our Addresses he knows our wants 6. To Conquer mans enemies in that nature which was Tempted for our enemies greater Terrour Homil. of Engl. on Nativ and our greater Comfort 7. To bring our human nature to Glory Q. How do you prove Christ to have been Man A. 1. He had the natural properties of Man He was born was a Child grew in Stature Mat. 1.2 Luk. 1.80 walked sate c. 2. He had the parts of a Man A Body in all parts like ours Eyes Ears Tongue and he had a Soul with Sense Reason Will Affections 3. He had the infirmities of man Hungred Thirsted Wept 4. He had the sufferings man was liable to wept groaned was crucified died Q. How is Christs human Nature proposed in the Creed A. By his Conception Birth Crucifixion Death and Burial Q. How is Christs Birth set down A. As conceived of the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary whence appears his two Natures God and Man Q. Why is Christ said to be conceived by the Holy Ghost A. Mat. 1.18 1. To manifest his Deity he was not conceived after the ordinary way of Generation but from above 2. To manifest his purity who was to be without sin being to suffer for ours Q. Why was he born of the Virgin Mary A. 1. To manifest him to be of the Tribe the Messiah was to come of Mat. 1. Luke 3. 2. That he might be free from original as well as actual Sins of which all are guilty who are born after the ordinary way of Generation 3. B. Pearson on Creed p. 179. To give both Sexes hopes of Salvation thro him as being of one and from the other Q. Why doth the Creed pass immediately from Christs Birth to his Crucifixion A. 1. Christs Life was but as one continued act of suffering because our Life is as one continued act of sinning 2. His Life appears full of sufferings persecuted and put to flight by Herod as soon as born Mat. 2. 4. 26. 27. Tempted and accused by Satan Crucified and put to Death by his Instruments 3. The grand design of his Incarnation was to suffer for our sins Q. What was Pontius Pilate under whom Christ suffered A. A Governour sent by the Romans B. Pearson on Creed p. 194. and by them placed over the Jews who had then been sixty years subject to the Romans And his name in our Creed is mentioned that we might by History 10 find the truth and certainty of our Faith and the Reality of our Saviours sufferings Q. Why did Christ suffer under him A. 1. Gen. 49. That he might fulfil the Prophecy of the Messiahs coming when the Scepter was departed from Judah Gal. 3.10 B. Pearson on Creed p. 196. Their Governours being now Romans 2. That he might be crucified according to that curse mentioned to be on him for us Which was not a Death used among the Jews Q. What are the parts of Christs Sufferings A. His being Crucified Dead Buried his descending into Hell Q. Why was Christ Crucified A. Psal 22.16 Numb 21.8 John 3.15 16. 1. It was Prophecyed of the Messiah 2. Typified in the Brazen Serpent 3. To take away the curse due to us he became a curse for us 4. To represent by the extending his Arms on the Cross Christs readiness to receive all returning sinners Q. Why did Christ suffer Death A. Isa 53. Confes Saxon. art 3. Heb. 2.15 Leighs body of Divinity p. 583. 1. It was Prophecyed of the Messiah 2. Sin deserved Death Rom. 6.23 3. To manifest sins evil and his love John 15.12 4. For Satans greater Terrour to destroy him by that by which he thought to have destroyed man 5. For our greater comfort our Death is without a sting 1 Cor. 15.56 Q. Why was Christ Buried A. Isa 57.2 Leighs body c. p. 603. 1. To evidence the reality of his Death 2. To sweeten the Grave for us 3. To Conquer Death in his own Dominions Hos 14.14 1 Cor. 15.56 57. 4. To render his own and our Resurrection the more manifest Q. What is meant by Christs descent into Hell A. 1. It is interpreted by some to be a real Local descent B. Bilson on Articl as if Christ did really descend into Hell the place of the damned and there triumph over Satan in his own Territories to his greater Terror 2. Some assert that tho Christ did not Locally descend into Hell B. Nicholson on Cat. p. 49. yet he did virtually that is the powers of Hell felt the efficacy of his Death to their destruction and his eternal conquest and this may safely be believed Q. But did not Christ go down into Hell to deliver the Patriarchs who died before him A. That was not necessary because Calvin Institut l. 2. c. 16. sect 8. B. Ushers answer to Jesait p. 27â— Hom. of Engl. on Faith 1. Christs death was equally meritorious before his Incarnation as it is now after it 2. He was promised soon after the fall of Man so that they knew as well that Christ would