perfection of the Scriptures that though Nature may informe against evill yet for perfection in goodnesse the knowledge of the Scriptures is necessary Nature being the more imperfect Rule this of the Scriptures that infallible 22. T. You said in your answer to our fourteenth question that God is a Spirit What proofe have you for that L. That of Christ himselfe n Jo. 4. 24. Explic. There are other Spirits as the Angels they are said to be spirits o Ps 104. 4 Heb. 1. 7. and there are spirits of Devils p Eph. 2. 2. Re. 16. 14. and the like but they all with all things else but God are Creatures that of some other have their being q Pro. 16. 4. God is the Creator that hath his being of himselfe r Ex. 3. 14. They all were made in time and finite substances God is infinite s Job 11. 7 8 9. and Eternalâ— t Deu. 33. 27. Psal 90 2. They are changeable as the Angels at first u Jude 6. the Devil ever since w 2 Cor. 11. 14. But God is unchangeable x Mal. 3. 6 Jam. 1. 17 They are some good y Heb. 12. 23. some evill z Lu 7. 21 some lying a 2 Chro. 18. 20 21. seducing b 1 Tim. 4. 1. spirits God is alwayes and altogether good c Ps 52. 1. true righteous d Ps 19. 9. And the like other Attributes hath God as properly essentiall to him as that he is holy e Ex. 15. 11. just f 2 Chro. 11. 6. mercifull g Ex. 34. 6 and the like other excellencies of good that no other hath but by donation from him h Ja. 1. 17. 23. T. You find in your answer to our fifteenth question that God made all things How prove you that L. Proofes there are sufficient for that in the whole i Gen 1 first Chapter of Genesis 24. T. How prove you that he made all good L. Why the same proofe may serve for that took. Gen. 1. 31 25. T. Can you thence as you answer to our eighteenth question prove that he made us all at first good when as the Prophet David saith we are all evill l Psal 14. 1. 3. L. Yes that I can 26. T. Tell me how L. Why that last cited place m Ge. 1. 31 saith God saw all that he had made and that all was good 27. T. But what is that all to us now L. We were then good in Adam that was then made as afterwards I answered to your one and twentieth question in him we became evill n Rom. 5 18. 28. T. But is there no evill in us but that L. Yes that is as the fountain-head of evill called by some Originall sin and as still whatever ill thoughts ill words and ill actions are as the streames that flow from that fountaine and called actuall sins And thence is it as we answered to your nineteenth question that I said that in â—hat our first Parent Adams fall we are all evill and for that subject to death o Rom. 6. 23. 29. T. How prove you that we are so evill L. God that tels nothing but truth tels us so p Ge. 6. 5. 30. T. How prove you that for that evill we are subject to death L. So saith St Paul r Ro. 6. 23. Explic. Where by Death is meant not onely as the consequent of sinne the dissolution of soul and body here but as also the consummation of it the damnation of both hereafter Which however some in mercy by grace and Repentance may avoid that fatall destruction yet might be the just stipend of all the wicked off-spring of Adam though living thousands of yeares after him God no otherwise dealing with them then as we use to doe with Vipers kill them not only for the breed sake coming of a pestiferous generation though otherwise having as yet done no evill yet for the ill they when occasion serves will surely doe That issuing from that unsavory fountaine cannot but be insipid waters so as though damned we have no just cause to complaine of God receiving thereby but the stipend of our sin 31. T. You said in your answer to our twentieth question that the last day the generall Resurection of all mankind they by grace renewed shall be blessed in heaven they that continue in sin shall be accursed in hell What proofes have you for that L. First that they by grace renewed shal be blessed that of Christ s Mat. 25. 34. and that they that continue in sin shall be accursed that also of him t Mat. 25. 41. Explic. Where by Heaven is meant the joyfull vision and enjoyment of God and the company of the blessed Saints Angels professors of the Gospell of Christ And by Fire is meant not only Hell torments and the unwelcome company of the Devill and his brood Infidels and ill Livers that regarded not the Gospell of Christ but as it were trod underfoot the son of God but also as torments yet more fatall and insufferable the for ever losse of Heaven and the blessed vision of God and his chosen No hell to an ingenuous minde being more horrid then the losse of Heaven 32. T. Well then you say there shall be a Resurrection what meane you by the Resurrection L. After our departure hence and a dissolution of both soule and body the soule to the place appointed of God for it and the body to the dust that the body shall againe rise at the last day and be united every body to his owne soule to enjoy the good or the evill appointed for them 33. T. How then say some as the Saduces that u Luk. 20. 27. 1 Cor. 15. 12. there shall be no Resurrection L. They are much mistaken it is an Article in my Creed to beleeve the Resurrection of the dead St Paul in that place w 1 Cor. 15. 13. c. presently hath infallible Arguments for it Explic. Resurrection is from a Latin word that signifies to stand up or arise again used diversly in the Scriptures as sometimes for the immortall life x Ph. 3. 11 deliverance from danger y 2 Cor. 1. 10. A new birth in Christ z Col. 3. 1. which is a resurrection from sin to holinesse and called a Rev. 20. 6. the first Resurrection on which the second death that is damnation hath no power and the like Bâ—t hereby is meant that deliverance up of the dead b Rev. 20. 13 which is a Resurrection 〈◊〉 the dead bodies of all that dyed to be judged every man according to his works at that great and generall day the day of judgement a Resurrection of the flesh according to that faithfull knowledge of Job c Job 19. 26. 27. that though dying or by death made Wormes meat yet againe in his Flesh with the very same eyes he then had he should againe meaning
