if there were no men there would never be any ships upon the Sea Even so the preservation of the great ship of the world and the guidance of its motions doth evidently shew that there is a God by whom the same is preserved and guided Q. What else may be a further proofe that there is a God A. That there is a God is manifestly declared by the strange and wonderfull plagues and judgments that sometimes are inflicted upon notorious sinners upon earth Exod. 8. 19. 9. 16. Psal. 9. 16. 58. 10. 11 79 10. Q. What may be thought of those accusations and terrors of conscience that sometimes are found in men upon the committing of haynous sins though knowne to no man living but to the sinner himselfe A. This also is another testimony that there is a God before whose judgment seate a man must answer for his deedes for otherwise why should a man be afraid where no feare is Rom. 2. 15. Isa. 33. 14. Psal. 14. 5. 53. 5. Q. How many Gods are there A. No more but one Deut 4. 39 6. 4. Isa 44. 6. 8. 45. 5. 18. 1 Cor 8. 4. 6. Eph. 4. 6. Q. Why may there not be more Gods then one A. Because that is contrary to the nature of God which is to be infinite and everlasting that is the first and the last now there cannot be many infinites nor many firsts and lasts but one only Q. How else doth the nature of God shew that there can be no more but one God A. It is the nature of God to have his being of himselfe and so give being to whatsoever else hath being for so much is signified by the word Iehovah Exod. 3. 14. 6. 3. 15. 3. Q. And how doth this prove that there can be no more but one God A. Because if there were many Gods then either they must one give being to the other or each one have his being of himself both which are utterly impossible Q. Why might not one of them give being to the other A. Because then that other could not bee God as not having his being of himselfe Q. And why might they not be many Gods each one having his God-head of himselfe A. Because then none of them could be God as not giving being to all others which had being Q. Though there be but one God yet is there not more persons or subsistences in the Godhead then one A. Yes the Scriptures doe apparently witnesse that in the unity of the divine essence there is a plurality of the divine persons Gen. 1. 26. 3. 22. 11. 7. Isai. 6. 8. 41. 22 23. Q. How many are the Persons in the Godhead A. They are three the Father the Son and the holy-Holy-Ghost Math. 3. 16 17. 28. 19. Ioh. 14. 16 17. 15. 26. 2 Cor. 13 14. Gal. 4. 6. 1 Ioh. 5. 7. Q. Whether are these three the Father the Son and the holy-Holy-Ghost severall and distinct Persons or onely severall names and titles of one and the same person A. The Father is not the Sonne but another person a the Son is not the Father but another b and the Holy Ghost is neither the Father nor the Son but another c and therefore they are each distinct from other as severall and distinct Persons Q. What are the personall properties whereby each is distinguished from other A. The property of the Father is to beget the Son d the property of the Son to be begotten of the Father e the property of the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son f who is therefore called the spirit of the Father g and of the Son h Q. Are every one of these persons God A. Yea Of the Father there is lesse question and the Scriptures doe witnesse that the Son is God i and also that the Holy Ghost is God k Q. You have shewed that there is a God and and onely one God and three persons tell me now what God is A. God is so infinite and incomprehensible that no creature is able fully to comprehend or know him Exod. 33. 20. 23. Iob. 26. 14. 11. 7 8 9. 1 Tim. 6. 16. Q. How then may we conceive of him A. As he hath revealed himselfe to us l in his back parts m which are his divine attributes n and by his workes o Q. What are those Attributes or back parts of God A. Wisdome p Power q Goodnesse r Truth s Justice t Mercy u and the like in all which he is infinite w and everlasting x Q. What are the works of God A. They are three Decree Creation and Providence CHAP. 4. Of Gods Decree Q. WHat is Gods Decree A. That whereby he hath before determined and decreed with himselfe whatsoever shall come to passe Q. Doe you say that Gods decree reacheth to all things whatsoever cometh to passe in time A. Yea all things whatsoever have been are or that shall be hereafter were before decreed and determined by God Eph. 1. 11. Act. 15. 18. Q. What are some of the principall things that are so decreed A. Things that are most casuall a things that are most freely done by the creature b and things wherein the creature commits abundance of sin c Q. What else A. Such things as seeme small and little d are also great and speciall events Q. What are some of those great and speciall events that are decreed by the Lord A. The comming and death of Christ and all the workes of his mediatorship e the salvation of the Godly f the damnation of the wicked g the day of every mans particular death h and the day of the generall judgement i Q. When were all these things decreed by God A. Before the world was created even from everlasting 1 Cor. 2. 