Of faith and obedience,
An Expofition of the Assembly's Catechism. thatthou doſt, exceptGod be with him : and ſo are his feal to whatsoeverhe affixes them, anditconſiſts not with his truth and holineſs to ſet it to a forgery.
Q. 6. What was the end ofwriting theword ?
A. That the church to the end ofthe world might havea fure, known, ſtanding rule totryandjudge allthings by, and not be left to the uncertainty of traditions ; John v. 39.
Search the ſcriptures, forinthem ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify ofme.
Q. 7. Dothnotthe authorityof the ſcriptures depend on the church, fathers, and councils ?
A. No, the ſcriptures are notbuilt on the authority ofthe church, but the church onthem ; Eph. ii. 20. And are built on the foundation ofthe apostles and prophets, Jeſus Chrift himſelf being the chief corner-ſtone. And as for councils and fathers, the ſcriptures are not to be tried by them ; but they by the ſcriptures ; Ifa. viii 20. To the law and to the teſtimony; ifthey ſpeaknot according to this word, it is be cauſe there is no light in them Q. 8. What may be fairly inferred from this propoſition, thattheſcriptures are the word ofGod ?
A. Three things may be hence inferred.
First, The per fection ofthe ſcriptures, which being the only rule given by God, muft thereforebe perfect.
Secondly, That it is the right of common people to read them ; John v. 39. Search the ſcriptures, Acts xvii. 11. Theſe were more noble than thoſe ofTheffalonica, in that they received the word with all readi neſs ofmind, and ſearched the ſcriptures daily, whether thoſe things were ſo.
Thirdly, That we owe no obedience to the injunctions ofmen, fartherthan they are fufficiently warrant edby the written word ; Matth. xv. 9. But in vain do they worſhip me, teaching fordoctrines the commandments ofmen.
Queſt. 3.W Of Faith and Obedience.
Hat do the fcriptures principally teach?
A. The fcriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, andwhat duty God requires of man.
Q. 1. Whyis faith conjoinedwith obedience, andput beforeit?
A. Becauſe faith istheprinciple from whence all obedience flows; s; and no man can perform any duty aright in the eſtate ofunbelief; Heb. xi.6. But without faith it is impoffible to pleaſehim ; for he that cometh toGod,must believethatheis,
An Exposition of the Assembly's Catechism.
Q.2 . Can therebe no faving faithwhere the ſcriptures are not known and preached ?
A. No ; for the apostle faith, Rom. x. 14, 15. How then ſhall they callon him inwhom they have not believed ? and how ſhall theybelieve in him ofwhomthey have not heard ? andhow shall they hear without a preacher ? and how shall they preach exceptthey be ſent ? And ver. 17. So then, faith comethby hearing, and hearing by the word ofGod.
Q. 3. Are not we boundto believe what learned men teach us, as points of faith, though the things they teach be not contained in the word ofGod.
A. No ; ifthe things they teach benotcontained exprefly, orby neceſſary conſequence in the word ofGod, we are not obliged to believe them as points of faith ; Ifa. viii. 20. To the law, and tothe teftimony, if they ſpeak not according to this word, it is becauſe there is no light inthem : Gal. i. 8..
Though we, or an angelfrom heaven, preach any othergoſpel untoyou, than that which we have preached untoyou, let himbe accurfed. And Chriſt hath charged us, Matth. xxiii.
10. To call no man maſter, for one is your maſter, even Chrift.
Q. 4. Arethere ſomethings in fcripture more excellent than others ; becauſe it is faid,the ſcriptures principally teachmatters of faith andduty?
A. Every part of ſcripture is alike pure ; Prov. xxx. 5.
Everyword ofGod is pure, and of equal authority, but not of equal weight ; as ſeveral pieces ofgold are alike pure, and of the ſame ſtamp, but not ofequal value.
Q. 5. What may be inferred hence for uſe ?
A. First, Hence it is ourduty to examinewhatwe hear, by the word ; and not receive any doctrine becauſe menconfidently affirm it, butbecauſe the ſcriptures require it ; Acts xvii. 11. Theſe were more noble than thoſe ofTheffalonica, in that they received the word with allreadineſs ofmind, and ſearched the ſcriptures daily, whether theſe things were ſo.
Secondly, That the Chriſtian religion is not notional, but practical; and that impractical faith ſaves no man ; James ii. 20.
Faith without works is dead.
God is a Spirit.
Hat is God ?
Queſt. 4.W A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in hisbeing, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodnefs, andtruth.
An Exposition of the Affembly's Catechism.
