Of the First Principle of St. Paul's CATECHISM: Or, Repentance from dead Works.

I Desire to know, what were the first Things preached by Christ and his Apostles, and to be learned by their Followers?

The first Things which Christ preached were Repentance, and Faith, as it is written, Matth. 4. 17. Mark 1. 14.

Whose Heavenly Doctrine is more fully set down, and gathered into six Principles by St. Paul. Heb. 6. 1, 2. and thus declared. Repentance from dead Works, and of Faith towards God; of the Doctrine of Baptisms, and of laying on of Hands: and of the Resurrection of the Dead, and of eternal Judgment.

Seeing these are the Foundation-Principles, how must I understand the Apostle when he saith, learning the Principles?

They are words respecting the order of Discourse, and bear this sence; that St. Paul would leave at that time to speak further of these Principles; and go on to more perfect or higher Mysteries, and so he [...]roceeds to discourse of the excellency of Christ's Priesthood above the Aaronical Priesthood, Chap. 7, &c.

I confess, if we should otherwise leave these Prin­ciples, we should leave God himself, for without Faith and Humiliation we cannot please God. But does not Faith go before Repentance?

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We must distinguish of Faith. There is the Faith of Mankind, who generally do believe there is a God, that will punish the Wicked, and reward the Just. This Faith must go before Repentance, Heb. 11. 6.

But the Faith here spoken of, is the Faith of actual Justification; and this Faith must needs follow Repen­tance, Rom. 3. 25. and 5. 1. thus God is the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. Impenitent Sinners are so far from Justification, that Christ tells them, Except they repent, they shall all perish, Luke 13. 2, 3, 4, 5.

I thank you for this distinction; I see the necessi­ty of Repentance. Pray shew me the true Nature of Repentance, and how I may obtain Repentance unto Life; And whether it be the Gift of God?

That Repentance unto Life is the Gift God, is very clear, Acts 5. 31. & 11. 18. It is a special Mercy flowing from the goodness of God to all Sinners, Rom. 2. 3. for he might in justice have denied the Riches of his Grace to the Rebellious, which yet he hath not, Psalm 68. 18. Acts 17. 30. Thus God gives Repen­tance, both graciously and preceptively.

But does not God also give Power, with his gra­cious Precept, to repent?

That God gives Repentance potentially, is true; Jer. 31. 18, 19. Turn thou me, and I shall be turned: surely when I was turned, I repented. Yet this Power is not ir­resistible, but it is sufficient, either to effect Repentance, or to leave the Sinner without excuse, Ezek. 24. 13. Rom. 1. 32. compared with Rom. 2. 1.

Christ was sent to turn every one of the Jews from their Iniquities; and there was a sufficiency of Power in the means which he used to do it. But yet they re­sisted the Holy Ghost, and the Holy Jesus, and were de­stroyed in their Iniquities, Acts 3. 26. & 7. 51. see Mat. 12. 41.

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I see plainly we may not look for in irresistibl [...] Power to convert us to God.

The Gospel, as it is the ministration of the Spirit, is to us the Power of God to Salvation, as well as it was to the Jews, Rom. 1. 16, 17.

I desire to know what are the Parts of Repentance unto Life?

The Parts of Repentance unto Life were princi­pally three. 1. A thorow or due sense of Sin, in the sinful Nature of it. 2. A godly sorrow for our Sins; chiefly, because we have committed them against the Will and Commandment of that gracious God, by whose Mercy and Goodness we live and enjoy all good Things. 3. It consists in a holy resolution and endea­vour to forsake all sinful ways.

Pray explain the first part of Repentance, by shewing me what Sin is, that I may have a due sense of it?

The Scripture tells us, That St. Paul had not known Sin but by the Law, Rom. 7. 7. And that by the Law is the knowledg of Sin, Rom. 3. 20. and that Sin is the Transgression of the Law, John 3. 4. And where no Law is, there is no Transgression. And that the substance and work of this Law is so far revealed to all the World, that all the World is under it; and that by the breach of God's Law, every Mouth shall be stopped, and all the World be found guilty before God, Rom. 3. 19, 20, 23.

I confess, if all the World be not under some Law of God, they could not be guilty of Sin against God. But my desire is, to know what Law we are un­der, who have the Holy Scriptures amongst us?

We are under the Law of God, as it is given to Mankind universally, (being of the Gentile Race) that is, the Principles of Right Reason, and the Instructions of the Book of Creation, Psal. 19. 1, 2, 3. Rom. 1. 2. [Page 19] whereunto it has pleased God to add this great Bles­sing, that we have the Divine Law, as contained in the Holy Scriptures, by which more excellent Things are made known; which are also explain'd and confirm'd to us by Jesus Christ in the New Testament, whom we are commanded to hear in all things. And thus we are under the teachings of the Law, both Natural & Divine.

Where shall we find the Substance of the Law, Natural and Divine, recommended and explained to us?

In the Ten Commandments, Exod. 20. which are explained in our Saviour's Sermons on the Mount, &c. Mat. Chap. 5, 6, 7. and comprised by him in the two great Evangelical Precepts; that is, To love God a­bove all; and our Neighbours as our selves, Mat. 22. 37, 38, 39, 40. Upon these two Commands hang all the Law and the Prophets.

How may a Man know that he is guilty of the breach of these Laws?

1. By considering the quality of that Love which we owe to God, and to our Neighbour, respectively: For our Love to God must be of the superlative or high­est Degree; less than this he will not accept.

2. Our Love to our Neighbour must be of the Possi­tive Degree, even as we love our selves; and by how much we come short in these, by so much we sin and come short of the Glory of God, or of glorifying him as God.

What are the true demonstrations of Love to God?

1. When God is chiefly and most delightfully in our thoughts of all things whatsoever, Psal. 43. 4. Psal. 25.

2. When his Word, and chiefly his Commands, are not grievous but delightful to us, 1 John 2. 3, 4, 5.

3. When Sin is the Object of our hatred, because it is contrary to the Nature and Will of God, Psal. 37. 10. Jude 23. Rev. 2. 6.

4. When we hunger and thirst for the gracious, and [Page 20] for the glorious enjoyment of God, Psal. 42. 1, 2. John 14. 8.

What are the true Demonstrations of Love to my Neighbour?

They are many, some are continual, and some are occasional; and they flow from this Spring. A hearty desire of their good, or constant Prayer to God for them; for this keeps our Heart open in love towards them, not only to avoid all things that may do them harm, but also to pity and help them in their Necessi­ties, as we are able, both in things Temporal and Spi­ritual. This is that Charity, without which the highest Pretences to Religion are nothing.

By these brief Rules, I perceive how greatly Sin has prevailed against Men generally, and against my self in particular, whilst we have followed the desires of the Flesh, and of the Mind, neglecting both God and our Neighbour. What manner of Repentance is that which you call the second Part?

