have I begotten thee Q. How is Christ said to be our Lord Our Lord. A. 1. By Creation Job 1.3 All things were made by him Col. 1.15 16. 2. By Redemption and purchase 1 Pet. 1.18 Ye were not redeem'd with corruptible things as Silver and Gold but with the precious blood of Christ 1 Cor. 8.6 Q. What do you observe in Christ's Humiliation A. His Incarnation and Passion Q. How was Christ the Eternal Word made Man Article 3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost A. By uniting the Humane Nature to the Divine in one Person Joh. 1.4 The Word was made flesh Heb. 2.14 16. Q. How was this accomplished A. By the powerful operation of the Holy Ghost Luk. 1.35 The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee Q. Why was Christ thus formed and conceived and not by the ordinary way of generation A. That he might assume our Nature without the depravation of it Luk. 1.35 Therefore that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Heb. 10.5 Q. Whence was his Bodily substance derived Born of the Virgin Mary A. From the Body of the Virgin Mary therefore he is said to be the seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 and to be made of a woman Gal. 4.4 Q. Why was Christ born of a Virgin A. 1. For the Sacredness of it Luke 1.35 That holy thing which shall be born of thee 2. For the fulfilling of the Prophesy Isaiah 7.14 The Lord himself shall give you a sign behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son. Matth. 1.23 3. To shew the Power of God Luke 1.35 The power of the highest shall overshadow thee therefore also that thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Q. Why did Christ thus become Man A. To fit him for the full discharge of his Office as a Mediator so that he might dye and being one of the same Nature with those he died for might make an Atonement for Sin Heb. 2.9 17. Jesus was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of death Q. For what Reason did our Saviour suffer Death Article 4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate A. That he might become a Sacrifice a and by the shedding of his Blood might make an Atonement for Sin b a Heb. 9.26 He put away sin by the sacrifice of himself b 1 Joh. 2.2 He is the propitiation for our sins Q. Why is Christ said to suffer under Pontius Pilate A. To signifie the time of his Death and therein the accomplishment of the Prophesies concerning it Acts 3.18 These things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his Prophets that Christ should suffer he hath so fulfilled Q. Who was Pontius Pilate A. The Governour of Judea under Tiberius the Roman Emperor Luke 3.1 Matth. 27.2 Q. What was the Death our Saviour suffer'd for us Was crucified A. It was the Death of the Cross Mat. 27.35 Q. What was the Death of the Cross A. 1. It was intolerable for the Pain Thence our Saviour is said to have endured the Cross Heb. 12.2 2. It was infamous and a Punishment of the vilest Malefactors Matth. 27.38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him Thence he is said to have despised the shame Heb. 12.2 3. It was accounted an accursed Death Gal. 3.13 Being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree Deut. 21.23 Q. Why is it said our Saviour died after he was crucified Dead A. To shew that his Body when he was alive was vitally united to his Soul. Luke 23.46 He gave up the Ghost Q. Why is it said that our Saviour after he died was buried And buried A. 1. To shew the certainty of his Death John 19.40 41 42. In the place where he was crucified there was a Garden and in the Garden a Sepulchre c. there laid they Jesus 2. To shew that our Saviour's Body that holy Thing was not left upon the Cross as it was usual to perish but was decently interr'd 3. To testify the lowest act of abasement Isa 53.9 He made his Grave with the wicked 4. To give Testimony to the truth of his Resurrection Acts 13.29 30. They took him down from the Tree and laid him in a Sepulchre But God raised him from the dead Q. How was the Soul of Christ disposed of He descended into Hell after its separation from the Body A. He is said to be in Hell a to go to Paradise b or the highest Heaven c a Acts 2. 27 31. Thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell. b Luke 23.43 This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise c 2 Cor. 12.2 3 4. Q. What is here meant by Hell A. It signifies a state of Separation Acts 2.27 Thou shalt not leave my Soul in Hell nor suffer thine holy one to see Corruption that is the Soul and Body of Christ should not be so long separated but that before the Body should corrupt both Soul and Body should be reunited Q. Why was not our Saviour to continue in that State A. Because Death was not to have Dominion over him Rom. 6.9 Q. But may not Hell be understood here of the state of the damned A. It has been an ancient Opinion that Christ did then locally descend into Hell to triumph over the Devil and his Angels Q. What do you observe in our Saviour's Exaltation A. 1. His Resurrrection 2. His Ascension 3. His glorification 4. His Coming to Judgment Q. What is the Resurrection of Christ Article 5. The third day he rose again from the Dead A. It 's the Reunion of the self-same Soul to the self-same Body Luke 24.39 Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self Q. When did our Lord rise A. On the third day after he died which was then the first day of the Week and was thence called the Lord's day Rev. 1.10 Q. Why did Christ rise the third Day A. 1. To fulfil what the Scriptures a and he himself had foretold b a Psal 16.10 Thou wilt not suffer thy holy One to see Corruption b Matth. 