the sole Author of those graces that by Sacraments are made over to true believers Q. How many parts are there in a Sacrament A. Two the outward visible sign and the inward spiritual grace Q. Why are the one part in these Sacraments namely water in Baptism and bread and wine in the Lord Supper termed outward and visible signs A. They are termed outward and visible in regard they are apparent to our senses no eye but seeth them and they are called signs because they are resemblances of some higher things signifie or specifie some favours that by them are conferred upon mankind A. Wherefore is the other part of these Sacraments stiled an inward and spiritual Grace A. It is termed inward invisible because it is not to be discerned by the eye of men but it is represented to us by these signs and therefore it is called a grace because the benefits that by these Sacraments are made over unto us proceed from the meer grace and mercy of God through Je-Christ our Lord. Q. What is the outward visible form or sign in Baptism A. Water wherein the person Baptized is dipped or sprinkled with it in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What Analogy or proportion doth this outward Sign Water bear to the thing signified A. Very much Baptism is the washing away of sin and therefore the outward washing in water doth very fitly represent the inward washing of our Souls both from the guilt and spot of sin in the blood of Christ Q. Wherefore is Baptism administred in the Name of the Father of the Son and of the holy Ghost A. This is done for divers weighty reasons First that the congregation may know that what the Minister doth he doth not of or from himself but by commission and good authority even by the authority of the whole Trinity Secondly This is done for the comfort of the Baptized in regard they may be assured that the whole Trinity do ratifie and confirm what is promised in Baptism viz. remission of Sins and acceptance into Favour Thirdly This is done to lay a strict obligation on the party Baptized to acknowledge and believe in these three persons and to deliver up himself to follow the instructions of these and no other in the mysteries of Religion to be obedient to their injunctions and to ascribe all honour and glory to the whole Trinity Q. What is the inward spiritual grace in Baptism A. A death unto sin and a new birth unto righteousness for being by nature born in sin and the children of wrath we are hereby made the children of grace Q. What do you mean by a death unto sin and a new birth unto righteousness which you say is the inward grace given you in baptism A. By a death unto sin I mean a getting out of the power and from under the guilt and punishment of sin And by a new birth unto righteousness I mean a denying all our former ungodliness and worldly lusts and a living soberly righteously and godly in this present evil world Q. But how is baptism a means of working this in us and a pledge to assure us thereof A. In regard in Baptism there is that measure of strength given us by Christ as will enable us to get out of that servile dangerous condition notwithstanding before the administration of this Sacrament we were in a state of sin and children of wrath that is had strong inclinations and violent propensions to evil yet hereby we are made children of grace that is are endowed with a sufficiency of power and strength to walk as children of light Q. What is required of persons to be baptised A. Repentance whereby they forsake sin and faith whereby they stedfastly believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament Q. Why is Repentance a necessary qualification to baptism A. In regard we then change our condition we are received from an estate of wrath into an estate of grace and favour and therefore it is requisite we should change our minds after their dispositions inclinations as also this grace is necessary because it disposeth us and makes us capable of the mercies in Baptism Q. What is Repentance A. Repentance is a turning from sin to God and it is such a sincere repentance as this that is required before Baptism Q. The other qualification is faith wherein lyeth the necessity of this grace to dispose us for Baptism A. It lies in this because the promises of God have not their effect upon us unless they are accepted by us and it is Faith only that can apply them and therefore it is necessary that those who partake of this Sacrament should by Faith believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament Q. Why then are Infants Baptized when by reason of their tender years they cannot perform these conditions that is they cannot Repent and Believe A. Because they promise the performance of both these by their sureties which promise when they come at age themselves are bound to perform Q. But what power hath the Church of God to administer this Sacrament to Infants meerly upon the engagement of others for the performance of these conditions A. Herein the Church follows the example of our Saviour Christ who commanded young children to be brought unto him when by reason of their tender years they were uncapable of coming themselves and although they could not in that capacity by any act of their own dispose themseves for his favors yet he took them up in his arms as Ministers do Infants laid his hands upon them as the Minister doth water and blessed them as his Ministers pray over them and for them and our Saviour affirms that of such is the kingdome of Heaven that is those who do not receive it as little children that is with innocence without any let or hinderance cannot enter into it and in conformity to this great exemplar the Church admits Infants in regard they are part of the kingdom of Heaven that is to them it belongs into the Covenant of the Gospel by setting on the seal of it Baptism when they are not in a capacity themselves actually to repent and believe Q. But suppose infants do not perform this promise made on their behalf when they come at age A. Then they forfeit that grace given in Baptism For Baptism is a Covenant wherein God makes over to mankind divers favours and man on his part promises an entire forsaking of sin a stedfast believing of Gods word and a hearty obedience to his commands now man by breaking his part of the Covenant forfeits his right to those favours by it held forth Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ordained A. For the continual remembrance of the Sacrifice of the death of Christ and of the benefits we receive thereby Q. Why do you call the death of Christ a Sacrifice A. In regard he freely offered up himself upon