Q. 1. Can the nature of God be defined, ſo as menmay expreſs properly and strictly whatGod is ?
A. No; Job xi. 7. Canſtthou by ſearching find outGod? canſt thou find outthe Almighty unto perfection ?
We do then conceive moſt rightly of God, whenweac knowledgehim tobe unconceivable : and therefore, onebeing aſkedthequestion, whatGod is ? anſwered rightly ; IfI fully knewthat, I ſhouldbe aGod myself; forGod onlyknowshis own effence.
Q. 2. How manyways are thereby which men mayknow and deſcribe the nature ofGod, though ſtill with imperfect knowledge?
A. There are two ways ofknowingGod in this life. First, Byway of affirmation ; affirming that ofGodby way of emi nence, which is excellent in the creature ; as when we affirm him tobewile, good, merciful, &c. Secondly, Byway of ne: gation, when we remove fromGod, inour conceptions, all that is imperfect in the creature; ſo we ſay,God is immenfe, infinite, immutable ; and in this ſenſe we alſo call him aSpirit, i, e. he isnot a groſs corporeal ſubſtance.
Q. 3. Howmany forts of ſpirits are there ? and of which fortisGod?
A. Therebe two forts of ſpirits, created and finite, as an gels, and the fouls ofmen are.
Secondly, Uncreated, andin finite; and fuch a SpiritGod only is, infinitely above allo therſpirits.
Q. 4. IfGodbe a Spirit, inwhat ſenſearewe to underſtand allthoſe ſcriptures whichſpeakofthe eyes ofthe Lord, the eats and hands of God ?
A. We are to understand them as expreſſions of God, in condeſcenſion to the weakness ofour understanding; evenas theglory ofheaven is expreſſed to us in ſcripture by a city, andthe royal feast.
Theſe ſhadows are useful to us whilftwe are in the body; butwe shallknowhim inheaven after amore perfectmanner.
Q. 5. What may be inferred from the ſpiritual natureof God?
A. Hence learn, that it is both finful and dangerous to frame an image or picture of God. Who can make an image ofhis foul, which yet is not ſo perfect a ſpirit asGod is ? And as it is ſinful to attempt it, ſo it is impoffible to do it ; Deut. iv. 15, 16. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourſelves; for ye ſawno manner of fimilitude, on the day thattheLordſpake toyou inHoreb, out ofthe midst of the fire; leſt ye corrupt
An Expofition of the Affembly's Catechism.
yourſelves, and make you a graven image, the fimilitude of anyfigure, or.
Q. 6. What elſe maybe inferred from thence ?
A. Thatour fouls are the moſt noble and excellent part of us, whichmoſt resembles God; and therefore our chief regard and care ſhould be forthem, whatever becomes of the vilebody ; Matth. xvi. 26. For what is a man profited, if he gain the wholeworld, and lofe his own foul ? Or what ſhall a imangive in exchange for his foul ?
Q. 7. What further truth maybe inferredhence ?
A. Thatmen ſhould beware ofſpiritual fins, as well as of groſs and outward fins ; for there is a filthineſs ofthe ſpirit, as well as of the flesh ; 2 Cor. vii. 1. Let us cleanſe ourſelves from all filthineſs of fleſh and ſpirit; and asGod fees them, fo he greatly abhors them, as fins that defile the nobleft part of man, on which he ſtamped his own image.
Q. 8. What alſo may be inferred from hence ?
A. Hence we learn, that ſpiritual worſhip is moſt agreeable to his nature and will; and the more ſpiritual it is, the more acceptable it willbe tohim ; John iv. 24. God is a Spirit, and they that worſhip him, muſt worship him in ſpirit and in truth.
Externals inworſhip are of little regard with God; as places, habits, geſtures, &c.
Apply this, First, To ſuperſtitious men, Iſa. lxvi. 1, 2, 3 .
Secondly, To children, that ſay aprayer, butmind not to whom, nor what they ſay.
Of God's Infinity.
HAT is the ſenſe and meaning of this word, [infinity ?] Queft.J. WHA A. It fignifies that which hath no bounds or limits, within which it is contained, as all created things are.
Q. 2. Inhowmany reſpects isGodinfinite?
A. God is infinite or boundleſs in three reſpects .
First, In reſpect ofthe perfection of his nature; his wifdom, power, and holineſs, exceed all meaſure and limits ; as Sam. ii. 2 There is none holy as the Lord, &c . Secondly,
In reſpect of timeand place ; no time can meaſure him ; Ifa.
Ivii. 15. Thus faith the high, and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity ; 1 Kings viii. 27. Behold the heaven ofheavens cannot contain thee, how much leſs this houſe which I have built ?
Theheaven of heavens contains all created beings ; but not
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An Exposition of the Affembly's Catechism. the Creator.
