bitter death tels me hee hath suffered enough already Q. What doe you meane by this when you confesse hee was dead Math. 27.46 A. Viz. That the body and soule of Christ were really seuered for a time as in the naturall death of any other Q Why did Christ dye A. First to show the truth of his humanity and realty of his suffâ—ings Secondly Gâ—n 2.17 Cor. 5 14. â—â—b â— 15 ohn 3.16 Rom. 11.22 to satisfie iustice â—o the full who had before thâ—â—aâ—ned man with death Thirdly to vaâ—quâ—sh death by taking away the sting and making it a passage vnto life Fourthly to manifest the infinitnesse of Gods loue to mankind with the seuerity of his iustice against sinne in one and the same act Fifthly that by a propitiatory sacrifice hee might establish the couenant which could not bee without such bloud-shedding Q. What doe you learne from the death of Christ A. First a threefold assurance First that by his death I am freed from a double death in part from the first wholly from the second Secondly that being dead with Christ 1 Cor. 15.55 Heb. 2.14.15 Rom. 8.1 I shall now euer after liue the life of Christ Thirdly that the new couenant of grace is now of force Col. 3.3 Heb. 8.6.7 9 16 17. Secondly a threefold resolution First neuer more to liue in any knowne sinne seeing Christ dyed for sinne Secondly to cleaue vnto him with an ardent vnseparable loue Thirdly to lay downe my life for him and his truth to spend all my time and strength in his seruice who hath not spared to spend his bloud for me Rom. 6.2.8.35 1 Ioh 3.16 Iohn 7.31 Rom. 6.9.10.13.11 Ephes 5.14 Thirdly to condemne a threefold error First of the Iewes expecting another Christ cleauing to shaddowes obseruing ceremonies which were to dye with Christ Secondly of Papists that maintaine a continuall sacrifice offering vp and so killing Christ often when as hee was to dye but once Thirdly of carnall Protestants who lye still snorting vnder the dead sleepe of sinne yet thinke to be saued by Christs death Q. What doe you vnderstand by this when you say he was buried A. Viz. that Christs body after death was in a desent manner laid in a tombe or graue where it also remaines the same without alteration or corruption Mat. 27.60 Psa 16.10 preserued by the presence of the diety Q. Why was Christ buried A. First to show vs that in his greatest extremity hee had some wel-willers Mat. 27.58 Rom. 6.6 Hos 13.14 Mat. 28.6 Heb. 2.15 who performed this office of loue vnto him Secondly to confirme the truth and certainty of his death Thirdly that he might follow death wrestle with him in his owne Castle and beate him out of his owne supposed inuinsible hold Fourthly by his presence to take away the horrour of the graue to sanctifie it to be a chamber of refuge a sweet bed of rest and a passage to immortality Q. By whom was he buried A. Ioseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus two of his fearefull Disciples in time of need became boldest Luke 23.50 when such as had made fairer showes denyed or left him Q. Why was Hee buried by rich men A. First because they were best able to performe it in a conuenient manner Christ was the Sonne of Nobles fit it was he should be buried by men of honour Prou. 3.9 1 Tim. 6.17 Secondly to teach rich men two things First to be helpefull with their substance to the members of Christ in distresse Secondly not to shun as ashamed the meanest office which may bring any glory to God 1 Pet. 4.10 Psal 84.10 or comfort to his Church Q. What may you learne hence A. Two things especially First a lesson of consolation cheerefully to follow my Sauiour to the graue Mat. 28.6 Esay 26.19 20. where he once lay Secondly a lesson of imitation and that First to performe the like vnto any of my Christian brethren Secondly Acts 8.2 Rom. 6.4 Exod. 34.6 to spend some time euery day in burying of my sinnes in and with him who was once buried for sinne Q. What meane you by these words He descended into Hell A. First that Christ after his death and buriall was detained as a prisoner vnder the bondage of death Psal 16.10 Acts 2.31 for one whole day and two nights Secondly during this space that he triumphed ouer Satan in his owne Kingdome the manner how is vnknowne Q. Why did Christ descend thus A. That beleeuers in him might not descend Heb. 2.14 15. that death might not detaine them as prisoners nor Satan triumph ouer them Q. What doe you learne from it A. First to confute Papists teaching that the soule of Christ descended into Hell to deliuer some soules there detained and that the soules of iust men may suffer paine after death equiuallent to the torments of Hell crossing both the end and effect of Christs descent Gen. 18.27 Iob 40.4 Heb. 10.36 Luke 21.18.19 Secondly to descend with Christ to the lowest step of humiliation to be vile in my owne eyes that I may be pretious in Gods sight through Christ Thirdly to possesse my soule in patience and hope from the lowest ebbe of misery God is able to restore Christ was dead buried and descended into Hell yet raised againe Q. Which is the fift Article A. The third day he rose againe from the dead Q. What doth this Article containe A. The first full step or degree of Christs exaltation and that is his resurrection Q. Who was it that was thus exalted A. Iesus Christ as God and Man Acts 2.24 1 Cor. 15.4 the same person that was humbled euen to the death of the Crosse was raised to liue for euer in glory Q. What doe you meane when you say Christ rose againe A. First that the soule and body of Christ were reunited Acts 2.24.10.40 41 42 43. Secondly that Christ was freed from all infirmities of humane nature keeping still all the properties of a true Body Thirdly that the Diety did more fully open it selfe adorning the humanity with all those finite excellencies as such a creature is capable of Q. How was He raised A. First Iohn 8.18 Ephe. 2.5.6 Mat. 27.53 by his owne power Secondly as a publike person attended with some others who rose with him as an earnest of the great and generall resurrection Q. Why was Christ raised An. First for the cleerer manifestation of his Diety Secondly for the impletion of types and prophesies and for confirmation of that truth formerly by him taught Rom. 1.4 Psal 16.10 Mat. 12 39. Rom. 4.25.6.4 Thirdly that his Disciples might be assured of his victory ouer death Fourthly that he might apply the merits of his passion and perfect the office of Mediation Fifthly to cause a double resurrection to the faithfull the first to newnesse of life here and the second to a life of immortality in heauen hereafter Q. When
run to hell when we might and ought to reclaime them fourthly by inticement vocall or exemplary c. Q. How many wayes may murther be committed A. First by the heart yeelding to rash anger harbouring hatred and malice as Cain did against his brother for the good hee saw in him Secondly 1 Ioh. 3.15 by the tongue in brawling railing and scolding Ephes 4.31 as Shimei in reuiling vncharitably threatning scoffing Mat. 5.22 cursing slandering c. Thirdly Prou. 3.34 by the hand either harming or not relieuing Fourthly by the purse when men ioyne with or hyre others to doe it Iam. 3.9 Prou. 1.14 Fifthly by neglect of particuler callings Acts 23.2 whereby the life of men is preserued Sixthly by authority deriued from good lawes abused whether in remissiues or cruelty Seuenthly in and by the signes of murther in gesture countenance or voyce by lowd speaking or vsing passionate interiections such as Raca c. Q. Why must men doe no murther A. First because man is made after the Image of God Secondly by reason of the coÌ„munitie of nature deriued from one common parent Gen. 9.6 Ephes 5.29 so that he is flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone Thirdly because in it selfe it is a crying sinne often forbidden and threatned neuer hid but strangely reuealed and punisht Q. What is it then that is here especially forbidden A. To hurt or endamage any person any way in regard of their life spirituall or corporall Qu. Who are guilty of this haynous sinne or may be An. By reason of naturall corruption all men and women in one kind or other Deut. 25.3 as first the Magistrate condemning wrongfully punishing excessiuely for priuate reuenge or selfe delight sparing when punishment might be Physicke Num. 35.33 or permitting any thing which is ordinarily followed by warre plague famine or bloudshed 1 Sam. 15.9 as disordered wates Reuels single combats of duellists drinking of healthes and drunkennesse c. Esay 56.10 11 12. Secondly The Minister by famishing those soules committed to his trust through his insufficiency or non-residencie Thirdly Physitians and Cookes either through ignorance or treachery Fourthly all women that hinder or destroy the fruit of the wombe or bringing forth deny it conuenient nourishment after such are many ouer tender and delicate women which must repent or else it will goe worse with them Fifthly all other of any inferiour ranke Q. How doth a priuate person breake this law in regard of himselfe A. First in hurting the life of his bodie through defect of preseruatiues 1 Tim. 5.23 as of meat drinke exercise physicke c. or excesse in meat for quantitie or qualitie when men run vpon danger or any way offer violence to nature Mat. 4.6 7.6.25 Secondly by neglecting or oppressing the spirituall life which he doth or should liue and that First by refusing the meanes of life Acts 3.23 Christ and his benefits 1 Pet. 2 2. Esay 5.18 Reu. 3.19 offered in the word Secondly by drinking in iniquitie like water which is poison to the spirituall part Thirdly by surfeiting vpon good things taking in abundance digesting nothing through want of the spirituall heate of faith and zeale Q. How doth he breake it in regard of others A. First by hindering or shortning their naturall life through discord and contentiousnesse Exod. 21.18 Math. 5.22 frighting and wronging them wishing threatning or any way indeauouring their deaths as also by all vnnecessarie crueltie either towards the liuing bodies of men such were the sword-plaies in Rome our fencing prizes the practice of some Mountebanks vpon their boyes by poyson wounds or stabs Reu. 11.9 or the dead bodies of men not suffering them to bee buried lancing and cutting them burning them out of a desire of reuenge or lastly towards the liuing bodies of beasts reioycing Leu. 19.17 1 Cor. 8.10 11. Hosea 4.6 and delighting as in a sport or play at their mutuall enmitie Secondly by continuing effecting or any way furthering their spirituall death which may be done First by teaching heresie or giuing euill example through corrupt communication or a loose conuersation Secondly hardning men in their naturall estate by flattering them in their sinnes carrying our selues strangely and churlishly towards them while there is any hope of reformation labouring indirectly their conuersion after a passionate furious bitter manner or laying stuÌ„bling blocks in their way by our earthly mindednesse Thirdly keeping our children seruants or neighbours for some small pleasure or profit from the meanes of life Q. What duty is especially here enioyned A. A constant care to procure by all lawfull meanes in our power both our owne good and the good of others to preserue our owne liues and the liues of others both spirituall and corporall Q. What is enioyned in regard of our selues A. First to auoid all manifest danger with all temptations to danger Secondly Math. 4.7 Acts 27.34 to vse those meanes with wisedome and moderation which God hath ordained for our preseruation both spirituall and corporall Q. What in regard of others A. First in respect of their spirituall estate to walke courteously towards them in ciuill affaires 1 Cor. 9.20 21. Tit. 3.1 2. to aduise them meekly draw them gently and pray for them heartily till they be conuerted and after neuer to vpbraide them with their former faults but to informe and confirme them by good counsell admonition Luke 22.32 encouragement c. Secondly in regard of their naturall life to rescue them from danger if we may aduenturing boldly for their sakes as Abraham did for Lot and to preserue their liuelyhood to the vtmost of our power Math. 22.39 Rom. 12.18 Thirdly with reference to both 1. to loue them 2. to seeke to liue peaceably with them dealing iustly offering reconciliation vpon any discourtesie meekely suffâ—ring and abounding in compassion Iam. 2.15 16 Thirdly to relieue them with our persons purse and prayers for their good euery way Q. What is required for the better keeping of this law A. First all occasions and causes of murther must be auoided in regard of life naturall First giuing of offences and sudden taking of all giuen Secondly 1 Cor. 10.32 Math. 5.22 1 Sam. 25.10 secret grudges with desire of reuenge Thirdly rash anger with all bitter scornefull and reproachfull termes vpbraiding men with their former sinnes to shame not to saue them Fourthly multiplying of words in a furious manner about any difference Fifthly Prou. 15.1.26.20 coueteousnesse drunkennesse with an vnnecessarie number of blind Ale-houses carrying of tales contentions for superiority c. In regard of life spirituall First insufficient vnconscionable Ministers must be remooued through whose default innumerable soules may perish Secondly scandals must bee auoided lest our weake brethren stumble and perish for whom Christ died Secondly all things must be practised which tend to the preseruation of life Prou. 22.24.14.29
