Christ subiect to sinne for the Bread and Wine becommeth our substance Eightly they most blasphemouslie affirme by this their opinion that Christ should returne into our draught O monstrous blasphemie Matth. 15.17 Ninthly if it were the very body of Christ that the Apostles did eate at the last supper then where was the body that must suffer for our sakes a fantasticall bodie could not redeeme vs. And if they did eate but halfe of the bodie and left the other halfe to suffer we could not be redeemed by halfe Herein therefore wee may see how foolish a doctrine Poperie is Question Our sauiour Christ who is verie trueth and cannot lie saieth take eate this is my bodie and therefore his verie bodie Answere Our Sauiour Christ calleth himself a doore a vine a waie and is also called a rocke compared to a theefe and saide to bee the daye Starre Iohn 10.7 and 15.1 14.6 1. Cor. 10.4 Re. 22.16 Is Christ therefore a way a vine a rock theefe and a day Sarre O no it were most foolish and wicked so to reason and conclude He is in deed the onely doore thorough whome we must enter into saluation the onely waie to eternall life the onely tree and roote from whence we must drawe all heauenly and comfortable graces the sure rocke to builde on to saluation the theefe to come sodainely vpon the wicked to destruction and the glorious wisdome of his father to inlighten our hearts to knowe God to saluation And euen so he calleth the bread his bodie because it is a sacrament of his bodie that is it sheweth how his bodie was crucified and put to death and the wine his bloud because it is a signe how his bloud was shed Question Dooth the wicked and vnbeleeuing person receiue the benefit of Christs death in receiuing the externall signe Answere No for First they haue not faith Titus 1.1 2. 1. Thes 3.2 Secondly they haue not the spirit of Christ which things should make them worthie receiuers of the benefits of Christs death to the remission of sinnes and euerlasting life Rom. 8.7 8. Question In receiuing the sacramental signes do they not bring great hurt to themselues Answere Yes verely for first they are herein guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ 1. Corin. 11.27 Secondly they eate and drinke their owne damnation 1. Cor. 11.29 Question How can they bee guiltie of the bodie and bloud of Christ to their condemnation vnlesse they eate the verie flesh and drinke the verie bloud of Christ 1. Cor. 11. Answere To be guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ and to eate vnworthelie to condemnation is to come rashely without due examining of themselues also to come like doggs in their vomit and hoggs in their filthie mier making no account of the holy supper and sacramental signes so that this verie contempt reacheth vnto the author himselfe namely Iesus Christ and his death and bloud shedding Question What dooth the bread broken and the wine powred foorth signifie Answere The breaking of the bodie and the shedding of the bloud of Christ 1. Corinthians 10.16 Question What doo you gather thereby Answere First what horrible and vile sinners we are Pro. 20.9 1. Iohn 1.1.10 Secondly how wee deserue the horrible and intollerable tormentes of hell fier euerlastinglie Romans 6.23 Ephesians 2.2 3. Thirdly the great loue of GOD in sending his sonne to take vpon him our nature and to die for vs to our redemption Iohn 3.16 1. Iohn 4.9 10. Fourthly the great loue of Christ and his humilitie to humble himselfe vnto the cursed death of the Crosse and tormentes of hell for our saluation Phil. 2.5 6 7 8. Ioh. 10.11 Question What thinke you of the Papistes which deliuer not the holy supper after the institution of Christ Answere They deale First iniuriouslie against Christ Secondly wickedly against the people in that they bereaue them of such notable vses in the breaking of the bread and powring foorth of the Wine Question How shal we come worthelie to receiue the holy supper Answere First by repentance Mark 1.15 Secondly by faith Ephe. 3.16 17. Thirdly by loue 1. Cor. 10.17 Fourthly by thankesgiuing Luke 22.24 Question How may a christian assure himselfe that he commeth in true repentance Answere If hee bee truely touched with his sinnes and inwardly grieued for them loathing sinne from the bottome of his heart With a true confession vnto GOD and with a full purpose to amende and liue in the feare of GOD Then he hath truely repented Psalme 51.17 Ioel. 2.12 