Titles which are foure Iesus Christ his Sonne our Lord. Q. What signifies that name Iesus A. Sauiour Matth. 1.21 Q. What may that informe you A. First to giue all due reuerence vnto it as our Church according to the Scriptures requires Phil. 2.10 and to shun the Popish abuse thereof who by their capping bowing and scraping only to the very bare name make an idoll of it Iob 5.1 Secondly to giue neither the name nor thing signified to any other Saint or Angel liuing or dead Thirdly to get assurance Hosea 13.4 that Hee be to mee a Iesus Q. What signifies Christ A. Anointed First by Consecration of His humane nature to the hypostaticall vnion with the Sonne of God Psal 2 2. that so he might be a fit Mediatour Secondly by qualification of the same humane nature with fulnesse of grace following the vnion Luke 2.26 Q. What doe you learne from it Psal 45.7 A. First that as Christ so beleeuing Christians are anointed with him Secondly that the lothsomenesse of sinne is done away from his seruants by the pleasing sauour of his precious oyntment Thirdly Cant. 1.3 Ephes 4.1 that Christians should endeuour to walke worthy their name and calling being anointed 2 Pet. 2.22 not to turne with the Soâ— againe to wallow in the myre of carnall folly Q. What is the meaning of His third Title only Sonne A. That this Iesus Christ Psal 2.7 Ioh. 11.27 is the true and only Sonne of God the Father Q. How can this be so seeing we reade in Scripture of many other his sonnes and daughters A. It is true 2 Cor. 6.18 God hath other sonnes and daughters by creation and adoption Ioh. 10.30 but Iesus Christ is his only Sonne by eternall generation Q. What doe you learne from this A. First to magnifie the loue of God Ioh. 3.16 in sending his only Sonne to dye and so pay the price of my redemption Rom. 5.8.8.32 Secondly how men become to be the sonnes of God euen by the Sonne of God becomming Man Thirdly with courage and confidence to goe vnto God for a supply of all my wants He that gaue mee his only Sonne how shall he not with Him giue me all things Q. What is the meaning of His fourth and last Title here giuen Our Lord A. The meaning is First that Christ hath absolute power both to compell and direct his seruants Iohn 13.13 14.10.4 Secondly that his voyce alone should rule bee heard and obeyed in his house no Stewards much lesse inferiour officers may dispose of his affaires but according to the will of their Lord. Q. What doe you learne from hence A. First that Iesus Christ is Lord and Sauiour to all true beleeuers Math. 7.22 Sauiourship extends no further then Lordship if I deny him subiection I loose saluation Secondly Psal 101.7 Iohn 1.1.2.3.4 to condemne the Iewish opinion granting him the name of Iesus but not of Christ the Arrian tenent giuing him the titles of Iesus Christ but denying him to be the onely and eternally true begotten Sonne of God and the Popish conceit 2 Cor. 3.14 Mat. 20.15 affoording him all but the last they depriue him of his Lordship in the Church by setting vp an Idoll in his roome Iob 1.21 Thirdly to be patiently content with his disposition and submissiuely obedient to his lawes a rebellious sinner continuing so hath no part in Christ for ought he knowes Q. Which is the third Article A. Who was conceiued by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary Q. What is contained in this Article A. A further description of the Son of God by his assumed state and condition his incarnation being the first branch of his humiliation Q. Who was incarnate A. Iesus Christ the onely Sonne of God our Lord remaining still what he was before Rom. 1.3 Iohn 1.14 in the fulnesse of time was made what he was not before Q. Why was he incarnate A. First that he might bee faithfull in performance of what hee hath vndertaken on our behalfe Heb. 2 16.1â—.18 Secondly that he might be a perfect mediatour to deale betweene God and Man Thirdly 1 Tim. 2.5 that iustice might be fully satisfied in the same nature whereby it was offended Q. How came hee to bee incarnate A. By assuming and vniting to his person Luke 1.35 the true and perfect nature of man in generall taking his substance Heb. 2.17 properties and all sinnelesse infirmities Q. What doe you learne from his incarnation A. First the dignity of humane nature Psal 8.5 Math. 1.23 Psa 42.1 2. Phil. 1.23 Heb. 2.18 Psal 103.13 14. what it is by this vnseparable vnion with the Deitie little inferiour to Angels before the fall aboue them since Secondly how holily we should liue considering Christ is Emmanuel God with vs. Thirdly how earnest wee should be in our desires to be where our nature is aduanced with Christ in Heauen which is best of all Fourthly how