for hee was God not to suffer but to ouercome by suffering which was a part of his mediation Q. VVhat profite haue wee by the death and sufferings of Christ A. Exceeding much Q. Shew wherein A. First thereby our sinnes are forgiuen 1. Ihon. 1.7 Secondly hee hath set all at peace in heauen and earth Col. 1.20 Thirdlie he hath taken awaie the sting of death 1. Cor. 15.55 Lastlie he maketh sinne die in our mortall bodies Rom. 6.4 Q. Now that you haue shewed me the sufferings of Christ and the profite wee haue by them tell me further what became of him after he was dead buried A. He rose againe the third daie Q. Are you perswaded that he did arise againe A. Yea according to the scriptures Q. What Scripture haue you for that A. The 15. chapter of the first epistle to the Cor. where it is written that Christ rose againe according to the scriptures Q. Was he seene after his resurrection A. Yea. Q. Of whome A. Of Cephas of Iames of Paul of Marie of the two disciples of the twelue of all the Apostles of more then fiue hundred brethren at once 1. Cor. 15.5 Iohn 20.18 Luk. 24.34 Q. How could he possiblie rise againe seing the sepulchre was watched and the stone sealed Mat. 27.66 A. Because he was God Rom. 1.4 Q. VVhat learne we out of this A. That neither death hell the graue nor corruption could seaze vpon him Q. VVhat more A. That hee hath fully satisfied for all our sinnes for if there had béene but one sinne vnpaid for it would haue held him downe still in the graue 1. Cor. 15.17 Q. VVhat profite haue we by the resurrection of Christ A. First thereby wee are iustified Ro. 4.25 Secondlie we are assured that our bodies shall rise againe Rom. 8.11 Thirdlie thereby wee are raised vp to newnesse of life Rom 6.4 Q. What followed his resurrection A. His ascention into Heauen Q. Did he ascend into Heauen immediatlie after his resurrection A. No he staied fortie daies vpon the earth Acts. 1.3 Q. What did he those fortie daies A. He presented himself aliue to his disciples he had conference with them he instructed them he armed prepared them against the time of triall Acts. 1.2 3. Q. How was he taken vp A. In a Cloud after a visible manner in his humaine bodie his disciples looking stedfastlie after him Acts. 1.9.10 Q. Was it necessarie that our Lord Iesus should thus ascend into Heauen A. It was verie meete and necessarie that after all his sorrowes and sufferings he should possesse his chaire of estate Q. Had it not bene better that hee had taried still with vs vpon the earth A. No for that would destroy our faith our spiritual loue and al our hope 2. Cor. 5.16 Heb. 11.1 2. Cor. 5.7 1. Pet. 1.8 Q. Is Christ so ascended that hee is no more with vs vpon the earth A. No for although hee be absent from vs as touching his bodilie presence yet is hee with vs in the power of his spirite Math. 28.20 Q. What profite haue we by the ascention of Christ A. First thereby hee hath set open the gates of heauen made an open entrance to al that wil come in Ep. 2.13 He. 10.19 Secondlie he maketh continuall intercession for vs. Heb. 7.25 Thirdlie he being ascended will draw all vs his members vnto him Iho. 12.32 Fourthly because our head is aboue the water therfore although we may be foundred yet can we not be stifled 2. Câ—r 4.8.9 2 Cor. 6.9 Q. What is ment by this sitting at the right hand of his Father A. That hee is exalted farre aboue the Angels and all creatures whatsoeuer Ephes 1.20 Phil. 2.9 Marke 16.18 Q. Hath God a right hand of flesh bloud like a man A. No for God is like no creature Esa 40.18 Acts. 17.29 Q. How then A. It is a borrowed speech taken from kings who are accustomed to set them on their right hand whom they will highlie aduance 1. Reg. 2.19 Psalm 45.9 Q. But the scripture speaketh of Gods head eies nose mouth hands and feete as if he were a man A. That is for the weakenes of our vnderstanding and not because he hath anie such members indeed Q Shew this more fullie A. We caÌ„not vnderstand heauenly things in their proper nature and being but as they are made plaine vnto vs by earthly similâ—â—udes Q. What may wee learne out of this so high exaltation of our Lord Iesus A. That as he is able to vanquish al his enemies so also he is able to help his freÌ„ds Q. How long shall Christ sitte at the right hand of his father A. Vntil the consuÌ„mation of al things Acts. 3.21 Q. wil he theÌ„ come