seeking to procure and 1. Have a sense of feeling and so a knowledge and an acknowledgement of sin 2. To have a loathing leaving and forsaking of the same 3. To have a resolution and firme prosecution of it and a new course of lâ—fe and holy living as was before declared in the Sacrament of Baptisme and the Godfathers vow and promise at the Font. 18. How is a sonâ—e of sin wrought in us By grace given of God obtained by prayer and consideration of the will of God which is our holinesse and so we may proceed thence 1. To the knowledge of sin which is looking into the glasse of the Law wherein is seen God â— purity Our sanctity required Our sin and so ugly deformity 2. To the acknowledgement of that hatefull monster sin thereby to obtaine remission and forgivenesse and deliverance from the same 19. How is the loâ—thing of sin best wrought in us By considering 1. The uglinesse and deformity thereof in Gods sight 2. The uglinesse and deformity of our soules thereby made abominable in Gods sight and like the Divell 3. The losse wosustaine thereby as the blotting out the image of God in our â—oules 4. The impurity of sin and the soule defiled by sin made a cage of uncleane birds 5. The â—ate of God against sin whose eies can behold no evill 6. The loathing wherewith God loatheth a sinner and his actions that are so contraâ—y to his pure nature polluted and unclean 7. The end of sin shame misery and confusion which may well move â—s to the leaving loathing hating and forsaking the same as so â—oule a monster that God much hateth 20. How may that godly resolution be best wrought and confirmed in us By considering 1. The promises of God to the penitent and godly persons 2. The goodnesse of God requiring it 3. The mercy of God alluring us to him 4. The examples of mercy in sinners received to grace to their comfort and felicity as of Mary Magdelâ—ne penitent thiefe David Peter c. 5. The judgements of God against impenitent sinners denounced 6. All the actions and workes of God as iâ— were perswading us to a new obedience 7. The unprofitablenesse shortnesse and contemptiblenesse yea endlesse shame of sin 8. The fruits of conversion to God holinesse and honour joy comfort and peace hereby and here obtained endlesse glory and eternity of reward hereafter in the love favour and presence of God which may move us to a constant resolution yea prosecution of so happy a new a course intended and perseveâ—ance to the end 21. How is the preparation by faith By examining the truth and lively operation thereof to the saving and adoring the soule by 1. The ground thereof the Rocke Christ. 2. The stedfastnesse there of without wavering 3. The fruits and â—ffâ—cts thereof in our repentance begun and perfected Love to God in praise and thankfulnesse Love to men in charity and forgivenesse 22. What is faith The evidence and assurance of things not seen but hoped for and so in particular of the mercies and promises of God made to us in Christ expressed in his word and confirmed in the Sacrament the seale of grace the ground whereof is Christ the rock and head corner stone on which the Church is built and whence it is so firme that the gates of hell shall not be able to prevaile against it and as the Apostle saith Neither heighth nor depth principalities nor powers life nor death things present nor things to come is able to remove us from it or the love of God the fruit and effect of the same 23. How is repentance the fruit of it As that is indeed the root and beginning of all goodnesse in us and also yeelding at last perfection to the same as the feare of God the beginning of wisdome is founded in faith the doctrine of salvation apprehended by faith mercy and graces received by faith repentance so begun continued and perfected by the working of faith and so also the fulfilling of the Law begun in faith of God for whose sake we love our neighbour and in the same faith yeeld him our Lord his honour and obedience thus faith formeth in us all vertues and graces as the same testifie the truth of our faith 24. How is this excellency of faith seen Excellently described in ninth and tenth to the Hebrewes where shewn to be the root and foundation of all the excellent graces of God as the power of God in all holy men and Saints on earth the ornament of the soule and to us even all in all for godlinesse so by 1. The eie of faith 1. The Fathers saw the promises afar off 2. We see God and 3. Looke up towards heaven 2. The hand of faith we apprehend Christ and his mercy and merits and apply them to the soul and are ready and prompt to all good works 3. The heart of faith we beleeve and conceive Christ lay hold on the promises 4. The tongue of faith we praise God and make a godly confession 5. The feet of faith Enoch walked with God and we come to his holy Temple and walke the waies of righteousnesse and by this faith as by a hand receive Christ in the Sacrament and a mouth feeding on him and a stomach or digestive faculty taking him to our soules we are nourished by him and turned by his power into one substance body flesh and bloud with him made flesh of his flesh bone of his bones and in him acceptable to God 25. How is this faith seen working by love In our yeelding all honour and praise to God with thanks for his benefits and obedience to his will and Commandements In our yeelding due respect to our neighbour according to the will of God in perfect charity and peace with all men 26. How then in respect of God In generall To yeeld all honour love obedience and duty as it is expressed in the Commandments and first Table especially In particular In respect had to this Sacrament and the receiving thereof 1. To have an humble and thankfull heart 2. To have holy remembrance of this so great benefit and blessing 3. To have reverent commemoration thereof with mouth and lips ready to set forth the praises and goodnesse of God with thanksgiving for the same 27. How in respect of men To be rightly disposed in charity towards them Both generally As it is the will of God and commanded in the Law and Gospel And particularly In regard of this holy action where is so especially required 1. Forgivenesse We desire forgivenesse as in the Lords Prayer 2. And here And perfect peace with all men As we desire to be at peace with God and to have union with him and communion with the Saints whereof this Sacrament is a token and symbole received to the soule 28. How if we sinde not our selves so well prepared We are not to leave the Sacrament but rather labour to be better prepared which if we
