the veritie of Gods Prophesies is thereby to be seene First in respect of the persons of Marie and Christe Isay 7.14 Matth. 1.23 Secondly of the time when the scepter should departe from Iuda Gene. 49.10 Mat. 2.1 Thirdly of the place in Bethelem Micah 5.2 Math. 2.6 Question What learne you out of the fourth article he suffred vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into hell Answere First vnder whome he was iudged to death vz. vnder that feareful and false iudge Pontius Pilate to deliuer vs from that feareful iust and eternall iudgement of God his father Mat. 26. and 27. Secondly the great sufferings that Christ suffred both in body soule namely in body he was crucified killed dead and buried and in his soule and bodie in the garden and vppon the crosse he suffred the torments of hel Matth. 26.46 Heb 9.25.26 1. Pet. 3.18 Thirdly the endes why hee suffered these things That was to make a sufficient sacrifice and a ful satisfaction for al our sinnes thereby to auoide the horrible punishment due vnto vs. 1. Pet. 3.18 Gal. 3.13 14. Fourthly to fulfill all prophesies and promises sacrifices and figures of his death and our saluation Gen. 3.15 Esay 33. the whole Iohn 19.30 Question Now let vs come vnto the second point of Christs exhaltation in glorie and excellencie in perfection What learne you in the sixt article the third day he rose againe from the dead Answere First that Christ did rise out of the graue with the same body on the third day according to his owne Prophesies and the figure of Ionas Matth. 12.39 and 16.21 Secondly by the power of his resurrection he sheweth vnto vs that hee hath ouercome the power of the diuell sinne death and hell Mat. 18.4 5. 1. Pet. 3.21 22. Heb. 2.14 15. Thirdly that hee hath purchased for vs righteousnes vnto iustification to eternall life Rom. 4.25 1. Pet. 1.3 Fourthly by the vertue of his death he causeth sinne to die in vs and by the vertue of his resurrection hee causeth vs to rise vnto newnes of life Rom. 6.4 5. 1. Pet. 4.1 2. Fifthly his rising is an assured pledge that our bodies shall rise againe to immortalitie 1. Cor. 15.12 16. Question What is the imputation of righteousnes Answere It is an accounting of Christs righteousenes to bee our owne thorough faith whereby we are presented both iust and blameles before God both his and our father Phil. 3.9 10. 2. Cor. 5.27 Question What learne you in the sixth article he ascended into Heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God Answere First that he is ascended into Heauen from out of this earth in his manhoode according to the Prophesies of his assention Psalm 65.19 Acts. 1.9 10 11. Ephe. 4.8 Secondly his ascension is a pledge that we shall likewise ascende after him for he assended to prepare a place of glorie for his people Iohn 14.3 Ephe. 2.6 Thirdly he is ascended to make intercession for vs to God his father Rom. 8.38 He. 7.24 25 26 27. Fourthly that all power is giuen vnto him and how he is of equall authoritie with God his father Matth. 8.18 Ephe. 1.20 First to enrich his Church and to defende her against the gates of hell Ephe. 4.7 8. Secondly to punish the wicked to destruction 1. Cor. 15.24 to 29. Question What learne you in the seauenth article from thence hee shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead Answere First that there is a day appointed for the iudgement of the quicke and dead according to the Prophecies of the worde of God but when this ioyfull and fearefull day shall be the verie Angels doo not knowe neither yet the sonne of man Actes 17.31 Marke 13.32 Iohn 5.27 28 29. Secondly who is the iudge that must iustifie the godly and iudge the wicked namely Iesus Christ Actes 10.42 2. Corinth 5.10 Thirdly it ministreth to the godlie First this comfort that their sauiour and elder brother is their iudge to iustifie them and at that day shall deliuer them from all sinne feare of death hell and diuell and all other miseries Rom. a8 33.34 Luke 21.28 Secondly that to the great terror of the godlesse who feare not God nor loue either Christ or his Gospell he shall bee their iudge to their fearefull and iust destruction 2. Thes 1.6 7 8 9. Reuel 6.12 to 17. The end of the second part ¶ The third parte of the Catechisme Question NOw let vs come vnto the third parte of our Catechisme and shewe mee what is the same Answere Our sanctification Question What is sanctification Answere It is a setting free at libertie from the power of sinne vnto the freedome of righteousenes that therein his people might walke continuallie receiuing from Christ their daily strength Iohn 8. Rom. 6. Phil. 3. Question Where shall wee finde the same deliuered at large vnto vs Answere In the third parte of the articles of our faith Question Into how many partes shall wee diuide this point Answere Into three as First who sanctifieth that is the Holie Ghost as in the 8. article appeareth Secondly whom he sanctifieth vz. his Church and the meanes whereby he sanctifieth it as in the 9. article Thirdly of the spiritual benefites and graces that belongeth to the Church onely in the 10 11 and 12 articles Question Which is the first Article of the 3. part of the Articles of our faith Answere This I beleeue in the holy Ghost Question What learne you out of the same Answere First that the holie Ghost is God proceeding from the Father and the Sonne the thirde person in Trinitie and nothing inferiour to the Father nor the Sonne either in substaunce or glorie but of the same substance and glory with them Matth. 