a Act 10 47 67. T. And whence as you next answer to the next Remission of sinne to be the inward grace L. Oâ—t of that in the Gospell b Mar. 1. 4. Explic. The Sacrament of Baptisme hath its denomination from washing or sprinkling as with water which is the outward signe and signifies that as the body is outwardly cleansed with Water or washing so is the soul inwardly and spiritually clensed by grace in Christs blood And it is called the Sacrament of initiation or entrance or admission into Christs Church and therefore but once to be received 68. T. You said in your answer to our sixty sixt qâ—estion that beleevers are to be baptized How prove you that L. Out of that in the Acts c Act. 8. 37 38. Explicat Infidels till converted are not to be baptized d Act 8 12 And the Children of a Christian Parent is to be baptized e Act. 2 39 for they because within the Covenant are also accounted Beleevers 69. T. Whence as you answer to our sixty seventh question prove you bread and wine to be the outward signe in the Lords Supper L. Out of that of St Paul f 1 Cor. 11. 24. c. Explic. This Sacrament hath its Name of the Lords Supper from the circumstance of time when instituted which was at supper-time when Christ with his Disciples or Apostles having eaten the Passover ate his last supper and signifies that as the body is really refreshed and nourished with bread and wine so is the soule spiritually by Christs flesh and blood And it is called the Sacrament of Nutrition and therefore oft to be received Moreover Christ is therein pleased to use a two-fold signe as some thinke the better by this Sacrament to imprint in our mindes the horrid usage in his death as not only thereby signifying the breaking of his body but also the shedding of his blood for us most certaine signes of his death At the administration of this which Sacrament is to be seriously noted the Action of the Minister about both to be sure to put us in mind of that his death by breaking the bread and pouring out of the wine how much he was molested for us how severely used which might hint unto us the more hatred against sin the maine cause of that ill usage And also both he uses to signifie the sufficiently satisfactory offerture of himselfe that as bread and drinke is a sufficient and due nourishment to the body so his body and blood spiritually is a sufficient refection for the soul That his blessing the bread and wine as thereby shewing the blessing of God by the oblation of his Son for us by Christ his son in this Sacrament and the offering of both to the Communicants the holy offerture of that blessing Both which they are to take and to eate the one and drinke the other as assured of the energie of that blessing and oblation to Beleevers 70. T. Why say you in answer to our sixty ninth question that Beleevers baptized are they to receive this Sacrament L. Beleevers they ought to be that are admitted to either Sacrament and order requires they be first baptized Explic. If Infidels converted they may presently after Baptisme on the first opportunity offered receive also this Sacrament Though Children of Christian Parents though when infants baptized are not presently so to receive this Sacrament til come to years of discretion to know that they are beleevers Where under the Notion of beleevers we comprehend and understand the penitent them that know their misery by sin and that but in Christ there is no remedy for it and by forsaking sins past and resolving of amendment of life for time to come and understanding the doctrine of the Sacraments and the like testifie their desire of like Salvation by Christ by their receiving this Sacrament 71. T. You said in answer to our seventieth question that Christ himselfe instituted and ordained these Sacraments How prove you it L. For the Sacrament of Baptisme that of Christ g Mat. 28. 19. and for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper that of Christ before cited h Luke 22. 19 20. 72. T. Then next in answer to our seventieth and first question you said that they to administer these Sacraments ought to be Ministers lawfully called thereunto How prove you that L. Oâ—t of that testimony of Paul i Heb. 5. 4. Explic. Aaron and the Priests were onely ordained to offer sacrifices for sins those Sacrifices that were Types of these Sacraments which none may administer but them called as was Aaron and the Priests of God which must intimate the Ministers of Christ Besides that as if giving forth the the Rule for it Christ bid them that preach the Gospell goe also and baptize k Mat. 28. 19. and where St Paul saith l Ep. 5. 26. that Christ sanctifies the Church with the washing of Water by the word as if also intimating this order that only the Ministers of his word should administer his Sacraments 73. T. You said in answer to our seventy second question that we ought to have faith and shew forth that faith workes of faith to pray to receive the Sacraments c. that we may obtaine salvation How prove you that L. Out of that m Act. 16. 30. where the Jaylors chiefest care is for that Salvation when n vers 31. Paul and Silas that he might have it bid him beleeve 74. T. How prove you salvation to be next to Gods glory the chiefe end of mans endeavours as you answer to our seventy third question L. Out of the Psalme o Psa 73. 24 25. where Davids hope was to be received to glory which was to be saved which we must conceive next to Gods glory his chiefest indeavour as that of the Fathers in the place before cited p Act 16. and by that comparison of Christ q Mat. 16. 30. 75. T. Then as you answer to our there next question how prove you that end to be Eternall life L. Out of that place r Jo. 5. 39. where the Jews search for Eternall life was their search for this salvation They might be assured here that they might live with God hereafter which living with God is that eternall life as we answered to that your last question and prove it by that of David in the Psalme before cited s Psal 73. 24. By Glory there meaning Salvation as we have said and by that Salvation the happy end of the godly that they shall see God and Christ t 1 Jo. 3. 2. enjoy them u Ps 73. 24 have fellowship and communion with them w Jo. 17. 24. have in soule and body endlesse and everlasting yea unspeakable incomprehensible peace and glory x Mat. 25. 34. 1 Cor. 2. 9. Further Instructions for the Teacher NOw betweene whiles sometimes while thus expounding this Catechisme instead of those idle tales
wrath appeased g Mat 12 40 Jonas cast into the Sea to appease its raging so Christ into the grave to appease Gods fury And then 5. He descended into Hell that is being dead and buried when as to our redemption he had sealed its consummation as if to shew his lowest estate and that come he was to the bottome of these steps or degrees he was in the Grave under the power of death and darknesse untill the third day although in the garden h Mat. 26 38 39 and on the Crosse i Mat 27 46 having suffered the most hellish paines he yet by this thus continuance in the grave would consummate all his sufferings and for a time be Captive that after he might appeare the more glorious Conqueror over Death and Hell for ever Applic. That first he suffered Christ the Son of God that he should be driven to such an exigency for mans sin may not onely shew the certainty of his salvation but also the hainousnesse of mans sinne And therefore never thinke it much what we suffer for sin or thinke God austeâ—e that he will not spare us that would not spare his owne Sonne for us No but that he thus suffered for us the just for the uâ—just as saith the Apostle k 1 Pet 3 18. le ts accuse our selves as the cause of our sufferings and beware of sinne that may yet cause us to suffer Then that under Pontius Pilate he suffered may shew us the certainty of our Messias the Shiloh Jacob speakes of l Gen. 49. 