16.21 From that time forth Jesus began to shew unto his Disciples how that he must go unto Jerusalem and be killed and be raised again the third day 2. It was that his Body might not corrupt a as in the course of Nature it would have done had it lay longer in the Grave b a Psal 16.10 b John 11.39 By this time he stinketh for he Lazarus hath been dead four days Q. Of what importance is this Article of Christ's Resurrection A. 1. It confirms whatever he said did or undertook for Rom. 8.34 Yea rather that is risen again 2. It 's a pledge and assurance of our Resurrection Rom. 8.11 He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal Bodies c. 3. It 's a full Demonstration
one while put defraud not Mark 10.19 another while Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 19.19 Q. What is required in this Commandment A. A contentedness in my present state and condition a and to learn and labour truly to get my own living b in that state of life whereunto it shall please God to call me c a Heb. 13.5 Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have c. Phil. 4.11 b 1 Thes 4.11 12. Study to be quiet and to do your own business and to work with your own hands that ye may have lack of nothing c 1 Cor. 7.20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called PART IV. Of the Lords Prayer Q. MY good Child know this that thou art not able to do these things of thy self nor to walk in the Commandments of God and to serve him without his special grace which thou must learn at all times to call for by diligent prayer Let me hear therefore if thou canst say the Lords Prayer Q. What are the things contained in this Preface set before the Lord's Prayer in the Catechism A. Therein is contained 1. The reason of all prayer to God which is an insufficiency in our selves a and an allsufficiency in him b So it 's said a Know this that thou art not able to do these things of thy self without his special grace b 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God. 2. It shews us the use which prayer is of as a means for obtaining the special grace of God contained in these words which thou must learn to call for by prayer Luk. 11.9 10 11 12 13. Ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you c. 3. It teaches me what are the qualifications of a prevalent and effectual prayer viz. 1. That it be at all times without intermission and discouragement a 2. That it be diligent what is accompanied with a stedfast faith and attention b a Luk. 18.1 Christ spake a parable unto them to this end that men ought always to pray and not to faint b Rom. 12.12 Continuing instant in prayer Eph. 6.18 Q. The Lords Prayer Why is that Form of Prayer which begins with Our Father call'd the Lord's Prayer A. Because it was composed by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Mat. 6.9 Luk. 11.2 Q. For what end did our Saviour compose this Prayer A. 1. As a pattern for our better help and direction what to pray for and of the order we are to pray in that we may not be at a loss what to pray for a nor use vain repetitions b a Luk. 11.1 2. His Disciples said unto him Lord teach us to pray And he said unto them When ye pray say c. b Mat. 6.7 8 9. When ye pray use not vain repetitions After this manner therefore pray ye c. 2. As a Form that 's fit to be used when we pray Mat. 6.9 After this manner or so pray ye Luk. 11.2 When ye pray say Our Father c. Q. Say the Lords Prayer A. Our Father c. Q. What desirest thou of God in this Prayer A. I desire my Lord God our Heavenly Father who is the giver of all goodness to send his grace unto me and to all people that we may worship him serve him and obey him as we ought to do And I pray unto God that he will send us all things that be needful both for our souls and bodies and that he will be merciful unto us and forgive us our sins and that it will please him to save and defend us in all dangers ghostly and bodily and that he will keep us from all sin and wickedness and from our Ghostly enemy and from everlasting death And this I trust he will do of his mercy and goodness through our Lord Iesus Christ And therefore I say Amen So be it Q. What are the general parts which this Prayer doth consist of A. They are three viz. the Preface the Petitions and the Doxology or Conclusion Q. What is the Preface or Compellation A. Our father which art in Heaven Q. What are the things contained in this Preface A. It contains several Arguments to encourage us in the performance of this Duty Q. What are those Arguments A. 1. As God is a Father the giver of all goodness and so cannot but chuse and give and do what is best for us Luk. 11.11 12 13. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a Father will he give him a stone c If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit good things Mat. 7.11 to them that ask him 2. As he is a Father in Heaven and so is able to understand and will and do what is best Psal 115.3 Our God is in the Heavens he hath done whatsoever he pleased 3. As he is a common Father and whom all may freely resort to 2 Thes 2.16 God even our Father who hath loved us Ephes 2.18 Through him we both Jews and Gentiles have an access by one spirit unto the Father Q. What do you learn from hence A. 1. That God alone is the proper object of our prayers Psal 123.1 Vnto thee lift I up mine eyes O thou that dwellest in the Heavens 2. That we ought to approach to him with fear and reverence Mal. 1.6 A son honoureth his father If then I be a father where is mine honour Eccles 5.2 Be not rash with thy mouth and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God for God is in heaven and thou upon earth 3. That we ought to come with a true affection to all mankind and with an hearty desire that they may be as well and happy as our selves which is implied when we say Our Father and therefore I desire that he will send his grace unto me and to all people Q. What doth the matter respect which is contained in the six Petitions of the Lord's Prayer A. The first three respect Gods glory and the three last our good Q. What is the first Petition A. Hallowed be thy Name Petition 1. Q. What is here meant by the Name of God A. 1. Thereby is signified not only the Name of God but God himself Psal 44.20 If we have forgotten the Name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange god Psal 20.1 2. The Attributes and Perfections of his Nature Exod. 34.5 6. The Lord proclaimed the Name of the Lord The Lord God merciful and gracious c. 3. The things set apart for his honour and service as his Word and Day c. Psal 138.2 I will worship towards thy holy Temple and praise thy Name for thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy
is the means and pledge of 1 John 3.2 Now are we the sons of God. Acts 2.38 39. Then Peter said Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost For the promise is unto you and to your Children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Q. Is Baptism alone sufficient to Salvation A. No not alone without the new birth thereby signified without we are dead unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ Rom. 6.3 4 11. Q What is required of persons to be Baptized A. Repentance a whereby they forsake sin and Faith b whereby they stedfastly believe all that is revealed by Christ and particularly the Promises of God made to them in that Sacrament a Acts 2.38 41. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins c. b Acts 8.37 If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest be Baptized Q. Why then are Infants Baptized when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them A. Because they promise them both Repentance and Faith by their Sureties which promise when they come to age themselves are bound to perform Q. Can Children be obliged where they do not actually consent A. Yes it was so under the Law a when Children were taken into Covenant and were circumcis'd at eight days old b and thenceforward were accounted God's Children c a Deut. 29.10 11 12. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your captains of your tribes your little ones That thou shouldst enter into covenant with the Lord. b Gen. 17.12 13 14. c Ezek. 16.20 21. Thou hast slain my children and deliver'd them to cause them to pass through the fire to Moloch Q. What warrant is there for the Baptism of Infants though born of Christian Parents A. The same that is for grown persons born of Christian Parents and that is because the Covenant belongs to them Acts 2.39 The promise is unto you and to your children 1 Cor. 7.14 Else were your children unclean but now as born of believing Parents are they holy Q. The Lord's Supper Why was the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ordained A. For the continual remembrance of the Sacrifice of the death of Christ and of the benefits which we receive thereby Q. Why is this Sacrament called the Lord's Supper A. It 's called the Lord's Supper a as it was ordained by our Lord at Supper b immediately before his death a 1 Cor. 11.20 This is not to eat the Lord's Supper b Matt. 26.26 Q. For what end did our Lord ordain it A. 1. As a Sign and Representation of the Sacrifice of his Death and a means to keep up the remembrance of it a 2. As a means to conveigh and a pledge to assure us of the benefits we receive thereby b a 1 Cor. 11.24 Take eat this is my body c. this do in remembrance of me b Matt. 26.28 This Wine is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Q. Why is Christ's Death called a Sacrifice A. It 's call'd a Sacrifice a because he was a Sacrifice for sin b a Heb. 9.26 He put away sin by the sacrifice of himself b 2 Cor. 5.21 He hath made him to be sin a Sin-offering for us who knew no sin Q. How long is this Ordinance to continue A. It 's for the continual remembrance of his death till he come 1 Cor. 11.26 As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lord's death till he come Acts 1.11 Q. What is the outward part or sign of the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine which the Lord hath commanded to be received Q. Are both the Elements Bread and Wine to be equally used A. Yes for the Lord commanded both to be received 1 Cor. 11.23 24. I received of the Lord That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread c. After the same manner also he took the Cup c. Q What is the inward part or thing signified A. The Body and Blood of Christ which are verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper Q. Are the Bread and Wine changed after consecration A. Not otherwise than in their use for they remain the same in Nature and Substance as before So it 's thrice called Bread 1 Cor. 11.26 27 28. Q. What is the Body and blood of Christ which are said to be verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful A. 1. Negatively It 's not the natural Body and Blood of Christ 1. Because the Catechism saith the inward part or thing signified by the Bread and Wine in the Sacrament is the Body and Blood of Christ and so the Bread and Wine are the Signs of that Body and Blood and not the very natural Body and Blood. 