The little Childs Catechism.

CHild▪ How Old art thou▪

I am told, Fa-ther, that [...] am be-tween three and fou [...] years Old.

Canst thou tell who was the [...]irst Man God made?

Yes, A-dam was the fi [...] [...]an.

Who was it that kill-ed▪ [...] Bro-ther?

Cain.

Why did he kill him?

Be-cause his Works w [...] onile, and his Bro-thers gord.

Who did walk wiu [...] [...] three hun-dred years, and was [...] fla [...]ed that he should not see [...]

E-n [...]h.

Who was the [...] that e-verli-ved?

Ma-thu- [...]

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Who built the A [...]k, and w [...] on-ly Righ-te-ous in his Day?

No-ah.

Who was the most faith-ful Man?

A-bra-ham.

Who wrest-led with the An­gel of God, and pre-vail-ed?

Ja-cob.

Who was ha-ted of his Bre­thren.

Jo-seph.

Who was the meek-est Man?

Mo-ses.

Who did the ground o-pen and swal-low up a-live?

Co-rah, Da-than, and A-bi-ram.

Who was the strong-est Man

Samp-son.

Who was a Man af [...] God's own heart?

Da-vid.

Who was the pa-ti-ent [...]es [...] Man?

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Job.

Who was the wi-sest Man?

So-lo-mon.

Who pray-ed that it might not rain, and it rai-ned not for three years up-on the Earth?

E-li-jah

Who did the Ra-vens feed with bread and meat?

E-li-jah, 1 King. 17.6.

Who were cast in-to the ho [...] fi-ry Fur-nace?

Sha-drach, Ma-shach, and A-bed-ne-go▪

Why were they cast into the Fur-nace?

Be-cause they would not Wor-ship a gol-den I-mage the King of Ba-by-lon had made.

Who was cast in-to the Ly­ [...]ns Den?

Da-ni-el.

Who did Je-sus Christ raise from the dead?

La-za-rus.

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Who de-ny-ed Je-sus Christ?

St. Pe-ter.

Who be-tray-ed his bles-sed Ma-ster with a kiss?

Ju-das.

Who were struck with death for tel-ling of a Lye?

A-na-ni-as and his Wife Sa-phi-rah.

Who was con-ver-ted as he was go-ing to Da-mas-cus?

Saul, who was cal led Paul.

How did Sin en-ter in-to the World?

By A-dam's eat-ing of the for-bid-den Fruit?

What is Sin?

The break-ing of God's Com-mand-ment.

Who made you?

God made me and [...] Man-kind.

What is God?

God is a spi-rit.

VVhy did God make you?

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That I should serve, Wor-ship, and ho-nour him.

How ought you to serve and wor-ship God?

God must be wor-ship-ped in Spi-rit and in Truth.

VVhat is meant by wor-ship-ping God in Truth?

To Wor-ship God in Truth, is to wor-ship him accor­ding to his own Ap-point-ments, or In-sti-tu-ti-ons, re-cor-ded in the ho-ly Scrip-ture.

VVhat is it to wor-ship God in Spi-rit?

To wor-ship God in Spi-rit is to wor-ship him in sin-ce-ri-ty, or in the up-right-ness of my Heart, and by the in-flu-ence of the Ho-ly Ghost.

VVho is the Sa-vi-our of Man-kind?

Je-sus Christ.

VVhat did Je-sus Christ do [...]?

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He dyed and shed his pre-ci-ous blood to save me.

VVhat must you do if you would be sa-ved by him?

I must be-lieve in him; and be con-ver-ted.

Can you believe in him?

Not without God gives me his spe ci-al Grace

What must you do to ob-tain God's spe-ci-al Grace?

I must pray to him for Christ's sake to give me his Grace that I may be-lieve.

Be-lo-ved Child, the Lord help you so to do; and be sure you a-void the Com-pa-ny (my Child) of wic-ked Chil-dren, and take heed of Ly-ing, Stub-born-ness, Dis-o-be-di-ence, and all man-ner of e-vil Words and Deeds, and God will lo [...] you, and your Fa-ther and Mo-t [...] will love you; nay, and you will [...] be-lo-ved of all that fear and lo [...] God.

[Page 9] Now, my lit-tle Child, stand a-side and let me ask your El der-Bro-ther some Que-sti-ons.

The Youth's CATECHISM.

CHild, how old ar [...] thou?

I am, most honoured Fa­ther, about ten years old.

What hast thou learned, or dost thou know of God?

I am a Child, and know but a little; I understand as a Child, and think as a Child.

Dost thou not understand my Question?

I fear I do not.

Dost thou not believe there is a God?

Y [...], Sir, I do believe [Page 10] there is a God; for I have often read of him in my bible.

Who i [...] God?

I do not know very well; Is it not an old Man?

Thy little Brother answered better. But why dost thou think God is a Man?

Because I read God made Man in his own Image.

That doth not mean form or shape:

Pray, Father, tell me who God is, and what the meaning is of that place of Scripture I men­tioned▪

God is (as thy little Bro­ther hath said) a Spirit; and a Spirit hath not Flesh and Bones as we have: Also the likeness and Image of God, is Righteousness and [...] Holiness, together with a Sove­raign Power and Authority over all Creatures and Things. An [...] [...] this son [...] God ma [...] Man in his own [Page 11] Image, and after his own likeness. Man was created holy & upright, and made chief Ruler and Gover­nour of all Creatures and Things on Earth.

Do all Men retain this Image of God still?

No, Child, Mankind is de­generated, and hath lost the Image of God.

Pray▪ Father, tell me how Man came at first to lose the Image of God.

Man lost Gods Image by his Sin: Adam, who was the first Man God created, brake God's Com­mandment, in eating of the for­bidden Fruit; and thereby defiled and Poluted himself and all his po­sterity: And so long as Men con­tinue in an un [...]onverted Stat [...], be­ing under the power of Sin and natural Depravity, they more re­semble the Devil, o [...] have more of his Likeness, than of the Image and Likeness of God in them.

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Father, Pray tell me what my State and Condition is?

What dost thou mean by State and Condition?

I do not mean my outward State in this world, for I thank God through his Blessing and your Care of me, dear Father, I want neither Food nor Raiment.

My good Child, I am glad to hear thee enquire after thy spi­ritual Condition; thou wouldst I perceive, not only know God, but also know thy el [...]; that is to say, the state of thy immortal Soul?

Have I, Father t [...]en an im­mortal Soul?

An immortal Soul▪ Child, Yes; more worth then all the World.

Pray, Sir, what is my Soul?

'Tis a Spirit, an immortal Spirit, created by the Lord & in­fused into thee: the Lord formed the Spirit of Man, which is with­in [...] [Page 15] what shall I do, if I am by Nature a Child of Wrath, and thus prone to sin against God?

God has, Child, provided a Remedy; he hath sent his Son Jesus Christ, to save thee from thy Sins, and deliver thee from this thy woful Condition.

But, Sir what would you have me do? For I heard our Mi­nister say, That such who die uncon­verted shall be damned.

You must strive against the Evils of your heart: I do fore­warn you of the danger [...]f [...]in, and charge you before the Great God, not to keep Company with wick­ed Children; for some do not only now-a-day go astray from the Womb, telling Lyes; but also learn to Swear and Blaspheme the Holy Name of God as soon, nay, before they can speak plain, and their evil and wicked Parents do not reprove them. Secondly, I [Page 16] exhort you to pray to God to give you Grace, and change your evil Nature; for except a Man be born again, he cannot see the Kindom of God, John 3.3.

Father, wh [...] [...] it to be born again?

It is not to enter the se­cond time into your Mothers Womb, and be born; but, tis to have a spiritual Birth, 'tis to have a new Life, to have the evil Qua­lities and Habits of your Heart changed, & holy and heavenly Qualites & Habits infused in the room of them.

Would to God I did right­ly understand what you say, & could but experience this New Birth wrought in me.

If you follow on to kno [...] the Lord, he will give Understan [...]ding, & work this work in you.

But, Father, I am very young, may I not do as other Children do, [Page 17] and de [...]er the minding of these things until I am older?

No, Child, you must not defer these things to another time; ' [...]is the Devil that darts such vile thoughts into thy Mind. I do therefore command you and all your Brothers and Sisters, as you expect to abide in my love and favour, or do hope to enjoy the love & favour of God, to resist such insnaring and Soul-undoing Thoughts.

1. Because God requires you to remember him now in your youth, before the evil days come, Eccles. 1 [...].1. First (saith Christ) seek the King­dom of God & his Righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you, Mat. 6.33.

2. I charge you to see your Heart Heaven-ward, and to labour to know God, and to love and serve him now, because you were made and sent into this world to [Page 18] this very purpose.

3. Co [...]sider, my good Child, God does graciously preserve, feed & cloath you likewise, to the end you might live to him: would you have God be at the charge of you [...] Maintenance, and refuse to do his Service, & rather chuse to serve the Devil, as all wicked Chil­dren do?

No, dear Father, God forbid.

Why then did you ask me whether you might not defer the great things that concern your Soul, & the Knowledge of God & Christ, & his Service, until you are older; for such who resolve to de­fer seeking after Gods Grace & Holiness ti [...]l they are old, secretly purpose to be wicked and ungodly whilst they are young.

But, Father, I can't see that many Children do regard or mind these things; besides, they laugh at me and mock me, when I speak to [Page 19] them of God, and of praying to him, and of getting an interest in Christ.

My Child, I know there are great multitudes of wicked and un­godly Children; and wo last thou be wicked as well as they? And because they serve the Devil, would you serve him? If you do so, you may lie in Hell with them at last; t [...]erefore matter it not, Child, tho' they laugh at you & reproach you; for blessed are they that are reviled & reproach­ed for Christ's sake.

