by that awefull reuerence and respect he giues to the word and ordinances of Christ 2 Tim. 2.19 Thirdly by the Spirit of prayer and power ouer formerly preuailing corruptions Luk. 21.13 Ioh. 15.19 Fourthly by that enmitie manifested by men of this world against him only for religion and vertues sake I haue chosen you out of the world saith our Sauiour therefore the world hates you Rom. 8.16 Fifthly by the inward testimony of the Spirit Gal. 15.19 perswading him vpon good grounds to cry Abba Father and by some appearing fruits of the Spirit Sixthly by a conscionable vse of the meanes 1 Thes 1.4 5. yeelding readily vnto it both for profession and practice Q. What is Creation A. It is a raising or framing vp of man by the finger and power of God Gen. 1.26 Reu. 14.11 out of the dust of the earth after the Image of God in righteousnesse and true holinesse hauing breathed into him the breath both of a naturall and spirituall life at once Q. To what end did God create man and especially after this fashion A. First Ephes 2.10 Gen. 18.27 to serue him and seek his glory Secondly that hee should not be proud of himselfe Thirdly that he might not forget his Maker bearing his Image about on his brest Fourthly that he should not abuse any of his fellow-creatures mispend his breath which is diuine nor liue one life withâ—ut the other Q. What doe you vnderstand by this terme Redemption Rom. 8.29 30. A. First that there was a meanes appointed to recouer mankinde out of the state of damnation 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Secondly that this meanes consisted in paying of a sufficient price for the ransome of all Thirdly that this price was in Gods eternall purpose fully paid for the satisfaction of diuine iustice before mercy tooke place in the deliuery of any from the bondage of corruption Q. Who paid this ransome and thus became our Redeemer A. Iesus Christ the eternall Sonne of God made man shedding his precious blood in that painfull and shamefull death of the Crosse 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Câ—l 1.14 Gal. 3.13 therein to wash their soules from the deepe staine of sinne and become a powerfull Mediatour in their behalfe Q. Were all redeemed by his death A. First a sufficient ransome was paid for all Secondly onely they enioy the benefit who either vsing the meanes are stirred vp and quickned by the Spirit to sue out their pardon Iohn 10.11.17.9 to lay hold on Châ—ist by thâ— hâ—nd of a liuely faith Ioel 2.32 applying his promises and merits to themselues or not able to vse the meanes Luke 1.68 haue Christs merits applied vnto them extraordinarily as infants idiots strangers c. may Q From what were the Elect redeemed A. First Gal. 3.13 Col. 1.13 from the curse of the law brought on them by their breaâ—h of the first couenant of workes Secondly from the power of sinne and Satan Heb. 2.15 Thirdly 1 Thes 1.10 from a slauish feare of death Fourthly from eternall torments deserued and reserued for vnbeleeuers and misbeeleuers in Hell-fire Q. To what end were they redeemed A. First to serue their Redeemer in holinesse Luke 1.74 Phil. 1.29 2 Tim. 2.12 and righteousnesse all their dayes hauing communion with him receiuing life and motion from him Secondly to suffer with him and for his sake persecutions reproaches disgrace and death Thirdly to raigne with him in glory hereafter for euermore Q. What is vocation A. First Generally it may be described to be a sufficient invitation Mat. 11.28 directed from the loue of God to men in miserie and pointing out for theÌ„ the way to mercy Luke 14.17 18. Acts 16.14 offering life in the means sufficient to make fire-brands of hell Rom. 8.28.9.24 heires of heauen Secondly more specially it is an effectuall perswasion calling in time and at seuerall times Gal. 1.15 of Gods Elect in Christ from sinne to grace from sicknesse to health from darkenesse to light Phil. 3.14 and from the state of death to life Q. How doth the Lord call men A. Two waies first outwardly and so diuers waies First by reports of mercy shewed or iudgements inflicted vpon others as Rahab was called Iosua 2.10 2 Cor. 33.12 Secondly by afflictions inward or outward reall or verball as Manasses with diuers other called or prepared thereby for an effectuall calling Thirdly most ordinarily and vsually by his Word in the ministery of men which being preacht and prest with wisedome zeale and power is Gods Ordinance to effect a three-fold worke First Acts 16.14 to open his heart that is to be called by the Law Zach. 13.1 Iohn 5.3 4. 