er ee cers ea Kae : Fe pein ~' oo A ota tet — wer Pa tt nm ae nek PA Aah. a = fe ? = - « od - z . Tas) |) ’ a ¥ AS ee ee a a om. : » .te=g “i oF Tr. cy ¥ ape > .- " = = okt ay Cares en eRe Me gt) ete mas 4 = ey apne, © a We. eae ie eee penne, gene fee ae RE eg yas Ck a ea acs ‘ Fp els at ery Se DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY A BRIEF VIEW DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, AS PROFESSED BY THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, IN FHE FORM OF QUESTION AND ANSWER, FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF YOUTH. =e —— BY JOHN BEVANS. — eae) “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, aud let» ar elt consider one another to proyoke unto love, and to good works: ” Heb. x. 28,24, aaa aes PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED BY KIMBER & CONRAD, NO. 93, MARKET STREET. SOLD ALSO BY SAMUEL WOOD, NEW YORK; AND SAMUEL ; JEFFERIS, BALTIMORE, Brown & Merritt Printers, No. 24, Church-alley, eececesccore : 4 810. = iv iv Y. : the kingdom of the Redeemer among men, may derive some assistance from this little work. In compiling it, although his prima- ry object has been the instruction of youth, yet his views have not been confined to this class; for (whatever deficiencies may ap- pear in the following attempt to illustrate the truths of the Gospel) Christian Redemption is a subject peculiarly interesting to ai/: be- cause it embraces our most important i inter- ests in time, and in eternity. Indeed, whether we consider the unfathomable love wherein it originated, or the, height of happiness to _ which it is designed to raise fallen, degenerate man, it demands of us every sentiment of gratitude, adoration, and praise to an all- Wise Creator, W ho Ys rane: and whose na- ture’ ish) Lov E. ¢ / nee OSE fares EOS iSXET CON STENTS. | CHAP. I. Sect. 1. Hapyiinee the principal object fursued by mankind ; how it is to be attained. §2. Of the Deity. —Proofs of his existence.—-He reveals himself to man by his Holy Spirit, and also by the Holy Scriptures. — § 3. The Scripture account af the creation of the world— Of the creation of irrational animals, and lastly of man.» § 4. Adam’s fall from the image of God in which,he was created.—-Its effects ufion himself and his jfosterity. § 5. God has compassion on fallen man, and firovides a°Sa- viour to restore him—Jesus. Christ is» this © Saviour. § 6. That God did, previously to the.coming of Christ, re- - veal his will to man, \st. By the Patriarchs : 2dly. By the Law: 3dly. By the Prophets: also universally by the Spirit of Christ. § 7. of the Patriarchs—Abraham leaves fis native country in obedience to a divine command— - Fits faith in the frromises of God—-On the fulfilment of these frromises. _¢ Page 9—32..: eee a2 @! vi CHAP. II. " Séet. 1. Gud reveals himself to the children of Abra- ham, frarticularly to Moses. §2. Of the revelation of the divine will to Moses.—Of the law given by Moses ta the Israelites. § 3. The Mosaic Law considered, 1st. As political ; 3 its exclusive application ‘to. the Israelites asa nation : Qdly. As ceremonial ; which is typical or Jigura- tive of the mediatorial work and office of the Messiah: ‘Sdly. As moral ; this part of the Law @tated as set forth in the ten commandments—and continues of universal obli- gation at the presént day.—Of the Christian Sabbath.—Of _ the substance of the Law as expressed of Christ and his afi eadles, —Of man’s ability to keep the commandments of God: § 4, Of the fropihets subsequent to Moses.—Maoses : ond the prophets foretell the coming of Christ, —Isaiah’s de- “scription of the person and mediatorial office of Christ. De " Page 33—52, oy : . she pa CHAP. IIL. a a Sect. 1. The hrofhecies concerning Christ fulfilled. ‘He assumes human nature, becomes our /tonement or Me- diator—triumpihs over simby offering ufr his life as a sacri- — fice for sin, and by his subsequent resurrection—All men partake of. the benefit of Chriss death. § 2. Christ offers himself to mankind as a Saviour from sin, by his sfi- vit, by the Soxijtur es, and by his servants. Faith, what oat’ is—The»New Birth necessary tc Salvation, § 5. Of Wrcatasaices fg giveness of sins or Justification—Sancs ‘ ‘ie we \ae 2 ee + Vil tification or justification to be experienced only through the righteousness of Christ.——Victory over sin—Perfection or freedom from sin—Possibility of falling away from a‘state of grace. § 4, Faith made manifest by good works—Of good works, what they are—Faith and works inseparable, and necessary to Justification, but not the cause of it—this tobe ascribed to the New Birth——Of Perseverance. § 5.The difference between the sfiritually-minded man, and the carnally-minded man—Their respective prospects after dcath—The day of Judgment. Page 5S—90, * CHAP. IV. , _ Sect. 1. The nature of true Worship—the prublic wor- ship of God a duty—the advantages that result from it— Prayer and prraise a part of divine worshifi—their nature. § 2. The qualifications of a gospel minister—the benefits atiendant on a gosfiel ministry, § 3. Of the Baptism of Christ—Of Water Bapitism—ihe latter not enjoined by Christ—the practice of the afiostles_on thig subject ‘ton- sidered. § 4, The nature of the Supper which Christ até with his discifiles the night before his crileifixion—rea- sons for considering the celebration .of it asnot now obliga- torym—The supper of the Lord, of which Christians par- take, inward and spiritual, Page 91119. © ge ~*, te ie ? & * = . rh CHAPTER I. ? SECT. I. _ Ist Question— What is the principal object sought after by mankind ? Answer—Happiness: all their pursuits, “however various, may be traced to it as to a central points. « side 2d Q.—How is true happiness to be at. tained ? A.—True happiness is onty to a found in loving God, fearing to offend him; ‘and: obeying his commands. Psal. xxxiv. 9. O fear the Lord, ye his saints ; for there is no want to them that fear him.» 10. The: young lions do lack and suffer hunger, but they that seek whe Lord shall not want any good thing. Psal. cxxviii. ]. Blessed is every one, that Rettets the Lord, that walketh in his ways. 2, Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. said Rom. viii. 28._And we know that all things Work to- » gether for good to them that love God. om. 1 Cor. ii. 9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nei- * ther have entered into the heart of man, the things that» _ God hath prepared for them that love him. 10. But» God hath revealed them to.us by his Spirit. SECT, II. 3d Q —Who is God ? > A; —God i is 5 Oe infinite, eternal, and. in- wr “rs “ ¢ aah ay ‘ a ~~ Pic > gn ee & 10 visible Being or Spirit, who created and who upholds all things. John iv. 24. God is a Spirit. Psal. xc. 2..\ Before, the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even trom everlasting to everlasting thou art Jer, xxiii. 24. Can any hide himself in secret places that [ shall not-see him? do not I fill heaven and’ the ear th? saith the Lord. Psal. CXXXIX. 7. Whither shallI go from thy spirit? Si whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8. If T ascend up into heaven, thou art there. 9. If I take oH wings of the n norning and dwell in the utmost part the seas 10, ven there shall thy hand lead me; and thy right hand shall hold me. 11. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover meg even the night hail be Tightaboutme. 12. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness - and the dight are both ulike to thee. ‘ ‘Heb. iii. 4., "He that builyall thingsis God. Hebiit'3. ‘Upholding all things by the word of his power. ~ - ¢ S “Ath Q. ae itnot true that chen is but one God ? A.—Cértainly ; for though there ame the Father, Word or Son, and Holy Spirit, these. “three are one God.* _. * Titis belief of the Father, Son, and Spirity ‘is ustaly called: ‘the Doctrine of the Trinity, which "pas been variously explained. ” by the professors of Christianity, but we think it safest to adhere as uch as possible to the guarded manner in which the sacred writers have treated this mysterious subject as it necessarily _. 6xtends i into a'depth unfathomable by the limited understanding »of man, for «* Canstthou by searching find out God? Canst thou «find out tle Almighty to perfection. © Job xi. ie . " “®t 2 a il Deut. iv. 35. The Lordhe is God, there is none else © besides him. £4 John i. 1. The Word was God. 18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John x. 30. I and my Father are one. : John xiv. 23. If aman love me he will keep my words ; and my Father will love him, and we wilt come unto him, and make our abode with him. 26. But the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things. John xv. 26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, eyen the» Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. Matt. xxviii) 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Gal. iv. 6. God hath'sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 2 Cor, xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord J esus Chase, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 5th Q.—What are the proofs we hae of the existence of God?’ me) A.—They are of two sorts; Ist. The works of creation. 2dly. The revelation God aS made of himself to man. 6th Q.— What are the pot derived from creation ? A.—They are innumerable: the @arth we live upon abounds“with them: which with’. the sun, the moon, and the stars,:and the _ various revolitions in. the planetary sysetm, ¥ proclaims the existence of an all-wise, all- ee ae * encourages us to do good.* 12 m powerful Being, by whom they must have been created, and by whose power they continue to be upheld. * Thus when we see a house, we are Certain that it could not have made or built itself, *but must have been the work of some man; ‘se when we_ behold things indicative of design that far exceed the ability of man, we reasonably attribute them to a superior power. Psal. civ. 24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in’ wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. . Psal. xix, 1. ‘The heavens declare the glory of God : and. the firmament sheweth his handy work. 2. Day -unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth ‘ knowledge. 3. There is no aperes nenlasieyner where | their voice is not heard. : Acts xiv. 17 He left not hinddlé without witness, in “that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruit- ful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Rom.i20. The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being under- stood by the things that atfemade, even his eternal pow- er and Godhead. -Psal. cxxxix. 14. I will praise thee, for E am fear- < fully andwonderfully made ; marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. gi oth Q.—How does 8'God reveal himself t to man? ,A.—By his Holy Spirit, which checks us when we incline,to do evil, and incites and * @How ofien,” says the pious Grate st ate ca thoughts suggested, heavenly affections kindled and - How often & ‘ “264 i. ¥ ».. ee ‘ 1s Deut. sxx. 11. For this commandment which ag - command thee this day, is not hidden from * neither is it far off. 14. But the word is very meh unto sees i is thy mouth 4nd in thy heart, that thou may ae ix,.20. Thou gavest also thy'good spirit to in-~ 2 struct them. d m. ii. 14, When the gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained i in th x the , having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Se Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and- their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else excusing another, Rom.x:6. But the righteousness whieh is 0 speaketh on this wise, Say not in thitle ascend into heaven? (that is, to brif above ) 7. Or, Who shall. d (that is, | g up Christ again t But wh saith it? The word is nigh th en in th d im thy heéatt: that~ ees of “faithy which we preach. _ e *. ee = 8th Q:—Has not God a “revealed is bes to man by the holy Seriptures ? a A.—Yes, inasmuch athey were no for the instruction of mankind et 3 se spired of God. = : ate is the Christian danas to holy. ations, Fae to his bed » 2 Tim. iii. 16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Rom, xy. 4. Whatsoevér things were written afore- time were written for our learning, that we through pa- _ tience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. - 2 Pet.i.21. For the prophecy came not in old-time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake aaibey Weonovedy the Holy Spirit. John xv, 15. All things thet I have heard of my Fa- ther, I have made known unto you. 16. I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, andthat your fruit should remain. 27. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have Dagn with qne irom the beginning. Cor: v. 1. eta man so account of usy te 3) a: the ¢ ‘ist, and stewards of the age of i : that ‘which was from: the. beginning, Cc Werhi ve elidel. which we have Po 3 h ‘get eyes, ve have Jooked upon, and our | word of life; 2. (FB the life was ceed, ai have seen it, and bea wits and’ shew unto yo that'eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heardydeclared we unt@"you. a mt Ges oth Q. What do the holy Scriptiiies, de- _ _ daré of God? - ah —That he isitlie Creator of all ee and perfect i in power, wisdom and ho 5 that he pede sin: that he is the fountain of. every lovelysyyea, at he is love Fitseit AT h 4 dispenses a soodness toall his creatures according #o their capacities, nd Ww Uleth not the destruction of sinners not the de ti ‘sinn pat . if i ~e = #8 ee ‘ng -" fe ‘ : Hs 15 & that they should return to him, repent and ° live. ¥ 1 Chron. xxix. 11.- Thine, O Lord, is the ereatnesss and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty ;, for all that is in the heaven and in the earth = | is thine; thine is the kin; gdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Exod. xv. 11. Whois like unto theefif® Lordjtgilo- rious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Rev. iv. 8. And they rest not day andnight, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. : ~ Exod. xxxiv. 6. And the Lord passed before hir and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful ' gracious, long-suffering, and abundant. a e00C i truth. 7. Keeping mercy for thowsands, for ivin uity and transgression and. sin, and sthat, will by no * means cleat the guilty. ~~ — Pd oe ae rn 4 . + from tha s other creatur irr al" ani ere 4 a4 ye at ‘calling. th , a ‘ : * 2 7 “dl — ~~ : . iit * th the beginning ot ” 7 a SG RE Mee Ge _ wes: ae . a r Sa . eee ; 16 3 c Ezek. xxxili.. 11. As I live, sai havé®no ease | in the death of ae wicked Patt the wicked turn from his 1 way and live. shal allies 2 Pet. iii. 9. The Lord is not slack conc - his promise, as some men count slackness ; but is suffering to us-ward, not willing that any = but that all should come to repenta tance. _ — om heal ee SEGTs ~ ives % ows ct aie “10th Q. —How do the Scriptures os creation ? awe inform us that God creat the earth, the sea, and all Pace animate or Sse eo word of his. bowery. * 4 and t me yaa a. Neh. rx. 6. Thali, even thou, a A ab et . has heaven, the heaven of heay with a) host, the earth, and all things that are henete' i ‘— that is thereim, and thou Preset hem me Xxxiii. 6. By the word of thesLord w tg heavens made: and°all the host of them by the t of his month. . ce xi. 3. The wor ere framed by the r that things which’ are seen 1 were not mi Gee which doappear. _ z ee -yth fot the. sce pi the creat of man as di we Ae mee s wi * ~~ * * - 17 existence, but the language of the Almighty previously to the creation of Adam,was, “ Let us make man in our image, after our like- ness,’” then we are informed that he created man in‘his own image, ¢ven in the image of God. eo * @ Gen. i. 24. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. 26, And God said, Let us make man in our image after our likeness. 27. So God created man in his 0 image, in the image of God created he him. _ 12th Q.—What is to be sider by 1“ e image of God in man? A,—A breath of life which was breathed» ‘ *into him by God, by which he was.madea partaker of the divine nature, and hadPant — and communion with God. ee Geneii.7. And the Lord@@od formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life ; andsman became a living soul. 2 Cor, iii, 18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed intoth same image from glory to sloty, even as by thesSpirit: »of the Lord. ‘Ephviv. 24. And that ye put on the new man, which ‘after God is created in righteousness and a agente Col, iii. 10." And. ly have put)on themew man, P which is renewed i in. knowledge after the ae Ie him that created him. “2 Peta. 4. Wheréby are to to us exce egting great and précious promises; that eugaeh be pattakers.¢ the divine ces igs a * 18 1 Johni. 3. Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 13th Q.—Did Adam remain alone ? + ee the Lord saw that it was not good that he should be alone, and therefore formed a‘Woman t6 be an help meet for him, whom Adam called Eve, and God gave them domi- nion over all the creatures, Bon. ii ii. 18. And the Lord God said, It is not good that Ser should be alone; I will make an help meet for And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to Pupon » and he slept: and he took one of his "ribs, ee the flesh instead thereof. 22. And the rib h tiedora God had taken frony man, made . woman, and brought her unto the man. 23. And “adam ‘said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of ny Sete she shall be called woman, because she was’ :en out of mah. * See also WCor, xi. 8. iii.20. And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. » Genwi. 28.. God. said unto them, Have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, __ and over every living thing that moveth Opa. the eee. oe 14thQ,- —W here did Adam and Eve dwell? r| An | a gar ‘den’ €astward in Eden; in ©" which’ grew every tree that is pleasant to the* sight and good for food, and in the midst.of the garden grew the tree of life, and the 5. i, tree EF eae edge of good and evil. sl Fa Sh ‘the Lord "God pl planted a garden ; and there he put the as oh ee 9, “And out of the ground made th Lord en ete os a %.. 19 God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food ; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. SECT. IV. oe a 15th Q.—Did Adam evince His love’and ip letigtag to his Creator for all these bless- Inga A.