But, Father, do not some People find Mercy with God when they are old, who never minded to seek after God whilst they were young?

God hath not promised that they who seek him late, shall find him; but his Promise runs to them that seek him early, Prov. 8 17. But, Child, God doth not, it may be, afford some the means of Grace whilst they are young; they may live in some [Page 20] d [...]rk corner: Nor does he call all a [...] [...] t [...]rd Hour. But, Child, you do not know whethe [...] yo [...] shall live till you are old; and if death comes and c [...]ts you off in yo [...] sins, what will b [...] ­come of you then? Many go dow [...] to Hell with their Bones full of the sins o [...] their Youth; Do you not see ma­ny little Graves, as well as great ones?

But pray, Father, what other Reason is there, why I should seek after God, & strive to lead an holy Life in my Youth?

4. Because God accepteth of such and their Service, exceedingly, who yeild the first and best of their Days to him: God ought not to be put off with old Age, which are the dr [...]gs of our days. Besides, thy dear Sa­viour spent all his days on Earth that so he might glorifi [...] thee in Heaven, therefore shouldst thou spend all thy days in his Service, and to Honour him. He lived for thee, that thou [Page 21] shouldst live to him; and died for thee in the prime of his days, that thou sh [...]l [...]st not spend the primest o [...] thy days in sin. Moreover, most of those Renowned and Eminent Saints we read of in the Scripture, who were greatly beloved and honoured by the Almighty, were early seekers, or such that gave up themselves to God in their youth: as namely, young Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Solomon, Josi [...]h, the Apostle John, Timo­thy, and divers others. Further­more, What ground is there for any to think, that after they have spent all their youthful and primest days in the Devils Service, in doing his will and pleasing him by living in wicked and ungodly ways, that when they are old, and their Nature almost spent, [...]hat God will accept them? Nay, and it is hard to know then whether they for [...] sake Sin, or Sin forsakes them.

5. Further to perswade thee in [Page 22] thy youth to cleave to God, and to be holy betimes, consider that hereby thou wilt prevent and e­scape m [...]n [...] g [...]ievous sins (which others run into) to the great dis­honour of God and grief of their Parents? which will also more and more polute and defile thy Soul, and cause the Lord to loathe and abhor thee; and by this means also will Satan get the greater Power over thee; and the more difficult will it be for thee to leave the ways of sin, and the vanities of this World; for evil habits and customs in sin, are not easily bro­ken; which made the Prophet say, Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the Lepord his spots? Then may ye also do good that are accu­stomed to do evil, Jer. 13.23.

9. God calls thee now in thy youth, and this may be the only time of thy visitation; and if thou shouldst slight and neglect this [Page 23] season, probably God may call thee no more. Prov. 1.24. many who refuse God's Call in their youth, and cleave to the Lusts and Vanities of th [...] World, when they come to be old, are wholly rejected of the Almighty, and given up to unbelief and hard­ness of Heart; so that they sin without any remorse of Consci­ence, and perish eternally.

7. And lastly, That I may pre­vail with thee to be holy betimes, or to fear the Lord now in thy youth; consider, Child, that God wi [...] br [...]ng thee for all thy youth­ful Lusts and vanities unto Judg­ment: Rejoyce, O young Man in thy youth; let t [...]y Heart cheer thee in the days o [...] thy youth; and walk in the ways of thy Heart, and in the sight of thine Eyes; But know thou, for all these things, God will bring thee unto Judgment; Therefore re­move sorrow from thy Heart, and [Page 24] put evil from thy Flesh; for Child­hood [...], Eccles. 11.9, 10.

What thinkest thou now (my dear Child) is it not [...] f [...]r thee to hearken to the Cou [...]sel of thy Father, and mind that one thing needful, and with Mary chuse that good Part? To prefer Heaven b [...]fore Earth; and [...]he Joys above, before all the vain Joys here below. Is not the love of God, better than all the World?

I have cause to bless God, I have such a Father, who taketh care not only of my outward Man, but also of my Soul, and I thank you, my dear Father, for all your good Counsel: but still, I find such tho [...]ghts arise in my Heart, that tends to keep me from closing in with your Advice at present.

What Thoughts are they you do meet with?

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That I am [...]oo young, and that I may live many years in the World, and that hereafter it will be time enough: and 'twill be more pro­per [...]or me to m [...]nd such thi [...]gs when I am older, and of a riper Age.

I have told you already, these Thoughts the Divil puts into your Heart; and therefore I charge you in the fear and dread of the great and terrible God of Heaven and Earth, not to close in with them; for he that tells you now you are too young, and 'tis time enough to mind the good of your Soul, and so seeks to destroy you, and split you upon the Rock of Presumption, will tell you, if you should live till you are older That then it will be too late, and that your Day is gone; and thereby endeavour to dash you against the Rock of Despair. Have I not told thee why thou wast made? And truly, Child, I can't [Page 26] give better Co [...]nd Instructi­on, or Advice, then to do in this ca [...]e as a good Marchant's Factor doth use to do when he arriveth in a Forreign Country, who pre­sently doth w [...]igh and consider deeply for what cause he came thither, why he wa [...] sent, to what end, what to attempt, what to prosecute, what to perform, what will be expected at his Re­turn by him that sent him. For such Cogitations (without doubt) tend to stir him up to set upon the Business for which he came, and not to imploy his time in imper­tinencies and trifling vanities. Will you not lay to Heart, why you were created and sent hither, until you are ready to depart from hence? Shall the business of your Great Master and Glorious Soveraign, be neglected, whilst your Service would be most accep­table to him. Suppose the Mer­chants [Page 27] Factor shou [...]d not have his time prefixt, how long he shall stay in the Country to which he is sent; and therefore knows not [...]ut that in a few Months he may he ca [...]led home: And yet as soon as he comes thither, should whol­ly neglect his business, and spend his time in Hawking, Hunting, and other foolish Vanities, and should be called home before he has done any thing for which he was sent; what an account will he be able to give to his Master? Would he not be laught at, and justly, if he should have spent and wasted all his Masters Mony upon his Lust; What shame, Confusion and punishment must he then look [...]o meet with [...]l? Even so, what an account wilt thou have to give to God in the last dreadful day, [...]f thou should neglect the Rich M [...]chandize of the Kingdom of Heaven to Trade in, and for [Page 28] which thou camest into the World; should God call thee away before th [...] hast done any thing effectually in it? O do not foolishly waste thy time, and lose the Flower of thy Age, which are those choice Talents the Lord calls upon thee to improve; 'Tis I may say, thy Masters Mony, & thou wilt be called to give an ac­count of them.

I hope I shall now, dear Fa­ther, more seriouslly consider and lay to Heart w [...]at you have said, and receive the [...]nstr [...]ction you have given m [...]; for I am sensible how short and uncertain my days are on Earth: But, pray Sir, have any Children so young as I am, attained [Page 30] to the Knowledge of God and Jesus Christ? Doth God, I mean, call any so young?

Yes, Child, and younger too, than thou art: Worth Mr. Janeway tells us of a Poor Child, not above five years old, who minded the good of his Soul more then all things in the World; and was greatly affected, by Consider­ing what would become of him when he should die; and his Dis­course made Christians stand a­stonished: He was wonderfully swallowed up with t [...]e love of Christ, in dying for Sinners, and with Tears would speak of it; be­fore he was six years old, he made Conscience of secret Duties. And when he prayed, it was with such extraordinary meltings, that his Eve [...] looked red and sore with weeping for his Sins.

The same Minister gives us an account of another Child, who [Page 31] when she was about four years old had a great sence of her Du­ty to her Parents, because the Commandment saith, Honour thy Father and thy Mother. She would weep if she saw her Parents trou­bl [...]d, (though her self had been no occasion of it) and would of­ten get into one hole or another to pray, with Tears in his Eyes: She said she believed in Christ, and desired and longed to be with him.

Moreover, He tells us of ano­ther Child about nine years old whom God graciously wrought upon; her name was Sarah Hum­l [...]y: She was very much in secret Prayer; she could scarce speak of sin (or be spoken to abou [...] it) b [...]t her Heart was ready to me [...]t. [...]he spent much time in reading, and was exceeding dutiful to her [...]arents; She abhorred Lying [...]nd allowed her self in no know [...] [Page 32] Sin: After she had long waited for an Answer of Prayer, she said, Well, I will venture my Soul upon Christ.

Nay, He speaks of one that God wrought upon, that was not above three or four years old: This Child, he saith, would often­times complain of the naughti­ness of his Heart, and was trou­bled for his w [...]nd [...]ing thoughts: He was very fearful [...] of wicked Company: When he had com­mitted a Fault, he was easily con­vinced of it, and would get in some corner or secret place, and with Tears beg pardon of God. This Child also abhorred Lying with his Soul: When other Chil­dren were a playing, he would many times and oft be a Praying.

One Charles Bredgman, saith our Author, had no soone [...] learn [...] to speak, but he betook himsel [...] [Page 33] to prayer; and as he grew up, took much delight in reading the Scriptures, he would not sti [...] out of doors, before he had poured forth his [...]oul to the Lord▪ nor lie down in bed, till he had been upon his knees In his sickness (for he died when he was about twelve years old) b [...]ing asked, whether he had rather live or die? He answered, I desire to die, that I may go to my Sav [...]ur. Besides these, he speaks of divers other Children whom God called be­fore they were ten years old. What do you say now, my Son▪ were not these sweet Children, w [...]o t [...]us early learn'd to fear God, and fall in love with Jesus Christ?