again in the end of the world A. Yea and that in visible sort as he ascended Acts. 1.11 2. Thess 1.7 Q. Will hee come poorely basely as in his first comming A. No but after a most glorious wonderfull and dreadfull manner Q. How is that A. In the clouds of heauen w t a shoute with the voice of the Archangell with the sound of the last trumpet in flaming fire with tenne thousand thousands of Angels 1. Th. 4.16 2. The. 1.7 Dan. 7.10 Q. When shall he come A. Of that day and houre knoweth no man but the scripture saieth it is at hand Mat. 24.36 Heb. 10.37 1. Pet. 4.7 Q. Will he giue no warning of his comming A. Hee wil come very suddeinly as a thiefe in the night and as the trauaile of a womaÌ„ 2 Pet. 3.10 1. Th. 5.3 Luk. 21.25 Q. What will he do when he commeth A. He wil iudge both the quick dead Q what is ment by the quick and the dead A. Al y t euer haue bin are shalbe to the end of the world as well those y t are dead rotten in the earth as those which shalbe found aliue at his comming Ap. 20.12 Q Shal not the rich mighty great Potentates of the earth be dispensed with exempted from this iudgment A. No but all must make their personal appéerance 2. Cor. 5.10 Q How shall we be iudged A. By the word of god the books of our consciences shall bee opened and euerie man shal receiue according to his works Iohn 12.48 Daniel 7.10 Apoc. 20.12 2. Cor. 5.10 Q. Wil not learning wit policie speach friendship flattery riches strength beautie gold nor siluer helpe in that day A. All these will auaile nothing for he will iudge the world with righteousnes and the people with equitie Psal 96.13 Q. What learne wee out of this that Christ shall be our iudge A. First wee learne to our comfort that hee shall bee our iudge which is our mediator Secondly that in the meane time wée liue an holy and godly life in feare and trembling as those which looke for that great day of appearing 2. Peter 3.11 Tit. 2.13 Q. Now that you haue shewed mee your faith in the Sonne it remaineth that you tell me also
A PLAINE EXPOSITION OF THE ARTICLES OF OVR FAITH BY SHORT questions and answeres for the vnderstanding of the simple Gathered by Arthur Dent Minister of the word of God especiallie for the benefit of his owne flocke who hauing taught his people these points is carefull that they all may learne them To this end that euerie of them of his charge may be able to giue a reason of their faith LONDON Imprinted by Thomas Orwin for William Yong and Raph Iacson and are to be sold in Paules Church-yard at the signe of the Swanne 1589. ¶ A plaine exposition of the articles of our faith by short questions and answers for the vnderstanding of the simple Q. WHat doo the articles of our faith containe in generall A. Two things Q. Which be they A. What haue we to beléeue touching the Trinitie what touching the Church Q. How many articles doo concerne the Trinitie A. The first eight Q. Howe many doo concerne the Church A. The foure last Q. Recite the articles of the faith A. I beleeue in God the father almightie c. Q. Why doo you say I beleeue and not we beleeue A. Because euery man must be saued by his owne faith and not by another mans Gal. 6.5 Q. May not one man receiue benefit by another mans faith A. Yes in the things of this life but not otherwise Matth. 8.13 Matth. 9.2 Q. How is this word beleeue to bee vnderstood A. Of a liuely and iustifying faith Iohn 12.46 Q. What is your reason A. Because a dead faith cannot truly lay hold of those things which are to be beléeued touching the father sonne and the holy Ghost Iam. 2.16 Q. What doth this word God implie A. The Lord the Lord strong iust merciful slow to anger and abundant in goodnes and trueth c. as Exodus 34.6 where the name of God is proclaimed Q. How many persons be there in the Godhead A. Three Q. Which be they A. The father y e sonne the holy ghost Q. Are these three persons distinct in themselues A. Yea as appeareth in these words goe baptise all nations in the name of the father the sonne and the holy Ghost Mat. 28. againe Matt. 3.6 Ioh. 14.26 Q. May they not be confounded as the father to be the sonne and the sonne the holy Ghost A. In no wise for that hath béen the heresie of many Q. But tel me I pray thee is the Godhead all one and cannot be deuided A. Yea truely for the scripture saieth there be thrée which beare record in Heauen the father the word and the