1 Cor. 1.21 so as to let him see himselfe in his naturall estate Secondly to offer him balme from Gilead the merits and blood of Christ to cure and cleanse his blacke and wounded soule 2 Thes 2.14 1 Cor. 3.5 Iohn 3.8 by the promises in the Gospell Thirdly to stirre vp his affection trembling at the sight of himselfe in a longing desire to haue this remedie applied Secondly inwardly God speakes to the heart First by the reflecting voice of conscience telling him what is best to be done Secondly by the worke of his owne spirit gently bowing the will enlightning the vnderstanding ordering the affections c. and neuer leaues moulding till such be called and brought obediently subiect to the Gospell of his Sonne Q. Doth not Satan labour much to hinder this calling A. Yes much and many waies Gal. 3.1 Pro. 1 10 11 Mat. 13.19 20. as First by delusion ioyning with mans deceitfull heart to counterfeit graces and so to perswade men they are called when they are not Secondly by avocation busying men with contrary employments Thirdly Luk. 14.18 by temptation telling men they are not called when they are 2 Pet. 1.10 we should therefore giue the more diligence to make our calling and election sure Quest How may a Christian know when he is called or whether he be called or no Ans First euer when hee enioyes the meanes or feeles any inward motions to good 1 The. 5.19 then let him perswade himselfe he is called Secondly if he be heartily seperate in affection and conuersation from the wicked world Rom. 5.5 Iohn 8.32 and the corruptions therein purposely cleauing vnto the Lord in holinesse of life Thirdly if hee perceiue the loue of Christ issuing from that coniugall Vnion betweene him and his Church shed abroad in his heart by a longing desire it Fourthly if he bee sensible of any spirituall liberty Gal 4.15 inward peace Psa 119.11 Mat. 10.41 secret ioy grounded on the knowledge of diuine mysteries Acts 10.25.16.33 Fifthly if hee doe earnestly affect the meanes and messengers sent to call him he may be assured of an effectuall calling and consequently of his redemption and election Q. But suppose
she conceiued so in the fulnesse of time after the ordinary course of women she brought forth her first borne Q. What may you learne from this birth of Christ A. First that Eues transgression 2 Tim. 2.14 15. is answered by Maries conception women should not be dis-heartned in the worke of saluation Matth. 2.2 Luke 1.24 Reu. 3.11 Secondly that Christ was truely noble of the bloud Royall borne King of the Iewes so beleeuing Christians only are truely honourable Thirdly that good conceptions should be cherisht till they bee brought forth the Word of God is the seed good motions are spirituall conceptions as Elizabeth when she had conceiued hid her selfe so should Christians after Sermons euen retire themselues a little if conueniently they may to nourish the conception Fourthly to yeeld the blessed Virgin Mary all due reuerence as the Mother of Christ Luke 1.48 Ier. 7.18 which may be exprest First in giuing her those titles the Scripture doth Blessed Virgin Mary for those other strange titles of Ladie and Queene we owne them not Secondly in praising God for her Thirdly imitating her in chastitie humility c. that by faith I may conceiue and beare Christ in my heart as blessed Mary did in her wombe Q. Which is the fourth Article A. Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead buried and descended into hell Q. What doth this Article containe A. The second part of Christs humiliation to wit his passion with the seuerall degrees thereof Q. Who was it that suffered all this Heb. 2.18 2 Cor. 1.5 A. Iesus Christ the onely Sonne of God in and after the assumption of humane nature the person suffered but in and according to our nature onely the Deitie remaining still vncapable of passion Q. What doe you vnderstand by this terme suffered A. The passiue obedience of Christ not excluding his actiue there being in Christ both a suffering obedience and an obedient suffering Phil. 2.8 by the passiue part his obedient suffering he tooke away sinne both in regard of guilt staine and punishment by the actiue part his suffering obedience he purchased and conuaied righteousnes to his members Q. What did he passiuely vndergoe Lam. 1.12 A. All that offended iustice had to inflict on guiltie man for disobedience as the wrath of God the curse of the Law with all those imcomparable miseries Gal. 3.13 vid The bleeding Vine meeting him betweene the wombe and the graue whereof so high and heauenly a nature was capable Q. How is his passiue obedience described in this Article A. Two waies First by the Iudge vnder whom he suffered Secondly by the sufferings themselues Q. Vnder what Iudge did he suffer A. Pontius Pilate Q. Who was this Pontius Pilate A. A Gentile and a Roman Luke 3.1 President of Iewry Deputie for Caesar and a ciuill Iudge among the Iewes Q. Why did Christ suffer vnder a Iudge A. First that he might better represent the person of a Malefactor guiltie-man Esay 53.12 in whose roome he then stood Secondly that those reprsented by him might be absolued before the great Iudge of the world Mar. 15.28 Q. But why did hee suffer vnder a Gentile and a Roman Iudge A. First for the fulfilling of some prophecies Mat. 20.19 that he should be deliuered vp vnto the Gentiles Iohn 18.31 Secondly because the Iewes had no power to put him to death it was taken from them by the Gentiles Acts 13.46 Thirdly as the