come as we do that he is come 3. They had the same Christ Ordinances Spirit and Faith as we have 4. Several were in Heaven before Christs Ascension as Flias 2 Kings 12.11 Moses Luke 9.30 I azarus Luke 16.22 The Thief on the Cross c. Q. What other interpretations are there of Christs descent into Hell A. 1. His being Dead and Buried also Book 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prayer Nicaean Aâ—han 〈…〉 For where the Burial of Christ is ment oned his descent into Hell is lest out as in the Nicaean Creed and where his de 〈◊〉 into Hell is mentioned his Burial is omitted as in the Athanasian Creed 2. Christs being in the state of the Dead B. Ushers answer to Jesuit p. 341.395.412.413 B. Pearson on Creed p. 250. That as his Soul and Body were really separated by the dissolution of their vital Union so Christs Body went to the place of dead mens Bodys and his Soul to the place of dead mens Souls As two very Reverend Prelates and Lights of our English Church have declared as their sense of the Article and as the Universal consent of Christians Q. Did Christ suffer in Soul and Body A. Mat. 26. Mat. 27. 1. Yes he suffered in his body Hunger Thirst Weariness Thorns on his Head Nails in his Hands and Feet Spear in his Side Buffettings and Spittings on his Face and at last a most cursed ignominious painful death 2. He suffered in his Soul sadness and anguish Mat. 26.36 sorrow and fear trouble and agony So great that he three times declares it and begs if it was his Fathers Will the Cup might pass from him Luke 22.44 so great that under it his blood was so rarified that his sweat was drops of blood Mat. 27.44 Yea so great that he felt the pains of Hell the pains of sense being so sharp that they made him
especially in their Adversity however God is slighted by them in Prosperity Q. What is yet remaining of the Catechism A. The Doctrine of Sacraments Q. Why is that considered in the Catechism A. 1. It is a great part of Religion 2. That we might not only be acquainted with our Duty to God but also of what we receive from God 3. That the Catechism might be a compleat Compendium of Divinity Q. How many Sacraments hath Christ Ordained in his Church A. Two only as generally necessary to Salvation that is to say Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Q. Why is there but two Sacraments A. 1. To Correspond with the two under the Law Circumcision and the Passover 2. The other pretended Sacraments are not so properly nor as such are they appointed by Gods Word Q. How are these Sacraments said to be absolutely necessary to Salvation A. 1. Leighs body of Divinity p. 910. They are not so absolutely necessary as that Persons not receiving them where through Persecution they cannot or where they being not rightly administred they dare not receive them shall fail of Salvation God dispensed with the Israelites breach of Circumcision in the Wilderness Gen. 17. Josh 5.45 Hookers Polity lib. 5. sect 60 61. though it was strictly Commanded 2. They are necessary as means to be used being Seals of the Covenant of Grace applying Gods Grace to every one receiving them aright 3. They are thus far absolutely necessary in an Established Church that they who slight them of wilfully neglect their receiving them Gen. 17.14 may dread their being cut off from Gods People Q. What mean you by this word Sacrament A. I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward and Spiritual Grace given unto us Ordained by Christ himself as a means whereby we receive the same and as a Pledge to assure us thereof Q. What is included in this Answer A. Sir Chr. Wyvel's Triple Crown examined p. 43 44 45. Hâ—mil of Engl. on Sac. Calvin Instit lib. 4. Cap. 19. Sect. 34. Calvin Institut lib. 4. Cap. 19. Sect. 5 6 20. Homil. of Engl. on Sac. Ames Bel. Enerv. Tom. 3. Lib. 7. Cap. 1. 1. That in a Sacrament there must be an outward sign visible subject to our Senses and so Absolution and Confession must fall and be no Sacraments 2. This outward sign must be signifying of an inward and Spiritual Grace Thus Matrimony is no Sacrament it is common to Infidels and by our Adversaries is forbidden to their Priests which if a Sacrament is very absurd 3. To make a Sacrament there must be also a giving and ordaining the outward sign by Christ himself and thus extream Unction and Confirmation are no Sacraments 4. It must be a suitable means to convey the inward Grace and Pardon and so Sacraments must not only be signs of but means and instruments to convey And thus Orders no Sacrament for it hath no outward sign prescribed by Christ nor promise of Pardon made to it 5. It