was no other person that could bring to pass this great work of mans Redemption Q. Could none of the glorious Angels or blessed Saints have come down from Heaven to mannage this charitable design A. It was not in the power of any Angel or Saint nay not of all the Saints and Angels to Redeem lost Man Q. Why what was the reason A. In regard none of them was able to sustain so great a burden as the sins of the whole world He who was infinite in power as the Son of God was was only able to bear up under so heavy a load besides man by reason of sin was condemned to infinite torments and therefore no less than an infinite God could rescue man from those eternal torments Q. If none but the Son of God could effect this work why did he not bring it to pass by vertue of that Almighty power which appertained to his Godhead without taking any other nature A. The Godhead is of that infinite perfection that it cannot possibly be subject to any passion he therefore that had no other nature but the Godhead could not pay such a debt as this the discharge whereof consisted in suffering and dying Q. Why did he not then take some more excellent nature than that of mans A. Because it was fit that God's justice should be satisfied in the same nature that had offended Man onely had sinned and therefore it was but just that the same nature which had offended should suffer before it could be restored Q. Did not the fallen Angels Sin A. Yes they sinned but for them Christ died not and therefore they are reserved in everlasting chains under darkness Q. How comes it to pass that they an exempted from receiving benefit by his gracious sufferings A. In regard they beheld the utmost of their own blessedness but notwithstanding they fell from that glory and happiness into a rebellion against their Creator without the least provocation or temptation either from any outward assault or inward frailty Q. What was it that moved God 〈◊〉 send and his Son so willingly to come from Heaven for the sake of lost undone ma◠A. It was their infinite love an◠never failing mercies God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to dye for it and Christ Jesus had such a tender compassion for the sinful off-spring of Adam that he came down from his everlasting habitation of glory to open the eyes of the blind to call them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan into his own most blessed kingdome Q. Did man contribute nothing towards the deserving so great a favour A. No far otherwise he was then in an open rebellion against the King of Heaven and instead of meriting his favour in strict justice he deserveb the utmost of his fury and displeasure Q. How did Christ bring to pass this great designe A. By suffering the punishment that was due unto us for sin and by conquering and subduing all our spiritual enemies Q. How did he undergoe this punishment A. By his humiliation He took upon him our nature was born of a pure Virgin suffered under Pontius Pilate by being crucified on a Cross where his hands and his feet were pierced with Nailes and his side with a Spear And by this his infinite condescention and humiliation he offered himself a Sacrifice for the sins of the whole world Q. How did he conquer all our spiritual enemies A. By his exaltation he arose again the third day a compleat conquerour over Hell and Death and all the powers of the grave and ascended into the highest Heavens where he ever liveth to make intercession for us Q. Do you believe then that Christ dyed for the whole world A. Yes I do believe that the eternal Son of God hath redeemed me and all mankind Q. How comes it to pass then that the greatest part of mankind shall perish A. Because they are preverse and obstinate they will not go unto him that they may have life nor embrace those conditions that he offers in his Holy Gospel Q. In which Articles do you learn to believe in God the Holy Ghost who sanctifieth you and all the elect people of God A. In this Article I believe in the Holy Ghost Q. What do you believe that the holy Ghost is A. I believe that he is very God the Third Person in the holy Trinity proceeding from the Father and the Son Q. What is the office of the Holy Ghost A. It is to sanctifie all the elect people of God Q. Why is he stiled the sanctifyer of all the elect people of God A. In regard he is the Author of all holiness and purity in them all our inward gifts and embellishments proceed from him he is the Lord and giver of life namely of that spiritual life which is requisite to actuate and enform every Christian Q. How doth he perform this his Office A. Both outwardly and inwardly Q. How doth he perform it outwardly A. By revealing the Will of God to the Prophets Evangelists and Apostles who by his assistance and inspiration have made it known to the world wherein is contained all things appertaining both to life and Godliness Q. How doth he perform it inwardly A. By renewing of us in all the parts and faculties of our soules working heavenly dispositions in them whereas before they were enclined to all manner of sin and wickedness As also by fearing directing and governing of us in our actions and conversations so that we may actually perform those things that are acceptable in the sight of our heavenly Father Q. Is there nothing else which the Creed propounds to you as the subject of your belief A. It also teacheth me to believe something concerning those persons that with true Faith and obedience worship the undivided Trinity Q. What doth it teach you to believe concerning these A. It teacheth me first to believe that there is a Church Holy and Catholick Q. What do you believe this Holy Catholick Church to be A. By the Holy Catholick Church I mean the whole congregation of Christian people professing one and the same Faith far and wide dispersed over the face of the whole earth Q. Who is the supream head and governour of this Church A. Christ Jesus the eternal Son of God he is the governour thereof the Rock whereupon it is built his holy Spirit is the preserver and sanctifier of it and his blessed Apostles and Evangelists together with those Bishops and Pastors that succeed them do keep and maintain it in the profession of the true Christian faith and religion Q. What number is there of these Churches A. There is but one holy Catholick Church Q. How 〈◊〉 that he when as in the Scripture we read of several Churches as the Church of Rome the Church of Corinth the Church of Ephesus with divers others A. These several congregations every one of which is in some sense a Church and may be