Thirdly, In reſpect ofhis incomprehenfibleneſs, bythe understanding of all creatures ; Job xi. 7. Canft thou by ſearching find outGod ? Canſt thou find out the Almighty to perfection ?
Q. 3. IfGod be thus infinite, and no understanding can comprehend him, how then is itfaid in I John iii. 2. We ſhall fee him as he is ?
A. The meaning is not, thatglorified ſaints ſhall comprehend God in their understandings ; but that they ſhall have a true apprehenfive knowledge of God ; and that we fall fee him immediately, and not as we do now through a glaſs darkly.
Q. 4. What is the firſt leſſon to be learnt from God's infi nity?
A. That therefore men ſhould tremble to fin even in ſecret; Pfal. cxxxix. 11. If I fay, furely the darkneſs ſhall cover me, eventhe night ſhall be light about me .
Q. 5. What is the ſecond inſtruction from hence ?
A. The fecond inſtruction is, That there is an infinite evil in fin, objectively confidered, as it is committed against an infinite God; and therefore it' deſerves eternal punishment; and no fatisfaction can poffibly be made for it, but by the blood of Chrift ; 1 Pet. i. 18. Forafmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as filver andgold
-but with the precious blood of Chrift.
Q. 6. What is the third inſtruction from God's infinity?
A. The third inſtruction is, that those who are reconciled toGod in Chriſt, need not fearhis ability to perform anymercy forthem; for he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all thatwe can askor think, Eph . iii. 20. Andthoſe that are
not reconciled, are in a very miferable condition, having infinite power ſet on work to punish them ; 2 Theff. i. 9. Whe ſhallbe punished with everlasting deſtruction from the pre fence of the Lord, andfrom the glory ofhis power.
Q. 7. What is the fourth inftruction from God's infinity ?
A. That no place can bar the acceſs of gracious fouls te God : They are as nearhim in adungeon, aswhen at liberty; and that he knows theirthoughts, when their tongues cannot utterthem .
[Eternal.] HAT is it to be eternal, as God is ?
W A. The eternityofGod is, tobewit without beginning, and without end; Pfal. xc. 2. From everlafting
Queſt. 1 . to everlasting thou artGod.
An Expofition of the Affembly's Catechifm.
Q. 2. How doth God's eternity differ from the eternity of angels, andhuman fouls ?
A. It differs in two reſpects ; First, In this, that though angels, and the fouls ofmen ſhall have no end ; yet they had a beginning, which God had not.
Secondly, Our eternity is by gift from God, or by his appointment ; but his eternity is neceffary, and from his own nature.
Q. 3. In what ſenſe is the covenant called an everlasting covenant?
A. The covenant is called an everlasting covenant, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. becauſe the mercies of it, conveyed to believers, as pardon, peace, and ſalvation, are mercies that ſhall have no end.
Q.4. Inwhatſenſe is the goſpel everlaſting ?
A. The gofpel is called the everlasting goſpel, Rev. xiv. 6. becauſe the effects thereof, upon the fouls it fanctifies, will abide in them for ever.
Q. 5. In what ſenſe is the redemption of Chrift called the eternal redemption?
A.. The redemption ofChriſt is called eternal redemption inHeb. ix. 12. becauſe thoſewhom he redeems by his blood, ſhall never more come into condemnation ; John v. 24. Не that heareth my word, and believethon him thatfent me, hath everlasting life, and ſhall not come into condemnation, but is paffed from death unto life.
Q. 6. Why is the laſtjudgment of the world by Chriſt, calledeternaljudgment?
A. The last judgment is called eternaljudgment, notbecauſeGodjudgedmenfrom eternity, or becauſe the day of judgment ſhall laſt to eternity ; but becauſethe conſequences of itwill be everlasting joy or mifery to the fouls ofmen; therefore it is called eternal judgment ; Heb. vi. 2.
Q. 7. What may wicked men learn from the eternity of God?
A. Hence wicked men may fee their own miſery in the perfection of it ; that they will have an eternal enemy to avenge himſelf upon them for ever, in the world to come ;
2 Theff. i. 9. Who fhall be punished with everlafting deftruction, from the prefence ofthe Lord.
Q. 8. What may good men learn from it ?
A. That their joy and happiness will be perfect and endlefs, whohavethe eternal God for their portion ; Pfal. xvi. 1F..
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An Exposition of the Affembly's Catechism.
In thypreſence is fulness ofjoy, at thy right hand there are pleaſures for evermore.
Q9. What may all men, good andbad, learnfrom it ?
A. All men may learn three things from the eternity of God: First, That their life is athing ofnoughtcomparedwith
God ; Pfal . xxxix. 5. Mine age is as nothing before thee.
