by Christ our Lord in the Gospel that is to say Baptism and the Supper of the Lord neither of which may be dispensed by any but by a Minister of the Word lawfully ordained k Mat. â—8 19 1 Cor. 11. 20 23. 1 Cor. 4. 1 Heb. 5. 4 V. The Sacraments of the Old Testament in regard of the spirituall things thereby signified and exhibited were for substance the same with those of the New l 2 Cor. 10 1â— 2 3 4. â— CHAP. XXVIII Of Baptism BAptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament Ordained by Iesus Christ a Mat. 28. 19 not only for the solemn Admission of the party Baptized into the Visible Church b 1 Cor. 12 13 but also to be unto him a signe and seal of the Covenant of Grace c Rom. 4. 11 with Col. 2. 11 12 of his ingrafting into Christ d Gal 3. 27 Rom. 6. 5 of Regeneration e Tit. 3. 5 of Remission of sins f Mark 1. 4 and of his giving up unto God through Iesus Christ to walk in newnes of life g Rom. 6. 3 4. Which Sacrament is by Christs own appointment to bee continued in his Church untill the end of the World h Mat. 28. â—9 20. II. The outward Element to be used in this Sacrament is Water wherewith the Party is to be Baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost by a Minister of the Gospel lawfully called thereunto i Mat. 3. 11 Iohn 1. 33 Mat. 28. 19 20. III. Dipping of the person into the Water is not necessary but Baptism is rightly administred by powring or sprinkling Water upon the person k Heb 9. 10 19 20 21 22 Acts 2. 41 Acts 16. 33 Mark 7. 4 IV. Not only those that do actually professe Faith in and obedience unto Christ l Mark 16 15 16. Acts 8. 37 38. but also the infants of one or both believing Parents are to be baptized m Gen. 17. 7 9. with Gal. 3. 9 14 Col. 2. 11 12 Acts 2. 38 39. Rom. 4. 11 12 1 Cor. 7. 14 Mat. 28. 19 Mark 10. 13 14 15 16 Luke 18. 15 V. Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this Ordinance n Luke 7. 30 with Exo. 4. 24 25 26 yet Grace and Salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it o Rom. 4. 11 Acts 10. 2. 4 23 31 45 47 or that all that are Baptized are undoubtedly regenerated p Acts 8. 13 23. VI. The efficacy of Baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administred q Iohn 3. 5 8 yet notwithstanding by the right use of this Ordinance the grace promised is not only offered but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost to such whether of age or infants as that grace belongeth unto according to the Councell of Gods own Will in his appointed time r Gal. 3. 27 Tit. 3. 5. Eph 5. 25 26 Acts 2. 38. 41. VII The Sacrament of Baptism is but once to be administred unto any person Å¿ Tit. 3. 5. CHAP. XXIX Of the LORDS Supper OVr Lord Iesus in the night wherein he was betrayed Instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood called the Lords Supper to be observed in his Church unto the end of the world for the perpetuall Remembrance of the sacrifice of Himself in his Death the sealing all benefits thereof unto true Believers their Spiritual nourishment and growth in him their further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto him and to be a bond and pledge of their Communion with him and with each other as members of his mysticall Body a 1 Cor 11 23 25. 26 2. Cor. 10. 16. 2â— 21 2 Cor. 12. 13 II. In this Sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father nor any reall Sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead b Heb. 9. 22 25 26 28 but only a Commemoration of that one offering up of Himself by Himself upon the Crosse once for all and a spiritual Oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same c 1 Cor. 11 24 25 26 Mat. 26 26 27. So that the Popish Sacrifice of the Masse as they call it is most abominably injurious to Christs one onely Sacrifice the alone Propitiation for all the sins of the Elect d Heb. 7. 23 24 27. Heb. 10. 11 12 14 18. III. The Lord Iesus hath in this Ordinance appointed his Ministers to declare his word of institution to the people to pray and blesse the Elements of Bread and Wine thereby to set them apart from a Common to an Holy Vse and to Take and Break the Bread to Take the Cup they communicating also themselves to give both to the Communicants e Mat. 26 26 27 28 Mark 14. 22 23 24. and Luke 22. 19 20. with 1 Cor. 11 23 24 25 26 but to none who are not then present in the Congregation f Acts 20. 7 1 Cor. 11. 20 IV. Private Masses or receiving this Sacrament by a Priest or any other alone g 1 Cor. 10. 