Infants did not knew what was done unto them yet Christ gave them both his blessing an outward signe of it He layd his hands on them 2. Next Christ gives a reason why he did this because to them belongs the Kingdome of Heaven and remission of sins Now if Christ esteeme it a sufficient reason why Infants should be admitted to the signes of his blessing because the Kingdome of Heaven belongs to them then who shall dare forbid them or debarre them from baptisme the first signe of the Covenant of Grace Q. What if the immediate parents be believers onely in shew may their Children be baptized A. Yes for First the profession of the faith is sufficient 2ly Children of professors have right to Baptisme by vertue of the first Covenant with Abraham in whom we have as true an interest as the Jewes ever had Acts 8.12 13 37. with Acts 10.47 Gal. 3.29 Rom. 11.17 So that the wickednesse of the immediate parent doth not prejudice the right of the child for then Hezekiah should not have been circumcised because he had a wicked father No covenant or condition of mans making must be set above the covenant conditions set by Christ to make them void to beleevers Godly parents have sometimes gracelesse children Carnal Parens have sometimes gracious children Q What can Baptisme profit Infants seeing they have no faith A. Very much for as men by deed and seale convey lands to heirs that shall bee borne as well as to them that be already born so doth God by his Promise which takes its effect in due time As Gods Promise that Abrahams seed should inheri-Canaan did not take effect till 430 years after yet then it spake and failed not And as our children are taken Tenants and made members of some Manour or Lordship by the delivery of a white wand or the like ceremony when they be little the which Tenements they enioy when they come to age so doth Gods covenant of peace and Grace made in Baptisme take its effect in due time God is the great Landlord of Heaven he puts our Childrens life into that coppy c. Q. What if they doe not perform the condition when they come to age A. Then they can have no good of their Baptisme 1 Pet. 3.21 Neh. 5.13 God will shake them out of his Church Rom. 2.28 As you put a childs life into a Living when he is of age he enjoys it But if he refuse to do Homage or to pay the Lords rent then he forfeits his Living so c. CAP. LI. Of the Lords Supper Q. WHat is the outward signe in the Lords Supper A. Bread and Wine given and received as Christ hath ordained Q What is the thing signified and remembred in and by them A. The death of Christ when he offered up his righteous soule a sacrifice for sin gave his body to be broken and his bloud to be shed for sinners Esay 53.6 8 10. Luke 22.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Q. The Bread and Wine then are not turned into the very body and blood of Christ by the consecration of the Elements as if Christ should be there bodily present A. No by no means Against Transubstantiati for the Heavens must containe his body till he come again for our full redemption And it is as impossible for Christs body to be in Heaven and Earth in ten thousand places R. 1 at once as it is for one of us This conceit of Papists is not only against our senses of sight and taste and feeling but also against an Article of Faith namely the truenesse of Christs humane nature in his Incarnation and against that Article of Christs sitting at the right hand of God Gods Omnipotency doth not make a true body to be in many places at the same instant of time Act. 3.20 21. Luke 24.6 Q Shew some other reasons against Transubstantiation and the reall presence of Christ in the Eucharist R. 2 A. The Bread which is broken in the Sacrament cannot be his very body because his very body is whole and the Sacrament sets forth Christ broken for us Therefore it is a remembrance not a transubstantiation 1 Cor. 11.24 We set forth his death we do not kill him again Q. Shew a third reason R. 3 A. All that eat the flesh of Christ and drink his bloud in the Scripture sence are saved But all that eate of the Masse are not saved Therefore the Masse and the Scripture-eating agree not Iohn 6.51 53 54 57. Q. Shew a forth reason against the bodily eating of Christ R. 4 A. Because if one should eat a piece of his flesh as his finger or foot c. that would not profit Ioh. 6.52 61 63. What if the Souldier that pierced him had tasted of the blood which came out of his side could that have done him any good surely no for our redemption