Come, learn of them, and hate [...]ying and all Childish vani­ty: Would you be saved when you die? (And you know not h [...]w soon it may be) O then tremble [Page 34] at the thought of deferring o [...] putting off the serious thoughts o [...] an endless Eternity. Or are yo [...] willing to be damned and to go to Hell and be burned with the Devil and his Angels? Hell Child, is a terrible Place; Can you bear the thought of that Word, Go, ye Cursed, into Ever lasting Fire, &c. What say you Are you resolved to get upon your k [...]ees, and beg Grace and Know­ledge of Go [...], through Christ and intreat him for hi [...] Sons sake to open your Eyes, and deliver you from the power of Sin and [...]a [...]an?

I do resolve in Gods strength so to do, dear Father.

Will you say and hold? Take heed you do not forget your Promise: Give your self up my Child, to reading God's Word and other good books; and la­bour to be deeply affected with [Page 35] your lost and undone Condition without Christs; and attend upon the Ministry of Christ's painful Labourers; and never be conten­ted nor rest, until you can say, Christ's is yours. Ah! See how his Arms stand open to embrace you! He calls thee, wilt thou not go to him? My Child, re­member God says, Tis good to bear the yoak in your youth, Lam. 3.27, 'Tis not only good to sub­mit to his Yoak, and to his Au­thority, to obey his Commands, but to do it betimes. O shake off the Devil's Yoak, Sins Yok, and the Worlds Yoak, and put on Christs Yoak. The longer a Per­son wears the Yoak of sin, the harder it will be to get it off: Christ's Yoak is easie, and the more easie it will be to put it on now, than it will be hereafter: A Plant which is newly set, is more easily removed, then when [Page 36] it has taken root: If they break a Horse to the Harness, or a Bullock to the Yoak, as one observes, 'tis while they are young. 'Tis good to bear the Yoak in thy youth, because 'tis God's Will, God's Command; and also because it will bring so much good, Peace, and comfort, to thy own Soul; and not only Peace, but profit also: In keeping thy Commandments, there is great Reward, Psal. 19.11. O there is Pleasure, Child, & profit too, in God's Ways! No sweet­ness like Divine Sweetness!

But, Sir, doth not this debar us of earthly pleasure, and the delights of youth?

Godliness deprives us of no lawful Delight and Pleasure which others enjoy; and I hope thou wilt not say, That stolen Wa­ters are sweet, &c. That pleasure which is had in a sinfull way, will be bitter sawce in the end: And [Page 37] then again, Religion hath its pe­culiar Pleasures, which wicked ones never tasted of? What is so sweet as God's Love! His Favo [...]r is better than Life. There is in this a Soul satisfying good, and Soul-filling, and a Soul-delighting sweetness, and that which will abide good always; good and sweet, when all the Things and Injoyments of this World, will be bitter: Sinful pleasures, are Soul-defiled, Soul-debasing, nay, Soul-damning Pleasures: They bring shame and confusion sometimes here, and eternal shame and ruin hereafter.

Never say now any more, I am too young to seeke after God, to learn to be good, and virtuous. Art thou old enough to serve the Devil, and too young to serve and honour God? Nay, old enough to be damned, and too young to be saved? O take heed you spend [Page 38] not your time in idleness and in play with wicked Children: I charge you as ever you hope for Mercy, and would have my love, do not dare to take God's Name in vain, nor tell a Lye to escape the Rod, nor break the Lord's Day, nor fall out and quarrel with your Brothers and Sisters, nor give them the Lye, nor no other evil Words. My sweet Child, be dutiful and obedient to your Pa­rents. O learn to pray and pour forth your Heart to the Lord: Will you do it? I charge you think upon it: Now begin pre­sently, defer it not one day longer What do you say?

My dear Father, I can hold out no longer, my Heart is smitten and my Soul trembles; the Lord in mercy lead me in the Path of Life to the Springs of living Wa­ter, that I may drink thereof and never die: I am resolved to take your Advice.

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The Eternal God grant thee strength that thou mayst do as thou hast Promised. And now, my Daughters, I have something further to say to you, Observe well what Counsel I have given your Brothers; for 'tis to you as well as to them: But since I see those of your Sex are in these evil days, so exceedingly addicted to Pride, I do fore-warn you of it; For my part, while ye are under my Roof, I will never suffer you to wear foolish and antick Garbs and Fa­shions: 'Tis a shame that Parents professing Godliness, should be a­lured by the Divil to please their Childrens natural and pernicious Appetites; by which means they become meer Slaves to Lucifer, by sending their little Daughters to School to learn to Dance (as Herodias did) where they are taught the hellish Mode of naked Brests and Shoulders, Antick and [Page 40] Fantastick Garbs, Spotting, Patch­ings and Paintings, Towers, Bulls, Shades, Curlings and Crispings and other Curiosities of the Devil's de­vising; as to deck their Fingers with Rings, their Ears with Jew­els, their Neck with rich Brace­lets or Necklaces of Gold and Pearl, whereby they seem rather like little Morrice Dancers, than the young Off-spring of Christian People: And thus being brave­ly drest up and the sparks of Pride kindled in them, they go with stretched out Necks and haughty Hearts, that in a short time they are too high and proud to know themselves: And thus growing wanton, the Devil teaches the [...] other hellish Inventions, viz. How to make set Faces, to cringe A-la mode de France, the sober Smile the quaintest Dialect to humo [...] [Page 41] Discourse well, to get rowling Eyes, to cast amorous Glances, to read Love-Romances, and frequent Play-Houses, and also to get store of filthy and ob­scene Draughts or Pictures, de­cored with all sorts of alure­ments, and the secret Discharges of Venus's lascivious Mysteries, painted with the true Colours of Ovid's Works; as the disguising of naked Gods, and Venus dally­ing with Adonis, Tarquin at strife with Lucretia, and such-like wan­ton Objects, with Pretty conceits to encourage the unwilling, and warm the cold humour of their Ravage.

God deliver you, my Daugh­ters, from this Poysonous Infecti­on and Epidemical Disease? I charge you to dread it more than the Plague, as ever you do hope to enjoy the Favour of God, and [Page 42] abide in my love. Come, give your selves up to Prayer, and strive to be Sober and vertuous betimes; and take heed you do not learn of the wanton and vain ones of the times; Don't gad abroad like Jacob's Daughter, to behold the Daughters of the Land, lest you are one way or another defiled; and particularly be content with modest Apparel, and labour after the Ornaments of the inward Man. Let your Souls be adorned with Grace, which will make you aimable in the sight of God, and all holy Men: Get your Sins mortified, and you will soon see what Habit will best become you. If the Heart be but healed of its inward Pride, that will soon put a curb to the Excesses of the outward. Nothing God hates more then Pride and a haughty Heart.

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But, pray Sir, doth not God allow some things for Orna­ments?

Yea, doubtless God hath allowed of some Ornament, Gen. 24. 23. Isai. 61.10. But what­ever pretends to Ornament, which is inconsistent with Modesty, Gra­vity and Sobriety, or is not accor­ding to Godliness, is instead of an Ornament, a Defilement. Mo­desty will teach you not to expose those parts to view, which no necessity, no good end nor use can justifie: Who dares plead for that which exposeth persons to S [...]ares and Temptations, and Religion to shame and reproch? Some now-a-days that attend on Ser­mons in Christian Assemblies, do more become Play Houses, and yet brasen it out in the face of the Pre [...]cher! O horrid Impudence! Godliness teaches not to lay out so much Money to adorn the Body, [Page 44] when so many poor Families want Bread; and not to expend foo­lishly on Superfluities on the Car­kass, when some poor Children of Christian People want neces­sary Cloathing. Besides, all Chil­dren should be contented to go in Apparel, according to the De­gree, Quality and Ability of their Parents.

My Daughters, and such of you that fear God, pray consider the Rule laid down by the Apostle, 1 Pet. 2.2, 3, 4. for Regulating Ornaments, is, That they be con­sistent with a chast Conversation; may, visibly consistent: Whilst they behold your chaste Conversation, &c. That pure vestal fire (saith one) of Chastity, that burns upon the Altar of a holy Heart, must flame out and shine in Chastity of Words, Actions, Cloathings, and Orna­ments: For when God commands Chastity, he commands whatso­ever [Page 45] may feed and nourish it, ma­nifest or declare it, and forbids whatsoever may endanger it.

But, Sir, may such who are rich and wealthy mens Daugh­ters, go in gallant Attire?

No degree of Wealth can justifie those Garbs which speaks out Pride and vain-glory; yet Richer (if comely) Ornaments may be lawful in some, that are not in anothers: But let the Rich see they are Rich in good Works▪ and that they do not shew they love their Sons and Daughters more then Christ: Some care not what they bestow on their Chil­dren who can spare but little to Christs Poor, his Church, and painful Ministers.

But I hope I need say no more of this, concern [...]ng vain Garbs and Fashions to some of you; for it rejoyces my Heart to see how you labour to adorn your Profes­sion [Page 46] in every respect. But as for you, my little Daughters, I have many thoughts and fears concer­ning you and shall, till I see Christ formed in you. I exhort you to remember what I have said to your Brothers; and endeavor to learn of one Mary Warren, born in May 1651. aged ten years, who had a blessed Work of Grace begun upon her Soul, and gave clear evidence of a victory over Sin and Satan; who when she was asked, whether she was willing to die? replyed, Ay, very willing; for then I shall sin no more: For (said she) I know Christs Blood hath made satisfaction for my Sins, &c. I am a Brand pluckt out of the fire, and Christ will put on me his Robes of Righteous­ness.