6 as likewise the denyall of the Cup to the people h Mark 4. 23 1 Cor. 11. 25 26 27 28 29 worshipping the Elements the lifting them up or carrying he about for adoration and the reserving them for any pretended religious use are all contrary to the nature of this Sacrament and to the Institution of Christ i Mat. 15. 9 V. The outward Elements in this Sacrament duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ have such relation to him crucified as that truly yet Sacramentally onely they are sometimes called by the name of the things they represent to wit the Body and Blood of Christ k Mat. 26 26. 27 28 albeit in substance and nature they still remain truly and only Bread and Wine as they were before l 1 Cor. 11 26 27 28 Mat. 26. 29 VI. That Doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of Bread and Wine into the substance of Christs Body Blood commonly called Transubstantiation by Consecration of a Priest or by any other way is repugnant not to Scripture alone but even to common Sense and Reason overthroweth the nature of the Sacrament and hath bin is the cause of manifold Supertitions ye of grosse Idolatries m Act. 3. 21 with 1 Cor. 11. 24 25 26 Luk. 24. 6 39. VII Worthy Receivers outwardly partaking of the visible Elements in this Sacrament n 1 Cor. 11 28. do then also inwardly by faith really and indeed yet not carnally and corporally but Spiritually receive and feed upon Christ crucified and all benefits of his death The Body and Blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally in with or under the Bread and Wine yet as really but Spiritually
sue out a Divorce m Mat. 5. 31 32. And after the Divorce to marry another as if the offending party were dead n Mat. 19. 9 Rom. 7. â— 3 VI. Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments unduely to put asunder those whom God hath joyned together in marriage yet nothing but Adultery or such wilfull desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church or Civil Magistrate is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of Marriage o Mat. 19. 8 9. 1 Cor. 7. 15. Mat 19. 6. Wherein a publick and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed And the Persons concerned in it not left to their own wills and discretion in their own case p Deut. 24. 1 2 3 4. CHAP. XXV Of the Church THe Catholick or Vniversall Church which is invisible consists of the whole number of the Elect that have bin are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the Head thereof and is the Spouse the Body the fulnesse of Him that filleth all in all a Eph. 1. 10 22 23 Eph. 5. 23 27. 32 Col. 1. 18 II. The visible Church which is also Catholick or Vniversall under the Gospell not confined to one Nation as before under the Law consists of all those throughout the World that professe the true Religion b 1 Cor. 1 2 1 Cor. 12 12 13. Psal 2. 8 Rev. 7. 9 Rom. 15. 9 10 11 12 and of their children c 1 Cor. 7. 14. Acts 2 39. Ezek. 16. 20 21. Rom. 11 16. Gen. 3. 15. Gen. 17. 7 and is the Kingdome of the Lord Iesus Christ d Mat. 13. 47 Isa 9. 7 â— Eph. 1. 19 the House and Family of God e Eph 2. 15 out of which there is no ordinary possibility of Salvation f Acts 2. 47 III. Vnto this Catholick Visible Church Christ hath given the Ministery Oracles and Ordinances of God for the gathering and perfecting of the Saints in this life to the end of the world aâ—d doth by his own presence and Spirit according to his promise make them effectuall thereunto g 1 Cor 12 28. Eph. 4 11 12 13 Mat. 28. 19 20. Isa 50. 21 IV. This Catholick Church hath bin sometimes more sometimes lesse visible h Rom. 11. 3 4. Rev. 12. 6 14. And particular Churches which are Members thereof are more or lesse as pure according as the Doctrine of the Gospel is taught and imbraced Ordinances administred and publick worship performed more or less purely in them i Rev. 2. 3 chapters 1 Cor. 5. 6 7 V. The purest Churches under Heaven are subject both to mixture and errour k 1 Cor 13. 12. Rev. 2. 3 chapters Mat. 13. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 47 and some have so degenerated as to become no Churches of Christ but Synagogues of Satan l Rev. 18. 2 Rom. 11. 18 19 20 21 22 Neverthelesse there shall be alwayes a Church on Earth to Worship God according to his will m Mat. 16 18 Psâ—l 72. 17 Psâ—l 102. 28 Mat 28. 19 20 VI. There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Iesus Christ n Col. 1. 18 Eph 1. 