must be as a Seal and Pledge to assure us of that inward Grace Thus those Popish Sacraments which have no Authority of Christ Ordaining them no visible sign representing nor any promise of Grace made to them cannot be Seals of Grace and Pardon to us Sr. Christopher Wyvel's Triple Crown ex un ned p. 43.44 And so according to the definition of a Sacrament they must fall Nor can we suppose that Christ did Ordain one Sacrament only for the Lâ—aity as Matrimony A Second for the Clergy as Orders A Third for the Catechised only as Confirmation A Fourth only for the Sick as extream Vnction And a Fifth only for the Lapsed as Penance B. Bramhall cited in Leighs Body of Divinity p. 913 914. These are without ground from Scriptures Ancient Creed Council Fathers and were first devised by Peter Lombard first Decreed by Pope Eugenius the Fourth first Confirmed in the Provincial Council of Senes and after in the Council of Trent Q. Whence is the name of Sacrament borrowed A. 1. Some say it is brought into this Sacred use from an use among the Romans who called that Oath Sacramentum Dr. Arrowsmiths Tac. Sac. Lib. 1. Cap. 5. sect 1. Book of Common Prayer it Pub. Baptism which each Souldier took to be true to his General and to live and dye with him and it may well represent the Engagement we take on us in the Sacraments to be Christs Faithful and Constant Souldiers and Servants to our Lives end 2. Others say the word Sacrament is used to denote how the Ordinances should be received Sacra mente with an Holy mind Q. How many parts are there in a Sacrament A. Two Calvin Irstir liâ— 4. cor 1. sect 6 The outward and visible sign and the inward and visible Grace By the sign God condescends to make known to us by things we can understand what through our Ignorance we cannot apprehend Q. What is the outward visible sign or Form in Baptism A. Water wherein the Person is Baptized in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Q. What is here Observable A. 1. The Element and outward sign by which Baptism is Administred Book of Common Prayer Order for Baptism of Riper Years Water 2. The Subject of Baptism in the Word Person which denotes either those adult Persons who being newly Converted from Heathenism or Judaism or those who have been brought up by Parents of the Christian Profession unbaptized or else the Children of the Professors of Christianity with our selves 3. Here is the manner of performing it in the word Baptize which admits of either dipping or sprinkling and our Church allows either Nor can the Anabaptists who call for express Texts from us give us one for their dipping 4. Their Articles given to R. C. 2. 1660. And reprinted in Grantam's Works Here is the Form or Baptism in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost according to Christs Commission Mat. 28.19 And here the Anabaptists are to blame in granting a permission to their Party to be Baptized in the Name of Christ alone Q. What is the inward and Spiritual Grace A. A Death unto Sin and a new Birth unto Righteousness for being by Nature Born in Sin and the Children of Wrath we are hereby made the Children of Grace Q. What is Considerable in this Answer A. 1. Rom. 6.3 4. Here is a Death unto Sin signified by our being Buried with Christ in Baptism Water being therein poured on us as Dust is on our Bodies when Buried and this teacheth us to put off the Old Man the Body of Sin 2. Here is in Baptism represented our filthiness by sin Ephes 2.2 3. 1 Pet. â— 21 2â— we need washing from its filth and a Pardon of its guilt being by Nature defiled Creatures and Children of wrath 3. Here are the Priviledges the Christian enjoys by Baptism Of a Sinner he is cleansed and of a Child of Wrath made
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
Church least I throw my self out of visible hopes of Salvation Q. What is the next Article A. The Communion of Saints Q. What is meant by the Saints A. The People of God and members of Christs Holy Catholick Church because 1. They are in part Holy here 2. shall be perfect Saints hereafter Q. What Communion is here believed A. 1. Dr. Sherlock on Cat. Their Communion with the ever Blessed Trinity as Sons of God Members of Christ Sanctified by the Holy Ghost 2. Their Communion of Gifts for each others edifying 3. Their praying with and for each other 4. Their relieving of each others wants to their powers Q. What improvement do you make of this Article A. 1. B. Pearson on Creed p. 359. It shews the priviledges of Gods people who have an interest in Gods mercies and in each others gifts 2. It may ingage us to communicate our gifts and to pray for each other 3. It should disengage us from all fellowship with sin and sinners as much as may be Be not with them here whose company you desire not hereafter 4. It should engage our labours after holiness that we may be Saints Q. What is it to believe the Remission of sins A. 1. That we are all sinners and every one is obliged to ask pardon in the Lords Prayer B. Pearson on Creed 370. Isa 64.6 and to believe it obtainable in the Creed 2. That as we are sinners every one needs Gods pardon because as such we deserve his anger and cannot satisfie it by the world or our Righteousness Ephes 2.2 2 Cor. 5.18 Psal 49.6 7. 