7. Eph. 1. 4. 3. 11. 1 Pet. 1. 20. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Q. What was the cause of Gods decrees A. The cause that moved him to decree was nothing foreseene in the creature but his own will and good pleasure Rom. 9. 11. 18. Matth. 11. 25. 26. But sith some are appointed by the decree of God to damnation if his will be the cause of that decree how is that just Yea it is most just and righteous notwitstanding Rom. 13 14. Q. How may that appeare A. Because the will of God is the rule of all righteousnesse k and because the Lord hath absolute power over all creatures as the Potter hath power over his clay l Q How else may the justice of the Lord in his decrees appeare A. Because what ever be the Lords decree there is no man actually condemned till he be first defiled with sinne Rom. 3. 9 19. 2. 6 9. Genes 4. 7. Q. VVhether is the decree of God certaine and immutable or such as may be changed and not take
he would therefore it had been no unrighteous thing if God had left him in that misery whereinto he had brought himselfe Pro. 1. 31. Q. Did the Lord worke the deliverance of man because man did importunately seek and sue unto him for the same A. Man did not seek and sue unto God at all but fled from him Gen 3. 8. Rom. 3. 11. And if he had sought unto God for helpe God was not bound to afford it and how much lesse when he sought it not Q. If God did not worke the deliverance of man because himselfe had need of it or because man did desire it what then was the cause that moved him to it A. Onely his free grace mercy and love Iohn 3. 16. Eph. 2. 4 5. Titus 3. 4 5. Q. What is the true way and means of deliverance A. Onely the Lord Jesus Christ Genes 3. 15. Acts 4. 12. 1 Iohn 5. 12. CHAP. 13. Of the person of Christ and his divine and humane nature Q. WHat things are to be known and believed concerning Christ A. His Person his Office his Actions the benefits that come by him and the means how we are made partakers of him and all his benefits Q. What is his person A. It is God and man united together in one person Q. How may it be proved that Christ is God A. By sundry places of Scripture wherein he is expresly so called Isa. 9. 6. Iohn 1. 1. Rom. 9. 5. Phil. 2. 6. 1 Iohn 5. 2â— Q. How else A. Because Eternity a Omnipotency b Omniscience c and Omnipresence d which are properties peculiar to God are all of them ascribed unto Christ Q. How else may the Godhead of Christ be proved A. Because the creation of the world e the forgivenesse of sinnes f the working of miracles g which are workes that can be done by none but God are all of them ascribed to him as the authour of them and because he is made a lawfull object of divine worship h Q. Why was it requisite that Christ our Saviour should be God A. That he might beare the weight of Gods wrath without sinking under the same i that he might overcome death k and his sufferings might be of sufficient worth and value to satisfie the infinite justice of God l Q. Is Christ also truely partaker of the nature of man A. Yes for he is frequently called man and the sonne of man m and said to be made flesh n and partaker of flesh and blood o Q. Why was it requisite that he should be man A. That he might suffer death for us p sanctisie our nature q and that we might have accesse with boldnesse unto God r Q. But sith he was God from everlasting how came be to be man also A. When the fulnesse of time was come s he became man not after the ordinary and usuall way of generation by man and woman together but he was conceived by the holy Ghost in the womb of a Virgin without a father t Q. Sith there are two natures in Christ the Divine and humane whether is Christ then two persons A. By no means but one onely 1 Cor. 8. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Q. But is not Christ a person in respect of his Godhead A. Yes the second person in the blessed Trinity Q. Is not another man who hath the whole nature of man in him both body and soule a perfect person A. Yes it is even so Q. Why then is not the humane nature in Christ a distinct person A. Because it never had subsisting and being of it selfe but in the person of the Son of God being assumed unto it from the first moment of its being Heb. 2. 16. Q. If both the humane and divine nature be in Christ and yet Christ but one person is then the Godhead become the manhood and the manhood the Godhead A. Not so this Union of two natures in one person doth not confound the two natures nor destroy the properties of either but these still remain unconfounded and distinct in that one person CHAP. 14. Of the Office of Christ to be a Mediator Q. HAving spoken of the person of Christ tell in the next place what is Christs Office A. His Office in the generall is to be a Mediator between God and man to worke reconciliation betwixt them 1 Tim. 25. 