Secondly, That ſins, or duties, long ſincecommitted, or performed, are all preſent beforeGod.
Thirdly, That God can neverwant opportunity todo his work, and carry on his de figns in the world.
All time is in the hand of the eternal God ; Rev. xii. 12. The devil is come downunto you, havinggreat wrath, becauſe he knoweth thathehathbut a ſhort time.
Quest. W OfGod's Unchangeableness.
HAT ſcriptures plainly affert this attribute?
A. Exod. iii. 14. And God faid unto Mofes, I AM that I AM.
Dan. vi. 16. For he is the living God, and stedfast for ever ; James i. 17. Withwhom is novariableneſs, neither ſhadow of turning.
Q. 2. Whence doth God's immutability flow ?
A. The immutability of God flows from the perfectionof his nature, to which nothing canbe added, and from which nothing canbe taken away.
If any thingcould be added to makehim better than he is ; orif anythingcouldbe taken away, tomakehim leſs goodthan heis, thenhe were not the chiefest good, and, conſequently, notGod.
Q. 3. Bywhatother argument proveyou his immutability?
A. I prove it from the eternity ofGod. IfGodbe eternal, hemustbe immutable : for ifhe change by addition of ſomething to him he had not before, then there is ſomething in Godwhich hehad not from eternity :And ifhe change by diminution, then therewas ſomething in God from eternity, whichnow is not , but from everlasting to everlasting he is the fameGod, and therefore changeth not.
Q. 4. But it is ſaid, God repents, and repentance is a change: How then is he unchangeable, and yet repents?
A. In thoſe phrases God ſpeaks to us, as we muſt ſpeak of, and to him ; not properly, but afterthe manner of men ; and it onlynotes achange in his outward providence, not in his nature.
Q. 5. But how couldGodbecome man, andyet no change madeonhim ?
A. There is a twofold change ; one active, made byGod, that we allow: He made achange upon ournatureby uniting
An Expofition of the Afſſembly's Catechism.
ittoChrift; but a paſſive change made uponGod,wedeny.
The nature of man was made more excellent, but the divine nature was ſtill the fame.
Q. 6. What is the firſt inſtruction fromGod's immutability ?
A. That thoſe that are most unchangeable in holineſs, are most like God : Lethimthat isholybeholy ſtill.
Q. 7. What is the ſecond inftruction hence ?
A. That the happiness ofGod's people is firm andfure,being ſtilluponthe word ofan unchangeableGod ; Mal. iii. 6.
For I am the Lord ; Ichange not : therefore ye ſons of Jacob arenot confumed, Heb. vi. 18.
Q. 8. What is the third inſtruction from this attribute ?
A. That the hopes of all wicked men are vain, being built upon apreſumption, that God will not deal with them as he hath threatened he will do.
Q. 9. What is the laſt inſtruction fromGod's immutability?
A. That Chriſtians maytake as much encouragement now from the nature,word, andprovidence ofGod, as the faints in any former generation did, or might do ; for he is the fame now he was then.
Queſt. 1. H OfGod's Wisdom.
OW manifold is the wisdom ofGod?
A. There is a perſonal and eſſential wisdom ofGod; the perfonal wisdom is the Son ofGod; 1 Cor. i. 24.
Chrift, the power of God, andthe wisdom ofGod ; Col. ii. 3.
Inwhom are hid all the treaſures of wisdom and knowledge.
The effential wisdom ofGod is the eſſence ofGod; of which this question ſpeaks .
Q. 2. What is the eſſential wisdom ofGod?
A. The eſſential wisdom ofGod is his moſt exact andperfect knowledge ofhimselfandall his creatures, and his ordering and diſpoſing them in the moſt convenientmanner, tothe glory of his own name ; Eph. i. 11. According tothe purpoſe ofhimwho worketh allthings after thecounſel ofhis own will.
Q. 3. What is the firſt property ofGod'swisdom?
A. The firſt property is, he is onlywife; Rom. xvi. 27. To God, only wife, be glory: And whatsoever wisdom is in angels, ormen, is all derived and borrowed from God, buthis from none; Ifa. xl. 14. With whom took he counſel ? and who inſtructed him, and taughthim inthe path ofjudgment, and taught him knowledge, and ſhewed to him the way of understanding?
Q4. What is the ſecond property ofGod's wisdom ?
An Exposition of the Affembly's Catechism.
A. The ſecond property is, thathe is incomprehenfible in his wisdom ; Rom . xi. 33, 34. O the depth ofthe riches,both ofthe wisdom and knowledge ofGod, &c.
Q. 5. What is the thirdpropertyofthe wisdom of God ?
A. The third property is, thatGod is perfectly wife, which no creatures, no, not the very angels in heaven are ; Job iv. 18.