3. That thro Christs merits and mediation Gods justice is satisfied and mercy obtained so that we may returning have a pardon Luke 24.47 1 â—ohn 1.8 9 10. 4. I in this Article declare I am obliged to return from sin by a true Repentance and through Christs merits I may obtain from God the Remission of sins Q. What is it to believe the Resurrection of the body A. That this flesh or body of ours which is or may be buried and turned to dust shall be raised again and live Q. How do you prove the Resurrection of the Body A. 1. Mat. 22.32 Christ pleads it from Gods being God of Abraham after he was dead and that he is God of the living 2. God can as easily unite our dust into our bodies as he did at first make our bodies of nothing 3. God is the God of the whole man Leigh 's Body of Divinity p. 1150. and will raise our bodies that as they have been Co-workers of sin or holiness here they may be Co-sufferers of punishment or Co-partakers of Glory hereafter 4. Mat. 28.14 Mat. 27.53 1 Cor. 15.19 1 Cor. 15.36 Several instances of dead bodies which have been raised prove it 5. If we rise not Christ is no compleat Saviour because then death and the grave are yet unconquered and we most miserable 6. The Resurrection is dayly manifested to us the day dyeth into night and riseth again in the morning Corn dyeth in the earth and riseth again to bring forth fruit Q. How prove you this body shall rise again A. This very body as to its substance shall be raised again tho it shall then have other qualifications 1. Calvin Instit lib. 3. Cap. 25. Sect. 4.8 Else it is no Resurrection but a new Creation 2. The word Resurrection or reviviscence signifies that very body which was dead shall live and which was buried shall arise 3. Gods justice pleads for it the same and not another body must be punished or glorisyed for the Evil or good done here 4. Christ and others prove it to be so B. Pearson on Creed p. 382. They arose with their same bodies they had when alive Christs body when raised had the print of the Nails and Spear which it had at its Crucifixion Q. What improvement do you make of this Article A. 1. Cor 6.18 1. Not to slight our bodies which with our Souls shall enjoy an Eternity 2. 1 Cor. 15.42 43 44. Not to prostitute them to sin and Satan which we hope ere long shall be glorifyed 3. It may comfort us under all troubles and natural infirmities or deformities when our bodies are raised again they shall all be done away Rev. 21.4 4. It may arm us against all trouble Phil. 3.20 ere long all sorrow shall cease 5. It may make us not fear death our bodys which suffer most gain by it and shall arise in glory fashioned like Christs glorious body 1 Thes 4.17 6. It may make us not too much mourn for our dead Friends they are but gone before and we in due time must follow 13 Q. What is meant by the life Everlasting in the Creed A. Luk. 16. Mat. 2â— 34 41 46. I believe that there is an everlasting Life of bliss or misery to be expected by us and every of us hereafter shall be stated in one of them and this the Heathen apprehended 11 Q. Why is the state of the damned called a Life A. 1. B. Pearson on Creed p. 389. There shall be a vital union between Soul and body of them which shall never be dissolved 2. They shall live for ever in torment Q. Why then is this state called a death A. 1. Death is more eligible then it 2. they are deprived of Gods gracious and glorious presence which is the life of the Soul 1 Tim. 5.6 without which Souls in Scripture are said to be dead 3. They are ever in killing Torments Q. Is it just that eternal torments should be inflicted on sinners A. 1. Yes They sinned their Eternity on Earth yea will continue sinning for ever in Hell and while they sin God may justly punish 2. They sinned against an infinite God and therefore deserve an infinite punishment Crimes are much agravated from the object against whom they are as a word against the King may by the Law of the Land deserve death which probably might