deny it ? Yes: Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God, Matt, xxii. 29.
2. Shall the believer's body be raised up in glory 1 Yes: it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory, 1 Cor. XV. 43. Shall it be the glory of Christ's ^o-rified body ? Yes: he shall change our vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like unto his glorioos body, Phil. iii. 21. Shall they be raised by virtue of their union with Christ? Yes: Together vrith my dead body shall they arise, Isa. xxvi. 19. Shall they be raised to such a life as we now live ? No: for in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage. Matt xxii. 30. Shall they be raised to an immortal life ? Yes: for this mortal must put on immortality, 1 Cor. xv. 53. Shall they
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Uiat are foand alie be changed ? Yea: Behold, I show yon a mystery, we shall not all sleep, bat we shall all be chang, 1 Cor. xt. 51.
3. Shall all the saints at that day be bronght to Jesas Christ? Yes: at the coming of our Lord Jesas Christ there shall be a gathering together anto him, 2 Thess. ii. 1. Shall they be separated from the wicked? Yes: as the Shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats. Matt xxy. 32. Shall all the saints be then together ? Yes : for he shall gather his elect from the fonr winds. Matt. xxiv. 31. And none bat saints ? Yes: for he shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend. Matt xiii. 41. And saints made perfect ? Yes: for then that which is perfect is come, 1 Cor. xiii. 10. Shall they attend apon Christ at his coming? Yes : Behold the Lord Cometh with ten thousands of his saints. Jade 14. Shall they be assessors with him in his judgment ? Yes: for the saints shall judge the world, 1 Cor. tL2.
4. Shall they be openly acknowledged in the day of judgment? Yes: Him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven, Matt x. 32. Will God own them as his own ? Yes: They shall be mine, saith the Lord, in that day when I make up my jewels, Mai. iii. 17. And will that be their honour? Tes: If any man serve me, him will my Father honour, John xii. 26. Shall they be openly acquitted ? Yes: for their sins shall be blotted out when the times of refreshing come, Acts iii. 19.
5. Shall the wicked be condemned then ? Yes: be shall say to them on his left hand. Depart from me. Shall they be sent away with a blessing ? No: Depart ye cursed. Shall they go into a place of ease ? No: into fire. Into ordinary fire ? No: into fire prepared. Shall it be for a short time ? No: bat into everlasting fire. Shall they have good company? No: but the devil and his angels. Matt. XXV. 41. Will the salvation of the saints aggravate their condemnation ? Yes: for they shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of hea-Ten, Luke xiii. 28.
6. Shall the saints at the day of judgment be put in possession of eternal life ? Yes: the righteous iDto life eternal. Matt. xxv. 46. Shall they be blest ? Yes: Come, ye blessed of my Father, Matt xxv. 34. Sbaii they be perfectly blessed ? Yes: for in thy presence is fulness of joy, Ps. xvi. 11. Shall there be any sin in heaven? No: for they are as the angels of God in heaven. Matt xxii. 30. Shall there be any sorrow there ? No: for God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Rev. xxi. 4. Shall there be any dying there ? No: there shall be no more death. Rev. xxi. 4.
7. Is heaven a place of rest ? Yes: there remain-etb a rest for the people of God, Heb. iv. 9. Is it Kght ? Yes: it is the inheritance of the saints in light. Col. i. 12. Is it honour ? Yes: it is a crown of glory that fades not away, 1 Pet v. 4. Is it wealth ? Yes: it is an inheritance incorruptihle, 1 Pet i. 4. Is it joy ? Yes: Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord, Matt xxv. 21.
8. Shall we in heaven see God ? Yes: when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is, 1 John iii. 2^ Shall we see him clearly ? Yes: now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face, 1 Cor. xiii. 12. Shall we enjoy him ? Yes: God himself shall be with them, and be their God, Rev. xxi. 3. Shall we be satisfied in the vision and fruition of God ? Yes: I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness, Ps. xvii. 15. Shall this be everlasting ? Yes: So shall we ever be with the Lord, 1 Thess. iv. 17.
9. Is this happiness purchased ? Yes: it is the purchased possession, Eph. i. 14. Is it promised ? Yes: it is eternal life which God, that cannot lie, promised. Tit i. 2. Is it sure to all good Christians? Yes: even the poor in the world, if rich in faith, are heirs of the kingdom, Jam. ii. 6. Should we not be solicitous that it may he sure with us ? Yes: What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Luke xviii. 18. Should we not then have it much in our eye ? Yes: for we look not at the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen, 2 Cor. iv. 18. And should we not be comforted and encouraged with the prospect of it ? Yes: for the sufiierings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed. Rota. viii. 18.