the Cross as a Sacrifice to make explation and satisfaction for the sins of the World Q. How is this Sacrament a remembrance of this Sacrifice A. In regard in this Sacrament we have as it were Christ crucified before our eyes represented lively before us on the Cross when the bread is broken it calls to mind how his sacred body was broken with the Crown of Thorns the scourges the nails the spear and when the wine is poured out it remembers us how his precious blood issued forth out of his hands feet head and side Q. What other end was thereof Christs instituting this holy Sacrament A. For the remembrance of those benefits we receive by the sacrifice of his death and passion that is that we should continually that is frequently remember and commemorate with joy and thanksgiving before God and man those benefits purchased by his death Q. What is the outward part or sign of the Lords Supper A. Bread and Wine which the Lord hath commanded to be received Q. Why are these two Elements rather than any other used in this Sacrament A. Because these do very fitly represent the inward spiritual grace which is the body and blood of Christ As Bread and Wine is the cheif nourishment of our Bodies the great preservatives of life and health so the Body and Blood of Christ is the onely food of our Soules which must hourish them to life eternal Q. Where hath the Lord commanded these elements to be received A. At his first institution of it he gave this command to his holy Apostles and in them to his whole Church when he had broke the bread he gave it unto them and said take eat this is my body and when he had blessed the cup he gave it them saying drink ye all of this Q. What is the inward part or thing signified in this Sacrament A. The Body and Blood of Christ which are verily and indeed taken and received by the Faithful in the Lords Supper Q. How can it possibly be that the very body and blood of Christ can be received in the Lord Supper A. In this Sacrament there is a true and real participation of Christ for as verily as every worthy communicant eats the Bread and drinks the Wine so verily God in heaven bestows on him and communicates unto him the body and blood of his Saviour and also makes over unto him all the benefits and advantages that proceed from the sufferings of his body and the effusion of his Blood Q. By whom is it that the body and blood of Christ are verily and indeed received in this holy Sacrament A. It is onely by the faithful that is such as worthily prepare themselves before they adventure to present themselves that behave themselves devoutly and reverently in the time of the administration of it and also after the receiving of it walk as becometh such who are united to Christ by so near a tye Q. Do not all then that come receive his body and blood A. This holy Sacrament is offered to all that judge themselves worthy of it but those onely receive benefit from it who are worthy in deed and in truth Q. But suppose others do adventure to come who are unworthy what do they receive A. They receive their own destruction being guilty of the body and blood of Christ Q. Certainly then it is far better to abstain from this sacred banquet A. There is a necessity lyes upon all Christians to come as also to come prepared in regard this is the food of our soules without which nourishment they will starve and perish and also by neglecting this weighty concern we shall disobey the command of our dear Saviour who hath solemnly enjoyned us to keep this feast in remembrance of him Q. What are the benefits whereof we partake by receiving the Lords Supper A. The strengthning and refreshing of our souls by the body and blood of Christ as our bodies are by the Bread and Wine Q. How many are these benefits in number A. They are two first to strengthen and secondly to refresh our Soules Q. In what measure are soules hereby strengthned A. In the very same degree as out bodies are by bread for as bread is the staffe of life without which the body is not able to subsist but grows feeble and weak and at length drops into the grave even so the body of Christ doth nourish and strengthen our soules enable them to the performance of good works without which they have no power to decline the ways of sin and death Q. In what measure are our soules refreshed in this Sacrament A. In the same degree as our bodies are refreshed by Wine for as Wine refreshes the body not only when it is thirstly but also when it is faint and feeble so doth the blood of Christ refresh our Souls wash them from the guilt of Sin which exposed them to the wrath of God which is the greatest refreshment the most powerfull cordial that can be administred to them Q. But how is it possible for so small a piece of Bread or one spoonful of Wine to produce such rare effects A. These proceed not from these outward elemens but from the will and power of Christ who was pleased to ordain these Elements as means and instruments to conveigh these graces unto us Q. What is required of those that come to the Lords Supper A. To examine themselves whether they repent them truly of their former fins stedfastly purposing to lead a new life to have a lively faith in Gods mercy through Christ with a thenkfull remembrance of his death and to be in charity with all men Q. What is the general duty here required A. Examination which is not only enjoyned by the Catechism but the very same duty St. Paul requires of every one that come to this Table let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that Cup. Q. What are those matters about which every Christian is not enquioe or examine himself before this Feast A. They are principally four Repentance Faith Thankfulness Charity Q. What is the first thing his examination must spend it self upon A. The first matter must be Repentance Q. What kind of repentance must a man find in himself before he partakes of these Viands A. It must consist of these two parts First there must be an entire renouncing and forsaking of sin of every evil way and Secondly a stedfast purpose and resolution by Gods grace and assistance for the time to come to lead a new and innocent life Q. What is the second matter he must bring under examination A. His Faith Q. How must this Faith be qualified A. It must be a lively Faith which life it must show forth by well doing and it must also be a Faith in Gods mercy through Christ that is stedfastly believing that it is God alone who through the merits and sufferings of his Son hath given to mankind