The Communicants Instructor.

OR, A SACRAMENTAL Catechism, IN WHICH The Nature of the Covenant of Grace, and the visible Seals thereof (viz.) Baptism and the Lord's Sup­per, with the Gospel Qualifications of worthy Receivers, are opened with all plainness and clearness by way of Question and Answer.

Recommended to the Use of the Younger and more Ignorant sort, especially to such as de­sire Admission to, and would worthily Par­take of the Lord's Supper; with a Request to the Charitable, That they would make it a Piece of their Spiritual Alms to the Poor.

By George Day, Minister of the Gospel.

Heb. 5.12. For when for the time ye ought to be Teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God, and are become such as have need of Milk, and not of strong Meat.

LONDON: Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel, 1700.

The EPISTLE to the READER.

Christian Reader,

THO' Baptism and the Supper of the Lord be sacred Ordinances, and Christ's own Insti­tutions, yet such is the sin and shame of this degenerate Age, That Multitudes under the Christian Profession live in a careless Omission of them, and not a few in a prophane Con [...]mpt and Opposition against them. The Fault of the former sort proceeds from gross Ignorance of the spiritual Nature, Ʋse, and Ends of these Ordinances: That of the latter, from a Spirit prepossessed and prejudi­ced with Error.

Now, tho' I have little hopes of doing any good upon the Erronious by this brief and slender Piece, seeing their Malignity against the Truths which they disown, will (probably) encline them to reject it with disdain on the first sight of the Title Page, without vouchsafing it a sober perusal; yet the hopes of being somewhat serviceable to the Ignorant, espe­cially to such as are desirous of spiritual Knowledge, and are willing to be instructed, have at length pre­vailed with me to comply with the Request of Chri­stian Friends, in exposing this mean Essay to publick View.

I know there are many excellent Helps of this [Page]kind already extant, and therefore this may well be thought needless; and I confess, this very Conside­ration hath suppressed these Meditations for many years, by me; but observing divers Tracts that speak much of the Lord's Supper, say little or no­thing of Baptism, (tho' this being the initiating Or­dinance, and first seal of the Gospel Covenant, ought first to be considered, and well understood) I have therefore endeavoured to open both these holy Ordi­nances distinctly, together with the Nature of the Covenant of Grace, to which they are annexed, as its visible signs and seals.

I have made it my Business to gather the most material and soul-concerning Truths that I find scat­tered in many excellent Authors, that have written on this Subject, and contracted them, that I might give thee much in a little, and croud as much pre­cious Matter into these few Pages as I well could, without prejudice to the sense, and with due regard to weaker Memories, that a little Pains and Pati­ence may make much Truth thine own.

I have also endeavoured to express my sense of things with the greatest plainness and clearness I could, using words and phrases that may easily be understood by persons of mean Capacity, and studi­ously declining others; having observed in Teaching both Young and Old, that the want of understanding the true meaning, tho' but of one word in a Sentence, hath made the whole unintelligible, and so unprofita­ble to them.

Thou wilt find to most of the Answers scripture Proofs subjoined, tho' only referr'd to, for brevities sake, therefore pray turn to them, and see with thine own eyes how clearly and fully these Truths are con­firmed by the holy Scriptures, and so the reason why [Page]thou should'st believe them; for we ought to make no Position or Assertion an Article of our Christian Faith, but what is founded on a Divine Attestation, and bottomed on the written Word of God, which is the only, perfect, and perpetual Rule of our Christian Faith and Practice.

I have purposely chosen to give thee this Help in a Catechistical method, by way of Question and An­swer for these Reasons:

1. Because it is the most easie, plain familiar way of instructing the Ignorant, and therefore like to he the more profitable.

2. Because it is of great Antiquity, having been used not only in the Christian, but also in the Jewish Church, yea, some of the Learned trace its Foot steps back to the beginning of time, concluding, that it was practised by Adam himself, who catechised or instructed his Sons in the Doctrine of Man's Fall, of the Seed of the Woman, and of worshipping of God by offering sacrifices, &c. [Read Willet, Down­ham, Greenham, Pemble, and others on this Sub­ject.]

3. Because the neglect of Catechising for 20 or [...] years last past (which we should reflect on with [...]ame and grief) hath been one great cause of the [...]ecay of Knowledge in our days; there being ma­ [...]y thousands of adult and grown Persons, [and ma­ [...]y of them Parents and Governours of Families] [...]osly ignorant of the very Fundamentals of the [...]hristian Faith which they profess; and that tho' me of them have sate under the preaching of the [...]ord a long time. Indeed, 'tis an Observation I [...]ve often made, and am confirmed in it by daily ex­erience, That uncatechised Heads understand but [...]ittle of the most excellent Sermons they bear, and [Page]therefore it is not to be thought strange, that they grow little the wiser by them. O that this were du­ly considered, and might prove a cogent Argument to Ministers and Governours of Families for the Revival of this useful Exercise among us!

And (because my words may have little weight) let me here take leave humbly to mind my Reverend Brethren of a serious and weighty Passage of a great Divine now in Glory. Prouble Vind. Grat. Praef. p. 13, 14. I could heartily wish (said he) that those [Ministers] among us, whom either Ease or Pride have made careless in this Office [of Ca­ [...]chising] would be pleas'd to look abroad into such Congregations, where this course is held, and to compare them with their own and others, where 'tis neglected; they should soon perceive how fair and open a passage is made for preach­ing to follow after, where diligent Catechising hath gone before; and on the other side, how hopeless their Endeavours is, who labour to imprint in the Heads of their People the Know­ledge of Conclusions before they have learned the Principles of Divinity.

If these Men complain and say, We have spent our strength in vain, and our Labour with­out profit, preaching long, and seeing little Re­formation; I will not pity them, who are lik [...] unwise Nurses, that, when their Children thrive not, lay the Blame upon their sickly Bodies when the Fault is in their own indiscretion, who feed them not with Childrens Bread, but forc [...] upon them stronger Meat, which they canno [...] digest, but vomit up again. (Thus he.)

To this hearty wish of his I subjoyn another, Th [...] [Page]all the Pastors of Churches may fully and faithfully obey that Precept of the Chief Shepherd, John 21.15, 16. requiring them to feed his Lambs as well as his Sheep.

I shall close with a word or two of Counsel; (Rea­der) if thou art yet weak in spiritual Knowledge, and willing to be instructed, that thou mayst be made wise to Salvation, let me beseech thee to fol­low this faithful Advice.

1. Labour for a distinct and methodical Know­ledge of the great Foundation-Truths of the Christian Religion, those first Principles of the Oracles of God, drawn up to thine hand in many more general Cate­chisms; especially I recommend to thy use that excel­lent Catechism of the Assembly of Divines, both shorter and larger; a little Labour will commit the lesser to thy memory, and read the other with dili­gence to explain that, with Mr. Lyes, Mr. Doo­littles, and Mr. Vincents Explanations. The Knowledge of these Truths will prepare thee to read the holy Scriptures, and hear Sermons with Ʋnder­standing and Profit.

Next, I offer thee the serious perusal of this Sa­cramental Catechism, in the composure of which I have purposely left out several Questions very proper to have been inserted, because they are already an­swered in the Assemblies Catechism. Say not thou art too old to learn a Catechism (if ignorant) unless thou thinkest thy self also too old to go to Heaven, and so too old to learn the way thither. Be not asha­med of using the means to get Knowledge, but be [...]shamed of thy Ignorance, and blush to bear a Child of Seven years old, that hath been well catechised, give a better account of the Christian Faith than many of 30, 40, or of 50 years of Age can do.

[...]
[...]

2. Pray earnestly and daily for the inward teach­ings of God's holy Spirit in and with the outward teachings of the Word; without this, tho tho [...] may'st fill thy Head with the Notions of Truth, ye thou wilt never feel the saving Impressions of the [...] on thy heart, but remain a stranger to the life an [...] power of Godliness. Read those precious promises and humbly plead them in prayer, Prov. 1.23. Isa [...] 59.21. Luk. 11.13.

3. And lastly, Believe the Truths which thou ha [...] [...]earnt, and live according to the Rule of them. Le Knowledge and Practice (as an holy Taine) g [...] [...]nd in hand, and stilt keep pace each with other [...]h of them are required as necessary qualification to entitle thee to true happiness, John 13 17. O d [...] not aim at any thing short of that! The Experimen­tal and Practical Christian will be found to be the wisest and best in the great discriminating Day. Tha [...] thou may'st be such an one, and that thy Meditation may contribute somewhat thereto, is the sincere an [...] fervent Prayer of

Decemb. 19. 1691.
Thine and the Churche in Christ, George Day.

A SACRAMENTAL Catechism.

Quest. 1. WHat is a Sacarment in general?

Answ. A Sacrament is an holy Ordi­nance of Divine Institution, annexed to the Covenants which God hath made with Men, wherein by outward and sensible signs the Promises of the Covenant are re­presented, sealed, and applied to God's Co­venant-people, and they are bound to obey him, Gen. 17.10. Rom. 4.11.

Q. 2. Are these Ordinances call'd by the name of Sacraments in the holy Scriptures?

A. No. Yet seeing it is a word very fit to signifie the thing to which it is applied, it may lawfully be used.

Q. 3. What is the original and proper sig­nification of the word [Sacrament]?

A. As it was used of old in a civil sense, it signified an Oath taken in War by Soul­diers to their General, whereby they were bound to perform the Duties of that Re­lation.

Q. 4. Why are the Seals of God's Cove­nants called Sacraments?

A. Because by our receiving them we are bound (as it were) by an Oath to per­form the Duties of God's Covenant-peo­ple, Rom. 6.3, 4, 5.

Q. 5. What are the parts of a Sacrament?

A. Two. The one is an outward visible sign, or thing signifying, which may be seen by the Eye of the Body; as Water in Baptism, and Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper. The other is the inward and spiritual grace, or thing signified, which can only be seen by the Eye of the Soul, or by Faith, and that is Christ with all his saving Benefits, Matth. 3.11. 1 Pet. 3.21. Rom. 2.28, 29.

Q. 6. Do all those who receive the out­ward signs receive the inward grace also?

A. No. For wicked and graceless per­sons may receive the outward signs, but not the inward grace with them; none but true believers receive them both.

Q. 7. What is a Covenant in the general?

A. A Covenant is a solemn Contract or Agreement between several persons, two at the least, wherein they do mutually bind themselves each to other, in certain Articles, to both their Contents, and usually confirmed by signs and seals, Gen. 21.27. 1 Sam. 18 3.

Q 8. Hath God ever made a Covenant with Man?

A. Yes. Tho God be infinitely above Man, yet he hath been pleased, through condescending grace, to deal with Man in this familiar way of Covenanting, as a Man with his Friend, Gen. 15.18.

Q. 9. VVhat Covenants hath God made with Man?

A. Two especially. The first called the Covenant of Works. The second, The Covenant of Grace, Gal. 4.23, 24.

Q. 10. What is the Covenant of Works?

A. That Covenant which God made with our first Parents, Adam and Eve, in the estate of Innocence, and in them, with all their Children, wherein God promised perfect happiness to them, upon Condition of their perfect Obedience to him; and threatned them with Death on their Diso­bedience, Gen. 2.16, 17. Gal. 3.12.

Q. 11. Why is this called the Covenant of Works?

A. Because it required the Works of Man's Obedience to the whole Law of God, as the Condition of his Life and Happiness, Lev. 18.5.

Q. 12. Had our first Parents sufficient strength to perform that Condition, and keep that Covenant with God?

A. Yes. Our first Parents being crea­ted upright and perfect, had sufficient power to perform perfect Obedience to the Law of God, and so to keep his Co­venant, Eccl. 7.29.

Q. 13. Did our first Parents keep their Covenant with God?

A. No. Our first Parents brake their Covenant with God, by complying with the Temptation of Satan in eating the for­bidden Fruit, and thereby brought them­selves, and all the Children descending from them by ordinary Generation, into an estate of sin and misery, Gen. 3. begin. Rom. 5.12.

Q. 14. Doth God suffer Adam and all his Children to perish in their sinful and mi­serable state?

A. No. God did of his own free grace from all Eternity elect some of fall'n Man­kind to everlasting life, and gave them to Jesus Christ, that they might be recove­ted and saved by him, Eph. 1.4.

Q. 15. Did the Lord Jesus Christ then undertake to be a Saviour to them?

A. Yes. There was an Eternal Com­pact, or Agreement between God the Fa­ther and God the Son (which is common­ly called the Covenant of Redemption) wherein God the Father gave the Elect unto God the Son, as to a Redeemer, and he engaged to perform the work of their Redemption, Isa. 59.20, 21. Psal. 89.3, 4, 19, 20, &c.

Q. 16. Did God make another Covenant with Man after the first was broken?

A. Yes. God was pleased to make a se­cond Covenant with Man, called the Co­venant of Grace, Gen. 17.2, 7.

Q. 17. VVhat is this Covenant of Grace?

A. The Covenant of Grace is that which God made with Man in his fall'n & sinful state wherein God, thro' the Merits and Mediation of Jesus Christ, promiseth Pardon and Life unto all penitent and be­lieving sinners, Acts 2.37. and 16.30.

Q. 18. VVhy is this call'd the Covenant of Grace?

A. 1. Because all that is promised in it is the fruit of God's free grace in Christ to sinners. 2. Because it is the free grace of God that inclined God to make it, and [Page 6]that perswades and enables us to consent to it, and to keep it, Eph. 2.8.

Q. 19. What is the condition of this Co­venant on Man's part?

A. The great comprehensive Conditi­on of its Faith in Jesus Christ, which, (if it be true and saving) is accompanied with Repentance, and all other Graces in the Heart, and brings forth new Obedi­ence in the Life, John 3.16. Acts 20.21. James 2.18.

Q 20. How can it be call'd a Covenant of Grace, if it is Conditional?

A. Very well. For, 1. It is an Act of God's free grace, and infinite Condescen­sion in God to make a Covenant with Man his Creature, whatever the Conditi­on be. 2. The Condition it self is graci­ous. Faith in Christ. 3. God himself hath graciously undertaken for both Parts of the Covenant, his own and ours too, and by his grace perswades and enables us to consent to the Covenant, and perform the condition of it.

Q. 21. Is any Man able to perform this Condition in his own strength?

A. No. we are in our natural state both unwilling to consent to, and unable to perform the Condition of this Cove­nant; [Page 7]but God is pleased to make his E­lect both willing and able by his special Grace, Psal. 110.3. 2 Cor. 3.5. and 12.9. Phil. 4.13.

Q. 22. What are the Differences between the Covenant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace?

A. These Ten especially.

1. The Covenant of Works was made between God and the first Adam with all his Natural Seed, i.e. all Mankind. But the Covenant of Grace was made between God and the second Adam, i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ, and all his Spiritual Seed, i e. All God's Elect, which are only some of Mankind.

Q. 23. What is another?

A. 2. That was made with Man in a state of Innocency: This was made with Man in a state of sin.

Q. 24. What is another?

A. 3. The Condition of that, was per­fect Obedience; the Condition of this, is Faith.

Q. 25. What is another?

A. 4. Under that, Man was entrusted with the keeping of himself, and his own happiness; under this, he is kept by the power of God.

Q. 26. VVhat is another?

A. 5. Under that, Man was to be justi­fied by his own Righteousness; under this, by the Righteousness of Christ.

Q. 27. VVhat is another?

A. 6. Under that, the least sin was a breach of the Covenant; under this, no­thing but Unbelief and final Perseverance therein, is a breach of the Covenant.

