Eph. 5.14 17. That we being filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisedome and spirituall vnderstanding may walke worthie of the Lord and please him in all things beeing fruitful in all good works Col. 1.9 10. And that this knowledge faith and fruitfulnesse in all good workes may abound in vs as the elect deer childrē of God let vs diligētly read the book of god cōtinually meditate on the same for the Prophet saith Blessed is the man that doth not walke in the counsell of the wicked nor stand in the way of sinners nor sit in the seate of the scorneful but his delight is in the Lawe of the Lord and in his Lawe doth he meditate day night for he shall be like a tree planted by the riuers of waters that wil bring foorth her fruite in due season whose leafe shall not fade so whatsoeuer he shall do shall prosper Psal 1.1.2 3. Now for the common benefit and better instruction of Gods people and thy selfe christian reader J haue caused this little and short treatise of christian points of religion to be printed and published and although it bee but small in volume yet I doubt not but if it be well read and printed in minde it shall minister great good to further thy knowledge to confirm thy faith and to increase true holines in thee And this I dare promise thee that there are some things handled in this Catechisme both in matter and manner which other Catechismes dooth not as once meddle and intreate of and other things which are intreated of some in their bookes haue J drawne in a briefe method for the benifit of the reader And whereas many things are yet in doubt among the multitude and great controuersies doo rise by them I haue breefely yet soundly opened the trueth of them finally there is not that point which I haue intreated of but I haue first defined the same and haue set downe the definitions of all the hardest words which are commonly vsed by the preachers of the word and in the large and great volumes of the learned that the simple who is altogether ignorant of the true sense of them may vnderstand not onely the Preacher and bookes which they both heare and read but also the verie words as iustification sanctification grace redemption law and such like Therefore seeing my purpose is onely to doo good vnto Gods Church and my paine great herein yet godly I hope all faithfull people will accept the same and both praise God for this litle worke and pray vnto God for mee to increase his good gifts and graces in my soule vnto my liues end Amen Thus I take my leaue from my house at Kingswood the second of September Thine in the Lord Richard Saintbarb Preacher of Gods word Certaine points of Christian Religion Question INto what faith wert thou baptised Answere Into the faith of the holie Trinitie Matth. 28.19 Question What doost thou meane when thou saiest thou art baptised into the faith of the holie Trinitie Answere It is to enter and consecrate the baptised into the faith and religion of one God First that they might beleeue the Father the Sonne and the Holie ghost to bee one God to whom alone they must giue their faith and confidence Psal 37.5 Iere. 17.5 6 7 8. Iohn 14.1 Secondly that they beleeue that the sonne and the holie ghost are nothing els but the verie essence of God 1. Iohn 5.7 Thirdly that they confesse God the Father who hath adopted them God the sonne by whome they are redeemed and God the holie Ghost by whome they are sanctified confirmed Gala. 4.4 5 6. 1. Corinthians 6.10 11. Question Where shall wee finde the summe of this faith of the holie Trinitie Answere First generallie at large in the holie Scriptures which is called the Booke of God Secondly particularlie and briefely in the Articles of the Faith called the Apostles Creede Question Why is it so called Answere For two apt causes First Because it is a briefe collection of the Articles of the Faith which haue been alwaies in Christs Church Secondly because it was taken out of the pure doctrine of the Apostles Question Why must euerie christian say I beleeue not We beleeue as well as they generally do say Our Father which art c. Answere First because euerie Christian must be saued by his owne faith and not by an others Secondly wheras we say Our Father we must note that it is a prayer and the other the beleefe of euerie Christian and therefore a plaine and great difference Haba 2.4 Ga. 3.11 Heb. 10.38 39. Question Why must we beleeue that there is a Church not in the Church as in God the Father c Answere It were great idolatrie to put our trust in meere man for Faith onely belongeth to the holy Trinitie and although Iesus Christ who is saluation it selfe is no where to be found but in the Church yet Saluation is not of the Church and therefore Ieremie accurseth them that put anie confidence in the flesh of sinfull man Iohn 17.1 2 3. Matth. 28.19 Ierem. 17.5 6. Esay 30.1 2 3 4. and 31.1 2 3 4. Question Into how manie points shall we diuide this confession of our faith Answere Into 3. The first concerning God the Father in the first Article The second concerning God the Sonne in the sixe next Articles The third concerning God the holy Ghost in the fiue last Articles Question How manie things learn you in the first article I beleeue in God the father Almightie c. Answere First what God is Secondly how he created all things Thirdly how he preserueth all his workes Fourthlie how he ruleth and gouerneth all things Question What is God Answere God is a spirite infinite euerlasting vnchaungeable incorruptible immortall most simple in nature in power most mightie incomprehensible both in greatnesse and Maiestie by whom all things were made in the beginning of nothing also distinguished into thrée persons the Father the Sonne and the holie Ghost Iohn 4.24 Esay 66.1 2. Esay 40.28 Mal. 3.6 Iam. 1.17 Rom. 1.23 2. Tim. 1.17 Gen. 17.1 Rom. 11.33 34 35 36. Ier. 10.10 11 12 13. Matth. 28.19 Reuel 15.3 4. Question What is God the Father Answere Hee is the beginning and Authour of euerie thing both in heauen and in earth Who when it séemed good vnto his diuine Nature created all things of nothing in heauen and in earth both spirituall and corporall and ordered them by his eternall Sonne the which are now gouerned and mainteined by the infinite and consubstantiall power of the Holie Ghost proceeding from them both from all eternitie Gen. 1.1 2 c. Gene. 2.1 Prouerb 8.14 to the end Psalme 114.30 Gene. 1.2 Iohn 15.26 Roman 8.9 Question What is the Sonne Answere The Sonne of God is Iesus Christ who was begotten of his Father before all worlds and of his Father without a mother by whom all things were created who being appointed of
