X. 43. To him give all the prophet

witness, that through his name, v/Uo soever believeth in him shall I'eceiv remission of sins.
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t)f liis person righteous in the sight of God for salva* tion P.
Q. 73. How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God ?
A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not be- cause of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it 'i, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification '; but only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righ- teousness '.
Q. 74. What is adoption f
A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God *, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ ", whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children '%
have
P Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Acts XV. 11. But we believe that, through the grace of the JLord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, even ai8 they.
73. ^ Gal. iiL 11. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident : for, The just shall live by faith. Rom. iii. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
' Rom. iv. 5. But to him • that
rvnrlteth not, but believeth on him
jusiifieth the ungodly, his faith
unted for righteousness. Co/w-
/ iiith Rom. X. 10. For with the
. t man believeth unto righteous-
nci--, and with the mouth confession
is made unto salvation.
•* John i. 12. But as many as re- ceived him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Phil, iii. 9. .And be found in him, not hav- ing mice own righteousness, which
is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righ- teousness which is of God by faitJu Gal. ii. 16. Knowing that a man is net justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law : for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
74. I 1 John iii. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath be- stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God !
" Eph. i. .». Having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Je- sus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will GaL iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, mftde of a woman, made under the law, Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
^ John i. 12. But a« many as re- ceived him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
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have his name put upon them ", the Spirit of his Son given to them ^, are under his fatherly care and dispensa- tions ^, admitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow- heirs with Christ in glory '*.
Q. 75. What is sanctification 9
A. Sanctification is a work of God''s grace, whereby they whom God hath, before the foundation of the world^^ chosen to be holy, are in time, through the powerful •operation of his Spirit ^ applying the death and resurrec- tion of Christ unto them ^y renewed in their whole man
after
^ 2 Cor. vi. 18. And will be a Fa- ther unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the I^ord Almighty. Rev. iii. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out : and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which com- eth down out of heaven from my God : and I will write upon him my DCw name.
y Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
^ Psal. ciii. 13. I-,ike as a father pitieth his children ; so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. Prov. xiv. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence ; and his children shall have a place of refuge. Mat. vi. S2. — For your heavenly Father know- «th that ye have need of all these thing?.
=^ Heb. vi. 1 2. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Rom. viii. 1 7. And if children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ : if to be that we suffer with him, that
we may be also glorified toge- ther.
75. b Eph. i. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love. 1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you : but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks to God alway for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.
^ Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death ; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so We also should walk in newness of life. Ver. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection : Ver. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve
filUf
^Eph,
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IT
Tufer the image of God "^ ; having the seeds of repentance unto life, and all other saving graces, put into their hearts % and those graces so stirred up, increased, and strengthened \ as that they more and more diti unto sin, and rise unto newness of life *^.
Q. 76. What is repentance unto life ? A, Re|)entance unto life is a saving grace'', wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit ' and word of
God,
d Eph. iv. 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind ; Ver. 24. And that ye put o.: the new man, which after God is created in righ- teousness and true holiness.
^ Acts xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted re- pentance unto life. 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot sin, because he is bom of God,
f Jude, Ver. 20. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Heb. vi. 11. And we desire that every one of you do shew the «ame diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end : Ver. 1 2. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Eph. lii. 16. That he would grant you, ac- cording to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man ; Ver. 1 7. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith ; that ye, being root- ed and jjrounded in love, Ver. 18. May be able to- comprehend with all taints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ; Ver. 19. And to know the love of Christ,
which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Col. i. 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the know- ledge of God ; Ver. 1 1 . Strengthened with all might according to his glo- rious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joy fulness.
8 Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptisna into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Ver. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Ver. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but un- der grace. GaL v. 24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts.
7G. b 2 Tim. ii. 25. In meekness instructing those that oppose them- selves ; if God peradventure will give thetn repentance to the acknowledg- ing of the truth.
J Zech. xii. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spi- rit of grace and of supplications, and they shall look upon me whom they have
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God '', whereby out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger ', but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins ™5 and upon the apprehension of God's mercy in Christ to such as are penitent", he so grieves for*" and hates
his
have pierced, and they shall mourn for hini, as one mourneth for his on- ly son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.
kActs xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted re- pertance unto life. Ver. 20. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. Ver, 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them : and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 1 Ezek. xviii. 28. Because he con- sidereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath com- mitted, he shall surely live, he shall not die, Ver. 30. Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God : repent, and turn your- selves from all your transgressions ; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Ver. 32. For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God : wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. Luke xv. 17. And when he came to himself, he said. How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! Ver. 18. I will arise, and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee. Hos. ii. 6. Therefore, behold, I
will hedge up thy way with thorns^ and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. Ver. 7. And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them ; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them : then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband, for then was it better with me than now. •
^ Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities, and for your abominations. Isa. xxx. 22. Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold : thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth : thou shale say • unto it, Get thee hence.
