c 1. Cor. 3.13 30. c. Gal. 5.4 Iesus For it must needs be that either Iesus is not a perfect Sauiour or els whosoeuer by true faith imbrace him as a Sauiour they also are possessed of all things in him which are d Heb. 12.2 Esa 9.6 Col. 19.20 2 10 Esai 43.11 25. Ioh 1.16 required vnto saluation OF GOD THE SONNE THE ARGVMENT Of the name Christ and of his three offices and why wee are called Christians Question Lords day 12 31 Wherefore is hee called Christ that is annointed Answere Because hee is ordained of the father anointed with the holy Ghost to be the e psal 45.8 Heb 1.9 Deut. 18 15 Act. 3.22 cheif Prophet and f Ioh. 1 18 15 15. teacher to reueil g Mat. 11.27 Psal 110.4 Heb. 7 21 10.12 vnto vs the secret counsel all the will of the Father concerning our redemption and to be our high only Priest to redeeme vs by the only sacrifice of his owne body h Rom. 8.34 59.10 daily to make intercession vnto the Father for vs and to be the euerlasting i Psal 2.6 Luc. 1.33 king to gouerne vs by his word and with his Spirite to preserue and k Mat. 28.18 Iohn 10.28 maintaine that saluation which he hath purchased for vs. Question 32 Why art thou called a Christian Answere Because by faith I am a meÌ„ber of Iesus l Act. 11 26. 1. Cor. 6.15 Christ partaker of his m 1. Iohn 2 26 Esa 59.21 Ioel. 2.28 annointing so that I both n Mat. 10.33 confesse his name and present my selfe vnto him a liuely o Ro. 12 1 Reu. 4 8 10. 1. pet 2 9 2. Tim. 2.12 Ro. 6 12 13. Reue. 1 6. offering of thankesgiuing in this life with a free good conscience fight against sin and Sathan and afterward do p 1. Tim. 1.18 19 possesse with Christ an euerlasting kingdome ouer all creatures OF THE ONLIE BEGOTten Sonne of God THE ARGVMENT Why Christ is called the onlie begotten Sonne of God and our Lord. Question Lords day 13 33 For what cause is Christ called the onely begotten Sonne of God whereas we also are the sons of God Answere Because Christ is the coeternall natural sonne of his eternal q Ioh. 1.14 Heb 1.2 Iohn 3.16 Father but we for his sake by grace are made the r Rom 8.5 Eph. 1.16 Iohn 1.12 1. Iohn 1 3 sonnes of the Father by adoption Question 34 Wherefore doost thou call him our Lord Answere Because he hauing redeemed our bodie and soule from sinne not with golde nor with siluer but with his owne precious blood and hauing deliuered vs from all the power of the Deuill doth Å¿ 1 pet 1 18 10 1 Coâ— 6 20 7.23 Ep. 1 7. 1 Tim. 2 6 chalenge vs properly to belong to himselfe The vse VVEe ought safelie and with true assurance of mind to commit and deliuer ouer our selues for euer to be kept of him as our Lord to whome we properly belong and are his owne peculiar both in life and in death the remembrance of this benefit may also put vs in mind that we do not hereafter thinke speak or deuise any thing but for his glorie For in that wee are the Lords it is meete that wee liue and dye vnto him and that his wisdome and will to wit his word and his spirit doe gouerne all our actions for he is appointed by the Father to be the head of Angels and of the faythfull OF THE CONCEPTION of the Sonne of God THE ARGVMENT The incarnation of the Sonne of God that is the conception of Christ by the holy Ghost his byrth of the virgin Marie whereof the personall vnion of both natures and of the fruit of both Question Lords day 14 35 What doost thou beleeue when thou saiest He was conceiued by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary Answere That the verie sonne of God who t Ioh. 1 1. 1.5 Rom. 1.4 Col. 1 15. c. psal 2.7 Mat. 3.17 16.16 is and abideth true and euerlasting u Rom. 9.5 Esa 7.14 9 6 1. Io. 5.20 Ioh. 20.28 God did through the woorking of the holy Ghost x Ioh. 1.14 Gal. 4.4 take the verie true nature of man of the flesh y Mat. 1.18.20 Luc. 1.35 and blood of the Virgin Marie so that he is also of z psal 132.11 Act. 2.30 c. Rom. 1.3 the true seede of Dauid a Phil. 2.7 like vnto his brethren in all things b Heb. 4.15 7 26. sinne excepted Question 36. What fruit reapest thou by the holie conception and byrth of Christ Answere That he is our c Heb. 2.16.17 Mediatour and by his innocencie and perfect holines doth couer my sinnes wherein I am conceiued and keepeth them from comming in the sight of d psal 32.1 1. Cor. 1.30 Ro. 8.3 4. Gal. 44.5 God The vse FIrst hereby our faith is greatly confirmed that he that was made man is also the Sonne of God for how shoulde al things not be very true whâ—tsoeuer he reporteth vnto vs of God seeing he hath reueiled nothing to vs of God but what himselfe sawe and knewe Againe our hope is also helped in that he was so made man that hee also made man God and vs the sonnes of God and euen his brethren wherewith we may comfort our selues vnder the crosse in afflictions Last of all our mutual loue one toward an other is hereby inflamed for there is no so evident token of loue as that the Creator of all things was made for vs a creature our lord our brother the Sonne of God became the Sonne of man who woulde not then to the vttermost of his power follow that our mediatour Iesus Christ that is his meeknes and kind disposition who when as there was nothing higher then he did for our sake cast him felfe so low that of his own accord he tooke on him the shape of a seruant that is our flesh and that subiect to al infirmities even to the death of the Crosse OF CHRISTES SVFFERING THE ARGVMENT Hitherto of the person Nowe of the office of Christ as touching our redemption the partes whereof are two his humiliation his glorification to his humiliation belong his suffering and vnder whome he suffered and his punishment that is the kind of his death Question Lords day 15 37 What beleuest thou when thou saiest he suffered Answere That in the whole time of his life which he continued here vpon earth but especiallie in the end thereof e 1 pet 2 24 3 18 Isa 53 12 hee susteined both in body and soule the wrath of God against the sinne of all mankind that by his suffering as by the onely f 1 Ioh. 2 2 4 10. Rom. 3 25 sacrifice of reconciliation he might both deliuer our souls from everlasting condemnation and might
whome thou hast sent Iesus Christ and so I may worshippe thee in a pure conscience Moreouer because thou promisest wisdome to those which are of a lowe and humble minde as children but those that are proud and high destitute of thy guifts thou giuest them over to vanitie roote out of my hart all pride that being humbled I may shew my selfe teachable and obedient first to thee then to those whome thou hast giuen me to instruct that so I may by little little prepare my selfe to serue to thy glory onely and to the profit of others in walking in that calling which thou shalt assigne vnto me Amen A PRAYER BEFORE wee goe to meate Psal 145.15.16 The eies of all things trust in thee O Lorde and thou giuest them their foode in due season thou openest thy hand and fillest with thy blessing every liuing creature ALmightie most mercifull God which of thine infinite goodnes hast created all things of nothing and who susteinest and rulest the same perpetuallie by thy deuine power whoe led the Israelites through the Desart feding them with Manna 49. years Blesse vs thy vnworthie seruants and sanctifie those thy guifts that soberly and holily we may vse them knowe in them that thou art indeede our Father and the fountaine of all good things Graunt also that wee vsing these things corporall wee may be alwaies disposed chieflie to seeke that spirituall foode of thy word that our soules may be nourished to eternall life which Christ hath purchased vnto vs by his precious blood Our Father which art c. A