unto it for I am the Lord your God. Q. Is a Representation of the true God hereby forbidden as well as that of a false God A. Yes for the true God is incomprehensible and cannot be described Isa 40.17 18 c. All nations before him are as nothing c. To whom then will ye liken God c. 2. It was condemned when it was used as in the Golden Calf which was made for a Representation of Jehovah the Lord. Exod. 32.5 Aaron built an altar before it and made proclamation and said To morrow is a feast to the Lord or Jehovah Q. What are the Reasons annexed to this Commandment A. They are three 1. The Lord is a Jealous God. 1. Lest by this means men come to have gross Conceptions of him as if he was like to an Image a 2. Lest they are thereby estranged from him and think that to be God which is not God b a Acts 17.29 We ought not to think that the Godbead is like unto Gold or Silver or Stone graven by art and mens device Deut. 4.12 15. Ye heard the Voice of the Lord but saw no Similitude b Ezek. 14.5 The house of Israel are estranged from me through their Idols 2. The Persons guilty of this Sin are esteemed Haters of God and which he will punish to the third and fourth Generation 3. That on the contrary he will shew Mercy abundantly unto them that keep this Commandment Shewing Mercy unto thousands Q. How can the Church of Rome vindicate it self for their making an Image of God and giving Adoration to an Image A. They usually leave out this Commandment Q. Why so A. Because they say it 's the same with the first and so make the third Commandment to be the Second and divide the Tenth into two Q. But besides that the Scripture makes the first and second Commandment to be two Exod. 20.3 4. Deut. 5.7 8. Is there not a manifest difference between them A. Yes for the first Commandment forbids the having and owning that for God which is not God as did the Worshippers of Baal and Moloch a c. But the second Commandment forbids the worshipping of the true God by an Image as did the Israelites in the Wilderness and Jeroboam when they worshipped the Golden Calves b a 1 Kings 16.31 Amos 5.26 b Exod. 32.1 4. 1 Kings 12.28 Q. What is the Duty required in the second Commandment A. To give that Worship to God which is suitable to his Nature Joh. 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Rom. 12.1 Q. Command 3. What is the third Commandment A. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltiess that taketh his Name in vain Q. How is the Name of God taken in vain A. 1. By perjury or false swearing Levit. 19.12 Ye shall not swear by my Name falsly neither shall thou profane the name of thy God. 2. By rash and common swearing Mat. 5.34 35 36. 37. I say unto you Swear not at all but let your communication be yea yea nay nay 3. By blasphemy or speaking reproachfully of God and Religion 1 Tim. 6.1 That the name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed Levit. 24.16 4. By the irreverent use of the name of God a or of things belonging to him b and his service c a Levit. 21.6 They shall be holy unto their God and not profane the name of their God. b 1 Thes 4.8 He therefore that despiseth despiseth not man but God. c Levit. 22.2 That they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me Q. What is the reason annexed to this Commandment A. The Lord will not hold him guiltless but will most certainly punish him Zech. 5.3 4. The curse shall enter into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name c. and shall consume it Levit. 24.15 16. Q. What is the Duty required in this Commandment A. To honour God's holy Name a and Word b so as to use it with reverence in Oaths c Vows d Promises Discourse e and Worship f and to use reverently whatever has a more immediate relation to him and his service a Psal 99.3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name for it is holy b Isa 66.2 To this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word c Jer. 4.2 Thou shalt swear As the Lord liveth in truth in judgement and righteousness d Eccl. 5.4 When thou vowest a vow unto God defer not to pay it Deut. 23.23 e Col. 4.6 Let your speech be alway with grace seasoned with salt Mat. 5.37 f Levit. 10.3 I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me Isa 29.23 Q. What is the Fourth Commandment A. Command 4. Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath-Sabbath-day Six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy Son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-Sabbath-day and hallowed it Q. What doth the word Sabbath signifie A. It signifies Rest Q. Why was the seventh day so called A. 1. Because God rested that day from the work of Creation which he finished in six days Gen. 2.2 3. On the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it c. Q. What 's meant by God's Hallowing the soventh day A. It 's His setting it apart for sacred uses Jer. 17.24 Hallow the Sabbath day to do no work therein Q. What were the Sacred Uses it was set apart for A. 1. For the Publick Worship of God a which consisteth in Preaching Expounding and Reading b the Word of God and in Prayer c a Acts 13.42 The Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath Mark 6.2 b Acts 15.21 Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day Acts 13.27 c Acts 16.13 On the Sabbath day we went out of the city by a River-side where Prayer was wont to be made or where there was an Oratory 2. For private Worship and Meditation upon the Word and Works of God. Psal 92. A Psalm for the Sabbath day Q. What was further required in this Commandment A. To rest from all servile and ordinary employments In it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy servant c. Isa 58.13 Nehem. 13.15 Q. Why do Christians observe the First day of the Week as a Sabbath and not the
have I begotten thee Q. How is Christ said to be our Lord Our Lord. A. 1. By Creation Job 1.3 All things were made by him Col. 1.15 16. 2. By Redemption and purchase 1 Pet. 1.18 Ye were not redeem'd with corruptible things as Silver and Gold but with the precious blood of Christ 1 Cor. 8.6 Q. What do you observe in Christ's Humiliation A. His Incarnation and Passion Q. How was Christ the Eternal Word made Man Article 3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost A. By uniting the Humane Nature to the Divine in one Person Joh. 1.4 The Word was made flesh Heb. 2.14 16. Q. How was this accomplished A. By the powerful operation of the Holy Ghost Luk. 1.35 The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee Q. Why was Christ thus formed and conceived and not by the ordinary way of generation A. That he might assume our Nature without the depravation of it Luk. 1.35 Therefore that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Heb. 10.5 Q. Whence was his Bodily substance derived Born of the Virgin Mary A. From the Body of the Virgin Mary therefore he is said to be the seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 and to be made of a woman Gal. 4.4 Q. Why was Christ born of a Virgin A. 1. For the Sacredness of it Luke 1.35 That holy thing which shall be born of thee 2. For the fulfilling of the Prophesy Isaiah 7.14 The Lord himself shall give you a sign behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son. Matth. 1.23 3. To shew the Power of God Luke 1.35 The power of the highest shall overshadow thee therefore also that thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Q. Why did Christ thus become Man A. To fit him for the full discharge of his Office as a Mediator so that he might dye and being one of the same Nature with those he died for might make an Atonement for Sin Heb. 2.9 17. Jesus was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of death Q. For what Reason did our Saviour suffer Death Article 4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate A. That he might become a Sacrifice a and by the shedding of his Blood might make an Atonement for Sin b a Heb. 9.26 He put away sin by the sacrifice of himself b 1 Joh. 2.2 He is the propitiation for our sins Q. Why is Christ said to suffer under Pontius Pilate A. To signifie the time of his Death and therein the accomplishment of the Prophesies concerning it Acts 3.18 These things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his Prophets that Christ should suffer he hath so fulfilled Q. Who was Pontius Pilate A. The Governour of Judea under Tiberius the Roman Emperor Luke 3.1 Matth. 27.2 Q. What was the Death our Saviour suffer'd for us Was crucified A. It was the Death of the Cross Mat. 27.35 Q. What was the Death of the Cross A. 1. It was intolerable for the Pain Thence our Saviour is said to have endured the Cross Heb. 12.2 2. It was infamous and a Punishment of the vilest Malefactors Matth. 27.38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him Thence he is said to have despised the shame Heb. 12.2 3. It was accounted an accursed Death Gal. 3.13 Being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree Deut. 21.23 Q. Why is it said our Saviour died after he was crucified Dead A. To shew that his Body when he was alive was vitally united to his Soul. Luke 23.46 He gave up the Ghost Q. Why is it said that our Saviour after he died was buried And buried A. 1. To shew the certainty of his Death John 19.40 41 42. In the place where he was crucified there was a Garden and in the Garden a Sepulchre c. there laid they Jesus 2. To shew that our Saviour's Body that holy Thing was not left upon the Cross as it was usual to perish but was decently interr'd 3. To testify the lowest act of abasement Isa 53.9 He made his Grave with the wicked 4. To give Testimony to the truth of his Resurrection Acts 13.29 30. They took him down from the Tree and laid him in a Sepulchre But God raised him from the dead Q. How was the Soul of Christ disposed of He descended into Hell after its separation from the Body A. He is said to be in Hell a to go to Paradise b or the highest Heaven c a Acts 2. 