to doe it Q. VVhat else doth the preface teach vs A. That wée are to come to God with c Heb. 4.16 boldnes because he is our Father and with d Eccles 5.1 2 reuerence because his Maiesty filleth the heauens Q. VVhich is the first petition A. Hallowed be thy name Q. VVhat is it to hallow Gods name A. It is to acknowledge and declare that God and his name is holy Luke 7.29 35 and is so to be vsed Q. VVhat doe wee ask of God herein A. That we may rightly know and acknowledge God and may reuerence praise and set forth his Almighty power Wisdome goodnes iustice mercy and truth shining in all his workes Ier. 9.23.24 Psal 145.8 9 10. Q. VVhat else doe we ask herein A. That both in minde and heart in life and conuersation we may glorifie God both in himselfe and in his works Q. VVhat is the second petition A. Thy kingdome come Q. VVhat is heere meant by the kingdome of God A. The kingdome of grace Mat. 6.33 Colos 1.13 14. Luke 23 42 and the kingdome of glory Q. What doe we desire heerein A. That God will more and more subdue and weaken the kingdome and power of sinne and Satan Q. What else A. That God by his holy Word and Spirit will rule raign in vs and that in the end he will bring vs to the kingdome of glory Q. VVhat is the third petition A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Q. VVhat doe wee craue of God heerein A. That wée héere in earth may readily willingly chéerefully and faithfully doe the will of God as the Angels doe in heauen Q. Wherein consisteth the doing of Gods will A. In thrée things especially Q. VVhat is the first A. In denying our owne a Luke 22 42 will and b Iohn 6.40 1. Iohn 3 23 1 Thes 4.3 4 5 6 Acts 14.22 beléeuing in Christ Q. What is the second A. In dooing such good workes as God requireth Q. What is the third thing A. In the patient bearing of afflictions Q. VVhich is the fourth petition A. Giue vs this day our daily bread Q. What doe we ask heerein A. That God will giue vnto vs all things necessary and comfortable for this life Pro. 30.8 Q. What else A. That God will giue vs the grace to be contented with that he giueth vs. Phil. 4.12 13 Heb. 13.5 Q. VVhat needes the rich man to pray for daily bread A. Yes because without Gods blessing his abundance can do him no good Deut. 8.4 Psal 127.1 2 3. Q. Which is the fift petition A. And forgiue vs our trespasses c. Q. What doe wee desire of God heerein A. That God for Christs sake will forgiue vs all our sinnes Ier. 31.34 for euen wée forgiue such as offend vs. Q. Can wee forgiue others their sinnes A. We may and must a Luke 17 3 4. forgiue the wrongs don vnto vs by others but none can forgiue b Esay 43.25 Marke 2.7 sinnes but God onely Q. Is our forgiuing of others the cause why God doth forgiue vs A. No but it is a signe thereof Q. What if we forgiue not others A. Then God will not forgiue vs. Mat. 18.35 Q. Which is the sixt petition A. And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Q. What doe we ask heerein A. That God will not leaue vs to our selues 2. Chro. 32 31 Esay 63.17 Mat. 26.41 and giue vs euer to Satan to be tempted and ouercome in temptations Q. What else doe we ask heerein A. That God will strengthen vs against all temptations vnto euill and deliuer vs from sinne and the dwell 3 Tim. 4.18 Q. Which is the Conclusion A. For thine is the kingdome power and glory for euer Amen Q. VVhat are these words A. A reason why we doe ask the former things of God namely because the kingdome power and glory are his and therefore he both can and will giue them vs. Q. What signifieth the word Kingdome A. Gods absolute Soueraignty and Right ouer all things 1. Cor. 29 11 Q. VVhat signifieth the word Power A. Gods omnipotencie whereby he is able to doe whatsoeuer he will Luke 1.37 Q. VVhat is meant by the word Glory A. Maiesty and excellencie honour and praise Q. VVhat doth this Conclusion teach vs A. How to giue thankes to God 1. Chro. â—9 10 〈…〉 for these thrée kingdome power and glory doe generally comprehend all matter of praise and thanksgiuing vnto God Q. What do you meane then when you say these words A. It is as if wée should say The Kingdome of heauen is thine all power in heauen and earth is thine and therefore the glory is thine and from our hearts we do ascribe the same vnto thée Q. What signifieth the word Amen A. So be it 1. Cor. 1.20 or so it shall be Q. What doth it teach vs A. Feruently to desire the things aforesaid Ephes 6.18 Iames 1.6 and to assure our selues therof Q. What shall become of such after this life as are carefull to know and practise these grounds of Religion A. They shall liue in glory for euer with Christ in heauen Mat. 25.46 Iohn 17.24 305. Q. What shall become of such as care not eyther to know or to practise these things A. They shall liue for euer in Hell in forments 2 Thes 1 8 9 Mat. 25.41 with the diuell and his Angels FINIS To the Christian Reader THere is one thing Christian Reader which I would haue thee especially to take notice of concerning the former Principles or Grounds of Religion namely that nothing is to be receiued for a Principle of Religion or true and sound doctrine which hath not foundation in the Word of God or is not contained therein for the Word of God or the Scripture as we call it is the rule of all truth and giues vs a perfect direction both for faith and manners and whatsoeuer Article and doctrine is necessary to saluation is deliuered plainly in the holy Scripture and therefore in reading this or any Catechism you are not by and by to beleeue whatsoeuer is therein contained but to see and consider how euery thing is confirmed by the Scriptures for your faith and conscience must be grounded not vpon the weake and vnperfect speeches of sinnefull men but vpon the pure and sure Word of God And therefore at the end of euery answere I haue quoted some plaine place of Scripture to confirm the same some few only excepted which though in plain words they are not to be found in the Scriptures yet by good consequence they are drawn from the Scriptures And whatsoeuer is truly and soundly collected from Scripture is to be beleeued of vs as though it were expresly written As for example when Christ would confute the Sadduces that denyed the resurrection he alleadgeth the words of God to Moses I am the God