2 Cor. 5. 18 19. Q. What need was there of such a Mediator A. Very much need because by the sinne of man there was now grown enmity between them God being offended with man and man being enemy to God Rom. 5. 9 10. Col. 2. 21. Q. Is Christ the onely Mediator or are there not others that may be mediators also A. Properly there is no other mediator between God and man but Christ onely 1 Tim. 2. 5. Iohn 14. 6. Q. Who gave Christ a Commission or calling to the Office of a mediator A. As no man can lawfully intrude himselfe into any office without a lawfull calling no more did Christ intrude himselfe into the office of a Mediator but was lawfully called and authorized thereunto by the father Isa 42. 1 6. Iohn 6. 29. 10. 36. Heb. 5. 4 5. Q. How was he furnished with gifts and abilities for discharge of this office A. As God never calleth any to any office but he gives them gifts requisite thereto so Christ was furnished with all wisdom knowledge and other gifts of the spirit that might fully fit him for his office of Mediator Col. 2. 3. Isa. 11. 2. 61. 1. Heb. 1. 9. Iohn 3. 34. Q. Whether is Christ Mediator according to his humane nature or according to his divine A. The office of mediation belongeth to whole Christ as he is God and man and not in respect of either nature alone Q. How may that appeare A. A Mediator should be a fit and middle person to deale between two that are at variance but if our mediator be considered as God onely he should then be too high to treat with man and had he been man only he should have been too low for God Q. VVhat may be a further reason thereof A. If the acts of his mediation doe proceed from him being considered onely as God they then cannot be applicatory unto us and if they proceed from him onely as man they then cannot be of sufficient value to be satisfactory unto God Q. Doe you then think that in the execution of his office of mediator both the natures doe joyntly concurre A. It is even so indeed God-man whose Christ is our mediator Q. How long hath Christ had this office A. In respect of Gods decree he was appointed to it from eternity a in respect of vertue and efficacy he was mediator from the beginning of the world when need was b Q. But when was he manifested in the flesh A. In respect of his manifestation in the flesh he was given in the
plainly p as may be for the understanding of the simple Q. What are we to think of that usuall way of catechizing by questions and answers A. This way of teaching hath plentifull warrant in the Scriptures q and is suitable to the notation and signifitation of the word Catechising which is taken from that returne or answer which is given in an Eccho Q. Who are to be catechised A. All that have need thereof as being not well instructed in these points and therefore little children r are to be catechised as soon as they shall be able to learn and others also that are ignorant s or children in understanding Q. But is it not a shame for persons of yeers to be catechised A. It is a shame and justly reproveable as a sinne when persons grown to yeeres are so ignorant as to have need to be catechised Heb. 5. 5. 12 13. 1 Cor. 15. 34. Q. But how if they be not willing to be catechised A. It is much more a sinne and shame if being ignorant they refuse to have their ignorance holpen by being instructed Psal. 58. 5. Prov. 17 22. 13. 18. 15. 32. Q. But is it not indeed a reproach and shame unto a man to be catechised A. It is so farre from being a shame that indeed it is the duty of all to be willing to learn u and therefore not a shame unto any but the commendation of every one that is so willing x CHAP. 2. Of the holy Scriptures Q. YOu have shewed that to be instructed in the principles of Religion is both warrantable needfull and profitable tell likewise whence we must take direction for attaining wel-grounded knowledge in these principles and all other points of Religion A. Out of those sacred books or writings which are called the holy Scriptures Q. Hath the word and will of God alwaies been set down in writing A. No Moses was the first Penman of holy Scripture who Iived not till above two thousand yeeres after the creation Q. How was the will of God made known to his people in those times afore the Scriptures were written A. By divers and sundry meanes a as by visions b by dreames c by visible signes d and by audible voyce e Q. Why did God afterward cause his will to be set down in writing A. That it might be the better preserved f that it might be conveyed to posterity g and that it might be an infallible standard to try all doctrines by h Q. What are the books of holy Scriptures A. The bookes of the Old Testament i as they are expressed in our Bibles Q. VVhy are these writings called holy A. They are called holy k because they have an holy Authour which is God l were written by Pen-men who were holy men m and because the doctrine which is conteined in them is all for the promoting