Cor. 3.9 these of the new Testament haue great preeminence SECT XV. Of Baptisme Q. VVHat is Baptisme A. The former Sacrament of the new Testament by the a Eph 5.26 washing of water representing the powerfull b 1 Cor 6.11 Heb. 10.22 washing of the bloud and spirit of Christ and so sealing our a John 3.5 Tit. 3.5 new birth and entrance into the Couenant of grace Q. How was this Sacrament ordained and brought into the Church in the place of Circumcision A. At the b Iohn 1.33 commandement of God by the ministery first of c Matth. 3.1 Iohn therefore called the Baptist after sanctified and confirmed by our Sauiour Christ himselfe being d Matt. 3.13 baptized by Iohn and giuing e Mat. 28.18 commission to his Apostles and Ministers to continue the same in his Church vnto the end Q. What are the necessary and essentiall parts of this Sacrament A. Two viz. 1. The outward element of f Iohn 1.31 water together with the actioÌ„ of g Eph. 5.26 Act. 8.36 c. 2.41 washing that is dipping or sprinkling the party baptized h Mat. 28.19 In the name of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost 2. The spiritual thing signified viz. the i Heb. â— 14 bloud k 1. Cor 6.11 spirit of Christ washing away both the l Act. 2.38 guilt and m Eze. 36.25 filthinesse of sinne Q. Doth this spiritual washing alwaies accompany the outward action A. No for howsoeuer God for his part doe euer a Ezek. 24.13 offer it at the present vnto all yet doe the b 1. Pet. 1.2 Elect onely effectually partake the spirituall benefit and that c Gal. 3.27 then first when by the spirit and faith they are vnited vnto Christ from which time baptisme once receiued remaineth a d Zech. 13.1 fountain alwaies open for sinne and for vncleannesse Q. How farre forth doth Baptisme cleanse the elect from sinne A. From e 1. Cor. 6.9.10 11. 1. John 1.7 Psal 51 7. all sins as well actuall as originall as wel committed after Baptisme as before and that f Esay 1.18 perfectly in respect of the guilt although g Ioh. 13.10 Psal 51.2 imperfectly by degrees in respect of the pollution and power of sinne Q. Who are to be admitted to this Sacrament A. Whosoeuer are outwardly comprehended in the Couenant whether th y be 1. of riper yeares h Acts 8.37 coÌ„uerted to the profession of the faith or 2. i 1 Cor. 7.14 children borne of Christian parents SECT XVI Of the Lords Supper Q. VVHat is the Lords Supper A It is the other Sacrament of the new Testament wherein God by the signes of bread and wine signifieth sealeth and exhibiteth to euery faithfull receiuer the body and bloud of Christ for his spirituall nourishment and growth in Christ so confirmeth him in the Couenant of Grace Q. How was this Sacrament instituted in stead of the Passeouer A. Our Lord Iesus Christ a 1. Cor. 11.23 in the night that he was betraied b Matth. 26.26 c. immediatly after hee had eaten the Passeouer with his Disciples did both himselfe with them celebrate this holy Sacrament and withall c 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. giue charge for continuance of the same in the Church vntill his second comming in which regard it is called the d 1. Cor. 11.20 Lords Supper Q. What are the essentiall parts of this Sacrament A. As of all other Sacraments two to wit 1. The outward signes viz. the a Mat. 26.26 27. elemeÌ„ts of bread wine together with the actions of blessing distributing taking communicating according to our Sauiours first institution 2. The spiritual b Ibid. things signified viz. the body bloud of Christ sanctified and c Ioh. 6.50 51 giuen vs by God and by faith receiued of vs for the nourishing and preseruing of our soules and bodies vnto eternall life Q. Is Christs body and bloud together with the outward elements receiued of all Communicants A. No for howsoeuer they be d Mat. 26.26 offred by God to all yet are they receiued by such alone as haue the hand of faith to lay hold on Christ As for those that come without faith they receiue e 1. Cor. 11.27 onely the outward elements and that vnto f Vers 29. condemnation Q. Who are to be partakers of this Sacrament A. All baptized who are of yeeres sound iudgement to discerne the Lords body ought to repaire to this Sacrament but those onely come worthily who professing the true faith haue duly a 1. Cor. 11.28 examined prepared theÌ„selues Q. How ought euery Christian comming to this SacrameÌ„t to examin prepare himselfe that he may come worthily A. By due search triall of himself whether he haue in him the conditions by God required in worthy Communicants viz. b 2. Cor. 13.5 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith grouÌ„ded vpoÌ„ knowledge both of Gods will in generall this holy Sacrament in particular c Heb. 10.22 Iames 