continue dead in the graue A. No hée rose againe from the dead Q. Wherefore did Christ die A. For my sinnes Q. Wherefore did he rise againe A. To make me righteous Q. What else doe you beleeue A. That whatsoeuer Christ hath done for mans saluation he hath done it also for me Q. Shall all be saued by Christ A. No but onely such as haue a true faith in Christ Q. What is faith A. A true perswasion of the heart Q. Vpon what is faith grounded A. Vpon the free promises of God in Iesus Christ Q. Who doth work this faith in vs A. The holy Ghost Q. Whereby doth he work it A. By the hearing of his Word Q. What is the summe of your faith A. The Apostles Creed Q. Rehearse the Articles of the Creed A. I beléeue in God the Father almighty maker of heauen and earth c. Q. Do you thinke to be saued by this your faith A. Yes onely by faith Q. Wherefore then doe the Sacraments serue A. To strengthen my faith Q. How many Sacraments bee there A. Two Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord. Q. What is a Sacrament A. An outward signe and seale of an inward grace Q. What is signified by Baptisme A. That we are washed from all our sinnes by the bloud of Christ Q. What else A. Our new birth by the holy Ghost Q. What is signified by the Supper of the Lord A. Our spirituall nourishment to eternall life by the body and bloud of Christ Q. What is required to the worthie receiuing of the Sacrament A. Faith and repentance Q. What is repentance A. A turning from sinne to God Q. What doth repentance bring forth A. Good workes Q. What are these good works A. Such as God hath commanded Q. How many Commandements be there A. Ten. Q. Which be they A. God spake these words and said I am the Lord thy God c. Q. Into how many Tables are they diuided A. Into two Q. How many bee there of the first Table A. Foure Q. What doe they teach vs A. Our dutie towards God Q. How many bee there of the second Table A. Sir Q. What doe they teach vs A. Our duty towards our neighbour Q. Can we of our selues do good workes A. No but only by Gods grace Q. How shall wee obtaine the grace of God hereunto A. By harty prayer Q. How must we pray A. As Christ hath taught vs. Q. How many parts bee there of the Lords prayer A. Thrée A preface si◠petitions and the conclusion Q. Which is the preface A. Our Father which art in heauen Q. What doth it teach vs A. To pray to God onely in the name of Iesus Christ Q. What doe wee ask of God in the three first petitions A. Such things as concerne Gods glory Q. What doe we ask in the three last petitions A. Such things as are necessarie for the body and soule Q. What is the conclusion A. A reason why we doe ask these things of God Q. What signifieth the word Amen A. So be it FINIS MILKE FOR the Younger OR A Catechisme for the younger sort Q. WHerin consisteth our true wisedome and happinesse A. In the true knowledge of God and of our selues Q. What is God A. God is a a Iohn 4.24 Spirit hee is b Gen. 17.1 Almighty the c Acts 17.24 Maker and d Iohn 5.17 Gouernor of all things Q. What else are wee to know concerning God A. That there is but a Esa 45.21 one God onely Q. What more A. That there are thrée persons and these thrée are but one God Q. Which be these three persons A. The Father Mat. 28.19 the Sonne and the holy Ghost Q. What are we to know concerning our selues A. How wée were created and what we are now by nature Q. What else A. How wée are redéemed and what thankes we owe to God for it Q. Who made man and woman A. God Q. Whereof did God make man A. Of the dust of the ground Gen 12.7 Q. Whereunto did God make man like A. To his owne image and likenesse Gen. 1.26.27 Q. Wherein standeth this image of God A. In righteousnes and true holines principally Eph. 4.24 Q. Wherfore did God thus make man A. To worship and serue him Esa 43.7 Q. How will God be serued A. As he himselfe hath commanded in his Word Deut. 4.32 Q. What was man then by creation A. Perfectly holy and perfectly happy Q. What are we now by nature A. The children of wrath Ephes 2.3 subiect to the wrath of God Q. What is the cause that we are so A. Sinne. Rom. 3.23 Q. What is sinne A. The transgression of the Law of God 1 Iohn 3.4 Q. By whom came sinne into the world A. By man euen Adam Rom. 5.12 Q. What is the reward of sinne A. Death and eternall damnation Rom. 6.23 Q. By whom are wee deliuered from death and damnation A. Onely by Iesus Christ Acts 4.12 Q. What is Iesus Christ Rom. 7.24 25 A. The onely begotten Sonne of God Ioh. 3.16 Q. Is he God or man A. He is both a 1 Iohn 1.14 God and b 1 Iohn 5.20 Ioh. 19.30 34. man Q. What did hee to redeeme vs A. He suffered died and shed his bloud for vs. Q. Did Christ suffer in his Godhead A. No but in his Man-hood and that both in c Mat 27.3 35. body and d Lu. 22.44 soule Q. Were not Christs sufferings the sufferings of the person God and man A. e Act 20 28 1. Cor. 2.8 Yes but the nature wherein he suffered was not the diuine but the humane nature Q. Did Christ continue dead in the graue A. No 1. Cor. 15.4 hée rose againe the third day from the dead Q. Wherefore did Christ die A. For our sinnes 1. Cor. 15.3 Q. Wherefore did he rise againe A. For our iustification Rom. 4.25 Q. Whither went Christ after his resurrection A. He ascended into heauen Acts 1.9 Q. Wherefore did he ascend into heauen A. To prepare a place for vs. Ioh. Q. What doth Christ now in heauen A. He sitteth at the right hand of God Mar. 16.19 the Father almightie Q. Hath God a right hand indeede A. God is a Spirit Luk. 24.39 and therefore hath neither right hand nor left Q. What is meant then by Christs sitting at the right hand of God A. That Christ hath all power giuen vnto him in heauen and in earth Mat. 28.18 Q. When shall Christ come againe A. In the end of the world Acts 1.11 Q. What shall he then doe A. He shall iudge both the quick and the dead Iude 15 Q. How doth that which Christ hath done profit vs A. By the inward and secret working of the holy Ghost 1. Cor. 12.13 Q. Who is the holy Ghost A. The third person in Trinity Q. Why is he called holy