Q. 39. What is the duty which God requires of man?
A. The duty which God requires of man is obedience to his revealed will.
1. Does God require duty of men ? Yes: Now, O Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, Deut. X. 12. Of every man ? Yes: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matt xiii. 9. Has he authority to require duty } Yes: If I be a master, where is my fear ? Mai. i. 6. Is it fit he should rule us ? Yes: for we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture, Ps. c. 3. Is it fit we should obey him I Yes: for the borrower is servant to the lender, and the fool is servant to the wise in heart, Prov. xxii. 7. xi. 29. Ought we therefore to inquire what our duty is ? Yes: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, Ps. cxix. 33.
2. Has God made known his will concerning our duty ? Yes: He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel, Ps. cxlvii. 19. Are we to obey it ? Yes: Thou shalt obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments, Deut. xxvii. 10. Is that obedience the condition of our acceptance ? Yes: Obey my voice, and I will be your- God, Jer. vii. 23. Is obedience to God reasonable ? Yes: it is our reasonable service, Rom. xii. 1. Is it easy? Yes: for his com-
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mandmeiits are not grievoas, 1 John y. 3. And will it be acceptable? Yes: for to obey is better than sacrifice, 1 Sam. xv. 22.
3. Must our obedience to God be sincere? Yes: Fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity, and in truth, Josh xxiy. 14. Must it be universal ? Yes: Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments, Ps. cxix. 6. Must it be with delight ? Yes: I delight in the law of God after the inward man, Rom. vii. 22. Must it be constant? Yes: Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long, Prov. xxiii. 17. Must God's commands take place of men's ? Yes: We ought to obey God rather than man, Acts y. 29. and iv. 19.
4. Should we therefore labour to know the will of God ? Yes: Understand what the will of the Lord is, Eph. y. 17. Are we to study his secret will ? No: for secret things belong not to us. But his revealed will ? Yes: for things revealed belong to OS, and to our children, that we may do all the words of this law, Deut xxix. 29. Is obedience to God's revealed will the whole duty of man ? Yes: let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man, Eccl. xii. 13.
Q. 40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience.
A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.
1. Was the moral law revealed to man in inno-cency? Yes: for God created man in his own imagpe, Gen. i. 27. Is it written in the heart of man ? Yes: They show the work of the law written in their heart, Rom. ii. 15. Is there then a law of nature ? Yes: Doth not even nature itself teach you ? 1 Cor. xi. 14. Is that a law of God ? Yes: for he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction. Job xxxiii. 16. Does natural conscience enforce that law? Yes: for the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, Rom. ii. 14. Did the Gentiles sin by the breach of that law ? Yes : what they know naturally, in these things they corrupt themselves, Jude 10. And will they be punished for the breach of it ? Yes: they that have sinned without law, shall perish without law, Rom. ii. 12.
2. Has God given us the moral law more fully? Yes: I have written unto them the great things of my law, Hos. viii. 12. Are we under that law as a covenant? No: for a man is not justified by the works of the law. Gal. ii. 16. Are we under it as a rule ? Yes: we are under the law to Christ, 1 Cor. ix. 21.
3. Is the law of God very extensive ? Yes: Thy commandment is exceeding broad, Ps. cxix. 96. And very excellent ? Yes: the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, and just, and good, Rom. vii.
12. Is it admirable? Yes: Thy testimonies are wonderful, Ps. cxix. 129» Is any thingnnjast in it ? No: I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, Ps. cxix. 128. Is it beyond any other law ? Yes: what nation is there so great, that bath statutes and judgments so righteous, Deut. iv. 8.
4. Does the law of God bind the inward man ? Yes: for the law is spiritual, Rom. vii. 14. Does it forbid heart sins ? Yes: Wash thy heart from wickedness, Jer. iv. 14. Does it require heart service ? Yes: My son, give me thy heart, Prov. xxiii. 26. Does the law show us our way ? Yes: it is a light to our feet, Ps. cxix. 106. Does it discover sin to us ? Yes: by the law is the knowledge of sin, Rom. iii. 20. Does it warn us concerning sin and duty ? Yes: by them is thy servant warned, Ps. xix. II. Does it show us the need of Christ ? Yes: the law was our school-master, to bring us to Christ, Gal. iii. 24. And does Christ do that for us which the law could not ? Yes: Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, Rom. x. 4.
5. Ought we to love the law of God ? Yes: I love thy commandments above gold, Ps. cxix. 127. And to consult it upon all occasions ? Yes: Thy testimonies are my delight, and my counsellors, v. 24. And to confirm it ? Yes: We must walk in the law of the Lord, v. 1.
Q. 41. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?
A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.