27 31. Thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell. b Luke 23.43 This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise c 2 Cor. 12.2 3 4. Q. What is here meant by Hell A. It signifies a state of Separation Acts 2.27 Thou shalt not leave my Soul in Hell nor suffer thine holy one to see Corruption that is the Soul and Body of Christ should not be so long separated but that before the Body should corrupt both Soul and Body should be reunited Q. Why was not our Saviour to continue in that State A. Because Death was not to have Dominion over him Rom. 6.9 Q. But may not Hell be understood here of the state of the damned A. It has been an ancient Opinion that Christ did then locally descend into Hell to triumph over the Devil and his Angels Q. What do you observe in our Saviour's Exaltation A. 1. His Resurrrection 2. His Ascension 3. His glorification 4. His Coming to Judgment Q. What is the Resurrection of Christ Article 5. The third day he rose again from the Dead A. It 's the Reunion of the self-same Soul to the self-same Body Luke 24.39 Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self Q. When did our Lord rise A. On the third day after he died which was then the first day of the Week and was thence called the Lord's day Rev. 1.10 Q. Why did Christ rise the third Day A. 1. To fulfil what the Scriptures a and he himself had foretold b a Psal 16.10 Thou wilt not suffer thy holy One to see Corruption b Matth. 16.21 From that time forth Jesus began to shew unto his Disciples how that he must go unto Jerusalem and be killed and be raised again the third day 2. It was that his Body might not corrupt a as in the course of Nature it would have done had it lay longer in the Grave b a Psal 16.10 b John 11.39 By this time he stinketh for he Lazarus hath been dead four days Q. Of what importance is this Article of Christ's Resurrection A. 1. It confirms whatever he said did or undertook for Rom. 8.34 Yea rather that is risen again 2. It 's a pledge and assurance of our Resurrection Rom. 8.11 He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal Bodies c. 3. It 's a full Demonstration
Seventh A. It 's in remembrance of Christ's Resurrection from the dead on that day which was the great confirmation that all was sinished a which he undertook Joh. 19.30 He said it is finished and he bowed his head and gave up the Ghost Acts 17.3 Christ must needs have risen John 2.22 Q. How is this day to be employed A. In works of Piety a and Charity b in serving God and doing good to others a Acts 20.7 Vpon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread b 1 Cor. 16.2 Vpon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him the week before Q. What doth the second Table concern A. My duty towards my Neighbour Q. What is thy duty towards thy Neighbour A. My duty towards my neighbour is to love him as my self and to do to all men as I would they should do unto me To love honour and succour my father and mother To honour and obey the King and all that are put in authority under him To submit my self to all my Governors Teachers spiritual Pastors and Masters To order my self lowly and reverently to all my betters To hurt no body by word or deed To be true and just in all my dealing To bear no malice nor hatred in my heart To keep my hands from picking and stealing and my tongue from evil speaking lying and slandering To keep my body in temperance soberness and chastity Not to covet nor desire other mens goods but to learn and labour truly to get mine own living and to do my duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call me Matt. 22.39 Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Gal. 5.14 Matt. 7.12 All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you do ye even so to them Q. What are the Commandments which contain thy duty towards thy Neighbour A. The last six Q. What is the Fifth Commandment A. Command 5. Honour thy Father and Mother that thy days may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Q. What is here to be understood by the Terms Father and Mother A. More especially I thereby understand 1. My natural Parents whom I am to love honour a and succour b a Mal. 1.6 A son honoureth his father Ephes 6.1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right b 1 Tim. 5.4 Let children learn to shew piety or Charity at home and to requite their parents care by succouring them in their necessity Mark 7.11 12 2. The King and all that are put in authority under him a whom I am to honour and obey b in all lawful and honest things a Isa 49. 