stands in the satisfaction which by his dying he made unto the Law and the means by which we eat his Flesh and drink his Blood is not with the Mouth and Teeth but Faith in the heart Q Then Christ is not offered up a Sacrifice for the quick and dead in the Eucharist as the Papists teach Catechismus Rom. part 2. c. 4. A No for as Christ cannot dye and suffer often so neither is he offerâ—d often But by one sacrifice of himself once offered he hath put away sinne for ever He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified by once dying else were his sacrifice weak and imperfect like the sacrifices of Aarons Priests Our duty in the Sacrament is to receive him by faith not to offer him in sacrifice to God In the Sacrament God offers Christ to us we do not offer him to God Heb. 9.25 26 28. with Heb. 10 10 11 12 14 Rom. 6.10 Ioh. 1.29 The offering of Christ once made is a perfect redemption propitiation and satisfaction for the sinnes of the whole World both originall and Actuall and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone Art 31. of Ch. Eng. Q. What followes hereof A. Therefore the Masse is a very Idoll and they that use it Papists be Idolaters or adore it or ascribe to it the vertue of Christs sacrifice are very Idolaters The sacrifice of Masses in the which it was commonly said that the Priests did offer Christ for the quick dead to have Remission of Paine and Guilt were blasphemous fables and dangerous deceipts ibid. Q. What then is the meaning of these words This is my body A. Paul tells us it is the Communion of the body bloud of Christ that is an ordinance wherein the faithfull have exhibited to them a fellowship in the merits and vertue of the Sacrifice of Christs death 1 Cor. 10.16 17. Exod. 24.8 as the Cup is called the New Testament Christ is called our Passeover 1 Cor. 5.7 The Lords supper is a Sacrament of our redemption by Christs death insomuch that to
such as worthily and with faith receive the same the Bread which wee break is a partaking of the body of Christ and the Cup of blessing is a partaking of the bloud of Christ Art 28. of the Church of Eng. Q. What is the end and use of this Sacrament The Vse of the Lords Supper 1. A. There be three especial uses of it 1. By it as by a token or pledge from God the worthy Receiver is assured that he hath a part share in Christs death The Lord Christ established the New Testament by his own death all the good things contained in the New Covenant are made sure by the death of Christ the Promiser he bids us eat of that bread drink of that Cup in remembrance of the same 1 Cor. 11.25 26. There is a Sacramental Union between the signes and the things signified such an union as is between a sealed will and the Legacies bequeathed by the same He that hath a Lease sealed knowes that he hath more then paper and wax so it is in this businesse Q. Doe all that come receive such a pledge of Gods favour A. No onely they that be worthy receivers the rest receive meere bread and wine and so prophane Gods ordinance and procure judgments to themselves 1 Cor. 11.27 29. The Wicked and such as be void of a lively faith are in no wise partakers of Christ but rather to their condemnation doe eat and drink the signe or Sacrament of so great a thing Art 29. of Ch. of Eng. Q. What other end and use is there of this Sacrament A. It is a badge of our Christian profession wherein we with believing and thankfull hearts doe remember the love and shew forth the vertu of Christs death And also professe our selves to be the people of Christ against all Atheists Sects Hereticks misbelievers loose-livers whatsoever we are hereby obliged to stand for Christ against all the world 1 Cor. 10.20 21. 1 Cor. 11.25 26. 2 Cor. 6.15 Q. What third use is there of it A. It is a Bond and Pledge of that Love which Christians ought to have one to another and of their joynt-fellowship in Christ the Head 1 Cor 10.17 1 Cor. 12.13 14. 1 Cor. 11.18 21 22. Iohn 13.2 4 14 34. CAP. LII Of right participation of the Lords Supper Q. WHo ought to be partakers of the Lords Supper A. Only such as have bin Baptized are able to make profession of their faith to examine themselves that is Such as are able to discerne the Lords body Exod 12.43 44 48. 