THANKSGIVING after meate Deut. 8.10.11 When thou hast eaten and filled thy self then thou shalt giue thanks vnto the Lorde thy God 11. And thou shalt beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God and neglect his Commaundements O Lord God and heuenly Father we giue thee thanks for thy gret and infinite benefites which thou bestowest vpon vs miserable sinners of thine incomprehensible mercy at all times in that thou vphouldest vs in this mortall life furnishing vnto vs al things that are necessarie but cheifly that thou vouchsafest to regenerate vs by the holy doctrine of thy Gospell vnto the hope of a better life Wee beseech thee mercifull God and Father not to suffer our mindes to be occupied in these earthly transitory things but that they may looke vp and seeke the things that are in heauen waiting for the comming of our Sauior Christ Iesus when he appeares in the clouds to deliuer vs. So be it Our Father c. A PRAYER BEFORE wee go to bed O Lord God and heuenly Father which according to thy manifolde wisdome hast appointed the day for labour and the night for rest We render thee thankes that thou hast so mercifullie kept vs this day and hast heaped continuallie vpon vs so many benefites Graunt likewise that wee nowe ceasing from our labour and care may so be refreshed with sleepe that our mindes not beeing buried in sleep with the bodie we be slumbring in thy loue but that the memory of our Creation and saluation be at noe time wiped out of our harts Graunt moreouer that our consciences aswell as our bodies may inioy the own rest Likewise that wee moderatlie vsing sleepe we may haue a respect not vnto sluggishnes but to necessitie to the end that wee returning more apt and quick to our works left off for a time we may the more readilie serue thee profit our neighbor And in the mean time while we are taking rest deliuer vs from all perill and keepe vs vndefiled both in bodie and soule that our sleepe likewise may serue to the glory of thy Name and seeing this day is past ouer with vs not without manifolde slidings for we miserable wretches cary alway sin about with vs we besech thee that as the night now foldeth vp all thing in darknes so according to thy incōprehensible mercy that thou wilt bury all our sinnes lest for them wee be casten out from thy sight Graunt also quietnes and comfort to all those which are afflicted with any kinde of sicknes or other calamities for Christ Iesus thy Sonne our Lords sake which this way hath taught vs to pray Our Father c. FINIS
and c Ioh. 1.33 3.5 1. Cor. 6 11 12.13 Rom. 6.4 Col. 2 12. liue holilie and without blame The vse A Double fruit redoundeth to vs by the Sacrament of baptisme For first we are not onlie by Baptisme assured that al our sinnes are forgiuen vs so that as often as wee sinne of infirmitie we neither may or ought to doubt of it vnlesse we wil call the truth of God in doubt and be enemies to our owne saluation but also we are by the same put in mind what wee owe vnto God that forasmuch as by the spirit of sanctification he hath made vs his members we doe more and more die vnto sinne Rom. 6.4 14. Col. 2.12 Tit 3 5 and do labour for vprightnes inocencie of life that so Baptisme may serue to order and rule our whole life which is the second end of Baptisme Question 71 Where doth Christ promise that he will as certainly wash vs with his blood and with his spirite as wee are washed with the water of Baptisme Answere In the institution of Baptisme the words whereof are these d Mat. 28.19 Goe and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Ghost he that beleeueth and is baptised shall bee saued e Mar. 16.16 he that beleeueth not shall bee coÌ„demned This promise is repeated when the Scripture calleth Baptisme the f Tit. â— 5. washing of the new byrth and the washing g Act. 22 16. away of sinnes The vse BY these testimonies therefore it is made plain and prooued to be most true that by Baptisme I am no lesse assured that by the bloode of Christ and by his spirit I am washed from the spottes of my soul that is from al my sinnes then outwardly by water the steines of the bodie are vsuallie washed away OF BAPTISME THE ARGVMENT That Baptisme is the verie washing away of sinnes and yet that the holie Ghost doth not without cause so speake and of the Baptisme of children Question Lords day 27 72 Is then Baptisme the verie washing away of sinnes Answere It is not For onelie the h Mat. 3.11 1 Pet. 3 21. Ephe. 5.26 blood of Christ the holie Ghost doth cleanse vs from all i 1. Ioh. 1.7 1. Cor. 6.11 sinne Question 73 Why then doth the holy Ghost call Baptisme the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins Answere God doth not without great cause so speake to wit not onely to teach vs that as the spottes of the bodie are cleansed with water so our sinnes are k Apo. 1.5 7.14.1 1 Cor. 6.11 purged by the blood and spirite of Christ but much more that by this heauenly token pledge he may assure vs that we are as truelie washed inwardlie froÌ„ our sins as we are l Mat 16.16 Gal. 3.17 washed with outward visible water Question 74 Ought Infants also to be baptized Answere Yea trulie For seeing they m Gen 17.7 belong to the couenant and Church of God as wel as those that be at years of discretion and seeing vnto them is promised by the blood of Christ n Mat. 19 14. forgiuenes of sins and the o Luk. 1 14.15 psal 22.11 Isai 24 1.2 3. Act. 2.39 holie Ghost the worker of faith no lesse than to the other they ought also by Baptisme to bee ingraffed into the Church of God and to be p Act. 10.47 discerned from the children of Infidels as they were in the olde Testament by q Cen. 17.14 circumcision in place wherof was ordained r Colos 2 11.12 Baptisme in the new Testament The vse OVt of this defence of baptizing of infants ariseth a double doctrine and comfort the one to the parentes when they see that the Lord wil be not onelie their God but the God of their seed which is confirmed vnto them as it were by a seale printed vnto them according vnto that saying Wee are all baptized in one bodie The other to the children that they knowe they are ingraffed into the bodie of the Church and therefore are somewhat the better commended to the rest of the members that is to the faythfull when they are growne to yeares of discretion may thereby be pricked forward not a litle to an earnest indeuour to serue God by whome they were receiued for sonnes by a solemne pledg of their adoption before by their age they were able to acknowledg him for their Father OF THE SVPPER OF THE LORDE THE ARGVMENT The application of the former doctrine of Sacraments to the Supper of the Lord 2. A description of the spirituall Supper 3. The confirmation thereof Question Lords day 28 75 How art thou put in minde and assured in the Supper of the Lord that thou art partaker of that holie sacrifice of Christ offered vpon the Crosse and of all his benefites Answere Because Christ hath commaunded me and all the faithfull to eate of this bread being broken and to drinke of this cup being deuided among vs in remembrance of him and hath also added this promis a Mat. 26 27.28 Mar. 14.12.23.24 Luk. 22.16.20 1. Cor. 10.16 17 11 23.24.25 12 â—â— 13. First that his bodie was no lesse assuredlie offered and broken for me vpon the crosse and his blood shead for me than with mine eies I see that the bread of the Lord is broken vnto me and the cup reached vnto me Secondly that my soule is no lesse assuredly fed vnto euerlasting life by him with his bodie that was crucified and his blood that was shed for vs than I doe with my bodily mouth receiue bread and