holy Ghost and these three are one 1. Ioh. 5.7 Q. Tell mee further is euery person by himselfe God A. Yea truely Q. Then it seemeth there should be three Gods A. Not so but this is a misterie which in this life we cannot attaine vnto Q. But may it not bee somewhat shadowed vnto our senses A. Yes verely for wee sée that a fountaine of water the filling vp of it and the running out of it although they be diuerse things yet indéed are all one Q. Are all the persons in Trinitie of equall greatnes A. Yea. Q. Is not the father greater than the sonne nor the sonne greater than the holy Ghost A. No but they are all alike equall alike eternall alike essentiall Math. 28.19 Q. What doth this word father note A. The first person in Trinitie Q. Why is he called father A. In two respects first in respect of his sonne Christ which is his natural and onely begotten sonne secondly in respect of vs which are his children by adoption and grace Ioh. 1.14 Eph. 1.2 1. Pe. 1.17 Q. Why is God said to be almighty A. To distinguish him from the heathen gods which haue no might Iere. 10.11 Psal 115.3 Cor. 8.5 Q. Why els A. Because all things are gouerned by his prouidence Act. 17.25 28. Q. Doth Gods prouidence stretch to al things in Heauen in earth and the sea A. Yea euen to the sparrowes and haires of our head Matth. 10.29 Q. Dooth nothing come to passe by fortune or good luck A. Nothing truely Q. What say you then to these speaches God send me good fortune giue me good luck and cast me into the sea A. They be prophane and heathenish speaches denying Gods prouidence Q. May a Christian reape any comfort of this that all things come to passe by Gods meere direction A. Very much truely for when Gods hand is vpon vs by sicknes pouertie slanders or any other crosse whatsoeuer of body or minde it is a comfortable meditation to think this is not by chaunce or hap-hazard but it is God our heauenly fathers dooing and therefore that we flie to him by praier séeke to be reconciled vnto him by true vnfeined repentance 2. Sa. 16.10 Q. If al things come to passe by Gods prouidence then is his prouidence also in euill actions A. It is so and what of that Q. If it be so then God is the author of euill A. That followeth not for God is the author of y e actiō but not of the euil in y e actiō Q. What reason haue you for that A. This there be diuers workers euen in euill actions as God the diuell and wicked men which he vseth as his instruments Now the euil of the actions is in the instruments and not in God for the actions of themselues as they come from God are good because he directeth euerie thing to the praise of his mercie or his iustice Abac. 1.12 Exod. 9.6 Ro. 10.17 Act. 4.28 Q. Shew this yet more plainely by example A. The carrying of the children of Israel captiue into Babilō was euil as Nebuchadnezzar did it for he respected nothing but the satisfying of his malice against Gods people but yet good as God did it for he respected the good of his people in humbling them vnder the crosse for a time and his owne glory in working out their deliuerance Q. Let me haue one plaine exāple more to proue that God the diuel work together in one and the selfe same action A. In the second booke of Samuel and foure and twentie chapter it is said that God mooued Dauid to number the people but in the first booke of the Chro. cap. 21. it is said that sathan prouoked Dauid to number them so that here we sée God and satan both together in one action but yet to diuers ends as hath béen shewed Q. Wel now I am satisfyed in this point let vs proceede tel me what is ment by this that God made heauen and earth A. By Heauen and earth are vnderstood all things in Heauen and earth 2. Reg. 19.15 Act. 4.24 Q. By whom and in whom hath God made Heauen and earth A. By and in his sonne Christ Iohn 1.1 Heb. 1.1 Heb. 11.3 Col. 1.16 Q. God hauing created al things doth he cease to gouerne the things which he hath once created A. No for God rested the seauenth day from creating but not