and power of the word of God 2. Cor. 4.3.4 Secondly the necessitie of the word for where Prophesie wanteth there the people perish Pro. 29.18 Hosea 4.6 Thirdly the happines of them that haue the worde preached for saluation is both brought and offered vnto them Titu 2.11 2. Cor. 6.1 2. Fourthly as there must needes bee blindnes ignorance infidelitie and al corruption both of religion and manners so the miserie of them that haue not the word preached is here set downe Iere. 88. Rom. 1.21 c. Question Let vs come to Sacraments and tell mee what is a Sacrament Answere A Sacrament is a visible and earthly signe representing inuisible supernaturall graces not to bee seene by the carnall and outward eye of man but with the eye of faith Also a Seale to confirme our faith in the couenant of grace and finallie a badge and marke of Christianitie Gene. 17.11 Rom. 4.11 Marke 1.4 8. Gala. 3.27 Question How many Sacraments are there Answere Not seuen as the Papists haue dreamed but two that is Baptisme and the Lordes supper 1. cor 10.16 21. Question Who is the author of these two sacraments Answere Almightie God ordeined Baptisme frō heauen and Iesus Christ the holy Supper vppon earth Ioh. 1.32 33. Matth. 26.26 27 28. Question Hath man power to make sacraments Answere No For first they are part of Gods seruice Matt. 28.19 20. Secondly they witnesse the goodnesse of God vnto vs. Matth. 26.26 27 28. Thirdly they are seales to confirme our faith in the couenant of God in Christ Roman 4 11. Fourthly the word of saluation and reconciliation must go with the signes or els they are no sacraments Question What thinke you of them that take vppon them to make Sacraments Answere Their folly and presumption is great and herein they blaspheme God as though he knew not what was ncessarie for his Church without their rashnes and diuellish pride Besides neither Moses Salomon nor Paule euer durst to doo the same in any of Gods seruices Exo. 35 36 37 38. c. and 25.4 1. Reg. 6 7 8. 1. Cor. 11. Act. 7.44 Question What is Baptisme Answere It is a sacrament ordeined of God of publique washing with water once in the name of the Father the Sonne and the Holy ghost signifying thereby our remission of sinnes mortification and sanctification in the death and resurrection of Christ Iohn 1.33 Math. 28.19 Mark 1.4 8. Rom. 6.4 5 6. Question How many things haue we to consider of in this Sacrament Answere First the institution of God Ioh. 1.33 Secōdly the external thing water mar 1.8 Thirdly the promise to wit remission of sinnes in Christ Mark 1.4 Fourthly faith in the promised séed which is Christ Marke 16.16 Question What doo you gather by Baptisme Answere First that I am a vile sinner and the child of wrath by nature Psal 51.5 Gene. 6.5 Secondly a profession of my faith in the holie Trinitie and of my saluation and remission of sinnes in the bloud of Christ Mat. 28.19 Acts. 2.38 Thirdly the promise that God made to mee to bee my God and that I made vnto GOD to denie the world mortefie the olde man resist sathan and to delight in true righteousnes and holines as it becommeth his obedient child who is renewed Acts. 2.38 39. Fourthly it is the seale of righteousnes and saluation vnto me through the mercies of God in Christ Iesus Rom. 4.11 Fiftly the benefits which God offreth vnto mee by Baptisme as the instrument by which I am ingrafted into Christs bodie 1. Cor. 12. Gal. 3.27 Question What is the olde man Answere Al the corruption of our defiled nature which we got by the Apostacie of our first parents Adam and Eue and all the custome of sinning according to the conuersation of olde Ephe. 4.22 Question What is Apostacie Answere It is an vtter and whole intire falling away from the estate and perfection wherein we were first created or now from the faith of Christ Question What is mortification Answere A continuall killing and subduing of the olde man Col. 3.5 Gal. 5.27 Question What is renewing or regeneration Answere A begetting or newe birth in Christ which is called the new man Ephe. 4.23 Question What is the new man Answere A renewing in the spirit by the Holie ghost into true righteousnes and holinesse Eph. 4.24 Question What are the benefites receiued Answere First remission of sinnes Acts. 2.38 Secondly the power of sinne killed in me Rom. 6.3 4 c. Thirdly the Holy ghost giuen vnto mee Rom. 8.9 Tit 3.5 Fourthly Faith confirmed in me Rom. 4.11 Acts. 8.37 38. Question Can the outward signe that is water giue the inuisible graces which are remission of sinnes regeneration faith and the Holy ghost Answere No for First how can earthly things giue spirituall graces and how can the creature giue the things of the creator Heb. 9.14 Secondly remission of sins is only in the bloud of Christ through faith Ephe. 1.7 col 1.14 Thirdly it is the Holie ghost that must kill sinne and quicken vs vnto righteousnes Titu 3.5 Fourthly faith is the gift of God Ephe. 2.8 Fiftly the holy Ghost giueth himselfe to his children Rom. 8. Ephe. 