13. Esay 1.16.17 Romans 12.1 2. Question How may he perswade himself that he hath a liue lie faith Answere If he feele effectuallie in his heart the benefits of Christs death to the remission of sinnes and his saluation and confesseth Gods mercies herein hee hath a true and liuelie faith Romans 3.24 Galathians 2.20 Collos 1.21 22 23. Question How in true loue Answere If he hartelie forgiue his neighbours for the offences and iniuries done against him also if he be ready to doo good vnto all especiallie vnto the house of the faithfull and finally if hee haue a care to instruct and teach his family and neighbours in the trueth of GOD and the faith of Christ then he may perswade himselfe he hath true loue Rom. 12.20 21. Eph. 4.1 2 3 4. col 3.12 13 14 15. Question How in thanksgiuing Answere If from the heart both in word and workes he giue all praise and glorie to GOD through Christ for the benefites of saluation and not attribute them to his owne wisedome power and riches neither yet to burie them in the pit of forgetfulnesse and finally doo not turne the grace of God to wantonnesse Psa 103.1 2 3 4 5 c. Iere. 9.23 24. Rom. 15. Iud. 4. Rom. 6.1 Question Let vs come vnto the third meane whereby our faith is increased and mainteined by discipline and tell me what discipline is Answere Discipline is the comely order of holy gouernment appointed of Christ in his Churth to be exercised and vsed of his Ministers and Elders to keep in the good and to punish the wicked and that to be done in great loue and pittie Matth. 16.19 Iohn 20.20 Math. 18.15 16. Rom. 12.3 4 6 7 8. Matth. 18.17 Gal. 6.1 2 3 c. Question Wherein standeth it Answere First in exhortations and admonitions 1. Thess 5.13 14. Secondly in threatnings and corrections 2. Tim. 4.2 3 4 c. Thirdly in excommunications casting foorth the great offenders that will not be amended by these procéedings out of the fellowship of the faithfull and from the partaking at the Lords Table 1. cor 5.12 1. tim 5.20 Matt. 18.17 Tit. 3.10.11 Question What are the endes of excommunication Answere First that a wicked liuer to the great reproach of God and his Gospell be not suffered among Christians 1. cor 5.4 5. 1. Tim. 1.20 Secondly that the good may not be corrupted through the continuall familiaritie of the wicked 1.
were renewed by the spirit vnto righteousnes Secondly we cannot reade in this chapter that Nicodemus was baptised the which if it had been of such a necessitie both he should and would haue béen presently baptised and the Euangelist would haue noted the same Thirdly admit that Christ did speake of Baptisme yet the worde must not bee so vrged that he includeth saluation in water but hee rather ioyneth water with the spirit because hee testifieth and sealeth vnto vs by that visible signe newnes of life which God alone doth work in vs by his holy spirit Question What gather you by this doctrine of the Papists Answere First they are most cruell against poore infants Secondly most wicked to tie God to externall meanes and denie his couenant Thirdly if all be damned that are not Baptised then all are saued if they be Baptised Fourthly by this doctrine although Baptised yet if children die before they eat the flesh and drinke the bloud of Christ they are damned Iohn 6.53 Question May priuate men and women minister the Sacrament of Baptisme Answere No surely for First the Lord hath tied the same vnto his lawfull ministers with the preaching of the word Matth. 28.19 20. 1. Cor. 14.34 35. Secondly if they may administer Baptisme they may as well administer the Sacrament of the Lordes supper and preach the word publiquelie which things are absurde and wicked Question God was pleased with Zipporah her acte in circumcising her sonne with a stone Answere First Almightie God did not approue her facte otherwise we might say that the worshipping which the Gentiles that were brought from Assiria raised vp did please God because the beasts did cease to afflict the people Exod. 4.24 25 26. 2. Reg. 17.41 Secondly that which is particuler ought not to be made a generall example Question Doo wee not sinne most heynouslie if wee walke not according to our promise made vnto God in Baptisme Answere Yes verelie for First we breake our promise with GOD and falsefie our faith with the holy Trinitie Matth. 