sanctified sorrow breeds lasting peace Secondly Esa 66.2 it moues compassion in God towards vs as to his labouring people in Aegypt and Manasses in prison Exod. 3.7 Thirdly Esa 66.3 it seasons all our spirituall sacrifices and makes vs more fearefull to displease God Fourthly Prou. 23.13 14. it weanes vs from the loue of the world frees vs from eternall death beat thy childe with the rod and thou shalt deliuer his soule from hell and is a certaine fore-runner of glorie a great comfort to all heauie hearts and deiected soules yeelding the peaceable fruit of righteousnesse and holinesse Psa 126.5 6.30.5 vnto all so exercised sowing in teares they shall reape in ioy heauinesse endures for a night but ioyes comes in the morning Q. But I finde no such thing in me rather the contrary hardnesse and stubbornnesse A. The case is dangerous and lamentable some hope and comfort there is in this that you are sensible of your miserie take this receipt First come home to your selfe Hag. 2.1 Luk. 15.17 call your dispersed thoughts summon them together as to a weightie consultation Heb. 3.13 Psal 51.3 Secondly weigh the true cause of such continued hardnesse the deceitfulnesse of sinne through inconsideration and delay of repentance Mat. 16.26 Thirdly intensiuely fixe your eies vpon your sinnes laid open before you originall actuall with your aptitude to the vilest was euer done or thought on by any casting what is lost what gained by sinne one sence of seeing and weeping see well and weepe well Fourthly be frequent in that angelicall exercise of speculation Luk. 19.41.23.28 and meditation and therein represent Christ to your thoughts â—â—eeping often neuer laughing 〈…〉 for you that you might mourne 〈…〉 your-selues Fifthly grieue for the want of griefe that you can be more sorrie for any thing then sinne Sixtly Eccl. 7.2 3 4 5. vse all incentiues to moue sorrow with softnesse as places companie employment it is better to goe to the house of mourning then to the house of feasting sorrow is better then laughter by the sadnesse of the countenance the heart is made better praying with Ieremie Ier. 9.1 O that my head were waters and mine eies a fountaine of teares that I might weep day and night c. Seuenthly be content with that measure of sorrow which the Lord affords A skilfull Physician euer prepares a potion according to the constitution of his patient Q. What is that which cannot stand with sound humiliation A. First Luciferian 〈◊〉 mentall or carnall Luke 1.51 Iames 4 6. Secondly humorizing fashionisme new words may serue to expresse new fashion-mongers consisting in a fond imitation of euerie foolish forraine device in haire attire c. a signe of great lightnesse Rom. 12.2.13.14 Thirdly luxurious epicurisme pampering of the flesh as ouer delicate women vse to doe and studying to satisfie the lust thereof by eating drinking playing sleeping with other acts gracelesse and namelesse so fooling away eternitie Fourthly Mat. 19.23 Atheisticall couetousnesse whereby our affections are fixt and fastened to the earth 6.25.20.26.27.28 Fifthly carnall securitie from carnall iollitie vnseparable without sight of sinne or sense of miserie Sixtly sharpe contention about matters of small moment striuing for place harshly censuring all of that any way oppose vs. Q. Which is the fourth duty necessary for our preparation A. Application of all which is as the bellowes to our spirituall heat whereby all we receiue and know is turned into nutriment and made our owne and this must be First Mat. 26.22 of all we haue done to our selues in a strict examination of our estates Secondly 1 Cor. 46. of all God hath spoken to our soules in the threatnings and promises of his Word Q. Which is the fifth duty necessary for our preparation before we come to the Communion A. Resolution which is a heartie and stedfast purpose of more exact obedience for the time to come Acts 11.23 consisting in holy vowes and promises to be performed in their season especially we must resolue First to keepe entire our renewed amitie betweene Christ and our soules Psa 116.18.132.3 4 5 6. to giue no occasion of distaste if any happen not to rest till it be made vp Secondly Iohn 13.35 1 Iohn 3.14 Gal. 5.6 as to be in it for the present so to continue for the time to come in the loue of our brethren generally with all familiarly with those of the houshold of faith this is The wedding garment Q. What must a prepared Christian doe when he is come to the communion A. Let him againe bethinke him Gen. 28 16 17. First where he is supposing he heares that voyce put off thy shooes from thy feet for the place where thou standest is holy ground Secondly to what end he came Exod. 3.5 Luk. 15.19 to feast with Christ nay to feed of Christ Thirdly how vnworthy yet he is to approach thither and touch such sacred things hauing yeelded euery one of his members as Seruants to vncleannesse Esay 64.6 Phil. 3.9 Fourthly in what garment fashion and condition hee desires as his owne thoughts inwardly suggest vnto him to be seene and noted of Christ at his Table with what reuerence humility filiall feare strength of faith c. Q. What is it to eate and drinke the Body and Blood of Christ A. First confidently to embrace and by the hand of faith to receiue that pardon obtained and offered to vs by Christ Iohn 6.63 Secondly to be married vnto him vnseparably and after a wonderfull manner vnited and graft into his mysticall body Rom. 8.1.14 Thirdly to bee quickned nourisht and guided by that Spirit which liues and mooues both in Him and vs c. Q. With what gesture must we receiue A. First no one kinde of gesture is exclusiuely necessary nor any one with respect to order and decency that scandall and offence be auoyded 1 Cor. 10.32 11.16.14.40 vnlawfull Secondly that which is in vse