28.19 Acts. 5.3 4. Secondly it is he that instructeth sanctifieth comforteth and confirmeth the elect in the trueth of the promises of the Gospell of Christ vnto saluation and euerlasting life Eph. 1.13 Tit. 3.4 5 6. 2. cor 1.21 22. Thirdly the holy Ghost executeth the great prouidence of God ouer all his creatures whereby they continue in their estate ordereth the euent and successe of things that nothing commeth to passe by chance or any way els but by his disposition apointmēt Gene. 1.2 Psal 145.7 to 11. Fourthly that the sinne against the holie Ghost shal not be forgiuen in this life nor in the life to come Matth. 12.31 32. Heb. 6.4 5 6 7 8. Question Whom doth the holie Ghost sanctifie comfort and confirme Answere All the people of God in Christ who are called the Church of God spouse of Christ Ephe. 5.26 27. 1. cor 1.2 Question Rehearse the Article Answere I beleeue that there is a catholique Church a communion of Saints Question What is the Church of God Answere It is all the elect of what sexe and estate soeuer which haue been are and shall be vnto the endes of the world which are called by the onely working of the holie
will of God then must we seeke to learne the same and vse all the meanes to come vnto the knowledge thereof Rom. 12.1 2. Eph. 5.17 1. Thes 4.1 Question Now let vs come to the second parte of the praier and see what we are to learne out of the first petition therein Giue vs this day our daily bread Answere First what daily bread dooth signifie namely all things needfull for this life Gene. 3.9 2. Reg. 22.23 Psal 104.14 15. Secondly who must giue vs the same namely God Matth. 6.32.33 Psal 127.1.2 3. and 128.1 2 3 4. Thirdly that God onely must blesse all our labors that wee may receaue profit thereof Deut. 28. Pro. 3.7 8 9 10. 2. Thes 3.8.12 Fourthly we must be contented with that which God giueth vs and bee thankfull for the same though neuer so small and simple Phil. 4.11 12. 1. Timo. 6.6 7 8 9 10. Fifthly in that we must praie for the good estate and preseruation of our brethren and that all that is theirs may prosper it teacheth vs not to spoile them of any thing that is theirs nor to hurt the same 1. Timo. 4.4 Iohn 6.11 1. Thes 4.6 Pro. 3.27 28. Question How many things learne you in the fift petition forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs Answere First how all men are sinners and none free from sinne but all doo breake the lawe of God both in thought word and deed Pro. 20.9 and 24.16 1. Iohn 1.8 Secōdly how we haue need therfore to seek continuallie for pardon at the hands of God who onely doth pardon and that thorough Christs death and bloud Psal 32.5 51.1 to 7. Thirdly this teacheth that man cannot by his merits satisfie Gods wrath insomuch as he must seeke forgiuenes Esay 64.6 Psalm 130.3 4. and 143.2 Fourthly it sheweth that we must both forgiue and forget if wee will haue our sinnes both forgiuen and forgotten of God Gene. 50.21 Col. 3.13 Mat. 6.14 15. Mat. 18.35 Question What learne you in the sixt and last petition And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Answere First that although God dooth trie our faith and obedience by satan and his euill suggestions yet that he would assist vs with his spirit of strength and holines that we neuer be ouercome of them Ephe. 6.12 to 19. 1. Peter 5.8 Reuel 12.8 9 10. Secondly it sheweth how Christians are at warre with a cruell Lion a subtill serpent and a continuall accuser therefore not to sleepe in securitie 1. Pet. 5.8 Reuel 12.8 9 10 11 12. Thirdly how wee must ouercome not in our strength and wisdome for they are our enemies and friends to the diuell but onelie by the armor of God and strength of Christ Rom. 8.7 1. Cor. 1.20 Ephe. 6.10.11 12 13 14. 1. Cor. 5.55 to 58. Cor. 1.11 1. Ioh. 5.4 Fourthly the diuell can doo nothing without God giue leaue and that God wil tempt his children no farther than he wil strengthen and deliuer them 1. Cor. 10.13 Psal 34.18 19. Iob. 1.12 1. Sam. 16 14. Matth. 8.31 Acts. 16.18 Fifthly what it is to be giuen ouer to temtation and euill that is when GOD giueth man ouer vnto himselfe and punisheth sinne with sinne and hardnes with hardnes of heart Acts. 28.25 26. Matth. 13.14 Ro. 1.24 Rom. 9.17 18 1. Reg. 22.21 22 23. Question What learne you in the conclusion For thine is thy kingdome the power and the glorie for euer and euer Amen Answere First ernestly to seeke after the glory of god Matth. 