wine the tokens of the bodie and blood of the Lord being deliuered vnto me by the hand of the minister The vse VVHich being so it appeareth by this proportion to be most true that the supper of the Lorde leadeth me to the onelie sacrifice of Iesus Christ once offered vpon the Altar of the crosse wherein by fayth I obtaine forgiuenes of sinnes righteousnes and life everlasting Question 76 What is it to eate the body of Christ crucified and to drinke his blood that was shead Answere It is not onely with certaine affiance of mind to lay hold of the whole passion and death of Christ and therby to b Ioh. 6 35 4â—.47.48.51.53 54. obtaine forgiuenesse of sinnes and life euerlasting but also by the spirite of Christ which dwelleth at one time both in Christ and vs in such sort more and more to be c Iohn 6.56 vnited vnto his holie bodie that although he be in d Act. 3.21 Act. 1.9 c. 1. Cor. 11 26. heauen and we vpon earth yet notwithstanding we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his e Eph. 5 29 30.32 1. Cor. 6.15.17.19 1. Io. 3.24 4.13 Ioh. 14.23 bone and as all the members of the bodie are quickened and f â—o 6 56.57.58 Io. 15.1.2.3.4 5.6 Eph. 4.15.16
gouerned by one soule so are we all by one and the same spirite Question 77 Where hath Christ promised that he will as certainlie giue vnto the beleeuers his bodie and his blood in this maner to be eaten and drunke as they doo eate this bread beeing broken and drinke this cup. Answere In the institution of the Supper the wordes whereof are these g 1. Cor. 11 1◠c Mat. 26.26 c Mark 24.22 c. Luk. 22.19 c. Our Lord Iesus Christ the same night that he was betraied tooke bread when he had giuen thankes he brake it and said Take eate this is my bodie which is broken for you this doo yee in remembrance of me Likewise after supper he took the cup saying h Ezod 24.8 Heb. 9.2 This cup is the new Testamēt in my blood i Exod. 13.9 This doe as oft as ye drinke it in remembrance of me For as often as ye eat this bread and drinke this cup ye shew the lords death til he come This promise is repeated by Paule when he saith b 1. Cor. 10.10.17 k The cup of thanksgiuing wherewith we giue thankes is it not the communion of the blood of christ The bread which we breake is it not the communion of the Lordes bodie Because wee beeing manie are one bread and one body for we are al partakers of one bread OF TRANSVBSTANTIATION THE ARGVMENT Transubstantiation of breade and wine in the vse of the supper disprooued and the true exposition and meaning of these words Bread is the body of Christ Question Lords day 29 78 What then are bread and wine made the very body blood of Christ Answere No truelie But as the water of baptisme is l Mat. 26.29 Mar 14.24 not turned into the blood of Christ neither is the verie washing away of sinnes but only a token and pledge of those things which are sealed vnto vs in Baptisme No more is the bread of the Lords Supper the verie bodie of m 1. Cor. 10.16 c. 11.26 c. Christ although after the nature of Sacraments and the n Gen. 17.10 c Ex. 26.27 43.48 13.9 Act. 7.8 Ex. 24.8 Leu. 16.10 17.12 Isa 6.6.7 Tit. 3.5 Act. 22.16 1. Pet. 3.21 1. Cor 10.1 maner of speach which the holy Ghost vseth in speaking of these thinges the bread is called the body of Christ Question 79 Why then doeth Christ call the bread his bodie the cup his blood or the newe Testament in his bloode and Paul calleth the bread and wine the communion of the body blood of Christ Answere Christ not without great cause so speaketh to wit not onely to teach vs that as bread and wine sustaineth the life of the bodie so also his bodie crucified and his blood shed is indeede the meat and drink of our soul where by it may be o Iohn 6.51.55.56 nourished to life everlasting but much more by this visible signe and pledg to assure vs that wee are noe lesse trulie made partakers of his bodie and blood by the woorking of the holie Ghost then we do a 1. Cor. 10.16.17 with the mouth of the bodie receiue these holy signes in remembrance of him Secondly that his passion and obedience is as certainlie ours as if we our selues had payed the punishment of our sinnes and made satisfaction vnto God OF THE MASSE THE ARGVMENT An opposition of the Masse and the Supper of the Lorde and whoe ought may come vnto the supper whome Christ woulde haue to bee kept from the Supper Question Lords day 30 80 What difference is there betwen the Supper of the Lord and the Popish Masse Answere The supper of the Lorde doth witnes vnto vs that we haue perfect forgiuenes of all our sinnes for that onely sacrifice of Christ which himselfe once offered b Heb. 7.27 9.12.26.28 10.10.12.14 Ioh. 19 30. Mat. 26.28 Luc. 22.19 20 vppon the Crosse and then that wee are by the holy Ghost ingraffed into c 1. Cor. 6.17 10 16. 12 13. Christ who nowe according to his humanitie is onely in Heauen at the right hand of his d Heb. 1 3. 8. ◠Father and will there be e Ioh. 4.21 22 23. 20 17. Luc. 24.52 Act. 7.55.56 Col. 3.1 Phil. 3.10 1. Thes 19.10 worshipped of vs. But in the Masse it is denyed that the quick and dead haue forgiuenes of sinnes for the onelie suffering of Christ vnlesse Christ be still euery day offered for them by the Priests and then it is taught that Christ is bodily vnder the appearance of bread and wine and therefore ought to be worshipped in them And so the very foundation of the Masse is nothing els but a denying of that onely sacrifice suffering of Iesus Christ and a most cursed Idolatrie Question 81 Whoe ought to come to the Supper of the Lord Answere Only they who are trulie sory that they haue offended God by their sins and do beleeue that they are forgiuen them for Christs sake and that whatsoeuer other infirmities they haue they are couered by his passion and death and who desire more and more to goe forward in fayth and vprightnes of life But hypocrits they that do not trulie repent doe eat g Cor. 10 21. 11.28 c. drink vnto themselues condemnation Question 82 May they also bee admitted to this Supper who declare them selues by their confession and life to be vnbeleeuers and vngodly men Answere No in no wise For by that meanes the couenant of God is prophaned the wrath of God is h 5. Cor 11.20 34 Isai 1.11 c. 66.3 Ier 7.20 c. psa 50.16 prouoked against the whole congregation wherfore the Church by the commandement of Christ and of his Apostles vsing the keies of the kingdom of heauen ought to keepe backe such from the Supper vntill they repent and amend their maners OF THE KEYES THE ARGVMENT Of the keyes and their nomber to wit of the vse and authoritie of the key of the Gospell and of discipline in opening and shutting the kingdome of God Question Lords day 31 83 What are the keyes of the kingdome of Heauen Answere The preaching of the Gospell and Ecclesiastical discipline whereby heauen is opened to them that beleeue and i Mat. 16.19 18 18. shut against vnbeleeuers The vse THe vse of the doctrine of the keyes is double for we are first put in mind by them of our misery before the Lord cal vs by his Gospel namely that we are banished from the kingdome of God and consequently excluded from righteousnes and saluation Last of all that we are fast bound as it were with the bonds and fetters of Sathan Secondly howe great good God dooth bestowe vpon vs and offer vnto vs when he bleseth vs with the preaching of the Gospell putting vs in hope that if we beleeue in Christ he wil deliuer vs from the power