in any particular Church confirmed by authoritie of present gouernours ought to be esteemed best and so obserued Thirdly that whereby we may expresse most humiliation deuotion and ardency of affection seeing our Sacrament is deliuered and receiued by way of petition is best as vncouering of the head bowing of the knee lifting vp of hands and eyes towards heauen c. prouided communicants come with preparation voyd of superstition Q. When you haue receiued what is the best employment while the elements are in distribution to others for you may not be idle nor ill employed A. That vndoubtedly whereby Christ may be most glorified and the soules of communicants most freely and feelingly comforted which as I conceiue and still beleeue is reducible to all or most of these foure First 1 Cor. 10.31 is meditation which is as digestion after meat and what more seasonable then after meat digestion it is the first
such petitioners Matth. 7.8.9 10 11. what man is there of you whom if his some aske bread will giue him a stone if he aske fish will giue him a Serpent if ye then being euill know how to giue good gifts vnto you children how much more shall your Father which is in Heauâ—n giue good things to them that aske him Q. What may bee obserued from all in generall A. First the priuiledges of a Child of God who hath libertie to speake vnto God directions how and assurance to be heard in euery petition 1 Iohn 5.14 Mat. 17.21.21.22 Secondly the excellencie of prayer and of this aboue all other yeelding vs an euident testimony of the diuinity of Scripture Iames 5.16 Thirdly the necessity of knowledge that we may beleeue and assent vnto the promises of God Masters and parents are bound to instruct their charge in all these particulars Fourthly Mat. 6.33 that order we are to obserue in prayer first for spirituall after for temporall blessings Q. Which is the last duty required in this Catechisme to be done for saluation after baptisme A. A prepared reuerent and often receit of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11.26 Q. What is a Sacrament A. An outward visible signe ordained by Christ consecrated by his Word for the conueyance of inward Rom. 4.11 inuisible grace to his adopted sonnes and daughters or thus Acts 2.38 39.22.16 A diuine seale of conditionall promises not signifying onely but truely exhibiting offering and sealing Christ with all his benefits to the worthy receiuer Quest How many things are required to make a Sacrament A. Foure First a command of Christ Matth. 26.26.28.19 that such ordinances shall bee vsed in the Church for such ends Secondly a promise annext to this command Thirdly signes signifying whether wee respect the sensible Elements or the actions necessary for the preparation thereof Fourthly grace signified by that created substance wee see or taste Q. Whether or no doth the efficacy of Sacraments depend vpon outward circumstances as vpon the holynesse of the place or worthinesse of the person administring A. No but vpon the truth and power of diuine institution 1 Cor. 3.7 presupposing that matter and forme be obserued according to the first ordination Q. Why did Christ leaue Sacraments in his Church 1 Cor. 11.25 A. First for pledges of his loue to mind vs of something promised 1 Pet. 3.21 to assure vs of performance and to bind vs ouer to some seruice Deut. 6.20 Secondly to be as conduits to conuey the Water of Life vnto thirstie soules Thirdly for the further propagation of the Gospell men seeing Sacraments will bee moued to aske what they meane and must bee answered out of the Word of God Ioh. 13 35. which is the deed containing the couenant Fourthly Exod 12.22 23. for the preseruation of Christian amitie and heartie loue amongst those which are entred into this association and Communion with Christ and Christians Fifthly for distinction of his company from all other societies vsing them not or not aright Q. When is a Sacrament rightly vsed A. First 1 Cor. 11.23.15.3 when the Authors form is obserued with all possible care and purity without mingling or mangling adding or taking away Secondly Mat. 22.12 when suâ—h persons onely are admitted to whom the Sacraments belong i. the houshold of faith Thirdly when the Church proposeth the same ends in administration which Christ did in his ordination Fourthly when receiuers vnderstanding are mindfull of the oath there taken and carefull to keepe it Q. What doe wicked impenitent sinners receiue in this Sacrament Mat. 22.12 1 Cor. 11.27.29 A. First such ought not to come thither they stand excommunicate by the word and should be kept backe by force of Ecclesiasticall discipline Acts 8.13 Secondly if they presume to come vnprepared at their perill be it they receiue nothing but the bare outward Elements to their further condemnation because they are not actually for any thing they know within the couenant no promise belongs vnto them Q. What is the Lords Supper A. It is the other Sacrament of the New Testament 1 Cor. 11.23 24. Mat. 26.26 ordained by Christ in memory of his death till his comming againe whereby his sanctified members are daily nourished in eternall life and haue their assurance sealed vnto all the benefits of his passion Q. Why is this Sacrament to bee administred and receiued often A. First because it is as food to nourish vs or a nourishing Sacrament Secondly that where there is a multitude which cannot all conueniently come at one time successiue opportunities might be offered for all to come at one time or other Thirdly Math. 6.11 our inward man lookes for it as the outward man doth for daily bread that those breaches made by spirituall combates may bee repaired and our couenant renewed Fourthly 1 Cor. 11.26 it is a meanes to helpe the weaknesse of our memory who are exceeding apt to forget