Q. 28. VVhat is another?

A. 7. That promised not pardon to the sinner upon Repentance, this doth.

Q. 29. VVhat is another?

A. 8. That was of use only for a little time, untill Man's Fall; this hath been of use ever since, and will be to the end of the World.

Q. 30. VVhat is another?

A. 9. That was especially designed for the glory of God's Justice; this for the Glory of God's Mercy.

Q. 31. VVhat is another?

A. 10. That had no Mediator, or Sure­ty; this hath a Mediator and Surety, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Q. 32. VVhat doth Christ do as Medi­ator of the Covenant?

A. Christ, as Mediator of the Cove­nant, being himself both God and Man, [Page 9]performs the great Work of Reconciling God and Man, whom sin had made Ene­mies, and brings them into a Covenant of Grace and Peace each with other, 1 Tim. 2.5. Hebr. 8.6. c. 9.15.

Q. 33. VVhat doth Christ do as the Su­rety of the Covenant?

A. Christ as the Surety of the Cove­nant, undertakes to see the Covenant faith­fully and fully performed; i e. That God shall perform his Promises to his Elect; and that they shall perform the condition of the Covenant unto God, Hebr. 7.22.

Q. 34. Hath the Covenant of Grace been always the same, or divers?

A The Covenant of Grace hath been always the same, as to the Substance of it, but it hath been different as to the manner of its Administration or Dispensation, & so is distinguished into the Old & New Cove­nant of Grace. Jer. 31.31. Hebr. 8.13.

Q. 35. Which is called the Old Covenant of Grace?

A. That which was Administred be­fore the Coming of Christ in the Flesh.

Q. 36. Which is call'd the New Cove­nant of Grace.

A. That which is Administred since the Coming of Christ in the Christian Church.

Q. 37. VVherein doth the Administration of the New Covenant differ from that of the Old?

A. 1. In the easiness of it. That was Administred by Promises, Prophesies, Sa­crifices, and other Types, which were cost­ly, painful, and burthensome Sacrific [...]e: But this is administred by the preaching of the Word, and dispensing of the Sa­craments, Baptism and the Lord's Sup­per which are sewer in number, and more e [...]sily performed, Gal. 5.1. Acts 15.9.

Q. 38. VVherein else?

A 2. In the clearness of it. That was Administred by dark Types and Figures, which were shadows of good things then to come; but this is Administred by light and clear Ordinances, by which Christ and his Benefits are more plainly revealed to us, Hebr. 10.1. 2 Tim. 1.10. 2 Cor. 3.18.

Q. 39. VVherein else?

A. 3. In the efficacy and power of it. That was weak and unprofitable incom­parison of this: Because the Spirit of God was not given to the Church in so large a measure before Christ, as it is since, Hebr. 7.18. Acts 2.17. John 7.39.

Q. 40. VVherein else?

A. 4. In the visible Seals of it. That had [Page 11]Circumcision, & the Passover, for its Seals; this hath Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Q. 41. VVherein else?

A. 5. In the Latitude and Extent of it. That extended peculiarly to the Jews; this extends both to the Jews and Gentiles, Rom. 9.4. Eph. 2.12, 13, 14, 15. Col. 3.11. Mark 16.15. Acts 10.34, 35, 36.

Q. 42. VVherein else.

A. 6. In the Duration and Continu­ance of it. That was to continue but un­til Christ came in the Flesh; but this is to continue untill Christ comes in glory.

Q. 43. Who changed the Administration of the Covenant?

A. The Lord Jesus Christ himself, who is the only Head, and Lawgiver of his Church, and so hath power to Alter or Add, lay aside, or set up such Laws and Ordinances in it as he pleaseth, Heb. 8.8, 9, 10. James 4.12.

Q. 44. VVhy did Christ change the Ad­ministration of the Covenant?

A. For his own glory, and the Chur­ches good; for

1. Those Ordinances under the Old Covenant were more dark, difficult, cost­ly and weak, than these under the New Covenant.

2. Those Ordinances became unsuita­ble, and unserviceable to the Church af­ter Christ's coming in the flesh, because they signified Christ to come; therefore when Christ, the Substance of them, was come, those Sadows must be done away.

Q. 45. How hath God confirmed the Co­venant of Grace?

A. God hath confirmed it by 4 things:

  • 1. By his Word of Promise, Gen. 17.7.
  • 2. By his Oath, Gen. 22.16, 17. Hebr. 6.13, 14, 17, 18.
  • 3. By the death of Christ, Heb. 9.16, 17.
  • 4. By the Signs and Seals of the Co­venant, Rom. 4.11.

Q. 46. VVhat are the Signs and Seals of the New covenant of grace now in Gospel days?

A. The Signs and Seals of the New Covenant, are Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Q. 47. VVhy are these Ordinances called Signs and Seals of the Covenant?

A. Because they are of the same signi­fication and use to the Covenant of Grace, as Signs and Seals put to Cove­nants between Man and Man use to be.

Q. 48. VVhat is their signification, & use?

A. These Ordinances, as Signs, do sig­nifie [Page 13]the Grace and Good-will of God in Christ to his Covenant-people; and as Seals do confirm, conveigh and apply the Grant of the Covenant, or a Right to all the Blessings promised therein to Belie­ [...]ers, and their engagement to Obedi­ence, 1 Pet. 3.21. Rom. 6.3, 4. Gal. 3.27.

Q. 49. Do these Sacraments certainly [...]ork grace in all that receive them?

A. No. It is evident that many of [...]ose who are baptized, and have recei­ [...]ed the Lord's Supper, live and dye in a [...]aceless state, Acts 8.23. Luke 13.26, 27.

Q 50. Who then do receive saving bene­by the Sacraments?

A. Those only receive saving benefit the Sacraments to whom the holy Spi­ [...] of God doth bless them, working in [...]d by them on their Hearts, as he doth [...] all God's Elect, 1 Cor. 3.7.

Q. 51. What is Baptism?

A. Baptism is an holy Ordinance of frist, wherein the washing with Water, [...] or into the Name of the Father, the [...] and the Holy Ghost, signifies and seals [...] ingrafting into Christ, Remission of [...] by his Blood, and Regeneration by Spirit, and whereby the Persons bap­ [...]ed are solemnly entred into the visible [Page 14] Church, and into an open and professed en­gagement to be wholly and only God's Covenant-people, Matth. 28.19. Gal. 3.27. Mark 1.4. Rev. 1.5. Tit. 3.5. Eph. 5.26. 1 Cor. 12.13. Rom. 6.4, 5.

Q. 52. What be the Parts of Baptism?

A. They are two. The outward and visible part signifying; and the inward and spiritual part signified.

Q 53. What is the outward signifying part of Baptism.

A. The outward signifying part of Bap­tism consists in the washing the Body with the Element of Water, and the use of the words of Institution, i e. Baptizing, &c.

Q. 54. What is the inward part signifie [...] by the outward signs?

A. 1. By the washing with Water i [...] signified two things; the washing awa [...] of the guilt of our sins, or our Pardon and Justification procured by the blood o [...] Christ; and the washing away of the filt [...] of sin, or our Sanctification by the Spir [...] of Christ in the work of Regeneration Rom. 1.5. John 3.5.

2 By the words of Institution, i e. Ba [...] ­tizing in the Name of the Father, Son, [...] Holy Ghost, two things are also signifie [...]

1. That Ministers have Authori [...] [Page 15]both from God the Father, Son, and Ho­ly Ghost to administer Baptism.

2. That the Persons baptized do enter into an holy Covenant with God the Fa­ther, Son, and Holy Ghost; i e. They take this only living and true God to be their own and only God, and give up themselves, (if grown Persons) or are gi­ven up by their Parents (if Infants) to this God, to be his Covenant-servants, Matth. 28.18, 19. 2 Cor. 8.5.

Q. 55. What are the special Ends of Baptism?

A. The special Ends of Baptism are of two sorts.

1. Such as respect God; and so it is to be (1.) A Sign to signifie the Grace of the Covenant; and (2.) A Seal to con­firm the Grant of the Covenant, Rom. 4.11. Col. 2.11, 12. Acts 22.16. Eph. 5.26.

2. Such as respect Man; and so it is to be (1.) A Badge of our Christian Profession; (2.) A Bond to oblige us to perform the Duties of the Covenant, Gal. 5.3. Rom. 8.12. 1 Pet. 3.21.

Q. 56. To whom is Baptism to be Admi­nistred?

A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church of [Page 16] Christ, until they are instructed in the Christian Religion, and profess Faith in Christ, and Obedience unto him: But the Infants of such as are Members of the visible Church are to be baptized, Matth. 28.19. Acts 2.41. Gen. 17.7, 10. Acts 2.38, 39.

Q. 57. How may it be proved that the Infants of Church-Members have a Right to Baptism?

A. It may be proved by these Ar [...] ­guments.

1. By their Covenant Relation to God. Those that are in Covenant have a right to the Signs and Seals of the Covenant: But the Children of believing Parents are in Covenant, Therefore they have a right to the Signs and Seals of it, Gen. 17.7. Deut. 29.10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Q. 58. Have Infants then a Right to the Lord's Supper also, and should they re­ceive it?

A. The Infants of Believers have a re­mote, tho' not an immediate and actual right to the Lord's Supper, & therefore may not receive it in their Infancy, for want of a capacity to discern the Lord's Body, or to understand the Nature, Use and Ends of that Ordinance, and to use it accordingly.

Q. 59. Should they not then be kept from Baptism also for the same Reason, seeing they understand not that Ordinance?

A. No. For they are as capable of Receiving this Ordinance of Baptism, as the Jewish Infants were of Circumcision at 8 days old, and ought to be baptized, because Baptism comes in the room of Circumcision; and as that was the Sacra­ment of Initiation or Entrance into the Church, and into the Covenant, so is this, Matt. 28.19, 20. Col. 2.11.12.

Q. 60. By what other Argument is it proved?

A. 2. By the Command of our Lord Jesus Christ requiring his Apostles, and in them all Gospel-Ministers, to Disciple all Nations, Baptizing them; and Infants are a very considerable part of Nations.

Q. 61. But must they not believe first, and then be baptized, as Mark 16.16? And how can Infants believe?

A. Adult or grown Persons without the Church, must first be instructed in the Doctrine of Christ, and believe in him before they are admitted to Baptism, as Acts. 2.38, 39, 40, 41. But the Infants of Church-Members may be baptized, tho' they do not actually believe, because they [Page 18]are the Children of Believers, seeing Chil­dren are parts of their Parents, & are ac­counted but as one Person with them, both by the Laws of God and Man, as the Root & Branches are but one Tree, Rom. 11.16.

Q. 62. By what other Argument is it proved?

A. 3. By the Example and Practice of the Apostles in the Primitive Church, who baptized whole Housholds, and the uni­versal Practice of the Christian Church in all Ages ever since, which hath been the same, Acts 16.15, 33. 1 Cor. 1.16.

Q. 63. What is the Duty of those Chri­stian Parents who offer their Children to God in Baptism?

A. Their Duty is, 1. To make a seri­ous Profession of their Faith in God, the Father, Son, and Spirit, and Obedience to him according to his Word.

2. To own and renew the Covenant which they made with God in their own Baptism.

3. To consent in the Name and behalf of their Children, (being parts of them­selves) that they shall be the Lord's Co­venan-servants.

4. To bring their Children up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, to [Page 19]teach them the Nature of that Covenant with God which they make in Baptism by their Parents consent, and to command them to keep it, Eph. 6.4. Deut. 6.6, 7. Gen. 18.19. 1 Chro. 28.9.

Q. 64. Is Baptism to be administred by dippin or sprinkling?

A. Baptism may be administred either by dipping or sprinkling: For, 1. The O­riginal word signifieth to wash, whether by dipping or sprinkling, as Mark 7.4.2. The Christian Churches have used both.

Q 65. Where should Baptism be admi­nistred?

A. Baptism being a Publick or Church-Ordinance, by which Persons are solemn­ly addmitted into the Church of Christ, should ordinarily be administred in the Publick Assemblies of Christians, that thereby,

1. The whole Assembly may joyn in Prayer for a blessing upon the Ordinance.

2. Those that [...] [...]ptized, may be put in mind of the Covenant which they made in [...] Baptism, and be stirred up to keep [...].

Q 66. May [...] admini­stred in Priv [...] [...]?

A. Yes, in case of [...]ecessity; (as in [Page 20]times of Persecution, or of the sickness of the Persons to be baptized, &c) It may be administred in private Families, provided there be a competent number of other Christians present to be witnesses of the Administration, and to joyn in Prayer for a Blessing, Acts 8.38. and 16.33.

Q 67. How often is Baptism to be ad­ministred to the same person?

A. Only once. 1. Because it is the Sa­crament of our New Birth, and we are to be but once new born.

2. Because it is the Ordinance of our Admission or Entrance into the Church of O [...]rist, and we are to be entered but once into it.

Q. 68. Which is the other Sacrament of the New Testament?

A. The other Sacrament of the New Testament is the Lord's Supper.

Q. 69. What is the Lord's Supper?

A. The Lord's Supper is an holy Or­dinance of Christ, wherein by giving and receiving Bread and Wine, according to Christ's appointment, his Death is shew­ed forth, and the worthy Receivers are, [...] after a corporal and carnal manner, [...] by Faith, made partakers of his Body [...] Blood, with all his Benefits to their [Page 21]Spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace, the confirming of their Union & Communion with Christ, the testifying and renewing their Covenant with God, and thankfulness to him, and their mu­tual Love to, and fellowship with each o­ther, as Members of the same Mystical Body, Matth. 26.26, 27, 28. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25, 26. 1 Cor. 10.16, 17.

Q 70. What be the parts of the Lord's Sapper?

A. They are two. The outward and visible parts signifying; and the inward and spiritual part signified.

Q. 71. What are the outward parts of this Ordinance?

A. The outward parts of this Ordi­nance are three; (1) Signifying Things or Elements; (2.) Signifying Words; (3.) Signifying Affions.

Q. 72. What are the signifying Things or Elements?

A. Bread and Wine.

Q. 73. What do they signifie?

A. The Bread signifieth and represent­eth the Body of Christ. The Wine, the Blood of Christ. Both together signifie whole Christ with all his Saving Benefits.

Q. 74. What be the signifying Words?

A. The words of Institution, Take, Eat, This is my Body which is broken for you,; Do this in remembrance of me: And, This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood, shed for many for the Remission of Sins, Drink ye all of it.

Q. 75. What do these words signifie, or contain?

A. They contain, 1. A Command, re­quiring the use of this Ordinance, in these words, Take, Eat, This Bread, and Drink of this Cup. Do this in remembrance of me.

2. A Promise, assuring us of Christ gi­ving himself to the worthy Receivers, in these words, This is my Body, and This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood, &c.

Q. 76. Are the Elements of Bread and Wine then turned into the very Body and Blood of Christ in this Ordinance after Con­secration?

A. No. They remain still in their own Nature, real Bread and Wine, and are only changed from a common to a Reli­gious Use, to signifie and represent the Body and Blood of Christ.

Q. 77. How may this be proved?

A. Three ways.

1. By Scripture. Which informs us that the Body of Christ was whole, and [Page 23]his Blood in his Veins, when he first insti­tuted and administred this Ordinance; & that the same Body was afterward crucifi­ed, buried, rose again on the third day, ap­peared alive to many Witnesses, and at length ascended into Heaven, & that it is there to remain until the time of the Re­stitution of all things, Matth. 26.35. 1 Cor. 15.4, 5, 6. Acts 1.9, 10, 11. and 3.21. 1 Thess. 4.16.