It is a godly Sorrow, or sorrowing for Sin after a godly sort, 2 Cor. 7. 9. and arises in the Heart from this Consideration; That whilst a gracious God hath been following us with Mercies, from day to day, we have consum'd these Days and Mercies in ignorance of God, and in sinful Courses in the sight of God, and against Heaven, Luk. 15. 18. And the truly Penitent, do often meet with David's experience, Psal. 51. 4. & 77. 2, 3, 4. Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my Soul refused to be comforted.

I thought upon God, and was troubled: I complained, and my Spirit was overwhelmed. I am so troubled I cannot speak. And in this Conflict, the Sinner will remember his sinful Original, Psal. 51. 5.

Is Original Sin cause of Humiliation?

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Yes undoubtedly; For all Flesh was, and is defiled by it, (Christ only excepted, Heb. 4. 15.) and should have perished under it, had not Christ, the Lamb of God, been in God's Decree slain from the Foundation of the World, to take away this Sin of the World in the condemning power of it, John 1. 29. Rom. 5. 18.

I would gladly know how to attain this Godly Sorrow, which worketh Repentance unto Salvation.

1. Consider, in order thereunto, That the Holy God hates those who presumptuously go on in their Trespasses, Psal. 7. 11, 12, 13. & 68. 21.

2. But if any say I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; he shall deliver his Soul from going to the Pit, Job 33. 27, 28.

3. Think often of the Judgments of God against ob­durate Sinners, and of his Mercy in sparing thee so long. And let his Goodness and Forbearance lead thee to Re­pentance, Rom. 2. 4.

4. Pray much to Almighty God to be thy help herein; Jer. 31. 18. Turn thou me, and I shall be turned, for thou art the Lord my God.

May these Directions be blessed to me, I shall then have my desire. But what mean you by the third part of Repentance?

I mean, 1. a holy loathing and abhorring all Sin, because it is of the Devil, 1 John 3. 8. And because God hates it, and because Christ died for it, or because of it. 2. Abstain from the act of Sin, in Desire, Word, and Deed, as much as possible; Jonah 3. 10. God saw their Works, that they turned from their evil ways. Break off thy Sins by Righteousness, Dan. 4. 27. Repent you therefore and be converted, Acts 3. 19. This is to bring forth Fruit meet for Repentance.

Hath Man any liberty of Will, and any measure of Power, thus to hate and forsake Sin?

1. By the Bounty of God, Man hath some Liberty [Page 22] and Power this way, he is not chained to his Sin of necessity; Josh. 24. 19. Chuse you this day whom you will serve. To day if you will hear his Voice, harden not your Hearts, Heb. 3. 7, 8. Mary hath chosen the good part, uk. 10. 42.

2. Yet Man's Infirmity in the exercise of this Liber­ty and Power is so great, that he is not to depend upon this Liberty and Power, but upon the strength of God, in the use of them, Hos. 14. 2. 2 Cor. 3. 5.

I confess my self, and all Men indispensably bound to repent, and turn to God. But I desire to know whe­ther this Repentance will justify the Sinner, or how far it is available hereunto?

Though a Sinner humble himself, and repent in Dust and Ashes, as truly as Job did, Job 42. 6. Yet is he not thereby justified, but only prepared to justification; for remission of Sin follows Repentance, Luke 24. 47. and is made ours, freely by the Grace of God, through the Redemption which is in Christ Jesus. For without shed­ding of Blood there is no Remission, Heb. 9. 22. & 10. 18. Rom. 5. 9. We must therefore in no wise place our Ju­stification in our Repentance, for that were to place our Justification from the guilt and condemning Power of Sin, in our Duty, and not in Christ Jesus, which God forbid.

I desire you therefore to shew me this great My­stery of the Gospel, which guides poor Sinners to the true Cause of Justification, from the guilt and condem­ning Nature of Sin.

That I will endeavour to do in our con [...]ideration of the second Principle of Christ's Doctrine, to wit, Of Faith towards God, or towards our Lord Jesu [...] Christ, Heb. 6. 1. Acts 20. 21.

The Second Principle of St. Paul's CATECHISM: Or, Of Faith towards God.

I de [...]ire first to have a true definition of Faith; that is, I desire to know what Faith is?

St. Paul defines Faith thus, Heb. 11. 1. Now Faith is the substance of Things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

It is also truly defined, of a firm belief of the Truth of God as made known in the Scriptures; and particu­la [...]ly concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, John 20. 31. 1 John 5. 10, 11.

I perceive that the main design of the Holy Scriptures, is to direct us to Jesus Christ; I do there­fore desire to know what Record God hath given of his Son?

This is the Record which God hath given of his Son; That God hath given to us eternal Life, and that this Life is in his Son. 1 John 5. 11. with John 1. 4. and 6. 51.

Was the Son of God ordained to procure the Light of saving Life to the whole World?

Yes, God so loved the World, that he gave his only begot­ten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting Life. And the reason why many shall not see Eternal Life, is, because they believe not on the Name of the only begotten Son of God, John 3. 16, 17, 18.

But how can they be saved by Christ who never heard of him?

Christ is the Lamb of God, slain in the design of God, to take away the Sin of the World, John 1. 29. [Page 24] In whom God hath offered such means of Light as to him seemed convenient, Act. 17. 26, 27. that all might seek him, and be reconciled to him, 2 Cor. 5. 14, 18, 19. And according to the due use, or wilful abuse of his Mer­cy so offered, you shall all be acquitted, or condemned, in the day when God shall judg the Secrets of Men ac­cording to the Gospel, Rom. 2. 14, 15, 16. Now the Gospel shews that God is not an hard Master, he only expects improvement of what he gives, he will not reap where he hath not Sown, 2 Cor. 8. 12. Dying In­fants never heard of Christ, yet they shall be saved, Mat. 19. 14.

By this I perceive all Men are under the Mercy of God, as well as under his Justice: and that none shall therefore perish for want of Mercy, but because they turn the Grace of God into wantonness. Shew me therefore what we, who have the holy Scriptures, are bound to believe concerning God and Jesus Christ whom he hath Sent.

We are firmly to believe that God is, Heb. 11. 6. and that there's no other God but one, Mark 12. 32, 34.

This one God is made known to us by three Deno­minations especially; The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Mat. 28. 19. 1 John 5. 7. 1 Tim. 3. 16. John 1. 14.

And that thou mayest know how this Great Mystery was understood by the Ancient Church, about 1400 Years ago, I will here shew thee their Confession of Faith, published by a very great Council of the Chri­stians in those daies, wherein were 318 Pastors of the Church, who thus profess their Faith.

I much reverence this ancient Confession of Faith, for it's excellent Brevity, and especially for the solidity of the Matter. But I desire you to shew me what Scrip­ture-Evidence we have for some things contained in the second Article, where it says, The Son of God was begotten before all Worlds.