vse of appointed meanes which whosoeuer desires indeed Mar. 16.17 1 Iohn 3.21.5.10 hath and shall haue viâ—torie Fourthly by the inward testimonie of a rectified conscience which being purified is also pacified Q. What doe you learne from this confession A. First how miserable and wretched I am Rom. 7.24 by reason of sin remaining although I be in and of the Church Luke 24.47 Secondly for my comfort I learne hence where remission of sinne is to be had and how Matth. 7.12 Luke 10.20 Thirdly to doe as I would be done vnto forgiuing as I would be forgiuen Fourthly Ephe. 4.32 Acts 8.22 that this is one of the rarest priuiledges in the world and hardest to be gotten onely by faith Fifthly to sue out this pardon for my selfe aboue all to auoide multiplying of sinne and deferring of Repentance Q. Which is the eleuenth Article A. Resurrection of the bodie Q. What doth it containe A. A third priuiledge of the Church to haue the bodies of of her children raised from death to life and from the graue to glorie Q. How can it bee a priuiledge to the Church when others without the Church shall partake thereof A. None can enioy it in that manner the Church doth and shall Iohn 5.29 Dan. 12.2 others shall be raised by the externall power of Christ as a Iudge commanding them from prison to the place of execution but the children of the Church shall rise by the inward vertue of Christ as a head of that bodie conueying quickning power into euery member vnited to him Q. What is the meaning of this Article Iob 19.27 A. First that the bodie after dissolution shall be restored to his former integrity both for parts and proportion 1 Cor. 15.42.43.44.45 Secondly that euery bodie shall haue his owne soule brought backe vnseparably vnited to giue life and motion Phil. 3.20 Thirdly that all corruptible qualities shall be laid aside and both made wholly immortall like the glorious bodie of Christ Q. What is the resurrection 1 Cor. 15.52 A. A raising vp againe of what was fallen and a re-vnion of those things which for a time by death were separated Q. What is it to beleeue the resurrection of the body Math. 3.9 A. First to acknowledge the mightie power of God able of stones dust and ashes to raise vp children to Abraham Secondly Iob 19.25 to be assuredly perswaded my bodie shall be raised againe Thirdly with content and inward delight to assent to this worke of God in regard of my owne particular Psal 27.13 Q. What bodies shall be raised againe A. The very same that die 2 Cor. 5.10 1 Cor. 15.38 with seuerall statures without diminution or imperfection altered onely in qualities Q. Who are they that shall be raised A. All good and bad Math. 25.32 Acts 24.15 iust and vniust young and old that euer were Q. By whom shall they be raised A. Christ Lord of all things Iohn 6.44 Phil. 3.20 and the onely head of his bodie the Church thy dead men shall liue together with my dead bodie shall they rise saith the Lord Esay 26.19 Q. How shall they be raised A. First the dead in their graues shall heare the powerfull voyce of Christ Iohn 5.28 and come forth Secondly for those which shall be found liuing vpon the earth at that day 1 Thess 4.15 16. they shall be changed in a moment and prepared to meet him Q. Why must all bee raised thus Reu. 1.7 A. First for the glorie of God in a further manifestation of his mercie and iustice Secondly for the infliction of deserued punishment vpon the wicked Math. 25.46 who often flourish here Thirdly for the performance of Gods promise and perfecting the worke begun in his Children who were of all most miserable 1 Cor. 15.19 if they had hope only in this life Q. When shall this resurrection be A. At the day of iudgement called by Iob the latter day Iohn 6.54 by our Sauiour the last day with patience to be expected because not reuealed Quest What doe you learne from this Article thus explained A. First that all must dye and fall before they can rise againe Secondly that all shall vndoubtedly rise to liue againe in the fulnesse of time Heb 9.27 Thirdly as I dye so must I rise to stand in the presence of Christ with the same eyes parts c. 1 The. 4.14 Fourthly I learne to oppose this truth against the feare of death and immoderate griefe for friends departed Fifthly Iohn 11.24 to eschew sinne Acts 24.15 16. especially the corruptions of that age wherein I liue phantastike fashions in attire long lockes c. and to adorne my minde with good workes which will rise with me Sixthly to prepare for it by a daily meditation of it still supposing I heare that voyce Arise yee dead and come to iudgement Seuenthly that the despised Saints of Christ who now lye buried in silence and disgrace shall ere long bee raised with credit and reputation Eighthly that a ioyfull Resurrection doth euer follow remission of sinne as this Article doth the former no thinking of the one till the other be procured Q. How may a Christian be assured of his Resurrection to life and glory A. He must purchase it with prayers teares and a diligent vse of meanes all his life Phil. 3.10.11 for first if he be truely humbled for his sinnes Reu. 20.6.14.13 if hee were euer cast downe and haue had his part in the first Resurrection Secondly if he haue chosen Christ for his Lord and Sauiour casting himselfe into his armes and resting wholly vpon Him 2 Tim. 4.7 8 Thirdly Dan. 12.3 if he endeauour with zeale and cheerefulnesse to keepe faith and a good conscience in all things then may he be assured to dye in Christ to rest with Christ till hee bee raised by Christ to reioyce and sing for euermore Q. Which is the twelfth Article A. Life euerlasting Q. What doth it containe A. A fourth priuiledge of the Church to haue life eternall bestowed vpon her and all her children Q. How is it a priuiledge of the Church when wicked men shall also rise to liue againe A. None shall rise to liue the life of glory in heauen Col. 3.3 4. Mat. 25.41 but Children of the Church the life of wicked men in hell is rather an euerlasting death Q. What is the meaning of this Article A. First that all the beleeuing members of Christ shall be partakers of another life Iob 14.14 Esay 26.19 far better then this Secondly that of that life there shall bee no end Q. What is this life euerlasting A. It is the being and exercise of spirituall actions in man agreeable to the Will of God begun here by grace Iohn 6.47.17.3 but to be perfected hereafter in glory Q. Wherein consists the excellency of that life in glory
she conceiued so in the fulnesse of time after the ordinary course of women she brought forth her first borne Q. What may you learne from this birth of Christ A. First that Eues transgression 2 Tim. 2.14 15. is answered by Maries conception women should not be dis-heartned in the worke of saluation Matth. 2.2 Luke 1.24 Reu. 3.11 Secondly that Christ was truely noble of the bloud Royall borne King of the Iewes so beleeuing Christians only are truely honourable Thirdly that good conceptions should be cherisht till they bee brought forth the Word of God is the seed good motions are spirituall conceptions as Elizabeth when she had conceiued hid her selfe so should Christians after Sermons euen retire themselues a little if conueniently they may to nourish the conception Fourthly to yeeld the blessed Virgin Mary all due reuerence as the Mother of Christ Luke 1.48 Ier. 7.18 which may be exprest First in giuing her those titles the Scripture doth Blessed Virgin Mary for those other strange titles of Ladie and Queene we owne them not Secondly in praising God for her Thirdly imitating her in chastitie humility c. that by faith I may conceiue and beare Christ in my heart as blessed Mary did in her wombe Q. Which is the fourth Article A. Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead buried and descended into hell Q. What doth this Article containe A. The second part of Christs humiliation to wit his passion with the seuerall degrees thereof Q. Who was it that suffered all this Heb. 2.18 2 Cor. 1.5 A. Iesus Christ the onely Sonne of God in and after the assumption of humane nature the person suffered but in and according to our nature onely the Deitie remaining still vncapable of passion Q. What doe you vnderstand by this terme suffered A. The passiue obedience of Christ not excluding his actiue there being in Christ both a suffering obedience and an obedient suffering Phil. 2.8 by the passiue part his obedient suffering he tooke away sinne both in regard of guilt staine and punishment by the actiue part his suffering obedience he purchased and conuaied righteousnes to his members Q. What did he passiuely vndergoe Lam. 1.12 A. All that offended iustice had to inflict on guiltie man for disobedience as the wrath of God the curse of the Law with all those imcomparable miseries Gal. 3.13 vid The bleeding Vine meeting him betweene the wombe and the graue whereof so high and heauenly a nature was capable Q. How is his passiue obedience described in this Article A. Two waies First by the Iudge vnder whom he suffered Secondly by the sufferings themselues Q. Vnder what Iudge did he suffer A. Pontius Pilate Q. Who was this Pontius Pilate A. A Gentile and a Roman Luke 3.1 President of Iewry Deputie for Caesar and a ciuill Iudge among the Iewes Q. Why did Christ suffer vnder a Iudge A. First that he might better represent the person of a Malefactor guiltie-man Esay 53.12 in whose roome he then stood Secondly that those reprsented by him might be absolued before the great Iudge of the world Mar. 15.28 Q. But why did hee suffer vnder a Gentile and a Roman Iudge A. First for the fulfilling of some prophecies Mat. 20.19 that he should be deliuered vp vnto the Gentiles Iohn 18.31 Secondly because the Iewes had no power to put him to death it was taken from them by the Gentiles Acts 13.46 Thirdly as the benefit of his passion was to be offered first to the Iewes after to the Gentiles So his passion was begun by Iewes but finisht by Gentiles Fourthly not obscurely to fore-shew the sufferings of Christ Mysticall vnder his successors the Roman Deputies Vicars of Rome vnder whose iurisdiction a good Christian cannot but suffer Q. What doe you learne hence A. First that worldly aduancement by wealth honour preferment to high places of command is attended with many dangers and doth often occasion men to commit greater sinnes Math. 4.8 9 then otherwaies they would or should Pilats authoritie made him guiltie of this innocent blood Secondly that as Christ suffered vnder Pontius Pilate so true Christians vnder the Pope and all wicked Gouernours Thirdly 1 Pet. 2.21.23 to suffer patiently with Christ if at any time we be called to suffer for righteousnesse sake 1 Pet. 3.14 committing all to him that iudgeth righteously Q. Which are the sufferings he vnderwent A. 1. Apprehension 2. Mat. 26.55.27.13 arraignement 3. accusation 4. sentence of condemnation 5. execution this last onely exprest in the Creed as presupposing the rest Q. What may this teach you A. First that wicked men agree in nothing so well as euill or what tends to euill Mat. 27.23 Pilate and Herod Scribes Pharises and Souldiers that were diuided before agree now in opposing Christ Luke 23.12 Rom. 8.34 Secondly that prophane impenitent sinners shall be apprehended arraigned accused and condemned by and before the Lord because they haue no benefit by his passion Thirdly that beleeuing penitents shall neuer be arraigned Luke 23.31 1 Pet. 4.12 17. accused or condemned because Christ suffered all these for them Iohn 15.18 Fourthly not to thinke it strange if I be thus dealt with by men of the world for Christs sake and in defence of his truth Q. What is the meaning of this word crucified A. Fastned to a crosse the word being compounded of two Latin words Math. 23.34 signifying so much and showing the manner of Christs death Q. Why was Christ to be crucified A. First for the fulfilling of certaine types and prophesies especially that of the brazen Serpent Secondly Exod. 15.25 Iohn 3.14 this kind of passion was most answerable to Adams transgression Col. 2.13 Gal. 3.10 what the the first Adam lost by eating the fruit of a tree the second regained by suffering vpon a tree Thirdly that he might thereby vndergoe the curse for vs Iohn 12.32 and redeeme all beleeuers from it Fourthly that he might draw our eyes and minds vpward Q. What doe you learne from this that Christ was crucified A. First that as Christ so true Christians are crucified in regard of the world Gal. 5.24 1 Cor. 2.2 the power of sinne and preuailing lusts of the flesh Secondly that all my hope of health and safety is in Christ crucified Col. 2.14 I attribute no part to the Crosse but all to him that died vpon the Crosse the sinnes of his beleâ—uing followers being nailed with him that they might neuer rise vp in iudgement againe Rom. 5.8 Thirdly so often as I read or heare of this I cannot but admire the loue of my Sauiour grieue for my sins that were the nailes to pierce his tender body Heb. 6.6 and heartily desire power ouer all my corruptions Fourthly now to be euer carefull lest I crucifie him againe as much as in mee is by continuing in any knowne sinne this