Q. 78. How else?

A. 2. By Reason. For Christ having but one Body, it is against Reason to think that he could both give his Body to his Disciples to eat, and his Blood to drink; and yet at the same time have it still alive and whole by them. Had it been thus, he must have had two Bodies at the same time; for its contrary to the nature of a Body to be in two places at once.

Yea further; If the Bread and VVine were turned into the Body and Blood of Christ, then supposing the Lord's Supper was administred in a thousand places at the same time, Christ would have a thousand Bodies at the same time.

Q. 79. How else?

A. 3. By Sense. For we see and taste that it is still Bread and VVine, and not [Page 24]Flesh and Blood. And if we cannot be­lieve our Senses in this matter, How shall we believe them in any other thing?

Q 80. But doth not Christ call the Bread his Bo [...]y, and the Wine his Blood?

A. Yes; but Christ speaks this not in a proper, but in a figurative, or improper sense, calling the sign by the name of the thing signified by it; which manner of speech Christ did often use: So he calls himself, a Door, a Vine, a Light, &c. not that he was really changed into these ve­ry things; but to teach us, that he is of like use to our Souls, that these are to our Bodies, John 10.7. and 15.1.

Q. 81. Is not Christ then really and tru­ly present in this Ordinance of his Supper.

A. Yes. Christ is really and truly pre­sent in this as in all other Gospel-Ordi­nances, but not corporally or carnally, but spiritually; and so he is to be fed upon, not by the Mouth of the Body, but of the Soul, that is, to be received, & applied to the Soul by Faith, John 6.56. Eph. 3.17.

Q. 82. What are the signifying Actions to be used in this Ordinance?

A. 1. The Actions to be used by the Minister, are Taking, Blessing, Breaking, & Giving the Bread to the Communicants, [Page 25]and Taking, giving Thanks, and giving the Cup also to them. 2. The Actions of the Communicants are Taking and Partaking, or Eating the Bread, and Drinking the Wine, Matt. 26.26, 27, 28.

Q. 83. What is signified by the Ministers taking the Bread and Wine when he cometh to the Table?

A. It signifieth God the Fathers taking or choosing, and designing Christ from all Eternity to be Man's Redeemer, Isa. 42.1.

Q. 84. What is signified by the Ministers Blessing the Elements, or giving Thanks.

A. It signifieth the setting of them a­part from a common to an holy use, and is to be performed by declaring the words of Institution, and by praying to God for a blessing on this Ordinance, ioyned with giving Thanks unto God for Jesus Christ, and for all his benefits.

Q 85. What is signified by the Breaking of the Bread?

A. It signifieth all the Sufferings of Christ, especially the breaking of his Body & shedding of his Blood upon the Cross.

Q. 86. What is signified by the Ministers giving the Bread and Wine to the Communi­cants?

A. It signifieth God the Fathers giving [Page 26]Christ as a Saviour, and Christ's giving himself, with all his benefits, to true Believers, John 3.16.

Q. 87. What is signified by the Communi­cants taking the Bread and Wine?

A. It signifieth their thankful accepting and receiving of Christ to be their Saviour with all his benefits, by Faith, John 1.12.

Q. 88. What is signified by the Commu­nicants eating the Bread, and drinking the Wine?

A. It signifieth their applying of Christ, with all his benefits, by Faith, unto their own Souls in particular; that each Belie­ver may believingly say of Christ, as Tho­mas, My Lord, and my God, John 20.28.

Q. 89. For what holy Ends is the Lord's Supper to be used?

A. For such holy Ends as these:

1. For the preserving of the Remem­brance of Christ, and his matchless Love in dying for Sinners; this Ordinance be­ing a lively shewing forth of his Death Luke 22.19. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 26. Gal. 3.1 [...]

Q 90. What other End?

A. 2. For the spiritual nourishing and strengthning of the inward Man, or o [...] grace in the Heart; as Faith, Repentance Love, Hope, &c For this Reason it seems [Page 27]to be call'd, a Supper, being a spiritual Meal for Souls, in which Christ himself is our spiritual Food, 1 Cor. 11.20.

Q 91. What other End?

A. 3. For the fealing and confirming the New Covenant of Grace, or the New Testament: For as the last Will or Te­stament of a Man is confirmed, and comes in force by the Death of the Testator, or of him that made it; so the Death of Christ (which is represented in this Or­dinance) confirms the New Covenant, as being Christ's last Will and Testament, Heb. 9.15, 16, 17.

Q. 93. For what other?

A. 4. For the testifying of Believers thankfulness to Christ, for his Love to them in dying for them. Therefore it is sometimes call'd the Eucharist, or the Thanksgiving; and the Cup is call'd the Cup of blessing, 1 Cor. 10.16.

Q 93. For what other?

A. 5. For the strengthning and increase of believers Union to, and communion with Christ and him crucified; and also with one another, as Fellow-Members of the same Mystical Body of Christ, his Church; for which cause it is also call'd the Communion, 1 Cor, 10.16, 17.

Q. 94. Is it sufficient to partake of the Lord's Supper (as of Baptism) only once.

A. No. Believers should often partake of this Ordinance (if it may be) because of their constant need of it, in order to the obtaining of the holy Ends thereof, 1 Cor. 11.26.

Q. 95. To whom is the Lord's Supper to be administred?

A. The Lord's Supper is to be admi­nistred only to such as have a Gospel-right to it, and a Gospel fitness, or prepared­ness for it.

Q. 96. What is a Gospel-right to this Ordinance?

A. There is a twofold Gospel-right, (1.) Outward, with Reference to the Church; (2.) Inward, with Reference to God.

Q. 97. Who have an outward Right, with Reference to the Church?

A. All such have an outward and visi­ble Right to the Lord's Supper, who being baptized and grown Persons, do make a credible Profession of their being in Cove­nant with God, or of their Faith in Christ, and Obedience to him, Acts 8.36, 37, 38.

Q. 98. When is their Profession to be ac­counted credible, or worthy to be believed?

A. When they have a competent mea­sure of Gospel-knowledge, seriously and understandingly own and consent to their Covenant with God in baptism, and live a religious and unblameable Life accord­ing to Gospel-Rule, Phil. 1.27.

Q. 99. Who may examine and judge of this outward and visible Right?

A. That particular Church of Christ, with which they desire to joyn, and walk in full Communion, especially the Pastor thereof, 1 Pet. 5.2. Heb. 13.17.

Q. 100. Who then are to be kept off from this Ordinance?

A. All such as are grosly ignorant of the Doctrine of Christ, or openly vicious and scandalous in their Lives.

Q. 101. Who are to be accounted grosly ignorant?

A. All such as understand not the Prin­ciples of the Christian Religion, the Na­ture of the New Birth, or a Work of Grace upon their Heart, nor the Nature, Use and Ends of this holy Ordinance, 1 Cor. 15.34.

Q. 102. Why should such ignorant per­sons be kept off from this Ordinance?

A. Because they want an Eye to discern the Lord's Body, an hand to receive him, [Page 30]and a Mouth to feed upon him; and therefore if they should partake of this Ordinance, they would receive no bene­fit, but much hurt by it.

Q. 103. Who are to be accounted openly vicious, or scandalous?

A. All such as live in any open or known course of sin impenitently, and by their Words or Actions give just cause of of­fence to those that fear God, 1 Cor. 5.11.

Q. 104. Why should such vicious persons be kept off?

A. Because they, in presuming to touch such holy things with unholy hands and hearts, would dishonour & provoke God, pollute and profane his Ordinance, grieve the Godly, contract the guilt of Christ's Blood, and eat and drink Judgment to themselves, 1 Cor. 11.27, 29. Matth. 7.26.

Q. 105. But may not the Lord's Supper be administred to vicious persons in order to their Conversion?

A. No. For we do not find that Christ appointed this Ordinance to convert sin­ners, but to confirm and comfort Saints; it is not to work grace, where it is want­ing, but to increase and strengthen grace where it is.

Q. 106. Who have an inward invisible Right to this Ordinance?

A. All such who are indeed Heart-cove­nanters with God, or do believe in Christ with their hearts, and obey him in their lives.

Q. 107. Who are Heart-covenanters with God?

A. Those, who truly repent of their sins against God, Renounce the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, and take God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost for their only God, and chief Good, their Father, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, and give up themselves to fear, love and obey him, according to his Word, and this un­to the Death, Isa. 44.5. and 56.4.

Q. 108. How may we know, that we are in Covenant with God?

A. We may know it by these three things.

1. By our sincere consenting to the Co­venant, or choosing the living and true God to be our God, and giving up our selves to be his People.

Q. 109. How else?

A. 2. By our holy care to keep Cove­nant with God, and to perform the Du­ties which he requireth of us therein.

Q. 110. How else?

A. 3. By God's gracious performance [Page 32]of the Promises of his Covenant to our Souls, in giving us the Saving Blessings promised to his Covenant-People.

Q. 111. What are the Blessings which God hath promised in the Covenant of Grace?

A. God hath promised grace and glo­ry, all that is needful and good, both temporal, spiritual, and eternal Blessings, Psal. 84.11. 1 Tim. 4.8.

Q. 112. What he the Spiritual Blessings that God hath promised to them in this life?

A. These especially God hath promised to give them.

1. His Holy Spirit, to teach, sanctifie, assist, guide, and comfort them, Ezek. 36.27. John 14.16, 17, 26.

Q. 113. What else?

A. The enlightning of their Minds with Saving Knowledge, Isa. 54.13. Heb. 8.11.

Q. 114. What else?

A. The renewing of their Wills or Hearts, Ezek. 36.26. and 11.19, 20.

Q. 115. What else?

A. The putting of his Law in their in­ward Parts, and writing it in their hearts, Heb. 8.10.

Q. 116. What else?

A. The putting his Fear in their hearts, [Page 33]to keep them from departing from him Jer. 32.40.

Q. 117. What else?

A. The Justification of their Persons, pardoning their Sins, and Accepting them as Righteous in Christ, Isa. 53.11. Jer. 31.34. Rom. 3.24, 25, 26.

Q. 118. What else?

A. The Sanctification of their Natures, Ezek. 36.25.

Q. 119. What else?

A. Adoption to be the Children of God, 2 Cor. 6.18.

Q. 120. How may we know whether we have the Spirit of God, or no?

A. We may know it by the Operations, Fruits, or Effects of the Spirit in us, which are such as these, Light, Life, Love, Li­berty, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gen­tleness, Goodness, Faith, Repentance, Hope, Meekness and Temperance, 2 Cor. 4.6. 2 Cor. 3.6. Gal. 2.20. and 5.22, 23.

Q. 121. How may we know whether we have a new Heart?

A. 1. By the uprightness, singleness, and sensibleness, or tenderness of our hearts, Psal. 7.10. Ezek. 11.19.

2. By the Conformity of our Hearts to the Law of God, when it is the bent desire, [Page 34]& delight of our Hearts to do the Will of God, and please him in every thing, Psal. 119.6, 8, 16. Acts 13.22. Psal. 40.8.

Q. 122. Who must judge of this inward invisible Right to the Lord's Supper?

A. Every particular Christian ought to examine and judge of his own inward and invisible Right by the help of God's Spirit, and the Rule of his Word, 1 Cor. 11.28. 1 Cor. 2.11, 12.

Q 123. W [...]at is a Gospel-fitness, or pre­paredness for this Ordinance?

A. There is a twofold Gospel fitness for it. 1. A fitness of our State or Con­dition. 2. A fitness of our Frame or Dis­position. Both these must be had to make us worthy Guess at this Holy Table of the Lord.

Q. 124. Who are in a fit State or Con­dition for this Ordinance?

A. All such, and only such as are in a state of Saving Grace, or the Childern of God by Regeneration, and so qualified with those Graces that are needful and useful for a right receiving of this Ordi­nance, and a spiritual profiting by it, 2 Cor. 13.5.

Q. 125. What is Saving-Grace?

A. Saving Grace is a Principle of Spi­ritual [Page 35]Life wrought in the Hearts of God's Elect by the Holy Spirit, and (usu­ally) by the Ministry of the Word, where­by they are effectually inclined and ena­bled, and do sincerely endeavour to obey the whole revealed Will of God in Heart, Lip, and Life, 2 Pet. 1.4. Eph. 4.18. Col. 3.16. Heb. 12.28. John 17.17. Rom. 15.16. 1 Cor. 4.15. Heb. 13.12.

Q. 126. How may we know that we have Saving-Grace?

A. We may know it by the good Fruits and Effects of it, which are especially these two:

1. Saving Grace turns the Heart from all sin, and sets it against sin, so that such a Man doth not only forbear sin, but hates it, and seeks the utter destruction of it in his Heart and Life, by all good means. Ezek. 18.30. Psal. 119.104. Matth. 26.41. Col. 3.5.

2. Saving Grace turns the Heart unto God and Godliness, strongly and con­stantly inclines it to that which is good, and makes us fit and ready to, and active in good Works, enables us cheerfully to obey the Will of God's Precept, and pa­tiently to submit to the Will of his Pro­vidence, Eph. 2.10. Isa. 55.7. Psal. 119, [Page 36]112. Tit. 3.1. Acts 21.13. Tit. 2.14.

Q. 127. What are the particular Graces, or gracious Qualifications, that fits us for a worthy partaking of the Lord's Supper?

A. They are especially these seven; Knowledge, Faith, Repentance, Love, New Obedience, Thankfulness & Holy Desire, or a Spiritual Appetite to this Ordinance.

128. What Knowledge should we have?

A. A competent measure of Knowledge of the Fundamental or Principal Truths of the Christian Religion, or of such things as are revealed in the holy Scriptures, ne­cessary to make us wise unto Salvation, Prov. 19.2. Eph. 1.17. Col. 1.9. & 3.10.

Q. 129. What are the Truths that we should especially know?

A. Some Truths concerning God, some concerning Man, some concerning the Covenant between God and Man, and some concerning the Sacraments, or Seals of the Covenant.

Q 130. What should we know concerning God?

A. We should know something concer­ning his Essence or Nature, something con­cerning his Will, and something concer­ning his Worship.

Q. 131. What should we know concerning the Essence, or Nature of God?

A. These four things.

1. That God is, or that there is a God, Heb. 11.6.

Q. 132. What else?

A. 2. That God is One; or that there is only One true God, and no more, Deut. 6.4. Jer. 10.10.

Q. 133. What else?

A. That this One God subsisteth in three distinct Persons, called by distinct Names in Scripture, The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, or Spirit, Matth. 28.19. 1 Joh. 5.7.

Q. 134. What else?

A. 4. That this One God is a most pure invisible Spirit, or a Being that cannot be seen by our Eyes, John 4.24. 1 Tim. 1.17. and 6.16.

Q. 135. By What hath God made him­self known to us?

A. God hath made himself known to us two ways.

1. By his written Word. 2. By his Works.

Q. 136. What doth the Word make known to us concerning the Nature of God?

A. The Word makes known to us the Names, Titles, and Attributes of God, by which his Nature is in some measure discovered.

Q. 137. What are the Names or Titles of God?

A. He is called Jehovah, Jah, and in Scripture, which signifieth his Essence, or Self-existence; that he hath his Being in and of himself, and gives Being to all o­ther Beings. He is the Eternal, I am. He is called God Almighty, or All-sufficient, The most High God, Possessor of Heaven and Earth, The Lord of Hosts, The God of Gods, The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. These, and many other Titles are given to God in Scripture, Exod. 6.3. and 34.6. Gen. 17.1. and 14.19. Exod. 3.1. Isa. 14.27. Deut. 10.17. 1 Tim. 6.16.

Q. 138. What are the Attributes of God?

A. God's Attributes are certain Pro­perties, Perfections, or Excellencies in his Nature or Essence, whereby he is di­stinguished from all other Beings.

