all the Saints with Christ their Head Secondly amongst themselues one member with another Q. Wherein consists the Communion of Saints with Christ A. In two things First in that Christ giues some things to them which are his as his Bodie and Blood Gal. 1.4 Esay 53.4 Acts 9.4 Spirit and Graces Crowne and Kingdome Secondly in that Christ takes somethings vnto himselfe which belong vnto them as sin punishment persecution Q. What Communion is there among the Saints themselues Acts 2.44.4.32 A. Threefold First among those Saints that are in the Militant Church a communion of affection profession afflictions and distribution both of spirituall gifts and worldly wealth for the mutual reliefe one of another Rom. 12.13.16.2 Iohn 17.21 Reu. 5.12 Luke 16.29 Secondly amongst those Saints which are in the triumphant part of the Church there is a Communion of vision consolation action or employment Thirdly betweene both these on earth and those in heauen there is a Communion First in that the Saints in Heauen doe heartily affect the welfare of those on earth generally at least Secondly Phil. 3.20 Reu. 5.8 in that the Saints on earth haue their consolation in Heauen earnestly desiring a dissolution to enioy their company Q. What is it to beleeue this Communion of Saints A. First Heb. 12.22 to acknowledge such a society whereof Christ is head Secondly Eph. 4.12 13 to be perswaded I am a member thereof Thirdly to reioyce in it as if I saw a most delightfull sight Fourthly to resolue neuer to forsake it what euer come Q. Suppose a man be out how may hee get into this Communion A. First by regeneration Iohn 3.5 for except a man be borne from a-aboue he cannot see the Kingdome of God Secondly Luke 14.33 9.62 Math. 7.21 hee must then forsake all other societies that are contrary Thirdly he must be bound vnto them as an apprentise for terme of life Fourthly he must faithfully promise and seasonably performe the worke of that companie Q. How may a man know hee is admitted into this society A. First by his humiliation and reformation none are bound many made free of this companie Ioh. 8.34 36 Secondly by that inward combate he shall after find in him against sinne Satan and wicked men 1 Ioh. 2.15 Thirdly by the earnest of the Spirit receiued at his admission 1 Iohn 4.13.3.14.1.6 7. Fourthly by his loue to that societie and compassion of them in all their sufferings Fifthly by his heauenly conuersation his language apparell and behauiour is such as they vse Q. What doe you learne hence Col. 1.18 A. First that there haue beene are and shall be till the end such a societie in the world consisting of Christ and Christians Secondly the necessity of cleauing to this corporation Iohn 15.5 Psal 16.3 although it be contemned and opposed will any free towne burne their Charter or be ashamed of their Priuiledges because the countrie people enuie and maligne them Thirdly Eph. 4.3 Mark 8.38 to acknowledge it with respectiue affection where euer I see or beleeue it 1 Thess 5.14 15. as the onely representation of Heauen Fourthly to seeke the good of this companie by all possible meanes comforting some reprouing others praying for all Fifthly Heb 13.1 1 Thes 5.13 I learne that neither distance of place nor meanenesse of condition can dissolue or hinder this Communion it is the Catholike Church Lastly to liue in loue and peace with Gods people reioycing in their companie aboue all others Q. Which is the tenth Article A. The forgiuenesse of sinnes Q. What doth it containe A. A second priuiledge of the Church to haue sinnes remitted vnto her and to be an instrument whereby this fauour is procured to others Q. What is the meaning of this Article A. First that there are sinnes in the Church euen among the Communion of Saints Cant. 1.5 Num. 23.21 Secondly that all sinnes are remissible to that societie and onely to them Thirdly 1 Ioh. 1.8 9. that good Christians are to beleeue both the being of sinne in the Church and forgiuenesse thereof to the Church Q. What is sinne 1 Iohn 3.4 A. A transgression of the Diuine Law in thought word or deed A. How many sorts of sinne are there A. Many originall actuall of omission and commission of knowledge and ignorance of weakenesse and presumption c. Q. What is remission of sinne A. It is an effect of Gods loue vnto his Church Ier. 33.8 Ezec. 18.22 Col. 1.21 22 whereby he acquits his chosen from the guilt of sinne through the infinite merit of Christs sacrifice so that they stand vnspotted and vndefiled in his sight as if they had neuer sinned Q. What is it to beleeue the forgiuenes of sinne A. First to acknowledge such a power in God that he is able to doe it Secondly Math. 8.2.19.26 to assent to the truth of God reuealed in Scripture for the manner of it Thirdly 2 Sam. 12 1â— to be perswaded vpon good grounds that I am one of the number to whom this priuiledge belongs Fourthly to labour daily during health and life Acts 2.38.3.19 either to procure or to renew and continue it