be that offend Knowing that he keepes the fanne in his owne hand to purge his owne floore at the time appointed Q. What are required from the whole assembly A. First that they stay till the Sacrament be finisht Secondly that they pray heartily for the persons baptized Thirdly that they meditate seriously of the spiritual mystery how the inner man is to be washt in the blood of Christ Q. What bee the fruits and chiefe benefits of baptisme thus administred and receiued A. Many First the persons partaking thereof are declared to be the adopted Sons of God Gal. 3.27 Rom. 6.3 which may be discerned after by their loue of him and likenes to him Secondly their vnion with Christ as members of his mysticall body is thereby made visible which by communication of grace and communion with Saints is after made infallible Thirdly Rom. 4.11 their heauenly inheritance is sealed vnto them breeding in them a longing desire after the possession thereof Fourthly Act. 22.16 their soules are cleansed from the filth of sin which appeares vnto them afterwards by their true faith and repentance 1 Cor. 12.13 Fifthly the Spirit is therein conferred which shewes it selfe in its seuerall operations afterward Sixthly the new couenant is thereby naturally confirmed Ier. 31.31 betweene the Lord and his people Ezech 37.26 all worldly receiuers comming to yeeres of discretion are mindfull of this and carefull in the vse of meanes to procure and nourish the Spirit of Grace Q. Which is the first oâ— those things the Church requires to be done by vs after Baptisme A. Eschewing all euill vnto which we are deceitfully perswaded and tempted by the diuell the world and the flesh Q. Why then dare not you sweare lye prophane the Lords Day drinke drunke wallow in vncleannesse coozen follow euery fashion boldly embrace the corruptions of the time for aduancement as others doe A. No because I haue made a couenant with the great and glorious Lord God of heauen earth to forsake them which I must do as I hope to be saued Q. What is the next thing to be done A. To assent vnto that credible truth proposed vnto vs in that Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed Q. What is the Creed A. A briefe confession of some principles of Christian Religion and no prayer as too many old and young abusiuely make it Rom. 10.10 1 Tim. 6.13 because they haue often seene and heard parents teach their children this Creed together with other prayers kneeling Q. Why is it called the Apostles Creed A. Not because they were the pen-men and disposers of it in this forme of words but first to distinguish it from other Creeds secondly because it is a truth collected out of their writings by some of their immediate followers and in honour of them called after their name Q. What is the chiefe subiect or matter of the Creed A. God and his Church God in the vnitie of essence and trinitie of persons Father Son and holy Ghost with their proper works specially applyed to euery person his Church with the properties and priuiledges thereof both contained in these twelue Articles following I beleeue c. Q. Which is the first article in the Creed A. I beleeue in God the Father Almightie maker of heauen and earth Q. What is faith here meant A. A gift of God Acts 26.27 Heb. 1.1 whereby men are perswaded to assent vnto the truth of God proposed vnto them in this Creed by the true Church with application to themselues Q. What is the manifest act of this faith A. To beleeue with limitation to the person I beleeue not implicitly as the Church beleeues nor blindly Hab. 2.4 Marke 9.23 24. because the people of God beleeue it but obediently because it is a part of Gods reuealed truth Q. Why doe you say I beleeue and not We beleeue A. Because euery one must haue a speciall faith of his own 1 Pet. 3.15 Rom. 14.11 and make confession of these things by and for himselfe distinctly Q. What doe you meane when you say I beleeue A. First I doe acknowledge these articles to be true agreeable vnto the rule of truth Secondly I doe make an outward confession of that my knowledge and assent Thirdly I doe specially apply that confession to my owne particular person Fourthly I doe heartily resolue to maintaine it vnto death Q. What is the proper obiect of this faith A. God and his truth reuealed concerning himselfe and all things else needfull to be beleeued Ioh. 14.1 Q. What doe you beleeue concerning God A. That there is but one God Iohn 5.7 and three persons in essence glory and power coequall and coeternall Q. What is reuealed and contained herein for you to beleeue of the first person in Trinitie A. First that he is the Father Eph 4.6 both in regard of his naturall Son and other his adopted children Secondly that he is Almightie Ioh. 1.18 in the manifestation of his power as his attributes and works declare Thirdly 2 Cor. 6.18 that he is Maker of heauen and earth that is of all things being in Acts 17.24 and betweene heauen and earth Q. What doe you learne hence when you call God Father A. I learne First to magnifie the goodnesse of God Rom. 11.22 that I who am by nature a childe of wrath by free grace am made a childe of God Secondly to honour and obey him as a Father Mal. 1.6 then to expect a childs portion from him Thirdly Matth. 5.48 the dignitie of true beleeuers in this that they are the children of God 1 Ioh. 3.1 Q. What learne you when you say you beleeue He is Almighty A. I learne First to feare his threatnings and so to be daily humbled at the sight of my owne vilenesse Gen. 17.1 Iohn 10.29 Rom. 8.31 Secondly not to doubt of his promises nor be dismayed by a multitude of enemies Thirdly neuer to despaire of the conuersion of others during life nor of victory ouer my owne strong and long-preuailing corruptions God is Almighty Q. What doe you learne from the manifestation of his power in the creation of heauen and earth A. I learne First to behold the goodnesse of God in his creatures Psal 19.1 Iob 38.31 Psal 147.9 not wantonly to gaze on them as on a painted cloth but to see therein and admire his glory Secondly to shun all abuse of the creatures they are the workemanship of God Thirdly that all the vertue beautie comfort and content men reape from and see in the creatures is from God Fourthly that nothing falls out in either but according to his disposing pleasure Q. Which is the second article A. And in Iesus Christ his only Sonne our Lord. Q. What is contained in this Article A. A description of the second person in Trinitie with the necessitie of my apprehension and confession of him Q. How is he described A. By his
