his Church a Body whereof he is the Head which is twofold Invisible and Visible Mat. 7.21 1 Cor. 7.19 1. The Invisible Church of Christ contains all glorified Saints in Heaven and all true Believers on Earth and of this Church all who are Baptized are not Members but those only who being Baptized live the life of Faith 2. B. Ushers Body of Divinity p. 187. The Visible Church contains all professors of Christianity and of this Church all who are Baptized are reputed as Members Q. What is meant by A Child of God A. Joh. 1.12 Gal. 4.5 Joh. 20.17 Heb. 2.11 Rom. 8.16 This priviledge necessarily follows the other for all true Members of Christ's Church receive the honour to be sons of God by Adoption and are admitted to have God their Father Christ their Brother the Holy Ghost their Comforter here and hereafter are co-heirs with Christ of an eternal glory Q. What is meant by an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven A. This Priviledge doth succeed both the other Luk. 12.32 Ja. 1.12 1 Pet. 1.4 5. Joh. 14.3 Col. 3.4 2 Cor. 5.1 for those who are Members of Christ and Sons of God have a Kingdom purchased for them and promised to them yea by Christ they now have taken possession of it and shall hereafter have the full enjoyment of it Q. What did your Godfathers and Godmothers then for you A. They did promise and vow three things in my name 1. That I should renounce the Devil and all his works the pomps and vanities of this wicked World and all the sinful lusts of the flesh 2. That I should believe all the Articles of the Chrstian Faith 3. That I should keep Gods holy will and Commandments and walk in the same all the daies of my life Q. What are the parts of this Baptismal vow and promise A. Its parts are suitable to the two parts of Sanctification a death to Sin World Flesh Devil and a life unto Righteousness in a true Faith and an obedience to the Will of God Q. What do we renounce in renouncing the Devil and all his works A. 1. Dr. Hammond pract Cat. l. 6. sect 3 Joh 8 44 Ja. 3.17 All belief in or worship of any Heathenish God or Idol 2. All heathenish and sinful practice as Lying Envy Pride sowing Discord and those sins which represent Satan 3. All Combination or Contracts with the Devil and all use of Conjurations 4. Ja. 1.14 Eph. 5.11 All Temptations and first motions to sin 5. All evil Exhortation or evil Example whereby we entice others to act sin and so act the Devil's part Q. How may the Devil and â—is Works be withstood A. Jam. 4.4 1 Pet. 5.5 8 9. By the use of 1. Prayer 2. Fasting 3. Faith 4. Watchfulness against them 5. Care to walk according to Gods Will. Q. What is meant by the pomps and vanities of this wicked world to be renounced A. Eph. 5.11 1 Cor. 6.10 20. 1. That we absent as much as may be from wicked company the ruin of many souls 2. That if in company we partake not of their sins chusing rather their anger than Gods 3. Not inordinately to pursue the worlds profits pleasures or honours nor to be too much delighted with 1 Joh. 2.15 16. Jam. 4.4 Mat. 16.26 or confident in them but so to sit loose to them that we may readily part with them if in competition with Christ and our Souls Q. How may the soul be armed against the Worlds enticements and discouragements A. Eccles 1.1 2. 1. By considering the vanity and uncertainty of all its enjoyments Its pleasures but skin-deep sensual and but for a moment Heb. Pro. 23.5 Ps 49.7 11.20 its Honours the breath of others no sign of God's love and leave us at Death Its Riches the dust of Earth cannot free from Death here nor Hell hereafter 2. By considering the smalness and shortness of our Troubles in the World They can but hurt the Body Mat. 10.28 Exod. 2.23 in whose greatest troubles the Soul is at Liberty its worst punishment is Death which sends the soul sooner to eternal life Isa 43.2 2 Cor. 4.17 18. They cannot hinder us from God's presence here and may prepare us for a greater glory hereafter 3. By considering we are here but Strangers and Souldiers in our Enemies Tents Joh. 15.20 John 16. last which may reasonably expose us to troubles as our Captain Christ Jesus and his Apostles all met with 4. Ro. 8.18 By considering our Glory in Heaven will recompence all our losses on Earth Q. What is