1 Cor. 11.28 Ezra 6.21 Ezek 44.7 Q What must a man examine himself in A. Whether he be a true Member of Christ or not Of self-examination For none else can partake worthily of the Sacrament of Christ 2 Cor. 13.5 1 Ioh 5.12 Eph. 5.23 Q. How may that be known A. If I have a sound faith and true b repentance and am c quickned to newnesse of life and d love of the brethren I am assuredly a member of Christ a Rom 11.17 20. b Gal 5.24 Mat. 3.8 10. c 2 Cor 5.17 John 15.4 5. d 1 Pet 1.22 1 Iohn 3.14 For further trial of these graces I referre you to my other small Catechisme entituled An help for Young People c. Anno Dom. 1640. and it may be fitly bound with this Q. A Christian that hath these graces may yet through carelesnesse come to the Lords table unworthily for preventing wherof what must we do before we come Before we come A. We must stirre up those graces in us and labour to see our a need of Christ and to b clense our soules afresh from every new pollution wherewith we have been defiled a Math. 5.6 Luke 1.53 b 2 Chron. 30.17 18. Matth 5 23 24. 1 Cor. 11.17 18. Levit 15.31 Num 9.6 7 10 1 Renued faith repentance is needfull Q. How ought a Christian to behave himselfe in the act of receiving 1. In the time of Receiving A He must discerne the Lords body that is he must not use thē as common bread wine but consider in them their spirituall relations so receive them as tokens of the covenant Wax sealed and set to a deed though for substance it be Wax still yet for use it is to you more then wax of more value then al the wax in the Merchants shop So this Bread and Wine by Christs institution are seals set to his Testament with them Christ gives us his Body and Blood for remission of sins by whom as by Bread and Wine our spirituall hunger is satisfied our Graces strengthened our spirituall Life preserved unto Life eternall We use our ordinary bread wine for naturall uses viz. to refresh and nourish our bodies but this bread wine for spirituall ends and uses 1 Cor 11.12 29 Levit 10.3 In the use of this Sacrament Bread Wine we must behold the love of the Father giving his Son to death the love of Christ in laying down his life for his friends the merit al sufficiency of Christs blood to take away al our sins Q. How may this be done A I must see and consider in the signes the things signified and apply both to my own soule in particular giving thanks to God for Christ and for my redemption by him This particular application of faith is to eate Christ Christ gives me to understand that his body was broken for me as the Bread is and as certainly as I behold the bread of the Lord broken to me and the cup communicated to me so we have a true right to him and he is as truly ours as our meat and drink are ours Iohn 6.33 35 36. Heb. 9.20 Luke 22 20. Q. What must a Christian doe after receiving A. We must pay our vowes that is we must be carefull to performe our covenant which now we have renued with God in Jesus Christ 3. After Receiving Psal 50.14 2 Cor. 6.1 2 Cor. 7.1 2 Pet. 1.4 Rom. 2.25 Q. How may we find that we have made a right use of this Sacrament A. When we are more refreshed with the feeling of Gods favour towards us and doe grow in newnesse of life As the right use of food is to outgrow sicknesse and gather strength for the better performance of actions of our naturall life so when we are more lively and zealous and get more strength against our corruptions and Tentations or any waies grow in the new creature then have we not received in vaine 2 Chro. 30.25 26. with 2 Chro 31.1 1 Cor. 11.17 when we are bettered by it then have we received aright Q. There be some to whom this Sacrament doth not at all belong they have no interest in the matter who be they A. The ignorant disobedient that is such as cannot give account of their faith or by their wicked lives shew themselves utterly unworthy They come not within the judgment of charity
pay all oâ— debt and that is a price for a sinner Math. 26.39 Rom. 8.32 Heb. 9.12 22 26 1 Pet. 3.18 Q. Why must the Mediator be all God A. 1. That he might be able to over come death Act. 2.24 John 10.18 Câ—â— 2.15 Q. Why 2ly must the Mediator be God A. 2. To make his obedience and sufferings efficacious and acceptable for us All the Angels in Heaven if they shoulâ— suffer in Hell for evermore cannot satiâ—fie for one soule Heb. 9.12 14. Heb. 10. â— 9. Mic. 6.6 7. 