some gifts taken from them Joh. 6. 37. but from the reprobate even that they seemed to have concerning faith and regeneration is taken away utterly Matth. 13. 12. and 29. Luke 8. 18. 31. How may we be assured of the presence of Gods Spirit dwelling in us By the good and holy effects of the same in our soule life and conversation as 1. Our knowledge faith hope charity and other graces 2. Carefull study of godlinesse and innocency 3. Love of God and hatred of sin 4. Comfort in holy actions and delight in Gods house and children 5. Separating our selves and affections from the world and placing them on God 32. How is Gods Spirit said to be quenched in us 1. By neglect and carelesnesse in holy duties and exercises 2. Contempt of the graces and good motions offered which is a despite to that Spirit of grace 3. Ungodly and wicked actions 33. What is the sin against the holy Ghost In generall as he is God all sins against the majesty of God in particular and properly in regard of his person and office as hee is the sanctifier and illuminating Spirit so those haynous and stubborne sins against the open and plaine truth and testimony of conscience of purposed malice wittingly and willingly against and in despite of that good and milde Spirit 34. How said to be unpardonable As commonly hardnesse of heart and finall impenitency is joyned with them and even so it is as a judgement laid on those sins said that we should not even pray for them 35. What learne we hence Many good duties concerning our sanctification and his graces as to Beleeve the holy Scriptures even by his inspiration as the way to God and take heed of neglect Keepe our bodies and soules holy and pure as Temples of the holy Ghost and not to defile them Use all our gifts to the honour of God for of him we have received them the graces of his Spirit and not abuse them to vanity Submit our selves to the government of Gods Spirit and not be proud or stubborne and so despise that Spirit of grace Seeke encrease in graces daily and confirmation and not to quench the Spirit or fall away 36. What profit hereof The joy and comfort of our Spirit called joy in the holy Ghost by his blessed operation making application of all Christs merits and mercies to our soules adorned with his graces giving us assurance thereof by his power in holinesse and newnesse of life or sanctification the earnest peny of glorification 36. What followeth The fourth and last part of the Creed in those foure last Articles concerning the Church of God and his graces bestowed on the same in these words The holy Catholique Church the Communion of Saints forgivenesse of sins resurrection of the body and life everlasting Amen SECT 11. The 9. Article concerning the Catholique Church The analysis of the 9. and following and here first of the Catholique Church and how we professe our beleefe concerning the same so how here is a Church or company of the faithfull separated from the world and vnited in God and Christ their head and so gathered or called thence named Ecclesia being but one universall or Catholique one though consisting of many particular branches so comprehending all times places and persons whence our Church one with that of the Iewes and our faith the same with Abrahams being all one in Christ the head and substance of the covenant how said to be visible or invisible militant or triumphant how also Catholique and holy and the notes of the true Church described whereby from all other companies or not so rightly named Churches distinguished by the true preaching of the word and right and due administration of the Sacraments and for the Notes of universality autiquity visibility succession consent and the like if without holinesse no perfect marks since so to be found in many false Synagogues and so what may be said of the Church of Rome and her holinesse and Religion and some other opposites or enemies to the same And of the promise of the holy Spirits presence in the Church to the end Of the world Of the communion of Saints what it is and between whom both between Saints themselves and them and Christ and so with God whence all happinesse peace and unity influence of grace and effects or fruits of holinesse all Saints in heaven and earth by their union in Christ to God combined so in the Comfort and fruition of this faith enjoying that glorious 〈◊〉 name and calling and happy assurance and priviledge of the Saints being many good uses to be made of the same three last Articles containing three great priviledges of the Church 1. VVHat doth the last part of the Creed concerne The Church of God and therein considered either the body of it called the holy Catholique Church and united in the communion of Saints Or the priviledges and graces indulged on the same 1. The forgivenesse of sins 2. The resurrection of body 3. The life everlasting 2. What herein to be then considered The Action as how we beleeve Object as aforesaid the Church her priviledges 3. What of the action That here we say not beleeve in that is put trust and confidence therein but onely beleeve the same that is that there is a holy Catholique Church of God so elected called and sanctified where of Christ the Lord and head that it is united into that communion of Saints his members united among themselves and to their head Christ and that in the same and no where else to bee fought or found salvation and so those priviledges consequently that there is truly forgivenesse of sins the blessed hope of resurrection and assurance of life everlasting 4. What difference to be noted herein That to beleeve in God or on him as the highest degree of faith is onely proper to God and so we can put our trust or confidence in him and no other but to beleeve the holy Catholique Church and the other points of faith is in a second degree and though with the same certainty and assent to the truth yet not with that confidence or trust in them for their power or any thing else which were to make idols of them and set them up in the place of God 5. What of the object the Church For the body and substance of the same these positions 1. That there is a Church 2. What that Church is and the Name Nature Parts Proprieties and Notes of the same 3. What union is in it viz. a communion of Saints 6. How shew you that there is a Church It is evident to the eye of Nature and Reason as well as Faith even to naturall men that see the Church and company of the faithfull separated from them and their prophane conversation and reason even testifying to the sense the causes of this separation the honour and service of God the supreme good with expectation of reward which faith most cleerly