28.19 Titu 3.4 5 6 7. Secondly wee crucifie a newe our sauiour Christ and tread the bloud of the holy couenant vnder foote Heb. 6.6 and 10.26 27 28 29. Thirdly wee grieue the holy Ghost by whome the elect are sealed vnto the euerlasting redemption Ephe. 4.29 30. Fourthly wee mock and grieue the holy Angels who reioyce at the repentance of a sinner and cause them to bee our enemies to destruction who are appointed of God to be the ministers of the elect vnto Saluation Matth. 18.10 Luke 15.10 Fiftly we giue offence vnto the Church but it had been better that a Milstone had been hanged about our necks and wee cast into the Sea Matth. 8.6 7. Sixtly wee doo not only bereaue our selues of all the spirituall gifts of Gods spirit but also we are murtherers of our owne soules in that we bereaue our selues of Christ who is the very life it selfe Iohn 14.6 Roma 8.9 10 c. Question The signe may not be neglected of Christians may it Answere No God forbid it should for if wee neglect and contemne the Sacrament it is an accursed and wicked kind of dealing in men as namelie the Anabaptists who deny the Sacrament of Baptisme to youg infants wherein they shew their ignorance For first they bee vnder the couenant Exod. 4.24 25 26. Gene. 17.9 10. Secondly the kingdome of God belongeth vnto them Matth. 18. Question Now let vs come vnto the Lords supper when did he institute the same Answere Presently after the eating of the passeouer and also a little before his death thereby First to shewe vnto vs that the Passeouer was ended in him 1. Cor. 5.7 Secondly to put vs alwaies in remembrance of his suffrings Matth. 26.26 27. Question What is the Lords supper Answere It is a holy banquet and a sacrament of publique eating and drinking of Bread and Wine to put in minde all beleeuing Christians which are of a good and a sound discretion how Christ was put to death and did shed his bloud for the remission of their sinnes and so is become their meate and drinke thorough faith to euerlasting life Mat. 29.26 27. 1. Cor. 10.16 1. Cor. 11.23 24 25. Question How many things are to bee considered of in this sacrament Answere Fouer as first Christ and his institution Math. 26.26 c. Secondly the externall signes Bread and Wine Math. 26. Thirdly the promise of redemption and remission of sinnes in Christ 1. Corinth 11.23 c. Fourthly faith in the promise to iustification and euerlasting life Iohn 66.54 c. Question How is our faith nourished and confirmed by the Lords supper Answere First in that our sauiour Christ giueth himselfe vnto vs therein assuring that his bodie was giuen vnto the death of the Crosse and his bloud shed for vs. Matth. 26.26 27 28. phil 2.8 1. pet 2.24 Secondly the bread and wine which wee take and eate and drinke according to his holy institution doo teach vs that by faith we doo eate and drinke the body and bloud of Iesus Christ as the onely comfort and nourishment of our soules Iohn 6.48 51. Question What is the Analogie betweene the signes and the things signified Answere It standeth in feeding nourishing comforting refreshing in vnion and in fellowship Question As how Shew me Answere First as the bread and wine doo feede nourish and refresh the naturall bodie of man euen so the bodie and bloud of our Lord and Sauior Christ with the merits of his passion doo spirituallie feede nourish comfort and refresh our poore famished and thirstie soules Ioh. 6.32 33.35 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. Secondly as many cornes and grapes are vnited into one loafe and one wine euen so are wee vnited into one mysticall bodie and haue vnion and fellowship with Christ and bee as members one with another 1. Corin. 10.16 17. Question Then we do not reallie and verelie eat and drinke the naturall flesh and bloud of Christ in the holy supper Answere No for first it fighteth against the nature of a Sacrament for how can it be a signe and the thing it selfe Secondy if we be fed with the accidents of Bread and Wine It should followe that our bodies should be accidentall bodies bodies in shewe and not bodies in deede and of substance Thirdly it were to deny that Christ tooke flesh of the Virgin Marie if the substance of Bread and Wine doo become his flesh or els to say he had a mixte bodie either of which is blasphemie Matth. 1.23 Rom. 1.3 Fourthly it were to make Christ to haue a fantasticall bodie if his naturall bodie bée in euerie place after the words of consecration Fiftly it were to deny Christs Ascension and his sitting at Gods right hand and asmuch as to say the resurrection is past Act. 1.9 10. and 3.21 Sixthly it were to make him subiect to corruption as the Bread and Wine is Phil. 3. 20 21. 1. Timo. 1.17 18. Seauenthly it were to make