Titles which are foure Iesus Christ his Sonne our Lord. Q. What signifies that name Iesus A. Sauiour Matth. 1.21 Q. What may that informe you A. First to giue all due reuerence vnto it as our Church according to the Scriptures requires Phil. 2.10 and to shun the Popish abuse thereof who by their capping bowing and scraping only to the very bare name make an idoll of it Iob 5.1 Secondly to giue neither the name nor thing signified to any other Saint or Angel liuing or dead Thirdly to get assurance Hosea 13.4 that Hee be to mee a Iesus Q. What signifies Christ A. Anointed First by Consecration of His humane nature to the hypostaticall vnion with the Sonne of God Psal 2 2. that so he might be a fit Mediatour Secondly by qualification of the same humane nature with fulnesse of grace following the vnion Luke 2.26 Q. What doe you learne from it Psal 45.7 A. First that as Christ so beleeuing Christians are anointed with him Secondly that the lothsomenesse of sinne is done away from his seruants by the pleasing sauour of his precious oyntment Thirdly Cant. 1.3 Ephes 4.1 that Christians should endeuour to walke worthy their name and calling being anointed 2 Pet. 2.22 not to turne with the Soâ— againe to wallow in the myre of carnall folly Q. What is the meaning of His third Title only Sonne A. That this Iesus Christ Psal 2.7 Ioh. 11.27 is the true and only Sonne of God the Father Q. How can this be so seeing we reade in Scripture of many other his sonnes and daughters A. It is true 2 Cor. 6.18 God hath other sonnes and daughters by creation and adoption Ioh. 10.30 but Iesus Christ is his only Sonne by eternall generation Q. What doe you learne from this A. First to magnifie the loue of God Ioh. 3.16 in sending his only Sonne to dye and so pay the price of my redemption Rom. 5.8.8.32 Secondly how men become to be the sonnes of God euen by the Sonne of God becomming Man Thirdly with courage and confidence to goe vnto God for a supply of all my wants He that gaue mee his only Sonne how shall he not with Him giue me all things Q. What is the meaning of His fourth and last Title here giuen Our Lord A. The meaning is First that Christ hath absolute power both to compell and direct his seruants Iohn 13.13 14.10.4 Secondly that his voyce alone should rule bee heard and obeyed in his house no Stewards much lesse inferiour officers may dispose of his affaires but according to the will of their Lord. Q. What doe you learne from hence A. First that Iesus Christ is Lord and Sauiour to all true beleeuers Math. 7.22 Sauiourship extends no further then Lordship if I deny him subiection I loose saluation Secondly Psal 101.7 Iohn 1.1.2.3.4 to condemne the Iewish opinion granting him the name of Iesus but not of Christ the Arrian tenent giuing him the titles of Iesus Christ but denying him to be the onely and eternally true begotten Sonne of God and the Popish conceit 2 Cor. 3.14 Mat. 20.15 affoording him all but the last they depriue him of his Lordship in the Church by setting vp an Idoll in his roome Iob 1.21 Thirdly to be patiently content with his disposition and submissiuely obedient to his lawes a rebellious sinner continuing so hath no part in Christ for ought he knowes Q. Which is the third Article A. Who was conceiued by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary Q. What is contained in this Article A. A further description of the Son of God by his assumed state and condition his incarnation being the first branch of his humiliation Q. Who was incarnate A. Iesus Christ the onely Sonne of God our Lord remaining still what he was before Rom. 1.3 Iohn 1.14 in the fulnesse of time was made what he was not before Q. Why was he incarnate A. First that he might bee faithfull in performance of what hee hath vndertaken on our behalfe Heb. 2 16.1â—.18 Secondly that he might be a perfect mediatour to deale betweene God and Man Thirdly 1 Tim. 2.5 that iustice might be fully satisfied in the same nature whereby it was offended Q. How came hee to bee incarnate A. By assuming and vniting to his person Luke 1.35 the true and perfect nature of man in generall taking his substance Heb. 2.17 properties and all sinnelesse infirmities Q. What doe you learne from his incarnation A. First the dignity of humane nature Psal 8.5 Math. 1.23 Psa 42.1 2. Phil. 1.23 Heb. 2.18 Psal 103.13 14. what it is by this vnseparable vnion with the Deitie little inferiour to Angels before the fall aboue them since Secondly how holily we should liue considering Christ is Emmanuel God with vs. Thirdly how earnest wee should be in our desires to be where our nature is aduanced with Christ in Heauen which is best of all Fourthly how comfortable his seruice must needs be who is so powerfull and pittifull a Sauiour conceiued and borne that he might conceiue and beare our weaknesse Q. What is the meaning of this word conceiued A. Three things are implied thereby First Math. 1.20 that fit matter gathered from all parts of the Virgins body Esay 7.14 Iohn 1.14 into the house or Cell of life was there brought into forme or shape Secondly that a reasonable soule was brought into that matter to informe it Thirdly that both matter and forme were vnited and sanctified by the infusion of Grace and all this not successiuely but instantly by the efficiency of the holy Ghost in the passiue wombe of the Virgin Q. What was the matter of his conception A. True reall and the most pure blood of the Virgin Esay 7.14 Luke 1.31 whosoeuer adores any Christ not thus conceiued commits idolatry as most Papists doe in worshipping their god of bread Q. After what manner was he conceiued A. After a miraculous extraordinarie and supernaturall manner more cannot be seene or said Luke 1.35 the Blessed Virgin conceiuing was ouershadowed by the Holy Ghost Esay 53.8 to stay the curious from prying ouer farre into this wonder Q. What doe you learne from this conception A. First that the imputation of an impure conception is taken away from beleeuers by Christ his holy conception Iohn 17.19 1 Cor. 6.11 Heb 12.14 Secondly that as Christ in his corporall conception so beleeuing Christians in their spirituall conception were and are sanctified by the holy Ghost No Sauiour without a holy conception no Saints without sanctification Q. Who was the Mother of Christ A. The blessed Virgin Mary Luke 1.27 Q. How is Shee described in the Creed A. Three waies First by her name Mary Secondly by her condition a Virgin before Esay 7.14 in and after the birth Thirdly by her labour and trauell Luke 2.6 7. as