22 Nor can the Pope of Rome in any sence be head thereof but is that Antichrist that man of sin and Sun of Perdition that exalteth himself in the CHurch against Christ and all that is called God o Mat. â—3 8 9 10 2 Thess 2. 3 4 8. 9 Rev. 13. 6. CHAP. XXVI Of the Communion of Saints ALL Saints that are united to Iesus Christ their Head by his Spirit and by Faith have fellowship with him in his graces Sufferings Death Resurrection and Glory a 1 Iohn 1 Eph 3. 16 17 18 19 Iohn 1. 16 Eph. 2 5 6 Phil. 3. 10 Rom. 6. 5 6 2 Tim. 2 12 And being united to one another in love they have communion in each others gifts graces b Eph. 4. 15 16. 1 Cor. 12 7. 1 Cor 3. 21 22 23 Col. 2. 19. and are obliged to the performance of such duties publick and private as do conduce to their mutuall good both in the inward and outward man c 1 Thes â— 11. 14 Rom. 1 11 12 14. 1 Iohn 3. 16 17 18. Gal. 6. 10. II Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God and in performing such other spirituall services as tend to their mutuall edification d Heb. 10 24 25. Acts 2. 42 46 Isa 2 3 1 Cor. 11 20 as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their severall abilities and necessities Which Communion as God offereth opportunity is to be extended unto all those who in every place call upon the Name of the Lord Iesus e Acts 2. 44 45. 1 Iohn 3. â—7 2 Cor. 8 9. chapters Acts 11. 29 30. III. This Communion which the Saints have with Christ doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his God-head or to be equall with Christ in any respect either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous f Col 1. 18 19. 1 Cor. 8 6. Isa 42 8 1 Tim 6 15 16. Psal 45 7. with Heb. 1. 8 9. Nor doth their Communion one with another as Saints take away or in fringe the title or propriety which each man hath in goods and possessions g Exod. 20. 15 Eph 4 28 Acts 5. 4. CHAP. XXVII Of the Sacraments SAcraments are holy Signes and Seales of the Covenant of Grace a Rom. 4. 11 Gen. 17. 7 10 immediatly instituted by God b Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor 11. 23. to represent Christ and his Benefits and to confirm our interest in him c 1 Cor. 10 16. 1 Cor 25 26. Gal. 3. 27. as also to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church and the rest of the World d Rom. 15. 8 Exod. 12. 48 Gen. 34. 14 and solemnly to engage them to the Service of God in Christ according to his Word e Rom. 6. 3 4. 1 Cor. 10. 16 21. II. There is in every Sacrament a spirituall relation or Sacramentall union between the Signe and the Thing signified whence it comes to passe that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other f Gen. 17. 10 Mat. 26. 27 28. Tit. 3. 5 III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the Sacraments rightly used is not conferred by any power in them neither doth the efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it g Rom 2. 28 29. 1 Pet. 3. 21 but upon the work of the Spirit h Mat. 3. â—â— 2 Cor. 12. 13 and the word of institution which contains together with a precept authorizing the use thereof a promise of benefit to worthy receivers i Mat. 26. 27 â—8 Mat. 28. 19 â—0 IV. There be only two Sacraments ordained
read although there follow no immediate explication of what is read the Word expounded and applyed Catechising the Sacraments administred Collection made for the poor dismissing the people with a blessing Of Church Government and the several sorts of Assemblies for the same CHrist hath instituted a Government and Governors Ecclesiastical in the Church to that purpose the Apostles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ and did use and exercise them in all the Churches of the world upon all occasions And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his Church with gifts of Government and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that the Church be governed by several sorts of Assemblies which are Congregational Classical and Synodical Of the power in Common of all these Assemblies IT is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that the several Assemblies before mentioned have power to convent and call before them any person within their several bounds whom the Ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern proved by Math. Chap. 18. They have power to hear and determine such causes and differences as do orderly come before them It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that all the said Assemblies have some power to dispence Church-censures Of Congregational Assemblies that is The meeting of the ruling Officers of a particular Congregation for the Government thereof THe ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to call before them any member of the Congregation as they shall see just occasion To enquire into the knowledg and spiritual estate of the several members of the Congregation To admonish and rebuke Which three branches are proved by Heb. 13. 