they haue no being so many soules Question In the definition it is said that it neuer dieth but alwaies liueth and is immortall but there are some that affirme that it sleepeth other some that it dieth with the bodie Answere That it neither sleepeth nor yet dieth but that it alwaies liueth and is immortall and that either it goeth vnto blisse or miserie presentlie after the seperation of the body proued Eccl. 12.7 Mat. 22.31 Luk. 16.24 25. Reu. 6.9 10 11. Question Also it is said in the definition that it is created of God and by him infused into the bodie but there are some that hold that the soule begetteth the soule Answere First these testimonies of holy Scripture do sufficiently prooue that they are created of God and powred by him into the bodie Eccles 22.7 Psal 33.15 Iob. 10.9 10 11 12. Secondly it is against the nature of a being to be deuided and parted Thirdly to say that a soule hath seed generation is a hard and strange kind of diuinity Question The Apostle Paule diuideth man into three parts the spirit the soule and the bodie so that hee seemeth to make the spirit one thing and the soule another how is it then that you diuide man into two partes the soule and bodie 1. Thes 5.23 Answere The Apostle diuideth the soule into two partes the first is reason and vnderstanding which he calleth the spirit the second is wil and affection which he calleth the soule so that the spirit is not a seuerall substance but the soule spirit are one euen as the bodie and flesh are one Question Now let vs come vnto the third point as thou hast shewed that God made man so tel me did he make him perfect and free from all sinne Answere Yea for it is said that God did make him in the image of God Gene. 1.27 Eccles 7.31 Question In that Moses bringeth foorth God speaking after this manner let vs make man in our image did he speak vnto Angels or the earth Answere No verely neither to the one nor to the other for First what fit counseller is the earth which is a dead Element Secondly to ascribe such a notable worke as the creation of man or the least part therof vnto Angels is blasphemie against God Thirdly it is not said that man was created after the image of earth or Angels but in the image of God Question What is the true meaning of the words Answere God in that place speaketh vnto his wisdome and power shewing thereby what a notable creature man should bee also it is a notable place to proue the Trinitie of the persons Question Doth Moses make any difference betweene Image and likenes in that hee rehearseth them both Answere No verely for by it Moses repeateth one thing with many words to make the same more plaine and driue the same more deeply into our hearts Also in the 27. verse he nameth only the word Image finally in the fift chapter the word similitude he onely vseth and maketh no mention of the word Image Question Was that the image of God in respect of mans fourme or substance either in soule or bodie Answere No for God hath no such forme nor substance for he is neither flesh blood nor bone and although a spiritual essence yet infinite vncreated and incomprehensible 1. Reg. 8.27 Iob. 11.7 8. and 26.6 to the ende Esay 40.12 13. Rom. 11.33 Question Yea but the Scriptures doo attribute head eyes eares mouth armes and such like thinges vnto God Psalme 34.15 16. Luke 1.51 Answere It is true but these things are spoken for our weaknes not that God hath such things as are attributed vnto him but by these things God dooth teach vs and instruct vs further in his holie and vnsearchable mysteries and because we are too earthlie minded therefore hee by these things doth lift vs vp to more excellent things otherwise God is a spirite inuisible infinit and incomprehensible Question Also the Scriptures doo say that he breathed into him the breath of life and so made of him a liuing soule This breath was of the substance of God so the soule is a part of God and therefore his image Answere It is blasphemie so to affirme for the soule was created of God as the words maketh manifest if it had been part of the Creator then it could not haue been created and what is this but to make God subiect to errors sinne blasphemies afflictions and terrors yea hell it selfe and the diuell for the soule of