and in his humane nature Secondly that Hee shall manifest to all the world his power and glory in great pompe and state Mat. 24.30 Q. From whence shall Hee come A. From heauen where He is now seated on the right hand of God the Father Almighty 1 The. 1.10 but to what place whether to Mount Oliuet as some Schoolemen thinke Phil. 3.20 or to the valley of Iehosophat as other Graue Diuines or that it shall be in the Ayre any may be receiued as probable none as certainely necessary Q. For what end must Hee come A. To iudge and determine of all controuersies to passe a righteous sentence from which there can be no appeale Psal 9.7 8. no not in the thought of those which shall be iudged Q. Who are they that must be iudged by Him A. All quicke and dead found lying in their graues or liuing vpon earth Dan. 12.2 good and bad high and low as first Angels with the iudgement of a more glorious retribution Iohn 5.29 Secondly good men with the iudgement of absolution Iude 6. Thirdly wicked men and Angels of darkenesse with the iudgement of finall condemnation Q. How will Christ come A. As a iudge in State and Maiesty with a sounding Trumpet that all the world shall heare and the heauenly hoast attending Mat. 25.31 1 The. 4.16 which all the world shall see in their richest furniture Q. When will Christ come thus A. It is not reuealed that men might continually waite for it and not curiously search after the seasons which God hath reserued in his owne power preparation for it Mat. 24.36 Acts 1.7 is better then any disputation about it Q. Why is Christ appointed to iudge the world A. First for the honour of his pâ—ace and office it being giuen him as a crowne for his suffering Secondly Ioh 5.22 23. Phil. 2.9 10 that Hee might openly take vengeance vpon those his enemies who would not that Hee should raigne ouer them here in this world Thirdly Luke 19.27 that he might bring his owne Subiects into reall possession of that glory which Hee did purchase for them Fourthly 2 Thes 1.8 9 10. Luke 21.28 that the mystery of iniquity and all hidden workes of darkenesse might be publikely seene shamed and sentenced Q. What doe you learne from this Article A. First that Christ will certainely come to iudgement Secondly that I must appeare in my owne person before the Iudgement seate of Christ Heb. 9.27 Thirdly 2 Cor. 5.10 to iudge none but my selfe not the liuing I know not how God may dispose of them hereafter Matth. 7.1 nor the dead I know not how God hath disposed of them already Reu. 14.13 it is Christs office to iudge both Fourthly Acts 24.16 to make my account ready euery day in a holy preparation for it Heb. 4.16 so to liue as I desire to stand then in the presence of Christ Q. Which is the eighth Article A. I beleeue in the Holy Ghost Q. What doth this Article containe A. Two things First a description of the third person in Trinity Secondly the duty of a Christian concerning him Q. How is the third person described A. Two wayes First by his name Ghost or Spirit Secondly by his title or attribute Holy Que. Why is he called The Spirit A. Not exclusiuely both Father and Sonne are equally Spirit but emphatically because He is breathed as it were Iohn 4.24.15.26.16.13 14. in his procession from the Father and the Sonne noting the manner of his subsistence in the Godhead Q. Why is Hee called The holy Spirit A. First in regard of his nature He is holy Secondly because it is his personall office to sanctifie both the Church and the Children of the Church Rom. 15.16 Heb. 6.4 such as are effectually called and that both with common Rom. 8.9.10 and with sauing graces Q. What is the duty of a good Christian A. To beleeue in him Q. What is it to beleeue in him A. First to acknowledge him for God Mat. 28.19 Acts 5.3 4. Secondly to confesse him Thirdly to apprehend him and relye vpon him for his comforts gifts and graces Fourthly in resolution and preparation to dye in defence of this truth Fifthly to liue in a constant course of spirituall seruice required by Him Ephe. 4.30 in whom I beleeue Q. What doe you learne from the whole Article A. First that there is a holy Ghost in person distinct from the Father and the Sonne 1 Ioh. 5.7 8. in essence the same Secondly that I must beleeue in him as in the Father and the Sonne who is the sanctifier and comforter of my Soule Rom. 8.9 Thirdly that if I beleeue in Him indeed 2 Tim. 1.14 Hee dwels and hath his abode in mee Q. How may a man know whether He haue the Spirit abiding in him A. 1. By that spirituall seruice hee is stird vp vnto and enabled thereby to performe Rom. 1.4 Iohn 6.63 the Spirit quickeneth especially to prayer 2. By that holinesse of life which follows the presence of the Spirit 3. By the fruits of the Spirit loue ioy peace long-suffering Rom. 6.22 gentlenes goodnes faith meeknesse and temperance 4. Gal. 5.22 23. Rom 8.16 By that inward testimony and comfort a man may feele in all spirituall conflicts and distresses 5. Ephes 4.30 By that care he hath not to grieue the Spirit but to cherish the motions and follow the directions thereof Q. Which is the ninth Article Ans The holy Catholike Church Communion of Saints Q What doth this Article containe A. A confession and description of the house of God the Spouse of Christ the Church being the second generall part of the Creed Q. Whom doe you meane by Church here Acts 2.47 Heb. 12.22 A. That Vniuersall inuisible society consisting onely of the elect ordained to eternall life quickned by the Spirit and so prepared for glory Q. What doe you confesse here touching this Church A. First notwithstanding the Vniuersall corruption of mankind and their desperate estate vnder sinne Ephe. 1.3.4 Tit. 2.14 yet God hath his company in the world there is such a Church the Mother and nurse of Christians the pillar and ground of truth 1. Tim. 3.15 Secondly that this Church must be beleeued to bee it is aboue sence and reason Psal 14.1 2 3. Acts 13.48 they iudging it improbable if not impossible therefore called the inuisible Church in regard of her dispertion spirituall condition and mysticall Vnion with Christ Q. What is it to beleeue the Church A. First Mat. 16.18.18.17 to acknowledge a number of beleeuers alwayes extant in the world Secondly to bee perswaded vpon good grounds out of Scripture Rom. 16.1 that I am one of her children Thirdly couragiously to resolue to liue and dye in the Vnity of this Church Fourthly to assent to that truth of God