what Christ hath done for vs to grow secure cold and carelesse Q. Doth the administration of this or the other Sacrament alwaies require preaching of the Word at the same time A. First an opening of the couenant a declaration of the substance of a Sacrament to the vnderstanding of such whom it concernes is required before the administration of either Sacrament in the plantation of a Church Mat. 28.19 Act. 2.40 41.8.38.16.15 33. least men receiue they know not what Secondly preaching by way of explication and application is most conuenient seasonable and profitable at the same time Thirdly but not absolutely necessary where the Gospell hath beene before and may be after preacht and prest as in settled Churches it is or ought to be Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ordained A. First for a continuall remembrance of that one sufficient sacrifice of the death of Christ 1 Cor. 11 25 once offered for the sins of all penitent beleeuers Iohn 20.27 Secondly for the confirmation of their faith vpon the promises Thirdly for the conueynig of benefits arising from both but no way to be a propitiatory sacrifice neither for the liuing nor for the dead as the Papists would haue it to be Q. How many parts are there in this Sacrament A. Two First visible signes signifying bread and wine Iohn 6.63 1 Cor. 10.16 conconsecrated by a lawfull Minister according to the forme prescribed in Scripture Secondly inuisible gâ—ace signified the body and blood of Christ offered to euery beleeuing guest at that Table Q. What is it that we do feed vpon there A. First All good and bad feed vpon bread and wine consecrated Mat. 26.26 or may and ought to receiue both if either be taken purposely from any the Sacrament is maimed Ioh. 6.50 51 Secondly only the beleeuing penitent sinners doe feed also vpon the body and blood of Christ really and truely Q.
concupiscence driues away filthy thoughts Phil. 1.23 and keeps the heart watchfull and cheerefull in all other duties Fifthly Psal 1.1 2. it makes vs wearie of the world and willing to die seeing separated soules onely are so happy sweetning in the meane time that paines we take in the practice of Christianitie and studie of Diuinitie Q. When the Communion is ended and euery man departed what is then required to be done by vs A. First to be thankefull both alone and wiâ—â— others of our owne Rom. 14.6 1 Cor. 13.4 Heb 10.32 2 Pet. 3.18 Secondly to be â—â—â—â—tifull according to ability Thirdly to be mindfull what we haue heard done and promised Fourthly to be carefull by after and often examination to discerne a growth in necessarie graces especially of loue zeale and humilitie euer after to wake with Christ euery morning to walke with him euerie day to rest and sleepe in his armes euerie night Q. What will befall vs in the close and conclusion of all as the reward of well-doing Hos 10.12 Gal. 6.16 A. Gods blessing and euerlasting peace they that sow thus in righteousnesse shall reape in mercie as many as walke according to these rules peace shall bee on them and mercie as vpon the Israel of God Who so is wise he shall vnderstand these things prudent and hee shall know them for the waies of the Lord are right and the iust shall walke in them but transgressours shall fall therein Hosea 14.9 Multis non Mihi FINIS ⧠A Table of the CONTENTS A ADultery what it is 165. how many wayes it may be committed ibid. why it is forbidden next after murther 166. what sinnes are condemned usually under that name 167 Amen why it is added in the end of prayer 283. how many wayes this word is used in Scripture 283 284. what it doth signifie 284. what is required in him that saith it with understanding ibid. what may be learned from it 285. why it is so requisit for people to say Amen 286. Application what and how necessary 367 Articles of our faith the first explained 17. the second 21. the third 25. the fourth 31. the fift 44. the sixt 48. the seventh 54. the eight 58. the ninth 61. the tenth 75. the eleventh 81. and the last 86 Ascension of Christ what it was when whence to what place and why 49 what use may be made of it 50 51 Atheisme amongst Christians and how it comes to passe 336 B. BAptisme what it is and what is done for us therein 5. whether it be necessary and who may receive it 8. by whom children are to bee baptized where and when 9. what is required to the right administration thereof from the parties baptized the Minister baptizing and from the congregation 10 11 13. what be the chiefe fruits and benefits of Baptisme 13 Bread what is understood by it in the Lords Prayer 242. how it may bee said to be ours and if ours why we are to pray for it 244 Buriall of Christ what it was why and by whom 41. why buried by rich men and what may be learned from it 42 C. CAlling what 310. how the Lord doth call 311. how Satan labours to hinder it 312. how a Christian may know whether he be called or no 313. whether calling be necessary to salvation 315. how a man may heare this call with benefit 317. and how a man may know whether he have beene a profitable hearer of the Word ibid. three cases of conscience touching calling 314 315 316 Catechising what it is and by whom to be performed 1. who are to be be catechized in publike and how the duty is to be performed 2. why it is so requisit to be upheld in the Church 3 Ceremonies about any part of Gods Service how wee are to thinke of them 12 Children their duty 137. and wherein they offend 146. Christ what it signifies and what we may learne from it 22. what a Christian must doe to get him 341 342. what it is to eate his Body and Blood 369. God willing Christ was appointed to be the Fountaine of life powring out into his assumed nature the excellency thereof whence it is derived and communicated to every member as the Sunne by