1. Was the moral law in force before the ten commandments were given ? Yes: for Abraham commanded his children to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. xviii. 19. Was it at last sununed up in these commandments ? Yes: for the law was given by Moses, John i. 17. Was the law of the ten commandments given first to Israel ? Yes : He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts to the children of Israel, Ps. ciii. 7. But are they binding to us now ? Yes: for Christ came not to destroy the law but to fulfil, Matt. y. 17.
2. Did God himself give these commandments ? Yes: from his right hand went a fieiy law for them, Deut xxxiii. 2. Did God himself speak to them ? Yes: Thou camest down upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, Neh. ix. 13. Did he use the ministry of angels therein ? Yes: they received the law by the disposition of angels. Acts vii. 63. Did God himself write them? Yes: he gave unto Moses two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God, Exod. xxxi. 18.
3. Was the law given with mnch terror ? Yes: for it was given upon a mount that burned with fire, and with blackness, and darkness, and tempest, Heb. xii. 18. Was the sight terrible to Moses himself?
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807
Tes: for he said, I exceedingly fear and qaake, Heb. xii. 21. Did it strike an awe upon the people? Yes: for they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient, Exod. xxiv. 7. And should Bot we be awed by the consideration of it 1 Yes: knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, 2 Cor. V. 11. Did the ten commandments include the whole moral law ? Yes: If thou wilt enter into life, keep these conmiandments, Matt xix. 17.
Q. 42. What is the turn of the ten commandments ?
A. The sum of the ten commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves.
1. Is all the law summed up in a word? Yes: all the law is fulfilled in one word. Gal. v. 14. Is that a short and sweet word ? Yes : for it is love ; love is the fulfilling of the law, Rom. xiii. 10.
2. Is it our duty to love God ? Yes: Take good heed to yourselves that ye love the Lord your God, Josh, xxiii. 11. Must we love him with a sincere loTe ? Yes: Grace be with them that love him in ^iDcerity, Eph. vi. 24. And with a strong love? Yes: My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God. Ps. xlii. 2. And with a superlative love ? Yes: There is none upon earth that I desire besides thee, Ps. Ixxiii. 25. And is all this included in the first and ^reat commandment ? Yes : Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; this is the first and great commandment. Matt. xxii. 37, 38. And is this the sum of our duty to God ? Yes : for if any man love God, tb same is known of him, 1 Cor. viii. 3. Must those who love God be careful to please him? Yes: for this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, 1 John v. 3. And must they be afraid to offiend him ? Yes: Ye that love the Lord, hate evil, Ps. xcvii. 10.
3. Is there good reason why we should thus love God ? Yes: Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, Deut. xi. 1. For is he most lovely in himself? Yes: God is love, 1 John iv. 8. And most loving to Ds ? Yes: we love him because he first loved us, 1 John iv. 19. Will he return our love ? Yes: I loTe those that love me, Prov. viii. 17. Will he re-vard it in this world ? Yes: all things shall work together for good to them that love God, Rom. viii. 28. And in the other world ? Yes: for eye hath not seen what God hath prepared for them that love him, 1 Cor. ii. 9. Will you then love God above all I Yes: I will love thee, O Lord, my strength, Ps. xviii. 1. And pray to God to give you grace to lo?e him ? Yes: the Lord direct our hearts into his loTe, 2 Thess. iii. 5.
4. Is it our duty to love our neighbour too ? Yes: He that loveth God, must love his brother also, 1 Joho iv. 21. Can we pretend to love God, if we do
3 M not love our neighbour? No: he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen, 1 John iv. 20. Is this the fulfilling of the law ? Yes: all is comprehended in this saying. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, Rom. xiii. 9. James ii. 8. Gal. v. 14. Is it the second great commandment ? Yes: the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, Matt xxii. 39. Is it an old commandment? Yes: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, I am the Lord, Lev. xix. 18. Is it a new commandment ? Yes: A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, John xiii. 34.
5b Must we have a respect for all men ? Yes: Honour all men, 1 Pet ii. 17. Especially for all good men? Yes: we must honour them that fear the Lord, Ps. xv. 4. Must we esteem one another? Yes: Let each esteem other better than themselves, PhlL ii. 3. Must we sympathize with one another? Yes: Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep, Rom. xii. 15. Must we please one another? Yes: for even Christ pleased not himself, Rom. xv. 2,3. Must we help one another? Yes: Bear ye one another's burthens. Gal. vi. 2. Must we do good to one another ? Yes: as we have opportunity we must do good to all men, Gal. vi. 10. Must we pray for one another? Yes: Pray one for another, that ye may be healed, James v. 16. Must we love even our enemies ? Yes: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you. Matt. v. 44.
6. Must you hurt nobody in word or deed ? No: A citizen of Sion doth not evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour, Ps. xv. 3. Must you be true and just in all your dealings? Yes: That Which is altogether just shalt thou follow, Deut. xvi. 20. Must yon bear no malice or hatred in your heart? No: for whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, 1 John iii. 15.