did Christ rise A. The third day after his death hauing lyen in the graue aboue the space of thirty-sixe houres Mat. 16.21 1 Cor. 15.4 he rose the first day of the weeke to teach vs. First Why the Sabbath was altered from the last to the first day of the weeke that is in memory of Christs Resurrection Sâ—condly when our Sabbath begins early in the morning about that time our Sauiour rose Q. Why did Christ rise the third day A. To fulfill the Scripture Mat. 12.39 Luk. 13.32 Q. From what did Christ rise againe A. From the dead that is the state of the dead the power of death and the graue Q. What doe you learne from this A. First that Christ is risen confirmed by infallible testimonies and diuers appearances Acts 10.40.41 42. Rom. 4.25 1 Cor. 15.17 Col. 3.1 Secondly that hee hath perfected the satisfaction for the sinnes of all beleeuers Thirdly that God will raise all such as he casts downe Fourthly that such as are Christs are risen and shall be raised with him both in regard of the first and second resurrection Q. What vse can you make of this A. First to examine my selfe whether I be Christs and risen with Christ for the first Resurrection Reu. 20.6 Col. 3.1 Iob 19.25 Phil. 3.10.11 which may bee knowne First by my seperation from the dead that is wicked company Secondly by my heartily heauenly conuersation Secondly to cheere vp my selfe and all right beleeuing Christians in an assured hope of a comfortable Resurrection Thirdly to endeauour in the vse of meanes First to know Christ thus as raised Secondly to rise by and with him Thirdly to be prepared during life for the last Resurrection Q. Which is the sixt Article A. He ascended into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty Q. What doth this Article containe A. The second part or degree of Christs exaltation that that is his ascention and coronation Q. What is the meaning of this He ascended A. That Christ in his glorified humanity did remooue Acts 1.9 10. really visibly locally from earth into the third heauen Ephe. 4 â— 0. where the Lord manifesteth his glory vnto his Saints Q. When did He ascend A. Forty dayes after his Resurrection Acts 1.3 Q. From what place did Hee ascend A. The mount called Oliuet whence He came to his passion there is but one way to the Crosse and to the crowne Luke 24.50 Acts 1.12 to suffer and to raigne Q. To what place did He ascend A. To that heauen which must containe his humanity till the restoration of all things Luk. 24.51 Acts 1.11 Q. Why did Hee ascend thither A. First that he might triumph ouer the enemies of his Church leade captiuity captiue and limit the power of sinne and Satan toward his elect Col. 2.15 Secondly Heb. 9.24 to appeare as an aduocate in the presence of God on the behalfe of his people Psâ—l 24.7 Thirdly to take possession of his own Kingdome in our name and nature Luk. 24.26 to open for vs heauen gates which were shut against vs by Adams fall Fourthly that he might thence send the gifts and graces of his Spirit vnto his Church Ioh. 14.2 3. Ephe. 4 8. in a more plentifull manner Fifthly that He might prepare a place for euery one of his beleeuing followers against their next meeting Iohn 16.7 Q. What doe you learne hence Acts 1.9.10.3.21.7.55 A. First that Christ is ascended I may not looke for his corporall presence here till the Iudgement day Secondly that if I be Christs I must ascend with him daily aspiring after a growth in grace to haue my conuersation in heauen Thirdly that heauen is the place prouided for Christs Disciples their hearts hands and eyes must hourely ascend thitherward Phil. 3.20 2 Cor. 5.17 Fourthly that none can ascend thither but Christ naturall and mysticall none but with in and by Christ neither in prayer nor person Q. What is the meaning of Christs sitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty A. First that he hath receiued the fulnesse of honour and glory in regard of his person Secondly Mat. 22.44 the fulnesse also of power and authority in regard of his office Ephes 1.20 both of mediation and iurisdiction Q. Why was our Sauiour thus seated A. First that he might effectually interceade in behalfe of his children sending by him their sad complaints to God the Father Mat. 11.28 1 Iohn 2.1 Rom. 8.34 Mat. 28.18 Secondly that he might gouerne his Kingdome and exercise authority ouer all while he sits there he keepes the Keyes in his owne hand and needs no Popish Vice-roy Q. For whom doth Christ intercead Rom. 8.27 Heb. 7.25 A. All for whom he dyed that they may be conuerted and prepared for glory Q. How can you know whether Christ hath and doth intercead for you A. By the Spirit of supplication bestowed on me I could not heartily pray for my selfe Rom. 8.26 but by vertue of his intercession for me Q. Ouer whom doth Christ beare rule Psal 2.8.9.110.1 2. A. All good and bad ouer his friends to gather guide defend and prepare them for a crowne ouer his enemies by restraining their fury and confounding them in their deepest plots c. 1 Cor. 15.25 Qu. What doe you learne hence A. Generally two things First a point of good manners to giue Christ the vpper hand seeing God hath done it Psal 137.6 to preferre his Embassadors and seruants to others that are not or appeare not so Secondly Iohn 9.35.15.19 20.16.33 a point of doctrine That those commonly are most esteemed with God who are or haue beene least esteemed in the world as Christ was More specially I learne First Mat. 11.28 being perst with the burden of preuailing corruption to runne vnto Christ who is ready and able to ease me Secondly that my endeauours in his seruice the weake and imperfect shall bee accepted through the efficacy of his intercession 1 Iohn 2.1 Psal 2.11 12. Acts 7.55 Prayers made by me are preferred by him Thirdly to obey him with reuerence and holy feare that is so high exalted Fourthly to looke vp vnto him in all extremities of temptation persecution death hee is heauens fauorite powerfull and compassionate Fiftly to be heauenly minded in an humble submission of what is mine to his gouerment Q. Which is the seuenth A. From thence hee shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead Q. What doth this article containe A. A confirmation of the former Article and a descripon of the last iudgement Q. Who is He that shall come to iudge the world Ioh. 5.22 A. Iesus Christ the Sonne of God our Lord who was once iudged by the world Q. What meane you by this He shall come A. I meane First that Christ shall truely and really appeare in his owne person Acts 1.11