" Joel ii. 12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning ; Ver. 1 3. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God ; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
° Jer. xxxi. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning him- self thus, Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke : turn thou me, and I shall be turned ; for thou art the Lord my God. Ver. 19. Surely after that I was turned 1 repented j and after that I was
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fits sins P, as that he turns from them all to God '', purpos^
ing and endeavourinor constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience \
Q. 77. Wherein do justification and sanctification differ ?
A. Although sanctification be inseparably joined with justification', yet they differ, in that God in justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ ^ ; in sanctification
his
«ras Instructed I smote upon my :high; I was ashamed, yea, even con- Founded, because I did bear the re- proach of my youth.
P 2 Cor. vii.* 11. For, behold, this lelf-same thing, that ye sorrowed iftcr a godly sort, what carefulness t wrought in you ; yea, what clear- ing of yourselves ; yea, what indig- lation ; yea, what fear ; yea, what i^ehen.ent desire ; yea, what zeal ; irea, what revenge ! In all things ye 'lave approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
*l Acts xxvi. 18. To open their »yes, and to turn 'hem from dark- less to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may re- :eive forgiveness of sins, and inhcrit- mce among them which are sanctified "' '^ h tliat is in me. Ezek xiv. 6. ore say unto the house of Thus saith the Lord God, r, and turn yourselves from ols, and turn away your faces 1 your abominations. 1 Kings '. Yet if they shall bethink Ivcs in the land whither they carried captives, and repent, ike supplication unto thee, in d of them that carried them S saying, , We have sinned, :ve done perversely, we have itted wickedness; Ver. 48. \dJ so return unto thee with all their leart, and wiih ail their soul.
^ Psal. cxix. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Ver. 59. I thought on my ways, and turn- ed my feet unto thy testimonies. Ver. 128. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right ; and I hate every false way. I^uke i. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordi- nances of the Lord blameless* 2 Kings xxiii. 25. And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses ; neither after him arose there any like him.
77. » 1 Cor. vi. II. And such were seme of you : but ye arc wash- ed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jtsus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteous- ness, and sanctification, and redemp- tion.
t Rom. iv. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteous- ness without works. Ver. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin*
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his Spirit infiiseth grace, and enableth to the exercise thereof " ; in the former, sin is pardoned "^ ; in the othcr^ it is subdued "" : the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God, and that perfectly iij this life, that they never fall into condemnation -' ; tht other is neither equal in all ^, nor in this life perfect in any % but growing up to perfection *'.
Q. 78. Wkenci
" Ezck. xxxvi. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
^ Rom. iii. 24. Beinjr justified free- ly by his grace, through the redemp- tion that is in Jesus Christ : Ver. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faitli in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
* Rom. vi, 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be de- stroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Ver. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but undergrace.
y Rom. viii. 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect ? It is God that justifieth, Ver, 34. Who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter- cession for us.
^ 1 John ii. 12. I write unto you, little children, because yo«r sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. Ver. 13. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write imto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. Ver. 14. I have written unto you, fathers, be-
cause ye have known him that i from the beginning. I have writtei unto you, young men, because ye an strong, and the word of God abidetl in you, and ye have overcome thi wicked one. Heb. v> 12. For whei ^r the time ye ought to be teach ers, ye have need that one teach yoi again which be the first principle of the oracles of God ; and are be come such as have need of milk, an( not of strong meat. Ver. 13. Fo every one that useth milk is unskil ful in the word of righteausness : fo he is a babe. Ver. 14. But stron meat belongeth to them that are c full age, even those who by rea son of use have their senses ei ercised to discern both good an evil.
* 1 John i. 8. And if we say thi we have no sin, we deceive ourselve and the truth is not in us. Ver. 1( If we say that we have not sinnec we make him a liar, and his word not in us.
b 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefoi these promises, dearly beloved, 1 us cleanse ourselves from all filthine: of the flesh and spirit, perfecting hoi ness in the fear of God. Phil. iii. li Not as though I had already attaii ed, either were already perfect ; bi I follow after, if that I may appn hend that for which also I am appn hended of Christ Jesus. Ver. i: Brethren, I count not myself to h^^. apprehended : but this one thing I dc forgettifl
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Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of sanctijication in . \elievers ? \
A. The imperfection of sanctification in believers ariseth I rem the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them, ! nd the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit ; . vhereby they are often foiled with temptations, and fall I nto many sins % are hindered in all their spiritual j ervices '^, and their best works are imperfect and defiled n the sight of God '.