10. meaning Christ which was not to come untill the Scepter was departed from Judah which was now in Pilates time Jury being become tributary to Rome and he a President under Caesar Then secondly that he suffers thus crucified the most dreadfull dolorous and dismall sort of sufferings may teach us how hard a matter it was to reconcile us to God and what an hatefull and horrid thing sin is Then thirdly that he dyes the Sonne of God for the sins of man may teach us to leave our man sin and seeke unto that our Saviour God to be as those two Disciples were m Jo. 1. 37 never satisfied till we had found Christ be as the woman of Samaria was having found him never at rest till we have proclaimed him to others n Jo. 4. 28. 29. till we have made him ours and crucified our old man of sin in these sufferings of this new Man of God o Rom. 6. 6. Gal. 2. 20. Then fourthly that he was buried may teach us having crucified our sinnes with his sufferings where to bury them in his death p Rom. 6. 4. And to that end by faith and repentance to beate downe to kill in us whatever reigning contagion of sin q vers 12. Christ dying to that end that we should not live to our selves in our sin r 2 Cor. 5. 15. but unto him in holinesse of life in upright and honest conversation s Luk. 1. 75. And then fifthly that he descended into Hell may teach us that he hath left unassayed no mean of our salvation but having lost heaven by our sinne and merited hell he by his merits will bring us even from hell to heaven And therefore should we leave unassayed no means may make us forsake sin but by holinesse and righteousnesse in him make us still fit for heaven Disciples t is true there are many about this part of this Article many wil not have Christ descend to this lower step of hell the place of the damned but that he went only to the grave the place of the dead But knowing Christ to become the Conqueror of hell wherever it is and to have got the mastery over death and Devils we may rather modestly beleeve the truth of this part of the Article then curiously enquire into the manner of it beleeve Christs descent though not knowing how he went thither and that whether or no while his body was in the grave his soul went into the place of the damned as some thinke or however otherwise whither in soule or body or both or neither went thither makes no matter as to our knowledg of the manner it being a matter plain enough that he became victorious over hell that both death Devils were made subject to him t 1 Cor. 15. 55. and not onely so but by that his Conquest over both made us all Conquerors u veâ—s 57. Witnesse his most glorious Exaltation and steps by which he ascendâ—d in the next three Articles in which are four degrees of it first in the next which is the fifth Article secondly in the sixt and first more in the seventh Of which exaltation now next and thereof first the first step thereof which is in the V. Fift Article The third day he rose againe from the dead Where is to be noted what now next he did 1. rise again 2. whâ—n the third day and 3. whence from the dead That first he rose again the Scriptures teach and that too according to the Scriptures When the third day w 1 Cor. 15 4. And thirdly also whence from the dead x vers 12. He first thus rose againe as by those steps of his Humiliation abased to purchase our salvation so by these of his exaltation raised to apply that salvation to us y Rom. 4. 24. And as by that last step in his Humiliation having to the full satisfied for our sin so in this first step of his exaltation begins he to shew his glory for till thus raised are we not fully happy nor he fully glorified z Jo. 7. 39 the full of our happinesse consisting most in that his glory who thus rises again as evidence that he hath both satisfied for our sinnes and vanquished death and that we also shall rise in him a Ro. 6. 4. from both sin b Rom. 8. 11. and death c 1 Cor. 15. 17. 20. Then secondly the third day he rose again nor sooner nor later no sooner because they might see he was truly dead no later because they might see his power over death And then thirdly from the dead he thus rises to make good that his saying d Jo. 2. 19. that he would destroy the Temple meaning his body by death and three dayes raise it up againe meaning this his third dayes resurrection from the dead Applic. That first he rose againe may teach us that faithfully applying to our selves his merits nor death nor Hell shall detain us but that in him we may be happy perils and persecutions shall not for ever oppress us but though for a while by them bearing the markes of Christ e 2 Cor. 4. 10. yet this rise of Christ shall raise us from them f vers 14. The grave shall not for ever detaine us g 1 Cor. 15. 22. 1 Thes 4. 10. but in this his Exaltation shall we â—â—se also thence Then
V. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steale IX Thou shalt not bear false witnesse against thy Neighbour X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his Oxe nor his Asse nor any thing that is thy Neighbours The Lords Prayer in a Preface six Petitions a Confirmation and a Conclusion The Preface The Petitions OVr Father which art in Heaven 1. Hal lowed be thy Name 2. Thy Kingdome come 3. Thy will be done in Earth as it is in heaven 4. Give us this day our dayly Bread 5. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our Debtors 6. And lead us noâ— into Temptation but deliver us from evill For thine is the Kingdome and the Power The Confirmation and the glory for ever The Conclusion Amen â—race before meat BLessed God the Father of all blessings and God of all comfort and consolation blesse us and the Creaturs whatever now provided for us so fill both our bodies and soules with good that both may abound in all goodnesse to thy only glory and both their good through Jesus Christ our Lord to whom with thee and the holy Spirit be all honour and glory for ever Amen Grace after meat Give us O Lord we beseech thee all thankfull hearts for all thy good graces and benefits what ever now and at all times bestowed on us that by us and all the faithful for that all thy good thou maist receive all praise and glory now and for ever Amen A short Catechisme 1. Question WHat ought to be our chiefest care Answer To glorifie God a 1 Cor. 10. 31. II. Q That we may have that Care and shew forth that glory what ought we especially to have A Zeale b Numb 25. 11. III. Q Is Zeale enough to shew it A No we must have also knowledge c Rom. 10. 2. IV. Q That we may have both that zeal and knowledge what ought we especially to understand and consider A The works of God and the Word of God V. Q What are the works of God A The world and all things therein contained VI. Q Dothâ—bat glorifie God A Yes d Psal 19. 