all occasions and yet he is here with us in his Majesty Headship Grace though not in his Body Joh 16.7 Joh 14.28 Our businesse lieth in Heaven with God and it is best that Christ be there Heb 4.14 Q. How doth this affect the Heart of the believer A. It comforts me in assurance that it shall not goe ill with the Church or any Member thereof as long as Christ is at Gods right hand Pull Christ from Gods right hand and then you may overthrow the Church and children of God Psal 110 1 2. Ro 8.34 Ioh 10.28 1 Pet 1.21 Heb 2.8 9. There in a course taken to put all things fully under him CAP XXI Of the last judgement From thence he shall come to judge Q. SHall this World ever have an end A. Yes and then Christ shall come in great glory to judge the World 2 Pet 3.10 11. 2 Tim 4.1 Mat 16.27 Mat. 26.64 Q. Who shall be Judge A. The same Chirst that was pierced Act. 17.31 Ioh 5.22 27. Zach 12.10 Q. Whom shall he judge A. The quick and the dead that is all men that ever were or shall be Q. Who be meant by the quick A. They that be found alive at the last day 1 Cor. 15.51 1 Thes 4 15. Q. Who by the dead A All that have departed this life from the beginning of the World they shall come againe with their owne bodies Rev 20.12 Joh. 5.28 29. Q Whereof shall they be judged A. All men shall give account of themselves as their workes and waies have been 2 Cor. 5.10 Rom. 2.5 6 12 16. 1. Cor. 4.5 Eccles 12.14 Q. What sentence shall be passed on the Godly A. A sentence of pardon and absolution for Christs sake Mat. 25.32 34. Eph. 5.23 27. Q. What on the wicked A. A sentence of condemnation for their own sakes And then shall be made an everlasting separation between men men betweene godly and wicked betweene chaffe and wheat the one to everlasting joy the other to everlasting punishment with the Divell and his Angels for evermore Mat 25.41 Mat. 24 40. Mat 13.30 38 41 49. Here we live together and work together and eate together and Pray and Heare together but then the separation shall be made the Godly shall be taken and the Wicked left and cast in to the furnace of fire Q. What followes of the true beliefe of this Article A. It makes me carefull so to order the matter that I may be found of Him in peace not willingly going on in any course in which I would be loath to be found at the last day I would not at that day stand and appear among Non-residents Usurers Swearers c. and therefore I hate those courses now 2 Pet. 3.11 14. 1 Pet. 1.17 2 Cor. 5.9 11 12. Mat. 24 46 so doing I believe in the Holy Ghost Q. Who is the Holy Ghost A. The third Person of the blessed Trinity equall and of the same substance with the Father and the Sonne proceeding from the Father and the Son 1 Ioh. 5.7 Mat. 28.19 Iohn 15.26 Ioh. 14.26 Ioh. 16.15 Gal. 4.6 Esa 48.16 with Rom 8.9 Q. What is the office and worke of the Holy Ghost in mans salvation A. It is to make us holy to sanctifie wash and renew our hearts and lives filling us with all spirituall graces and thereby sealing up the love of God unto our hearts Matth. 3.11 Ioh. 3.5 1 Cor. 6.11 Tit. 3.5 Rom. 8.16 2 Cor. 1.22 The work of the holy Ghost is to be a Sanctifier a Comforter Q. What doe you believe in this Article A. I believe that as Christ redeemed the Church so the Holy Ghost sanctifieth it and that through sanctification of the Spirit I shall receive the inheritance purchased by Christ or I depend upon him for sanctification and salvation our salvation being among those workes of God which are externall that is terminated in the creature it is the work of the whole Trinity Eph. 1.5 Act. 20.28 Rev. 1.4 5. only as there is an order in their subsistence so there is in their operations 2 Thes 2.13 Tit. 3.5 Q. How may it appeare that you believe in the Holy Ghost A. 1. Because my hope and confidence for mercy is not seperated from nor greater then is my care to be sanctified Triall of this faith or because I desire sanctification of the Spirit as well as justification by Christ Rom. 8.1.13 Psal 51.9 10. Q How else may this be known A. Because I will not grieve the holy Spirit of God but doe endeavour to follow and be led by the motions counsels and directions of the Spirit and not of the flect Rom. 8.14 Eph. 4.30 I beg the Spirit to do all my workes in me a spirit of revelation and renovation a spirit of consolation and confirmation c. CAP. XXII Of the Church of God I believe the holy Catholicke Church Q. THE gathering of the Church is a fruit of Christs death and exaltation Tell me what is meant by the Church of God A. The company of Gods Elect called and separated from the rest of mankind and united unto Christ their head by faith 1 Cor. 1.2 Gal. 1.15 1 Pet. 2.9 Heb. 12.23 Eph. 5.23 25 26. The rest are the Church by calling and profession only Q. From what are they called And unto what are they called A. From sinne and the power of darknesse unto Faith true Repentance from love of the world to the love of God from carelessenesse to conscience of pleasing God Col. 1.13 1 Thes 1.9 1 Thes 4.7 1 Pet. 1.14 15. Act. 26.18 Q. By what meanes are they called A. Outwardly by the Word preached which inwardly is made effectuall by the Holy Ghost to their conversion 1 Thes 1.5 Act. 16.14 1 Cor. 3.6 7 9. 2 Cor. 3.3 There is an outward calling and an outward joyning to the Church Mat. 20.16 1 Ioh. 2.19 Rom. 9.4 5. But this saveth none without the inward calling spirituall ingrafture into Christ Ioh. 15.2.19 Gal. 1.15 1 Pet. 2.5 Eph. 2.19 20 21. Col. 2.19 Q. These called ones How be they distinguished A. Part of them be in Heaven The Church Militant Triumphant what it is having a finished their blessed course and are called the Church triumphant And part is yet on Earth b combating and striving with corruptions fears and temptations from within and from Satan and are therefore called the Church Militant a Rev. 7.13 16 17. Rev 14 13. Heb. 12.23 2 Tim. 4.7 8. b Eph. 6.13 Q. Why is the Church called holy A. Because it is made holy by the Word and Spirit so that no ungodly person is of the Church though he be in the Church Rom. 2.29 Rom. 9.6 1 Ioh. 2.19 Q. Why is it called Catholick A. Because this company is gathered not out of one place or people but out of all Nations Languages and Peoples and in all ages of the world Rev. 7.9 Rev. 5.9 Q. What be the signes by which the societies
the things granted by Gods Covenant Q. Must we be in Covenant with God before we can partake of the Sacraments A. Yes for else the outward signes doe not profit Abraham was first in Covenant with God and then he received the signe of Circumcision Even as we use first to agree upon the conditions before we seale and deliver the deeds Gen. 15.6 18. with Gen. 17 7 10 11. with Rom. 4.10 11. Acts 8.13 21 37. As in Covenant and Contract of Marriage there is first a consent of the parties and then the writings are sealed so it is in this covenant of Grace both we and our Children must be in Covenant with God before the Sacraments which are the seales of the Covenant can belong to us Some are in Covenant with God only by outward profession and such people receive the signe but not the thing signified as Acts 5.3 1 Cor. 10.3 5. 1 Cor. 11.27 Rom. 2 25. others are really in Covenant with the Lord they receive both the signe and the things thereby signified as Acts 2.41 1 Pet. 3.21 Our Children are taken into Gods Covenant and so have the signe of Baptisme Howbeit when they come to age they must performe the condition of their Fathers Faith else they forfeit all Q. The Sacraments of the Old Testament were two 1. Circumcision and 2. the Passeover of the New Testament be likewise two Sacraments Baptisme and the Lords Supper How do they differ the one from the other The New from the Old A. Not in substance for Christ is the substance and end of all Sacraments but only in the manner the Old did lead unto and fet forth Christs death which was to come the New doe set forth Christ already come 1 Cor. 10.3 4. 1 Cor. 5.7 Exod. 12.13 The parts of a Sacrament Q. How many parts be there in a Sacrament A. There be two parts in every Sacrament 1. Some outward bodily signe 2. And some spiritual benefit signifi'd thereby Q. What is the spiritual thing signified in every Sacramâ—nt A. Christ crucified or the doing away of sinnes in for the death of Christ it is not every grace represented by an outward signe that doth make a Sacrament but the benefit of Christs passion is that grace which is set forth in every Sacrament Col. 2.11 12. Marke 1.4 Matth. 