Moreover, there was one Mary [...] not five years old, who was greatly affected in hearing the [Page 47] Word of God, and would weep bitterly to think what would be­come of her Soul in another World: She was often observed to be in secret Duty, and many times came off of her knees with tears: she was also (saith my Author) greatly afraid of Hypo­crisie, and of doing any thing to be seen of Men to get Commenda­tion or Praise: Her Book was her delight; and O that this little Book may be so to you! She was greatly concerned for the Souls of others, to think of their mise­rable condition; and wonderful­ly affected with the love of God to her. Come, my Children here are Examples for you; one of you is much older then she was; but how little do you mind these things! What pity is it that such tender Branches as you are, when grown up, should go to Hell! Ah! that you would remember [Page 48] why you were made, and why re­deemed by Christ's most precious Blood! My Prayers are and shall be to God for you. Moreover, I would have you get that little Book, called, A Token for Children, and another, called, A Looking Glass for Children: Next to your Bible, pray read in them pretty Books.

The Youths Catechism.

COme Son, thou art grown up to a mature age; how knowst thou that there is a God?

I know there is a God by his Works of Creation: The Hea­vens declare the Glory of God, and the Firmament sheweth his handy Works, Psal. 19.1. Rom. 1.

What other means hast thou to teach thee there is a God?

The holy Scriptures.

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What Grounds or Arguments hast thou to believe the Scriptures are the Word of God?

By the Contents or Mat­ters therein discoursed and treated of; which are so transcen­dently Sublime and Mysterious, that they could never be the pro­duct of humane Invention.

How else?

By its Antiquity: The Books of Moses being, as Tertul­lian well observes in the 19th Cap. of his Apology, the first Writings in the World.

Thou sayst well: What other Arguments hast thou?

The Majesty and Autho­ritativeness of the Spirit of God speaking in them, and the inimi­table stile wherein they are writ­ten, shews, doubtless, they are of God.

How else?

By the excellent Spirit [Page 50] of Holiness, which every where breathes in them; this is another fair lineament of the hand of God in the framing of them.

'Tis a good Argument: What other hast thou?

The sweet and admirable Agreemnet, Consent, Dependence and Harmony that is found in every part of holy Scripture, though there are so many Books thereof written by so many diffe­rent Persons, of various conditi­ons, of many Ages, removed in several places, and different Lan­guages; [...]et all agreeing with each other, & every part with the whole, is a great Argument, doubtless, of its Divine Authority.

What other Argument hast thou besides these?

The approved Credit and sincerity of the Pen-men, whom none could ever prove guilty of the least Imposture.

[Page 51]

I like these too▪ Hast go [...] any more?

Another proof that the Holy Scriptures are from God, is, the exact and punctual fullfilling of the Prophecies therein contain­ed: To fore-tell Events is the Pre­rogative of God only, Isai. 41.22. This, Sir, I could make very clear.

I don't doubt it, my Son; proceed to another.

Those Writings, and that Doctrine that was confirmed by so many real Miracles, must needs be of God; but the Books and Doctrine of Canonical Scrip­ture, were so confirmed, nay, by such Wonders, that Satan him­self could not imitate, nor malici­ous Enemys deny to be Divine.

This is one of the best of all: To the next.

To these astonishing Mi­racles, I may fitly add the wonder­ful, [Page 52] preservation of these hol [...] Writings for so many Ages: Ha [...] not the Bible been of God, sinc [...] it pretends so to be, certainly Go [...] would have blotted it out long ago; but his special care to pre [...]serve it, shews whose it is, consi [...]dering what implacable Enemie [...] it hath met with in every Age.

Yea, doubtless, my Son, Go [...] would never have suffered such Book to continue from the beginnin [...] of Time, falsly pretending his Nam [...] and Authority: I am glad to h [...] thee mention this; proceed.

Sir, the Scripture did no [...] only survive, notwithstanding a [...] the Arts, Contrivance and Malic [...] of Men and Divils; but hath tri [...]umphed over all opposition; mean, the blessed success the Go [...]spel hath had in converting s [...] many thousands, though accoun [...]ed by the wise Men of the Worl [...] foolishness, proves its Divin [...] [Page 53] Authority, especialy considering the Publishers of it were general­ly but weak, ignorant and illite­rate Persons, as Fisher-men, Tent-makers, &c.

And thou mayst add, It had no force of Arms, or Temporal sup­port on its side, but against both Wind and Tide, in opposition to the Interest, Will, and Wisdom of car­nal Men, it prevailed. My Son, hast thou any other?

Yes, Sir, with the last I may add, besides those outward and more visible Trophies of its Glory, the marvelous lustre of its Empire, Efficacy, and power with­in; I mean upon the Hearts of o­thers: Certainly it must be God's Word, were this only conside­red.

Thou sayst well; and I hope thou hast found the power and truth of it upon thy own heart; and this Argument, if so, thou canst never [Page 54] lose; but I will forbear, and hear what thou hast further to say.

To all these Arguments, I must add the Testimony of Gods Church, I mean Believers, and holy Martyrs in all Ages, who have seal­ [...]d the Truth of the holy Bible with their own Blood.

If thou hast any other Ar­gument, I would have thee add it; not that I dislike this.

Sir, The Doctrines and matters of fact in the Scriptures, are not only avouched by its own Votaries, but many most conside­rable parts of it have been ac­knowledged by its Enemies, first, the Creation of the World is in­timated by Ovid in his Metamor­phosis, Lib. 1. The extraordina­ry long Lives of the Patriarchs in the first Ages of the World, by Manetho the Egyptian, Borosus the Chaldean, and others. The Floo [...] is mentioned by the same Borosu [...] [Page 55] Josaphus, Lib. 1. Antiq. 4. The Star that appeared at the Birth of our Saviour, is taken notice of by Pliny, Lib. 2. Cap. 5.

I know you have many other instances to give in proof of this; But proceed to another Argument.

If the Scriptures are not the Word of God, then God hath left us no certain Rule of Faith and Practice.

What say you to Revelati­on?

There may be twenty per­sons who may all walk in different ways of worship, and yet pre­tend they make Revelation their Rule: How shall I know which of these is in the true way?

Thou sayest right: He that says Revelation is his Rule, must do more to prove what he professes to be true, then any Impostor can pretend unto; that is to say, raise the Dead, and open the Eyes of the Blind.

[Page 56]

Then Father, if you please to hear me, It is clear and evi­dent, since Miracles are no where to be found, if the Scripture be not our Rule, or of Divine Au­thority, God has left us no cer­tain Rule at all; and that infinite Wisdom should deal thus with Mankind, is absurd and unreason­able to conceive. But I have one Argument more: If the Scrip­tures be not the Invention of Men, then it must be from God alone: If of Men, they must either be good Men or bad Men. Good Men they could not be; for no­thing could be more opposite to Goodness, nay to common Hone­sty, than to assume the Name of God, and falsly feign Miracles, and cheat People of their Souls. Again, on the other hand, bad Men could not be the Devisers of so holy a Book; can any Man think, that wicked Deceivers [Page 57] would so highly advance the Glo­ry of God? Would they so abase themselves, and brand and stig­matize their own Practices? Could such an admirable Righte­ousness, and Self-denial, as runs through a very vein of the Scrip­tures, proceed from the Inven­tion of wicked Men? Would they have laid such a design against the Flesh and all worldly Happiness? Now if we can't gather Grapes of Thornes, nor Figgs of Thi­stles, then we may be sure no ill Men had any hand in writing and promoting this Good and Holy Bible.

You say wll, my Son; and besides, if it were devised by evil Men, let such Atheists shew us who those wicked Men were, and in what Age of the World they lived, who did compile it: But have you any thing more to say?

[Page 58]

Only this I have in the last place to say: Were not the Scripture of Divine Authority, the Devil certainly would never have been in such rage against it▪ nor endeavoured as he hath, and continually doth, to hinder Men from closing in with the Truth therein contained.

I see, Son, you have a most sure Word of Prophecy to build your Faith upon, in the belief of a Deity: Are there more Gods than one?

There is but one Eternal Holy and True God, Deut. 6.4. Eph. 4.6. 1 Cor. 8.4.

How many Persons are there in the Godhead?

Three; the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Mat. 28.19. [...] John 5.7.

Who is God?

God is a Spirit, of and from Himself, without Begin­ning and without Ending, Won­derful, [Page 59] Immense, and Infinite in His Essence, and Glorious also in His Attributes.

What are the Attributes of God?

His Power, Wisdom Mer­cy, Justice, Omnisciency, Faith­fulness, Holiness, &c. Exod. 34.6. Psal. 147.5. Rom. 4.8.

What call you the Work of Creation?

God's forming or making all things out of nothing in six days, Gen. 1.1. Heb. 11.3.

What are God's Works of Providence?

His most Holy, Wise and Powerful Ordering, Preserving, and Governing all Men, and all Things in this World, Psal. 145.17. Isa. 28.29. Heb. 1.3. Mat. 10.29.

What are the most Glorious Creatures that God hath made?

Angels and Men.

[Page 60]

Why did God make this World?

To manifest his own Glo­ry, Greatness, Power and Wis­dom, Rev. 4.11.

Why did God make Man?

God made all things for himself, but Mankind more espe­cially to Serve and Worship his Creator, Acts 17.26, 27.

Of what matter did God make Man?

Of the Dust of the Ground, Gen. 2.7.

In whose Image did God make Man?

In his own Image and af­ter his own Likeness, Gen, 1.28.

In what respect do you believe God made Man in his own Image?

In respect of Holiness and Righteousness, together with that Power and Dominion God gave him over all other Creatures on Earth, Eph. 4▪ 24.

Did Man abide in that State in which he was treated?

[Page 61]

No; he sinning against God, fell from that estate.

What is Sin?

Sin is the Transgression of the Law, 1 John 3.4.

When did Sin enter into this World?

When Adam broke the Law of his Creator, Rom. 5.12.

Why did God make man a Law?