man hath been subiect to these things euer since the fall of Adam Eua. Gen. 6.5 Ier. 17.9 1. Sam. 15.29 Eph. 2.2 3. Question Is it said that man was created in the image of God because Christ should come who is the image of God Answere No for Moses speaketh of the present time when God made man Again what is this but to say that man is an image of his image and also that Christ should be an image of himselfe and of the holie spirite which thing is absurd a lying doctrine of diuels Gen. 1.26 27. Question How vnderstand you these words of the Apostle in Coloss 1.15 Who is the image of the inuisible God the first borne of euerie creature Answere Those words doo nothing belong to the prouing of the former absurdities but the Apostle telleth vs that God sheweth himselfe to be séene in his sonne Christ not in that he had flesh head armes eies c. but in his mercie wisedome goodnes and righteousnes for otherwise God in his naked Maiestie is inuisible incomprehensible and by these words is proued against Arms the coessence and consubstantialitie of the Sonne with the Father Question There are some that holde that the image of God was in man in respect of rule ouer the creatures Answere Their iudgement is not right for although the image of God did shine in some part yet this is not Moses meaning when he saith that man was created in the image of God if it were Adam should be created vnto one image and we restored into another Question There are others that doo affirme that the image of God is in the soule in respect of the immortalitie but as for true righteousnes holinesse wisedome c. they are but the properties of God and not his image and therefore man is not said to be the image of GOD herein Answere They herein are greatly deceiued for First if it be onely the immortalitie of the soule then Adam hath lost the same for he by his Apostacie lost the image of God Secondly if it be the onely image of God wherein Adam was created then is it not the same image wherein all true Christians are nowe created as the Apostle sheweth which is true righteousnesse and holinesse a thing too too absurd Eph. 4.24 Thirdly by this it should folow that God hath 2. images which wer great blasphemy Fourthly herein the lie is giuen to the holie Ghost for he plainly
will of God then must we seeke to learne the same and vse all the meanes to come vnto the knowledge thereof Rom. 12.1 2. Eph. 5.17 1. Thes 4.1 Question Now let vs come to the second parte of the praier and see what we are to learne out of the first petition therein Giue vs this day our daily bread Answere First what daily bread dooth signifie namely all things needfull for this life Gene. 3.9 2. Reg. 22.23 Psal 104.14 15. Secondly who must giue vs the same namely God Matth. 6.32.33 Psal 127.1.2 3. and 128.1 2 3 4. Thirdly that God onely must blesse all our labors that wee may receaue profit thereof Deut. 28. Pro. 3.7 8 9 10. 2. Thes 3.8.12 Fourthly we must be contented with that which God giueth vs and bee thankfull for the same though neuer so small and simple Phil. 4.11 12. 1. Timo. 6.6 7 8 9 10. Fifthly in that we must praie for the good estate and preseruation of our brethren and that all that is theirs may prosper it teacheth vs not to spoile them of any thing that is theirs nor to hurt the same 1. Timo. 4.4 Iohn 6.11 1. Thes 4.6 Pro. 3.27 28. Question How many things learne you in the fift petition forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs Answere First how all men are sinners and none free from sinne but all doo breake the lawe of God both in thought word and deed Pro. 20.9 and 24.16 1. Iohn 1.8 Secōdly how we haue need therfore to seek continuallie for pardon at the hands of God who onely doth pardon and that thorough Christs death and bloud Psal 32.5 51.1 to 7. Thirdly this teacheth that man cannot by his merits satisfie Gods wrath insomuch as he must seeke forgiuenes Esay 64.6 Psalm 130.3 4. and 143.2 Fourthly it sheweth that we must both forgiue and forget if wee will haue our sinnes both forgiuen and forgotten of God Gene. 50.21 Col. 3.13 Mat. 6.14 15. Mat. 18.35 Question What learne you in the sixt and last petition And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Answere First that although God dooth trie our faith and obedience by satan and his euill suggestions yet that he would assist vs with his spirit of strength and holines that we neuer be ouercome of them Ephe. 6.12 to 19. 