meant by renouncing the Lusts of the Flesh A. 1. Dr Ham. prac Cat. 16. sec 3. Jer. 4.14 1 Cor. 6.19 All coveting of or indulging our selves in any lust or desire which is contrary to the Word of God and so sinful 2. All spiritual and heart Sins and all bodily uncleanness This Enemy is the more dangerous because daily with us and ready within us to betray us to Satans Temptations Q. How may these lusts of the Flesh be subdued A. By Sobriety Chastity Gal. 5.16 17 20. Watchfulness Praver and a care to walk answerable to the Word of God Q. What is that part of Sanctification included in your Baptismal Vow yet to be Considered A. â—oh 3.16 Tiâ— 3.8 A life of righteousness in these two great duties of the Gospel Faith and Obedience Q. What is the Faith here promised A. Bis Pearson on Creed p. 12. 1. An assent of our Hearts 2. A Confession or Profession with our lips And 3. A suitable Conversation in our lives Q. What do we promise thus to believe A. All the Articles of the Christian Faith Q. What is the Obedience promised in Baptism A. That which is the product of true Faith an Universal Obedience of our whole man to all the commands of God sincerely performed with constancy to our lives end Q. Can the Godfathers or Godmothers promise this for the Child and is the Child bound to perform it A. 1. Yes because Children are in the power of the Parents to be devoted to the Service of God Deut. 6.6 7.29.10 11 31.11 12 2 Tim. 2.19 Eph. 5.11 Heb. 11.6 Tit. 2.14 whom God also hath obliged to do it 2. There is nothing contained in this Baptismal Vow but what is lawful becomes Christianity and is our bounden Duty to perform 1 Pet. 2.11 1 John 5.4 1 Pet. 5.8 3. The Non-performance of the Vow by the Child may justly forfeit God's promises in Baptism made to the Child 4. Parents usually oblige their Children in civil contracts and bargains Hooker 's Volity l. 5 sect 64. who are by their Parents contracts bound to observe the Covenant or else must forfeit the advantages that might accrue to them by its observance Much more sure then may Parents engage their Children in what is the Child 's absolute duty on whose performance so great a mercy depends Q. Dost
consistent with his Fathers Glory 5. To render his sufferings of infinite value to save all his in all Ages 6. For the comfort of fallen man who might believe the glad Tidings of his peace with God when it was brought to him by one who being God as well as man evidenced the peace by the Union of the Natures Q. Why is the Son of God called Christ A. Christ signifieth anointed and is the same with Messiah to evidence Christ to be the true Messiah Q. How prove you Christ to be the true Messiah A. 1. Homil. Eng. on Nativ Mat. 1.18 20.1 2. Mark 5.9 The Prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled in him as to his Tribe Parent Birth-place Name manner of Life and Death Resurrection and Ascension and their Effects as to the Conversion of the Gentiles 2. God the Holy Ghost Angels Devils testifie it Mat. 3.17 1.18 Luke 2.10 3. The Jews themselves believed it John 12.44 4. Mornaeâ—s de Ver. Rel. c. 29. All times of expecting the Messiah centred in and about that time Christ was born and many false Christs then arose 5. Christ did what the Messiah was to do B. Pearson on Creed p. 83 84. and suffered what the Messiah was to suffer therefore he was the true Messiah The mistake of the Jews as to Christs coming in Glory was Their confounding his second coming with the first And if he had come in Glory how then should the Prophecies concerning his Sufferings Death Burial c. Isa 53. be fulfilled we grant his coming in Glory but we premise his suffering for sin here in the flesh and his coming in Glory we refer to his coming to Judge the World see at large this in Bishop Pearson on the Creed pag. 83 84 85 c. Q. Why is Christ called our Lord A. B. Pearson on Creed p. 153. 1. Because he is the Lord that made us and bought us 1 Cor. 6.20 2. He hath chosen us to be his People out of all the World Jewish and Heathen 3. We have by our Baptism chosen him for our Lord and Master and have resigned up our selves to him as his faithful Servants Q. What Office of Christ doth this Title of Lord import A. His Office of King Q. How is Christ a King A. Christ is a King of Grace and Glory Here he rules in his People Gal. 6.16 and they hereafter Reign with him And as a King 1. He hath a Church or People subject to him 1 John 2.6 John 16.78 14.26 1 Cor. 15 55 56 57 2 Thes 1.8 9 10. 