6.33 1. Chro. 29.9 10. Ro. 11.36 Secondly we may assure our selues that God will graunt vs our godly desires for all power and glorie is his and cannot be taken from him Psal 50.15 Thirdly that his kingdome shall neuer cease but remaine euerlasting and glorious 2. Chro. 29.11 12 13. Deu. 4.31 Luk. 1.33 Fourthly that by this worde Amen wee are taught with what godly mind and feruent zeale we should praie and with what assurance to haue our praiers granted 1. Timo. 1.17 Reuel 7.12 Question What are the spirituall benefits and graces that belong to the Church of Christ Answere They are these three chiefely First the forgiuenes of sinnes Secondly the resurrection of the bodie Thirdly life euerlasting Question Rehearse the tenth article Answere The forgiuenes of sinnes Question What is forgiuenes of sinnes Answere A full remoouing of the guiltines and the punishment of our sinnes by the death and bloud of Christ which is our reconciling vnto God Rom. 3.24 Ephe. 1.7 Col. 1.12 13.14 Question What is reconciliation with God Answere It is a perfect restoring vnto the fauor of God through the obedience of our only mediator Iesus Christ 2. Cor. 5.19 20 21. Titus 2.14 Question What learne you out of this Article Answere First that we are all vile sinners and therefore neede to séeke for pardon Matth. 18.24 Iob. 14.4 1. Iohn 1.8 Secondly that the remission of sinnes comes only by the suffrings of Christ 1. Pe. 1.18 19 20 21. Matth. 26.26 27. Thirdly that our sinnes being freelie forgiuen shall bee no more laid to our charges to condemne vs for Christ hath both died for vs and iustified vs. Rom. 8.32 33 34. Iere. 31.34 Heb. 10.16 17 18 19 20. Question What learne you in the eleuenth article the resurrection of the bodie Answere First that our mortall bodies that are consumed either in the earth vppon the earth or in the sea shall arrise againe at the last day of iudgement according to the prophesies and the word of God Esay 26.19 20 21. Dan. 12.2 3. Iohn 5.28 Secondly that the resurrection of our bodies comes by the benefit we haue of Christs resurrection and the power of God 2. Cor. 4.14 Phil. 3.20 1. Cor. 15. Thirdly that our bodies shall arise glorious and immortall Phil. 3.20 21. Question What learne you in the twelft article And life euerlasting Answere First that all the faithfull shall haue euerlasting life Matth. 25.46 Iohn 14. Iohn 17. Secondly that eternall life is the free gift of God Rom. 8.23 Matth. 25.24 Thirdly by whome that is onely through faith in Christ Iohn 6.47 Pet. 1.4 5 6 7 8 9. c. Question Why is there no mention made in the articles of our faith of the resurrection of the wicked with their punishment of bodie and soule in hell fier euerlastingly Answere Because this summe of faith respecteth onelie the benefits of faith belonging to the faithful in Iesus Christ Question Why Shall not the wicked rise and be punished euerlastinglie Answere Yes verily their bodies shall arise and bee ioyned to their soules and so punished in hel fier for euermore Actes 24.15 Iohn 5.28 29. 2. Thes 1.8 Reuel 20.8 Question Now for good works tell me can wee not merit Heauen of our selues by our owne good works Answere No verely for so to think were first to denie the grace of God Ephe. 2.8 Secondly to say that Christ died in vaine and so no sauiour Gal.
without the same all the rest be to no purpose for therein is comprehended the head of true religion godlines and iustice Question What learne you out of the second commandement thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image c. Answere First in this commandement we are taught how wee should worship GOD purely with his Godhead of the holy Trinitie for First God is a spirit Iohn 4.24 Secondly inuisible 1. Timo. 6.16 17. Thirdly incomprehensible Esay 66.2 Fourthly infinite Rom. 11.33 34. And therefore not to bee purtraied not to make anie image of the Godhead Deut. 4.15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24. Act. 17.29 Secondly that he will be worshipped in spirit and truth and not by and with Images nor by and in Angels neither by or in any other creature either men or women Reuel 19.10 Ioh. 4.24 Iere. 10.8 Heb. 2.18 Thirdly that God will not bee worshipped nor serued by the traditions and framed seruice of man for Matth. 15.9 Iere. 2.8 First man is blinde in heauenly thinges 1. Cor. 2.14 Iho. 3.4 10. Secondly foolish in Gods seruice 1. Cor. 1.20 Iere. 10.14 Thirdly an enemy to Gods pure worship Rom. 8.7 Fourthly God hateth all such as shall corrupt his wisdome with their owne inuentions and lying vanities and loueth them that keepe his commandements and serue him with his owne waies Galath 2.7 8. Iohn 14.21 Question What is the end of this commandement Answere It is to worship GOD purely and holily without mixture of prophane superstition such as Idolatrie is Question What is Idolatrie Answere It is not onely the worshipping of Images but also the worshipping of God with any framed seruice deuised of our corrupt witt withall if wee giue his diuine honor and seruice to our selues or any other creature either to place them in steede of God or to be equal with God Iere. 2.13 27 28. Math. 15.9 Ephe. 5.5 Phil. 3.18 19. Gal. 4.8 Iohn 9. Iohn 5.23 Question What learne you in the third commandement thou shalt not take thy name of the Lord thy God in vaine c Answere First to reuerence his holy name as his mercies goodnes power works iustice and word Psalme 106.47 Pro. 18.10 2. Chro. 29.10 11 12 13. Leuit. 