26.28 1 Cor 10.16 1 Cor. 5.7 Q. What followes hereof A. Therefore those other five Sacraments of the Papists viz Confirmation Penance Orders Matrimony extreame unction are falsly called Sacraments of the New Testament as being neither ordained by Christ nor having such Sacramental signes and significations A Christian needs but two things to his being viz. a new birth and a growth in Christ both which are set forth in the other two Sacraments besides those five are not common to all Christians that be in Covenant with God nor yet peculiar to the Christian Churches Q. Who is the Author and ordainer of all Sacraments The Author A. Only the Lord God None but God can forgive sinnes bestow spiritual graces and therefore none but God can make signes and seals thereof As he alone can signe and seale a deed that hath the right to sell the land All signes and Sacraments of mans devising cannot teach or help devotion but only delude and breed superstition It is a foolish thing to make a significant signe of that which is not in our power to give Mat. 28.19 1 Cor. 11.23 Q. What is the efficacy of Sacraments Do they justifie the receiver or work in us that grace which they signify if the party him self do not hinder it by some grosse sin And Efficacy A. No Sacraments are signes of Gods grace and favour towards us but not the working causes thereof For then the signe should be before the thing whereof it is a signe which cannot be Sacraments serve as it were to put us in possession of the Covenant as a sealed deed formally delivered doth of an house or land that is sold Remission of sins and oher blessings of the Covenant are not in the Sacraments as Heat is in the fire or as a medicine in a box But as a Key given in token of possession or a deed whereby Men are enfeoft in any House or Land are in Law sure Pawnâ— of the things promised so are the holy signes given to the beleiver Remission of sins sanctification of our hearts is from God alone through the bloud of Jesus Christ yet for the applying thereof unto us there are diverse means established as 1. Baptisme Act 2.38 Mat 3.7 Mar 1.4 2ly The Eucharist Mat. 26.28 1 Cor. 10.16 3ly Preaching 2 Cor 5.19 4ly Prayer Act 8.22 Ja 5.15 5ly The power of the Keys Mat 18.18 Ioh 20.23 All these are Acts instituted by God SacrameÌ„ts are not physicall but moral instrumeÌ„ts by which God bestoweth what they represent the use of them is in our hands the effect ' in Gods for the use we have his Commandement for the effect his Conditional promise The Sacraments are not bare resemblances and memorials of things absent nor naked signes of Grace received before but means effectual whereby God delivereth into our hands the Grace signified by them Hoâ—ker Pol. l. 5. S. 57. executed by us for that purpose And therefore although the dead soul that hath no inward motion of faith to receive the benefit offered nor any disposition of heart answerable to the thing that is done outwardly these means availe nothing Gal. 5 6. Yet on Gods part offering and on mans part duely receiving and imbracing them the outward signe the spiritual benefit thereby signified doe ever goe together hence it is that in the Scripture that which is proper to the thing signified is sometimes ascribed to the signe as Acts 22.16 Arise and be Baptized washing away sinnes with 1 Cor 10.16 1 Cor 11. 24 25. The which is well expressed Art 25 of the Church of Eng. Gallica Confessio fidei Art 34.37 Harm of Confessions That the Sacraments be certain sure witnesses effectual signes of grace and Gods good will towards us in such only as worthily receive the same they have a wholsome effect By the Sacraments God doth quicken strengthen Confirme our faith ibid. CAP. L. Of Baptisme Q. WHat is Baptisme A. It is a Sacrament of our engrafture into Christ out of old Adam It is unto us an entrance into the Church witnessing unto us that whereas we were before strangers from God a God doth now receive us into his family people and we again b give up our selves together with our names unto God through Jesus Christ to walk in newnesse of life a 1 Cor 12.13 Gal. 3.27 Eph. 2.11 12 13 b Mat. 3.8 11. Rom. 6.3 4. Q What 's the owtward signe in Baptisme A. The dipping or sprinkling of water in the name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 for dipping see Iohn 3. 23. Mat. 3 6
Christ Q. WHat is the substance of this Article A. To acknowledge Jesus Christ the Son of Mary to be the Son of God the Saviour of the World the true Messiah that was to come Mat. 16.16 17. Joh. 9.35 38. Q. Why is Faith in the Sonne of God joyned to the former Article A. Because it is necessary to salvation to know God in Christ out of Christ no man knows God aright Joh. 17.3 6.29 8.24 14.1 Whatsoever God is to his Church he is it in Christ the Attributes of God are sweetned unto us in Christ Q. What is Jesus Christ A. The eternall Sonne of God both God and Man God before all time and Man in the fulnesse of time Col. 1.15 16. Ioh. 8 57 58. Rom. 1.3 4. Col. 2.9 Q. Why is he called Jesus A. Because he saveth his people from their sinnes Mat. 1.21 Heb. 5.9 Q. Why is he called Christ A. Because he is anointed of the Father Act. 10.38 Ioh. 3.34 Q. What doe you meane by this anointing A. It signifieth that Christ is sealed fitted and furnished with all Graces Power and abilities to save us Ioh. 10.36 Ioh. 6.27 Esay 42.6 Esay 61.1 Col. 1.19 Q. Unto what Offices and Workes was Christ set apart and fitted A. To a threefold office First To be a Priest by the offering up of himselfe in death to pacifie his Fathers wrath towards us Heb. 9.7 26. Levit. 4.20 Q. To what second Office was he anointed A. To be a King of soules to deliver his people from the power of Sinne and Satan and to guide them through all temptations to Heaven Luk. 1.74 Eph. 1 21 22. 1 Cor. 15.25 Q. To what office else A. To be a Prophet effectually to teach his Church Joh. 6.45 Joh. 1.18 2 Cor 3.3 Luk. 4.18 Q. God hath given these Offices to Christ with intent to bestow the benefit fruit and profit of them upon his Elect. How doth it appeare that Christ is a Christ to thee or that Christ is thy Christ A triall whether we be Christians A. Because in some measure I am made partaker of Christs anointing that is of his fulnesse I have received Grace to know him to conquer my corruptions and am willing to sacrifice my dearest contentments to his will am enabled in some measure to serve him acceptably Rom. 12.1 1 Pet. 2.5 1 Joh. 2.27 Jer. 50.20 His onely Son our Lord. Q. Is Christ the only Son of God A. Christ is the only Son of God by Nature that is of the same substance and essence with the Father we are the Sons of God by favour and adoption we are not so born but by grace we are made partakers of that dignity to be the Sons of God Joh. 10.30 Gal. 3.26 Gal. 4.5 Q. Why is he called our Lord A. Because having bought us he hath a propriety in us and dominion over us as a Lord to rule and command us and none else hath power over us He is made both Lord and Christ to rule all things of his Fathers Kingdome both in Heaven and Earth 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Cor. 7.23 Luk. 1.32 33. Esay 9.7 Esay 26.12 13. 2 Pet. 1.9 Act. 10 36. 1 Cor. 15.25 27. Q. What do you believe in this Article A. I believe that the eternall and consubstantiall Sonne of God who is every way fitted and abled to save soules is my Saviour and that by him delivering me from Sinne and Satan I am become the Sonne of God Mat. 16.16 17. CAP. XVIII Of the Incarnation of the Son of God Which was conceived by the Holy Ghost THE conception of Christ stands in three thing 1. The framing his Body of the Virgin Mary 2. The seperating of originall sinne from it 3. The uniting of that Nature to the Godhead in the instant of his conception Q. Christ is God equall with his Father from all Eternity How came he to be Man A. In the fulnesse of time he took flesh of the Virgin Mary and was born of her as we be of our mothers a perfect man as we are so that there is true God and perfect man in one person Joh. 1.14 Gal. 4.4 Phil. 2.6 7. Heb. 2.17 Esay 7.14 Joh. 3.13 Rom. 9.5 Q. Why did he take mans nature on him A. That he might be put under the Law to stand in our room and in our nature to satisfie for our sinnes at his Incarnation he entred into our bonds as being God he could neither suffer death nor be made obedient to the Law Heb. 2.14 Heb. 9.22 Heb. 10.5 10. Q. How was he conceived A. Not by the power of nature as we are of two Parents but by the power of the holy Ghost which did frame his body of the substance of the Virgin Mary and united it to the Godhead Luk 1.35 Joh. 3.13 Eph. 4.9 Q. All that be borne of women be sinners How came Christ to be conceived and borne without sin A. Because he was conceived by the power of the holy Ghost who did separate originall sinne from his nature Luk. 1.35 that holy thing Heb. 7.26 Heb. 4.15 Q. Why must Christ be without sin A. Because else he could not save sinners Heb. 