that the petitioner is or ought to bee One of his children else he beares false witnesse against God in calling Him Father Q. What may be learned from it A. First to whom we ought to direct all our prayers Ioh. 16.23 to the Father through the Sonne by the Spirit rightly acknowledging and endeauouring to apprehend the Trinitie of persons in the Vnitie of essence as the obiect to terminate our thoughts in prayer Secondly Gal. 4.5 that before we can pray to God wee must be endowed with the Spirit of adoption Matth. 7.11 whereby wee cry Abba Father Thirdly euer after we may be confident of a gracious answer Mal. 1.6 praying to a mercifull Father Fourthly that we be continually carefull to please him lest we be disinherited Q. Why is it said here Our Father A. Not that it is vnlawfull to pray in the singular number and say my Father but first because prayer presupposes loue extending it selfe to all Matth. 5.44 1 Tim. 2.1 Secondly Acts 2.44 to put vs in mind of that Communion amongst Christians Ephes 3.14 especially for the exercise of prayer Thirdly to teach vs God is a Father to all beleeuers without respect of persons rich or poore Q. What is the meaning of these words which art in Heauen A. Not that God is contained there so as to be no where else Esay 66.1 Psal 19.1 but it is spoken First in regard of the speciall manifestation of himselfe Ephes 6.9 his Maiesty and glory to his Saints and Angels in heauen Col. 1.5 Secondly with respect to the finall glorification of his Children in heauen Q. What is to bee obserued hence A. First that God dwels onely in heauen and the heauenly minded Esay 57.15 Secondly in our prayers heart hands and eyes must be lift vp towards heauen Iohn 17.1 Thirdly Psal 39.12 that all Gods Children are strangers here their Father House Countrey and patrimonie is in Heauen Phil. 3 20. from whence comes all their maintenance helpe and comfort Q. Which is the first petition we are to direct to our Father which is in heauen A. Hallowed be thy Name Q. Why are we to pray for that in the first place A. First Ioh 12.28 because a reuerent esteeme and vse of the name of God is a principall signe or marke whereby a Child of God may be knowne Secondly because wee should preferre the Glory of God our Father Leuit. 10.3 aboue all things whatsoeuer 1 Cor. 10.31 Thirdly 2 Cor. 4.15 because al the following petitions doe looke backe vnto this with submission this onely absolute all the other petitions are conditionall Q. What may be vnderstood here by the Name of God A. First God himselfe the name put for the thing Secondly Esay 26.8 the seruice and worship due vnto the Name of God Thirdly 1 King 5.5 the workes and Creatures of God Psal 116.13.138.2 on which he hath set his Name Fourthly the Word of God whereby hee hath made himselfe knowne both for name and nature Mat. 28.9 Fifthly the titles and attributes whereby he is called vpon by all men in seuerall languages Q. What is it to hallow the Name of God A. First to know and acknowledge it for holy Secondly to set it a-part for holy vses and ends Psal 96 8. Leuit. 10.3 Eze 38.23 Thirdly to be mindfull of the name of God in a holy and reuerent manner Q. What doe we pray for then in this petition A. First illumination of the vnderstanding 1 Pet. 1.16 Ephes 1.17 sanctification of the heart that we our selues may Hallow it in knowledge and practice Psal 67.3.100.3 apprehending professing and conforming to the holinesse thereof Secondly that it may be sanctified and hallowed by others ouer the world so expressing both our duty and desire Q. How is the name of God hallowed by men A. Three wayes first in thoughts and so three wayes First 1 Cor. 6. â—0 by a holy conceit apprehension thereof in all the motions and meditations of the heart Secondly Psal 139.17 by heauenly raptures Mat. 11.25 admiring beyond expression the glory and holinesse of God Esay 8.13 especially in contemplation and Prayer Thirdly by a hearty longing desire it may be so entertained with others Secondly in words Iohn 7.19 and so foure wayes First by confession of his truth and of our owne sins against the same Secondly Psal 50.23.145.21 by thankesgiuing for his excellent greatnesse and goodnesse Thirdly by speaking often of God and alwaies in an honourable manner Fourthly Rom. 1.25 1 Tim. 1.17 by maintaining his honour and glory against pollution and prophanation Thirdly Num. 25.7 Math. 5.16 Iohn 21.19 in deeds and so two waies First by a blamelesse life Secondly by a patient death if we be called to suffer for his name Q. How is Gods name prophaned and polluted A. First by carnall thoughts of God 2 Sam. 12.14 Rom. 2.24 and carelesnesse forgetting or neglecting his honour and glory Secondly by corrupt communication Eph. 4.29 30 swearing lying blaspheming c. Thirdly by a scandalous life in all those that are called by his name Q. What doth this petition presuppose in men Marke 6.52 A. First a readinesse by nature to dishonour the Name of God through ignorance Luke 18.11 hardnesse of heart spirituall pride ingratitude or securitie Psal 69.9 Secondly a forwardnesse by grace to glorifie God our selues with a desire to haue him glorified by others Q. What is required in a Christian that he may hallow and glorifie the name of God A. First viuification by the spirit of sanctification Rom. 8.11 to liue a new and holy life Secondly illumination Eph. 3.18 to know and apprehend according to our measure the holinesse of his glory Thirdly separation 2 Tim. 3.5 mentall from the loue of sinne corporall from the qualities and condition of sinners Fourthly Acts 2.46 sinceritie and zeale in the expression of filiall feare knowing that none but glorifyers of God can be glorified with God Fifthly a serious consideration of the danger of the contrarie dishonouring God by commission as Herod Acts 12.23 Num. 20.12 or by omission as Moses did at the waters of Meribah Q. What sinnes doe you specially pray against in this petition A. First Atheisme in thoughts words or behauiour Secondly ignorance of the meanes whereby God is and may be glorified Psal 10.4 Thirdly prophanenesse Rom. 1.21 when men are so giuen vp as not to thinke of nor regard the honour and glory of God but study the contrary Fourthly hypocrisie whereby men draw neere God with their lips Prou. 30.3 Eze. 33.31 while their hearts are farre from him praying rather for their owne good then Gods glory Q. What doe you learne from this petition thus explained Psa 119.139 A. First that euery childe is or should be