for some temporary or other respects more servent and faire in outward appearance to the world then the weaker faith though a true faith of the elect but for the most part discovered at last by the want of the Root love Fruit good workes Continuance to the end 37. How may wee know the true though weake faith By many good signes in ones selfe longing after God and proficiency in grace and especially by this one grace of God of unfained desire not onely of salvation which the wicked and gracelesse may desire but of reconciliation with God in Christ. 38. Is this a true signe of true faith It is and onely peculiar to the elect proceeding out of a touched and humbled heart for sinne and whosoever have it have in themselves the ground and substance of true and saving faith which afterwards may grow to greater strength and so Blessed are they that hunger and thirst c. Matth. 5. 6. 39. How many wayes may faith be weake Either by want of due Knowledge of the Gospell Application to the soule Though in that measure of knowledge that may else seeme sufficient 40. How is it to be strengthened By using diligently the meanes appointed of God the Word and Sacraments so humbly walking before God it is knowne to bee a true faith and daily encreased 41. What is a strong faith That whereby a man so apprehendeth and applieth the promises of God in the Gospell that hee can distinctly and truly say of himselfe hee is fully resolved in conscience that hee is reconciled to God in Christ and so not neglecteth to finde all godly signes and shew the fruits of the same in his cheerfull service of God 42. Js there any faith perfect No for howsoever it may be strong and stronger then others yet it is alwayes imperfect and requiring encrease and confirmation for which we must pray and strive for so also our knowledge is and will bee so long as wee live in this world as mingled with ignorance unbeleefe and sundry sorts of doubting 43. Have not all sorts of saving faith their fruit following Yes according to their degrees more or better all in some acceptable degree obedience to the will of God and willing profession of the truth and more particularly confession of the faith of Christ. 44. Why must we confesse it For divers reasons these especially that 1. With the mouth outwardly confessing wee may glorifie God and doe him service both in body and soule 2. By confessing of the faith we may sever our selves from all false Christians hypocrites and seducers whatsoever 3. We may incite confirme and strengthen others in the same 45. Js there any other acceptation of this word faith It is sometimes taken for the doctrine of the truth as 1 Tim. 3. 9. and 4. 1. as well as that habit or Theologicall vertue thence and by the gift of God produced in the minde of which wee spake before also where a dead faith false and fained faith hypocriticall faith and the like they are understood to be want of faith or a temporary onely or historicall faith as faith to be healed Matth. 8. under faith working miracles 1 Corinth 18. of all which before 46. What is else necessary to be knowne concerning faith To observe the causes and effects of this true faith 47. What causes The Efficient cause matter form and end of this true faith how wrought and formed in us 48. What efficient cause Either principall or instrumentall What principall God 1. The Father Ioh. 6. 29. this the work of God that ye beleeve in him whom he hath sent 2. The Son Heb. 12. 2. the author and finisher of our faith Jesus 3. The holy Ghost 2 Cor. 4. 14. the Spirit of faith and former of it in us without our preparation or workes 49. What the instrumentall cause The word of God and Sacraments and comfortable learning and using of them What the matter of faith In respect of the Subject Understanding to apprehend Will to assent and apply Conscience to make use of the promise and grace of God Object referred to the 1. Understanding the truth of Gods promise 2. Will grace of God manifested in Christ. 3. Conscience joy and comfort in the holy Ghost 50. What is the forme of faith 1. To beleeve or to seeke to apprehend and know the mercies of God with our best understanding 2. Receive and apply to our soules the free mercies of God in Christ with our whole heart and will 3. Make use of it in our conscience to the Purging and rooting out of dead workes and sin Bringing forth good workes fruits of a living faith 51. What the end of faith In regard of God his glory in his mercies Us our justification by his free mercies in Christ. 52. What is justifying or our justification To be Discharged before God of our guilt Approved before him free and innocent Accepted of God and allowed his favour and presence 53. Doth faith doe this Faith is said to doe it as the instrument whereby we apprehend apply and take benefit of Christ and his merits the very originall and principall cause of this as in whom only and alone we are Discharged and acquitted Approved innocent and accepted God is well pleased and reconciled 54. But Saint James saith we are justified by workes Saint James doth not there speake of our justification as the cause whereby we are justified inwardly before God which is only faith in Christ but of the outward justification as the testification approving thereof to our consciences to the world that we have faith seen by the fruits thereof 55. What of the distinction of generall and speciall explicite and implicite faith Generall and implicite faith are indeed no faith or not true faith explicite and speciall may be as they may be rightly understood the same with our faith and the saving and true faith 56. What are the effects of faith Many or at least by many names stiled and called in holy Scripture and may be reduced to These two 1. Putting off the old 2. Putting on the new Man or this one word encluding both repentance 57. How else called or described Either Workes of the Spirit Gal. 5. 22. death to sin and life to righteousnesse Rom. 6. walking not in the flesh but the spirit Rom. 8. Renewing the minde Ephes. 4. 22. True holinesse and righteousnesse ibid. 23. A new creature Gal. 6. 15. Generally good works Jam. 2. Tit. 2. c. 58. But if these workes doe not justifie us what need we doe them and why For divers reasons especially these 1. Because they are good and so to be done 2. They are for the glory of God and his Gospel and nothing more against God then the works of sin 3. They are to the good of the Church and faithful 4. They testifie our faith James the 2. 5. They confirme our election Jo. 4. 12 13. 6. They win others to the Gospel 1 Pet. 3. 7. They