to me Q. Who can forgiue sinne A. He onely against whose law sinne is committed Marke 2.5 and that is God for who can forgiue sin but God onely Q. Cannot men and Ministers forgiue sinne A. No yet thus much is taught vs. Mat. 18.21 22. Luke 24 47. Iohn 20.23 First that men may remit an offence giuen them by any of their brethren not the sinne committed thereby against God Secondly men may be instruments whereby remission of sinne is procured Thirdly Ministers may declare Gods will and pronounce the sentence of remission vpon condition if men presume to goe further they trench vpon Gods prerogatiue Q. How is sin remitted Esay 43.25 Iohn 20.13 A. Principally by the Lord himselfe acquitting the sinner blotting out the sinne and couering both with the imputation of Christs righteousnesse instrumentally by his Ordinances and Messengers preaching praying 1 Pet. 3.21 and administring Sacraments Q. How may a man get remission of sinne A. By repentance and conuersion Acts 2.38.3.19 Mat. 11.28 for first there must be a sense and feeling of the burden of sinne Secondly a free and full confession Thirdly selfe condemnation with hatred and detestation of sinne Fourthly 1 Iohn 1.9 heartie supplication for pardon in and through Christ Psal 51.1 2 c. Fifthly a purpose to leaue all knowne euill withall appearance of euill Q. How may a Christian be assured in some good measure of it A. First Acts 15.9 Esay 1.18 Prou. 28.13 Iohn 15.3 by faith in the promises seeing and beleeuing what the Lord hath spoken in his Word to this end Secondly by answerable reformation of life in obedience to Gods knowne will Thirdly by spirituall strength and power ouer sinne in the
â—2 one militant here below another triumphant aboue betweene whom there should bee perfect amitie to will and nill the same things Fourthly that God is then glorified his regall authoritie manifested when his will is done by both vniuersally with ioynt consent Q. What are we to vnderstand here by the Will of God A. First that eternall decree and purpose of God Math. 26.39 for the disposition of his Creatures to their seuerall ends Secondly Ephe. 1.11 Psa 103.21 the Law of God whereby his Subiects are gouerned Ephes 1.9 Thirdly that order which is obserued by God agreeable to both the former in the dispensation of iustice and mercy Q. When is the Will of God said to be done A. First when his decrees are executed by meanes according to his predetermination Mat. 26.39.7.21 1 Sam. 3.18 Secondly when his commands affirmatiue and negatiue actiuely and passiuely considered are obeyed Thirdly when the manifest expression of his good pleasure Iohn 6.29 Mat. 9.13 for our safety and comfort takes place in vs as first when we beleeue in his sonne whom he hath sent Secondly when we relieue the oppressed by shewing mercy according to our abilitie Thirdly 1 Thes 4.3 when we possesse our Vessels in holinesse and honour Fourthly 1 Tim. 2.4 when we suffer patiently what he layes or permits to bee laid vpon vs. Fifthly when wee lay hold on eternall life steadfastly then is the Will of God done Iohn 6.40 Q. After what manner are we to pray that his Will may bee done by vs on earth A. As it is done in heauen by Angels and separated soules departed hence and in part glorified Psal 103.20.21 Q. How is it done by them An. First readily without contradiction Secondly speedily without delay Luke 1.19 Esay 6.6 Thirdly faithfully without hypocrisie Fourthly purposely without any sinister ends Fifthly constantly without fainting Heb. 1.14 Sixthly cheerefully without wearisomenesse dulnesse or discontent and all this with Vnitie and Vniformity Q. Why are wee to pray for this seeing wee know it cannot be attained in this life A. First the terme of qualification here vsed as implyes not equalitie of degrees Phil. 1.6 but similitude of manner their obedience should bee a patterne to vs. Secondly Psal 119.5 it is to assure vs by this kind of prayer that God hath begun in his children a perfection of parts and will finish it before he leaue them Thirdly it is to teach vs what wee should desire endeauour after and resolue neuer to rest till we attaine it a chearefull vniuersall submission of our will to Gods Will. Q. What is it then that wee desire in this petition A. First 1 Cor. 13.12 a cleerer and more plaine manifestation of the will of our Father to vs specially in such and such particulars Rom. 12.1 2. Secondly a fuller expression of obedience on our part vnto the knowne Will of God as our King Heb. 13.21 That there might be agreemept in the Church amongst the profest members thereof Eph. 4.12 13 for the manner of Gods seruice and worship which cannot be except all bee guided by the reuealed will of God Mat. 26.39 Fourthly wee desire perseuerance in our search after and obedience of the Will of our Father in all things Q. Why are we to pray thus that the Will of God may bee done A. First that his Kingdome may come Psa 40.7 8. Mat. 18.4 as it doth and euer shall