1 2. VII Q Why would he have his works to glorifie him A That we might be without ex cuse e Rom. 1. 19 20. VIII Q What is the Word of God A The holy Scriptures of the old and new Testament commonly called the Bible IX Q Why ought we to understand and consider that Word A That we might have a certaine rule to go by X. Q Have we a certaine rule in that Word A Yes f Is 8. 20. XI Q What especially teacheth that Word A The Knowledge of God and our selves g 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. XII Q What ought we to know of God A Two things especially XIII Q What be they A First what he is secondly what he hath done XIV Q First what is God A He is a Spirit h Jo. 4. 24. XV. Q Secondly what hath God done A He hath made all things i Gen. 1. â— XVI Q What ought we to know of our selves A Three things especially XVII Q What be they A First â—â— what we were Secondly what we are Thirdly what we shall be XVIII Q First then what weâ—e we A At our first Creation when God made man and all things he and they all Gen. 1. 31 were good k XIX Q Secondly what are we A Since that our first Parent Adams Gen. 6. 5. Ro. 6. 23. fall evill 1 And unlesse by Grace renewed subject to death m XX. Q Thirdly what shall we be A At the last day the generall Resurrection of all Mankind they by grace Mat. 25. 34. renewed shall be blessed in Heaven'n they that continue in sin shall be accursed in Mat. 25. 41. Hell o XXI Q Well but what was Adams sin to us Rom. 5. 18. 1 Cor. 15. 22. A We sinned in him p XXII Q How then can we be redeemed from that his guilt A By Jesus Christ XXIII What or who is Jesus Christ A The Sonne of God and Saviour of man XXIV Q Why must we be redeemed by Jesus Christ A Because the sin of man was against God God that is also man as Jesus Christ was and is must make the satisfaction XXV Q Are there more Gods then one A No there is but one God but there are three Persons in the Godhead XXVI Q What are those three Persons A The first the Father the second the Son and the third the holy Ghost XXVII Q How doe you know this A My Creed tels me so XXVIII Q What is the Creed A The Articles of our Faith XXIX Q Why doe some call it the Apostles Creed A Because some say the Apostles composâ—d it XXX Q What doe you think who composed it A It is uncertaine XXXI Q Why then is it râ—ceived A Because whoever composed it makes no great matter but being of old received and certainely containing the sum or grounds of Christian Religion comprised in the Gospell of Christ it is therefore received XXXII Q How many be those Articles of it A According to the number of the twelve Apostles twelve XXXIII Q What be those Articles A I beleeve in God c. XXXIV Q What is Faith A A certaine confidence in and dependance on Jesus Christ q Eph 3. 12. XXXV Q Why need we that confidence and dependance on Jesus Christ A Because we are sinners and none but he bare those sins i Heb. 9. 28. XXXVI Q What is sin A A transgression of the Law s 1 Jo. 3. 4. XXXVII Q What is that Law A The Commandements of God XXXVIII Q How many Commandments are there A Ten in two Tables t Deut. 4. 13. XXXIX Q Which be the Commandments A I am the Lord thy God c. XL. Q What learne you by these Commanmandements A My duty towards God and my duty towards my Neighbour XLI Q What is your duty towards God A To love him above all things u Mat. 22. 37. XLII Q What is your duty towards your Neighbour A To love him as my selfe w Mat. 22. 39. XLII Q Well but can you exactly keepe them in every point A No but I dayly breake some one or other of them in thought word and deed x Psal 14. 1. 3. And breaking but one I am guilty of all y Ja. 2. 10. XLIV Q How then to any purpose can you keepe any of them A I must labour what I may to keepe them XLV Q Why must you labour to keepe them A Because they are the rule prescribed of God XLVI Q Well but being as you say not able to keepe them as you ought how
ought you to vindicate your miskeeping A By Repentance XLVII Q What is Repentance A Hearty sorrow for sins past and purpose of amendement of life for time to come z Act. 26. 20. XLVIII Q But can you thus repent of your selfe A No but that also is the gift and goodnesse of God a Ro. 2. 4. and we must pray for it b Act. 8. 22. XLIX Q What is Prayer A A calling upon God through Jesus Christ L. Q Have you any rule for Prayer A Yes the best and most perfect patterne of Prayer the Lords Prayer LI. Q What be the words of the Lords Prayer A Oâ—r Father which art c. LII Q How many parts hath this Prayer A Foure LIII Q VVhich or what be they A First a Preface secondly the Prayer it selfe thirdly a Confirmation and fourthly a Conclusion LIV. Q VVhich iâ— the Preface A Our Father which art in Heaven LV. Q VVhich is the Prayer it selfe A The six Petitions As hallowed c. LVI Q VVhat is the Confirmation A For thine is the Kingdome c. LVII Q VVhich is the Conclusion A Amen LVIII VVhy must we pray A Because a good meane t is to increase faith c Luk 17. 5. LIX Q Are there no other means to increase it A Yes LX. Q VVhat be they A The Sacraments d Rom. 4. 11. LXI Q How many Sacramentâ— be there A Two LXII Q VVhich be they A The first Baptisme e Jo. 1. 26. the second the Supper of our Lord. f Luke 22. 19 20. LXIII Q What is a Sacrament A An outward and visible signe or seale of an inward and spirituall grace g Rom. 4. 11. LXIV Q VVhat is the outward signe or seale in Baptisme A Water h Act. 10. 47. LXV Q VVhat is the inward and spirituall Grace A Remission of sin i Mar. 1. 4. LXVI Q VVho are to be baptized A Beleevers k Act. 8. 37 38. LXVII Q VVhat is the outward signe or seale in the Lords Supper A Bread and Wine l Luke 22. 19 20. LXVIII Q VVhat is the inward and spirituall grace A The benefits and deserts of Christs death and passion m â— Cor. 11. 24. c. LXIX Q VVho are to receive this Sacrament A Beleevers baptized LXX Q VVho instituted these Sacraments A Christ himselfe n Mat. 28. 19. Luke 22. 19. 20. LXXI Q VVho are to administer them A Ministers lawfully thereunto called o Heb. 5. 4 LXXII Q VVhy ought we thus to have faith and to shew forth works of faith to pray and to receive the Sacraments c. A That we may obtaine Salvation p Act. 16. 30. LXXIII Q VVhat is Salvation A It is next to Gods glory the chiefe end of mans endeavours q Psa 73. 24 25l LXXIV Q And what is that end A Eternall life r Jo. 5. 39. LXXV Q. VVhat is eternall life A An everlasting living with God in glory s Psal 73. 