25.31 32. 1. Timo. 6.1 Secondly to vse the holy name of God in an oath most godly carefullie and fearefully and not to sweare lightly rashly and falsely but in lawfull causes being lawfully called thereunto by such as haue authoritie Exod. 22.10 11. Iere. 4.2 Leuit. 19.12 and 24.10 11 12 13 14 15 16. Leuiticus 6.13 Esay 48.1 Thirdly not to sweare by creatures and idolatrous oathes for GOD will not hold them guiltles that doo abuse his name either rashely falsely or by counterfeite oathes Iere. 5.7 Amo. 8.14 Zepha 1.4 5. Psal 16.4 Ioshua 33.7 Fourthly that wee vse not the name of God to those blasphemous arts as sorceries charmings coniurings and such like neither yet to seeke to such damned wretches least we bring eternall death vpon our selues Le. 19.31 and 20 6 27. 1. Cro. 10.10 13. Question What is the end of this commandement Answere That Gods name in an othe in his worde works Sacraments mercie Iustice and power might bee reuerenced hallowed and worthelie accounted of by vs and all his people Le. 20.7 8. 1. Pet. 3.15 Question What is an oath Answere It is a reuerent and a serious calling God to witnes either to confirme the trueth I speak or to punish me if I speake vntrueth Iosua 9.19 Heb. 6.16 17 18. 2. Cor. 1.23 Question What learne you in the fourth commandement Remember that thou keepe holy c. Answere First that we are straightly charged to kéepe holy the Sabaoth in holines and righteousnes Leuit. 19.30 Ezek. 20.19 20. Esay 56.4 5 6 and 58 13 14. Secondly not to prophane the same in dicing carding bowling shooting gaming dauncing drinking gadding from place to place feasting bargaining buing selling beare bayting traueling turmoyling in our earthlie affaires and such like Iere. 17.21 to the end Eze. 20.12 13. Nehe. 13.15 to 23. Thirdly what the exercises of the Sabaoth should be which ought to be these First to heare Gods word preached with great reuerence and attentiuenes to meditate and reade the same carefully and to talke thereof with all godlines Psalme 1.2 Luke 4.16 17 18. Acts. 13.14 15. Secondly that we make our praiers vnto God with great zeale and that Matth. 6.9 and 18.19 Psal 68.26 2. Cor. 24. First for his glorie Secondly for our selues Thirdly for his church Thirdly to receaue the Sacraments humblie and thanckfullie thereby Actes 2.24 Acts. 20.7 8 9 10. First to cōfort our consciences 1. Cor. 11. Secondly to confirm our faith Ro. 4.11 Fourthly to visite and distribute to the sick lame poore and aged First cherefullie Acts. 2.46 1. Cor. 16.1 2. Gal. 6.10 2. Cor. 9.7 Phil. 2.14 1. Pet. 4.9 10. Math. 25.31 c. Secondly diligentlie Acts. 2.46 1. Cor. 16.1 2. Gal. 6.10 2. Cor. 9.7 Phil. 2.14 1. Pet. 4.9 10. Math. 25.31 c. Thirdly liberallie Acts. 2.46 1. Cor. 16.1 2. Gal. 6.10 2. Cor. 9.7 Phil. 2.14 1. Pet. 4.9 10. Math. 25.31 c. Question What is a Sabaoth Answere It is a rest and ceasing from all seruile and vncleane works Esay 58.13 14. Question Who must keepe the same Answere Not onely parents gouernours of common weales and priuate families but also the subiect sonnes and daughters with men and maid-seruants yea the very strangers and none excepted Deut. 4.14 15. Question What is the end thereof Answere Onely this That we might auoide all corruptions and be mainteyned in all feare and reuerence of God and rightlie meditate on his eternall kingdome and our endles rest in Christ Ezek. 20.29 20. and 22.8.26 Esay 66.23 Question What learnest thou in the fift commandement honour thy father and thy mother c Answere First we are taught to honor loue feare obey and reuerence our naturall Parents Magistrates gouernors Masters Pastours and ellders Leuit. 19.3 Gene. 4.5 6 10 11. and 46.29 1. Sam. 22.3 4. Prou. 30.17 Exod. 21.17 Ephe. 6.1 2 3. Rom. 13.1 to 8. 1. Tim. 2.1 2 3. 1. Thes 5.12 13. Heb. 13.17 Secondly to loue instruct cherish and order our inferiours First in respect of the soule as First in spirituall instructions Ephe. 6.4 Col. 18. Secondly the foode of life Psal 78.5 6 7. Iohn 6.68 Thirdly a godly gouerning 1. Thes 1.6 8 9. Titus 2.1 2 3 4. Secondly in respect of the bodie as First in good gouernement Heb. 12.9 to 10.23.13 14. Secondly in feeding the bodie Thirdly in clothing the same 1. Tim. 5.8 Question The godlie oft times die in their youth and the wicked liue vntill old age how then is the promise fullfilled and God iust in not punishing Answere The vngodly liue in their prosperitie in an accursed estate and to their greater vengeance But the godly liue so farre foorth as it shall be to Gods glorie and their saluation Esay 57.1 2. Eccle.