euerlasting The vse THe profit of these articles thus generally distinguished is this that they may serue in sted of a rule whereunto the fayth of al men ought to agree and whatsoeuer is contrary to one or to mo Articles ought to be accounted false Secondly that they may be vnto vs in stead of a table wherein we may perceiue distinctlie and seuerally what things are to be marked in Christ for as the partes of the bodie are distinguished by ioynts so in this confession of fayth whatsoeuer we ought distinctlie and seuerallie from the rest to beleeue is rightlie and fitlie called an Aiticle OF THE APOSTLES Creede THE ARGVMENT The partes of the Creede and of God one in substance and three in person Question Lords day 8 24 Into howe many partes is this Creede deuided Answere Into three parts The first is of the euerlasting father and of our creation The second is of the Sonne and of our redemption The third is of the holie Ghost and of our sanctification The vse IT is therefore requisite to keepe this diuision that although our saluation be the worke of the whole Trinitie yet we may know how to put a difference betweene the propertie of every person and to knowe what euerie of them hath done for our saluation and redemption Question 25 Seeing there is a De. 6.4 Eph. 4.6 Esa 44.6 45 5. 1. Cor. 8.4 but one onelie substance of God why doost thou name those three the Father the Son and the holie Ghost Answere Because God hath so b Esa 61.1 Luc. 4.18 Psa 119.1 Mat 3.16 17. 28.19 Iohn 14 26. 15.26 Tit. 3.5.6 Ep. 2 18 2 Cor. 13.13 Gal. 4.6 1. Iohn 5.7 reueiled himselfe in his word that these three distinct persons are one true and euer lasting God OF GOD THE FATHER THE ARGVMENT Of God the Father and of the creation and preseruation of our selues and of the whole world that is of heauen and earth Question Lords day 9 26 What beleeuest thou when thou sayest I beleeue in God the Father almightie c. Answere I beleue in the euerlasting father of our Lord Iesus Christ who c Gen. 1. 2 Psal 33 6. Iob. 33 4. Act. 4 24. 14 15 c. Esa 45.7 created of nothing the heauen and the earth and all thinges that are therein and doth vphold and d psal 104 3 125.3 Mat. 10 19. Heb. 1.3 Rom. 11.36 gouerne the same by his euerlasting counsell and prouidēce to be by the means of Christ e Ioh. 1.12 Rom 8.15 Ga. 4.5 6.7 Ephes 1.5 my God and my Father Therefore I so trust in him I so repose my selfe vpon him that I doubt not but he wil prouide all thinges f psa 55.23 Mat. 6 26. Luc. 12 22. necessarie both for my soule for my bodie And moreouer also that whatsoeuer euill he sendeth vpon me in this miserable life he wil g Rom. 8.28 turne the same to my saluation seing he is both able to do it as being h Esa 46.4 Rom 10.12 8.38 God almightie and willing to do it as being my i Mat. 6. 7.8.9 mercifull father The vse THis article of our fayth the doctrine therein conteined maketh much for the comfort of the godly For seeing we are ioyned in league with that God who is our Father who is almightie who created heauen and Earth who gouerneth vs and preserueth vs what is there that we may not look for from such a Father What is there whereof we may not mak our selues sure For example the Leper was perswaded only of the power of Christ he knew not his wil therfore hee sayd Lorde if thou vvilt Mat. 8 2. thou canst make me cleane and he was clensed how much more shal we obteine those things which wee ask if both we be perswaded of his almightie power and also doubt not of his promises From hence is our loue to our neighbour set on fire for when God hath promised that he wil increase his blessings vpon them who are liberal to the poore and he is God almightie who would not be pricked for ward to bestowe almes liberally and cheerefully Thirdlie by the same doctrine I am admonished not to doubt of any mans saluation thogh he seeme cast away of God and withal to keepe my selfe in the feare of God How namely because God is able to raise vp againe my brother that is fallen and to call him home into the way of saluation and also to suffer me to fall into grieuous sinns and to cast me off vnlesse I abide in fayth OF GODS PROVIDENCE THE ARGVMENT Of Prouidence belonging to the common place of Creation and of the vse of both Question Lords day 10 27 What is prouidence Answere The almightie and euerie where present power of God k Act. 17.25 c. psal 94.9 c. Isa 29.15 c. Eze. 8.12 whereby he doth as it were beare vp with his hand and l Heb. 1.2.3 gouern the heauen earth with all creatures so that whatsoeuer groweth out of the earth also raine and drowght plentie dearth meat and m Iere. 5.24 Act. 14.17 drinke n Iohn 9.3 health sicknesse o Prou. 12.2 riches pouertie finalie al thinges that are fal out not rashly or by chāce but by his fatherly counsell and will Question 28 What profite haue we by this knowledge of the creation and prouidence of God Answere Hereby we are in aduersitity made p Ro 5.3 c. Iac 1.3 Iob. 1.21 c. patient in prosperitie q Deut. 8.10 1. Thes 5.18 thankfull for the time to come wee haue a r Rom 5.4.5 verie good hope reposed in God our most trustie father knowing assuredly that nothing can ſ Ro. 8.38.39 draw vs from his loue seeing all creatures are so in his power that without his pleasure they are not t Ioh. 1.12 26 Pro. 21.1 Act. 17.25 c. able not onely not to do any thing but not so much as to stirre OF GOD THE SONNE THE ARGVMENT He commeth nowe to handle the second part of the Creede of the Sonne of God and of our redemption and first is declared the meaning of the name Iesus and they are refuted who in word do acknowledge the sonne of God to bee Iesus that is a Sauiour but in deed do detract from his merit Question Lords day 11 29 Wherefore is the Sonne of God called Iesus that is a Sauiour Answere Because he saueth and deliuereth vs from all our a Mat. 1.21 Heb 7.25 sinnes neither ought saluation to bee sought for in any other neither * Act 4.12 can it els-where bee found Question 30 Do they that beleeue in the only Sauiour Iesus who seeke for happines from Saints or from themselues or from any thing els Answere No for although in word they glorie in him as a Sauiour yet in deede they denie the onely Sauiour
make me partaker of Christ and all his benefits may o Act. 9 31 comfort me and p Ioh. 16.1 Pet. 4.14 abide with me for euer The vse THe remembrance of this so excellent a benefit bestowed vpon vs namely that God hath made vs partakers of his spirit ought likewise to prick vs forward to holines of life For seeing the spirit of the father of Christ is called holy not only by nature but also because in whome soeuer he is he doth sanctifie and seperate them from the vncleannes of the worlde it is meete that by our deeds we should shew that he dwelleth in vs and therefore that that waightie exhortation of the Father shoulde be alwaies before our eies Eph. 4 30. Greue not the spirit of God by vvhome yee are sealed to the day of Redemption hee is grieued and made sad by vncleane thoughts words and deeds by licentious and filthy manners as on the other side he is delighted and reioyceth in true humilitie holines and grauitie in framing our words and all the actions of our whole life according to the rule of Gods word OF THE CHVRCH THE ARGVMENT Of the Catholike Church and the notes thereof of the Communion of Saints and the forgiuenes of sinnes Question Lords day 21 54 What beleeuest thou of the Catholike Church of Christ Answere I beleeue that the son of q Ioh. 10.11 God doth by his holie Spirit and by the r Act. 2.46 Eph. 4.3 4 5 word gather vnto himselfe out of al ſ Mat. 16 18. Ioh. 10.28 mankind from the t Gen. 26.4 beginning of the world vnto the u Ro. 8.29.30 Ep 1 10 1 pet 1 20 end a congregation x 1 Ioh. 3 21. 