And his angels he chargeth with folly.
Q. 6. What is the moſt glorious and eminent diſcovery of thewisdom ofGod ?
A. The moſt glorious diſplay ofthe wisdom ofGod, was in the work of our redemptionby Jeſus Chriſt ; Col. ii. 3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge;
1 Cor . i. 24. Chriſt the wisdom of God.
Q. 7. What is the firſt inſtruction from God'swiſdom ?
A. The firſt inſtruction is, thatGod is a fit object of our truſt, dependance, and refignation;Ifa. xxx. 18. And thereforewill the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you ; for the Lord is aGod of judgment; bleſſed are all they that wait for him.
Q. 8. What is the ſecond inſtruction from hence ?
A. Thefecondinſtruction is,thatit is a dangerous arrogancy in the creature, either to preſcribe unto God, and direct his
Maker ; Job xxi. 22. Shall any teachGod knowledge, feeing he judgeth thoſe that are high ? Or to quarrel withhis providences, as not fo fit and convenient as they ſhouldbe; Job xl.
2. Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty inſtruct him?
He that reproveth God, let him anſwer it.
Q.9. What is the third inſtruction from it ?
A. That the people ofGod have much reaſon to quiet, and encourage themſelves, when crafty and fubtil enemies furroundthem ; for the foolishness of God is wifer than men,
1 Cor. i. 25.
Q. 10. What is the fourth inſtruction from God's wisdom ?
A. The fourth inftruction is, thatthetrue way to wifdom, istobeſenſible of your own folly ; 1 Cor. iii. 18. If any man among you feemeth to be wife in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wife.
And to apply ourſelves by prayer toGodthe foundation ofit, Jam. i. 5. Ifany man lack wifdom, lethim afk it ofGod.
Q. 11. What is the laſt inſtruction from God's wisdom ?
A. That the ſtudy ofChriſt, and ofthe ſcriptures, is to be preferred to all other ſtudies in the world ; Col. ii. 3. Inwhom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And
1 47 the ſcripturescontain all that wisdom which is for ourſalvation ; An Expofition of the Affembly's Catechism.
1 Cor. ii . 17. But we ſpeak thewisdom ofGod in a mystery, eventhe hidden wisdom which God ordained, before the world, unto our glory.
OfGod's Power.
Queſt. 1. What isthe power ofGod?
A.An eſſential property of his nature, wherebyhecando allthings thathe pleaſes to have done; Jer. xxxii.
17. Ah Lord God, behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earthby thy great power, and ſtretched-out arm ; and there is nothing too hard for thee.
Q. 2. What evidences have we before our eyes ofthe almighty power of God ?
A. It appears in the creation ofthe world ; Rom. i. 20.
Forthe inviſible things ofhim, from the creation of the world, are clearlyfeen, being understood by the things that are made, evenhis eternal power and Godhead. And its fuftentation ;
Heb. i. 3. Who upholdeth all thingsby the wordofhis power.
Q.3. Did God's power ever act its utmost?
A. No ; he can do more than ever he did, or ever will do ; Matth . iii. 9. God is able of theſe ſtones to raiſe up children unto Abraham, Matth. xxvi. 53 .
Q.4. Are there not ſome things which God cannot do ?
A. Yes, there are; but they are ſuch things as are inconſiſtent with his truth and holiness ; Tit i. 2.-which God, thatcannot lie; 2 Tim. ii. 13. He cannot deny himſelf.
را Q.5. What is the firstthing inferred from God's power ?
A. That all the creatures neceffarily depend on him for. what ability they have ; and without the permiffion ofthe ſupreme power they can do us no hurt ; John xix. 11. Thou couldeſt have no power againſtme, except it were given thee from above.
Q. 6. What is the ſecond inference from hence ?
A. Thatthedifficulties which lie inthe way ofthe promiſes, needbe no ſtumbling-blocks to our faith ; Rom. iv. 20, 21 .
He ſtaggered not atthe promises through unbelief, being fully perfuaded, that what he had promiſed he was able alfo to perform.
Q. 7. What is the third inference from this attribute ?
A. The faints need not be ſcared at the greatneſs of their fufferings ; their God can carry them through ; Dan. iii. 17 .
OurGod, whom we ferve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.
1 Q. 8. What is the fourth inference ?
An Exposition of the Affembly's Catechism.
A. That the falvation ofGod's people iscertain, whatever theirdangers be, being keptby this mighty power ; 1 Pet. i. 5.
Who are keptby thepowerofGodthrough faithunto falvati 011.