1 Pet. 1.18 Psal 49 7 8. Nâ— meer creature can stand before the wratâ— of God to overcome it a finite creature cannot satisfie an infinite God Q. Say the same againe in plaine tearmes A. All that Christ did and suffered â—â— therefore meritorious pretious becausâ— it was the suffering and obedience of on that is God The bloud of God the righteousnesse of God Acts 20.28 1 Cor. 2.8 2 Cor. 5.21 Rom. 3.22 Q. How can that be seeing God cannot suffer nor yet be obedient to any there being none greater then God A. Is it so because God and man be one person his humane nature is united to the person of God by reason of which personall union that which is proper to the humane nature is applyed to whole Christ to the man Christ Jesus Luke 1.43 John 8.58 John 3.13 Q. Then Jesus Christ the Son of God and the Son of Mary are not two persons but two natures in one person A. It is true for the humane nature was taken into the subsistence of the second person in the Blessed Trinity being from his conception prevented from a personall subsisting of it selfe like other men God took man into himselfe and joined it to himself and so God and man be one Christ Luk. 1.35 Heb. 2.16 Joh. 1.14 Joh. 17.21 22. Man and wife be one by civill bonds yet not one person Christ we are one by spirituall bonds yet not one person but God and man be one person of Christ Mat 1.23 Emmanuel Q. Why must the Mediator be God and Man in one person A. He must be man that he might dye and he must be God that he might be able to overcome death he must be both in one person that the sufferings in the humane nature might have worthinesse and merit to save us 1 Pet. 1.19 Esay 53.10 11. Q. You see that the worthinesse oâ— Christs sufferings depends on that blessed union of man to the Godhead What other benefit flowes from thence A. From that personall union are communicated to us all the graces and priviledges which we doe enjoy or looke for hereafter all our riches and happinesse is first in Christ our head and from Christ to us Eph. 1.3 4. 1 Cor. 3.22 23 Ioh. 17.21 22 23. 15.9 1.16 Col. 1. 13 15 17 19 Rom 8.11 17. All thingâ— are ours because we are knit to Christ and Christ is Gods from that blessed and glorious Head of ours that dwels in the glorious Godhead from thence descend all grace to the brethren God is first thâ— Father of Christ then our Father Christ is that Iacobs Ladder that joynes Heaven and Earth together Iohn 1.51 20 17. Q. Is it not a great comfort that our Mediator is our brother and also one with God A It now is and ever will be an infinite contentment to the poore soule to behold our blessed Head and Mediator dwelling in those everlasting burnings set in glory at Gods owne right hand above all created natures From whence he now governes the Church and will hereafter glorifie it with his own glory Eph 1 21 22. Rom. 8.34 We must looke upon all things done to Christ and by Christ as a common person and head of the Elect uniting us unto God communicating unto us all spirituall good things triumphing over all the enemies of our salvation preparing mansions for us against we die and in the mean while making intercession for us untill he hath brought us to the enjoyment of himselfe in glory John 14.2 1 Cor. 3.23 17.21 22 24. CAP XI Of Christs Priestly office the parts thereof viz. satisfaction and intercession HE that shall bring sinners to Heaven must doe three things First he must make satisfaction to God for their sinnes Secondly he must effectually teach them to know God Thirdly he must rule and deliver them from all opposite power All this Christ doth undertake and performe in us and for us And accordingly we are taught in Scripture that he hath â— threefold office namely 1. Of Priest to make reconciliation Of Christs threefold office by the offering up oâ— himselfe to God for us 2. Of a King to conquer our enemies and rule in ouâ— hearts 3. Of a Prophet to teach us the will of God Q. What is Christs Priestly Office 1. Priestly A. Christs Priestly office is to pacifie his Fathers wrath and make an atonement for the sins of the people by the offering up of himselfe a sacrifice for sin Heb. 5.1 Heb. 2.17 Levit. 5.17 18. Num 16.47 Heb. 9.26 Q. What be the parts of Christ Priestly office A. Two namely to make 1 Satisfaction for the people 2 Intercession for the people And so was the Office of Aaron and the Priests to be mediators between God and man and to make atonement for the sins of the people and to pray for them Heb. 9.7 Heb. 5.1 Q. We have offended and wronged God Of Christs satisfaction Did Christ make any reall satisfaction to God for the same A. Yes He did not barely intreat for us but he paid in such a price and gave such contentment to Gods Justice in our behalfe that the Lord doth smell a favour of rest to our soules Rom. 3.25 26. 1 Tim. 2.6 1 Pet. 1.19 with 1 Joh. 2.2 Num. 19.9 with Heb. 13.11 12. Levit. 