to doe it Q. VVhat else doth the preface teach vs A. That wée are to come to God with c Heb. 4.16 boldnes because he is our Father and with d Eccles 5.1 2 reuerence because his Maiesty filleth the heauens Q. VVhich is the first petition A. Hallowed be thy name Q. VVhat is it to hallow Gods name A. It is to acknowledge and declare that God and his name is holy Luke 7.29 35 and is so to be vsed Q. VVhat doe wee ask of God herein A. That we may rightly know and acknowledge God and may reuerence praise and set forth his Almighty power Wisdome goodnes iustice mercy and truth shining in all his workes Ier. 9.23.24 Psal 145.8 9 10. Q. VVhat else doe we ask herein A. That both in minde and heart in life and conuersation we may glorifie God both in himselfe and in his works Q. VVhat is the second petition A. Thy kingdome come Q. VVhat is heere meant by the kingdome of God A. The kingdome of grace Mat. 6.33 Colos 1.13 14. Luke 23 42 and the kingdome of glory Q. What doe we desire heerein A. That God will more and more subdue and weaken the kingdome and power of sinne and Satan Q. What else A. That God by his holy Word and Spirit will rule raign in vs and that in the end he will bring vs to the kingdome of glory Q. VVhat is the third petition A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Q. VVhat doe wee craue of God heerein A. That wée héere in earth may readily willingly chéerefully and faithfully doe the will of God as the Angels doe in heauen Q. Wherein consisteth the doing of Gods will A. In thrée things especially Q. VVhat is the first A. In denying our owne a Luke 22 42 will and b Iohn 6.40 1. Iohn 3 23 1 Thes 4.3 4 5 6 Acts 14.22 beléeuing in Christ Q. What is the second A. In dooing such good workes as God requireth Q. What is the third thing A. In the patient bearing of afflictions Q. VVhich is the fourth petition A. Giue vs this day our daily bread Q. What doe we ask heerein A. That God will giue vnto vs all things necessary and comfortable for this life Pro. 30.8 Q. What else A. That God will giue vs the grace to be contented with that he giueth vs. Phil. 4.12 13 Heb. 13.5 Q. VVhat needes the rich man to pray for daily bread A. Yes because without Gods blessing his abundance can do him no good Deut. 8.4 Psal 127.1 2 3. Q. Which is the fift petition A. And forgiue vs our trespasses c. Q. What doe wee desire of God heerein A. That God for Christs sake will forgiue vs all our sinnes Ier. 31.34 for euen wée forgiue such as offend vs. Q. Can wee forgiue others their sinnes A. We may and must a Luke 17 3 4. forgiue the wrongs don vnto vs by others but none can forgiue b Esay 43.25 Marke 2.7 sinnes but God onely Q. Is our forgiuing of others the cause why God doth forgiue vs A. No but it is a signe thereof Q. What if we forgiue not others A. Then God will not forgiue vs. Mat. 18.35 Q. Which is the sixt petition A. And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Q. What doe we ask heerein A. That God will not leaue vs to our selues 2. Chro. 32 31 Esay 63.17 Mat. 26.41 and giue vs euer to Satan to be tempted and ouercome in temptations Q. What else doe we ask heerein A. That God will strengthen vs against all temptations vnto euill and deliuer vs from sinne and the dwell 3 Tim. 4.18 Q. Which is the Conclusion A. For thine is the kingdome power and glory for euer Amen Q. VVhat are these words A. A reason why we doe ask the former things of God namely because the kingdome power and glory are his and therefore he both can and will giue them vs. Q. What signifieth the word Kingdome A. Gods absolute Soueraignty and Right ouer all things 1. Cor. 29 11 Q. VVhat signifieth the word Power A. Gods omnipotencie whereby he is able to doe whatsoeuer he will Luke 1.37 Q. VVhat is meant by the word Glory A. Maiesty and excellencie honour and praise Q. VVhat doth this Conclusion teach vs A. How to giue thankes to God 1. Chro. â—9 10 〈…〉 for these thrée kingdome power and glory doe generally comprehend all matter of praise and thanksgiuing vnto God Q. What do you meane then when you say these words A. It is as if wée should say The Kingdome of heauen is thine all power in heauen and earth is thine and therefore the glory is thine and from our hearts we do ascribe the same vnto thée Q. What signifieth the word Amen A. So be it 1. Cor. 1.20 or so it shall be Q. What doth it teach vs A. Feruently to desire the things aforesaid Ephes 6.18 Iames 1.6 and to assure our selues therof Q. What shall become of such after this life as are carefull to know and practise these grounds of Religion A. They shall liue in glory for euer with Christ in heauen Mat. 25.46 Iohn 17.24 305. Q. What shall become of