beames so Christ by his Spirit conveyes life which is not the Spirit but by the Spirit it is not faith but by faith enjoyed modo ineffabili admirabili Christus vita suis Christians who are so indeed 335. what is their duty as Lawyers as going to law as bearing witnesse 199. as judging betweene their brethren â—00 Church what wee understand by it 334. how it is taken in the Creed and what we therein confesse of it 62. what it is to beleeve the Church and what is beleeved of it 63. how a true visible Church may be known 65. whether a man being once in may not bee wrought out of the Church 64. why the Church is called Catholike and holy and what use may be made of it 67 68 69 Commandement the first what is the meaning of it 92. what duties are enioyned 93. what sinnes are forbidden therein 95. and what may be learned from the whole 98 Commandement the second what is the meaning and summe of it 100 101. what sinnes are therein forbidden 103. what duties enioyned and what use may be made of all 106 107 Commandement the third what is the meaning and summe of it 108 109. what is forbidden and what commanded therein 112 113. what is required that men may keepe it 114. and what use may bee easily made of it 115 Commandement the fourth what is the meaning 117 and summe of it 118. how it is kept holy 119. why 121. and what benefits come thereby 122. how it is most ordinarily prophaned 125. what is forbidden therein 123. what workes may be done that day 124. and what use may be made of the whole 126 Commandement the fift what is the meaning and summe of it 128. who are meant by father and mother and what by honour 129. suppose our superiours be wicked and so unworthy honour what wee should then doe 130. why we should be so carefull of mutuall duties 149. what is required in us that we may observe them ibid. what they are see the particulars under their severall titles of Magistrate Minister Master Servant Husband Wife in this following table What use may be made of this precept 150. Commandement the sixt what is the meaning of it 151. how a private person may breake it in regard of himselfe 156. and how in respect of others 157 158. what duties are enjoyned with reference to our selves and others 159. what is required for the better keeping of this law 161. and what use may be made of the whole 163 Commandement the seventh what is the meaning of it 164. what sinnes are forbidden therein 167 168 169. and why they must be so carefully avoided 170. what a transgressour thereof must doe to be saved 171. by
for you lead me into this errour I conclude with our Apostle my dearely beloued if there be any consolation in Christ if any comfort of loue if any fellowship of the Spirit if any bowels and mercies fulfill yee my ioy that yee be like minded hauing the same loue being of one accord of one mind blamelesse and harmelesse the Sonnes of God without rebuke in the middest of a crooked and peruerse generation among whom yee shine as lights in the world what soeuer things are honest iust pure louely and of good report thinke of and follow them and the God of peace who brought againe from the dead our Lord Iesus that great Sheepheard of the sheepe through the bloud of the euerlasting couenant make you perfect in euery good worke to doe his will in this hope I leaue you and will neuer cease to pray for you while I remaine From my study in Barum this 9 of May 1633. Yours to doe you seruice in the Lord. W. CROMPTON Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free that you be not intangled againe with the yokes of bondage To that end Pray continually O Most gratious God and Almighty Lord Creator and Commaunder of Heauen and Earth with all therein contained in Iesus Christ a most louing and mercifull father of whose meere goodnesse it commeth that so much of the truth is reuealed vnto vs miserable sinners lying in the shaddow of death and spirituall darknesse preserue vs good Lord in the knowledge and loue thereof mae vs walke in all thankefull obedience worthy of this fauour for Christ his sake we entreate accept of him for vs of vs in him vnite vs as members into his mysticall body conuay spirituall light and life into vs that we may liue in him and get victory by him ouer all our spirituall enemies pardon all our sinnes and giue vs power ouer our many corruptions remember not the follies of our youth blot out all our transgressions as it is promised O bury them in the Graue of Christ they neuer rise vp to appeare against vs bathe our wounded and stayned soules in his precious bloud infuse and stirre vp in vs a sound and sauing faith to receiue and put on the spotles roab of his Righteousnesse wherein appearing we shall be iustified Open the eyes of our vnderstandings that seeing wee may know the truth rectifie our affections that knowing wee may loue it conforme our wils that louing we may expresse obedience in practice with perseuerance in the day of tryall and trouble and all to the glory of that great name good example of our brethren the present comfort and future safety of our poore soules that so with the rest of the Saints we may be timely prepared for death and Heauen through Iesus Christ our Lord and onely Sauiour Amen Errata Pag. 14. l. 18.20 for naturally read mutually and for worldly read worthy pag. 13. A. 1. l. 17. for euen read euer pag. 41. A. 1. l 4. for remaines read remained pag. 70. A. 2. l. 6. for and read or pag. 53. A. 1. l 18. for the read though pag. 74. A. l. 1. 