heerein A. That we couet that which is for our neighbours good Q. Can wee be saued by our good workes A. No because we cannot fulfill the Law Q. Whereby then are we iustified and saued A. By the grace of God through faith in Christ Ephes 2.8 Q. Wherefore then serueth the Law A. To a Rom 3 20 shew vs our sinnes and the punishment thereof b Gaâ—at 3.24 and so to bring vs to Christ Q. Wherefore doth it serue when we are come to Christ A. To teach vs how to walke Psal 119.1 105. and to place God Q. Wherefore are we to doe good workes if wee cannot bee saued by them A. First to testifie our c Ioh. 14.1 15. loue and d Mat. 5.16 thankfulnes to God thereby Q. And wherefore else A. Secondly to make our calling and election sure to our selues And thirdly 2. Pet. 1.10 1. Pet. 3.1 to win others to Christ thereby Q. Can we of our selues doe good workes A. No but onely by the grace of God 2 Cor 3.5 Phâ—â—ip 2.13 4.13 Q. How shall we obtaine the grace of God heereunto A. By harty and earnest prayer Luk. 11.9 13. Q. How must we pray I am 1.5 6. A. As Christ hath taught vs in the Gospell Mat 6.9 Q. How many parts be there of the Lords prayer A. Thrée a preface six petitions the conclusion Q. Which is the preface A. Our Father which art in heauen Q. What doth it teach vs A. To pray onely to God in the name of Iesus Christ Ioh. 16.23 Q. How may we doe this A. By the helpe of the holy Ghost Rom. 8.26 Q. What do we ask of God in the three first petitions A. Such things as doe onely concerne Gods glory Q. What doe we ask in the three last petitions A. Such things as concern our own necessities both of body and soule Q. Which is the first petition A. Hallowed be thy nme Q. What do we ask of God herein A. That in all things God may bée glorified by vs. Q. Which is the second petition A. Thy kingdome come Q. What doe we desire heerein A. That God may rule and raigne in vs by his holy Word and Spirit Q. Which is the third petition A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Q. What doe we aske heerein A. That Gods will may be done by vs héere in earth as it is by the Angels in heauen Q. Which is the fourth petition A. Giue vs this day our daily bread Q. What doe we aske heerein A. That God wil giue vs all things necessarie and comfortable for this life Q. VVhich is the fift petition A. And forgiue vs our trespasses as wée forgiue them that trespasse against vs. Q. What do we aske heerein A. That God will forgiue vs all our sinnes as we forgiue such as do offend vs. Q. Which is the sixt petition A. And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Q. What do we aske heerein A. That God by his grace will strengthen vs against all temptations to sinne and deliuer vs from the diuell and from sinne Q. Which is the Conclusion A. For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory for euer and euer Amen Q. What doe these words contayne in them A. A reason why wée doe aske the former things of God namely because the kingdome power and glory are his FINIS MEATE FOR the Stronger OR A Catechisme for the Elder sort Q. WHerein consisteth our true wisdome and happiness A. In the true knowledge of God and of our selues Q. By what meanes are we soonest brought to the true knowledge of God and of our selues A. By Catechizing Q. VVhat is catechizing A. An instruction of the ignorant in the grounds of Religion Acts 18.25 26. Q. To whom doth the duty of Catechizing specially belong He. 6.1.2 3. A. To a Heb. 5.12 6.1.2 Ministers b Eph. 6.4 Parents c Gen. 18.10 Housholders and Schoolmasters Q. What be the ordinary parts of the Catechisme A. Foure The Créed the Sacraments the ten Commandements and the Lords prayer Q. VVhat is the Creed A. A confession of faith containing the summe of the Gospell Q. How many parts are there of the Creed A. Two of God and of the Church 8. Q. What doth the first part concerne A. Our faith in God the Father in God the Sonne and in God the holy Ghost Q. Are there any more Gods then one A. No a 1 Cor. 8.4 but there are thrée b 1 Ioh. 5.7 persons and these thrée are but one God Q. What is the Father A. The first Person in the Trinity the c 1 Cor. 8.6 maker and d Amos 3.6 gouernour of all things Q. Where is this set downe A. In the first Article of the Creed I beleeue in God the Father Almighty maker of heauen and earth Q. Why doe we say I belieue and not We beleeue A. Because euery one is to haue a particular a Hab. 2.4 faith of his owne and to make b 2 Pet. 3.15 confession of his owne faith Q. What is it to belieue in God A. It is to know and acknowledge him 1 Chro. 28.9 as he hath reuealed himselfe in his Word Q. VVhat else A. To beléeue that he is my God and to put my whole trust in him Iohn 20.28 Q. What is God A. God is a a Ioh. 4.24 Spirit most b Rom. 16.27 wise most c Esay 6.3 holy d Reuel 1.8 eter nall e Ier. 23.24 infinite c. Q. In what respects is God called Father A. In respect of f Ephes 1.4 Christ and in respect of g Esay 63.16 vs. Q. How is he the Father of Christ A. By nature eternal generation Heb. 1.3 5. Q. How is he our Father A. By grace of Adoption Q. VVhy is he called Almighty Gal. 4.5 6. A. Because he can doo whatsoeuer he a Psal 135.6 will yea more then he b Mat. 33.9.26.53 will doe Q. And wherefore else A. Because he is the Author of all that power which is in the creatures Esay 40.19 Iohn 19. â—â— Q. VVhy is he said to be maker of heauen and earth A. Because he created all things in heauen and earth Ex. 20.11 Q. How did God create all things A. Of a Heb. 11.4 nothing by his b Psal 33.6 Word and that c Gen. 1.31 very good Q. VVhereof was man made A. Of the dust of the ground Q. How was the woman made Gen. 2.7 A. Shée was taken and made out of man Gen. 2.21 Q. How came the soule into them A. It was created and put into them by God Gen. 2.7 Q. After what fashion did God make man and woman A. In his own image and likenes Gen. 1.26 27. Q. VVherein especially did this image of God consist A. In