7.27 28. Else he must like the High Priest offer for his own sins as well as for the peoples Q. Why was he borne of a Virgin A. To answer the Prophesies that hereby it might appeare that he was the true Messias spoken of by the Prophets Esay 7.14 Ier. 31.22 Heb. 7.3 Q. Why of that Virgin of the stock of David and Abraham A. Because the promised seed was to come out of the loynes of Abraham Salvation is of the Jewes Gen. 12.3 Gen. 22.18 Gal. 3.16 Joh. 4.22 Q. What do you believe in this Article A. That the eternall Son of God remaining God did take my nature on him and in that nature did satisfie for my sins In which being now advanced to Gods right hand he doth execute as Mediator all things belonging to the Kingdome of God Q. How doth the true beliefe of this Article affect our hearts A. In that wonderfull Person I admire Gods infinite wisdome and love in contriving and working mans salvation As he is in himselfe a wonderfull Person so he is to me I look to the man that is Gods fellow and dwels in the everlasting burning Eph. 3.8 9 10. Zach. 13.7 CAP. XIX Of Christs sufferings the vertue of them Suffered under Pontius Pilate Q. DID Christ suffer for himselfe A. No He was no debtor to the Law and therefore what he suffered was for us and in our stead as our surety Esa 53.4 5 6. Heb 9.9 1 Pet. 3.18 2 Cor. 5.21 Heb 7.22 Mat. 3.14 15. Dan. 9.26 Rom. 4.25 Q. What did Christ suffer in our stead A. The whole punishment due to out sinnes the whole wrath of God in his soule and body which we should have suffered Esay 53.4 10. Mat 26.38 39. Rev. 19.15 1 Pet 2.24 Psal 22.14 Rom. 8.32 Q. When did he
creature for religious use no testimony of reverence to be given to them of Will-worship of the parts of Gods worship and the right manner of performing the same Cap. 31. Of taking Gods name in vaine in or without an oath of conditions of a lawfull Vow and Oath Cap. 32. Of the Sabbath day the institution change and celebration the duties for sanctifying of the Rest Cap. 33. Duties of Parents and Children Cap. 34. Duties of Masters and Servants of rulers and Subjects Cap. 35. Duties of husband and Wife Cap. 36. Of Murther in the heart tongue gesture c. Cap. 37. Of Adultery in the heart tongue gesture c. Cap. 38. Of Theft Oppression Restitution Cap. 39 Of Truth Falshood in our words kinds of lying dissimulation of defending ones good name Cap. 40. Of concupiscence and first motions to evill how evill thoughts not consented unto be sinfull How it may be discovered whether evill thoughts doe arise from our owne corrupt hearts or from Satan Cap. 41. Of the meanes of working and increasing Grace How to hear the Word of God to our comfort and salvation Cap. 42. Of Prayer what it is to whom and for whom to be made Of Prayer in the Spirit and other conditions required in an acceptable prayer Cap. 43. Of the Lords Prayer of sanctifying Gods Name Cap. 44. Of Christs Spirituall Kingdome and doing Gods will Cap. 45. Of our daily bread what it is and how given Cap. 46. Of forgivenesse of sinnes what it is to whom granted signes that we forgive others Cap. 47. Of Temptations how God is said to lead into temptation of the right manner of giving praise to God Cp. 48. Of the right use abuse of the Lords Prayer of stinted Prayer of the Spirit of Prayer how to judge whether our Prayers be heard Cap. 49. Of the seales of the Covenant How the Spirit doth seale and witnesse with our spirits Of the nature Author and efficacy of the Sacraments in generall Cap. 50. Of Baptisme what it is to be baptized in the Name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost Of Baptizing of Infants and the benefit of Baptisme to them Cap. 51 Of the Lords Supper Of Transubstantiation and the Reall Presence Of the sacrifice of the Masse and of the true use and end of the Lords Supper Cap. 52. Of right participation of the Lords Supper what we must doe before we come when we be there and after we have received how to find that we have received aright of receiving in a mixt cōgregation An Appendix 1. Vnfolding certaine termes used in sermons and English Bookes 2. Shewing the markes of Gods Children 3. Containing some generall Rules and Principles of Holy Life CAP. I. Of the state of Man by Creation and of the Covenant of Nature WHat should be the first and great care of every man in this World Ans To a know God betimes to serve him aright and to b provide for the eternall salvation of our poore soules a Eccl. 12.1 1 Chron 28.9 b Luc. 10.42 John 6.27 Esa 55.2 1 Tim. 6.18 19. Q. What is mans chiefest happinesse in this world A. It is to enjoy God by faith to walk with him to know our selves to be in his favour here and that we shall for ever live with him after death Without this we are as miserable as the Beasts Gen. 15. 1. Lam. 3.24 Eccl. 2.1 11 13. No earthly thing can make one happy Jer. 9.23 24. Eccl. 12.13 Math. 16 26. 1 Cor. 15.19 Eph. 2.12 Q. How shall a man attain to this true Happinesse A. Only by the Scriptures which are able to make us wise to Salvation Ioh. 5.39 46. Luke 16.29 31 Iohn 14.6 2 Tim. 3.15 Q. How are we assured that the Scripture is Gods-Word A. Not onely by the Testimony of the Church which cannot universally deceive but especially by the Testimony of the Spirit working strange and supernaturall effects in us by the Word giving us such joy contentment and satisfaction touching spirituall and eternall things by way of tast and feeling as is not possible for humane reason to doe Ioh. 4.42 Ioh. 6.68 69. 1 Thes 1.5 2 Pet. 1.18 21. 2. Cor. 4.6 Foure heads of Christian doctrine Q. What be those Parts or heads of Christian Doctrine delivered in Scripture the knowledge whereof maketh us happy A. There be foure generall heads of it 1. The Doctrine of mans creation and state of innocency 2ly Of the fall and misery of man 3ly Of mans deliverance and redemption by Jesus Christ and of the means to partake of Christ 4. How the redeemed ought to live These Truthes bring us to Humiliation Justification and Sanctification Act. 20.20 Q. God in the beginning created Adam and Eve in what state did he make them at first A. God made them upright after his own likenesse Of the state of Man by Creation i.e. in an holy and happy estate free from sin and misery Gen. 1.27 Col. 3.10 Eccles 7.29 Q. Wherein consisted the Image of God in which man was created A. It stood in two things First in that Dominion Honour and Excellency which Adam had over the creatures Gen. 1.26 Gen. 2.20 Gen. 9.6 This was externall Joh. 10.34 God is the great King and Lord of all things and all in Authority doe beare his Image 1 Cor. 11.7 Rom. 13.4 Q. Wherein chiefely did that Image of God consist A. In Holinesse and Righteousnesse wherein man was like unto God himselfe their whole soules and bodies being filled with the fulnesse of Grace Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10 Q. If Adam had not sinned should he have died A. No For death came in by sinne as the wages of it Rom. 5.12 Gen. 2.17 Q. Also if he had continued upwright he should have been saved without the help of a Mediatour Of the first Covenant made with Adam A. It is true for so God Covenanted with him and in token thereof Gave him to eat of the tree of Life Gen. 2.9 16. Gen. 3.22 24. Rev. 2.7 Q. Declare more plainly the Covenant made with Adam before he fell A. It was a Covenant of Workes wherein life was promised upon condition of his continuing without sin in perfect obedience Rom. 10.5 Gal. 3.12 Rev. 22.14 Doe this and live Q. But could Adam at that time have been saved by his own inherent righteousnesse was he able to keepe that Covenant A. Yes For Adam was the Sonne of God perfect in holinesse righteousnesse and Heire of Heaven even as the holy Angels are Luk 3.38 Gen. 1.27 31. Adam had a whole will no ignorance no corruption to strive against the Spirit Q. Can any man since the fall be saved by that Covenant A. No Because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and therefore must look for salvation by another that is by Christ Jesus Rom. 3.22 23. Rom. 8.3 Heb. 8.8 Gal. 3.10 Q. Must any be judged that is stand or fall by that Covenant of Workes A. Yes all