such as care not eyther to know or to practise these things A. They shall liue for euer in Hell in forments 2 Thes 1 8 9 Mat. 25.41 with the diuell and his Angels FINIS To the Christian Reader THere is one thing Christian Reader which I would haue thee especially to take notice of concerning the former Principles or Grounds of Religion namely that nothing is to be receiued for a Principle of Religion or true and sound doctrine which hath not foundation in the Word of God or is not contained therein for the Word of God or the Scripture as we call it is the rule of all truth and giues vs a perfect direction both for faith and manners and whatsoeuer Article and doctrine is necessary to saluation is deliuered plainly in the holy Scripture and therefore in reading this or any Catechism you are not by and by to beleeue whatsoeuer is therein contained but to see and consider how euery thing is confirmed by the Scriptures for your faith and conscience must be grounded not vpon the weake and vnperfect speeches of sinnefull men but vpon the pure and sure Word of God And therefore at the end of euery answere I haue quoted some plaine place of Scripture to confirm the same some few only excepted which though in plain words they are not to be found in the Scriptures yet by good consequence they are drawn from the Scriptures And whatsoeuer is truly and soundly collected from Scripture is to be beleeued of vs as though it were expresly written As for example when Christ would confute the Sadduces that denyed the resurrection he alleadgeth the words of God to Moses I am the God
heerein A. That we couet that which is for our neighbours good Q. Can wee be saued by our good workes A. No because we cannot fulfill the Law Q. Whereby then are we iustified and saued A. By the grace of God through faith in Christ Ephes 2.8 Q. Wherefore then serueth the Law A. To a Rom 3 20 shew vs our sinnes and the punishment thereof b Gaâ—at 3.24 and so to bring vs to Christ Q. Wherefore doth it serue when we are come to Christ A. To teach vs how to walke Psal 119.1 105. and to place God Q. Wherefore are we to doe good workes if wee cannot bee saued by them A. First to testifie our c Ioh. 14.1 15. loue and d Mat. 5.16 thankfulnes to God thereby Q. And wherefore else A. Secondly to make our calling and election sure to our selues And thirdly 2. Pet. 1.10 1. Pet. 3.1 to win others to Christ thereby Q. Can we of our selues doe good workes A. No but onely by the grace of God 2 Cor 3.5 Phâ—â—ip 2.13 4.13 Q. How shall we obtaine the grace of God heereunto A. By harty and earnest prayer Luk. 11.9 13. Q. How must we pray I am 1.5 6. A. As Christ hath taught vs in the Gospell Mat 6.9 Q. How many parts be there of the Lords prayer A. Thrée a preface six petitions the conclusion Q. Which is the preface A. Our Father which art in heauen Q. What doth it teach vs A. To pray onely to God in the name of Iesus Christ Ioh. 16.23 Q. How may we doe this A. By the helpe of the holy Ghost Rom. 8.26 Q. What do we ask of God in the three first petitions A. Such things as doe onely concerne Gods glory Q. What doe we ask in the three last petitions A. Such things as concern our own necessities both of body and soule Q. Which is the first petition A. Hallowed be thy nme Q. What do we ask of God herein A. That in all things God may bée glorified by vs. Q. Which is the second petition A. Thy kingdome come Q. What doe we desire heerein A. That God may rule and raigne in vs by his holy Word and Spirit Q. Which is the third petition A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Q. What doe we aske heerein A. That Gods will may be done by vs héere in earth as it is by the Angels in heauen Q. Which is the fourth petition A. Giue vs this day our daily bread Q. What doe we aske heerein A. That God wil giue vs all things necessarie and comfortable for this life Q. VVhich is the fift petition A. And forgiue vs our trespasses as wée forgiue them that trespasse against vs. Q. What do we aske heerein A. That God will forgiue vs all our sinnes as we forgiue such as do offend vs. Q. Which is the sixt petition A. And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Q. What do we aske heerein A. That God by his grace will strengthen vs against all temptations to sinne and deliuer vs from the diuell and from sinne Q. Which is the Conclusion A. For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory for euer and euer Amen Q. What doe these words contayne in them A. A reason why wée doe aske the former things of God namely because the kingdome power and glory are his FINIS MEATE FOR the Stronger OR A Catechisme for the Elder sort Q. WHerein consisteth our