Q. 79. May not true believers, h\j reason of their impcr-- ictions^ and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken vith^ fall away from the state of grace ?
A. True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of jrod ^5 and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance"^,
their
orgcttln^ those things which are be- ind, and reaching forth unto those hings which are before, Ver. 14. I ires« toward the mark, for the prize f the high calling of God in Christ esus.
78. ^ Rom. vii. 1 8. For I know, that n nie (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth lO good thing : for to will is present irith me, but how to perform that irhich is good I find not. Ver. 23. Jut I see another law in my members earring against the law of my mind, nd bringing me into captivity to the Jw Lif sin which is in my members- Jark xiv. 60. to tht end. And as *ettrr was beneath in the palace, there ometh one of the maids of tiie high iriest, isfc. Gal. ii. 11. But when *eter was come to Antioch, I with- tood him to the face, b-jcause he was 0 be blamed. Ver. 12. For before hat certain came from James, lie did at w ith the Gentiles : but wl\en they irere come, he withdrew, and sepa- ated himself, ft-aring them which rcre of the circumcision.
k'e also are compassed about with so ;rcat a cloud of witnesses, kt us lay
aside every weight, and the sin which doth so eAsily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set be- fore us.
* Isa. Ixiv. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteous- nesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. £xod. xxviii. 38. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iiiicjiiity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hal- low in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.
79. f Jcr. xxxi. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an ever- lasting luve : therefore with loving- kindness have I drawn thee.
^ 2 'I'im. ii. 19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, hav- ing this seal, M'he Lord knoweth them that are his. And, l^et every one that nameth the name of Christ de- part from iniquity. Heb. xiii. 20. Now the God of peace, that brought a^ain from the dead our Lord Jesus, that
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their inseparable union with Christ ^^ his continual inter- cession for them ', and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them '', can neither totally nor finally fall away fron the state of grace', but are kept by the power of Goc through faith unto salvation ™.
Q. 80, Can true believers be infallibli/ assured that they art in the estate of grace^ and that they shall persevere thereii unto salvation ?
A. Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavour to walls in all good conscience before him", may, without extraordin- ary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God'*s pro. mises, and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in them- selves those graces to which the promises of life are made °.
anc
that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the hlood of the everlasting covenant, Ver. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well- pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whon be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. Although my house be not so with God, yet he hath made with me ai) everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and suret for this is all my sal- vation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
h 1 Cor. i. 8. Who shall also con- firm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ver. 9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called Unto the fel- lowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Xiord.
J Heb. vli. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Luke xxii, 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, Strengthen thy brethren.
k 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his
seed remaineth in him : and he can not sin, because he is born of God 1 John ii. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abid' eth in you ; and ye need not that anj man teach you : but as the same an- ointing teaclyth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as i( hath taught you, ye shall abide in him
I Jer. xxxii. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from therr to do them good ; but I will put mj fear in their hearts, that they shal not depart from me. John x. 28, And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.
'^ 1 Pet L 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.
80. " I John ii. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
° 1 Cor. ii. 12, Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is ol God: that we might know the things that are freely given to u
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imd bearin£f witness with their spirits that they arc the i:hildren of God p, be infallibly assured that they are in Ihe estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation '*.
I Q. 8 1 . Are all true believers at all times assured of their pre* \ient beinsr in the estate of ^r ace, and that they shall he saved ? I A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith', true believers may wait long before they obtain it*;
and.
i)f God. 1 John ili. 14. We know l3iat we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren : he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. Ver. 1 8. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in •ieed, and in truth. Ver. 19. And hereby we know that we are of the
!:, and shall assure our hearts
him. Ver. 21. Beloved, if -.. heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God. Ver. 24. And he that keepeth his tominandments dwelleth in him, ind he in him : and hereby we that he abideth in us, by the which he harh given us. 1 J an iv. 13. Hereby know we thnt we dwell in him, and he in "■;- li.-cause he hath given us of his Ver. 1 6, And we have n and believed the love that iath to us. God is love; and t dwelleth in love dwelleth in and (iod in him. Heb. vi. 11. •ve desire that every one of you •jw the same diligence, to the assurance of hope unto the Ver. 12. That ye be not il, hut followers of them, through faith and patience in- herit the promises.
PRom. viii. 16. The Spirit itself beareih witness with our spirit, that We are the children of God.