2. To them he gives Laws to walk by 3. They obey him 4. He governs them by his Spirit and Ordinances 5. He as King protects them from enemies and defends them in peace 6. He as King rewards his People with blessings here and hereafter Q. How is Christ a Prophet A. 1. He instructs us by his Word Spirit and Ministers in our Duties 2. He continues a supply of Ordinances for the Service of his Church to the Worlds end Mat. 28.20 Rom. 8.16 26. 3. He enables his People to discharge their duties and to perform what he expects from them Q. Why is Christ called Jesus A. An Angel hath given us the Reason Mat. 1.21 Because he should save his People from their Sins Q. How opth Christ save us A. 1. 2 Cor. 5.21 Christ underwent the whole wrath of God due to us and so satisfied Gods offended Justice Mat. 26. and c. 27. 2. He performed actively what the Law required and so was without sin 3. Hence God is Mat. 3.17 5.17 through him reconciled to us 2 Cor. 5.18 20 21. 4. Luke 34. â—â— Joh. 3. â—â— Christ hath made known to us the terms of Salvation that we on our Repentance for sin and closing with him by Faith and living in obedience to him in the life of Faith may be saved 5. He by his Word Ordinances Ministers Jam. 1.28 Phil. 1.6 Spirit and Graces instructs us in his Will and enables us to perform what he requires 6. Heb. 7.25 Rev. 8.2 He intercedes with God his Father for the pardon of those sins attending our persons and performances and pleads for the acceptance of us and them on the account of his Merits and Mediation Q. What may be learned from Christs Deity and threefold Office A. 1. From his being God I learn 1. God and Christ's great Love to sinful man in Christ's Death Rom. 5.8 10. 2. I see sins evil in causing Christ to come from Heaven to save us 3. I learn mercy for sinners Christ as God is able to save all that return 2. I learn from Christ's being the true Messiah 1. God's veracity who will fulfil his promise in due time 2. The Jews stupidity in denying and Crucifying of him 3. Mat. 27.25 The Justice of God in punishing them according to their own imprecation His blood be on us and our Children 4. I see the verity of our Christian Religion of which we have no reason to be ashamed 5. I learn to trust God in all my affairs Rom. 8.28 32 c. who hath been so faithful to give his Son according to his promise to die for my sins 3. I learn from the Offices of Christ 1. That as Christ is my Lord and King so I ought to obey him and as he loved me so as to dye for me I ought to love him so as to live to him 2 Cor. 5.15 and to my power promote his Kingdom and Glory 2. As Christ is Prophet I ought to reverence God's Word Ordinances and Ministers and to obey what Christ by them and his Spirit doth teach me to be my duty it becoming me to have an ear to hear where the Almighty God condescends to speak Prov. 1.24 26 28 3. As Christ is my High Priest and Saviour to expiate my sin and save my Soul by his merits and mediation I learn to disown all merits and works of Righteousness of my own Isa 64.6 Luke 17.19 and not to relie on any Creatures Righteousness for Justification but wholly by a Faith and Obedience close with and live to him expecting from him my Salvation on the account of his own Merits and free Grace I learn also to disown all Co-mediators as Saints and Angels and to account him as the sole procurer of my happiness to whom my complaints of wants and Prayers for supplies ought to be offered up and made known Q. Why was our Saviour Man A. 1. Man had sinned B. Ushers body of Divinity p. 164. Harmony of Confes Confes Belg. art 20. and the nature sinning ought to suffer and satisfie 2. Christ as God could not suffer and became Man that he might suffer 3. To reconcile the human Nature to God by the Union of the Deity and Humanity in his own Person 4. That he being sensible of our infirmitys might have compassion on us 5. To encourage us in