Q. 139. How are God's Attributes di­stinguished each from other?

A. They are distinguished into two sorts; his Absolute, and his Relative Attributes.

Q. 140. Which are God's Absolute At­tributes?

A. Such as are only in God, and of [Page 39]which there is no Resemblance in any Creatures.

Q. 141. Which is the first?

A. His Simplicity, or Freedom from all Composition. He is a most absolute, sim­ple, and pure Spirit, without Body, Parts, or Passions, Deut. 4.15, 16. Luke 24.39.

Q. 142. Which is the second?

A. His Infinity. God is infinite, that is, without Bounds of Place, Time or Per­fection. He is in all places at once, & yet not comprehended in any place. He was before all Time, is in all Time, and will be when Time shall be no more. And so per­fect, that he cannot be more perfect, in all Excellencies. And therefore no Man nor Angel can fully understand and compre­hend what God is, Psal. 147.5. Jer. 23.23. 1 Kings 8.27. Psal. 139.7. &c. Psal. [...]0.2. and 145.3. Job 11.7, 8, 9.

Q. 143. Which is the third?

A. His All-sufficiency. God is sufficient or himself, and for all his Creatures; and [...]ust needs be so, seeing he is infinite in Wisdom, Power, Goodness, & in all Per­ections, Gen. 17.1. 2 Cor. 11.8. & 12.9.

Q. 144. Which is the fourth?

A. His Independency. God hath no [...]ependence on any other Being, but all [Page 40]other Beings have their whole dependence on him, both for Subsistence, Supplies, Powers, and Actions, Acts 17.25. Neh. 9.6. Rom. 11.36.

Q. 145. Which is the fifth?

A. His Immutability, or Unchange­ableness. God is always the same, and subject to no Change, Mal. 3.6. Jam. 1.17. Heb. 13.8.

Q. 146. Which are God's Relative At­tributes?

A. Such, of which there is some Re­semblance in the reasonable Creatures, Angels and Men.

Q. 147. Which be they?

A. 1. His Life. He is the Living God, Psal. 42.2.

Q. 148. Which is another?

A. 2. His Will. He worketh all things according to the Councel of his Will Eph. 1.11.

Q. 149. Which another?

A. 3. His Wisdom and Knowledge. H [...] is the only wise God, 1 Tim. 1.17.

Q. 150. Which is another?

A. 4. His Power. Which signifie both. 1. His Authority, and Dominion ove [...] all his Creatures, Psal. 103.19. Dan. [...] 34, 35. Jude v. 25.

2. His Strength or Might. He can do what ever he will, Job 42.1, 2. Matth. 19.26.

Q. 151. Which is another?

A. 5. His Holiness. He is most holy and pure, Psal. 23.3. Isa. 6.3.

Q. 152. Which is another?

A. 6. His Justice. He is most Just and Righteous, Deut. 32.4. Psal. 11.7. and 92.15.

Q. 153. Which is another?

A. 7. His Goodness. He is most good. This comprehends both, 1. The Love, 2. The Graciousness, 3. The Mercy, 4. The Patience of God, Psal. 119.68. Exod. 34.6. 1 Joh. 4.8. Psal. 103.8. and 145.8.

Q. 154. Which is another?

A. 8. His Truth and Faithfulness, He [...]s most true, both in Himself, his Word, [...]nd Works, John 17.3. Deut. 32.4. John 17.17. Psal. 33.4.

Q. 155. Are these Relative Attributes [...]n God, as they are in Man?

A. No. In God they are his very Es­ [...]ence, or Nature; for whatever is in God, is God. But in Man they are Qua­ties. In God they are most perfect; he [...] so merciful and just, that he cannot be [...]ore so. But in Man they are imperfect. [Page 42]are but some degrees of Mercy and Justice in him, 1 John 4.8.

Q. 156. What are the Works of God whereby he makes himselfe known?

A. They are either, 1. His Works be­fore time, call'd his Decrees, whereby he purposed in himself from all Eternity what he would do in time. 2. His Work in time, which are the Executions, o [...] Performances of his Decrees; which comprehend both his Works of Creation and his Works of Providence, Eph. 1.11 Heb. 11.3. and 1.3. Psal. 103.19.

Q. 157. What may we learn of God b [...] his Works?

A. By the Works of God we may lear [...] somewhat of the glorious Perfections [...] his Nature, his Wisdom, Power, Holine [...] Justice, Goodness, and Truth; but h [...] Holy Word discovers them more clea [...] ­ly and fully to us, Rom. 1.20. Ps. 104.2

Q. 158. What is a Person in the Divi [...] Nature?

A. A Person in the Divine Nature is distinct Subsistence, or Being, having t [...] whole Nature of God, but distinguish [...] each from other by their order, incon [...] municable Properties, and manner [...] working, John 14.9, 10. Heb. 1.3.

Q. 159. What is the Order of the Holy Trinity?

A. God the Father is the first Person, God the Son is the second Person, and God the Holy Ghost is the third Person.

Q. 160. What are their incommunicable Properties?

A. It is the Property of the Father to beget the Son, the Property of the Son to be begotten of the Father, and the Pro­perty of the Spirit to proceed from the Father & the Son, Joh. 1.14. and 15.26.

Q. 161. What is their manner of work­ing?

A. God the Father worketh from him­self; God the Son worketh from the Fa­ther; God the Holy Ghost worketh both [...]rom the Father and the Son, John 5.26.

Q. 162. VVhat should we know concern­ing the first Person in the Trinity?

A. Four things especially.

1. That he is called God the Father, [...]ecause he is the Father of the Lord Je­ [...]s Christ by an inconceivable Generati­ [...]n; and because he is the Father of all [...]ther Beings by Creation, John 20.17. [...]eb. 12.9. Rom. 11.36.

Q. 163. VVhat else?

A. 2. That he created all things in the [Page 44]beginning of time, and having made man after his own Image, he covenanted or promised to continue him in his happi­ness, provided man continued in his O­bedience, Gen. 1.27, 31. and 2.16, 17.

Q. 164. VVhat else?

A. 3. That Man breaking that Cove­nant by his Disobedience, and so making himself liable to Death, it pleased God to pitty his fall'n and sinful Creature, & to contrive a way of Salvation for him, by virtue of a second Covenant in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, as a Re­deemer, Gen. 3.15. John 3.16.

Q. 165. VVhat else?

A. 4. That God the Father first pro­mised, & in the fulness of time sent forth his only begotten Son the Lord Jesus, Christ into the World, to be Man's Re­deemer and Saviour, Gen. 3.15. & 12.3. Isa. 9.7. John 3.16. Gal. 4.4.

Q. 166. VVhat should we know concern­ing the second Person in the Holy Trinity?

A. These four things especially:

1. That he freely undertook this great Work of Man's Redemption, & engaged himself by Covenant to God the Father for the faithful performance of it, Isa. 49.1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8. &c. and 42.6, 7. Ps. 40.7.8.

Q. 167. VVhat else?

A. 2. That in order to the performing of this Work, he took our Nature into Union with his Divine Nature, & so was and is both God and Man in one Person, John 1.14. Rom. 9.5. 1 Tim. 2.5.

Q. 168. VVas it needful that the Re­deemer should be Man?

A Yes, because Man had sinned, & so it was just that the Nature which had sinn'd should suffer, & satisfie for Sin, Heb. 2.14.

Q. 169. VVas it needful that the Re­deemer should be God also?

A. Yes. Because he could not else have been able to undergo the Wrath of God, due to us for sin; nor would his Sufferings have been of sufficient value and virtue to procure Salvation for us.

Q 170. VVhat else should we know of this second Person?

A. 3. That he, as our Redeemer, per­forms the Offices of a Prophet, Priest, & King, to deliver sinful Men from their Ignorances, Sin and Slavery, & to bring them to compleat and eternal Salvation, Acts. 3.22. Heb. 5 6. Psal. 2.6.

Q. 171. What else?

A. 4. That he procureth by his Blood and Merit many precious Benefits for his Redeemed ones; to be enjoyed, some in [Page 46]this World, and others in the World to come, Eph. 1.3.

Q. 172. What are those Benefits or Bles­sings?

A. The Principal Benefits procured by Christ for his Redeemed Ones, are Justification, Adoption, and Sanctificati­on, with many others, that do either ac­company or flow from them, or certainly follow them, sufficient Grace on Earth, and eternal Glory in Heaven, 1. Cor. 1.30. John 1.12. Rom. 5.1, 2, 5. Mat. 10.32. 1 John 3.2. 1 Thes. 4.17.

Q. 173. What should we know concerning the third Person in the Holy Trinity?

A. These four things especially:

1. That he inspired all the holy Pro­phets and Apostles, revealed God's Mind and Will to them, and by them to the Church, and assisted all the Penmen of the Holy Scriptures in Writing them, both as to Matter and Words, 2 Tim. 3.16. 2 Pet. 1.21.

Q. 174. VVhat else?

A. 2. That he was first promised by Christ, and after his Ascension, sent both by the Father and the Son, to supply the Churches spiritual Wants in Christ's bo­dily Absence from it, John 14.16, 17. and 16.7. Acts 2.1, 2, 3, 4.

175. VVhat else?

A. 3. That he doth bless the Word & Ordinances of Christ, and make them ef­fectual Means of Grace to the Elect, work­ing Faith in them, & thereby uniting 'em to Christ in their effectual Calling, & so applies to them the Redemption purcha­sed by Christ, with all the Saving Bene­fits of his Mediatorship, 1 Cor. 3.7. Psal. 19.7. Rom. 1.16. Eph. 2.8. Tit. 3.5. Rom. 8.30.

Q 176. VVhat else?

A. 4. That he doth dwell in all that are effectually called & drawn to Jesus Christ, leading, quickning, & comforting them, and carrying on the Work of Grace and Sanctification unto Perfection, to prepare them for Glory, Rom. 8.9.11, 13, 14, 15, 16, John 14.16.

Q. 177. What should we know concerning the VVill of God?

A. We should know that God hath fully revealed his Holy Mind and Will to us in the Scriptures of the Old & New Testament to be the only perfect & per­petual Rule of our Faith and Obedience, which therefore we ought to know, be­lieve, and obey in order to the pleasing and glorifying of God, and the saving of [Page 48]our own Souls, Mich. 6.8. Gal. 6 16. Deut. [...]2.46. Matth. 28.20. Deut. 12.32.

Q. 178. VVhat should we know concern­ing the VVorship of God?

A. We should know that this one God is to be worshipped and served by us both publickly, in the Church, privately, in our Families, & secretly, in our Closets. And that his Worship is to be performed from a right Principle, Grace in our Hearts, by a right Rule, the written Word of God, to a right End, the Glory of God in our Salvation, and through the Mediator Je­sus Christ, Matth. 4.10. & 6.6. Jer. 26.2. Josh. 24.14, 15. John 4.24. Heb. 12.28. Col. 3.17. Heb. 13.15.

Q. 179. VVhat should we know concern­ing Man?

A. His four-fold Estate, (viz.) 1. His good Estate by Creation. 2. His evil Estate by Transgression. 3. His Holy Estate by Regeneration. 4. His happy Estate by Glorification.

Q. 180. VVhat was Man's Estate by Creation?

A. Man was created after the Image of God in Knowledge, Righteousness and Holiness, had Dominion over all the Creatures in this lower World, and en­joyed [Page 49]many other Priviledges and Bles­sings, which made his Condition truely happy, Gen. 1.26. Col. 3.10. Eph. 4.24. Psal. 139.15. & 8.4, 6, 7, 8. Eccl. 7.21. Gen. 2.9, &c.

Q. 181. VVere all Mankind concerned in the state of Adam?

A. Yes. Adam being a publick Person, the general Parent, or Root of all Man­kind, the Blessings bestowed on him were also bestowed on them, as being his Chil­dren, and then in his Loins, Heb. 7.9, 10.

Q. 182. VVhat is Man's Estate by Transgression?

A. Man by transgressing the Command of God in Eating the forbidden Fruit, lost the Image of God, & all the Priviledges and Blessings of the state of Innocency, & brought himself into a guilty, filthy, and accursed state, Rom. 3.9, 10, &c. Psal. 5.3. Rom. 3.19. Eph. 2.3. Gal. 3.10.

Q. 183. Are all Mankind concerned in this state of Adam?

A. Yes. All Mankind being in Adam's Loins, and under the same Covenant with him, sinned against God in him, and so fell with him in his first Transgression, Rom. 5.12, 18, 19.

Q 184 VVhat is Man's Estate by Re­generation?

A. Man by Regeneration is recovered out of his sinful and miserable state into a state of Grace and Mercy, hath the Image of God renewed upon him, is brought un­der the Covenant of Grace, & hath there­by a right to all the Priviledges and Blessings of the Children of God, Acts 26.17, 18. Col. 3.10. Eph. 4.24. Heb. 8.8, &c. Eph. 1.2.

Q 185. Are all Mankind brought into this state of Regeneration?

A. No. Only those are brought into this estate that are chosen of God from all Eternity, & given to Jesus Christ, as to their Redeemer and Saviour, Eph. 1.4, 5. 1 Tim. 1.9. John 6.37.

Q. 186. VVhat shall Man's Estate by Glorification be?

A. Man shall be made perfectly Holy and Happy both in Soul and Body, in the full Enjoyment of God in Heaven, & that to all Eternity, Heb. 12.23. Phil. 3.21. 1 John 3.2. 1 Thes. 4.17.

Q. 187. Shall all Mankind be brought into this state of Glorification?

A. No. Only those that are made truly gracious here, shall be made glori­ous hereafter, Matth. 25.46. Heb. 12.14. Rom. 8.30.

Q. 188. What should we know concerning the Covenants between God and Man, & the Sacraments or Seals of the Covenants?

A. We should have a competent Know­ledge of the Divine Institution, Spiritual Nature, holy use and ends of them. [But these things have been already opened.] Thus much of Knowledge.

Q 189. What is that Faith which a worthy Partaker of the Lord's Supper should have?

A. A Saving Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Q. 190. What is a Saving Faith in Christ?

A. Saving Faith in Christ is a special Gift of God to his Elect, whereby they knowing and assenting to the Truth of God's Record touching Christ in the Word, do Receive the Lord Jesus Christ for their only Saviour, and trust in him for Salvation on his own Terms, Eph. 2.8. John 17.3 1 John 5.10, 11. John 1.12. Eph. 1.12. Luke 9.23.

Q. 191. Why is Faith needful to a wor­thy partaking of this Ordinance?

A. Because Faith must be the Eye of the Soul to see Christ in it, the Hand of the Soul to Receive, the Spiritual Mouth [Page 52]and Stomach to feed upon him and digest him, as our Spiritual Food, for our Nou­rishment and Growth in Grace.

Q. 192. What is that Repentance a wor­thy Partaker should have?

A. True Repentance is a special Gift of God to his Elect, arising from a clear sight and deep sense of sin, and a knowledge and belief of the Mercy of God in Christ, whereby they do both confess their sins to God, with shame, and sorrow for them, and hatred of them, and turn from them unto God, both in Heart and Life, Acts 11.11. & 5.31. & 2.37. Acts 3.19, 26. Prov. 28.13. Joel 2.12, 13. Psal. 119.104.

Q. 193. Why is Repentance needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance?

A. Because in this Ordinance we come to renew our Covenant with God, and to receive a sealed Pardon of our sins, which none can do but true Penitents.

Q. 194. VVhat is that Love a worthy Partaker should have?

A. Holy Love is a Spiritual Affection whereby the Souls of God's People are car­ried out toward God, and toward one a­nother, and toward all that is good, Matth. 27.37.39. John 13.34. 1 John 2.15. 2 Cor. 5.14. Rom. 15.30. 2 Thess. 2.10.