and power of the word of God 2. Cor. 4.3.4 Secondly the necessitie of the word for where Prophesie wanteth there the people perish Pro. 29.18 Hosea 4.6 Thirdly the happines of them that haue the worde preached for saluation is both brought and offered vnto them Titu 2.11 2. Cor. 6.1 2. Fourthly as there must needes bee blindnes ignorance infidelitie and al corruption both of religion and manners so the miserie of them that haue not the word preached is here set downe Iere. 88. Rom. 1.21 c. Question Let vs come to Sacraments and tell mee what is a Sacrament Answere A Sacrament is a visible and earthly signe representing inuisible supernaturall graces not to bee seene by the carnall and outward eye of man but with the eye of faith Also a Seale to confirme our faith in the couenant of grace and finallie a badge and marke of Christianitie Gene. 17.11 Rom. 4.11 Marke 1.4 8. Gala. 3.27 Question How many Sacraments are there Answere Not seuen as the Papists haue dreamed but two that is Baptisme and the Lordes supper 1. cor 10.16 21. Question Who is the author of these two sacraments Answere Almightie God ordeined Baptisme frō heauen and Iesus Christ the holy Supper vppon earth Ioh. 1.32 33. Matth. 26.26 27 28. Question Hath man power to make sacraments Answere No For first they are part of Gods seruice Matt. 28.19 20. Secondly they witnesse the goodnesse of God vnto vs. Matth. 26.26 27 28. Thirdly they are seales to confirme our faith in the couenant of God in Christ Roman 4 11. Fourthly the word of saluation and reconciliation must go with the signes or els they are no sacraments Question What thinke you of them that take vppon them to make Sacraments Answere Their folly and presumption is great and herein they blaspheme God as though he knew not what was ncessarie for his Church without their rashnes and diuellish pride Besides neither Moses Salomon nor Paule euer durst to doo the same in any of Gods seruices Exo. 35 36 37 38. c. and 25.4 1. Reg. 6 7 8. 1. Cor. 11. Act. 7.44 Question What is Baptisme Answere It is a sacrament ordeined of God of publique washing with water once in the name of the Father the Sonne and the Holy ghost signifying thereby our remission of sinnes mortification and sanctification in the death and resurrection of Christ Iohn 1.33 Math. 28.19 Mark 1.4 8. Rom. 6.4 5 6. Question How many things haue we to consider of in this Sacrament Answere First the institution of God Ioh. 1.33 Secōdly the external thing water mar 1.8 Thirdly the promise to wit remission of sinnes in Christ Mark 1.4 Fourthly faith in the promised séed which is Christ Marke 16.16 Question What doo you gather by Baptisme Answere First that I am a vile sinner and the child of wrath by nature Psal 51.5 Gene. 6.5 Secondly a profession of my faith in the holie Trinitie and of my saluation and remission of sinnes in the bloud of Christ Mat. 28.19 Acts. 2.38 Thirdly the promise that God made to mee to bee my God and that I made vnto GOD to denie the world mortefie the olde man resist sathan and to delight in true righteousnes and holines as it becommeth his obedient child who is renewed Acts. 2.38 39. Fourthly it is the seale of righteousnes and saluation vnto me through the mercies of God in Christ Iesus Rom. 4.11 Fiftly the benefits which God offreth vnto mee by Baptisme as the instrument by which I am ingrafted into Christs bodie 1. Cor. 12. Gal. 3.27 Question What is the olde man Answere Al the corruption of our defiled nature which we got by the Apostacie of our first parents Adam and Eue and all the custome of sinning according to the conuersation of olde Ephe. 4.22 Question What is Apostacie Answere It is an vtter and whole intire falling away from the estate and perfection wherein we were first created or now from the faith of Christ Question What is mortification Answere A continuall killing and subduing of the olde man Col. 3.5 Gal. 5.27 Question What is renewing or regeneration Answere A begetting or newe birth in Christ which is called the new man Ephe. 4.23 Question What is the new man Answere A renewing in the spirit by the Holie ghost into true righteousnes and holinesse Eph. 4.24 Question What are the benefites receiued Answere First remission of sinnes Acts. 2.38 Secondly the power of sinne killed in me Rom. 6.3 4 c. Thirdly the Holy ghost giuen vnto mee Rom. 8.9 Tit 3.5 Fourthly Faith confirmed in me Rom. 4.11 Acts. 8.37 38. Question Can the outward signe that is water giue the inuisible graces which are remission of sinnes regeneration faith and the Holy ghost Answere No for First how can earthly things giue spirituall graces and how can the creature giue the things of the creator Heb. 9.14 Secondly remission of sins is only in the bloud of Christ through faith Ephe. 1.7 col 1.14 Thirdly it is the Holie ghost that must kill sinne and quicken vs vnto righteousnes Titu 3.5 Fourthly faith is the gift of God Ephe. 2.8 Fiftly the holy Ghost giueth himselfe to his children Rom. 8. Ephe. 1.13 Question If sinnes be not washed away by Baptisme Why did Ananias say to Paul Acts. 9 17. that he should wash away his sinne by