benefit of his passion was to be offered first to the Iewes after to the Gentiles So his passion was begun by Iewes but finisht by Gentiles Fourthly not obscurely to fore-shew the sufferings of Christ Mysticall vnder his successors the Roman Deputies Vicars of Rome vnder whose iurisdiction a good Christian cannot but suffer Q. What doe you learne hence A. First that worldly aduancement by wealth honour preferment to high places of command is attended with many dangers and doth often occasion men to commit greater sinnes Math. 4.8 9 then otherwaies they would or should Pilats authoritie made him guiltie of this innocent blood Secondly that as Christ suffered vnder Pontius Pilate so true Christians vnder the Pope and all wicked Gouernours Thirdly 1 Pet. 2.21.23 to suffer patiently with Christ if at any time we be called to suffer for righteousnesse sake 1 Pet. 3.14 committing all to him that iudgeth righteously Q. Which are the sufferings he vnderwent A. 1. Apprehension 2. Mat. 26.55.27.13 arraignement 3. accusation 4. sentence of condemnation 5. execution this last onely exprest in the Creed as presupposing the rest Q. What may this teach you A. First that wicked men agree in nothing so well as euill or what tends to euill Mat. 27.23 Pilate and Herod Scribes Pharises and Souldiers that were diuided before agree now in opposing Christ Luke 23.12 Rom. 8.34 Secondly that prophane impenitent sinners shall be apprehended arraigned accused and condemned by and before the Lord because they haue no benefit by his passion Thirdly that beleeuing penitents shall neuer be arraigned Luke 23.31 1 Pet. 4.12 17. accused or condemned because Christ suffered all these for them Iohn 15.18 Fourthly not to thinke it strange if I be thus dealt with by men of the world for Christs sake and in defence of his truth Q. What is the meaning of this word crucified A. Fastned to a crosse the word being compounded of two Latin words Math. 23.34 signifying so much and showing the manner of Christs death Q. Why was Christ to be crucified A. First for the fulfilling of certaine types and prophesies especially that of the brazen Serpent Secondly Exod. 15.25 Iohn 3.14 this kind of passion was most answerable to Adams transgression Col. 2.13 Gal. 3.10 what the the first Adam lost by eating the fruit of a tree the second regained by suffering vpon a tree Thirdly that he might thereby vndergoe the curse for vs Iohn 12.32 and redeeme all beleeuers from it Fourthly that he might draw our eyes and minds vpward Q. What doe you learne from this that Christ was crucified A. First that as Christ so true Christians are crucified in regard of the world Gal. 5.24 1 Cor. 2.2 the power of sinne and preuailing lusts of the flesh Secondly that all my hope of health and safety is in Christ crucified Col. 2.14 I attribute no part to the Crosse but all to him that died vpon the Crosse the sinnes of his beleâ—uing followers being nailed with him that they might neuer rise vp in iudgement againe Rom. 5.8 Thirdly so often as I read or heare of this I cannot but admire the loue of my Sauiour grieue for my sins that were the nailes to pierce his tender body Heb. 6.6 and heartily desire power ouer all my corruptions Fourthly now to be euer carefull lest I crucifie him againe as much as in mee is by continuing in any knowne sinne this
by degrees of the body of sinne Ephes 4.22 an abolishing of the power of naturall corruption Col. 3.5 Rom. 6.12 13. the guilt whereof was taken away in Baptisme by the efficacy of Christs death if after wee set our selues against the corrupt motions of the flesh Secondly Ephes 4.23 24 25. Viuification which is a renouation of vs in the Spirit of our mindes when Christ by vertue of his Resurrection raises vs vp to be fit temples for him to dwell and rule in by his Spirit Question How may a Christian discerne this worke in himselfe that it is begunne in him A. First by a hearty dislike of himselfe for sinne griefe following euery knowne offence desiring as earnestly to haue power ouer sinne as pardon Secondly 2 Cor. 7.11 by a diligent studie to learne the grounds 2. Pet. 3.15 Col. 3.2 and readinesse of mind to giue an account of that hope which is in him with meekenesse and feare Thirdly Phil. 3.20 Rom. 7.18 Heb. 12.14 by his heauenly mindednesse being freed from the heauy drosse though not from the being of sinne Rom. 6.22 the soule mounts vpward with ease Tit. 2.3 2 Cor. 7.1 Fourthly by a sensible feeling of the want of holynesse grieuing and seeking to haue it encreasâ—d Fifthly by humilitie and frequency in holy duties with delight hauing his thoughts words and deeds answerably holy at least in desire Sixtly by a loue of holynesse in others Q What is conscience Iohn 8.9 Rom. 2.15 2 Cor. 1.12 Answ It is an vnseparable power of the soule continually obseruing and by reflection applying to iudge impartially of euery action past with the manner of doing according to the rules of right reason Q. How is conscience rectified and made good to