true wisdome and happiness A. In the true knowledge of God and of our selues Q. By what meanes are we soonest brought to the true knowledge of God and of our selues A. By Catechizing Q. VVhat is catechizing A. An instruction of the ignorant in the grounds of Religion Acts 18.25 26. Q. To whom doth the duty of Catechizing specially belong He. 6.1.2 3. A. To a Heb. 5.12 6.1.2 Ministers b Eph. 6.4 Parents c Gen. 18.10 Housholders and Schoolmasters Q. What be the ordinary parts of the Catechisme A. Foure The Créed the Sacraments the ten Commandements and the Lords prayer Q. VVhat is the Creed A. A confession of faith containing the summe of the Gospell Q. How many parts are there of the Creed A. Two of God and of the Church 8. Q. What doth the first part concerne A. Our faith in God the Father in God the Sonne and in God the holy Ghost Q. Are there any more Gods then one A. No a 1 Cor. 8.4 but there are thrée b 1 Ioh. 5.7 persons and these thrée are but one God Q. What is the Father A. The first Person in the Trinity the c 1 Cor. 8.6 maker and d Amos 3.6 gouernour of all things Q. Where is this set downe A. In the first Article of the Creed I beleeue in God the Father Almighty maker of heauen and earth Q. Why doe we say I belieue and not We beleeue A. Because euery one is to haue a particular a Hab. 2.4 faith of his owne and to make b 2 Pet. 3.15 confession of his owne faith Q. What is it to belieue in God A. It is to know and acknowledge him 1 Chro. 28.9 as he hath reuealed himselfe in his Word Q. VVhat else A. To beléeue that he is my God and to put my whole trust in him Iohn 20.28 Q. What is God A. God is a a Ioh. 4.24 Spirit most b Rom. 16.27 wise most c Esay 6.3 holy d Reuel 1.8 eter nall e Ier. 23.24 infinite c. Q. In what respects is God called Father A. In respect of f Ephes 1.4 Christ and in respect of g Esay 63.16 vs. Q. How is he the Father of Christ A. By nature eternal generation Heb. 1.3 5. Q. How is he our Father A. By grace of Adoption Q. VVhy is he called Almighty Gal. 4.5 6. A. Because he can doo whatsoeuer he a Psal 135.6 will yea more then he b Mat. 33.9.26.53 will doe Q. And wherefore else A. Because he is the Author of all that power which is in the creatures Esay 40.19 Iohn 19. â—â— Q. VVhy is he said to be maker of heauen and earth A. Because he created all things in heauen and earth Ex. 20.11 Q. How did God create all things A. Of a Heb. 11.4 nothing by his b Psal 33.6 Word and that c Gen. 1.31 very good Q. VVhereof was man made A. Of the dust of the ground Q. How was the woman made Gen. 2.7 A. Shée was taken and made out of man Gen. 2.21 Q. How came the soule into them A. It was created and put into them by God Gen. 2.7 Q. After what fashion did God make man and woman A. In his own image and likenes Gen. 1.26 27. Q. VVherein especially did this image of God consist A. In
a Col. 3.10 knowledge in b Ephes â— 24 righteousnes and true holines Q. Did God onely make man and all other creatures A. No hée doth also by his prouidence rule gouerne man and all other things Pro. 16.33 Mat. 10.29 30. Q. What was mans estate by creation A. A most happy estate frée from all misery 30. Q. VVhat is our estate now by nature A. A most miserable estate Eph. 2.3 for we are all by nature the children of wrath Q. How came this to passe A. By the fall of Adam and Eue. Q. How did they fall A. By the a Gen. 3.1.2 inticement of the diuell and their owne willing b Gen. 2.17 3.6 disobedience in transgressing Gods Commandement Q. What if they thus offended what is that to vs A. Yes very much for wée all did fall in Adam Rom 5.12 Heb. 7.9.10 and are partakers of his fault Q. VVhat else hath followed hereof A. We also by imputation are become guilty before God Rom. 5.18 Q. Is this all A. No the corruption of nature is also by generation Gen 5.3 from Adam conueied to vs. Q. VVhat is meant by the corruption of natue A. Originall sinne Q. VVhat is originiall sinne A. A want of originall righteousnes Q. VVhat else A. It is corruption ingendred in our first conception Psal 51.5 Rom. 7.23 whereby euery faculty and power of soule body is prone and disposed to euill Q. VVhy is it called originall A. Because it was from the beginning assoone as Adam fell Gen. 3.7.10 Q. VVherefore else A. Because it is the beginning of all actuall sinne Mat. 15.19 Q. VVhat is actuall sinne A. Euery inward and outward action contrary to the Law of God yea the leauing vndone of such good things as the Law requireth Q. VVhat is the reward punishment of sinne A. All kind of a Gen. 3.16 17. miseries and b Rom. 6.23 death in this world and c Reuel 21.8 eternall condemnation in the world to come Q. Are all without exception