be that offend Knowing that he keepes the fanne in his owne hand to purge his owne floore at the time appointed Q. What are required from the whole assembly A. First that they stay till the Sacrament be finisht Secondly that they pray heartily for the persons baptized Thirdly that they meditate seriously of the spiritual mystery how the inner man is to be washt in the blood of Christ Q. What bee the fruits and chiefe benefits of baptisme thus administred and receiued A. Many First the persons partaking thereof are declared to be the adopted Sons of God Gal. 3.27 Rom. 6.3 which may be discerned after by their loue of him and likenes to him Secondly their vnion with Christ as members of his mysticall body is thereby made visible which by communication of grace and communion with Saints is after made infallible Thirdly Rom. 4.11 their heauenly inheritance is sealed vnto them breeding in them a longing desire after the possession thereof Fourthly Act. 22.16 their soules are cleansed from the filth of sin which appeares vnto them afterwards by their true faith and repentance 1 Cor. 12.13 Fifthly the Spirit is therein conferred which shewes it selfe in its seuerall operations afterward Sixthly the new couenant is thereby naturally confirmed Ier. 31.31 betweene the Lord and his people Ezech 37.26 all worldly receiuers comming to yeeres of discretion are mindfull of this and carefull in the vse of meanes to procure and nourish the Spirit of Grace Q. Which is the first oâ— those things the Church requires to be done by vs after Baptisme A. Eschewing all euill vnto which we are deceitfully perswaded and tempted by the diuell the world and the flesh Q. Why then dare not you sweare lye prophane the Lords Day drinke drunke wallow in vncleannesse coozen follow euery fashion boldly embrace the corruptions of the time for aduancement as others doe A. No because I haue made a couenant with the great and glorious Lord God of heauen earth to forsake them which I must do as I hope to be saued Q. What is the next thing to be done A. To assent vnto that credible truth proposed vnto vs in that Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed Q. What is the Creed A. A briefe confession of some principles of Christian Religion and no prayer as too many old and young abusiuely make it Rom. 10.10 1 Tim. 6.13 because they haue often seene and heard parents teach their children this Creed together with other prayers kneeling Q. Why is it called the Apostles Creed A. Not because they were the pen-men and disposers of it in this forme of words but first to distinguish it from other Creeds secondly because it is a truth collected out of their writings by some of their immediate followers and in honour of them called after their name Q. What is the chiefe subiect or matter of the Creed A. God and his Church God in the vnitie of essence and trinitie of persons Father Son and holy Ghost with their proper works specially applyed to euery person his Church with the properties and priuiledges thereof both contained in these twelue Articles following I beleeue c. Q. Which is the first article in the Creed A. I beleeue in God the Father Almightie maker of heauen and earth Q. What is faith here meant A. A gift of God Acts 26.27 Heb. 1.1 whereby men are perswaded to assent vnto the truth of God proposed vnto them in this Creed by the true Church with application to themselues Q. What is the manifest act of this faith A. To beleeue with limitation to the person I beleeue not implicitly as the Church beleeues nor blindly Hab. 2.4 Marke 9.23 24. because the people of God beleeue it but obediently because it is a part of Gods reuealed truth Q. Why doe you say I beleeue and not We beleeue A. Because euery one must haue a speciall faith of his own 1 Pet. 3.15 Rom. 14.11 and make confession of these things by and for himselfe distinctly Q. What doe you meane when you say I beleeue A. First I doe acknowledge these articles to be true agreeable vnto the rule of truth Secondly I doe make an outward confession of that my knowledge and assent Thirdly I doe specially apply that confession to my owne particular person Fourthly I doe heartily resolue to maintaine it vnto death Q. What is the proper obiect of this faith A. God and his truth reuealed concerning himselfe and all things else needfull to be beleeued Ioh. 14.1 Q. What doe you beleeue concerning God A. That there is but one God Iohn 5.7 and three persons in essence glory and power coequall and coeternall Q. What is reuealed and contained herein for you to beleeue of the first person in Trinitie A. First that he is the Father Eph 4.6 both in regard of his naturall Son and other his adopted children Secondly that he is Almightie Ioh. 1.18 in the manifestation of his power as his attributes and works declare Thirdly 2 Cor. 6.18 that he is Maker of heauen and earth that is of all things being in Acts 17.24 and betweene heauen and earth Q. What doe you learne hence when you call God Father A. I learne First to magnifie the goodnesse of God Rom. 11.22 that I who am by nature a childe of wrath by free grace am made a childe of God Secondly to honour and obey him as a Father Mal. 1.6 then to expect a childs portion from him Thirdly Matth. 