1.13 Question If sinnes be not washed away by Baptisme Why did Ananias say to Paul Acts. 9 17. that he should wash away his sinne by Baptisme Answere The Apostle Paul is put in minde euen as all true and faithfull Christians are by the signe of Baptisme that his sinnes were forgiuen him Question Yea but the same Apostle saith Ephe. 5.26 that the water in Baptisme cleanseth the Church and sanctifieth her Answere The Apostle in the words going before and in the words following after sheweth that it is onely Christ that dooth by his death and word both cleanse and sanctifie his Church of which Baptisme is both a seale and figure Question Regeneration is attributed to the water in Baptisme by the Apostle in the third of Titus the fifth verse Answere The Apostle in that place sheweth that regeneration is onely the worke of the holy Ghost and of no other of which the sacrament of Baptisme is a sure figure Question What if children die without Baptisme are they damned Answere No for First saluation hangeth vppon election Ephe. 1.4 5 6. 2. Timo. 1.9 Secondly God hath promised hée will bee a God to the faithfull and their seede Gene. 17.7 Thirdly the kingdome of God belongeth to little children Matth. 18.10 Fourthly onely saluation is in Christ and without him no saluation Acts. 12.4 Iohn 3.16 17. Question Our Sauiour Christ saith Verelie verelie J say vnto thee except a man be borne of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God So that hee maketh it a necessitie to bee baptised to saluation Answere First this place dooth nothing belong to the Sacrament of Baptisme for onely in that place our Sauiour Christ sheweth that Nicodemus could not be a fit instrument to receiue the Gospell without he
cor 5.6 2. Thess 3.14 15. Thirdly that hee that hath so fallen may through the shame of the world repent and seeke to be receiued into the Church again with all meeknesse 1. cor 5.5 Question Let vs come now to the last meane that is Praier and tell me who teacheth thee to pray Answere The Holy ghost Question What is Praier Answere It is a reuerent talking with God with a pure minde crauing such things as we want according to the holy wil of God Phil. 4.6 psal 145.18 Iam. 2.3 1. Iohn 3.22 23 24. Matth. 15.7 8. Question Seing that God knoweth what need we haue before we aske that all things shall come to passe according to his appointed prouidence wherefore should we pray Answere First to obey and imitate Christ our commander Mark 13.33 Psal 50.15 Secondly to stirre vp our selues to seeke God in truth and humilitie 1. Thess 5.17 18. psal 145.18 19. Thirdly that we may thereby vnload our selues of manie griefes and commend al our waies vnto him Luk. 18 13.14 Fourthly to exercise our faith in meditating vpon the promises of God his works Matth. 7.7 8 9 10 11. Psal 143.10 11. Fifthly to testifie that we confesse there is but one and that a true God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ and that he onely is the Author of all good giftes both earthly heauenly Psalm 37.5 55.22 Iam. 1.17 Psal 104 10 to 16. 145.15 16. Question What things belong vnto praier Answere First that we be inwardly touched and haue a feeling in conscience of those things that wee pray for as either for remission of sinnes spirituall graces or temporall benefits Roma 8.26 27. Luk. 18.9 Psal 6.1 2 3. Secondly whether by our praiers we haue had experience of Gods goodnesse in graunting our former requests to confirme our present faith Psalm 116.1 2 3 4 c. 2. cor 1.3 4. Thirdly that our prayers be in truth and in sinceritie of heart frée from al hipocrisie psa 4.1 and 145.18 19. 2. Tim. 2.19 Fourthly that our praiers procéede from faith with full assurance of the helpe of God a sure beliefe to obtaine that which we doo aske according to his word promises Iam. 1.4 5. Mark 11.24 Fifthly although our praiers be not at the first graunted yet wee must not cease to pray Luk. 18.1 to 9. Rom. 12.12 Question Vnto whom must we make our praiers Answere Onely vnto God for faith onely belongeth vnto him Psal 50.15 Matt. 6.9 Rom. 10.13 14. Iere. 17.5 6 7 8. Question Through whom must wee make our prayers Answere Onely through Iesus Christ who is the onely Mediator and Aduocate that First maketh intercession for his people 1. Tim. 2.5 1. Ioh. 2.1 2. Secondly maketh their praiers acceptable vnto God his Father through the sacrifice of himselfe Reu. 8.3 4 5. Eph. 5.20 Heb. 13.12 13 14 15. Question Then it is not lawfull to make our praiers vnto Angels Saints or images is it Answere No it were altogether sacriledge blasphemous so to doo for First it robbeth God of his honour Esa 42.21 22. Rom. 2.12 Secondly it denieth Christ to be the onely Mediator and Aduocate 1. Tim. 2.5 1. Ioh. 2.1 2. Thirdly It is contrarie to the commandement of God and rule of Christ psalm 50.15 Matth. 6.9 Fourthly they are accursed that do it Ier. 17.5 Fifthly they make thereby as though Saints and Angels were more readie to helpe and more mercifull than God our louing Father and Christ our sweete Sauiour Question By what rule must we frame our praiers Answere Onely by the word of God Matthew 6.9 Luk. 11.12 Question Where shall we finde the same Answere In the Lords Praier Question Rehearse the same Answere Our Father which art in heauen c. Matt. 6.9 Question Into how manie parts may this praier be diuided Answere Two as First in respect of Gods glorie in the three first petitions Secondly in respect of our selues in the three last petitions Also to this praier belongeth a preface and a conclusion Question What learne you in the preface Answere First vnto whom God is a Father namely vnto them that beléeue in the name of Iesus Christ Iohn 1.12 13. Secondly seeing God is become their father who is most mercifull it dooth incourage them to come vnto him not to flie frō him as a seuere Iudge or a cruell Tyrant Micah 7.18 19 20. Psa 103.8 to 13. Heb. 2.10 11 12. Thirdly who they are that can truely call God their Father namely they that haue the Holie ghost Rom. 8.15 Gal. 4.8 Fourthly as God is become their Father through his owne Loue so he will loue them vnto the ende Rom. 1.7 Ioh. 13.1 Rom. 11.29 Fifthly in that heauen is his throne it is manifest that he is of power to helpe at all times Luk. 1.37 Rom. 8.31 32 33. Question What learne you by the first petition in the first part of this heauenlie praier hallowed bee thy name c Answere First that God himselfe dooth neither increase nor decrease in respect of his glorie and the greatnesse of his holinesse Psalme 48.10 Malac. 