23. Kings are call'd Nursing-fathers b 1 Pet. 2.13 Submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake whether it be to the King as supreme vers 14. or unto Governors as unto them that are sent by him c. 3. Teachers and Spiritual Pastors a to whom and whose spiritual and pious instructions I am to submit b a Judg. 17.10 Thou shalt be unto me a Father and a Priest 1 Cor. 4.15 b Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls c. 1 Tim. 5.17 4. Masters of Families call'd Fathers as 2 Kings 5.13 and to whom if a Servant I am to submit in all reasonable things belonging to that condition Ephes 6.5 6. Servants be obedient to them that are your Masters c. not with eye-service as men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart Tit. 2.9 10. 5. All my Betters a to whom I am to order my self lowly and reverently b a Acts 7.2 St. Stephen said Men Brethren and Fathers b 1 Pet. 5.5 Ye younger submit your selves unto the elder yea all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility Levit. 19.32 Q. What encouragement is there for obedience to this Command A. There is annexed to it the Promise of a long and prosperous Life which ordinarily attends it That thy days may be long in the land c. Ephes 6.1 2. Honour thy father and mother which is the first commandment with promise Q. Which is the Sixth Commandment A. Thou shalt do no Murer Command 6. Q. What is the sin forbidden in this Commandment A. Murder or the wilful killing of a man's Neighbour Q. What are the kinds of that which you call wilful killing of another A. There are two sorts 1. A less which is the killing of another in heat of Blood usually called Man-slaughter but what the Scripture calls Murder Numb 35.16 17 18. If he smite him with an instrument of iron c. he is a murderer 2. A greater which is a contrived and deliberate killing of another a usually call'd wilful-murder a Exod. 21.14 If a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour to slay him with guile Numb 35.20 21. Q. What was the punishmenr for this sin A. Death Gen. 9.5 6. He that sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed Numb 35.16 17 21. Q. What is further forbidden in this Commandment A. That I hurt no body by word or deed and bear no malice nor hatred in my heart And so this Commandment forbids all degrees incentives and provocations to this sin such as causeless rash and immoderate anger a hatred b malice spight and revenge bitterness and reviling c a Matt. 5.21 22. Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time thou shalt not kill and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment But I say unto you That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause c. Eph. 4.26 b 1 Joh. 3.15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer c Eph. 4.31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice Q. What is required in this Commandment A. 1. Peaceableness not to provoke others Rom. 12.18 If it be possible as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men 2. Meekness not to be provoked to do evil to others Rom. 12.17 Recompence to no man evil for evil 3. Charity or readiness to forgive and to do good when provoked Rom. 12.20 21. If thine enemy hunger feed him c. 4. Succouring another in danger and distress as the good Samaritan Luke 10.33 Q. What is the Seventh Commandment A. Command 7. Thou shalt not commit Adultery Q. What is Adultery A. It 's a violation of that Covenant a made at Marriage b between one Man and one Woman c which makes the Man to be the Husband of the Woman and the Woman to be the Wife of the Man. a Malac. 2.14 She is the wife of thy covenant b Heb. 13.4 Marriage is honourable in all c Mal. 2.15 Did not he make one Matt. 19.4 5. Q. When is that Covenant
Name Q. What is meant by Hallowing A. 1. Thereby is meant the setting apart any thing for an holy use and service Thus God is said to Hallow the seventh day Exod. 20.11 and to Hallow the Children of Israel Levit. 22.32 2. By Hallowing is meant the using of what is holy after an holy manner So Levit. 22.32 I will be hallowed among the children of Israel See Levit. 10.3 Q. What then do you pray for in this Petition A. I pray that God himself may be honour'd known esteemed worshipped and praised a his Providence may be celebrated his service respected And especially that I and all others may be the happy instruments of doing honour to him his service and Religion by a holy and useful conversation b a Psal 113.2 3. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore From the rising of the Sun to the going down of the same the Lords name is to be praised b 1 Cor. 10.31 Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the glory of God. Mat. 5.16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Q. What is the second Petition Petit. 2. A. Thy Kingdom come Q. What is meant by the Kingdom of God A. That state which is begun by Grace in this world a and is perfected by Glory in the world to come b a Rom. 6.14 Ye are not under the Law but under Grace Mat. 21.43 The Kingdom of God or the Gospel shall be taken from you c. Mat. 24.14 b Mat. 13.43 The righteous shall shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father 1 Cor. 15.24 Q. What is signified by the coming of that Kingdom A. We therein pray that this Kingdom may so come with power a that it may prevail where it is and be received where it is not that the Kingdom of Sin and Satan may be utterly destroy'd b and all the Kingdoms of this world may become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ when he shall reign for ever and ever Revel 11.15 a Mark 9.1 b 1 Cor. 15.25 He must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet Q. What is the third Petition Petit. 3. A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven Q. What do you understand by the will of God which you pray may be done on earth A. I therein pray that God will accomplish in his good time whatever he hath promised a that I and all others may readily obey whatever he requires b and patiently submit to whatever he inflicts c a Ezek. 36.36 37. I the Lord have spoken it and I will do it I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them b 1 Chron. 28.9 Serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind c Act. 21.14 We ceased saying The will of the Lord be done Q. Petit. 4. What is the fourth Petition A. Give us this day our daily bread Q. What 's meant by Bread A. All food for sustenance Gen. 43.31 34. He said unto them Set on Bread. Q. Is not this term Bread also used in a spiritual sense A. Yes as Joh. 6.32 And so it 's also applied in the Catechism when we are said to be taught from hence to pray unto God that he will send us all things that be needful both for our souls and bodies Q. What is meant by daily Bread A. That which is every day necessary for our subsistence and convenient for our comfort Prov. 30.8 Feed me with food convenient for me Q. Why do we every day pray Give us this day our daily bread A. Because we every day depend upon God for the supply of what we want and for the preserving continuing and blessing of what we have Deut. 8.3 Man doth not live by bread only but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live Mat. 4.4 1 Tim. 4.4 Q. What are you taught from hence A. 1. To be contented with my present portion in the world which God thinks fit to give me and I receive from him Heb. 13.5 Be content with such things as ye have 2. To depend continually upon God from whom all good doth proceed Jam. 1.17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above c. 3. To have recourse to him for whatever good I want and to praise him daily for whatever I have and receive Phil. 4.6 In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Q. What is the fifth Petition A. And forgive us our trespasses Petit. 5. as we forgive them that trespass against us Q. What is meant by Trespasses A. All sins of what sort or degree soever Col. 2.13 You being dead in your sins hath he quickned together with him having forgiven you all Tresposses Q. What is contained in that Branch As we forgive them that trespass against us A. Therein is set forth 1. The excellency of this grace of forgiving others as a qualification that where ever it is renders our prayers acceptable to God. Luk. 6.37 Forgive and ye shall be forgiven 2. The necessity of it as it 's a condition without which we shall not be forgiven Mat. 6.15 If ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses 3. The importance of it as it 's an Argument for God to forgive us Luk. 11.4 Forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to has offended us Q. What is the sixth Petition A. Petit. 6. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil Q. What is meant by Temptation A. Thereby is meant such an occasion as may try a person's integrity and stedfastness of mind and in the event may be a means of our falling into sin Gen. 22.1 God did tempt Abraham 2 Chron. 32.31 Q. What do you then pray against in this clause Lead us not into Temptation A. I pray that God would not bring or suffer me to be brought into such circumstances as may through the lust of the flesh the love of the world or instigation of the Devil endanger my innocency here or salvation hereafter 1 Cor. 10.13 God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able c. Q. What is the Evil you pray to be delivered from A. 1. The evil of sin Habac. 1.13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity 2. The evil of affliction and punishment Jer. 18.8 If that Nation turn from their evil I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them 3. The evil world a and all the allurements and terrors of it a Gal. 1.4 4. The Devil the Tempter to sin Mat. 4.3 5. Damnation which is the wages of it Rom. 6.23 The wages of
is the means and pledge of 1 John 3.2 Now are we the sons of God. Acts 2.38 39. Then Peter said Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost For the promise is unto you and to your Children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Q. Is Baptism alone sufficient to Salvation A. No not alone without the new birth thereby signified without we are dead unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ Rom. 6.3 4 11. Q What is required of persons to be Baptized A. Repentance a whereby they forsake sin and Faith b whereby they stedfastly believe all that is revealed by Christ and particularly the Promises of God made to them in that Sacrament a Acts 2.38 41. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins c. b Acts 8.37 If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest be Baptized Q. Why then are Infants Baptized when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them A. Because they promise them both Repentance and Faith by their Sureties which promise when they come to age themselves are bound to perform Q. Can Children be obliged where they do not actually consent A. Yes it was so under the Law a when Children were taken into Covenant and were circumcis'd at eight days old b and thenceforward were accounted God's Children c a Deut. 29.10 11 12. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your captains of your tribes your little ones That thou shouldst enter into covenant with the Lord. b Gen. 17.12 13 14. c Ezek. 16.20 21. Thou hast slain my children and deliver'd them to cause them to pass through the fire to Moloch Q. What warrant is there for the Baptism of Infants though born of Christian Parents A. The same that is for grown persons born of Christian Parents and that is because the Covenant belongs to them Acts 2.39 The promise is unto you and to your children 1 Cor. 7.14 Else were your children unclean but now as born of believing Parents are they holy Q. The Lord's Supper Why was the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ordained A. For the continual remembrance of the Sacrifice of the death of Christ and of the benefits which we receive thereby Q. Why is this Sacrament called the Lord's Supper A. It 's called the Lord's Supper a as it was ordained by our Lord at Supper b immediately before his death a 1 Cor. 11.20 This is not to eat the Lord's Supper b Matt. 26.26 Q. For what end did our Lord ordain it A. 1. As a Sign and Representation of the Sacrifice of his Death and a means to keep up the remembrance of it a 2. As a means to conveigh and a pledge to assure us of the benefits we receive thereby b a 1 Cor. 11.24 Take eat this is my body c. this do in remembrance of me b Matt. 26.28 This Wine is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Q. Why is Christ's Death called a Sacrifice A. It 's call'd a Sacrifice a because he was a Sacrifice for sin b a Heb. 9.26 He put away sin by the sacrifice of himself b 2 Cor. 5.21 He hath made him to be sin a Sin-offering for us who knew no sin Q. How long is this Ordinance to continue A. It 's for the continual remembrance of his death till he come 1 Cor. 11.26 As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lord's death till he come Acts 1.11 Q. What is the outward part or sign of the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine which the Lord hath commanded to be received Q. Are both the Elements Bread and Wine to be equally used A. Yes for the Lord commanded both to be received 1 Cor. 11.23 24. I received of the Lord That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread c. After the same manner also he took the Cup c. Q What is the inward part or thing signified A. The Body and Blood of Christ which are verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper Q. Are the Bread and Wine changed after consecration A. Not otherwise than in their use for they remain the same in Nature and Substance as before So it 's thrice called Bread 1 Cor. 11.26 27 28. Q. What is the Body and blood of Christ which are said to be verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful A. 1. Negatively It 's not the natural Body and Blood of Christ 1. Because the Catechism saith the inward part or thing signified by the Bread and Wine in the Sacrament is the Body and Blood of Christ and so the Bread and Wine are the Signs of that Body and Blood and not the very natural Body and Blood. 2. Because it 's said the Body and Blood of Christ are verily and indeed taken and received therein by the faithful in opposition to Unbelievers who as our Article 29th saith Eat not the Body of Christ in the Lord's Supper 2. I answer positively That by the Body and Blood of Christ is meant Christ himself who suffer'd in his Body and shed his Blood for us John 6.53 54 55 56. Except ye eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood ye have no life in you c. His Flesh and Blood That is himself as it immediately follows v. 57. He that eateth me even he shall live by me Q. How is the Body and Blood of Christ verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper A. The Faithful do receive Christ who thus suffered in his Body and shed his Blood by Faith. As the Flesh and Blood of Christ are Christ himself so Eating and Receiving are the same with Believing John 6.35 I am the bread of life he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst Ver. 51. If any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever Vers 54. Who so eateth my flesh c. ver 56 57. Q. Are the Benefits we receive by Christ another thing than his Flesh and Blood A. Yes They differ as much as Christ himself doth from the Benefits he hath purchased for us Q. What are the Benefits whereof we are partakers thereby A. The strengthning and refreshing of our Souls by the Body and Blood of Christ as our Bodies are by the Bread and Wine Q. How are our Souls strengthned and refreshed by the Body and Blood of Christ A. Our Souls are strengthned and refreshed in the Lord's Supper by our belief in Christ that suffered in his Body and shed his Blood for us a which is more especially exhibited and set forth in this Ordinance b a John 6.35 Jesus said I am the bread of life he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst Vers 51. I am the living bread which came down from heaven If any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever And the bread that I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world b 1 Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the Communion or participation of the blood of Christ The bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ Q. What is required of them who come to the Lord's Supper A. 1. To examine themselves a whether they repent them truly of their former sins b stedfastly purposing to lead a new life c a 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread c. b 1 Cor. 11.20 21. This is not to eat the Lord's Supper For in eating at their Love-Feasts before the Communion one is hungry and another is drunken Vers 31. If we would judge our selves we should not be judged c Isa 1.16 17 18. Wash ye make you clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes cease to do evil learn to do well c. Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord c. 2. To have a lively Faith in Gods mercy through Christ Act. 26.18 That they may receive forgiveness of sins by faith that is in me Act. 4.12 Neither is there Salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved 1 Cor. 11.29 He that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's body 3. With a thankful remembrance of his Death 1 Cor. 11.26 For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew forth the Lord's death till he come 1 Cor. 6.19 20. 4. And to be in Charity with all men 1 Cor. 10.17 We being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread Ephes 5.2 Walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God. Matt. 5.23 24. If thou bring thy gift to the altar and there remembrest that thy brother hath ought against thee Leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way first be reconciled to thy brother whom thou hast wrong'd or offended and then come and offer thy gift FINIS The young Reader is to take notice that the Letters a b c d refer to the Scriptures that follow and which are to prove every point so marked
Holy Ghost 2. A Unity of Essence or sameness of Nature the Father is God the Son is God and the Holy Ghost is God. 3. A difference of Offices or Operations The Father Creates the Son Redeems and the Holy Ghost Sanctifieth Q. What doth the first Branch of the Creed respect A. God the Father and his Work of Creation Q. What is God Article 1. I believe in God. A. God is an Infinite a Eternal b and Incomprehensible Being c having all Perfection in and of himself d a 1 King. 8.27 Behold the heaven the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee b Psal 90.2 From everlasting to everlasting thou art God. c Job 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection d Exod. 3.14 I am that I am Q. How is God said to be a Father The Father A. 1. As he created all things 1 Cor. 8.6 God the Father of whom are all things 2. As he is the Father of Christ 2 Cor. 1.3 Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. What do you understand by Almighty Almighty A. 1. That God hath all Power in himself without deriving it from any other a and that all Power is derived from him b a Psal 62.11 Power belongeth unto God. b 2 Chron. 20.12 O our God we have no might but our eyes are upon thee 2. That he hath the Power of doing all things Matth. 19.26 With God all things are possible Q. Are there not some things impossible to God A. Nothing but what either he could not be God if it was possible to him or else what in the Nature of it implies a Contradiction Q. What are those things which he could not be God if they are possible to him A. 1. Such things as are Evil Hab. 1.13 Thou canst not look on iniquity Tit. 1.2 God that cannot lie 2. Such as imply Infirmity as to be Ignorant or Mortal Heb. 4.13 Neither is there any Creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Q. What are the things which in their Nature imply a Contradiction A. Such as these To be and not to be at the same time to be a Wafer and the Body of Christ That the Body of Christ should be in Heaven and yet at the same time be in the Earth To be one distinct Body and yet to be many Bodies as in the Host Q. What is meant by Heaven and Earth Maker of Heaven Earth A. The World and all things that are therein Gen. 1.1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth Acts 17.24 Q. Of what did God make the World A. Out of nothing Heb. 11.3 The things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Q. How is the World preserved A. By the same Divine Power that made it Nehem. 9. Thou hast made the heaven of heavens with all their bost the Earth and all things that are therein the Seas and all that is therein and thou preservest them all Q. What doth the second Branch of the Creed respect Article 2. And in Jesus Christ A. God the Son and his Work of Redemption Q. What is declared in this Branch A. 1. The Person of our Redeemer 2. His Humiliation And 3. Exaltation Q. How is he describ'd A. By his Names and Relations Q. By what Names is the Son of God call'd in Scripture A. The Word Jesus Christ Q. How doth the name Word belong to him A. It 's given to him as he was in being before he came into the World. John 1.1 In the beginning was the Word Col. 1.17 He is before all things Q. How doth the name Jesus belong to him A. It was his proper Name which was given him by Gods appointment a and by which he was known amongst Men b a Matth. 1.21 Thou shalt call his name Jesus b John 9.11 A man that is called Jesus Luke 2.21 Q. What doth the name Jesus signify A. It signifies a Saviour Q. Why was he called Jesus A. Because he was to save his people from their sins Matth. 1.21 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the World to save sinners Q. How doth the name Christ belong to him A. As he was the Messias or Christ prophesied of in the Old Testament Dan. 9.25 26. Messiah the Prince Messiah shall be cut off but not for himself John 20.31 These are written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ Q. What doth the word Christ signify A. It 's the same with Messiah and signifies Anointed John 1.41 The Messias which is being interpreted the Christ or the Anointed as it 's in the margin Q. Why was he called the Christ or Anointed A. Because he was in a Spiritual manner to perform the Offices belonging to God's Anointed a to Kings b Priests c and Prophets d a Psalm 105.15 b 1 Kings 1.34 c Exod. 40.13 d 1 King. 19.16 Q. How was he a King A. To govern his Church Ephes 1.22 He hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church Q. How was he a Priest A. As he did make an atonement a intercedes for b and blesses c his Church a Rom. 5.11 We joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom we have now received the atonement 1 Joh. 2.2 b Heb. 7.25 He ever liveth to make intercession for them c Acts 3.26 God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Q. How was he a Prophet A. To teach his Church which he did a in his Person and by his Spirit b Word c and d Ministry a Isa 61.1 The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek c. Luke 4.18 b John 14.26 The comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things c 1 Pet. 1.25 The word of the Lord endureth for ever And this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21. d Matth. 28.19 20. Go ye therefore and teach Disciple all nations teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you Ephes 4.11 Gal. 6.6 Q. How was Christ anointed A. He was anointed with the Holy Ghost a which he received without measure b a Acts 10.38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost b John 3.34 God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him Col. 1.19 Q. How is Christ the only Son of God His only Son A. As he derived his Essence from the Father Heb. 1.4 5. Made so much better than the Angels as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they for unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day