24. A plaine and easie Method teaching to read and write The Great Letters Engl ABCDEFGHIKLMNOPQRSTVWXY Ro ABCDEFGHIJKLLMNOPQRSTVWXYZ Ita ABCDEFGGHIKLMMNOPQRSTVWXY The smale Letters of all Sortes Eng abcddeeefgghiikkl ll mnoppqrrsstvuwxxyzz Rom Aabcdefghikl ll mnoppq qu rr stvwxys ss â— coÌ„ mÌ„ m o Ita Aabcdefgghiikl ll mno oo ppppq rrsst tt v tt w x x yyzz Secretary hand Come yee children hearken vnto me I will teach you the feare of the Lord Romane Hand Let vs heare the conclusion of the whole matter Feare God keepe his commaundements for this is the Italian hand The feare of the Lord is the begining of wisdome a good vnderstanding â—aue all they that oor â— his commandemen ts his prayse endureth for ever â— B. Mixt hand or bastard Secretary Remember now thy creator in the dayes of thy youth while the euell dayes com not now the yeares 〈◊〉 nigh when thou shalt say I haue noe pleasure in the For children when once they begin to speak to begin then presently to instill into them these grounds and principles And whereas too too many make ill and idle words their first and familiar instructions let the more godly informe them in them good and profitable and make those weaklings that begin to speak and those others whoever more rude and ignorant that can speak but cannot yet read familiar with better words as the name of God and of Christ and of the holy Ghost and of Sin and of Death and Hell of the Resurrection and Heaven and Glory and the like Of God how he made us all the World of Christ how he redeemed us when by sin made bond-slaves to death and hell who by his glorious resurrection shall raise up the godly to inherit with him Heaven and Glory And then of the holy Ghost who sanctifieth us and endues us with graces competent in the merits of Christ to attaine that glory Which like familiar and timely instructions will kindle in them a love of God and of Christ and a study of doing that which is good and also an hatred against sin and evill And to that end let them by little and little teach them even without book to pronounce the Creed the Commandements and the Lords Prayer And then after they can say them by heart and without booke to tell them how many Articles are in the Creed how many Commandements there are how many Petitions in the Lords Prayer and to pronounce them distinctly one from another both in their order and out of order so as they may not only be able to say this Article or this Commandemâ—nâ— or this Petition is the first and this the second and this the third and so forth but this is the sixt or this the third or this the first and so forth When it may not be amisse even without book to teach them the names of the letters in the Alphabet as a bee cee dee c. and how to number as one two three four c. When while you are thus teaching them this by this or the like Alphabet here before set downe may you bring them to read which even naturally is the desire of most and that which when men come to the knowledge of themselves and cannot read wish even too late that they had bestowed even a great deale more paines and cost to attaine it then this timely endeavour may doe Which at first by a provident foresight and diligence is attained even with pleasure and little paines and lesse expence the expence but the buying this or the like little book which Masters and they more rich may out of charity buy and give unto poor children and Servants When next themselves or if they cannot some other of their children and servants or some godly Neighbour neer by that can read though but a little may by little and little teach the rest yea even their own Parents or Masters that having so much neglected this great good may not be
at this Resurrection â—ee God 34. T. You say out of that of St Paul d Ro. 6. 23 that the wages of sin is death and in your answer to our one twentieth question that we all finned in Adam How can we then be freed from the death of sin L. Why that I told you in our answer to yâ—ar two and twentieth question that it is by Jesus Christ 35. T. How prove you that L. Why those places before cited c Ro. 5. 18 1 Cor. 15. 22. prove it 36. T. All finned in Adam and if all be made alive in Christ then are none subject to death L. True it is all finned in Adam but they all that are made alive in Christ are only Beleevers all that are made alive are made alive in him but they all are onely such as beleeve in him Explic. Salvation in Christ is offered to all d Mat. 11. 28. though none lay hold of it but the chosen when though he was a sufficient satisfaction for all yet was he efficiently satisfactory onely for them e Jo. 18. 9. Where though but the chosen are saved yet in that Salvation though perhaps but of a few in comparison of the damned doth mercy yet prevaile against justice and more it is that one is saved by his merit then that thousands dye by their owne merits And that in as much as possible it is that all without him may be damned and though but one saved that impossible is that salvation of that one but by him 37. T. You said in answer to our eight and twentieth question that the Articles of our faith are called the Creed What mean you by that word Creed L. The sum of our Faith Explic. Creed is an Appellative from a Latin word that signifies to beleeve whence we take the thus naming of the summe or symbol of our Faith Creed Which in sum is distributed unto these three parts as some divide First of God the father and our Creation secondly of God the Sonne and our Redempâ—ion Thirdly of God the holy Ghost and our sanctification Other some make foure parts of it by dividig this â—hird into two parts making that of God the holy Ghost one and Gods holy Catholicke Church with the Articles that follow the other Both making up but the same in sum and that as we have said the sum of our Faith 38. T. In your definition of Faith you said in answer to our foure and thirâ—ieth question that it is a certaine and sole dependance on Jesus Christ How prove you that L. By that of St Paul f Eph. 3. 12. Explic. Faith is diversly taken as for Constancy and Fidelity in keeping promises g Ro. 3. 3. for the Doctrine of the Gospell h Ga. 1. 22. the profession of any kind of Religion i Ro. 1. 8. and the like And is a perswasion or assent to any purpose And in Scripture is four-fold 1. Historicall as is the Faith of Devils they beleeve there is a God k Ja. 2. 19 and tremble too at the presence and and power of God beleeve there is a word of God c. but they beleeeve not he is their God or that Word good for them c. which like faith wicked men may have and have no more faith nor hopes then the Devils 2. Temporary Faith a degree yet beyond that of Devils and those wicked men to assent to Gods truth for a time but in time againe to fall away typified by that Parable of the seed that fell in stony ground l Mat. 13. 20. 3. Faith of Miracles which is a perswasion that God will doe miracles in the now worke of our salvation which is a perswasion of ill men and a perverse generation are they that after so glorious a light of the Gospell will besides the promises of the Gospell now seeke unto God for a Miracle m Mat. 12. 38 39. 