never finde out or comprehend them how much more likely is it she may faile in such high and divine mysteries so farre remote from sense and so above our understanding for if Aristodemus as Saint Augustine remembreth laboured many yeares in seeking out the nature of a Bee which yet finally hee never attained how shall she thinke to comprehend the infinite eternall and invisible Trinity 47. What use hereof To humble reason that faith hereby may be the more exalted that whereas I professe with the tongue so with the heart I may indeed believe in God 48. Where is the substance of this faith professed In the Creed before rehearsed 49. In which words In these I beleeve in God SECT 3. A more particular Explication of the words of the Creed I beleeve in God the Father c. So to take her sight thereof more cleerly from the eye of faith the Analysis or division of the first Article of the Creed where the action what it is to beleeve and what to beleeve in declared and the object of that beleefe God or his Church And the action of beliefe applyed first to the object God in his Essence in unity one God and meant in the manner of his existence in the Trinity in the thrce persons united in nature and Essence but distinguished in their personall proprieties aná persons in whom is â—o inequality or precedency either to other in respect of their Godhead being all one but only difference for order sake in the distinction of their person or parts of them A farther explication of the word of beleeving â— the diverse acceptation of the same and application of it to the soule the subject and God the object of it and to the first person here many wayes described or Father of all creatures Christ and in him all the elect whereby we are sons and have his grace protection and image in righteousnes and true holinesse and cared for and provided of all things even a royall inheritance of the Saints in heaven Further showne as he is alsufficient and almighty or omnipotent which is by and from him communicated with his essence to the other persons which omnipotence is chiefly showne and seene by us in that world of the creat a worke finite virtutis and though opera Trinitatis ad extra be indivisa this principally attributed to him so stiled Creator as originally from him wherein considered the decree and execution of it in the production and preservation as it were a continued creation of al things The subject of which his mighty power and operation the heaven and earth and all their glorious and excellent creatures in them contained and so with them in these words mean and intended 1. VVHat note you generally in the words Two things the Action and Object 2. What is the action Faith or beliefe which is diversly understood here according to the diversity of the object Which is either God His Church and graces 3. How diversified As the words imply and import by Beleeving in or Beleeving only 4. What is the difference To beleeve is one thing to beleeve in another or as the same yet intended or extended with an addition to the former 5. In what are we to beleeve In God only who is Father Son and holy Ghost 6. What are we to beleeve The Articles concerning the Church and Gods graces or actions and priviledges conferred on and done for the same 7. What professe we when we say we beleeve in These five things that we Know consent acknowledge Apply It to us and our hearts Us to it Put confidence in it 8. What when we beleeve The foure first only acknowledge assent acknowledgement and applying it 9. Doe we professe this faith to every Article Yes either to beleeve in or to beleeve it to which our hearts ought to be applyed in that faith 10. How manifold is this profession Twofold with the Heart to justification Tongue to salvation 11. What is the object of faith That about which our faith is imployed and which it doth apprehend or acknowledge 12. How manifold is it Twofold according to the former division of the Creed either God or his Church 13. How set forth there The first concerning God in all the former part of the Creed eight Articles till you come to the holy Catholique Church the second part from that to the end the foure other Articles 14. VVhat confesse you concerning God Our faith and beliefe in him that is with speciall trust and confidence in him and his grace and mercy 15. How manifold is your confession and consideration of him Twofold Generally and essentially Particularly and personally 16. How understood Generally and essentially as I say I believe in God which is the Essence of the Deity communicable to the three persons And 1. Particularly or personally as I professe God the Father Creator 2. God the Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour 3. God the holy Ghost the Comforter 17. How many Gods are there Only one God so the Nycene Creed and holy Athanasius expounding it say I beleeve in one God 18. But doth not Scripture name many gods The name of God in Scripture is understood and taken 1. Either properly and so there is but one God infinite in Essence and power inhabiting eternity 2. Improperly so Magistrates are called gods Psal. I have said you are gods as his Vicegerents 3. Falsly so Idols by the abuse and Idolatry of the people under the name of strange gods 19. VVhat note you then in the Godhead chiefly Both the union and unity in the Essence and the distinction in the persons 20. VVhat call you the unity The one and entire Essence of God appliable to the Trinity of persons aforesaid whereby the unity in Trinity and Trinity in unity is to be worshipped 21. What call you the Trinity The three persons communicating wholly each of them in the whole nature and Essence of God expressed in that unity in which is founded their union as in their personall proprieties their distinction 22. What is their union Their being united in that one nature the unity and Essence of the Deity whereby all three persons are co-essentiall co-eternall together and coequall 23. What is their distinction That personal propriety wherby each person in the manner of his existence is distinguished from other whereby the Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Father and the holy Ghost neither 24. VVhich are those proprieties The Father to beget or produce the Son the Son to be begotten the holy Ghost proceeding from both so the Son cannot be said to proceed nor the holy Ghost to be begotten nor the Father to be begotten or to proceed 25. How are these Attributes knowne from others For that all other Attributes as almighty incomprehensible uncreated infinite eternall omniscient most holy good wise God and Lord are attributed to all persons equally and indifferently as they are indeed one Essence God and so
