Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God?

A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of Ciod, declare plainly that there is a God; but his word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.

Q. 3. What is the word of God?

A. The holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the word of God, the only rule of faith and obediencef. me, and I in thee; that they also may for correction, for instruction in righ. he one in us : that the world may be. teousness: Ver. 17. That the man of lieve that thou hast sent me. Ver. 22. God may be perfect, thoroughly furAnd the glory which thou gavest me nished unto all good works. Isa. lix. I have given theni: that they may be 21. As for me, this is my covenant one, even as we are one. Ver. 23. 1 with them, saith the Lord, My Spirit in them, and thou in me, that they that is upon thee, and my words which may be made perfect in one, and that I have put in thy mouth, shall not de. the world may know that thou hast part out of thy mouth, nor out of the sent me, and hast loved them, as thou mouth of thy seed, nor out of the hast loved me.

mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the 2. c Rom. i. 19. Because that which Lord, from henceforth and for ever. may be known of God is manifest in 3. e 2 Tim. ii. 16. All scripture is them ; for God hath shewed it unto given by inspiration of God. 1 Pet. i. them. Ver. 20. For the invisible things 19. We have also a more sure word of him from the creation of the world of prophecy; whereunto ye do well are clearly seen, being understood by that ye take heed, as unto a light that i he things that are made, even his shineth in a dark place, until the day eternal power and Godhead ; so that dawn, and the day-star arise in your they are without excuse. Psal. xix. 1. hearts : Ver. 20. Knowing this first, The heavens declare the glory of God; that no prophecy of the scripture is of and the firmament sheweth his handy. any private interpretation. Ver. 21. work. Ver. 2. Day unto day uttereih For the prophecy came not in old time speech, and night unto night sheweth by the will of man: but holy men of knowledge. Ver. 3. There is no speech God spake as they were moved by the 11or language where their voice is not Holy Ghost. heard. Acts xvii. 28. For in him we f Eph. ii. 20. And are built upon live, and move, and have our being. the foundation of the apostles and pro

d 1 Cor. ii. 9. But as it is written, phets, Jesus Christ himself being the Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nei. chief corner-stone. Rev. xxii. 18. For ther have entered into the heart of I testify unto every man that heareth man, the things which God hath pre- the words of the prophecy of this pared for them that love him. Ver. 10. book, If any man shall add unto these But God hath revealed them unto us things, God shall add unto him the by his Spirit : for the Spirit searcheth plagues that are written in this book: all things, yea, the deep things of God. Ver. 19. And if any man shall take 2 Tim. jj. 15. And that from a child

away from the words of the book of thou hast known the holy scriptures, this prophecy, God shall take away which are able to make thee wise un. his part out of the book of life, and; to salvation, through faith which is in out of the holy city, and from the Christ Jesus. Ver. 16. All scripture is things which are written in this book. given by inspiration of God, and is Isa. viji. 20. To the law, and to the profitable for doctrine, for reproof, testimony: if they speak not accord,

Q. How doth it appear that the scriptures are the word of God?

A. The scriptures manifest themselves to be the word of God, by their majesty s and purityb; by the consent of all the parts ', and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to Godk; by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers uoto salvation!: but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with ing to this word, it is because there is prophets witness, that, through his no light in them. Luke xvi. 29. They name, whosoever believeth in him have Moses and the prophets; let them shall receive remission of sins. Acts hear them. Ver. 31. If they hear not xxvi. 22. Having therefore obtained Moses and the prophets, neither will help of God, I continue unto this day, they be persuaded though one rose witnessing both to small and great, from the dead. Gal. i. 8. But though saying none other things than those we, or an angel from heaven, preach which the prophets and Moses did any other gospel unto you than that say should come. which we have preached unto you, k Rom. ii. 19. Now we know, that let him be accurged Ver. 9. As we what things soever the law saith, it said before, so say I now again, If any saith to them who are under the law : man preach any other gospel unto you that every mouth may be stopped, and than that ye have received, let him be all the world may become guilty beaccursed. 2 Tim. iii. 15, 16. [See in fore God. Ver. 27. Where is boasting letter d.)