7. Are we to love our neighbour as ourselves? Yes : for we are members one of another, Eph. iv. 25. As truly as we love ourselves ? Yes: Let love be without dissimulation, Rom. xii. 9. And as fruitfully ? Yes: Not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, 1 Cor. x. 33. And as constantly as we love ourselves ? Yes: Let brotherly love continue, Heb. xiii. 1. Ought we therefore to do as we would be done by ? Yes : Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. Matt vii. 12. Should we in our places promote Christian love? Yes: for every one that loveth is bom of God, 1 John iv. 7. And will this be our comfort? Yes : Live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with yon, 2 Cor. xiii. 11.
Q. 43. What is the preface to the ten commandments?
A. The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which brought
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thee out of the land of Egypt, oat of the house of bondage.
1 Did God himself speak the ten commandme Dts? Yes: God spake all these words, saying, Exod. xx.
I. Was it fit they should be introduced with « solemn preface ? Yes: Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken, Isa. i. 2.-Did he therein assert his own authority ? Yes: I am-the Lord thy God. Did he remind them of the great things he had lately done for them? Yes: I am the Lord thy God, from the land of Egypt, Hos. XII. 9.
2. Was the condition of Israel in Egypt very miserable ? Yes: for the Egyptians made them to serve with rigour, Exod. i. 13. Did God bring them out of Egypt? Yes: He brought Israel from among them, for his mercy endureth for ever, Ps. cxxxvi.
II. Did he do it miraculously? Yes: With a strong hand, and a stretched-out arm, for his mercy endureth for ever, v. 12. Did this oblige them to keep his commandments ? Yes: When I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I said, Obey my voice, Jer. vii.22, 23. But does this concern us? Yes: for unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, Heb. iv. 2. For is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes: of the Gentiles also, Rom. iii. 29.
Q. 44. What does the preface to tJie ten command-ments teach us ?
A. The preface to the ten commandments teaches us, that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all God*s commandments.
1. Is God the Lord Jehovah? Yes: I am the Lord, that is my name, Isa. xlii. 8. Is that a reason why we should keep his commandment ? Yes: Ye shall observe all my statutes, and do them, I am the Lord, Lev. xix. 37. Is he our God ? Yes: He is thy praise, and he is thy God, Deut. x. 21. Is that a reason why we should keep his commandments ? Yes: for all people will walk every one in the name of their God, Mic. iv? 6. Ps. xcv. 7.
2. Is he our Redeemer ? Yes: Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer, Isa. Ixiii. 16. Has he redeemed us from outward troubles ? Yes: Behold, the Lord hath kept mc alive. Josh. xiv. 10. And are we therefore bound to keep his commandments? Yes: Truly, I am thy servant, thou hast loosed my bonds, Ps. cxvi. 16. And are we very ungrateful if we do not ? Yes: Now thou hast given us such deliverance as this, should we again break tliy commandments ? Ezra ix. 13, 14.
3. Has God brought us out of a spiritual Egypt ? Yes: for Christ proclaims liberty to the captives, Isa. Ixi. 1. Are we delivered from the bonds of sin ? Yes: He shall redeem Israel from all their iniquities, Ps. «xxx. 8. And is our deliirerance by Christ greater than theirs out of Egypt? Yes: for if the Son make you free, then you shall be free indeed, John viii. 36. And are we therefore bound to keep all his commandments ? Yes: for we are delivered out of the hands of our enemies, that we might serve him, Luke i. 74, 75. And was this the design of our redemption ? Yes: He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from ail iniquity, Tit. ii. 14. Is there then all the reason in the world vbj we should be religious ? Yes: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Iord, Isa. i. 18.
Q. 45. What is the first commandment ? A. The first commandment is. Thou shaft have no other gods before me.
1. Is it an essential duty of religion to worship God ? Yes: for those have no hope that are without God in the world, Eph. ii. 12. Are we concerned to be right in the object of our worship ? Yes: We must know what we worship, John iv. 22. Does the first commandment direct us in this? Yes: for the first of all the commandments is this. Hear,
0 Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord,Mark xii. 29.
2. Does God lay a stress upon our having him for our God? Yes: Hear, O my people, and I will speak ; I am God, even thy God, Ps. 1.7. And upon our having him only ? Yes: Hear, O my people, and
1 will testify unto thee; there shall no strange god be in thee, neither shalt thou worship any strange god, Ps. Ixxxi. 8, 9. Did Israel need this commandment? Yes: for their fathers served other gods. Josh. xxiv. 2. And were they tempted to serve other gods ? Yes: the gods of the people that were round about them, Deut. xiii. 7.