Word and Spirit of God a 1 Ioh. 1 9 b Rom. 8.13 14. Eph. 2.2 Ier. 44.17.6 And if the blind lead the blind they both fall into the ditch a Blind rule is a blind guide Q. How thirdly may it be knowne A. Because they were never converted neither doe they see why or from what such as be borne and bred up in the true ReligioÌ„ should be converted such people are yet in their naturall state Ioh. 8.33 34.36 Ioh 3.4 7. Luk. 15.7 Act. 3.19 Q How fourthly may people be convinced to be under sinne and without grace A. Because sin is no burthen to to them they were never pricked in their hearts not soundly humbled under their naturall condition A man may finde many faults in himselfe by coÌ„mon grace but to feel and bewaile the rotteÌ„nesse sink of iniquity that is in our hearts the contrarieties that be in our nature against God and the workings of corruption this we cannot discover but by the sanctifying Spirit of God Rom. 7.7 9. Q. How fiftly doth it appeare that men want Grace A. Because they discerns not betweene pretious and vile as between the state of Nature the state of Grace between civill honesty saving Grace Let them tell what the differences be Num. 16.3 Eze. 22.26 Esa 5.20 Joh. 3.4 1 Cor. 2.13 14. Spirituall things must be spiritually discerned you must not heare a Sermon as you would heare a speech c. Q. How sixtly may this be proved A. Because they cannot bring you one promise out of the Scripture nor one mark of a saved one of which they can say this doth belong to me But the lesse they know of the Word of God the better they thinke of themselves and the lesse they search their owne hearts the greater is their assurance These are deluded ones Sound Christians can bring promises and evidences that they are in the state of Grace such as these Rom. 8.1 2 13. 1 Joh. 3.14 1 Joh. 5.1 2. 1 Thes 5.5 6. Q. How lastly may a carnall person be convinced to be under sin A. Because they are not in Christ this you must know that it is not enough for a man to doe his best and what he can but if he be not in Christ the Law layeth hold on him he is under the curse No body is safe by doing his best Eph. 2.12 1 Thes 1.10 the Law is a cruell Master it lookes not what we can doe it accepts not of repentings c. but unless we be in Christ Jesus it curseth all our imperfections Gal. 3.10 1 Joh. 5.11 12. Q. This is the case of man by nature and of all the sons of Adam What must we doe to escape wrath A. We must get into the Covenant of Grace made to us in Christ the promised seed Gal. 3.13 26. Rom. 10.4 Gal. 4.4 5. CAP. VI. Of the Covenant of Grace and our Redemption by Christ Third head of Christian doctrine Q WHat is the Covenant of Grace A. It is Gods free Charter and Grant wherein he bestoweth remission of sinnes and the Kingdome of Heaven in and for the death of Christ Jesus or it is a contract betweene God and man concerning reconciliation and life everlasting to be given and received by faith in Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 5.19 Gen. 17.4 7. There is Gospell in that Rom. 4.16 17. Gal. 3.8 Deu. 26.17 18. The matter covenanted is life and reconciliation the conveyance it is a gift by Christ the instrument and mean to receive it is faith all our right and title to Heaven comes this way from the love of the Father through the merit of the Son made ours by faith Eph. 15. Rom. 5.21 Rom. 3.22 24 Eph. 2.8 Q. What is the true difference between the Covenant of Workes and the Covenant of Grace A. The Law or Covenant of Workes offereth salvation to them that keepe it perfectly in their own persons that is to them that be without sinne and have a righteousnesse of their owne a personall perfect perpetuall Obedience Rom. 10.5 Luk. 10.28 Q. Explaine that farther A. The Law considers not what we can doe now neither doth it accept of sorrowes for doing amisse but it is satisfied only with a full and compleat obedience If thou say I doe my best c. that is no content to the Law the Law requires that all our works be holy without any touch of the flesh Rom. 7.14 2 Cor. 3.7 9. Gal. 3.10 It curseth every failing Q. How doth the Gospel offerus salvation A. By the righteousnesse of Christ thâ— Mediator so that the humbled soule resting on Christ by faith is justified and â— peace with God though we be not perfectly holy Rom. 3.25 26 27. Gal. 2.1 2 Cor. 5.19 Rom. 4.16 1 Tim. 1.15 This the priviledge of the Gospell that wheâ— we faile yet if we repent and turnet God God accepts our persons and thâ— greatest sin shall not condemne us thâ— Law knowes no such thing Gal. 3.12 Of justification by faith in Christ Jesus Q. 1. Then Christ doth not justify us â— giving grace and ability to keep the Law A. No for then Justification wereaâ— works and not of Grace besides there no such b ability given to any living Grace is given whereby we subdue or corruptions The Covenant with Adam was of workes though all he had was given him and strive to please God bâ— not to fulfill the Law perfectly a Eph. 7 8 9 10. b 1 Joh. 1.8 9. Act. 5.31 Acâ— 15.11 That which I fetch with my penâ—â— is not a gift but our righteousnesse is 〈◊〉 gift Rom. 5.17 Q. 2. Doth he save us by joyning 〈◊〉 merits to our workes as if we were justified partly by workes and partly by faiâ—â— in Christ A. No we are justified by faith without the deeds of the Law and Christ will not have any to bejoyned with him in that businesse Rom. 3.21 27 28. Rom. 11.6 Esa 64.6 Jer. 23.6 Esa 63.3 Rom. 4 5 6. Heb. 7.25 Heb. 9.26 Gal. 5.4 To a sinners justification Christ is all in all or none at all Q. 3. Doth the New Covenant save as by changing the condition of workes into faith and sincere obedience as if the act of believing and obeying should be in stead of perfect obedience to the Law A. By no meanes The righteousnesse by which we are justified is 1. The righteousnesse of a God 2. Imputed to us residing in the person of Christ 3. Every way able to answer the Law See Phil. 39 2 Cor. 5.21 Ro 3.21 22 26. But our faith and sincere obedience is 1. But the righteousnesse of a man 2. Inherent noâ— imputed 3. No way able to answer the Law The New Covenant doth not change workes into workes workes perfect incompleat iâ—to workes imperfect But it changeth workes of our own performing into workes performed for us by Christ for faith doth not justifie as it is a grace wrought in us working in us but as it is an
instrument whereby the soule layeth hold on Christ 'T is the object of faith that saveth us God gives Christ and thou must receive him and the hand to take him is faith Heb. 10.10 Rom. 9.32 with Rom. 10.3 4. Joh 6.35 Joh. 1.12 1 Joh. 5 11 12. Col. 1.20 Rom. 4.5 6 7 16. The righteousnesse of Christ is the onely righteousnesse by which we stand justified before God and Faith is the onely Meanes by which Christs righteousnesse is made ours and this faith doth justify not as it acteth upon our heartâ— to subdue lusts but as it acteth upon Christ's bloud as the meat that is eateâ—â— doth feed the medicine received doth cure the disease even so he that eateth me shall live by me saith Christ Joh. 6 57. Q. You say that you cannot be save by the Law What then is the onely way left to inherit eternall life A. Christ is the way the truth and thâ— life He was made sinne for us that wâ— might be made the righteousnesse of Goâ— in him John 14.6 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Cor. 1 3â— This is the Covenant of Grace this 〈◊〉 the Word of eternall life Joh. 6.68 Q. When was this Covenant first madâ— with mankind A In a Paradise immediately afteâ— the fall of Adam and it was renued bâ— with Abraham declared by Moses c anâ— the Prophets till at last it was confirme by the death of Christ the promiser anâ— testator a Heb. 11.4 Gen. 3.14 b Gen 17.4 11. c Exod. 24.8 Heb. 9.19 20. Gaâ— 3.16 17. Q. Were the Fathers before the comeing of Christ saved by faith in him A. Yes we and they doe all drink of the same Spirituall Rock which is Christ being all children of faith and of the promise 1 Cor. 10.1 2 3. Rom. 4.12 Rom. 9.8 Gal. 3.29 Heb. 11.4 Heb. 9.15 Rom. 1.1 2. with 1 Pet. 3.18 19. 