when and wheresoeuer his Will is done Secondly because what man lost by following his owne Will Psa 143.10 may be recouered by doing the Will of God Thirdly because we cannot doe the Will of God without his Will 2 Cor. 3.5 Fourthly to shew the insufficiencie of our selues to will any good and our dependance wholly vpon our God Q. What doth this petition presuppose A. First that man by creation had ability to doe the Will of God as fully as the Angels Eccle 7.29 Iohn 1.13 the same is and shall be restored vnto him againe by Christ Secondly that mans will now naturally is corrupt vniust partiall and opposite to the Will of God Thirdly Ephes 2.3 that separated soules of the Saints departed Rom. 6 7. doe enioy true happinesse with the elect Angels restored to their created integritie they liue and moue in a constantly pleasing obedience Fourthly 1 Cor. 13.12 that our exactest obedience here is imperfect we pray for perfection Q. What must wee doe else that Gods Will may be done to pray onely is not enough A. First we must deny our selues and our owne will Luke 9.23 Secondly we must study to know the Will of God Rom. 12.2 declare and proue it as being his executours in trust Thirdly Psal 84.4 we must iudge our happinesse to consist in such obedience as his elect Angels and glorified Saints yeeld him Fourthly Iob 1.21 we must be content when we see it is done vpon our selues or others Fifthly we must prepare for a dissolution Esay 38.1 and desire to be dissolued with submission to his Will Q. What Sinnes doe you pray against here A. First ignorance of the Will of God Secondly impietie against the Will of God Thirdly pride and impatiency vnder the hand of God wishing rather to haue our owne wills then to vndergoe the Will of God Q. What doe you learne from this petition thus explained A. First that the Will of God is done in Heauen onely by way of perfection 1 Cor. 13.10 in Holy and Heauenly minds by way of inchoation and acception Secondly to seeke in the vse of meanes after absolute perfection of obedience 1 Cor. 12.31 such as a created nature was euer capable of in the best estate Thirdly Acts 7.60 to pray for disobedient Rebels on earth that they may be conuerted if it bee his Will Fourthly Matth. 5. â—4 Esay 1.12 that the Will of God is a rule of obedience a iudge to decide all controuersies in the Church Fifthly that it is one propertie of a childe of God Acts 4.19 to preferre the Will of God before the will of any man or men whatsoeuer not what this or that man wils but what the Lord willeth let that be done on earth as it is in heauen Sixtly that it is a propertie of Gods children to propose the examples of the best for their imitation Let it bee on earth as it is in Heauen Q. Which is the fourth petition A. Giue vs this day our daily bread Q. What is the meaning of this petition A. First that it is Gods will his creatures should be sustained by meanes till they attaine their preordained ends Acts 27.31 Psa 147.9.145.15 Secondly that all his creatures men especially are to depend daily vpon the prouidence of God in the vse of meanes for their maintenance Thirdly that all temporal blessings come from God Iames 1.17 Psal 37.2
AN EXPLICATION OF THOSE PRINCIPLES of Christian Religion exprest or implyed in the Catechisme of our Church of England set downe in the Booke of COMMON PRAYER Vsefull for housholders that desire heaven in earnest and are willing to discharge their dutie in examination of their charge before they send any of them to our Communion Begun and finisht in Barstaple in the Countie of Devon according to his Majesties late pious Directions for the renewing and continuing of the ordinance of Catechising so generally sleighted and neglected now thus farre published respectively for the benefit of that Corporation 1 TIM 4.15 Meditate of these things and give your selves wholly to them that your profiting may appeare to all LONDON Printed by I.L. for P.S. and C.M. and are to be sold at their shop at the Golden Lyon in Pauls Church-yard 1633. TO THE RIGHT Worshipfull Mr. Major the Aldermen Burgesses inhabitants and housholders to all within the Liberties of Barstaple beloved of God called to bee Saints Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Iesus Christ YOur Towne and Corporation is both ancient and eminent Camdens Brit. for healthy Scituation elegant building frequencie of people grave government and store of plentie in every kinde so enricht by the Lords bounty with all necessaries for well-being as that an understanding eye cannot but stile your seat and that without suspition of flattery one of the compleatest corners in this garden of Europe the lot is falne unto you in a good ground the Lord grant Psal 16.6 your persons may exceed the place in transcendent brightnesse of holy zeale and humble innocencie that such superficiall splendour and cloudy glitterings of terrene felicitie doe not so oppresse your eyes but that you pierce thorow to see and