Is there no change of the Elements in the Sacrament A. Yes by way of consecration of them to a new end and office Mat. 26.26 1 Cor. 10.16 not by way of change of the substance bread and wine they were before so they remaine after else there could be no Sacrament and therefore we must shun adoration of the creature lest we offend the Creator by Idolatry Q. What is it in vs that is fedde and nourisht by that food body soule or both A. First with the outward signes signifying Corpus vivens propriè obiectum nutritionis properly the body is nourished or if you will the whole outward man Secondly with the inward grace signified neither body nor soule properly but the inward man called the new man after God created in righteousnes and true holinesse it is a feast for regenerate men onely Ioh. 6.50.51 Eph. 4.24.2.8 to whom Christ First by a secret and sweet working of his spirit offers himselfe to bee that in them which he is for them Secondly in like manner gently but infallibly stirres vp their faith his owne gift to apprehend and apply him so being borne againe and nourisht by one and the same inexplicable meanes Q. Why ought men to come vnto this feast A. First in obedience vnto Christ calling lest they should giue offence vnto him and iustly incurre his displeasure who will admit of no excuses Secondly Math. 22.5.6 7. Heb. 12.23 for that good company they do or should meet there being an assembly of the new borne whose names are written in the booke of life Thirdly for the comforting and refreshing of the inner man Esa 55.1 2. longing after Christ as the hungry stomacke after meate or the parched earth after raine Q. Who are they that doe come and must be admitted to this table A. First none may come but men and women baptized 1 Cor. 11.28.29 endowed with the exercise of of reason and iudgement to discerne the Lords Body Holy from ordinary Bread and Wine Secondly none should come but such as haue sensibly past the pangâ— of the second birth Mat. 22.12 Iohn 13.26.27 conuerts sanctified and iustified Thirdly many doe come vncalled such as are openly prophane hauing neither inward nor outward call from the Church and may expect entertainment accordingly Fourthly more come vnprepared though outwardly called such as are accounted members of a visible Church for their ciuill behauiour going no further and both these last are vnworthy Communicants Q. Is it necessary that men come fasting to this feast A. First no it is not of absolute necessity Luk 22.20 Christ ordained it and the Apostles receiued it after Supper Secondly but as thingâ— now stand it is of commendable conueniency 1 Cor. 11.21.9 27. and vsefull for first fasting wee haue the most sensible freedome and spirituall abilitie to performe any diuine duties in a most cheerefull manner Mat. 6.33 Esay 58.6 Secondly it may be instructiue to vs First to mind vs of seeking and taking spirituall before corporall food daily Secondly that we must faâ—â— from sinne and carnall delights if we will receiue Christ yea to leaue our ordinary repast for him and his sake prouided first that sicke persons be not hindered nor weake censured who cannot hold out to fast so long secondly that superstitious conceits be avoyded which make fasting necessary yea meritorious and eating sinnefull doing it out of a pious deuotion to keepe the flesh in more subiection and such doe best who begin this fast not the morning onely but the day before Quest Doe all receiue benefit that come to this Sacrament A. No but such as come with appetite prepared to receiue and disgest the food there offered Iob 6.35 hauing the new man raised vp and enliued in them by the Spirit of Christ Q. How may a man know whether he hath any spirituall life in him or no Mat. 11.28 A. Fâ—rst by a sence and feeling of spirituall misery Secondly by a longing after and delight in spirituall food Thirdly by heate breath 1 Pet. 2.2 and motion in spirituall employments Rom. 8.5 Fourthly by an vniuersall hatred of sinne which is an enemy to the inner man as poyson is to the outward Q. What is required to be done by such a spirituall man before he come that he may be a worthy communicant A. First examination of himselfe Secondly confession of his sinnes and daily failings Thirdly Humiliation 1 Cor. 11.28 Luke 15.18 19. with contrition for sinne Fourthly application of the promises in speciall Fifthly resolution to continue this renewed reconciliation Quest What is examination Answ It is an impartiall search Psal 119.59 139 23. and an exact tryall of a mans selfe in and about all things necessary or any wayes conducing to Saluation Q. How must a Christian examine himselfe A. First let him retire into some priuate place for that end that he may set himselfe only in the presence of God Psal 4.4 Secondly lâ—â— him endeauour to remoue all impediments 77.6 the fig-leaues of excuses and extenuations that he may throughly see into euery corner of his heart and conscience 139.24 Thirdly let him set open before him the Law of God explained by some experienced diuine Fourthly let him then examine himselfe in foure things more especially Q. Which is the first A. Concerning knowledge which wee haue or ought to haue Iohn 17.3 and â—hat first of God that â—â— iâ— onâ— in essence 2 Cor. 13.5 three in person Father Sonne and Holy Ghost what he hath dâ—ne for vs 2 Iohn 8. and requires of vs. Secondly of our selues and that First in what estate we were created and that was holy and righteous Secondly Eccle. 7.29 Acts 4.12 whether wee did continue so and wofull experience will tell vs no. Iohn 3.16 Thirdly Gal. 4.4 5. how then we hope to escape eternall death which by sinne we haue deserued and that is only by faith in Christ who tooke our nature on him suffering what we deserued to renew his image in vs Heb. 6.1 2. and to redeeme vs captiues from the bondage of Satan Thirdly of the termes of our Art and profession 2 Tim. 1.13 whereof daily vse is made as in the practice of Diuinitie so of Christianitie such are Election Creation Redemption Vocation Conuersion Regeneration Iustification Sanctification Mortification Viuisication Q. What is Election A. It is an vnchanging purpose of God freely choosing from all eternitie out of mankinde dead in sinne some in Christ Iesus vnto saluation Ephe. 1.4 5 6. Ioh. 13.18 to the praise of his rich mercy Q. How may a Christian bee comfortably perswaded of his own election in particular A. First by that dominion and Soueraigntie Christ the head and foundation of election exerciseth in his heart 2 Cor. 13.5 Isa 66.2 working him desirous and wishing to yeeld cheerefull obedience to euery of his known commands Secondly