what you beleeue concerning the holy Ghost A. I beleeue the holy Ghost to be God coequall coeternall and coessentiall with the Father and the Sonne Q. Where doo you finde in the scriptures that the holy Ghost is God A. In the first of the Acts hee is called God many other places doo ascribe vnto him those thinges which belong vnto none but God 1. Cor. 2.10 1. Cor. 12.11 Act. 13.2 Matth. 12.31 Q. Why is the holy Ghost distinguished from the Father and the Sonne by this adiunct holy why is he thus called A. Not in respect of himselfe whose Godhead is no more holy than the father and the sonne but in respect of his operation and work which he worketh in vs. Q. Which be the speciall works of the holy Ghost in the hearts of the elect whereby he maketh them holy A. He worketh in them all holy and heauenly affections Ephe. 5.18 He sealeth the benefits of Christs death to their soules Ephe. 4.30 He openeth their hearts to beleeue the Gospell Act. 16.14 Hee certifieth them of their election Rom 8.16 He leadeth them into all trueth Iohn 16.13 Hee teacheth them to pray Roman 8.16 Q. Let vs now come to the second part of the Creede which concerneth the Church and first tell mee what is it which ye call the Church A. The whole companie of those which GOD hath appointed vnto saluation Q. What dooth this word Catholique signifie A. Vniuersall or that which goeth through the whole Q. VVhy is the Churche so called A. Because it containeth all the godlie that euer were are or shall bee of what place language or condition so euer Q. Is the Church alwaies visible A. No the Church is sometimes hid as the Moone vnder a cloude as it was in the daies of Elias 1. Reg. 19.10 Apoc. 12.6 Q. Dooth it not followe then that there is no Church at all A. No more than if a man shoulde conclude there is no Moone in the Heauens because sometimes there is none seene Q. Wherefore doo you call it the holy Church A. Because al the members thereof are holy Q. Can none of the wicked and vnholy be of the Church A. No for hee that hath not the Spirit of Christ is none of his Romanes 8.9 Q. Many perswade themselues to be of the Church who notwithstanding mock at holinesse A. Such doo plainely shew that they beleeue not the holy but the vnholy Church Q. Shal none be saued but those which be of the Church A. None verely for as a vine branch cannot liue except it abide in the vine no more can wee except wee abide in Christ and be of his Church Iohn 15.4 Q. What other reason haue you to prooue this by A. Because none haue any interest in the benefits of Christs death but only the Church Ephe. 5.25 Q. Are all that are in the Church of the Church A. No for there bee many hipocrites in the church which be not of the church Matth. 10.36 Act. 20.30 Q. Let vs proceed what is ment by the communion of Saints A. The holy fellowship of the faithfull Q. What dooth this word Communion signifie A. A knitting together in one Q. How are the faithful knit together in one A. In two respects Q. Which be they A. First in respect of Christ their head Secondly in respect one of another Ro. 12.5 Ephe. 4.16 Q. Doo you beleeue that the faithful are so linked together that they are of one minde of one heart and of one soule A. Yea for so saith the Scriptures Acts. 4.32 Q. What is the reason hereof A. Because they are all lead with one spirite they are children to one Father seruaunts to one master souldiers vnder one captaine c. Eph. 4.4 Q. It is much obiected by prophane men that there is no loue now a daies there was neuer so little loue as now A. Amongst prophane Atheists and worldlings there was neuer anie true loue nor euer will be but amongst the people of God there hath alwaies beene true Loue and euer will be Apocalips 14.2 Q. Is there anie loue betwixte the wicked and the godlie A. No for the one is an abhomination to the other and what fellowship hath light with darknesse Prouerbes 29.27 2. Cor. 6.14 Gen. 25.22 Gal. 4.29 Q. Doo the godly hate the wicked as they are hated of them A. No for the godly hate not the persons of the wicked but their sinnes but the wicked hate them with a deadly hatred Acts. 7.60 Prouer. 