Q. 36. What is required in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly.
1. Does that which forbids us to have any other gods, require us to have the true God? Yes: Put away the strange gods, and serve the Lord only, I Sam. vii. 3. 4. Is it our duty to acknowledge God ? Yes: The Lord he is God, the Lord be is God, 1 King xviii. 39. And must we acknowledge him to be the only true God ? Yes : Thou art the God, even thou alone, 2 Kings xix. 15.
2. Is it our duty to acquaint ourselves with him ? Yes: Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace. Job xxii. 21. Must we grow in that acquaintance? Yes : increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. And may we attain to it ? Yes: then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, Hos. vi. 3.
3. Must we accept of God for our God? Yes: Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God,
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s»d
BcotxxTi. 17, 18. And most we join onrse Wes to bim? Yes: Come., and let us join onrselves to the Lord in an eTerlasting covenant, Jer. 1. 6. And consent to be his? Yes: O Lord, trnly I am thy Mrrant, I am thy servant, Ps. cxvi. 16. Must we take God the Father to be oar chief good and highest end ? Yes: O God, thoa art my God, Ps. Ixiii. 1. And God the 9on to be omr Prince and Savionr ? Yes: My Lord and ray God, John xx. 28. And God the Holy Ghost to be oar sancti6er, teacher, guide, and comforter ? Yes: for they that are led by the Spirit of God, arc the sons of God, Rom. viii.
14. Mast we renoance all others ? Yes: For by thee only will we make mention of thy name, Isa. xxvi. 13. Mast we do this deliberately? Yes: Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. Josh. xxiv.
15. Mast we do it solemnly ? Yes: One shall say, I am the Lord's, and another shall sabscribe with bis band onto the Lord, Isa. xliv. 5. Mast we do it resolotely? Yes: Nay, bat we will serve the Lord, Josh. xxiv. 21. May we be at liberty to change oar Master? No: bat with parpose of heart must cleave to the Lord, Acts xi. 23.
4. When we have avoached the Lord for our God, most we apply onrselves to him ? Yes: If the Lord be God, then follow him, 1 Kings xviii. 21. Mast we glorify him accordingly ? Yes: Give anto the Lord the glory dae onto his name, Ps. xxix. 2. Mast we worship him? Yes: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thoa serve. Matt IT. 10. Mast we worship him with inward worship ? Yes: we mast serve him with oar spirits, Rom. i. 9. Is that the worship be requires ? Yes: for such the Father seeks to worship him, John iv. 23.
5. Mast we remember God? Yes: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, Eccl. xii. 1. And think of him with delight? Yes: My medita-tioo of him shall be sweet, Ps. civ, 34. Must we adore and admire him ? Yes: Who is like unto tbee, 0 Lord, among the gods? Exod. xv. 11. Must we fear him above all ? Yes: Let him be your fear, and let him be yoor dread, Isa. viii. 13. And reverence him ? Yes: he is to be had in reverence of all them that are about him, Ps. Ixxxix. 7. Most we sahmit to his word ? Yes: Speak, Lord, for thy serrant hears, 1 Sam. iii. 9. And submit to his will? Yes: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, V, 18.
6. Mast we love God above all? Yes: O love the Lord all ye his saints, Ps. xxxi. 23. Must our desire be towards him ? Yes: So panteth my soul alter thee, O God, Ps. xlii. 1. Must our delight be in him ? Yes : Delight thyself always in the Lord, Ps. xxxvii. 4. Must our dependence be upon him ? Yes: In thee, O Lord, do I put my trost, Ps. xxxi. 1.
7. Mast we live a life of communion with God?
Yes: Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord, Ps. xxv.
15. And a life of complacency in him ? Yes: Rejoice in the Lord always, Phil. iv. 4. And a life of conformity to him? Yes: Be ye holy, for I am holy,
1 Pet i. 16. And a life of confidence in him? Yes: Commit thy way anto the Lord, Ps. xxxvii. 5. And a life of regard to him ? Yes: In all thy ways acknowledge him, Prov. iii. 6. Mast our hearts go out towards him ? Yes: Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift ap my soal, Ps. xxv. 1. And must we have him always in our eye? Yes: I have set the Lord always before me, Ps. xvi. 8. And must we walk with him in the whole coarse of our conversation ? Yes: as Enoch walked with God, Gen. v. 24. And is this inward worship the life of religion? Yes: it is better than all bnmt-offerings and sacrifices, Mark xii. 33.
Q. 47. What u forbidden in the first comnumdment ?
A. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying, the true God, as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone.