5.48 the dignitie of true beleeuers in this that they are the children of God 1 Ioh. 3.1 Q. What learne you when you say you beleeue He is Almighty A. I learne First to feare his threatnings and so to be daily humbled at the sight of my owne vilenesse Gen. 17.1 Iohn 10.29 Rom. 8.31 Secondly not to doubt of his promises nor be dismayed by a multitude of enemies Thirdly neuer to despaire of the conuersion of others during life nor of victory ouer my owne strong and long-preuailing corruptions God is Almighty Q. What doe you learne from the manifestation of his power in the creation of heauen and earth A. I learne First to behold the goodnesse of God in his creatures Psal 19.1 Iob 38.31 Psal 147.9 not wantonly to gaze on them as on a painted cloth but to see therein and admire his glory Secondly to shun all abuse of the creatures they are the workemanship of God Thirdly that all the vertue beautie comfort and content men reape from and see in the creatures is from God Fourthly that nothing falls out in either but according to his disposing pleasure Q. Which is the second article A. And in Iesus Christ his only Sonne our Lord. Q. What is contained in this Article A. A description of the second person in Trinitie with the necessitie of my apprehension and confession of him Q. How is he described A. By his
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
taking c. Pharesaicall by the head by Ierusalem c. Popish by Saints and Idols Amos 8.14 c. as by Saint Mary Saint Anne by the Masse c. heathenish as by love c. or Atheisticall by the blood of God wounds of Christs Deut. 28.58 Phil. 2.10 c. Fifthly an idle wanton repeating of any of the names of God in ordinarie discourse Sixthly Esay 19.13 Prou. 7.14 all formall hypocriticall praying hearing professing preaching with a heartlesse mouth for carnall ends Seuenthly 1 Sam. 23 21. all breach of lawfull vowes and promises in baptisme sickenesse dangers vnthankefulnesse for Gods blessings spirituall corporall c. Q. What hath he commanded here to be done A. First Psal 29.2 1 Cor. 10.31 to sanctifie the Name of God in my heart mouth and life by thinking speaking and walking holily Secondly in all my actions whether in or out of Gods seruice to aime at his glorie Thirdly to vse his name in lawfull and weightie affaires onely Num. 25.6 Deut. 28.58 then to stand vp for him and his truth zealously Ier. 4.2 Psa 15.2 4. Fourthly to sweare by his name only in truth iudgement and righteousnesse being lawfully called Fifthly to make profession of his religion in sinceritie without hypocrisie purpose of changing or backe-sliding 1 Tim. 4.4 Psal 116.14 Col. 3.17 Sixthly to be thankefull for mercies faithfull in vowes and promises Seuenthly to receiue and vse the Word and Creatures of God as from his hand and in his sight Q. What is required that you may endeauour to keepe this law A. First knowledge how the Lord hath combined his owneglorie and the saluation of his children vnder one and the same meanes one cannot be had without the other Secondly a grounded feare of the great name of the Lord my God Deut. 28.58 Thirdly loue of his truth aboue all worldly things Fourthly Psal 15.2 Acts 11.23 purpose of heart to cleane vnto him and to aduance his honour and glorie Fifthly Psal 39.1 setting and keeping of a constant watch ouer my heart and lips Q. What doe you learne from this Commandement thus explained A. First to be zealously forward in all things Num. 25.8 Eccles 5.2 both in regard of my selfe and neighbours whereby God may haue any glorie Secondly neuer to thinke or speake of God without great reuerence Thirdly Iames 5.12 2 Tim. 2.22 aboue all to auoid swearing in ordinarie talke and as a witnesse to sweare truely FourtWy to goe about all the parts of Gods seruice and worship heartily Fifthly to endeauour to make a holy vse of all Gods blessings 1 Tim. 4.4 5 Rom. 13.4 especially of his Word the food of my soule and of his creatures the sustenance of my bodie Sixthly that Magistrates who supply Gods roome on earth should not hold a swearer guiltlesse nor passe ouer any vnpunisht Q. Which is the fourth Commandement A. Remember that thou keepe holy the Sabbath Day sixe daies shalt thou labour and doe all that thou hast to doe but the seuenth Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt doe no manner of worke thou nor thy Sonne nor thy Daughter thy man seruant nor thy maide nor thy beast nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in sixe daies the Lord made Heauen and earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seuenth Day wherefore the Lord blessed the seuenth Day and hallowed it Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. First that the whole course and continuance of time is measured out in seuen daies often comming and going Gen 2.3 Secondly that sixe of those daies must be spent in some lawfull calling and necessarie emploiment whereby the Church or Common-weale may be benefited Luke 13.14 mispence of our time and prophanation of Gods time are both vnlawfull Thirdly Gen. 2.3 that a seuenth Day must be kept holy separate from common businesses to be spent holy in spirituall exercises Exo. 16.29 that God may be that day more especially glorified by vs. Q. Is this precept morall or ceremoniall A. Partly morall that one day in seuen should be set a part to the solemne seruice of God partly ceremoniall that this or the other should bee the day Iewes kept the last day of the weeke for their Sabbath in memorie of their creation Exo. 34.21 Acts 20.7 Christians haue the first day of the weeke Reu. 1.10 in memorie of the accomplishment of their redemption by order and practice of Christs Apostles Q. What doth this Commandement containe A. First a strict iniunction touching the sanctifying of the Lords Day Secondly an amplification of this precept pointing to whom it belongs superiours inferiours sonnes daughters seruants cattle strangers with all in our iurisdiction Thirdly Reasons of it to enforce obediēce Luke 13.14 which are three First because God hath granted sixe daies vnto men to follow their owne businesse Reu. 1.10 Secondly the seuenth is the Lords Day Thirdly wee haue the Lords owne example hee rested and hallowed it to teach vs what wee should doe Gen. 2.2 Fourthly it containes a word or note of speciall obseruation aboue the rest Remember Q. What is the meaning of the word A. First that such a day of rest hath beene or ought to haue beene obserued from the beginning remember it is no new thing Secondly that it must continue till the end of time euen as long as Matrimonie Gen. 2.2 3. they were ordained and shall end together Thirdly that men ought to haue a speciall care of this aboue other and to thinke of it before it come Fourthly Esay 58.13 Iohn 9.16 that it is a verie difficult thing to keepe this day Holy as wee ought Q. How is the Lords Day kept holy A. By abstaining from the ordinarie works of our calling except it be a worke of and for the day in obedience vnto God and spending the whole day in those spirituall employments in that deuout manner and to those holy ends hee himselfe hath appointed to the compleate sanctification of this day these things are requisite First a grounded knowledge touching the diuine institution thereof else we may keepe it vnto men Esay 58.13 not vnto God Secondly some answerable preparation both in regard of our worldly businesse and inward disposition of mind Exod. 35.32.5 by thinking vpon it euer the day before and rising so that the priuate duties of meditation and praier by our selues Acts 13.14 15.16.13.20.7 with our charge may be performed before the publike begin Thirdly Christian practice of those duties in publike which are the workes of the day comming at the beginning staying till the end Fourthly Meditation after Psal 92.5 application and holy conference about the Word and workes of God Fifthly a seasonable conclusion of it by repeating what we haue heard Acts 8.30 1 Cor. 3.6 7 examining those vnder vs praising
for you lead me into this errour I conclude with our Apostle my dearely beloued if there be any consolation in Christ if any comfort of loue if any fellowship of the Spirit if any bowels and mercies fulfill yee my ioy that yee be like minded hauing the same loue being of one accord of one mind blamelesse and harmelesse the Sonnes of God without rebuke in the middest of a crooked and peruerse generation among whom yee shine as lights in the world what soeuer things are honest iust pure louely and of good report thinke of and follow them and the God of peace who brought againe from the dead our Lord Iesus that great Sheepheard of the sheepe through the bloud of the euerlasting couenant make you perfect in euery good worke to doe his will in this hope I leaue you and will neuer cease to pray for you while I remaine From my study in Barum this 9 of May 1633. Yours to doe you seruice in the Lord. W. CROMPTON Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free that you be not intangled againe with the yokes of bondage To that end Pray continually O Most gratious God and Almighty Lord Creator and Commaunder of Heauen and Earth with all therein contained in Iesus Christ a most louing and mercifull father of whose meere goodnesse it commeth that so much of the truth is reuealed vnto vs miserable sinners lying in the shaddow of death and spirituall darknesse preserue vs good Lord in the knowledge and loue thereof mae vs walke in all thankefull obedience worthy of this fauour for Christ his sake we entreate accept of him for vs of vs in him vnite vs as members into his