Baptisme Answere The Apostle Paul is put in minde euen as all true and faithfull Christians are by the signe of Baptisme that his sinnes were forgiuen him Question Yea but the same Apostle saith Ephe. 5.26 that the water in Baptisme cleanseth the Church and sanctifieth her Answere The Apostle in the words going before and in the words following after sheweth that it is onely Christ that dooth by his death and word both cleanse and sanctifie his Church of which Baptisme is both a seale and figure Question Regeneration is attributed to the water in Baptisme by the Apostle in the third of Titus the fifth verse Answere The Apostle in that place sheweth that regeneration is onely the worke of the holy Ghost and of no other of which the sacrament of Baptisme is a sure figure Question What if children die without Baptisme are they damned Answere No for First saluation hangeth vppon election Ephe. 1.4 5 6. 2. Timo. 1.9 Secondly God hath promised hée will bee a God to the faithfull and their seede Gene. 17.7 Thirdly the kingdome of God belongeth to little children Matth. 18.10 Fourthly onely saluation is in Christ and without him no saluation Acts. 12.4 Iohn 3.16 17. Question Our Sauiour Christ saith Verelie verelie J say vnto thee except a man be borne of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God So that hee maketh it a necessitie to bee baptised to saluation Answere First this place dooth nothing belong to the Sacrament of Baptisme for onely in that place our Sauiour Christ sheweth that Nicodemus could not be a fit instrument to receiue the Gospell without he
were renewed by the spirit vnto righteousnes Secondly we cannot reade in this chapter that Nicodemus was baptised the which if it had been of such a necessitie both he should and would haue béen presently baptised and the Euangelist would haue noted the same Thirdly admit that Christ did speake of Baptisme yet the worde must not bee so vrged that he includeth saluation in water but hee rather ioyneth water with the spirit because hee testifieth and sealeth vnto vs by that visible signe newnes of life which God alone doth work in vs by his holy spirit Question What gather you by this doctrine of the Papists Answere First they are most cruell against poore infants Secondly most wicked to tie God to externall meanes and denie his couenant Thirdly if all be damned that are not Baptised then all are saued if they be Baptised Fourthly by this doctrine although Baptised yet if children die before they eat the flesh and drinke the bloud of Christ they are damned Iohn 6.53 Question May priuate men and women minister the Sacrament of Baptisme Answere No surely for First the Lord hath tied the same vnto his lawfull ministers with the preaching of the word Matth. 28.19 20. 1. Cor. 14.34 35. Secondly if they may administer Baptisme they may as well administer the Sacrament of the Lordes supper and preach the word publiquelie which things are absurde and wicked Question God was pleased with Zipporah her acte in circumcising her sonne with a stone Answere First Almightie God did not approue her facte otherwise we might say that the worshipping which the Gentiles that were brought from Assiria raised vp did please God because the beasts did cease to afflict the people Exod. 4.24 25 26. 2. Reg. 17.41 Secondly that which is particuler ought not to be made a generall example Question Doo wee not sinne most heynouslie if wee walke not according to our promise made vnto God in Baptisme Answere Yes verelie for First we breake our promise with GOD and falsefie our faith with the holy Trinitie Matth. 28.19 Titu 3.4 5 6 7. Secondly wee crucifie a newe our sauiour Christ and tread the bloud of the holy couenant vnder foote Heb. 6.6 and 10.26 27 28 29. Thirdly wee grieue the holy Ghost by whome the elect are sealed vnto the euerlasting redemption Ephe. 4.29 30. Fourthly wee mock and grieue the holy Angels who reioyce at the repentance of a sinner and cause them to bee our enemies to destruction who are appointed of God to be the ministers of the elect vnto Saluation Matth. 18.10 Luke 15.10 Fiftly we giue offence vnto the Church but it had been better that a Milstone had been hanged about our necks and wee cast into the Sea Matth. 8.6 7. Sixtly wee doo not only bereaue our selues of all the spirituall gifts of Gods spirit but also we are murtherers of our owne soules in that we bereaue our selues of Christ who is the very life it selfe Iohn 14.6 Roma 8.9 10 c. Question The signe may not be neglected of Christians may it Answere No God forbid it should for if wee neglect and contemne the Sacrament it is an accursed and wicked kind of dealing in men as namelie the Anabaptists who deny the Sacrament of Baptisme to youg infants wherein they shew their ignorance For first they bee vnder the couenant Exod. 4.24 25 26. Gene. 17.9 10. Secondly the kingdome of God belongeth vnto them Matth. 