originall fountaine of life living of himselfe and undependently and so giving all things else their life and being 43. How doth the body live By vertue of the soule and her union with it and so by the power and operation of the same 44. What is eternity A duration and continuance or enduring without beginning or end or both 45. How explaine you this Eternity or such enduring is considered First either simply and absolutely without beginning or end and so only God absolutely eternall and inhabiting eternity 2. In part as the Schooles speake either a part ante without beginning but having end so Gods decrees from eternity either without beginning but ending in his workes or a part post having beginning but without end so the eternity of Angells and soules that by creation had beginning but by Gods grace and goodnesse continuing them shall never have end this is also called eviternity and thus all eternity is contra distinguished to time 46. In what manner As eternity absolute hath neither beginning nor end so God eternall Eviternity hath beginning but no end so Angels and Soules Time hath both beginning and end so this world and all temporall things and thus all continuance is usually distinguished 47. What is eternall life then The fulnesse of joy and comforts of life in the presence of God that shall never have end 48. How more largely The union of body and soule as the resurrection of the just to that end to be united unto God and have the fruition of the glorious God head enlightning and inhabiting those that are his for ever so making them to dwell with him in whose presence is fulnesse of joy and life for evermore 49. How is this else called Happinesse and blessednesse eternall as therein enjoying the fruits and comforts of that everlasting life 50. Js this also the life of Angels It is whose onely blessednesse and chiefe delight is in contemplation and fruition of the glory beauty and majesty of God then which there can be no greater joy or happinesse 51. How so Because in him is all goodnesse even in the fountaine all goodnesse else but a few dispersed sparkes of that eternall light or a drop of that Ocean wherein onely is plenitude to the satisfying of all desires of what goodnesse soever 52. How is eternall life else taken Sometimes in the Scripture for the meanes and beginning of this in the kingdome of Grace as it is said to Christ to whom shall we goe thou hast the words of eternall life and this is eternall life to know thee and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ. 53. How is this eternall life As it is the union of the soule to God by grace though imperfectly yet receiving the comforts of life from him by the influence of his holy Spirit bringing joy and unspeakable blessings and peace to the same 54. How manifold is eternall life then Twofold either inchoate in this life in the kingdome of grace Or consummate as aforesaid in the kingdome of glory And this is also twofold or in two degrees 55. Which are they 1. Either in that part onely the soule as that is united to God and enjoying happinesse with him when the soules of the just depart hence in the Lord. 2. Or in body and soule most fully as shall bee after the generall resurrection and so principally here intended 56. What the parts of this life and blessednesse The divine and blessed living of the soule and body when joyned together in the presence of God and union with him enjoying the fulnesse of all that is called goodnesse as both joy and pleasure riches health liberty honour glory and all these absolute and entire not mixed with any grief or any other inconvenience as worldly things but perfect according to the perfection and excellence of the person place and giver 57. And how this estate expressed else in holy Scripture By many comfortable phrases and figures expressing the joy honour glory comforts or blessings there as said to be and remaine With God and in God in the Lord. In the hand of God in his presence In heaven in eternall rest and peace In Paradise in Abrahams bosome In joy blessednes as here in life everlasting 57. But is not life everlasting to the wicked No for their estate is not properly a life as wanting all joy comforts and fruits of life but a death or continuall dying in paine and torments and so if at any time said to live it is with addition of everlasting torments or to live in everlasting chaines of darknesse with the Divell and his Angels or the like whereby signifying an eternall dying life or living death and in that respect most properly termed everlasting death 58. Why is not this their estate expressed also in the Creed Because this is here intended as a symboll of their faith so penned for the comfort of the just and to remember them of their hope and happinesse and stirre them up to godlinesse leaving the others to the hand of God whose estate yet may hence be plainly gathered and also is in St. Athanasius Creed some others more fully expressed 59. What learne we hence Many good duties as in our Christian calling so to order our lives and conversation as alwayes having an eye to this blessed hope Remembring this end without end Breaking off sinne betimes since no uncleane thing may enter here Striving to enter the strait gate of vertue leadign to eternity leaving the broad way of the world Taking joy in things that shall yeeld everlasting joy Desiring praying longing for it c. 60. Why is Amen added To shew the certainty assurance and confidence we have as well as our owne consent to this faith 61. VVhat signifieth it Verily certainly or undoubtedly or as it is else usually rendred So be it 62. What meane you then by it That we doe beleeve and confesse Not onely in word professing but from the very heart Not wavering but certainly without doubting Not as though it were in our owne power but craving helpe and strengthning of our faith from the hand of God 63. But how should Amen bee added since it is no prayer 1. Either as the last Article signifies those priviledges of the Church whereunto all faithfull soules aspire and so in that aspiration say Amen 2. Or as we generally confesse the certainty of it and our submission of soule to this faith and the will and truth of God 3. Or in particular we intimate our prayers for this or some other thing for our owne good and the Church of God 64. For what things For faith as Lord give us true faith For encrease of our faith as Lord encrease our faith For helpe and comfort Lord helpe our unbeleefe For defence Lord defend us and all professors of this faith Or the like holy aspiration to heaven and heavenly things in the meditation and confession of this faith 65. But doe not they abuse it