Q. 9. What is the laft inferencehence ?
A. That the ſtate of the damned is unconceivably miſe. rable,their punishment proceeding from the glory of the Almighty ; 2 Theff. i. 9. Who ſhall be punished with everlafting deſtruction, from the presence ofthe Lord, andthe gloryofhispower.
OfGod's Holiness.
OWmanifoldis the holiness ofGod?
HOA. The holiness ofGod is twofold ;; communicable, or incommunicable; ofhis communicable holiness the apostle ſpeaks, Heb. xii. 10. Buthe, for our profit, thatwe
Queſt. 1. might be partakers ofhis holineſs. Of his incommunicable holineſs that fcripture ſpeaks, I Sam. ii. 2. There is none holy as the Lord.
Q. 2. What is the eſſential and incommunicable holineſs of God?
A.It is the infinitepurityofhis nature, wherebyhe delights inhis ownholineſs, and the reſemblance of itinhis creatures, and hates all impurity ; Hab. i. 13. Thou art of purer éyes than tobehold evil, and canſt not look on iniquity.
Q. 3. What is the firſt property ofGod's holiness ?
A.He is eſſentiallyholy: Holineſs is not a ſeparablequality inGod, as it is in angels andmen ; but his being and his holilineſs are one thing.
Q. 4. What is the ſecondproperty ofGod's holineſs ?
A. God is eſſentially holy, the author and fountain of all communicated holiness; Lev. xx. 8. I am the Lord which fanctifieth you.
Q. 5. What is the third property ?
A. That the holiness ofGod is the perfect rule andpattern ofholineſs to all creatures ; 1 Pet. i. 16. Be ye holy, forI am holy.
Q.6. What is the firſt inſtruction ?
A. That the holiest ofmen have cauſe tobe ashamed and humbled, when they come beforeGod ; Ifa. vi. 3, 5. And one cried unto another, faying, holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hoſts, the whole earth is full ofhisglory. Then faid I, Woe isme, for I am undone,becauſe I am aman of unclean lips, c.
Q.7. What is theſecond inſtructionfromGod's holiness ?
An Exposition of the Affembly's Gatechism.
A. That there is nocoming near to God without a Mediator ; for ourGod is a confuming fire.
Q. 8.What is thethirdinſtruction fromGod's holineſs ?
A. That holiness is indiſpenſibly neceſſary, to all thoſe which ſhall dwellwithhim in heaven; Heb. xii. 14. Andholinefs, withoutwhich no man ſhall fee the Lord.
Q. 9. What is the fourth inftruction from hence ?
A. That the goſpel is ofinestimable value, as it is the inſtrument ofconveying the holiness of God to us; 2 Cor. iii.
18. But we allwith openface,beholding as it were inaglaſs the glory of the Lord, are changed into the fame image, from glory to glory, evenasby the Spirit ofthe Lord: Johnxvii. 17.
Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.
Q. 10. What is the laſt inſtruction from God's holineſs ?
A. That all the deſpiſers of, and ſcoffers at, holineſs, are deIpiſers ofGod; for holiness is the very nature of God; and in the creature it is his repreſented image.
Queſt. 1.W OfGod's Fustice.
HAT is the justice ofGod ?
A. Thejustice ofGod is the perfect rectitudeand equity ofhis nature; whereby he is juſt in himself, and in all his ways towards the creatures ; Deut. xxxii. 4.
He isthe rock,his work is perfect ; for all his ways arejudgment : aGod oftruth, and without iniquity : juſt and right is he.
Q. 2.What is the firſtproperty ofGod'sjustice ?
A. That it infinitely excels allhumanjuſtice inthe perfection of it. No creature can compare in juſtice with God;
Job ix. 2. How ſhall man bejuſtwithGod?
Q. 3. What is theſecondproperty ofGod'sjuſtice ?
A. That he is univerſally righteous in all his adminiſtrati ons inthe world; Pfal. cxlv. 17. The Lord is righteous in all hisways, and holy inall his works.
Q. 4. What was the greatest demonſtrationofthejustice of God, that ever was given to theworld ?
A. The greatest evidence that ever was given ofthejuſtice ofGod, was in his exacting full fatisfaction for our fins of Chrift ; Rom. iii. 25, 26. Whom God hath ſet forth, to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteouſneſs for the remiſſion of fins that are paſt, through the forbearance ofGod. To declare, I ſay,at thistime, his righteoufneſs, that he mightbejuſt, andthejustifier of himwhich e-
VOL. VII.
An Exposition of the Affembly's Catechifm. lieveth in Jeſus, Rom. viii. 32. He ſpared not his own fon, but delivered him up for us all.