—No, for ete the Almighty allow him freely to eat of every tree of the garder in which he* was placed, except the cat ‘knowledge of good and evil, of Which Go _forbad him to eat, saying, that on the day he ate of it he should surely die, yet notwith- standing this injunction he did eat of i it, md ate Gen. ji. 16. And the Lord God command man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou m eely eat; 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it®* for in the day -that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 3 See also the Proofs to the two next Answers. ~ 16th Q.— What induced Adam to i the forbidden fruit ? > . ‘and she took of the fruit he ae and she gave to Adam, and. he also thereof. os: _A.—The serpent or devil eatpped Eve, * en. iii, 4. And'the serpent said unto the woman, ~ ' Ye shall not surely die: 5. For G in the day ye eat agi, then you ‘ : - —- ge Fa a a = it « | * ed; and ye shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise ; she took of the fruit there- of, anddid eat; and gave also unto her husband with © her; andhe dia eat. Pes viii. 44. He [the devil] was a neurdeter" from eginning, and abode not in the truth, because sno tr : in him. When he speaketh a'lie, he cee of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 1 John iii. 8. He that commiteth sin, is of the devil ; fof the devil sinneth from the beginning. Rev. xii. 9. And the great dregon was cast out, eiveth th old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which de- ole world. s * 20 17th Q -Did Adam and Eve die in the day they ate of the forbidden fruit? A ‘hey did not cease to exist as crea- e they died to that spiritual life or di- vine image in which they had communion ‘ th with God. "padi 23. The wages of sin is death. Rom. y. 12. By one man sin entered into the world, and — by sin. . Rom, viii. 6. To be coietly minded, is death; but to be iritually minded is life, and peace: 7. Because » the carnal mind is enmity against God. James i. 15. When lust hath conceived ; it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is ergy bringeth ba + death. Oy a John v. 24." at heareth. any word, and believeth » on him that on me,—is passed pe death unto life. ~ 26, The ming, and now is, when the d shall ‘h V0 f Mis Son of God; and th is _ hear shalllives © or tt “ “ : ‘ 21 Eph. ii. 1. Amd you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Eph. v. 14. Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give thee light. 1 Tim. v. 6. But she that liveth i in pleasure is dead . while she liveth. 1 John iii, 14. We know that *we have passed from .- death unto life, because we love the brethren. He. that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. Ae Rey. iii. 1. Iknow thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead.* ee 18th Q.—What were the consequences of)» this spiritual death to our first parents ? A.—They lost, the niphigm as /and pu- rity, the love, joy, and peace in > Hol¥ Spi- rit, which were the fruits of vine i in which they were created, and were brought under the dominion of the evil arora D which have ever since abounded in t orld, ° and, having yielded ..themselves to the power . of sin, they became liable to temporal death ¥ and eternal misery. ty. ¥ asi me . See the Proofs to the 20th ‘Answer. j 19th Q. —Has the, earth suffered. z change in consequence ‘of the fall of man ? A.—The ground was cursedin consequence of it, so that it produces thomas, ang! and. thistles, Ae Soft * Though most of these texts may not appear to Saephy person- ally to Adam, they prove that thedeath that is the consequence “of si hich Adam’s was, is a death of: ep rt than iterely that of the body. _ - yh is an . ® , > b ' > . 2 é san Xo s > his , 22 _® and man was turned out of the garden of Eden, and is doomed to till the > ground, and with sorrow to eat of the fruit of it to the day of his death, when his body is to return to the dust whence it was taken. yeas ee: bbc ah Sey ' - iii. IZ, And unto Adam he [God] s said, Be- ca thou hast eaten of the tree of which he com- manded thee, saying, thou shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground for thy sake ; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. 18. Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee ; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. 19. In the sweat of thy face shalt tho éat bread, till thou return unto the ground, for out of it ; for dust thou arty and upto dust shalt t retur) Therefore the Lord God sent him forth fr a n of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. Ms .—Are all mankind avoid in the Adam/’s disobedience ? he sachi for as Adam had efter the * iar image in himself, and become wholly degenerate, so his children can have no good thing as belonging to’their nature, which he from whom they derive their common nature, “a to communicate. * a » -* It may be proper to. observe, that we do not hereby impute any guilt to infants; because as the Scripture says, Rom. iv. 15. «© Where nojlaw i is, there’ is no transgression. K Also, ‘Rom. v.13, ‘ But sin is not imputed; when there is no law.” Nevertheless, as “aseed ofisin is tre t ited toall men from Adam, called death in the Scriptures, and the body of death, seeing it is indeed a © death to tlie life of righteousness and holiness ;?” «they [ir ants} - have need of Christ, a Saviour, who died: fob them, to iver. them from "i 104. § 5. ps lay’s Apology, 8th edit. Prop. iv. §. 4..p." Barclay’s. Works, fol. édit. p. 771. ~~» \ Mf, Lm a 4 7 ; “+ . 23 Gen. vi. 5. And God saw that every imagination of the thoughts of his [man’s] heart was only evil conti- nually. ; Jer. xvii. 9: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked ; who can know it! 2 Rom. viii. 7. The carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither in- deed « can it be. 8. Sothen they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 1 Cor. ii. 14. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Matt. xv. 19. Outof the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. ~ 1 John ii15. If any man love the wa of the Father is notin him. 16. Ref all tha world, the lust of the flesh, and ‘lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the F ather, but is of the world. x pik et Gen. v.3. And Adam begat a son in own like- ness, after his image. = ie Job xiv. 1. Man that is born of a womans of few days, and full of trouble. 2. He cometh forth likea _ flower, and is cut downs he fleeth also as shadow, and continueth not. 4. Who can bring ac thing out of an unclean? not one. Se Psal. li. 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity > and in sin did my mother conceive me. John iii. 6. That which is born of the Besh gaifesh Gal. v.19. Now the works of the flesh are fest; . which are these ; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, Jasciviousness. 20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditionsyberesics envyings, murders, pid revellings, suchlike: of the which I tell you, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. > ee ie 24 : a Eph. ii. 2. Wherein in time past ye walked ‘accord- ing to the course of this world, according to the p of the power of the air, the spirit that »W ae in the children of disobedience. 3. Amongst whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath even as others. any wae or. xv. 22. In Adam all die. om.y.12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the ‘world, and death by sin ; and so death passed on all men, for that all have ps 18. By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation. 19. By one man’s disobedience many were made sin- ners. Rom. iii, 9. We have before proved both Jew and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 40. As th written, there is none righteous, no, not one: There is*none that understandeth, there is none Mat a3 after God. 12. They are all gone out of the er are together become unprofitable ; there is “Ghats zone ti oeth good, no, not one. 16. Destruction are in their ways: 17. And the way of he # peer have they not known. 18. There is no fear of -, a their eyes. 5? de os viii. 21. ‘The imagination of man’s heart peril ~ from His youth. ’ Pehchn v.19. The whole world lieth in wicedate: “ Gal. fii. 22, The Scripture hath concluded all under » sir hs as i yt SECT. V. a wt. — io left to Lietg im this state’of alienation? « ASN, God had compassion | on fallen. an, anh eee cis ‘provided a a ~* - & ¥ 23 Saviour to restore to man the image of God which Adam, by disobedience, had lost. ~ See the Proofs to the next Answer. 22d Q.—Who is this Saviour? A.—Jesus Christ, the Word and Son of God; who is also called the seed of the woman, which was to bruise the head of the serpent or devil that had beguiled Eve. ? John iii. 16. God so loved the world, that he gaye his only begotten Son, that whosoever beli¢yeth in him, should net perish, but have ee also 1 John iv. 9, 10. ' i gall Rom. v.8. But God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Eph. ii. 4. But God, who is rich in merey, for his” great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us toge er with Christ, (by Grace ye are saved.) ae oe, Marki. 1. The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. be er John iv. 42, This is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world. ' gts Luke ii. 11. Unto you is born this day, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. yA Gen. iii. 15. And I will put enmity between'thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it _ shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel, Acts xiii.23. Ofthis man’s ee seed hath God according to his promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour Jesus. t = i +, 23d Q.—Why is Christ called: the seedvof the woman ? ¥. ¥ * A.—Because he became man by being born of a woman who was a virgin. 26 Matt.i.18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 20. Behold the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph thou son of David, fear not totake unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Spirit. 21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Luke i. 31. Behold thou shalt conceive, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 34. Then ‘said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know ey ‘man? 85. And the angel answered and said unto The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the ok of the Highest shall overshadow thee ; there also that holy thing which shall be born of “thee, shall be called the Son of God. Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son made of a woman. Ps Pate Q.—How did-Christ bruise the*ser- Pent’s head ?° any .— By his triumph Over sin and the devil, "sthierauthor of it. ‘See the Proofs to the 49th, 50th, and 51st Answers. “95th Q.—If Christ be the Word and Son .of God, and also the seed of the woman, is he not both God and man ? Yes, for it was the “Eternal Word, shes is i God, by rong things were created, 3 ‘that took upon him our nature. Hy: le wr. 2 at ” ® ¥ 27 John i. 1. Inthe beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew ies not. 14. Andthe Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. . Matt. i. 23. And they shall call his name Emma- nuel, which, being interpreted, is, God with us. John x. 30. Iand my Father are one. 33. And the Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. , »John xx. 28. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord, and my God. Rom. ix. 5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who isover all, God blessed for ever. Eph. iii. 9. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from : ake a of the world hath been hid in God, who ed all things by Jesus Christ. 3 Phil. ii. 6. Who being in the form of Ged, thought it not. robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made. himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form. ofa servant, and was made in the likeness of men.. Col. ii. 9. In him [Christ] dwelleth all the fulness. of the Godhead bodily. ; Col. i 16. For by him were all things crearwainiie are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and in- ~ visible, whether they be thrones, or dominions} or prin- cipalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him. 1 Tim. tii. 16. And without controversy erat, the” mystery of godliness: Ged was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up i nte glory, % a 8 28 i Heb. i.2. [God] hath in these last days spoken un- to_us by his Son, whom he hath appointed ae things, by whom also he made the worlds ; 3. Who. - being the brightness of his glory, and the express image: of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged out down on the right hand of the majesty on: For, unto which of the angels said he at ahy time. art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? 8. But un- to the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; asceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. ; Heb. ii. 16.. For verily he took not on him the na- ture of angels ; but he took on him the seed of Abra- ham. : Heb. xiii.8. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to- day, and for ever. : - a 7 le 26th Q.—How long was itafter the fall of ~ Adam before Christ took upon him our na- ture? — . A.—About four thousand years. .. ft ae SECT. VI. wie ae “e7th Q.—How did God, during this period, - “¥eVeal his will to mankind ? ‘AeIn various ways. Ist. By the Patri- Ho Qdly. By the’ Law, 3dly. By the Pro- ne in the hearts of men immedi- ately a : phetsand universally by the redeeming and reconciling Spirit and power of Christ, which * ifter the fall. - See the Proofs to the following Answers. * - r 29 SECT. VII. 28th Q.—Who were the Patriarchs ? A.—A Patriarch was the father of a large family or nation, who, in the early ages of the world, governed them by virtue of his paternal authority : the Patriarchs of whom we are speaking, were good men who feared and loved God and obeyed his commands; | such were-Seth and Enoch, such also was Noah, who, with his family, was saved from the deluge or flood by which all the rest of, the world were destroyed for their great wickedness, and disregard to the warning of. God, ©» - , . “ Gen.v. 24. And Enoch walked with God, § and he was not; for God took him. Heb. xi. 5. By faith Enoch was translated,that act | should not see death ; and was not found, because God. had translated him ; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. eee Jude 14, And Enoch the seventh from Adam: ‘pro-» phesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15. To execute judeearat upon all, &c. Gen. vii 9. Noah was a just,man, and perfect in -his generations, and Noah walked with God. — 13. And ‘God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is welute mé;. for _ the earth is filled with violence through ‘them 5 _and, be- hold, I will destroy them with the earth. 2 Pet. ii. 5... And [God] spared not the) ola ii, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher ‘of 1 ’ right- eousness ; bringing in the ficod, upon. the _woild of the angodly. “ 7 C2 os ’ 80 29th Q.—Are these all the Patriarchs that are mentioned in the Scriptures ?- A.—No, there are others mentioned, par- ticularly Abraham who, in obedience to the divine command left his native country and sojourned in the land of Canaan, and, by his faith in the promises of God, obtained _ the appellation of the father of the faithful, and the friend of God. Gen. xii. 1. Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee. 4.So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him, and Lot went with him. 5. And ~Gnto the land of Canaan they came. 7. And there %, Tak bg an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto an, git M, ‘* en. xv. 6. And he believed in the Lord ; and-he am it to him for righteousness. »Rom, iv. 11. And he [Abraham] received the sign circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith ‘which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father .of all them that believe, though they be ‘not circumcised ;) that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. 12. And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but also walk, oie ei ces of that faith of our father Abraham, which che had being yet uncircumcised. 16. Therefore it is “of faith, that it might be by grace ; to the end the pro- mise~might be sure to all the seat not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of he, who is the father of usall. — Jam. ii hast ie the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abr am elieved God, and it was” imputed unto him. for righteousness ;sand he was salted the friend = God. See also Isaiah xh. 8. _ * * , 31 50th Q.— What were the promises of God to Abraham? A.—He promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation, and that his children should possess that land in which he sojourned as a stranger : and further, that in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed. Gen. xii. 2. I will bless thee and thou shalt bea blessing. 3. And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 44 Gen. xvii. 6. I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. 8. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou arta stranger, all the land of Canaan. te ee ee Gen. xxii. 16. By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast © no: withheld thy son, thine only son: [Isaac whom he Was going to offer as a sacrifice by the command of God} 17. That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiply- ing will multiply thy seed as the. stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea_shore ;.and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed ; because thou hast obeyed my voice. | ~ $ : :2 ~ aft - 31st. Q.— Were these promises to Abra- ham fulfilied ? £ A.—Yes: from his son Isaac came the Israelites who were a greatnation, and pos- sessed the land promised to Abraham; and Jesus Christ the Saviour of mankind, in whom all the nations of thesearth are blessed, is of the seed of Abraham after the flesh. rs 32, tg* Deut. x. 22. The Lord thy God hath made'thee as the stars of heaven for multitude. bt Als Joshua xxi. 43. And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. 44. And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers. 45. There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel: all came to pass. Acts iii. 25. Ye are the children ‘of the prophets, and of the covenants which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26. Unto you first, God having raised up his son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his ini- quities. Gal. iii. 8. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached be- » fore the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all “ations be blessed. 