2. Our vivification in the Spirit or of the new man Christ in us by the power of his grace and Spirit that so bringeth forth in us Our justification by The merit of his death Imputation of his righteousnesse Sanctification by Our new birth raised up in him Our new life going forward by grace in holinesse of living 13. How is this explained By the opposition of our former estate to this as we were Born in sin and the children of wrath by nature in old Adam Dead in sin dying to grace Damnati antequam nati and having the image Of God oâ—literate blotted out of of our soules The divel imprinted therin being without all Grace Justification or Sanctification And being in this case have by the mercy of God this favour shewed us to have the meanes offered of faith and the seale and pledge the Sacrament whereby wee are made children of grace Renewed Justified Sanctiâ—ied in Christ by his Spirit to God 14. How is this Renewing wrought By the power of the Spirit of God and grace which is given whereof the Sacrament is the pledge and seale and also the ordinary meanes whereby conveyed unto us and we receive it as many as have the power given to become the sonnes of God which is seen by the effect Of a 1. New life 2. New creature 3. New birth 4. Newnesse of affections and 5. Souls as new borne babes desiring the sincere milke of the word having put off the old man and all carnall affections of sinne 15. But who is so renewed Every one that is born of water and the holy Ghost which is the regeneration herein expressed whereby the sâ—ing of sinne is plucked out both in regard of the sin and punishment though sin it selfe not quite extinguished which is never quite abolished till death but broken so that it reigneth not only remaineth as a rebellious head or poysonous root to exercise our faith and graces whiles we live here 16. But is this done in us by the very act of Baptisme or of the Baptizer No For there is also required a right disposition of the person in faith and within the covenant of grace and then it doth convey grace confirme the heart seale the covenant purging the conscience and so effectuall to the faithfull otherwise as in those that came to Iohns baptisme they may remaine a generation of vipers whiles they keep themselves out of the covenant by their malice impiety and hypocrisie whereby they mock God though they take the signe of the covenant on them and so much the rather mockers as taking the signe and neglecting the grace 17. What is then required in persons to bee baptized Repentance whereby they forsake sinne and faith whereby they beleeve the promises made to them in that Sacrament 18 What is Repentance A turning from sinne and a returning to God wherein many steps or degrees to bee considered 19. Which are they In the 1. Turning from sin a Knowledge of sinne one step by faith Sence or feeling of sinne two steps in grace Horror of sin for the uglinesse before God Shame of sin for the filthinesse in it selfe Sorrow and grief of sin for the displeasing of God thereby Resolution to forsake it and lead a new life 2. Returning to God by 1. Forsaking sin 2. Taking a new course and leading a new life 3. Constancie in that intended course 4. Perseverance which onely attaineth the promise and crown our blessing 19. What is the fruit of Repentance A continuall renewing of the force and efficacie of baptisme to the soule which though it selfe may not be iterated yet it is thus continually refreshed and the vertue thereof renewed in us and so is both effectuall in the receiving baptisme and ever after both in The 1. Knowing and acknowledging of sin the barre of grace whereby to obtaine forgivenesse at Gods hand and have the bar moved 2. Sorrowing for and forsaking of Sinne whereby to obtaine grace in the power and vertue of the Sacrament 3. New intended course of leading a new life in obtaining some degree or measure of sanctification either of which is sometimes called repentance and in all three together the perfection thereof and are else stiled Confession Contrition Reformation 20. What is Faith My assurance in respect of God of the Truth of his promises Stability of them in Christ. The head and corner stone my self of the Application of them to me Forgivenesse of my sinnes 21. What is the seat of Faith The heart For in the heart the man beleeveth to justification Rom. 10. 14. And so Christ dwelleth in the heart by faith Eph. 3. 17. 22. What is the ground of faith The word and promise of God giving assurance to the soule because he is true that promised 23. What is the object of faith Things not seene but apprehended by the soule for the truths sake of him that promised as forgivenesse of sins salvation and everlasting life 24. How is use to be made of it By application to my selfe of these things that for his Sonne and promise sake I shall be assured of salvation and my sinnes forgiven and so blessed as whose unrighteousnesse forgiven and whose sin covered 25. What condition required Repentance or confession and forsaking sin Prov. 28. 13. and so faith beginning repentance is also perfected by repentance and wrought and working together are either for the perfection of other and the graces are thereby seen whereof the Sacraments are the seales 26. How doe we then need them As the necessary conditions whereby applied and where with the vertue and efficacie of the Sacrament is transfused into the soule that is not else sufficiently well disposed to the receiving thereof without them 27. Why are Infants then baptised when by reason of their tender age they cannot performe them Yes they doe performe them in such convenient sort as is required and standeth them sufficiently instead in that their tender age 28. In what manner By their sureties who promise and vow them both in their names which when they come to age themselves are bound to performe 29. But is that sufficient It is as may be shewne and confirmed by sundry good and valuable reasons taken from Both 1. Circumcision the forerunner of it 2. The institution and action of Christ himself 3. The doctrine of the Apostles 4. The practise of them and primitive times 5. Reason it selfe and the intent of the covenant What is the ground of the reasons Because as the Covenant was made not only with Abraham but with him and his seed so the seale pertaineth to whomsoever the Covenant doth and the children being so within the Covenant of grace the sâ—ale pertaineth also unto them especially this that succeedeth circumcision 30. How as it succeedeth circumcision Because that being with them the admission into the Church and seale of the Covenant as this is to us and the foretunner of this was commanded the eight day and for the same reason this