especially in their Adversity however God is slighted by them in Prosperity Q. What is yet remaining of the Catechism A. The Doctrine of Sacraments Q. Why is that considered in the Catechism A. 1. It is a great part of Religion 2. That we might not only be acquainted with our Duty to God but also of what we receive from God 3. That the Catechism might be a compleat Compendium of Divinity Q. How many Sacraments hath Christ Ordained in his Church A. Two only as generally necessary to Salvation that is to say Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Q. Why is there but two Sacraments A. 1. To Correspond with the two under the Law Circumcision and the Passover 2. The other pretended Sacraments are not so properly nor as such are they appointed by Gods Word Q. How are these Sacraments said to be absolutely necessary to Salvation A. 1. Leighs body of Divinity p. 910. They are not so absolutely necessary as that Persons not receiving them where through Persecution they cannot or where they being not rightly administred they dare not receive them shall fail of Salvation God dispensed with the Israelites breach of Circumcision in the Wilderness Gen. 17. Josh 5.45 Hookers Polity lib. 5. sect 60 61. though it was strictly Commanded 2. They are necessary as means to be used being Seals of the Covenant of Grace applying Gods Grace to every one receiving them aright 3. They are thus far absolutely necessary in an Established Church that they who slight them of wilfully neglect their receiving them Gen. 17.14 may dread their being cut off from Gods People Q. What mean you by this word Sacrament A. I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward and Spiritual Grace given unto us Ordained by Christ himself as a means whereby we receive the same and as a Pledge to assure us thereof Q. What is included in this Answer A. Sir Chr. Wyvel's Triple Crown examined p. 43 44 45. Hâ—mil of Engl. on Sac. Calvin Instit lib. 4. Cap. 19. Sect. 34. Calvin Institut lib. 4. Cap. 19. Sect. 5 6 20. Homil. of Engl. on Sac. Ames Bel. Enerv. Tom. 3. Lib. 7. Cap. 1. 1. That in a Sacrament there must be an outward sign visible subject to our Senses and so Absolution and Confession must fall and be no Sacraments 2. This outward sign must be signifying of an inward and Spiritual Grace Thus Matrimony is no Sacrament it is common to Infidels and by our Adversaries is forbidden to their Priests which if a Sacrament is very absurd 3. To make a Sacrament there must be also a giving and ordaining the outward sign by Christ himself and thus extream Unction and Confirmation are no Sacraments 4. It must be a suitable means to convey the inward Grace and Pardon and so Sacraments must not only be signs of but means and instruments to convey And thus Orders no Sacrament for it hath no outward sign prescribed by Christ nor promise of Pardon made to it 5. It must be as a Seal and Pledge to assure us of that inward Grace Thus those Popish Sacraments which have no Authority of Christ Ordaining them no visible sign representing nor any promise of Grace made to them cannot be Seals of Grace and Pardon to us Sr. Christopher Wyvel's Triple Crown ex un ned p. 43.44 And so according to the definition of a Sacrament they must fall Nor can we suppose that Christ did Ordain one Sacrament only for the Lâ—aity as Matrimony A Second for the Clergy as Orders A Third for the Catechised only as Confirmation A Fourth only for the Sick as extream Vnction And a Fifth only for the Lapsed as Penance B. Bramhall cited in Leighs Body of Divinity p. 913 914. These are without ground from Scriptures Ancient Creed Council Fathers and were first devised by Peter Lombard first Decreed by Pope Eugenius the Fourth first Confirmed in the Provincial Council of Senes and after in the Council of Trent Q. Whence is the name of Sacrament borrowed A. 1. Some say it is brought into this Sacred use from an use among the Romans who called that Oath Sacramentum Dr. Arrowsmiths Tac. Sac. Lib. 1. Cap. 5. sect 1. Book of Common Prayer it Pub. Baptism which each Souldier took to be true to his General and to live and dye with him and it may well represent the Engagement we take on us in the Sacraments to be Christs Faithful and Constant Souldiers and Servants to our Lives end 2. Others say the word Sacrament is used to denote how the Ordinances