In Heb. 1. 5. the Son of God is called the First-Be­gotten: and vers. 2. 'tis said, The Worlds (that is, all Worlds) were made by him; and vers. 10. Thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the Foundation of the Earth, and the Heavens are the Works of thy Hands, John 1. 1, 2, 3. is full evidence of the same thing. And Colos. 1. 17. [Page 26] He is before all things, and by him all things consist.

But how is it said, the Son is God of God, Light of Light? &c.

1. The same Testimonies which prove He was God, and that he was before all things, proves that he was God of God: because there was but one God, nor as yet any other Essence but God. The Son w [...]s there­fore begotten, not made, because all things were made by him which was made; and sure he that made all things was not made himself.

2. In 1 John. 5. 20. The Son is expresly called, Very God; and seeing there is but one God, he must needs be very God of very God.

3. And for the same reason he is Light of Light; for God is that Light in whom is no Darkness, 1 [...]ohn 1. [...] ▪ and so is Christ, John 1. 5, 7, 8, 9. See also Rev. 21. 2 [...] ▪ Heb. 1. 3.

It seems the great Council did not want Scri [...] ­ture-evidence to confirm this great Article o [...] [...]he pr [...] ­existence of the Son of God. I pray explain the thi [...]d Article, where the Son of God is said to be incarnate of of the Virgin Mary by the Holy [...]ost, and became Man.

It pleased the Father Almighty, that his Son, who being in the form of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with God, should take upon him the form of a Servant, and be found in the habit of Man, Col. 2. 6, 7.

And in this state, He that was above all Angels, Heb. 1. 5. was now made a little lower than the Angels, for the suffering of Death, Heb. 2. 9. For he took not on him the Nature of Angels, but he took on him the Seed of Abraham, Heb. 2. 16. And in this respect, both he that sanctifieth, and they that are sanctified, are all of one, [that is, one Flesh] for which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren.

And as Children are partakers of Flesh and Blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, that by means of Death he might destroy him that had the Power of Death, that is, the Devil, Heb. 2.

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This a great Mystery indeed; I desire to know how and when this was fulfilled or accomplished?

The Lord Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, in the time of Augustus Caesar, about the Year of the World 3962. And his Birth was thus effected by the most High God. His Power overshadowed the Virgin, and by the Holy Ghost coming upon her, she conceived, and was with Child, Luk. 1. 35. Mat. 1. 18. And at Bethlehem she brought forth her Son, and (as the Angel had com­manded) called his Name Jesus, which signifies a Sa­viour, the same is called Christ, Mat. 1. 21. Luk. 2. 7. as it was foretold by the Prophets, Isa. 7. 14. Mich. 5. 2.

Do's any Testimony appear in humane Histories, respecting the Time of the Birth and Death of our Lord Christ?

Our Faith must only rest upon the Authority of the Scriptures; in these things nevertheless there is som [...] things remarkable found in the Histories of those Times.

I understand that Christ is the true Messiah, of whom Moses and the Prophets did write, John 1. 41, 45. Deut. [Page 28] 18. 18. Isa. 7. 14. I desire therefore to know what I a [...] farther to believe concerning him, that I may be saved

Thou must with the Heart believe unto Righteous­ness, and with the Mouth make confession unto Salva­tion, Rom. 10. 10.

What do you mean by believing unto Righteous­ness?

There is a two-fold Righteousness, which true Faith will lead thee unto. The one is Imputative; the other is Practical. The first is called the Righteousness of God, Mat. 6. 33. or God's Righteousness, Rom. 10. 3. This Righteousness is revealed by the Gospel, Rom. 1. 17, 18. It is a Righteousness to us without the Law; and yet witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, Rom. 3. 21▪ It is the Righteousness of Christ, who is the Lord our Righteousness, Isa. 45. 24, 25. Christ made of God un [...] us Righteousness, 1 Cor. 1. 30.

I desire to understand this more plainly.

1. God having made a Righteous Law, it must be fulfilled; and none was able to do [...]his but Christ, and he did fulfil it in our behalf Heb. 10. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Psal. 4. 5, 6, 7. and thus the Rig [...]teousness of the Law is ful­filled in the Children of God, because Christ's Righte­ousness is made theirs through believing, Rom. 10▪ 3, 4. Phil. 3. 9. And they are made the Righteousness of God in Him, 2 Cor. 5. 21. that is, a Righteous People to God.

2. The Justice of God cried against us for Sin com­mitted; and Sin must be purged by the Blood of Christ; He bare our sins, that is, the punishment of our Sins, in his own Body on the Tree, 1 Pet. 2. 24. And thus we are ju­stified by his Death, and saved by his Life, Rom. 5. 9, 10. He died for our Sins, and rose again for our Justification, Rom. 4. 25.

Where do's God say, that Righteousness is a thing imputed to Man?

Rom. 4. 6. David describeth the blessedness of the Man [Page 29] unto whom God imputeth Righteousness without Works, saith the Apostle.

Abraham being fully perswaded, that what God had promised, he was able to perform. It was imputed to him for Righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed unto him. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus Christ from the Dead, Rom. 4. 21, 22, 23, 24.

And is this wonderful Grace held forth to all Men in Christ?

Yes, The Righteousness of God without the Law is ma­nifested, or published, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the Righteousness of God, which is by Faith of Jesus Christ ƲNTO ALL, and upon all that believe: for there is N [...] difference. For ALL have sinned, and come short of the [...]lory of God: Being justified freely by his Grace, through the [...]edemption that is in Christ Jesus; Whom God hath set forth [...] be a propitiation [for our sins; and not for ours on­ly, bu [...] also for the sins of the whole World, 1 John 2. 2.] throug [...] Faith in his Blood; to declare his Righteousness for the re [...]ission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time his Righteousness, that [...]e might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Je­ [...]us, Rom. 3. 21, to 27.

It appears plainly, that the Righteousness of Christ, in and by Christ, is free for all; but yet it is re­ceived by Faith. But does God require all Men to be­ [...]eve this?

Yes, Christ with all his Benefits was tendred to [...]he Jews; but they being ignorant of God's Righteousness, [...]nd going about to establish their own Righteousness, have not [...]bmitted themselves to the Righteousness of God, Rom. 10. 1, 2,

[...]. So they would not come to Christ that they might [...]ave Life, John 5. 40.

2. All are commanded to believe the Gospel, (which [...]eveals this Righteousness of God as the main of it) [Page 30] under pain of damnation, Mark 16. 15, 16. All Me [...] are therefore to believe that God has Mercy, and Grac [...] and Glory in store for them all, 1 Tim. 2. 4, 5, 6.

I desire you to give me the sum of the Gospel [...] few words.

This Gospel is briefly comprehended in this sa [...] ing; Christ died for our Sins, and rose again for [...] Justification, 1 Cor. 15. 3, 4. Which is further e [...] plained; 2 Cor. 5. 18, 19, 20, 21. And the great Hol [...] ness which it teacheth, is set down, with the Glory co [...] sequent to it, Tit. 2. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. 1 Pet. 1. 4, [...] ▪

Did Christ our Lord die and rise again for all Me [...] without exception?