3.6 Iam. 1.17 Secondly what his name dooth signifie That is his word and workes for in them is his mercie power goodnes and iustice made knowne 1. Tim. 6.1 Psalm 102.21 Pro. 18.18 Thirdly how wee must sanctifie the same that is First in words Matth. 5.16 Titu 2.9 10. 1. Pet. 3.15 16. Ro. 11.36 16.27 Secōdly in works Matth. 5.16 Titu 2.9 10. 1. Pet. 3.15 16. Ro. 11.36 16.27 Question What learne you in the second petition thy kingdome come Answere First what this kingdome of Christ is namelie spirituall and externall Iohn 18.36 2. Pet. 1.3 to 12. Secondly wherin it consisteth in this life to raigne in the hearts of the faithful that is Luk. 17.20.21 Rom. 14.17 First by his word Matth. 3.2 Secondly by his holy spirit and both to increase his gifts and grace in vs. Col. 1.9 10.13 14. Thirdly that he wil defend his kingdome against the diuel world sinne eternal death and all her cruell enemies Matth. 28.19 Ephe. 6.18 19. Fourthly that hee would come to iudgement and end the daies of sinne and bring vs to the kingdome of his eternall and perfect glorie Reuel 22.25 Phil. 1.23 Question What learne you by the third petition thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Answere First what this will of God is vz. his reuealed will and not his secret for we ought not rashely to seeke after the same Deut. 29.29 Rom. 9.20 11.33 Colo 1.9 10. 1. Thes 4.1 2. Secondly that our wills which are most corrupt and foolish may bee plucked downe Ro. 8.7 8. 1. Cor. 2.14 Ephe. 4.17.18 19. Thirdly that the holy will of God may be obeyed of vs in all things without resistance as the holy Angels in heauen obey with all redines and cheerefulnes Psal 103.20.21 Psal 143.10.11 Matth. 7.21 22. Luk. 22.42 Fourthly if we bee obedient to the
place neither subiect to change Rom. 1.23 1. Tim. 6.16 Psal 139.7 to 14. Esay 46.10 Iam. 1.17 Deut. 32.4 Psal 5.4 Question Now shew me what is a person Answere A Person is a subsistance in the Essence of God which being referred vnto the rest is distinguished by a certaine incommunicable propertie or which is not common to the other Question Then a subsistance is another thing than an essence Answere It is true for if the Word were simply God and had nothing proper seuerally to it self then had the holie Euangelist Iohn said ill when he said The Word which he afterwards calleth God was with God Iohn 1.2 3. Question What is the vse of this deepe mysterie Answere We are taught hereby First how we ought in all diuine wisedome and godlie humilitie to reuerence this deepe and holie mysterie of the Trinitie the Father the Sonne and the Holie Ghost and yet but one God in being and glorie contrarie to the opinion of Sabellius Secondly how Christ was both God man First God from euerlasting and begotten of his Father before all times contrarie to the heresie of Arius Iohn 1.1 2. Micah 5.2 Reuel 22.13 Secondly Man when the fâ—â—nes of time was come by taking flesh of the Virgine Marie not bringing the same froÌ„ heauen from the Father so afterward swallowed vp of the Father became al one with him as Marcellus the heretike affirmed also renewed by the Anabaptists Rom. 1.3 4. Gal. 4.4 Heb. 2.16 Thirdly that the holy Ghost is God with the Father and the Sonne of the same beeing and glorie from all eternities Gene. 1.2 Esay 48.16 Math. 12.32 2. Cor. 5.19 contrary to the heresie of the Macedonians who denied the Diuinitie of the holie Ghost Fourthly it teacheth vs to praie vnto Almightie God and search after true wisedom and vnderstanding that we may both be led into the true mysterie and auoide al heresies herein Matth. 7.7 Question Nowe let vs proceede vnto the seconde point of the diuision namely of the creation of the world tell me what order wilt thou obserue herein Answere This first of creation generallie Secondly of creation particularlie Question Let vs then come to the first was the world without beginning Answere No for it was created although the philosophers did dream the coÌ„trarie Gen. 1.1 2. 2.2 Question Who created the same Answere Almightie God by his wisedome and power Gen. 2.1 2 3 4. Iohn 1.1 2 3 4. Prouerb 8. Question What is creation Answere Creation is that action of God whereby hée created and made of nothing all thinges both Heauen and earth and whatsoeuer is conteined in them when that there was none of them Gen. 1.12 Psal 33.6 Iere. 10. Acts. 14.15 Iohn 1.1 2 3. Question Were they created such as they bee now Or in what estate where they created at the first Answere Touching their nature it is all one but the qualities and conditions of them are merueilouslie altered and changed for whereas now we see them subiect to vanitie they were not so then but created verie good and perfect for that the worke did sufficientlie preach and set foorth the glorie and cunning of the worke man as it is plainelie set downe in the booke of Genesis thus The Lord sawe all that he had made and it was very good Gen. 1.31 Question How came this ruine and confusion to the creatures which were created perfect by God Answere Onely by the Apostacie and fall of man who was