did Christ rise A. The third day after his death hauing lyen in the graue aboue the space of thirty-sixe houres Mat. 16.21 1 Cor. 15.4 he rose the first day of the weeke to teach vs. First Why the Sabbath was altered from the last to the first day of the weeke that is in memory of Christs Resurrection Sâ—condly when our Sabbath begins early in the morning about that time our Sauiour rose Q. Why did Christ rise the third day A. To fulfill the Scripture Mat. 12.39 Luk. 13.32 Q. From what did Christ rise againe A. From the dead that is the state of the dead the power of death and the graue Q. What doe you learne from this A. First that Christ is risen confirmed by infallible testimonies and diuers appearances Acts 10.40.41 42. Rom. 4.25 1 Cor. 15.17 Col. 3.1 Secondly that hee hath perfected the satisfaction for the sinnes of all beleeuers Thirdly that God will raise all such as he casts downe Fourthly that such as are Christs are risen and shall be raised with him both in regard of the first and second resurrection Q. What vse can you make of this A. First to examine my selfe whether I be Christs and risen with Christ for the first Resurrection Reu. 20.6 Col. 3.1 Iob 19.25 Phil. 3.10.11 which may bee knowne First by my seperation from the dead that is wicked company Secondly by my heartily heauenly conuersation Secondly to cheere vp my selfe and all right beleeuing Christians in an assured hope of a comfortable Resurrection Thirdly to endeauour in the vse of meanes First to know Christ thus as raised Secondly to rise by and with him Thirdly to be prepared during life for the last Resurrection Q. Which is the sixt Article A. He ascended into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty Q. What doth this Article containe A. The second part or degree of Christs exaltation that that is his ascention and coronation Q. What is the meaning of this He ascended A. That Christ in his glorified humanity did remooue Acts 1.9 10. really visibly locally from earth into the third heauen Ephe. 4 â— 0. where the Lord manifesteth his glory vnto his Saints Q. When did He ascend A. Forty dayes after his Resurrection Acts 1.3 Q. From what place did Hee ascend A. The mount called Oliuet whence He came to his passion there is but one way to the Crosse and to the crowne Luke 24.50 Acts 1.12 to suffer and to raigne Q. To what place did He ascend A. To that heauen which must containe his humanity till the restoration of all things Luk. 24.51 Acts 1.11 Q. Why did Hee ascend thither A. First that he might triumph ouer the enemies of his Church leade captiuity captiue and limit the power of sinne and Satan toward his elect Col. 2.15 Secondly Heb. 9.24 to appeare as an aduocate in the presence of God on the behalfe of his people Psâ—l 24.7 Thirdly to take possession of his own Kingdome in our name and nature Luk. 24.26 to open for vs heauen gates which were shut against vs by Adams fall Fourthly that he might thence send the gifts and graces of his Spirit vnto his Church Ioh. 14.2 3. Ephe. 4 8. in a more plentifull manner Fifthly that He might prepare a place for euery one of his beleeuing followers against their next meeting Iohn 16.7 Q. What doe you learne hence Acts 1.9.10.3.21.7.55 A. First that Christ is ascended I may not looke for his corporall presence here till the Iudgement day Secondly that if I be Christs I must ascend with him daily aspiring after a growth in grace to haue my conuersation in heauen Thirdly that heauen is the place prouided for Christs Disciples their hearts hands and eyes must hourely ascend thitherward Phil. 3.20 2 Cor. 5.17 Fourthly that none can ascend thither but Christ naturall and mysticall none but with in and by Christ neither in prayer nor person Q. What is the meaning of Christs sitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty A. First that he hath receiued the fulnesse of honour and glory in regard of his person Secondly Mat. 22.44 the fulnesse also of power and authority in regard of his office Ephes 1.20 both of mediation and iurisdiction Q. Why was our Sauiour thus seated A. First that he might effectually interceade in behalfe of his children sending by him their sad complaints to God the Father Mat. 11.28 1 Iohn 2.1 Rom. 8.34 Mat. 28.18 Secondly that he might gouerne his Kingdome and exercise authority ouer all while he sits there he keepes the Keyes in his owne hand and needs no Popish Vice-roy Q. For whom doth Christ intercead Rom. 8.27 Heb. 7.25 A. All for whom he dyed that they may be conuerted and prepared for glory Q. How can you know whether Christ hath and doth intercead for you A. By the Spirit of supplication bestowed on me I could not heartily pray for my selfe Rom. 8.26 but by vertue of his intercession for me Q. Ouer whom doth Christ beare rule Psal 2.8.9.110.1 2. A. All good and bad ouer his friends to gather guide defend and prepare them for a crowne ouer his enemies by restraining their fury and confounding them in their deepest plots c. 1 Cor. 15.25 Qu. What doe you learne hence A. Generally two things First a point of good manners to giue Christ the vpper hand seeing God hath done it Psal 137.6 to preferre his Embassadors and seruants to others that are not or appeare not so Secondly Iohn 9.35.15.19 20.16.33 a point of doctrine That those commonly are most esteemed with God who are or haue beene least esteemed in the world as Christ was More specially I learne First Mat. 11.28 being perst with the burden of preuailing corruption to runne vnto Christ who is ready and able to ease me Secondly that my endeauours in his seruice the weake and imperfect shall bee accepted through the efficacy of his intercession 1 Iohn 2.1 Psal 2.11 12. Acts 7.55 Prayers made by me are preferred by him Thirdly to obey him with reuerence and holy feare that is so high exalted Fourthly to looke vp vnto him in all extremities of temptation persecution death hee is heauens fauorite powerfull and compassionate Fiftly to be heauenly minded in an humble submission of what is mine to his gouerment Q. Which is the seuenth A. From thence hee shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead Q. What doth this article containe A. A confirmation of the former Article and a descripon of the last iudgement Q. Who is He that shall come to iudge the world Ioh. 5.22 A. Iesus Christ the Sonne of God our Lord who was once iudged by the world Q. What meane you by this He shall come A. I meane First that Christ shall truely and really appeare in his owne person Acts 1.11
A. It cannot be exprest described it may be darkly and afarre off Psal 36.9 to consist First in an immeditate fruition of God when the Saints shall see know loue and reioyce in him perpetually 1 Cor. 2.9 Secondly in a perfect Sabbath when the Saints shall serue him both for matter and manner according to his owne Will Iohn 17.21 Iere. 31.3 2 Pet. 1.11 without Popish trinkets wearinesse or distraction Thirdly in the continuance and duration of both immutably euerlasting without any possibility of loosing or lessening Q. What is it to beleeue life euerlasting A. First to haue the life of Grace begun here as the manifestation of election and the earnest of glory Iohn 4.14 for none can rightly beleeue it but hee that hath it Reu. 2.17 Secondly Phil. 1.6 to assent vnto the truth of God concerning the immortality of the Soule and the life to come Iohn 20.28 Thirdly to be assured Reu. 2.10 after the examination of my estate that I am one of those to whom this priuiledge belongs Fourthly to resolue vpon fidelity in Gods seruice till death that hee may glorfie his Name by bestowing vpon me this Crowne of life Q. What must a Christian doe to attaine it A. First he must endeauour to keepe the Commandements Eschew euill doe good Mat. 19.17 and liue for euermore Secondly he must sow to the Spirit Psal 34.12 13. and liue holyly He that soweth to the Spirit Gal. 6.8 shall of the Spirit reap Life euerlasting Thirdly he must be constant in both Rom. 6.22 in a right manner Reu. 2.10 to a right end till the Lord call him away Q. How may a man know whether this life bee begun in him A. First by the death of sinne Rom. 6.11.12 for the dominion thereof in his affection Secondly by an inward griefe for corrupt motions blasphemous thoughts and carnall inclinations Col. 3.5 with a daily fighting against them Rom. 7.24 1 Iohn 3.14 2 Tim. 4.8 Acts 9.6 Thirdly by a communicating loue to the Saints on earth Fourthly by an inward longing after Christs second comming Fifthly by a hearty submission of himselfe to the whole reuealed Will of God Q. When is this life wrought in the elect A. By degrees and at seuerall times partly in this life by the spirit Iohn 17.3 nourishing the incorruptible seed of the Word more fully immediately after death but most fully compleatly after the Resurrection of the flesh 10.10 Q. What doe you learne from this confession and description A. First that there is a reward for true beleeuers Secondly Rom. 6.23 Psal 19.11 1 Tim. 4.10 Heb. 11.35 that euerlasting life is the end of my faith and labours Thirdly to preferre that life aboue this moment any life I now enioy and the meanes to attaine that aboue the meanes to preserue this Fourthly to assure my heart aboue all things of the beginnings thereof 1 Tim. 6.19 Heb. 10.36 and to endeauour in the vse of meanes all my dayes Fifthly patiently to suffer the Lord to worke it in me how and when he pleaseth saying Amen to his prescriptions Quest Supposing a Christian thus farre right for his faith what is next to be done for saluation A. An endeauour to know and keepe the Commandements of Almighty God Q. How many are there A. Ten Exod. 20.1 2 3 4 c. Q. Which is the first Commandement A. Thou shalt haue no other Gods before me Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. 1. That there is but one true God to whose lawes I am absolutely bound Secondly that all spirituall seruice and diuine worship inward or outward 1 Iohn 5.7 is due and must be performed by me to that God Matth. 