then? It is excluded. By what law? 4 g Hos. viii. 12. I have written to of works? Nay; but by the law of him the great things of my law, but faith. they were counted as a strange thing. | Acts xvij. 28. For he mightily 1 Cor. ii. 6 Howbeit, we speak wis- convinced the Jews, and that publickdom among them that are perfect: yet ly, shewing by the scriptures that Je. not the wisdom of this world, nor of sus was Christ. Heb. iv. 12. For the the princes of this world, that come word of God is quick and powerful, to nought Ver. 7. But we speak the and sharper than any two-edged sword, wisdom of God in a mystery, even the piercing even to the dividing asunder hidden wisdom, which God ordained of soul and spirit, and of the joints and before the world unto our glory. Ver. marrow, and is a discerner of the 13. Which things also we speak, not thoughts and intents of the heart. in the words which man's wisdom James i. 18. Of his own will begat he teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost us wish the word of truth, that we teacheth ; comparing spiritual things should be a kind of first-fruits of his. wirn spiritual. Psal. cxix. 18 Open creatures. Psal. xix. 7. The law of thou mine eyes, that I may behold the Lord is perfect, converting the wondrous things out of thy law. Ver. soul : the testimony of the Lord is 129. Thý testimonies are wonderful : making wise the simple : Ver. therefore doth my soul keep them. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right,

* Psal. xii. 6. The words of the rejoicing the heart : the commandLord are pure words: as silver tried ment of the Lord is pure, enlightenin a furnace of earth, purified seven ing the eyes : Ver. 9. The fear of the times. Psal. cxix. 140. Thy word is Lord is clean, enduring for ever : the very pure; therefore this servant lov- judgments of the Lord are true and eth it.

righteous altogether. Rom. xv. 4. For i Acts x. 43. To him give all the whatsoever things were written afore

sure,

the scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very word of God m.

Q. 5. What do the scriptures principally teach ?

A. The scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man".

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What man ought to believe concerning God. Q. 6. What do the Scriptures make known of God? A. The scriptures make known what God iso, the persons in the Godhead P, his decrees, and the execution of his decrees".

Q. 7. What is God?

A. God is a Spirit o, in and of himself infinite in being, time were written for our learning; that cometh to God must believe that that we through patience and comfort he is, and that he is a rewarder of of the scriptures might have hope. them that diligently seek him. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I p 1 John v.7. For there are three commend you to God, and to the word that bear record in heaven, the Father, of his grace, which is able to build you the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and up, and to give you an inheritance these three are one. among all them which are sanctified. 9 Acts xv. 14. Simeon hath de

m John xvi. 13. Howbeit, when he, clared how God at the first did visit the Spirit of truth, is come, he will the Gentiles, to take out of them a guide you into all truth: for he shall people for his name. Ver. 15. And not speak «f himself; but whatsoever to this agree the words of the prohe shall hear, that shall he speak: and phets; as it is written.

Ver. 18. he will shew you things to come. Ver. Known unto God are all his works 14. He shall glorify me : for he shall from the beginning of the world. receive of mine, and shall shew it un- ✓ Acts iv. 27. For of a truth, against to you. 1 John ii. 20. But ye have an ihy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast unction from the Holy One, and ye anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pi. know all things. Ver. 27. But the late, with the Gentiles and the people anenting which ye have received of of Israel, were gathered together, him abideth in you ; and ye need not Ver. 28. For to do whatsoever thy that any man teach you; but, as the hand and thy counsel determined besame anointing teacherh you of all fore to be done. things, and is truth, and is no lie, and 7. s John is. 24: God is a Spirit ; even as it hath taught you, ye shall and they that worship him must worabide in him. John xx. 31 But these ship him in spirit and in truth. are written, that ye might believe that * Exod. jj. 14. And God said unto Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and and that believing ye might have life he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the through his name.

children of Israel, I AM hath sent me 5. n ? Tim. i. 13. Hold fast the unto you. Job xi. 7. Canst thoả by form of sound words, which thou hast searching find out God?, canst thou heard of me, in faith and love which find out the Almighty, unto, perfecis in Christ Jesus.

tion ?, Ver. 8. It is as high as heaven, 6. o Heb. xi. 6. But without faith what canst thou do? deeper than hell, it is impossible to please him: for he what canst thou know?" Ver. 9. The

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glory", blessedness W; and perfections; all-sufficienty, eter

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b nalé, unchangeable a, incomprehensible , every where present, almighty knowing all things, most wise', most holy 5, most just , most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth i.

Q. 8. Are there more Gods than one ?

A. There is but One only, the living and true God k. measure thereof is longer than the d Rev. iy. 8. And the four beasts earth, and broader than the sea. had each of them six wings about

u Acts vii. 2. The God of glory ap- him, and they were full of eyes withpeared unto our father Abraham, in; and they rest not day and night, when he was in Mesopotamia, before saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God he dwelt in Charran.