1 Pet. 4.6 Q. Then the Old and New Testament be all one for substance A. They are so Christ is the substance of both and they are but severall waies of setting down the Covenant of Grace the one teaching to believe in Christ that was to come the other shewing more clearly all things fulfilled in Christ now come according as was promised and prefigured Q. By this it appeares that the Covenant of Grace is a most free Covenant not grounded upon any condition on our parts not upon any thing that we can doe or suffer A. It is a most free and gratious Covenant all the promises be made good to us in Christ Eph. 3.12 2 Cor. 1â— 20 2 Tim. 1. â— and we have nothing to doe but to embrace Christ and that grace also God promiseth to worke in us The Covenant of workes was conditionall grounded on mans owne obedience This New Covenant whereby we are restored againe into Gods favour is called a Covenant of Grace because the remission of sins the favour of God and life everlasting are the free gift of God given us in Christ not for any thing in us or done by us but for the onely obedience oâ— Jesus Christ the Mediator Eph 2.8 Ro. 5.21 WheÌ„ once we have Christ by Faith we are made New Creatures to bring forth fruit unto God Eph. 2.10 Rom 7.4 But we can challenge nothing of justification and life as a debt or as from the hand of justice but onely as as meer gift of grace Goâ— doth performe all things to us not for anything is us but for his Christ And thoâ— conditionall expressions If ye mortify thâ— deed of the flesh ye shall live c. such promises doe tell us who shall live not why they shall live Lastly that first Covenant is mended Christ the Mediator oâ— the New Covenant makes it good by enabling us to performe the condition thereof which Moses could not doe he gave the Law but could not give graceâ— c. Jer. 31.33 Heb. 8.9 10. Deut. 5.27 29. Heb 7.22 CAP. VII Of promises to Christ the Mediator the Head of the Covenant of Grace IN the Covenant of Grace there be three parties contracting and covenanting 1. God the party offended 2ly Man the party offending and to be reconciled 3ly Christ the reconciler and peace-maker between them both Q. The first party contracting in this New Covenant is God himselfe The first Party in the New Covenant What hath he done for Mankind A. The Lord hath done three gratious Acts for us His goodnesse and love towards us appeareth in three things Q. 1. What is the first gratious act of God in this Covenant of peace A. It is the free giving of his Son to take our nature that he might redeem us It was the Fathers will he should have a body and the Sons willingnesse to undertake it Heb. 5.4 5. Heb. 10.5 7 9. Joh. 3.16 Esa 9.6 Q. 2. What is the second gratious Act of God in this New Covenant A. God hath established the Covenant of our Redemption in and with his Son Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 5.19 God in Christ reconciling c. God did not send his Son empty into the world but furnished him with Testimonies promises of his favour for the comfort of Christ himselfe and oâ— us his people Joh. 10.36 Heb. 1.6 Therâ— was a Covenant betwixt God and Chriâ—â— our head touching the work of Redemption the Lord promising some things â— Christ and requiring some things oâ— Christ 1 Tim. 3.16 Gal 3.16 19. Geâ— 12.3 Q. How many sorts of promises there in the New Covenant A. Two sorts some be made to Chriâ—â— the Mediator and some unto all sucâ— persons as doe or shall embrace Chriâ—â— offered unto them Q. What things did God promiseâ— Christ Himselfe Of Gods promises to Christ as our Head and Mediâ—tor A. Three things 1. God promised to â— to him a Father to fill him with the Holy Ghost and with power to goe througâ— with the work of our redemption Heb. 5 6. Act. 10.38 Ep 1.22 Esa 11.2 Esa 49. Q. What 2ly doth God promise to him A. 2. God promiseth him acceptance victâ—ry and successe in all his undertakings 〈◊〉 man Mat. 3.17 Ioh. 5.20 21. Esay 42.6 53.11 Act. 2.27 Q. In what particulars shall Christ have successe and power to blesse his people A. In five particulars I God sayes to him Thou shalt a teach them 1. Conversion 2. Adoption 3. Sanctification and turne them to the Lord. 2ly Thou b shalt make them my sonnes and doughters 3ly And thou c shalt have the spirit to bestow on them a Mal 4.6 Luk. 1.16 17. Ioh 6.45 Esay 61 1 2. b Ioh 6.40 1.12 c 15.26 Luk. 24.49 Q. In what else shall Christ have successe A. 4ly Thou shalt a give them peace whilst they live in this world 4. Peace in our justification 5. Glorification 5 yl And b raise them up at the last day to eternall glory a Ioh 10.16 28 29. 14.27 16.33 b Ioh. 6.37 40. Rom 8.11 Q These are Gods promises to his Son What
summarily in the Creed What is the Creed A. It is a Forme of sound and wholesome words teaching us what we must believe concerning God and the Church of God 2 Tim. 1.13 Q. It is not then a prayer A. No it doth not contain matter of petition but of profession of faith as the gesture of standing up doth also shew It belongs to the Honour and Worship of God that we make confession of our Faith Rom. 10.9 I believe in God Q. How many Gods be there A. Onely one God distinct in three persons Deu. 6.4 Esa 446.1 Joh. 5.7 Mat. 28.19 Unity in Trinity and Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped and glorified Q. How be the Persons called A. God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13.14 Q. Which of these three Persons is Jesus Christ A. The second and middle Person Joh. 16.28 Eph. 1.3 Joh. 14.26 Joh. 15.26 Q. What is God A. God is an a eternall Spirit who b hath his Being of himselfe and c giveth being to all things else and we must worship him in Spirit and in Truth a Rev. 16.5 Ioh. 1.1 2. Prov 8.30 Heb. 9.14 b Exod. 3.14 Exod. 6.3 c Act. 17.25 Ioh. 4.24 God hath a Being he is a God by Nature whether we thinke it or not 2. His Being is of Himselfe 3. And without beginning Q. When you say God is a Spirit What doe you meane A. I meane that he is an immateriall immortall substance without body parts or passions not like to man nor any thing made by art Act. 17.29 Luk. 24.39 Esay 31.3 Act. 14.15 Q. What be the properties of Gods Nature by which we may conceive of Him A. He is the immortall eternall invisible only wise God the Lord God Gratious and Mercifull long-suffering abundant in Goodnesse and Truth forgiving Iniquity Transgression and Sin and that will by no means clear the guilty And such an one we shall finde him to be 1 Tim. 1.17 Exod. 34.6 7. Q. Is it needfull to know these Properties to be in God A. Yes We must have an assured knowledge that he is Almighty perfectly good the Fountaine of all Goodnesse else we should not believe on him nor feare him nor love him nor depend on him for good things Rom. 10.10 14. Heb. 11.6 Q. What is it to believe in God A. To believe God is to believe that God is and that he is true But to believe in God is to rest and relie on him for salvation and for all things else that be good for me Iam. 2.19 Eph. 1.13 Esa 26.4 Q. Why doe you say I believe in God A. Because a particular and personall faith is necessary unto salvation every one must believe with his own heart and confesse with his own mouth Rom. 10.9 Act. 8 37. Q. What then doth it import to believe in such a God A. That God is all this to me and my salvation Gen. 17.7 Num. 14.17 18. CAP. XVI Of Creation and Providence and Gods Fatherhood and Power The Father Almighty Q. WHy is the first Person in the Trinity called Father A. Because he is the Father of Christ and of all that be Christs and also because he giveth beginning to all things else He. 1.5 Eph. 1.3 17. Eph. 3.14 2. Cor. 6.18 Ioh. 1.6 Ioh. 20.17 Q. Why is he called Almighty A. Because he can doe all that he will nothing can hinder his Power if he were not Almighty He could not make the least grasse or worme that is Rev. 1.8 Ier. 32.17 27. Iob. 9.9 12. Q. Declare more fully what you mean by Gods Almightinesse A. I meane not that God hath an idle power which he doth not exercise but that all creatures be in his hand and under his governance that he ordereth and disposeth all things by his unsearchable Wisdome and Providence Maker of Heaven and Earth Q. What doe you understand by that A. I believe that God made all things both visible and invisible of nothing in the space of six daies Gen. 2.1 Heb. 11.3 Col. 1.16 Q. The Heavens What mean you by that A. That God made the Heavens and the Hoast of them and the Inhabitants of Heaven that is the Angels Col. 1.16 Iohn 1.3 Q. Did God make the evill Angels too that is the Devils A. Yes He made them Angels of light but they by their fall made themselves Angels of darknesse Inde vers 6. 2 Pet. 2.4 Mat. 8.29 Q God made the Earth and all things therein Did he make the hurtfull creatures A. God made all good but their hurtfulnesse is a part of the curse that came in by sin Gen. 3.17 18. Rom. 8.20 22. Q. Did God make all things and so leave them A. No He still a upholdeth and preserveth governeth disposeth all things both b great and small c casuall and certaine good and evill by his just and wise providence a Ioh. 5.17 Act. 17.28 Heb. 1.3 b Ioh. 38.8 11 22 41. c Mat. 10.29 30 31. Psal 19.1 2. Iosh 10.11 12.13 Iob. 37.16 17. The Kingdoms and wils of men Dan. 4.25 1 King 12.15 Rain and Droughth Plenty and Dearth Am. 4.6 7. Health and sicknesse 1 Sam. 2.6 Life and Death Dan. 5.23 Psal 31.15 All are at his command doe happen by his wise and just disposing Q. Are the Devils also and the evill wils and minds of men guided by God A. Yes He sets them all their bounds overruleth all their wickedness as shall serve most for his glory Yet God himselfe remaines Holy and untoucht of any evill Act. 4.27 28. Job 1.12 2.6 Joh 19.11 Numb 22.18 19. 2 Sam. 16.11 Q. What then doe you believe in this Article A. I believe that Almighty God who is the Father of Jesus Christ the Maker and disposer of all things is my Father and my God He is the God on whom I depend for salvation and all things needfull for this life present Esay 54.4 5. Ps 100.3 Esay 64.8 9. 46.4 44.24.26 Q. How may it appeare that you indeed doe believe all this A. By three effects which follow this my beliefe 1 It makes me submit quietly to Gods will in whatsoever estate I am knowing that he is my Father 2 Sam 15.26 2 Sam. 16.10 2 King 20.19 1 Pet 4.19 Phil. 4.6 11 12. Mat. 6.30 32. Q. What second effect of this Faith A. This my faith banisheth all base and false feares of men upon assurance that I am not left to the power and will of any creature Esay 8.12 51.12 13. Joh. 19.10 11. Mat 26.53 1 Pet 3.14 15. Q. How lastly A. This Faith makes me to depend on God in his wayes for all things I need without stepping out to any false and indirect meanes for help as to bribery sorcery fraud flattery time-serving lying oppression nor to make flesh my arme Gen. 20 11 16. Ier. 17.5 2 Chron 16.3 7 8 9 12. Mat 4.3 7. Dan 3.16 17. Esay 28.16 CAP XVII Of Faith in the Sonne of God And in Jesus