4.10 Thirdly that I may not make to my selfe Deut. 6.14 nor worship any other God Q. How can a man make to himselfe other Gods A. By robbing the true God of his honour and glory and giuing it to that which is not God as first by faigning gods which haue no being but in imagination onely Secondly Ios 24.25 2 Tim. 3 4. by admitting dangerously-false conceits of the true God Deut. 6.14 in priuate thoughts or prayer which haue no ground in Scripture Thirdly Ier. 3.11 by giuing diuine worship to any other beside the true God whether Angell Saint c. Fourthly by seeking and affecting any of the creatures before or more then the Creator as the couetous luxurious selfe-seeking vaine-glorious man doth c. Q. What is commanded here A. First that I should cleaue vnto Iehoua as the onely true God submitting to his lawes Mat. 22.37 seruing him and seeking his glory with all my heart Secondly that I doe this to him onely according to his will Q. What duties are you to performe by vertue of this command A. Many first to labour after a sufficient Ier. 9.24 Iohn 17.3 1 Ioh. 5.10 Psal 34.8 and sauing knowledge of the Lord as hee hath reuealed himselfe in his Word Secondly to beleeue the Word of God both for the precepts threatnings and promises therein contained Thirdly to place my whole affiance in him as reconciled through Christ which includes filial feare sound hope confidence and flexible humility considering his excellency and my vilenes Psal 31.23 1 Iohn 4.19 Reu 3.19 Phil. 4.4 Ephe. 5.20 Rom. 12.12 Heb. 10.36 Fourthly to loue him simply for himself friends we may loue in him enemies for him and creatures as sent vs from him Fifthly to be zealous for his glory sincerely moderately and seasonably Sixthly to reioyce in the Lord alwayes both in times of peace and persecution Seuenthly to be thankefull for euery thing health and sickenesse prosperity and aduersity Eighthly to be patient vnder the crosse ordered by his prouidence for the chastisment and tryall of his children 1 Cor. 6.20 Mâ—l 1.6 and must bee borne cheerefully meekely and constantly Lastly to honour God First priuately by my selfe or with others reading praying conferring singing of Psalmes Col. 3.16 1 Cor. 10.31 Psal 27.4 Prou. 3.9 Deut. 10.20 Mat. 10.32 eating drinking buying selling and all to the glory of God Secondly publikely by ioyning with the true Church which the Scriptures doe demonstrate by furthering the true Religion swearing by his name being lawfully called and by confessing the truth boldly in the face of the enemy Q. What is here forbidden A. To set vp any other God in my heart to giue diuine worship to any other thing not to conceiue aright of the true God Ios 24.23 Gen. 35.2 or not to performe this spirituall seruice to him onely Q. What sinnes are you especially to auoyde by vertue of this prohibition A. Diuers as first denying of God directly or by consequence Rom. 1.19 when men liue as if there were none or none such as the Scriptures declare Tit. 1. ult Secondly multiplying of Gods either with the idolatrous
abilitie and calling Q. What sinnes are here condemned in parents A. First want of naturall affection Secondly neglect of education Rom. 1.31 both in regard of their spirituall and temporall estate Thirdly indulgencie 1 Tim. 5.8 whereby fond parents nourish the seeds of pride and traine them vp in all idlenesse and vanitie to the dishonour of God and their owne griefe 1 Sam. 2.23 24. Fourthly to send them into places or countries dangerously infected or permit them to spend their time in wicked company Ephes 6.4 Fifthly to hinder and discourage them in any pious proceeding of profession or practice Q. What in Children A. First to hate their Parents curse or strike them Secondly to vncouer their nakednesse Prou. 20.20 and propose them to scorne and derision Thirdly to despise their persons because of their age or pouertie Gen. 9.22 Prou. 15.20 30.17.5.12 13.15.5 or disobey their commands Fourthly to refuse instruction or correction Fifthly to be vnthankefull not praying releeuing honouring them euery way Sixthly to marry without their knowledge or consent c. Q. What sinnes are here condemned in Masters of Families A. First to forget their Great Master in Heauen a maine occasion of all rebellion Psal 50.22 Secondly Psal 101.6 7. to bee carelesse in the choyce of their seruants retaining euery ragged Ruffian swearer drunkard lyer c. any that can doe their seruice well-a-fine Thirdly Deut. 24.14 15. to tyrannize ouer them and be too hard vnto them seene in commanding things vnlawfull or aboue their strength Ephes 5.9 requiring much worke affoording little and heartlesse meat grudging to pay wages at the last c. Fourthly to let loose the reines of authority Prou. 29.19 and permit them to doe what they list Fifthly to neglect their spirituall good while they be with them and not to further their temporall good when they goe from them Deut. 15.13 14. Q. What in seruants A. First a desperate boldnesse aduenturing to liue any where so they may haue meat and wages Secondly an inward loathing of them and a carelesnesse of their credit and welfare with whom they liue seene in slothfull idlenesse vnskilfulnesse and vnfaithfulnesse taking more vpon them then they can doe wasting their goods purloyning victuals or cloathes to please their idle and vnpleasant neighbours Ephes 6.5 who sinne in tempting poore seruants to such vngodlinesse 1 Tim. 6.2 Thirdly disobedience to them which appeares 1. in despising them not standing in awe of them and their words 1 Pet. 2.18 2. in answering againe repeating their words scornefully Tit. 2.9 pleading for some other thing to be done first more necessarie as they thinke 3. in eye-seruice only 4. in divulging secrets abroad to one another when they meete so mispending precious houres and sinning against God Fourthly neglect of prayer and Gods seruice he or shee can neuer be a faithfull seruant to man who is vnfaithfull to the Lord. Fifthly in pride stubbornenesse and a multitude of words c. Q. Why must we be so carefull to obserue all these A. First it is for the preseruation of ciuill societies in being and order Secondly Prou. 30.17 euery man desires to liue long these duties seasonably performed are the meanes vnder God Thirdly it is very pleasing vnto God Exod. 21.17 he hauing forbidden threatned and seuerely punisht the contrary as in Cham Korah 2 Kings 2.23 24. Numb 16.3 Dathan and Abiram Elies sonnes and those fortie two children which mockt the Prophet it doth appeare Fourthly it is a marke of sound Grace when any man knoweth to doe the duties of his place and calling in obedience to God commanding Q. What is required in you that you may endeauour to keepe this Law A. First a restoration of the Image of God defaced by sinne and Satan Gen. 1.26 Secondly vnderstanding to discerne the image of God in all superiours Matth. 7.12 Thirdly a serious consideration of the law of nature to doe as I would be done vnto if I were a superiour 1 Thess 5.6 Mat. 26.41 Fourthly Christian watchfulnesse ouer my selfe and mine in that place and calling wherein the Lord hath placed me Q. What doe you learn hence A. First as a superiour to walke worthy honour Secondly Mal. 1.6 as an inferiour to giue honour and respect vnto all my superiours Thirdly to bee alwayes more ready to giue then to take honour much lesse to striue for it Mat. 25.26 Luke 14.7.8.9 it being commendable in giuing honour to goe before another Fourthly that long life if good Rom. 12.10 is a blessing and obedience to our superiours a meanes to procure it Prou. 16.31 Fifthly that ignorance or negligence of mutuall duties Ios 23.16 in publike or priuate is sinne enough to bring the sword famine banishment and death to a nation many waies Q. Which is the sixt Commandement A. Thou shalt doe no murther Q. What is the meaning of this command A. First that the life of man ought to be precious in our eyes Secondly Gen. 9.4 5. that in humane societies there should be mutuall care one of another for the preseruation of the whole Thirdly that no man may desire seeke or procure the destruction of any himselfe or others inwardly 1 Cor. 12.25 or outwardly but must study to preserue both Q. What is murther A. A fellonious killing of another vpon malice pretended or a hurting of the life of any person by hindering the being or well-being of our selues or others Q. How many sorts of murther are there A. Two in generall First of our selues and so first by hurting or cutting off the life naturall 2 Sam. 17.23 Matth. 27.5 as when men refuse the meanes of preseruation wilfully cast themselues vpon danger committing some crime deseruing death though the Magistrate neuer know Prou. 6.32 nor the law take hold becomming their owne butchers laying violent hands on themselues as Achitophel and Iudas did Secondly hindering or destroying the life spirituall as when men neglect the meanes of saluation Prou. 19.16 seeking for life in death happinesse and content in the world continuing in any knowne sinne or which may be possibly known of opinion or practice without repentance Secondly of others and that first of the outward man Prou. 24.11 Tit. 3.2 by suffering any to perish whom we might and ought to preserue by fighting wounding in words or blowes Leuit. 24.19 Gen. 9.6.4.8 2 Sam. 11.15 killing by open violence as Abell was murthered pretended law as Naboth politike stratagems as Vriah or by secret potions of poysonfull receits as many others secondly 1 King 21.13 2 Pet. 2.8 of the inward man which may be done diuers waies first by wrongfull vexation of the soule of the righteous secondly by sowing the tares of heresie and false doctrine in the hearts of men Ezech. 33.6 thirdly by vnlawfull commands or a carelesse permission of some to
carefully auoided A. First because they are most displeasing vnto God willing vs to possesse our vessels in holinesse and honour 1 Thes 4.4 5 not in the lust of concupiscence as the Gentiles with all naturall men and women doe who know not God 1 Cor. 6.18 19. Secondly hereby men and women sinne against their own bodies deface the Image and defile the Temple of God Thirdly Prou. 5.11.6.26 Leu. 20.10 they disgrace their families consume their bodies goods and good name Fourthly the temporall punishment of this sinne was death by the law of God and so most odious vnto him Fifthly because of the spirituall danger following thereon Prou. 2.19.6.32 through the raritie and difficultie of repentance few hauing trod these pathes returne againe to take hold on the paths of life Eph. 5.5 Q. What must hee doe to bee saued that hath broken this law A. As Dauid did First 2 Sam. 12.13 confesse it to God and his people offended by it Secondly Psal 51.1 2. bewaile it with teares praying earnestly for pardon Thirdly Iohn 8.11 hee must doe so no more but shun it and all occasions thereof so endeauouring to keepe the law Q. By what meanes may a man keepe it A. One of these two waies Mat. 19.12 1 Cor. 7.9 either by the gift of continencie or by the helpe of Matrimonie with Gods blessing vpon his ordinance Q. What must a Christian doe to reape benefit by this remedie all doe not but are worse after than before A. First he must desire and seeke it as a remedie against not as a meanes to satisfie lust Prou. 31.30 Phil. 4.11 Secondly he must learne to be content with his owne lot Math. 15.19 Thirdly hee must suppresse by resistance corrupt motions and suggestions of Satan to the contrarie Iob 31.1 Fourthly he must make a couenant with his eies Fifthly Pro. 7.25 27 5.20 21. he must shun those houses that companie and all such occasions whereby he hath or maybe endangered to fall Sixtly let him seriously and often consider the fearefull issue of a relapse into the same disease after the Lords remedie applied what else can helpe him Q. What vertues are here commended and commanded A. First chastitie of minde and bodie in matters pertaining to generation with all the signes meanes duties and occasions Titus 2.5 procuring and maintaining it Prou. 23.33 Secondly sobrietie in the vse of meate drinke pleasure c. Thirdly immodestie in words haire countenance attire and behauiour as becomes men and women professing godlinesse 1 Tim. 2.9.3.2 Fourthly a laborious industry to preserue all these both in our selues and others Q. What must we doe to preserue them in our selues A. First we must neuer feed without feare especially where there is variety both of cates and companie Secondly Iude 12. 1 Cor. 9.27 wee must fast often as we see occasion offered the flesh rebelling against the spirit Thirdly Prou. 6.23 24. we must keepe good companie and be diligent in some lawfull calling Fourthly we must often meditate of the excellencie of chastitie virginall coniugall and viduall Prou. 13.20 Mat. 12.45 and that there can be no roome for the spirit of God and his graces where such vncleane spirits are not cast and kept out of the heart by constant endeauour Fifthly 1 Cor. 7.3 5 wee must seeke and take the benefit of marriage 2 Cor. 6.14 prouided there be equalitie for condition and religion Levit. 