1. Peter 5.8 Reuel 12.8 9 10. Secondly it sheweth how Christians are at warre with a cruell Lion a subtill serpent and a continuall accuser therefore not to sleepe in securitie 1. Pet. 5.8 Reuel 12.8 9 10 11 12. Thirdly how wee must ouercome not in our strength and wisdome for they are our enemies and friends to the diuell but onelie by the armor of God and strength of Christ Rom. 8.7 1. Cor. 1.20 Ephe. 6.10.11 12 13 14. 1. Cor. 5.55 to 58. Cor. 1.11 1. Ioh. 5.4 Fourthly the diuell can doo nothing without God giue leaue and that God wil tempt his children no farther than he wil strengthen and deliuer them 1. Cor. 10.13 Psal 34.18 19. Iob. 1.12 1. Sam. 16 14. Matth. 8.31 Acts. 16.18 Fifthly what it is to be giuen ouer to temtation and euill that is when GOD giueth man ouer vnto himselfe and punisheth sinne with sinne and hardnes with hardnes of heart Acts. 28.25 26. Matth. 13.14 Ro. 1.24 Rom. 9.17 18 1. Reg. 22.21 22 23. Question What learne you in the conclusion For thine is thy kingdome the power and the glorie for euer and euer Amen Answere First ernestly to seeke after the glory of god Matth. 6.33 1. Chro. 29.9 10. Ro. 11.36 Secondly we may assure our selues that God will graunt vs our godly desires for all power and glorie is his and cannot be taken from him Psal 50.15 Thirdly that his kingdome shall neuer cease but remaine euerlasting and glorious 2. Chro. 29.11 12 13. Deu. 4.31 Luk. 1.33 Fourthly that by this worde Amen wee are taught with what godly mind and feruent zeale we should praie and with what assurance to haue our praiers granted 1. Timo. 1.17 Reuel 7.12 Question What are the spirituall benefits and graces that belong to the Church of Christ Answere They are these three chiefely First the forgiuenes of sinnes Secondly the resurrection of the bodie Thirdly life euerlasting Question Rehearse the tenth article Answere The forgiuenes of sinnes Question What is forgiuenes of sinnes Answere A full remoouing of the guiltines and the punishment of our sinnes by the death and bloud of Christ which is our reconciling vnto God Rom. 3.24 Ephe. 1.7 Col. 1.12 13.14 Question What is reconciliation with God Answere It is a perfect restoring vnto the fauor of God through the obedience of our only mediator Iesus Christ 2. Cor. 5.19 20 21. Titus 2.14 Question What learne you out of this Article Answere First that we are all vile sinners and therefore neede to séeke for pardon Matth. 18.24 Iob. 14.4 1. Iohn 1.8 Secondly that the remission of sinnes comes only by the suffrings of Christ 1. Pe. 1.18 19 20 21. Matth. 26.26 27. Thirdly that our sinnes being freelie forgiuen shall bee no more laid to our charges to condemne vs for Christ hath both died for vs and iustified vs. Rom. 8.32 33 34. Iere. 31.34 Heb. 10.16 17 18 19 20. Question What learne you in the eleuenth article the resurrection of the bodie Answere First that our mortall bodies that are consumed either in the earth vppon the earth or in the sea shall arrise againe at the last day of iudgement according to the prophesies and the word of God Esay 26.19 20 21. Dan. 12.2 3. Iohn 5.28 Secondly that the resurrection of our bodies comes by the benefit we haue of Christs resurrection and the power of God 2. Cor. 4.14 Phil. 3.20 1. Cor. 15. Thirdly that our bodies shall arise glorious and immortall Phil. 3.20 21. Question What learne you in the twelft article And life euerlasting Answere First that all the faithfull shall haue euerlasting life Matth. 25.46 Iohn 14. Iohn 17. Secondly that eternall life is the free gift of God Rom. 8.23 Matth. 25.24 Thirdly by whome that is onely through faith in Christ Iohn 6.47 Pet. 1.4 5 6 7 8 9. c. Question Why is there no mention made in the articles of our faith of the resurrection of the wicked with their punishment of bodie and soule in hell fier euerlastingly Answere Because this summe of faith respecteth onelie the benefits of faith belonging to the faithful in Iesus Christ Question Why Shall not the wicked rise and be punished euerlastinglie Answere Yes verily their bodies shall arise and bee ioyned to their soules and so punished in hel fier for euermore Actes 24.15 Iohn 5.28 29. 2. Thes 1.8 Reuel 20.8 Question Now for good works tell me can wee not merit Heauen of our selues by our owne good works Answere No verely for so to think were first to denie the grace of God Ephe. 2.8 Secondly to say that Christ died in vaine and so no sauiour Gal.