appointed of God to be Lorde and ruler ouer the whole world and all the creatures thereof Gene. 3.17.18 Rom. 8.20 Question Were all creatures that are now mouing and growing vpon the earth then made Answere No for God in his iustice to punish the fall and apostacie of Adam and mankinde yet iust good in God did cause the earth to bring forth thorough corruption many noisome and corrupt creatures since the sixe dayes which were not created at the first for it is saide that all the works of God were very good Gen. 1.31 Question How proouest thou that such noisome creatures were created after the fall of man and for his punishment Answere By the words of GOD which the holy seruant of God Moses rehearseth in Gene. 3.17 18. Cursed be the earth for thy sake thornes also and thistles shall it cause to growe vnto thee c. â—o that whatsoeuer corrupt things doo growe and proceede from corruption they are not the natural fruits of the earth as reckned in the order of nature but corruptions and of corruptions which haue their originall of sinne as lice fleas flies frogges toades catterpillers grashoppers spiders briers thistles and such like noysome and hurtfull creatures Question Shall the heauens and the earth be consumed because the Elements the Ayre and the earth are corrupted by corruption in their substances at the day of Iudgement and so a new heauen and a new earth created Answere No but they shall bee renewed and purged from their corruptions which the sinne of man brought into the world Question Yea but it is written by S. Iohn that GOD will make a new Heauen and a new earth and that the first Heauen and earth shall fleete away from before him and their place shall bee no more founde Reuel 20.11 12. Answere Saint Iohns meaning is not that there shoulde bee a newe Heauen and a newe earth in respect of new and other substances then they were before but when Christ shall appeare hée shall chase away and purge all the corruptions of the Elements and the earth with his purging and pure fire Heb. 1.11 2. Pet. 3.12 13. Question What other proofe haue you for this thing Answere This the holie Ghost will not bee against himselfe for he sheweth by his Apostle that the heauens and the earth shall be restored and purged from all corruption but yet in their substances to remaine Roma 8.19 to 23. Actes 3.21 Question Rehearse the words of the first place Answere For the feruent desire of the creature saith the Apostle Paule waiteth when the sonnes of God shall be reuealed because the creature is subiect to vanitie not of it owne will but of him which hath subdued it vnder hope because the creatures also shall be deliuered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious libertie of the sonnes of God for wee knowe that euerie creature groneth with vs also and traueleth in paine together vnto this present and not onlie the creature but we also Rom. 8.19 20 21 22 23. Question What gatherest thou out of these words Answere First by this word Creature is ment all creatures that liue mooue and growe vpon in or vnder the earth both senceles and sensible liuing and without life and not onely Angels men or diuels and therefore the Apostle saith euerie Creature Secondly the Apostle saieth that they waight for the glorious libertie of the sonnes of God that they also might be not destroyed but deliuered from the bondage of coruption Thirdly
hee saieth that they are subdued vnder hope namelie of restoration to that excellent estate that they had by creation Question Proceede to your second place of proofe Answere Whome the Heauens must conteine vntill the time that all things bee restored which God had spoke by the mouth of all the holy Prophets since the world began Actes 3.21 Question What gather you by these words Answere That al things shal be restored to an excellent perfection and therfore S. Peter calleth the day of Iudgement the day of restoring of al things which could not be attributed vnto that day vnlesse that there should be a restoration of them Question To what end or what vses shall they serue after the day of Iudgement Answere That is a wicked curiositie to search after those things which God hath not reuealed vnto vs let vs therefore say with Moses The secret things belong vnto the Lord our GOD and the things reuealed vnto vs and our children for euer that we may doo all the words of this Lawe Deu. 29.29 and so auoide likewise such vaine questions as these whether they shall be perpetuall or not perpetuall for vses or not for vses for they breed but strife and meere babling 1. Tim. 1.4 5 6 7. Titus 3.9 Question What is the vse of this point Answere First how all things were created of God most perfect and good at the first and he therfore holy and iust in his works Psalm 145.10 11. Deut. 32.4 Secondly how our sinne was the ruine and confusion of the perfection and excellencie of the creatures in their first creation so that hereby we may see how horrible and filthie a thing sinne is and therefore so much the more to hate the same Gene. 4.11 12. Ephe. 2.2 3. Col. 3.1 2 3 4. Thirdly the iustice of GOD in punishing sin and therfore we ought to kil and flie from the same as the only enemy of our health and saluation Psal 5.4 5 6. Co. 3.5 6. Ro. 6.23 Fourthly how all things in Christ shall bee restored to health and the former excellencie but man to a greater excellencie and more perfect happines than at the first Rom. 8.14 to 26. Question As wee haue hetherto intreated generallie of the creation of the world with all things therein so now more particularlie let vs come to the making and creating of man the which is the second point and tell me what order thou wilt keepe herein Answere First who made man Secondly whereof he consisteth Thirdly of his excellencie in his first creation Fourthly of his fall Fiftly how wee come to the knowledge thereof and our sinnes Sixtly of the vses of the lawe and good workes Question Who made man Answere God Question What things may we consider in God in the creation of man Answere First his wisdome Psalm 104.24 Secondly his power Thirdly his goodnes Psalm 8. Question Let vs come to the second thing What is man and whereof dooth he consist Answere Man is an excellent and reasonable creature created after the image of God his creator consisting of two partes Gene. 1.26 27. First a soule Gene. 2.7 Second a bodie Eccle. 