mysticall body conuay spirituall light and life into vs that we may liue in him and get victory by him ouer all our spirituall enemies pardon all our sinnes and giue vs power ouer our many corruptions remember not the follies of our youth blot out all our transgressions as it is promised O bury them in the Graue of Christ they neuer rise vp to appeare against vs bathe our wounded and stayned soules in his precious bloud infuse and stirre vp in vs a sound and sauing faith to receiue and put on the spotles roab of his Righteousnesse wherein appearing we shall be iustified Open the eyes of our vnderstandings that seeing wee may know the truth rectifie our affections that knowing wee may loue it conforme our wils that louing we may expresse obedience in practice with perseuerance in the day of tryall and trouble and all to the glory of that great name good example of our brethren the present comfort and future safety of our poore soules that so with the rest of the Saints we may be timely prepared for death and Heauen through Iesus Christ our Lord and onely Sauiour Amen Errata Pag. 14. l. 18.20 for naturally read mutually and for worldly read worthy pag. 13. A. 1. l. 17. for euen read euer pag. 41. A. 1. l 4. for remaines read remained pag. 70. A. 2. l. 6. for and read or pag. 53. A. 1. l 18. for the read though pag. 74. A. l. 1. 3. for bound read borne pag. 102. A. 1. l. 7. for Communication read Commination p 103. l. 1. read to bring in and aduance so for confirme l 12. read conforme pag. 109. A. 1. l 5. for degrees read decrees pag. 112. l. 26. for taking read lacking an ordinary oath in some countries pag. 131 A. 2. l 9. for deuill read euill p. 154. l. 14 for remissiues read remissenesse p. 155. A. 2. l. 12. for wates read wakes a terme well knowne in Lancash pag. 167. l. 7. for sext read sexe p. 172. A. 1. l. 8. for immodesty read modesty p. 217. A. 1. l. 5. for of read it pag. 229 l. 1. place or betweene profession and power pag. 237. A. 1. l. 8. adde thirdly and pag. 246. l. 6. for 3 set 4 pag. 258. l. 3. adde these words and doth nor pardon pag. 270. A. 1. l. 3. eschew read reschew or raise vp pag. 313. A. 1. l. 16. for desire it read desire after it pag. 367. l. 3. blot out of pag. 371. l. 21. for intermission read intermissiue p. 378. A. 1. l. 2. for life our life read life of our life Multis non mihi Question WHat is Catechizing A. A diuine ordinance perpetually requisit in the Church Deu. 11.19 1 Cor. 3.1 Heb. 6.1 2. wherein the principles of Christian Religion are familiarly laid open to the capacity of the ignorant by way of question and answer Q. Who are to performe this duty A. In publike the Pastor of euery congregation Mat. 28.19 Gen. 18.19 Deut. 6.7 he is to doe it or by his Curate or lawfull Deputy to see it done In priuate Husbands are to Catechize their Wiues Parents their Children Masters their Seruants Schoole-masters their Schollers God-fathers and God-mothers their vndertaken charge Q. Who are they that are publikely to be Catechized A. Either those who being of yeeres of discretion are not yet baptized but desire to be whether they be the seed of beleeuing Parents or Proselyt's Prou. 22.6 1 Pet. 3.15 Or else such as are already baptized who stand bound to learne and giue account of their faith as the Lord shall enable them Q. Why is this exercise so requisite in the Church A. First because it is the best remedy against naturall ignorance Prou. 29.18 Gen. 4.3 Secondly it helpes to cure the backwardnesse of many superiours who neglect it till feare of publike censure driue them to it Thirdly because it is ancient hath euer beene inioyned to all sorts in euery age and place and that profitably to procure obedience preserue order and vnity in the Church for matters of faith to ground children helpe weake memories confirme the strongest to remoue rudenesse and to restraine prophanenesse in all Q. How may this duty be performed publikely A. First by insisting on a set portion of Scripture containing a principle of Religion Luke 4.17 Heb 6.2 touching Mans creation Fal Redemption duty after c. Secondly by vnfolding the summe of al things Catechetically necessary to be knowne or donâ— though without a text both wayes commendable yet for vniformity it is best that there should be one such fully compleate Catechisme generall Q. What Catechisme should Diuines make vse of in this case A. That Catechisme is most fit and conuenient Rom. 13.1 2. 1 Cor. 10.33.11.16 to be explained in the assembly which is inioyned by publike authority exprest for vs in our booke of Common Prayer being agreeable to Scripture containing all fundamentall points necessary to saluation both for beliefe and practice if fully vnderstood Q. How many parts are there in that Catechisme A. Two the first declareth what is done for vs by the Church in our baptisme the second shewes what the Church requireth to be done by vs after baptisme as first to forsake the Diuell and all his workes