Q. 195. Ought we not also to Love our very Enemies, and such as hate us?

A. Yes. Christ hath commanded us to Love our Enemies with a Love of Good­will, so as to forbear revenging our selves on them, and to desire and endeavour their good, though not with a Love of Delight, Matth. 5.44, 45. Rom. 12.19, 20.

Q. 196. VVhy is love needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance?

A. Because this Ordinance is a Love­feast, and a Love token between Christ & his Church, in which they do as it were seal their Affections each to other, ap­pointed to keep in memory Christ's Love to Believers, and to encrease their Love to him; and the want of this Love brings Men under the severest Curse, Rev. 1.5. 1 Cor. 11.24. 1 Cor. 16.22.

Q. 197. VVhat is that New Obedience that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance?

A. New Obedience is an unfeigned de­sire and purpose of the Soul, seconded with a careful endeavour of Life (in and by the grace and strength of Christ) to yeild sin­ [...]ere, constant, & universal Obedience to [...]he whole revealed Mind & Will of God, [...]yned with an humiliation for our Fai­lings [Page 54]and Defects, a desire to be found in the Righteousness of Christ, and to be ac­cepted of God only in, for & through the perfect Obedience of Christ, Psal. 119.5, 8, 30, 31, 32. Phil. 4.13. Psal. 119.6, 104, 112. 2 Chron. 30.18, 19. Phil. 3.9.

Q. 198. Why is it called New Obedi­ence?

A. Because 'tis only perform'd by New Creatures, that is, by such as are renewed after the Image of God, and by new strength from Christ; and because it is required by the New Testament or Cove­nant, 2 Cor. 5.17. Rom. 12.2. Phil. 4.13.

Q. 199. Why is this New Obedience need­ful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance?

A. Because this Ordinance, being a Seal of the New Covenant, binds us to this New Obedience, so that without it our partaking of this Ordinance would be but dissembling; and because without this Obedience all our Profession of Religion and outward Performances, will be reject­ed of God as vain and hypo [...]ritical and a­bominable, Ezech. 11.19, 23. Jer. 31.33. 1. Sam. 15.22. Tit. 1.16.

Q. 200. What is that Thankfulness that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordi­nance?

A. Thankfulness is a due and heart-affecting sense of the Love of God in gi­ving Christ to us, of the Love of Christ in giving himself for us, and of the Love of the Spirit in revealing Christ in us, with a cheerful acknowledgment of the same with our Lips and Lives, John 3.16. Gal. 2.20. 2 Cor. 9.1 [...]. 1 Tim. 1.17. Rom. 15.13. Eph. 1.17.

Q. 201. What should Believers be especi­ally thankful for at this Ordinance?

A. They should be especially thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the Co­venant of Grace, together with all the Blessings and Benefits given in and with them to Believers, Eph. 1.3. 2 Cor. 9.15.

Q. 202. Why is this Thankfulness need­ful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance?

A. Because Christ himself gave Thanks to God in the Institution of this Ordi­nance; and because the very matter, use, and ends of this Ordinance engaged us to Thankfulness, in that it representeth, sealeth, and applieth Jesus Christ to us as the Spiritual Food of our Souls, 1 Cor. 11.24. Deut. 8.10. 1 Thess. 5.18.

Q 203. What is that holy Desire, or spiritual Appetite that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance?

A. Holy Desire is a spiritual hungering and thirsting after the Lord Jesus Christ as the Food of our Souls for our Nourish­ment, and Growth in Grace, Isa. 55.1. Hagg. 2.7. Isa. 26.8, 9. Matth. 5.6.

Q. 204. Why is this holy Desire or Appe­tite needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance?

A. Because this Ordinance (being a Spiritual Feast or Supper) cannot profit us without a spiritual hunger or thirst af­ter the Provisions set before us therein; neither shall we taste any spiritual sweet­ness in it, nor get Refreshment and Nourishment by it; for this is promised only to those who have this Appetite. Matth. 5.6. Luke 1.52.

Q. 205. Who are in a fit frame or dispo­sition for this Ordinance?

A. Such who being truly gracious, have some Scripture-Evidence thereof, and have got their Souls into a serious, hum­ble, and holy disposition to draw near to God, and to hold Communion with him, James 4.8, 9, 10.

Q. 206. How may we get into a new frame or disposition?

A. We may get into a sit frame or di­sposition of Spirit for this holy Ordi­nance, [Page 57]1. By examining our selves. 2. By quickning and stirring up our Graces. 3. [...] praying for Spiritual Blessings. 4. By hoping for them, and expecting of them from God through Christ.

Q. 207. Concerning what should we exa­mine our selves?

A. We should examine our selves, both concerning our Sins, and concer­ning our Graces, 1 Cor. 11.28. Lam. 3.40. 2 Cor. 13.5, 28.

Q. 208. What should we examine concer­ning our Sins?

A. We should examine both what our Sins are, and how they are aggravated by their several Circumstances? Jer. 8.6.

Q 209. How may we come to know our Sins?

A. We may come to know our Sins,

1. By comparing our Hearts and Lives with the Laws of God, which shew us both the Duties we should perform, and the sins we should avoid, Rom. 3.20. & 7.7.

2. By praying to God to discover our sins to us, Job 13.23.

Q 210. What should we examine our selves concerning our Graces?

A. We should examine our selves, both touching the Grace we have, and [Page 58]touching the Grace we want, 2 Cor. 13.5.

Q. 211. What should we examine [...]ch­ing the Grace we have?

A. We should examine both the truth of our Grace, and the growth of it.

Q. 212. How may we know whether our knowledge of spiritual Truths, be a true sa­ving knowledge?

A. By the Properties, Effects, and Companions of it in the Soul.

Q. 213. What be the Properties of it?

A. It is joyned with an high prizing of this knowledge it self, and the things that we know, 1 Cor. 2.2. Phil. 3.8. Rom. 7.12.

Q. 214. What is another?

A. It is joyned with an humbling sense of our own Ignorance and Sinfu [...]ness, Job 42.5, 6. Prov. 30.2.

Q. 215. What is another?

A. It is joyned with a Love to, and De­light in the Spiritual Truths known, Psal. 119.97. Rom. 7.22.

Q. 216. What is another?

A. It is accompanied with earnest De­sires and diligent Endeavours after more Spiritual Knowledge, Psal. 119.33, 34, 40. Prov. 2.3, 4. 2 Pet. 3.18.

Q. 217. What is another?

A. It is accompanied with an Experi­ence or spiritual Sense of those Truths that are to be experienced; as of the con­vincing. converting, comforting, quick­ning and confirming power of the Word and Spirit of God, Phil. 1.9. Psal. 34.8. 1 Pet. 2.3. Heb. 5.14. Psal. 19.7, 8. & 119.50. Acts 20.32.

Q. 218. VVhat is another?

A. It changeth the Soul into the same Image of Holiness that is in the Word of God, 2 Chron. 3.18. Rom. 12.2.

Q. 219. VVhat is another?

A. It is joyned with the practise of known Duties, and the forbearing of known sins, John 13.17. 1 John 2.3, 4. Psal. 119.100, 101.

Q. 220. What is another?

A. It is joyned with a readiness to teach others the knowledge of spiritual things, Psal. 34.11. John 1.41, 45, 46. John 4.28, 29.

Q 221. How may we know whether our Faith be true and saving?

A. By the manner in which it is wrought, by its nature, and by its pro­perties or effects.

Q 222. How is Faith wrought in the Soul?

A. The Spirit of God ordinarily pre­pareth [Page 60]the Heart for it by the Law of God, and then worketh it by the Gospel?

Q. 223. How doth the Spirit prepare the heart for Faith by the Law?

A. These several ways.

1. It shews and convinces the Soul of its sinful and miserable Estate by nature, John 16.7. Rom. 3.20.

2. It humbles the Soul under the seri­ous consideration of its sin and misery, 2 Kings 22.19.

3. It works in the Soul a despair of get­ting out of this condition, by its own power, or the help of any other Creatures, Acts 4.12.

4. It causeth in the Soul a fear of the wrath of God, due to him for sin, Gen. 3.10.

5. It convinceth the Soul of its need of a Saviour, Matth. 9.12.

Q. 224. How doth the Spirit of God work Faith by the Gospel?

A. These several ways.

1. It shews to the Soul the Lord Jesus Christ, as an All-sufficient and only Savi­our, provided by God, and offered to sinners, John 3.16.

2. It begets in the Soul an high esteem of this Saviour, and earnest desires after him, above all other things, Cant. 5.10.

3. It convinceth the Soul that it is his duty to believe in, or close with the Lord Jesus Christ for his Saviour, 1 John 3.23.

4. It begets in the soul some hope of obtaining an Interest in this Saviour, Psal. 119.116.

5. It works in the Soul a Resolution to seek after this Saviour, and to be at any care and cost to obtain an interest in him, Cant. 3.2.

6. It takes the Soul wholly off from resting on his own Righteousness for Justification before God, Phil. 3.9.

Q. 225. Wherein doth the Essence or Nature of Faith consist?

A. It consists in two things.

1. In a receiving of an whole Christ, or of Christ in all his Offices; the Soul being made willing to be taught and ruled, as well as reconciled by him, John 1.12.

2. In [...]sting on Christ, or trusting in him a [...] for compleat and eternal Salvation, Eph. 1.12.

Q. 226. What be the Properties, Fruits, or Effects of Faith?

A. Faith helps to soften and melt the heart into godly sorrow for sin, Zech. 12.10. Isa. 53.5, 6.

Q. 227. What is another property of it?

A. Faith helps to purifie or cleanse the Heart from the love of sin, by arguing against it from the Word of God, and by applying the Blood of Christ to the Soul, Acts 15.9. John 17.17. Zech. 13.1.

Q. 228. What is another?

A. Faith makes a Man obedient to the Will of God, and fruitful in good Works, Rom. 16.26. Gal. 5.6. Heb. 11.8, 9, 17.

Q. 229. What is another?

A. Faith maintains the Christian's spi­ritual Life, as it applies Christ and the Promises to the soul, and helps the soul to live in an holy dependance upon him and them, Rom. 1.17. Gal. 2.20.

Q. 230. What is another?

A. Faith makes the Word of God pro­fitable and effectual to the Soul, 1 Thess. 2:13. Rom. 1.16. Heb. 4.2.

Q. 231. What is another?

A. Faith helps the Soul to d [...] nigh to God in holy Duties, with hum [...] [...]oldness and confidence of access to him, and ac­ceptance with him through Christ, Eph. 3.12. Heb. 4.16. & 10.22.

Q. 232. What is another?

A. Faith helps the Soul to bear the bur­den of Troubles and Afflictions, and keep it from fainting and sinking under them, [Page 63] Psal. 27.13. Heb. 11.35. Job 13.15.

Q. 233. VVhat is another?

A. Faith helps the Soul to resist and conquer its spiritual Enemies, Sin, Satan, and the World, Acts 26.18. 1 Pet. 5.9. Eph. 6.16. 1 John 5.4. Heb. 11.24.25, 26.

Q. 234. VVhat is another?

A. Faith helps the Soul to spiritual Joy and Peace, Rom. 5.1, 2 and 15.13.

Q. 235. What is another?

A. Faith is of a growing and perseve­ring Nature, encreaseth in Measure, and endures to the end, 2 Thess. 1 3 Rom. 1.17. Luke 22.32. Heb. 10.39. Rev. 2.20.

The Examination of Repentance.

Q. 236. How may we know whether our Repentance be true and saving?

A. By the manner of its working, by its Nature, and by its Fruits, Effects, and Companions.

Q. 237. In what manner is Repentance wrought?

A. The Spirit of God ordinarily work­eth a sight and sense of sin in the Soul by the Law, and an apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ offered to sinners by the Gospel, and herewith powerfully [Page 64]affects the Heart, and effectually inclines it to turn from sin unto God, Rom. 3.20. & 7.7. 2 Cor. 5.19. Acts 2.37. & 26.18. Jer. 31.18.

Q. 238. Wherein doth the Nature of true Repentance consist?

A. In these three things: 1. In a deep Conviction of sin. 2. In an hearty Con­trition, or godly Sorrow for sin. 3. In a thorow Conversion or Turning from sin to God, Acts 2.37. Psal. 38.18. Ezek. 18.30.

Q. 239. When is our Conviction of sin such as it ought to be?

A. When we understand and are duly sensible of the greatness of the Evil of sin, Gen. 37.9.

Q. 240. Wherein doth the evil of sin con­sist?

A. 1. In its odious Nature, as being con­trary both to the Holy Nature Revealed Will, and Righteous Law of God, Eph. 4.18. Col. 1.21. Rom. 8.7. 1 John 3.4.

2. In its hurtful Fruits and Effects, as bringing the Soul under guilt, filth, and slavery, and making it liable to temporal, spiritual, and eternal Punishments, Rom. 3.19. Job 15.16. 2 Pet. 2.19. Rom. 6.23.

Q. 241. When is our Contrition or Sorrow for sin such as it ought to be?

A. 1. When it is a sorrow for sin, as sin, or as it is contrary to the Nature and Will of God, Psal. 51.4.

2. When it is universal sorrow for all sins, & at all times, Psal. 38.18. & 119.136.

3. When it is the greatest sorrow we have, both as to degree and continuance, Zech 12.10.

4. When it worketh repentance or forsaking of sin, 2 Cor. 7.10.

Q. 242. When is our Conversion from sin unto God such as it ought to be?

A. When we are turned from all sin unto God, both in heart and life, Ezek. 8.31. Rom. 6.4.

Q. 243. When is the heart turned from sin to God?

A. When the Heart is turned from the Darkness of sin to the light of Grace, or from ignorance to knowledge in the things of God, Acts 26.18. Eph. 5.8.

2. When the Heart is turned from a Death in Sin to the Life of Grace, Eph. 2.1, 2.

2. When the Heart is turned from the love of sin to the hatred of it, Ps. 119.104.

4. When the Heart is turned from the reigning power of sin, and brought under the Government of God, Acts 26.18, Rom. 6.17, 18.

Q. 244. When is the life turned from sin unto God?

A. When we do in our practices and course of life, deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Tit. 2.12.

Q. 245. What are the Fruits and Com­panions of true Repentance?

A. Such as these.

1. A free and full Confession of sin, with its aggravation unto God, and also unto Men, when duly called to it, 1 Tim. 1.13. James 5.16.

2. A Judging and Condemning sin, and our selves for sin, Dan. 9.7, 8.

3. A Loathing of sin, and of our selves for sin, Ezek. 20.43.

4. An holy shame upon the remem­brance of sin, Ezek. 16.61.

5. A just Indignation against, and zea­lous Revenge upon sin in mortifying of it, 2 Cor. 7.11.

6. Making Restitution or Satisfaction for sin (though not to God, yet) to Men, (if it be in our power) for the wrong we have done to them, either in Souls or Bo­dy, Estates, or good Names, Luke 19.8.

7. An holy desire and carefulness to a­void sin, and please God, 2 Cor. 7.11.

8. A holy Fear and Watchfulness a­gainst sin and temptations for time to come, 2 Cor. 7.11.

The Examination of Love.

Q. 246. How may we know whether our Love to God the Father, Son & Spirit be true?

A. By the Rise or Grounds of it, by the Nature of it, and by the Properties of it.

Q. 247. Whence doth our Love to God a­rise?

A. 1. From a fight or discovery of the Loveliness of God, or the surpassing Ex­cellencies of his Nature, apprehended by Faith, Psal. 8.1. & 45.2. Cant. 5.10.16.