setteth forth the glory of God and salvation of soules in the same 7. How doth faith see it so cleerly In all the Scriptures even from the time of Adam in Paradise and Noah in the Ark Abraham the father of the faithfull to these dayes though in narrow bounds of one House Arke or family in the flourishing estate of the Jews in one people or Common-wealth yet still a true Church and company of faithfull beleevers and servants of God but now since by Gods mercies in Christ most flourishing spred over the face of the whole earth as we both see at this day and reade in the histories of the Old and New Testament 8. What Church or Churches One and the same though distinguished in times 1. In the Old Testament in Adam Noah and Abrahams housholds and chiefe of their families in Israel and all his sons the state of the Jewes 2. In the New Testament among The Nations of the Jewes Many 1. Apostles 2. Disciples 3. Beleevers All Nations else the Churches to the very ends of the earth and so far as as we are dispersed As those of Corinth Ephesus Rome c. Achaia Macedonia Antioch c. Asia the 7. Churches in Rev. 1. Which all together make up the Catholique Church 9. What signifies or whence this name Church Ecclesia Of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the calling together as out of the world into the Lords house and company so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying in Greeke the Lords house whence name of our Church and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his congregation 10. What is the Church then That company of Saints elected of God to eternall life called and gathered together out of all mankinde by the preaching of the word saved by the Messiah Christ and in his faith preserved defended and sanctified here to be glorified in heaven and out of the Church there is no salvation 11. Js there but one Church But one true Church whereof Christ Jesus is the head yet of which Catholique Church all particular Churches professing the true faith are parts and all faithfull persons members and all Synagogues though they call themselves Churches if they want that head or the true faith doe falsly chalenge that title as the harlot may of an honest woman but are indeed but Synagogues of Satan 12. How heare we then of many Churches even in the Scriptures and Apostles writings As the particular Churches in several Countries part or members of this one universall Church in that and many other respects so distinguished and divided 13. In what respects Most usually in regard of the 1. Time the Church of the 1. Jewes and 2. Christans 2. Extent universall Church Catholicke Particular Church c. 3. Apparant to men visible on earth in the professors Invisible to men 4. Places Heaven among the Saints and Angels Earth among men 5. Exercises in it Militant in grace Triumphant in glory As other distinctions also in regard of the circumstances may be of this one and the same Church 14. How could the Iewes Church and the Christians be one As both were united in Christ the head profession of the true faith and so elected called and ordained of God 15. How could Christ be the head or his faith in the Church of the Jewes As the Fathers and Patriarkes and all holy men before Christ trusted in the Messias Christ that was to come and in that faith walked with God and attained heaven as all Saints since in the faith of the Messias already come so all of one faith and under one head 16. Is our faith then the same with Abrahams The very same in substance onely diversified by the distinction of time and respect of the same Messias onely exhibitum or exhibendum as already showne or to be exhibited their faith farther off and in hope our more plainly and fully informed all shadowes and vailes removed the substance presented 17. But faith is of things not seene And so are the mysteries of this faith even in the very Messiah though seene with mortall eye yet much more unseene not onely for his divinity but divine actions office and doctrine also onely apprehensible by the eye of faith 18. What are the particular Churches Members of the Univerall Church of which Christ is the head planted by the ministry of good men in the power of God and his word in all parts of the world and in all times preserved by his grace in one part or other so all those famous Churches of Asia Phrygia and Pamphilia of Rome Ephesus Corinth Greece and generally in Europe Asia Africa and now America also and that were in all times as well of the Fathers and Patriarkes even Adam Noah Abraham Moses the Jewes and to our times make up this one Catholicke Church of God or to goe further even all men and Angels elected and saved 19. How expresse you the Church visible or invisible The invisible company of Saints elected of God to eternall life onely knowne to God and not to be discerned of men therefore called invisible whereas all professors of the faith living in the Church and seene in that society charity bindes us to acknowledge as the outward signes and profession shew to be the Church and which we call the visible Church 20. Is the visible Church perfect Nothing lesse for as shee is in the uncleane world she must needs be corrupted with that aire and in her are vessels of honour and dishonour and so as in regard of both shee is called a Net Mat. 13. 