comfortable his seruice must needs be who is so powerfull and pittifull a Sauiour conceiued and borne that he might conceiue and beare our weaknesse Q. What is the meaning of this word conceiued A. Three things are implied thereby First Math. 1.20 that fit matter gathered from all parts of the Virgins body Esay 7.14 Iohn 1.14 into the house or Cell of life was there brought into forme or shape Secondly that a reasonable soule was brought into that matter to informe it Thirdly that both matter and forme were vnited and sanctified by the infusion of Grace and all this not successiuely but instantly by the efficiency of the holy Ghost in the passiue wombe of the Virgin Q. What was the matter of his conception A. True reall and the most pure blood of the Virgin Esay 7.14 Luke 1.31 whosoeuer adores any Christ not thus conceiued commits idolatry as most Papists doe in worshipping their god of bread Q. After what manner was he conceiued A. After a miraculous extraordinarie and supernaturall manner more cannot be seene or said Luke 1.35 the Blessed Virgin conceiuing was ouershadowed by the Holy Ghost Esay 53.8 to stay the curious from prying ouer farre into this wonder Q. What doe you learne from this conception A. First that the imputation of an impure conception is taken away from beleeuers by Christ his holy conception Iohn 17.19 1 Cor. 6.11 Heb 12.14 Secondly that as Christ in his corporall conception so beleeuing Christians in their spirituall conception were and are sanctified by the holy Ghost No Sauiour without a holy conception no Saints without sanctification Q. Who was the Mother of Christ A. The blessed Virgin Mary Luke 1.27 Q. How is Shee described in the Creed A. Three waies First by her name Mary Secondly by her condition a Virgin before Esay 7.14 in and after the birth Thirdly by her labour and trauell Luke 2.6 7. as
bitter death tels me hee hath suffered enough already Q. What doe you meane by this when you confesse hee was dead Math. 27.46 A. Viz. That the body and soule of Christ were really seuered for a time as in the naturall death of any other Q Why did Christ dye A. First to show the truth of his humanity and realty of his suffâ—ings Secondly Gâ—n 2.17 Cor. 5 14. â—â—b â— 15 ohn 3.16 Rom. 11.22 to satisfie iustice â—o the full who had before thâ—â—aâ—ned man with death Thirdly to vaâ—quâ—sh death by taking away the sting and making it a passage vnto life Fourthly to manifest the infinitnesse of Gods loue to mankind with the seuerity of his iustice against sinne in one and the same act Fifthly that by a propitiatory sacrifice hee might establish the couenant which could not bee without such bloud-shedding Q. What doe you learne from the death of Christ A. First a threefold assurance First that by his death I am freed from a double death in part from the first wholly from the second Secondly that being dead with Christ 1 Cor. 15.55 Heb. 2.14.15 Rom. 8.1 I shall now euer after liue the life of Christ Thirdly that the new couenant of grace is now of force Col. 3.3 Heb. 8.6.7 9 16 17. Secondly a threefold resolution First neuer more to liue in any knowne sinne seeing Christ dyed for sinne Secondly to cleaue vnto him with an ardent vnseparable loue Thirdly to lay downe my life for him and his truth to spend all my time and strength in his seruice who hath not spared to spend his bloud for me Rom. 6.2.8.35 1 Ioh 3.16 Iohn 7.31 Rom. 6.9.10.13.11 Ephes 5.14 Thirdly to condemne a threefold error First of the Iewes expecting another Christ cleauing to shaddowes obseruing ceremonies which were to dye with Christ Secondly of Papists that maintaine a continuall sacrifice offering vp and so killing Christ often when as hee was to dye but once Thirdly of carnall Protestants who lye still snorting vnder the dead sleepe of sinne yet thinke to be saued by Christs death Q. What doe you vnderstand by this when you say he was buried A. Viz. that Christs body after death was in a desent manner laid in a tombe or graue where it also remaines the same without alteration or corruption Mat. 27.60 Psa 16.10 preserued by the presence of the diety Q. Why was Christ buried A. First to show vs that in his greatest extremity hee had some wel-willers Mat. 27.58 Rom. 6.6 Hos 13.14 Mat. 28.6 Heb. 2.15 who performed this office of loue vnto him Secondly to confirme the truth and certainty of his death Thirdly that he might follow death wrestle with him in his owne Castle and beate him out of his owne supposed inuinsible hold Fourthly by his presence to take away the horrour of the graue to sanctifie it to be a chamber of refuge a sweet bed of rest and a passage to immortality Q. By whom was he buried A. Ioseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus two of his fearefull Disciples in time of need became boldest Luke 23.50 when such as had made fairer showes denyed or left him Q. Why was Hee buried by rich men A. First because they were best able to performe it in a conuenient manner Christ was the Sonne of Nobles fit it was he should be buried by men of honour Prou. 3.9 1 Tim. 6.17 Secondly to teach rich men two things First to be helpefull with their substance to the members of Christ in distresse Secondly not to shun as ashamed the meanest office which may bring any glory to God 1 Pet. 4.10 Psal 84.10 or comfort to his Church Q. What may you learne hence A. Two things especially First a lesson of consolation cheerefully to follow my Sauiour to the graue Mat. 28.6 Esay 26.19 20. where he once lay Secondly a lesson of imitation and that First to performe the like vnto any of my Christian brethren Secondly Acts 8.2 Rom. 6.4 Exod. 34.6 to spend some time euery day in burying of my sinnes in and with him who was once buried for sinne Q. What meane you by these words He descended into Hell A. First that Christ after his death and buriall was detained as a prisoner vnder the bondage of death Psal 16.10 Acts 2.31 for one whole day and two nights Secondly during this space that he triumphed ouer Satan in his owne Kingdome the manner how is vnknowne Q. Why did Christ descend thus A. That beleeuers in him might not descend Heb. 2.14 15. that death might not detaine them as prisoners nor Satan triumph ouer them Q. What doe you learne from it A. First to confute Papists teaching that the soule of Christ descended into Hell to deliuer some soules there detained and that the soules of iust men may suffer paine after death equiuallent to the torments of Hell crossing both the end and effect of Christs descent Gen. 18.27 Iob 40.4 Heb. 10.36 Luke 21.18.19 Secondly to descend with Christ to the lowest step of humiliation to be vile in my owne eyes that I may be pretious in Gods sight through Christ Thirdly to possesse my soule in patience and hope from the lowest ebbe of misery God is able to restore Christ was dead buried and descended into Hell yet raised againe Q. Which is the fift Article A. The third day he rose againe from the dead Q. What doth this Article containe A. The first full step or degree of Christs exaltation and that is his resurrection Q. Who was it that was thus exalted A. Iesus Christ as God and Man Acts 2.24 1 Cor. 15.4 the same person that was humbled euen to the death of the Crosse was raised to liue for euer in glory Q. What doe you meane when you say Christ rose againe A. First that the soule and body of Christ were reunited Acts 2.24.10.40 41 42 43. Secondly that Christ was freed from all infirmities of humane nature keeping still all the properties of a true Body Thirdly that the Diety did more fully open it selfe adorning the humanity with all those finite excellencies as such a creature is capable of Q. How was He raised A. First Iohn 8.18 Ephe. 2.5.6 Mat. 27.53 by his owne power Secondly as a publike person attended with some others who rose with him as an earnest of the great and generall resurrection Q. Why was Christ raised An. First for the cleerer manifestation of his Diety Secondly for the impletion of types and prophesies and for confirmation of that truth formerly by him taught Rom. 1.4 Psal 16.10 Mat. 12 39. Rom. 4.25.6.4 Thirdly that his Disciples might be assured of his victory ouer death Fourthly that he might apply the merits of his passion and perfect the office of Mediation Fifthly to cause a double resurrection to the faithfull the first to newnesse of life here and the second to a life of immortality in heauen hereafter Q. When
she conceiued so in the fulnesse of time after the ordinary course of women she brought forth her first borne Q. What may you learne from this birth of Christ A. First that Eues transgression 2 Tim. 2.14 15. is answered by Maries conception women should not be dis-heartned in the worke of saluation Matth. 2.2 Luke 1.24 Reu. 3.11 Secondly that Christ was truely noble of the bloud Royall borne King of the Iewes so beleeuing Christians only are truely honourable Thirdly that good conceptions should be cherisht till they bee brought forth the Word of God is the seed good motions are spirituall conceptions as Elizabeth when she had conceiued hid her selfe so should Christians after Sermons euen retire themselues a little if conueniently they may to nourish the conception Fourthly to yeeld the blessed Virgin Mary all due reuerence as the Mother of Christ Luke 1.48 Ier. 7.18 which may be exprest First in giuing her those titles the Scripture doth Blessed Virgin Mary for those other strange titles of Ladie and Queene we owne them not Secondly in praising God for her Thirdly imitating her in chastitie humility c. that by faith I may conceiue and beare Christ in my heart as blessed Mary did in her wombe Q. Which is the fourth Article A. Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead buried and descended into hell Q. What doth this Article containe A. The second part of Christs humiliation to wit his passion with the seuerall degrees thereof Q. Who was it that suffered all this Heb. 2.18 2 Cor. 1.5 A. Iesus Christ the onely Sonne of God in and after the assumption of humane nature the person suffered but in and according to our nature onely the Deitie remaining still vncapable of passion Q. What doe you vnderstand by this terme suffered A. The passiue obedience of Christ not excluding his actiue there being in Christ both a suffering obedience and an obedient suffering Phil. 2.8 by the passiue part his obedient suffering he tooke away sinne both in regard of guilt staine and punishment by the actiue part his suffering obedience he purchased and conuaied righteousnes to his members Q. What did he passiuely vndergoe Lam. 1.12 A. All that offended iustice had to inflict on guiltie man for disobedience as the wrath of God the curse of the Law with all those imcomparable miseries Gal. 3.13 vid The bleeding Vine meeting him betweene the wombe and the graue whereof so high and heauenly a nature was capable Q. How is his passiue obedience described in this Article A. Two waies First by the Iudge vnder whom he suffered Secondly by the sufferings themselues Q. Vnder what Iudge did he suffer A. Pontius Pilate Q. Who was this Pontius Pilate A. A Gentile and a Roman Luke 3.1 President of Iewry Deputie for Caesar and a ciuill Iudge among the Iewes Q. Why did Christ suffer vnder a Iudge A. First that he might better represent the person of a Malefactor guiltie-man Esay 53.12 in whose roome he then stood Secondly that those reprsented by him might be absolued before the great Iudge of the world Mar. 15.28 Q. But why did hee suffer vnder a Gentile and a Roman Iudge A. First for the fulfilling of some prophecies Mat. 20.19 that he should be deliuered vp vnto the Gentiles Iohn 18.31 Secondly because the Iewes had no power to put him to death it was taken from them by the Gentiles Acts 13.46 Thirdly as the benefit of his passion was to be offered first to the Iewes after to the Gentiles So his passion was begun by Iewes but finisht by Gentiles Fourthly not obscurely to fore-shew the sufferings of Christ Mysticall vnder his successors the Roman Deputies Vicars of Rome vnder whose iurisdiction a good Christian cannot but suffer Q. What doe you learne hence A. First that worldly aduancement by wealth honour preferment to high places of command is attended with many dangers and doth often occasion men to commit greater sinnes Math. 4.8 9 then otherwaies they would or should Pilats authoritie made him guiltie of this innocent blood Secondly that as Christ suffered vnder Pontius Pilate so true Christians vnder the Pope and all wicked Gouernours Thirdly 1 Pet. 2.21.23 to suffer patiently with Christ if at any time we be called to suffer for righteousnesse sake 1 Pet. 3.14 committing all to him that iudgeth righteously Q. Which are the sufferings he vnderwent A. 1. Apprehension 2. Mat. 26.55.27.13 arraignement 3. accusation 4. sentence of condemnation 5. execution this last onely exprest in the Creed as presupposing the rest Q. What may this teach you A. First that wicked men agree in nothing so well as euill or what tends to euill Mat. 27.23 Pilate and Herod Scribes Pharises and Souldiers that were diuided before agree now in opposing Christ Luke 23.12 Rom. 8.34 Secondly that prophane impenitent sinners shall be apprehended arraigned accused and condemned by and before the Lord because they haue no benefit by his passion Thirdly that beleeuing penitents shall neuer be arraigned Luke 23.31 1 Pet. 4.12 17. accused or condemned because Christ suffered all these for them Iohn 15.18 Fourthly not to thinke it strange if I be thus dealt with by men of the world for Christs sake and in defence of his truth Q. What is the meaning of this word crucified A. Fastned to a crosse the word being compounded of two Latin words Math. 23.34 signifying so much and showing the manner of Christs death Q. Why was Christ to be crucified A. First for the fulfilling of certaine types and prophesies especially that of the brazen Serpent Secondly Exod. 15.25 Iohn 3.14 this kind of passion was most answerable to Adams transgression Col. 2.13 Gal. 3.10 