48. RepentaÌ„ce of sins past atteÌ„ded with true d Zech. 12.10 lâ—ue of God of his e 1. Cor. 16.14 brethren Q. How ought euery Christian thus prepared to demeane himselfe in receiuing and after A. 1. In the present actioÌ„ with reuereÌ„ce intention thanksgiuing f 1. Cor. 11.26 coÌ„memorating the Lords death for the coÌ„fort refreshing of his soul g Rom. 12.1 ofring vp himselfe soule body as a sacrifice of thanks in which regard it is called the Eucharist 2. Afterward coÌ„tinually indeuoring to finde an h Col. 2.6 7. increase of his faith in Christ loue to God all his saints power to subdue sinne and practise obedience with all other * 2. Pet. 3.18 sauing and sanctifying graces SECT XVII Of the inward meanes of reuealing the Couenant of Grace viz. the Spirit and Faith Q. VVHat are the inward meanes whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace A. They are 2. Viz. 1. The Spirit 2. Faith Q. What is here meant by the Spirit A. A speciall effect of the Spirit of Christ before-mentioned dwelling in our hearts testifying on Gods part his free loue and gracious purpose touching our saluation in a Psal 35.3 particular bearing b Rom. 8.16 witnesse with our spirits that we are in Christ his Children and hee our Father withall guiding vs to the c Psal 16.7 Ioh. 14.26 knowledge of the whole will of God reuealed in his word called therefore the d Ephes 1.17 spirit of wisedome or Reuelation Q. Doth the Spirit alwaies witnesse the loue of God vnto vs A. The witnesse of the spirit is a Rom. 5.5 Ephes 2.13.14 continuall yet it is b Psal 51.10 ver 7.8 not alwaies with like feeling and comfort apprehended because neither are our hearts alwaies alike purged humbled and enlarged to receiue it nor the
What is faith A. The first effect of the spirit of Christ d Eph. â— 16 17. disposing vs to cleaue to him and the instrument whereby all graces are begun and increased in vs. SECT XIII Of the Gospell Q. VVHat is our communion with Christ A. The participation of the benefits flowing from his seueral offices Q. What benefite receiue wee from the Propheticall office of Christ A. The a Math. 11.27 reuelation of the Couenant of grace whereby we are made b 2. Tim. 3.15 wise vnto saluation Q. What meanes doth God vse for the reuealing of this couenant A. The meanes are of two sorts Viz. outward and inward Q. What are the outward meanes A. The word and the Sacraments Q. What meane you by the word A. The c Eph. 1.13 Gospell preached which â—ontaineth and publisheth the promises of saluation by Christ SECT XIIII Of Sacraments Q. VVHat are Sacraments A. a Rom. 4.11 Seales annexed by God to the word of his Grace b Gal. 3.27 assuring our part in Christ and c Rom. 6.4 binding vs vnto him in obedience Q. What Sacraments are there of the Couenant of Grace A. They be of two sorts Viz some of the old Testament before Christ others of the new vnder Christ Q. What were those Sacraments of the old Testament A. Two Viz d Gen. 17.10 Circumcision for entrance into the Couenant and the e Exod. 22.3 c. Passeouer for continuance and confirmation therein Q. How many Sacraments are there of the new Testament A. Two likewise Viz Baptisme for entrance and the Lords Supper foâ— confirmation in the same Couenant SECT XV. Of Baptisme Q. VVHat is Baptisme A. The seale of our a Tit. 3.5 new birth and entrance into the Couenant of Grace Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. They are two namely first the b Eph 5. â—6 element of water with the action of dipping or sprinkling the partie baptised c Math. 28.19 In the Name of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost Q. What is the other part A. The d Heb. 9.14 blood and e 1. Cor. 6 2â— Spirit of Christ washing away both the f Act. 2.38 guilt and g Ezek. 36.25 Rom. â— 2.3 c. filthinesse of our sinnes Q. Who are to be baptised A. Whosoeuer belong to the Couenant whether h Act. 8.37 of riper yeares conâ—erted to the faith or i 1. Cor. 7.14 children of Christian parents SECT XVI Of the Lords Supper Q. VVHat is the Lords supper A. The seale of our a Eph. 4.26 spirituall nourishment and grouth in the bodie of Christ Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. Two Viz First the b Mat. 26.26 27. elements of bread and wine distributed and receiued according to Christs institution Q. What is the other part A. The * Mat. 26.26 27 28. bodie and blood of Christ giuen by God and receiued of vs by faith for the d Joh. 6.54 nourishing of our soules in spirituall life Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament A. Such as professing the true faith of Christ haue duely e 1. Cor. 1.28 prepared themselues Q. How ought wee to prepare oâ—â— selues A. By examining and stirring vp in our