4. Justifying Faith which is as you have said a certaine and sole dependance upon Jesus Christ an assent to God and his Word that he is our God and his Word good for us that in Jesus Christ we have peace with God will without any miracle by the sole guidance of his Word not only beleeve nor only beleeve for a time but will in this holy perswasion live and dye 39. T. What faith is there meant L. Justifying faith 40. T How prove you our salvation by Jesus Christ L. Because as we answered to your five and thirâ—ieth question he bare oâ—r sins 41. T. How prove you that he bare our sins L. Out of that of St Paul n Heb. 9 28. 42. T. Why could no other doe iâ— I. No no man else bâ—t the man Christ Jesus 43. T. How prove you that I. By those two places of Poul o 1 Tim. 2. 5. Rom. 5. 6. both which places shew him alone our Redeemeâ— that he bare our sins freeing us from the guilt of them which none others strength could doe 44. T. You said in answer to our six and thirtieth question that sin is a transgression of the Law how prove you that L. By that of St John p 1. Jo. 3. 4 45. T. What is that transgression of the Law L. A breach of Gods Commandments 46. T. Where in consists that breath L. In committing what they forbid and in omitting what they require 47. T. You said the Commandements are ten in two Tables How prove you that L. They are ten as we read in the Law Deut. 10. 4. and in two Tables in the verse next before or both together in Deut. 4. 13 that one verse or place q. 48. T. Where are they written or repeated at large L. In the twentieth Chapter of Exodus where it is said And God spake c. from the first verse of that Chapter downe to the eighteenth verse 49. T. What meane you by those two first verses And God spake all these c. Are they part of the Commandements L. No but they are the Prâ—face to them 50. T. What learne you from that Preface L. That God is the Author of them and so they are Gods Commandements 51. T. But God there speakes to the Jewes and of their freedome from Egypts bondage what is all that to us L. Yes it is spoken as to us too that freedome from Egypts bondage by Moses being a Type of our freedome from sinne by Jesus Christ 52. T. Why but will Christ have us keepe the Commandements L. Yes all that will testifie theâ—r love to Christ must keepe the Commandements r Jo. 14. 15. all that will seeme truly to know God must by keeping the Commandements shew that knowledge s 1 Jo. 2 3. 53. T. Why you said before that we are saved by Christ and that he baâ—e our sins and before that that faith was a sole dependance upon him as if that and no more were requisite to salvation and yet here againe you say we
secondly that the third day he rises nor sooner which may teach us not to despaire but patiently wait the salvation of God that though a while we may be miserable or afflicted yet in the end we shall be blessed And then that no later he stayes before he rises may teach us not to distrust that salvation but waiting Gods appointed time which though unknown to us yet this to know that salvation shall come h Ps 30. 5. And then thirdly that from the dead he rises what comfort may that administer that our weaknesse buried in his death shall be strengthned by the power of his resurrection i 1 Cor. 15. 43. See we next those two steps of his Exaltation how in the VI. Sixt Article He 1. ascended into heaven and then 2. sitteth on the right hand of God the father Almighty He first ascended into Heaven that he might not onely on earth by his resurrection testifie his power but by his ascention also into heaven creat also our happinesse and that there to prepare a place for us k Jo. 14. 4 to send and showr downe his gifts and graces on us l Jo. 7. 39 17. 7. Eph. 4. 8 11 12 c. And then secondly he sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty where by Gods right hand is meant not that he hath hands or feet or the like who is a Spirit m Jo. 4. 24. but as spoken after the manner of men who by right hand meane all manner of preheminence n Phi. 2. 9. Ep. 1. 20. 21. which now Christ hath at Gods right hand meaning thereby his o Ex. 15. 2 power p Ps 118. 15. his goodnesse and glory q Psal 16. 11 110 1 Mat. 28 20. Heb. 1. And there so sitteth to manifest the full of mans Redemption r Heb. 10. 12. Not onely at first by his Humiliation to plead for us but by this Exaltation on this step of judicature continually to plead for us s Rom. 8. 38. Heb. 7. 15. Thence to give out writs and mandats for the managing of his Church and chosen by the power of his spirit more fully ruling in the hearts of his people t Joh. 14. 16. and by the rule of his Word speaking by that spirit u Heb. 4 12. by both that Word and Spirit drawing unto himselfe his chosen as fore-prophefied of him w Jo. 15. 11. that he should do as afterwards x Act. 2. 41. 47. is the doing testified When though in his humane nature he ascended into heaven y Mat. 26. 11. Act. 7. 56 where he is thus in power on Gods right hand yet is he with us too though not as before in Body z Jo. 16. 28. Heb. 8. 4. yet more fully then before in Spirit a Mat. 28. 20. Jo. 14. 18. 26. Applic. That first he ascended and that to showr his gifts and graces on us may administer our carefull attendance on him that our hearts be prepared happily to entertain those gifts and graces and that by obedience to his Word and Spirit that we by sin grieve not the one b Ep. 4 30 nor pervert the other c Col. 3. 16. That he ascended into Heaven the place of all blisse and true happinesse may prompt when ever he shall please to call for us our both readinesse and willingnesse to be with him yea our desire to be with him d Ph. 1. 23 and in the meane time to count him most deare to have faithfull dependance on him e Phil. 3. 8 9 10. Then secondly that he sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty and that to manifest the full of mans Redemption to intercede for us in heaven by his word and spirit to governe us upon earth How in this advocate may we have Confidence f Jo. 14. 13. that not only Heaven at last shall be our home g Jo. 14. 3. but that here till we come at that home hereafter have we his word and spirit to direct us which may teach us not to faint under crosses nor lanch out into carelessenesse but to take to us these armes of God to draw us to God such as the preaching of his word h Rom. 10 17. the blessed influence of good motions of his spirit that we attend the one by our diligent hearing of it and quench not i 1 Thes 5 19. the other by our contempt or carelessenesse Seein Christ at Gods right hand humbly to submit our selves to Christ k Psa 2. 6 11. 12. And as he gloriously overcame death and hell and the Devill and those whatever enemies of ours that erst surprised us so that we be carefull to overcome those whatever our sins and lusts may without this our care surprize us This by the holy spirit of God is still commended to our care l Rom. 6. 12. 1 Jo. 2. 1. And but by our conquest over this no promise of being happy with Christ m Mat. 19. 28. Rev. 3. 