desire a further and far-passing glory To count all but losse for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus Phil. 3.8 you have received from God an ample portion noted by many more then acknowledged eminency could not be so farre and easily knowne were it not for enuy attending yet acknowledged by more I thinke then know and weigh the grounds thereof next under the Divine providence crowning our deare and dread Soveraigne with a peacefull government I am mistaken or they may be thus reduced 1. A faithfull dispensation of divine mysteries by able Pastours lawfully called and conscionably discharging their dutie what treasure you have had or at present do enjoy in this kinde is not for me to disclose the Lord enrich their hearts with a double portion of his Spirit and make you abound more and more in practicall thankfulnesse it is your obedience that will commend our Ministry 2. An impartiall administration of justice without respect of persons or reward when the scales are held in such steady hands as that no sinister blast can shake them then the common body is most sound and safe from the fury of wild Bores abroad and subtletie of undermining Foxes at home and here if none uncharitably mistake the end thus much may be spoken inoffensively for the glory of God comfort of the present Major with his assistants and the further exemplary encouragement of successours in that place of government The sword this yeere Mr. R.M. Major that yeer 1631. with conscionable vigilancie hath turned indifferently every way My hope is no female breath no unfriendly perswasion of neighbours or kinred shall be ever able to crosse or stay that motion constancy will crowne you with a holy happinesse 3. A carefull education of youth in godly exercises according to the rules of wholesome discipline requiring paines in the Pastour diligence in the Schoole-master and care in the Parents to bring or see them brought up in the knowledge and feare of the Lord daily solliciting the throne of grace for a blessing on all the first hath not nor shall I trust be wanting in any duty publike or private thus farre I am bold on my brothers behalfe unknowne unto him the second neither hath nor is wanting your owne Schoole having furnisht one age already with great Schollers famous in their kinde and now the present hopes Renowned Iewell and Harding by reason of his honesty and abilitie that undertakes the charge doe in the eyes of judgement and charitie exceed the former if the coldnesse of these times or the unseasonable heate of indulgent parents doe not nippe or scorch the buds appearing and that in the last you your selves may not be wanting to your selves this paines and danger is adventured Education of children is one fundamentall prop either to begin or uphold a societie in well-being a meanes to stay originall corruption from breaking forth to make way for saving grace and to turne the hatred of our enemies into feare Prov. 22.6 Psal 127.4 5. Traine up a childe in the way hee should goe and when hee is old hee will not depart from it Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of such polisht shafts that he may not be ashamed when he speaks with his enemies in the gate This were enough without further reason or apologie to warrant all such endeavours as looke that way I had other Motives to doe that over againe which too many some say have done already they may I confesse see further how principles explained can bee too common I see not one Sunne shines in divers Countries but by many beames so judge of truth proportionably diversitie of stile in the unitie of faith and matter glorifies the Authour with varietie and confirmes receivers of truth with further testimony especially considering how too many use Catechismes as they doe Almanacks for a yeere and then their date is out Next after the advancement of his glory and enlargement of his kingdom whose I am whom I desire and resolve to serve in the use of that talent lent me for the good of his Church First a conditionall necessitie and that first to manifest unto others what obedience is due and what respect hath beene given here to those Soveraigne commands of such who with Princely providence and fatherly care doe or lately did sway the Scepter of this state under King Henry 8. See the Acts and Monuments of the Church it was ordained that Curates in their Sermons should deliberately and plainly goe over the Pater noster Creed and Commandements one clause or Article one day and another another day till the whole were taught and learned by little and little and that they should deliver the same in writing And after that fathers and mothers masters and governors of youth should teach or cause to bee taught their children and servants even from their infancy the Pater-noster Creed and Commandements in their mother tongue and the same so taught should cause the said youth oft to repeat and understand Vnder Edward the sixt I finde it enjoyned That the Creed Lords Prayer and ten Commaundements should bee read in English every Holy-day that the