To shew that Man ought to be in subjection to his Creator.

Why did God suffer Man to break his Law?

That thereby God's Ju­stice, Wisdom, and Mercy, might appear.

How doth God's Justice ap­pear thereby?

In Punishing him for his Offence, according to his threat­ning, Rom. 5.18.

What punishment did God bring upon Mankind for that Trans­gression?

[Page 62]

A twofold punishment; first, the loss of earthly Paradice; secondly, Death both Spiritual and Temporal, Gen. 2.16. Rom. 5.12.

Do all Mankind sin and fall in Adam?

Yes; for he being a pub­lick Person, the Covenant was not made only for himself, but for all his Posterity; and so we all sinned in him, and fell by the same Transgression, Rom. 5.15, 16, 17, 18.

What is the state of Man­kind through this original Trans­gression?

A woful state and conditi­on, prone to commit sin, having lost Original Righteousness, are brought under the power of Cor­ruption, and pravity of our whole Nature, and liable to the Wrath and Curse of God, Rom. 5.19. Gal. 3.10, 13.

[Page 63]

Are all Men in this woful condition?

Yea, all Men are by Na­ture the Children of Wrath, being dead in Sins and Trespasses, Eph. 2. 1, 2. Rom. 3.21.

How did God's Mercy appear to Mankind?

In promising the Seed of the Woman should break the Serpent's head, Gen. 3.15.

Who was meant by the Seed of the Woman?

Our blessed Saviour.

Why did God add the Law of the Ten Commandments?

Not only to shew what Man's Duty is, but also to make known to him his woful estate; and to make sin appear exceeding sinful, and to discover how una­ble Man is in his fallen state to fulfill the Righteousness of God, Gal. 3.19. Rom. 7.8, 9.

What did the Law require?

[Page 64]

perfect Righteousness: Do this & thou shalt live, Luk. 10.21.

Were any able to keep the Law perfectly, and so be justified thereby in the sight of God?

No, not one for by the works of the Law no Flesh can be justified Gal. 2.16. & 3.28. Rom. 3.10.

How then must we be justified?

By the Merits and Righ­teousness of our blessed Saviour and Redeemer.

Who is our Saviour and Re­deemer?

The Lord Jesus Christ.

Why was our Redeemer called Jesus?

Because he should save his people from their sins (for the Name Jesus signifies a Saviour) Mat. 1.21.

What moved God to send the Lord Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer?

Only his tender Love and Mercy to Mankind, Joh. 3.26.

Was there no other Person [Page 65] or means could Redeem us, but Jesus Christ?

No verily, neither Men nor Angels: There is no other Name given under Heaven where­by we must be saved, Acts 4.12. Rev. 5.4, 5.

Why is our blessed Saviour called Christ?

Because he was Anointed with the Holy Ghost, that Oyl of Gladness, above his Fellows: The Name Christ signifies Anoin­ted, Heb. 1.9.

VVho is Jesus Christ?

The Eternal Son of God, Mat. 16.16.

Is Jesus Christ God or Man?

Jesus Christ is both God and Man in one Person; God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the World began, and yet truly Man: He took our Nature upon him, and therefore is called the Seed of the Woman, [Page 66] Mat. 22.44, 45. Phil. 2.6, 7. Joh. 1. 1, 2.2.14.

VVhy did Jesus Christ take our Nature upon him, and become both God and Man?

It behoved him to be both God and Man, that so he might become a fit Mediator between God, the offended Creator, and Man, the offending Creature, Joh. 9.33. 1 Tim. 2.5.

VVherefore is it necessary that Jesus Christ should be very Man, Holy, Just and without sin?

Because God required Man to keep the Law Perfectly, if he would be justified in his sight; and the Justice of God could not be satisfied, unless the same Hu­mane Nature which had sinned, do likewise make a Compensation for Sin, Rom. 5.12. Pet. 3.18. Heb. 7.26·

VVhy must Christ be very God as well as Man?

[Page 67]

That he might by the worth and preciousness of his Person and Sacrifice, give a plenary satisfaction to Divine Justice, & sustain by the Power of his Godhead in his Flesh, the heavy Wrath of God. As he was God he could not suffer; & as he was meer Man, he could not have overcome Death, Isai. 53.4. Acts 2.24. 1 Pet. 3.18. John 1, 2. & 4, 5.

What hath Jesus Christ do [...] for us?

As he was Man, he per­fectly, kept the whole Law of God for us in every point, and laid down a compleat and perfect Sa­crifice for us; and as God, he over­came Death, and him that had the power of Death, which is the Devil and so rose again the third day for our Justification, Gal. 4.5. Heb. 2, 14, 15. 2 Cor. 5.18, 19.

Where is Jesus Christ now?

Jesus Christ is in Heaven, [Page 68] he sat down at the Right Hand of God, and there appears to make Intercession for us, Heb. 1.3. Heb. 8.3.

Do all receive spiritual Be­nefit by Christ's Ʋndertaking?

No, none but those only who by a true and lively Faith, do rely upon him, and are ingrafted into him, Mark 16.16. John 3.36. Rom▪ 11.20.

I Am glad to find you are so well instructed in the Grounds of the Christian Religion hitherto. What are the Offices of Christ, which he executes as Mediator?

The Offices of Christ are many, but more especially three, viz▪ His Priestly, Kingly and Pro­ [...]hetical Offices.

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How doth Christ execute the▪ Office of a Priest?

Christ executeth the Office of a Priest in his once Offering up himself as a Sacrifice for our Sins, to satisfie Divine Justice, Heb. 7.28. & 2.17.

How else doth Christ execute his Priestly Office?

In his making continual [...]ntercession for us in Heaven, Heb. 7.25.

What use were the Priests and legal [...] Sacrifices of, under the Law?

They were Types and Fi­gures of Jesus Christ, by whose Blood or Sacrifice of himself only Attonement is made, Heb 16.1, 2, 3.

Are there any who [...] partake of Christs Priesthood, and minister under him as his Successors or Vicars here on Earth?

No verily, he has no Suc­cessor nor Vicar, because he abides [Page 70] himself a Priest for ever, to dis­charge the whole Work of his Priestly Office; and so did not Aaron nor the Priests of his Order, Heb. 7.25.

Are there any Sacrifices to be offered up to God under the Gospel, besides that one Sacrifice which Christ himself offered.

No, for Christ hath offer'd a Sacrifice himself once for all: Christ hath once suffered to bear the Sins of many, Heb. 9.28. N [...]w once at the end of the World, he hath appeared to put away Sin by the Sa­crifice of himself, vers. 26. This he did once, Heb. 7 27. By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, Heb. 10.14.

Why ought not any other Sa­crifices be offered up to God now?

Because this would ren­der the Sacrifice of Christ, weak and imperfect; besides, the A­postle saith, Where Remission of [Page 71] sins is, there is no more Offering for sin, Heb. 10.18.

How doth Christ execute his Kingly Office?

Christ executeth the Office of a King in his making, institu­ting and appointing of Laws, Ordinances and Statutes, to shew how God in Gospel-times ought to be Worshipped, Mat. 28.18, 19, 20. Jam. 4.12.

How else doth Christ execute his Kingly Office?

Christ executeth also his Kingly Office in subduing our sins, and in destroying the enmity that naturally is in our Hearts against God, and himself, by his Spirit ruling and reigning in us, and also by defending us, restraining and conquering all his & our Enemies, Mich. 7.19. Rom. 6.14.

In what Books are the Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances of Jesus Christ, the King of Saints, written?

[Page 72]

The Laws of Jesus Christ are written and contained in the sacred Scriptures, which we call the holy Bible, Joh 20. 2 Tim. 3.

What a King is the Lord Je­sus Christ?

He is King of Heaven and Earth, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; yea, King of Saints and King of Nations; and though his Kingdom is more spiritual and invisible now, yet he shall have a glorious & visible Kingdom in the World in the latter days; which Kingdom he requires us to pray for, Mat. 6.10▪ Dan. 7.

How doth Jesus Christ exe­cute his Prophetical Office?

Jesus Christ executeth his Prophetical Office in revealing to us by his Word and Spirit, what he had done for us as a Priest, and what Laws he hath appointed as King, Acts 3 32,

How else doth he execute his Prophetical Office?

[Page 73]

By his expounding the Law of Moses shewing what is past and fulfilled? and also by shewing what shall be hereafter, Mat. 24.

How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Je­sus Christ?

By the effectual applicati­on of his Blood and Merits to our Souls▪ by the Holy Spirit, John 1.12. Tit. 3.5.

How doth the holy Spirit ap­ply to us the Redemption purchased by Jesus Christ, or the Merits of his Blood and Righteousness?

The Holy Spirit applies this to us by working Faith in us▪ and thereby uniting us to Christ in effectual Calling or Vocation▪ Eph. 2.8, 9. & 3.17. 1 Cor. 1.9.

What is Effectual Calling?

Effectual Calling is the Work of God's Spirit, whereby he convincing us of Sin, and o [...] our woful Condition by Nature, en­lightens [Page 74] our Minds in the know­ledge of Christ, & infuseth a prin­ciple of Grace and new Habits in our Souls, [...] Tim. 1.9. Acts 2.36, 37▪ 38, 39. Acts 26.18. 1 Thes. 1. [...].5

What Blessing and Benefit do they pertake of that are effectually called?

They that are effectually called, partake of the glorious Blessings of [...]ustification, Sanctifi­cation, Adoptio [...], &c and those bring an Assur [...]ce of Gods Love, Peace of Con [...]ence, joy in the holy Ghost, with an [...]ncrease of Grace, and Perseverance to the end, Rom. 8.30, 31. 1 Cor· 1.30.

What is Justification?