21. Thus of these two steps of Exaltation the fourth and last of which lets now next see as in the VII Seventh Article From thence he shall come to judge the quicke and the dead which Article offers to our consideration these foure particulars as first That there shall be a judgement 2. That he Christ shall be the Judge 3. the place whence he shall come to bâ—come this Judge from thence to wit Heaven where he sits at Gods right hand and fourthly when as a cloze to this part of the Creed and explaining this Article consider we may the Manner of the Judgement what it is and the proceeding of it whom it is he shall judg quick and dead 1. There shall be a judgement and Christ though yet deferring his coming shall yet thus come to judge T is not the mocks n 2 Pet 3 4 of scorners shall trustrate it but this reason were it no other were enough for it that Gods justice to both good and bad may require it o Eccl 12 13 14 Luk 16 25 2 Rom 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 Th 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 But besides not only Scriptures back'd thus with reasons but they also infallible which we must rather beleeve then question evidence the same truth that there shall be a judgement p Dan 7 13 14 Mat 10 15 12 36 Act. 17 31 1 Thes 4 16 Heb 9 21 2. Christ shall be Judge the same that ascended shall descend q Act 1 11 and to this purpose to judge as who hath now all power thereof r Jo 5 22 Act 10 42 3. From Heaven he shall come s Mat 26 64 Phil 3 20 that place whence implying a place whither which though uncertaine where yet must conclude that it must be on the earth there where we have done good or evill to have this last sentence But
main blessings that of the Communion of Saints which we have expounded and this of the Remission of sins we come next to expound or explain A maine blessing t is o Is 33. 24 Psal 32. 1. a blessing of this life p Eccle. 9. 10. Mat. 5. 25. No other mean to free us from sin for being by nature all sinners dead in trespasses and sins q Eph. 2. 1. 3. Gods free grace in Christ which is this forgivenesse is that onely must revive us r vers 5. 8. That had will doe and that if sought is a certaine meane to be had s Ps 32. 5. Is 55. 7. But will we know how God t is gives it t Is 43. 25 Mark 2. 7 but ever upon this condition that we repent u Luk. â—3 3. â— Act. 3. 19. Remission never comes but by the way of Repentance w 1 Jo. 1. 9 And by that way it ever comes x Ps 32. 7. Applic. That Remission of sin is that other great blessing of God to his Church in this life how above others ought we to seeke for that To repent us of our sinnes that we may obtaine this blessing y Act. 3. 19. And when a blessing of this life here had or never had how ought we to let passe no time when but still be both mindfull and carefull how to obtaine it and as the Apostle wisheth x Heb. 3. 13. dayly to call unto each other to be still mindfull of this That when but by this there is no meane to free us from sin that we be mindfull still to keep God the giver of this our friend who that if faithfully sought too wil give it us how againe ought we still to seeke him y Is 55. 6. Mat. 7. 7. And being onely sin is it that steps between God and us to the prejudice of this forgivenesse our ever care it must be that to keepe us by God we ever keep off sin a 1 Jo. 2. 1. Thus of the two maine blessings here come we next to explaine those other two maine blessings hereafter the first whereof we have in the next the XI Eleventh Article and that this the Resurrection of the Body which is that our bodies though buried and turned to dust and ashes yet shall be gathered and rise againe b Is 6. 19. Act. 24. 15 Rev 20. 12 Yea the very same bodies c Job 19. 25. 26. 27 perfect and intire d Act. 3. 21 as no more subject to death e Rev. 21. 4. so surely not subject to any losse harme or imperfection made immortall and glorified bodies f 1 Cor. 15. 53. And as here forgiven and remitted by Christ's blood g Eph. 1. 7 so hereafter raised by the power h Mat. 22. 29. and vertue of Christ's Resurrection i Ro. 8. 11. 1 Cor. 15. 20. at the last day k Job 14. 11. 12. Jo. 11. 23. 24. Applic. That this order is observed in Gods distribution of these blessings first thus to blesse us here and after so to blesse us hereafter may teach us to observe and note the order by what steps to attaine happinesse that fellowship we must have with the godly here and our sins forgiven us ere we can hope to have our bodies raised so as to attain everlasting life Then that our bodies shall rise againe yea the very same bodies how may this comfort each dying soule to thinke he is not lost for ever bâ—t onely laid up for a time and therefore while living labour to keep our bodies pure and unspotted from any the filthy pollution and reigning contagion of sin that after being dead at this Resurrection they may yeeld a sweet savour to God And being to be raised by the power and vertue of Christ learne we still to magnifie that power not to doubt nor any wise to distrust this Resurrection But that we shall rise againe yea that all shall rise l Jo. 5. 29. both good and bad though the bad to abad a sad and dismall doome to have eternall death and damnation yet that that is though but just to them as to the good to their fuller comfort and consolation the more to magnifie Gods mercy and be sensible of their owne happinesse everlasting life and Salvation Which everlasting life come we next to explain the second blessing hereafter as set forth in the XII Twelfth and last Article The life everlasting Amen This is may I say the Crowne of blessings and an happy close to our Creed Wherein our faith hath its full consummation of happinesse In this is it the Sheepe which is the Church that listen to the voyce of Christ the Shepherd have summed up the price of their happinesse and blessed issue of his voyce they hear him they follow him and he in this blesses them makes them happy m Jo. 10. 27. 28. By eternall life meaning both life of grace n Tit. 3. 7. and also life of glory hereafter o Jo. 17. 24. the one an entrance as 't were to the other p Jo. 5 24. Which what either is is beyond our ken or compare admirable ineffable q Psal 31. 19. 1 Cor. 3. 9 2 Cor 12. 5. Be it otherwise what it will be this we know and are assured of we shall be freed from all evil r Rev. 1. 4. enjoy all good and that too for ever s Ps 116. 11. This life is everlasting life Applic. That this life is such an ineffable blessing how should we labour to attain it And being of everlasting being what persons should we be if we meane to attaine it How labour to be Citizens fit for the Celestiall City men not immerged with any wilfull pollution of sin t Rev. 21. 27. but such as here attend the good pleasure of God doe his Commandements live the life of grace here that we may have right to that life of glory hereafter u Rev. 22. 14. every one in his proper place and calling by faith and repentance laying hold of that temporall life of grace that so he may attaine that everlasting life of glory So as whatever our care be here though by carnall Christians scorned contemned despised derided yet of Christ may we hear that happy call hereafter Come ye blessâ—d of my Father c. w Mat. 25. 34. And thus have you an end of the Articles Amen is an Hebrew word used even in all Languages to signifie an assent to what we say approve of or pray for and is to be understood to testifie our faith even of every these Articles of the Creed as of every petition in the Lords Prayer As to the further explanation whereof we refer you to our exposition of the word at the end of the Lords prayer Many other circumstances might be noted incident to every Article of the Creed but we study brevity and to explain that obvious in the words