vs A. First by an act on Gods part Heb. 10.12 9.14 which is a worke of the spirit sanctifying and so restoring the soule to her first regularitie nothing can worke well as God would haue it Acts 24.16 vnlesse it bee such as God made it Secondly by a duty on our part which is earnest prayer finding conscience irregular ignorant secure or seared that the Lord would renew rectifie and guide it to all wholesome motions and operations Q. How may such a rectified good conscience be knowne A. By a speaking power it hath to determine aright of good and euill Rom. 2.15 1. Tim. 4.2 Psal 141.5 Gen. 39.9 Rom. 13.5 stirring vp and restraining excusing and accusing accordingly Secondly by an inward delight in a piercing ministery that wakens and sets conscience a working Thirdly by tendernesse not daring to follow a common custome without warrant abstaining from gainefull corruptions and suffering for conscience sake Q. How may wee keepe it in this good order 2 Sam. 24.10 Psal 119.9 Gal. 6.16 1 Tim. 1.19 A First by hearkning to the voyce thereof acquainting our selues therewith by frequent conference and examination least we be strangers at home and know it not Secondly by referring the dictates of conscience to a superiour rule comparing her sentence with the Word of God lest we make an Idoll thereof Thirdly by esteeming the integrity and tranquillitie thereof in a peaceable purity aboue all riches and treasure in the world Fourthly by cleauing to the plainest and safest side in all doubtfull cases Q. What doe you vnderstand by the terme Church Mat. 7.47 Reu. 12.1 A. First a mixt multitude of men and women baptized professing Christ in the vse of his ordinances performing or faining to performe conformity in practice Luk. 12.32 called commonly the visible Church Secondly a dispersed and despised company of men and women Acts 14.22 rich in faith called by the Word to haue Vnion and Communion with Christ their head in the profession of his Gospell and vse of his Sacraments striuing through many afflictions to enter the Kingdome of Heauen called the inuisible Church Q. What is Christian Religion A. An holy meanes appointed by Christ in his Word for the knitting of his seruants vnto him in all religious duties Iames 1.27 Heb 9.1 the seruice consisting specially in workes of piety purity and charity ioyned with knowledge and loue of the true God Q. Who are true Christians and professors indeed of this Religion A. True Christians are First Rom. 8.29 Ier. 31.3 all such as are the obiects of Gods free loue and mercy in Christ though they neuer liued actually to know Christ or professe his truth Acts 10.35.17.17 Secondly all such as knowing Christ doe loue and beleeue in him although neuer baptized nor called into a visible Church Thirdly all such as knowing and beleeuing doe confesse Christ and professe his truth with zeale and knowledge yeelding due respect to all Christs Ordinances and growing by them Rom. 10.10 Luke 1.6 Psa 119.5 6 allowing themselues in no knowne sinne conscionable in priuate as in publike duties louing helping and encouraging one another Q Is there no Atheisme and irreligiousnesse among Christians in the profession of their Religion A. Yes much in many hauing a name an outward forme and nothing else Acts 5.1 2.3 4 5. which comes to passe by reason First of that deceitfull sinne of hypocrisie whereby men dissemble with God and the world Math. 13.5 deceiuing sometimes their owne hearts Secondly of neutralitie lukewarmnesse and indifferencie Reu. 3.15 16. when men relye vpon their ciuill honestie morall iustice and will goe no further comming short of Heauen Thirdly Iohn 6.64 Rom. 2.24 of infidelitie concerning Gods omnipresency omnipotencie and veritie of his Word in promises and threatnings many want faith that make a faire show in all things else Fourthly of open prophanenesse liuing worse then the worst Heathens so drawing the blacke cloud of scandall ouer the brightnesse of our Christian faith such after admonition should be remooued Q. What is hypocrisie A. It is a glorious pietie without gracious sinceritie and is twofold First grosse Mat. 23.27.19.21 22. whereby a man deceiues other men not himselfe knowing he is not what he appeares to be nor indeed heartily desires it Secondly refined and formall whereby a man deceiues others and himselfe also Q. How may an hypocrite be knowne A. It is verie difficult for in all outward duties he may Mat. 6.20 and doth goe as farre for a time as the soundest Christian professing hearing Mat. 23.23 praying and yeelding some spirituall fruits so passing the ciuill honest man many degrees but may be thus discerned First hee is verie strict in small matters in weightier taking any libertie 2 Sam. 15.30 which may stand with his reputation Secondly he is heartily greedie after preheminencie worldly pompe and glorie 3 Iohn 9. a blocke which a formall hypocrite can neuer leape ouer if religion be so strict as to crosse his preferment he is so bold as to crosse out that part of religion Mat. 7.3 4. Thirdly hee is much employed in searching