the want of them or thâ— contrary to them shall make most for thâ— praise of his grace and for final and spiritual good 1 Iohn 5.14 Rom. 8.27 Q. For whom must we pray A. For a all men the dead b only exempted 4. For whom and such as have sinned againsâ— the Holy Ghost a 1 Tim. 2.1 1 Sam. 15.35 Ier. 28.6 Rom. 10.1 b Eccl. 9.6 Lukâ— 16 26. c 1 Iohn 5.16 The state of the dead is unalterable besides we have no example precept or promise of prayer made for the dead Q. In what manner must we pray unto God for these things A. To a right manner of praying three things are required 5. In what manner 1. It must proceed from the heart renued by the Spirit and assisted by the Holy Ghost in the very act of prayer Eph. 6.18 Iude v. 20. Gal. 4.6 with Rom. 8.15 26. 1. In the Spirit Spiritual prayer is not only opposed unto lip-prayer as when the tongue is exercised without the heart and affection but also unto heartiest prayers of unregenerate persons a natural man cannot pray though he cry from the heart as they did Ion. 1.5 Hos 7.14 Psal 78.34 36. He must be a spiritual man that can pray aright and also he must be assisted in prayer by Gods Spirit else he will make unmeet requests and loose his prayers Iam. 5.15 16. Q. How shall I know when I pray in the Holy Ghost A. By three things 3 things in spiritual prayer First if the sense apprehension of spiritual wants and evils which destroy the work of grace and hinder Christs Kingdom in us do chiefly stirre us up to prayer That is prayer in the Holy Ghost there is a natural and there is a spiritual good and evill Psal 4.6 7 Q. How secondly may it be known A. By the kind of our importunity the desire is not filled nor the heart at rest unlesse God answer us with spirituall favours and mercies no not although all outward good things be granted The naturall man regards but little Gods wâ—â—l or his good will he is at rest with naturall good things natural good thingâ— fill a naturall desire c. Exod 33.1.2 15 17 with Exod 34.9 Psal 105.4 Q. How thirdly A. In spirituall prayer not only the witt tongue and memory and such like good parts of nature are exercised but the graces of the spirit as humility hope repentance faith c. This is prayer in the Spirit Psal 66.18 Iob 16.13 14 17. Job 22.27 28. 2 Chron â—0 6 7 10 12. Ezra 9.6 Psal 85. â—5 8. Neh. 1.5 6 7 8 11. Q. What second thing is required to a right manner of praying A. We must pray with feeling of our wants and earnestnesse to obtaine Sense of our wants and misery begets fervency We cannot be earnest for things which we find no need of 2. With fervency or thinke to be due to us Joâ— 3.8 Rom 8.26 Heb 5.7 Iam 5.16 Ier 29 13. Dan 9.3.8 18. Luke 18.1 5. Q. What third thing is required to a right manner of praying A. We must pray in faith that is in full assurance that the thing we aske is according to gods will 3. In Faith and that we shall obtaine our requests so far forth as is expedient and best for us We must not doubt of the things we aske whether we may pray for them or not nor yet of Gods hearing and answering us therein we pray for many things conditionally but not doubtfully c. Iam 1.6 7. Iohn 5.15 2 Cor 12.9 Q. What ground of assurance have we that we shall be heard A. Gods promise of giving such such things and of hearing us when we beg them in and through Christs mediation there is a twofold promise first God promiseth to give us his spirit to give an heart of flesh to give strength against temptations and troubles c. Secondly and he hath bid us call upon him for the same with promise to heare and answer us and this is the ground of our confidence Luke 11.9 13. Psal 50.51 Heb. 4.15 16. CAP. XLIII Of the parts of Prayer and of the Lords Prayer Q. WHat be the parts of Prayer A. Three First a particular confession and aggravation of our sins and misery before God 1. Confession or dâ—prication with grief and shame of heart and with a purpose to leave them Luke 18.13 Psal 51.3 4 5. Prov. â—8 13 Ez. 9.6 14. 1 Iohn 1.9 Psal 32.5 Luke 15.21 1 Tim. 21. Q What be the other two parts of Prayer A. 2. Petition a and supplication for good things to our selves or others 2. Petition Intercession 3. Thanksgiving and 3. Thanks-giving wherein b wee give God the glory of his own excellencies and of all the good done to us a 1 Tim. 2.1 Acts 12.5 Luke 23.42 b Hab. 1.12 13. Num 14.17 Mic. 7.18 Rev. 5.13 1 Chron. 29.11.14 Psal 103.1 2. Q. Doe all Gods Children call upon their Father in Heaven A. Yes as the Child will Crave and make his moane to his Parents so the Children of God be of a spiritual craving disposition whereby the soul hangethup on God to receive good things from him Prayerlesse people be dead and gracelesse people Gal. 4.6 Zach. 12.10 Psal 79.6 Iob 27.10 Q. When and how often must we pray A. We must pray continually that is constantly Morning and Evening and also upon special occasions 1 Thes 5.17 Luke 18.1 1 At set times Acts 3.1 Acts 10 2 9. Acts 16.13 16. Ps 92.1 2. And it is a good thing so to doe Psal 55.17 with Dan. 6.10 2 And upon special occasions Dan. 9.2 Acts 12.5 Luke 6.12 13. Q But does the Spirit of God come at and keep set houres of prayer Can prayer at set times be prayer in the spirit A. Yes for the spirit of Grace is continually abiding in us and with us and therefore the spirit of supplication also David and Daniel Peter and John did 〈◊〉 want the spirit of Prayer when they kept the houres of Prayer Q The Lords Prayer consisteth of a Preface and a Body of Petitions and there be six Petitions of the Lords prayer How be they divided A. In the first three we begge such things as doe most immediately concerne Gods glory In the three latter such as concerne our good Our Father Q. How is God our Father and why so called A. Because God is the Father of Christ and in Him ouâ— Father having begotten us by the word of truth and married us unto his own eternall deare sonne Eph. 1.3 5. Gal. 4 5. Iam. 1.18 Rom. 8.16 17. Ioh. 20.17 Math. 22.2 Cant 4.9 Eph 5.32 Q. What learne you from this that Christ teacheth us in prayer to call God Father A It teacheth us that in Prayer we must goe to God as to a Father we must consider God in our minds as a Fathâ—r to us in Christ Jesus Esay 63.15 16. Luke 15.18 Math 11.25 Iohn 17.25
thine is the Kingdome c. Q. These words are for matter and forme a thanksgiving What do we ascribe to God therein A. We acknowledge that Kingdome a over all the world and b power to doe what he will and c glorious excellencies do belong to God our Father in Heaven And we ascribe the praise thereof to him The excellency of Grace Majesty Mercy Power any thing whereby one may be magnified and extolled is the Lords peculiarly and transcendently 1 Chron 29.11 Rev 4.10 11. a 1 Tim. 1.17 Psal 103.19 Dan 5.21 b Psal 115.3 Psal 62 11. Rev 4.8 9. Deut. 32.31 c Esay 6.3 5. Esay 43.7 Rom 9.17 Q. What is required to an holy and right praising of God A. Two things 1. We must labour to have our hearts a affected with his glorious excellencies and greatnesse Conditions in right Thanksgiving as being the fountaine b of all the good we are or have a Esay 12.4 Psal 126.2 3. b 1 Chron 29 11 12. Psal 116.12 13 14. Mic. 7.18 Q. What 2ly must we doe If we desire to praise God aright A. We must endeavour to Live and Dye unto him who loved us first we must use all mercies which we receive from Him unto his Honour and service Psal 50.23 Ps 18.1 2. Rom 14.8 2 Cor. 5.15 Rom 12.1 2. Q. Wherefore is this clause added to the end of the Lords prayer A. To teach us that the hearing answering of our Prayers is grounded on a Gods own goodnesse b greatnesse and c glory and by them he is engaged to hear us We must presse God with the interest of his own glory power and Kingdome for hearing and helping of us a Ezek. 36.22 32. b Mic. 4.8 Dan. 3.16 17. 