subiect heereunto A. Yes generally all Rom. 3.9.23.5.12 44. Q. Can we of our selues escape this death and condemnation A a Psal 4â— 7 8. No but onely by b Acts. 4.12 Iesus Christ Q. What is Iesus Christ A. The second Person in the Trinity the onely Sonne of God Q. Where is this contained A. In the second Article And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord. Q. Why is he called Iesus A. Because he is A Sauiour Mat. 1.21 which doth saue vs from all our sinnes Q. VVhat signifieth Christ A. Anointed Q. VVhy is he so called A. Because God anointed him with the holy Ghost Acts. 10.38 and with power Q. Whereunto was hee thus anointed A. To bée a a Acts. 3.22 Prophet b Heb. 5.5 6. Priest and c Luk. 1.33 Heb. 1.8 9. King for vs. Q. VVhy is hee called the onely Sonne of God A. Because hée alone by nature is the Sonne of God and very true God Q. Why must our Sauiour be God A. Because none other was able to abide and ouercome the wrath of God and the punishment due vnto sinne Deut. 4.24 Q. VVhy is he called our Lord Acts 20.28 A. Because hée hath redeemed vs with his bloud 1. Pet. 1.18 19 and purchased vs to bée a peculiar people to himselfe Titus 2.14 Q. VVas not Christ very true man also A. Yes a Ioh. 1.14 but yet without all b Heb. 4.15 spot of sinne Q. In what Article is this contained A. In the hird Article Which was conceiued by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary Q. VVhat is the meaning heereof A. That the Sonne of God by the working of the a Luk. 1 3â— holy Ghost took the very nature of man of the flesh bloud of the b Gal 4.4 Virgin Mary and was in all c Heb. 2.17 things like vnto man d Heb. 4.15 excepting sin 57. Q. VVhy must Christ bee very true man A. That he might die and satisfie the iustice of God for our sinnes Heb. 2.17 Q. VVhat kinde of death did hee die A. An accursed kinde of death Deu. 21. â—â— euen the death of the Crosse Q. VVherefore died he this kinde of death A. Toredéeme vs from the curse of the Law Galat 3.13 Q. In what Article is this expressed A. In the fourth Article Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into Hel. Q. VVhat was Pontius Pilate A. A Iudge and the gouernour of Iudea Luke 3.1 Q. VVhy was Christ arraigned before a Iudge and condemned by him A. That we might not be arraigned and condemned in the day of iudgement Esay 53.8 9 10 11 12 but might receiue the sentence of absolution and be saued Q. VVhat is then the summe of the fourth Article A. That Christ in his humane nature did suffer for vs Esay 53.4 5 6 most grieuous torments both of body and soule Luke 22.44 Mat. 27.46 Q. Did Christ onely suffer and die for vs A. No hée rose againe likewise from the dead Rom. 14.9 Q. In what Article is this contained A. In the fift Article The third day he rose againe from the dead Q. VVhat is the meaning of it A. That Christ by his diuine power rose againe in the very same body wherein he died Iohn 2.19.10 18 Q. VVherefore did Christ rise againe A. That he might ouercome death and make vs partakers of that righteousnes Rom. 4.25 which by his death he had purchased for vs. Q. How long did Christ continue on earth after his resurrection A. The space of fortie daies Acts. 1.3 Q. VVhat did he then afterwards A. He ascended into heauen Acts 1.9 Q. In what Article is this contained A. In the sixt Article He ascended into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almightie Q. What is meant by his ascending into heauen A. That Christ in his humane nature by the power of his God-head went vp into heauen Q. VVherefore did he ascend into heauen A. To a Ioh. 14.2 prepare a place for vs b Heb. 9.24 to appeare before God and to make c Rom. 8.34 intercession for vs. Q. What is meant by Christs sitting at the right hand of God A. That Christ hath a Mat. 28.18 all power and authority giuen vnto him and that hée doth b Eph. 1.20.21 22 Phi. 2.9 10 11 rule gouerne all things in heauen and earth 74 Q. VVhen shall Christ come againe from heauen A. In the end of the world Acts 1.11 Q. What shall he then doe A. Hée shall iudge both the quick and the dead 2. Tim. 4.1 Q. Shal all generally come to iudgement A. Yes the faithful shal come into the a Mat. 25.34 Ioh. 5.24 iudgement of absolution and the wicked into the iudgement of b