9. So then they which be of faith, “are blessed with faithfull Abraham.—13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.—14, That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive thé promise of the Spirit through faith. 16, Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises _ : made. . He saith not, And to seeds, as of many ; but asof one, And to thy seed, which is Christ, ee. ha a ale » Sie nse gins iy ’ ~ tee x ot ce Sa r 5 i a ge OS SPS eo t ret A Pad ; . pan 2 «) d . 4? P- * Beka \ “ _ x er i * . CHAPTER II. SECT. I. ‘+ 32d Q.—Did God ened himself, to the children of Abraham ? A.—He did to Isaac, also to Jacob, other- wise called Israel: but the most remarkable revelation of the divine will to the descend= *» ants of Abraham, was thr ugh Woses;whom — God appointed to be the 7 Legislatons of the Israelites. « Gen. xxvi. 2. And the Lord appeared unto him. [Isaac] and said, Go not down into Egypt: 3. So- journ in this land, and I will be with thee, and will-bless thee ; for unto thee and unto thy seed, .I will give all. these countries, and I will perform the oath which I _ sware unto Abraham thy father; 4. And ¥ will make. thy seed'to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will vive unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy ae phalt all the nations of the earth be blessed. ~_ Gen. xxviii. 10. And Jacob went out from) irae, sheba, and went toward Haran. «Ll. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, be- © cause the sun was set; and lay d in that pace » sleep. 12. And he dreamed, and t Buk a la er set heed the cag and the top’of it ee ah tovheaven. = seer * 34 aes 13. And behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac; the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, ‘and to thy seed. 14. And in thee, and in thy seed, shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Gen. xxxv. 9. And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padan-aram, and blessed him. 10, And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob; thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name; and he called his name Israel. Exod. iii. 1. Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. 2. And the angel of the Lord ap- peared unto him ina flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. 4. And God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. 7. I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt. 8. And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land, unto a goods land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. 15. Thus shalt thou “say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your ‘fathers, the God of, Abraliam, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you. fs . SECT. IL 33d Q.—Wherein did this revelation of the divine “will differ from those that pre- ceded at: sh ~ : i « ise ae God chose the Israelites, from r’nations, to be a separate and pena unto himself, that they . niche” the knowledge of the only true God, ‘midst of heathen darkness ; | and, to effect. this purpose, he gave them, = - “ ~~ 35 through Moses, Laws, Statutes, and Judg- ments, for their civil and religious conduct. Exod. xix. 3. And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4. Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. 5. Now therefore if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall bea peculiar treasure unto me above all peo- ple; for all the earth ismine. 6. And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. Deut. iv. 5. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should doso in the land whither ye goto possess it. 6. Keep therefore and do them ; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the na-. tions, which shall hear all these statutes and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7. For what nation is there so great, whe hath Géd sonigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in 2 things ‘that we call upon him for? Deut vii. 6. Thou art an holy ieenle unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are Ya on the face of the earth. ; Deut. ix. 5. Not for thy righteousness, or forthe up- rightness of thine heart dost thou go,to possess their land; but for the wickedness of these nations’ the Lord thy God“@ith drive thenr out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, andJacob. ." ~ * ee sy Deut. xxviii. 10. And all the people of the th, shall see that thou art called by the ame, of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee. ; Deut. xxx. 15. See, I have set ee thee’ nis day life and good and death andevil; 16>In thatd com- mand thee this day te love - Lord thy. | God, > walk * @- ta ‘age; and this history, with the Sr a ; ia oo Wi? PPL. “* en Ns wiFyves 36 > _* in his ways, ‘and to keep his sactisansithimiabia statutes, and his judgments, that thou mayst live and multiply ; and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. 17. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; 18. Idenounce unto you this day, that ye shall ‘surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. 34th Q.—Did this comprise the whole of the divine revelation delivered to the Is- raelites ? A.—No, Moses also committed to writing © an account of oo origin of the world, the creation and fall of man, and a summary history of the world to his own time; com- ‘prising an instructive description of God’s dealings with mankind, both before the » flood, ‘and afterwards, during the patriarchal ie sub- ~ joined to It, is considered as the first written ig Fevlation of God to man. 7 gt 4— + olf ets o* oger. at. Po +. Bg " “35th 621 the] law of Moses of universal and perpetual, obligation ? ee, -sThel aw of Moses was adapted to the state of. the* aelites as a nation or political body ; . it® therefore admits of a ‘threefold consideration, Ist. As political; 2dly. As~ % iJ 7 a < e es ~~ eo 3 37 , ddendnict: Sdly. As moral. The last of these only, is of universal and i obli- gation. 36th Q.—What part of the Law was poli. tical? A.—That which related to the internal government of the Israelites asa nation, and to their intercourse with other nations; the observance of it cannot therefore extend be- yond the Israelites considered as a political body. 37th Q.— What part of the Law was cere- monial ? A.—That which related ‘to their publies worship, and was designed to prepare their “minds for the reception of the Messiah; of whose mediatorial work and office, all. the washings, purifications, and sacrifices ens joined by it, were typical or figurative > it is consequently fulfilled and superseded by the coming of Christ the Antitype.. - : See the Proofs to the next ‘Answer, ee pn ee 88th Q.—How did the ceremonial Law point to Christ? A.—One or two instances will: suffice to illustrate its allusion to Christ: The scape goat, upon whose head, * all the i es of the children of Pape oh were. laid, and rs +e, 38 ("ae the continual sacrifices for sins, whether wil- — ful or ignorant, to make atonement* for the sins of the people, clearly advert to Christ, upon whom was laid “ the iniquity of us all;” and who, by the one sacrifice of himself, became an atonement or “ propitiation for the sins of the whole world.” be Heb. ix. 1, Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread ; which is called the sanctuary. 3. And after the’second vail, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4. Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and. Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; §. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy-seat ; of which ‘we cannot now speak particularly. 6. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the ser- vice of God, 7. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people : 8. The Holy Spirit this signifying, that the Way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9. Which was a fi- - gure for the time then pr¢sent, in which were offered eo gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that id'the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience 5 7 Atonement signifies agreement and concord. “In the Scrip- tures if is’ mostly, if not always, applied to the medium chosen by God to remove whateyer obstructs the concord and union be- tween himself and his creatire man ; and is therefore applied to the Jewish sacrifices, because they were types of Christ, who is * grand and special medium of reconciliation between God and an. . 39 . - 10. Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands; 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood; he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 19, When Moses had spoken every precept to all the people ac- cording to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people. 20. Say- ing, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21. Moreover, he sprinkled like- wise with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels ofthe ministry. 22. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood isno remission. 23. It was therefore necessary that the pattertls of things in the heavens should be purified with these ; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24. For Chrikt is not en- tered into the holy places made with hands, which are figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God forus: 25. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place, every year with blood of others; } 26. For then must he often have suffered since the foun- dation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. at ae Heb. x. i. For the lawyhaving a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the, things; can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year, continually, make the comers thereunto per-— fect. 4. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5. Wherefore, when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou ? é a : + Cd 40 hast had no pleasure. 7. Then said I, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. 8. Above, when he said, Sacrifice and offering, and burnt-offerings, and offering for sin thou'wouldst not, neither hadst pleasure therein (which are offered by the law.) 9. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Heb. xiii. 11. For the bodies of sige beasts whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burnt without the camp. 12. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. See also the 7th and 8th chapters of the Hebrews. Gal. iii. 16. Now to Abraham and his seed were the »promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many ; but asof one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17. Anda sI say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hun- : err and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that itshould make the promise of none e nS 18. For if the inhe- ritance be of the law, it is no more of promise; but God gaye itto Abraham by promise. 19. Wherefore then Serveth the law? It was added because of trangressions, « till the seed should come, to whom the promise was made. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which gould have given life, verily, righteousness should have been by the law. 22. But the Scripture hath concluded _allunder sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ “might be given to them that believe. 23. But before faith came, we were kept-under the law, shut up unto ‘the faith, which should afterwards be revealed. 24. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a «schoolmaster. 26. For ye are all the children = by Me ae in Christ Jesus. ie 41 39th Q.—In what did the moral part of the Law consist? A.—lIt is principally comprised in the ten commandments, which are. as follow : ist. Thou shalt have no other Gods be- fore me. 2d. Thou shalt not make unto thee. any graven image, or the likeness of any thing, that is in heaven above, or that is im 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 God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation oi them that hate me: and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my com- mandments. 3d. Thou shalt not take themame of the Lord thy God in vain > for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Ath. Remember the sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within'thy gates. For in six days the ‘Lord made heaven, and earth, the sea, and D2 - ; p, 42 _all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.* 5th. Honour thy father and iy mother : that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 6th. Thou shalt not kill. 7th. Thou shalt not commit Meaiiers, 8th. Thou shalt not steal. "* 9th. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. se 10th. Thou shal: not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that sis thy neighbour’s. See Exod. xx. 3—17, Pod. xxxi. 18. And he [the Lord] gave uato Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him up- on mount Sinai; two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. ‘Deut, iv.12. And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude ; only ye heard a voice. 13, And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments, and he wrote bia upon two tables of stone. © 40th Q.—Are these. ‘diame! of Save obligation at “the present day ? * In Deut. v. 15, a further reason aehene for ae icu servance of the seventh day is, that it was thei _, departure of the Israelites” out.of Egypt, oa "they, had been bs ae tae detained in a state of cruel bondage. — 7 4 “ 43 _A.—Those which relate to the moral law certainly are; but the fourth, being a part of the Jewish ritual, is abrogated by the coming of Christ. The day set apart by Christians, for the purposes of divine worship, and rest from their worldly occupations, is not the seventh, to which day only the com- mandment applies, but the first day of the week. Matty. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets: I am not come ‘to destroy, but to fulfil. Matt. vii. 12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. James ii. 8. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt-love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well. Rom. viii. 2. The law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of simand death. 3. For what the law could not do, in‘that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his.own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin‘in the flesh: 4, That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. iii. 21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe ; for there is no difference: 23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God ; 24. Being justified freely by bis grace through the rec emption that is in Jesus Christ. 27. Where is boasting then? It is exclude. By what law? of works Nay: but by the law of faith, 31. Do we then make 44. x void the law through faith 2? God forbid: yea, we esta- blish the law. i Alst Q.—Is the first day the Christian Sabbath as the seventh day was the Jewish? “A.—No, for though, from a sense of duty, We set apart that day for devotional purposes, the Christian sabbath, ef which the Jewish Was typical, applies to no one day in pre- ference to another; but to that advanced state of religious experience, in which the Christian rests from his own works, — Isaiah xi. 10. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people ; to it shall the Gentiles seek : and his rest shall be glo- rious. ~ Matt. xi. 28. Come unto me, all ye that labour and . are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29. Take “my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. s ve Heb iv. 1. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you sheuld seem to come short-of it. 2. For unto us was. the gospel preached, as well as unto them [the Israelites] ; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3. For we ‘which have believed do enter into rest. 9. There re- ‘maineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10, For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 42d Q.—What is the substance of t the Law, as expressed by our Lord and his Apostles ? 45 = . A.—Itis to love the Lord our God with our whole heart, without any reserve, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. <. Mark xii. 28. And one of the scribes came, and asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29. And Jesus answered him, The first of all the com- mandments isy Hear, O Israel, the Lord ovr God is one Lord: 30. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first command- ment. 31. And the second is like, namely, this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these... Matt. xxii. 40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. ~~ Rom. xiii.8. Love one another 5. for he that loveth another, hath fulfilled the law. 9. For this, Thow shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet ; and if there be any other commanrd- ment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law, 43d Q.—Is man able to keep the com- mandments of God ? . A.—It is impossible for man, unassisted by the grace of God; but through the Spirit of Christ strengthening him, he can do all that is required of him; for the gracious and allwise Creator does not require impossibili- ties of any of his creatures, by enjoining what tte does not give power to perform, © ~ 46 John xv. 4. As the branch cannot bear! fruit of it-. self. except it abide in the vine; mo more ¢an ye, ex- cept ye abide in me. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches ; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit / for without me ye can do nothing. . Vii. 18. I know that in me, (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing ; for to will is present with me ; but how to perform that whichis good I find not. 3 se ~ John xiv. 18. ° I will not leave you comfortless ; I will come to you. 2 Cor. xii. 9. And he [the Lord] ’said Snetien ie grace is sufficient for thee ; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. ; - Neh. ix. 20, Thou gavest also thy. good Spirit to in- struct them. ‘ nd Phil. iv: 13. Tican do all things through Christ’ which strengtheneth me. _ ! », i A a . “oy, R 5 ei. ba SECT. IV. py aes , : 5 » 44th Q.—Were the Israelites. favoured with any further declaration of the diving will than what was Contained in the Law o Moses ? a 7 A.—Yes, God sent, from time to time, _ prophets to them ; either to encourage them, when they loved and feared him, or, to de- nounce the judgments he would inflict on them, if they forsook him and disobeyed his commands. A tho saith the Lord, and be strong, © Joshua, son of Jos ch the high priest, and» be strong all ye Peoplegt the and, saith F Pi Hag. ii. iv. Be strong, O Zerubbabel, ra « ? & ss . 