47. yet in regard of the better part also called the Kingdome of Heaven 21. How those other distinctions of the Church As in respect of place Heaven where Saints and Angels and earth where men are members of it so in regard of their exercises on earth the Church militant yet in her spirituall warfare and under the crosse but aspiring towards heaven the triumphant part thither already aspired having past the troubles of the world in joy and felicity both together when complete and united make up the Catholique Church 22. How said Catholique In regard of universality of times places and persons as well as Catholique doctrine of truth therein propounded 23. How holy In regard of the holinesse there to be found in the Head Christ the Lord imparting holinesse to the members Holy Father electing it Holy Ghost sanctifying it Holy Faith professed in it Holy Scriptures taught in it Sacraments and Ceremonies Prayers and actions used and exercised in it Life and conversation of the Members in comparison of the rest of the world 24. What are notes of the true Church The true preaching of the word of God and right use and administration of the Sacraments which cannot be well exercised but under a godly discipline and joyned with holy life and conversation 25. How is this proved For that thereby the Church is called together and distinguisht from all other companies whatsoever the word being the meanes the Sacraments
is of the power and by the finger of God effected so every evill thought word and act the workes of the Divell perpetrated by his lend agents and instruments 41. In the second place what meane you by the wicked world All that is not of God produced in the world viz. all the corruptions and as it is called the covetousnesse and concupiscience and pompes and vanities of the same 42. But are not these the workes of the Divell Yes and so with him and in him considered as the author in the world as the subject place and matter where seene and acted in the slesh as the agent and instrument the Divell useth in effecting them 43. VVhat is meant by pompes All unnecessary proud and superfluous excesses in the world exceeding that Christian measure and moderation becomming the servants of God whether in meat drink apparell or other vaine ostentation 44. Are all pompous showes pageants and solemnities then unlawfull By no meanes if within measure and moderation prescribed in comparison of the estate or persons to whom they appertaine 45. How meane you that All the solemnities in the publique service of God fitting the magnificence of him and his Temple all ornaments of estate belonging to King Magistrate City or University for the better administration of the government of the Church and Common-wealth all ensignes of honour and the like on lawfull and honest occasions used and worne Publique triumphs and shows in honour of Prince Countrey City or Common-wealth or any member thereof by law of God and man approved and allowed or for some good end ordained 46. VVhat doe these profit To the well and orderly government and apparant honour and decency of Church and Common-wealth yea to the advancement of vertue and so encouragement of good and vertuous mindes 47. How may it be By the fitting splendor and glory of Gods House the Kings Court City or University eminently advanced in such manner testifying the flourishing estate and prosperity of the same which every good man is glad to behold 48. Doe any envy them this If any doe as loath either Kingly Courtly or other robe of decent ornament should exceed the size of the Millers or Weavers jacket that may be apparantly seen such more precise then wise little respect the decency and comelinesse fitting a well ordered estate the honour of God and his Church or Majesty of the Prince 49. What is then here renounced Unnecessary proud vaine and superfluous pompe beyond those rules of decency ornament or honour by law and wisdome prescribed 50. VVhat are the vanities of the world All these superfluous excesses and whatsoever else savoureth of the nature of sin which is vaine 51. How is sin vaine As empty of all goodnesse and making the soule empty of grace and worse then nothing so both vaine the use not satisfying and in the end extreame vanity and vexation of spirit 52. How saith the wise man all is vanity In two respects 1. As all things in the world are but momentary and soone fading 2. As they are too much infected with sin the just sinning seven times a day and so all his actions and all things else even vanitie of vanities 53. VVhat are the sinfull lusts of the flesh Our homebred corruptions our sins and lusts traitours to our selves and owne soules by which the Divell working taketh us his captives and so we become servants to sin and him whom by his meanes we obey 53. VVhat meane you by the flesh The worse part of man the house of clay the body of death or prison of the soule as rebellion against God 54 VVhat the lusts All evill concupiscence tyrannizing over the soule by the meanes of the flesh so drawing both captive to sin and death 55. How sinfull lusts 1. By the subtilty of the Divel suggesting them 2. By the maliguity of the world fostring them 3. By the frailty of the flesh breeding them And by whom the soule infected the whole man becommeth exceedingly sinfull if we doe not resist and strive against them 56. How are we to resist them By faith and continuall and hearty prayer to God to give us his grace whereby it commeth to passe the life of a good Christian is a continuall warfare or combat against these three spirituall enemies fighting against the soule the Divell the World the Flesh. 