of holinesse in us n Q. How may it he proved that these Bookes are indeed the word of God A. Because it is said they were given by inspiration of God o and that the Penmen of them spake as they were moved or acted by the holy Ghost p. Q. How elseb A. By the wonderfull efficacy of them as in other things so in this that they enter into the heart for conviction and humiliation q and are mighty through God to convert and comfort the soule r Q. How else may it be proved that the Scriptures are the word of God A. Because they must either be the word of God and have him for the Author of them or else some creature must be the author of them which latter is not possible Q. It is true indeed if no creature be the author of them then God the creator must but why may not some creature be their author A. A good creature Angel or man could never be so impious presumptuous and blasphemous as to father his own doings upon God falsly making him the Author of them and a wicked creature would never shew such care and zeale for the glory of God such dislike and detestation of all kind of sinne as the book of the Scriptures doth Q. What particular uses are the Scriptures profitable for A. For the teaching of true doctrine and convincing the contrary for correction or reformation of errors in life and for instructing unto good duties 2 Tim. 3. 16. Q. Are the Scriptures a compleat and sufficient rule of direction for all points of faith and life A. Yea for they were written for that very end that we might believe on Christ Jesus and believing have eternall life through his name s and they are able to make one wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus t Q. How else may this sufficiency and perfection of the Scriptures appeare A. It may appeare also by this in that by the Scriptures the man of God who needs more abilities then other men may be perfect and throughly furnished unto all good works u and because it is a cursed thing to adde any thing thereto w Q. Doth the knowledge of the Scriptures belong unto all or onely to the Learned A. Not onely Magistrates x and Ministers y but every housholder z yea simple people a yea women b young men c and children d ought to be acquainted with the Scriptures and therefore the knowledge of them doth belong unto all sorts of people CHAP. 3. Of God Q. YOu have shewed that the meanes of well grounded knowledge is the holy Scripture tell me now what it is that the Scriptures doe especially teach us A. They teach us especially the saving knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ a Q. How may it be proved that there is a God A. The Scriptures doe abundantly and plainly testifie it b and the creation of the world doth shew it c Q. How doth the creation of the world shew that there is a God A. Even as a faire and sumptuous building doth shew that some body was the maker of it so this great world doth shew there was a maker of it which is God Heb. 3. 4. Q. But why might not the world be without beginning and have its being of it selfe A. Because then the world should be God for that which hath its being of its self and is without beginning is God Q. How else may it be proved that there is a God A. The succession of day and night and other seasons with the sustentation and ordering of the Creatures and the motions of them doth plainly witnesse that there is a God Psal. 19. 2. 3. Acts. 14. 17. Amos. 4 13. 5. 8. Q. How may this be expressed in some familiar comparison A. When a ship is seene at Sea with her Sayles spread and her passage rightly guided unto the harbour it appeareth thereby that there were men that guided the same for
there of this resurrection of Christ A. The scripture saith that Christ is risen indeed f and his resurrection hath beene witnessed by many cleare and pregnant Testimonies Q. VVhat are those testimonies A. The blessed Angels did witnesse that Christ was risen from the dead g so also did the watchmen which were set to have kept him from rising h and likewise certaine godly women i to whom he shewed himselfe alive after his Resurrection Q. What further Testmonies was there of Christs resurrection A. The Apostles who were witnesses appoined of God for this end k doe frequently testifie the same l Q. Did not Christ also declare his owne Resurrection by shewing himselfe upon earth after he was risen from the dead afore he ascended into Heaven A. He shewed himselfe alive by appearing to many within the space of those forty dayes betweene his Resurrection and ascention Acts 1. 3. Q. What are some of those apparitions of Christ in those dayes A. He appeared to Mary Magdalen m and to other Godly Women n to two disciples as they were going to Emmaus o and to all the disciples together except Thomas p Q. To whom else A. To the disciples at another time and to Thomas being with them q to seven of them at the sea of Tiberias r to the Eleven a in Mountain of Galilee s and upon the mount of Olives t and to above five hundred brethren at once u Q. You have sufficiently shewed the certainty of Christs resurrection tell likewise the time of it when it was that he arose A. Hee rose againe the third day after he was put to death 1 Cor 15. 