Gentiles Ephes 5.5 superstitious Papists or with carnall Protestants who adore their riches Phil. 3.19 pleasure honour c. Thirdly abusing of the true God either in opinion as Arrians Iewes Turkes Epicures doe or in practice and that Ephes 4.18 First by ignorance of God and his Will whether affected or carelesse Esay 1.3 as also by a meere speculatiue knowledge separated from obedience Secondly Iohn 3.12 by infidelity when men respect neither the power Word nor workes of God Iam. 2. ult bringing Christians that content themselues with an historicall Psal 50.22 idle counterfeit faith vpon presumption or despaire commonly Thirdly by forgetfulnesse of God not hiding his Word or not laying it as a rule to order our affaires Luke 12.19 Fourthly by distrust of Gods goodnesse power and prouidence Matth. 6.25 manifested by a carking care Prou. 30.9 and vse of vnlawfull means either for deliuerance or aduancement Fifthly 1 Sam. 28.7 by hatred of God his truth graces or seruants Rom. 1.30 whether naturall or aduentitious 1 Iohn 2.15.16 which is commonly attended by an excessiue loue of worldly honour Sixthly Rom. 10.2 by a blind vntutored zeale which is furious immoderate vnseasonable and short Reu. 3.13 as also by coldnesse and luke-warmenesse in matters of Religion 2 Tim. 3.2 Seuenthly by ingratitude for blessings receiued and impatiencie vnder the crosse Eighthly by dishonouring the Lord any way in priuate or publike Mal. 3.14 louing any thing aboue him fearing any thing more then him Nehe. 13.10.11 Mark 8.38 hindering his worship denying his truth in time of danger swearing by creatures accompanying familiarly with his profest enemies Ier. 5.7 2 Cro. 19.2 or breaking any of his knowne commands Q. What doe you learne from this Commandement thus explained A. First how holy and strict the Lord is Deut. 12.32 in the matter of his worship and seruice Secondly therefore speedily and heartily to abandon all false gods Ios 24 23. withall carnall conceits and blasphemous thoughts of the true God Thirdly to labour to know the Lord as he hath reuealed himselfe which is life eternall Fourthly 1 Sam. 7.3 to giue him so knowne my heart to serue to depend vpon him and to put my whole trust and confidence in him Mat. 22.37 Fifthly to admit of no opinion nor practice contrarie to his law Iohn 12.42 43. Psal 139.7.8 Sixthly boldly to acknowledge him by confessing him and his truth Ier. 9.24 standing vp for both in all assemblies Seuenthly to consider my selfe as alwayes before him and to doe nothing without a serious thought of his presence glorying most that I am seruant to such a Lord. Q. Which is the second Commandement A. Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen image nor the likenesse of any thing that is in heauen aboue or in the earth beneath or in the water vnder the earth thou shalt not bow downe to them nor worship them for I the Lord thy God am a iealous God and visit the sinnes of the fathers vpon the children vnto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shew mercy vnto thousands in them that loue me and keepe my Commandements Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. First that after knowledge and right choice I must make an outward profession of the true God Rom. 10.10.12.1 2. Secondly that this profession must be ioyned with seruice and solemne worship Thirdly that both these be done according to the rules and directions exprest in his reuealed Will the written Word Q. How parts are there in it A. Two First the Commandement it selfe Secondly the confirmation of it with reasons to moue obedience Q. What is the Sunne of the command A. In regard of the mind first that I conceiue aright concerning the Lords spirituall manner of subsisting Esay 66.1 not to be represented by corporall shapes nor seene with corporall eyes Ioh. 4.22.23 1 Sam. 15.22 Secondly that I rest in that holy manner of worship which he hath prescribed in his Word ayming at his ends 2 King 5.8 In respect of the body-first Exod. 32.5 that no images be made for any religious vse in Gods seruice without expresse direction Secondly that no man bow vnto nor before any image 1 Ioh. 1. ult with respect and reference to the image Deut. 4.12 Thirdly that no religious seruice nor diuine worship be performed to any images whether carued or painted Fourthly that none offer to conuay his seruice Prou. 4.27 by or through an image to the true God he hath willed no such thing Fifthly Esay 1.12 that euery man endeuour to expresse his deuotion in that forme of worship which the Lord willeth in his Word 1 Kings 12.33 whether hee preach pray receiue the Sacrament fast or vow c. All must be done in obedience without will-worship in sincerity without hypocrisie Q. How is it confirmed A. Three wayes First from a description of God I the Lord thy God am a iealous God and will not giue my honour to another nor my praise to grauen images Secondly from a communication