'^ 1 John V. 1 3. These things have I written unto you that believe on
full
the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
81. •■ Eph. i. 13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation '^ in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were seated with that Holy Spirit of promise.
^ Isa. 1. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obey- eth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darliness, and hath no light ? let him trust ih the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Psal. Ixxxviii. throughout, Ver. 1. O Lord God of my salva- tion, I have criod day and ni^'ht before thee : Ver. 2. I^et my prayer come before thee : incline thine ear unto my cry ; Ver. 3. For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.—- Ver. 6. 'Ihou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Ver. 7. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with ail thy waves. Selah. — Ver. 9. Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction : Lord, I have * called daily upon thee ; I have stretched out my hands unto thee. Ver. 10. Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? — Ver. l.S. But unto thee have I cried, O Lord ; and in the morn- ing shall my prayer prevent thee. Ver, 14, Lord, why castest thou off my
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and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, throuf^h manifold distempers, sins, temj)- tations, and desertions ' ; yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair ".
Q. 82. What
my soul ? why hidest thou thy face from me? Ver. 15. I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up : while I suffer thy "terrors I am distracted, tsfc.
t[Psal. Ixxvii. 1. to ihe \2ih verse.'l Ver. 1. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice ; and he g'ave ear unto me. Ver. 2. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord : my sore ran in the night, and ceased not : my soui re- fu?ed to be comforted. . Ver. S. I remembered God, and was troubled : I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. — Ver. 7. Will the Lord cast off for ever ? and will he be favourable no more ? \:fc. Cant. •V. 2. I sleep, but my heart waketh : it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Oj)en to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my un- defiled : for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. Ver. :3. I have put off my coat, how shall I prit it on ? I have washed my feet, how shall I defile them ? Ver. 6. I opened to my beloved ; but my beloved had ■withdrawn himself, and was gone : my soul failed when he spake : I sought him, but I could not find him : I called him, but he gave me no answer. Psul. li. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness : that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Ver. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation ; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Psal. xxxi. 22. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before
thine eyes ; nevertheless thou heardi. est the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. Psal. xxii. 1. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me ? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring ?
" 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Job xiii. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him : but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Psal. Ixxiii. 15. If I say, 1 will speak thus ; be- hold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. Ver. 2.'?. Nevertheless, I am continually with tliee : thou hast holden me - by my right hand. Isa. liv. 7. For a small moment have I forsaken thee ; but with great mercies will I gather thee. Ver. 8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but with ever- lasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Re- deemer. Ver. 9. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me : for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth ; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. Ver. 10. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed ; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord, that hath mercy on thc-e.
82. ^^ 2 Cor.
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f the invisible church have trith Christ ?
A. The communion in glory which the members of the nvisihle church have with Christ, is in this life'% imme- llliately after death *, and at last perfected at the resurrec- ion and day of judgment ■'.
Q. 85. What is the communion in pylori/ with Christ which he members of the invisible church enjoy in this life ?
A. The members of the invisible church have communi- riited to them in this life the first-fruits of glory with Christ, lis they are members of him their head, and so in him are interested in that glory whicli he is fully possessed of' ; and, as an earnest thereof, enjoy the sense of God's love% peace i)f conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and hope of glory''; us, on the contrary, sense of God's reven;;ing wrath, horror )f conscience, and a fearful expectation of judgment, are to the wicked the beginning of tlieir torments which they tiliall endure after deatlr'.
Q. 84. Shall
SL'. *'2 Cor. ill. 18. But we ull Mrlth open face beholding as in a Ijliss the glory of the I^ord, are jjlory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
'^ I-uke xxiii. 43. And Jesns said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-d.iy shalt thou be with me in paradi^:.
y 1 Thess. iv. 1 7. Then we which tfe alive and remain sha'I be caught ip together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and so iball we ever be with the Lord.
8;l. ^Eph. ii. 5. Kven when we vrere dead in sins, hith qiiickeni-d us together with Christ, (ny grace ye are saved.) Ver. 6. And hath raised us up together, and made IM sit together in heavenly p!acA ~ Christ Jesus.
* Rom. V. 5. And hope niaketh DOt ashamed, because the love of God is abed abroad in our hearts 2C
by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Com/tared -wilh ii Cor. i. 22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in uur hearts.
i> Rom. V. 1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have jjea^e with God, through our I^ord Jesus Christ. Ver, 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of (Jod. Rom. xiv. 17. For tlie kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righte- ousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
^ Gen. iv. 1 3. And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Mat. xxvii. 4. Saying, I have sinned, in that I have bttraycd the innocent blood. And they said. What is that to us ? see thou to that. Heb.