the Father God the Son God and the holy Ghost God and Lord and Almighty and the rest But these are only attributed to one of the three persons and not to the others so the Son only is begotten and not the Father nor the holy Ghost and the like of the rest 26. Is there any precedency or priority in the Trinity None for in the Trinity none is a fore or after other none greater or lesse then another but all three co-essentiall co-eternall and co-equall 27. VVhy is the Father first mentioned For orders sake only for in the Deity is no imparity but the Son was from all eternity and before all worlds with the Father God of God Light of light and the Wisedome Word Truth and Councell of God and so was the holy Ghost 28. But is not the Son said under and inferiour to the Father Not as touching his Godhead for so he is equal only inferiour as touching his Man-hood when for our sakes he would assume our nature in the flesh and be humbled 29. But were not the Son and the holy Ghost sent after a certaine time At the fulnesse of time God sent his Son yet his Son eternally was willing and from eternity with the Father decreed and did consent and came voluntarily one God and one with God before all worlds only in his humility and humanity after a time manifested in the flesh so the holy Ghost eternally God yet said after a certain time sent and yet coming himselfe and so more visible apparant to the Church who before all time was God and with God coequall in power and majesty 30. How explaine you further your beleefe in God I beleeve with my heart and professe with my mouth this one God and so I put my whole trust and confidence in him and his mercy grace and truth 31. How expresse you what you conceive in this word I beleeve I beleeve not onely 1. That there is a God which is credere Deum 2. His words are true credere Dei verba esse firma certa vera stabilia 3. God in his promises and words is true which is credere Deo all which the Divels doe beleeve even beyond and better then some reprobates and any reprobates may doe this But which is more I beleeve in God which is credere in Deum to put my trust affiance and confidence in him And confesse it a Deo as the gift of God whence invocation obedience all good works and good life in Deo propter Deum ejus Christum doe proceed which is and ought to be the fruit of faith so shewing it a true saving and justifying faith and whereby the Soule is purified Life sanctified Conscience pacified of a good Christan 32. How apply you this faith To my soule as the subject as it is to bee saved justified sanctified purified and pacified by the same To God as the object and authour of it almighty alsufficient and able to performe this in me 33. How to God referred Both in the Unity of Essence and Trinity of Persons Father Son and Holy Ghost the author and finisher of this faith and object of the same 34. How is this generall Confession first applyed here To the first Person in Trinity the Father so I say I beleeve in God the Father 35. How is the Father here described By his Title of personality Father Attribute of omnipotency Almighty Action of creation Maker of heaven and earth 36. How is the title of Father attributed to God 1. Either indefinitely as creator and producer of all things and so in some sort attributed to the all three persons Esa. 9. 2. Or respectively as the first person is Father by nature of the second and in him by adoption of all his Elect. 37. How many wayes is he Father Three wayes principally Generally of all creatures by creation so Father of light and Spirits Specially by adoption and grace so Father of all the Elect in Christ. Particularly by nature of Christ his Son by eternall generation 38. How is Father understood here All these three wayes though most particularly and as foundation of the rest as Father of his owne and onely Son by nature 39. What note you in that especially Three most observable and wonderfull concurrents in that eternall generation beyond all others 1. That the Father communicates his whole essence to the Sonne who is very God of very God 2. Produceth him within himselfe for without him is no place 3. Hath his Sonne equall to himselfe in being and beginning as equall in essence and majesty so in time and co-eternity that there was no time nor durance when the Father had not this Sonne equall so to himselfe in time by eternall generation 40. What profit to us in this That for his sake his eternall Sonne whom hee loveth so dearly we having his love shall bee saved so as sonnes by creation wee have his power and providence but as Sonnes by adoption in Christ wee have his grace and goodnesse attending over us 41. What speciall comfort therein That as he is our Father and wee are his children wee shall want no manner of thing that is good either for body or soule for this life or the life to come 42. What duty are we hereby obliged unto The duty of sonnes to love honour and obey our Father to strive to be like him or to resemble our Father and beare his image and as our heavenly Father trust in him and cast our cares on him 43. What image of him Of righteousnesse and true holinesse 44. How shall we resemble him 1. By holinesse as he commandeth Be ye holy as I am holy 2. By mercy as be ye mercifull as your heavenly Father is mercifull 3. By love for God is love and so both to love one another and even our enemies doing good to all after his example who raineth and whose Sun shineth on the just and unjust 44. Why or how should we cast our care on him Because as our Father he careth for us and who feedeth the Ravens and clotheth the Lillies will doe much more for his children if they serve him 45. Js all care to be abandoned All superfluous and excessive care of worldly things for if we seeke heavenly things chiefly all other things shall be given sufficiently 46. How may this be further illustrated By the example of Kings children or heyres who having great provision of Kingdome and best things what should they carke for pinnes or trifles and if heaven be provided why carke and care for earth and earthly vanities and if Christ be theirs what can be wanting or withheld 47. What of the attribute Almighty To learne that he is able and can doe al things 1. Whatsoever hee pleaseth his will onely the bound of his active power 2. More then he will by his supreame and absolute power and so nothing is impossible with God 48. Is the Father onely omnipotent No for every attribute saving the