Mat. 25.41 condemnation 77. Q. How is all that which Christ hath done made profitable to vs Iohn 5.29 A. By the inward and secret working of the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12.13 Q. In what Article is this expressed A. In the eightth Article I beléeue in the holy Ghost Q. VVhat is the holy Ghost A. The third person in the Trinity very a Acts 5 4â— 3 4 true God equall with the Father and the Sonne and b Ioh. 14 26 15.26 procéeding from them both Q. What is the office of the holy Ghost A. To a Iohn 14.26.16.3 teach b Ioh. 3.5 1. Cor. 6.11 regenerate and sanctifie vs and to c 1 Ioh. 4.13 vnite vs with Christ 88. Q. Who are they which by the holy Ghost are sanctified gathered vnto Christ and made one with him A. The holy Catholike Church Q. What is the Catholike Church A. A a 1 Pet. 2.9 peculiar company of people b 1 The. 5.8 chosen of God to life euerlasting and c Eph. 5.30 Colos 1 made one with Christ Q. Why is the Church called holy A. Because by Christ it is made holy Ephes 5.26 27 Q. What signifieth Catholike A. Vniuersall Q. Why is it so called A. Because at all times in all places and of all sorts of people God hath some that are his Q. What are the speciall workes of the Church A. A sincere profession of the true a Acts 2.42 doctrine of the Word of God obedience to the doctrine and the right vse of the b Mat. 28.19 20 Sacraments Q. What do you then meane when you say The Catholike Church A. I beléeue there is a Catholike Church that is there are some that are chosen of God to life euerlasting and made one with Christ and that I am one of the number of them Q. What are the benefits belonging to the Church A. Foure especially Q. What is the first A. The Communion of Saints 1 Ioh. 1.3 â— Q. Who are those Saints A. All the faithfull as well in earth as in heauen Psal 16.3 Rom. 1.7 Q. What is meant by Communion A. A knitting together in one a societie and fellowship that one hath with another 1. Ioh. 1.7 Q. What is meant then by the Communion of Saints A. The spirituall fellowship which the faithfull haue with Christ 1. Ioh. 1.3 and all his benefits by faith Q. What else A. The society which the faithfull haue among themselues by loue which makes all their gifts touching the vse common to euery one Acts 4.32 Q. What is the second benefit A. The forgiuenes of sinnes Q. What do you meane when you say these words A. I beléeue that a Heb 8.12 God for b Ephes 1.7 Christs sake doth fréely forgiue the sinnes of the faithfull yea and my sinnes also Q. VVhat is the third and fourth benefit A. The resurrection of the body and the life euerlasting Q. What doe you professe to beleeue heerein A. That the bodies of the faithfull shal be raised vp by Christ in the last day and ioyned to their soules 1. Thess 4.14 16 17 Phil. 3.21 Mat. 25.46 and that both in body and soule they shall liue for euer with Christ in heauen 98. Q. What is required of vs that we may indeede be partakers of Christ and his benefits A. A true and liuely faith in Christ Ioh. 3.36 Acts 16.31 Q. What is this faith A. A speciall a Phil. 1.29 gift of God whereby we doe b Gal. 3.14 apprehend and apply Christ with all his benefits to our c Ioh. 20.28 Gal. 2.20 selues particularly Q. Who doth work this faith in vs A. The holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12 3.9 Q. By what means workes he it A. By the hearing of the Word of God preached Rom. 10.17 Q. Are we then saued by this our faith A. Yes by faith onely Rom. 3.28 Q. Why are we said to be saued by faith onely A. Because by faith onely we lay hold on Christ and apply Christ withall his merits to our selues and because nothing in vs can doe this but onely our faith The second part of the Catechisme Quest. 104. IF we be saued by faith onely then wherefore do the Sacraments serue A. They were ordained by Christ for the strengthening of our faith Q. What is a Sacrament A. An outward and visible signe and seale of an inward and spirituall grace Gen. 17.11 Rom. 4.11 Q. How many Sacraments bee there A. Two 1. Cor. 10.1 2 3 Baptisme and the Lords Supper Q. What is Baptisme A. A signe and seale of our receiuing into the Church and grafting into the body of Christ Gal. 3.27 Q. What is the outward signe in Baptisme A. Water Ioh. 1.38 Q. What is the inward grace A. The bloud and Spirit of Christ Marke 1.8 Q. What is signified by the sprinkling or washing with Water A. The a Reuel 1.5 washing away of our sins by the bloud of Christ and our newe b Titus 3.5 birth by the holy Ghost Q. Are Infants to be baptized A. Yes because the conenant and promise of God Gen. 17.7 Acts. 2.39 is made to the faithfull and to their séed also Q. Are such Infants as die without Baptisme damned A. God forbid It is not the want but the contempt of the Sacrament that bringeth death Q. VVhat is required of vs after Baptisme A. Truly to a Mark 16.16 beléeue in Christ to b Rom 6.4 by to sin and to rise vp to newnes of life Q. VVhat is the Lords Supper A. It is a signe and seale of the spirituall nourishing of our soules to eternall life 1 Cor. 10.16 Ioh. 6.54 by the body and bloud of