17. 1 Thess 5. 12 13. Ezek. 34. 4. Authoritative suspension from the Lords Table of a person not yet cast out of the Church is agreeable to the Scripture First Because the Ordinance it self must not be prophaned Secondly Because we are charged to withdraw from these that walk disorderly Thirdly Because of the great sin and danger both to him that comes unworthily and also to the whole Church Mat. 7. 6. 2 Thess 3. 6 14 15. 1 Cor. 11. 27. to the end of the chap. compared with Jude vers 23. 1 Tim. 5. 22. And there was power and authority under the Old Testament to keep unclean persons from holy things Levit. 13. 5. Numb 9. 7. 2 Chron. 23. 19. The like power and authority by way of Analogy continues under the New Testament The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to suspend from the Lords Table a person not yet cast out of the Church First Because those who have authority to judg of and admit such as are fit to receive the Sacrament have authority to keep back such as shall be found unworthy Secondly Because it is an Ecclesiastical business of ordinary practise belonging to that Congregation When Congregations are divided and fixed they need all mutual help one from another both in regard of their intrinsecal weaknesses and mutual dependence As also in regard of enemies from without Of Classical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church both in the first Epistle to Timothy Chap. 4. vers 14. and in Acts 15. verses 2 4 6. A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word and such other publique Officers as are agreeable to and warranted by the Word of God to be Church Governors to joyn with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth Rom. 12. 7 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. The Scripture doth hold forth that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government This Proposition is proved by instances First Of the Church of Jerusalem which consisteth of more Congregations then one and all these Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government This appeareth thus First The Church of Jerusalem consisteth of more Congregations then one as is manifest first By the multitude of Beleevers mentioned in divers Both before the dispersion of the Beleevers there by means of the persecution mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles Chap. 8. in the beginning thereof witness Chap. 1. verse 11. and 2. v. 41 46 47. and 4. 4. and 5 14. and Chap. 6. of the same book of the Acts verses 1 7. And also after the dispersion Acts 9. 31. Chap. 12. â—4 and Chap. 21. ver 20. of the same book Secondly By the many Apostles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerusalem And if there were but one Congregation there then each Apostle preached but seldom which will not consist with Chap. 6. verse 2. of the same book of the Acts of the Apostles Thirdly The diversity of languages amongst the Beleevers mentioned both in the second and sixth Chapters of the Acts doth argue more Congregations then one in that Church Secondly All those Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government because First They were one Church Acts 8. 1. and Chapter 2. 47. compared with Chap. 5. 11 and 12. 5. and 15. 4. of the same book Secondly The Elders of the Church are mentioned Acts 11. 30. and 15. 4 6 22. and 21. 17 18. of the same book Thirdly The Apostles did the ordinary Acts of Presbyters as Presbyters in that Kirk which proveth a Presbyterial Church before the dispersion Acts 6. Fourthly The several Congregations in Jerusalem being one Church the Elders of that Church are mentioned as meeting together for acts of Government Acts 11. 30. and 15. 4 6 22. and 21. 