a Col. 3.10 knowledge in b Ephes â— 24 righteousnes and true holines Q. Did God onely make man and all other creatures A. No hée doth also by his prouidence rule gouerne man and all other things Pro. 16.33 Mat. 10.29 30. Q. What was mans estate by creation A. A most happy estate frée from all misery 30. Q. VVhat is our estate now by nature A. A most miserable estate Eph. 2.3 for we are all by nature the children of wrath Q. How came this to passe A. By the fall of Adam and Eue. Q. How did they fall A. By the a Gen. 3.1.2 inticement of the diuell and their owne willing b Gen. 2.17 3.6 disobedience in transgressing Gods Commandement Q. What if they thus offended what is that to vs A. Yes very much for wée all did fall in Adam Rom 5.12 Heb. 7.9.10 and are partakers of his fault Q. VVhat else hath followed hereof A. We also by imputation are become guilty before God Rom. 5.18 Q. Is this all A. No the corruption of nature is also by generation Gen 5.3 from Adam conueied to vs. Q. VVhat is meant by the corruption of natue A. Originall sinne Q. VVhat is originiall sinne A. A want of originall righteousnes Q. VVhat else A. It is corruption ingendred in our first conception Psal 51.5 Rom. 7.23 whereby euery faculty and power of soule body is prone and disposed to euill Q. VVhy is it called originall A. Because it was from the beginning assoone as Adam fell Gen. 3.7.10 Q. VVherefore else A. Because it is the beginning of all actuall sinne Mat. 15.19 Q. VVhat is actuall sinne A. Euery inward and outward action contrary to the Law of God yea the leauing vndone of such good things as the Law requireth Q. VVhat is the reward punishment of sinne A. All kind of a Gen. 3.16 17. miseries and b Rom. 6.23 death in this world and c Reuel 21.8 eternall condemnation in the world to come Q. Are all without exception subiect heereunto A. Yes generally all Rom. 3.9.23.5.12 44. Q. Can we of our selues escape this death and condemnation A a Psal 4â— 7 8. No but onely by b Acts. 4.12 Iesus Christ Q. What is Iesus Christ A. The second Person in the Trinity the onely Sonne of God Q. Where is this contained A. In the second Article And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord. Q. Why is he called Iesus A. Because he is A Sauiour Mat. 1.21 which doth saue vs from all our sinnes Q. VVhat signifieth Christ A. Anointed Q. VVhy is he so called A. Because God anointed him with the holy Ghost Acts. 10.38 and with power Q. Whereunto was hee thus anointed A. To bée a a Acts. 3.22 Prophet b Heb. 5.5 6. Priest and c Luk. 1.33 Heb. 1.8 9. King for vs. Q. VVhy is hee called the onely Sonne of God A. Because hée alone by nature is the Sonne of God and very true God Q. Why must our Sauiour be God A. Because none other was able to abide and ouercome the wrath of God and the punishment due vnto sinne Deut. 4.24 Q. VVhy is he called our Lord Acts 20.28 A. Because hée hath redeemed vs with his bloud 1. Pet. 1.18 19 and purchased vs to bée a peculiar people to himselfe Titus 2.14 Q. VVas not Christ very true man also A. Yes a Ioh. 1.14 but yet without all b Heb. 4.15 spot of sinne Q. In what Article is this contained A. In the hird Article Which was conceiued by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary Q. VVhat is the meaning heereof A. That the Sonne of God by the working of the a Luk. 1 3â— holy Ghost took the very nature of man of the flesh bloud of the b Gal 4.4 Virgin Mary and was in all c Heb. 2.17 things like vnto man d Heb. 4.15 excepting sin 57. Q. VVhy must Christ bee very true man A. That he might die and satisfie the iustice of God for our sinnes Heb. 2.17 Q. VVhat kinde of death did hee die A. An accursed kinde of death Deu. 21. â—â— euen the death of the Crosse Q. VVherefore died he this kinde of death A. Toredéeme vs from the curse of the Law Galat 3.13 Q. In what Article is this expressed A. In the fourth Article Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into Hel. Q. VVhat was Pontius Pilate A. A Iudge and the gouernour of Iudea Luke 3.1 Q. VVhy was Christ arraigned before a Iudge and condemned by him A. That we might not be arraigned and condemned in the day of iudgement Esay 53.8 9 10 11 12 but might receiue the sentence of absolution and be saued Q. VVhat is then the summe of the fourth Article A. That Christ in his humane nature did suffer for vs Esay 53.4 5 6 most grieuous torments both of body and soule Luke 22.44 Mat. 27.46 Q. Did Christ onely suffer and die for vs A. No hée rose againe likewise from the dead Rom. 14.9 Q. In what Article is this contained A. In the fift Article The third day he rose againe from the dead Q. VVhat is the meaning of it A. That Christ by his diuine power rose againe in the very same body wherein he died Iohn 2.19.10 18 Q. VVherefore did Christ rise againe A. That he might ouercome death and make vs partakers of that righteousnes Rom. 4.25 which by his death he had purchased for vs. Q. How long did Christ continue on earth after his resurrection A. The space of fortie daies Acts. 1.3 Q. VVhat did he then afterwards A. He ascended into heauen Acts 1.9 Q. In what Article is this contained A. In the sixt Article He ascended into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almightie Q. What is meant by his ascending into heauen A. That Christ in his humane nature by the power of his God-head went vp into heauen Q. VVherefore did he ascend into heauen A. To a Ioh. 14.2 prepare a place for vs b Heb. 9.24 to appeare before God and to make c Rom. 8.34 intercession for vs. Q. What is meant by Christs sitting at the right hand of God A. That Christ hath a Mat. 28.18 all power and authority giuen vnto him and that hée doth b Eph. 1.20.21 22 Phi. 2.9 10 11 rule gouerne all things in heauen and earth 74 Q. VVhen shall Christ come againe from heauen A. In the end of the world Acts 1.11 Q. What shall he then doe A. Hée shall iudge both the quick and the dead 2. Tim. 4.1 Q. Shal all generally come to iudgement A. Yes the faithful shal come into the a Mat. 25.34 Ioh. 5.24 iudgement of absolution and the wicked into the iudgement of b