57. In the second place how is faith here described By beleeving all the Articles of our Christian confession 58. VVhich are they Expressed hereafter in the Creed 59. VVhom doe they concerne God and his Church whereof we are made visible members of the baptisme so received into that society 60. VVhy doe we professe or learne them That we may know God and our owne estate 61. VVhat of God How he is a most powerfull eternall wise glorious and gracious God and our Creator and father in Jesus Christ. Redeemer delivering us from all our enemies Sanctifier comforting and preserving us in all our necessities 60. VVhat of our selves That though by nature we are sons of wrath in Adam yet in Christ adopted sons and made members of the Catholique Church and communion of Saints have blessed hope of forgivenesse of sins resurrection of the body and life everlasting 61. To what end are we taught this That we may both conscionably Learne Know Professe Promise Practise our Christian duties the better 62. How so By ordering our selves as the servants of so great and good a God and applying our selves to his worship and obedience as becommeth Saints 63. In the third place then how is obedience here decyphered That generall duty of ours is set forth 1. By the universall diligence in keeping and observing 2. By the universall object of this diligence the will and commandements of God 3. By the universall countenance of this diligence all the dayes of our life c. 64. How followeth it in this place As a fruit of faith whereon it dependeth for if we know God as we ought we cannot chuse but serve and obey him 65. How is this duty commended In that obedience is better then sacrifice 66. VVhy so preferred Because by sacrifice we offer but the flesh of Lambes Bullocks or other Cattel by obedience we offer our owne selves soules and bodies to God as a living holy and acceptable sacrifice mortifying and subduing our corrupt affections to the will of God 67. How is our diligence in this duty described By keeping and walking in or observing the Commandements and will of God 68. VVhat meant by keeping Our will and desire to Seeke into Learne to know Remember Lay up in our hearts Ponder consider That holy wil of God his Commandemēts 69. How to walke and observe them To direct our wayes and words and workes and counsells thoughts and hearts according to the same 70. VVhat the object or matter here named The will and Commandements of God his holy Lawes 71. VVhat is the will of God Our holinesse and sanctification in body and
never finde out or comprehend them how much more likely is it she may faile in such high and divine mysteries so farre remote from sense and so above our understanding for if Aristodemus as Saint Augustine remembreth laboured many yeares in seeking out the nature of a Bee which yet finally hee never attained how shall she thinke to comprehend the infinite eternall and invisible Trinity 47. What use hereof To humble reason that faith hereby may be the more exalted that whereas I professe with the tongue so with the heart I may indeed believe in God 48. Where is the substance of this faith professed In the Creed before rehearsed 49. In which words In these I beleeve in God SECT 3. A more particular Explication of the words of the Creed I beleeve in God the Father c. So to take her sight thereof more cleerly from the eye of faith the Analysis or division of the first Article of the Creed where the action what it is to beleeve and what to beleeve in declared and the object of that beleefe God or his Church And the action of beliefe applyed first to the object God in his Essence in unity one God and meant in the manner of his existence in the Trinity in the thrce persons united in nature and Essence but distinguished in their personall proprieties aná persons in whom is â—o inequality or precedency either to other in respect of their Godhead being all one but only difference for order sake in the distinction of their person or parts of them A farther explication of the word of beleeving â— the diverse acceptation of the same and application of it to the soule the subject and God the object of it and to the first person here many wayes described or Father of all creatures Christ and in him all the elect whereby we are sons and have his grace protection and image in righteousnes and true holinesse and cared for and provided of all things even a royall inheritance of the Saints in heaven Further showne as he is alsufficient and almighty or omnipotent which is by and from him communicated with his essence to the other persons which omnipotence is chiefly showne and seene by us in that world of the creat a worke finite virtutis and though opera Trinitatis ad extra be indivisa this principally attributed to him so stiled Creator as originally from him wherein considered the decree and execution of it in the production and preservation as it were a continued creation of al things The subject of which his mighty power and operation the heaven and earth and all their glorious and excellent creatures in them contained and so with them in these words mean and intended 1. VVHat note you generally in the words Two things the Action and Object 2. What is the action Faith or beliefe which is diversly understood here according to the diversity of the object Which is either God His Church and graces 3. How diversified As the words imply and import by Beleeving in or Beleeving only 4. What is the difference To beleeve is one thing to beleeve in another or as the same yet intended or extended with an addition to the former 5. In what are we to beleeve In God only who is Father Son and holy Ghost 6. What are we to beleeve The Articles concerning the Church and Gods graces or actions and priviledges conferred on and done for the same 7. What professe we when we say we beleeve in These five things that we Know consent acknowledge Apply It to us and our hearts Us to it Put confidence in it 8. What when we beleeve The foure first only acknowledge assent acknowledgement and applying it 9. Doe we professe this faith to every Article Yes either to beleeve in or to beleeve it to which our hearts ought to be applyed in that faith 10. How manifold is this profession Twofold with the Heart to justification Tongue to salvation 11. What is the object of faith That about which our faith is imployed and which it doth apprehend or acknowledge 12. How manifold is it Twofold according to the former division of the Creed either God or his Church 13. How set forth there The first concerning God in all the former part of the Creed eight Articles till you come to the holy Catholique Church the second part from that to the end the foure other Articles 14. VVhat confesse you concerning God Our faith and beliefe in him that is with speciall trust and confidence in him and his grace and mercy 15. How manifold is your confession and consideration of him Twofold Generally and essentially Particularly and personally 16. How understood Generally and essentially as I say I believe in God which is the Essence of the Deity communicable to the three persons And 1. Particularly or personally as I professe God the Father Creator 2. God the Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour 3. God the holy Ghost the Comforter 17. How many Gods are there Only one God so the Nycene Creed and holy Athanasius expounding it say I beleeve in one God 18. But doth not Scripture name many gods The name of God in Scripture is understood and taken 1. Either properly and so there is but one God infinite in Essence and power inhabiting eternity 2. Improperly so Magistrates are called gods Psal. I have said you are gods as his Vicegerents 3. Falsly so Idols by the abuse and Idolatry of the people under the name of strange gods 19. VVhat note you then in the Godhead chiefly Both the union and unity in the Essence and the distinction in the persons 20. VVhat call you the unity The one and entire Essence of God appliable to the Trinity of persons aforesaid whereby the unity in Trinity and Trinity in unity is to be worshipped 21. What call you the Trinity The three persons communicating wholly each of them in the whole nature and Essence of God expressed in that unity in which is founded their union as in their personall proprieties their distinction 22. What is their union Their being united in that one nature the unity and Essence of the Deity whereby all three persons are co-essentiall co-eternall together and coequall 23. What is their distinction That personal propriety wherby each person in the manner of his existence is distinguished from other whereby the Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Father and the holy Ghost neither 24. VVhich are those proprieties The Father to beget or produce the Son the Son to be begotten the holy Ghost proceeding from both so the Son cannot be said to proceed nor the holy Ghost to be begotten nor the Father to be begotten or to proceed 25. How are these Attributes knowne from others For that all other Attributes as almighty incomprehensible uncreated infinite eternall omniscient most holy good wise God and Lord are attributed to all persons equally and indifferently as they are indeed one Essence God and so
that make a prayer of it Yes in that ignorance and much more all infidell-like and deboished Christians that take the words in their mouthes and never conceive it in their hearts nor expresse it in life by obedience and so most fearfully abuse and take Gods name in vaine to their condemnation 66. Why the gesture of standing used by all at this confession 1. To difference it from prayers where at we kneele 2. To shew uniforme gestures with the Ministers as unity in consent 3. To shew our readinesse to stand constant yea and die in the constant profession of this faith 4. To signifie the posture of Souldiers as ready to fight in defence of this faith and our Lord and so souldiers with their swords drawne and standing signified as much as Primitive times and Histories relate 67. What learne we hence To stand in the truth profession and defence of this faith even to death that the Lord may give unto us the Crowne of life which he grant to us for his mercies sake in Christ to whom be glory ever Amen SECT 13. Quest. 6. Concerning the summe of the Creed Not so much a praier as acclamation in zealous expression of their confidence The sum of the Creed or substance thereof Epitomised and application of our Christian faith to the three Persens in Trinity Father Son and Holy Ghost and under the third part or Article concerning the Holy Ghost the rest of the Articles shewne comprehended with a most plaine and familiar expression of the same 1. VVHat learne you chiefly in these Articles I learne this one thing faith or to beleeve in God distinctly explicated in three parts according to the number of the three Persons in Trinity 2. What the first First I learne to beleeve in God the Father who hath created me and all the world 3. What note you in it The application of my faith to the first Person in Trinity the Father described by His Essence God Person Father Attribute Almighty Action of creation the Creation Object thereof the world Application thereof to my selfe My Creator as Thomas said my Lord and my God who created me and all the world 4. Which the second Secondly in God the Son who redeemed me and all mankinde 5. What note you in this The application of my faith to the second Person in Trinity the Son described By His essence God Person the Son Action redemption the Redeemer Extent in sufficiency to all mankinde in efficiency to all the Elect. Application to me also my Saviour and Redeemer What more chiefly observed in the Mediator Christ His