after and censuring the faults of others especially superiours Fourthly Luk. 18.11 he builds much vpon outward prosperitie of his bodie family and temporall estate comforting himselfe by a deceitfull comparison Mat. 14.3 4 with such as are euery way inferiour to himselfe in his owne conceit Fifthly 1 Kin. 22.8 he cannot endure to haue his beloued sinne toucht Prou. 12.5 affecting those ministers most who giue greatest libertie in gainefull things Sixtly his thoughts alwaies impure and vnprofitable range vp and downe without trouble or bounds Seuenthly Gen. 4.5 6 7 hee takes it euill any mans endeauours in matter of religion should be prefer'd before his Eighthly he is euerie day worse then other 2 Tim. 3.13 and worst at last Ninthly the close hypocrite is not sensible of his hypocrisie doing good duties onely for his owne good Q. What remedie is there against this maladie A. First feare it search after and pray against it Reu. 3.2 Secondly be watchfull ouer all you waies carefull to keepe correspâ—ndencie betweene the heart and the hand affection and conscience Thirdly decaying graces must be renewed and strengthened daily Fourthly see you be better within and in the presence of God by faith vnfained then you can appeare to be outward in the sight of men Fifthly ayme at a right end in all your religious actions Gods glorie obedience to his will and the soules safetie Q. What is Saluation A. It is the fruition of perfect happinesse in and by Iesus Christ Mat. 25.34 Acts 4.12 the Fountaine of felicity in the Kingdome of Heauen Q. What is damnation Mat. 25.41 A. It is a finall exclusion of wicked men from heauen and all hope of glory Reu. 20.14 15. being shut vp by the Iustice of God in a burning lake to be tormented euerlastingly without hope of deliuery as a punishment of sinne and impenitency Q. How may a Christian auoyd the one and attaine the others A. Onely by a sauing knowledge of Iesus Christ God and Man in one person Acts 4.12 dying to become the Sauiour of his Body which whosoeuer hath Mat. 16.24 doth first deny himselfe to rest wholly on him Secondly leaue worldly lusts to liue soberly righteously and godlily in this present world Tit. 2.11 there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ who liue not Rom. 8.1 warre not walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit Q. What must a Christian doe to get Christ A. First hee must beleeue that Iesus Christ is the Messiah foretold and promised that God the Father is well pleased with that which hee hath done Iohn 1.29 and that he himselfe hath a part in this redemption Mat 3. ult 11.28 Secondly he must abandon wicked company seeke and ioyne himselfe to the society of true Christians Prou. 4.14.2.20 pray the Lord to direct him in hearing and reading the good Word Psal 119 9.33 Thirdly hee must examine his life past Psal 4.4 confesse and bewaile his sinnes in particular resoluing to forsake all hee knowes Pâ—o. 28.14 for the loue of Christ then apply the promises which hee must particularly take notice of belonging to him Ioel 2.12 Iob 33.27 Q. Which is the second part of Christian examination necessary for our preparation to the Communion A. Concerning our life and that considered three wayes Ier. 8.6 First what it hath beene in time past Psa 119.59 with respect to those seuerall changes of age place Gen. 47.9 company and employment we haue beene in Secondly what it is for the present Thirdly what it ought to haue beene and must bee for the time to come if we thinke to attaine Heauen Q. What must wee examine our selues about in the third place A. About those sins we haue committed in our life time Psal 51.5 and that first in regard of our nature in euery passage of our life Ephes 2.3 more prone to one sinne then another Secondly 1 Pet. 4.10 11. in respect of our calling and place of employment generall and personall Eze. 9.4 Luk. 12.56 priuate or publike in Church or Common-weale Thirdly with reference to the time some corruptions beare sway more at one time in one age then another sinne like the giddie world loues to be in fashion Q. What is the fourth thing a Christian must looke vnto in his examination A. Vnto those graces which are or should be in him before hee presume to come to the Lords Table especially faith and repentance Q. What is faith A. It is a rich and precious grace of God whereby the new man is enabled Heb. 11.1 Iam. 2.5 Rom. 4.5 and doth actually and firmely rest on Christ for remission and saluation grounded vpon knowledge of the goodnes and truth of diuine reuelation concerning Christ Acts 16.21 assented vnto and applyed in particular Q. How may a Christian discerne this grace in himselfe A. First by that feare hee hath had Mat. 10.28 or doth feele in him of Gods wrath and Hell torments due to him for his many sinnes Luke 1â— 4 Secondly by a following perswasion wrought it may be he knowes not how Matth. 8.2 that his sinnes are pardonable Thirdly by a desire after faith in the least measure Mark 9.24 that hee might apply one promise and touch but the Hem of his Sauiours garment Fourthly Psal 116.10 Mat. 4.31 by an earnest prayer for pardon and Gods fauour in Christ aboue all things in the world remembring still how worthy he is of Iudgements 2 Cor. 4.8 how vnworthy of any mercy Fifthly by intermissiue doubtings of himselfe and the truth of his grace Sixthly by a finall casting of himselfe into the Armes of Christ Iob 13.15 Phil. 3.8 9. confident of the truth of his promises and resolued to thinke so what euer come Acts 15.9 Seuenthly Gal 5.6 by that purity of hart though imperfect feruent loue vnto God and the faithfull and spirituall ioy euen to admiration some times 2 Thes 1.3 and beyond expression all following Faith 2 Cor. 8.3 Eighthly by a communicating charity making him to abound in euery good worke euen beyond ability Q. What is false and faigned faith A. It is a carnall presumption and a groundlesse perswasion Luke 13.3 of men and women within the pale of a visible Church Heb. 12.14 to attaine saluation without sanctification to haue pardon of sinne without parting from sinne Q. How may this be knowne A. First by the beginning thereof Rom. 10.17 Gal. 2.20 issuing from the proud flesh without any loue or vse of Gods ordinances Secondly by diuiding in conceit selfe-crucifying from Christ crucified Math. 4.6.7.26 Thirdly by perswading men to thinke they may and doe beleeue Gods promises although they distrust his prouidence prouiding for and aduancing themselues or others vnto wealth and worldly honour indirectly Fourthly by boasting of a full perswasion