Christ Q. What are the outward signes A. Bread and Wine 1. Cor. 11.23 Q. What are the things signified thereby A. The body and bloud of Christ 1 Cor. 11.24 25 Q. Are the Bread and Wine turned into the body and bloud of Christ A. No they remaine still Bread and Wine 1. Cor. 11.26 27 28 for take away the outward signe and then it is no Sacrament Q. Why so A. Because in euery Sacrament there must bée both an outward signe and an inward grace Q. Doth the Bread and Wine then in the Sacrament differ nothing from common Bread and Wine A. Yes not in nature and substance 1 Sam. 21.4 1 Cor. 10.16 but in the end and vse thereof Q. How is the Bread and Wine receiued A. After an outward and bodilie manner by the hand and mouth Q. How is the bodie and bloud of Christ reâ—eiued A. After an inward and spirituall manner by a true and liuely faith Joh. 6.35 â—â— Q. If it bee done by faith then wherefore doe wee receiue the Sacrament A. For a continuall thankfull remembrance of Christs death 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26 and the benefits me receiue thereby and for the
of Abraham Isaac Iacob From hence this truth is strongly collected viz. that Abraham Isaac and Iacob shall liue and rise according to their bodies because God saith Christ is not the God of the dead but of the liuing Therefore now this consequence that Abraham and the Saints departed shall rise must bee credited no lesse then that expresse Scripture from whence Christ drew it And to the end that you may see that all necessary poynts of faith manners are plainely expressed in the Scriptures I haue heere in order set downe the summe substance of Christian Religion in certaine Texts of Scripture The order of it is this The true knowledge of God and of Iesus Christ which is life eternall that is the way and meanes to eternall life is to be found in the Scriptures Therfore first we begin with the Scriptures then wee come to the knowledge of God and of his workes as of his eternall decree of Predestination Creation and Prouidence concerning Angels and men in which Prouidence is to be considered the fall of Angels and man and the misery that followed therof namely sinne and death Secondly followeth Gods Couenant with man namely the couenant of works and the couenant of grace Concerning the couenant of workes there is shewed the impossibility of keeping it and to what end it serues In the couenant of grace is noted First the foundation of it which is Christ the Mediator Secondly the meanes of applying Christ vnto vs. In Christ wee are to consider his person and office His office is threefold The application of the couenant of grace where is shewed the vnion communion which the elect haue with Christ The meanes of the reuealing and applying of the couenant of grace are eyther inward as the Spirit of Christ and faith or outward namely the Word and Sacraments The māner of reuealing it is our calling vnto Christ The persons to whom it is reuealed namely to the Church As the benefit we receiue from the propheticall office of Christ is the reuealing of the couenant of grace whereby we are made wise to saluation so the benefit we receiue from the Priestly office of Christ is our instification before God The benefit we receiue from the kingly office of Christ is our glorification which is partly in this present life but fully and perfectly in the life to come Our glorification in this life consisteth in this that in our condition we are made blessed and made holy in our nature which is Sanctification The rule of Sanctification is the Word of God euen the Law and the Gospell The effect of Sanctification is Repentance The notes of Repentance are specially two A hatred of all sinnes and the practice of good workes Among good workes almes and prayer are specially commended to vs. The speciall helps to prayer and to the performing of other good workes are vowes and fasting Then lastly is to be considered Gods dealing with man after this life by bringing all men to Iudgement which is eyther particular or generall And to the end that you may in reading these Texts of Scripture perceiue how one thing depends vpon an other I haue set downe ouer the Texts of Scripture the things whereof the places following doe speake If therefore you will accordingly be diligent inreading the Texts of Scripture I doubt not but by Gods grace assisting you you shall in a short time much benefit your selues thereby and shall be able when need requires to proue any ground of Religion by some Text of Scripture And so I commit you to the mercifull protection of Almighty God beseeching him to endue you with all sauing grace and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy through Iesus Christ Amen THE SVBSTANCE of Diuinitie Of the holy Scripture Iohn 5 39. Search the Scriptures for in them yee thinke to haue eternall life and they are they which testifie of mee 2 Tim. 3.16 17. All Scripture is giuen by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousnes that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished vnto all good workes Marke 12.24 Doe yee not therefore erre because yee know not the Scriptures neither the power of God Of God Iohn 17.3 This is life eternall that they might know thee the onely true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent Heb. 11.6 Hee that commeth to God must beleeue that God is c. Iohn 4.24 God is a Spirit c. Exodus 34.6 The Lord God mercifull and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodnes and truth c. 1 Cor. 8.4 We know that an idoll is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one 1 Iohn 5.7 There are three which beare record in heauen the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one Of Gods decree of Predestination 1 Thes 5.9 God hath not appointed vs to wrath but to obtaine saluation by our Lord Iesus Christ Ephes 1.4 God hath chosen vs in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in loue Rom. 11.5 6. There is a remnant according to the election of grace and if by grace then is it no more of workes c. Iude 4. Who were before of old ordained to this condemnation 2. Tim. 2.20 In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of siluer but also of wood and of earth and some to honour and some to dishonour Of Creation Gen. 1.1 In the beginning God created the heauen and the earth Psal 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the heauens made all the hosts of them by the breath of his mouth Heb. 11.3 Through faith we vnderstand that the worlds were fram'd by the word of God so that things which are seene were not made of things which do appear Gen. 1.31 And God saw all that he had made and lo it was verie good Gen. 2.7 The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a liuing soule Gen. 1.27 God created man in his owne Image c. Eph. 4.24 And put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnes and true holinesse Of Gods Prouidence Acts 17 25 28. Hee giueth to all life and breath and all things For in him we liue and moue and haue our being Mat. 10.29 30. Are not two Sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father Yea and all the haires of your head are numbred Prou. 16.33 The lot is cast into the lappe but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Of the fall of Angels and Man 2. Pet. 2.4 God spared not the Angels that sinned c. Iude 6. The Angels which kept not their first estate c. 2. Cor. 11 3. The Serpent beguiled Eue through
doth who many times hath in his net a true and liuing Larke indéede but it is onely to deceiue the Larkes and the more easily to catch them in his net So they professe Christ haue his Word and Sacraments among them but it is onely to deceiue simple people and to make a prey of them DIALOGVE 4. C. Doe they teach any other thing conâ—arie to any other Article of the Creed M. Yes diuers things In the Article we professe to beléeue that Christ was conceiued by the holy Ghost and so he and he onely was conceiued without originall sinne They teach that the Virgin Mary was also conceiued without originall sinne and that by this meanes it came to passe that Christ was frée from all spot Concil Trid. Sess 5. cap. 1. de peccato originali And so héerein they doe altogether ouerthrowe this Article of Christs conception by the holy Ghost to whose onely power the Scripture doth impute Christs holines not to the Virgin Mary which was no lesse then all others conceiued and borne in sinne and did néede Christ to be her Mediatour aswell as the rest of mankinde There was a long time a foule stirre in the Church of Rome betwéene the Dominicans and the Franciscans about this point Acts and Monuments page 732. It was the common opinion of Fathers and Writers vntill Lumbards time which was about the yéere 1150 that shée was conceiued in Originall sinne Perkins 2. Vol. 596. In the 4. Article we professe that Christ suffered c. by which he hath made a full and perfect satisfaction for the sinnes of his elect and for the whole punishment thereof both eternall and temporall The Popists teach that Christ hath satisfied for sinnes going before Baptisme but concerning sinnes following Baptisme the fault is remitted by the passion of Christ and the punishment which of infinite is made finite is to bee satisfied for by men themselues eyther heere or in Purgatorie that is men themselues