name Jesus a Saviour Christ anointed His nature God and Man so Gods Son our Lord. His office of Saviour or Messiah Mediator to God making atonement for men Redeemer of men the redemption performed by his humiliation in his incarnation sufferings death By his exaltation in his resurrection ascension session with comming to judgement 6. How more especially his office of mediation seen Apparently executed in His Kingly office governing Priestly office offering that sacrifice his body and making atonement for Prophetick office instructing his Church 7. Which the third part Thirdly in God the holy Ghost who sanctifieth me and all the elect people of God 8. What note you in this The application of my faith to the third Person in Trinity the holy Ghost described By His essence God Person the Holy Ghost Action the sanctifier and sanctification Object the Elect or Saints of God Extent all of them Application to my selfe as he sanctifieth both me and all the elect people of God 9. But what is that which followeth in the Creed concerning the Church of God Intended to be comprehended in this Article concerning the Holy Ghost as by the vertue and efficacie of his holy Spirit all the merits and benefits of Christs office and sufferings and the merits of God are applied to the Church and Saints called the elect people of God 10. How are they called then The Church of God by the merits of Christ redeemed and by the operation of this Spirit collected united and made A holy Church by his sanctification Catholicke Church by his every where diffused graces Communion of Saints in his uniting power knitting them to the head Christ and God among themselves in unity of faith Christians Spirit at peace with God themselves all others Charity helping one another participation of the Sacraments signes and seales of this communion whereby called Saints and whence the blessings and benefits or the priviledges of this holy company do spring which are to be found in this Noahs Arke the Church and no where else 11. Which are they The forgivenesse of sins by the application of Christs merits to our soules in this life The resurrection of bodies after this life in the vertue and power of his resurrection our sins being forgiven The life everlasting the consequent of this resurrection to enjoy glory in eternity with him and in him by his grace 12. Why is all this attributed to the Holy Ghost Because by him is the dispensation of Gods graces to his Church 13. Is it not then to Christ Yes and to the Father too for these three are one and their workes are joyntly exercised together for the good of the Church though distinguished in the order and manner of the execution of them according to the propriety of the persons in the Trinity 14. How then attributed to the Father As to the fountaine from whence all goodnesse mercy and graces doe proceed and flow 15. How to the Son As to the meanes whereby derived to the Church the powerfull and valuable price of our redemption whereby all good is conferred on the Church 16. How to the Holy Ghost As to whom the dispensation of all his goodnesse and grace is committed to the perfection and complement of this worke of God in sanctification the earnest penny of glorification 17. This then is the sum of our faith Yes concerning both God and his Church and so the whole substance of the Creed 18. What followeth The third part of the Catechisme concerning the Law or the Will and Comandements of God The third part of the Catechism concerning the Commandements SECT 1. QUEST 7. Wherein the transition The transition to the Commandements or third part of the Catechisme in the seventh and following question where first the number name and title of them as the written Law of God whence the difference of Laws and especially those of the Iews the once whole Church of God are shewed and handled with many notes of particular distinction among themselves as of the morall Law from the judiciall Law that was more peculiar to the Common-wealth and state of the Iewes and of them both from the ceremoniall with the reason and manner time and and or change and other respects of the same of Christian ceremonies and their use and of the Morall Law more in particular how it is perpetuall and in effect and force both
saved There are surely many Hypocrites that take the badge of Christ but fight under the banner of Satan but commonly it is seen true by their works we may know them 32. Is it then easily to be discerned who shall be saved Nothing lesse for the most impenitent sinner for a while may at last finde mercy and be converted and as we are to judge none we are to hope well of all and to believe of our selves as we finde by our faith of others in charity 33. Then are we to account all members of Christ that are baptized Charity bindeth us so to it as who have beene washed in the same Lavar of regeneration received into the same fellowship and visible company of Saints and faithfull that wee are though God onely indeed knoweth who are his 34. What use of Baptisme The sacramentall assurance of the love of God and his graces to us and so admittance into his house and Church and by faith cooperating a step to our salvation which as in the use so in the remembrance may be very profitable 35. What profit in the remembrance thereof To confirme the grace well begun in a mans heart whereby to grow in grace and so forward to godlinesse 36. How may that be effected If he beleeve he shall bee hereby more confirmed in the faith so being a true Christian be hereby registred in the Catalogue of Saints that all the fiends in hell shall never be able to blot him out againe 37. How is this benefit here described By these excellent names and titles in the answer here expressed as the baptized is said to be made hereby 1. A member of Christ. 