bitter death tels me hee hath suffered enough already Q. What doe you meane by this when you confesse hee was dead Math. 27.46 A. Viz. That the body and soule of Christ were really seuered for a time as in the naturall death of any other Q Why did Christ dye A. First to show the truth of his humanity and realty of his suffâ—ings Secondly Gâ—n 2.17 Cor. 5 14. â—â—b â— 15 ohn 3.16 Rom. 11.22 to satisfie iustice â—o the full who had before thâ—â—aâ—ned man with death Thirdly to vaâ—quâ—sh death by taking away the sting and making it a passage vnto life Fourthly to manifest the infinitnesse of Gods loue to mankind with the seuerity of his iustice against sinne in one and the same act Fifthly that by a propitiatory sacrifice hee might establish the couenant which could not bee without such bloud-shedding Q. What doe you learne from the death of Christ A. First a threefold assurance First that by his death I am freed from a double death in part from the first wholly from the second Secondly that being dead with Christ 1 Cor. 15.55 Heb. 2.14.15 Rom. 8.1 I shall now euer after liue the life of Christ Thirdly that the new couenant of grace is now of force Col. 3.3 Heb. 8.6.7 9 16 17. Secondly a threefold resolution First neuer more to liue in any knowne sinne seeing Christ dyed for sinne Secondly to cleaue vnto him with an ardent vnseparable loue Thirdly to lay downe my life for him and his truth to spend all my time and strength in his seruice who hath not spared to spend his bloud for me Rom. 6.2.8.35 1 Ioh 3.16 Iohn 7.31 Rom. 6.9.10.13.11 Ephes 5.14 Thirdly to condemne a threefold error First of the Iewes expecting another Christ cleauing to shaddowes obseruing ceremonies which were to dye with Christ Secondly of Papists that maintaine a continuall sacrifice offering vp and so killing Christ often when as hee was to dye but once Thirdly of carnall Protestants who lye still snorting vnder the dead sleepe of sinne yet thinke to be saued by Christs death Q. What doe you vnderstand by this when you say he was buried A. Viz. that Christs body after death was in a desent manner laid in a tombe or graue where it also remaines the same without alteration or corruption Mat. 27.60 Psa 16.10 preserued by the presence of the diety Q. Why was Christ buried A. First to show vs that in his greatest extremity hee had some wel-willers Mat. 27.58 Rom. 6.6 Hos 13.14 Mat. 28.6 Heb. 2.15 who performed this office of loue vnto him Secondly to confirme the truth and certainty of his death Thirdly that he might follow death wrestle with him in his owne Castle and beate him out of his owne supposed inuinsible hold Fourthly by his presence to take away the horrour of the graue to sanctifie it to be a chamber of refuge a sweet bed of rest and a passage to immortality Q. By whom was he buried A. Ioseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus two of his fearefull Disciples in time of need became boldest Luke 23.50 when such as had made fairer showes denyed or left him Q. Why was Hee buried by rich men A. First because they were best able to performe it in a conuenient manner Christ was the Sonne of Nobles fit it was he should be buried by men of honour Prou. 3.9 1 Tim. 6.17 Secondly to teach rich men two things First to be helpefull with their substance to the members of Christ in distresse Secondly not to shun as ashamed the meanest office which may bring any glory to God 1 Pet. 4.10 Psal 84.10 or comfort to his Church Q. What may you learne hence A. Two things especially First a lesson of consolation cheerefully to follow my Sauiour to the graue Mat. 28.6 Esay 26.19 20. where he once lay Secondly a lesson of imitation and that First to performe the like vnto any of my Christian brethren Secondly Acts 8.2 Rom. 6.4 Exod. 34.6 to spend some time euery day in burying of my sinnes in and with him who was once buried for sinne Q. What meane you by these words He descended into Hell A. First that Christ after his death and buriall was detained as a prisoner vnder the bondage of death Psal 16.10 Acts 2.31 for one whole day and two nights Secondly during this space that he triumphed ouer Satan in his owne Kingdome the manner how is vnknowne Q. Why did Christ descend thus A. That beleeuers in him might not descend Heb. 2.14 15. that death might not detaine them as prisoners nor Satan triumph ouer them Q. What doe you learne from it A. First to confute Papists teaching that the soule of Christ descended into Hell to deliuer some soules there detained and that the soules of iust men may suffer paine after death equiuallent to the torments of Hell crossing both the end and effect of Christs descent Gen. 18.27 Iob 40.4 Heb. 10.36 Luke 21.18.19 Secondly to descend with Christ to the lowest step of humiliation to be vile in my owne eyes that I may be pretious in Gods sight through Christ Thirdly to possesse my soule in patience and hope from the lowest ebbe of misery God is able