Yes, he did; For, for this cause Christ both die [...], ro [...] and revived, that he might be Lord both of the Dead a [...]d L [...] ving, Rom. 14. 9. He gave himself a Ransom for all, [...] Ti [...] 2. 6. He tasted Death for every Man, Heb. 2. [...]9. [...] bought them that deny him, and bring upon themselv [...] [...] destruction, 2 Pet. 2. 1.

These things cannot be spoken against. But [...] Christ die as he was God, or as he was Man only▪

Not as God; for if God should die, nothi [...] could live. Man cannot kill the Soul of Man, muc [...] less the Divine Nature of Christ; our Saviour was [...] to death in the Flesh, 1 Pet. 3. 18. He died through wea [...] ness, 2 Cor. 13. 4. He was made Lower than the Angel that he might suffer Death, Heb. 2. 9.

It was sufficient that an holy Man, perfectly jus [...] without Sin, should die for the unjust, that he mig [...] bring us to God.

To strengthen my Faith, I desire to know som [...] clear Grounds or Evidence that the holy Spirit is God.

1. Because he is called the eternal Spirit, Heb. [...] 14. and is present in every place, Psal. 39. 7. He is e [...] presly called God, Act. 5. 3, 4, 9.

2. We are baptised into his Name, Mat. 28. [Page 31] But we are not to be baptised into the name of a Crea­ted Spirit.

3. The Work of Creation is ascribed to him, and he hath his procedure from the Father and the Son, and is one with them, Gen. 1. 1, 2, 3. Psal. 104. 30. John 15. 26.

I am well satisfied, that the Righteousness of Faith is a grea [...] [...]: I desire to learn the Righteousness of Practice [...] ▪

Practical Righteousness is a holy walking with God in obedience to all his Commands, to the best of our k [...]owledg and ability, 1 John 2. 4, 5, 6. For the Gos­p [...] of the Grace of God teacheth us to deny all Ʋngodly­ne [...] and worldly Lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and g [...]dly on this present Life, Tit. 2. 11, 12. Christians are [...]rictly obliged to observe all things whatsoever Christ com­m [...]ded, Ma [...]. 28. 19. For they are God's workmanship, [...] in Christ Jesus unto good Works, which God hath [...] ordained, that they should walk in them, Ephes. 2. 10▪

Christians are bo [...]d to hear Christ their great Pro­phet [...]n whatsoever [...] shall say. Nor are they his true Friends, unless the [...] do (to their best) whatsoever he commands them, Act. 3. 22. John 15. 14.

Will not Faith save us without Works?

Altho we are not saved by Works, yet we are not saved without Works. For what doth it profit, if a Man say, he hath Faith, and have not Works, can Faith save him? Jam. 2. 14. As the Body without the Spirit is dead, so Faith without Works is dead also.

What shall I do that I may work the Work of God?

1. This is the Work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent, John 6. 29. This Faith must be put into act, else it is not the Work of Faith with Power, 2 Thes. 1. 9. Gal. 5. 6. Jam. 2. 22, 24.

[Page 32] 2. True Faith overcometh the World, to wit, [...] Lusts of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Prid [...] of Life. For this is the victory which overcometh the World, even our Faith, 1 John. 5. 4, 5. and 2. 15, 16.

This Faith purifieth the Heart in obeying the Truth through the Spirit, and leads to every good Work, Act. 15. 9. 1 Pet. 1. 22. Philip. 2. 12, 13. Colos▪ [...] 10.

Is this Faith in the act, the Gift of God, or the Work of Man?

With the Heart Man believeth, and it is Man that worketh Good, Rom. 10. 10. Rom. 2. 10. But the preparation of the Heart in Man to these things is of the Lord, Prov. 16. 1. 1 Cor. 4. 7. 2 Cor. 3. 5. Isa. 10. 23.

Does God work this preparation in Man's Heart irresistibly?

In some special Case it may be so, Gen. 20. 6. But God ordinarily works upon the Heart, or Under­standings of Men, by his Works, [...] ▪ 4. 13. Isa. [...]0. 26. And by his Word, Rom. 1. 16, 17, 18▪ And by the motions of his Spirit, ministerially and graciously, 1 Thes. 1. 5. Against which Men may [...]nd often do, make resistance to their own destruction, Psal. 88. 8. This whole Psalm shews much of this to be too common, and so does Act. 7. 51.

I desire a short view of this excellent Grace of Faith.

1. It is an hearty and universal Credence of the Truth of God, as revealed or made known to Man in the Scriptures, or otherwise. Luk. 24. 25. Deut. 1. 32. Rom. 1. 19, 20, 21, 22.

2. A cleaving to God and his Truth, as made known to us, in sincere Love, Psalm 119. 31. 1 Thes. 1. 5, 6. 2 Thes. 1. 10.

3. A Shewing the Fruit of Faith, by a ready obey­ing [Page 33] the Truth, and suffering for it, when called there­unto, James. 2. 28. 1 Pet. 3. 14, 15.

4. An holy dependance upon God for the fulfilling all his Promises, for his Grace and Help in this World, and for Glory in the World to come, 1 Pet. 1. 3. Heb. 10. 35, to the end, Rom. 2. 7, 10, 11.

I can say, in some measure, I believe, and pray, that God may help against my unbelief. What I pray, is the next Principle which belongs to a beginning Chri­stian.

The next Principle is, the Doctrine of Baptisms. Of which we shall treat briefly.

Of the Third Principle of St. Paul's CATECHISM: Or, The Doct [...]ine of Baptisms.

WHy is the word BAPTISMS used in this place? Are there more Baptisms than one pertaining to Christians?

Yes, there are three distinct Baptisms pertain­ing to the Christian Man. The first is the Baptism of Re­pentance for remission of Sins; This was of divine Original, it came from Heaven, and was first administred by that great Prophet and Messenger of Christ, John the Bap­tist, Mat. 21. 25.

The second, is the pouring out of the Spirit of pro­mise; and in the ordinary way of its reception, fol­lows the Baptism of Repentance for the remission of Sins. Act. 1. 5. & 2. 38. & 19. 5, 6. Ephes. 1. 13.

The third is the Afflictions which attend Christians for the Gospel's-sake, Luk. 12. 50. Mat. 20. 22.

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How is it said there is but one Baptism, seeing it's evident there are three?

That is a gross mistake. It is not said, Ephes. 4. 5. there is but one Baptism, 'tis said, there is one; and yet Paul speaks of two of these Baptisms in that very place, as vers. 4. There is one Body and one Spirit, as ye are called in one hope of your Calling. And the Ephesians had received both the Baptism of Repentance, for re­mission of Sins, in the Name of the Lord Jesus; and also the Baptism of the Spirit, afterward, as is unde­niable, Act. 19. 5, 6. So that Paul should have spoken false if he had said there is but one Baptism, and also must have contradicted himself in his Epistle to the Hebrews, where he speaks of Baptisms in the plural Number.