17 18. and so forward which proves that those several Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government And whether these Congregations were fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is all one as to the truth of the Proposition Nor doth there appear any material difference betwixt the several Congregations in Ierusalem and the many Congregations now in the ordinary condition of the Church as to the point of fixedness required of Officers or Members Thirdly Therefore the Scripture doth hold forth that many Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government Secondly By the instance of the Church of Ephesus for 1 That they were more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus appears by Acts 20 31. where is mention of Pauls continuance at Ephesus in Preaching for the space of three years and Acts 19 18 19 20. where the special effect of the Word is mentioned and verse 10 and 17 of the same Chapter where is a distinction of Iews and Greeks and 1 Cor. 16. 8 9. where a reason of Pauls stay at Ephesus until Pentecost and verse 19 where is mention of a particular Church in the house of Aquila and Priscilla then at Ephesus as appears Acts 18. 19 24 26. all which laid together doth prove that the multitudes of Beleevers did make more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus 2. That there were many Elders over these many Congregations
conversed with his Apostles speaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdome of God d Acts 1. 2. 3. and giving them commission to preach the Gospell to all nations e Mat. 28. 19 20. forty dayes after his resurrection he in our nature and as our head f Heb. 6. 20 triumphing over enemies g Eph. 4. 8. visibly went up into the highest heavens there to receive gifts for men h Acts 1. 9. 10. 11. Eph. 4. 10. Psal 68. 18. to raise up our affections thither i Col. 3. 1. 2 and to prepare a place for us k Ioh. 14. 3. where himself is and shall continue till his second comming at the end of the world l Acts 3. 21. Q. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God in that as God-man he is advanced to highest favour with God the Father m Phil. 2. 9. with all fulnesse of joy n Acts 2. â—8 with Psal 16. 11. glory o Ioh. 17. 5. and power over all things in heaven and earth p Eph. 1. 22. 1 Pet. 3. 21. and doth gather and defend his Church subdue their enemies furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces q Eph. 4. 10. 11 12. â—sa 110. throughout and maketh intercession for them r Rom. 8. 34. Q. How doth Christ make intercession A. Christ maketh intercession by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven Å¿ Heb. 9. 12. 24 in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth t Heb. 1. 3. declaring his will to have it applyed to all believers u Ioh. 3. 16. Ioh 17. 9. 20. 24. answering all accusations against them w Rom. 8 33. 34. procuring for them quiet of conscience notwithstandding daily failings x Rom 5. 1 2 1 Iohn 2. 1 2 accesse with boldnesse to the throne of Grace y Heb. 4 16 acceptance of their persons z Eph. 1. 6 and services a 1 Pet. 2 5 Q. How is Christ to be exalted in his comming again to judge the world A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world in tha the who was unjustly judged condemned by wicked men b Acts 3. 14 15. shal come again at the last day with great power b in the full c Mat. 24. 30 manifestation of his own glory and of his Fathers with all his holy Angels d Luk. 9. 26 Mat. 25 31 with a shout with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trumpet of God e 1 The. 4. 16 to judge the world in righteousnesse f Acts 17. 31 Q. What benefits hath Christ procured by his Mediation A. Christ by his Mediation hath procured redemption g Heb. 9. 12 with all other benefits of the Covenant of Grace h â— Cor. 1. 10 Q How doe we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured by the application of them unto us i Ioh. 1. 11 12 which is especially the work of God the Holy Ghost k Tit. 3 5 6 Q. Who are made partakers of Redemption by Christ A. Redemption is certainly applyed effectually communicated to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it l Eph. 1. 3. 14. Ioh. 6. 37. 39 Ioh. 10. 15 16 who are in time by the holy Ghost inabled to beleeve in Christ according to the Gospel m Eph. â— 8 2 Câ—r 4. 13 Q. Can they who have never heard the Gospel and so know not Iesus Christ nor believe in him be saved by their living according to the light of nature A. They who having never heard the Gospel n Rom. 10. 14 know not Iesus Christ o 2 Thes 1 8 9 Eph. 2. 12 Ioh 1. 10 11. 12 and believe not in him cannot be saved p Ioh 8 24 Mar. 16 16 be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature q 1 Cor 1. 20 21. 22 23 24 or the Law of that Religion which they professe r Ioh. 4. 22 Rom 9. 