to restore Christ was dead buried and descended into Hell yet raised againe Q. Which is the fift Article A. The third day he rose againe from the dead Q. What doth this Article containe A. The first full step or degree of Christs exaltation and that is his resurrection Q. Who was it that was thus exalted A. Iesus Christ as God and Man Acts 2.24 1 Cor. 15.4 the same person that was humbled euen to the death of the Crosse was raised to liue for euer in glory Q. What doe you meane when you say Christ rose againe A. First that the soule and body of Christ were reunited Acts 2.24.10.40 41 42 43. Secondly that Christ was freed from all infirmities of humane nature keeping still all the properties of a true Body Thirdly that the Diety did more fully open it selfe adorning the humanity with all those finite excellencies as such a creature is capable of Q. How was He raised A. First Iohn 8.18 Ephe. 2.5.6 Mat. 27.53 by his owne power Secondly as a publike person attended with some others who rose with him as an earnest of the great and generall resurrection Q. Why was Christ raised An. First for the cleerer manifestation of his Diety Secondly for the impletion of types and prophesies and for confirmation of that truth formerly by him taught Rom. 1.4 Psal 16.10 Mat. 12 39. Rom. 4.25.6.4 Thirdly that his Disciples might be assured of his victory ouer death Fourthly that he might apply the merits of his passion and perfect the office of Mediation Fifthly to cause a double resurrection to the faithfull the first to newnesse of life here and the second to a life of immortality in heauen hereafter Q. When
did Christ rise A. The third day after his death hauing lyen in the graue aboue the space of thirty-sixe houres Mat. 16.21 1 Cor. 15.4 he rose the first day of the weeke to teach vs. First Why the Sabbath was altered from the last to the first day of the weeke that is in memory of Christs Resurrection Sâ—condly when our Sabbath begins early in the morning about that time our Sauiour rose Q. Why did Christ rise the third day A. To fulfill the Scripture Mat. 12.39 Luk. 13.32 Q. From what did Christ rise againe A. From the dead that is the state of the dead the power of death and the graue Q. What doe you learne from this A. First that Christ is risen confirmed by infallible testimonies and diuers appearances Acts 10.40.41 42. Rom. 4.25 1 Cor. 15.17 Col. 3.1 Secondly that hee hath perfected the satisfaction for the sinnes of all beleeuers Thirdly that God will raise all such as he casts downe Fourthly that such as are Christs are risen and shall be raised with him both in regard of the first and second resurrection Q. What vse can you make of this A. First to examine my selfe whether I be Christs and risen with Christ for the first Resurrection Reu. 20.6 Col. 3.1 Iob 19.25 Phil. 3.10.11 which may bee knowne First by my seperation from the dead that is wicked company Secondly by my heartily heauenly conuersation Secondly to cheere vp my selfe and all right beleeuing Christians in an assured hope of a comfortable Resurrection Thirdly to endeauour in the vse of meanes First to know Christ thus as raised Secondly to rise by and with him Thirdly to be prepared during life for the last Resurrection Q. Which is the sixt Article A. He ascended into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty Q. What doth this Article containe A. The second part or degree of Christs exaltation that that is his ascention and coronation Q. What is the meaning of this He ascended A. That Christ in his glorified humanity did remooue Acts 1.9 10. really visibly locally from earth into the third heauen Ephe. 4 â— 0. where the Lord manifesteth his glory vnto his Saints Q. When did He ascend A. Forty dayes after his Resurrection Acts 1.3 Q. From what place did Hee ascend A. The mount called Oliuet whence He came to his passion there is but one way to the Crosse and to the crowne Luke 24.50 Acts 1.12 to suffer and to raigne Q. To what place did He ascend A. To that heauen which must containe his humanity till the restoration of all things Luk. 24.51 Acts 1.11 Q. Why did Hee ascend thither A. First that he might triumph ouer the enemies of his Church leade captiuity captiue and limit the power of sinne and Satan toward his elect Col. 2.15 Secondly Heb. 9.24 to appeare as an aduocate in the presence of God on the behalfe of his people Psâ—l 24.7 Thirdly to take possession of his own Kingdome in our name and nature Luk. 24.26 to open for vs heauen gates which were shut against vs by Adams fall Fourthly that he might thence send the gifts and graces of his Spirit vnto his Church Ioh. 14.2 3. Ephe. 4 8. in a more plentifull manner Fifthly that He might prepare a place for euery one of his beleeuing followers against their next meeting Iohn 16.7 Q. What doe you learne hence Acts 1.9.10.3.21.7.55 A. First that Christ is ascended I may not looke for his corporall presence here till the Iudgement day Secondly that if I be Christs I must ascend with him