18.6 1 Cor. 7.38 no neerenesse of blood by consanguinity or offensiue affinitie and consent both of parties and parents Mat. 19.11 Sixtly we must pray heartily and priuately which is a meanes to obtaine any blessing from God Q. What must we doe to preserue them in others A. Generally it behoues all First Prou. 5.8 Ephes 4.29 to giue good example sauoring of humilitie modestie sobrietie chastitie with a detestation of euery thing contrary Secondly to betray none by temptation to dishonestie Thirdly Gen. 39.9 to preuent what euill we may in this kind as occasion serueth 2 Sam. 13.13 so Ioseph and poore Tamar did Specially it is required First of Ministers that they often reprooue Secondly of Magistrates that they often punish all dishonestie and vnseemely 2 Kin. 9.30 behauiour obserued or complained of Thirdly Pro. 7.10 11 of parents that they defend watchfully their childrens chastitie Deut. 22.19 not suffering them to goe garishly gad abroad loosely as Dinah did Gen. 24.4 Ruth 3.1 nor associate themselues with light companie and seasonably prouide the remedie Q. What may be learned from this law thus explained A. First Math. 19.8 that adulterie with all the parts degrees and branches thereof was neuer Pro. 5.19 20. Gen. 2.24 nor euer can be made lawfull by any distinction or dispensation Secondly to direct all such naturall motions seruing for the propagation of mankind vpon the lawfull vse of the marriage-bed Thirdly so to order our carriage in all things Iob 31.1 places and companies Math. 5.28 as may manifest to others such an inward disposition Fourthly to examine our liues most strictly grieuing for youthfull follies and all former offences in this kind Psal 25.7.51.10 Prou. 4.23 Fifthly to pray vnto the Lord for a pure heart and to keepe it with all diligence Sixtly to shunne all occasions of vncleannesse and to vse all good meanes for the preseruation of puritie and chastitie of bodie and minde in our selues and others knowing that no vncleane thing can enter the Kingdome of Heauen Reu. 21.27 Q. Which is the eighth Commandement A. Thou shalt not steale Q. What is the meaning of this law A. First that it is the Lords will 1 Kin. 21.3 there should be a proprietie of goods euery man should know and looke to his owne Acts 17.26 Secondly that there must be a place in our consideration 1 Tim. 5.8 Math. 6.25 a care for and about our outward estates but it must bee the last place the soule is better then the bodie and the bodie more worth then raiment Thirdly Leu. 19.36 that in mutuall dealings men ought to haue speciall respect vnto iustice Fourthly that no man may seeke to enrich himselfe any way with the hurt and damage of his Neighbour Psal 15.2 3. Q. What doth it containe A. Two things First a manifest prohibition of stealing Secondly an included direction how men should carry themselues in regard of their owne outward estates and the estates of other men Q. What is here forbidden A. All kinds of theft with all sorts of iniustice whether committed against our selues or others Quest Can a man rob himselfe Ans Yes by idlenesse luxurious liuing vaine expenses gaming bad bargaines Prou. 22.26 27.23.21 rash suretiship c. Quest When are men said to steale from others A. When they couet take and keepe what of right belongs to their Neighbour without his
and pray that yee enter not into temptation or if ye doe enter Matt 26.41 put on the whole armour of God that yee may stand it out and goe home with victorie Q. I am so tempted as neuer man was finde no rest day nor night what shall become of mee A. First that is not true 1 Cor. 10.13 there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man Iam. 1.2 12. Gods children haue felt the like Secondly endeauour to make a good vse of such temptations and be not discouraged Satans hatred may assure vs of Gods loue temptations make experientest Diuines and Christians Rom. 16.19 20. Thirdly bee patiently constant in the vse of ordinary meanes and expect victorie God will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that yee are able with the temptation will make a way to escape and treade downe Satan shortly Q What must I do in a temptation A. First consider the author and danger whether it be from God Eccl. 4.10 Satan men or your owne hearts preparing accordingly Secondly abide not long alone acquaint your fellow souldiers with your condition Thirdly looke vp vnto Christ your Captaine Heb. 2.18 and if you feare the losse of that iewell your heart giue it wholly vnto him who is able and willing to keepe it Q. But I haue beene ouercome and vanquisht in this and that temptation what shall I doe A. First Psal 137.1 weepe and mourne as the Hebrewes did in their Babilonish captiuitie remembring Zion Secondly desire freedome Iohn 8.11 in the vse of meanes Thirdly be wise and warie to shun the like Q. What may wee learne from this petition thus explained A. First that no man is compel'd but tempted onely to sinne Secondly Iames 1.14 1 Cor. 10.12 that men in the state of grace haue need still to looke vnto themselues let him that stands take heed lest he fall 1 Thes 3.5 temptation followes remission of sinne Thirdly Mat. 11.28 that Satan with his instruments are continuall temptors yet their malice and power is limited Fourthly Gal. 6.1 that there is no burden like vnto sinne nor griefe like a distressed conscience Fifthly that Gods children are daily subiect to be tempted and must pray daily against it Ier. 10.23 to haue their soules knit vnto God their hearts seasoned with grace and establisht by his free Spirit whose desire shall bee granted Q. Which is the seuenth and last petition A. But deliuer vs from euill Q. What is the meaning of this petition Acts 8.23 A. First that sinne is a bondage to the soule our Church teacheth vs to pray 2 Pet. 2.9 Though we be tied and bound with the chaine of our sinnes yet let the pittifulnesse of thy great mercy loose vs. Luke 22.32 Secondly that Gods children penitent and pardoned may be tempted and not ouercome Heb. 2.18 Thirdly if it fall out they be vanquisht Rom. 6.7 as it may be yet there remaines still hope of freedome there is a deliuerer Fourthly Phil. 4.13 that corruption remaining in the regenerate is the moouing cause to temptation 2.13 at one time shall we bee freed from sin and temptation Fifthly that we haue no power in or of our selues to free our selues from either Ier. 10.23 all our strength is in and from the Lord. Q. What are we to vnderstand by euill here A. First the euill of sinne in euery kind open secret Mat. 9.4 of omission and commission Secondly of punishment Amos 3.6 and that is threefold First present here onely with an euill heart and eye with euill men and women Mat. 6.23 and with the euill tongues of both 12.29 with the euill of deserued iudgements persecutions crosses visitations which separate and hinder vs in the seruice of God Zeph. 3.15 so making our life grievous and incomfortable vnto vs. Secondly future hereafter onely Iohn 7.7.17.15 with the euill of losse and of paine vnder eternall death with the torments following if we be not deliuered 1 Pet. 4 15. Thirdly both present and to come bringing vs into bondage here to vexe vs hereafter as all spirituall enemies to Christ mysticall Gal. 1.4 the euill world with the Arch-euill and enemy to all goodnesse Satan Math. 5.37 Some part of our English Liturgie yeelds an ample exposition vpon this petition Q. What is it to deliuer from euill A. First to enable vs against the power of all euill generally Eph. 6.12 1 Cor. 10.13 Secondly to eschew such as are fallen or in eminent danger of falling Esay 57.1 Thirdly either to take the euill from vs or vs from the euill 2 Sam. 24.25 Rom. 8.28 Fourthly by moderation so to alter the nature thereof that it prooue not euill to vs. Fifthly to hasten and perfect the worke of grace with glory putting an end to temptation Q. What doe you desire of God in this petition A. First that in all temptations wee may neither doe nor suffer euill Secondly 1 Pet. 4.15 1 Cor. 10.13 that hee would not leaue vs to lye ouer long vnder any temptation 2 Thes 3.2 Psal 25.22 Thirdly to succour vs against the world of euill men vnreasonably malicious and furiously tyrannous Fourthly so to mitigate all other troubles wee meet with heere 1 Chr. 4.10 that they neuer ouerwhelme vs. Fifthly to preuent vs with his restraining grace Zach. 3.2 when we are about to yeeld and to plucke vs as brands out of the fire Sixtly to remooue vs in his time from all euill simply both of sinne and punishment Q. Why are wee to pray for such a deliuerance A. First because wicked men onely lye contentedly vnder the power of euill 1 Ioh. 5.19 Secondly many and great are the euils we doe and may meet with betweene the wombe and the graue Psal 34.19 Rom. 7.19 Thirdly euill is more delightfull to our corrupt nature then good Ier. 6.15 and so the more dangerous Fourthly it is a thing most odious to be done and intolerable to be suffered 2 Chr. 20.12 Fifthly vnlesse we be deliuered we shall be ouerwhelmed with euils and perish eternally we haue need to cry and seeke who shall deliuer vs from this bodie of death Q. How doth God deliuer his children A. Diuers waies according to the quality of the euill vnder which they are Iohn 3.16 as First by the death of his Sonne paying a ransome for our great deliuerance Secondly Psal 34.7.5.10 by the ministerie of Angels and men Thirdly by a destruction of their enemies scattering their forces confounding their plots Dan. 3.27 Fourthly by restraining the naturall properties of his creatures Zeph. 2.3 fire and water c. Fifthly by prouiding a sanctuary Esay 57.1 whither his children may flie against a storme as he did for Noah and Lot Sixtly by death calling them from all cause and feare of euill
such petitioners Matth. 7.8.9 10 11. what man is there of you whom if his some aske bread will giue him a stone if he aske fish will giue him a Serpent if ye then being euill know how to giue good gifts vnto you children how much more shall your Father which is in Heauâ—n giue good things to them that aske him Q. What may bee obserued from all in generall A. First the priuiledges of a Child of God who hath libertie to speake vnto God directions how and assurance to be heard in euery petition 1 Iohn 5.14 Mat. 17.21.21.22 Secondly the excellencie of prayer and of this aboue all other yeelding vs an euident testimony of the diuinity of Scripture Iames 5.16 Thirdly the necessity of knowledge that we may beleeue and assent vnto the promises of God Masters and parents are bound to instruct their charge in all these particulars Fourthly Mat. 6.33 that order we are to obserue in prayer first for spirituall after for temporall blessings Q. Which is the last duty required in this Catechisme to be done for saluation after baptisme A. A prepared reuerent and often receit of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11.26 Q. What is a Sacrament A. An outward visible signe ordained by Christ consecrated by his Word for the conueyance of inward Rom. 4.11 inuisible grace to his adopted sonnes and daughters or thus Acts 2.38 39.22.16 A diuine seale of conditionall promises not signifying onely but truely exhibiting offering and sealing Christ with all his benefits to the worthy receiuer Quest How many things are required to make a Sacrament A. Foure First a command of Christ Matth. 