2 Cor. 13.5 chosen to euerlasting life agreeing in true faith and dooth maintaine and y Isai 59.21 Ro. 1 16 10 14 17 Ephes 5.26 preserue the same and that I am a liuely z 1. Ioh. 2.19 member of that congregation and shal so a 1. Cor. 1 8 6 Ro 8.35 c. psal 71 18. for euer abide The vse THe vse of this article consisteth in this that I beleeue my selfe also to be a liuely member of that congregation and that I shall so for euer abide which every man shall by this meanes profitablie knowe namely if he consider that even at this day also the Sonne of God dooth gather vnto himselfe a Church while he prouideth that his Gospell be publikely preached by ministers lawfully therevnto called and the Sacraments by them administred according to that rule which he hath left Question 55 What meaneth the Communion of Saintes Answere First that all and euerie one of the beleeuers haue b Ioh. 1.3 Ro. 8 32.1 Cor. 12.13 21.1 Corint 6.17 felowship with Christ and all his benefites as beeing members of him Secondly that euery one who hath receiued gifts ought to imploy them readily and c 1. Cor. 16.5 phil 2.45 6. cheerfullie for the common profite and saluation of all The vse THis Communion is double the one inwarde whereby such as the Lord hath in this visible Church alwaies chosen that is true beleeuers are vnited by the same spirit with the Father his Sonne Iesus Christ and one with an other among themselues the other outward standing in the mutual duties of Charity which the faithfull exercise one toward another Question 56 What beleeuest thou concerning the forgiuenesse of sinnes Answere I beleeue that God for the satisfaction of d Ioh. 2 2 2. Cor. 5 19.21 Christ hath quite put out of his remembrance e Iere. 31.34 psal 103.3.4.10.11 Rom. 7.22.25 Rom. 8.1 2 3 all my sinnes and euen that corruption also wherewith I must striue al my life long and doth freely giue vnto me the righteousnesse of Christ so that I shall neuer f Ioh. 3.18 come into iudgement The vse THe affection and loue of God which he beareth toward vs in Christ shall serue vs to this vse first to make vs take heed that no doubting of the mercy and goodnes of God in forgiuing vs our sinnes do at any time creepe vpon vs as if God did not from his hart truely forgiue vs. Secondly to driue out al such security wherby it vsually commeth to passe that men do carelesly sleepe in their sinnes considering that both sinne dwelleth in vs wherewith we must striue al our life long and also that by this readines goodnes of God freely to forgiue vs our sinnes wee are the rather prouoked more carefully to avoid sinne according to the doctrine of S. Iohn Ioh. 1.9 Rom. 6.11 who when he had taught that if vve confesse our sinnes the Lord is faythful and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes Least any man might hereupon flatter himselfe in sinne he meeteth with it by this admonition Little children ◠Ioh. 2 1 these things I vvrite vnto you that you sinne not as also Ezechiel or rather God himself by the prophet speketh most seuerely against such frowardnes When I say vnto the righteous man Ezek 33.13 thou shalt surely liue if he trusting to his ovvne righteousnes commit iniquitie all his righteous deeds shall not bee remembred but in that his iniquitie vvhich he hath committed he shall die OF THE RESVRRECTIon of the flesh THE ARGVMENT Of the resurrection of the flesh and of life euerlasting and of the fruit of them both Question Lords day 22 57 What comfort doth the resurrectiō of the flesh minister vnto thee Answere Not only that my soul shal straight way after it is departed out of the bodie be g Luk. 23.43 phil 1.23 taken vp vnto Christ the head thereof but that this flesh of mine also being raised vppe by the power of Christ shal bee vnited againe to my soule and shal be h 1 Cor 15 52 Iob. 29 25.26 1 Ioh. 3 2. phi 3 21 made conformable vnto the glorious body of Christ The vse VVHerefore seeing wee haue this ground of the resurrection of our flesh from hence is ministred vnto vs that comfort which is necessary 1. To take away al heauines which we conceiue for the dead according to Pauls doctrine 1 Thes 4.23 I vvould not haue you ignorant brethren concerning those that sleepe that you sorrovv not as others that haue no hope For if vve beleeue that Iesus dyed and rose againe so also shall God bring vvith him those that are layd a sleepe in Iesus 2 Cor. 5.1 ◠2. To driue a way all feare of death by the hope of a better life to which we shall come by the resurrection in respect of which end Tertullian doubted not to cal the resurrection of the sleshe the confidence of Christians 3. To incourage vs vnto good works not to deserue any thing but because life is promised to them that do well Last of all that by remembring the resurrection to come we may be hindred from evill doing euen because of the punishment then
threatned to evill doers Question 58 What comfort receiuest thou by the Article of everlasting life Answere That because a 2. Cor. 5.2 38 in this present life I feele the beginnings of everlasting ioy in my hart I b 1. Cor 2.9 Ioh. 17 3. shall after this life inioy full perfect blessednes wherein I shall praise God for euer which blessednes neither eie hath seene nor eare hath hard nor any man can conceiue The Vse IT is the duty of every faithfull man by a true fayth and ful and stedfast perswasion to apply vnto himselfe this comfort generally propounded out of the assurance of euerlasting life wher vnto this clause leadeth euery man I beleeue the life everlasting that is I am perswaded that both in soule and body I shal attaine that life everlasting and that the same life which is in Christ Iesus shal be reueiled in me and that vvhen Christ shal appeare Colos 3.4 then shal I also be vvith him in glorie For first Christ wil not breake his promise who as he hath promised euerlasting life to those that are his so will hee raise them vp at the last day that they may enioy it Secondly I am assured thereof by the very beginning of it and that hee vvhich hath begun that good vvorke in me phil 1.6 vvill also make it perfite even vntil the day of Iesus Christ Last of al wee must marke that this is the most principall end of everlasting life namelie that wee should praise God in that life for euermore For as the rest of the creatures were created for the vse of this present life although they do also after a sort glorifie God so men were created much more to glorifie God in that everlasting life psal 149.1.2 Esa 51.3 according to the testimonie of Esai Ioy and gladnes shal be found therein thanksgiuing and the voice of praise which being spoken of that deliuerance which was but a type of this shall then be really performed OF THE RIGHTEOVSnesse of Fayth THE ARGVMENT A repetition of the fruite of all the articles of our beleefe where both of Iustification by faith and of the woorde faith onely Question Lords day 23 59 Now when thou beleeuest all these thinges what profite commeth to thee thereby Answere That in Christ I am righteous before God and heir of life c Heb. 2.4 Rom. 1.17 Iohn 3 36. euerlasting Question 60 How art thou righteous before God Answere By d Rom. 3.21.22.24 25 28 5.1 Galat. 2.16 Eph 2 8 9 Phil. 3.9 faith alone in Iesus Christ so that although mine owne conscience do accuse me that I haue grieuously offended against the commaundements of God and haue not e Rom 3.9 c. kept any one of them moreouer also that I am f Rom. 7.23 prone to all euill yet notwithstanding so that I do g Rom. 3.42 Ioh. 3.18 imbrace these benefits with true affiance of minde without any h Tit. 3.5 Ephes 2 8 9 merit of mine owne of the mere i 1 Ioh. 2 2 mercie of God the k Rom 3 24. Deut 9.6 Ezec. 36.22 perfect satisfaction righteousnes and holines of Christ is l 1. Ioh. 2.1 c. imputed and m Rom. 4 4. 