should be received Sacra mente with an Holy mind Q. How many parts are there in a Sacrament A. Two Calvin Irstir liâ— 4. cor 1. sect 6 The outward and visible sign and the inward and visible Grace By the sign God condescends to make known to us by things we can understand what through our Ignorance we cannot apprehend Q. What is the outward visible sign or Form in Baptism A. Water wherein the Person is Baptized in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Q. What is here Observable A. 1. The Element and outward sign by which Baptism is Administred Book of Common Prayer Order for Baptism of Riper Years Water 2. The Subject of Baptism in the Word Person which denotes either those adult Persons who being newly Converted from Heathenism or Judaism or those who have been brought up by Parents of the Christian Profession unbaptized or else the Children of the Professors of Christianity with our selves 3. Here is the manner of performing it in the word Baptize which admits of either dipping or sprinkling and our Church allows either Nor can the Anabaptists who call for express Texts from us give us one for their dipping 4. Their Articles given to R. C. 2. 1660. And reprinted in Grantam's Works Here is the Form or Baptism in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost according to Christs Commission Mat. 28.19 And here the Anabaptists are to blame in granting a permission to their Party to be Baptized in the Name of Christ alone Q. What is the inward and Spiritual Grace 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 is Considerable in this Answer A. 1. Rom. 6.3 4. Here is a Death unto Sin signified by our being Buried with Christ in Baptism Water being therein poured on us as Dust is on our Bodies when Buried and this teacheth us to put off the Old Man the Body of Sin 2. Here is in Baptism represented our filthiness by sin Ephes 2.2 3. 1 Pet. â— 21 2â— we need washing from its filth and a Pardon of its guilt being by Nature defiled Creatures and Children of wrath 3. Here are the Priviledges the Christian enjoys by Baptism Of a Sinner he is cleansed and of a Child of Wrath made
our Addresses he knows our wants 6. To Conquer mans enemies in that nature which was Tempted for our enemies greater Terrour Homil. of Engl. on Nativ and our greater Comfort 7. To bring our human nature to Glory Q. How do you prove Christ to have been Man A. 1. He had the natural properties of Man He was born was a Child grew in Stature Mat. 1.2 Luk. 1.80 walked sate c. 2. He had the parts of a Man A Body in all parts like ours Eyes Ears Tongue and he had a Soul with Sense Reason Will Affections 3. He had the infirmities of man Hungred Thirsted Wept 4. He had the sufferings man was liable to wept groaned was crucified died Q. How is Christs human Nature proposed in the Creed A. By his Conception Birth Crucifixion Death and Burial Q. How is Christs Birth set down A. As conceived of the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary whence appears his two Natures God and Man Q. Why is Christ said to be conceived by the Holy Ghost A. Mat. 1.18 1. To manifest his Deity he was not conceived after the ordinary way of Generation but from above 2. To manifest his purity who was to be without sin being to suffer for ours Q. Why was he born of the Virgin Mary A. 1. To manifest him to be of the Tribe the Messiah was to come of Mat. 1. Luke 3. 2. That he might be free from original as well as actual Sins of which all are guilty who are born after the ordinary way of Generation 3. B. Pearson on Creed p. 179. To give both Sexes hopes of Salvation thro him as being of one and from the other Q. Why doth the Creed pass immediately from Christs Birth to his Crucifixion A. 1. Christs Life was but as one continued act of suffering because our Life is as one continued act of sinning 2. His Life appears full of sufferings persecuted and put to flight by Herod as soon as born Mat. 2. 4. 26. 