26.26.28.19 that such ordinances shall bee vsed in the Church for such ends Secondly a promise annext to this command Thirdly signes signifying whether wee respect the sensible Elements or the actions necessary for the preparation thereof Fourthly grace signified by that created substance wee see or taste Q. Whether or no doth the efficacy of Sacraments depend vpon outward circumstances as vpon the holynesse of the place or worthinesse of the person administring A. No but vpon the truth and power of diuine institution 1 Cor. 3.7 presupposing that matter and forme be obserued according to the first ordination Q. Why did Christ leaue Sacraments in his Church 1 Cor. 11.25 A. First for pledges of his loue to mind vs of something promised 1 Pet. 3.21 to assure vs of performance and to bind vs ouer to some seruice Deut. 6.20 Secondly to be as conduits to conuey the Water of Life vnto thirstie soules Thirdly for the further propagation of the Gospell men seeing Sacraments will bee moued to aske what they meane and must bee answered out of the Word of God Ioh. 13 35. which is the deed containing the couenant Fourthly Exod 12.22 23. for the preseruation of Christian amitie and heartie loue amongst those which are entred into this association and Communion with Christ and Christians Fifthly for distinction of his company from all other societies vsing them not or not aright Q. When is a Sacrament rightly vsed A. First 1 Cor. 11.23.15.3 when the Authors form is obserued with all possible care and purity without mingling or mangling adding or taking away Secondly Mat. 22.12 when suâ—h persons onely are admitted to whom the Sacraments belong i. the houshold of faith Thirdly when the Church proposeth the same ends in administration which Christ did in his ordination Fourthly when receiuers vnderstanding are mindfull of the oath there taken and carefull to keepe it Q. What doe wicked impenitent sinners receiue in this Sacrament Mat. 22.12 1 Cor. 11.27.29 A. First such ought not to come thither they stand excommunicate by the word and should be kept backe by force of Ecclesiasticall discipline Acts 8.13 Secondly if they presume to come vnprepared at their perill be it they receiue nothing but the bare outward Elements to their further condemnation because they are not actually for any thing they know within the couenant no promise belongs vnto them Q. What is the Lords Supper A. It is the other Sacrament of the New Testament 1 Cor. 11.23 24. Mat. 26.26 ordained by Christ in memory of his death till his comming againe whereby his sanctified members are daily nourished in eternall life and haue their assurance sealed vnto all the benefits of his passion Q. Why is this Sacrament to bee administred and receiued often A. First because it is as food to nourish vs or a nourishing Sacrament Secondly that where there is a multitude which cannot all conueniently come at one time successiue opportunities might be offered for all to come at one time or other Thirdly Math. 6.11 our inward man lookes for it as the outward man doth for daily bread that those breaches made by spirituall combates may bee repaired and our couenant renewed Fourthly 1 Cor. 11.26 it is a meanes to helpe the weaknesse of our memory who are exceeding apt to forget what Christ hath done for vs to grow secure cold and carelesse Q. Doth the administration of this or the other Sacrament alwaies require preaching of the Word at the same time A. First an opening of the couenant a declaration of the substance of a Sacrament to the vnderstanding of such whom it concernes is required before the administration of either Sacrament in the plantation of a Church Mat. 28.19 Act. 2.40 41.8.38.16.15 33. least men receiue they know not what Secondly preaching by way of explication and application is most conuenient seasonable and profitable at the same time Thirdly but not absolutely necessary where the Gospell hath beene before and may be after preacht and prest as in settled Churches it is or ought to be Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ordained A. First for a continuall remembrance of that one sufficient sacrifice of the death of Christ 1 Cor. 11 25 once offered for the sins of all penitent beleeuers Iohn 20.27 Secondly for the confirmation of their faith vpon the promises Thirdly for the conueynig of benefits arising from both but no way to be a propitiatory sacrifice neither for the liuing nor for the dead as the Papists would haue it to be Q. How many parts are there in this Sacrament A. Two First visible signes signifying bread and wine Iohn 6.63 1 Cor. 10.16 conconsecrated by a lawfull Minister according to the forme prescribed in Scripture Secondly inuisible gâ—ace signified the body and blood of Christ offered to euery beleeuing guest at that Table Q. What is it that we do feed vpon there A. First All good and bad feed vpon bread and wine consecrated Mat. 26.26 or may and ought to receiue both if either be taken purposely from any the Sacrament is maimed Ioh. 6.50 51 Secondly only the beleeuing penitent sinners doe feed also vpon the body and blood of Christ really and truely Q.
Is there no change of the Elements in the Sacrament A. Yes by way of consecration of them to a new end and office Mat. 26.26 1 Cor. 10.16 not by way of change of the substance bread and wine they were before so they remaine after else there could be no Sacrament and therefore we must shun adoration of the creature lest we offend the Creator by Idolatry Q. What is it in vs that is fedde and nourisht by that food body soule or both A. First with the outward signes signifying Corpus vivens propriè obiectum nutritionis properly the body is nourished or if you will the whole outward man Secondly with the inward grace signified neither body nor soule properly but the inward man called the new man after God created in righteousnes and true holinesse it is a feast for regenerate men onely Ioh. 6.50.51 Eph. 4.24.2.8 to whom Christ First by a secret and sweet working of his spirit offers himselfe to bee that in them which he is for them Secondly in like manner gently but infallibly stirres vp their faith his owne gift to apprehend and apply him so being borne againe and nourisht by one and the same inexplicable meanes Q. Why ought men to come vnto this feast A. First in obedience vnto Christ calling lest they should giue offence vnto him and iustly incurre his displeasure who will admit of no excuses Secondly Math. 22.5.6 7. Heb. 12.23 for that good company they do or should meet there being an assembly of the new borne whose names are written in the booke of life Thirdly for the comforting and refreshing of the inner man Esa 55.1 2. longing after Christ as the hungry stomacke after meate or the parched earth after raine Q. Who are they that doe come and must be admitted to this table A. First none may come but men and women baptized 1 Cor. 11.28.29 endowed with the exercise of of reason and iudgement to discerne the Lords Body Holy from ordinary Bread and Wine Secondly none should come but such as haue sensibly past the pangâ— of the second birth Mat. 22.12 Iohn 13.26.27 conuerts sanctified and iustified Thirdly many doe come vncalled such as are openly prophane hauing neither inward nor outward call from the Church and may expect entertainment accordingly Fourthly more come vnprepared though outwardly called such as are accounted members of a visible Church for their ciuill behauiour going no further and both these last are vnworthy Communicants Q. Is it necessary that men come fasting to this feast A. First no it is not of absolute necessity Luk 22.20 Christ ordained it and the Apostles receiued it after Supper Secondly but as thingâ— now stand it is of commendable conueniency 1 Cor. 11.21.9 27. and vsefull for first fasting wee haue the most sensible freedome and spirituall abilitie to performe any diuine duties in a most cheerefull manner Mat. 6.33 Esay 58.6 Secondly it may be instructiue to vs First to mind vs of seeking and taking spirituall before corporall food daily Secondly that we must faâ—â— from sinne and carnall delights if we will receiue Christ yea to leaue our ordinary repast for him and his sake prouided first that sicke persons be not hindered nor weake censured who cannot hold out to fast so long secondly that superstitious conceits be avoyded which make fasting necessary yea meritorious and eating sinnefull doing it out of a pious deuotion to keepe the flesh in more subiection and such doe best who begin this fast not the morning onely but the day before Quest Doe all receiue benefit that come to this Sacrament A. No but such as come with appetite prepared to receiue and disgest the food there offered Iob 6.35 hauing the new man raised vp and enliued in them by the Spirit of Christ Q. How may a man know whether he hath any spirituall life in him or no Mat. 11.28 A. Fâ—rst by a sence and feeling of spirituall misery Secondly by a longing after and delight in spirituall food Thirdly by heate breath 1 Pet. 2.2 and motion in spirituall employments Rom. 8.5 Fourthly by an vniuersall hatred of sinne which is an enemy to the inner man as poyson is to the outward Q. What is required to be done by such a spirituall man before he come that he may be a worthy communicant A. First examination of himselfe Secondly confession of his sinnes and daily failings Thirdly Humiliation 1 Cor. 11.28 Luke 15.18 19. with contrition for sinne Fourthly application of the promises in speciall Fifthly resolution to continue this renewed reconciliation Quest What is examination Answ It is an impartiall search Psal 119.59 139 23. and an exact tryall of a mans selfe in and about all things necessary or any wayes conducing to Saluation Q. How must a Christian examine himselfe A. First let him retire into some priuate place for that end that he may set himselfe only in the presence of God Psal 4.4 Secondly lâ—â— him endeauour to remoue all impediments 77.6 the fig-leaues of excuses and extenuations that he may throughly see into euery corner of his heart and conscience 139.24 Thirdly let him set open before him the Law of God explained by some experienced diuine Fourthly let him then examine himselfe in foure things more especially Q. Which is the first A. Concerning knowledge which wee haue or ought to haue Iohn 17.3 and â—hat first of God that â—â— iâ— onâ— in essence 2 Cor. 13.5 three in person Father Sonne and Holy Ghost what he hath dâ—ne for vs 2 Iohn 8. and requires of vs. Secondly of our selues and that First in what estate we were created and that was holy and righteous Secondly Eccle. 7.29 Acts 4.12 whether wee did continue so and wofull experience will tell vs no. Iohn 3.16 Thirdly Gal. 4.4 5. how then we hope to escape eternall death which by sinne we haue deserued and that is only by faith in Christ who tooke our nature on him suffering what we deserued to renew his image in vs Heb. 6.1 2. and to redeeme vs captiues from the bondage of Satan Thirdly of the termes of our Art and profession 2 Tim. 1.13 whereof daily vse is made as in the practice of Diuinitie so of Christianitie such are Election Creation Redemption Vocation Conuersion Regeneration Iustification Sanctification Mortification Viuisication Q. What is Election A. It is an vnchanging purpose of God freely choosing from all eternitie out of mankinde dead in sinne some in Christ Iesus vnto saluation Ephe. 1.4 5 6. Ioh. 13.18 to the praise of his rich mercy Q. How may a Christian bee comfortably perswaded of his own election in particular A. First by that dominion and Soueraigntie Christ the head and foundation of election exerciseth in his heart 2 Cor. 13.5 Isa 66.2 working him desirous and wishing to yeeld cheerefull obedience to euery of his known commands Secondly