I confess, the mistake of the Quakers, and some others, is hereby discovered; I see indeed a threefold Baptism, I would learn them in every part: And there fore I desire to know what God requires of all that are to be baptised into Christ [...]ccording to his Command.

God requires the substance of the two foregoing Principles, of all that are to be baptised with the Bap­tism of Repentance, for the remission of Sins. Repent, and be baptised every one of you, Act. 2. 38. They that glad­ly received the Word, were baptised, Act. 2. 41. When they believed, &c. they were baptised, both Men and Women, Act. 8. 12. In true Baptism, we are dead with Christ, buried with Christ, and risen with Christ, Rom. 6. 1, to 7. Colos. 2. 11, 12, 13. We are all the Sons of God by Faith in Christ Jesus; for as many as have been baptised into Christ, have put on Christ, Gal. 3. 26, 27.

Did our Lord Christ himself establish this practi­cal Baptism?

Yes, he established it divers ways; first, in that he would not enter upon his Ministry till he was [...] John in Jordan Mat. 15. 16. & 4. 17.

[...] managed the Doctrine and Practice of this [Page 35] Baptism, more than John the Baptist did, John 3. 22, 26. & 4. 1, 2. Jesus made and baptised more Disciples than John.

How then is it said that Jesus baptised not, but his Disciples?

Jesus made the People Disciples by teaching them. To baptize them, was more convenient for his Disciples or Apostles, because they were to be baptised in his Name; Kings do not execute their Laws, because they are done in their Name, 'tis more fit to be done by their Ministers.

It is plain, that Christ did propagate this holy Ordinance in his personal Ministry. Did he establish it after his Death also?

Yes, In his perpetual Commission he does parti­cularly establish it, to continue as long as the Gospel it self, Mark 16. 15, 16. Mat. 28. 19, 20.

This is very clear; but suppose a Man have re­ceived the Baptism of the Spirit, may not he be ex­cus'd as to this Ordinance of Baptism?

No sure; the better God is to us, the more rea­dy we should be to follow Christ, who saith, Thus it be­cometh us to fulfil all Righteousness. Sure no Man can sup­pose he is more holy than Christ. But to put the mat­ter out of doubt, Christ commands those that have received the Holy Ghost, to be baptised with Water in his Name, Act. 10. 47, 48.

I perceive no Man may with safety neglect this Ordi­nance; I therefore desire to know what is the profit which attends the sincere obedience to God in this Ordinance?

The same profit which thou mayest expect in thy sincere obedience to God in any other Ordinance: That is, pardon of Sin, and eternal Life, is made sure [...]o thee in God's way, (if thou art faithful in what thou dost, as God requires thy Faith and Obedience); [Page 36] For thus saith the Lord, He that believeth, and is bap­tised, shall be saved, Mark 16. 16. Arise, why tarriest thou, and be baptised, and wash away thy Sins, calling on the Name of the Lord Jesus, Act. 22. 16. The like figure whereunto even Baptism doth now save us, not the putting away the Filth of the Flesh, but the answer of a good Con­sicience towards God, by the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.

These are very high expressions; are we not sa­ved by Christ only?

Doubtless Christ only is ordained of God to be the Saviour of the World, 1 Tim. 4. 10. and especially of his Body the Church. And you are to know, that it's Christ who is held forth in Baptism, which saveth; even as it's said, we are saved by Preaching, that is, by Christ held forth in preaching.

May not a Man have his place and priviledg in the Church of Christ without [...]aptism?

No, that cannot be [...]or if one Man, then more may take the place, and assume the Priviledges of Members of the Church without Baptism, and then there may be a true Church constituted without Baptism.

May not a company of Believers form themselves into a Church of Christ, without Baptism in Water, up­on profession of Repentance and Fa [...]th only?

No true Church can be formed by Man's device. There must be the Rule of God's Word to direct us, or nothing is done well in the forming a Church. Christ hath given express order to form his Church by Repentance, Faith, and Baptism, as we have shewed. If he has also given order to form Churches without Baptism, th [...]n he must needs be the Author of Confusion, which he is not.

I confess, I find no order from Christ to form or constitute a Church without Baptism; I find the Church founded by himself, to be constituted in the use of the [Page 37] Baptism of Repentance, for remission of Sin. I be­lieve this Church, formed by Christ at Jerusalem, to be the Mother-Church, and that therefore her Foun­dation-Principles are necessary for the true constitution of all other Churches. I now desire you to shew me the due form of Baptism.

The due form of Baptism, is by dipping the Repentant-Believer into the Water, in the Name of the Fa­ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Mat. 28. 19. And hence it was, That John baptised in Aenon near Salem, because there was much Water there, John 3. 23. And they were all baptised in the River of Jordan, con­fessing their Sins, Mark 1. 5.

Was Christ himself dipped in Jordan by John Bap­tist?

Yes, it is granted by the Learned, that Mark 1. 9. is expressed for it, the Greek being [...]; which they confess to be, word for word in English, And was dipped of John into Jordan. And 'tis clear, When Christ was baptised, he came up straight [...]y out of the Water, Mat. 3. 16. Which Example alone should make all Christians afraid to de­vise a Form contrary to Christ's own Pattern, and his Testimony also, who saith, Thus it becometh us to fulfil all Righteousness.

But must the Party baptised, be naked or cloathed when he goes down into the Water?

He that is baptised, should be cloathed, because God hath required that all things in the Church should be done decently and in order. And the Party to be baptised, may as well be dipped in Water with a con­venient Garment upon him as without.

What Ceremonies hath Christ appointed to be used in Baptism?

Christ loved his Church, and gave himself for it, that [...]e might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of Water through [Page 38] the Word. There is no other Ceremony by his appoint­ment to be used in Baptism.

May not the Church alter the subject of Baptism, and change the manner of administration, as the Pa­pists (and others) have generally done?

No, The Lord Christ commands his Apostles to teach all his People to observe all things whatsoever he commanded them, Mat. 28. 19. They delivered that to the Churches, which they received of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11. 23. The Church is commended for keeping the Ordinan­ces as they were delivered to them, 1 Cor. 11. 2. There was a Curse followed them that changed God's Ordinance, Isa. 24. 5.

I see it a Duty incumbent upon all that will have due admission into the Church of Christ-Militant, to be baptised with the Baptism of Repentance for remis­sion of Sins. I now desire to know the truth concer­ning the Baptism of the Spirit, so much claimed in these days, tho some deny that there is any such Baptism now to be expected.