Justification is an Act of Gods rich Grace, through the Re­demption which is in Jesus Christ, wherein he freely Pardoneth and Acquitteth us of all our Sins, and accepteth us as Righteous, through the Imputation of Christs perfect [Page 75] Righteousness, Rom. 3.23. Rom. 5.1· Gal. 2.16.

What is Adoption?

Adoption is also an act of Gods free Grace, whereby we are made the Sons and Daughters of God by his special Love and Fa­vour, who are the Children of Wrath by Nature, John 1.12. 1 John 3.1. 2 Cor. 6.18.

What is Sanctification?

Sanctification is likewise of God's precious Grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole Man after the Image of God; and are through the Blood of Sprinkling, Washed and made Holy in Heart and Life, 2 Tit· 3.5. 2 Tim. 2.13. Eph. 4·24.

What is Regeneration?

It is the work of God's Spirit, called the new Birth and the new Creature; by the means of which we are Born again, or have a new Heart, a new Spirit, [Page 76] and a new Life; the evil Qualities and Habits of our Hearts being changed, Holy and Heavenly Qua­lities and Habits are infused in the room of them, John. 3.3.5. 2 Cor. 5.17.

By what signs may a sincere Chri­stian, that is both justified, sanctified & regenerated, be known?

First he is a Penitent Per­son, or one that hath True Re­pentance wrought in his Soul, Psal. 51.3. Jer. 31.18. Acts 11.18▪

What is True Repentance?

True Repentance is a Grace wrought in the Soul by the Holy Spirit, whereby, first a Sinner comes to have a true sence of sin, and of his lost Condition by Na­ture; which also by the Illumi­nation of the Holy Ghost, works in him Godly Sorrow and Grief for Sin.

How may a weak Christian know his Repentance is true and of the [Page 77] right kind?

True Repentance causes the Soul to hate and loath Sin, be­ing convinced of the great Evil that is in it, and how contrary & hateful it is to the pure nature of God.

What other sign can you give of one who hath True Repentance wrought in him?

He that hath true Repent­ance wrought in him, doth not only hate and loath Sin, but also leaves it, and turns from it, yea, from every Sin; yea, from his se­cret Sins, as well as from open & scandalous Sins, Psal. 19.12.13. Prov. 9.17. Psal. 51.4. Jer. 44.4.

What other sign do you give of a true penitent Person?

He desires as much to have his Sins mortified as to have them Pardoned; to be freed from the filth of them, as from the guilt of them, in a word, to be made Holy [Page 78] as well as to be made Happy; to be Sanctified here, as well as to be Saved hereafter, Psal. 71.6.7·8. Mat. 5.6.

What sign else can you give of a Person who hath the Grace of True Repentance wrought in him?

He loves the Law & Word of God because it is pure; he likes the purity of its Precepts, as well as the sweetness of its Pro­mises; and to live to God on Earth as well as to live with God in Hea­ven; to glorifie him here, as well as to be glorified by him hereafter, Psal. 119.1, 40, 16.7. Psal. 73.24. Heb. 12.14. Phil. 3.10.

Can you give any other sign of a true Penitent Person?

Yea, he is one that doth truly believe in Christ, or hath ob­tained the precious Faith of God's Elect, 2 Pet. 10.1. Act 13.39.

What is true Justifying Faith, [Page 79] or the Faith of God's Elect?

True Justifying Faith, is a Saving Grace of God's Holy Spi­rit, whereby we receive Jesus Christ in all his Offices, and whol­ly relie upon him & his Merits for Eternal Life, Phil. 3.8.9.10.

Hath every Christian who believes, a full assurance, that Christ is his, and that he shall be saved?

No verily, Assurance is a great Degree of Faith; yea, such a measure, that but a few Believers attain unto, & doth not appertain to the being or essence of Faith; a sincere Christian may have doubts, yea, walk in Darkness, and have no Light, Psal. 88.4.5. Isa. 50.10.

What Person may be said to Believe, or rightly to relie on Jesus Christ?

He that may be said to be­lieve, and in a true manner to relie on Jesus Christ, who hath no de­pendence for Salvation on any [Page 80] thing done by him or in him but as a poor Undon Creature goes to Christ, and relies upon his Merits and Righteousness alone, Rom. 3 22. & 4.2. 1 Cor. 4.4.

What other sign give you of saving Faith?

He takes up all Duties in point of Performance, but lays them all down, in point of Depen­dence, Phil. 3.8, 9, 10, 11.

What think you of that Faith which an ƲnGodly Person hath, some men who are very wicked, say they believe in Christ, and relie on him for Salvation?

A wicked and impenitent Sinner, who loves and lives in sin hath not one dram of true Faith; and though he says he believes in Christ, yet 'tis Persumption in him; for the nature of true Faith is to cleanse and purifie the Heart and life, Acts. 15.9. 1 John 3.3.

VVhat is another sign of true [Page 81] of true Faith?

He that truly belives, has a high esteem of Jesus Christ; To you that believe he is precious, Psal. 74.25. 1 Pet 2.7.

Can no man be Justified but he that in a humble, holy and sincere manner doth believe and relie on Je­sus Christ, notwithstanding a righte­ous and sober life, or moral righteous­ness?

No verily, Mat. 5.20.

VVhy so?

Because no other Righte­ousness will nor can be accepted or avail to Salvation, but that which is perfect: 'tis such a Righteous­ness only, that God and his Holy Law requir [...]s in point of Justifi­cation. Now our best Works and Righteousness are Imperfect, and defiled with Sin: Cursed is every one that continues not in all things that are written in the Law to do them, Gal. 3.10. Hence, He that [Page 82] believes not in Christ shall be damned, Mark 16.16. Isa. 6.4.6. Phil. 3.8.

VVhat other sign give you of a true Believer?

He is Obedient to all the commands of Christ; Luke 1.6.

VVhat are the signs of True Obedience?

1. True Obedience is Evan­gelical; it is Gospel Obedience, it flows from Love to God. 2. 'Tis a willing Obedience; 'tis from the Heart, Rom. 6.17. 3. Such obey God in the hardest things, thus did Abraham. 4. 'Tis Uni­versal Obedience; they have a Respect to all God's Command­ments, Psal. 119.6. 5. Tis a continual Obedience; they obey God always, even to the End, Psal. 119.112.

VVhat means doth God use to bring men into a state of Grace & Regeneration?

The outward and more [Page 83] ordinary means whereby God doth this, is by Preaching the Gospel, Rom. 10.17. & 1.16. 1 Cor 1.21.

VVhat is the inward, & more special means by which God doth this?

The inward and more special means, is by the Powerful Working and Operation of the Holy Ghost, by which the Word Preached, becomes effectual; for without this, the Word doth profit none to Salvation, Psal. 19.7. 1 Thess. 1.6. 1 Cor. 3.7.

Concerning Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

SEeing then, my Son, that Faith alone, by the Operations of the holy Ghost, makes us Partakers of the Benefits and glorious Redemption, pur­chased by Jesus Christ, and so unites us to him; What are those Gospel Or­dinances or Sacraments, which tend to confirm us in this Faith?

They are Two.

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Which are they?

Baptism & the Lords Supper.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is an Holy Institu­tion of Christ, and the literal and proper Signification of the Word Baptism, as most learn'd Men ( Lighs Critica Sacra, Grotius, Vossius, Sel­den, Passor, Beza, Illyricus, Erasmus, &c.) readily grant, who understand the Greek Tongue; for it is a Greek word, Baptiso, is Mergo, Immergo, Obruo, item tingo, quod sit Immergen­do; that is, drown, immerge, plunge under, over-whelm, as also to dip, which is done by plunging, in the Name of the Father, & of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, Mat. 28.19.20. Act. 2.40, 41. Rom. 6.4.

May it not be done by sprink­ling also?

No, by no means; because the word Baptiso or Baptism, doth not at all signifie Sprinkling; the Greeks have another peculiar word [Page 85] to express Sprinkling, viz. Rantiz [...].

VVhat other Reason do you give to shew why it cannot be sprinkling?

Because the Scriptures po­sitively say, That John Baptized in the River Jordan, and after in E [...] near Salem, because there was much VVater: Now had it been done by sprinkling a little Water, he need not to have went to Rivers, &c. Mat. 3.6. John. 3.25.

What other Reason have you to shew why Baptism is not sprinkling?

Because 'tis said, Our Sa­viour when he was Baptized, and John who Baptized him, went both down into the Water, and he Bap­tized or dipped him, which is all one; the like is said of Philip and the Eunuch, They went down into the Water, and came out of the Wa­ter, Mat. 3.16. Act. 8.38.39.

What other Reason have you?

Because sprinkling doth not, [Page 86] cannot answer the end of Christ, in his instituting and ordaining of this Ordinance; neither doth sprinkling a little Water, Repre­sent or Answer those things, which are signified by Baptism

VVhat was the End of Christ, in his Instituting of this Ordinance, And what doth it Represent to us?

The end of the Lord Jesus was doubtless to confirm our Faith in the stedfast belief of his Death, Burial and Resurrection; for it held forth all these three things to our very sight: for 1 st, he that is Baptized, is baptized as one dead, I mean dead to Sin, which answers also unto the Death of Christ.

2 dly, He is Buried in Water, to hold forth the Burial of Christ.

3 dly, As the Body is raised up out of the Water, it holds forth also Christs Resurrection, and tha [...] we should walk in newness of Life Now sprinkling cannot be a Figur [...] [Page 87] of any of these things, Rom. 6.2, &c

I would to God, my Son, that this thing were more seriously consi­dered by ou [...] [...], who differ from us: But will you Explain this matter a little further?

Why Sir, I understand that our Blessed Saviour in Or­daining those two great Ordi­nances, viz. Baptism and break [...]ing of Bread, did design in a Gra­cious manner, to Preach the Gos­pel to the Sence of Seeing, as in Ministry of the Word, its preach'd to the Ear and Sence of Hearing; For, as breaking of Bread & the Cup hold forth to our sight▪ Christs Body was broken, and his Blood shed, So Baptism shews, as I have observed, He was not only Dead, but also Buried, and did rise again, that so we might the more clearly and fully be Confirmed into the Mystery of his Death and Re­surrection.

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VVhat think you then of sprink­ling or Christning, as its call'd?

Why, I think that the Rite of Aspersion, or sprinkling, was invented, as Vosstus and others In­genuously confess, to Accommo­date the Tender Bodies of Infants in these Northern Parts, when the Practice of Baptizing of them pre­vailed. And Since sprinkling com­ports not with [...]e Litteral nor Metaphorical Significations of the Word, nor to those great My­steries represented by it; it ought in the fear of God to be rectified or laid aside, as being no Ordi­nance of God, Levit. 10.12.

Who are the proper Subjects of Baptism?

Only such who Believe, and are actually Capable to enter into a Visible Covenant with Jesus Christ; for it is an Ordinance of the Solemnization of the Souls Marriage with Christ, Gal. 3.27.

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What is required of Persons that are to be Baptized?

Repentance, whereby they for­sake Sin, and Faith, whereby they stedfastly believe the Promise of God made to them in that Ordinance, Act. 2.36.37. Acts 8.36.

May not Infants be Baptized?

No verily, because there is no Command of Christ, nor Ex­ample in all the Scriptures for any such Practice.

Why may not the Children of Belivers be Baptized under the Go­spel, as well as the Children of the Faithful were Circumcised under the Law?

God Expresly commanded Abraham to Circumcise his Male Children under that Dispensation, but he hath not commanded Belie­vers to Baptize their Children un­der the Gospel; and to do that in God's Worship, which God has not commanded, is dangerous, as [Page 90] appears in, Nadab and Abihu's Case, Levit. 10.1.2.

But did not the Covenant be­long to Abraham and to his Seed?

Yea it did; and all that be­lieve and are Christ's, the same are the true Seed of Abraham, & Heirs, according to the Promise, Gal. 3.37. or in that Covenant with Abraham, and none else; for Birth or Fleshly Priviledges, avail not in Gospel times; think not to say within your selves, We have A­braham to our Father, Mat. 3.9.

But were not whole Housholds Baptized?

It doth not therefore fol­low, any Infants were Baptized, unless our [...] could prove there were no whole Housholds, but such in whom were some Chil­dren in Nonage; besides, it is said, That St. Paul Preached the Gospel to the Jaylor, and to all that were in his House; and that he Believed [Page 91] in God with all his Heart, and Re­joyced with all his House: As well as it is said, He was Baptized, with all his House, Acts 16.32, 33.

But Son, What do you think should be the reason, since Believers Baptism lies so plain in the Word of God (and that none else were in the Primitive Times Baptized) that so many Learned and Holy men should not see it?

Sir, I have often wonder'd at it, I must confess, and I have been a thinking it may be from God, as a Just Rebuke upon some of them, because they have Mag­nified Humane Learning (which is very good in its place) above what they ought; and have too much slighted [...]ome who have not such Humane Literature; for God would have no Flesh Glory in his Presence, but that he that Glorieth, may Glory in the Lord, [...] Cor. 2.2 [...].31.

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What other Reason have yo [...] thought of?

It may be also as a Rebuke upon those good Christians, who have been too ready to Build their Faith upon Worthy men, upon the account of their Learning; & God would not have the Faith of his People stand in the Wisdom of Men, but in the Power of God, 1 Cor. 2.5. Besides, the Doctrine of self-denial is hard to learn.

How do you prove that the Baptism of Water is Christ's Ordi­nance? 'Tis not said, Mat. 28.19.20. Teach all Nations, Baptizing them in Water, &c.

But though Water is not there expressed, it is implyed, be­cause the Apostles could not Bap­tize with the Holy Ghost, for that is the Prerogative of Christ alone; besides, that which the Lord Jesus commanded them to Baptize [Page 93] with, was that which they did Baptize with; but palpable it i [...], that that which the Apostles Bap­tized with, was Water. Can any man forbid Water, that these should not be Baptized? &c. Acts 10.47.

Doth not Paul say, Christ sent him not to Baptize, but to Preach the Gospel?

Paul doth not mean Christ did not at all require him to Baptize, or that it was not in his Commission, but rather that he was not in the first place only, or chiefly sent to do that; for if [...] had no command at all to Baptize▪ he did evil in Baptizing Crispus & Gaius, with divers others. Read these Scriptures, which [...] after the same manner to be understood, John 6.17. 1 Tim. 2.14. Ephes. 6.12. Morover, 'tis evident, Christ required St▪ Paul to baptize, be­cause he and other [...] did [Page 94] baptize in Christ's Name, and commanded others so to be; that is, by his Command & Authority, Acts 10.47. 1 Cor. 1.13, 14.

Ought those who are Baptized with the Holy Spirit, to be Baptized with Water?

Yea, they ought; for the highest attainment cannot free Persons from subjecting to this Ordinance; Our Blessed Saviour, who had the Spirit without mea­sure, was Baptized, as an Example, that we shall follow his steps; also Cornelius, and those with him, who were baptized with the holy Ghost, were commanded by St. Peter to be baptized in Water, Acts. 10.44.

What Ordinance follows Baptism?

Laying on of Hands, Acts 8.17▪ and 19.6. Heb. 6.1.2.

What is the Church of God?

The Church of God is a company of Believers, or Godly Christians, Incorporated together [Page 95] into an Holy Fellowship and Com­munion in Love & Heavenly Con­cord according to the Apostolical Constitution, among whom the Word of God is truly Preached & the Holy Ordinances of Christ are duly & rightly Administred, Acts 2.40, 41, 42, 43, 44, &c.

Is not the Church of God then in Gospel Times National, as it was under the Law?

No, the Dispensation is changed, the Fleshly Seed is cast out by him that hath the Key of David, that openeth, and no man shutteth; that shutteth and no man openeth; God's People are a Separated People, and are com­manded so to be, and not to be conformable to this World in their Constitutions, Ordinances and Worship, 2 Cor. 6.17. Rom. 1 [...].2. Mat. 3.9. Rev. 18.4. Gal. 4.2, 3.

Who ought to be received into [Page 96] Gods Church?

Only true Penitent and be­lieving Persons, Act. 2.42, 45. Pet. 2.5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Ought all Persons to be Bap­tized before they are received into the Church of God?

Yea, all who ever they be, ought to be Baptized before they are [...]eceived into the Church of God. Baptism is acknowledged by all Christians, generally to be an initiating Ordinance, Acts· 2.40, 41, 43. Gal. 3.27.

What is the Lord's Supper?

The Lords Supper is a ho­ly Ordinance of Christ, instituted the very Night in which he was betrayed, 1 Cor. 11.23.

What External Matter doth the Lord's Supper consist of?

It consisteth only of Bread and Wine, Mat. 26.26, 27. Luke 22. [...]9, [...]0. 1. Cor. 11.23, 24.

What doth [...] Bread and [Page 97] Wine signifie?

The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Is the Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper, after they are Blessed, the real Body and Blood of Christ?

No, they are but Signs or Figures of his Body.

But doth not Christ say, This [...]s my Body?

'Tis a Figurative Speech; he says also in another Place, I am a Vine, a Door, a VVay, &c. He is called, a Rock, 'tis said that Rock is Christ, 1▪ Cor. 10.4. Which Scriptures, are all to be taken figuratively; This is my Body, 'tis as if he should say, this is a Sign or Figure of my Body, for 'tis called Bread before it was Blessed, and also after it was Blessed; and 'tis called Bread, which the Disciples did eat, 1 Cor. 11.26. The Bread which we bless, is it not the Commu­nion of the Body of Christ? &c. [Page 98] 1▪ Cor. 1 [...] 16. Besides, 'tis against [...]eason and our very Senses, to be­lieve it to be any other thing.

VVhat doth the breaking of the Bread signifie?

God's giving of Christ for us, and also to us, to be the Bread and Food of our Souls.

What doth the taking of the Bread bold forth?

Our taking or accepting of Christ for Justification and Eter­nal Life.

What doth the eating of the Bread signifie?

It holds forth that we do spiritually feed, and live by Faith on Jesus Christ.

What further use is the Ordi­nance of the Lords Supper of, to us?

It strengthens our Faith in Christ, and increases our Love to Christ, and gloriously refreshes our Souls, by Communion with him in all the Graces & Comforts of the Holy Spirit.

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What other use is it of to us▪

It shews that blessed Near­ness or sweet Union, which is, and ought to be among God's People; for as many Corns of Wheat ground in a Mill, tend to make one Loaf of Bread, so we being many, are one Bread and one Body, of whom Christ is the Head, 1 Cor. 10.17.

What doth the pouring forth of the Wine signifie?

The pouring forth of the Wine, signifies the pouring forth of the Blood of Christ.

What doth the taking and Drinking of the Cup hold forth?

It signifies our applying the Vertue of Christ's Blood to our Souls; as that which did At­tone, and make Reconciliation for our Sins.

What else doth this Ordinance of the Lords Supper hold forth?

It holds forth, not only the inconceivable Love of Chrst, [Page 100] in giving his Body to be broken, and his Blood to be shed for us; but also the horrible Nature, or exceeding sinfulness of Sin, in that nothing could Attone, or make Re­conciliation with God for it, but the precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Who ought to receive the Lord's Supper?