Q. 5. What is the ſecond diſcovery of God's justice?
A. The ſecond diſcovery ofthe justice of God, is in the eternal punishment of ſin in hell, upon all that do not repent, and come to Chrift by faith, in this world; Rom. ii. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treaſureſt up unto thyſelfwrath against the day ofwrath, and revelation ofthe righteous judgment of God.
Q. 6. What is the third evidence ofGod's justice ?
A. The third evidence of thejustice of God, is inmaking good all the mercies he hath promised to believers, exactly to tittle ; 1 John i. 9. If we confeſs our fins, he is faithful andjuſt to forgive us our fins, and to cleanſe us from all unrighteouſneſs, 2Tim. iv. 8. Henceforththere is laid up for me a crown ofrighteouſneſs,which the Lord, the righteous Judges willgive me at that day.
Q. 7. What is the firſt inference from God's justice?
A. That finners have no cauſe to complain ofGod's judg. ments, though they be never fo terrible or durable ; Rom. ii .
5. But afterthy hardness, and impenitent heart, treaſureſt up unto thyſelfwrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment ofGod.
Q. 8. What is the ſecond inference from God'sjuſtice?
A. That without doubt there is a judgment to come in the next life, otherwiseGod would not have the glory of hisjuftice; Ecclef. iii. 16, 17. I fawunder the funthe place ofjudgment, that wickedneſs was there ; and the place of righteoufneſs, that iniquity was there ; I ſaid in mine heart, God fhall judge the righteous, and the wicked.
Q. 9. What is the third inference from God'sjustice ?
A.That penitent and believing finners need notdoubt of the forgiveness of their fins ; 1 John i. 9. If we confeſs our ſins, he is faithful andjustto forgiveus our fins, and to cleanſe us from all unrighteouſneſs.
10. What is the last inference from it?
A. The last inference is, that meekness and patience under afflictions, is our unquestionable duty ; and murmuring against God, is a great fin and evil ; Lam. iii. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his fins ?
OfGod's Goodness.
Hat is the goodness ofGod ?
Queſt. 1.WHatA. It is an effential propertyofhisnature,
An Expofition of the Aſſembly's Catechism.
whereby he is abſolutely and perfectly good in himself, and the fountain ofall communicated goodness to the creature ;
Pfal. cxix. 68. Thou art good, and doſt good, teach methy ſtatutes.
Q. 2. Howdoth thegoodness ofGod differ from the mercy ofGod?
A. Itdiffers in its objects ; for miſery is theobject ofmercy ; butgoodneſs extends to the creatures that are happy, as well as miferable, as the angels ; Pfal. cxlv. 9. The Lord is good to all,and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Q.3. What is the firſtproperty ofGod's goodness ?
A. That all his other attributes flow out of it as their fountain: the otheracts of God are but the effluxes ofhis goodness ;
Exod. xxxiii. 19. And he said, I will make all my goodneſs paſs before thee, and I will proclaim the name ofthe Lordbeforethee, and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, andwill ſhew mercy unto whom I will ſhew mercy. Exod. xxxiv. 6. Andthe Lord paffedbybefore him, and proclaimed,
The Lord, the LordGod, merciful and gracious, long-fuffering, and abundant in goodneſs and truth.
Q. 4. What is theſecondproperty ofthe divine goodneſs ?
A. That it is fupreme, and perfect in itſelf, ſo as the goodneſs of no creature is, or can be; Luke xviii. 19. None is goodſave one,and that isGod: Andconfequently above all additions from the creature ; Pfal. xvi. 2. O my foul, thou haft ſaidunto the Lord, My goodneſs extendeth not untothee.
Q. 5. What is the third property ofGod's goodneſs ?
A. That it is communicative with pleaſure and delight to the creature : no mother draws out her breast to anhungry childwith more pleaſure than God doth his goodness to the faints ; Pfal. cxlv. 9. The Lord is good to all, and his tendermercies are over all his works .
Q. 6. In what acts hath God firſt manifeſted his goodneſs ?
A. He hath manifeſted it in the creation andgovernment of the world ; Pfal. civ. 24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom haft thou made them all.
Q. 7. What was the principal work in whichGodhathmanifefted his goodneſs tomen ?
A. Theprincipal manifeſtation ofGod'sgoodness, was in the work of redemption byChriſt ; Rom. v. 8. God commended. his love towards us, in that while we were yet finners, Chrift died for us. I John iv. 9. In this was manifeſted the love of
An Expofition of the Affembly's Catechism.
Godtowards us, becauſe thatGodhath ſent his onlybegotten Son intothe world,that we might live through him.