2 Chron. 14.11 c Ier 14.8 21 22. Exod 32.11 12. Iosh 7.9 Q. What must they do that ascribe all these to God A. We must set a up God in our hearts as â—upream King make him our Rock and Fear not b giving any part of his glory to any creature a Matth. 10.37 Luke 12.5 Ier. 10.7 Esa 8.12 13. b Dan. 2.30 Q. For ever What doth that word import A. That Gods a Kingdome power and glory in and over the Church is everlasting it failes not and that the Church shall b ascribe the same unto him in all ages and throughout all eternity When all Kings and Kingdomes shall cease when we are dead and gone yet Christ remainâ— a King of the Church and shall be magnified in it a Dan. 7.14 Esa 50.2 Esa 46.3 4. b Eph. 3.21 Rev. 5.13 14 according to that antient doxologie used in the Churches of Christ Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost Hooker Pol. lib. â— 8. 42. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end Rom. 11.36 Rev. 5.13 AMEN Q. What doth that Word import A. Amen being set after any prayer or thanksgiving it doth imply our consent confidence and desire that the thing shall be as is uttered Deut. 27.15 16. Jer. 11.5 Jer. 28.6 1 Kings 1.36 2 Cor. 14.16 Q. What followes hereof A. That we must understand attend unto and affect the things prayed for else how shall I say Amen They that pray in an unknown tongue or gaze up and down or fiddle about their cloathes and other matters and complements in time of prayer do not bear a part in Prayer their Amen is fruitlesse and vaine 1 Cor 14.16 Rev. 22.20 CAP. XLVIII Of the right Vse and Abuse of the Lords Prayer Q. HOw may a Christian make a right use of the Lords prayer A. We may use it both for a Rule of prayer to measure our requests make other prayers by and also for a prayer it selfe as it was delivered by Christ Christ puts matter words into our mouthes Christ taught his Apostles to pray as John taught his Disciples that is He did not only give Rules of Prayer a patterne but a form for them to use Mat. 6.7 9. Luke 11.1 2. If you ask May we pray our Father c our Lord Christ gives the Answer when you pray say Our Father c. Of set Formes Prayer Q Is a Set Forme of Prayer lawful either of our own making or delivered to us in a book A. Yes it is else Christ and the Prophets would never have delivered set formes to be used by the Church God appointed Formes and therefore formes be not â— themselves unlawful the prayer is not evill because it is a formed prayer Num 6.23 26 Ioel 2 17. 1 Chron. 16.7 35. 2 Chron. 29.30 He gives the forme he sets them the words to be used and it was at a solemne Fast too Q. But is a set forme of Mans making lawfull to be used by us A. Yes If the prayer for matter and substance be lawful and such as concernes us we may safely use it We may use the words of Moses Daniel Nehemiahs prayer Q. Is stinted prayer lawfull that is set prayer to which one is confined and tied to use no other Of stinted prayer A. That 's unlawfull both in publick and private he that confines himselfe to book-prayers or to the prayers of others with whom he joynes or to set prayers of his own devising can never discharge the duty of right praying Ps 50.15 Jer. 14.7 21. Ezra 9.6 Dan. 9 5. They changed their Prayers with the occasions Q. Why so A. Because 〈◊〉 prayers must be made according to our necessities and neither book nor men with whom we joyne in prayer can expresse all o u wants and griefs nor I my selfe this day what I shall need pray for to morrow Yet it concludes not that set prayer or prayer with others for so much as it doth contain of meet matter to be asked is hereby unlawfull Because by such prayers we are not stiâ—ted but have liberty both the Ministers in their Congregations and our selves in private to enlarge our prayers as causâ— requireth There is addes between lawâ—â—ll and sufficient such a measure of Petitions is sufficient for the publike or the family which is not sufficient every way to all my occasions and that prayer may be sufficient at one time which is not at another Q. But in praying must we not exercise the spirit of prayer And can that be done in a set or book prayer A. Yes the spirit of prayer is when we begge in faith with feeling and fervency with sights and groanes and that is done when we joyne with others or use set formes as well as in sudden ex tempore conceived prayers As a Begger in true want beggs hard if there be any hope of obtaining and yet peradventure the next day or to the next man useth the same words or to the like effect the varying of a phrase doth not make it the spirit of prayer Mat. 26.39 42 44. with Heb 5.7 2 Cor. 13.14 with 2 Thes 3.17 18. Col. 3.16 The songs are not lesse
16. Acts 8.38 And for sprinkling read Ac◠16.33 in Houses Marke 7.4 with Heb. 9.10 19 20 21 22. Heb. 12.24 Q. What is the spiritual thing signified by this sprinkling of water A. The clensing of the soule from all sinne by the bloud of Christ sprinkled on it Acts 2.38 Rom 6.3 Col 2.12 13. Baptisme teacheth and signifieth unto us that in Christ we who were dead in sinnes are quickned washed and all our sins forgiven by the mighty operation of God Eph 5.26 Tit 3.5 In and by Baptisme God doth two things 1. He doth instruct us touching Christ crucified that our sins are washed and our souls clensed from all sinne by his bloud 1 John 1.7 Rev. 1.5 2. He doth apply the same in particular to the party Baptized Acts 22.16 For the Sacraments by reason of the word of command go and Baptize them and of the word of promise of a benefit to worthy receivers Be Baptized for remission of sinnes Acts 2.38 They do tell us that Christ is ours given to us and his bloud sprinkled on us and by this means it being a word of promise and every word of promise is a word serving to beget faith the spirit of God doth stir up faith strengthen and confirme faith in us God doth not put any such virtue into the signs as to pardon our sins and make us Holy ex opere operato neither doth God so tie his presence to the water as if where the Ministers Action is there God is also and at the same time for many have the signe that never have the thing as Simon Magus Judas c. and some have the benefit of Baptisme long after as Infants when they come to age But none have the benefit of Baptisme but such as come by Faith to behold Christ crucified in and through the outward signs so use the signs as means of applying Christ to their own souls for remission of sins See Art 27. of Ch. of Eng. Q What is it to be baptized in the Name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost 1. Goes par of the Covenant A. Two things are meant by it First thereby is testified to the party Baptized that he is received into the flock family of God God doth avouch him for his child God doth bind himselfe to us and make over his Covenant to us Gen. 17.7 Q. What secondly 2. Our part A. The party that receiveth Baptisme doth enter into an Oath and Covenant to take the Lord for his God thereby binding himelfs to believe and serve that true God who is Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost We are then enrolled and written among the Sonnes of God Gen. 17.1 Gal. 3.27 1 Cor. 1.13.15 We avouch God to be our God Deut. 26.17 18. Q. Is it thus with all that are baptized Doe all receive those benefits A. No only they that have or come to have faith to believe the promises and repentance to forsake sinne Gal. 5.6 1 Pet. 3.21 Acts 8.21 23 Marke 16 16. In Scripture they are reputed aliens and strangers from the covenants of promise who have not the sign of the Covenant 2. And they that reject the signes are reputed to reject the Covenant it self Eph. 2.11 Gen. 17.14 Luke 7.30 3. So they that receive the signe of the Covenant joyning themselves to the people of God are in Scripture reputed to be of the houshold of faith Saints confederate with the Church of God Esay 56.3 Heb. 9.13 4 But really and effectually they only receive the benefits which come to have the conditions of the Covenant viz. Faith and repentance Act. 8.21 23. 