47 the Lerdvage work ; for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts; 5. According to the word that I covenarted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my Spirit re- Maineth among you ; fear ye not. pd - Zech.i.16. Thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies; my house shall be builded in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. 17. Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad ; and the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. 2 Chron. xxiv. 18. And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves and idols ; abd wrath'came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. 19. Yet he sent. prophets to them to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them ; but they would not give ear... 20. And the Spi- rit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you. 21. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king, in the court of the house of the Lord. 2 Chron. xxxvi. 15. And the Lord God of their fa- thers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending ; because he had compassion on his people, andon his dwelling-place; 16. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets. 45th Q.—Did Moses and the prophets foretel the coming of Christ? A.—They did, but none more explicitly than Isaiah, who has so fully described the person and mediatorial office. of Christ, that he is often called the evangelical prophet. 2. “As priest for ever, after the,order of Melchizedec. : mati 43 _ Deut. xviii. 17. And the Lord said - 18. “Iwill raise them up a Prophet from among ‘their bre= thren, like unto thee, and will put my words in- his mouth ; and he shall speak unto’ them all that I shall command him. 19. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak i in my name, I will require it of him. ‘Ps. ii. 6. Ihave set my king upon y holy hill of ion. 7. I will declare the decree; the Lord hath said unto me; Thou art my son, this day. have I begotten thee. 8. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine’ ‘inheritance, and the . ‘parts of er earth for thy possession. Ps. xxii. 7. All they. that see me, laugh Bho stor scorn they Shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8. He trusted in the Lord, that he would deliver him ; let ‘him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. 16. They pierced ‘my ‘hands and my feet. 18. They part my garments among: them, and*eagt lots upon my ves: ture.” MPs. Ixix. 21. They gave meralso gall foriny meat ; ; and i in my thirst they gave me Vinegar to drink. na f* . “hel Ps. xvi. 10 Thou wilt not leave my soul in neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see a z tion. * Ps. cx. I : ~The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou © at my right hand, until I make thine enemies pe foot- stool. 2. The Lord shall-send the rod of out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine parce, 4. The Liord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art “Jer, xxiii, 5. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that Tewill raise»unto Davida righteous) Branch king shall'reign and prosper, and shall exec eile ment and justice in the carth. 6. In his days Judah Shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely ; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, Th "Lord our _Righteousness, , Wa. Dan. vii-/ 13, “I saw-in the night Biosss: and be- ‘hold, one likse the son of man, came with the clouds of £ % oo] ° Ps, . " Se ; ~ 1 r s 49 heaven, aNd came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him nearbefore him. 14. Andthere was given him dominion and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Micah y. 2. But thou Bethlehem Ephrata, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old; from everlasting. Zech. ix. 9. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion ; shout, O Daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy king” cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation ; lowly, and riding upon an assy, and-upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zech. xiii. 7. Awake, O sword, against my shep- herd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts ; smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered ; and I will turn my hand ee the little ones. Mal. iii YT Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple ; even » the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight i in 5 be- hold he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. . 46th Q.—What has Isaiah oibieaad of Christ? — ie A.—That he ‘should take upon him our nature by being born of a virgin, and be called Immanuel, or God with us; that he should be wounded for our transgressions, lay down his life for the. sins of the world, and become an nsergceae for sinners, © ~e 6 ogi ‘i F 50 _ Isaiah vii. 14. The Lord himselfshall g sign, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bea and shall call hisname Immanuel. rd _ Isaiah ix. 2. The people that walked in darkness — have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given 5 and the government shall be upon his shoulders 5 ad his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince Peace, 7. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon, his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth even for ever, .. + Ps Isaiah xxviii. 16. Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in ‘Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste.* Seevalso ch. viil. 14. Isaiah xlix. 6. And he [the Lord] said, It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the:preserved’ of Israel : ‘I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou maystibe my salvation unto the end ofthe earth. _ Isaiah liii. 1. Who hath believed our report? and’to whom is the armofthe Lordrevealed? 2. For he shall . ’ TS ¢ cc oF 3 ¥ 2 ta wa : ne . > A) Pw Poy RS : * My. % * ad at " eet S ‘ , ' ; ee a! wo i iS 7a # aie Spade ah Nati es ‘i - ea oe at te o ISP ey ‘ es: og \ re t a whok & ey + a - j 2. Ms ; » Fey ae th , es . ai a * 4 Sea 4b “ah 4 ¥ a 7™ & 4 a os ot 57 2 Cor. aby Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which afso ye have weceived,,and wherein ye stand; 3. For I delivered unto you fist of all that which Lalso received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he Tose again the third day according to the Scriptures: 5. And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve : 6. After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once, Heb.iv.14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest; that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of of God, let us hold fast our profession. _Heb. v. 4. And no man taketh this honour unte himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5. So also Christ glorified not himself to be {made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my son, to-day have I begotten thee. 6. As he saith alse in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchesedec. 4 1 Peter ii.2. Asnecw born babes, desire the sintere milk of the word, that'ye may grow thereby: 3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious. 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable -to God by Jesus Christ. 6. Wherefore also it is con= tained in the Scripturé, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief €orner-stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7. Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious ; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient. Rey. xix. h!. And I saw heaven opened, and be- hold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and. True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war, 12. His eyes were as a flame of ze fire, and on his head were many efowns dhe hada name written, -that no man knew bu! f. 13. And he was ‘othed wtih a vesture dipped in ulcot and his name is called La Word of. rey 15. And out of ad arid Me Sagas the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. 16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF cima AND LORD OF LORDS. 48th Q.— Wherefore did Christ ioe aside his divine glory, and take upon him our nature ? A,—It pleased divine wisdom that he should so become an atonement, reconciliation, or _ propitiation for fallen man, aye a matpaiacor between God and man. Rom, iii. 24. Being justified freely b , grace, ‘through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25. Whom God hath set forth to bea propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness, for the remission of sins that are past, through the 5 Na: icy of God. Rom. v. 10, For if when we were enemies, we were- reconciled to God by the death of his Son ; a more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his lifes 1t.And Not only so, but. wwe also joy in God, through our Lord ‘Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the s ment. 2 Corey. 18. And all things are ek God, wily? “ath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation 5 ~ 9. ‘Oo wit, that_ God was in Christ, reconciling the world: dito himself, not imputing their trespasses unto ke 1 Tim. ii. 5. For,there is one God, d one Sealed: between, God and man, the man ae vine es “ RS we , 59 gave himself a1 ransom for all, to be tefitedl in due time. 1 John iv. 9. God sent his only begotton "Seng into the world, that we might live through him. 10, Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved usy and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Rev. v. 9. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and fo open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blocd, out of every kindred, anfl tongue, and people, and nation. “@ Heb. ii. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren ; that he might be a merciful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. » 49th Q. —Why did mai stand in need of such aypropitiation ? et —Singwhich ‘separates from God, having been introduced into the world bythe dis: obedience of Adam (as already, stated) rilen man possessed no power to regain che divine image, and restore the Harmony of the first — creation : therefore Christ, who had all power, came, that he might destroy sin, aud, repair pas breach it had made in the creation. of od. ‘Gee. the Proofs to the next Wisiwer: 50th Q. —How did Christ effect, this al-im portant object? © : A.—He successfully withstood every ve a : ‘tation of the devil, and oir up his life &O on the cross, as a sacrifice for sins by which sacrifice, as he triumphed over death, hell, and the grave, in his own person, so he en- ables his followers to obtain the like victory, by which they are reconciled and reunited to God, from whom they were before eparniee, by ‘their sins. > Heb. ix. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise _ took part: of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, ‘pe devil. . 1 Peter ii. 24. Who in his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sin, should live unto rigbtcousipaas by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Jobn i, 8.) He foat committeth me is of the devil ; for the devil sinneth frotn the beginning. For . this purpose the Son of God was ‘manifested, ‘that he might destroy the works of the devil. Matt: iv. 1. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit ' into the w riitaeriespi tobe) tempted of the devil. 10. Then saith tings unto him, Get thee hence, | Satan: forvit is writtén, Thou shalt wo ship the Lord thy God, and him only’ shalt thou serve. . Then YS leayeth him, and behold angels came a ministered to him. Isaiah xxv. 8. He will swallow up death in victory. - Hosea xiii. 14. 1 will ransom them from the power of the grave’: I will redeem them from death: O I will be thy plagues; O Grave, I il, be bah des tion. Rom. vi. 9. Knowing that res ised el the dead, digg no more ; death h dominion over him. . ; Rev. i. 18. i: am he that liveth and was Pda 3 and, Behold, Iam alive for evermore, Pak have a. keys of hell and death. | 61) Eph. ii. 48. But now in Christ Jesus, ye, whe sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 18. For through him we both have an access by - one Spirit unto the Father. 19. Now therefore ye ate no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow- citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. P Eph. vi. 11. Put on the whole armour of God; that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but ' against principalities, against powers, against the rulers ‘of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wicked- ness in high places. 1 Cor. xv. 57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us te victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. % om. xvi. 20. And the God of peace felt bruise” Satan under your feet shortly. 51st Q.—How did Christ prove “fee vic- + tory over sin and death? A.—By his resurrection fiom ‘the anv As this “forded an indubitable and illustri- ous proof. of his being the Messiah, so it confirms our faith in his» power to destroy. sin, which had been the means of introducing” death; and also to raise up our baer like unto his glorious body. % om oe : . (is a fa Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him. by baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. _5. For if we have been planted. together in the likeness of his death; we shall be also in the Jikeness of his resurrection. © 1 Cor. vi. 14. And God hath both raised up’ ‘the Lord, and will also. raise up us by his own power, — _ 2 Cor. iv. 14. Knee that he bac vaised wet the: Big Pat eR . ; m62 present us with you. 1 Cor. xv. 13, But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen, 41. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars ; for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42. So also ig the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption’; it is raised in incorruption: 43. It is sown in dishonour, itis raised in glory: it is sown ia weakness, it is raised in power: 44, It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. : * 1. John iii. 2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, } Lord Jesus, shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall 52d Q.—Do all men partake of the benefit of Christ’s coming and mediation ? — A.—Christ died for all men; for, by his death, all are put in a capacity for salvation;. but those only receive the full benefit of Christ’s death and mediation, who, accepting his offer of salvation, ‘ live not unto them- selves, but unto him who died for them.”? Heb. ii, 9.. But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour ; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. oe ene 1 John it. 2. “And he [Jesus Christ] is the propitia- tion for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. le 1 Tim. ii. 1. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men: 3. Forthis is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4. ‘will have all men ‘to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. mn % one ‘> + Pn 63, John iii. 14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but» that the world through him might be saved. % Rom. v. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation : even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. _ John xi. 25. Jesus saith unto her [Martha], I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; 26. Andawho- soever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die. 2 Cor. v. 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were alldead: 15. And that he died for all, that they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Gal. ii. 20. I am crucified with Christ: neverthe- less I live; yetnot I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God. tr SECT «Tk, 53d Q.—How does Christ offer himself to mankind as a Saviour from sin? i A.—He offers himself immediately. and universally to mankind by his. Spirit. He also offers himself by the Scriptures; and. by his servants whom he commissions to preach the gospel.of life and salvation; and both these direct men to his Spirit within. them: which if they resist not, but receive into their hearts in’ living faith, he redeems them frém their fallen state of death and 64 ‘ darkness, and translates them into a State of life and light; in which they become sons of God, and heirs of a happy and glories immortality. 1 Cor. xii. 7. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. A tg ah * Gal. iv 6. God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. Eph. ii. 18. Through him [Christ] we ¢ both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 4 Eph. iv. 7. Unto every one of us is sini grace according to the measure of the giftof Christ. John v.39, Search the Scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me. 40. And ye will not come e that ye might have life. Rom. xv. 4.. Whatsoever things were ete afore- time were written. for our learning; that we through patience and comfort of the Scripts might have hope. * -2 Cor. v. 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. - ~ Acts xx. 52,. And now, brethren, I commend you és God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheri itance among all them which are sanctified. John i. 12. But as many as received eee to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even ‘to them that believe omshis name. John i. 9. That was the true light, w which lighteth every man thaticometh into the worl . Col. i. 12.5 Giving. thanks unto the Father, which heth made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the'saints in light. 13. Who hath delivered us from. the power of darkness, and hath eee ed us. into ‘the , kingdom of his dear Son. it Eo i £2 65 Titus iii. 7. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ne 54th Q.—What is understood by living faith ? ae : A.—A firm trust in the power of Christ alone for righteousness and salvation ; and a confidential hope in the promises of God in Christ : it is indeed, as the Apostle describes it, «‘ the substance of things hoped for,*the evidence of things not seen.” See the Proofs to the following Answer. 55th Q.—Is not faith then essential to a. Christian ? ~ A.—Certainly, “ for without faith it isim-- possible to please God.” Mark ix. 23. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Luke vii. 48. And he [Jesus] said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 50. Thy faith hath saved thee; gor in peace. Rom. i. 17. For therein [in the Gospel] is the right-- eousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ‘ Rom, iv. 20. He [Abraham] staggered not at the: promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in — faith, giving glory toGod: 21. And:being fully per-+ suaded that what he had promised, he was able also® to» perform. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for- righteousness. 23. Now it was. not written. fof his, sake alone, that. it. was Ps tohim,;. 24. But for. 9 ” 66 ~ us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we peta “4 him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. © Heb. x. 35. Cast not away therefore your sboli- dence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36. For ye have need of patience; that after ye have done: the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 38. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my_ soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. xi. 1. Now faith is the substi things hoped for, the evidence of things not seer hrough faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4. "By faith Abel offered unto God a mcre excellent sacrifice than Cain. 5. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death ; and was not found, ee God had translated him; for before his translation he had his testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible «to please him. 1 Peter i. 5. Who [you] are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though ‘mow for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness, throuch manifold temptations: 7. That the of your faith being much more precious than of gold that . perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing ¢ of Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love: in’ ‘whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye _Tejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. ~ 56th Q:—To what is man indebted for this living faith? @: we A.—To the grace or Spirit. of God, ‘which ; brings salvation, redeems from the corrupt fallen nature, andeforms in man’@ new birth or life unto holiness, te Par : 5 wi fA ¢ . Pa) 67 Gal, v. 22. But the fruit ofthe Spirit is love, joy; peace, goodness, faith, &c. Eph. iis 8. By grace are ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. ue Heb. xii. 1. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2. — unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. 2 Peteri., 1. Simon Peter a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, through the righteousness of God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. John i. 124 But as many as received him, to them gaye he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on hisname: 13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the wili of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. ~ 1 Peter i. 21.. Whoby him do belicseniin God that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. 22. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit: 23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but. of incor ceria by the word of Gag wpich liveth and abideth for ever... 57th Q.—Can any man be saved without experiencing this new birth? A.—No, for as we could. not partake of the nature of the first Adam but bya natural birth from him, so we cannot partake of the - heavenly nature and righteousness of Christ asthe second Adam, but by setts born aaa of the Spirit.* * Do not the sual aid manner of redemption show the nature of the full? By disobedience, man died to his Immanuel or first state ; by a new birth produced by the operation of the ‘Holy Spirit, this state is regained”? . Hints on Regapreton. by ao Philips, 2d. ye p. 1s. ¢ , 3 ae 68 John iii. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him [Nico- demus], Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom, of God, 5 Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, andof the Spirit, he cannot enter into the king-. dom of God. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh ;. and that which is born of the Spirit, is-spirit. _ : Rom. viii. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die : but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the the body, ye shall live. 14, For as many as are led by. the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ~ 1 Cor. xv. 49. And as we have borne the i image ofthe: earthly, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly. 2 Cor.v. 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is anew creature: old things are passed away, ie tied all things are Lecome new, Gal. vi. 15. For im Christ Jodie neither circumci-- sion availeth any thing, nor uncireumcision, but a new: creature. . - SECT. III. as Ste “a “58th Q. —How does the Spirit of Christ. effect this change ? » A.—It produces repentance, by eave: ‘cing the soul of the sinfulness of sin ; and. the sinner ‘being hereby made ‘sensible. that, by nature, he & ig corrupt, fallen, and un- regenerate,””* and totally unable to take a single step towards his own salvation, feels ~ the necessity he has of a Redeemer, and is. enabled to pray to God for deliverance from. the thraldom and guilt of sin.t * ‘Barclay’ s Apology, Prop. iv. §. 2: + As itis through divine mercy and goodness: that the awakened to.a sense of the importance of it its ‘so coo ¥ 4 c : te ¥ 69 Mark i. 14, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and belicve the gospel. Acts tii, 19. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Luke xviii, 13. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me asinner. 14. I [Jesus] tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other [the self- righteous pharisee.} =~ John xvi. 8. And when he [the Comforter] is come, he will reprove [or convince*] the world of sin. : 2 Cor. vii.9. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly. manner. 10. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of. — 59th Q.—Does the soul always obtain an immediate answer to its prayer ? A.—The prayer of the sincere is always heard, though it may consist with divine wisdom to withhold immediate relief; but if the soul persevere in prayer and faint not, it sometimes occurs, especially at an early age, that the soul, is in the first instance, tendered. and melted down under a lively im- pression of the extension of the love of God towards it; thus such are allured. into the paths of holiness ; whilst others are powerfully wrought uppon by strong convictions of sin, and of the wrath of God uponsin: but however various these first im- pressions may be on different persons, as they are the operations of the same divine power of Love, so they will ultimately produce the same conviction upon the mind of the unworthiness and noth- ingness of the creature, “ that God may be: all in all.” * The marginal reading has convince, which is adopted by N ewcome. ‘ + pty pa 70 it will experience deliverance from the thral- dom and guilt of sin, or, in the emia ind i saison the forgiveness of sins. a Psal. a 18. The Lordis ini unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psal. cii. 17. He [the Lord] will regard. the’ “prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. 18. This shall be written for the generation to come. | Isaiah lvii. 15. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place ; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. ~ Matt. xxi. 22. All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer; believing, ye shall receive. Luke xviii. 1. And he [Jesus] spake a parable unto them, to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to. faint [Then follows (v. 2—5) the parable of the widow and unjust judge, after which our Saviour proceeds] 6. Hear what the unjust’ judge saith. 7. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Col. i. 14. In whom [Christ] we have redemption. through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. 60th Q.—Does this forgiveness of sins flow © . from any merit in man, or from good wary done by him? A.—Certainly not, he is indebted for i it solely to the mercy of God in Christ. See the Proofs to the next Answer. 71 61st Q.—Is not- this what is sometimes called Justification ? A.—Yes, because the sinner’s past trans- gressions being forgiven, he feels himself -justified, through Christ, from the guilt he had imbibed by his former sins, so that they no longer impede his advancement towards that sanctification or justification* which constitutes the perfection of the christiam progress. Rom. iii. 22. There is no difference’: 23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24. Bemg justified freely by his grace, through | the redemption that is in Jesus Christ: 25. Whom God ~ hath sent forth to be a propitiation, through faith bis blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sims that are past, through the forbearance of God. = Eph. i. 7. In whom we have the forgiveness c ‘sins, according to the riches of his grace. ote Eph. ii. 4, God, who is rich in-mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were’ dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). Rom..vi. 22. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto _ holiness, and the end everlasting life. Rom viii. 1. There is therefore now no condemna- tion to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2. For the law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death.’ * Justification as applied to the pardon ofsin is used ina legal sense, but as applied to sanctification it is used in its strict and proper sense, which signifies being made just or holy. © For a full and clearsexplication of this important subject see Barclay’s Apology, Prop. vii. on Justification. 72 62d Q.—Are we thus justified by our own righteousness ? é ; fo A.—We can have no righteousness of our own as_ creatures ; ; but by the new birth, or regeneration, we are made one with Christ, as the branch with the vine: so that his obedience and righteousness, his death, suf. ferings, and victory, became ours, not by -an outward imputation, but by a real inward participation of his divine nature and righ- teousness; by which we are sanctified, so are we justified. ee ak a ~‘Tsaiah Ixiv. 6. We are all asan unclean thing, and 1 our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. ; “John xv. 4. As the branch cannot bear fruit of i ‘it- self, except it abide in the vine no more can ye, except abide in me. 5. 1 amthe vine, yeare the branches : he that abideth in me, and J in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can donc ” John xvii. 20. Neither pray § for t hese alone, but ‘for them also which shall believe on nme t hrough their word: 21. That they all may be ome, as thou Father, art in me, and Tin thee ; that they also may be one in us. { fohn i, 29. If ye know that he is Lig ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is roy. | : “Rom. v. 17. For if by one man’s” olin death reigned by one; much more they whic receive abund- ance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign inlife by one, Jesus Christ.» 19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners ; so by the obedience of one, shall many be made rig hteous. ° ae 73 , . Rom. x. 3. For they [Israel] being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 1 Cor.i. 30. But of him are ye in ist Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteous- ness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31. That according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. “ 2 Cor. vy. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the righte- ousness of God in him. ¥ siii.5. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 63d Q.—Should not the soul press after a further attainment in holiness, notwithstand- - ing it may have known its sins forgiven ? sie A.—Certainly it should, for though, in the state already described, it becomes a child of God, yet that state is comparable to infancy, in which the soul is inexperienced in the many snares and wiles of the enemy ; but if it maintain the watch and persevere in its course, it will, after many conflicts and pre- bations, arrive at the state of a young man in Christ, and obtain the victory over the” wicked one. * 1 John ii. 12. I write unto you, little children, be- cause your sins are Pen TS for his name’s sake. 74 Mark xiii. 37. What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch. 1 Cor. ix. 24. Know ye not that they which run in a race, run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that stviveth for the mastery is temperate in all things: Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorrup- tible. Phil. iii. 8. I count all things but loss, Soi the ex- celleney of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, 11. If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead: 12, Not as though | had already attained ; either were already perfect. 13. But this one thing 1 do, for- getting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14./ I press toward the mark, for the prize ofthe high calling) of tate in Christ Jesus. 2 Peter iii. 17. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18. But grow in grace, and in the ‘cnoe- ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. _ Eph. vi. 10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the ‘ Lord, and in the power of his might. 11. Put onthe whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 1 John ii. 14. [have written unto you, youne men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 64th Q.— May not the soul which this obtains the victory over sin, attain to a_ state ‘of perfection, or freedom from sin ? A.—yYes, foras the soul advances to a state of maturity in Christ, righteousness or holiness becomes, as it were, the element in - = fa which it lives ; the contrary nature and spirit which once had the dominion, and brought it under condemnation, being crucified and — slain, Christ reigns unrivalled in the heart, and it is sanctified and made perfect accord- ing to its present capacity : ‘* yet doth this perfection still admit of growth; and there remaineth always in some part a possibility of sinning, where the mind doth not most diligently and “bpeiphacd attend unto the Lord.” * Rom. vi. 18. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness, 20. For when ye ‘were the servants ofsin, ye were free from righteous- ness. 22. But now being made free from sin, and be- come servants te God, ye have your fruit unto holiness. 2 Cor. vii. 1. Dearly beloved, Let us cleanse our- selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, Ere ing holiness in the fear of God. Eph. iv. 11. And he gave some, apostles ; and some, prophets ; and some, evangelists: 12. For the perfect: ing of the saints: 13. Till we all come in the unity “of the faith,and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the ful- ness of Christ. Col. i. 21. And you that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, 22. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable, and unreprovable in his sight. 27. To whom God would make known what isthe riches of the glory *of this mystery among the gentiles ; which is Christ in you the hope of glory : 28. Whom we preach, warnine- every man, and teaching every man imall wisdom ; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. >. © Barclays’ Apology, Prop. vii. (Sth edt p. 241.) 76 Matt. v. 48. Beye therefore perfect, even as Pyar Father which is in heaven is perfect. 1 Thess, v. 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; andI pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Peter v. 10. The God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have. suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11. To him be glory: sot do - minion for ever andever, Amen. 65th Q.—Is it possible for those ghobheve been renewed by the grace of God that brings- salvation, finally to fallaway from it? ? A.—Yes; we are therefore exhorted to make our calling and election sure; for if, through unwatchfulness, any fall away after they have tasted of the heavenly gift, and been made partakers of the Holy Spirit ; they make shipwreck of faith; and the relapsed state of such is more hopeless than their first unconverted state. 1 Cor. ix..27. I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached toothers, I myself should be a cast-away. 2 Peter ii.20. For ifjafter they have escaped the ~ pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome: the latter end is worse with « them thanithe beginning. 21. For it had been better for them nat to have known the way of righteousness, than after having known it, to turn from the holy com- mandment delivered unto them. 77 SECT. IV. : 66th Q.—How does a christian give proof of his being in the faith. A.—By his works. - Matt. vii. 18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit : neither cana corrupt tree bring forth good fruit: 20, Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shalk enter into the kingdom of heaven : but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Titus i. 16. They profess that they know God ; but: in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobe- dient, and unto every good work reprobate. James ii. 14. What doth it profit, my bretige though a man say he hath faith, and. have not works ? Can faith save him? 15. [fa brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food ; 16. And oneof you say un- to them, Depart in peace, a you warmed, and filled : notwithstanding ye give them not those things whicli are needful tothe body ; what doth it profit? 17. Eve so faith, ifit hath not works is dead being alone. 18, Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will ie thee my faith by my works. a 67th Q.-— What are these works ?” A.—The performance, Ist. Of our duty~ to God. 2dly. Of our duty:to man. 68th Q.—What is our duty to God?” r A.—To fear, reverence, love, and serve him, by giving him our hearts, and offering to him the prayer and ne he requires of. G2 / 7s us; to keep ourselves, through his divine aid, sober, chaste, and temperate : to obey all his commands, and sustain with patience and resignation whatever distress or affliction he may suffer to befall Us, ‘whether of body or of mind. Deut. x. 12. What doth the Lord thy God require -of thee, but the fear of the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to, love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul. Matt. xxii. 37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all a soul, and with all thy mind. ‘Proy. xxiii. 26. My son, give me thine heart. Phil. iv. 