of Abraham Isaac Iacob From hence this truth is strongly collected viz. that Abraham Isaac and Iacob shall liue and rise according to their bodies because God saith Christ is not the God of the dead but of the liuing Therefore now this consequence that Abraham and the Saints departed shall rise must bee credited no lesse then that expresse Scripture from whence Christ drew it And to the end that you may see that all necessary poynts of faith manners are plainely expressed in the Scriptures I haue heere in order set downe the summe substance of Christian Religion in certaine Texts of Scripture The order of it is this The true knowledge of God and of Iesus Christ which is life eternall that is the way and meanes to eternall life is to be found in the Scriptures Therfore first we begin with the Scriptures then wee come to the knowledge of God and of his workes as of his eternall decree of Predestination Creation and Prouidence concerning Angels and men in which Prouidence is to be considered the fall of Angels and man and the misery that followed therof namely sinne and death Secondly followeth Gods Couenant with man namely the couenant of works and the couenant of grace Concerning the couenant of workes there is shewed the impossibility of keeping it and to what end it serues In the couenant of grace is noted First the foundation of it which is Christ the Mediator Secondly the meanes of applying Christ vnto vs. In Christ wee are to consider his person and office His office is threefold The application of the couenant of grace where is shewed the vnion communion which the elect haue with Christ The meanes of the reuealing and applying of the couenant of grace are eyther inward as the Spirit of Christ and faith or outward namely the Word and Sacraments The māner of reuealing it is our calling vnto Christ The persons to whom it is reuealed namely to the Church As the benefit we receiue from the propheticall office of Christ is the reuealing of the couenant of grace whereby we are made wise to saluation so the benefit we receiue from the Priestly office of Christ is our instification before God The benefit we receiue from the kingly office of Christ is our glorification which is partly in this present life but fully and perfectly in the life to come Our glorification in this life consisteth in this that in our condition we are made blessed and made holy in our nature which is Sanctification The rule of Sanctification is the Word of God euen the Law and the Gospell The effect of Sanctification is Repentance The notes of Repentance are specially two A hatred of all sinnes and the practice of good workes Among good workes almes and prayer are specially commended to vs. The speciall helps to prayer and to the performing of other good workes are vowes and fasting Then lastly is to be considered Gods dealing with man after this life by bringing all men to Iudgement which is eyther particular or generall And to the end that you may in reading these Texts of Scripture perceiue how one thing depends vpon an other I haue set downe ouer the Texts of Scripture the things whereof the places following doe speake If therefore you will accordingly be diligent inreading the Texts of Scripture I doubt not but by Gods grace assisting you you shall in a short time much benefit your selues thereby and shall be able when need requires to proue any ground of Religion by some Text of Scripture And so I commit you to the mercifull protection of Almighty God beseeching him to endue you with all sauing grace and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy through Iesus Christ Amen THE SVBSTANCE of Diuinitie Of the holy Scripture Iohn 5 39. Search the Scriptures for in them yee thinke to haue eternall life and they are they which testifie of mee 2 Tim. 3.16 17. All Scripture is giuen by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousnes that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished vnto all good workes Marke 12.24 Doe yee not therefore erre because yee know not the Scriptures neither the power of God Of God Iohn 17.3 This is life eternall that they might know thee the onely true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent Heb. 11.6 Hee that commeth to God must beleeue that God is c. Iohn 4.24 God is a Spirit c. Exodus 34.6 The Lord God mercifull and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodnes and truth c. 1 Cor. 8.4 We know that an idoll is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one 1 Iohn 5.7 There are three which beare record in heauen the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one Of Gods decree of Predestination 1 Thes 5.9 God hath not appointed vs to wrath but to obtaine saluation by our Lord Iesus Christ Ephes 1.4 God hath chosen vs in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in loue Rom. 11.5 6. There is a remnant according to the election of grace and if by grace then is it no more of workes c. Iude 4. Who were before of old ordained to this condemnation 2. Tim. 2.20 In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of siluer but also of wood and of earth and some to honour and some to dishonour Of Creation Gen. 1.1 In the beginning God created the heauen and the earth Psal 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the heauens made all the hosts of them by the breath of his mouth Heb. 11.3 Through faith we vnderstand that the worlds were fram'd by the word of God so that things which are seene were not made of things which do appear Gen. 1.31 And God saw all that he had made and lo it was verie good Gen. 2.7 The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a liuing soule Gen. 1.27 God created man in his owne Image c. Eph. 4.24 And put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnes and true holinesse Of Gods Prouidence Acts 17 25 28. Hee giueth to all life and breath and all things For in him we liue and moue and haue our being Mat. 10.29 30. Are not two Sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father Yea and all the haires of your head are numbred Prou. 16.33 The lot is cast into the lappe but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Of the fall of Angels and Man 2. Pet. 2.4 God spared not the Angels that sinned c. Iude 6. The Angels which kept not their first estate c. 2. Cor. 11 3. The Serpent beguiled Eue through