3. for bound read borne pag. 102. A. 1. l. 7. for Communication read Commination p 103. l. 1. read to bring in and aduance so for confirme l 12. read conforme pag. 109. A. 1. l 5. for degrees read decrees pag. 112. l. 26. for taking read lacking an ordinary oath in some countries pag. 131 A. 2. l 9. for deuill read euill p. 154. l. 14 for remissiues read remissenesse p. 155. A. 2. l. 12. for wates read wakes a terme well knowne in Lancash pag. 167. l. 7. for sext read sexe p. 172. A. 1. l. 8. for immodesty read modesty p. 217. A. 1. l. 5. for of read it pag. 229 l. 1. place or betweene profession and power pag. 237. A. 1. l. 8. adde thirdly and pag. 246. l. 6. for 3 set 4 pag. 258. l. 3. adde these words and doth nor pardon pag. 270. A. 1. l. 3. eschew read reschew or raise vp pag. 313. A. 1. l. 16. for desire it read desire after it pag. 367. l. 3. blot out of pag. 371. l. 21. for intermission read intermissiue p. 378. A. 1. l. 2. for life our life read life of our life Multis non mihi Question WHat is Catechizing A. A diuine ordinance perpetually requisit in the Church Deu. 11.19 1 Cor. 3.1 Heb. 6.1 2. wherein the principles of Christian Religion are familiarly laid open to the capacity of the ignorant by way of question and answer Q. Who are to performe this duty A. In publike the Pastor of euery congregation Mat. 28.19 Gen. 18.19 Deut. 6.7 he is to doe it or by his Curate or lawfull Deputy to see it done In priuate Husbands are to Catechize their Wiues Parents their Children Masters their Seruants Schoole-masters their Schollers God-fathers and God-mothers their vndertaken charge Q. Who are they that are publikely to be Catechized A. Either those who being of yeeres of discretion are not yet baptized but desire to be whether they be the seed of beleeuing Parents or Proselyt's Prou. 22.6 1 Pet. 3.15 Or else such as are already baptized who stand bound to learne and giue account of their faith as the Lord shall enable them Q. Why is this exercise so requisite in the Church A. First because it is the best remedy against naturall ignorance Prou. 29.18 Gen. 4.3 Secondly it helpes to cure the backwardnesse of many superiours who neglect it till feare of publike censure driue them to it Thirdly because it is ancient hath euer beene inioyned to all sorts in euery age and place and that profitably to procure obedience preserue order and vnity in the Church for matters of faith to ground children helpe weake memories confirme the strongest to remoue rudenesse and to restraine prophanenesse in all Q. How may this duty be performed publikely A. First by insisting on a set portion of Scripture containing a principle of Religion Luke 4.17 Heb 6.2 touching Mans creation Fal Redemption duty after c. Secondly by vnfolding the summe of al things Catechetically necessary to be knowne or donâ— though without a text both wayes commendable yet for vniformity it is best that there should be one such fully compleate Catechisme generall Q. What Catechisme should Diuines make vse of in this case A. That Catechisme is most fit and conuenient Rom. 13.1 2. 1 Cor. 10.33.11.16 to be explained in the assembly which is inioyned by publike authority exprest for vs in our booke of Common Prayer being agreeable to Scripture containing all fundamentall points necessary to saluation both for beliefe and practice if fully vnderstood Q. How many parts are there in that Catechisme A. Two the first declareth what is done for vs by the Church in our baptisme the second shewes what the Church requireth to be done by vs after baptisme as first to forsake the Diuell and all his workes
be that offend Knowing that he keepes the fanne in his owne hand to purge his owne floore at the time appointed Q. What are required from the whole assembly A. First that they stay till the Sacrament be finisht Secondly that they pray heartily for the persons baptized Thirdly that they meditate seriously of the spiritual mystery how the inner man is to be washt in the blood of Christ Q. What bee the fruits and chiefe benefits of baptisme thus administred and receiued A. Many First the persons partaking thereof are declared to be the adopted Sons of God Gal. 3.27 Rom. 6.3 which may be discerned after by their loue of him and likenes to him Secondly their vnion with Christ as members of his mysticall body is thereby made visible which by communication of grace and communion with Saints is after made infallible Thirdly Rom. 4.11 their heauenly inheritance is sealed vnto them breeding in them a longing desire after the possession thereof Fourthly Act. 22.16 their soules are cleansed from the filth of sin which appeares vnto them afterwards by their true faith and repentance 1 Cor. 12.13 Fifthly the Spirit is therein conferred which shewes it selfe in its seuerall operations afterward Sixthly the new couenant is thereby naturally confirmed Ier. 31.31 betweene the Lord and his people Ezech 37.26 all worldly receiuers comming to yeeres of discretion are mindfull of this and carefull in the vse of meanes to procure and nourish the Spirit of Grace Q. Which is the first oâ— those things the Church requires to be done by vs after Baptisme A. Eschewing all euill vnto which we are deceitfully perswaded and tempted by the diuell the world and the flesh Q. Why then dare not you sweare lye prophane the Lords Day drinke drunke wallow in vncleannesse coozen follow euery fashion boldly embrace the corruptions of the time for aduancement as others doe A. No because I haue made a couenant with the great and glorious Lord God of heauen earth to forsake them which I must do as I hope to be saued Q. What is the next thing to be done A. To assent vnto that credible truth proposed vnto vs in that Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed Q. What is the Creed A. A briefe confession of some principles of Christian Religion and no prayer as too many old and young abusiuely make it Rom. 10.10 1 Tim. 6.13 because they haue often seene and heard parents teach their children this Creed together with other prayers kneeling Q. Why is it called the Apostles Creed