daily aspiring after a growth in grace to haue my conuersation in heauen Thirdly that heauen is the place prouided for Christs Disciples their hearts hands and eyes must hourely ascend thitherward Phil. 3.20 2 Cor. 5.17 Fourthly that none can ascend thither but Christ naturall and mysticall none but with in and by Christ neither in prayer nor person Q. What is the meaning of Christs sitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty A. First that he hath receiued the fulnesse of honour and glory in regard of his person Secondly Mat. 22.44 the fulnesse also of power and authority in regard of his office Ephes 1.20 both of mediation and iurisdiction Q. Why was our Sauiour thus seated A. First that he might effectually interceade in behalfe of his children sending by him their sad complaints to God the Father Mat. 11.28 1 Iohn 2.1 Rom. 8.34 Mat. 28.18 Secondly that he might gouerne his Kingdome and exercise authority ouer all while he sits there he keepes the Keyes in his owne hand and needs no Popish Vice-roy Q. For whom doth Christ intercead Rom. 8.27 Heb. 7.25 A. All for whom he dyed that they may be conuerted and prepared for glory Q. How can you know whether Christ hath and doth intercead for you A. By the Spirit of supplication bestowed on me I could not heartily pray for my selfe Rom. 8.26 but by vertue of his intercession for me Q. Ouer whom doth Christ beare rule Psal 2.8.9.110.1 2. A. All good and bad ouer his friends to gather guide defend and prepare them for a crowne ouer his enemies by restraining their fury and confounding them in their deepest plots c. 1 Cor. 15.25 Qu. What doe you learne hence A. Generally two things First a point of good manners to giue Christ the vpper hand seeing God hath done it Psal 137.6 to preferre his Embassadors and seruants to others that are not or appeare not so Secondly Iohn 9.35.15.19 20.16.33 a point of doctrine That those commonly are most esteemed with God who are or haue beene least esteemed in the world as Christ was More specially I learne First Mat. 11.28 being perst with the burden of preuailing corruption to runne vnto Christ who is ready and able to ease me Secondly that my endeauours in his seruice the weake and imperfect shall bee accepted through the efficacy of his intercession 1 Iohn 2.1 Psal 2.11 12. Acts 7.55 Prayers made by me are preferred by him Thirdly to obey him with reuerence and holy feare that is so high exalted Fourthly to looke vp vnto him in all extremities of temptation persecution death hee is heauens fauorite powerfull and compassionate Fiftly to be heauenly minded in an humble submission of what is mine to his gouerment Q. Which is the seuenth A. From thence hee shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead Q. What doth this article containe A. A confirmation of the former Article and a descripon of the last iudgement Q. Who is He that shall come to iudge the world Ioh. 5.22 A. Iesus Christ the Sonne of God our Lord who was once iudged by the world Q. What meane you by this He shall come A. I meane First that Christ shall truely and really appeare in his owne person Acts 1.11
blessing Thirdly seasonably and as meanes is offered to prouide things honest euen for this life nourishing them 1 Tim. 5.10 bringing them vp in some lawfull calling Ephes 6.4 timely marrying them as the Lord shall direct Fourthly 1 Cor. 7.36 to keepe them from places of danger and lewd company Q. What is the duty of children towards their parents A. First to loue and obey them in the Lord Col. 3.20 although they be carnall or meane in condition Secondly reuerently to submit vnto them while they command instruct correct c. Gen. 31.35 Thirdly to be thankefull vnto them for their care and paines in our education expressing this thankefulnesse by praying for them Heb. 12.7 Prou. 23.22.27.10 as they shall see them stand in need reioycing their hearts and crowning their heads by our vertuous life helping them in all their wants according to our power louing their friends for their sakes and defending their honour both in life and death Q. What is the duty of Masters in the Family towards their Seruants A. First to bee alwayes mindfull they themselues haue a Master in heauen Col. 4.1 doing as they would be done vnto Iob 31.13 Secondly hearking to them and reasoning with them meekely 1 Tim. 3.5 Thirdly commanding them things lawfull and possible Fourthly carefully prouiding for the good of their soules by teaching them and praying for them requiring from them no seruice on the Lords day but such as may stand with the true sanctification thereof Ephes 6.9 2 King 5.13 Fifthly gouerning them as fellow-seruants children nay brethren in Christ Sixthly Rewarding them as the Lord hath blest vs and their seruice to vs knowing that it is a great blessing to haue a good seruant paying them their wages duly rather more then lesse Gen. 39.5 Iam. 5.4 preferring them as we may and respecting them euer after kindly Seuenthly the last Prou. 17.2 not the least duty