4. Q. By what power did he rise againe A. By the power of the father w and his owne almighty power x Q. What were the ends of his Resurrection A. He rose againe to shew the dignity of his person y to fulfill the scriptures z and to shew that there was sufficiencie of merit and satisfaction in his death a Q. Open this last a little more plainely A. When a suretie apprehended and laid in prison hath fully discharged the debt it is meete that then he should be released and when he is released it appeareth thereby that the debt is fully paid so when Christ had fully satisfied for our sinnes it was meete he should be released from death and being so released it appeareth thereby that satisfaction for our sinnes was fully made Q. What other ends were there of the Resurrection of Christ A. He rose that he might have Lordship and Dominion over quicke and dead b which he had duely purchased by his suffering Q. Could Christ have performed the office whereto he was appointed if he had not risen from the dead A. That may be another end of his Resurrection namely that he might performe the office of an eternall Priest and Prophet and King unto his People which he could not have done if he had still remained under the power and Dominion of Death Q. What are the benefits of Christs Resurrection Hereby believers may be assured of their Iustification from all their sinnes c of their spirituall rising to newnesse of life d and of their Resurrection to glorie at their last day e CHAP. 21. Of Christs Ascention into Heaven Q WHen Christ was risen from the dead did he still continue upon earth A. No but after a time he left this world and ascended into heaven Iohn 16 28. Q What was the place from whence he did ascend A. In generall from this world and in speciall from the mount of Olives neere unto Ierusalem Acts 1. 12. Q What was the place to which he did ascend A. The third heaven farre above this earth and all these inferior and visible heavens Mark 16. 19. Luk. 24. 51. Act. 1. 11. Ioh. 14. 1. 2. Eph. 4. 10. Q. Was this ascention of Christ a true and reall mutation and change of place or onely a change of his Estate A. Though Christ in respect of his Godhead be everywhere present a and in respect of the power and comfort of his spirit be present with all his saints upon earth b yet his ascention into heaven was such a true and reall change of place that in respect of his bodily presence he is now no more upon earth but in heaven c Q. What was the efficient cause of Christ ascention A. The power of the father in respect whereof he is said to be received or taken up d and his owne Almighty power in respect of which he is said to ascend or goe up e Q. When was the time of this ascention A. Forty dayes after his Resurrection from the dead Act. 1. 3. Q. Why did he ascend no sooner A. Because he would first sufficiently confirme the faith of the disciples concerning his resurrection and fully instruct them in the things pertayning to the kingdom of God Acts 1. 3. Q. Why did he stay upon earth no Longer A. To shew that it was not an earthly life which he now affected or minded Q. Who were witnesses of his Ascention A. The disciples who were with him at that time upon the mount of Olives and certaine Angel which then appeared Acts 1. 9. 10. 11. Q. For what end did Christ ascend into heaven A. That he might fulfill the scripture f and fully performe his office g and take possession of the glory that was due unto him h Q. What else were the ends and fruits of his ascention A. The leading of Captivity Captive i the giving of gifts unto men k the pouring out of his spirit upon his people l and preparing a place for them m CHAP. 22. Of Christs sitting at the right hand of God and his returne to the last judgement Q BEsides the Resurrection and ascention of Christ what further degree is there of his exaltation A. His sitting at the right hand of God Psal. 110. 1. Mark 16. 19. Eph. 1. 20. Col. 3. 1. Heb. 1. 3 13. and 8 1. and 10. 12 13. Q. VVhat are we to understand by Christs sitting at the right hand of God A. That fulnesse of excellent majestie and glorious Dominion whereto he is now advanced farre above the most glorious Angels and every other creature Eph 1. 20 21 22. Heb. 1. 13. Q. But divine dominion and soveraignty over all Creatures belonging to the father and to the holy Ghost why is this peculiarly ascribed unto Christ A. Not in respect of right but the actuall and immediate exercise thereof for the former belonging to all the divine persons this latter is now peculiarly committed unto Christ Ioh. 5. 22. 27. Act 10. 42. and 17. 31. Q. VVho gave Christ this great authority thus to sit at the right hand of God A. He did not come unto it by any unjust usurpation but it was given unto him by God Eph. 1. 20. Phil.