be that offend Knowing that he keepes the fanne in his owne hand to purge his owne floore at the time appointed Q. What are required from the whole assembly A. First that they stay till the Sacrament be finisht Secondly that they pray heartily for the persons baptized Thirdly that they meditate seriously of the spiritual mystery how the inner man is to be washt in the blood of Christ Q. What bee the fruits and chiefe benefits of baptisme thus administred and receiued A. Many First the persons partaking thereof are declared to be the adopted Sons of God Gal. 3.27 Rom. 6.3 which may be discerned after by their loue of him and likenes to him Secondly their vnion with Christ as members of his mysticall body is thereby made visible which by communication of grace and communion with Saints is after made infallible Thirdly Rom. 4.11 their heauenly inheritance is sealed vnto them breeding in them a longing desire after the possession thereof Fourthly Act. 22.16 their soules are cleansed from the filth of sin which appeares vnto them afterwards by their true faith and repentance 1 Cor. 12.13 Fifthly the Spirit is therein conferred which shewes it selfe in its seuerall operations afterward Sixthly the new couenant is thereby naturally confirmed Ier. 31.31 betweene the Lord and his people Ezech 37.26 all worldly receiuers comming to yeeres of discretion are mindfull of this and carefull in the vse of meanes to procure and nourish the Spirit of Grace Q. Which is the first oâ— those things the Church requires to be done by vs after Baptisme A. Eschewing all euill vnto which we are deceitfully perswaded and tempted by the diuell the world and the flesh Q. Why then dare not you sweare lye prophane the Lords Day drinke drunke wallow in vncleannesse coozen follow euery fashion boldly embrace the corruptions of the time for aduancement as others doe A. No because I haue made a couenant with the great and glorious Lord God of heauen earth to forsake them which I must do as I hope to be saued Q. What is the next thing to be done A. To assent vnto that credible truth proposed vnto vs in that Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed Q. What is the Creed A. A briefe confession of some principles of Christian Religion and no prayer as too many old and young abusiuely make it Rom. 10.10 1 Tim. 6.13 because they haue often seene and heard parents teach their children this Creed together with other prayers kneeling Q. Why is it called the Apostles Creed A. Not because they were the pen-men and disposers of it in this forme of words but first to distinguish it from other Creeds secondly because it is a truth collected out of their writings by some of their immediate followers and in honour of them called after their name Q. What is the chiefe subiect or matter of the Creed A. God and his Church God in the vnitie of essence and trinitie of persons Father Son and holy Ghost with their proper works specially applyed to euery person his Church with the properties and priuiledges thereof both contained in these twelue Articles following I beleeue c. Q. Which is the first article in the Creed A. I beleeue in God the Father Almightie maker of heauen and earth Q. What is faith here meant A. A gift of God Acts 26.27 Heb. 1.1 whereby men are perswaded to assent vnto the truth of God proposed vnto them in this Creed by the true Church with application to themselues Q. What is the manifest act of this faith A. To beleeue with limitation to the person I beleeue not implicitly as the Church beleeues nor blindly Hab. 2.4 Marke 9.23 24. because the people of God beleeue it but obediently because it is a part of Gods reuealed truth Q. Why doe you say I beleeue and not We beleeue A. Because euery one must haue a speciall faith of his own 1 Pet. 3.15 Rom. 14.11 and make confession of these things by and for himselfe distinctly Q. What doe you meane when you say I beleeue A. First I doe acknowledge these articles to be true agreeable vnto the rule of truth Secondly I doe make an outward confession of that my knowledge and assent Thirdly I doe specially apply that confession to my owne particular person Fourthly I doe heartily resolue to maintaine it vnto death Q. What is the proper obiect of this faith A. God and his truth reuealed concerning himselfe and all things else needfull to be beleeued Ioh. 14.1 Q. What doe you beleeue concerning God A. That there is but one God Iohn 5.7 and three persons in essence glory and power coequall and coeternall Q. What is reuealed and contained herein for you to beleeue of the first person in Trinitie A. First that he is the Father Eph 4.6 both in regard of his naturall Son and other his adopted children Secondly that he is Almightie Ioh. 1.18 in the manifestation of his power as his attributes and works declare Thirdly 2 Cor. 6.18 that he is Maker of heauen and earth that is of all things being in Acts 17.24 and betweene heauen and earth Q. What doe you learne hence when you call God Father A. I learne First to magnifie the goodnesse of God Rom. 11.22 that I who am by nature a childe of wrath by free grace am made a childe of God Secondly to honour and obey him as a Father Mal. 1.6 then to expect a childs portion from him Thirdly Matth. 