Yes but not beyond the intent of the Law which willeth absolute righteousnesse both in our soules and bodies or actions and most inward affections and is hereby a Schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ and when wee are not able to doe it to send us to him that hath done it for us if wee shew our love and obedience by our willingnesse 23. How may our willingnesse be seene 1. By our hate of the things of the flesh 2. By our delight in the Law of the Lord Rom. 7. 16. 3. By our stirring or striving and moving in holy duties 4. By our desire to bee instructed and directed 5. By our growing up in godlinesse and these are also assigned as tokens of our new birth proceeding by degrees in grace directed by the Law profiting and perfected in Christ. 24. What generally commanded here Contentednesse with our estate in not covetting our neighbors goods but submitting our souls to the good will and pleasure of God and his holy Spirit and ordering our selves with thankfulnesse according to the direction of the same in which contentednesse all vertues seeme to shine forth and to be comprehended as Prudence justice temperance fortitude constancy c. both in generall and in particular of all vertues as in their severall kindes and branches is to bee seene as what Christian prudence and heavenly wisedome sheweth it selfe where wee are graciously contented with Gods providence over us and appointment of us in that our estate and condition to doe him such service as therein required what justice towards God and men shineth forth in our readinesse so contentedly to doe our duties what Christian moderation and temperance to be seene above all turbulent affections of vainglory pride or covetousnesse so to submit our selves to Gods will and command and our fortitude and constancy so to continue and persevere as indeed where any virtue is actually there habitually are all the rest virtues and graces goe concatenate there is such mutuall league of love and tye of affinity betweene and among them as no virtue without prudence to gurde it justice the soule and substance of it in the duty whether to God or man our selves or others temperance the mediocrity and moderation of it fortitude the strength of it and courage to proceed constancy the continuance and so the rest humility the ground continency the girdle love the comfort chastity the ornament piety the crowne of them all and each adding a lustre to other and where any deficient the rest blemished by it but in this one contentednesse all generally entertained and every one particularly illustrated by it 25. What are the fruits hereof True blessednesse here and hereafter the promise annexed to the performance of good duties 26. What the whole duty man To feare God and keepe his Commandements 27. VVhat the sum of the Commandements Love 28. VVhat followeth in the Catechisme The explication of that love the summe of the Commandements as it extendeth it selfe to the performance of duties both towards God and men and so to shew what we learne in them SECT 13. The ninth and next Questions Love the sum and substance or root and fountaine of the Law and all good duties therein comprised whether to God or man pertaining so called the royall law of love or fulfilling of the law whose degrees in our duty to God to superiours to equals and inferiors in their severall orders and kindes to be exercised how to love the neighbour as ones owne selfe and what by the Talion law to doe as we would be donâ— to is required our giving honâ—â— to superiours love of equalls all else shewn by hurting none by breach of any the Commandements as 〈…〉 or 〈…〉 incontinency picking and stealing evill speaking lying or slandering or coveting other mens goods and so consequently to use the honest meanes whereby to be better able to perform this to learne to labour in some lawfull calling as God appointeth us with thankefulnesse and contentednesse 1. VVHat doe you chiefly learne in these Commandements Two things my duty towards God and my duty towards my neighbour or the root and fountaine whence these duties doe slow love extending it selfe to God Men. 2. How is love the fountaine of these duties or sum of the Law 1. It is the summe of the Law as it is the whole scope of all good duties and intention of the law and inward forme of that spirituall life we live by grace ready to performe all good duties and so called the royall law of love 2. It is the fountaine and root of his double duty as the love of God produceth the zeale of his glory seeking his honour and so obedience to all the Commandements and thereby performance of duties both to God and men 3. What is thy duty towards God To beleeve in him To feare him and to love him with all my heart minde soule strength as Luke 10. 27. Deut. 6. 5. Mat. 22 28. Marke 12. 30. Whence sloweth the performance of all other services of his and honor done unto him as from the first Commandement all the rest 4. VVhat meane you by this A faith in God producing his feare in love and filiall observance the feare of God the beginning of wisedome performing obedience and love in hearty affection adhering unto him and trusting in him with minde unfainedly seeking knowing and remembring him and soule wholly addicted to his honour and service to the utmost strength and power of both bodily and spirituall faculties persevering therein the substance of the first Commandement and so performing all parts of his service in the rest of the Commandements 5. In what wanner 1. Both to worship him after his will 2. Give him thankes and praise him for his benefits 3. Put my trust in him in distresse 4. Call upon him in all my needs as in the second Commandement 5. Honour his holy name and his word as in the third Commandement 6. Serve him truly all the dayes of my life and especially his Sabbaths as the fourth Commandement 6. VVhat is love to these duties The very foundation of them for if I doe love Cod With all my heart sincerely With all my minde understandingly With all my soule affectionately With all my strength effectually I will assuredly also strive to perform these things and continue in them all the dayes of my life 7. VVhat is thy duty to thy neighbour I. In generall 1. As by our Saviour Christ is taught to love him as my selfe so reade Math. 22. 39. Luke 10. 27. Marke 12. 31. so Lev 19. 18. 2. According to talion Law to doe to all men as we would they should doe unto us by our Saviour taught Math. 7. 12. Luke 6. 31. so Tob. 4. 15. II. Speciall to First superiours as in the fifth Commandement to 1. To love honour and succour father c. 2. Honour and obey King and his c. 3. Submit my selfe to c. 4. Order my selfe lowly c. Secondly all