be no great offence against a private man and consequently sin against God may reasonably deserve Eternal death He being an Eternal King 3. They refused an Eternal life offered them on Earth and therefore it is but just they should be punished to Eternity Q. How is this Eternal life ours A. 1. By Gods free gift thro Christ Rom. 1 Pet. 1.9 6.23 2. By our Faith laying hold on Christ and living to him Q. Is it not given as a reward to our merits as well as Hell is a punishment of our sins A. 1. No for we owe our obedience to God as Creatures 1 Cor. 6.19 Rom. 6.23 Isa 64.6 Phil. 2.13 2. If we perform it not we are by his law condemned as sinners 3. We cannot perform duties so perfectly as we ought and if we did yet we should but do our duty and could not merit Luke 17.18 4. nothing is our own properly but sin which deserves
Kingdom of Grace in this and Glory in another World may hasten as to us Psal 2.8 and it implies these requests 1. That God would be pleased in order to the bringing Jew and Gentile Med. lib. 4. p. 766 767. all the World to his Kingdom of Grace to make known the Gospel and means of Grace in all Parts and to make them Efficacious or else by some other dispensation to bring them to the true and saving knowledge of himself and his Christ 2. I here Pray that I and all who enjoy Gods Ordinances may by Gods Spirit be Converted and Translated into his Kingdom 3. That I and all his People may willingly Obey and Serve him as our King 4. That his Kingdom of Glory may hasten Rev. 7. when all his and our Enemies shall be destroyed our Sins and Troubles have a Period and our Souls and Bodies be Glorified Q. What then is the Sum of this Petition A. 1. I Pray that the God of all Grace would by his Spirit and Word or by other means Convert me and all his People and as our King would subdue in us all his and our Souls Enemies our sinful Lusts and enable us to pay him all due Obedience and so prepare us all to meet him as King of Glory which Kingdom of Glory I desire may hasten to end Gods dishonour sinners impiety the Godly's Troubles and that God may be for ever Glorified in the Eternal Hallelujahs of his People Q. What is the Third Petition A. Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven Q. What is herein Considerable A. The Matter and Manner of the Petition Q. What is the Matter or Thing Prayed for A. 1. An Obedience to Gods will that we may Serve and Obey him as we ought 2. A submissive Contentedness under all Corrections and Dispensations of Poverty Affliction Persecution We Pray his Will may be done and ought not to murmure when it is done though it please us not as in Troubles Afflictions and Persecutions Q. What is the manner after which we Pray Gods Will may be done A. That it may be done on Earth as i◠is in Heaven Q. What doth that teach us A. 1. We Pray it may be Obeyed by all All in Heaven serve him 2. That we might serve God not only so Universally but as sincerely though it cannot be with that Perfection Q. What then is here Prayed for A. That the God our Father King of Grace and Glory would so guide the Thoughts Words Actions of me and all others through the whole Earth that we may all without Hypocrisie serve him in Soul and Body and quietly rest contented in that state the All-wise God our Father hath placed us in Q. What is the First Petition concerning our selves especially which is the Fourth in the Prayer A. Give us this Day our daily Bread Q. What is meant by Bread A. 1. Christ Jesus the Bread of Life 2. Gods Word and Ordinances the Food of our Souls 3. All Necessaries for our Comfortable Subsistence respecting our outward State Life Health Food and Raiment convenient for us Q. Why do we Pray for Daily Bread A. 1. Acts 17.28 To teach us we cannot subsist one day without Gods Blessings 2. To re-mind us of our daily dependance on God so that we should not account what we enjoy (*) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hesiod opera l. 1. v. 313. our gettings but Gods Blessings 3. To Oblige us to Pray daily if Blessings be worth having they are worth our asking for 4. Mat. 6.25 to the end To disswade from an Anxious Carefulness for many days or a long time we know not what a day may bring forth and God is every day ready to grant what we every day want and pray for Q. Why are our Enjoyments asked as an Alms from God A. 1. To Humble us who are apt to be Proud by shewing us to be Beggars 2. To teach us we deserve nothing at Gods hand what we have God gives 3. To engage our importunity in Prayer as Beggars who knowing their wants will scarce receive a denial where they know their wants