some make two may to me seeming seeme to make it but as it were a double shaft or as two darts which were they three all were little enough to thrust through the heart of this rebellious Absolom sin d 2 Sam. 18 14 And both are to this end delivered and prescribed by Christ though one be but as 't were the Exposition of the other To explaine yet further which By Temptation meaning all occasions of sinning especially here having reference to sin still to come and by Evil meaning the whatever still present occasion of it the whatever present sin and so consequently the whatever issues of sinning the whatever evils come by sin as Death Pestilence War Sicknesses Seditions strifes troubles persecutions Death Hell and the like Which sin being an enemy so importunate as at every moment to assault us needs still to oppose it this frequent prayer and that armed with the whole armour of God e Ep. 6 13. against those both damnable batteries Well and how may we have on that armour of God better then by this our prayer that God will not lead us into the one but deliver us from the other that is that God will not by withdrawing his grace f Ps 51 11 his grace that should curbe and prevent our sin leave us to the swing of our owne lusts which hurried on by Satan and the world drives us headlong to damnation g Jam. 1 15 but by his grace h 2 Cor. 12. 9. deliver us from the whatever assaults of it And as argument of the presence of that his grace that we may hate and avoid evill love and cleave to that still which is good i Isa 1 16 17. 1 Pet. 3 11 And both these that God still doe for us not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evill that sin Satan or the World hurt not us nor others This God of mercy will not have us forget our Charity but this the Saints of old did as Daniel k Dan. 19 20 Stephen l Act 70. 60. yea Christ himselfe m Luk. 23 34. pray not only for themselves but also for others Vse When though temptations of all sorts of all these enemies may assault us and that though afflictions come by them and perhaps many undeserved persecutions may infest us which when happily opposing and labouring all we may piously either to bear or prevent we are not to repine at but rather to reâ—oyce in n Mat. 5 10 11 12 yet are we thus to pray against evâ—n them that though they tempt us that is strive to undoe us that God will not tempt us to and that is not leave us to their undoing but whither to try oâ—r faith as he did Abrahams o Gen. 22 c or to prove our patience as he did Jobs p Job 23 10 he will not suffer â—s to be tempted above our ability q 1 Cor. 10 13 to bear it Whose grace we must implore in our temptations r Ps 1 27 1 2 Cor. 2. 5 or otherwise we are strong bâ—t to our destruction s Rom. 7 18 19 23 And therefore whatever the temptation or evill be let not only the armour of God as said before be our harnessing against it but God also the Putter on of that armour t 2 Cor. 10 3 4 12 8 9 Confirmation And thus much of the Petitions Come we next to the Confirmation which is as our thanksgiving to shut up these Petitions the Preface the doore as 't were that opens to them Thaâ— Preface incouraging us to pray as to a father willing to heare us this clâ—uâ—e as to him able to grant what we pray for As who is not onely a King before and above all u Ps 59 3. hinted here by Kingdome and that The Kingdome as by way of excellency here thus set to shew that both priority w Ps 47. 2 and superiority x Ps 72 11. but his whose Kingdome is also above all both a King and Kingdome y Ps 103. 19. powerfull z Ps 29. 4 147. 5. glorious a Ps 145. 11 12. eternall b vers 13. Ps 10. 16. Vse Which power may teach us all and in all to subscribe c Ps 29. 1. to submit d 1 Pet. 5. 6. to his which glory not to pride or exalt our any pretended worth or glory e Jer. 9. 23 but ascribe all to his glory f 2 Cor. 10. 17. and which eternity to remember alwayes g Ps 145. 1 2. Dan. 4. 3. and never to forget or him or it h Deut. 8. 11. 9. 17. And thus againe of the Confirmation The Conclusion is in the word Amen and signifies true or truth or so be it and therefore as the truth is should not be manifold but One. As it is the one word used in all languages to signifie our assent to whatever we assert to signifie the truth of the assertions as we say is true what we pray for is in truth and sincerity Some make it as a seale and well as if to signe to all our sayings and to signifie as the truth of them so our true prolation of them and may be as to our assent to every Petition in this Prayer so to seale our beliefe to every Article in the Creed and our obedience to every Commandement That we truly do beleeve every Article truly will doe every Commandement truly aske every Petition that an hearty real and sincere truth be in all Amen thus used also in all languages and Nations as if to signifie the unity of all the faithfull of all Nations and Languages Vse Which should teach us truth in all our undertakings of godlinesse and goodnesse that a thing otherwise in it selfe good to us becomes not so unlesse by us subscribed by this seale unlesse coming within the compasse of this conclusion Though seene to beleeve we may any good do any good pray for any good t is all but in hypocrisie unlesse this Amen be to it unlesse it be truly and really so and so assented to by us Christ who is the truth is called or said to be Amen i Rev. 3. 14. Amen is his asseveration k Jo. 3. 5. 3. 3. so as what he saith to us is truth truth must be also our sayings to him our Amen to depend on his as our happinesse on him l Jo. 16. 23 And thus have we done with this brief Exposition of the Lords Prayer Beleeve we then faithfully these Articles of the Creed live we according to these Commandements when then with comfort may we aske every petition in the Lords prayer Thus beleeve live and pray we the Lord m 2 Tim. 2. 7. give us understanding in all things Amen An Appendix to the former peece in A Short Discourse of Prayer With three set Formes One in general at all times the other two more speciall