2. Because it 's said the Body and Blood of Christ are verily and indeed taken and received therein by the faithful in opposition to Unbelievers who as our Article 29th saith Eat not the Body of Christ in the Lord's Supper 2. I answer positively That by the Body and Blood of Christ is meant Christ himself who suffer'd in his Body and shed his Blood for us John 6.53 54 55 56. Except ye eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood ye have no life in you c. His Flesh and Blood That is himself as it immediately follows v. 57. He that eateth me even he shall live by me Q. How is the Body and Blood of Christ verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper A. The Faithful do receive Christ who thus suffered in his Body and shed his Blood by Faith. As the Flesh and Blood of Christ are Christ himself so Eating and Receiving are the same with Believing John 6.35 I am the bread of life he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst Ver. 51. If any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever Vers 54. Who so eateth my flesh c. ver 56 57. Q. Are the Benefits we receive by Christ another thing than his Flesh and Blood A. Yes They differ as much as Christ himself doth from the Benefits he hath purchased for us Q. What are the Benefits whereof we are partakers thereby A. The strengthning and refreshing of our Souls by the Body and Blood of Christ as our Bodies are by the Bread and Wine Q. How are our Souls strengthned and refreshed by the Body and Blood of Christ A. Our Souls are strengthned and refreshed in the Lord's Supper by our belief in Christ that suffered in his Body and shed his Blood for us a which is more especially exhibited and set forth in this Ordinance b a John 6.35 Jesus said I am the bread of life he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst Vers 51. I am the living bread which came down from heaven If any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever And the bread that I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world b 1 Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the Communion or participation of the blood of Christ The bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ Q. What is required of them who come to the Lord's Supper A. 1. To examine themselves a whether they repent them truly of their former sins b stedfastly purposing to lead a new life c a 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread c. b 1 Cor. 11.20 21. This is not to eat the Lord's Supper For in eating at their Love-Feasts before the Communion one is hungry and another is drunken Vers 31. If we would judge our selves we should not be judged c Isa 1.16 17 18. Wash ye make you clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes cease to do evil learn to do well c. Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord c. 2. To have a lively Faith in Gods mercy through Christ Act. 26.18 That they may receive forgiveness of sins by faith that is in me Act. 4.12 Neither is there Salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved 1 Cor. 11.29 He that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's body 3. With a thankful remembrance of his Death 1 Cor. 11.26 For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew forth the Lord's death till he come 1 Cor. 6.19 20. 4. And to be in Charity with all men 1 Cor. 10.17 We being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread Ephes 5.2 Walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God. Matt. 5.23 24. If thou bring thy gift to the altar and there remembrest that thy brother hath ought against thee Leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way first be reconciled to thy brother whom thou hast wrong'd or offended and then come and offer thy gift FINIS The young Reader is to take notice that the Letters a b c d refer to the Scriptures that follow and which are to prove every point so marked