That the Gift of the Holy Ghost (which is the Baptism of the Spirit) is a right which pertains to the Church, or to Baptis'd Believers in their successive Generations, is evident, Act. 2. 38, 39. It belongs to all that the Lord our God shall Call. If any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, Rom. 8. 9. Because ye are Sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father, Gal. 4. 6. There is one Body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your Calling, Ephes. 4. 4. The Love of God is shed abroad in our Hearts by the Holy Ghost, Rom. 5. 5. Now we have received, not the Spirit of the World, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God.

Are these things meant of the Baptism of the Spi­rit, or of some lower receivings of it?

[Page 39]

These are the best part of the Promise of the Spirit, which whoso receive, are sealed thereby to the day of Redemption, and are the Earnest of our Inhe­ritance; and are therefore most fitly called the Bap­tism of the Spirit, because the Spirit receives in the nine Fruits of it, Gal. 5. 22, 23. transcends it's being received in the nine Gifts of it, 1 Cor. 12. 8, 9, 10. The first are cal­led the more excellent way of receiving the Spirit, 1 Cor. 12. ult. I had rather have that one Fruit of the Spi­rit called Love, then all the nine Gifts of the Spirit.

But are not the Gifts of the Spirit ceas'd?

No such matter! unless our unworthiness deprive us of them. Are not these Exhortations yet of force? Covet earnestly the best Gifts. Follow after Charity, and desire spiritual Gifts, and rather that ye may prophesy. Co­vet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with Tongues. Sure these Exhortations inform us, that as the Church hath need, she may lawfully ask these best Gifts. But let her remember there is a better part of the Promise of the Spirit than the best of these Gifts.

I am satisfied the whole Promise of the Spirit per­tains to the Church, and that therefore the Baptism of the Spirit remains. I would know what ordinary way God hath assigned to wait upon him for so great a Blessing?

Indeed our receiving the Promise of the Spirit through Faith, Gal. 3. 14. in the sanctifying operations of it, is the next great Blessing of the Gospel, to our being justified by Faith in the Blood of Christ. And for a more full answer to your enquiry, I refer you to what shall be said upon the Fourth Principle of the Do­ctrine of Christ.

The Fourth Principle of St. Paul's CATECHISM: Or, The Laying on of Hands.

SEeing this principle is express'd in the singular Number [Laying on of Hands, not Layings on of Hands] I desire to know what Laying on of Hands is here meant?

1. It cannot be a violent laying on of Hands [as some prophanely imagine]; our Saviour taught none to lay violent Hands upon his People; and yet the very act of Laying on of Hands here, is called a Principle of the Doctrine of Christ.

2. The Greek, is, Epitheseos te Chiron, which signifies a gentle putting on of Hands. The word which signi­fies a violent handling, is another word, as in Luk. 21. 12. Epibalousin. But such is the great blindness of some, that they will not see a difference between a Pro­phecy, as that is in Luk. 21. 12. and a Doctrine, as this is, Heb. 6. 2.

I am satisfied thus far, that it can be no violent Act. I desire to hear the Truth.

It must be a Service which concerns all Christians equally, as they are Babes in Christ, because it is called Milk for Babes, Heb. 5. 12, 13. a beginning Principle, Heb. 6. 1. and placed among those other five Principles, which do equally concern all Christians to know, as you are Babes in Christ. And for these reasons it can­not be Laying on of Hands for Ordination, nor upon the Sick. It must therefore be that religious Service per­formed by the Apostles, Acts 8. 14. and 19. 6. 2 Tim. 1. 6. for the promised Spirit, both Gifts and Fruits, as God pleas [...]d.

[Page 41]

But did not the Apostles give the Holy Ghost, by putting on of their Hands?

No, in no wise, God gave the Spirit to those who did obey him, Act. 5. 32. The Apostles only prayed for this Blessing, which they knew belonged to Baptised Believers as such, Act. 2. 38. and 19. 2. And faith­ful Pastors ought to teach Babes in Christ; this Prin­ciple, as it respects the Promise of the Spirit, and to pray for it on behalf of the Disciples, both Men and Women, after the Example of the Apostles, Act. 8. 14. else they cannot lay the whole of that Foundation, Heb. 6. 1, 2. nor teach Babes in Christ all their Princi­ples.

Was this practice of Prayer, with laying on of Hands, continued in the Church of Christ in the Ages next after the Apostles?

Yes, it was religiously observed; Eusebius men­tions it, as the ancient manner, viz. Prayer, and Laying on of Hands, Lib. 7. c. 2. And so does Tertullian long be­fore him, Lib. de Bapt. his words are, After we are come out of the Laver of Baptism, the Hand is laid on by Bles­sing, calling upon, and inviting the Holy Ghost.

These things are very plain to such as are willing to be informed. I desire now to be informed, what is the reason why so very few do receive these Principles, in the native purity and simplicity of them, and especi­ally these two practical ones, Baptism, and Laying on of Hands?

1. One great reason is, because a false Baptism, without Repentance and Faith, and dispensed in a Man­pleasing way: and likewise an outwardly Glorious and Ceremonious Bishoping, has obtruded upon very many, by which they are blinded, that they cannot, or pre­judiced, that they will not see these Truths, than which scarce any are more plain and easy to be seen.

2. Another may be this, The Wisdom of God know­ing [Page 42] the Great pride of Man's Heart, ordained these Or­dinances, to try them, whether they would be obedi­ent to his Commands, how low so ever, or whether they would contemn the very foot-steps of Christ him­self, the only Son of God. The Pharisees and Lawyers led the way in this Rebellion against God's Counsel, Luke 7. 29. and many follow them, rejecting the Counsel of God, against all Power in Heaven and Earth, Matth. 28. 17, 18. being not baptised in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

I confess we have the foot-steps of Christ most plain in the case of Baptism; but have we any thing from him to favour us in the Laying on of Hands with Prayer for the promised Spirit?

Yes verily, we have as much from his own Ex­ample herein, as the case could bear; for Jesus, as soon as he was baptised, prayed, and the Heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in the bodily shape of a Dove upon him; and a Voice came from Heaven which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.

The things which from hence favour our Cause in hand, are these. 1. Christ did not ask this sealing and confirming Spirit, till after he was baptised: but as soon as baptised, he prays, and receives the Holy Ghost. Here is nothing wanting but the Administrator, which could not be found among Men; for who durst pray for Christ that he might receive the Spirit? I could object upon others, that in Christ's Baptism Repentance was wanting. Yet sure his Baptism is very precedential to us, it coming as near us as the case would bear; and so likewise he comes as near us in his waiting for the Spirit after Baptism as the case will bear.

I desire to see the Grounds of those two Duties, Baptism, and Laying on of Hands, in a few Particulars.

The Grounds on which these Duties may be asser­ted, and defended, are;

[Page 43] 1. The express Command of Christ, or, the express Do­ctrine of Christ, they being both Principles of his Doctrine.

2. Christ's own Example, or President, as far as the greatness and holiness of his Person would bear it, to be exemplary in either.

