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II. The end of God's appointing this day is for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy in the eternal salvation of the elect, and of his justice in the damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient. For then shall the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fulness of joy and refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord; but the wicked, who know not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.

III. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity; so will he have that day unknown to men, that

shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Rom. ii. 16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. Rom. xiv. 10. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. Ver. 12. So then, every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Matt. xii. 36. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Ver. 37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

II. e Matt. xxv. 31. to the end.] Rom. ii. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Ver. 6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds. Rom. ix. 22. What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: Ver. 23. And that he might make known the rickes of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory? Matt. xxv. 21. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been

faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Acts iii. 19. Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 2 Thess. 1.7-10. [See in the Bible.]

III. f 2 Pet. iii. 11. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be, in all holy conversation and godliness? Ver. 14. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Cor. v. 10. [See letter d.] Ver. 11. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God, and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 2 Thess. i. 5. Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. Ver. 6. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you? Ver. 7. And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. Luke xxi. 27. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory. Ver. 28.

they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come ; and may be ever prepared to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen 5.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Rom. viii. 23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Ver. 24. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Ver. 25. But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

g Matt. xxiv. 36, 42, 43, 44. [See in the Bible.] Mark xiii. 35. Watch

ye therefore, for ye know not when the master of the house cometh; at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning; Ver. 36. Lest coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. Ver. 37. And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch. Luke xii. 35. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; Ver. 36. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding, that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Rev. xxii. 20. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

THE

LARGER CATECHISM,

AGREED UPON BY THE

ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER,

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF

COMMISSIONERS FROM THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND,

AS

A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of CHRIST, in the Kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland.

AND

Approved Anno 1648, by the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the CHURCH of SCOTLAND, to be a Directory for catechising such as have made some proficiency in the Knowledge of the Grounds of Religion.

WITH THE

PROOFS FROM THE SCRIPTURE.

:

T

Act approving the Larger Catechism.

HE General Assembly having exactly examined and seriously considered the LARGER CATECHISM, agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster, with assistance of Commissioners from this Kirk, copies thereof being printed, and sent to Presbyteries, for the more exact trial thereof; and publick intimation being frequently made in this Assembly, that every one that had any doubts or objections upon it might put them in; do find, upon due examination thereof, That the said Catechism is agreeable to the word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received doctrine, worship, discipline, and government of this Kirk; a necessary part of the intended uniformity in religion, and a rich treasure for increasing knowledge among the people of God: and therefore the Assembly, as they bless the Lord that so excellent a Catechism is prepared, so they approve the same, as a part of uniformity; agreeing, for their part, that it be a common Catechism for the three kingdoms, and a Directory for catechising such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds of religion.

THE

LARGER CATECHISM.

Quest. 1. WHAT is the chief and highest end of man? Ans. Man's chief and highest end is to

glorify Goda, , and fully to enjoy him for ever b.

1. a Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 1 Cor. x. 31. Whether there. fore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

b Psal. Ixxiii. 24. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. Ver. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire be

sides thee. Ver. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Ver. 27. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. Ver. 28. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. John xvii. 21. That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in

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