1. Is it a great sin to deny the being of God? Yes: The fool hath said in his heart. There is no God, Ps. xiv. 1. Or to deny his omniscience ? Yes: They say. The Lord shall not see, Ps. xciv. 7. Or to deny his justice? Yes: He hath said in his heart. Thou wilt not require it, Ps. x. 13. Or his holiness ? Yes: Thoa thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself, Ps. 1. 21. Or his goodness ? Yes: I knew thee to be a hard man. Matt. xxv. 24. Or his faithfulness ? Yes: Where is the promise of his coming?
2 Pet. iii. 4. Is it a sin to question God's providence? Yes: Is the Lord among as ? or is he not? Exod. xvii. 7. Or to question his power? Yes: Can God furnish a table in the vnlderness, Ps. Ixxviii. 19. And is there such a thing as practical atheism ? Yes: They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him. Tit. i. 16.
2. Is it a great sin to be ignorant of God ? Yes: Some have not the knowledge of God; I speak it to your shame, 1 Cor. xv. 34. Is it a damning sin ? Yes: He shall take vengeance on them that know not God, 2 Thess. i. 8. Is it the cause of all other sins ? Yes : There is neither truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God, in the land, Hos. iv. 1. Is it a geat sin to forget God ? Yes: Thoa hast forgotten the God that formed thee, Deut. xxxii. 18. And to cast off the fear of him ? Yes: There is no fear of God before his eyes, Ps. xxxvi. 1. And to live withoat prayer ? Yes: Thoa hast not called upon me, O Jacob, Isa. xliii. 22. And not to glorify him ? Yes: The God in whose hand thy breatii is, hast thou not glorified, Dan. v. 23.
3. Is all distrust of God a sin ? Yes: the evil heart of unbelief departs from the living God, Heb. iii. 12. And tempting God ? Yes: Thou shalt not
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tempt the Lord tby God, Matt. iv. 7. And all the coldness of our love to him ? Yes: But their heart is far from me, Matt xv. 8. Does this commandment forbid all ungodliness ? Yes : for the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness, Rom. i. 18. And all idolatry ? Yes: Little children, keep yourselves from idols, 1 John v. 21.
3. Had the Gentiles other gods besides the true God ? Yes: they had gods many, and lords many, 1 Cor. ?iii. 5. And were those gods devils ? Yes: they sacrificed to devils, and not to God, 1 Cor. x. 20. May we have communion with them ? No: I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils, I Cor. x. 20. Have those fellowship with them who consult with witches ? Yes: Is it because there is not a God in Israel, that thou goest to inquire of Beelzebub, the god of Ekron, 2 Kings i. 3. Did the Gentiles multiply their gods ? Yes: According to the number of thy cities are thy gods, Jer. ii. 28. Were they gods of their own making ? Yes: And they that make them are like unto them, Ps. cxv. 8. Was not that a gat affront to the living God ? Yes: They changed the truth of God into a lie, Rom. i. 25.
5. Is there not such a thing as spiritual idolatry ? Yes: These men have set up their idols in their hearts, Ezek. xiv. 4. Is it idolatry to make a god of our appetites? Yes: Whose god is their belly, Phil. iii. 19. Or a god of our money ? Yes: for covetousness is idolatry, Col. iii. 5. May we give that respect to any creature which is due to God alone ? No: for his glory he will not give to another, Isa. xlii. 8. Is it therefore a sin to love them more than God? Yes: He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. Matt x. 37. And to trust in them ? Yes: Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, Jer. xvii. 5. Is this spiritual adultery ? Yes: She went after her lovers, and for-gat me, saith the Lord, Hos. ii. 13.
Q. 48. What are toe espedally taught by these wards, [before m«,] in the first eommandment ?
A. These words, [before me,] in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, takes notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.
1. Are we always in God's sight? Yes: Thou knowest my down-sitting, and my up-rising, Ps. cxxxix. 2. Are all our actions in his sight? Yes: All my ways are before thee, Ps. cxix. 108. Does he take notice of them ? Yes: he pondereth all our goings, Prov. v. 21.
2. Are all our good works before him? Yes: I know thy work, and thy labour, and thy patience, Rev. ii. 2. Does he know all our inward worship of him ? Yes: The Lord hearkened, and heard those that thought on his name, Mai. iii. 16. And should that encourage us to have him for our God ?
Yes: for your Father sees in secret, and will reward openly. Matt vi. 4.
3. Are all our evil works before him? Yes: He sets our iniquities before him, Ps. xc. 8. Is the having of other gods oftentimes a secret sin ? Yes: They do it in the dark, and say. The Lord sees us not, Exod. viii. 12. But does God see? Yes: He that formed the eye, shall he not see it? Ps. xciv. 9. Does he take notice of all our neglects of him ? Yes: if we have forgotten the name of our God he knows it And does he take notice of all our inclinations to other gods ? Yes: if we have stretched out our hands to a strange god, shall not God search this out? Ps. xliv. 20, 21. And is be much displeased with secret idolatry ? Yes : Sccst thou the gat abominations that they commit? Ezek. viii. 6. And should this oblige us to be faithful to him ? Yes: for the Lord searchetfa all hearts, 1 Chron. xxviii. 9.