A. Not because they were the pen-men and disposers of it in this forme of words but first to distinguish it from other Creeds secondly because it is a truth collected out of their writings by some of their immediate followers and in honour of them called after their name Q. What is the chiefe subiect or matter of the Creed A. God and his Church God in the vnitie of essence and trinitie of persons Father Son and holy Ghost with their proper works specially applyed to euery person his Church with the properties and priuiledges thereof both contained in these twelue Articles following I beleeue c. Q. Which is the first article in the Creed A. I beleeue in God the Father Almightie maker of heauen and earth Q. What is faith here meant A. A gift of God Acts 26.27 Heb. 1.1 whereby men are perswaded to assent vnto the truth of God proposed vnto them in this Creed by the true Church with application to themselues Q. What is the manifest act of this faith A. To beleeue with limitation to the person I beleeue not implicitly as the Church beleeues nor blindly Hab. 2.4 Marke 9.23 24. because the people of God beleeue it but obediently because it is a part of Gods reuealed truth Q. Why doe you say I beleeue and not We beleeue A. Because euery one must haue a speciall faith of his own 1 Pet. 3.15 Rom. 14.11 and make confession of these things by and for himselfe distinctly Q. What doe you meane when you say I beleeue A. First I doe acknowledge these articles to be true agreeable vnto the rule of truth Secondly I doe make an outward confession of that my knowledge and assent Thirdly I doe specially apply that confession to my owne particular person Fourthly I doe heartily resolue to maintaine it vnto death Q. What is the proper obiect of this faith A. God and his truth reuealed concerning himselfe and all things else needfull to be beleeued Ioh. 14.1 Q. What doe you beleeue concerning God A. That there is but one God Iohn 5.7 and three persons in essence glory and power coequall and coeternall Q. What is reuealed and contained herein for you to beleeue of the first person in Trinitie A. First that he is the Father Eph 4.6 both in regard of his naturall Son and other his adopted children Secondly that he is Almightie Ioh. 1.18 in the manifestation of his power as his attributes and works declare Thirdly 2 Cor. 6.18 that he is Maker of heauen and earth that is of all things being in Acts 17.24 and betweene heauen and earth Q. What doe you learne hence when you call God Father A. I learne First to magnifie the goodnesse of God Rom. 11.22 that I who am by nature a childe of wrath by free grace am made a childe of God Secondly to honour and obey him as a Father Mal. 1.6 then to expect a childs portion from him Thirdly Matth. 5.48 the dignitie of true beleeuers in this that they are the children of God 1 Ioh. 3.1 Q. What learne you when you say you beleeue He is Almighty A. I learne First to feare his threatnings and so to be daily humbled at the sight of my owne vilenesse Gen. 17.1 Iohn 10.29 Rom. 8.31 Secondly not to doubt of his promises nor be dismayed by a multitude of enemies Thirdly neuer to despaire of the conuersion of others during life nor of victory ouer my owne strong and long-preuailing corruptions God is Almighty Q. What doe you learne from the manifestation of his power in the creation of heauen and earth A. I learne First to behold the goodnesse of God in his creatures Psal 19.1 Iob 38.31 Psal 147.9 not wantonly to gaze on them as on a painted cloth but to see therein and admire his glory Secondly to shun all abuse of the creatures they are the workemanship of God Thirdly that all the vertue beautie comfort and content men reape from and see in the creatures is from God Fourthly that nothing falls out in either but according to his disposing pleasure Q. Which is the second article A. And in Iesus Christ his only Sonne our Lord. Q. What is contained in this Article A. A description of the second person in Trinitie with the necessitie of my apprehension and confession of him Q. How is he described A. By his
proposed and maintained by that company with reference still vnto the rule Q. What doe you beleeue of it A. First that it is but one although it may bee diuersly considered Secondly Iohn 10.16 Ephe. 4.4 5. that Christ is the sole head of this Church both in regard of life and gouerment Thirdly 1 Tim. 2.5 Acts 2.47 Mat. 16.18 that I cannot haue God for my Father except I haue this Church for my Mother Fourthly that this Church is free from errour finall and fundamentall so differing from particular visible Churches which consisting of a mixt multitude are apt to erre remoue Q. Is grace vniuersall as the Church is A. Yes rightly vnderstood this Church is not so vniuersall as to containe all men nor grace so vniuersall as to saue all men Q. Cannot a man be wrought out of this Catholike Church being once in it A. No hee is kept by the power of God through faith vnto saluation Ier. 32.4 1 Pet. 1.5 Q. But cannot a man bee wrought out of a particular visible Church A. Yes he may be cast out by two doores First of legall expulsion by that high and fearefull Ecclesiasticall censure of excommunication 1 Cor. 5.2 Math. 16.19 1 Iohn 2.19 rightly ordered Secondly of voluntary separation by heresie schisme or for some gainefully carnall ends Q. How may a man know such a visible Church from which hee can not offensiuely separate A. First by the pure and powerfull preaching of the Word of Christ Secondly Ioh 8.30.47 Acts 2.42 Mat. 18.17 Psal 1.1 2. by a sincere administration of Sacraments according to Christs institution as neere as may be attained Thirdly by a good forme of discipline agreeable to the Word at least in the rules and grounds thereof although there may be many faults and failings in