selues three notable graces Q. What is the first A. Knowledge of the will of God especially touching the matter of the Sacrament a 1. Cor. 11.29 that wee be able to discerne the Lords body Q. Which is these second A. b 2. Cor. 13.5 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith to apply the promises of saluation vnto our selues in particular Q. Which is the third A. c Zech. 12.10 Jam. 4. â— Repentance of our sinnes past with true d 1. Cor. 16.14 loue of God and of our Brethren Q. How ought wee to receiue this Sacrament A. In a reuerent and thankefull e 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. remembrance of the loue of Christ who gaue himselfe for vs with desire to f 2. Pet. 3.18 grow in faith and all holy graces SECT XVII Of the spirit and faith Q. WHat are the inward means whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace A. They are 2. Viz the spirit faith Q. What is here meant by the spirit A. A speciall effect of the Spirit of Christ a Rom. 8.16 bearing witnes with our spirits that we are in Christ the children of God Q. What is here meant by faith A. That speciall act of faith whereby wee b 1. Joh. 5.10 Joh. 3.33 giue credit vnto the report of the word and spirit of Christ touching our saluation in particular SECT XVIII Of Vocation Q. VVHat is the maÌ„ner of reuealing the CouenaÌ„t of Grace A. It is our c Rom. 8.30 Vocation and Callingâ— when God by the meanes aforesaid inuiteth men to come vnto him in Christ for saluation Q. Are there not different kinds of Calling A. Yes for a Math. 22.14 many are called outwardly who are not chosen but the Elect are b Psal 65.4 effectually perswaded to â—leaâ—e vnto Christ SECT XIX Of the Church Q. To whom doth God reueale his Couenant of Grace A. c Joh. 14.22 Not to the world but to his Church called out of the world Q. What meane you by the Church A. The d Eph. 5.32 1. Cor. 1.9 whole number of Gods Elect effectually called into fellowship with Christ Q. Where is this Church of God A. Part already e Reuel 7.14 c. triumphant in heauen part as yet f Reuel 12.11 militant on earth in the seruice and warfare of the Lord Iesus Q. Who are meÌ„bers of the Church militaÌ„t A. As many as are liuing g Eph. 1.22 23. members of the mysticall bodie of Christ Q. How may we know them A. Not by the inward graces a 2. Tim. 2.19 onely knowne to God whereby they are inuisible to vs but by the markes of visible profession Q. What are the true markes of visible profession A. The outward meanes appointed by God for the calling and gathering of his Saints viz. b Mat. 28.19 20. the word preached and Sacraments duely administred Q. Are we to ioyne with all Churches that haue these markes A. c Phil. 1.18 Cant. 1.5 Yea neither must wee separate from any farther then they separate from Christ Q. What distinction is there of the particular members of a Church A. Though all be the sheepe and familie of Christ yet d 1 Cor. 12 2â— Luk. 12.42 some are set-ouer the rest to feede them with the foode of life as the Ministers and e Ps 78.71 72 others to rule and order them outwardly as the Magistrates SECT XX. Of Iustification Q. VVHat benefite receiue we from the Priestly office of Christ A. Our a Rom. 8.30 Iustification before God through his b Phil. 3.9 righteousnes imputed vnto vs and apprehended by vs. Q. What righteousnesse of Christ is imputed to vs A. c
behooueth vs also to suffer in the flesh ceasing from sinne hereto crauing and employing the power of the same death of Christ to a Ro. 6 2. c subdue and crucifie our carnall lusts and affections whereto also belongeth the help of b 1. Cor. 9.25 c. Abstinence for the repressing of the inordinate desires of nature SECT XXXVII Of good workes in generall Q. THus farre of the spiritual warfare What is a good worke A. Whatsoeuer thing is done of us c 2. Cor. 3.5 not by the force or conduct of nature but by the power of the d Rom. 8.10 spirit of Christ dwelling in vs and according to the rule of the e Rom. 12.2 knowne will of God vnto the f 1 Cor. 10.31 glory of God the g 2. Pet. 1.10 c. assurance of our election and the h 1. Cor. 10.23 edification of others Q. Is there no concurrence of nature in the doing of a good worke A. Taking nature in the common sense of Scripture for that a Ephes 2.3 1. Cor. 2.14 hereditarie corruption that cleaueth to all the sonnes of Adam b Rom. 8.7 no good work hath any ground or help from nature but is altogether contrarie thereto but if we vnderstand by c Rom. 2.14 nature the created abilities of soule and body as the light of reason libertie of will motion of the bodily members c. wee acknowledge nature to be d Mat. 16.17 not the principal mouer or guide but the e 1. Thes 5.23 thing moued