2. Cor. 5.19 giuen vnto me as if I had neither committed any sinne neither were there anie blot or corruption cleauing vnto me yea as if I had my self perfectly n 1. Cor 5.21 performed that obedience which Christ hath perfourmed for me The vse VVHich being so seeing by al these proofs it standeth out of doubt that we are righteous by fayth only in Christ of the meere mercy of God we receiue from hence this most assured comfort namely that wee are altogether out of doubt of our saluation and of everlasting life neither can be shaken and as it were throwne from our standing by any temptation of the Diuell which surely is a most notable fruit of the doctrine of iustification by fayth For first if my conscience that is that feeling of Gods iudgement which is as a witnes within vs not suffering vs to hide our sinnes but drawing vs as guiltie before the iudgment seat of God doe beare witnes against me that I haue greeuouslie sinned against all the commandements of God and haue kept none of them and therefore that I am vnwoorthie to be saued and worthie to be cast away especially because God is most righteous and a deadlie enemie and a reuenger of all sin forthwith commeth this answer in the way that Christ hath performed both who on my behalfe hath both offered himselfe to bee punished by the Father and most perfitlie obeyed the Lawe and therefore it cannot bee that mine iniquities should dismay my mind as being wholly raised and blotted out with the blood of Christ If Satan yet lay to my charge Although in Christ Iesus thou hast satisfied the punishment which thy sinnes deserued and hast put on his righteousnes by fayth yet thou canst not denie but that thy nature is corrupt so that thou art prone to al il and thou hast in thee the seede of al vices against this tentation this answere is sufficient that by the goodnes of God not onelie perfect righteousnes but even the holines of Christ also is imputed and giuen vnto me as if I had nether committed any sinne neither were there any blot or corruption cleauing vnto me whereto belongeth that of the Apostle 2. Cor. 8.19 Him that knevve no sinne he made sinne for vs that is guiltie of sinne in our sted that vve might be made the righteousnes of God in him Againe To him that vvorketh not Rom. 4.4 but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is imputed for righteousnes And Rom. 4.6.7.8 Blessed are they vvhose iniquities are forgiuen and vvhose sinnes are couered blessed is the man to vvhom the Lord imputeth no sinne Question 61 Why doost thou say that thou art righteous by faith Answere Not because by the worthinesse of my faith I please God but because the satisfaction righteousnes and holinesse of Christ is my righteousnesse in the sight of o 1 Cor. 1.30 c. 1. Cor. 2 2. God and I can lay hold vpon and p 1. Iohn 5.10 applie the same vnto my selfe by no other meanes but by faith The vse VVEe must at noe hand let goe the difference of the word alone Rom. 5.1 1. That in the matter of saluation due honor may be giuen to the Sonne of God 2. That our consciences may haue stedfast and sounde comfort 3. That the difference betweene the lawe and the Gospel may be perceiued because these words freely by fayth vvith out the Lavve for the Mediatour do make a difference betweene the Law and the Gospel 4. That we may vse prayer rightlie which is hindred by the sight of our own infirmities and that we may come vnto God hauing affiance in the onelie Mediatour Ephes 3.12 according
Cor. 11 33. Sacramentes and to the publike prayers a 1. Tim. 2.1 2 3 8 9 1. Cor. 14 16. ioyne also mine own priuat and according to mine abilitie bestowe some thing vppon the b 1 Cor. 16. poore Secondly that in all my life I absteine from wicked actions yeelding vnto the Lord that by his spirit he may worke his good worke in me and so that I c Esai 66.23 beginne that everlasting Sabbath or rest in this life OF THE FIFT COMMANDEMENT THE ARGVMENT That they are to be honoured whom the Lord hath set ouer vs and both to be obeied thankfully to be requited Question Lords day 39 104 What dooth the Lord injoine vs in the fift commandement Answere That wee performe vnto our Parentes and euen to all that are set ouer vs due honour loue fidelitie and doe d Eph. 6.1.2 5. c. Col 3.18.20 22 23 24 Eph 5 22 pro. 1.8 4 1 15 20 20 20. Ex. 21.17 Rom. 10.1 submit our selues to their faithfull precepts and chastisements with that obedience that is meet Secondlie that we e Prou. 23 22. Gen. 9.25 1 pet 2 18. patiently bear with their faults manners alwaies hauing in remembrance that God will lead f Eph. 6 40 Col. 3 19 21 Rom. 13. Mat. 22.27 and rule vs by their hand OF THE SIXT COMMANDEMENT THE ARGVMENT Of avoyding manslaughter how many waies it is committed in the sight of God the end whereof is that the safetie of everie one ought to bee commended to everie one Question Lords day 40 105 What doeth God require in the sixt commandement Answere That neither by thought nor by word nor by gesture much lesse by deede either by my selfe or by any other I doe reuile or hate or hurt or g Mat 5 12 22. Gen. 9.6 Mat 26.52 slay my neighbour but h Eph. 4.26 Rom 12 19 Mat. 5 25. 18 35 cast away all desire of reuenge Moreouer that I i Rom. 13 14 Col. 2.23 Syr. 3.27 Mat. 4 7. hurt not my selfe nor wittingly cast my selfe into any daunger And therfore also that murther might be avoided he hath k Gen. 9 6 Exod. 21.14 Mat 26.52 Rom. 13.4 armed the Magistrate with the sword Question 106 Why but this commandement seemeth to forbid onelie Murder Answere For the slaying of murder God teacheth that he hateth the roote and original of murder to wit a Iac. 1.20 Gal. 5 20. anger b Rom 1 29. enuy hatred c 1. Ioh. 2.9.1 and desire of reuenge and doth d account all these for murder b 1. ioh 3 15. Question 107 And is it sufficient to kill noe man in such sorte as hath bin spoken Answere It is not sufficient for when God condemneth wrath enuie hatred hee requireth that wee e Mat 22.59 7 12 loue our neighbour as our selues and that wee vse towards him f Rom. 12.10 curtesie gentlenes g Ephe. 4.2 Galat. 6.1.2 Mat. 5.5 Ro. 12.18 Mat. 5 7 Luk. 6 3. meeknes patience h Exod. 24.5 and mercie i Mat. 5 45. and that whatsoeuer may hurte him as much as in vs lieth we turne it away from him In a worde that wee be so disposed in mind that we k Rom 22.20.81 spare not to doe good even to our enemies OF THE SEAVENTH COMmandement THE ARGVMENT Of Adulterie that is that we be not defiled with any vncleannes or intemperate lust of the flesh but that wee gouern all the parts of our life chastly and continently Question Lords day 41 108 What is the meaning of the seuenth commandement Answere That God doeth l Leu. 18.27.28 abhor all filthines and therefore that we also ought m Iud. 22.23 to hate and detest it and on the other side that we ought to liue soberly modestly and n 1. Thes 4 3 4.5 chastly either in holy wedlock or single life Question 109 Doth God forbid nothing els in this commandement but adultery and such kind of filthines Answere For as much as our body soule are the temples of the holy Ghost the will of God is that wee possesse both them purely holilie therefore hee doth generally forbid filthy deeds gestures and behauiours p Eph. 5.3 4 Cor. 6 18.19 20 speeches thoughts q Mat 5 27.23 and desires and whatsoeuer may allure r 1 Cor 15 33. vs herevnto OF THE EIGHT COMMANDEMENT THE ARGVMENT Because all vnrighteousnes is abhominable in the sight of God hee forbiddeth greedilie to gape after that which is an