to visit the iniquity of the fathers vpon the children vnto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me Thirdly from a gracious promise of showing mercy vnto thousands of them that loue him and keepe his Commandements without addition or detraction for matter and manner Q. What sinnes are here especially forbidden A. Many some directly as first all false carnall conceits touching the manner of diuine being in it selfe Secondly all will-worship with a secret distaste of euery prescribed forme loathing that simplicity of seruice the Lord requires to bring in aduance humane inventions Col. 2.18 23. Deut. 4.15 16.16.22 vnder the plausible name of deuotion Thirdly to make images of any creature for any religious ends Fourthly Esa 42.8 Deut. 12.30 to represent any person in the Godhead by an image or picture Fifthly to giue honour and worship vnto any image by kissing bowing c. vnder what presence soeuer Sixthly to confirme vnto Idolaters by adding such orders 2 King 16.10 rites and ceremonies as they vse contrary to Gods Word Other things by necessary consequence As first Deut. 12.3 1 Cor. 11.17 all approbation of idolatry idole worship by presence silence assistance supplying Idolaters with such Images and as most know they grossely abuse Secondly all wilfull running vpon the snare of other mens superstition Prou. 28.9 Ezech 33. Thirdly all irreligious behauiour in the solemne performance of Gods worship euery vndecent gesture in the publike assembly withall contempt and neglect of his worship 4. All formall selfe-conceited superstitious seruice when men giue all to the outward Esay 1.12 Matth. 15.9 or all to the inward part of Gods worship so diuiding what God hath ioyned conformity and sincerity Fifthly all humane inuentions corrupting hindring or
of him we must beg them contenting our selues as petitioners with the receit of a daily portion Ruth 1.6 Fourthly that those which feare him as a father endeauouring to doe his will and calling daily vpon him shall certainely be fed Q. What are we to vnderstand here by Bread A. First Christ the Bread of Life Iohn 6.48 in and by whom we haue right to all good things Secondly Prou. 31.14 that bodily food made by humane skill of corne ground knead and baked commonly called bread Thirdly all outward helps approued 2 The. 3.12 which tend to the preseruation of our naturall life in wel-being Q. Why did our Sauiour mention bread rather then any other thing A. First Ezek. 4.16 because bread is the principall staffe of life it cannot be but well with vs if we haue bread Secondly because we are to make more vse of bread in our life Matth. 7.9 then of drinke or any other dainety Thirdly to bridle our luxurious desires 1 Tim. 6.7 8 to set bounds to our pride and intemperate wantonnesse abusing the creatures through superfluous variety Fourthly Luk. 16.19 Matth. 6.31 32. to minde us of Gods speciall prouiding for vs and blessing to vs euery peece of bread wee eate if we be his sonnes and daughters Q. Why did hee teach vs to pray for bread onely A. To informe vs. First how vnable we are to make a right vse of much Prou. 30.9 more difficulty in vsing riches well then in getting Secondly how ready to surfeit vpon varieties and to grow wanton with abundance Thirdly Phil 4.11 that nature is content with little grace with lesse Q. How is this bread said to be ours A. First by an eternall gift of God vpon our creation Psal 78.25 Secondly by a restoration of vs to that right in our redemption by Christ Thirdly by diuine disposition in time of seuerall portions to particulars according to his good pleasure and euery mans necessitie Fourthly Reu. 22.14 by a diligent employment in some lawfull calling which giues vs a proprietie to it Acts 17.26 Ephes 4.28 exempting vs from vsurpation Q. If it be ours why are we to pray for it A First because the right of possession and power of disposition remaines still in God Secondly Psal 24 7. we can receiue no comfort from the creatures without his leaue and blessing Prou. 10.22 the nutritiue vertue in bread flowes from Gods ordinance Thirdly no labour in any calling can relieue vs if God forsake vs. Psal 127.2 Fourthly to teach vs that wee must doe something for our bread before we eate it 2 Thes 3.12 lest it prooue stollen not giuen Fifthly to assure vs 1 Tim. 4.4 5 our right to the creatures is restored in Christ being sanctified by the gift Word of God and praier Q. How and after what manner are we to pray for bread with all temporall blessings A. First in the plurall number Giue vs Neh. 8.10 pointing out both our societie in the communion of Saints and our charitie extended to others Secondly Mat. 6.34 for the time present This day teaching vs. 1. to auoide coueteousnesse and distrust sufficient vnto one day is the euill thereof 2. Psa 22.9 10 to depend vpon God euery day as if the present should be last 55.17 3. to pray vnto him euery day our praiers must be multiplyed