Q. 8. But are not thejudgments ofGod on the wicked, andhis afflictions onthe ſaints, impeachments ofhis goodness.
A. No; it is the property ofgoodness, to hate and punish evilin the impenitents; Exod. xxxiv. 7. Keeping mercy for thouſands, forgiving iniquity, andtranfgreffion,and fin, and that willby no means clear the guilty, &c. And the afflictions ofthe faints flow from his goodness, and end intheir trueandeternalgood; Heb. xii. 6. Forwhom theLordloveth, he chaftneth, and ſcourgeth every fon whom he receiveth,
Pfal. cxix. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that Imight learn thy ſtatutes.
Q. 9. Whatmaywe inferfromthegoodness ofGod ?
A. The first thing is, that fin hath made our natures baſe, anddiſingenuous, inthat we take no notice ofhis goodness ;
Ifa. i. 3. The ox knoweth his owner, and the aſs his maſter's crib ; but ifrael doth not know, my people doth not conſider;andanſwer not thedeſign ofit ;Rom. ii. 4. Not knowing that the goodness ofGod leadeth thee to repentance.
Q.to. What is the ſecond inference from the goodness of God?
A. That thereforeGod is the fittest object ofour delight, and love, and ofour trust and confidence.
(1.) Of ourdelight and love; Pfal. cxvi. 1. Ilove the Lord, because he hath heard my voice, and my fupplications.
(2.) Ofour truftand confidence; Pfal. xxxiv. 8. O tafte and fee that the Lord is good; bleſſed is the man that truſteth inhim.
Q. 11. What is the third inference from God's goodneſs ?
A. That Chriftians ſhould imitate God inhis goodneſs, in charity to our enemies ; Matth . v. 44, 45. But I ſay unto you, love your enemies,bleſs them that curſe you, dogood to them thathate you, pray for them which deſpitefully uſe you, and perfecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.
Q. 12. What is the last inference fromGod'sgoodneſs ?
A. That Chriſtians have great encouragement to go to God for pardon in caſe of fin; Pfal. cxxx. 4. But there is forgiveness with thee, thatthou mayeſt be feared ; and for refuge indangers. The Lord is good, a strong hold in theday oftrouble ; he knoweth them that truſt in him, Nahum i. 7 .
OfGod'sTruth.
☑Hat is the truth ofGod ?
Queft: 1.W Itis an effential property ofhis na-
An Exposition of the Assembly's Catechifm.
zure, whereby he is perfectly faithful in himself, and inall that he hath ſpoken ; Deut. xxxii. 4. He is the rock, his word is perfect, for allhis ways are judgment ; aGod of truth, and without iniquity, juſt and right is he, Pfal. cxix. 142.
Thy righteouſneſs is aneverlasting righteouſneſs, and thy law is thetruth.
Q. 2. What is the firſt property ofDivinetruth ?
A. The firſt property of it, is, That it is effential andnecefſary toGod ; He cannot lie, Titus i. 2.
Q. 3. What is theſecond property ofit ?
A. The ſecondproperty is, That it iseverlafting, andabiding to all generations ; Pfal. c. 5. For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to allgeneratiIfa. xxv. 1. O Lord, thou art my God, I will exalt thee -thy counſels ofold are faithfulneſs and truth.
Q4. What is the third property ofDivine truth ? ons .
A. The third property is, that he is univerſallytrue in all his words and works. (1.) In all his words ; John xvii. 17.
Thyword is truth. (2.) In allhis works ; Pfal.xxv. 10. All the paths ofthe Lord are mercy and truth, unto ſuch as keephis covenant.
Q. 5. What is the firſtleſſonfromGod's truth tobelearnt?
A. That truth and fincerity ofheart is that which is moſt ſuitable, and pleaſing toGod; Pfal. li.6. Behold thou defireſt truth inthe inward parts.
Q. 6. What is the ſecond leſſon fromGod's truth ?
A. ThatwhateverGod hath foretold, ſhall aſſuredly come to paſs, and be fulfilled in histime ; Joſh. xxiii. 14. Not one thinghath failed of all the goodthings which the Lord our
Godſpake, concerning you ; all are come to paſs unto you, andnotonething hath failed thereof.
Q. 7. What is the third leſſon from the truth ofGod?
A. That a promiſefromGod is full ſecurity to the faith of his people, and they may lookupon it as good as a mercy in hand ; Heb. x. 23. For he is faithful that promiſed.
Q. 8. What is the fourth leſſonfromGod's truth ?
A. That whatever God hath threatned in hisword againſt finners, ſhall ſurely come upon them, except they repent;
Zech. i. 6. Butmyword,andmy ſtatutes, which Icommanded my ſervants the prophets, didthey not take hold ofyour fathers ? andthey returned and ſaid, like as the Lord of hofts thoughttodounto us, according to our ways, and according to ourdoings, fo hath he dealt with us. Ezek. xii. 27, 28.