by that awefull reuerence and respect he giues to the word and ordinances of Christ 2 Tim. 2.19 Thirdly by the Spirit of prayer and power ouer formerly preuailing corruptions Luk. 21.13 Ioh. 15.19 Fourthly by that enmitie manifested by men of this world against him only for religion and vertues sake I haue chosen you out of the world saith our Sauiour therefore the world hates you Rom. 8.16 Fifthly by the inward testimony of the Spirit Gal. 15.19 perswading him vpon good grounds to cry Abba Father and by some appearing fruits of the Spirit Sixthly by a conscionable vse of the meanes 1 Thes 1.4 5. yeelding readily vnto it both for profession and practice Q. What is Creation A. It is a raising or framing vp of man by the finger and power of God Gen. 1.26 Reu. 14.11 out of the dust of the earth after the Image of God in righteousnesse and true holinesse hauing breathed into him the breath both of a naturall and spirituall life at once Q. To what end did God create man and especially after this fashion A. First Ephes 2.10 Gen. 18.27 to serue him and seek his glory Secondly that hee should not be proud of himselfe Thirdly that he might not forget his Maker bearing his Image about on his brest Fourthly that he should not abuse any of his fellow-creatures mispend his breath which is diuine nor liue one life withâ—ut the other Q. What doe you vnderstand by this terme Redemption Rom. 8.29 30. A. First that there was a meanes appointed to recouer mankinde out of the state of damnation 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Secondly that this meanes consisted in paying of a sufficient price for the ransome of all Thirdly that this price was in Gods eternall purpose fully paid for the satisfaction of diuine iustice before mercy tooke place in the deliuery of any from the bondage of corruption Q. Who paid this ransome and thus became our Redeemer A. Iesus Christ the eternall Sonne of God made man shedding his precious blood in that painfull and shamefull death of the Crosse 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Câ—l 1.14 Gal. 3.13 therein to wash their soules from the deepe staine of sinne and become a powerfull Mediatour in their behalfe Q. Were all redeemed by his death A. First a sufficient ransome was paid for all Secondly onely they enioy the benefit who either vsing the meanes are stirred vp and quickned by the Spirit to sue out their pardon Iohn 10.11.17.9 to lay hold on Châ—ist by thâ— hâ—nd of a liuely faith Ioel 2.32 applying his promises and merits to themselues or not able to vse the meanes Luke 1.68 haue Christs merits applied vnto them extraordinarily as infants idiots strangers c. may Q From what were the Elect redeemed A. First Gal. 3.13 Col. 1.13 from the curse of the law brought on them by their breaâ—h of the first couenant of workes Secondly from the power of sinne and Satan Heb. 2.15 Thirdly 1 Thes 1.10 from a slauish feare of death Fourthly from eternall torments deserued and reserued for vnbeleeuers and misbeeleuers in Hell-fire Q. To what end were they redeemed A. First to serue their Redeemer in holinesse Luke 1.74 Phil. 1.29 2 Tim. 2.12 and righteousnesse all their dayes hauing communion with him receiuing life and motion from him Secondly to suffer with him and for his sake persecutions reproaches disgrace and death Thirdly to raigne with him in glory hereafter for euermore Q. What is vocation A. First Generally it may be described to be a sufficient invitation Mat. 11.28 directed from the loue of God to men in miserie and pointing out for theÌ„ the way to mercy Luke 14.17 18. Acts 16.14 offering life in the means sufficient to make fire-brands of hell Rom. 8.28.9.24 heires of heauen Secondly more specially it is an effectuall perswasion calling in time and at seuerall times Gal. 1.15 of Gods Elect in Christ from sinne to grace from sicknesse to health from darkenesse to light Phil. 3.14 and from the state of death to life Q. How doth the Lord call men A. Two waies first outwardly and so diuers waies First by reports of mercy shewed or iudgements inflicted vpon others as Rahab was called Iosua 2.10 2 Cor. 33.12 Secondly by afflictions inward or outward reall or verball as Manasses with diuers other called or prepared thereby for an effectuall calling Thirdly most ordinarily and vsually by his Word in the ministery of men which being preacht and prest with wisedome zeale and power is Gods Ordinance to effect a three-fold worke First Acts 16.14 to open his heart that is to be called by the Law Zach. 13.1 Iohn 5.3 4. 1 Cor. 1.21 so as to let him see himselfe in his naturall estate Secondly to offer him balme from Gilead the merits and blood of Christ to cure and cleanse his blacke and wounded soule 2 Thes 2.14 1 Cor. 3.5 Iohn 3.8 by the promises in the Gospell Thirdly to stirre vp his affection trembling at the sight of himselfe in a longing desire to haue this remedie applied Secondly inwardly God speakes to the heart First by the reflecting voice of conscience telling him what is best to be done Secondly by the worke of his owne spirit gently bowing the will enlightning the vnderstanding ordering the affections c. and neuer leaues moulding till such be called and brought obediently subiect to the Gospell of his Sonne Q. Doth not Satan labour much to hinder this calling A. Yes much and many waies Gal. 3.1 Pro. 1 10 11 Mat. 13.19 20. as First by delusion ioyning with mans deceitfull heart to counterfeit graces and so to perswade men they are called when they are not Secondly by avocation busying men with contrary employments Thirdly Luk. 14.18 by temptation telling men they are not called when they are 2 Pet. 1.10 we should therefore giue the more diligence to make our calling and election sure Quest How may a Christian know when he is called or whether he be called or no Ans First euer when hee enioyes the meanes or feeles any inward motions to good 1 The. 5.19 then let him perswade himselfe he is called Secondly if he be heartily seperate in affection and conuersation from the wicked world Rom. 5.5 Iohn 8.32 and the corruptions therein purposely cleauing vnto the Lord in holinesse of life Thirdly if hee perceiue the loue of Christ issuing from that coniugall Vnion betweene him and his Church shed abroad in his heart by a longing desire it Fourthly if he bee sensible of any spirituall liberty Gal 4.15 inward peace Psa 119.11 Mat. 10.41 secret ioy grounded on the knowledge of diuine mysteries Acts 10.25.16.33 Fifthly if hee doe earnestly affect the meanes and messengers sent to call him he may be assured of an effectuall calling and consequently of his redemption and election Q. But suppose
by degrees of the body of sinne Ephes 4.22 an abolishing of the power of naturall corruption Col. 3.5 Rom. 6.12 13. the guilt whereof was taken away in Baptisme by the efficacy of Christs death if after wee set our selues against the corrupt motions of the flesh Secondly Ephes 4.23 24 25. Viuification which is a renouation of vs in the Spirit of our mindes when Christ by vertue of his Resurrection raises vs vp to be fit temples for him to dwell and rule in by his Spirit Question How may a Christian discerne this worke in himselfe that it is begunne in him A. First by a hearty dislike of himselfe for sinne griefe following euery knowne offence desiring as earnestly to haue power ouer sinne as pardon Secondly 2 Cor. 7.11 by a diligent studie to learne the grounds 2. Pet. 3.15 Col. 3.2 and readinesse of mind to giue an account of that hope which is in him with meekenesse and feare Thirdly Phil. 3.20 Rom. 7.18 Heb. 12.14 by his heauenly mindednesse being freed from the heauy drosse though not from the being of sinne Rom. 6.22 the soule mounts vpward with ease Tit. 2.3 2 Cor. 7.1 Fourthly by a sensible feeling of the want of holynesse grieuing and seeking to haue it encreasâ—d Fifthly by humilitie and frequency in holy duties with delight hauing his thoughts words and deeds answerably holy at least in desire Sixtly by a loue of holynesse in others Q What is conscience Iohn 8.9 Rom. 2.15 2 Cor. 1.12 Answ It is an vnseparable power of the soule continually obseruing and by reflection applying to iudge impartially of euery action past with the manner of doing according to the rules of right reason Q. How is conscience rectified and made good to vs A. First by an act on Gods part Heb. 10.12 9.14 which is a worke of the spirit sanctifying and so restoring the soule to her first regularitie nothing can worke well as God would haue it Acts 24.16 vnlesse it bee such as God made it Secondly by a duty on our part which is earnest prayer finding conscience irregular ignorant secure or seared that the Lord would renew rectifie and guide it to all wholesome motions and operations Q. How may such a rectified good conscience be knowne A. By a speaking power it hath to determine aright of good and euill Rom. 2.15 1. Tim. 4.2 Psal 141.5 Gen. 39.9 Rom. 13.5 stirring vp and restraining excusing and accusing accordingly Secondly by an inward delight in a piercing ministery that wakens and sets conscience a working Thirdly by tendernesse not daring to follow a common custome without warrant abstaining from gainefull corruptions and suffering for conscience sake Q. How may wee keepe it in this good order 2 Sam. 24.10 Psal 119.9 Gal. 6.16 1 Tim. 1.19 A First by hearkning to the voyce thereof acquainting our selues therewith by frequent conference and examination least we be strangers at home and know it not Secondly by referring the dictates of conscience to a superiour rule comparing her sentence with the Word of God lest we make an Idoll thereof Thirdly by esteeming the integrity and tranquillitie thereof in a peaceable purity aboue all riches and treasure in the world Fourthly by cleauing to the plainest and safest side in all doubtfull cases Q. What doe you vnderstand by the terme Church Mat. 7.47 Reu. 12.1 A. First a mixt multitude of men and women baptized professing Christ in the vse of his ordinances performing or faining to performe conformity in practice Luk. 12.32 called commonly the visible Church Secondly a dispersed and despised company of men and women Acts 14.22 rich in faith called by the Word to haue Vnion and Communion with Christ their head in the profession of his Gospell and vse of his Sacraments striuing through many afflictions to enter the Kingdome of Heauen called the inuisible Church Q. What is Christian Religion A. An holy meanes appointed by Christ in his Word for the knitting of his seruants vnto him in all religious duties Iames 1.27 Heb 9.1 the seruice consisting specially in workes of piety purity and charity ioyned with knowledge and loue of the true God Q. Who are true Christians and professors indeed of this Religion A. True Christians are First Rom. 8.29 Ier. 31.3 all such as are the obiects of Gods free loue and mercy in Christ though they neuer liued actually to know Christ or professe his truth Acts 10.35.17.17 Secondly all such as knowing Christ doe loue and beleeue in him although neuer baptized nor called into a visible Church Thirdly all such as knowing and beleeuing doe confesse Christ and professe his truth with zeale and knowledge yeelding due respect to all Christs Ordinances and growing by them Rom. 10.10 Luke 1.6 Psa 119.5 6 allowing themselues in no knowne sinne conscionable in priuate as in publike duties louing helping and encouraging one another Q Is there no Atheisme and irreligiousnesse among Christians in the profession of their Religion A. Yes much in many hauing a name an outward forme and nothing else Acts 5.1 2.3 4 5. which comes to passe by reason First of that deceitfull sinne of hypocrisie whereby men dissemble with God and the world Math. 13.5 deceiuing sometimes their owne hearts Secondly of neutralitie lukewarmnesse and indifferencie Reu. 3.15 16. when men relye vpon their ciuill honestie morall iustice and will goe no further comming short of Heauen Thirdly Iohn 6.64 Rom. 2.24 of infidelitie concerning Gods omnipresency omnipotencie and veritie of his Word in promises and threatnings many want faith that make a faire show in all things else Fourthly of open prophanenesse liuing worse then the worst Heathens so drawing the blacke cloud of scandall ouer the brightnesse of our Christian faith such after admonition should be remooued Q. What is hypocrisie A. It is a glorious pietie without gracious sinceritie and is twofold First grosse Mat. 23.27.19.21 22. whereby a man deceiues other men not himselfe knowing he is not what he appeares to be nor indeed heartily desires it Secondly refined and formall whereby a man deceiues others and himselfe also Q. How may an hypocrite be knowne A. It is verie difficult for in all outward duties he may Mat. 6.20 and doth goe as farre for a time as the soundest Christian professing hearing Mat. 23.23 praying and yeelding some spirituall fruits so passing the ciuill honest man many degrees but may be thus discerned First hee is verie strict in small matters in weightier taking any libertie 2 Sam. 15.30 which may stand with his reputation Secondly he is heartily greedie after preheminencie worldly pompe and glorie 3 Iohn 9. a blocke which a formall hypocrite can neuer leape ouer if religion be so strict as to crosse his preferment he is so bold as to crosse out that part of religion Mat. 7.3 4. Thirdly hee is much employed in searching