1 Cor. 10 3 5. Act. 3.26 1 Pet. 3.21 The duties of them that be Baptized The duty of all that be Baptized is reduced to three heads 1. To Renounce The divell the World the Flesh 2. To Believe in Jesus Christ and to maintaine the Faith once delivered to the Saints against all Sects and Heresies whatsoever 3. We promise to walke obediently in all Gods Commandements Q. Are the conditions of faith and repentance required in all that are to be baptized A. Yes in all that be Baptized when they be of ripe age but in little Children it is sufficient that they shew forth faith and repentance when they come to age Q. May little Children be Baptized 1. Practice A. Yes the Apostles did baptize whole housholds in which number were their Children As Abraham his houshold were circumcised that is He and his Children for Ismael was but thirteen years old whē he was circumcised Gen. 17.25 And there is reason for it because there is the same relation frō the believing parents to the children already born as to them that shall be born and therefore if the children of Stephanas and the Jaylor which were borne after their conversion ought to be baptized by vertue priviledge of the parents faith why not also the children that were already born seeing they are the children of believers moreover this practice of baptizing Infants by the Apostle is gathered frō that Phrase Heb. 6.2 laying on of hands which was a ceremony used in prayer for them that had been-Baptized in their Infancy See Calvin Inst lib. 4. c. 16. § 4. de Confirmatione when they were Catechized in the doctrines to be known and believed by grown men that were admitted to Baptisme Calv on Heb. 6.2 Acts 16 33. 1 Cor. 1.16 Gen. 17.25 Q. Why are Infants of believers to be Baptized A. Because they belong to the covenant of grace 2. Promises Commandement and be of the number of Gods people and are inheritors of the blessings which God promised to the seed of the faithfull 1 Cor. 7.14 Rom 11.16 Acts 2.39 Mark 10.13 14 15. Gen. 17.7 9 12 14. with Gal. 3.16 Rom. 4.11 12. In those Scriptures Note five things 1. That Infant-membership Admission by an outward signe is as Ancient as any visible Church recorded in Scripture 2. That the Covenant made with Abraham was the Gospel-Covenant wherein Blessednesse was promised in through Christ the Promised seed Gal. 3.8 with Gen. 12.3 and that Covenant is to endure to the end of the World Gal 3.16 17. 3. Note the persons with whom God made the Gospel-Covenant it was Abraham and his Infant-seed so with beleevers of all Nations who have as much right to that promise I wil be thy God the God of thy seed as Abraham had 4. There is a command to marke the Infant-children of the Covenant Gen. 17 10 12. The which command is no where reversed but rather established Mat. 28.19 Baptize al Infants are not excepted but rather included in that Promise Act 2 3◠And though the signe of the Covenant be changed yet neither is the Covenant it self nor the commandement to Marke Infants reversed 5ly Note what Christ did and the reason why he did it 1. what Christ did He sayd forbid them not to come unto me And albeit
such as worthily and with faith receive the same the Bread which wee break is a partaking of the body of Christ and the Cup of blessing is a partaking of the bloud of Christ Art 28. of the Church of Eng. Q. What is the end and use of this Sacrament The Vse of the Lords Supper 1. A. There be three especial uses of it 1. By it as by a token or pledge from God the worthy Receiver is assured that he hath a part share in Christs death The Lord Christ established the New Testament by his own death all the good things contained in the New Covenant are made sure by the death of Christ the Promiser he bids us eat of that bread drink of that Cup in remembrance of the same 1 Cor. 11.25 26. There is a Sacramental Union between the signes and the things signified such an union as is between a sealed will and the Legacies bequeathed by the same He that hath a Lease sealed knowes that he hath more then paper and wax so it is in this businesse Q. Doe all that come receive such a pledge of Gods favour A. No onely they that be worthy receivers the rest receive meere bread and wine and so prophane Gods ordinance and procure judgments to themselves 1 Cor. 11.27 29. The Wicked and such as be void of a lively faith are in no wise partakers of Christ but rather to their condemnation doe eat and drink the signe or Sacrament of so great a thing Art 29. of Ch. of Eng. Q. What other end and use is there of this Sacrament A. It is a badge of our Christian profession wherein we with believing and thankfull hearts doe remember the love and shew forth the vertu of Christs death And also professe our selves to be the people of Christ against all Atheists Sects Hereticks misbelievers loose-livers whatsoever we are hereby obliged to stand for Christ against all the world 1 Cor. 10.20 21. 1 Cor. 11.25 26. 2 Cor. 6.15 Q. What third use is there of it A. It is a Bond and Pledge of that Love which Christians ought to have one to another and of their joynt-fellowship in Christ the Head 1 Cor 10.17 1 Cor. 12.13 14. 1 Cor. 11.18 21 22. Iohn 13.2 4 14 34. CAP. LII Of right participation of the Lords Supper Q. WHo ought to be partakers of the Lords Supper A. Only such as have bin Baptized are able to make profession of their faith to examine themselves that is Such as are able to discerne the Lords body Exod 12.43 44 48. 1 Cor. 11.28 Ezra 6.21 Ezek 44.7 Q What must a man examine himself in A. Whether he be a true Member of Christ or not Of self-examination For none else can partake worthily of the Sacrament of Christ 2 Cor. 13.5 1 Ioh 5.12 Eph. 5.23 Q. How may that be known A. If I have a sound faith and true b repentance and am c quickned to newnesse of life and d love of the brethren I am assuredly a member of Christ a Rom 11.17 20. b Gal 5.24 Mat. 3.8 10. c 2 Cor 5.17 John 15.4 5. d 1 Pet 1.22 1 Iohn 3.14 For further trial of these graces I referre you to my other small Catechisme entituled An help for Young People c. Anno Dom. 1640. and it may be fitly bound with this Q. A Christian that hath these graces may yet through carelesnesse come to the Lords table unworthily for preventing wherof what must we do before we come Before we come A. We must stirre up those graces in us and labour to see our a need of Christ and to b clense our soules afresh from every new pollution wherewith we have been defiled a Math. 5.6 Luke 1.53 b 2 Chron. 30.17 18. Matth 5 23 24. 1 Cor. 11.17 18. Levit 15.31 Num 9.6 7 10 1 Renued faith repentance is needfull Q. How ought a Christian to behave himselfe in the act of receiving 1. In the time of Receiving A He must discerne the Lords body that is he must not use thē as common bread wine but consider in them their spirituall relations so receive them as tokens of the covenant Wax sealed and set to a deed though for substance it be Wax still yet for use it is to you more then wax of more value then al the wax in the Merchants shop So this Bread and Wine by Christs institution are seals set to his Testament with them Christ gives us his Body and Blood for remission of sins by whom as by Bread and Wine our spirituall hunger is satisfied our Graces strengthened our spirituall Life preserved unto Life eternall We use our ordinary bread wine for naturall uses viz. to refresh and nourish our bodies but this bread wine for spirituall ends and uses 1 Cor 11.12 29 Levit 10.3 In the use of this Sacrament Bread Wine we must behold the love of the Father giving his Son to death the love of Christ in laying down his life for his friends the merit al sufficiency of Christs blood to take away al our sins Q. How may this be done A I must see and consider in the signes the things signified and apply both to my own soule in particular giving thanks to God for Christ and for my redemption by him This particular application of faith is to eate Christ Christ gives me to understand that his body was broken for me as the Bread is and as certainly as I behold the bread of the Lord broken to me and the cup communicated to me so we have a true right to him and he is as truly ours as our meat and drink are ours Iohn 6.33 35 36. Heb. 9.20 Luke 22 20. Q. What must a Christian doe after receiving A. We must pay our vowes that is we must be carefull to performe our covenant which now we have renued with God in Jesus Christ 3. After Receiving Psal 50.14 2 Cor. 6.1 2 Cor. 7.1 2 Pet. 1.4 Rom. 2.25 Q. How may we find that we have made a right use of this Sacrament A. When we are more refreshed with the feeling of Gods favour towards us and doe grow in newnesse of life As the right use of food is to outgrow sicknesse and gather strength for the better performance of actions of our naturall life so when we are more lively and zealous and get more strength against our corruptions and Tentations or any waies grow in the new creature then have we not received in vaine 2 Chro. 30.25 26. with 2 Chro 31.1 1 Cor. 11.17 when we are bettered by it then have we received aright Q. There be some to whom this Sacrament doth not at all belong they have no interest in the matter who be they A. The ignorant disobedient that is such as cannot give account of their faith or by their wicked lives shew themselves utterly unworthy They come not within the judgment of charity