18. Question Now let vs come vnto the Lords supper when did he institute the same Answere Presently after the eating of the passeouer and also a little before his death thereby First to shewe vnto vs that the Passeouer was ended in him 1. Cor. 5.7 Secondly to put vs alwaies in remembrance of his suffrings Matth. 26.26 27. Question What is the Lords supper Answere It is a holy banquet and a sacrament of publique eating and drinking of Bread and Wine to put in minde all beleeuing Christians which are of a good and a sound discretion how Christ was put to death and did shed his bloud for the remission of their sinnes and so is become their meate and drinke thorough faith to euerlasting life Mat. 29.26 27. 1. Cor. 10.16 1. Cor. 11.23 24 25. Question How many things are to bee considered of in this sacrament Answere Fouer as first Christ and his institution Math. 26.26 c. Secondly the externall signes Bread and Wine Math. 26. Thirdly the promise of redemption and remission of sinnes in Christ 1. Corinth 11.23 c. Fourthly faith in the promise to iustification and euerlasting life Iohn 66.54 c. Question How is our faith nourished and confirmed by the Lords supper Answere First in that our sauiour Christ giueth himselfe vnto vs therein assuring that his bodie was giuen vnto the death of the Crosse and his bloud shed for vs. Matth. 26.26 27 28. phil 2.8 1. pet 2.24 Secondly the bread and wine which wee take and eate and drinke according to his holy institution doo teach vs that by faith we doo eate and drinke the body and bloud of Iesus Christ as the onely comfort and nourishment of our soules Iohn 6.48 51. Question What is the Analogie betweene the signes and the things signified Answere It standeth in feeding nourishing comforting refreshing in vnion and in fellowship Question As how Shew me Answere First as the bread and wine doo feede nourish and refresh the naturall bodie of man euen so the bodie and bloud of our Lord and Sauior Christ with the merits of his passion doo spirituallie feede nourish comfort and refresh our poore famished and thirstie soules Ioh. 6.32 33.35 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. Secondly as many cornes and grapes are vnited into one loafe and one wine euen so are wee vnited into one mysticall bodie and haue vnion and fellowship with Christ and bee as members one with another 1. Corin. 10.16 17. Question Then we do not reallie and verelie eat and drinke the naturall flesh and bloud of Christ in the holy supper Answere No for first it fighteth against the nature of a Sacrament for how can it be a signe and the thing it selfe Secondy if we be fed with the accidents of Bread and Wine It should followe that our bodies should be accidentall bodies bodies in shewe and not bodies in deede and of substance Thirdly it were to deny that Christ tooke flesh of the Virgin Marie if the substance of Bread and Wine doo become his flesh or els to say he had a mixte bodie either of which is blasphemie Matth. 1.23 Rom. 1.3 Fourthly it were to make Christ to haue a fantasticall bodie if his naturall bodie bée in euerie place after the words of consecration Fiftly it were to deny Christs Ascension and his sitting at Gods right hand and asmuch as to say the resurrection is past Act. 1.9 10. and 3.21 Sixthly it were to make him subiect to corruption as the Bread and Wine is Phil. 3. 20 21. 1. Timo. 1.17 18. Seauenthly it were to make
Christ subiect to sinne for the Bread and Wine becommeth our substance Eightly they most blasphemouslie affirme by this their opinion that Christ should returne into our draught O monstrous blasphemie Matth. 15.17 Ninthly if it were the very body of Christ that the Apostles did eate at the last supper then where was the body that must suffer for our sakes a fantasticall bodie could not redeeme vs. And if they did eate but halfe of the bodie and left the other halfe to suffer we could not be redeemed by halfe Herein therefore wee may see how foolish a doctrine Poperie is Question Our sauiour Christ who is verie trueth and cannot lie saieth take eate this is my bodie and therefore his verie bodie Answere Our Sauiour Christ calleth himself a doore a vine a waie and is also called a rocke compared to a theefe and saide to bee the daye Starre Iohn 10.7 and 15.1 14.6 1. Cor. 10.4 Re. 22.16 Is Christ therefore a way a vine a rock theefe and a day Sarre O no it were most foolish and wicked so to reason and conclude He is in deed the onely doore thorough whome we must enter into saluation the onely waie to eternall life the onely tree and roote from whence we must drawe all heauenly and comfortable graces the sure rocke to builde on to saluation the theefe to come sodainely vpon the wicked to destruction and the glorious wisdome of his father to inlighten our hearts to knowe God to saluation And euen so he calleth the bread his bodie because it is a sacrament of his bodie that is it sheweth how his bodie was crucified and put to death and the wine his bloud because it is a signe how his bloud was shed Question Dooth the wicked and vnbeleeuing person receiue the benefit of Christs death in receiuing the externall signe Answere No for First they haue not faith Titus 1.1 2. 