2. From a Taste or Experience of the Goodness and Mercy of God, and Mani­festations of his Love to our Souls, Cant. 1.3. & 3, 4, 5. Luke 7.38.

Q. 248. Wherein doth the Nature of this Love of God consist?

A. In the Soul's going out toward God as the chief Good, by several steps or de­grees. As, 1. In a Love of Good-will to him. 2. In a Love of fervent Desires af­ter him. 3. In a Love of sweet Delight and full Satisfaction in him, John 3.27. Cant. 1.2. & 8.14. Psal. 16.5, 6.

Q. 249. How may we know that we love God the Father as our Father?

A. By our desires and endeavours to carry it toward him like dutiful Children, fearing to offend him, hearkning to him, obeying him, seeking to him, and depend­ing on him for all needful Blessings, 1 Pet. 1.14, 15. Mal. 1.6. Rom. 8.15. 1 Pet. 5.7.

Q. 250. How may we know that we love the Lord Jesus Christ as our Mediator and Redeemer?

A. 1. By our renouncing all other Me­diators and Redeemers, and thankfully accepting of him in all his Offices, as our only Mediator and Redeemer, Isa. 26.13. Psal. 73.25.

2. By our learning of him as our Pro­phet, obeying him as our King, using of him, and trusting in him as our Priest, for the Benefits of his Satisfaction and In­tercession, Matth. 11.29. Heb. 5.9. & 4.15, 16. Eph. 1.12.

Q. 251. How may we know our Love to the Holy Spirit as our Sanctifier, Guide, and Comforter?

A. 1. By our love to, frequenting of and delighting in the holy Ordinances of Christ by which the Spirit works, Ps. 27.4. & 81.1, 2, 10. & 122.1.

2. By our hearkning to, and obeying his Call, cherishing his holy Motions in [Page 69]our Souls by the Ordinances of Christ, & resisting and rejecting the evil suggestion and temptations of our spiritual Ene­mies, 1 Thess. 5.19. Isa. 30.21. 1 Pet. 5.9.

3. By our setting upon Duties in the strength of the Spirit, living under his in­fluence, and walking in God's holy ways under his guidance, Eph. 3.16. Gal. 5.25. Rom. 8.14.

Q. 252. What are the properties of Love to God?

A. It is a most hearty and fervent Love, exceeding our Love to all our Friends, Relations, Enjoyments, yea to our very Lives themselves, Matth. 22.37. Luke 10.27. & 14.26, &c. Acts 21.13. Rev. 12.11. Cant. 8.6.

Q. 253. What is another?

A. It is an obedient Love, or makes the Soul obedient to the Will of God, and of Christ, John 14.15, 21. & 15.10, 14. 2 Cor. 5.14. 1 John 5.3.

Q. 254. What is another?

A. It makes the Soul desirous of like­ness to God, Communion with him, and of gracious Communications of Love and Mercy from him, 1 Pet. 1.1, 15. Ps. 17.15. & 42.1, 2. Cant. 1.2.

Q. 255. What is another?

A. It helps the Soul patiently and sub­missively to bear God's Rebukes and Cor­rections, John 21.15, 16, 17. Mich. 7.9.

Q. 256. What is another?

A. It is an abiding and constant Love, Eph. 6.24. Cant. 8.6, 7.

Q. 257. What is another?

A. It causes the Soul to love what God loves, because he loves it, and hate what he hates, because he hates it; and to grieve for the dishonours done to him by our selves, or others, Psal. 11.5, 7. & 146.8. & 87.2. & 26.8. 1 John 5.1. Ps. 119.14. & 97.10. & 139.21, 22.

Q. 258. How may we know whether our love to other Christians be true?

A. By its Grounds or Causes, and by its Properties and Effects.

Q. 259. What be the Grounds or Causes of Love to other Christians?

A. Such as these.

1. The Command of God and Christ requiring it, John 13.34. 1 John 4.21.

2. Our Love to God and Christ in­clining us to it, 1 John 5.2.

3. Their Relation unto God as his Children, and to Christ as his Members, and to us as our Brethren and Fellow Members. 1 John 5.1, 2. Eph. 5.30. 1 John 3.14. Eph. 4.25.

4. Their likeness to God and Christ in Holiness and Righteousness.

5. Our Communion with them, and spiritual Benefits by them, Psal. 16.3. 1 Cor. 12.25

Q. 260. What are the properties of this Love?

A. Such as these.

1. It is Spiritual. A Love that flows from spiritual Causes, as when we love Christians for God's sake, for Christs sake, and for Graces sake, and aims at spiritual Ends, the Glory of God, and our mutual Good and Comfort, Phil. 2.1.

Q. 261. What is another?

A. It is Universal. To all Christians, as such, whether high or low, rich or poor, bond or free, male or female, Col. 1.14.

Q. 262. What is another?

A. It is strong and Fervent, 1 Pet. 1.22.

Q 263. What is another?

A. It is Sociable, or makes us desire af­ter, frequent and delight in spiritual So­ciety with other Christians, Psal. 119.63. and 16.3.

Q. 264. What is another?

A. It is active and laborious, for the good of other Christians, 1 Thess. 1.3. 1 John 3.18.

Q. 265. What is another?

A. It is self-denying, Condescending and Humble, Rom. 12.16. John 13.14. 1 Cor. 13.5.

Q. 266. What is another?

A. It is sympathizing, or a fellow-feeling affection, making us sensible both of the Joys and Sorrows of other Christi­ans, Rom. 12.15. 1 Cor. 12.26.

Q. 267. What is another?

A. It is Patience in bearing Wrongs and Injuries from others, long suffering, slow to anger, and not easily provoked, 1 Cor. 13.4, 7. 1 Thess. 5.14.

Q. 268. What is another?

A. It is Kind, Courteous and Compas­sionate both in Words and Actions, incli­ning us to relieve the Wants of others Souls and Bodies, according to our Abili­ty and their Necessity; to forbear reveng­ing our selves for wrongs, and to forgive them, and be reconciled, 1 Cor. 13.4, 5. 1 Pet. 3.8, 9. Rom. 12.10, 17, 18, 19 20. Luke 6.36. Eph. 4.32. Gal. 6.10.

Q. 269 But if another do me wrong, am I bound to forgive, and be reconciled to him, though he make me not satisfaction, profess repentance, nor seek reconcilation?

A. 1. You are bound so far to forgive [Page 73]him as to cherish no wrath, malice, desire, or purpose of revenge against him; for these are sins, and all sins not repented of, unfit you for this holy Ordinance, 1 Pet. 2.1.

2. You are not bound to testifie your forgiving him, until he profess his Re­pentance of the wrong done to you; but then you must do it, Luke 17.4.

3. You are not bound to receive him again into your familiar converse, till he hath made satisfaction for the wrong done, or declared a purpose to do so, (if he be able) if not, at least till he profess a willingness to do so, and a desire of re­conciliation, Luke 19.8.

Q. 270. Which Party then is to keep off from the Lord's Supper, in case of wrong done, till they are reconciled?

A. The Party that hath done the wrong only, not he that hath suffered wrong; for that would be to punish the Innocent, for the Offence of the Guilty, Matth. 5.23.24.

Q. 271. What is another property of this Love?

A. It envieth not at the prosperity, or better condition of others, 1 Cor. 13.4.

Q. 272. What is another?

A. It rejoyceth not in Iniquity, but re­joyceth in the Truth, 1 Cor. 13.6.

Q. 273. What is another?

A. It is a constant & continuing Love, Heb. 13.1. 1 Cor. 13.8. Ruth. 1.16.17.

Q. 274. How may we know whether our Love to our Enemies be true?

A. By the Ground or Reason of it, and by the Fruits of it.

Q. 275. What is the Reason of Love to our Enemies?

A. 1. The Will of God made known to us in his Word, Matth 5.44. Rom. 12.14.

2. The example of God in loving and forgiving us who were his Enemies, and the example of Christ in loving and dying for us, Eph. 4.32. Col. 3.13. Rom. 5.8.10.

Q. 276. What are the Fruits of this Love?

A. 1. It makes us to will and desire their good, Prov, 11.23.

Q. 277. What is another Fruit of it?

A. 2. It keeps us from revenging our selves upon them, Rom. 12.17, 19.

Q. 278. What is another?

A. 3. It inclines us to forgive them the Injuries done to us.

Q. 279. What is another?

A. 4. It helps us to return good to them for their evil done to us, by praying for them, and relieving of their wants, [Page 75] Rom. 12.20, 21. Psal. 35.12, 13, 14. Acts 7.60. Luke 23.34.

Q. 280. What is another?

A. 5 It keeps us from rejoycing in their hunt, Prov. 24.17, 18.

The Examination of Obedience.

Q. 281. How may we know whether our Obedience be true?

A. By the Reasons, the Principles, the Properties, the Rules, and the Ends of it.

Q. 282. What be the Reasons of it?

A. Two.

1. The Will of God signified by his Commands; for he having the supream and absolute Authority over us, we are therefore bound to obey him, 1 Thess. 4.3. & 5.18. Psal. 119.4, 5.

2. The Example of Christ, which we are required to follow, Heb. 5.8. Phil. 2.8. 1 Pet. 2.21. 1 John 2.6.

Q. 283. What be the Principles of Go­spel-Obedience?

A. The Principles of it are the saving Graces of the Spirit of God wrought in the Heart of the Godly, especially Faith, Love and Fear, Rom. 16.27. Heb. 11.7, 8. 2 Cor. 5.14. 1 Tim. 1.5.

Q. 284. What be the Properties of this Obedience?

A. Such as these.

1. It is a cordial and willing Obedi­ence, discovering it self, 1. By the cheer­fulness of the Heart in obeying God. 2. By the grief of the Heart for disobedience to God, both in our selves, and others, Psal. 110.3. Isa. 1.19. Psal. 40.8 Rom. 6.17. & 7.21, 22, 23, 24. Ps. 119.136.

Q. 285. What is another?

A. 2. It is universal and compleat, i. e. the Obedience of the whole Man, both Soul and Body; an Obedience to the whole Law of God, tho' attended with some sinful Imperfections, Ps. 103.1. & 119.34. 1 Cor. 6.20. Psal. 119.6.

Q. 286. What is another?

A. It is a diligent and zealous Obedi­ence, Deut. 6.17. Psal. 119.4. Eccl. 9.10. Rom. 12.11.

Q. 287. What is another?

A. It is a speedy & present Obedience, Ps. 119.60. Mark 1.18. Gal. 1.15, 16, 17.

Q. 288. What is another?

A. It is a resolved Obedience against all difficulties and discouragements, Jos. 24.15. Psal. 119.106.

Q. 289. What is another?

A. It is a constant and persevering Obedience, at all times, and in all condi­tions [Page 77]to the end of our lives, Psal. 119.20, 33, 112. Rev. 2.19.

Q. 290. What is the Rule of our Obedi­ence?

A. The Rule of our Obedience is the Revealed will of God, contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa­ment, Isa. 8.20. Gal. 6.16. Phil. 1.27. & 3.16.

Q. 291. When do we obey God according to this Rule?

A. When we obey God in the Faith of Christ, in love and thankfulness to Christ, in the strength of Christ, and in the name of Christ, Heb. 11.6. Rom. 14.5.23. 2 Cor. 5.14. Phil. 4.13. Joh. 15.3. Col. 3.17. Heb. 13.15.

Q. 292. What are the Ends of our Obe­dience?

A. The Ends which we should aim at in our Obedience, are 1. The Glory of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ; and 2. The good of our selves and others, 1. Cor. 10.31. Phil. 1.20. 1 Tim. 4.8. Phil. 2.4.

The Examination of Thankfulness.

Q. 293. How may we know our Thank­fulness to be true?

A. 1. By our careful observing, own­ing and acknowledging unto God the Blessings and Mercies he bestoweth on us, especially spiritual Blessings, 1 Chron. 29.13, 14, 16. Hos. 2.8. 2 Cor. 9.15.

Q. 294. How else?

A. 2. By our just estimation or valuing the Blessing and Mercies of God, accord­ing to their worth, excellency and useful­ness, Luke 1.46, 48, 49. Phil. 3.8. Cant. 3.10, 16.

Q. 295. How else?

A. 3. By our dutiful rendring to God according to the Blessings received from him, Psal. 116.12. 2 Chron. 32.15.

Q. 296. What should a thankful Soul render unto God?

A. 1. High Praises of his Wisdom, Power, Goodness, Truth, and of all his Perfections, as also of all his Blessings & Mercies, Psal. 103.1, 2, 3, 4. & 106.1, 2. 1 Tim. 1.12, 15, 16, 17.

Q. 297. What else?

A. Hearty Affections, Luk. 7.37, 38, 47.

Q. 298. What else?

A. Humble Obedience, devoting both our Selves and Services unto God, pay­ing our Vows, answering our Covenant Engagements to him, living to Christ, & [Page 79]being willing and ready to dye for him, if we be called to it, 2 Cor. 8.5. Psal. 119.38. & 116.14. 2 Cor. 5 25. Acts 21.13.

The Examination of Holy Desires.

Q. 299. How may we know whether our Desire or Appetite to this Holy Supper be true?

A. By the Causes, Objects, Proper­ties, Companions, and Ends of it.

Q. 300. What are the Causes of these Desires?

A. Three.

1. A sight and sense of our want of this Ordinance, for the spiritual Benefits thereof.

2. A sight and sense of the suitable­ness and fulness of this Ordinance, and of Christ in it, to supply our want, Luke 15.17. Mark 9.24. Col. 1.19.

3. A taste or experience of the sweet­ness of Christ in his Ordinances, and of spiritual Refreshment received by them, 1 Pet. 2.2, 3.

Q. 301. What is the Object of this De­sire or Appetite?

A. The Object of it is not only, nor chiefly the Supper of the Lord, but the Lord of the Supper, Psal. 42.2. & 63.1.

Q. 302. What are the Properties of this Desire?

A. It is a strong desire, an holy long­ing after Christ in this Ordinance, Psal. 73.25. & 14.2.

Q. 303. What is another?

A. It is an industrious Desire, or puts the Soul upon pious Endeavours to ob­tain the Mercies desired, Isa. [...]6.9.

Q. 304. What is another?

A. It makes the Soul restless and im­patient of Delays, Cant. 8.14.

Q. 305. What is another?

A. It makes the Soul glad of opportu­nities to enjoy Christ in his Ordinances, and careful to lay hold on them, and im­prove them, Psal. 122.1. Isa. 2.3.

Q. 306. What is another?

A. It makes Christ and his spiritual Benefits sweet and pleasant to the Soul, [...]ant. 2.3.

Q. 307. What is another?

A. It causes the Soul to feed heartily on Christ in his Ordinances by Faith, Matth. 5.6.

Q. 308. What is another?

A. It makes the Soul willing to part with any thing to obtain Christ and his Ordinances, Luke 5.11.

Q. 309. What be the Companions of this Desire?

A. 1. It is accompanied with an high esteem of Christ and his Ordinances, Job 23.12. 1 Pet. 2.7.

Q. 310. What is another?

A. 2. It is accompanied with a reten­tion, or keeping of our spiritual Food in the Soul, a digesting of it, and getting spiritual strength by it, Eph. 3.17. Cant. 3.4.

Q. 311. What is another?

A. It is accompanied with a readiness and care to lay out our spiritual strength in the Service of Christ, from whom we receive it, 1 Cor. 15.10. 1 Thess. 1.3.

Q. 312. What is another?

A. It is accompanied with love to Christ, delight, content and satisfaction in Christ, though we want this Worlds goods, 1 Pet. 1.8.