to bee carefull whom they entertaine Psal 101.6 and to keepe no irreligious incorrigible persons enemies to God long in their family Q. What is the duty of seruants A. First to seat themselues where they may serue God as well as man Secondly to feare 1 Cor. 7.21 Mal. 1.6 reuerence and honour their Masters whether good or bad Thirdly to bee content with their wages not coueting to bee commanders before their time Fourthly 1 Tim. 26.1 Col. 3.22 23. humbly to submit to their commands and deserued correction without murmuring or answering againe 1 Pet. 2.18 Fifthly to be faithfull no way wasting their Masters goods Tit. 2.9 or divulging secrets and painefull for the good of their Masters Gen. 24.12 Sixthly to pray vnto the Lord daily to direct assist and blesse them about their Masters businesse Seuenthly to bee humble gentle and sparing in words Q. What sinnes are hero forbidden A. All which are contrary to the formerly mentioned duties with all like vnto them and all occasions leading to the dishonour of our selues or others especially superiours Q. What sinnes are here condemned in Magistrates A. First to walke vnworthy of honour sordidly proudly 1 Sam. 15.27 lightly dissolutely c. Secondly to gouerne tyrannously Thirdly to passe sentence partially 2 Kin. 3.14 Fourthly to correct furiously and for carnall ends 2 King 10.6 Fifthly to heare or see God dishonoured patiently Q. What in Subiects An. First to curse or rise vp in their owne thoughts against their rulers Eccl. 10.20 to despise them in authority by vnreuerent behauiour Secondly to disobey their lawfull commands Thirdly Rom. 13.2 to deny their iust demands for their owne maintenance and better support in their places Matth. 15 6 Fourthly to resist or murmure against their correcting power Prou. 15.10 Fifthly to liue vnder them and receiue benefit by them 1 Tim. 2.1 2. without praying and praising God for them Q. What sinnes are condemned in Ministers A. First Symonie so called either from the fact of Symon Magus Acts 8.18 or the wicked practice of our couetous patrons who will not present till they See-mony whereby men runne and indirectly purchase places for themselues before they bee called Cant. 1.6 Ezec. 44.8 1 Tim 4.12.16 Secondly carelesse non-residencie either not teaching or teaching to no purpose Thirdly euill examples in life and conuersation when they are intemperate irreligious vncharitable couetous c. Q. What in the people A. First carelesnesse of them not weighing much whether they haue any or none Amos 7.12 13. good or bad when they are the greatest blessing or iudgement that can befall a people Secondly disobedience and disrespect vnto them Deut. 18.19 Gal. 6.6 manifested by not hearing not practising or not making them partakers of all their temporall good things Q. What sinnes are here condemned in Schoole-masters A. First disability Secondly imprudencie seene either in a neglect of their calling following it amisse or not discerning the nature of children Thirdly impiety omitting one halfe of their duty teaching but not correcting or correcting but not instructing them in faith and manners Q. What in Schollers A. First idlenesse and negligence not hearing what their Master teacheth or not caring to learne what they heare Secondly disobedience not doing what is commanded or doing it in an vndutifull vnreuerent manner Thirdly repining and murmuring at moderate correction which is one of Gods ordinances Fourthly complaining abroad without cause and hearing their Master euill spoken of with delight and consent Q. What sinnes are here condemned in Husbands A. First to hate their Wiues so as to beate them driue them from bed or board denie them competent maintenance according to abilitie 1 Tim. 2.11 1 Pet. 3.7 Secondly basely to betray their wiues for gaine Thirdly to neglect or omit their instruction either out of ignorance because they cannot or out of weakenesse that they dare not so more wiues perish then either seruants or children for want of knowledge Col. 3.19 1 Kin. 11.4 Fourthly furiously to rule with a kind of rigorous tyrannie stamping chaffing frowning threatning as if their wiues were slaues Fifthly fondly to dote vpon them and so to become their vnderlings contrarie to the order of nature Q. What in wiues A. Fiâ—st to reiect the coniugall yoke put on them by the Lord 1 Tim. 2.11 12. and to vsurpe vnlawfully and to their owne disgrace dominion ouer their Husbands 2 Sam. 6.16 Secondly not to cherish and reuerence their Husbands as the head and chiefest part of themselues Thirdly to prouoke them by words gesture and doing that in the house which being of an indifferent nature they know will be displeasing vnto them Fourthly to hinder them when as they were appointed to bee helpers and this may bee done First Prou. 7.11 12. by idlenesse Secondly euill housewifery within dores or wanton gosipping abroad Thirdly pride feeding or cloathing themselues and their children beyond
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