must satisfie the iustice of God for the temporall punishment of their offences eyther on earth or in Purgatorie There is say they a certaine infernall place in the earth called Purgatorie in the which as in a prison-house the soules which were not fully purged in this life are there clensed and purged by fire before they can be receiued into heauen Bellar. de Purgat lib. 1. cap. 1. and cap. 3. lib. 2. cap. 6. Rhem. on 1 Cor 3. Sect. 4. They say also that it is an Article of faith to beléeue that there is a Purgatorie and that he which beliues it not is sure to go to Hell Bellarm. ibid. lib. 1. cap. 15. But this is so farre from béeing an Article of faith as that it is a méere fable and contrary to an Article of faith The bloud of Christ is the Purgatorie of our sinnes 1. Iohn 1.7 Afflictions are called the fiery triall 1 Pet. 1.7 4.12 whereby we are clensed from our corruption as gold is from the drosse by fire No other Purgatorie is to bee found in the Scriptures The Scriptures mention but two sorts of men beléeuers and vnbeléeuers and but two places after this for them heauen for the one and hell for the other Luke 16.25 26. Iohn 3.36 Reuel 20.14 15.21.7 8. They that die in the Lord rest from their labours which cannot bee true if any of them goe to Purgatorie Their workes follow them that is the reward of their workes Reuel 14.13 If any man should haue gone to Purgatorie then the thiefe vpon the Crosse had gone thither who repenting at his end wanted time to make satisfaction for the temporall punishment of his sinnes but Christ said to him To day shalt thou be with mée in Paradise The doctrine of Purgatorie came into the Church out of the heathen writers for the Philosophers and Poets were the first that euer wrote of it Popish Purgatorie was vnknowne to the Fathers many hundred yéeres after Christ Perkins 2. Vol. 568.569 C. If Purgatorie be but a fable contrary to an Article of faith then what is the cause that the Church of Rome so stifly maintaines it M. There is great cause why they should so do for it kéepes in the fire in the Popes Kitchin for if the fire of Purgatorie were not great the fire in the Popes Kitchin would bee but small for by this meanes they haue store of money for Pardons Masses Diriges and other such like trumperies DIALOGVE 5. C. Doe they teach any thing else contrary to the Creed M. Yes The sirth Article saith that Christ ascended into heauen c. and the Scriptures say that the heauens must containe him c. Acts. 1.11.3.21 They teach contrary héereunto namely that Christ is corporally present in the Sacrament and that in many places at once The which is contrary to the nature of a true body and contrary to the nature of the Sacrament which is a remembrance of Christ Vigilius against Eutyches lib. 4. saith thus When it that is the flesh of Christ was on earth it was not in heauen and because it is now in heauen it is not on earth This is the Catholike faith and confession It is an Article of faith to beléeue the Catholike Church and faith is the euidence of things not séene Heb. 11 1. Therfore the Catholike Church is alwaies vnto the world inuisible and not to be espied but by the eyes of faith because things seene are not beléeued The Papists teach that the Catholike Church is and hath but alwaies visible Rhem. on Mat. 5. Sect. 3. The Church is said to be Catholike that is vniuersall because it is not tyed to any one speciall place but is spred abroad ouer the face of the earth They tie it to Rome alone which can be but a particular Church and not vniuersall In the Church there is a Communion of Saints and these are they that are sanctified by the blond and Spirit of Christ hauing the perfect holines of Christ put vpon them by imputation of faith and the quality of imperfect holines powred into their heart by the Spirit of sanctification And such are the faithfull heere on earth 1. Cor. 1.2 Psal 16.2 The Papists acknowledge none to be Saints but such as are in heauen They teach that the Pope can canonize Saints whereas to make one a Saint is onely the work of God 1. Cor. 11. The Pope hath canonized many that indéede were neuer true Saints of God but wicked men and rank Traitors to their Princes as Becket with many others This canonizing of Saints was neuer heard of with the Fathers vntill the yéere 880. and then Adrian took vp this authority And Alexâder the Third after him confirmed it in his decrées In the Créed we professe to beléeue the forgiuenes of sinnes that is I beléeue that God for Christs sake doth fréely forgiue the sinnes of his elect and my sinnes also And héerein consisteth our iustification namely in the frée forgiuenes of our sinnes and the