the execution Fourthly by a conscionable practice of obedience in the perfect members of it Q. Is this nationall Church here with vs in England such a one A. Yes as I am fully perswaded hauing all the marks of a sound visible member of the Catholike Church before cited Q. What doe you learne from this confession A. First how vnlikely a thing it is Psa 14.1 2 3 and strange to flesh and blood that there should be any such companie in the world seeing it must be beleeued Rom. 5.12 Acts 2.47 Mat. 10.16.18.17 Ephes 4.1 Secondly the necessitie of getting into and the excellency of being in this Church like Noah Arke wherein none can perish Thirdly wisely to discerne of assemblies therein lest I mistake a den of theeues for the house of God all companies laying claime to the Church Fourthly humbly to submit to her doctrine comparing it still with the rule I may not so beleeue the Church as to take her word before Christs the honour of the Church consisting in her dutifull subiection to him Fifthly continually to behaue my selfe as becomes a child of the Church in all holinesse of life and conuersation Q. How is the Church described A. Two waies First by her properties Holy and Catholike Secondly by her priuiledges set downe to the end of the Creed Communion of Saints remission of sinne resurrection of the flesh and life euerlasting Q. Why is the Church called Holy A. First because of her separation in her members from the prophane multitude in the world Secondly Iohn 15.19 1 Cor. 12.13 Cant. 6.4 Heb. 12.14 Reu. 17.1 2. because of the imputation of holinsse from Christ her Head and Husband who endowed her with all his good things on the marriage day especially faith and loue Thirdly by reason of the inchoation of holy practice and Christs acceptation of her endeauours Fourthly for distinction sake of the Militant from the Malignant Church which is a most prophane and impure companie Q. What doe you learne from this property A. First that if I be in this Church I must be holy particular visible Churches containe a mixt multitude of good and bad Reu. 21.2 27 Psal 93.5 this Catholike Church receiues none but good Secondly as in all places and companies so especially I must manifest holinesse in the Temple and companie of the Saints assembled holinesse becomes Gods house for euer Thirdly sharpely to reprooue Papists for giuing this title and more to the present Pope not only holy but which is a name of blasphemie his holinesse Q. Why is the Church called Catholike A. First because it is disperst ouer the face of the whole earth Secondly Acts 10.34 35. Ephes 2.13 Acts 2.47 it hath been in all ages and shall continue to the end of time Thirdly it containes penitent sinners of all sorts and conditions none simply excluded Fourthly in respect of the truth she teacheth which is Catholike Fifthly to difference her from particular visible Churches whereof no one can be called the Catholike Church Q. What doe you learne from it A. First a lesson of comfort seeing Christ hath prouided so large an Arke to saue his children in let none despaire Hab. 2.3 Esay 26.20 Ezech. 9.4 1 Kin. 19.18 Secondly to reprooue Papists who tye this terme Catholike to the particular Church of Rome against the light and voice of common sence Thirdly what a stay good men haue here against the feare of common corruptions whereby the Lord is prouoked daily The Church is Catholike as God is grieued and dishonoured by wicked men euery where so he is againe well pleased and honoured with the seruice of his children euery where seuen thousand wee reade of that neuer bowed their knees to Baal Q. What is the meaning of this word Communion A. That there is a societie or co-partnership of many together Acts 2 44. Ephes 1.10.4.13 16. 1 Cor. 12.12 13. Heb. 11.40 in the possession and vse of spirituall riches implying three things First vnion with them with whom we haue communion mystically and spiritually knit as members vnder one head Secondly mutuall communication in giuing to one another and receiuing from one another Thirdly an obligation or tie to employ all our strength and gifts to the good of the whole bodie Q. Who are meant by Saints here A. Not the dead onely much lesse such as are canonized by the Roman Bishop Rom. 1.7 1 Cor. â— 2 2 Tim. 2.19 but all that are in Christ sanctified by his Spirit and washt in his blood whether dead and liuing Q. Why are they called Saints A. First because of their separation from the rest of the world who are heartie enemies to sanctifie and holy walking by an effectuall calling Secondly 2 Cor. 6.17 Heb. 7.26 1 Cor. 6.2 by reason of the imputation of Christs holinesse in number waight and measure to all his members Thirdly in regard of their inherent though imperfect sanctification wrought in them by the Spirit of God in the vse of his Ordinances Fourthly in respect of their right to a Saint-ship in glorie Q. How many parts are there of this Communion A. Two First of