31 32 Phil. 3. 4 5 6 7. 8 9 neither is there salvation in any other but in Christ alone Å¿ Acts 4. 12 who is the Savior only of his body in the Church t Eph. â— â—3 Q. Are all they saved who hear the Gospel and live in the Church A. All that hear the Gospel and live in the visible Church are not saved but they oâ—ly who are true members of the Church invisible u Ioh. 12 38 39 40 Rom. 9. 6 Maz 22. 14. Mat. 7. 21 Rom. 11. 7 Q. What is the visible Church A. The visible Church is a society made up of all sâ—ch as in all ages and places of the world doe professe the true Religion w 1 Cor. 1. 2 1 Cor 12. 13 Rom. 15. 9 10 11 12 Rev. â— 9 Psal 2. 8. Psal 22. 27 28 29 30 31 Psâ—l 45. 17 Mat. 28. 19 20 Isa 59. 21 and of their children x 1 Coâ— 7. 14 Acts 2. 39 Rom 11. 16 Gen. 17. â— Q. What are the speciall priviledges of the visible Church A. The visible Church hath the priviledge of being under Gods speciall care and government y Isa 4. 5 6 1 Tim. 4. 10 of being protected and preserved in all ages notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies z Psal 11. 15 throughout Isa 31. 4 5 Zach. 12. 2 3 4 8 9. and of enjoyning the communion of Saints the ordinary means of salvation a Act. 2. 39 42. offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministery of the Gospel testifying that whosoever beleeves in him shall be saved b Psal 147 19 20 Rom. 9. 4 Eph. 4. 11 12 Mar. 16. 15 16 and excluding none that will come unto him c Ioh. 6. 37. Q. What is the Invisible Church A. The Invisible Church is the whole number of the Elect that have been are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the Head d Eph. 1. 10 22 23 Ioh. 10 16 Ioh. 11. 52 Q. What speciall Benefits doe the members of the Invisible Church enjoy by Christ A The members of the Invisible Church by Christ enjoy Vnion and Communion with him in grace and glory e Ioh. 17. 21 Eph. 2. 5 6 Ioh. 17. 24 Q. What is that Vnion which the Elect have with Christ A. The Vnion which the Elect have with Christ is the work of Gods grace f Eph. 1. 22 Eph. 2. 6 7 8 whereby they are spiritually and mystically yet really and inseparably joyned to Christ as their head and husband g 1 Cor. â— 17 Ioh. 10. â—8 Eph. 5 23. 30 which is done in their effectuall Calling h 1 Pet. 5. 10 1
faith i Heb 4 2 love k 2 The. 2. 10 meeknesse l Iames. 1. 21 and rediness of minde m Acts 17. 11 as the Word of God n 1 The. 2. 13 meditate o Luk. 9 44 Heb. 2. 1 and conferre of it p Luk. 24. 14 Deut. 6. 6 7 hide it in their hearts q Prov. 2. 1 Psal 119. 11 and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives r Luk. 8. 15 Iames 1. 25 Q. How doe the Sacraments become effectuall means of salvation A. The Sacraments become effectuall means of salvation not by any power in themselves or any vertue derived from the piety and intention of him by whom they are administred but only by the working of the holy Ghost the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted Å¿ 1 Pet. 3. 21 Acts 8. 13 with v. 23 1 Cor. 3. 6 7 1 Cor. 12. 13 Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church t Gen. 17 7 10. Ex. 12. ch Mat. 28 19 Mat. 26 27 28 to signifie seale and exhibit u Rom. 4. 11 1 Cor. 11. 24 25 unto those that are within the Covenant of grace w Rom. 15. 8 Exod. 12. 48 the benefits of his mediation x Acts 2. 38 1 Cor. 10. 16 to strengthen and encrease their faith and all other graces y Rom. 4. 11 Gal. 3. 27 to oblige them to obedience z Rom. 6. 3 4 1 Cor. 10. 21 to testifie and cherish their love and communion one with another a Eph. 4. 2 3. 4 5 1 Cor. 12. 13 and to distinguish them from those that are without b Eph. 2. 11 12 Gen. 34. 14 Q. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. The parts of a Sacrament are two the one an outward and sensible signe used according to Christs own appointment the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signified c Mat. 3. 11 1 Pet. 3. 21 Rom. 2. 28 29 Q. How many Sacraments hath Christ instituted in his Church under the New Testament A. Vnder the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his Church only two Sacraments Baptism and the Lords Supper d Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor. 11. 20 23 Mat. 26. 26 27 28. Q. What is Baptism A. Baptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost e Mat. 28. 19 to be a sign and seal of engrafting into himself f Gal. 3. 27 of remission of sinnes by his blood g Mar. 1. 4 Rev. 1. 5 and regeneration by his spirit h Tit. 3. 5 Eph. 5. 