other mans and commandeth vs to lend our faythful helpe to every man for the keeping of his owne goods and by this meanes hee doeth allowe and ratifie the distinction of owners and proper possessions Question Lords day 42 110 What doth God forbid in the eight commandement Answere Not only those Å¿ 1. Cor. 6 10. thefts and t 1. Cor. 5.10 robberies which the Magistrate doeth punish but vnder the name of theft hee comprehendeth all naughtie shifts occupations whereby wee catch after other mens goods and labor to u Luk. 3.14 1. Thes 4.6 conveigh them to our selues by force or by couler of right as are vnequall x pro. 11.1 16.11 weights an vniust metwand vnequal y Eze. 45.9 c. measure deceitfull ware counterfeit mony z Psal 15.5 Luc. 6.35 vsurie or any other forbiddin way or means to thriue get welth Add hereunto all a 1. Co. 6 10 couetousnes and the manifold mispending and b Prou. 5. â—6 abusing of the guifts of God Question 111 What are those things which God commandeth here Answere That I further and increase as much as I am able the commoditie and profit of my neighbour and soe deale with him as I c Mat. 7.12 desire to be delt withall my selfe that diligently and faythfully I follow my worke that I d Eph. 4 28 may be able also to help the neede of others OF THE NINTH COMMANDEMENT THE ARGVMENT That we ought not to abuse our tong to lying slandering and false accusations of our neighbour but rather to avouch the truth and to maintaine and preserue the life and goods of our neighbour Question Lords day 43 112 What doeth the ninth commandement require Answere That I beare noe false e prou 19 5 9 81.28 witnes against any man that I f Psal 15.3 falsifie or misconstrue no mans words that I back bite or g Rom 1.29 21 reproch no man that I h Mat 7 1 c Luk 6 87 condeme noe man rashlie or before his cause be heard but that I i Ioh 8.44 do with al carefulnes avoide all kind of lying deceit as the k prou 12 22 13.5 proper woorkes of the Diuell vnles I will prouoke the most grieuous displeasure of God against my selfe that in iudgments and other affaires I follow the truth and freely and constantly
transgressed thy whole lawe and haue offended thy godly maiestie in breking and violating euery precept of the same and so most iustlie maiest thou powre forth vpon vs all plagues that are threatened and that we finde powred foorth vpon the disobedient at any time from the beginning And soe much the rather O Lord because that so long wee haue bene called by thy holy worde to vnfaigned repentance and newnes of life and yet haue we still remained in our former rebellion and therefore if thou wilt enter into iudgement with vs we can neither escape confusion in this life nor iust condemnation in the life to come But Lorde thy mercie is without measure and the truth of thy promise abideth for euer Vnwoorthy are we that thou shouldest looke vpon vs but Lorde thou hast promised that thou wilt shewe mercie to the most grieuous offendours when so euer that they repent And further thou by the mouth of thy deare Son our Lord Iesus Christ hast promised that thou wilt giue thy holy Spirite to such as humbly call vnto thee In boldnes of the which promis we most humbly beseech thee ô Father of mercies that it wold please thy godly maiestie to work in our stubborne harts an vnfaigned sorrowe for our former offences with some sence and feeling of thy grace and mercy togither with an earnest desire of iustice and righteousnes in which we are bound continuallie to walk but because that neither we nor our prayers can stand before thee by reason of that imperfection which stil remaineth in this our corrupted nature We flie to the obedience and perfect iustice of Christ Iesus our onelie Mediatour in whome and by whome wee call not onelie for remission of our sinnes and for assistance of thy holy spirit but also for al things that thy godly wisedom knoweth to be expedient for vs and for thy Church vniuersall Praying as hee hath taught vs saying Our Father c. A MORNING PRAIER TO BE VSED IN CHRIstian Families before they goe about their outwarde affaires OMnipotent and mercifull God we giue thee thankes that thou hast so mercifullie kept vs this night and that thou hast prolonged our life to this day We beseech thee likewise that thou wilt protect vs this day and that thou wilt giue vs grace that wee may bestowe it in those things which are pleasant acceptable vnto thee And as nowe thou enlightenest the whole earth with the beames of thy Sonne so likewise thou wilt illuminate the darkenes of our soules with the brightnes of thy Spirit least wee wauering from the path of righteousnes wee swarue either to the one side or to the other that wee may ever set thee who seest all thinges before our eies that wee may reuerence and acknowledge thee as a iust reuenger of al euill thoughtes words and deeds that wee feare nothing more than to offende thee so bountifull a Father and that euer it continually bee our finall drift in all thinges whatsoeuer we take in hand or purpose to doe to referre the same only to thy glory and the profit of others Moreouer becaus wholesome counsell fit occasions and the happie successe and issue of matters are onlie in thine hand graunte that wee may ask and receiue al those things from thee alone Graunt also most merciful Father that we bestow not so much thought and trauell in purchasing of those things that perteine to the necessitie of this life that in the meane time wee neglect sluggishlie regarde heauenly things but that first we may seeke thy kingdome and the righteousnes thereof nothing doubting but that thou wilt giue all things needfull and necessarie to such as do the same keepe also and defend this fraile body and soul of ours Instruct vs with the counsell and power of thy Spirit against so many and so diuers assaults of Sathan Ridde vs out of all feare and perrills whereby wee are in daunger alwaies in this worlde And because it is nothing to haue begun well except also we carefully perseuer and goe forward Wee beseech thee that thou wilt not onely take vs into thy protection this day but likewise thou wilt continually be our guide and defender all our life confirming and increasing the guifts which according to thy bountifulnes and mercy thou hast bestowed vpon vs vnworthie sinners vntill such time at last as thou shalt fullie and perfectly vnite vs with our head Christ who seeing that he is that onelie Sonne of righteousnes hee may replenishe vs with his eternall light and gladnes In the meane time while wee liue in this troblesome life send out faythfull Pastours of Soules and make thyne holy Spirite to bee effectuall in the hartes of the auditors by the power of thy word to the end a great Churche may be gathered to thee and that the workes of the Diuell may be destroyed Enarme the Magistrate with thy diuine strength that hee may defende thy Church and common weal. Comfort and confirme everie one that is afflicted in soule or bodie and that we may be bold to seeke and waite for so great good things at thy hands Forgiue vs our horrible sins for thy most deare Sonne Christ Iesus his sake who hath promised to vs that whatsoeuer we craue of thee in a sure confidence in him that thou wilt assuredly giue it vs and therefore hee hath commanded vs to pray in this maner Our Father c. A PRAYER FOR SCHOLLERS Psal 119.9.10 Wherewith shall a young man redresse his way If hee wiselie take heede to guide himselfe according to thy word 10. With my whole hart haue I sought thee let me not wander from thy Commandements I Render thee thanks most merciful God for all thy great and infinite