5.48 the dignitie of true beleeuers in this that they are the children of God 1 Ioh. 3.1 Q. What learne you when you say you beleeue He is Almighty A. I learne First to feare his threatnings and so to be daily humbled at the sight of my owne vilenesse Gen. 17.1 Iohn 10.29 Rom. 8.31 Secondly not to doubt of his promises nor be dismayed by a multitude of enemies Thirdly neuer to despaire of the conuersion of others during life nor of victory ouer my owne strong and long-preuailing corruptions God is Almighty Q. What doe you learne from the manifestation of his power in the creation of heauen and earth A. I learne First to behold the goodnesse of God in his creatures Psal 19.1 Iob 38.31 Psal 147.9 not wantonly to gaze on them as on a painted cloth but to see therein and admire his glory Secondly to shun all abuse of the creatures they are the workemanship of God Thirdly that all the vertue beautie comfort and content men reape from and see in the creatures is from God Fourthly that nothing falls out in either but according to his disposing pleasure Q. Which is the second article A. And in Iesus Christ his only Sonne our Lord. Q. What is contained in this Article A. A description of the second person in Trinitie with the necessitie of my apprehension and confession of him Q. How is he described A. By his
vse of appointed meanes which whosoeuer desires indeed Mar. 16.17 1 Iohn 3.21.5.10 hath and shall haue viâ—torie Fourthly by the inward testimonie of a rectified conscience which being purified is also pacified Q. What doe you learne from this confession A. First how miserable and wretched I am Rom. 7.24 by reason of sin remaining although I be in and of the Church Luke 24.47 Secondly for my comfort I learne hence where remission of sinne is to be had and how Matth. 7.12 Luke 10.20 Thirdly to doe as I would be done vnto forgiuing as I would be forgiuen Fourthly Ephe. 4.32 Acts 8.22 that this is one of the rarest priuiledges in the world and hardest to be gotten onely by faith Fifthly to sue out this pardon for my selfe aboue all to auoide multiplying of sinne and deferring of Repentance Q. Which is the eleuenth Article A. Resurrection of the bodie Q. What doth it containe A. A third priuiledge of the Church to haue the bodies of of her children raised from death to life and from the graue to glorie Q. How can it bee a priuiledge to the Church when others without the Church shall partake thereof A. None can enioy it in that manner the Church doth and shall Iohn 5.29 Dan. 12.2 others shall be raised by the externall power of Christ as a Iudge commanding them from prison to the place of execution but the children of the Church shall rise by the inward vertue of Christ as a head of that bodie conueying quickning power into euery member vnited to him Q. What is the meaning of this Article Iob 19.27 A. First that the bodie after dissolution shall be restored to his former integrity both for parts and proportion 1 Cor. 15.42.43.44.45 Secondly that euery bodie shall haue his owne soule brought backe vnseparably vnited to giue life and motion Phil. 3.20 Thirdly that all corruptible qualities shall be laid aside and both made wholly immortall like the glorious bodie of Christ Q. What is the resurrection 1 Cor. 15.52 A. A raising vp againe of what was fallen and a re-vnion of those things which for a time by death were separated Q. What is it to beleeue the resurrection of the body Math. 3.9 A. First to acknowledge the mightie power of God able of stones dust and ashes to raise vp children to Abraham Secondly Iob 19.25 to be assuredly perswaded my bodie shall be raised againe Thirdly with content and inward delight to assent to this worke of God in regard of my owne particular Psal 27.13 Q. What bodies shall be raised againe A. The very same that die 2 Cor. 5.10 1 Cor. 15.38 with seuerall statures without diminution or imperfection altered onely in qualities Q. Who are they that shall be raised A. All good and bad Math. 25.32 Acts 24.15 iust and vniust young and old that euer were Q. By whom shall they be raised A. Christ Lord of all things Iohn 6.44 Phil. 3.20 and the onely head of his bodie the Church thy dead men shall liue together with my dead bodie shall they rise saith the Lord Esay 26.19 Q. How shall they be raised A. First the dead in their graues shall heare the powerfull voyce of Christ Iohn 5.28 and come forth Secondly for those which shall be found liuing vpon the earth at that day 1 Thess 4.15 16. they shall be changed in a moment and prepared to meet him Q. Why must all bee raised thus