Q. 313. What is the End of this De­sire?

A. A gracious Soul desireth this holy Ordinance, and Christ in it, for his spiri­tual refreshment, nourishment & growth in Grace, that he may thereby be the better able to serve Christ in his place and relation, Psal. 119.25, 28, 32.

The Examination of growth in Grace.

Q. 314. How may we know whether we do grow in Grace?

A. 1. By the increase of our spiritual Appetites to our spiritual Food; or by the increase of our desires after Christ, his Word and Ordinances, 1 Pet. 2.9. Ps. 42, 1, and 27.4. [...]nd 63.1, 2.

Q. 315. How else?

A. 2. By the increase of our spiritual strength, to perform Duties, endure Affli­ctions, and resist our Souls Enemies, Eph. 6.10. 2 Tim. 2.1. Fhil. 4.13. Ps. 138.2.

Q. 316. How else?

A. 3. By the increase of our spiritual stature, when we wax bigger and taller in Grace and Holiness, 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7, 8. Matth. 15.28. James 2.5.

Q. 317. How else?

A. 4. By the change of our voice and visage; when we speak more understand­ingly, savourily and experimentally of God, and the things of God, and look more like our heavenly Father, 1 Cor. 13.11. Eph. 4.29. Col. 3.6. Eccles. 8.1.

Q. 318. How else?

A 5. By the change of our Carriage and Conversation; when we grow more [Page 83]serious, humble, holy, circumspect and heavenly in our lives, Matth. 5.16. Gen. 6.9. Eph. 5.15.

Q. 319. Why should we examine the growth of our Grace?

A. 1. Because God giveth us his Ordi­nances, that we may grow in Grace by the use of them, and expects our growth should be suitable to the means of Grace which we enjoy, Acts 20.32. Eph. 4.11, 12, 13.

Q. 320. What is another Reason of it?

A. 2. Because the growth of our Grace will be a good Evidence to us of the Truth of it; for if we grow, we live, 2 Thess. 1.3.

Q. 321. What is another Reason of it?

A. 3. Because the Discovery of our growth in Grace will quicken and encou­rage us in our Attendance on the Means of Grace, 1 Pet. 2.2, 3.

322. What if we find that our Graces do not grow, but rather decay?

A. We ought to be deeply humbled for it before the Lord, beg pardon of it, search out the causes of it, that they may be removed, and labour to improve God's Ordinances better for time to come, Rev. 2.4, 5. & 3.1, 2.

Q. 323. What are the causes of Decays of Grace?

A. These two especially:

1. Neglect of Christ's Ordinances, the Means of Grace, or using of them negli­gently and formally, or without a due care to improve them.

2. Complying with some Temptations to Sin, or indulging and nourishing some Corruption in our Souls.

The Examination of the Grace we want.

Q. 325. How may we know what Grace we want?

A. By looking into our Souls, and see­ing what Grace we have already, and whether that be in a growing or decaying state.

Q. 325. What are the usual wants of gracious Souls.

A. Such as these. They usually want quickning Grace, and strengthning Grace to enable them to withstand Temptati­ons, mortifie Corruptions, perform Du­ties, bear their Burdens, the confirmation of the Covenant of Grace, and of their mystical Union to Christ their Head, the Assurance of the Love of God, of an Inte­rest in Christ, and his Benefits, and of the [Page 85]Pardon of their Sins, and Peace with God through Christ, Ps. 119.159.28.116. & 35.3. Matth. 9.2.

Q. 326. Why should we examine our selves about our spiritual wants before we come to the Lord's Supper?

A. Because it is needful that we should come with a due sense of our spiritual wants, to this and other Ordinances, and with Desires and Prayers unto God for the Supplies of them, John 5.6. Luke. 18.35, 36, 39, [...]0, 41. Rev. 3.17, 18.

Q. 327. What other Duty should be per­formed to fit us for the Lord's Supper?

A. We should endeavour to get our Graces quickned and stirred up in us, or prepared to be acted and exercised on their proper Objects, 2 Tim. 1.6.

Q 328. Why should our Graces be quick­ned, and stirred up before this Ordinance?

A. Because our Graces are to be acted and exercised in partaking of this holy Ordinance, and so need quickning to it.

Q. 329. How may our knowledge be quickned?

A. 1. By labouring for a more clear distinct and full Knowledge of spiritual things.

2. By meditating on those spiritual [Page 86]things that we do know, their Excellen­cy, Necessity and Usefulness to us.

Q. 330. How may Faith be quickned.

A. 1. By feeding on Christ in a Pro­mise, and meditating on the freeness, fulness, firmness and sweetness of the Pro­mises.

2. By considering & believing Christ's gracious Invitations, and assurance of re­freshment and benefit to those that come to him in his own way, Matt. 11.28. John 7.37.

Q. 331. How may Repentance be quick­ned?

A. By searching out our special Sins since the last Sacrament, confessing them to God with shame and sorrow of heart, judging and condemning our selves for them, and begging pardon of them, and power against them through Grace for time to come, Prov. 28.13. James 4.9.10. Psal. 51.1, 2, &c.

Q. 332. How may our Love to God, Fa­ther, Son and Spirit be quickned?

A. By meditating on the infinite Love of God the Father, in giving Christ; the Love of Christ, in giving himself to dye for us; and the Love of the Holy Spirit, in revealing Christ to us, and in us, John 3.19. Gal. 2.20. Rom. 15.30.

Q. 333. How may our Love to other Christians be quickned?

A. 1. By remembring the New Com­mand of Christ requiring it. 2. By con­sidering our near and spiritual Relation to them, as being our Brethren, and Fellow­members of Christ's Mystical Body. 3. By beholding the Image of God upon them, John 13.34. Hebr. 13.1. 1 Cor. 15.49. 1 John 5.1.

Q. 334. How may Love to our Enemies be quickned?

A. 1. By considering the Command of Christ requiring it. 2. By considering the Example of Christ, who loved us, when we were his Enemies, so as to dye for us, Mat. 5.44. Gal. 2.20. Rom. 5.8.10.

Q. 335. How may our Obedience be quickned?

A. 1. By considering the Holiness, Ju­stice and goodness of Christ's Commands. 2. By considering the Blessings promised to the Obedient, and the Punishments threatned to the disobedient, Rom. 7.12. Job 36.11, 12. Jer. 7.23.

Q. 336. How may our Thankfulness to God be quickned?

A. 1. By considering the many, great and rich Blessings which he hath bestowed [Page 88]on us in the Covenant of Grace. And 2. Our own great unworthiness of the least of them, 1 Cor. 3.22. Rom. 8.32. 1 Cor. 2.9. Gen. 32.10. Eph. 3.8.

Q. 337. How may our holy Desires, or spiritual Appetite be quickned?

A. By considering our want of spiritu­al Food, and of refreshment and Nourish­ment by it.

2. By considering the sweetness, suita­bleness and sufficiency of the spiritual Provisions, which Christ hath made for us in this Ordinance.

3. By considering the Promises which God hath made to refresh and satisfie hun­gry and thirsty Souls, Psal. 40.17. John 6.55.56. Psal. 81.10. & 107.9.

Q. 338. What other Duty should be per­formed to fit us for the Lord's Supper?

A. We should solemnly seek the Lord by Prayer,

1. For the pardon of former Neglects of this Ordinance, and sinful Failings in our partaking of it, and of present unfit­ness for it.

2. For the holy Preparation of our Hearts for this Ordinance, Communion with God in it, and Communications of Grace, and spiritual Nourishment from [Page 91]him by it, 2 Chron. 30.18, 19, 20. Prov. 16.1.

Q. 339. Why should we thus solemnly seek the Lord before this Ordinance?

A. 1. Because it is needful both to san­ctifie our selves for this Ordinance, and to have this Ordinance sanctified to us; for Prayer is the means to both, 1 Sam. 16.5. 1 Tim. 4.5.

2. Because the spiritual Benefit of this and all Ordinances comes alone from God, which is to be obtained by Prayer, James 1.17. Matth. 7.7.

Q. 340. What other Duty should be per­formed to fit us for the Lord's Supper?

A. We should hope for and expect God's gracious Answer to our Prayers in his meeting and blessing us in this Ordi­nance, Ps. 42.5. & 119.166. & 62.5.

Q. 341. What ground have we for this hope?

A. God's holy Word, wherein he hath freely promised to meet and bless his Peo­ple in his Ordinance, Exod. 20.24. Matth. 18.24. Psal. 130.5.

Of our Duties in partaking.

Q. 342. What is required of us in par­taking of the Lord's Supper?

[...]
[...]

A. Two things especially.

1. A sober and reverent behaviour of the Body.

2. A serious and gracious disposition of the Soul, Rom. 12 1. 1 Cor. 6.20.

Q. 343. What gesture of Body should we use in the Act of Receiving, standing, sit­ting, or kneeling?

A. Sitting seems to be the most pro­per Gesture of the Body in the Act of Re­ceiving, as being most agreeable to the Example of Christ and his Apostles, (who sate, or sate-leaning) which was then the Table-gesture amongst the Jews. But Christians should not rigidly impose any gesture on each other, nor uncharitably Censure each other for difference of Per­swasion, or Practice in this or such like Circumstances, if a due Reverence be ob­served, Matth. 26.20. Luke 14.18, 22. Rom. 14.2, 5, 23, 19. 1 Cor. 14.40.

Q. 344. Wherein consists the gracious di­sposition of the Soul in partaking of this Or­dinance?

A. 1. In coming to this holy Ordinance with a deep, self-humbling sense of our own vileness and unworthiness of so great a Priviledge, because of our sins, Eph. 3.18. Tim. 1.15. Luke 15.19.

Q. 345. Wherein else?

A. 2. In animating at right ends in the use of this Ordinance, such as the preser­ving of the Remembrance of Christ, our spiritual Nourishment, and growth in Grace; the confirming of the Covenant of Grace; the testifying of our Thank­fulness to Christ; and the strengthning of our Union to him and Communion with him, and with one another.

Q. 346. Wherein else?

A. 3. In using this Ordinance accor­ding to Christ's Institution in order to these Ends; that is, using the same Ele­ments of Bread and Wine, and the same Words and Actions about them, and to the same significations and ends that Christ used them for.

Q. 347. Wherein else?

A. 4. In holy Meditations on the Ele­ments, Words, and Actions that are used in the Celebration or Administration of this holy Ordinance, and especially on Christ himself, who is signified and repre­sented by them, Prov. 23.1. John 1.29.

Q. 348. What good Meditations may our Souls raise from these?

A. 1. When we see Bread and Wine prepared for this Ordinance, we should meditate on the Resemblance that there [Page 94]is between them and the Body and Blood of Christ signified by them.

Q. 349. How doth Bread resemble the Body of Christ?

A. In three things especially.

1. As Corn is prepared by grinding, moulding and baking, to make it Bread for our Bodies, so Christ was prepared by exquisite Sufferings to be Bread for our Souls, Isa. 53.10.

Q. 350. How else?

A. As Bread is the Staff and strength of our Natural Life, so is Christ the Staff and Strength of our spiritual Life, Psal. [...]05.16. & 19.14.

Q. 351. How else?

A. 3. As Bread is but one Body, tho' it be made up of many Grains, so Christ mystical (that is the Church) is but one Body, though made up of many Members, 1 Cor. 12.12.

Q. 352. How doth the Wine resemble the Blood of Christ?

A. In three things especially.

1. As Wine quencheth the Thirst of the Body, so doth the Blood of Christ quench the Thirst of the Soul, John 6.35.

Q. 353. How else?

A. 2. As Wine is of a cheering Na­ture, [Page 95]making the Heart glad; so the Blood of Christ, applied by Faith, cheers and makes glad the Souls of mournful sin­ners, Psal. 104.15.

Q. 354. What else?

A. 3. As Wine is of a purging and cleansing quality, so the Blood of Christ doth meritoriously purge and cleanse us from sin, Heb. 9.13, 14. 1 John 1.7.

Q. 355. What other Meditation may we raise from this Ordinance?

A. When we see the Bread and Wine blessed, sanctified, or set apart from a common to an holy use, by the Ministers pronouncing the words of Institution, and Prayer, we should meditate on God the Father his sanctifying, and setting apart his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, from all E­ternity, to be our Redeemer, Isa. 42.1.

Q. 356. What other Meditation?

A. When we see the Bread broken, we should meditate on the Breaking of Christ's sacred Body on the Cross, and all the Sufferings, Pains and Torments which he endured both in Soul and Body for our sakes, on the heinous nature of our sins, that could not be done away, but by the shedding of Christ's Blood; and the im­partial Justice of God the Father in pu­nishing [Page 96]his only begotten Son, when he stood as our Surety.

Q 357. What other Meditation?

A. When we see the Minister offering and giving Bread and Wine to us, we should meditate on the infinite Love of God the Father in Giving Christ, and of Christ in Giving himself to be a Sacrifice for us, and of the Spirit in revealing and applying Christ to us.

Q. 258. What other Meditation?

A. When we Receive the Bread and Wine from the hand of the Minister, with the hand of our Bodies, and eat and drink them with our Mouths, we should medi­tate on the spiritual Receiving of the Bo­dy and Blood of Christ, and feeding on him by Faith in our Souls.

Q. 359. What other Meditation?

A. We should meditate on the preci­ous Benefits that redound to true Belie­vers by a right receiving of Christ in this holy Ordinance, which are Redemption from all Enemies and Evils, Reconcilia­tion to God, Pardon of Sin, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Victory over our Souls Adversaries, Increase of Grace, and a Title to Glory.

Q. 360. Wherein else doth this gracious disposition of Soul consist?

A. 5. In a lively acting or exercising of saving Graces, and using our bodily sen­ses of seeing, touching, and tasting to help our spiritual Senses and Graces in their Actings, John 20.27.

Q. 361. What Graces should we exercise in partaking of this Ordinance?

A. We should especially exercise these four, Faith, Repentance, Love and Joy.

Q. 362. How is Faith to be exercised in it?

A. Faith should be exercised as the Eye of the Soul, to discern Christ in this Ordinance, as the hand of the Soul, to Receive him, and as the Mouth of the Soul, to feed upon him, or apply him with all his Benefits to each Believer in particular, Job 20.28. Gal. 2.20.

Q. 363. How is Repentance to be exer­c [...]sed?

A. Repentance should then be exerci­sed in remembring our sins, confessing them with shame and sorrow, hating of them, judging and condemning our selves for them, and turning from them unto God in Christ, Isa. 53.4, 5.6. Zech. 12.10, 11.

Q. 364. How is Love to God then to be exercised?

A. Love to God; both Father, Son, and Spirit should then be exercised by the fervent out goings of the Soul to God, and to each Person in the God head, and by the firm cleaving of the Soul to him, as to the chief Good, and our All-sufficient Portion, Psal. 63.8. Acts 11.23.

Q. 365. How is Love to other Christians then to be exercised?

A. Love to other Christians should then be exercised by our cleaving to them in heart, as to our Brethren, by praying with and for them, by forgiving their Trespasses against us, and by a readiness to give to those that want, according to our Ability, and their Necessity, Heb. 13.1, 2, 3. 1 Pet. 2.17. Eph. 4.32.

Q. 366. How is Joy then to be exer­cised?

A. Joy is then to be exercised in the Soul's being cheered, revived, and lifted up in the believing apprehension, or assu­rance of its interest in God, as his own God in Christ and Covenant, and so in all the Blessings promised in the Covenant of Grace, of which this Ordinance is a sign and seal, Psal. 16.5. Phil. 4.4. 1 Pet. 1.8. Rom. 5.2.