12.7 Question What is the bodie Answere A wonderfull Creature of the workemanship of God framed out of the dust of the earth and of a notable proportion in euerie parte made vpright to looke vpward alwaies to God his maker Gene. 3.19 Question Although the bodie bee of the dust of the earth is it not yet more excellent than all other creatures that were made of the earth Answere Yes verelie and that first in respect of the time of his creation Secondly of the forme of his creation Thirdly of the end of his creation Fourthly of the person of the Sonne Question 1 How in the time of his creation Answere When the Lorde made man hee first tooke counsell of his wisdome and power and deliberated on the matter but when he made all other creatures before hee made man hee saide let it be done and it was done presentlie not taking such deliberation on their Creation although his wisdome power and glorie may bée seene in them Gen. 1.26 Roma 1.20 21. and 11.36 Question 2 How informe of his creation Answere God made all other creatures to go groueling on the earth and to looke downeward but he made man a streight bodie to go vpright and alway to looke vp into Heauen and so to consider of his Creator also he hath planted a certaine Maiestie in the face of man to the terror of all other creatures Gene. 1.28 29. Question 3 How in the end of his creation Answere First in glorifying GOD in holy words and also in good workes Ephesians 4.29 30. Matth. 5.16 Secondly in respect of the redemption of the bodie thorough Christ to be the childe of God and heire of eternall life and saluation Ro. 18.7 Thirdly to bee the temple of the holy Ghost 1. Cor. 3.16 and 6.19 Question 4. How in the person of the Sonne Answere In that Christ the sonne of God hath onely communicated with man in taking to himselfe mans nature Heb. 2.16 Rom. 1.3 Question What hath man to consider in that his body is made of the earth and aduanced to such glorie Answere First it beateth downe all pride Iere. 22.29 Secondly his brittlenes is shewed therin Isay 40.6 7 8. Iob. 14.1 2. Thirdly it teacheth man to consider his excellencie in Christ and not to defile in sinne and vncleanenes of life his bodie 1. Cor. 6.15 to the end 2. Cor. 6.14 to the end Question What is the soule Answere It is an immortall and spirituall substance created of GOD and infused into the bodie which quickneth and giueth life thereunto and of it selfe neuer dieth Eccle. 12.7 Iob. 10.12 Matth. 10.28 Reue. 6.9 10 11. Question What are the powers of the soule Answere Principallie two First reason Esay 29.9 1. Thes 5.23 Secondly will Heb. 4.12 Question Are they perfect in vs Answere No but most imperfect Gen. 6.5 Ier. 17.9 Matth. 15.19 20. Rom. 8.7 1. Cor. 2.24 Question Were they so created in vs Answere No but we got corruption by the fall of our first parents Adam and Eue. Gen. 3.1 2 3 4 5 6 7. 2. Cor. 11.3 Question Thou saiest that the soule is a spirituall substance but there are some that doo affirme it is but a motion other some to bee a vanishing breath Answere The Scripture teacheth the contrarie for First God is called the father of the spirits Heb. 12.9 Secondly Christ is called the pastour of soules 1. Pet. 2.25 Now if these sentences shal be applied to motions and a vanishing breath thereby to make God a Father and Christ a Pastour of a thing of naught it were most wicked and absurde Thirdly the soule is subiect to torments and capable of ioy in this world and in the life to come which things cannot be applied to motions and a vanishing breath Luk. 16.24 25. Fourthly it shoulde than followe so many motions and breathes seeing
euill thereupon Rom. 7.23 Gal. 5.17 Question What is the end of this commandement Answere Our good God who is most pure will haue the whole minde possessed with puritie and the affections of loue First vnto God himselfe Secondly to our brethren Thirdly that all lust which is contrarie to a true and pure loue must bee expelled out of our minde Matth. 22 37 38. Rom. 12.2 1. Thes 4.4 5 7. Question Now let vs come vnto the last point can we fulfill this holy and pure lawe of God Answere No verely and that because First our wisdome is both foolishnes and an enemie to the lawe of God Iere. 20.24 Rom. 8.7 Secondly because of the corruption of our nature which continuallie rebelleth against the lawe of God Romans 7.14 to the end Gal. 5.17 Thirdly because of our selues wee cannot think a good thought nor speake a good word much lesse doo good works 2. Cor. 3.4 5. Fourthly because that although we are regenerate and sanctified yet our faith is imperfect and subiect to sinne 1. Cor. 13.9.12 Question Seeing wee come to the knowledge of our sinnes by the lawe of God shall wee therefore reiect and cast away the same Answere God forbid for the lawe is good perfect and holy Question Wherefore then serueth the lawe and what is it Psal 19.7 8 9. Rom. 7.12 1. Timo. 1.8 Answere First it is a glasse to shewe vs both our sinnes and miseries thereby to pull downe our foolish pride Iam. 1.23 24 25. Rom 3.19 20. Secondly a schoolemaster to bring vs to Christ Gal. 3.24 Thirdly a rule of righteousnes to teach vs to liue well Psal 1.2 3. and 119.1 2 3 4 9. Pro. 2.10 to 20. Question Sith we cannot keepe the lawe and so not be iustified by the works of the lawe why should we do good works Answere First to testifie our loue and ready obedience vnto our good God and louing father Mal. 1.6 Iohn 14 21. 