guided by grace in well doing Q. Are there any workes of men perfectly good A. None no not of the most perfect in this life by reasoÌ„ of the f Esay 64.6 Gal. 15.17 remainders of corruption but onely the workes of Christ in whom alone there was g 1. Pet. 2.22 no mixture of sinne Q. Can all men doe good workes A. No but onely the regenerate who are for that purpose h Ephes 2.10 2. Tim. 2.21 created a new and indued in measure with the spirit of Christ and power of his resurrection As for the vnregenerate they are a Mat. 7 17 c. Jer. 13.23 the euill tree that bringeth forth onely euill fruit Q. Are there not some good workes specially commended to vs in the word of God A. Yes and namely among the duties of the first Table Prayer and among those of the second Table Almes touching which therefore our b Mat. 6.1.5 c. Sauiour giueth speciall directions in the sixt of Matthew Q. Is not fasting also of which our Sauiour in the c Math. 6.16 c. same place entreateth a speciall good worke A. Fasting is not properly a good worke but an helpe and assistance thereto namely to Prayer as shall appeare SECT XXXVIII Of Prayer Q. TO proceede then What is prayer A. It is the d Phil. 4.6 request of an humble sanctified heart together with thanksgiuing offered by the power of the a Rom. 8.26 spirit of prayer as a speciall b Psal 50.15 seruice vnto God in the c Ioh. 14.14 name of Christ in behalfe of our selues and d Eph. 6.18 others with e 1 Joh. 5.14 assurance to be heard in what we pray for according to the will of God Q. Why doe you call it a request with thanksgiuing A. Because in all our prayers there must bee both f 1. Thess 5.17 petition of the good things we need and g Verse 18. thankefull acknowledgement of those we haue obtained As for those formes which containe neither supplication nor giuing of thankes as the Articles of our faith the Decalogue c. they may and ought for other good purposes bee committed to memory and h Deut 6.7 rehearsed but to vse them as prayers i Mâ—â—h 6 7. sauoreth of deepe ignorance if not of superstition Q. Why doe you call it the request of the heart A. Not to exclude the vse of bodilie gesture much lesse of the voice and tongue in the action of inuocation therefore called the a Hos 24.3 Calues of the lips but to shew 1. That the b 1. Cor. 14.15 Psal 45.1 108.1 heart is on our part the first and principall moouer and speaker in prayer from whence both voyce and gesture haue their force and grace 2. That prayer in sudden occasions may be c Exod. 14.15 Nehem. 2.4 secretly and powerfully offered and is of God accepted and heard when neither any voice is vttered nor any bodily gesture imploied Q. Why doe you adde of an humble and sanctified heart A. Because as in generall d Psal 109.7 none can pray or doe any thing acceptably but such as are truely regenerate and e Psal 51.15 sanctified vnto this and euery good worke so in speciall and for the present action of prayer it is required as the f Psal 51.17 summe of all sacrifices that the heart be humble and contrite g Dan. 9 8 9 acknowledging it owne vnworthinesse by reason of sinne h Psal 143.6 feeling the want of Gods grace and mercy and i Luk. 15.18 19. submitting it selfe vnto him willing to be beholding for the least degree of fauour Q. What is the spirit of prayer A. An especiall grace and operation of the a Iude vers 20. holy Ghost called therefore the b Zech. 12.10 spirit of grace and deprecation enabling vs to c Psal 62.8 powre out our soules vnto the Lord with d Rom. 8.26 sighs that cannot be expressed Q. Are wee to direct our prayers to God alone A. Yea to one God in Trinitie and to none other for he alone 1. As the searcher of the hearts e Psal 65.2 heareth the voice and f Rom. 8.27 knoweth the meaning of the spirit of praier 2. Is g Eph. 3.20 able to grant whatsoeuer we demand 3. Challengeth our h Rom. 10.14 faith and confidence without which wee cannot pray For which causes the Scripture alloweth not prayer to any other Q. In whose name or for whose sake must we sue to God A. In the onely i Dan. 9.17 Joh. 16.23.24 name and for the onely sake of his sonne our Lord Iesus Christ the alone k 1. Tim. 2.5 mediator betweene God and man as of a 1. Joh. 2.1 2 Rom. 8.34 propitiation so of a 1. Joh. 2.1 2 Rom. 8.34 intercession who through the b Heb. 10.19 c. vaile of his flesh and merit of his blood hath prepared for vs a new and liuing way whereby we may bee bold to enter into the holie place in c Gal. 4.5 whom alone wee are made children of God and haue liberty to call him Father Finally in with and for d Rom. 8.32 whom God giueth all good things to his Elect. Q. For whom are wee to pray A. For our selues and others vs and ours In a word 1. For e 1.