hee shall baptize you with the holy Ghost 1. Cor. 11.23 24 25. The Lord Iesus the same night in which he was betrayed tooke bread and when hee had giuen thankes hee brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this doe in remembrance of mee After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped saying This cup is the new Testament in my bloud this doe yee as oft as ye drinke it in remembrance of me 1. Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the communion of the bloud of Christ The bread which wee breake is it not the Communion of the body of Christ The inward meanes whereby the Couenant of grace is reuealed are the Spirit and faith 1. Cor. 2.9 10 12. Eye hath not seene nor eare heard neyther haue entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that loue him But God hath reuealed them vnto vs by his Spirit Now wee haue receiued not the spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely giuen to vs of God Iohn 3.33 He that hath receiued his testimony hath set to his seale that God is true 1. Iohn 5.10 He that beleeueth on the Sonne of God hath the witnes in himselfe Of the manner of reuealing the Couenant of grace viz. vocation or calling Rom. 8.30 Whom he did predestinate them he also called 2. Tim. 1.9 God hath saued vs and called vs with an holy calling The Couenant of grace is reuealed to the Church Mat. 11.25 I thank thee O Father Lord of heauen and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast reuealed them vnto babes Eph. 5.25 Christ loued the Church and gaue himselfe for it Thus much of the benefit flowing vnto vs from the Prophetical Office of Christ The benefit we receiue from the Priestly office of Christ is our iustification before God through his righteousnes imputed vnto vs and apprehended by vs. Rom 8.30 Whom he called them he also iustified Rom. 5.19 As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous Rom. 3.24 25. Being iustified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Iesus Christ c. Rom. 5.1 Being iustified by faith we are at peace with God c. Acts 13.39 By Christ all that beleeue are iustified from all things from which ye could not be iustified by the Law of Moses Of the benefit of Christs Kingly Office The benefit we receiue fromthe Kingly Office of Christ is our glorification whereby our whole nature estate and condition is restored according to the Image of Christ our King Rom. 8 29 30. Whom he did foreknow hee also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Sonne c. Moreouer whom he did predestinate them hee also called and whom he called them hee also iustified and whom hee iustified them hee also glorified Colos 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appeare then shall ye also appeare with him in glorie Reuelat. 20.6 Blessed and holy is hee that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power but they shall be the Priests of God and of Christ c. Of Sanctification Titus 3.5 Not by workes of righteousnes which wee haue done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost 1. Thes 5.23 And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly c. Ephes 4.24 And that ye put on that New man which after God is created in righteousnes and true holinesse Of the rule of Sanctification The rule and square of it is the whole word of God that is both the Lawe which requireth obedience and the Gospel which directeth vs how to performe it Ioh. 17.17 Sanctifie them through thy truth thy Word is truth 1. Pet. 1.23 Being borne againe not of corruptible seede but of incorruptible by the Word of God Tit. 2.11 12. For the grace of God that bringeth saluation hath appeared to all men teaching vs that denying vngodlinesse and worldly lusts we should liue soberly righteously and godly in this present world The Law is comprized in the ten Commandements Deut. 4.13 And hee declared vnto you his Couenant which he commanded you to performe euen tenne Commandements and hee wrote them vpon two Tables of stone Of the effect of Sanctification viz. Repentance Acts 26.20 But shewed first vnto them of Damascus c. that they should repent and turne to God and do workes meet for repentance Lam. 5.21 Turne thou vs vnto thee O Lord and we shall be turned c. 2. Cor. 7.10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance to saluation not to bee repented of c. The notes or signes of repentance are specially two the hatred of all sinnes and the practice of all good duties Psal 119.128 I hate euery false way ver 6. I haue respect vnto all thy Commandements The hatred of sinne is shewed in spirituall warfare against it which is the withstanding of all temptations vnto sinne from the diuell the world and our own flesh by the power of the grace of God Eph. 6.10 c. Put on the whole Armour of God c. Ephes 4.27 Neither giue place to the diuell Iam. 4.7 Resist the diuell and hee will flee from you 1. Ioh. 5.4 Whosoeuer is born of God ouercommeth the world and this is the victory that ouercommeth the world euen our faith Gal. 5.24 They that are Christs haue crucified the flesh with the affections lusts Of good Workes Eph. 2.10 We are his workmanship created in Christ Iesus vnto good workes which God hath before ordained that wee should walke in them Titus 3.14 And let ours also learne to maintaine good works to necessarie vses that they be not vnfruitfull Iam. 2.26 As the bodie without the spirit is dead so faith without workes is dead also Heb. 13.16 To doe good and distribute forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased Luke 11.41 But rather giue aims of such things as ye haue and behold all things are cleane vnto you Of Prayer 1. Thes 5.17 18. Pray without ceasing In euery thing giue thanks c. 1. Tim. 2.1 2. I exhort therfore that first of all Supplications Prayers Intercessions and giuing of thanks be made for all men c. Iam. 1.5 If any of you lacke wisedome let him aske of God c. Mat. 6.9 After this manner pray yee Our Father which art in heauen c. The speciall helpes to prayer and other good workes are vows and fasting A vow is a solemne promise to God of some lawfull thing that is in our power for the confirmation of our faith and testifying our thankfulnesse to God Psal 50.14 Offer vnto God thankesgiuing and pay thy vowes vnto the most High Of Fasting Fasting is an abstinence for a time