1. Pet. 1.14.17 Secondly to win our bretheren to Christ Iam. 5.19 20. 1. Pet. 2.12 Thirdly by them must wee stoppe the mouthes of the aduersaries of Christ and the trueth which are without Col. 4.5 6. 1. Pet. 4.14 15 16 17. Phil. 2.14 15 16. Fourthly by them we must make our election sure to our selues as the onely fruits of a liuely faith in Christ whereby wee are iustified and saued 2. Pet. 1.8 10. Phil. 2.12 13. Gal. 2.16.20 and 3.14 Fifthly by them we must comfort and nourish the poore and miserable people Matth. 25.34 35 36 c. Esay 58.7 Question How many things belong vnto good works Answere First they must be ruled by the liue of Gods word Deut. 4.2 Matth. 28.20 Secondly proceede from a true and sounde faith Rom. 14.23 Heb. 11.16 Thirdly be free from all hipocrisie vaine-glorie discerning and such like and onely be done to the glorie of God Matth. 6.1 2 3 4. Matth. 5.16 1. Pet. 2.12 Question Who must put good works in our hearts and frame vs there vnto Answere Onely God our Creator and Sauior for he it is that must giue vs First a right vnderstanding of his will 1. Cor. 2.12 13. Iam. 1.5 Secondly a true faith in his word and mercies in Christ Ephes 2.8 9 10. Iohn 6.29 Thirdly true humilitie zeale and power to set foorth his glorie Phil. 2.12 13. 2. Cor. 3.4 5. Question Let vs come to the third parte of this article namely how God preserueth the worlde with all his creatures and tell mee how doost thou prooue the same Answere The holy scripture assureth and teacheth me how that God onely with his mightie power in his diuine wisdome giueth life strength increase generation and continuance vnto his creatures and the huge masse of the earth otherwise they and it would soone come to destruction Gene. 1.1 2. Psal 104.29 30. Heb. 1.2 3. Gene. 1. the whole Question What haue wee to learne in this part Answere First the great power of God in vpholding and mainteyning all things Iere. 10.10 11 12 13. Secondly his vnspeakeable wisdome not onely in creating all things so excellently and beutifullie but also in that same wisdome hee keepeth and preserueth them Heb. 1.2 3. Thirdly his goodnes in doing those things for the sonnes of men Psalm 8. Question What is the vse of this doctrine Answere First a reuerent feare of his power Iere. 5.22 23 24. Secondly an admiration and praising the greatnesse of his wisedome Psal 104.24 Thirdly a true and continuall thankesgiuing for his mercies and a reuerent vsing of his creatures Psal 103.1 2 3 4. c. Rom. 11.36 1. Cor. 10.31 1. Tim. 4.1 2 3 4. Question Now let vs come to the last part to wit of Gods prouidence and tell me what it is Answere It is the foreknowledge eternall decree and appointment of the almightie wise and holie God of all the affaires and actions that should be done from the beginning of the worlde vnto the ende thereof either of good or euill as Angels men diuells or anie other creature whatsoeuer Question How prouest thou that God soreknoweth all things before they come to passe whatsoeuer he hath appointed shall come to passe Answere That he foreknoweth all things and whatsoeuer he hath appointed in his vnchaungeable decree to be done either in creation redemption saluation or gouernment these places of scripture most effectually doo proue Esa 7.14 Matt. 1.22 23. Mich. 5.2 Matt. 2.1.2 1. Pet. 2.19 20 21. 2. Ti. 1.9 2.19 act 19.48 Esay 46.10 Psal 239.15 16. Question How doost thou prooue that hee ruleth all things and all his creatures Answere That God doth rule al creatures is proued Psa 115.3 113.7 8 9. 147. 107. 104. Question What order wilt thou keepe in this point Answere First how he ruleth al the creatures in heauē Secondly all the creatures on earth Thirdly all punishments and plagues Fourthly all the Creatures in the seas Fiftly all the diuels and vncleane spirits Question Proceede to the first part Answere Those in heauen are First Angels Psal 81.11 12 13. Heb. 1.14 Secondly thunder 1. Sam. 12.18 Exo. 20.18 Thirdly Windes Num. 11.31 Iona. 1.4 Fourthly lightnings Ier. 10.13 Exo. 20.19 Fiftly raine Ier. 10 13. Psal 147.8 Sixtly Snow psal 147.16 and 148.8 Seuenthly haile Iosh 10.11 Eightly Sonne Moone and starres Iosh 10.12 13 14. Esa 38.8 Question Proceed to the second that God ruleth all the creatures vpon and in earth Answere Then to the mouing creatures as of one kind First al men generally Pro. 26.1 9 7. 20.24 Ier. 10.13 Psa 33.16 acts 17.28 Secondly particularly of good euil men as First in all good actions 1. Cor. 4.7 2. cor 3.4 5. Iam. 1.17 Ephe. 2.9 Genes 40.1 Secondly in their euill actions Iudg. 7.22 2. cron 20. Gen. 50.20 Thirdly more particularly as First Princes Psa 6.15.7.8 Pro. 8.15 Secondly Nobles and Senators Esa 3.1 2 3 4. Thirdly Iudges Pro. 8.16 Fourthly subiects 1. Sam. 10.26 Fiftly enemies Pro. 16.7 Sixtly Warres both to raise and cease