2. Childe of God and 3. Inheritor of the kingdome of heaven 38. How a member of Christ As ingrafted into him by Baptisme and received to bee a member of his body the Church of which he is the head and Spouse 39. How understand you the body of Christ Divers wayes and especially these three either his Naturall body united to his soule so borne and for us offered an oblation for redemption of our offences Or his Mysticall body and that understood either Politically of his Church the company of the faithfull Or Sacramentally and spiritually but verily in the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ exhibited to his Church under the species and signes of bread and wine 40. Which of these here understood His mysticall and politicall body the Church whereof hee is the head the whole Church his Spouse and every good and faithfull Christian a member 41. How is he seene to be head By giving to the same and every member thereof Life Motion Direction 42. How is any of us known so to be a member of him By our receiving life motion and direction from him and as we feele our soules to be 1. Living in God 2. Moved by his Spirit 3. Directed by his holy Word 43. Is there any difference in the members of this mysticall body Yes according to the diverse gifts and graces of Gods holy Spirit working in them 44. In what manner Though secretly yet evidently by the gifts appearing in them as of prophesie tongues interpretation healing teaching and governing and the like whence some Apostles other Prophets Teachers Governours as the same Spirit giveth power and direction 45. How have these the names of members As in every well governed Commonwealth the Prince representeth the head the State a body his faithfull Councellours eyes the Law the life and soule the Teachers the understanding Governors the will and all Prelates Magistrates and Judges the shoulders whereon the head is borne and all weighty affaires of estate the Artificers Husbandman and Trades the hands which worke and the feet whereon the Commonwealth standeth So in the Church the like order and distinction of members seene 46. How is that showne By the Apostles owne words 1 Cor. 12. where the Prophets who are called Seers Apostles Teachers c. are showne members of that mysticall body of Christ the Church for the good and conveniency of the body in divers degrees yet all needfull even the meanest as well as the more honourable and in the charity and harmony of the whole every one one anothers members as all together members of Christ. 47. What commeth of being members of Christ We are thereby children of God and so consequently in the right of Sonnes inheritors of the Kingdome of Heaven 48. But were not we children of Godelse Not as beloved or in grace and favour with him for so we are onely as we are in Christ. 49. Who are then the children of God Either Generally all creatures men and Angels Particularly men sonnes of Adam who was the son of God Most specially the elect by adoption and grace in Christ who is most essentially intirely and supremely the Sonne of God 50. How is Christ the Son of God By nature of the same essence God of God begotten not made eternally before the world was created the wisedome truth image and beloved of God 51. How are Angels sonnes of God As the most excellent creatures spirits in light created for the service of God who is the Father of light and Father of Spirits the originall of them and all things and so Satan the disobedient spirit or one of them that fell from that excellent estate in which created is said Iob 1. 6. to come and stand before the Sons of God 52. How are men the sons of God Generally as Angels and all creatures else as created in an excellent estate in the first Adam but though disobedient in some measure by the subtilty and meanes of that Angell that fell Satan or the old Serpent yet particularly taken againe into favour and had a Saviour appointed the eternall sonne of God a meanes of their restauration 53. How are the elect the sons of God Most specially in his favour and grace for his love to Christ in whom they are accepted as his members and having put on his righteousnesse by faith and grace given them for his sake as it were accompanying that faith so made acceptable and their soules adorned 54. Why are not the falling Angels in like hope For that they in a more excellent estate created more was required of them in regard of their rare perfection whose sin and guilt was so much more heynous as their knowledge and estate more excellent and so they fell in eternity to eternity 55. How then should men lesse excellent be saved Even in that respect as 1. not so highly transgressing having not received so excellent gifts or so many and heavenly talents but as inferiour in gifts and graces inferiour in offence and who in time fell had in this world a time of returning and meanes of salvation appointed 2. In regard of the occasion and meanes of their fall 56. How is that Their guilt though heynous as against the infinite Majesty of God yet inferiour to that also of Angels in this as who fell of