16.20 22. Esa 53.5 8. Christ doth not barely intreat but as an advocate he pleads a satisfaction made Expiation and satisfaction is the taking away of an offence by doing or suffering something by some worke or price which the party offended will accept of As 2 Sam. 21.3 1 Cor. 6.20 Heb. 9.12 Philem. v. 18. Q. How did Christ make such satisfaction for us A. By the offering up of his body a sacrifice for sinne according to the will of God by which we are consecrated and reconciled to God for ever The Father craved no more but once offering for our ransome Heb. 10.5 9 12. Eph. 5.2 with Gen. 8.21 Rom. 8.34 Christs bloud is the price of soules Q. Is that a true full satisfaction for sin A. Yes Gods Justice is no looser by pardoning sin for Christs sake seeing our sinnes are visited to the full upon Christ our surety there is man for man soule for soule the pretious death of his righteous Son instead of a sinfull creature 1 Pet. 3.18 1 Joh. 17.9 Joh. 11.50 Rom. 8 32. In Hell there is suffering enough but no
suffer all these things A. Especially in the garden where he swet clots of blood before any hand was laid on him and on the Crosse by the space of six houres Luk 22.43 44. Mat 27.46 Psal 22.1 6. Mar 14.33 34. Phil. 2.8 So heavy was the wrath of God that an Angell came to comfort him yea he roared as a man forsaken c. Q. What is the vertue and efficacy of his sufferings A. By his stripes we are healed Es 53 5. Heb 9.14 26 28. Col 2.14 Heb 10.2 10 12 14. In him we all died and were condemned and his death tooke away our condemnation 2 Cor 5.14 Rom 8.3 Q. For whom did Christ suffer all this A. For his Body the Church Christs blood is of value to save all men but it was not intended for them that perish Christ stood not in their stead for then they should not dye themselves Eph 5.25 Joh 10.15 Q. How know you that you have a part in Christ's sufferings A. Because the life and power of sin is killed in me and I now live to him that died for me Sinne is of all things most odious to me 2 Cor. 5.15 Rom. 6.3 6. 1 Joh 5.6 The merit of Christs death reacheth unto God to satisfie and pacifie him and the vertue or efficacie of it reacheth to our soules to mortifie and kill sin in them 1 Pet 4.1 2. Q. Who was Pontius Pilate A. The Roman Judge that condemned him because he said that he was the Son of God the King of Israel Joh 19 7 8 12 15 19 21. Mat 20.19 a signe that the Messiah was come because the government was taken from them and now in the hands of a stranger Gen. 49.10 Joh 18.31 Rev. 11.8 where Christ was slaine Q. Why was he thus legally condemned and not killed privily A. Because that death alone is satisfactory to the Law which publike authority doth inflict on Malefactours for though Christ were no Malefactor no guile was found in his lips he was innocent by the Judges owne mouth yet he was numbred amongst the transgressors Esay 53.12 Mat. 20.18 19. Q. What kind of death died he A. He was crucified which was a painfull shamefull and accursed death Ioh. 19.18 31. Phil. 2.8 Deut. 21.23 Q. Why that kinde of death A. Because he was to remove the curse from us therefore he was to be made a curse for us Gal. 3.13 Q. Dead Why died he A. Because death is the wages of sin and sin is not remitted without shedding of blound Rom. 6.23 Heb. 9.22 1 Cor. 15.56 57. Heb. 2.9 14. Q. Buried Why so A. That he might sweeten the grave to us and be God both of the dead and of the living Mat. 12.40 Rom. 14.9 1 Cor. 15.55 Q. Descended into Hell When Christ gave up the Ghost his Body was put into the Grave and his Soule went into Paradise being commended into the hands of God as the soule of Steven and other the faithfull are as the soule of the converted theef was What then is meant here by Christs descending into Hell A. His Soule went not into the place of the damned but thereby is meant his abiding prisoner under the dominion of Death the space of three daies Bp. Ushers answer to the Irish Jesuits challenge c. 8. As Jonas was three daies in the Whales belly and saw no corruption But David doth c. Compare Psal 16.10 with Act. 2.27 31. Act. 13.34.35 Rom. 6.9 Mat. 12.40 Q. What is the substance of that you believe in this Article A. I believe that Christ suffered the whole punishment belonging unto sinners both in his Soule and Body when he offered up himselfe a curse and a sacrifice for sin and that by his sufferings Gods wrath is pacified towards me all the spirituall enemies of my salvation are thereby vanquished CAP. XX. Of Christs exaltation sitting at the right