what the the first Adam lost by eating the fruit of a tree the second regained by suffering vpon a tree Thirdly that he might thereby vndergoe the curse for vs Iohn 12.32 and redeeme all beleeuers from it Fourthly that he might draw our eyes and minds vpward Q. What doe you learne from this that Christ was crucified A. First that as Christ so true Christians are crucified in regard of the world Gal. 5.24 1 Cor. 2.2 the power of sinne and preuailing lusts of the flesh Secondly that all my hope of health and safety is in Christ crucified Col. 2.14 I attribute no part to the Crosse but all to him that died vpon the Crosse the sinnes of his beleâ—uing followers being nailed with him that they might neuer rise vp in iudgement againe Rom. 5.8 Thirdly so often as I read or heare of this I cannot but admire the loue of my Sauiour grieue for my sins that were the nailes to pierce his tender body Heb. 6.6 and heartily desire power ouer all my corruptions Fourthly now to be euer carefull lest I crucifie him againe as much as in mee is by continuing in any knowne sinne this
and in his humane nature Secondly that Hee shall manifest to all the world his power and glory in great pompe and state Mat. 24.30 Q. From whence shall Hee come A. From heauen where He is now seated on the right hand of God the Father Almighty 1 The. 1.10 but to what place whether to Mount Oliuet as some Schoolemen thinke Phil. 3.20 or to the valley of Iehosophat as other Graue Diuines or that it shall be in the Ayre any may be receiued as probable none as certainely necessary Q. For what end must Hee come A. To iudge and determine of all controuersies to passe a righteous sentence from which there can be no appeale Psal 9.7 8. no not in the thought of those which shall be iudged Q. Who are they that must be iudged by Him A. All quicke and dead found lying in their graues or liuing vpon earth Dan. 12.2 good and bad high and low as first Angels with the iudgement of a more glorious retribution Iohn 5.29 Secondly good men with the iudgement of absolution Iude 6. Thirdly wicked men and Angels of darkenesse with the iudgement of finall condemnation Q. How will Christ come A. As a iudge in State and Maiesty with a sounding Trumpet that all the world shall heare and the heauenly hoast attending Mat. 25.31 1 The. 4.16 which all the world shall see in their richest furniture Q. When will Christ come thus A. It is not reuealed that men might continually waite for it and not curiously search after the seasons which God hath reserued in his owne power preparation for it Mat. 24.36 Acts 1.7 is better then any disputation about it Q. Why is Christ appointed to iudge the world A. First for the honour of his pâ—ace and office it being giuen him as a crowne for his suffering Secondly Ioh 5.22 23. Phil. 2.9 10 that Hee might openly take vengeance vpon those his enemies who would not that Hee should raigne ouer them here in this world Thirdly Luke 19.27 that he might bring his owne Subiects into reall possession of that glory which Hee did purchase for them Fourthly 2 Thes 1.8 9 10. Luke 21.28 that the mystery of iniquity and all hidden workes of darkenesse might be publikely seene shamed and sentenced Q. What doe you learne from this Article A. First that Christ will certainely come to iudgement Secondly that I must appeare in my owne person before the Iudgement seate of Christ Heb. 9.27 Thirdly 2 Cor. 5.10 to iudge none but my selfe not the liuing I know not how God may dispose of them hereafter Matth. 7.1 nor the dead I know not how God hath disposed of them already Reu. 14.13 it is Christs office to iudge both Fourthly Acts 24.16 to make my account ready euery day in a holy preparation for it Heb. 4.16 so to liue as I desire to stand then in the presence of Christ Q. Which is the eighth Article A. I beleeue in the Holy Ghost Q. What doth this Article containe A. Two things First a description of the third person in Trinity Secondly the duty of a Christian concerning him Q. How is the third person described A. Two wayes First by his name Ghost or Spirit Secondly by his title or attribute Holy Que. Why is he called The Spirit A. Not exclusiuely both Father and Sonne are equally Spirit but emphatically because He is breathed as it were Iohn 4.24.15.26.16.13 14. in his procession from the Father and the Sonne noting the manner of his subsistence in the Godhead Q. Why is Hee called The holy Spirit A. First in regard of his nature He is holy Secondly because it is his personall office to sanctifie both the Church and the Children of the Church Rom. 15.16 Heb. 6.4 such as are effectually called and that both with common Rom. 8.9.10 and with sauing