works as of grace comprehended in the old and new Testaments 15. Are they two covenants then or one One in substance though two in circumstance one in matter though two in manner of promulgation and divers other ceremonies and circumstances as of time Sacraments Penmen and the like so they agree in the main and chiefe matter differ onely in the lesse principall things in manner and accidents 16. How doe they agree 1. In the Author God the author of both 2. Mediator Christ the mediator one in substance though then veiled since revealed and so Moses his type and divers sacrifices as standing in his stead in that law 3. In the promises 1. God to be their God 2. Of grace and remission of sinnes 3. Of blessings in generall and spirituall ones 4. In the condition on our parts of Faith and Obedience 5. In the end Salvation 17. How differ they 1. In the circumstance of the promise of grace that in the Messias to be exhibited this of the Messiah revealed 2. Corporall promises and temporall blessings concerning the land of Canaan figuring a more heavenly inheritance and land of the living Canaan above 3. In outward Rites and Types and sacrifices and other Sacraments with them as these other Sacraments and onely Christ the substance with us 4. Clarity that in many types and shadowes of Priesthood and sacrifices obscure this in doctrine and substance Christ and his fulfilling all types more evident 5. Gifts as now more large graces and effusion of Gods Spirit upon all flesh promised 6. Duration that till the Messiah this is to the end of the world and for ever as the Priesthood 7. Obligation of that to the whole law Ceremoniall Morall and Judiciall this the Morall onely the others vanished 8. Amplitude that in the people of the Jewes onely this of all people all faithfull to the ends of the earth 9. Priesthood that of Aaron the type this of Christ the true high Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedes And so likewise in the Pen-men of it the manner and other like circumstances of which hereafter 18. How are they then called as distinguished The Law and the Gospell the covenant of Workes and the covenant of Grace or in regard of the Record in which it is registred the Old and New Testament 19 But had not they the Gospel Yes as the joyfull promise of the Messias but more obscurely and in types shadowed even in the law it selfe but the Law most plainly and expresly delivered preached and testified and in that regard the Law bare the denomination of both And so with us the Gospel and revealing of the Messiah most evidently exhibited in whom all shadowes are vanished and all types fulfilled and a great part of the Law abrogated though the best part the morall Law still in force and with us the Gospel yet beareth now the denomination of the whole and so wee call it The new Covenant or covenant of Grace 20. What is intended then by the Covenant of God in generall That his gracious favour whereby hee hath condiscended to stoop so low to the consideration of mankinde and our poore estate as to give us his gracious promise to be our God and grant us his graces and blessings on our condition to be his people and yeeld him our faith and obedience 21. What are the parts then of it and parties The parties to it God and his people or servants the parts of the covenant are in respect Of God his gracious promise To be their God and defend them To give them His graces Mercy forgivenes To send them his blessings Them their humble promise of Faith to beleeve in him Obedience to his will To be his people honor him 22. How is this Covenant made knowne or extant It is made knowne and revealed unto us from the beginning in the Word of God and so extant 23. What Instrument or Record of it The Old and New Testament so called as in them the word and promises of God contained testified recorded and exemplified for us so named the Scripture and Bible or Book of God 24. How called Instruments As legally composed the Author and other parties Pen-men signing sealing delivery and witnesses all in due forme as by law required 25. How called Testaments As the will of the Testator who thereby appointeth what hee will have done after his death or departure by his heires and executors that possesse his substance 26. But God cannot die how is it then his Will or Testament Nor Christ as speaking properly for though he died according to the flesh yet he liveth unto eternity but as departed from earth and gone into heaven or retired into that his holy habitation and leaving the earth to the sonnes of men thus declareth his will and giving so large legacies as all earthly substance and heavenly blessings requireth his Executors and overseers his Vice-gerents and other legatories his people to whom it pertaineth to see his will performed 27. Who the Authour in the old Testament God the promiser or testator who doth covenant with his people to be their God and giveth them his mercies and blessings upon their condition or covenant to keep his commandements 28. Who the other party His people the people of the Jewes who enter into Covenant with him to observe his Lawes 29. Who the Penmen hereof God himselfe and other publicke Notaries 30. How God himselfe Most especially both in writing and dictating the principall part thereof the Autograph of his own hand the ten Commandments Dictate Of his owne mouth Of his Spirit by the Prophets and other holy Men all Other holy Scriptures writings 31. Who the other publicke Notaries Both Moses his servant the recorder and publisher of his Law and testimonies the Prophets his officers to write out and interpret the same as his Temple the Court to lay up and preserve those Records 32. How were they signed By his owne hand in the Mount set to the Commandements the substance of all other holy Writings by his mighty hand of power in miracles and the Spirit of prophesie evidence of the finger of God 33. How delivered To Moses and the Fathers under the cloud and in the whole old Law received also by faith and hope of things not seen 34. How sealed By his seale of his Spirit shewing his graces in those tokens or outward and visible signes and seales his Sacraments that represent his graces as in some sort engraven in them 35. What Sacraments Circumcision especially and the Passeover though there were also divers other holy signes and sacrifices 36. What graces In Circumcision the rooting out and supplaning of sin The Pascall Lamb or the Passeover the nourishment in the Church Strengthning of the soul. Deliverance out of danger and passing from Egypt to Canaan so from the tent on earth to a Temple in heaven from an earthly to a heavenly Tabernacle 37. What witnesses A cloud of witnesses all the