Only Godly Men and Wo­men, or such who are truly con­verted, and are approved Mem­bers of Christ's Church.

What is required of them that come to the Lord's Table?

They ought to examine themselves; it calls for due Pre­paration, viz. a sincere Confessi­on of Sins, and godly Sorrow for the same▪ They ought to come with clean Hands, & a pure Heart; also forgiving all that have offend­ed them; they must not eat with the Bread of Malice and Wick­edness: Faith also is required in [Page 101] the Death and Blood-sheding of Christ: And lastly, a Sin-loathing, and Self-abhoring of themselves.

May not Swearers, Whore-mong­ers, and such like, partake thereof?

No, by no means; for such are Unworthy Receivers, & if they eat, they Eat and Drink their onw Damnation, 1 Cor. 11.29.

But may not Believers pertake with such Ʋnconverted Persons?

No, for its directly against the express Word of God; with such do not Eat, 1 Cor. 5.11.

Concerning the Resurrection.

WHat believest thou con­cerning the Resurrec­tion of the Dead?

I believe that the Bodies of all Men & Women, shall rise from the dead at the last Day, Dan. 12.2. 1 Cor. 15.21, 22. Rev. 20.15.

Shall the same Body be raised?

Yea; for if it were not the [Page 102] same Body, it could not be called a Resurrection, but rather a New Creation; and if it were not the same Body, then it would not be that Body of the wicked, that sinned, nor that Body of the godly, that suffered; and consequently God would punish an innocent Body, Job 19.25. Joh. 11.24. cap. 5.28.

It is said, our Bodies shall be changed?

It will be a change of the Qualities of our Bodies, but not of the Substance.

What believe you concerning the Souls of Men when they depart this Life?

The Souls of the godly at Death, go immediately to Christ, and the Souls of the wicked into Chains of Darkness, Luke. 23.42, 43. Luke 16.22, 23, 24. Phil. 23.

What believe you concerning the Souls of men when they depart this Life?

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The Souls of the godly at Death, go immediately to Christ, and the Souls of the wicked into Chains of Darkness. Luke 23.42. & cap. 16.22. Phil. 23.

What believe you concerning the Day of Judgment?

I believe that after the Re­surrection at the last day, all men, both Saints and Sinners, the Just and Unjust shall all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, to receive the thing done in their Bodies, Eccl. 12.14. 2 Cor. 5.10. Rev. 20.11, 12.

What will be the state of all men after the last and dreadful day of Judgment is over?

The Wicked shall both Body & Soul be cast into Hell fire, and the Godly shall be received in­to that glorious Kingdom prepared for them from the Foundation of the World; the one shall be Eternally Miserable, and the other be Bles­sed in the perfect enjoyment of [Page 104] God, for Ever and ever. Amen, Rev. 20.14, 15. Mat. 25.33, 46.

Concerning Prayer.

Quest. WHat is Prayer?

Answ. Prayer is the pouring forth of the Desires of the Soul to Almighty God, or an hum­ble asking of God such things as we need, 1 Sam. 1.15.

Quest. What Rule hath God given to direct his People in Prayer?

Ans. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer, but the special Rule is that form of Prayer which Jesus Christ taught his Dis­ciples, Mat. 9.6.

Qu. May all Persons (Sinners as well as Saints) use those words, or pray so as Christ taught his Disciples?

Ans. No verily, Ungodly and Sinners ought not so to Pray.

Quest. Why so?

Ans. Because they cannot go to God as to a Father, they may Pray [Page 105] to him as to a Merciful Creator; but not as to a Father, because they are not his Children; also, they cannot Pray, Forgive us our Trespasses, as we forgive them that Trespass against us, because many of them do not forgive such who Trespass against them.

Qu· Must Children Pray to God?

Ans. Yea, they and all others by all means ought to pray, for Prayer is a Branch of Natural Religion.

Qu. Ought Parents to Teach their Children a form of Prayer?

Ans. Parents ought to give Di­rections to their Children how they should Pray, and what they should Pray for, & exhort them to Pray; but we do not read in Scripture, that any of Gods Servants taught their Children a form of Prayer.

Qu. What kind of Directions are necessary for Parents to give their Children upon this account?

Ans. They ought to command [Page 106] them to Cry to the Real and Mer­ciful God, in a Humble and Reve­rent manner to shew them their lost & undone Condition without Christ, and to give them Wisdom and his Heavenly Grace to renew his Image in them, lost by the Fall of Adam, and to bestow these and all other good things upon them for Christs sake.

Qu. How should God's Children Pray, according to those Directions given in the Lord's Prayer?

Ans. From the Preface, Our Fa­ther which art in Heaven; we learn to draw near to God with holy Reverence, as Children to a Fa­ther, able and ready to help us; and that we ought to Pray for all God's Children likewise; 'tis not said, O Father, nor my Father, but Our Father; we must bear all the Saints upon our Hearts when we Pray, Psal 64.1.

Quest. What are we taught to Pray for in the first Petition?

[Page 107] Ans. In these words, Hallowed be thy Name, we are taught to glo­rifie God in all his Attributes, or howsoever else he is made known to us and that every thing may ten [...] to his own Glory, and to seek his Glory before our own good.

Quest. What do we desire in the second Petition?

Ans. In the second petition Thy Kingdom come, we are taught to Pray that God would destroy the the Kingdom of Satan, that so the Kingdom of Grace may come with power upon our Hearts; and that rhe Kingdom of Glory, or God's Visible Kingdom may be hastened and set up with power in the World, Psal. 68.1. Psal. 51.18▪ Dan. 7.27.

Quest. What are we directed to to pray for in the third Petition?

Ans. In the third Petition, Thy Will be done, we are taught to Pray that God by Grace would help us [Page 108] to do (and submit to) his Will in all things, as the Angels do it in Heaven.

Quest. What is it we desire or are to Pray for in the fourth Petition?

Ans. In the fourth Petition, Give us this day our daily Bread, we are taught to Pray that God would give us all things which are needful for us in this Life; by which we acknowledge God to be the Fountain of all Earthly Mercies of Good Things, as well as of Spiri­tual, Psal. 90.17. Acts 1.727.

Quest What do we Pray for in the fifth Petition?

Ans. In the fifth Petition, And forgive us our Trespasses, as we forgive them that Trespass against us, we are taught to ask Forgiveness or Pardon of God, viz. that he would through the Attonement Christ hath made by his Blood, forgive us all our Sins, and impute Christs Righteousness to us by Faith, Rom. 3.23. and not only to beg pardon, [Page 109] but also the sence or sight of Par­don and Forgiveness.

Quest. What do we ask of God in the sixth Petition?

Ans. In the sixth Petition we are taught to beg of God that he would not suffer us to fall into such a State or Company, that may lead us into Temptation to Sin a­gainst God.

Qu. What doth the Conclusion of this Prayer teach us?

Ans. The Conclusion of this Prayer which runs thus, For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory for ever, Amen, doth teach us to ascribe all Praise and Glory to God, whose Power, Kingdom & Glory is over all for ever and ever, 2 Cor. 1.20. 1 Chron. 29.11. 2 Tim 2.13

Quest. How oughtest thou to Pray then, doest thou learn from hence and other Scriptures in general?

Ans. I learn▪ that we ought to [Page 110] Pray in the Spirit, that my Spirit must Pray; & that too, by the help of the holy Spirit of God; ad that I ought to Pray with Under­standing. And moreover, we must Pray in Truth, viz. Speak no more with our Tongues, then doth agree with our Hearts; and that we ought to lift up holy Hands, Pray with an Heart set against, hating and loathing all manner of Sin and Evil, & to Pray fervently, in Faith, Constantly, and to Pray according to the Will of God, & to put up all Prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ. And lastly, That we ought in the first place to seek the Honour of God before our one good, and to seek the good of our Souls before the good of our Bodies; and that we should in Prayer design & seek the good of others, as well as our own good.

Quest. How is Jesus Christ Our [Page 111] Mediator made known or manifested to us?

Ans. Negatively, our Mediator is not made known by the Works of Creation, nor by the Light which is in all men; by the visible things that are made, we may know there is a Creator, yet hereby we can't know there is a Redeemer or Mediator, who was Born of the Virgin, Crucified, Dead and Buried, Raised again, and ascended into Heaven; there­fore in the Affirmative, Christ (as our Redeemer) is only made known by the Divine Revelation of the holy Scripture.

Since I perceive (my Son) thou art so well Instructed in the Principles of the Christian Religion, pray give me a short Confession of your Faith.

I believe with my Heart, and confess with my mouth, That God is one Almighty, Eternal, [Page 112] Infinit and Admirable Essence, and is unspeakably Glorious in all his Attributes; who by his mighty Power and Wisdom made Heaven & Earth & all things therein.

I also believe in Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the only begotten Son of God, being the brightness of his Glory, & the express Image of his Person; and as he is verily God of the Substance of the Father, so he is truly Man; he took on him the Seed of Abraham, being concei­ved by the holy Ghost; he was Born of the Virgin Mary, and was Condemned by Pontius Pilate, & that he suffered Death to Redeem me and all those who truly believe in him, and that there is no Re­mission of Sin but by his Blood; I also believe he Rose again the Third Day, and Ascended into Heaven above, and sitteth now at the right hand of God, to make Intercession for us; and that from [Page 113] thence he shall come again at the End of the World, to be the judge of the quick and dead.

I also believe in God the holy Ghost, who is one with the Father & the Son, proceeding from them, who is my Sanctifier, & the Sancti­fier of all the Elect People of God.

I believe likewise that God hath one Holy and Blessed Church on Earth (who are a select People seperated from the evil customs & worships of the World) and I believe the Resurrection of the Dead, the Eternal Judgment with the Life everlasting, Amen