1. Thes 3.2 Secondly they haue not the spirit of Christ which things should make them worthie receiuers of the benefits of Christs death to the remission of sinnes and euerlasting life Rom. 8.7 8. Question In receiuing the sacramental signes do they not bring great hurt to themselues Answere Yes verely for first they are herein guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ 1. Corin. 11.27 Secondly they eate and drinke their owne damnation 1. Cor. 11.29 Question How can they bee guiltie of the bodie and bloud of Christ to their condemnation vnlesse they eate the verie flesh and drinke the verie bloud of Christ 1. Cor. 11. Answere To be guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ and to eate vnworthelie to condemnation is to come rashely without due examining of themselues also to come like doggs in their vomit and hoggs in their filthie mier making no account of the holy supper and sacramental signes so that this verie contempt reacheth vnto the author himselfe namely Iesus Christ and his death and bloud shedding Question What dooth the bread broken and the wine powred foorth signifie Answere The breaking of the bodie and the shedding of the bloud of Christ 1. Corinthians 10.16 Question What doo you gather thereby Answere First what horrible and vile sinners we are Pro. 20.9 1. Iohn 1.1.10 Secondly how wee deserue the horrible and intollerable tormentes of hell fier euerlastinglie Romans 6.23 Ephesians 2.2 3. Thirdly the great loue of GOD in sending his sonne to take vpon him our nature and to die for vs to our redemption Iohn 3.16 1. Iohn 4.9 10. Fourthly the great loue of Christ and his humilitie to humble himselfe vnto the cursed death of the Crosse and tormentes of hell for our saluation Phil. 2.5 6 7 8. Ioh. 10.11 Question What thinke you of the Papistes which deliuer not the holy supper after the institution of Christ Answere They deale First iniuriouslie against Christ Secondly wickedly against the people in that they bereaue them of such notable vses in the breaking of the bread and powring foorth of the Wine Question How shal we come worthelie to receiue the holy supper Answere First by repentance Mark 1.15 Secondly by faith Ephe. 3.16 17. Thirdly by loue 1. Cor. 10.17 Fourthly by thankesgiuing Luke 22.24 Question How may a christian assure himselfe that he commeth in true repentance Answere If hee bee truely touched with his sinnes and inwardly grieued for them loathing sinne from the bottome of his heart With a true confession vnto GOD and with a full purpose to amende and liue in the feare of GOD Then he hath truely repented Psalme 51.17 Ioel. 2.12 13. Esay 1.16.17 Romans 12.1 2. Question How may he perswade himself that he hath a liue lie faith Answere If he feele effectuallie in his heart the benefits of Christs death to the remission of sinnes and his saluation and confesseth Gods mercies herein hee hath a true and liuelie faith Romans 3.24 Galathians 2.20 Collos 1.21 22 23. Question How in true loue Answere If he hartelie forgiue his neighbours for the offences and iniuries done against him also if he be ready to doo good vnto all especiallie vnto the house of the faithfull and finally if hee haue a care to instruct and teach his family and neighbours in the trueth of GOD and the faith of Christ then he may perswade himselfe he hath true loue Rom. 12.20 21. Eph. 4.1 2 3 4. col 3.12 13 14 15. Question How in thanksgiuing Answere If from the heart both in word and workes he giue all praise and glorie to GOD through Christ for the benefites of saluation and not attribute them to his owne wisedome power and riches neither yet to burie them in the pit of forgetfulnesse and finally doo not turne the grace of God to wantonnesse Psa 103.1 2 3 4 5 c. Iere. 9.23 24. Rom. 15. Iud. 4. Rom. 6.1 Question Let vs come vnto the third meane whereby our faith is increased and mainteined by discipline and tell me what discipline is Answere Discipline is the comely order of holy gouernment appointed of Christ in his Churth to be exercised and vsed of his Ministers and Elders to keep in the good and to punish the wicked and that to be done in great loue and pittie Matth. 16.19 Iohn 20.20 Math. 18.15 16. Rom. 12.3 4 6 7 8. Matth. 18.17 Gal. 6.1 2 3 c. Question Wherein standeth it Answere First in exhortations and admonitions 1. Thess 5.13 14. Secondly in threatnings and corrections 2. Tim. 4.2 3 4 c. Thirdly in excommunications casting foorth the great offenders that will not be amended by these procéedings out of the fellowship of the faithfull and from the partaking at the Lords Table 1. cor 5.12 1. tim 5.20 Matt. 18.17 Tit. 3.10.11 Question What are the endes of excommunication Answere First that a wicked liuer to the great reproach of God and his Gospell be not suffered among Christians 1. cor 5.4 5. 1. Tim. 1.20 Secondly that the good may not be corrupted through the continuall familiaritie of the wicked 1.