Almighty, which was, and is, and is W 1 Tim. vi. 15. Which in his times he shall shew, who is the bless- e Heb. iv. 13. Neither is there any ed and only Porentate, the King of creature that is not manifest in his kings, and Lord of lords.

sight;, but all things are naked and * Mat. v. 48. Be ye therefore per- opened unto the eyes of him with fect, even as your Father which is in whom we have to do. Psal. cxlvii. 5. heaven is perfect,

Great is our Lord, and of great pow• у

Gen. xvii. 1. And when Abra. er : his understanding is infinite. ham was ninety years old and nine, f Rom. xvi. 27. To God only the Lord appeared to Abraham, and wise, be glory through Jésus Christ said unto him, I am the Almighty for ever. Amen. God: walk before me, and be thou 8

Isa. vi. 3. And one cried unto aperfect.

nother, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is % Psal. xc. 2. Before the mountains the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is were brought forth, or ever thou hadst full of his glory. Rev. xv. 4. Who formed the earth and the world : even shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorifrom everlasting to everlasting thou fy thy name ? for thou only art holy:

for all nations shall come and worship a Mal. iii. 6. For I am the Lord, I, before thee; for thy judgments are change noi : therefore ye sons of Ja-' made manifest. cob are not consumed. James i. 17. b Deut. xxxii. 4. He is the Rock, Every good gift, and every perfect his work is perfect; for all his ways gift, is from above, and cometh down are judgment: a God of truth, and from the Father of lights, with whom without iniquity, just and right is he, is no variableness, neither shadow of i Exod, xxxiv. 6. And the Lord turning

passed by before him, and proclaimed, 61 Kings viji. 27. But will God in, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful deed dwell on the earth ? Behold, hea- and gracious, l'ong-suffering, and aven, and the heaven of heavens, can. bundant in goodness and truth. not contain thee; how much less this 8. Deut. vi. 4. Hear, O Israel, house that I have builded ?

The Lord our God is one Lord. 1 c Psal. cxxxix. 1-13. O Lord, ihou Cor. viii. 4 As concerning therefore hast searched me, and known me: the earing of those things that are of. thou knowest my down-sitting and fered in sacrifice unto idols, we know mine up-rising, thou understandest that an idol is, nothing in the world, my thoughts afar off, &c. Whither and that there is none other God but shall I go from thy Spirit ? or whither one. Ver. 6. But to us there is but shall I fee from thy presence: 8c, one God, the Father, of whom are all

art God.

Q. 9. How many persons are there in the Godhead?

A. There be three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory; although distinguished by their personal properties!

Q. 10. What are the personal properties of the three per. sons in the Godhead?

A. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son m, and to the Son to be begotten of the Father", and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son from all eternity o.

Q. 11. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father?

A. The Scriptures manifestthat the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father, ascribing unto them such names P, things, and we in him ; and one Lord in, the first begotten into the world, he Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, saith, And let all the angels of God and we by him. Jer. x. 10. But the worship him. Ver. 8. But unto the Lord is the true God, he is the living Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is God, and an everlasting King: at for ever and ever; a sceptre of righte. his wrath the earth shall tremble, and ousness is the sceptre of thy kingthe nations shall not be able to abide dom. his indignation.

n John i. 14. And the Word was 9. 11 John v. 7. For there are made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and three that bear record in heaven, the we beheld his glory, the glory as of Father, the Word, and the Holy the only begotten of the Father,, full Ghost: and these three are one. Mat. of grace and truth. Ver. 18. Nomani iii. 16, And Jesus, when he was bap- hath seen God at any time; the only tized, went up straightway out of the begotten Son, which is in the bosom waler : and, lo, the heavens were 0. of the Father, he hath declared him. pened unto him, and he saw the Spi. o John xv. 26. But when the Com. rit of God descending like a dove, and forter is come, whom I will send unto lighting upon him. Ver. 17. And, lo, you from the Father, even the Spirit a voice from heaven, saying, This is of truth, which proceedeth from the my beloved Son, in whom I am well Father, he shall testify of me. Gal. pleased. Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God Therefore, and teach all nations, bap- hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son tizing them in the name of the Father, into your hearts, crying, Abba, Fa. and of the Son, and of the Holy ther. Ghost. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of 11. p Isa. vi. 3. And one cried un the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of to another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, God, and the communion of the Ho- is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth ly Ghost, be with you all. Amen. is full of his glory. Ver. *5. Then John x. 30. I and my Father are one. said I, Woe is me! for I am undone;

10. m Heb. i. 5. For unto which of because I am a man of unclean lips, the angels said he at any time, Thou and I dwell in the midst of a people art my Son, this day have I begotten of unclean lips: 'for mine eyes have thee? And again, I will be to him à seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Father, and he shall be to me a Son. Ver. 8. Also I heard the voice of the Ver. 6. And again, when he bringeth Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and