graces Q. What is the duty of a good Christian A. To beleeue in him Q. What is it to beleeue in him A. First to acknowledge him for God Mat. 28.19 Acts 5.3 4. Secondly to confesse him Thirdly to apprehend him and relye vpon him for his comforts gifts and graces Fourthly in resolution and preparation to dye in defence of this truth Fifthly to liue in a constant course of spirituall seruice required by Him Ephe. 4.30 in whom I beleeue Q. What doe you learne from the whole Article A. First that there is a holy Ghost in person distinct from the Father and the Sonne 1 Ioh. 5.7 8. in essence the same Secondly that I must beleeue in him as in the Father and the Sonne who is the sanctifier and comforter of my Soule Rom. 8.9 Thirdly that if I beleeue in Him indeed 2 Tim. 1.14 Hee dwels and hath his abode in mee Q. How may a man know whether He haue the Spirit abiding in him A. 1. By that spirituall seruice hee is stird vp vnto and enabled thereby to performe Rom. 1.4 Iohn 6.63 the Spirit quickeneth especially to prayer 2. By that holinesse of life which follows the presence of the Spirit 3. By the fruits of the Spirit loue ioy peace long-suffering Rom. 6.22 gentlenes goodnes faith meeknesse and temperance 4. Gal. 5.22 23. Rom 8.16 By that inward testimony and comfort a man may feele in all spirituall conflicts and distresses 5. Ephes 4.30 By that care he hath not to grieue the Spirit but to cherish the motions and follow the directions thereof Q. Which is the ninth Article Ans The holy Catholike Church Communion of Saints Q What doth this Article containe A. A confession and description of the house of God the Spouse of Christ the Church being the second generall part of the Creed Q. Whom doe you meane by Church here Acts 2.47 Heb. 12.22 A. That Vniuersall inuisible society consisting onely of the elect ordained to eternall life quickned by the Spirit and so prepared for glory Q. What doe you confesse here touching this Church A. First notwithstanding the Vniuersall corruption of mankind and their desperate estate vnder sinne Ephe. 1.3.4 Tit. 2.14 yet God hath his company in the world there is such a Church the Mother and nurse of Christians the pillar and ground of truth 1. Tim. 3.15 Secondly that this Church must be beleeued to bee it is aboue sence and reason Psal 14.1 2 3. Acts 13.48 they iudging it improbable if not impossible therefore called the inuisible Church in regard of her dispertion spirituall condition and mysticall Vnion with Christ Q. What is it to beleeue the Church A. First Mat. 16.18.18.17 to acknowledge a number of beleeuers alwayes extant in the world Secondly to bee perswaded vpon good grounds out of Scripture Rom. 16.1 that I am one of her children Thirdly couragiously to resolue to liue and dye in the Vnity of this Church Fourthly to assent to that truth of God
did Christ rise A. The third day after his death hauing lyen in the graue aboue the space of thirty-sixe houres Mat. 16.21 1 Cor. 15.4 he rose the first day of the weeke to teach vs. First Why the Sabbath was altered from the last to the first day of the weeke that is in memory of Christs Resurrection Sâ—condly when our Sabbath begins early in the morning about that time our Sauiour rose Q. Why did Christ rise the third day A. To fulfill the Scripture Mat. 12.39 Luk. 13.32 Q. From what did Christ rise againe A. From the dead that is the state of the dead the power of death and the graue Q. What doe you learne from this A. First that Christ is risen confirmed by infallible testimonies and diuers appearances Acts 10.40.41 42. Rom. 4.25 1 Cor. 15.17 Col. 3.1 Secondly that hee hath perfected the satisfaction for the sinnes of all beleeuers Thirdly that God will raise all such as he casts downe Fourthly that such as are Christs are risen and shall be raised with him both in regard of the first and second resurrection Q. What vse can you make of this A. First to examine my selfe whether I be Christs and risen with Christ for the first Resurrection Reu. 20.6 Col. 3.1 Iob 19.25 Phil. 3.10.11 which may bee knowne First by my seperation from the dead that is wicked company Secondly by my heartily heauenly conuersation Secondly to cheere vp my selfe and all right beleeuing Christians in an assured hope of a comfortable Resurrection Thirdly to endeauour in the vse of meanes First to know Christ thus as raised Secondly to rise by and with him Thirdly to be prepared during life for the last Resurrection Q. Which is the sixt Article A. He ascended into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty Q. What doth this Article containe A. The second part or degree of Christs exaltation that that is his ascention and