of our Saviour's Victory over Death Rom. 6 9. Christ being raised from the dead died no more death hath no more dominion over him Q. After what manner did our Saviour Ascend into Heaven Article 6. He ascended into Heaven A. He ascended Bodily Locally Visibly a and Triumphantly b a Acts 1.9 While they beheld he was taken up b Ephes 4.8 When he ascended up on high he led Captivity captive Q. Was Christ to abide Bodily in Heaven A. Yes till the end of the World Acts 3.21 Whom the Heavens must receive until the times of the Restitution of all things Q. How is this Phrase The right Hand of God And sitteth on the right band of God. to be understood A. Figuratively for God is a Spirit a and hath no Body nor parts of it b a Joh. 4.24 b Luke 24.39 A Spirit hath not Flesh and Bones Q. What doth the right Hand of God signify in a figurative Sence A. 1. It signifies Power Luke 22.69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. 2. Dignity Heb. 1.3 4. He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high being made so much better than the Angels c. 3. Dominion Acts 2.34 35. The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou on my right hand until I make thy foes thy footstool Q. What doth sitting at the right Hand of God signify A. It signifies the full Possession of that Power Dignity and Dominion Heb. 10.12 This man after he had offered one Sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God. Q. What doth Christ do at the right hand of God A. He appears in the Presence of God for us a as our Mediator b Intercessor c and Advocate d a Heb. 9.24 Christ is entered into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us b 1 Tim. 2.5 c Rom. 8.34 d 1 John 2.1 Q. What is the ground of his Mediation A. 1. That he is God a Man b partaker of the nature of both a Heb. 4.14 A high Priest Jesus the Son of God. b 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus 2. As he pleads for us in the Virtue and Merit of his own Blood. Heb. 9.12 By his own Blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal Redemption for us Q. Is Christ the alone Mediator A. There is one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 Q. Why is Christ the alone Mediator A. 1. Because he alone is partaker of both Natures God-Man 2. Because he only can plead for us that made an Atonement by his Blood 1 Tim. 2.5 6. There is one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for all Rom. 8.34 Q. Why is the Phrase Father Almighty Father Almighty added to this Article A. It 's to signify that Christ as our Mediator is invested by the Father with a fulness of Authority Power and Dominion in recompence of that Humiliation he submitted to Acts 5.30 31. Jesus whom ye slew and hanged on a tree him hath God exalted with to his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour Phil. 2.7 8 9. Q. What is the fourth Branch of Christ's Exaltation Article 7. From thence he shall come to judgthe Quick and the Dead A. His Coming to Judgement Acts 17.31 He will judge the World in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained c. Q. Whence shall he come A. From Heaven 1 Thes 4.16 The Lord himself shall descend from Heaven c. Matth. 25.31 Q. Whom shall he judge A. All Men the Quick who now are or hereafter shall be and the Dead Acts 10.42 It is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of Quick and Dead Q. For what shall he judge them A. For all things a whether Secret b or Open. a 2 Cor. 5.10 We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his Body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad b Eccles 12.14 God shall bring every work into Judgement with every secret thing Q. Article 8. I believe in the Holy Ghost What is the Holy Ghost A. The third Person in the sacred Trinity 1 Joh. 5.7 There are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost Q. Why is he call'd the Holy Ghost A. Because of his Office which is in Christ's stead to gather sanctify and govern the Church Eph. 5.25 26. Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word c. Tit. 3.4 5. The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Q. Article 9. The Holy Catholick Church What doth the word Catholick signify A. It signifies Vniversal Q. What is the Catholick Church A. It 's the whole Society of Christians dispersed over all the World as they are gathered under one Head Christ Jesus Col. 1.18 He is the head of the Body the Church Q. Why is the term Catholick applied to the Christian Church A. To distinguish it from the Jewish Church which was confined to one Nation a whereas the Christian Church is extended to all Nations b. a Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob c. he hath not dealt so with any nation b Matth. 28.19 Go ye teach all nations 1 Cor. 12.13 Q. Can any particular Church as that of Rome be called the Catholick Church A. No no more than the City of Rome is the whole World. Q. How is the Church said to be holy A. As the Jews were said to be a holy Nation a by being taken into Covenant with God and as we are under the obligation of being holy b a Exod. 19.6 b 1 Thes 4.7 God hath called us unto holiness Q. What are the privileges belonging to the Catholick Church A. They are four 1. The Communion of Saints 2. The forgiveness of sins 3. The Resurrection of the body 4. Life everlasting Communion of Saints Q. How is the word Saints to be understood A. It 's to be understood of all those that are visible members of Christ's Church Rom. 1.7 To all that be at Rome called to be Saints that is Christians Q. What is the first privilege A. Communion of Saints 1 Joh. 1.3 7. Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ V. 7. If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another Q. In what doth this Communion consist A. It consists in a fellowship in the Ordinances of Divine Worship a and of charity one towards another b a Act. 2.42 They continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship