consistent with his Fathers Glory 5. To render his sufferings of infinite value to save all his in all Ages 6. For the comfort of fallen man who might believe the glad Tidings of his peace with God when it was brought to him by one who being God as well as man evidenced the peace by the Union of the Natures Q. Why is the Son of God called Christ A. Christ signifieth anointed and is the same with Messiah to evidence Christ to be the true Messiah Q. How prove you Christ to be the true Messiah A. 1. Homil. Eng. on Nativ Mat. 1.18 20.1 2. Mark 5.9 The Prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled in him as to his Tribe Parent Birth-place Name manner of Life and Death Resurrection and Ascension and their Effects as to the Conversion of the Gentiles 2. God the Holy Ghost Angels Devils testifie it Mat. 3.17 1.18 Luke 2.10 3. The Jews themselves believed it John 12.44 4. Mornaeâ—s de Ver. Rel. c. 29. All times of expecting the Messiah centred in and about that time Christ was born and many false Christs then arose 5. Christ did what the Messiah was to do B. Pearson on Creed p. 83 84. and suffered what the Messiah was to suffer therefore he was the true Messiah The mistake of the Jews as to Christs coming in Glory was Their confounding his second coming with the first And if he had come in Glory how then should the Prophecies concerning his Sufferings Death Burial c. Isa 53. be fulfilled we grant his coming in Glory but we premise his suffering for sin here in the flesh and his coming in Glory we refer to his coming to Judge the World see at large this in Bishop Pearson on the Creed pag. 83 84 85 c. Q. Why is Christ called our Lord A. B. Pearson on Creed p. 153. 1. Because he is the Lord that made us and bought us 1 Cor. 6.20 2. He hath chosen us to be his People out of all the World Jewish and Heathen 3. We have by our Baptism chosen him for our Lord and Master and have resigned up our selves to him as his faithful Servants Q. What Office of Christ doth this Title of Lord import A. His Office of King Q. How is Christ a King A. Christ is a King of Grace and Glory Here he rules in his People Gal. 6.16 and they hereafter Reign with him And as a King 1. He hath a Church or People subject to him 1 John 2.6 John 16.78 14.26 1 Cor. 15 55 56 57 2 Thes 1.8 9 10. 2. To them he gives Laws to walk by 3. They obey him 4. He governs them by his Spirit and Ordinances 5. He as King protects them from enemies and defends them in peace 6. He as King rewards his People with blessings here and hereafter Q. How is Christ a Prophet A. 1. He instructs us by his Word Spirit and Ministers in our Duties 2. He continues a supply of Ordinances for the Service of his Church to the Worlds end Mat. 28.20 Rom. 8.16 26. 3. He enables his People to discharge their duties and to perform what he expects from them Q. Why is Christ called Jesus A. An Angel hath given us the Reason Mat. 1.21 Because he should save his People from their Sins Q. How opth Christ save us A. 1. 2 Cor. 5.21 Christ underwent the whole wrath of God due to us and so satisfied Gods offended Justice Mat. 26. and c. 27. 2. He performed actively what the Law required and so was without sin 3. Hence God is Mat. 3.17 5.17 through him reconciled to us 2 Cor. 5.18 20 21. 4. Luke 34. â—â— Joh. 3. â—â— Christ hath made known to us the terms of Salvation that we on our Repentance for sin and closing with him by Faith and living in obedience to him in the life of Faith may be saved 5. He by his Word Ordinances Ministers Jam. 1.28 Phil. 1.6 Spirit and Graces instructs us in his Will and enables us to perform what he requires 6. Heb. 7.25 Rev. 8.2 He intercedes with God his Father for the pardon of those sins attending our persons and performances and pleads for the acceptance of us and them on the account of his Merits and Mediation Q. What may be learned from Christs Deity and threefold Office A. 1. From his being God I learn 1. God and Christ's great Love to sinful man in Christ's Death Rom. 5.8 10. 2. I see sins evil in causing Christ to come from Heaven to save us 3. I learn mercy for sinners Christ as God is able to save all that return 2. I learn from Christ's being the true Messiah 1. God's veracity who will fulfil his promise in due time 2. The Jews stupidity in denying and Crucifying of him 3. Mat. 27.25 The Justice of God in punishing them according to their own imprecation His blood be on us and our Children 4. I see the verity of our Christian Religion of which we have no reason to be ashamed 5. I learn to trust God in all my affairs Rom. 8.28 32 c. who hath been so faithful to give his Son according to his promise to die for my sins 3. I learn from the Offices of Christ 1. That as Christ is my Lord and King so I ought to obey him and as he loved me so as to dye for me I ought to love him so as to live to him 2 Cor. 5.15 and to my power promote his Kingdom and Glory 2. As Christ is Prophet I ought to reverence God's Word Ordinances and Ministers and to obey what Christ by them and his Spirit doth teach me to be my duty it becoming me to have an ear to hear where the Almighty God condescends to speak Prov. 1.24 26 28 3. As Christ is my High Priest and Saviour to expiate my sin and save my Soul by his merits and mediation I learn to disown all merits and works of Righteousness of my own Isa 64.6 Luke 17.19 and not to relie on any Creatures Righteousness for Justification but wholly by a Faith and Obedience close with and live to him expecting from him my Salvation on the account of his own Merits and free Grace I learn also to disown all Co-mediators as Saints and Angels and to account him as the sole procurer of my happiness to whom my complaints of wants and Prayers for supplies ought to be offered up and made known Q. Why was our Saviour Man A. 1. Man had sinned B. Ushers body of Divinity p. 164. Harmony of Confes Confes Belg. art 20. and the nature sinning ought to suffer and satisfie 2. Christ as God could not suffer and became Man that he might suffer 3. To reconcile the human Nature to God by the Union of the Deity and Humanity in his own Person 4. That he being sensible of our infirmitys might have compassion on us 5. To encourage us in
his Church a Body whereof he is the Head which is twofold Invisible and Visible Mat. 7.21 1 Cor. 7.19 1. The Invisible Church of Christ contains all glorified Saints in Heaven and all true Believers on Earth and of this Church all who are Baptized are not Members but those only who being Baptized live the life of Faith 2. B. Ushers Body of Divinity p. 187. The Visible Church contains all professors of Christianity and of this Church all who are Baptized are reputed as Members Q. What is meant by A Child of God A. Joh. 1.12 Gal. 4.5 Joh. 20.17 Heb. 2.11 Rom. 8.16 This priviledge necessarily follows the other for all true Members of Christ's Church receive the honour to be sons of God by Adoption and are admitted to have God their Father Christ their Brother the Holy Ghost their Comforter here and hereafter are co-heirs with Christ of an eternal glory Q. What is meant by an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven A. This Priviledge doth succeed both the other Luk. 12.32 Ja. 1.12 1 Pet. 1.4 5. Joh. 14.3 Col. 3.4 2 Cor. 5.1 for those who are Members of Christ and Sons of God have a Kingdom purchased for them and promised to them yea by Christ they now have taken possession of it and shall hereafter have the full enjoyment of it Q. What did your Godfathers and Godmothers then for you A. They did promise and vow three things in my name 1. That I should renounce the Devil and all his works the pomps and vanities of this wicked World and all the sinful lusts of the flesh 2. That I should believe all the Articles of the Chrstian Faith 3. That I should keep Gods holy will and Commandments and walk in the same all the daies of my life Q. What are the parts of this Baptismal vow and promise A. Its parts are suitable to the two parts of Sanctification a death to Sin World Flesh Devil and a life unto Righteousness in a true Faith and an obedience to the Will of God Q. What do we renounce in renouncing the Devil and all his works A. 1. Dr. Hammond pract Cat. l. 6. sect 3 Joh 8 44 Ja. 3.17 All belief in or worship of any Heathenish God or Idol 2. All heathenish and sinful practice as Lying Envy Pride sowing Discord and those sins which represent Satan 3. All Combination or Contracts with the Devil and all use of Conjurations 4. Ja. 1.14 Eph. 5.11 All Temptations and first motions to sin 5. All evil Exhortation or evil Example whereby we entice others to act sin and so act the Devil's part Q. How may the Devil and â—is Works be withstood A. Jam. 4.4 1 Pet. 5.5 8 9. By the use of 1. Prayer 2. Fasting 3. Faith 4. Watchfulness against them 5. Care to walk according to Gods Will. Q. What is meant by the pomps and vanities of this wicked world to be renounced A. Eph. 5.11 1 Cor. 6.10 20. 1. That we absent as much as may be from wicked company the ruin of many souls 2. That if in company we partake not of their sins chusing rather their anger than Gods 3. Not inordinately to pursue the worlds profits pleasures or honours nor to be too much delighted with 1 Joh. 2.15 16. Jam. 4.4 Mat. 16.26 or confident in them but so to sit loose to them that we may readily part with them if in competition with Christ and our Souls Q. How may the soul be armed against the Worlds enticements and discouragements A. Eccles 1.1 2. 1. By considering the vanity and uncertainty of all its enjoyments Its pleasures but skin-deep sensual and but for a moment Heb. Pro. 23.5 Ps 49.7 11.20 its Honours the breath of others no sign of God's love and leave us at Death Its Riches the dust of Earth cannot free from Death here nor Hell hereafter 2. By considering the smalness and shortness of our Troubles in the World They can but hurt the Body Mat. 10.28 Exod. 2.23 in whose greatest troubles the Soul is at Liberty its worst punishment is Death which sends the soul sooner to eternal life Isa 43.2 2 Cor. 4.17 18. They cannot hinder us from God's presence here and may prepare us for a greater glory hereafter 3. By considering we are here but Strangers and Souldiers in our Enemies Tents Joh. 15.20 John 16. last which may reasonably expose us to troubles as our Captain Christ Jesus and his Apostles all met with 4. Ro. 8.18 By considering our Glory in Heaven will recompence all our losses on Earth Q. What is meant by renouncing the Lusts of the Flesh A. 1. Dr Ham. prac Cat. 16. sec 3. Jer. 4.14 1 Cor. 6.19 All coveting of or indulging our selves in any lust or desire which is contrary to the Word of God and so sinful 2. All spiritual and heart Sins and all bodily uncleanness This Enemy is the more dangerous because daily with us and ready within us to betray us to Satans Temptations Q. How may these lusts of the Flesh be subdued A. By Sobriety Chastity Gal. 5.16 17 20. Watchfulness Praver and a care to walk answerable to the Word of God Q. What is that part of Sanctification included in your Baptismal Vow yet to be Considered A. â—oh 3.16 Tiâ— 3.8 A life of righteousness in these two great duties of the Gospel Faith and Obedience Q. What is the Faith here promised A. Bis Pearson on Creed p. 12. 1. An assent of our Hearts 2. A Confession or Profession with our lips And 3. A suitable Conversation in our lives Q. What do we promise thus to believe A. All the Articles of the Christian Faith Q. What is the Obedience promised in Baptism A. That which is the product of true Faith an Universal Obedience of our whole man to all the commands of God sincerely performed with constancy to our lives end Q. Can the Godfathers or Godmothers promise this for the Child and is the Child bound to perform it A. 1. Yes because Children are in the power of the Parents to be devoted to the Service of God Deut. 6.6 7.29.10 11 31.11 12 2 Tim. 2.19 Eph. 5.11 Heb. 11.6 Tit. 2.14 whom God also hath obliged to do it 2. There is nothing contained in this Baptismal Vow but what is lawful becomes Christianity and is our bounden Duty to perform 1 Pet. 2.11 1 John 5.4 1 Pet. 5.8 3. The Non-performance of the Vow by the Child may justly forfeit God's promises in Baptism made to the Child 4. Parents usually oblige their Children in civil contracts and bargains Hooker 's Volity l. 5 sect 64. who are by their Parents contracts bound to observe the Covenant or else must forfeit the advantages that might accrue to them by its observance Much more sure then may Parents engage their Children in what is the Child 's absolute duty on whose performance so great a mercy depends Q. Dost
thou not think that thou art bound to do and believe as they have promised for thee A. Yes verily and by Gods help so I will And I heartily thank our heavenly Father that he hath called me to this state of salvation through Iesus Christ our Saviour And I pray unto God to give me his grace that I may continue in the same unto my lives end Q. Why is this Question proposed A. 1. That the Child being now grown up might be made sensible of that Vow he was entred in by his Godfathers and Godmothers in Baptism 2. That before the Congregation he by making an open profession of it might evidence that he retained that Religion he was Baptized into and owned as firm and stedfast what was then done and promised for him 3. That he now being grown up and assenting to the obligation on him from that Vow entred by his Godfathers and Godmothers might henceforward look upon himself obliged to practise it And here how may we justly lament the neglect of Confirmation amongst us which would be a great expedient to oblige persons to be instructed in the principles of Religion and engage them by an assuming their Baptismal Vow on themselves to the practice of it Q. What is considerable in the Answer A. 1. An earnest assent and consent to the Obligation on us from our Baptismal Vow to perform it Yes Verily 2. 2 Cor. 3.5 Joh. 15.5 Phil. 2.13 An humble acknowledgment of our own inability to perform our Duties of Religion or to withstand Sin Satan and the World without God's help And therefore by God's help I will 3. The great joy and gladness the Baptized person looks on his Baptized state with Psal 147. last Acts 4.12 I heartily thank our heavenly Father who hath called me to this State of Salvation through Jesus Christ our Saviour It being a State of Grace of which the numerous Jews and Heathens are deprived of 4. Here is an holy means used to obtain God's help to perform this Vow I pray unto God to give me his Grace 5. Phil. 4.13 Here is an holy Resolution of perseverance through God's help 6. Phil. 1. That I may continue in the same to my lives end Q. Rehearse the Articles of thy Belief A. I believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth And in Iesus Christ his only Son our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary sutfered under Pontius Pilate Was crucified dead and buried He descended into Hell The third day he rose again from the dead and ascended into Heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty From thence he shall come to judge hoth the quick and the dead I believe in the Holy Ghost The Holy Catholick Church The Communion of Saints The forgiveness of Sins The Resurrection of the Body and the life everlasting Amen Q. Why are the Articles of the Creed in the first person singular A. 1. Because though we may pray for each other yet every one must believe for himself 2. Because hereby every one makes an acknowledgment and confession of his own Faith Q. Why is it called the Belief A. From the first words I believe Q. Why is it called the Creed A. From the first word in Latin Credo Q. Why is it called the Apostles Creed A. 1. Because there is good reason to believe it was made by the Apostles Alsted Chronol p. 315. Calvin Instit l. 2. c. 16. sect 18. Dr. Sherlock on Cat. before they were dispersed abroad in the World at the Council of Jerusalem about the 49 year of Christ as a sum of sound Doctrin for the Churches use And some have supposed hence it was divided into Twelve Articles according to the number of the Apostles 2. It is called the Apostles Creed because its Articles agree with the doctrin of the Apostles delivered in their Writings Q. How are the Articles of the Creed divided A. Catec of Church of Engl. Some have made only three parts of it respecting the sacred Trinity the only Object of our Faith and thus doth our Church divide it into Articles 1. Concerning God the Father who made me and all the World 2. Concerning God the Son who Redeemed meand all Mankind 3. Concerning God the Holy Ghost who sanctifies me and Elect People of God Others have added a fourth part concerning the Church of God and its Priviledges here and hereafter Col. 1.18 Eph. 1.14 4 uke 14.7 Cor. 15.19 But because the Church is no object of Faith and our belief of Christ and the Holy Ghost will pre-suppose a People Redeemed and Sanctified and that State will infer pardon of Sins Resurrection and Eternity of Life Therefore I shall only consider three parts Q. Which is that part of the Creed which relates to God the Father A. I believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth Q. What is here believed concerning God the Father A. Three things 1. His Being 2. His Attributes 3. His Works Q. What is meant by I believe in God A. That I believe 1. There is a God 2. There is but one God 3. That I believe in this one God Q. How do you prove there is a God A. Arguments to convince the Atheist are drawn from Reason for he who denies a God cannot credit Scripture which we say is the Word of God Therefore 1. Gror. de ver Chris Relig. l. 1. Morn de ver Relig c. 1. Cicero l. 1. Tusc Quest Val. Max. l. 1. c. 1. Extern The first cause of all things proves a God nothing could make its self and therefore every thing made had God a Creator and is an Argument for a God and may silence the Atheist 2. The 1. consent of all Nations who by the light of Nature saw it The Roman Orator accounts no Nation so barbarous as to deny the Being of a Deity And the Athenians banisht Diagoras for but saying he doubted it Their Polytheism or worship of many Gods tho sinful yet pleaded they were Theists worshippers of a Deity The several Creatures especially our selves may silence all doubts Dr. Arrowsmith Aphor. Exer. 2. sect 1 2. for tho which way soever we look we may find enough to convince us of his Being Yet our selves as what we are most conver sant with may silence Atheism 3. Our bodies and souls witness a Deity Our Parents could not make us Male or Female Leigh 's body of Divinity l. 2. c. 1. p. 151. however desirous they of either Sex We 2. excel all creatures in our structure and our Souls are above the Sphere of Earthly Beings being 3. spiritual and capable of an immortality remembring things past and foreseeing things to come all which plead for a God a Father of our Spirits and Creator of our Bodys 4. The testimony of every mans Conscience which at sometimes 4. checks him for evil and encourageth him to Good is
afraid after sin and bold after doing good And the greatest profest Atheist seems most afraid of a Supream Being to punish him Suet. in Caes Cal. c. 51. Suet. Tib. Ne. c. 69. So that it may be the Atheists wish there was no God but it cannot be his belief there is none for those checks for Evil and encouragements of Good premis'd imply there is a God who is just to punish sinners and to reward the wel-doer Whence a Reverend Prelate saith it may consist with the Atheists interest B. Pearson on Creed p. 22. to wish there was no God but it cannot consist with his Reason to believe there is none 5. Psal 14.1 Therefore we may justly blame those as Fools with the Psalmist who say in their Hearts There is no God Much more those who profess with their mouthes There is no God Indeed Atheism is but the Genuine product of Debauchery and profaneness Baxter 's Reas of Chr. Rel. part 2. c. 12. p. 444. for when men have so lived that they are afraid to dye and appear before God at Judgment They are inclinable to wish there was no God to call them to an account for their vice and what they so much desire they will easily perswade themselves to believe that they and their Companions may go on in their evil course Q. How do you prove there is but one God A. 1. There can be but one first cause Grot. de Ver. Rel. Christ l. 1 Mornaeus de Ver. Rel. c. 3. but one Infinite Almighty Independent Eternal Being For if there were two or more Beings equally mighty c. there could not be one Almighty and each might obstruct others proceedings 2. The Heathens have 5. granted This Truth in making their Jove as we own our Jehovah to be the most Glorious most Great Almighty Omnipresent Omniscient Deity the Father Author Governour of all things in Heaven and Earth It is credibly reported of Plato B. Paearson on Creed p. 23. that writing to his Friends he said The Name of God was prefixed before his most serious Works but the Name of Gods before his other Books And a Reverend and Learned Divine of our Church Dr. Cudworth 's Intellect System Gen. 3.5 hath proved lately the Heathens centring their plurality of Gods in the Unity of a Deity And indeed the first mention of Gods was from Satan Q. What is it to believe in this one God A. 1. To grant there is a God 2. To believe what is made known of him in his Word or by his Works that he is true just holy good eternal almighty c. 3. Tit. 3.8 Ja. 2.19 To believe his threats and promises 4. To repose our trust and confidence in him 5. To live answerable to this Faith For tho it is a grand folly to deny the Being of a God Dr. Stillings on Prov. 14.9 p. 36. Yet the Atheists themselves esteem them Fools who believe there is a God and yet by sin affront and trifle with him Q. What are the Attributes God hath in the Creed A. Two one relating to himself Almighty The other with Respect to Christ and us Father Q. What is meant by God's Attribute Almighty A. 1. His power to do all things as he pleaseth B. Pearson on Creed p. 42. consistent with his Glory 2. His Soveraignty or right to Rule and govern the works of his hands And both these the Heathens granted 6. Q. How prove you Gods Almighty Power A. 1. God is frequently called so in Scripture 2. Almightiness is deny'd to all things else 3. His Works of Creation Bish Nicholson on Cat. p. 34. Preservation Sanctification Resurrection c. prove it 4. His great Armys Lord of Hosts all things in the whole World obey him And by his order the least thing strong enough to destroy the greatest place or person Mornaeus de Ver. Rel. c. 11. Gen. 3. 6. 19. Dan. 3. 6. as Learned Mornaeus ingeniously manifests 5. His punishing his enemies singly and joyntly 6. His wonderful Deliverances of his People 7. His restraining all powers as he pleaseth Job 1 and 2 Chapter 8. All power and might is from him therefore he is Almighty 9. The Practice and expectation of the whole World who pray to God in all straits and wants B. Pearson on Creed p. 287. expecting from him all protection and supplies which certainly infers God's being Almighty to be impressed on man's Heart naturally Q. What should God's Almightiness considered influence us to A. 1. To believe he is so Almighty 2. To believe all the Articles of the Creed however dark or impossible They seem to a natural man's apprehension since our God Almighty can do them 3. To make us careful we offend not this Almighty God 4. To take care to please him by obeying him 5. Mat. 10.28 To be humble in our strength we had it from God and not of our selves 6. To ascribe all deliverances from dangers and supplies of our wants to God Almighty 7. Not to despair of God's help in any trouble if he please he can help us 8. Not to be afraid of any Enemies tho they be mighty God is Almighty Isa 41.11 43.2 3 Rom. 8.26 9. To encourage us in Prayer and all Duties our God is able to assist us in them and to grant to us and do for us above all that we are able to ask or think Q. How prove you God's Soveraignty or right to Rule all Creatures A. He is the only Lord of all the World to whom we and all his creatures do owe obedience by several Rights by which God may claim it 1. By our Creation He made us and not we ourselves he formed our bodies of the Dust Psal 95.6 7. and infused our souls so that every faculty of our souls and part of our bodies are several obligations to worship God 2. Our preservation God as the great Housholder of the World provides for all his Creatures Acts 17. 28. and in him we live move and have our being and as we daily live of his mercy ought to live to his glory 3. The price of our Redemption We are to God a purchased possession He gave his Son to die 1 Cor. 6.19 20. that he might by his Sons sufferings grant us life and purchase us to serve him Now what we buy and pay for we may expect to be served with much more then may God expect to be served by us Tit. 2.14 4. All Creatures pay him obedience Sun Moon Stats keep their state God first placed them in The Sea exceeds not its bounds the Earth remains habitable and Air convenient for us to breathe in unless the God of Nature please to alter their course to punish sin and then a flood shall drown the World Gen. 6. 19. Num. 16. and fire descend from Heaven the Earth shall open and the Air by infection destroy Q. How should God's Soveraignty affect
cry out as it were of the pains of Loss as if God had for saken him Q. What necessity was there for Christs suffering in Soul and Body A. 1. We had sinned in both Leighs body of Divinity p. 600. and so had exposed both to Gods Anger 2. Christ in order to our Redemption took on him Soul and Body and so was perfect Man as we are 3. Therefore to save both our Soul and Body he must suffer in both Heb. 12.25 Phil. 3.20 4. If Christ suffered not in both Soul and body to free both ours from sin and misery both ours shall not be glorified but both ours shall be glorified Q. What Influences ought the sufferings of Christ to have upon us A. 1. They may shew to us Sins Evil which caused Christs death 2. may manifest Christs love to us who dyed that we might live 3. John 15.13 Rom. 5.8 Homil. of Engl. on Good Friday May engage our dying to sin Christ shed tears of blood Let us repent of sin 4. It may oblige us to live an holy life Christ parted with his life for us let us lay down our lusts for him Q. What do the other Articles of the Creed concerning Christ relate to A. His Exaltation in his Resurrection Ascension Session and his coming to judgment 1. Cor. 15.6 7 8. Mat. 28. John 20.27 B. Pearson on Creed p. 255. Q. Did Christ rise again from the dead A. 1. Yes he appeared to one two Eleven and after to five hundred at once 2. It is witnessed by Angels Friends and Disciples Yea by the watch of Soldiers 3. It was the same Christ who was buried which rose again in the same wounded body and humane Soul evidencing it's sensitive part in eating John 21. 6. And drinking and his Rational in discoursing after his Resurrection Q. Why did Christ rise from the dead A. Psal 16.10 1. To fulfil the prophesies of the Messiah 2. To shew his conquest over Death Hell and the Grave 3. To compleat our Salvation 1 Cor. 15 19 55 56 57. Col. 3.1 had not Christ risen we had been miserable 4. To make us not afraid to dye 5. To raise our affection after him Q. Why did Christ rise again the third day A. Hos 6.2 Jonah 1.17 1. To fulfil the prophesies and Types of it 2. To evidence the truth of his death he lay in the grave till the third day Psalm 16.10 3. Least his body should see corruption he rose early on the third day A day being here taken figuratively for a part of a day Christ dyed as we compute on Friday about three of the Clock in the afternoon and lay all that day and night and all the next day and night which was the second day he lay in the grave and early on the third day he rose again Q. The Soldiers say he was stoln away how then did he rise A. Mat. 28. 1. This was not the first and free Testimony of the Soldiers for it is manifest that as Christ did arise and appear to many so the soldiers told the Chief Priests the things that were done But the speech of his being stollen was what they were hired to say 2. This Testimony argues the Soldiers guilty of a manifest Lie and they are entrapped in their own snare for if they were asleep how could they tell the things that were done or whether he arose or was stoln away and if stoln whether his Disciples did steal him or others And if they were not asleep they might easily see whether his Resurrection was miraculous or whether his Disciples took him away and might as easily have prevented his Disciples stealing him They being an armed Company and Christs Disciples a few naked men Q. How is Christs Ascension proved A. 1. By Testimony from Scripture 2. Lak 24.50 Acts. 1.9 10. 〈◊〉 Calviâ— Insâ—â— â— â— Cap. â—â— seâ—â— â—6 Heb. 7.25 John 16.7 Spectators who beheld him ascending Q. Why did Christ ascend A. 1. It was prophesied of the Messiah 2. Typified by the High-Priests entring into the Holy of Holys 3. To compleat his triumph over all Enemies 4. To open heaven for us which was shut against us by our sins 5. To assure our humane nature of glory 6. To intercede with his Father for us 7. To send the Holy Ghost to prepare us for Heaven Q. What is meant by Christs sitting at the right hand of God A. Psalm 110.1 B. Fearson on Creed p. 277. 1. Christs power given him by his Father to destroy all his and his Churches enemies 2. The Glory Christ with his Father is admitted to 3. His stay and dwelling in Heavens Glory 4. Our having possession of Heavens Glory by him and in him Q. What doth Christs coming to judgment import A. Three things 1. That there shall be a judgment 2. That Christ shall be judge 3. That he shall judg both quick and dead Q. Why must there be a judgment A. 1. To manifest Gods Truth mercy justice Baxters Reasons of Christian Religion part 2. Cap. 12. Glanvil on future judgment 1 Cor. 15.19 2. To duely punish Sinners and reward his people 3. To vindicate Gods Glory and providence 4. To amend all false judgments here 5. To discover all Hypocrisie and dissimulation 6. To clear all innocency 7. Each mans conscience chiding for sin and commending for duty teacheth a judgment to come 8. Our unsatisfiedness with what this world affords implies a future state 9. If there be no future state of mercy the beasts are better then we as meeting with fewer troubles and disappointments 10. Heathens granted it 11 Hence their feigned judges Q. Why is Christ Judge A. 1. Calvin Instit lib. 2. Cap. 16. sect 18. He is man as well as God and so as he knows the heart is a judge visible to our Eyes 2. For his Glory who on earth was so vilified 3. For the terror of his Enemies over whom he will triumph 4. For the comfort of his people who have their Saviour their judge God is judge in respect of authority of judging John 5.22 1 Cor. 6.3 Christ is judge as Executor of Gods judgment by Gods deputation and the Saints judge as approving of the judgment which God by Christ Executers Not much unlike our Assizes on earth The power of judging is in the King who deputes the Execution of his power to the judges and their judgment is approved of by the Justices who are Assessors Q. What is meant by quick and dead A. Those who are dead before Christs coming and those who shall be alive at his coming Q. Will any be alive at Christs coming to judgment A. 1. Scripture testifies it 2. 1. Cor. 15.5 1 Thes 4.16 Allusions of the old world and Gomorrah c. shew it Q. Shall not those who are then alive die before judgment A. 1 Cor. 15.52 They shall undergo a change like death and a Resurrection Q. What
in Heaven Hallowed be thy Name Mat. 6.9 to 13. Thy Kingdom come Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily Bread and forgive us our Trespaises as we forgive them that Trespass against us And lead us not into Temptation but deliver us from Evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen Q. Is this a prescribed Form A. 1. We may use it so Christs words being Luke 11.22 When ye Pray say Our Father c. 2. We ought to Conform all our Prayers to it When ye Pray say after this manner Q. Are Forms of Prayer Lawful A. Yes 1. Christ gives a Plea for it in the Lords Prayer 2. Unity of Petitions in a Congregation pleads for it 3. If every one was left to his particular Addresses it would tend to Confusion in a Congregation 4. It is a great help to weak Christians who hereby are instructed what to Pray 5. It may be better accompanied with Zeal than other Prayers because its Petitions are known by the Praying Person and may be suited with Affection 6. Men are more confined to the conceived Prayer or extempore Prayer of any Person than to a Form of Prayer because in a Form they know what will be Prayed for and what Petitions will be used and so know how to suit them and what to say Amen to when as in a conceived or extempore Prayer the hearer knows not what to say Amen to till the Petition be expressed which probably may then be so erroneous or Blasphemous as it ought not to be joyned with Q. What are the parts of this Prayer A. Three 1. A Preface 2. Its Petitions 3. It s Conclusion Q. Which is its Preface A. Our Father which art in Heaven Q. What is here Observable A. 1. That God alone is the Object of our Prayer who is here set out to us by what may encourage our Address as a Father who is willing and as one Almighty in Heaven able to help us 2. That the Persons Praying should be Publick Spirited not Praying solely for themselves but also for others It is not My but Our Father Q. Why is God only to be Prayed to A. 1. He only hears our Prayers 2. Is only to be believed in 3. He is only Omnipresent where ever we Pray 4. Ames Bell. Enervaâ— Tâ—m 2. Cap. 3. He is only Omniscient to know our wants and our sincerity 5. He is only Omnipotent to grant all our desires 6. Prayer is part of a Divine Worship not to be given to any Creature 7. S. Taylors disswasive l. 2. sect 9. Hom. of Engl. on Prayer To Pray to any Saint or Angel supposeth them to be Omnipresent Omniscient and Omnipotent and so makes them Gods 8. God is ever ready to hear us and our Saviour ever ready to intercede for us Heb. 7.25 9. We know not who are Saints and what their State and Condition is 10. We need not Mediators to God as we do here to Princes A. Bish Usher against Jesuit p. 42. God and Christ invite us to come 11. Prayer to Saints was an Error of Celsus and derided by Heathens Q. What Encouragements doth Gods being our Father give us to Pray A. 1. It assures us that God is willing to help and supply us 2. That as Children we may safely go to God our Father for Supplies Rom. 8.32 3. It is a great Comfort against the Infirmities attending our best Duties that we Pray not to a Critical Observer of our Words who may mark what is done amiss but to a Merciful Father who kindly accepts of his Childrens Endeavours Q. What doth Gods being in Heaven denote A. 1. His Power 2. His Majesty Q. Why is Gods Power considerable in our Prayers A. 1. Because we cannot ask more than God can give us Natural Parents may be willing but cannot often help their Children But our Father both will and can James 4.3 Prov. 1.16 2. To teach us if we have not what we desire it is not for want of Power in God but either 1. Because we sinned in asking what was sinful Or 2. What was not convenient Or 3. We desired it for bad ends Or 4. To try our Affections in Prayer Or 5. To re-mind us of our often denying Gods calls to Holiness Q. What doth Gods Majesty in Heaven teach us A. 1. The Glory of our Father A God in Heaven 2. His Condescension in admitting us on Earth to have a Communion with him 3. The great Priviledges Prayer admits us to which is to speak to the great God and is the greatest Honour Creatures can enjoy 4. Dr. Saywell Orig. Plots pag. 427. The great Honour of Christians who are Children of such a Father 5. To have a due Reverence for God and to be Humble in Prayer 6. To come with suitable Affections Love to God and desire for what we pray 7. Mat. 15. Rev. 3.20 Earnestness in Prayer God loves Importunity and useth much to us Q. What learn you from the Persons Praying expressed in the Plural Number Our Father A. 1. That there is a Communion of Saints one Praying for another 2. That we as of that Number ought to Pray for others as well as our selves Q. Are we Obliged to Pray one for another A. 1. Precepts to it enforce it 2. The Practice of Christ and his Apostles invite to it 3. Others Pray for you 4. Sin equally damning to all 5. All want Pardon and Grace 6. All have the same Enemies without and the same Corruptions within 7. All have the same God to hear the same Christ to intercede for them and the same Holy Ghost to assist them and the same Promises to encourage them 8. This is an Act of Love which the poorest may shew each other in Q. How many Petitions are there in the Lords Prayer A. Six The three first respecting chiefly Gods Glory The three last our Good especially Q. What is the first Petition A. Hallowed be thy Name Q. What is meant by Name here A. Gods Name Titles Attributes and Ordinances any thing whereby he is pleased to make known himself to us Q. What is meant by its being Hallowed A. 1. Our having a suitable Esteem and Reverence for them 2. A speaking Honourably and Reverently of them 3. A Vindicating them and an endeavouring they may be Hallowed by others also Q. What then do we Pray for in this Petition A. Cat. of Ch. on Lords Prayer That our Lord God our Heavenly Father would send his Grace unto me and unto all People that we may duly esteem of speak of and Act suitably to those ways whereby God is pleased to make known himself to us by And thus what God Commands in the Third Command we Pray we may be enabled to perform in this Petition Q. What is the Second Petition A. Thy Kingdom come Q. What is desired herein A. That Gods two-fold
To vindicate their Reputation 6. To discover what Conspiracies they know of 7. To Pray for them Q. What are the Duties of your Spiritual Relation of Ministers and People A. 1. The Duties of Ministers are 1. Study 2. Preaching to and 3. 1 Tim. 4.14 15 16. 2 Tim. 4.2 3. Heb. 13.17 Ephes 6.19 Praying for and with the People 4. Love 5. Reproof 6. Exhortation 7. Example of Good 8. Visiting Sick 2. Duties of People are 1. To attend Ordinances 2. To Obey what is directed 3. Love 4. Honour 5. Pay dues to him 6. Pray for him Q. What are the Duties of the Conjugal Relation A. 1. The Duties of the Husband are 1. Ephes 5.25 Col. 3.19 1 Pet. 3.7 Ephes 5.26 Col. 3.18 1 Pet. 3.1 2 3 4 5 6. Love to Soul and Body of Wife 2. A due esteem of her 3. Protection 4. Provision for her 5. Fidelity 6. Prayer with and for her 2. The Duties of the Wife are 1. An Honourable esteem of her Husband 2. Outward Respect 3. Love to Soul and Body 4. Obedience to his fit Requests 5. Fidelity to Body and Estate 6. Joynt endeavours for the good of their Family 7. Prayer for him 8. Meekness towards him Q. What are the Duties of Masters and Servants A. 1. The Duties of Masters are 1. To take care they serve God Ephes 6.9 Col. 4.1 2. James 5.4 Ephes 6.5 6. Col. 3.22 2. To provide convenient things for them 3. To Command nothing but what is Lawful to be performed by them 4. To pay their dues of Wages 5. Meekness to them 6. Prayer for and with them 2. The Duties of Servants to Masters are 1. Sincerity 2. Honour 3. Obedience to Lawful Commands 4. Fidelity 5. Submission to Punishments 6. Prayer for them Q. What are the Duties of the Aged and Youth A. 1. The Duties of the Aged are 1. Prov. 16.31 Steadfastness in the Faith 2. Instruction of Youth 3. To communicate Experiences 4. To be Exemplary 5. To prepare for Heaven 2. The Duties of Youth are 1. To Honour the Hoary Head Eccles 12.1 2. Obey their good Advice 3. Observe their good Example 4. To Devote themselves to God betimes Q. What are the Duties of the Rich and Poor A. The Duties of the Rich are 1. To be rich in good Works 2. Humility 1 Tim. 6.17 2. The Duties of the Poor are 1. Humility 2. Contentment And 3. To prepare for a better Estate in another World James 2.5 Q. What is the Sanction of this Commandment A. That thy days may be long in the Land that the Lord thy God giveth thee Q. What doth this import A. 1. That the not performing the Duties of this Commandment may cause God or his Magistrate to cut us off as Malefactors 2. That the performance of them tend to the continuance of our Lives by Gods blessing 3. May entitle us to Heaven of which the Land here meant was a Type Q. What improvement do you make of this Commandment A. That we can be in no Relation or Condition but God expects Duty from us and we ought to perform it Q. What is the Sixth Commandment A. Thou shalt do no Murther Q. What is here forbidden A. 1. All actual Murther of our selves or others 2. All with-holding due Relief from our selves or others whereby Life may be lost 3. Exposing our selves or others to manifest dangers 4. Malice and Envy 1 John 3 15. the Murther of the Heart 5. To hurt no body by word or deed Q. What is here Commanded A. 1. The preservation of our own and others Life and Health 2. Peace and Love amongst us Q. What is the Seventh Commandment A. Thou shalt not Commit Adultery Q. What is here forbidden A. 1. All unclean thoughts and desires 2. Ephes 4.29 All Corrupt and obscene Speeches 3. All lewd Acts as Fornication Adultery Incest Sodomy Buggery 4. All Luxurious Eating and Drinking which tend to it 5. All wanton gestures which may tempt to the sin Q. What is Commanded A. To keep our Bodies in Temperance Soberness Tit. 2.11 and Chastity Q. What is the Eighth Commandment A. Thou shalt not Steal Q. What is here forbidden A. 1. All close or open Theft 2. All Circumventing Cheating 1 Thes 4.6 and Oppression by reason of the want or Ignorance of those we deal with 3. All false Weights and Measures whereby is stollen what would make them just Q. What is here required A. 1. A just dealing in all things 2. Contentment 3. Labour in our Occupations 4. A care to preserve our own and our Neighbours good Q. What is the Ninth Commandment A. Thou shalt not bear false Witness against thy Neighbour Q. What is here forbidden A. 1. All rash Oaths and Perjury 2. Lying and Slandering 3. Tale-bearing and Tale-hearing whereof one hath the Devil in his Tongue the other in his Ear. 4. All Subornation of others to be false Witnesses Q. What is Commanded A. 1. A preserving our own and others Credit 2. Speaking and Witnessing Truth Q. What is the Tenth Commandment A. Thou shalt not Covet thy Neighbours House Thou shalt not Covet thy Neighbours Wife nor his Servant nor his Haid nor his Ox nor his Asse nor any thing that is his Q. Why is this Commandment set down since it is implyed in the other Nine A. 1. Lest being only implyed in them Men might through their Corruption suppose they might entertain evil Thoughts and be guiltless Q. What is here forbidden A. 1. All evil Concupiscence and Lust 2. All Envy at or Covetousness of any thing that is our Neighbours Q. What is here Commanded A. 1. Diligence in our Callings 2. Contentment with our Estate 3. A suppression of our desires after other Mens Possessions And now let us put a period to the Decalogue with our Churches Prayer Lord have Mercy upon us in the Pardon of our past sins And incline our Hearts for the future to keep thy Laws SECT IV. Q. IS Man able to fulfil the Law of God A. No not without Gods Grace assisting him Rom. 3. at large 1. Because since Adams Fall all Men have their Souls and Bodies depraved 2. They have an averseness from all good and a proneness to all evil 3. Have a corrupt Heart ready to betray them to the least Temptation 4. Have Enemies to Engage with too Powerful and Mighty therein 5. Phil. 2.13 14. The Nature of the Duties are Spiritual and require more than a Natural Power to perform them Q. By what means may Man gain assistance from God to do his Will A. By diligent Faithful Prayer which through Christ is prevalent 1. To protect from all Troubles Temporal Spiritual James 1.5 John 14.13 Eternal 2. To supply all wants of all good Q. What is the Rule for Prayer A. That which was made by our Lord and Saviour and by him recommended to his Disciples and us Q. Rehearse the Lords Prayer A. Our Father which art