26 of Adoption i Gal. 3. 26 27 and resurrectionn to everlasting life k 1 Cor. 15 29 Rom. 6. 5 and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible Church l 1 Cor. 12 13 and enter into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only the Lords m Rom. 6 4 Q. Vnto whom is Baptism to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church and so strangers from the Covenant of promise till they professe their faith in Christ and obedience to him n Acts 8. 36 37 Acts 2. 38 but Infants descending from parents either both or but one of them professing faith in Christ and obedience to him are in that respect within the Covenant and to be baptized o Gen. 17. 7 9. with Gal. 3. 9 14. and Col. 2. 11 12 and Acts 2 38 39. and Rom. 4. 11 12. 1 Cor. 7 14. Mat. 28. 19. Luk. 18. 15 16. Rom. 11. 16 Q. How is our Baptism to be improved by us A. The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism is to be performed by us all our life long especially in the time of temptation when we are present at the administration of it to others p Col. 2. 11 12 Rom 6. 4. 6 11 by serious thankfull consideration of the nature of it of the ends for which Christ instituted it the priviledges and benefits conferred sealed thereby and our solemn vow made therein q Rom. 6. 3 4 5 by being humbled for our sinful defilement our falling short of walking contrary to the grace of Baptism and our engagements r 1 Cor. 1. 11 12 13 Rom. 6. 2. 3 by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin and of all other blessings sealed to us in that Sacrament Å¿ Rom. 4. 11 12. 1 Pet. 3 21. by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ into whom we are baptized for the mortifying of sin and quickning of grace t Rom 6 3 4. 5 and by end eavouring to live by faith u Gal. 3. 26 2â— to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness w Rom. 6. 22 as those that have therein given up their names to Christ x Acts 2. 38 and to walk in brotherly love as being baptized by the same spirit into one body y 1 Cor. 12 13 25 26 27 Q. What is the Lords Supper A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament of the New Testament z Luk. 22. 20 wherein by giving receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Iesus Christ his death is shewed forth and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood to their spirituall nourishment and growth in grace a Mat. 26. 26 27 28 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25 26 have their union and communion with him confirmed b 1 Cor. 10 16 testifie and renue their thankfulnesse c 1 Cor. 11 24 25 26 and engagement to God d 1 Cor. 10 14 15 16 21 and their mutuall love and fellowship each with other as members of the same mysticall body e Cor. 10. 17 Q. How hath Christ appointed Bread and Wine to be given and received in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. Christ hath appointed the Ministers of his word in the administration of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to set apart the bread and wine from common use by the word of institution thanksgiving and prayer to take and break the bread and to give both the Bread the Wine to the Communicants who are by the same appointment to take and eat the Bread and to drink the Wine in thankfull remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given and his blood shed for them f Cor. 11 23 24 Mat. 26. 26 27 28 Mar. 14. 22 23 24 Luk. 22. 19 20 Q. How doe they that worthily communicate in the Lords Supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein A. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in with or under the Bread Wine in the Lords Supper g Acts 3. 21 and yet are spiritually present
13. 9. Deut. 5 21. Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the Commandments of God y Eccl. 7. 20. 1 Joh. 1. 8. 10. Gal. 5. 17 but doth dayly break them in thought word deed z Gen. 6. 5. 8. 21 Rom. 3 9. to 21. â—am 3. 2. to 13 Q. Are all transgressioâ—s of the Law equally heinous A. Some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God then others a Ezâ—k 8 6 13. 15. 1 Joh. 5. 16. Psa 78 17 32 56. Q. What doth every sin deserve A. Every sin deserveth Gods wrath and curse both in this life and that which is to come b Eph â— 6 Gal. 3. 10 Iam. 3 39 Mat. 25. 41 Q. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin God requireth of us Faith in Jesus Christ Repentance unto life c Act. 20. 21 with the diligent use of all the outward means wherby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption d Pro. 2. 1 to 6. 8. 33. to the end Isal 59. 3 Q. What is Faith in Jesus Christ A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace e Heb 10 39 whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for Salvation as he is offered to us in the Gospel f Joh. 1. 12 Isa 26. 3 4 Phil. 3. 9 Gal. 2. 16 Q. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace g Act. 11 18 whereby a sinner out of a true sense of his sin h Acts 2 37 38 and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ i Joel 2. 12 Jer. 3. 22 doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God k Jer. 31 18 19 Eze. 36 31 with full purpose of and endeavor after new obedience l 1 Cor. 7 11. Isa 1 16 17 Q. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption are his Ordinances especially the Word Sacraments and Prayer all which are made effectual to the Elect for Salvation m Mat. 28 19 20 Acts 2. 42 46 47 Q. How is the Word made effectual to Salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the Reading but especially the Preaching of the Word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation n Neh 8 8 1 Cor. 14 24 25 Act. 26. 18 Psal 19 8 Act. 20 32 Rom. 15 4 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. Ro. 10. 13 14 15 16 17. 1 16 Q. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation we must attend thereunto with diligence o Prov. 8. 34. preparation p 1 Pet. 2 1 2. and prayer q Psa 119. 18. receive it with faith and love r Heb. 4 2 2 Thes 2. 10. lay it up in our hearts s Psa 119 11. and practise it in our lives t Luk. 8. 15. Jam. 1. 25 Q. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation not from any vertue in them or in him that doth administer them but only by the blessing of Christ u 1 Pet. 3. 21. Mat 3. 11. 1 Cor. 3. 6 7 and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them w 1 Cor. 12 23 Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance instituted by Christ wherein by sensible Signs Christ and the benefits of the New Covenant are represented sealed and applyed to Beleevers x Gen. 17 7 10 Exod. 12. 1 Cor. 11 23 26 Q. Which are the Sacraments of the New Testament A. The Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism y Mat. 28 19 and the Lords Supper z Mat. 26 26 27 28 Q. VVhat is Baptism A. Baptism is a Sacrament wherein the Washing with Water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost a Mat. 28 19 doth signifie and seal our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace and our engagement to be the Lords b Ro 6 24 Gal. 2 27 Q. To whom is Baptism to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the Visible Church till they profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him c Act. 8 36 37. and 2 38 but the infants of such as are Members of the Visible Church are to be baptized d Acts 2 38 39 Gen. 17 10. with Col. 2 11 12. 1 Cor. 7 14 Q VVhat is the Lords Supper A The Lords Supper is a Sacrament wherein by giving and receiving Bread and Wine according to Christs appointment his death is shewed forth and the worthy receivers are not after a corporal and carnal manner but by faith made partakers of his Body and Blood with all his benefits to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace e 1 Cor. 11 23 24 25 26. 10 16 Q. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lords Supper that they examine themselves of their Knowledg to discern the Lords Body f 1 Cor. 11 28 29 of their Faith to feed upon him g 2 Cor. 13 5 of their Repentance h 1 Cor. 11 31 love i 1 Cor 10 16 17 and new obedience k 1 Cor 5 7 8 lest coming unworthily they eat and drink judgment to themselves l 1 Cor. 11 28. 29 Q. What is Prayer A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God m Psa 62. 8 for things agreeable to his will n 1 Ioh 5 14 in the Name of Christ o Ioh. 16 23 with confession of our sins p Psal 32 5 6 Dan. 9 4 and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies q Phil 4 6 Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in Prayer A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer r 1 Ioh 5 14 but the special rule of direction is that form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called The Lords Prayer Å¿ Math. 6 9 10 11 12 13 with Luke 11 2 3 4 Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer which is Our Father which art in Heaven t Mat 6 9 teacheth us to draw neer to God with all holy reverence and confidence as children to