hand of God the Father The third day he rose again from the dead Q. DID Christ still remain in the the grave A. No the third day he rose againe Luke 24.3 6. Act. 2.24 Act. 1.3 1 Cor. 15.4 8. Q Why was it needfull that Christ should rise againe A. 1. Because else we were still in our sinnes else it doth not appear that our sinnes be satisfied for 1 Cor. 15.17 1 Pet. 1.3 21. Christ was not onely to suffer Death and the Law but to conquer them which he had not done if he had been still holden of death and we must have looked out for another Saviour that could conquer it The debtor comes not out of prison till he hath paid the utmost farthing c. If any one sin had beene unsatisfied Christ had no risen from the dead Q. Why else must Christ rise againe A. That he might apply effectually unto us the merit of his death 1 Cor. 15.16 54 55. Rom. 4.25 Rev. 1.18 He ascended into Heaven Q. What became of Christ after he was risen A. After he had spent forty daies in teaching his Apostles the things belonging to the Kingdome of God he went up into Heaven in that same body which had been crucified and buried Act. â— 3.9 10 11. Eph. 4.10 Luk. 24.51 Eph. 1.20 22. Q. What good is that to us A. 1. It assureth us that he hath finished the worke of our redemption which his Father gave him to doe in an acceptable manner Iohn 16.10 Iohn 17.4 5. Heb. 9.12 25. Heb. 10.12 If Christ had not fulfilled the Law and satisfied for all out debt if he had not in all things well pleased his Father he had never got into Heaven But now God welcomes him to Heaven and bids him Sit thou at my right hand untill I make thine enimies thy Foot-stoole Heb. 1.3 9 13. Q. What else doth it assure us of A. 2. It assureth me that seeing Christ is entred into Heaven in our name hath taken possession for us of the purchased inheritance that therefore he will bring us thither in his appointed time Ioh. 12.26 Ioh. 17.24 Heb. 6.20 Sitteth at the right hand of God Q Where is Jesus Christ now A. In Heaven at Gods right hand in great glory and power Act. 7.56 1 Pet 3.22 Q. God hath no right hand nor left hand What then is the meaning of it A. It signifieth that Honour and Power which Christ received of his Father when he had finished the worke of our redemption Heb. 1.13 Mat. 22.44 Eph 1.20 22. 1 Cor 15.24 25. Q. What does Christ do there A. He makes intercession for us that is he presents our prayers and pleads his merits for our acceptance Heb 7.25 9.24 Ro 8.34 He entereth our appearance and causeth that no wrath issue out against us though our sins cry for vengeance God never said to Saint or Angel Sit thou at my right hand Heb 1.13 Q. Doe we not want him more to be with us here on earth A. No He doth us more good in Heaven appearing for us in the presence of God upon
Christ Q. WHat is the substance of this Article A. To acknowledge Jesus Christ the Son of Mary to be the Son of God the Saviour of the World the true Messiah that was to come Mat. 16.16 17. Joh. 9.35 38. Q. Why is Faith in the Sonne of God joyned to the former Article A. Because it is necessary to salvation to know God in Christ out of Christ no man knows God aright Joh. 17.3 6.29 8.24 14.1 Whatsoever God is to his Church he is it in Christ the Attributes of God are sweetned unto us in Christ Q. What is Jesus Christ A. The eternall Sonne of God both God and Man God before all time and Man in the fulnesse of time Col. 1.15 16. Ioh. 8 57 58. Rom. 1.3 4. Col. 2.9 Q. Why is he called Jesus A. Because he saveth his people from their sinnes Mat. 1.21 Heb. 5.9 Q. Why is he called Christ A. Because he is anointed of the Father Act. 10.38 Ioh. 3.34 Q. What doe you meane by this anointing A. It signifieth that Christ is sealed fitted and furnished with all Graces Power and abilities to save us Ioh. 10.36 Ioh. 6.27 Esay 42.6 Esay 61.1 Col. 1.19 Q. Unto what Offices and Workes was Christ set apart and fitted A. To a threefold office First To be a Priest by the offering up of himselfe in death to pacifie his Fathers wrath towards us Heb. 9.7 26. Levit. 4.20 Q. To what second Office was he anointed A. To be a King of soules to deliver his people from the power of Sinne and Satan and to guide them through all temptations to Heaven Luk. 1.74 Eph. 1 21 22. 