29.10 2. Chro. 18.7 Q. Doo the godly loue one another whome they haue neuer seene A. Yea and therefore it is put within the compasse of things which are to be beleeued Q. Wherein doth this holy fellowship of the faithfull consist A. In this that they haue all things common Act. 2.44 Q. How vnderstand you that haue none any propertie in their owne A. Yes but amongst them things are common in vse though not in possession Acts. 4.32 Acts. 5.4 Q. Expresse your meaning more plainely in this point A. My meaning is that all the faithfull hold themselues bound before God to imploy whatsoeuer gifts of bodie or mind the Lord hath indued them withall to the mutuall benefite and comfort one of another Q. Is this a certaine token that wee are of God when we loue his children and are neerely knit vnto them in our hearts A. It is an infallible proofe that wee are of God when our hearts are knit vnto this holy communion of saints 1. Ioh. 3.14 Q. Is it not also true in the contrarie that they are not of God which hate his people and their holy societie A. Yes verely for it is the spirit of satan that enuieth the spirit of God in his elect Q. What is ment by Saints A. Al the faithful both in heauen earth Q. Be there any Saints in the earth A. Yea for Dauid saith all my delight is in the Saints that are on the earth Psal 16.2 Q. What say you to our mocksaints which scornefully say these men be Saints they be all of the spirit they knowe their seat in heauen A. I say they be scoffing Ishmaelites Q. Why must wee liue like Saints in this world A. Yea or els wee must burne like diuels in hell fire after this world Q. But we cannot liue as Christ did A. True but yet we must endeuour to be holie as he is holie Matth. 5.48 1. Pet. 1.15 Q. Let vs come to the next Article Doo you beleeue the forgiuenes of sinns A. Yea vndoubtedly Q. By whom haue we forgiuenesse of our sinnes A. Onely by Christ Q. Is there no other name in heauen nor earth whereby we may purchase remission of sinnes A. None at all Act. 4.12 Q. Are we not able to satisfie for our sinnes A. No none is able Luk. 17.10 Q. But is not satisfying flat contrarie to our faith in the free forgiuenes of our sinnes A. Yes altogether Q. Shall all men haue forgiuenesse of their sinnes by Christ A. No but those onely which are of the Church and therefore this Article is ioyned to the former Q. May a Christian be fully perswaded of the forgiuenesse of his sinnes in this life A. Yea or els hee doth not beleeue for faith carrieth home a perswasion into the soule Col. 2.2 Q. Then belike a Christian may bee assured of his saluation in this life A. What els he that knoweth not in this life that he shall be saued shall neuer be saued after this life 1. Ihon. 3.2 Q. Nay but we must thinke wel and hope well in Gods mercie but we cānot be assured till we be in Heauen A. I say againe that faith is no thinking nor vaine hoping but a full perswasion Heb. 11.1 Q. Shew this more plainelie A. There it nothing letteth vs from saluation but our sinnes now then if wee beleeue that our sinnes are forgiuen what is there that should hinder vs why wee should not be perswaded Q. What doo you beleeue concerning the resurrection of the bodie A. That as verely as Christ our head is risen from death so shal our bodies gloriously rise againe in the end of the world Rom. 8.11 Q. How is it possible that the bodies of such as died many hundred yeares agoe and are consumed to nothing should euer rise againe A. There is nothing vnpossible with God it is as easie for him to raise the dead bodies out of the dust as it was to create all things of nothing Q. Shall these same bodies of ours arise againe A. Yea the same in substance but changed in qualities for this corruptible must put on incorruption 1. Cor. 15.53 Phil. 2.21 Q. Do ye thē beleeue that euerie one shall stand vp with the same bones and flesh which he liued in heere or shal God giue new bodies A. It shall bee the verie same flesh and the same bones otherwise how should we be said to rise againe Iob 19.27 Q. What is the reason hereof A. Because it doth not stand with gods iustice to make new bodies which neuer had done good or euill either to reward them or to punish them Q. What do you conclude then A. That the verie same flesh which hath sinned shall be cast into hell and the same flesh which hath glorified GOD in this life shall be glorified of him for euer Q. What shall then follow after this resurrection A. Our bodies and soules being most gloriously ioyned againe togeather wee shall raigne for euer with our Christ in the vnspeakable ioyes of Heauen Q. VVhat learne wee out of this A. First to long after it as our home Secondlie to studie to please GOD in the meane while Thirdlie with patience and courage to go thorough stitch with all afflictions and troubles which are incident to the profession of the Gospell knowing in our selues that there is an infinite recompence of reward laid vp for vs in the heauens FINIS