as daies 3. vpon conditions Prou. 30.8 as 1. that it may be daily conuenient and constant 2. according to the will of God Iames ◠15 3. that thereby wee may be helpefull not hurtfull to our owne or others Q. May not a Christian lawfully pray and prouide for the time to come 2 Cor. 12.14 A. Yes prouided First that they looke therein more and rather to posteritie then to themselues who haue no time certaine but the present Habak 2.6 Secondly that what is laid vp by them be the fruit of their owne hands in some lawfull calling Psal 62.10 Thirdly that they set not their hearts vpon that treasure so prouided 1 Tim. 6.18 Fourthly that they intend and seasonably employ it in good and godly vses Fifthly that they be contented with their portion in present Heb. 13.5 neither prescribing God in their desires before Eccles 5.13 nor murmuring after if they be not answered Sixtly Prou. 16.3 that men neuer sacrifice to their owne nets policy or industrie but depend still and receiue all as from the hand of God Q. What is it then that wee desire of our father in this petition A. First not much not dainty nor long Gen. 28.20 but what the Lord wils and knowes to be conuenient Prou. 30 8. both for quantity quality and continuance Secondly Psal 30.5 that he would renew his mercies euery morning Thirdly that he would answere our lawfull desires by honest labour to prouide for our place and charge 1 Tim. 5.8 Fourthly that he would continue the nourishing power in his creatures for our sustentation Fifthly Matth. 4.4 and sanctify the use of his Creatures unto us this day 1 Tim. 4.4 5. to see his prouidence in them be content and thankfull for them Q. What must wee doe that this petition may bee granted vs A. First we must take paines in some allowed calling no labouring 2 Thes 3.10 Psal 24.1.34.10 no eating Secondly we must beleeue that the earth is the Lords and the fulnesse thereof Thirdly we must seeke the Creator more and before the creature being euer readie to helpe the needie according to abilitie Iohn 6.12 as wee would God should giue vs in our necessitie Fourthly we must be wise and frugall in ordering the portion allotted vs shunning ryot and prodigality Q. What sinnes doe you pray against in this petition A. First idlenesse the bane of all goodnesse doing nothing or no good or not to a right end Secondly prodigallity when men fare deliciously go daintily euery day 3. Prou. 18.9 Luk. 16.19 coueteousnes caring and desiring immoderately for the time to come c. Q. What may be learned from this petition thus explained A. 1. Psal 104.14 15. Gen. 28.20 That bread is the gift of God of him we must craue it and to him be thankfull for it 2. that wee stand in daily need of bread Iohn 6.12 and must be instant with our father for a cōtinuall supply 3 to be carefull and prouident in the vse of bread for the preseruation thereof 4. 1 Tim. 6.8 Psal 37.3 to be content with bread affoorded and prouided 2 Thess 3.10 though we had nothing else 5. to depend vpon the Lord in the vse of means for all things needfull 6. to doe him daily seruice as we craue and receiue frō him daily bread 7. to reprooue such as take it without asking fleight and spill bread as many seruants doe or make little account and vse of
Is there no change of the Elements in the Sacrament A. Yes by way of consecration of them to a new end and office Mat. 26.26 1 Cor. 10.16 not by way of change of the substance bread and wine they were before so they remaine after else there could be no Sacrament and therefore we must shun adoration of the creature lest we offend the Creator by Idolatry Q. What is it in vs that is fedde and nourisht by that food body soule or both A. First with the outward signes signifying Corpus vivens propriè obiectum nutritionis properly the body is nourished or if you will the whole outward man Secondly with the inward grace signified neither body nor soule properly but the inward man called the new man after God created in righteousnes and true holinesse it is a feast for regenerate men onely Ioh. 6.50.51 Eph. 4.24.2.8 to whom Christ First by a secret and sweet working of his spirit offers himselfe to bee that in them which he is for them Secondly in like manner gently but infallibly stirres vp their faith his owne gift to apprehend and apply him so being borne againe and nourisht by one and the same inexplicable meanes Q. Why ought men to come vnto this feast A. First in obedience vnto Christ calling lest they should giue offence vnto him and iustly incurre his displeasure who will admit of no excuses Secondly Math. 22.5.6 7. Heb. 12.23 for that good company they do or should meet there being an assembly of the new borne whose names are written in the booke of life Thirdly for the comforting and refreshing of the inner man Esa 55.1 2. longing after Christ as the hungry stomacke after meate or the parched earth after raine Q. Who are they that doe come and must be admitted to this table