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. Col. iv. 2. Continue in prayer, and watch in the any with thanksgiving. Rom. xii. 11. [Be] fervent in spirit, serving the Lord: 12. Rejoicing in hope ; patient in tribulation ; continuing instant in prayer, __» Phil.iv. 11. Ihave learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12. I know both how to be abased, and I know how toabound ; every where, and in all things Iam instructed. See also Tit. ii. 11, 12. “69th Q.—What is our duty to man ? NBL; Caan and conscientious obedience to those who have the rule over us; sincerity and. honesty towards those with whom we have connexion or intercourse ; and to do good, as far asis in our power, to all men, _ whether they, be friends, ‘strangers, or ene. mics. ; 79 Titus iii. 1, Put them in mind to be subject to prin- cipalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2. To speak evil ofno man, but [to be} gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Rom. vii. 7. Render to all their dues : tribute to whom tribute isdue, custom to Whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour. Titus li. 1.- Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2. That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, $. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their hus- bands, 5. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6. Fouge ace likewise exhort to be sober-minded. Col. iii, 18. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, asit is fit in the Lord. 19. Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter against them. 20. Children obey your parents; for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord. 21. Fathers provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 22. Servants, obey im all things your masters according to the flesh ; not with eye-service, as ae Cowie s, but in singleness of heart, fearing God_ iv. 1. Masters give unto your servants that which is just ate equal, knowing that ye also have a master in heaven. ‘i Rom. xii. 10. Be kindly affectioned. ‘one to another, with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another, 11. Not slothful in business. 13. Distributing to the necessities of saints, given to hospitality. 14. Bless them which persecute you : bless, and.curse not. 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16. Mind not high things, but “condescend to men of low estate : Be not Wise in youroewn conceits, 17. Recompe se to no man evil for’ evil: _ Provide things honest in the sight ofvall men. -i8. -If it be _ possible, as “4 as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Matt. vii. 12, / Therefore all things whatsoever “ye . , e 3 A a 89 would that.men should do to you, Gp ye even so to them. Isaiah lviii. 7. Is it not to deal RA to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out, to thy house ? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh. ' 70th Q.—If our Rulers or Governors re- quire obedience in things repugnant to Ons duty to God, are we to obey them: & A.—Certainly not, as God is to be obeyed rather than ‘man. ha 4 Acts iv. 18. And they called them, and commanded en not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus. ~ - But Peter and John answered and said unto them, acta it be rivht in the sight of God, to hearken unto. you more than unto God, judge ye. “Acts v.27. And the high priest’ asked them, 28. Saying, Did’ not we straitly command’ you, that you should not teach in this name [of Jesus]? 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 71st Q.—Is this doctrine illustrated bi practice ? A.—It is: for instance, several christians have refused to take oaths, as being contrary to the express command of our Saviour ; and toengage in war, as being repugnant in its nature «nd principles to the meek and for- giving spirit of the Prince of Peace, who 81 enjoins us to love our enemies, and to do good to them that hate us and despitefully- entreat us.* Matt. v. $4. Tsay unto you, Swear not at all; 37. But let your coramunication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these, cometh ofevil. 58. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye foran eye, and a tooth for a tooth, 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil. 44 Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despite- fully use you, and persecute you. . James vy. !2. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by ‘the earthy neither by any other oath ; but let your yea, be yea, and your nay, nay; lest you fall into condemnation. ” James iv. 1. From whence come wars and fightings among you? comethey not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members. : Rom. xii, 19. Dearly beloved, avenge not youre selves, but rather give place unto wrath: for itis written, Vengeance ismine ; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him : if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21. Be not overcome of evil, but over- come evil with good. ae 72d Q.—Are not good works necessary to our justification ? A.—Certainly they are, for *‘ as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James ii. 26.) Hence _ faith and works are inseparable from each — * From the works of Justin Martyr, Tatian, Tertullian, Cy- prian,and others, it appears that the early christians considered War as repugnant to christianity. : 82 other, with regard to our justification in the divine sight. . James ii.20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works isdead? 21,. Was mot Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22, Seestthou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect ? 24. Ye see thcn how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 73d Q.—Do we not, by this, ascribe our. justification to faith and works ? ~~ A.—No, not strictly so, for though we cannot be justified without them, they are not, properly speaking, the cause of our justification, but the new birth or regene- rating power of the Spirit of Christ within us; from which only ‘* living faith and ac- ceptable works can proceed,”’* Rom. iii. 24, Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ,” - Rom. xi. 6. And if by grace, then is it no more of works. my Eph. ii. 8.. For by grace are ye saved, through faith : and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God : 10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. “3 _ Titus iii. 5. _ Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, andwrenewing of the Holy Spirit ; 6. Which he shed ee: abundantly ; * See Tuke’s Principles of Religion, p. 42. 83 through Jesus Christ our Saviour: 7. That being justir fied by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life: 74th Q.—Isit possible for a christian, in this life, to attain to such a stsbility in Christ that he cannot finally fall away from it ? A.—Doubtless ; as s ith the scripture, ¢ Him-that overcometh will 1 make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more cut: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the City of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of he.ven from my God; and [ will write upon him my new name.” (Rev. iii. 12.) S:valso says the apostle Poul, ** | am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth. nor any other creature, shill be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. viii. 38, 39.) * ~Te 2 Tim. iv.7. 1 have fought a good fight, I have fin- ished my course, I have kept the faith. 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day. SECT. Vv. as “7 75th Q.—What is it that constitutes the characteristic difference between the christian, 84 or spiritually minded man, and the man of the world, or carnally minded man ? _A.—The christian walks in the way of the cross and of self-denial ; mortifies his corrupt affectioris and lusts; and is not conformed to the world, but transformed by the renew- ing of his mind, the love of God being the governing principle. of his conduct. The man ofthe world is at enmity with God, his Sevegase his people ; the love of the world. chs We governing principle of his conduct, re conforms to its crooked policy, pursuing “with avidity its possessions, pomps, and va- nities, and ine sinful lusts of the flesh. - i Luke ix. $8. And he [Jesus] said to them all, If < any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross. daily, and follow me. Luke xiv, 27. Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Gal. vy. 24. And they that are Christ’s, have cruci- fied the flesh, without the affections and lusts. de Rom. viii 13. If ye through the Spirit do | mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Rom. xii. 2. Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God 1 John ii. 5. Whoso keepeth his [Chriss] wand in him verily isthe love of God perfected. } John iv.19. We love him because he first loved us. 7. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God ; and every one that loveth, is born of God, and Sordi God. me John xv. 17. These things I commanil you, that ye love one another. 18. If the world hate you, ye know 85 thatit hated me before it hated you. 19.. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. James iv. 4. Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God. i John ii. 15. Love not the world, neither the _ things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father isnot in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, butis of the world. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof. biel Me @ Rom. viii. 6. To be carnally minded is death Phat to be spiritually minded is life and peace : 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God : for it is not® subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8. Sa. then they that are inthe flesh, cannot please God. Rom i. 28. And even as they did not like to retain * God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a re- probate mind, to do those things which are not conveni- ent: 29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, forni-» cation, covetousness, maliciousness: full of envy, mur-) ~ der, deccit, malignity : 30. Backbiters, haters of God, proud, disobedient to parents, 31. Without natural affection, unmerciful: 32. Who knowing the judg ment of God, (that they which commit such things are worthy of death) not only do the same, but have plea- ~ sure in them that do them. : 76th Q.— What is the christian’s hope af- ter death ? A.—That he shall, when he puts off this. mortal body, enjoy the beatific presence of his God and Redeemer, receive a crown of glory, and obtainan inheritance among the H “all _ 86 saints in light, that is incorruptible, unde- filed, and that endureth for ser Mark x.29. There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my sake and the gospel’s 30. But he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, with persecutions ; and in the world to come eternal life. Prov. xiv. 32. The righteous hath hope in his death. John x. 27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28, And I give unto them eternal life.and they shall never perish. — tor _ hn a2 And Jesus said unto her [Martha], I am the ‘resuri rection, and the life : he that believeth on me though he were dead, yet shall he live; 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth on me, shall never die. ‘Rom. ii. 6. Who [God] will render to every man according to his deeds; 7. To them,” who by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, anc honour, “and immortality ; eternal life. _ Gal. vi. 8. He that soweth to the Spirit, shall ofthe Spirit reap life ever lasting. 9. And let us not be in well-doing, is in _due season We shall reap, if we ‘faint not. 2 Cor. v. 6. Therefore we are always cophdent knowing that whilst we are My home in the body, we 4 are absent from the Lord: 7.(For we walk by faith, not by sight). 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the’ body, and to eS apie - with the Lord. Phil. i. 19. I know that this shall turn to my Be tion., 20. According tomy earnest expectation and my hope, that as always, so now also Christ shall be ‘magnified in my body, whether i Mt be by life or by death, ' 21, For to me to live is Christ. and to die is gain, 22, But if [live in the flesh, this is the * 7 of my labour ; _ yet what I shall choose, I wot not. 3. For I am in a strait between two, having a desire'to Bers and to & “ we. _ 87 be with Christ ; which is far better: 24. Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh, is more needful for you. Col. i. 11. Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; 12. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheri- tance of the saints in light. Titusi.1. Paul aservant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ. 2. In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began. 2 Tim iv. 6. I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is athand. 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the « © righteous judge shall give me at thatday. «~~ ™& «@& 1 Peteri. 3.. Blessed be the God and Father of our ee Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mer-, ey, hath begotten us again unto a lively -hope; by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4., Toan inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, an that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for youu © | ik . 77th Q.— What is the prospect that awaits the wicked after death ? ae en ua al A.—An awful separation from God and «, the spirits of the just ; and an entrance into — that place of torment ‘“ whéré their worm dieth not, and the fire is not ‘quenched.”?) John viii. 21. Then said Jesus unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins : whither I go ye cannot come. 23. Ye are from beneath ; I am from above : ye are of this world ; Iam not of this world. 24. I said therefore. unto you, That ye shall die” ‘in your sins : for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. : ‘e _ 1Cor. vi. 9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. «< ~ ‘ + « oa “> es - .. 7 ay "a seat of 88 Psalm ix. 17. The wicked shall be turned)into hell. Luke xvi. 22. The rich man also died and was buried. 23. And in hell he Jift up his eyes, being in torments. ee . »Rev. xxi. 8. But the fearful and unbelieving shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. ey ale we a Mark ix. 43. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off : it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than, hav- ing two hands, to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched : 44.. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. gt ee eae ase ~ A .—Has not Go inted a day 78th Q God appointed a day to judge -the world ? Ba ES avert - - « ee ; . 1 cue gt 6% A= Yes, so we read in the scriptures, and tha jee end of the world, our Lord: Jesus Christ will come to judge the living and the dead, when the dead shall arise from * their grates and appear before the judgment e hrist, and every man be rewarded » according to his works done in the body: — “the wicked ** shall go away into everlast- ~ ing punishment; but the righteous into life fee _eternal.” ~ * + i Acts xvii. 31. He [God] hath appointed a day in * the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by ; that man whom he hath ordained, 7". Matt. xiii. 36. He [Jesus] answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of Man ; 38. The field is the world; the good seed are the chil- dren of the kingdom ; but the tares are the children of the Wicked one: 39. The enemy that sowed them, is the devil: the harvest is the end of the world: the reapers are the angels. 40. As therefore the es are gathere . and burnt in the fire ; “so shall it be at the end of this . ~ ” % : a 89 world. 41. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity ; 42. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43. Then shall the righteous shine forth asthe sun in the k’ngdom of their ¢ ather. Matt. xxv. 31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the boly angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. 32. And before him shall be gathered all nations. ; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats: 33. And he shall set the sheep on bis right hand, but the goats on the left: 34. Then shall. the King say unto them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre r you from the foundation of the world. 41. The shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from’ me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,’ ral or the} devil and his angels, 46. And these shall go away ~ into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life a 7, eternal. Jokn v. 26. For asthe Father hathilife. * Hise so hath he given the Son to have life in himself » 28. Marvel not at this ; for the hour is coming, in the. which * all that are in their graves shall hear his voice, 29. And a “* shall come forth, they that haveydone good, untothe™ . resurrection of jife ; and they that have done eyil.unto the resurrection of damnation. y Matt. xi. 21. Wo unto thee,’ Chorazin’! 1 wo unit, thee Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they. would have repented long ago in dust and ashes. 22, Butd Say unto you, it slali be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judement than for you. 2 Peter iii. 3. There shall come in the last days ‘scoffers walking after their own lusts, 4. And sayin where is the promise of his coming ? for since the fa- thers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of mg: creation. 5, For this they willingly H 2 a ,- 90 are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water, and in the water. 6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished. 7. But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men. 8. But beloved, be net ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as oneday. 11. Seeing then that all these things shall be desolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12. Looking . for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with feryent heat? 13. ‘Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for » Tew heavens anda new earth, wherein dwelleth righte- ousness. "See Actsi. 11. 1 Thess. iv. 14-18, ~ See also the Proofs to the 51st Answer, — ¢ oe 4 . res - Ee ys , (ae nel rn tae : Si CHAPTER IV. SECT. L 79th Q.— What is the nature of : “ ‘Wor- ship which God requires of man ? A.—It is spiritual : God: ataires us to worship him in spirit and in truth; and this may be without limitation to time or place, for worship, being an act of the soul towards God who is a Spirit, does not necessarily require the intervention. of pane exercise to make it acceptable to him. John iv. 21. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father. 25. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true. wor- shippers shall worship the Father in spirit and éh truth ; for the Father seekest such to worship him. 24. God is a Spiri*, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. Phil. ii. 3. For we are the circumcision; which worship God in spirit. and_ rejoice in Christ Jesus, and shave no confidence in the flesh. ‘ 92 80th Q.—-Though worship is not limited: to time or place, is it not our duty to meet together at certain times pune to worship. God ? * . A.—lIt is incumbent on us to meet to- wanes for public worship, as a testimony of our duty to God, and of our dependance on him for a renewal of our spiritual stren, tie as also to hold forth the nature of the @ eR to others. ee ; ae Paatiin: et 7. Give unto the Lord, O ye ‘edeeds, ofthe people, 8. The glory due to his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : fear before him all the earth. Psalm Ixxxvi. 9. All nations whom thou hast made shall come’and worship before thee, O Lord: and shall glorify thy name. ae ‘Rom: xii. 1. Ibeseech you. therefore, cia by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your rea-, sonable service. ~ ja aa Heb. x. 24. And let us consider one another, to provoke untolove,and to good works : 25. Not forsaking — the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner, of some is. Rev. xv. 4.» Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and. glorify thy name ? for thou only art holy : for all natiens ~~ shall. come and worship before thee. 81st Q.—What is our duty when thus ‘assembled together ? , fae; A.—To wait upon the Lord shifted and endeavour to preserve the mind from dwell. — 93 ing on thoughts which arise from the activity of the imagination ; that the life and power of Christ may be felt to calm the soul, to bring every thought into subjection, to pro- duce a real inward silence, and afford a true sense of its state; when even a sing‘e sigh, arising from such a sense, will be acceptable _ to God, because of his own begcetting ; for it is oy his own works that can praise him. Psal. xxvii. 14. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thing heart : ii I say, on the Lord. Psal. Ixii_ 5. My soul, wait thou only upon God, "ee my expectation is from him. 6. He int is my wit, and my salvation. Psal xlvi. 10. Be still and know that I am God. Zech ii. 13. Besilent, O all flesh, before the Lord. Isaiah xli. 1. Keep silence before me, O islands, and» Jet the people renew their eth. Isaiah xl. 28. Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard. that the everlasting God, the’Lord, the creator’ of the ends of the earth fainteth not, neither is sniagt there is no searching of his understanding. . He giveth power to the faint ; and to» them» that — no might he increaseth strength. 30. Even the vouths shall faint and be weary, and the young men utterly fall. 1. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings ‘as ea- gles, they shall run and not be weary, and they, shall walk and not faint. Isaiah li. 5. The isles shall wait upon me, and. on my arm shall they trust. Rom. viii. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our. % infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for — as we ought : but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 94. 4 Psalm exly. 10. All thy works shall praise thee, ® . ord., 82d Q.— What are the advantages derive ‘by christians from thus meeting together for the exercise of public worship A.—Those who, by a travel of spirit, are inwardly gathered to the one source of light and life for a renewal of their spiritual strength, become helpful to each other: the life flowing from Christ the head, (who is spiritually present accordi:g to his promise,) his members, the circulation of it”an g em, as from vessel io vessel, prodndlhe " communion and fellowship of the saints, by which, one member feeling for and sympa- ang with another, al are edified. Matt. xviii. 20. Where twolen thins are gathered hare in my name, there I am in the midst of them. » °1 Cor. xii. 12.5 As the body is one, and hath many m ~ members, and all the racmbers of that one body, being many, are one body ; so also is Christ. 15. y one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14. Forthe bodys not one member, but many. 21. And the eye _ annot say upto the hand, I have no need of thee ; nor pi again, the head.to the feet, I have no need of you. 22. Nay much more, those members of the body, which 7 seem to be more feeble are necessary. 25. That there should be no schism in the body ; but that the members _ should have the same care one fos another. 26. And whether one member suffer, ali’ the members suffer with it sor one member be honour ed, all the members Tejoicc with it, ‘ 95. ‘1 Peter ii. 5. Yealso as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual’ sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 83d Q.—Are not prayer and praise a part — of divine worship ? A.—Doubtless, and may be either mental er vocal. Mental prayer is the turning of the mind to God, when the soul awakened - by the Spirit of Christ, and bowed under a_ sense of its wants and unworthiness, looks up to God, and breathes forth its desires with- out words. Vocal prayer is, when it feels am. influence of the Spirit to express audible words, either in public assemblies or in pri-_ vate. Inlike manner praise and thanksgiv- ing may be either mental or vocal. ; b ; = : Matt. vi. 6. When cht prayest enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to i ’ Father which isin secret, and thy Father which seeth ’ in secret, shall reward the openly. - Matt. xxvi. 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation ; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Eph. vy. 18. Be filled with the Spirit. 19. Speak- ing to yourselvesin psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. “¢ Eph. vi. 18. Praying always with all prayer and | supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints. Col. iv. 2. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. *? - 96 1 Thess. v.17, Pray without ceasing. 18. In every thing give thanks. J m 1 Tim. ii. 8. I wiil therefore that men pray every’ where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. ‘ Heb. xiii. 15. By him [Jesus] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his mame. See also the Proofs to the 59th and 81st Answers. I a i> vente 84th Q.—Did our Saviour teach his dis- ciples how to express themselves in prayer ? fe ; 3 a. ye A.—He did, and cautioned them not to use vain repetitions, but to pray after this ‘manner ; ‘*¢ Our Father which art im heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy.will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. » Give us this day our daily bread.* And for- give us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matt.vi.9—13.) ti ‘e ai 9 Matt. vi. 7. But when ye pray, use not vain re} titions, as the heathen do : for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8. Be not ye there- fore like unto them; for your Father knoweth what things ye stand in need of, before ye ask him. 9. Af- ter this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father, &c. asabove. See also Luke xi. 2—4, rg * The context requires usto consider this petition as referrin principally, if not wholly, to that spiritual bread which ion: eth up the soul unto eternal life, for as doth the body, so ‘doth ~ ye PPR} “— ay i food to sustain it. . z 97 85th Q.—Did our Saviour enjoin his dis- ciples to use this form of words whenever they prayed vocally ? A.—We do not read that he did, but he enjoined them to pray after such a manner : hence it may be inferred they were to adopt the spirit of that prayer in their address to the throne of grace, and avoid unnecessary and superfluous expressions; as appears from what we meet with in other parts of the scripture on the subject of prayer. Luke xviii. 10. Two men went up into the temple to pray ; the onea Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God I thank thee, that lam not as other men are, ex- tortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as the publican. 12. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14, I tell you, This man went down to his house justi- fied rather than the other. , Acts iy. 23. And being let go, they [Peter and John] went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24. And when they heard that, they lift up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God which hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, andall that inthem is. 25. Who, by the mouth of thy servant Dayid hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26. The kings of the ea:th stood up, and the rulers were. gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast I CS Oe ee ae ae 98 anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered to- gether, 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings ; and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30. By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled to- gether; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit; and they spake the word of God with boldness. — Eph. iii. 14, For this cause I bow my, knees — aut the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is a 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the innerman; 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith ; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and Jength, and depth, and height; 19, And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20. Now unto him that is able to do exceed- ing abundantly above all that we ask or think, accord- ing to the power that worketh in us, 21. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout = ages, world without end, Amen. ifr See also Acts, i. 24, 25. SECT. II. goth Q.—What re the qualifications of a gospel minister ? A.—He must have experienced the rege- nerating power of the i of Christ; by 99 which only a true knowledge of the things of God and of his kingdom is revealed. Rom. viii. 5. For they that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 1 Cor. ii.7. But we speak the wisdom of God ina mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory. 8. Which none of the princes of this world knew. 10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. % 87th Q.—Is the above experience suffi- cient of itself to qualify for the work of the ministry ? A.—No, for though a man cannot be quali- fied without it, yet it is further requisite that he receive an immediate call from God to preach the gospel, being ‘‘ inwardly moved by the Holy Spirit”’ to take upon himselfthe office ; and in the performance of the various duties of the ministry committed to him, he must act under the same divine influence. 100 Luke xxiv. 44. And he [Jesus] said unto them [his disciples], These are the words which I spake unto you while [ was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and inthe psalms concerning me. 45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might under- stand the Scriptures, 46. And said unto them, Thus itis written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47. And that re- pentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusale 48. And ye are witnesses of these things. 49. And behold I send the promise of my Father upon you : but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye t be endued with power from on high. vib “Acts i. 4. And [Jesus] being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not de- part from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5. For John truly baptized with water ; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not many days hence. 8. Ye shall receive power after thatthe Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Matt, xxviii. 19s Govye therefore and teach” all na- tions, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world. Amen. Acts. ii. 1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they [the disciples] were all with one accord in one place. 2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as ofa rushing mighty wind, that it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them: 4. And they were all filled with the i101 Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Gal.i. 11. But I certify you, brethren, that the gos- pel, which was preached of me, is not after man. 12. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Tim.i.9. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawiess and disobedient. 10. And if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11. According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12, And I[ thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath en- abled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. Rom. xii. 4. As we have many members in one bedy, and all members have not the same office: 5. So we being many are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6. Having then gifts, differ- ing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith: 7. Or ministry; let us wait on our minister- ing ; or he that teacheth, on teaching. 2 Cor. iii. 5. Not that weare sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves: but our sufficiency isofGod. .6. Whoalso hath made us able ministers of the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit, for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Cor. iv. 1. Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy we faint not: 2. But hay- ing renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God de- ceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, commend- ing ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 1 Peter iv. 10. Asevery man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stew- ards ofthe manifold grace of God. 11. If any man speak, let him speak asthe oracles of God ; if amy man minis- ter, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: 12 102 that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ ; to whom be praise and dominion for ever ané ever. Amen. 88th Q.—Is this inward call a sufficient qualification for the office of the ministry without the aid of human learning ? A.—The apostles and first ministers of the gospel, than whom none were better qualified to fulfil the duties of the ministry, were generally illiterate; and since the gospel, and the office of the ministry, continue the same in their nature «s in the apostles’ days ; so the same divine call and influence remain sufficient without the aid of human learning. Matt. xi. 25. At that time Jesus answered and said, Ithank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, be- cause thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26. Even so Father, for so it seemed good inthy sight. Acts iv. 18. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned ‘and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. . 1 Cor.i. 17. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 19, For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of . the prudent. 20. Where is the wise ? where is the scribe ? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise _ men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble arecalled. 27. But God hath chosen the foolish things 103 of the world, to confound the wise ; and God hath che- sen the weak things of the world, to confound the things which are mighty ; 28. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: 29. That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1 Cor. ii. 1. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency. of speech, or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4. And my speech, and my preaching, was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power. 5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Gal.i.9. As we said before, so I say now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you, than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men ? for if 1 yet pleased men, I should not be the ser- vant of Christ. 89th Q.—Is the aid of human learning then entirely precluded ? A.—No, for though it is not essential to gospel ministry, it may nevertheless -be of subordinate use. $0th Q.—Are ministers of the gospel au- thorized to receive hire for preaching the gospel ? A.—No : as this holy unadulterated gift of God is not to be purchased by money, but is freely committed to chosen instruments ; so 104: neither is it to be made a trade of, but is to be freely dispensed to others. _ a Matt.x.7. And as ye go, preach, saying, The king- dom of heaven is at hand. 8. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Acts viii. 18. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands, the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. 20, But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Acts xx. 33. I [Paul] have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel, 34. Yea, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them which were with me. 7 2 Cor. xii. 14. Behold, the third time I [Paul] am ready to come to you ; and I will not be burdensome to you ; for 1 seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up forthe parents, but the parents for the children. 15. AndI will very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 91st Q.—But may not ministers on some occasions accept of temporal assistance, if freely offered to them ? A.—Yes, they undoubtedly may for their present support, when they are travelling from home in the work of the ministry. Matt. x. 9. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses: 10. Nor scrip for your journey, 105 neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves; (for the workman is worthy of his meat). 1 Cor. ix. 7. Who goeth a warfare any time at his owncharges ? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not ofthe fruitthereof? 11. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12. If others be partakers of this pow- er over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless, we © have not used this power ; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 13. Do you not know that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple? 14. Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the gospel, should live of the gospel. 15. But I have used none of these things. Neither have I written these things that - it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than any man should make my glorying void. 16. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of ; for a necessity is laid upon me ; yea, Wois unto meifI preach not the gospel. 