doth who many times hath in his net a true and liuing Larke indéede but it is onely to deceiue the Larkes and the more easily to catch them in his net So they professe Christ haue his Word and Sacraments among them but it is onely to deceiue simple people and to make a prey of them DIALOGVE 4. C. Doe they teach any other thing conâ—arie to any other Article of the Creed M. Yes diuers things In the Article we professe to beléeue that Christ was conceiued by the holy Ghost and so he and he onely was conceiued without originall sinne They teach that the Virgin Mary was also conceiued without originall sinne and that by this meanes it came to passe that Christ was frée from all spot Concil Trid. Sess 5. cap. 1. de peccato originali And so héerein they doe altogether ouerthrowe this Article of Christs conception by the holy Ghost to whose onely power the Scripture doth impute Christs holines not to the Virgin Mary which was no lesse then all others conceiued and borne in sinne and did néede Christ to be her Mediatour aswell as the rest of mankinde There was a long time a foule stirre in the Church of Rome betwéene the Dominicans and the Franciscans about this point Acts and Monuments page 732. It was the common opinion of Fathers and Writers vntill Lumbards time which was about the yéere 1150 that shée was conceiued in Originall sinne Perkins 2. Vol. 596. In the 4. Article we professe that Christ suffered c. by which he hath made a full and perfect satisfaction for the sinnes of his elect and for the whole punishment thereof both eternall and temporall The Popists teach that Christ hath satisfied for sinnes going before Baptisme but concerning sinnes following Baptisme the fault is remitted by the passion of Christ and the punishment which of infinite is made finite is to bee satisfied for by men themselues eyther heere or in Purgatorie that is men themselues must satisfie the iustice of God for the temporall punishment of their offences eyther on earth or in Purgatorie There is say they a certaine infernall place in the earth called Purgatorie in the which as in a prison-house the soules which were not fully purged in this life are there clensed and purged by fire before they can be receiued into heauen Bellar. de Purgat lib. 1. cap. 1. and cap. 3. lib. 2. cap. 6. Rhem. on 1 Cor 3. Sect. 4. They say also that it is an Article of faith to beléeue that there is a Purgatorie and that he which beliues it not is sure to go to Hell Bellarm. ibid. lib. 1. cap. 15. But this is so farre from béeing an Article of faith as that it is a méere fable and contrary to an Article of faith The bloud of Christ is the Purgatorie of our sinnes 1. Iohn 1.7 Afflictions are called the fiery triall 1 Pet. 1.7 4.12 whereby we are clensed from our corruption as gold is from the drosse by fire No other Purgatorie is to bee found in the Scriptures The Scriptures mention but two sorts of men beléeuers and vnbeléeuers and but two places after this for them heauen for the one and hell for the other Luke 16.25 26. Iohn 3.36 Reuel 20.14 15.21.7 8. They that die in the Lord rest from their labours which cannot bee true if any of them goe to Purgatorie Their workes follow them that is the reward of their workes Reuel 14.13 If any man should haue gone to Purgatorie then the thiefe vpon the Crosse had gone thither who repenting at his end wanted time to make satisfaction for the temporall punishment of his sinnes but Christ said to him To day shalt thou be with mée in Paradise The doctrine of Purgatorie came into the Church out of the heathen writers for the Philosophers and Poets were the first that euer wrote of it Popish Purgatorie was vnknowne to the Fathers many hundred yéeres after Christ Perkins 2. Vol. 568.569 C. If Purgatorie be but a fable contrary to an Article of faith then what is the cause that the Church of Rome so stifly maintaines it M. There is great cause why they should so do for it kéepes in the fire in the Popes Kitchin for if the fire of Purgatorie were not great the fire in the Popes Kitchin would bee but small for by this meanes they haue store of money for Pardons Masses Diriges and other such like trumperies DIALOGVE 5. C. Doe they teach any thing else contrary to the Creed M. Yes The sirth Article saith that Christ ascended into heauen c. and the Scriptures say that the heauens must containe him c. Acts. 1.11.3.21 They teach contrary héereunto namely that Christ is corporally present in the Sacrament and that in many places at once The which is contrary to the nature of a true body and contrary to the nature of the Sacrament which is a remembrance of Christ Vigilius against Eutyches lib. 4. saith thus When it that is the flesh of Christ was on earth it was not in heauen and because it is now in heauen it is not on earth This is the Catholike faith and confession It is an Article of faith to beléeue the Catholike Church and faith is the euidence of things not séene Heb. 11 1. Therfore the Catholike Church is alwaies vnto the world inuisible and not to be espied but by the eyes of faith because things seene are not beléeued The Papists teach that the Catholike Church is and hath but alwaies visible Rhem. on Mat. 5. Sect. 3. The Church is said to be Catholike that is vniuersall because it is not tyed to any one speciall place but is spred abroad ouer the face of the earth They tie it to Rome alone which can be but a particular Church and not vniuersall In the Church there is a Communion of Saints and these are they that are sanctified by the blond and Spirit of Christ hauing the perfect holines of Christ put vpon them by imputation of faith and the quality of imperfect holines powred into their heart by the Spirit of sanctification And such are the faithfull heere on earth 1. Cor. 1.2 Psal 16.2 The Papists acknowledge none to be Saints but such as are in heauen They teach that the Pope can canonize Saints whereas to make one a Saint is onely the work of God 1. Cor. 11. The Pope hath canonized many that indéede were neuer true Saints of God but wicked men and rank Traitors to their Princes as Becket with many others This canonizing of Saints was neuer heard of with the Fathers vntill the yéere 880. and then Adrian took vp this authority And Alexâder the Third after him confirmed it in his decrées In the Créed we professe to beléeue the forgiuenes of sinnes that is I beléeue that God for Christs sake doth fréely forgiue the sinnes of his elect and my sinnes also And héerein consisteth our iustification namely in the frée forgiuenes of our sinnes and the