A. First none may come but men and women baptized 1 Cor. 11.28.29 endowed with the exercise of of reason and iudgement to discerne the Lords Body Holy from ordinary Bread and Wine Secondly none should come but such as haue sensibly past the pangâ— of the second birth Mat. 22.12 Iohn 13.26.27 conuerts sanctified and iustified Thirdly many doe come vncalled such as are openly prophane hauing neither inward nor outward call from the Church and may expect entertainment accordingly Fourthly more come vnprepared though outwardly called such as are accounted members of a visible Church for their ciuill behauiour going no further and both these last are vnworthy Communicants Q. Is it necessary that men come fasting to this feast A. First no it is not of absolute necessity Luk 22.20 Christ ordained it and the Apostles receiued it after Supper Secondly but as thingâ— now stand it is of commendable conueniency 1 Cor. 11.21.9 27. and vsefull for first fasting wee haue the most sensible freedome and spirituall abilitie to performe any diuine duties in a most cheerefull manner Mat. 6.33 Esay 58.6 Secondly it may be instructiue to vs First to mind vs of seeking and taking spirituall before corporall food daily Secondly that we must faâ—â— from sinne and carnall delights if we will receiue Christ yea to leaue our ordinary repast for him and his sake prouided first that sicke persons be not hindered nor weake censured who cannot hold out to fast so long secondly that superstitious conceits be avoyded which make fasting necessary yea meritorious and eating sinnefull doing it out of a pious deuotion to keepe the flesh in more subiection and such doe best who begin this fast not the morning onely but the day before Quest Doe all receiue benefit that come to this Sacrament A. No but such as come with appetite prepared to receiue and disgest the food there offered Iob 6.35 hauing the new man raised vp and enliued in them by the Spirit of Christ Q. How may a man know whether he hath any spirituall life in him or no Mat. 11.28 A. Fâ—rst by a sence and feeling of spirituall misery Secondly by a longing after and delight in spirituall food Thirdly by heate breath 1 Pet. 2.2 and motion in spirituall employments Rom. 8.5 Fourthly by an vniuersall hatred of sinne which is an enemy to the inner man as poyson is to the outward Q. What is required to be done by such a spirituall man before he come that he may be a worthy communicant A. First examination of himselfe Secondly confession of his sinnes and daily failings Thirdly Humiliation 1 Cor. 11.28 Luke 15.18 19. with contrition for sinne Fourthly application of the promises in speciall Fifthly resolution to continue this renewed reconciliation Quest What is examination Answ It is an impartiall search Psal 119.59 139 23. and an exact tryall of a mans selfe in and about all things necessary or any wayes conducing to Saluation Q. How must a Christian examine himselfe A. First let him retire into some priuate place for that end that he may set himselfe only in the presence of God Psal 4.4 Secondly lâ—â— him endeauour to remoue all impediments 77.6 the fig-leaues of excuses and extenuations that he may throughly see into euery corner of his heart and conscience 139.24 Thirdly let him set open before him the Law of God explained by some experienced diuine Fourthly let him then examine himselfe in foure things more especially Q. Which is the first A. Concerning knowledge which wee haue or ought to haue Iohn 17.3 and â—hat first of God that â—â— iâ— onâ— in essence 2 Cor. 13.5 three in person Father Sonne and Holy Ghost what he hath dâ—ne for vs 2 Iohn 8. and requires of vs. Secondly of our selues and that First in what estate we were created and that was holy and righteous Secondly Eccle. 7.29 Acts 4.12 whether wee did continue so and wofull experience will tell vs no. Iohn 3.16 Thirdly Gal. 4.4 5. how then we hope to escape eternall death which by sinne we haue deserued and that is only by faith in Christ who tooke our nature on him suffering what we deserued to renew his image in vs Heb. 6.1 2. and to redeeme vs captiues from the bondage of Satan Thirdly of the termes of our Art and profession 2 Tim. 1.13 whereof daily vse is made as in the practice of Diuinitie so of Christianitie such are Election Creation Redemption Vocation Conuersion Regeneration Iustification Sanctification Mortification Viuisication Q. What is Election A. It is an vnchanging purpose of God freely choosing from all eternitie out of mankinde dead in sinne some in Christ Iesus vnto saluation Ephe. 1.4 5 6. Ioh. 13.18 to the praise of his rich mercy Q. How may a Christian bee comfortably perswaded of his own election in particular A. First by that dominion and Soueraigntie Christ the head and foundation of election exerciseth in his heart 2 Cor. 13.5 Isa 66.2 working him desirous and wishing to yeeld cheerefull obedience to euery of his known commands Secondly