1 Cor. 15.25 Q. To what office else A. To be a Prophet effectually to teach his Church Joh. 6.45 Joh. 1.18 2 Cor 3.3 Luk. 4.18 Q. God hath given these Offices to Christ with intent to bestow the benefit fruit and profit of them upon his Elect. How doth it appeare that Christ is a Christ to thee or that Christ is thy Christ A triall whether we be Christians A. Because in some measure I am made partaker of Christs anointing that is of his fulnesse I have received Grace to know him to conquer my corruptions and am willing to sacrifice my dearest contentments to his will am enabled in some measure to serve him acceptably Rom. 12.1 1 Pet. 2.5 1 Joh. 2.27 Jer. 50.20 His onely Son our Lord. Q. Is Christ the only Son of God A. Christ is the only Son of God by Nature that is of the same substance and essence with the Father we are the Sons of God by favour and adoption we are not so born but by grace we are made partakers of that dignity to be the Sons of God Joh. 10.30 Gal. 3.26 Gal. 4.5 Q. Why is he called our Lord A. Because having bought us he hath a propriety in us and dominion over us as a Lord to rule and command us and none else hath power over us He is made both Lord and Christ to rule all things of his Fathers Kingdome both in Heaven and Earth 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Cor. 7.23 Luk. 1.32 33. Esay 9.7 Esay 26.12 13. 2 Pet. 1.9 Act. 10 36. 1 Cor. 15.25 27. Q. What do you believe in this Article A. I believe that the eternall and consubstantiall Sonne of God who is every way fitted and abled to save soules is my Saviour and that by him delivering me from Sinne and Satan I am become the Sonne of God Mat. 16.16 17. CAP. XVIII Of the Incarnation of the Son of God Which was conceived by the Holy Ghost THE conception of Christ stands in three thing 1. The framing his Body of the Virgin Mary 2. The seperating of originall sinne from it 3. The uniting of that Nature to the Godhead in the instant of his conception Q. Christ is God equall with his Father from all Eternity How came he to be Man A. In the fulnesse of time he took flesh of the Virgin Mary and was born of her as we be of our mothers a perfect man as we are so that there is true God and perfect man in one person Joh. 1.14 Gal. 4.4 Phil. 2.6 7. Heb. 2.17 Esay 7.14 Joh. 3.13 Rom. 9.5 Q. Why did he take mans nature on him A. That he might be put under the Law to stand in our room and in our nature to satisfie for our sinnes at his Incarnation he entred into our bonds as being God he could neither suffer death nor be made obedient to the Law Heb. 2.14 Heb. 9.22 Heb. 10.5 10. Q. How was he conceived A. Not by the power of nature as we are of two Parents but by the power of the holy Ghost which did frame his body of the substance of the Virgin Mary and united it to the Godhead Luk 1.35 Joh. 3.13 Eph. 4.9 Q. All that be borne of women be sinners How came Christ to be conceived and borne without sin A. Because he was conceived by the power of the holy Ghost who did separate originall sinne from his nature Luk. 1.35 that holy thing Heb. 7.26 Heb. 4.15 Q. Why must Christ be without sin A. Because else he could not save sinners Heb. 7.27 28. Else he must like the High Priest offer for his own sins as well as for the peoples Q. Why was he borne of a Virgin A. To answer the Prophesies that hereby it might appeare that he was the true Messias spoken of by the Prophets Esay 7.14 Ier. 31.22 Heb. 7.3 Q. Why of that Virgin of the stock of David and Abraham A. Because the promised seed was to come out of the loynes of Abraham Salvation is of the Jewes Gen. 12.3 Gen. 22.18 Gal. 3.16 Joh. 4.22 Q. What do you believe in this Article A. That the eternall Son of God remaining God did take my nature on him and in that nature did satisfie for my sins In which being now advanced to Gods right hand he doth execute as Mediator all things belonging to the Kingdome of God Q. How doth the true beliefe of this Article affect our hearts A. In that wonderfull Person I admire Gods infinite wisdome and love in contriving and working mans salvation As he is in himselfe a wonderfull Person so he is to me I look to the man that is Gods fellow and dwels in the everlasting burning Eph. 3.8 9 10. Zach. 13.7 CAP. XIX Of Christs sufferings the vertue of them Suffered under Pontius Pilate Q. DID Christ suffer for himselfe A. No He was no debtor to the Law and therefore what he suffered was for us and in our stead as our surety Esa 53.4 5 6. Heb 9.9 1 Pet. 3.18 2 Cor. 5.21 Heb 7.22 Mat. 3.14 15. Dan. 9.26 Rom. 4.25 Q. What did Christ suffer in our stead A. The whole punishment due to out sinnes the whole wrath of God in his soule and body which we should have suffered Esay 53.4 10. Mat 26.38 39. Rev. 19.15 1 Pet 2.24 Psal 22.14 Rom. 8.32 Q. When did he