coronation Q. What is the meaning of this He ascended A. That Christ in his glorified humanity did remooue Acts 1.9 10. really visibly locally from earth into the third heauen Ephe. 4 â— 0. where the Lord manifesteth his glory vnto his Saints Q. When did He ascend A. Forty dayes after his Resurrection Acts 1.3 Q. From what place did Hee ascend A. The mount called Oliuet whence He came to his passion there is but one way to the Crosse and to the crowne Luke 24.50 Acts 1.12 to suffer and to raigne Q. To what place did He ascend A. To that heauen which must containe his humanity till the restoration of all things Luk. 24.51 Acts 1.11 Q. Why did Hee ascend thither A. First that he might triumph ouer the enemies of his Church leade captiuity captiue and limit the power of sinne and Satan toward his elect Col. 2.15 Secondly Heb. 9.24 to appeare as an aduocate in the presence of God on the behalfe of his people Psâ—l 24.7 Thirdly to take possession of his own Kingdome in our name and nature Luk. 24.26 to open for vs heauen gates which were shut against vs by Adams fall Fourthly that he might thence send the gifts and graces of his Spirit vnto his Church Ioh. 14.2 3. Ephe. 4 8. in a more plentifull manner Fifthly that He might prepare a place for euery one of his beleeuing followers against their next meeting Iohn 16.7 Q. What doe you learne hence Acts 1.9.10.3.21.7.55 A. First that Christ is ascended I may not looke for his corporall presence here till the Iudgement day Secondly that if I be Christs I must ascend with him daily aspiring after a growth in grace to haue my conuersation in heauen Thirdly that heauen is the place prouided for Christs Disciples their hearts hands and eyes must hourely ascend thitherward Phil. 3.20 2 Cor. 5.17 Fourthly that none can ascend thither but Christ naturall and mysticall none but with in and by Christ neither in prayer nor person Q. What is the meaning of Christs sitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty A. First that he hath receiued the fulnesse of honour and glory in regard of his person Secondly Mat. 22.44 the fulnesse also of power and authority in regard of his office Ephes 1.20 both of mediation and iurisdiction Q. Why was our Sauiour thus seated A. First that he might effectually interceade in behalfe of his children sending by him their sad complaints to God the Father Mat. 11.28 1 Iohn 2.1 Rom. 8.34 Mat. 28.18 Secondly that he might gouerne his Kingdome and exercise authority ouer all while he sits there he keepes the Keyes in his owne hand and needs no Popish Vice-roy Q. For whom doth Christ intercead Rom. 8.27 Heb. 7.25 A. All for whom he dyed that they may be conuerted and prepared for glory Q. How can you know whether Christ hath and doth intercead for you A. By the Spirit of supplication bestowed on me I could not heartily pray for my selfe Rom. 8.26 but by vertue of his intercession for me Q. Ouer whom doth Christ beare rule Psal 2.8.9.110.1 2. A. All good and bad ouer his friends to gather guide defend and prepare them for a crowne ouer his enemies by restraining their fury and confounding them in their deepest plots c. 1 Cor. 15.25 Qu. What doe you learne hence A. Generally two things First a point of good manners to giue Christ the vpper hand seeing God hath done it Psal 137.6 to preferre his Embassadors and seruants to others that are not or appeare not so Secondly Iohn 9.35.15.19 20.16.33 a point of doctrine That those commonly are most esteemed with God who are or haue beene least esteemed in the world as Christ was More specially I learne First Mat. 11.28 being perst with the burden of preuailing corruption to runne vnto Christ who is ready and able to ease me Secondly that my endeauours in his seruice the weake and imperfect shall bee accepted through the efficacy of his intercession 1 Iohn 2.1 Psal 2.11 12. Acts 7.55 Prayers made by me are preferred by him Thirdly to obey him with reuerence and holy feare that is so high exalted Fourthly to looke vp vnto him in all extremities of temptation persecution death hee is heauens fauorite powerfull and compassionate Fiftly to be heauenly minded in an humble submission of what is mine to his gouerment Q. Which is the seuenth A. From thence hee shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead Q. What doth this article containe A. A confirmation of the former Article and a descripon of the last iudgement Q. Who is He that shall come to iudge the world Ioh. 5.22 A. Iesus Christ the Sonne of God our Lord who was once iudged by the world Q. What meane you by this He shall come A. I meane First that Christ shall truely and really appeare in his owne person Acts 1.11