Reu. 1.7 A. First for the glorie of God in a further manifestation of his mercie and iustice Secondly for the infliction of deserued punishment vpon the wicked Math. 25.46 who often flourish here Thirdly for the performance of Gods promise and perfecting the worke begun in his Children who were of all most miserable 1 Cor. 15.19 if they had hope only in this life Q. When shall this resurrection be A. At the day of iudgement called by Iob the latter day Iohn 6.54 by our Sauiour the last day with patience to be expected because not reuealed Quest What doe you learne from this Article thus explained A. First that all must dye and fall before they can rise againe Secondly that all shall vndoubtedly rise to liue againe in the fulnesse of time Heb 9.27 Thirdly as I dye so must I rise to stand in the presence of Christ with the same eyes parts c. 1 The. 4.14 Fourthly I learne to oppose this truth against the feare of death and immoderate griefe for friends departed Fifthly Iohn 11.24 to eschew sinne Acts 24.15 16. especially the corruptions of that age wherein I liue phantastike fashions in attire long lockes c. and to adorne my minde with good workes which will rise with me Sixthly to prepare for it by a daily meditation of it still supposing I heare that voyce Arise yee dead and come to iudgement Seuenthly that the despised Saints of Christ who now lye buried in silence and disgrace shall ere long bee raised with credit and reputation Eighthly that a ioyfull Resurrection doth euer follow remission of sinne as this Article doth the former no thinking of the one till the other be procured Q. How may a Christian be assured of his Resurrection to life and glory A. He must purchase it with prayers teares and a diligent vse of meanes all his life Phil. 3.10.11 for first if he be truely humbled for his sinnes Reu. 20.6.14.13 if hee were euer cast downe and haue had his part in the first Resurrection Secondly if he haue chosen Christ for his Lord and Sauiour casting himselfe into his armes and resting wholly vpon Him 2 Tim. 4.7 8 Thirdly Dan. 12.3 if he endeauour with zeale and cheerefulnesse to keepe faith and a good conscience in all things then may he be assured to dye in Christ to rest with Christ till hee bee raised by Christ to reioyce and sing for euermore Q. Which is the twelfth Article A. Life euerlasting Q. What doth it containe A. A fourth priuiledge of the Church to haue life eternall bestowed vpon her and all her children Q. How is it a priuiledge of the Church when wicked men shall also rise to liue againe A. None shall rise to liue the life of glory in heauen Col. 3.3 4. Mat. 25.41 but Children of the Church the life of wicked men in hell is rather an euerlasting death Q. What is the meaning of this Article A. First that all the beleeuing members of Christ shall be partakers of another life Iob 14.14 Esay 26.19 far better then this Secondly that of that life there shall bee no end Q. What is this life euerlasting A. It is the being and exercise of spirituall actions in man agreeable to the Will of God begun here by grace Iohn 6.47.17.3 but to be perfected hereafter in glory Q. Wherein consists the excellency of that life in glory
by degrees of the body of sinne Ephes 4.22 an abolishing of the power of naturall corruption Col. 3.5 Rom. 6.12 13. the guilt whereof was taken away in Baptisme by the efficacy of Christs death if after wee set our selues against the corrupt motions of the flesh Secondly Ephes 4.23 24 25. Viuification which is a renouation of vs in the Spirit of our mindes when Christ by vertue of his Resurrection raises vs vp to be fit temples for him to dwell and rule in by his Spirit Question How may a Christian discerne this worke in himselfe that it is begunne in him A. First by a hearty dislike of himselfe for sinne griefe following euery knowne offence desiring as earnestly to haue power ouer sinne as pardon Secondly 2 Cor. 7.11 by a diligent studie to learne the grounds 2. Pet. 3.15 Col. 3.2 and readinesse of mind to giue an account of that hope which is in him with meekenesse and feare Thirdly Phil. 3.20 Rom. 7.18 Heb. 12.14 by his heauenly mindednesse being freed from the heauy drosse though not from the being of sinne Rom. 6.22 the soule mounts vpward with ease Tit. 2.3 2 Cor. 7.1 Fourthly by a sensible feeling of the want of holynesse grieuing and seeking to haue it encreasâ—d Fifthly by humilitie and frequency in holy duties with delight hauing his thoughts words and deeds answerably holy at least in desire Sixtly by a loue of holynesse in others Q What is conscience Iohn 8.9 Rom. 2.15 2 Cor. 1.12 Answ It is an vnseparable power of the soule continually obseruing and by reflection applying to iudge impartially of euery action past with the manner of doing according to the rules of right reason Q. How is conscience rectified and made good to vs A. First by an act on Gods part Heb. 10.12 9.14 which is a worke of the spirit sanctifying and so