27. Tempted and accused by Satan Crucified and put to Death by his Instruments 3. The grand design of his Incarnation was to suffer for our sins Q. What was Pontius Pilate under whom Christ suffered A. A Governour sent by the Romans B. Pearson on Creed p. 194. and by them placed over the Jews who had then been sixty years subject to the Romans And his name in our Creed is mentioned that we might by History 10 find the truth and certainty of our Faith and the Reality of our Saviours sufferings Q. Why did Christ suffer under him A. 1. Gen. 49. That he might fulfil the Prophecy of the Messiahs coming when the Scepter was departed from Judah Gal. 3.10 B. Pearson on Creed p. 196. Their Governours being now Romans 2. That he might be crucified according to that curse mentioned to be on him for us Which was not a Death used among the Jews Q. What are the parts of Christs Sufferings A. His being Crucified Dead Buried his descending into Hell Q. Why was Christ Crucified A. Psal 22.16 Numb 21.8 John 3.15 16. 1. It was Prophecyed of the Messiah 2. Typified in the Brazen Serpent 3. To take away the curse due to us he became a curse for us 4. To represent by the extending his Arms on the Cross Christs readiness to receive all returning sinners Q. Why did Christ suffer Death A. Isa 53. Confes Saxon. art 3. Heb. 2.15 Leighs body of Divinity p. 583. 1. It was Prophecyed of the Messiah 2. Sin deserved Death Rom. 6.23 3. To manifest sins evil and his love John 15.12 4. For Satans greater Terrour to destroy him by that by which he thought to have destroyed man 5. For our greater comfort our Death is without a sting 1 Cor. 15.56 Q. Why was Christ Buried A. Isa 57.2 Leighs body c. p. 603. 1. To evidence the reality of his Death 2. To sweeten the Grave for us 3. To Conquer Death in his own Dominions Hos 14.14 1 Cor. 15.56 57. 4. To render his own and our Resurrection the more manifest Q. What is meant by Christs descent into Hell A. 1. It is interpreted by some to be a real Local descent B. Bilson on Articl as if Christ did really descend into Hell the place of the damned and there triumph over Satan in his own Territories to his greater Terror 2. Some assert that tho Christ did not Locally descend into Hell B. Nicholson on Cat. p. 49. yet he did virtually that is the powers of Hell felt the efficacy of his Death to their destruction and his eternal conquest and this may safely be believed Q. But did not Christ go down into Hell to deliver the Patriarchs who died before him A. That was not necessary because Calvin Institut l. 2. c. 16. sect 8. B. Ushers answer to Jesait p. 27â— Hom. of Engl. on Faith 1. Christs death was equally meritorious before his Incarnation as it is now after it 2. He was promised soon after the fall of Man so that they knew as well that Christ would come as we do that he is come 3. They had the same Christ Ordinances Spirit and Faith as we have 4. Several were in Heaven before Christs Ascension as Flias 2 Kings 12.11 Moses Luke 9.30 I azarus Luke 16.22 The Thief on the Cross c. Q. What other interpretations are there of Christs descent into Hell A. 1. His being Dead and Buried also Book 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prayer Nicaean Aâ—han 〈…〉 For where the Burial of Christ is ment oned his descent into Hell is lest out as in the Nicaean Creed and where his de 〈◊〉 into Hell is mentioned his Burial is omitted as in the Athanasian Creed 2. Christs being in the state of the Dead B. Ushers answer to Jesuit p. 341.395.412.413 B. Pearson on Creed p. 250. That as his Soul and Body were really separated by the dissolution of their vital Union so Christs Body went to the place of dead mens Bodys and his Soul to the place of dead mens Souls As two very Reverend Prelates and Lights of our English Church have declared as their sense of the Article and as the Universal consent of Christians Q. Did Christ suffer in Soul and Body A. Mat. 26. Mat. 27. 1. Yes he suffered in his body Hunger Thirst Weariness Thorns on his Head Nails in his Hands and Feet Spear in his Side Buffettings and Spittings on his Face and at last a most cursed ignominious painful death 2. He suffered in his Soul sadness and anguish Mat. 26.36 sorrow and fear trouble and agony So great that he three times declares it and begs if it was his Fathers Will the Cup might pass from him Luke 22.44 so great that under it his blood was so rarified that his sweat was drops of blood Mat. 27.44 Yea so great that he felt the pains of Hell the pains of sense being so sharp that they made him