benefites but chiefly that according to thy singular mercy thou hast called me to the knowledg of thy Gospell hast giuen me teachers that they may bring me vp in good letters and sciences to endue my minde with holy honest precepts Graunt that I may acknowledge aright what and howe great these thy benefites are and that for the same I may alwaies giue thee thanks Bestowe moreouer vpon me thy grace and lighten me with the beames of thy Spirite in remoouing the darke cloudes of my minde that I may desirouslie and gladly learne these thinges which are taught vnto me by my teachers that I faythfully keepe in memory that I may render accompt againe thereof readily with iudgment least my Teachers labour and mine the precious time and this so meete an occasion giuen vnto me of thee and the fruites which are hoped for of me shamefully perish not thorogh my vnthankfulnes slugishnes To the ende this come not to passe giue me thy holie Spirit the authour of all vnderstanding and trueth that hee may make me faythfull able and meete to comprehend these thinges Grant also that to whatsoeuer studie I apply my minde this euer may be before mine eies to acknowledg thee the onelie true God and
also purchase for vs the fauor of God righteousnes and euerlasting life The Vse BY this historie of the grieuous and bitter suffering of Christ we are put in mind how hainous a matter sinne is for the which God would receiue no ransom but the death of his only begotten Sonne Secondly howe exceeding the loue of Christ toward vs is who did not sticke to suffer so fearfull torments for vs that he might reconcile vs vnto God and might purchase vnto vs life and saluation which by sin we had lost Thirdly to consider what duty wee owe againe namely to prepare our selues according to the counsel of Peter both to suffer patiently because vve are thereunto called 1 pet 2 21 24 and Christ suffered for vs leaving vs an Example that vve should follovve his steps And also to resist sinne because he bare them in his bodie vpon the crosse that we being dead vnto sinne might liue vnto righteousnes Question 38 What reason was there why he suffered vnder Iudge Pilate Answere That he an Innocent being a Luc. 23.14 Ioh 19.4 condemned before a ciuill Iudge might b psal 69 4 Isai 53 4 5.2 Cor. 5 21 Gal. 3.13 set vs free from the straight iudgment of God which was to fall vppon vs. Question 29 Is it any more that he was fastened to the crosse than if he had bene put to any other kinde of death Answere Yea truelie it is more For by this I am sure that hee hath taken vppon him the curse which did hang ouer me for the death of the crosse was c Deut. 21.23 Gal. 3.13 cursed by God OF CHRISTS SVFFERING THE ARGVMENT That Christ died and was buried why and what fruit there is of it where of the death of the faithfull and afterward the meaning of the words He descended c. Question Lords day 16 40 Why was it necessarie that Christ should humble himselfe euen to the death Answere Because the iustice and trueth of God could by no d Genes 2.71 other meanes bee satisfied for our sins than by the death of the e He. 2.9.14.15 Phil. 2.8 Sonne of God Question 41 Wherefore was he also buried Answere That hee might thereby make it knowne that he was truelie f Acts. 13.29 Mat. 27.60 Luk. 23 53 Ioh. 19.38 dead The vse SO often as we heare the buriall of Christ spoken off we are thereby put in mind of the sanctifying of our graues that they are now no more pittes Esa 57.6 wherein the cast bodies of men dye and consume to nothing but chests and chambers wherein men are laid vp and safelie kept against the resurrection that shall surelie come Question 42 But seeing Christ died for vs why must we also die Answere Our death is not a satisfaction for our sinnes but an vtter destroying of sinne and a passage into g Ioh. 5 24 Phil. 1 23. Rom 7.24 euerlasting life The vse VVHerefore hauing bene taught that it is the common condition of all men to die wee are all and every one of vs put in mind so to order our life that whensoeuer God goeth about to call vs out of this valley of miseries hee may finde vs ready that is neither too much intangled with the cares of this life nor discouraged with the feare of death both because we knowe this to be the very way of the whole Earth Rom. 4.8 and also because whether we liue or whether we dy we are our Lord Iesus Christs who is vnto vs as the Apostle saith both in life and death aduantage Question 43 What profit receiue we further by the sacrifice and death of Christ Answere That by the power of his death our olde man is crucified together with him and is also dead and h Ro. 6.6 7. c. buried that the euill concupiscences and desires of the flesh may not hereafter i Rom. 6.12 raigne in vs but that we may k Rom. 12. â— offer our selues vnto him a Sacrifice of thanksgiuing Question 44 Why is this added He descended into hell Answere That in my greatest sorrowes and most grieuous temptations I may vphold my self with this comfort that my lord Iesus Christ by the vnspeakable anguish torments and terrours of his soule whereinto he was plunged both before and especially as hee was hanging vppon the Crosse hath l Isai 53.10 Mat. 27.46 deliuered me from the anguish and torments of hell The vse VVHerefore wee receiue no small fruit and comfort even of this part of Christs humbling whereby we may sustaine our selues in extreme sorrows and in most grieuous tentations for if our conscience do trouble vs with the multitude of our sinnes for the which we tremble at Gods iudgment who threatneth vnto sin everlasting condemnation this shield of fayth is ready at hand That Christ did most bitterlie indure in his soule the anguishe of conscience for our sinnes together with the sence and feeling of Gods iudgment and wrath when hee complained and said Mark 14.34 My soul is heauie even to the death If Satan also set vpon vs and set before our eies that gulfe then which non can be more fearful as if God had forsaken and cast vs away and would not vouchsafe to heare vs as if hee had conspired our destruction lette vs then call to minde that the Sonne of God was therefore heard and deliuered when he groned and cried out My God my God vvhy hast thou forsaken me Mat. 27 46. Heb. 5.7 that we might not for euer be forsaken Last of all seeing wee haue such a Mediatour who did wrestle with the power of the diuel with the horror of death and with the paines of Hell whoe woulde not here bee confirmed against any anguish and sorrowe Heb. 4.15 being perswaded of the good will of so mightie a Prince and highe Priest towards him who both in all things was tempted alike yet without sinne and in whome strait after his resurrection that triumphant song which the Prophet made of him was fulfilled O death Hosea 13.14 I vvill be thy death O graue I vvill be thy destruction whereunto the Apostle alludeth as being in vs likwise to be fulfilled in the blessed resurrection Death is svvallovved vpp in victory 1. Cor 15.54 54. O Death vvhere is thy victorie O graue vvhere is thy sting wherevpon sayth Hillarie The Crosse death and hell are our life OF CHRISTES RISING againe from the deade THE ARGVMENT Christs rising againe and the fruite thereof 2 His ascending into Heauen and how far he is present at this day in his Church also of the vnseperable coniunction of the two natures in Christ Last of all of the fruit of Christes ascention Question Lords day 17 45 What doth Christes rising again profite vs Answere First by his rising againe he hath ouercome death that he might m 1. Cor. 15.16 54 55. Rom. 4 25.1 pet 13. c. 21. make vs partakers of that