restoring the soule to her first regularitie nothing can worke well as God would haue it Acts 24.16 vnlesse it bee such as God made it Secondly by a duty on our part which is earnest prayer finding conscience irregular ignorant secure or seared that the Lord would renew rectifie and guide it to all wholesome motions and operations Q. How may such a rectified good conscience be knowne A. By a speaking power it hath to determine aright of good and euill Rom. 2.15 1. Tim. 4.2 Psal 141.5 Gen. 39.9 Rom. 13.5 stirring vp and restraining excusing and accusing accordingly Secondly by an inward delight in a piercing ministery that wakens and sets conscience a working Thirdly by tendernesse not daring to follow a common custome without warrant abstaining from gainefull corruptions and suffering for conscience sake Q. How may wee keepe it in this good order 2 Sam. 24.10 Psal 119.9 Gal. 6.16 1 Tim. 1.19 A First by hearkning to the voyce thereof acquainting our selues therewith by frequent conference and examination least we be strangers at home and know it not Secondly by referring the dictates of conscience to a superiour rule comparing her sentence with the Word of God lest we make an Idoll thereof Thirdly by esteeming the integrity and tranquillitie thereof in a peaceable purity aboue all riches and treasure in the world Fourthly by cleauing to the plainest and safest side in all doubtfull cases Q. What doe you vnderstand by the terme Church Mat. 7.47 Reu. 12.1 A. First a mixt multitude of men and women baptized professing Christ in the vse of his ordinances performing or faining to performe conformity in practice Luk. 12.32 called commonly the visible Church Secondly a dispersed and despised company of men and women Acts 14.22 rich in faith called by the Word to haue Vnion and Communion with Christ their head in the profession of his Gospell and vse of his Sacraments striuing through many afflictions to enter the Kingdome of Heauen called the inuisible Church Q. What is Christian Religion A. An holy meanes appointed by Christ in his Word for the knitting of his seruants vnto him in all religious duties Iames 1.27 Heb 9.1 the seruice consisting specially in workes of piety purity and charity ioyned with knowledge and loue of the true God Q. Who are true Christians and professors indeed of this Religion A. True Christians are First Rom. 8.29 Ier. 31.3 all such as are the obiects of Gods free loue and mercy in Christ though they neuer liued actually to know Christ or professe his truth Acts 10.35.17.17 Secondly all such as knowing Christ doe loue and beleeue in him although neuer baptized nor called into a visible Church Thirdly all such as knowing and beleeuing doe confesse Christ and professe his truth with zeale and knowledge yeelding due respect to all Christs Ordinances and growing by them Rom. 10.10 Luke 1.6 Psa 119.5 6 allowing themselues in no knowne sinne conscionable in priuate as in publike duties louing helping and encouraging one another Q Is there no Atheisme and irreligiousnesse among Christians in the profession of their Religion A. Yes much in many hauing a name an outward forme and nothing else Acts 5.1 2.3 4 5. which comes to passe by reason First of that deceitfull sinne of hypocrisie whereby men dissemble with God and the world Math. 13.5 deceiuing sometimes their owne hearts Secondly of neutralitie lukewarmnesse and indifferencie Reu. 3.15 16. when men relye vpon their ciuill honestie morall iustice and will goe no further comming short of Heauen Thirdly Iohn 6.64 Rom. 2.24 of infidelitie concerning Gods omnipresency omnipotencie and veritie of his Word in promises and threatnings many want faith that make a faire show in all things else Fourthly of open prophanenesse liuing worse then the worst Heathens so drawing the blacke cloud of scandall ouer the brightnesse of our Christian faith such after admonition should be remooued Q. What is hypocrisie A. It is a glorious pietie without gracious sinceritie and is twofold First grosse Mat. 23.27.19.21 22. whereby a man deceiues other men not himselfe knowing he is not what he appeares to be nor indeed heartily desires it Secondly refined and formall whereby a man deceiues others and himselfe also Q. How may an hypocrite be knowne A. It is verie difficult for in all outward duties he may Mat. 6.20 and doth goe as farre for a time as the soundest Christian professing hearing Mat. 23.23 praying and yeelding some spirituall fruits so passing the ciuill honest man many degrees but may be thus discerned First hee is verie strict in small matters in weightier taking any libertie 2 Sam. 15.30 which may stand with his reputation Secondly he is heartily greedie after preheminencie worldly pompe and glorie 3 Iohn 9. a blocke which a formall hypocrite can neuer leape ouer if religion be so strict as to crosse his preferment he is so bold as to crosse out that part of religion Mat. 7.3 4. Thirdly hee is much employed in searching