Q. 49. What is the second commandment ?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shaft not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath; or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous €rod, visitingtbeiniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
1. Does the second commandment concern the ordinances of God's worship, as the first object of it ? Yes: Therefore ye shall keep mine ordinances. Lev. xviii. 10. Was it requisite there should be a law concerning them ? Yes: Lest ye say. How did these nations serve their gods ? so will I do likewise, Deut xii. 30. Is this binding to us now ? Yes: Dearly beloved, flee from idolatry, 1 Cor. x. 14. Are we Christians forbidden to worship images ? Yes: That they should not worship idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone. Rev. ix. 20.
2. Does this commandment forbid the making of images for a religious use? Yes: Cursed be the man that maketh any graven image, Deut xxvii. 15. Does it forbid the making an image of what is in heaven above? Yes: Lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, shouldst be driven to worship them, Deut. iv. 19. Or on earth beneath? Yes: As they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox, Ps. cvi. 20. Or in the waters under the earth ? Yes: As they made the likeness of creeping things, Rom. i. 23.
3. Does it forbid us to bow down to them ? Yes: Shall I bow down to the stock of a tree ? Isa. xliv. 19. Or to worship them ? Yes : Thou shalt worship no other God, Exod. xxxiv. 14. Or to show any re-
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Kspect to them ? Yes: I will take away the names of Baalim oat of their moath, Hos. ii. 17. Was it requisite this commandment should be thus enlarged ? Yes: Precept most be upon precept, and line npon line, Isa. xxviii. 10. And that it should be backed with many reasons ? Yes: for they are mad upon their idols, Jer. I. 38.
Q. 50. What iff required in the sfccnd camnumd-mentf
A. The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire all such rcligioas worship and ordinances as God has appointed in his word.
1. Isit our duty solemnly to worship God? Yes: Thou Shalt worship the Lord thy God, Matt. iv. 10. Do we thereby honour him? Yes: we give unto him the glory due unto his name, Ps. xxix.tS. Does the light of nature teach us to worship God ? Yes: they cried every man unto his god, Jonah i. 5. But does it teach us sufficiently how to worship him? No: Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship. Acts XTiL 23. Has God in his word appointed us in irhat way to worship him ? Yes: for this was ordained in Joseph for a testimony, Ps. Ixxxi. 5. And must we worship him in the appointed way ? Yes: See thou make all things according to the pattern showed thee, Heb. viii. 5.
2. Are we to receive such ordinances as God has appointed ? Yes: The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. Josh. xxiv. 24. Should we labour to understand them ? Yes: What mean je by this service ? Exod. xii. 26. And are we to observe them ? Yes: Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matt, xxviii. 20. And to observe them duly? Yes: as the duty of every day requires, Ezra iii. 4.
3. Are we to keep God's ordinances? Yes: That food thing which was committed to thee, keep, 2 Tim. i. 14. Are we to keep them carefully ? Yes: Keep them as the apple of thine eye, Prov. vii. 2. Must we keep them pure without corruption ? Yes: Add thou not to his words, Prov. xxx. 6. And entire, without diminution ? Yes: We must walk in all the ordinances of the Lord, Luke i. 6. May we neither add nor diminish ? No: Thou shalt neither ^d thereto, nor diminish from it, Deut. xii. 32.
4. Mast we worship God in the spirit ? Yes: We are the circumcision that worship God in the spirit, Phil. iii. 3. Must we be inward with God in every service ? Yes : for bodily exercise profiteth little, 1 Tim. iv. 8. Is ignorance the mother of devotion ? No: for if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not nil? Mai. i. 8. Is it the mother of destruction? Yes: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hos. iv. 6.
5. Ought wc to have an eye to the word of God in our religious worship ? Yes: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin, Rom. xiv. 23. And to glorify God in it ? Yes: I will be sanctified in them that come nigh unto me. Lev. x. 3. And ought we to shun all idolatrous worships? Yes: For I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils, 1 Cor. X. 20.
Q. 61. What is forbidden in the second eomnumd-ment?
A. The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word ?
1. Is it a sin to worship the true God by images ? Yes: for it changes the truth of God into a lie, Rom. i.25. Are not images laymen's books? No: for an image is a teacher of lies, Hah. ii. 18. Is it possible to make an image of God ? No: we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. Acts xvii. 29. Do we know what to represent God by ? No: To whom then will ye liken God 7 Isa. xl. 18. Do they that pretend to it put a great affront npon him ? Yes: for they change the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, Rom. i. 23.