18. What ismy reward then ? verily that when I preach the gospel, E may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that - labuse not my power in the gospel. 92d Q.—Is any person, on account of dif- ference of sex or station, excluded from the- ministry ? A.—No, these distinctions among men are lost in Christ ; for whether male or female, bond or free, they are all one in him. — Christ frequently displays the efficacious power of his grace by choosing those that are esteemed weak and foolish, to confound the wise and mighty of this world. Joel ii. 28. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your 106 sons and your daughters shall prephesy. 29. And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days, will I pour out my. Spirit. Acts ii. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5. And there were dwell- ing at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men out of every nation under heaven. 6. Now. when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and was confounded, be- cause that every man heard them speak in his own Tanguage. 7. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? 8. And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 13. Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14, But Peter standing up with the eleven, lift up his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, ard heark- entomy words: 15. For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16. But this is that which was spoken by the —— Joel, 17. And it shall come to pass, &c. Acts xxi. 8. And we entered into the house of Philip thefevangelist, (which was one ofthe seven,) and abode with him. 9. And the same man had four pametced, vir gins, which did prophesy. Gal. iii. 26. Ye are all the children of God by faith in Ghrist Jesus. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female ; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. — See also the Proofs to the 88th Answer. 93d Q.—What are the benefits attendant ~ ona gospel ministry ? A.—God thereby affords strength to the weak, encouragement to the desponding, and life to the spiritually dead: indeed a call to 107 the ministry is a call to awaken mankind to a sense of their sinful state by nature, ‘ to open their eyes and to turn them from dark- ness to light, and from the power of satan unto God ;” baptizing them into the name or power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Tsaiah xxxv. 3. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not. j Luke xxii. 31. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted strength- en thy brethren. Acts xxvi 15, And I [Paul] said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16. Butrise, and stand upon thy feet ; for I have ap- peared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a min- ister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee ; 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith thatis in me. 1 Cor.iv. 14. I write not these things to shame you, ' but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15. For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers ; forin Christ Jesus 1 have begot- ten you through the gospel. 1 Thess. v. 14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, sup- port the weak, be patient toward all men. Heb. xii.6. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiyeth. 11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but 108 ‘ grevious ; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth wim Peante able fruit of righteousness, unto them which are cisedthereby. 12. Wherefore lift up the hands ) walc ich hang down, and the feeble knees. Eph. iv. 11. And he [Christ] gave some, sped: : and some prophets: and some, evangelists: and some, pastors” and teachers ; 12. For the perfecting of the saints ; for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. See also Matt. xxviii. 18, 19, 20. toed SECT. Til. 94th Q.—Do those ministers then, whose preaching is ‘‘ in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” baptize the believing hearer with the baptism of Christ ? ee , A.—They do, orrather the divine power of Christ does it through them as instru- ments. ' Acts x. 44. While Peter yet spake anata, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. Acts xi. 15. And as I [Peter] began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them as on usat the beginning. 16. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 95th Q.—Is this Baptism experienced only’ through the medium of preaching ? A.—No, the soul feels the baptizing pow: er of Christ, not only mediately through his 109 ministers, but also immediately through the renovating power of the Holy Spirit operat- ing upon it ; whereby, being cleansed from its most secret corruptions, it is purified, and fitted for communion with the Father and withthe Son. It was thus, without the me- dium of preaching, that the disciples were baptized with the ys Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Matt. iii. 11. He [Christ] shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: 12. Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into his garner, but will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Isaiah xliv. $. I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. - John vii. $7. In the last day that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38. He that believeth on me, asthe Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters, 39. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him, should re- - ceive : for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made. to drink into one Spirit. Gal. iii. 26. For yeare all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27. For as many of you as have baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. See also Acts ii. 1 to 3, in the Proofs to the 87 th Answer. K ¥2% - 110 96th Q.—Was there not an outward bap- tism with water that was at one time prac- tised by a commission from heaven? A, —~Yes: See the Proofs to the 98th Answer. ~ 97th Q.— Who received the commission n to ‘itt. with water ? A.—John, on that account stiled the as tist, who was the fore-runner of Christ, the Elias. that was to come to prepare his way, as foretold by the prophets. - See the Proofs to the following Answer. © — 98th Q.—In what consisted the difference between the baptism of John and the eae of Christ ? A.—John baptized the body alte ae ; his baptism was therefore of an outward, ele- mentary nature : whereas Christ baptizes the soul with the Holy Spirit, which, from its purifying and penetrating nature, is compared to the element of fire. Luke iii. 2.. The word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the bap- tism of repentance for the remission of sins; 4. Asit is written inthe words of Esaias the prophet, saying, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths strait. 5. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shal! iii be brought low ; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth ; ; 6. Andall flesh shall see the salvation of God. Mark i. 5. And there went out unto him all the land. of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. Luke iii. 15. And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water ; ; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes Tam not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17. Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather his wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. John i, 33. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remain- ing on him, thé same is_he which baptizeth with the Holy Spirit. 34. And I saw and bare record’ that this is the Son of God. Johniii. 30. He [Jesus] must increase, but I [John] must decrease. Luke vii. 24. And when the messengers of John were departed, he [Jesus] began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? 26. A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. 27. This is he of whom it is written, Behold I send my messen- ger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way be- fore thee. 28. For I say unto you, Among those that are bern of women, there’is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist : but he thatis least i in the kingdom of . God is greater than he. Matt. xi. 13. All the prophets and the law prophe- sied until John. 14, And if ye will receive ity this is- Bias which was for to come. 112 1 See also the Proofs to the 87th, 94th, end 95th Answers, San 99th Q.—Did Christ enjoin. ia Water Baptism should be practised as a gospel ordi. nance in his church ? » A.—It does not appear that he did’: “Paul who, whether we consider his gifts or his zeal and labours in the gospel, was inferior to none of the apostles, says expressly that he was not sent to baptize, but to preach the Oo See the Proofs to the next hae L neahe , 100th Q.—Did not the apostles sai | with water, and if.so, are we to conclude _ from their practice that it was an instibtign, of Christ ? A.—Though some. of the apibstleo did baptize with water, that no more proves it to be an institution of Christ, than their adher- ence to the ceremonial law of Moses proves that his.law. was not fulfilled and superseded by the coming of Christ: for the apésile Paul acknowledges he had baptized some individuals, though he had not, according to his own confession, received any com- ‘Mission. so to do. . 4 John i iii, 22. vateag these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea, and there he tarried with them and baptized. 115 John iv. 1 When therefore the Lord knew how the pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2. (Though Jesus himself bap- tized not, | but his disciples) 3. He left Judea. ' Acts viii. 36. And as they went on their way, they came unto acertain water ; and the eunuch said, See, here is water ; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37. And Philip BPS If thou believest with ali thine heart thou mayest. 38. And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch ; and he baptized him. Acts xxi. 20. They [the Apostle James and others) said unto him [Paul], Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe, and they are all zealous of the Laws 21. And they are informed of thee that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles, to forsake Moses, saying, that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together ; for they will hear that thou art come. 23. Do therefore this that we say to thee: we have four men which have a vow on them; 24. ' Thera take and purify thyself with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing, but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the Law. 1 Cor. i. 14. I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius, 15. Lest any should say, that I had baptized in mineownname. 16. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas : besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17. For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel. - 101st Q.—Why did the apostles conform to ceremonial rites that were superseded and abolished by the christian dispensation? A.—Not to mention, that as Jews it was Ks 114 difficult for them at once to break off all ob- servance of the ritual Law, in some instan- ces they were induced from the early state of the church, to be in those repects, as 1 weak to ) those who were weak. Cor. ix. 19. Though I be tied from all men, yet haye I made'myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20. And unto the Jews I became as ‘a Jew, | that I might gain the Jews ; tothem that are under the Jaw, as under the law. that I might gain them that are under the law; 21. To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to-‘Christ), that I might gain them that are withoutlaw. 22. To the weak became I asweak ; Iam made all things to all men, that I might by all ery save some. See also Acts xxi. 20 to 23, among the Proof to the is. Answer. : “2 SECT. TV. 102d Q.—What was the wu past which Christ ate with his disciples, the ae before his crucifixion ? =salb re. A.—The Jewish Passover instituted. by Moses, and was typical of the spiritual nou- rishment the soul receives from a participa- tion of the body and blood of Christ pur- chased for us byhis death. refed xxii. 7. Then came the day of ‘ae . bread, when the passover must be killed. 8. And he {Jesus] sent Peter and John, saying, Go an prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 13. And they made _ ready the pasaover. 14. And when the hour was come 115 he sat down, andthe twelve apostles with him, 15. And he said unto them, with desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer. 16. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17. And he took the cup and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves, 18. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19. And he took bread, and gave thanks and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for. you : this do in remem- branceofme. 20. Likewise also the cup after-suppery saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, - whichis shed for you. Matt. xxvi. 26. And as.they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27, And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: 28. For this ismy blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. See also Mark xiv. 12 to 25.. 1 Cor. xi, 20 to 26. 7 See also the Proofs to the 107th Answer. 103d Q.—When our Saviour brake the bread and said ‘“‘ Do this in remembrance of me,” did he perpetuate the Jewish Passover as an ordinance of the christian church ? A.—Such a conclusion is not authorized by the scriptures, ‘the disciples to whom Christ addressed these words were Jews, who were therefore desired by him, whenever they ate the Jewish Passover, to do it in remembrance & 116 of him the true’ paschal Lamb and. bread of life. ¥ . * ¥ Lhe 1 Cor. xi. 23. For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; 24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take eat; thisis my body, ~which is broken for you : this do inremembrance of me. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it 3 in remembrance of me. 26. Foras often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye doshew the the Lord’s death till he come. Pal aS Spy « yRuede > 104th Q.—What further reason is there 7 to conclude, that our Lord’s injunction re-- specting the bread and wine ‘is not to be understood as of universalobligation? , A.—The following reason may be assign- ed : the apostle John informs us that after the Supper was ended, our blessed..Lord washed his disciples’ feet, and commanded them to follow his example and wash each others feet; yet this command, though’ more strongly enforced than the other, is’ not’ * That the injunction was not designed to extend beyond the disciples who were of the circumcision, (though others might unite in the practice,) appears most probable fiom the time bei limited, or at least so understood by the apostle Paul, to the coming of Christ ; which may, consistently withthe opinion of the best commentators.on the sacred writings, advert to_ m- ing to end completely the Jewish polity by the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. ' Pe, er “117 considered by christians in general as obliga- tory at the present day. John xiii. 4. He [Jesus] riseth from supper; and laid aside his garments, and took a towel and girded himself. 5. After that, he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6. Then cometh he to Simon Peter : and Peter saith unto him, Lord,dost thou wash my feet ?. 7. Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now ; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 12. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his gar- ments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what | have done to you? 2.13. Ye cail me Master and Lord: and ye say well; forsol am. 14. If Ithen your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 105th Q.—Why is it not obligatory ? A.—Because as our Savieur’s former com- mand referred to a Jewish rite, now super= seded, so this referred to an Eastern custom that does not prevail in the West ; and there- fore though his immediate followers whom he addressed might literally obey his com- mand, the spirit of it is all that is considered obligatory to the Christian church, namely, areadiness to do the most humble offices of love for our brethren. 118 106th Q.—Did not this act of “our Lord also convey further instruction ? Tee’ . » A.—It evidently did. From the words of our Lord to Peter, ‘‘ If I wash thee not; thou hast no part with me,” it appears that he de- signed.ito impress upon his disciples the ne- - cessity of the inward washing of regeneration; which cleanses the soul from the Has ie of sin, and fits it for communion with him a See the Proof to the 104th Answer. ‘ aN a _ 107th Q.—Is there not a Supper” of our Lord mentioned in the Scriptures, of which christians partake, and by which ae haye ; communion with him? — A.—There is ; our said bg Fe to it when he ate the Jewish’ Passover with his disciples, as well as on other occasions. By it the soul partakes of the bread of life which comes down from heaven, and of the new wine of the kingdom, which nourish the soul up unto eternal life: or in other words, the ‘supper is an inward and. spiritual participa- tion of the body and blood of Christ ; for - as the outward body cannot subsist without material food, so neither can. the divine life subsist in the soul without spiritual ‘food. Matt. xxvi. 29. “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the- vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. - 119 John vi. 33. The bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life he that cometh to me sha!l never hunger ; and he that believeth on me, shall never thirst. 51. lam the living bread, which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shali jive for ever > and the bread that I will give, is my flesh,, which I will give for the life of the world. 53. Verily. verily I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no lifein you. 54. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and! will raise him up at the lastday. 55. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. Rey. iii. 20. Behold, I stand at the doar, and knock: ifany man hear, my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 22. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. FINIS - “SS \y é Q } ; ‘gu bats} a 5 ee dat « JAN 13 63 ~ MAR 2 6 ocr 29 Form 335—15M—1-36—S Sch.R. 289.6 B571BA 340700 Bcbeol of Religin 0d iN