may be supplyed Q. What then is the Sum of this Petition A. I Pray that God would be pleased to send to me and to all People those things which be necessary both for their Souls and Bodies And we and all his People owning our dependance on him may daily seek our Relief from him Q. Which is the Fifth Petition The Second concerning our selves A. Forgive us our Trespasses as we forgive them that Trespass against us Q. Why are Sins in some places called Debts A. 1. Because our Obedience is due to God and not being paid we are Debtors to God 2. We Sinners as Debtors are exposed to the Censure of Gods Law Q. What is the importance of this Petition A. 1. An acknowledgment that we sin daily and daily need ask Gods Pardon 2. A begging of God to Pardon us 3. A desiring God to Pardon our Offenders 4. A desire to be forgiven by God as we forgive those who Offend us Q. Doth not this lay a great Engagement on Christians to forgive each other A. Yes 1. Mat. 6.14 15. Mat. 18. latter end None can Offend us so much as our sins have Offended God 2. If we forgive our Brothers small Offences God will forgive our greater 3. Unless we forgive our Brothers faults God will not Pardon our Crimes 4. He who Prays and forgives not his Brother calls for a Curse on himself and desires he might not be forgiven his sins Q. Are we bound to Pray for Pardon of sins daily A. 1. Yes Scriptures witness none are without sin 2. It is confessed by all our Mouths that we are sinners Hooker on Halak 1.4 Mornaeus de Relig. cap. 16. 1 John 8 9 10. And have gone astray like lost Sheep 3. Our very Prayers are sinful we are too cold in our greatest heat and our thoughts wander in our nearest Addresses to God 4. Sin if not Pardoned is Damning 5. We cannot expect a Pardon unless we Pray for it Q. What is the Sum of this Petition A. That the God of all Mercies would through the Merits and Mediation of Jesus Christ through whom he is my Father forgive me my sins when ever Acted and however aggravated and that he would encline my Heart to a free pardoning and forgiveness of those who Offend me Q. What is the Sixth Petition the last and third concerning us A. Lead us not into Temptation but deliver us from Evil. Q. What is meant by Temptation A. 1. Temptation by Satan to any sin 2. James 1.5 Temptation from God as Tryals of our Graces Q. What is meant by Gods leading us into Temptation A. 1. By permitting what he may be pleased to hinder Satans tempting 2. To leave us in the Temptation so as to sin or under Affliction so that we sin against him Q. What then is Prayed for here
in the New Testament because it was so fully known in the Old that Children were within the Covenant and admitted to the Seal of it That Baptizing them is not a receiving them as Foreigners into the Church of Christ but a more Solemn manifesting them to be so and a witnessing they are Members of Christ who belonged to the Body of his Church before Ephes 2.12 13. Hâ—l 8.6 There needed no new Command to promote an old Practâ—â—e which unless contâ—â—ued I see no great inducement can be offered to perswade a Jew to become Christian Wills against Danvers Second Part p. 36. None of their Priviledges are infringed but ours enlarged the Covenant is unrepealed and Baptism larger than Circumcision as including Females as well as Males as capable Subjects of it 14. The Error of the Anabaptists hath these ill consequences 1. It throws all the World into Heathenism again 2. Makes a Church ever gathering never gathered 3. 1 Cor. 7.14 Makes Children of Turks and Jews equally happy as ours 4. States our Children in the visible Synagogue of Satan by excluding them the visible Church of Christ 5. Gives Parents small hopes of their Salvation by disowning them for Members of Christs Church Mark 16.16 Baxters Infant Church-memb and not esteeming them Believers 6. It may expose to the breach of the sixth and seventh Commandments Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Ordained A. For the continual Remembrance and the Sacrifice of the Death of Christ and the Benâ—sits we receive thereby Q. What things are Considerable in this Answer A. 1. That Christ Offered himself a Sacrifice to God for Mans sins Heb. 5. and 9 Chap. 2. By the Death and Sacrifice of Christ we receive great Benefits 1. Pardon of Sin 2. Peace with God 3. Adoption 4. Gift of Holy Ghost 5. Graces 6. Glory 3. That these Benefits and this Death of Christ ought to be remembred Mat. 26.1 Cor. 11 24. Q. How is the Sacrament a Commemoration of Christs Death A. 1. The Bread and Wine set apart for the Use of the Sacrament denotes Christs separation for the Work