3. The undoubted necessity of the chief Blessings, annexed to the religious use of these Services respe­ctively.

4. Sufficient Example of many thousands of Christi­ans, Men and Women, at Jerusalem and Samaria, &c. submitting to these Services at their Principles.

5. No repeal of these Services, or of either of them, since their institution in the Church of Christ.

6. The undeniable consent of Antiquity for some hundreds of Years down from the very dayes of the Apostles.

7. The Scriptureless, trifling, self-contradicting, and nonsensical Objections, which hitherto have been brought against Sacred Baptism, or Prayer, with the Laying on of Hands, for the Ends for which they were at first observed.

The Fifth Principle of St. Paul's CATECHISM: Or, The Resurrection of the Dead.

WHat is the true definition of the Resurrection of the Dead, according to Christian Do­ctrine and Faith?

The Resurrection of the Dead is an Act of Divine and Almighty Power, quickning dead Bodies, [Page 44] and restoring them to a state of such perfection, as to have an eternal duration; but does not necessarily infer the happiness of the Dead, so raised, but with respect to the Event of that Trial which they then shall under­go. And therefore the Resurrection is distinguished in­to two parts, by Christ himself, John 5. 28, 29. Mar­vel not at this, for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the Graves shall hear his Voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, to the Resurection of Life, and they that have done evil, to the Resurrection of Condemnation.

Shall the same Body in respect of it's Flesh and Bones rise again?

It must either be the same Flesh and Bones, or no­thing, seeing there is nothing else laid in the Grave that may be called Man. And this is the ancient Faith of God's People, as appears in Job 19. 26, 27. Though after my Skin, Worms destroy this Body, yet in my Flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for my self, and not another, though my Reins be consumed in me.

I confess this agrees with our Saviour's words be­fore mentioned, All that are in the Graves, shall hear his Voice and come forth. But does not Christ speak mystical­ly of the Graves of Sin?

No, he had spoken of those that are dead in Sin before, vers. 25. The hour is coming, and now is, when the Dead shall hear the Voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. This he speaks of the powerful preach­ing of the Gospel to convert those that were dead in Sin. Then adds, Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming, that all that are in the Graves shall hear his Voice, and shall come forth; but some of these to Con­demnation, which respects the Last Judgment, undeni­ably.

How then does the Apostle say, That Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God? 1 Cor. 15. 50.

1. He explains himself in the next words; neither [Page 45] doth Corruption inherit Incorruption; He speaks of Men in their sinful and mortal state; They must be regenerate by the Work of the Spirit, and freed from mortality in the Resurrection, or (as the next Verse shews) par­take of a change which is equivalent; or else they cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

2. It is certain our Saviour was Flesh and Bones after he was risen from the Dead, Luk. 24. 39. Yet, he en­tered into Heaven it self, there to appear in the presence of God for us. Heb. 9. 24.

I confess it must follow, that if no Flesh can enter into Heaven, then Christ's glorified Body cannot be there, which doubtless it is. But have we sufficient Te­stimony that our Bodies shall put off Mortality, and be glorified with his glorious Body?

Yes, for it is written, This Mortal must put on Im­mortality, and this Corruption must put on Incorruption, and so Death shall be swallowed up in Victory.

And again, He shall change our vile Body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious Body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself, Phil. 3. 21.

Are there any Examples, that any of the Dead who had lain long in the Graves was raised?

Yes, there is a full Instance of that, Mat. 27. 52, 53. The Graves were opened, and many Bodies of the Saints which slept, arose and came out of the Graves, and appeared to many. Now these Saints doubtless had been long dead, for we read of no Saints dying at Jerusalem about the time of Christ's Suffering.

Are there any other Examples to confirm this great Article of our Faith?

It pleased God to give an Instance of his Power, and of his Will in this behalf, near the beginning of the World, in that he translated Enoch that he should not see Death, Gen. 5. 24. Heb. 11. 5.

[Page 46] 2. God also took Elijah the Prophet up into Heaven, without tasting of Death, 2 King. 2. 1, 11, 12.

3. Elisha by the Power of God raised a dead Child to Life, 2 King. 4. 33, 34, 35.

4. By God's Power a dead Man was raised to Life, at the touch of the Bones of the Prophet Elisha, 2 King. 13. 21.

Are there any Examples of this kind in the New Testament?

1. Our Saviour raised a young Man, as he was carried upon the Bier to be buried, Luk. 7. 13, 14, 15.

2. He raised also the Daughter of Jairus, Mark 5. 40, 41, 42.

3. Christ raised Lazarus when he had been dead and buried, commanding the Dead to come forth; and though he was bound hand and foot, yet he came forth by the Power of God, John 11. 43, 44.

4. St. Peter raised Tabitha to Life, by the strength of Christ, Act. 9. 40, 41.

5. But the greatest Instance of all is, the Resurrecti­on of Christ himself, by which God hath given assurance to all Men, that all Men shall rise again, both the Just and Unjust, Act. 17. 31.

Was this Article of Faith received by the Pro­phets before the coming of Christ?

The Prophet David spake of the Resurrection of the Body of Christ, Psal. 16. 8. and of the hope of his own Resurrection also. This was the hope of Israel, Act. 23. 21. & 24. 15.

2. The Prophet Isa hath these words; Thy dead Men shall live, together with my dead Body shall they arise: awake, and sing, ye that dwell in the Dust, Isa. 26. 19. Augustine refers this to the Resurrection.

3. Daniel tells us, That many that sleep in the Dust of the Earth, shall awake, some to everlasting Life, and some to everlasting shame and contempt, Dan. 12. 2.

[Page 47] 4. Hosea 13. 14. as interpreted by the Apostle, 1 Cor. 15. is very plain, I will ransom them from the Power of the Grave; I will redeem them from Death: O Death, I will be thy Plagues; O Grave, I will be thy destruction.

These Testimonies are very clear. I desire some further confirmation of this Truth from the New Te­stament.

1. For this I refer you to the serious reading of 1 Cor. 15. throughout; where the Apostle, by divers Arguments, confirms this Truth, and especially by the Resurrection of Christ, and the importance of the thing it self, making all Religion insignificant, unless there be a Resurrection from the Dead.

2. I will here insert this excellent Testimony to the Thessalonians.

I would not have you ignorant, Brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose a­ [...]ain; then they also which sleep in Jesus, shall God bring with [...]. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, [...] we which are alive, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent (or hinder the Resurrection of) them that are asleep: For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the Voice of the Arch-angel, and with the Trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive, and remain, shall be caught up toge­ther with them in the Clouds, to meet the Lord in the Air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thess. 4.

I bless God for these clear Testimonies. I desire now to be instructed concerning the Eternal Judgment.

The Sixth Principle of St. Paul's CATECHISM: Or, The Eternal Judgment.