Q. 367. How is this Ordinance to be elosed up?

A. It is to be closed up in singing some Spiritual Hymn to the praise of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, Matth. 26.30. Mark 14.26.

Of our Duties after partaking.

Q. 368. What is required of us after partaking of tho Lord's Supper?

A. Two sorts of Duties, some more publick, and others more private.

Q. 369. What are the publick Duties?

A. Such as these.

1. A solemn and hearty Thanksgiving to God for his love in giving Christ, for Christ's love in giving himself, and for the love of the holy Spirit in revealing Christ to us, and in us, with all the bles­sed Fruits of this Love. As also for the Covenant of Grace, the Seals of it, and Spiritual benefit by them, Eph. 1.3. 2 Cor. 9.12.

Q. 370 What is another publick Duty?

A. 2. A sincere renewing our Consent to the Covenant of Grace, and yielding our selves to the Lord as his Covenant-Servants, with holy purposes of new and better Obedience to him in the strenght of Christ for time to come, 2 Kings 23.3. 2 Chron. 15.12. Rom. 6.13. c. 12.1. Ps. 119.8, 32.

Q. 371. What is another publick Duty?

A. A cheerful giving some Relief to the poor Members of Jesus Christ, in te­stimony of our Love and Thankfulness to Christ for the Mercy we have received from him, and of our Love to them, Gal. 6.10. 1 Cor. 16.1, 2. Matth. 25.40.

Q. 372. What are the private Duties af­ter the Lord's Supper?

A. They are two especially.

1. A diligent Inquiry, Whether we have received any spiritual Comfort or Benefit by this Ordinance; i. e. Whether our Graces have been strengthned, our Souls refreshed, nourished, revived, and cheered, our Consciences pacified, and our Assurance of the Love of God increa­sed, &c.

Q. 373. What if we cannot find any of these Spiritual Benefits?

A. We should search out the Cause, whether it was not want of due prepara­tion before, or want of a right dispositi­on in the partaking of it; and if so, we should confess it unto God, and be hum­bled for it, endeavouring by after pains in Humiliation and Prayer, to obtain the efficacy and benefit of it.

Q. 374. What if we did our best in [Page 101]preparing for it, and in partaking of it, and yet are not sensible of any real Benefit or Comfort by it?

A. We should pray earnestly to God, and wait patiently on him for the Benefit and Comfort of this Ordinance, because as Physick doth not presently work, nor Meat presently nourish, so neither doth this or other Ordinances always presently benefit our Souls, but in God's time they shall.

Q. 375. What if we do find present Be­nefit and Comfort by it?

A. We should thankfully acknowledge it to God, and labour to preserve it by an holy, humble, and watchful Conversa­tion, 1 Thess. 5.18. Eph. 5.15.

Q. 376. What is the other Duty after the Lord's Supper?

A. A faithful keeping Covenant with God, yielding a ready, cheerful and con­stant Obedience to all his Commandments in Heart, Lip and Life, watching and praying against sin, resisting its motions and temptations, exercising Grace, laying hold on Opportunities of honouring God, in doing or receiving Good, endeavouring to be perfect in every Good Work, to do his Will, that our Fruit may be unto ho­liness, [Page 102]and the end Eternal Life, Deut. 29.9. Psal. 103.18. Heb. 5.9. Luke 1.6. Heb. 13.21. Rom. 6.22.

Q. 377. Why should we be thus careful to keep Covenant with God?

A. 1. Because we cannot otherwise justly expect God should keep Covenant with us, or that he should give us the Blessings promised, unless we give him the Obedience commanded, Deut. 7.9, 10, 11.

2. Because else we should but mock God in making Covenant with him, and in receiving the Signs and Seals of it, and deceive our own Souls, Isa. 66.30.

3. Becanse we should else deprive our selves of the spiritual Benefits of this Or­dinance, and expose our selves to God's just Displeasure, 1 Cor. 11.29, 30. Eccles. 5.4, 5.

FINIS.

A Catalogue of BOOKS sold by Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns, near Mercers Chappel in Cheapside.

  • OF Thoughtfulness for the Morrow; with an Appendix concerning the immoderate Desire of fore-knowing Things to come.
  • of Charity, in reference to other Mens Sins.
  • A Sermon at the Funeral of Mr. Rich. Adams, M. A. sometime Fellow of Bra­sen-Nose Colledge, in Oxford.
  • The Redeemer's Tears wept over lost Souls; in a Treatise on Luke 19.41, 42. with an Appendix, wherein somewhat is occasionally discoursed, concerning the Sin against the Holy Ghost, and how God is said to will the Salvation of them that perish.
  • A Sermon directing what we are to do after a strict Enquiry, whether or no we truly love God.
  • A Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Esther Sampson, the late Wife of Hen. Sampson, [Page]Doctor of Physick, who died Nov. 24. 1689.
  • The Carnality of Religious Contenti­on. In two Sermons preached at the Merchants Lecture in Broad-street.
  • A Sermon for Reformation of Manners.
  • A Sermon Preach'd on the Day of Thanksgiving, Decemb. 2. 1697. To which is prefix'd Dr. Bate's Congratula­tory Speech to the KING.
  • A Calm and Sober Enquiry, concern­ing the Possibility of a Trinity in the Godhead.
  • A Letter to a Friend, concerning a Postscript to the Defence of Dr. Sher­lock's Notion of the Trinity in Unity, re­lating to the calm and sober Enquiry up­on the same subject.
  • A View of that part of the late Consi­deration to H. H. about the Trinity; which concerns the sober Enquiry on that Subject.
  • The Redeemers Dominion over the Invinsible World.
  • Dr. Bates Funeral Sermon.
  • Mr. Matthew Meads Funeral Sermon. All 15 by the Reverend John Howe.
  • The Fountain of Life opened, or a Display of Christ in his Essential and [Page]Mediatorial Glory. Containing Forty two Sermons on various Texts.
  • A Treatise of the Soul of Man, where­in the Divine Original, Excellent and Immortal Nature of the Soul are ope­ned, &c.
  • The Method of Grace, in bringing home the Eternal Redemption, con­triv'd by the Father, and accomplish'd by the Son, through the Effectual Appli­cation of the Spirit unto God's Elect. Be­ing the 2d. part of the Fountain of Life.
  • The Divine Conduct, or Mystery of Providence, &c.
  • Navigation Spiritualiz'd: Or, a new Compass for Sea-men, &c.
  • Two Treatises, the first of Fear; the second, the Righteous Man's Refuge in the Evil Day.
  • A Saint indeed: The great Work of a Christian.
  • A Touchstone of Sincerity: Or, Signs of Grace, and Simptoms of Hypocrisie: Being the Second Part of the Saint in­deed.
  • A Token for Mourners: Or, Boun­daries for Sorrow for the Death of Friends.
  • Husbandry spiritualiz'd; or the Hea­venly [Page]Use of Earthly Things. All these 10 by Mr. John Flavel.
  • Sermons and Discourses on several Divine subjects, by the late reverend and learned Divine Mr. David Clarkson B. D. sometime Fellow of Clare-hall, Cambridge.
  • Mr. Pool's Annotations on the Bible, 2 Vol. 3d Edit. with an Addition of a Concordance and Contents to each chap­ter; by Mr. Sam. Clark.
  • Catholick Theology
  • Methodus Theologica, both by Mr. Richard Baxter
  • A sacred Poem on the Glory of Hea­ven.
  • Strong on the Covenant
  • Burgess on the Corinthians
  • Taylor on Christ's temptation
  • A Dialogue between Timothy and Ti­tus, about the Articles of the Church of England
  • Gurnall's christian Armour
  • Dr. Horton's 100 Sermons
  • Nostredamus's Prophecies
  • Melvill's Memoirs
  • Marve [...]'s Poems
  • Daille on the Collossians
  • Clark's Martyrology
  • [Page]The Acts, Decisions, Decrees, and Canons of the reformed Churches, in France; being a most faithful and im­partial History of the Rise, Growth, and Decay of the Reformation in that Kingdom; their confession of Faith, Speeches, Letters, cases of conscience, &c. By John Quick Minister in Lon­don.
  • Baxter's Church-History and Councils.
  • —History of councils inlarged and de­fended
  • —Apology for Nonconformists
  • —Second Defence of Nonconsormists
  • —Apology against Eight Men
  • —Treatise of Episcopacy
  • —Disputations of Church Govern­ment.
  • —Life of Faith; first of the Sermons preach'd before King Charles the second.
  • — English Nonconformity
  • —Naked Popery
  • —against Dodwell and Sherlock
  • —Which is the True Church
  • —Catholick communion, against both Extreams, in six several controver­sies.
  • —Moral Prognostication
  • [Page]—Search for English Schismaticks.
  • —Farewel Sermon, published by him­self.
  • —Mr. John Corbet's Funeral Sermon
  • —Glorious Kingdom of Christ
  • —Reply to Mr. Tho. Beverly's Answer.
  • —National churches
  • —Church-concord
  • —Penitent confession, and necessary Vindication
  • —Power of a christian Magistrate
  • —Disputations of right to Sacraments.
  • —Disputation of Justification
  • Ark on the Covenant
  • Brown's Gospel churches
  • Bulley on the Covenant
  • —Critical Enqui [...]ies
  • Chariton's Enquiries into humane Nature
  • Clarks [...]n's practical Divinity of papists
  • —No Evidence for Diocesan churches
  • C [...]rbet's Nonconformist's Plea
  • A Dialogue between a Protestant and a Jew, and a Papist and a Jew.
  • [...]oolittle's Protestant's Answer to, Where was your Church before Luther.
  • Elton on the Commandments.
  • Fryfell's Sermons of Grace and Tempta­tion.
  • Humphry's Mediocria compleat
  • [Page]—Peaceable Disquisition
  • Hales of Religion
  • Hudson on the Church
  • Hierome's Life
  • Laroque on the Eucharist
  • Lewis's Education of Gentlewomen
  • M [...]rgan's Dyalling
  • Manning of Predetermination
  • Mead's Vision of the Wheels.
  • —Sermon at the Union
  • Morning Exercise against Popery
  • Muse's Alphabet
  • Owen's seasonable Words for English Protestants.
  • Present Nonconformists Vindicated
  • Pool's Apology for Religion
  • Owen of being spiritually-minded
  • Mr. Rowlandson's captivity
  • Wadsworth's Separation no Schism
  • Swi [...]nock of Regeneration
  • True Cess, or intrinsick Value of all real Estates.
  • Officium Cleri desiderium Populi
  • Troughton's Apology for Nonconfor­mity.
  • Yarranton's England's Improvement
  • Hodges's two Sermons
  • Phelps Innocency rewarded
  • Mall's Axe at the Root
  • [Page] Smith's christians Work, at Sorrell's Funeral.
  • State of blessedness
  • Vincent at Bakers Funeral
  • —at Jaueway's Funeral
  • Hudson at Shute's Funeral
  • Lloyd's Death of God's Moses
  • Whittaker's Funeral Sermon
  • Scot's Saint's privilege by dying
  • Wadsworth's Funeral Sermon
  • Barre [...]'s Answer to Stilling fleet
  • Remarks on Affairs of Trade
  • Waller's Effays
  • Claud [...]'s Defence of Reformation
  • Wallis's Theological Discourses on seve­ral Occasions in two Parts
  • Jacksons's Annotations on the Bible
  • —on Isaiah
  • Woodward's Call to Humiliation, for the grievous Sin of Persecution
  • Boyse's Sermons against Quenching the Holy Spirit
  • Vanity, Danger, &c. of continuing Ce­remonies in the Worship of God.
  • Ecclesiastical History of France
  • Ellis's English School
  • Grew's Parable of the prodigal
  • Present State of New-England
  • Hayter on the Revelations
  • [Page] Lightfoot in Lucam
  • Phelps on the Revelations
  • Grace and Duty of Heavenly Minded­ness.
  • The Causes, Ways and Means of under­standing the Mind of God revealed in his Word.
  • A Treatise of Apostacy
  • An Answ [...] to Dr. Parker
  • Humble Testimony
  • —of Temptation
  • —of the Trinity. These 7 by Dr. Owen.
  • Discourses concerning the actual Pro­vidence of God; in three parts. The first, treating concerning the Notion of it, &c. The second, concerning the Specialities of it. The third, con­cerning the hard chapters of it. In 53 Sermons.
  • Intercourses of Divine Love betwixt Christ and the Church; in two Vol. The first, containing fixty one Ser­mons on the first chapter of the Can­ticles. The second containing about 47 Sermons on the second chapter of the Canticles.
  • A Reasonable Account, why some pious Nonconforming Ministers in England, [Page]judge it sinful for them to perform their Ministerial Acts in publick so­lemn Prayer, by the prescribed Forms of others.
  • —His Supplement to his reasonable Ac­count.
  • A Discourse against Transubstantiation.
  • The Vindication of Litur [...], lately published by Dr. Faulkner [...] [...]oved no Vindication.
  • Defensative Armour against four of Sa­tans most fiery Darts, viz. Temp­tations to Atheistical and Blasphe­mous Thoughts, Self-Murther, De­spair and Presumption. The above 8 by Dr. John Collings.
  • Allen's Alarm to unconverted sinners.
  • Bury's Husbandman's companion
  • —Help to Holy walking
  • Corbet's Kingdom of God among Men
  • Clarkson of saving Grace
  • —A Discourse concerning Liturgies
  • Calamy of Meditation
  • Doolittle's Catechism
  • Chorley's Memorial of the Bible
  • Ellis's Kingdom of God
  • Farthing's short Hand
  • Aesop improved, or 300 Fables para­phrased.
  • [Page] Finch's Answer to Tho. Grantham's Dia­logue between a Baptist and a Presbi­terian.
  • Grotius of Christ's satisfaction, transla­ted into English by W. H.
  • Green's Corruption of Man by Nature
  • Burkit of Infant-baptism
  • —Sure Mercies of David
  • —Baptismal bonds renewed
  • Hurst's Revival of Grace
  • Hugh's Summons to Sinners to think and turn.
  • Bishop Kidder on the Saerament
  • Lorimor's Diseourses on the Five Books of Moses,
  • Laurence's Interest of Ireland
  • Lewis's Grammer
  • — Vestibulum Technicum
  • Nomenclatura Mundi
  • Mead's Good of early Obedience
  • Ross's Mystagogus Poeticus
  • Whittaker's 18 Sermons
  • Steel, of Old Age
  • Dr. Staunton's Life, with his Dialogues.
  • Roberts on the Sacrament
  • Swinnock on the Attributes
  • Norman's Cases of Conscience
  • Whole Duty of Man: Second Part.
  • Barret on the Covenant
  • [Page] Wilson's Scripture-Genuine-Interpreter
  • Wase's Grammer
  • Shaw's true Christian's Test, or Me­ditations.
  • Watson's Sermons on Malachy
  • Sir Charles Wolsely's Mount of Spirits
  • Vincent of Conscience
  • —Touchstone of Grace and Nature
  • —Conversion of the Soul
  • —Christ's sudden appearance to Judge­ment.
  • Burgess's Characters of a Godly Man
  • Ottee's Sermons
  • Melius inquirendum, by Mr. Alsop
  • Wadswoth's Immortality of the Soul
  • —Faith's Triumph
  • History of Cardinal Ximenes
  • Stedman of Union
  • —Sober singularity
  • Ars Sciendi, sive Logica
  • Venning of Sin
  • Polwheel against quenching the Spirit
  • Marshal's Gospel-Mystery of Sancti­fication.
  • Mason's Spiritual Songs, or Songs of Praise.
  • —his Penitential Crys
  • A Funeral Sermon at the Death of Mr. Joseph Barret; with his Life and Re­mains.

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