veâ—ily and indeed taken and received of the faithfull in the Loâ—ds Supper 33. What herein observed Tâ—e matter body and bloud of Christ. The action take â—and received by the faithfull The Analogy and reseâ—blance of the parts The manner theâ—eof verily and indeed wherein chiefly the force of the relation 4. What are the relata and correlatâ— The Bread and Wine consâ—cration and blessing breaking powring forth giving and distributing nourishing and strengthening the body Relate uâ—to and signifying the Body and Blood of Christ his holineâ—e and veâ—tue his suffering and shedding his blood his taking and receiving by faith nourishing and refreshing of the soul. 35. What the Relation and Analogie The similitude of the things and representation of one by the other founded after a sort on the similitude of the things themselves in nature but absolutely obtaining the force of the Sacramentall signifying from the institution and by grace 36. How is the taking and receiving of them then Verily and indeed but after a spirtuall and divine manner not so grossely and corporally or carnally to be understood as poore sense or reason should thinke or presume to define under the compasse of their shallow apprehension which their presuming hath moved and stirred up strange mists in this divine speculation that ought onely mysteriously to be looked on and admired with the eye of faith not curiously to bee pried into by silly eye of sense or humane reason 37. Why say we so Because as there are arcana Dei and Religionis that ought not to be pried into and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that cannot be told and mysteries in the Trinity and faith that even mortall heart cannot comprehend nor is it fitting or needfull for us to know much lesse curiously enquire after so especially in this mystery where Christ is verily and indeed present yet after such an ineffable manner the tongue cannot utter nor reason well comprehend yet faith may plainly see because hee hath said it who is the Truth and wee must beleeve though for our weaknesse not able sufficiently to conceive or comprehend 38. Why cannot we comprehend them Because wee are finite and the counsels and wayes or thoughts of God that he will have concealed to exercise our humility not like us or our thoughts or wayes buâ— as his wisedome in the depth of his counsels infinite in himselfe though to us-ward and in part so much as necessary for us to know finite and revealed proportionable to our understanding and apprehension so what is not revealed it is holy modesty and sobriety not curiously to enquire after as in this and many other things 39. But some have devised how in this and the like Yet without Gods especiall grace or command and illumination it may well seeme but lost labour and vain for when many have devised divers wayes of his presence here or in the midst among his Disciples when the doores were shut he to whom all power is given can have other means to shew his presence and power then their poore thoughts or inventions can devise And for this if it had been expedient for us to know he would have shewed it it may then suffice us that since hee hath said it hee is present and how hee is present wee shall finde by his graces here and perfectly in glory when we shall know as we are known and all our imperfections done away 40. What are we to doe then With the Disciples to receive him beleeve and enjoy his blessed presence and grace making no question with those Capernaits as to say Master how camest thou hither considering also the Bethshemites were blessed by the presence of the Arke but cursed and plagued when they began curiously to pry into it 1 Kings 6. And curious questions little availe to godlinesse especially in such things as this where silence and admiration is the best eloquence to expresse such mysterie and here godly meditation safer then Socraticall disputation when commonly discourse of controversie doth abate devotion which ought rather to be kindled by pious and godly meditation 41. Is this sufficient then or best for us It is For we may consider if humane reason waver in things sensible how much more in divine so farre above sense and from sense removed The creation of Angels being above humane sense or capacity Moses is therefore said not to have mentioned it so in this mystery much more the manner of Christs presence and how he commeth uttered onely as Pythagoras Scholars were silent and assured it was so if hee said it though else they did not perceive it much more the authority of Christ should be with us because he said it and so let us honour him in this mystery praise him for his mercies receive his graces beleeve his promises and be thankfull for his presence and blessings and here those things wee comprehend we may admire and what wee cannot we should more admire and if word or heart be wanting to expresse or conceive let not faith be wanting to relieve because he is truth and the Sunne remaines a spâ—endent body though Batâ— or Owles eyes cannot endure it or our eyes look into this truth 42. But are wee not to beleeve as the ancient Fathers did Yes as the holy and most ancient ever have done as the Disciples who beleeved not queâ—tioning how and enjoyed his grace and presence and the like by the most ancient Fathers confessed we are to acknowledge as 1. With Dionysius the Areopagite that it is a most divine mystery 2. Justine Martyr that not common bread or drink 3. Tâ—rtullian that it was made Christs body 4. Origen that wee eate and drinke the body and blood of Christ and so the Lord entreth under our roofe 5. Cyprian that as in the person of Christ the Humanity was seen but the Divinity hid so in the visible Sacrament or divine essence communicated 6. Hillary of the verity of the body and blood of Christ there is no place of doubt 7. Ambrose that more excellent food then Maâ—â—a 8. Jerome the Lord both maker of the feast and food 9. St. Augustine that in this sacrifice the Lord boâ—â— Priest himselfe and sacrifice And so of others with whom we consent in the Orthodox interpretation and confesse and admire he greatnesse and divinesse of the mystery and with reverence embrace what in some respect we are not able to conceive of the mysterious Majesty of the same 43. How are we then to believe That by the faithfull receivers verily and indeed is the body and blood of Christ received and so duly and in faith received as Christ said it it is his body and blood and with it himselfe and his merits are applied to the soul to make it a holy Tabernacle fit for his presence which yet as it is spirituall food is understood in a spirituall manner and selfe fitâ—ing the same mystery and not destroâ—ing the natuâ—e or parts of the Sacrament but such his presence but the soule