of our Redemption the Breads breaking Christs Crucifying its eating our receiving Christ and our Union with him 2. The Wine shews Christs Blood distinct from his Body as shed for us The pouring out the Wine shews the shedding his Blood and our drinking it our applying Christs Blood to cleanse us from sin Q. Why is Christs Death called a Sacrifice A. 1. It was Typified by all the Sacrifices under the Law 2. Christ Offered himself a Sacrifice for us Q. Why is it not yet counted a Sacrifice A. 1. Christ is not again Offered 2. Christ is not ours nor in our power to Offer 3. Heb. 9.25 26. His Offering himself once for all is sufficient Q. What are the outward parts of the Lords Supper A. Bread and Wine which the Lord hath Commanded to be Received Q. Is not the Bread in the Sacrament turned into Christs Body after the words of Consecration since Christ said This is my Body A. No. 1. Gen. 17.10 Exod. 12 Funeral of Mass Brevint against Mass p. 57. Sacraments are spoken in a Figurative sense Circumcision is called the Covenant and the Paschal Lamb the Passover which were but signs of the Covenant And so this is my Body signifieth this is the sign of my Body and our Adversaries grant a Figurative Speech in the use of the Cup where it is said This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood of which the Blood of Christ signified by the Wine was a Seal 2. Transubstantiation against all our Senses We see feel smell taste Bread 3. Then is there no Sacrament because the Sign is destroyed 4. It s Institution iâ— in Remembrance of Christ which implies his Absence 5. It destroys Christs Humanity which cannot be in many places at once 6. It exposeth Christs Body to Rude Accidents our eating him Mice destroying him its moulding and corrupting against Psal 16.10 7. Then the Infidels eating the Bread shall be saved for all eating Christ shall 8. Their Pleas from John 6. unsound Christ spoke there Spiritually nor indeed was the Sacrament then Instituted but some time after a little before his Death 9. Either Christ is in the Sacrament or he is not If in it they Act horrid things to tear Christs Body with their Teeth and if he be not there they Act gross Idolatry in Worshipping a piece of Bread it is a madness to eat our God or adore what we eat in the Heathens account 16 10. It was Confirmed but in the Year 1215. after Christ Q. May not the Cup of Wine be forbidden A. 1. No. This Error succeeded the former Ames Bell. Enervat Tom. 3. Lib. 4. Cap. 7. Fox Act. Vol. 2. pag. 460. A. Bishop Ushers Answer to Jesuit pag. 3. B. Taylors disswasive Cap. 1. Sect. 6. for if Christs Body be in the Bread his Blood is there also and therefore our Adversaries deny the distinct Administration of it But 2. Against the Command and Practice of Christ and his Apostles 1 Cor. 11.24 Mat. 26. 3. Pope Gelasius Decreed this Act to be Sacrilegious and he was as Infallible as his Successors if one be Infallible for them another is so against them 4. No Ancient Council Father or Example of Primitive Church was for it saith the same Gelasius 5. It was Decreed about 1415 after Christ in the Council of Constance Q. What is the inward part or thing signified A. The Body and Blood of Christ which are verisy and indeed taken and received of the Faithful in the Lords Supper Q What is here Observable A. 1. That the Body and Blood of Christ are Offered in the Sacrament to be received by the Communicants 2. That the true faithful Communicant doth receive them and their Benefits 3. His receiving them is by Faith Spiritually applying them to his Soul Q. What are the Benefits we are made Partakers of hereby A. The strengthening and refreshing of our Souls and Bodies by the Body and Blood of Christ as our Bodies are by the Bread and Wine Q. What is herein Considerable A. 1. That as Bread and Wine are great strengtheners and refreshers of our Bodies so doth Christs Body and Blood with the Benefits thence flowing to the Worthy Receiver Dr. Patricks Mensa Mystica p. 382. much strengthen and refresh our Souls in the sense of the Pardon of our sins of our Peace with God comforts of the Holy Ghost Grace against sin our sense of Gods Love Union with him and Right to Glory Q. What is required of Persons who come tâ— the Lords Supper A. To Eramine themselves whether they Repent them truly of their former sins steadfastly purposing to lead a new Life have a lively Faith in Gods Mercy through Christ with a Thankful Remembrance of Christ's Death and be in Charity with all Men. Q. What is Considerable in this Answer A. 1. The Duties of a
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