2. May we worship Christ by an image ? No: For though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more, 2 Cor. v. 16. Is it idolatry to worship the consecrated host ? Yes: for it is bread which we break, 1 Cor. x. 16. Is it idolatry to pray to saints and angels ? Yes: See thou do it not, but worship God, Rev. xix. 10. and xxii. 0.
3. Must we be careful to avoid all appearances of idolatry ? Yes: Take ye therefore good heed to yourselves, lest ye corrupt yourselves, Deut. iv. 15. Should we choose to die rather than worship images ? Yes: But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up, Dan. iii. 18.
4. Is it a sin to worship God in any way not appointed in his word T Yes: In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matt. xv. 9. May we ourselves invent ordinances of worship? No: They went a whoring with their own inventions, Ps. cvi. 39. Is it not enough if what we invent is not forbidden ? No: They offered a strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. Lev. x. 1. Is it a sin to despise any of God's ordinances ? Yes: Ye said also. Behold what a weariness is it! Mai. i. 13. Or to be careless in our attendance upon them? Yes: Cursed be the deceiver that hath in his flock a male, and vows and sacrifices to the Lord a corrupt thing, Mai. i. 14. Are they spiritual idolaters who make images of God in their fancy ? Yes: they are vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart is darkened, Rom. i. 21.
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Q. &2. What are the rea$oni annexed to the second eommandment f
A. The reasoDs annexed to the second commandment, are God's sovereignty over us, his property in Qs, and the seal be has to his own worship.
1. Is there good reason why we shonid take heed of idolatry? Yes: Turn ye not to idols, neither make to yourselves molten gods, I am the Lord your God, Lev. xix. 4. Has God a sovereigpoty over us ? Yes: for he is a geat God, and a great King above all gods, Ps. xcv. 3. Ought we therefore to worship him, as he has appointed us ? Yes: O come let us worship, and bow down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker, Ps. xcv. 0. And not to worship idols? Yes: for they can do neither good nor evil, Isa. xH. 23.
2. Has God a property in us? Yes: for we are the people of his pasture, Ps. xcv. 7. Ought we therefore to worship him? Yes: He is thy Lord, and worship thou him, Ps. xlv. 11. And not to worship other gods ? Yes: for hath a nation changed their gods? Jer. ii. 11.
3. Is God jealous in the matters of his worship ? Yes: The Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God, Exod. xxxiv. 14. Is he much displeased with those who corrupt it? Yes: They provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger with their vanities, 1 Kings xvi. 13. Do those who do so hate him ? Yes: Idolaters are haters of God, Rom. i. 25, 30. Will he visit their iniquity ? Yes: In the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them, Exod. xxxii. 34. Will he visit it upon the children ? Yes: Our fathers sinned, and are not, and we have borne their iniquities, Lam. v. 7. And is it just with him to do so ? Yes: for they are the children of whoredoms, Hos. ii. 4. But will he visit it for ever ? No: but to the third and fourth generation, Exod. xxxiv. 7.
4. Will those who love God keep his commandments? Yes: If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, John xv. 10. Will he show mercy to such ? Yes: for he hath said, I love them that love me, Prov. viii. 17. Will he show mercy to thousands of such ? Yes: for the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, Ps. ciii. 17.
Q. 53. What is the third commandment ?
A. The third commandment isj Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
1. Does the third commandment concern the manner of our worshipping God ? Yes: That we serve the Lord with fear, Ps. ii. 11. Is it enough that we seek God in a due ordinance ? No: but wo must seek him after the due order, 1 Chron. xv. 13.
2. Is God's name all that whereby he makes himself known ? Yes: He proclaimed the name of the
Lord, Exod. xxxiv. 5. Ought we to make use of his name ? Yes: By thee only will we make mention of thy name, Isa. xxvi. 13. And to take heed of abusing it ? Yes: Neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God, I am the Lord, Lev. xviii. 21.
Q. 54. What is required in the third eammandmeni?
A. The third commandment requires a holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.
1. Does this commandment require us to glorify the name of God ? Yes: They shall worship before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name, Ps. Ixxxvi. 9. Are we to think of God's name with seriousness? Yes: They feared the Lord, and thought upon his name, Mai. iii. 16. Are we to speak of it with reverence? Yes: For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few, Eccl. v. 2. Are we to call upon his name with a holy awe ? Yes: for we that are but dust and ashes speak to the Lord of glory. Gen. xviii. 27. Are we to worship God reverently in every religious duty ? Yes: We must serve him acceptably, with reverence and godly fear, Heb. xii. 28. And is there good reason for it ? Yes: for our God is a consuming fire, Heb. xii. 29. Ought we to behave ourselves very reverently in public worship ? Yes: for God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of his saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him, Ps. Ixxxix. 7.