whot meanes he may keepe it ibid. what vertues are therein enjoyned in respect of our selves and others 172 173 174. what may be learned from the whole 175 Commandement the eight what is the summe and meaning of it 176 177. by whom it is usually broken 180 how in respect of our selves and how with reference to others 182 183. profitable directions for the right ordering of a mans estate so as he may be sure to please God 184. what is required in men that they may endeavour to keepe this Law 185. and what may be profitably observed from the whole 187 Commandement the ninth what is the meaning of it 188. what is therin forbidden 189. why forbidden next after theft 191. how many wayes this Law is broken 192. what is therein enjoyned with respect to our selves 196. in regard of others 197. what is required in men that they may keepe this precept 201. and what may be learned froÌ„ it 202 Commandement the tenth what is the end and meaning of it 203. what it is to covet 204. what we may not covet and why it is forbidden in the last place 205. what is therein condemned 206. how many wayes it may bee broken with reference to our selves or others 207. what is enjoyned 208. what is requisite in men they may endeauour to doe it 209. and what may be learned from it 210 Comming of Christ to judgement what it is from whence how and to what end he shall come 54 55 Communion of Saints what it is and how many parts there are of it 70 71 72. what it is to beleeve the Communion of Saints 73. how a man may get into it and know himselfe to be admitted 73 74. what use may be made of it ibid. Communion at the Lords Table what a Christian must doe when hee is comne unto it and about to receive 368. what gesture may be used 370. what employment is best after men have received 371. they may not sleepe nor idly gaze about less they give advantage to Satan and open the mouthes of strangers justly to censure them what is required in communicants after all is done and every one departed his way 380 Conception of Christ what it meanes 28. and what wee may learne from it 29 Conclusion of the Lords Prayer what is the meaning of it 276. with the termes of Kingdome Power and Glory opened apart 277 278 279. what they containe all together 281. what is required in us that we may so conclude in deed and truth 282. and what may be learned from that conclusion 283 Conversion what 318. by what meanes ib. from what and to what are men converted 319. whether men may know the time of their conversion 320. how a Christian may discerne that grace in himselfe 321. a case touching conversion delayed 322. Contrition what 356. in what order the Lord works it ibid. how sound contrition may bee discerned from counterfeit 357. Conscience what 332. how it may be rectified and made good to us ibid. how a good conscience may bee knowne 333. how it may be kept in a holy temper and good order 334. Confession what 352. what men must confesse and how ibid. to whom wee must make it 353. whether auricular confession bee necessary 354. what benefit men might reape by Confession rightly ordered 355 Creation what 307 how man was created and to what end ibid. Creed why it is called so 16. for the meaning thereof see the severall Articles as they lye opened in order pag. 17. ad p. 91. Crucified what it signifies why Christ was to bee crucified and what may be learned from it 37 Covenant we enter into at our Baptisme what 7. note by the way that calling conversion regeneration sanctification mortification vivification with some other termes are described all in the easiest manner and that as divers names not different things that so when you meet with any one of them and they are often used indifferently one for another you might understand the meaning of all one maine cause why most heare much and profit nothing is ignorance of our termes D. DAmnation what 340. how a man may escape it 341 Death of Christ what it was why and what may be learned from it 38 39 40. Directions for the getting and right ordering of a mans outward estate so as he may be sure to please God 184 185. E. EVer and ever what is the meaning of that phrase as it is used in the Lords Prayer 280. Evill what is understood by it in the Lords Prayer 269. what it is to deliver from evill 270 Examination what 303. how and in what a Christian must examine himself before he come to the Lords Table 304 Election what 305. how a man may attaine a comfortable assurance of his owne Election 306 F. FAith what it is as mentioned in the Creed 17. what it is to beleeve 18 Faith a further description of it 344. to which let this be adjoyned that faith is a resting of an humble soule upon Christ Iesus for righteousnesse according to the tenour of the Gospell how a Christian may discerne this grace in himselfe 344. what iâ— false faith and how it may be discerned 346. how saving faith is ordinarily wrought in men and what are most contrary to it 350 Father what is to be beleeved of the first person in Trinitie 19. what may be gathered from his Titles â—o what is meant by Father in the Lords Prayer and what may bee learned from it 218. why wee are taught to say Our Father 219. how he is said to be in heaven and what may be learned from it 220 G. GOds how men may make other gods to themselves 92. every idoll in opinion or practice is a strange god Of grace there are two infallible and unseparable marks 1. A spirituall combate Rom. 7. 2. Love of the brethren 1 Ioh. 3.14 H. HEll how Christ descended why what may be learned from it 43 Holy Ghost how he is described 58. why called holy Spirit 59. what it is to beleeve in him and what use may be made of that Article 60. how a man may know whether the holy Spirit dwell in him 61 Husbands their dutie 135. and wherein they offend 143 Humiliation what 356. how a Christian may be comfortably perswaded he is truly humbled 357. how the Lord doth humble his children 360. why he doth so 361. how a Christian may undergoe this with comfort and patience 362 363. a case touching humiliation not felt but the contrary rather as it may be with truly humbled soules 36â— â—65 what cannot stand with sound humiliation 366 Hypocrisie what 337. how an hypocrite may be knowne 338. how hee may be cured of that dangerous disease 340. I. IEsus what it signifies 21. and what may be learned from it 22 Images whether all forbidden simply in the second Commandement 105 Incarnation who was incarnate why how and what may be learned from it 26 27 Inventions humane whether all