to bee the sole Sauior of mankinde Matt. 1.21 Fourthly in stéed of heauen euerlasting life they by their good intents and workes doo purchase hell and euerlasting death Ioh. 3.17 36. Question What vse ought we to make of this point Answere First to note how miserable we were of our selues after our fall as First in sinne Psal 51.5 Ier. 17.2 Secondly vnder the wrath of God eph 2.3 Thirdly captiues to the diuell eph 2.2 Fourthly inheritors of hell eternal death Rom. 6.23 Secondly the great and rich mercie of God First in giuing vs a Sauiour that might redeeme vs from sinne satan and hell Eph. 2.4 5. Tit. 3.4 5. Secondly in seeking to reconcile vs to him selfe and to make vs his children righteous 2. cor 5.18 19 20 21. Thirdly in giuing vs thereby euerlasting life and eternall happinesse Ioh. 5.24 Question Seeing we are now redeemed in Christ are we now therfore in a better and more happier estate vnder Christ our head than Adam was in his innocencie in Paradice Answere Yea surely the estate of Gods children is now more excellent Question Why so Answere First because wee haue an excellent head to wit Christ which Adam had not in the time of his innocēcie before his fal Eph. 1.22 col 1.18 Secondly God is more néerer ioyned vnto vs than he was vnto Adam at that time for he hath taken vpon himself since Adams fal our humane nature and ioyned the same to his diuine nature and is become one with vs sinne excepted Ephe. 5.30 Heb. 2.16 1. Pet. 2.23 1. Ioh. 3.5 Thirdly our saluation is more certain thā it was vnder Adam for then we had no power to stand in the perfection of our creation but now in Christ it is most certaine and firme because it is grounded First vpon the euerlasting vnchangable decrée and purpose of God Ephes 1. 11.2 Tim. 2.19 Secondly vppon the euerlasting mercies of God in Christ 2. Tim. 1.9 Thirdly vpon his faithfulnesse truth and righteousnes 1. cor 1.9 1. thes 5.24 Fourthly vpon his inuincible power omnipotencie Iohn 10.27 28 29. Fourthly God doth not onely giue vs heauen which Adam should haue had in his innocencie but also maketh vs heirs yea ioint heires with Christ in glorie the which Adam should neuer haue had if he had stoode in his innocencie so that wee maie see our estate farre better than Adams in Paradice Rom. 8.17 Question And is not man made more excellent than the Angels in heauen Answere Yes verely for First Christ tooke vpon him our nature and exalted it aboue all principalities powers and Dominions Eph. 1.20 21 22. Secondly man is made the Lord and ruler of the whole world that through grace in Christ which rule and lorldlie authoritie was neuer giuen vnto the Angels Psalm 8. the whole Thirdly the Angels by the free mercies of God are made the seruants of the faithfull to defend and comfort them for they are the ministring spirits sent foorth to minister for their sakes that shall be heires to saluation psal 34.7 Heb. 1.14 Question In that thou saist that man is restored to a better estate than Adam in his first innocencie in Paradice is become more excellent than Angels is thy meaning of all mankinde of all persons generally Answere No surelie but onely of the faithfull who are grafted into the bodie of Christ by the holy ghost as for infidels hipocrites heretikes libertines and atheists their estate is no better than the diuels in hell in shame and confusion for euer and euer Reuel 21.28 Eph. 5.5 Question Why died not Christ for all men as well as for a certaine number Answere No Christ died not for all for if Christ died for all then First there is no election 2. Tim. 3.19 Secondly God should be then vniust to condemne anie Rom. 3 4. psal 51.4 Thirdly al haue not faith 2. the .3.2 tit 1.1 Fourthly the spirit of Christ belongeth onely to the faithfull Rom. 8.9 10. Question Was there anie imperfection in the sacrifice of Christ in that it was not sufficient for all Answere There was no imperfection in the sacrifice of Christs bodie and soule for he was perfect and holy also it was sufficient for all people but effectual onely vnto those which lay hold on him through faith he 10.10 12 14. 9.25 26 28. Question The Scripture saith God would haue al men come to the knoledge of the truth be saued Answere The word all must be considered after this manner that First hee offereth grace vnto all but all receiue not the same Secondly that word must bee vnderstood some of all Nations Thirdly some of all callings as First Princes Secondly subiects Thirdly parents Fourthly children Fiftly masters Sixthly seruants Seuenthly men Eightly women Some of all which euen those that lay hold vpon Christ by a liuely true faith shall be saued and liue 1. Iohn 5.10 11 12 13. Fourthly we must consider that his reueled will is equally ruled by his secret wil and that they be not contrarie the one to the other although they seeme so to our foolish iudgements Fifthly that God is stable and vnchangeable in all his waies and workes Iam. 1 17. Question What moued God to saue some damne other some In that he saueth some is it for that they deserue the same or did he foresee that they would both beleeue and worke out their saluation Answere His owne mercie is the cause that he saueth some out of the sinfull lumpe of Adam for First all deserued damnation for the best worke after regeneration is defiled with sin and the reward of sinne is death how much more then deserue we death before God doth regenerate vs by his spirit 1. cor 13.9 Ro. 7.24 Secōdly faith is the only gift of god eph 2.8 Thirdly we cannot work wel before God regenerate vs vnto good works eph 2.9.10 Fourthly in that he dampneth other some it is of right and according to his righteous iudgements for that it is written if you do this you shall liue if you do not yee shall die Question How shall we bee perswaded of our saluation in Christ Answere Thorough faith Gal. 3.11 Gal. 2.16 Rom. 3.27 28. Question What is faith Answere A firme perswasion grounded vpon a sounde knowledge in sacred Scriptures that God is reconciled and become both our God and father thorough the merits obedience and bloudshedding of Iesus Christ in whome wee shall be saued and haue eternal life so assuredly as though wee possessed the same already which faith is wrought by the holy Ghost in the hearts of the elect thorough the ministerie and preaching of the word Rom. 5.1 2. Rom. 8.38 39. and 3.24 Ephe. 3.17 Ephe. 1.13 1. Ioh. 3.1 2 3. Question Then our faith must not bee wauering but firme in Christ and his promises Answere It must be firme and not wauering as Saint Iames teacheth for note this that not he which doubteth shall be saued but