oath viz. that if hee knew that the Scriptures should bee put into English and that the King would haue them to bee read in the Church rather then hee would liue so long to see it he would cut his owne throat But as Hall saith who heard him speake it hee was not so good as his word for in stead of cutting his throat he hanged himselfe C. What is the cause that they cannot abide to haue the Scriptures in their owne Language M. S. Iohn giues the reason For euery one that doth euill hateth the light neither commeth to the light lest his déeds should be reproued and discouered Iohn 3.20 If the Owle fly abroad by day the birds by and by discerne him follow him and fall vpon him and therefore hee flyes abroad vsually in the night and then he is quiet If the Scriptures should be suffered to be expounded and read of all Nations in their owne language then that Owle of Rome the Pope I meane with all his fooleries and abominations would be discerned and discouered and then the world would hate him follow after him and persecute him euen as the small birds doe the Owle and therfore they cānot abide the Scriptures in the vulgar tongue but loue darknes rather then light because these déeds are euil Ioh. 3.19 C. What say you then to their good works as building of Churches giuing of Almes c. M. These and such like works required in the Law of God in themselues are good and to be practised of all but to them they are as the Fathers called the vertues of the Heathen but splendidae peccata glittering drosse and beautifull deformities C. Do they teach any thing contrary to the Morall Lawe and to the doctrine of good workes M. Yes they do both teach practise many things directly contrary to Gods Commandements They teach for good workes such things as are not commanded but rather forbidden in the Law of God as namely to goe on Pilgrimage to vow single life to fast forty dayes and forty nights c. First concerning set Pilgrimages vnto certaine Images there was none of the Fathers that did so much as dreame of them for 600. yéers after Christ at the least Perkins 2. Vol. page 541 542. Secondly the necessitie of the vowe of continency was established first and annered vnto Orders about 380. yéeres after Christ and that by Pope Siricius But it had no vniuersall admission vntill the time of Pope Hildebrand in the yéere 1070. Perkins 1. Vol. 583. to 587. 2. Volume 575 576. Acts and Monuments 1151. Thirdly their doctrine of single life was nener commanded of God nor knowne in the Primitiue Church but hath sprung vp since and is indeed the very doctrine of diuels 1. Tim. 4.13 So is also their forbidding of meates for religions sake They teach also that a man may fulfill the Lawe yea do workes of Supererogation that is more then the Lawe doth require and that men of their abundance may allot vnto others such works of Supererogation Rhem. on 1. Cor. 9. sect 6. 2. Cor. 8. sect 3. This doctrine of theirs makes the Law of God to bée vnperfect and is directly contrary to the words of Christ Luke 17.10 And it was not knowne of the ancient Fathers They spake indeede sometimes of supererogation but in a far other sense then the Papists doe There are no such works to be found in the person of any meer man or Angell but onely in the person of Christ God and man Perk. 1. vol. 598.599.2 vol. 540.541 DIALOGVE 8. C. Shew me I pray you in particular what things they teach contrary to the Commandements M. I could plainly proue vnto you that they doe both teach and practise many things contrary to euery one of the Commandements but I wil onely set downe the chiefest and such as most men know to be true The first Commandement concernes the inward worship of God the ground of which worship is the true knowledge of God and without which none can truly worship and serue him for such as our knowledge is such is our worship 1. Chron. 28.9 Psal 9.10 Ier. 9.24 The Papists teach that ignorance is the mother of deuotion but the truth is it is the mother of superstition and idolatry Gal. 4.8 The Papists therefore being ignorant and without the true knowledge of God cannot truely worship him but must néeds bee Idolaters worshipping they know not what The first Commandement requireth that we haue the true Iehoua for our onely God They make Christs body to bee God because they hold that it may be in many places at once which thing is proper onely to God They make the Pope to bee God and that in plaine words Christopher Marcellus said to the Pope Thou art another God vpon earth and the Pope tooke it to himselfe Concil Later Sess 4. They giue the power to the Pope which is proper to God and so make him to be God As that hee can make holy that which is vnholy pardon sinnes c. Perk. 1. vol. 400.1 and they giue diuine worship to creatures and so make them their Gods The second Commandement concerneth the outward worship of God or the forme and manner of his worship This Commandement they haue cleane put out of the Decalogue and to fill vp the number they diuide the last into two The scope of this Commandement is that no image is to be made of God nor any worship performed to him in an image Deut. 4.15 16. But they teach it lawfull to make images of the true God and to worship him in them and that there is a religious worship due to them Bellar. de imag sanct lib. 2. cap. 21. And in the second Nicen Councell it was decreed that the Image of God should be worshipped with the same worship that is due vnto God Their practice is answerable to their doctrine for they worship the Images of God of Christ the Saints the woodden Crosse yea a piece of bread C. They say that they doe not worship the images but God Christ and the Saints in the image M. Suppose that this were true yet in so doing they commit grosse idolatry and the same that the people of Israel did for which God plagued them greatly Exod. 32.5 28. I think there is none so very a Calfe as to thinke that they did worship the Calfe it selfe The Calfe was but a representation of God and yet they sinned greatly in making it and worshipping God in it The Heathen in times past could say as much for themselues concerning their worshipping of Images as the Papists now do and yet as they were Idolaters so are the Papists for as touching their superstition and idolatry bloud cannot be more like to bloud or an egge to an egge then one of them is to another The Heathen had for euery nation and prouince some peculiar god Among them the Elements had their seuerall gods to rule ouer them The Heathen had a certaine god