THE manner of Christ's coming to Judgment is thus described: Then shall appear the Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven: And then shall all the Tribes of the Earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the Clouds of Heaven with great Glory. And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet, and they shall ga­ther together his Elect from the four Winds, from one end of Heaven to another. Mat. 24. 30, 31.

This will be a terrible day! Who is this Son of Man?

This Son of Man is Christ Jesus; For God [...] se [...]d Jesus, who before was preached unto you, Act. 3. 20 The same Jesus which you have seen go up into Heaven, sha [...] so come in like manner as you have seen him go into Heaven, Acts 1. 11. Behold, he cometh with Clouds, and every Eye shall see him, and they also who pierced him; and all Nations shall wail because of him, Rev. 1. 7.

Why shall the Nations wail because of him?

Because, when the Son of Man shall come in his Glo­ry, and all the Holy Angels with him, then shall he sit upon the Throne of his Glory. And before him shall be gathered all Nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as a Shepherd divideth his Sheep from the Goats, Mat. 25. 31, 32.

To what end shall Christ thus divide the Na­tions?

To give to every Man according as his Work shall be. For he shall set the Sheep on his right Hand, and the Goats on the left.

[Page 49] Then shall the King say to them on his right Hand, Come ye Blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World: for I was hungry, and ye sed me, &c. Then shall he say also unto them on his left hand, Depart from me, ye Cursed, into everlasting fire, pre­pared for the Devil and his Angels. For I was an hungry, and ye gave me no Meat, Mat. 25. 34, 35, 41, 42.

This is a glorious and terrible description of the Judgment of the World. I pray, by what Records will Christ judg the Nations?

He shall especially proceed in Judgment with all Men, according to the Gospel, that is, according to the means of Grace which he gave them, Rom. 2. 15, 16. For this is the condemnation, That Light is come into the World, and Men love Darkness rather than Light, John 3. 17, 18. And yet more particularly, they that have sinned without Law, shall perish without Law; and they that have sinned in the Law, shall be judged by the Law. And those that have the Gospel, the Word which Christ hath spoken shall judg them at the last day.

There are several Books spoken of in Rev. 20. 10. What are these Books?

The Books are Metaphorical, and signify,

1. God's Omniscience; for he shall bring every Work to Judgment, with every secret Thing, whether it be Good or Evil, Eccles. 12. ult.

2. The Consciences of Men which then shall be a­wakened to condemn them, or acquit them, Rom. 2. 15, 16. may here be called Books.

I desire to know what is meant by the Book of Life? and whether any that were once written in it, may be blotted out of it?

The time when this Book shall be opened, will best resolve the first Question. But thus much we know, That the Promise and Covenant of Life made with Adam, renewed with Noah and with Abraham, and [Page 50] confirmed by Christ, is, to us, the Book of Life, out of which Men may blot themselves, or render them­selves unworthy of Eternal Life by Sin, and especially by Unbelief, Mark 16. 16. He that believeth not, shall be damned, Act. 13. 46. See and consider Exod. 32. 32. Psal. 69. 28. Rev. 3. 5. & 21. 17.

Shall the punishment of ungodly Men be perpe­tual? shall it never end?

The Wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all that forget God, Psal. 9. 17. Where their Worm di [...]th not, and their fire is not quenched, Mark 9. 44, 45. They shall be punished with everlasting destruction, 2 Thess. 1. 19. The Hellish Torments are for the Devils and the Wicked for ever. There is no promise of any Pardon to the Damned; nor that their Torments shall have an end; and therefore for any to say these Torments shall end, is presumptuous Folly.

Of what duration shall the Glory of the Saved be?

Their Life and Glory is every where said to be Everlasting, their Kingdom incorruptible and undefiled, that fadeth not away.

God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; nor shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away▪ Rev. 21. 4.

They shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament, and as the Stars, for ever and ever, Dan. 12. 3.

Shall the Children of God know one another, and so rejoice together in the Kingdom of their Father?

1. Yes, they shall be like the Angels, who know one another, and rejoice together in Heaven, Luke 15. 7, 10. They shall be like Christ, for they shall see him as he is; and as he conversed of the things concerning his Kingdom after he was risen, He will tell them also of his Brethren, and what kindness they shewed to them.

[Page 51] 2. St. Paul tells the Thessalonians, That they were the Hope and Crown of his rejoicing in the Day of the Lord Jesus Christ; yea, his Glory and Joy. But how this should be, and he not know them, is not easy to conceive.

3. The Communion of the Faithful in Heaven shall far exceed what it was on Earth; but this cannot well be, unless they know each other.

Does the last Judgment agree to the Principles of common Justice and Equity?

1. There is nothing in it contrary thereunto; for when Life and Death are set before Men, and Men chuse Death by chusing sinful ways against the known Will of God, it's just with God to give them their choice.

2. If there were not a Judgment to come, wicked Men would go unpunish'd, for in this World they com­monly escape; they can bribe almost any wicked Acti­on, even Murder it self. Now all Principles of Justice cry for Vengeance in this Case, both to the Offender, and he that covers Iniquities. And hence, the Last Judgment is necessary, and agrees with all Principles of Common Justice.

3. If there were not a Judgment to come, the Just and Righteous People of God would be of all Men most miserable, 1 Cor. 15. 19. for here they are often­times exposed to the hardest things, and that for well­doing too. Now 'tis equal that they should have a time of refreshing, and to this common Principles of Ju­stice do agree.

Finally, We can none of us perfectly understand how hainous the Sins of those are, who reject the Grace of God in the Gift of his Son; and therefore we are not able to measure what Punishment is proportionable to such Iniquity.

But here we must rest: That the Judg of all the Earth will do [...]ight. For if there were Unrighteousness [Page 52] with God, How then should he judg the World? Rom. 3. 5, 6. But all his Ways are Judgment; a God of Truth, and without Iniquity; Just and Right is he. Deut. 32. 4.

When shall be the Time of this Eternal Judg­ment?

God has not revealed that to Man; but in that our Life here is very short, this Judgment is at hand in respect of us. For it is appointed unto Man once to die, and after that the Judgment, Heb. 9. 27.

I am well satisfied concerning these Sacred Prin­ciples of the Christian Religion, I desire some further Instruction concerning my walking with God in the Communion of his Church.

Being thus a Christian, built upon this Founda­tion, Christ being the chief Corner-Stone, thou must continue in the Faith, Colos. 1. 23. and keep thy self in the Love of God, praying in the Holy Ghost, Judge 20. walking in all the Commandments and Ordinan­ces of the Lord blameless, Luke 1. 6. obeying all thy Superiors.

I desire you to shew me the Rules of Prayer; And also the Rules of my Obedience to my Superi­ors.

These things are briefly comprehended in the Lord's Prayer, which he taught his Disciples; and in the fifth Commandment, which is the first Command­ment with Promise, Matth. 6. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Ephes. 6. 2. which in the next Discourse we will consider.