all the Saints with Christ their Head Secondly amongst themselues one member with another Q. Wherein consists the Communion of Saints with Christ A. In two things First in that Christ giues some things to them which are his as his Bodie and Blood Gal. 1.4 Esay 53.4 Acts 9.4 Spirit and Graces Crowne and Kingdome Secondly in that Christ takes somethings vnto himselfe which belong vnto them as sin punishment persecution Q. What Communion is there among the Saints themselues Acts 2.44.4.32 A. Threefold First among those Saints that are in the Militant Church a communion of affection profession afflictions and distribution both of spirituall gifts and worldly wealth for the mutual reliefe one of another Rom. 12.13.16.2 Iohn 17.21 Reu. 5.12 Luke 16.29 Secondly amongst those Saints which are in the triumphant part of the Church there is a Communion of vision consolation action or employment Thirdly betweene both these on earth and those in heauen there is a Communion First in that the Saints in Heauen doe heartily affect the welfare of those on earth generally at least Secondly Phil. 3.20 Reu. 5.8 in that the Saints on earth haue their consolation in Heauen earnestly desiring a dissolution to enioy their company Q. What is it to beleeue this Communion of Saints A. First Heb. 12.22 to acknowledge such a society whereof Christ is head Secondly Eph. 4.12 13 to be perswaded I am a member thereof Thirdly to reioyce in it as if I saw a most delightfull sight Fourthly to resolue neuer to forsake it what euer come Q. Suppose a man be out how may hee get into this Communion A. First by regeneration Iohn 3.5 for except a man be borne from a-aboue he cannot see the Kingdome of God Secondly Luke 14.33 9.62 Math. 7.21 hee must then forsake all other societies that are contrary Thirdly he must be bound vnto them as an apprentise for terme of life Fourthly he must faithfully promise and seasonably performe the worke of that companie Q. How may a man know hee is admitted into this society A. First by his humiliation and reformation none are bound many made free of this companie Ioh. 8.34 36 Secondly by that inward combate he shall after find in him against sinne Satan and wicked men 1 Ioh. 2.15 Thirdly by the earnest of the Spirit receiued at his admission 1 Iohn 4.13.3.14.1.6 7. Fourthly by his loue to that societie and compassion of them in all their sufferings Fifthly by his heauenly conuersation his language apparell and behauiour is such as they vse Q. What doe you learne hence Col. 1.18 A. First that there haue beene are and shall be till the end such a societie in the world consisting of Christ and Christians Secondly the necessity of cleauing to this corporation Iohn 15.5 Psal 16.3 although it be contemned and opposed will any free towne burne their Charter or be ashamed of their Priuiledges because the countrie people enuie and maligne them Thirdly Eph. 4.3 Mark 8.38 to acknowledge it with respectiue affection where euer I see or beleeue it 1 Thess 5.14 15. as the onely representation of Heauen Fourthly to seeke the good of this companie by all possible meanes comforting some reprouing others praying for all Fifthly Heb 13.1 1 Thes 5.13 I learne that neither distance of place nor meanenesse of condition can dissolue or hinder this Communion it is the Catholike Church Lastly to liue in loue and peace with Gods people reioycing in their companie aboue all others Q. Which is the tenth Article A. The forgiuenesse of sinnes Q. What doth it containe A. A second priuiledge of the Church to haue sinnes remitted vnto her and to be an instrument whereby this fauour is procured to others Q. What is the meaning of this Article A. First that there are sinnes in the Church euen among the Communion of Saints Cant. 1.5 Num. 23.21 Secondly that all sinnes are remissible to that societie and onely to them Thirdly 1 Ioh. 1.8 9. that good Christians are to beleeue both the being of sinne in the Church and forgiuenesse thereof to the Church Q. What is sinne 1 Iohn 3.4 A. A transgression of the Diuine Law in thought word or deed A. How many sorts of sinne are there A. Many originall actuall of omission and commission of knowledge and ignorance of weakenesse and presumption c. Q. What is remission of sinne A. It is an effect of Gods loue vnto his Church Ier. 33.8 Ezec. 18.22 Col. 1.21 22 whereby he acquits his chosen from the guilt of sinne through the infinite merit of Christs sacrifice so that they stand vnspotted and vndefiled in his sight as if they had neuer sinned Q. What is it to beleeue the forgiuenes of sinne A. First to acknowledge such a power in God that he is able to doe it Secondly Math. 8.2.19.26 to assent to the truth of God reuealed in Scripture for the manner of it Thirdly 2 Sam. 12 1â— to be perswaded vpon good grounds that I am one of the number to whom this priuiledge belongs Fourthly to labour daily during health and life Acts 2.38.3.19 either to procure or to renew and continue it to me Q. Who can forgiue sinne A. He onely against whose law sinne is committed Marke 2.5 and that is God for who can forgiue sin but God onely Q. Cannot men and Ministers forgiue sinne A. No yet thus much is taught vs. Mat. 18.21 22. Luke 24 47. Iohn 20.23 First that men may remit an offence giuen them by any of their brethren not the sinne committed thereby against God Secondly men may be instruments whereby remission of sinne is procured Thirdly Ministers may declare Gods will and pronounce the sentence of remission vpon condition if men presume to goe further they trench vpon Gods prerogatiue Q. How is sin remitted Esay 43.25 Iohn 20.13 A. Principally by the Lord himselfe acquitting the sinner blotting out the sinne and couering both with the imputation of Christs righteousnesse instrumentally by his Ordinances and Messengers preaching praying 1 Pet. 3.21 and administring Sacraments Q. How may a man get remission of sinne A. By repentance and conuersion Acts 2.38.3.19 Mat. 11.28 for first there must be a sense and feeling of the burden of sinne Secondly a free and full confession Thirdly selfe condemnation with hatred and detestation of sinne Fourthly 1 Iohn 1.9 heartie supplication for pardon in and through Christ Psal 51.1 2 c. Fifthly a purpose to leaue all knowne euill withall appearance of euill Q. How may a Christian be assured in some good measure of it A. First Acts 15.9 Esay 1.18 Prou. 28.13 Iohn 15.3 by faith in the promises seeing and beleeuing what the Lord hath spoken in his Word to this end Secondly by answerable reformation of life in obedience to Gods knowne will Thirdly by spirituall strength and power ouer sinne in the