without any ground trouble or doubting it makes men confident and impudent Fifthly by barrennesse Iames 2.26 it is a solitarie faith fruitlesse in euery regard and as the bodie without the spirit is dead so faith without workes is dead also Q. What is Repentance A. It is a supernaturall grace Math. 9.13 Acts 26.10 2 Cor. 7.9 10. whereby a sorrowfull beleeuing sinner is brought backe from the loue and practice of sinne vnto the loue and seruice of God with a stedfast purpose neuer to returne againe Q. How may a Christian know he hath truely repented A. First by those formerly mentioned fruits of faith from which repentance is vnseparable being one of them Esay 30.21 Psa 51.3 14. Secondly by a voice inward outward or both he may remember hee hath sometime heard 1 Tim. 1.3 Iob 34.32 minding him to know and acknowledge how farre and how long hee hath gone astray Thirdly by inward griefe for sinne seducing him 2 Cor. 7.11 testified by some outward acts distinguishing and grieuing most for his greatest sins yet forsaking all Fourthly by a speedie full and orderly though imâ—erfect breaking off all wicked courses with holy anger and detestation Fifthly by a constant feare and care to goe the right way for the time to come Reu. 2.5 Luke 13.3 Reu. 2.21 enquiring often Sixtly by renewed affections and reformed aâ—tions Seuenthly by continuing and renewing this grace euerie day after the first act thereof he neuer repented any day that doth not repent euery day sinne is not outed wholly but weakned only by repentance Q. Can a man repent of a sin and yet continue in it or any other knowne A. No it is not possible the verie nature of repentance consisting in humiliation and reformation of all wholly or of none truely Q. But may not a Christian repent of a sinne fall into the same againe yet repent after A. It is a dangerous thing to relapse into sinnes once repented of Mat 18.22 yet vpon true and serious repentance againe we doe beleeue there is pardon to bee obtained First because the Lord commands man to forgiue his brother one sinne often which implies a possibilitie in man to repent and a readinesse in God to forgiue Luke 17.4 Mat. 11.28 Ezek. 18.21.22 Secondly Gods promises are indefinite to all and as often as they turne in season Thirdly but it will be heauie and bitter all former labour in searching weeping and praying must bee doubled what wise man will buy toies at so deare a rate Q. What are most contrary to faith and repentance A. First affected ignorance with infidelitie Rom. 2.5 1 Kin. 21.27 Math. 27.3 Secondly hard-heartednesse impuritie with crueltie Thirdly impenitencie when men cannot doe not repent Fourthly faigned repentance in the ceremonie not in the substance being outward onely in part when men change with age one for another sinne Fifthly despaire of mercie which comes vnlookt for in the last place Q. How are these graces wrought in Christians A. Ordinarily by the preaching of the Gospell Rom. 10.17 1 Cor. 1.21 which being accompanied with Gods Spirit is a blessed meanes powerfull to saluation men that despise sight or liue vnprofitably vnder it haue yet no part nor portion in this businesse it hath pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaâ—hing to saue those that beleeue and faith comes by hearing Q. Supposing this search if a Christian finde none of these graces in him what must he then doe A. First 1 Cor. 11.29 Mat. 22.11 if hee finde them not neither in exercise nor heartie desire let him abstaine from comming to the Communion why should he draw vpon him a further guilt of Christs blood and drinke downe iudgement Secondly let him speedily endeauour to procure them that he may be fit to come finding himselfe vnworthy he must not continue so Q. Which is the second duty necessary for our preparation before we come to the Communion A. Confession of those sins which by examination are found to be in vs Psal 32.5 Iames 5.16 which commonly euer goes before remission and reconciliation Q. What is confession A. It is a voluntary verball expression of all our rebellious courses Psal 51.3 4. Ios 7.21 22. and knowne transgressions before the Iudgement Seat of God Q. What must we confesse Dan. 9.8 A. Two things First our guilt drawne vpon vs by the breach of Gods Law Rom. 6.23 Secondly our desert which is eternall death and damnation in hell if we accuse our selues Satan cannot if we iudge our selues God will not Q. How may confession bee made A. In order As first of originall sinne Psal 51.5 Ephes 2.3 committed by our first Parents and secretly propagated to all their posterity Psal 51.14 1 Tim. 1.13 Secondly of actuall sinnes from our first beginning till the present houre Thirdly especially of those sinnes whereby God hath beene most dishonoured our consciences wounded and our soules most defiled 1 Cor. 15.9 with an aggrauation of them by the circumstances of time place persons liuing vnder the meanes and against knowledge Fourthly of all knownâ— grâ—sse sinnes particularly by name and of sinnes vnknowne generally yet not carelesly and at randome but intentiuely as though afâ—â—r long search we saw a farre 〈◊〉 â—any more innumerable Q. To whom must wee make our confession A. First Ios 7.19 Psal 51.4 to God our Father in Christ with hope and desire of pardon both in our publike and priuate prayers Secondly to men and so first to the whole Church if at any time a sentence bee past against vs by them for some notorious scandall Secondly to any of the Church priuately offended by vs. Thirdly Acts 19.18 Iames 5 16. to the Pastor and Teacher of the Church liceÌ„st of God to be the soules Physician Q. Is auricular confession to men necessary A. First absolutely considered it is not some could not or had no need to make it Mat. 26.75 others haue beene and may be saued without it Secondly respectiuely and vpon some conditions it may be Ios 7.19 Matth. 5.23 24. as first if we see plainely how God may bee glorified by it any way Secondly if we know we haue iniured our Brother and done him wrong in goods or good name Iam. 5.6 Thirdly if our consciences be so troubled that wee cannot answer nor pacifie them we are bound to craue helpe by confession either to any experienst Christian or to a faithfull practiced Minister in both whom are required compassion fidelitie and secrecie Q. What benefit comes by confession A. Much euery way First God is thereby glorified Ios 7.19 if it be heartie and well ordered Secondly 2 Sam. 12.13 Psal 30.11 the sinner confessing is more humbled Thirdly the mind is greatly eased Fourthly pardon is attained if we confesse our sins God is faithfull and iust to forgiue them Pro. 28.13 vncouer your sinnes by confession 1 Iohn 1.9
Q. What doth this petition presuppose A. First that Gods children during their militancy are subiect to euils Rom. 7.9 Psal 34.19 Eph. 6.12 both of sinne and punishment Secondly they haue many combates with all sorts of euill 2 Tim. 2.24 especially with sinne Satan and wicked men Thirdly that they haue no power ouer nor vnder these euils Psa 103.14 to helpe themselues Fourthly that God their Father the chiefest good is of more power then the greatest euill Fifthly 2 Pet. 2.9 although the Lord doe not suddenly Prou. 18.10 yet he will seasonably deliver his children that call vpon him Sixtly that euill in the euill should bee more earnestly opposed and praied against then euill in the good Q. What must wee doe that this petition may be granted A. First we must beware of men Mat. 10.17 2 Thes 3.2 euill tyrannous and bloody as of the diuell Secondly wee must not cast our selues into any euill 1 Thes 5.22 nor affect it if we be ouertaken with any Thirdly wee must make vse of that strength and skill God hath bestowed vpon vs for such ends 1 Sam. 17.37 Fourthly 2 Cor. 1.10 we must ground our selues vpon some former experience of Gods power and mercy that he hath doth and will deliuer Psal 50.15 Fifthly wee must be thankefull for deliuerances receiued Sixtly we must not reward euill for good Prou 17.13 unto any whosoeuer doth so euill shall not depart from his house Q. But I haue prayed long obserued the former conditions and yet finde no deliuerance A. First to call and cry heartily for helpe vnder the burden of miserie is some part of freedome Secondly Rom. 8.26 know the ransome is paide oftentimes long before the prisoners bee freed Thirdly Iob 33.24 Psal 42.2 it may seeme long vnto thee through thine owne weaknesse the multitude of enemies and griefe conceiued by absence from thy Fathers house yet deliuerance will come and is comming daily 1 Cor. 15.23 Iames 4.3 some are deliuered euerie moment but euerie man in his owne order Fourthly suppose thy selfe delighted with some secret euill Acts 27.20 2 Cor. 1.9 if after a long vse of the meanes thou findest no strength against it Fifthly mans greatest necessitie is Gods opportunitie Q. What doe you learne hence A. First that any euill and euill onely is opposite to the libertie of Gods children Iohn 17.15 Secondly that God our Father is the author of deliuerance Psal 34.19 hee onely knowes how to deliuer the godly out of temptations Thirdly 2 Pet. 2.9 that this is the last petition wee are to make vnto God the hardest thing to get and longest in getting Fourthly vpon the apprehension or sound hope of deliuerance we must remember our dutie Luke 1.74 being deliuered out of the hands of enemies to serue him in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of our life Q. Which is the third part of the prayer called the close or conclusion of all A. For thine is the kingdome power and glorie for euer and euer Amen Q. What is the meaning of this conclusion A. First that God doth deliuer his children for manifestation of his power and Maiestie and that the glory of praise must bee returned vnto Esay 44.23 him after euery deliuerance for the praise of his glory Secōdly Psa 50.15 23 that a praier rightly framed doth rauish the heart and mooue it with admiration to breake forth into the praises of God Thirdly Psa 57.7 8. that petitioners may and ought with modestie and humilitie alleadge reasons out of Gods Word why their petitions should be granted Exod. 32.11 12. as Moses and Iosua did our Sauiour confirming their practice by his doctrine here Fourthly Ios 7.9 that men before they cease praying should manifest some confidence by words gesture or both of acceptation with God and a gracious answer in season Q. What are we to vnderstand by these words Thine is the kingdome A. First Psal 50.12.103.19 a speciall proprietie God hath in all kingdomes of Heauen Earth and Hel◠both for ordination and disposition Secondly an absolute independencie of God in regard of his soueraigntie 1 Chr. 29.11 all vpon him he depends vpon none teaching all superiours three things Rom. 13.1 First that they are Gods deputies Secondly they must command for him and the benefit of his Kingdome Luke 16.2 requiring obedience to his lawes Thirdly to him must they yeeld account of their places Q. What conceiue you is meant by these words thine is the power A. First that God is able to doe whatsoeuer he will Psal 62.11.115.3 power belongs vnto God Secondly that all created power is borrowed and communicated from that fountaine of power and being 1 Chron. 20.12 teaching Gods Children three things First there is no power to hurt them without his permission Secondly no power can helpe them but by his free donation Ier. 32.27 Thirdly to seeke vnto him and depend vpon him Q. What is the meaning of these words Thine is the Glory A. First that all true honour and glory is in and from God Secondly Reu. 5.13 Luke 2.14 that glory must be ascribed vnto him by men all their prayers directed to his glory teaching Christians three things First Psal 115.1 if men offer vs glory by a good report deseruedly in praise and commendation wee must offer it to God againe if not we must be contentedly patient knowing all honour and glory both diuine and humane are his to dispose fret not because you haue no more enuie not others enioying more liue well seeke it not and you cannot want it Ioh. 5.44.12.43 Secondly that no glory is worth any thing except it be diuine in and from God Thirdly Acts 24.16 that they neither esteeme nor affect any other which cannot be got nor kept with a good conscience Q What intends our Sauiour by the addition of these words for euer and euer A. First that Gods soueraigntie is made incomparable by eternitie Psal 90.2.145.13 Secondly that glory and power to heare prayers and grant requests alwayes were and alwayes shall be his Thirdly 99.1 that the grants of God to his humble petitioners are constantly immutable and eternally durable teaching vs two things First by constancie in good men come nearest to the nature of God Rom. 11.29 Heb. 13.8 Secondly no place can hinder nor time depriue vs of Gods blessings yesterday and to day he is the same for euer Q. What doe they all containe together A. Three things First reasons why the Lord may and should grant the former petitions drawen from diuers considerations First Luke 18.7 8. of his regall authoritie it is the part of a King to receiue and answer the complaints and petitions of his Subiects Secondly 1 Iohn 5.14 15. of his absolute abilitie to giue more then wee deserue or can desire