Page:A Catechism on the Thirty nine Articles.pdf/58

52 In what manner does the consideration of predestination comfort such persons?

"It doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ," and "doth fervently kindle their love towards God."

What is meant by "curious and carnal persons?"

Persons who inquire into religion only to satisfy their curiosity, and at the same time live according to their natural desires and inclinations.

What other mark have such persons?

They "lack the Spirit of Christ."

What is to be understood by this phrase?

They have not the Spirit of Christ so dwelling in them as to be governed by Him.

What is the consequence when such persons "have continually before their eyes the sentence of God's Predestination?"

It becomes "a most dangerous downfall, whereby the Devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wretchlessness of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation."

What is desperation?

Giving up the hope of salvation.

What is wretchlessness?

Recklessness or carelessness.

How does the consideration of God's predestination produce this effect upon their minds?

They misunderstand the nature of predestination, and imagine that it signifies that God has destined