he thinks most necessary to be believed And it is Resolved in the following Section CHAP. I. Section 2. The Summ of Things necessary to be believed by a Christian Artic. I. I believe in God the Father Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth I do believe that there is a God an Infinite 1 King 8.27 Eternal Ps 90.2 Spirit Joh. 4.24 absolutely perfect Ps 147.5 Rom. 1.20 and that this God is the Father of whom are all things 1 Cor. 8.6 and who is in a more eminent manner the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Mat. 17.5 Joh. 1.14 Rom. 8.32 And I do believe that Power belongeth unto him Psal 62.11 so that he is able to do whatsoever he pleaseth Eccles 8.3 who did at first create the World and all things contained therein Gen. 1.1 and has preserv'd them ever since by His Divine Providence Neb. 9.6 Art II. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord. I do believe that that Man who was born of the Virgin Mary Luk. 2.7 in the days of Herod Mat. 2.1 and who before his birth was by an Angel from Heaven named Jesus Mat. 1.21 was the True Messias the Anointed of the Lord Joh. 1.41 and 11.27 whom God had so long and so often promised to send into the world to be the Saviour of Mankind Gen. 3.15 and 21.12 and 49.10 Deut. 18.15 And I do also believe that this Holy Person was neither Angel nor Arch-Angel nor any other Creature whatsoever but the Son of God by an unspeakable Generation begotten of God from all Eternity Colos 1.15 17. Heb. 1.5 6 10 13. God of God and together with the Father and Holy Ghost one God John 5.18 blessed for ever Rom. 9.5 and that he is rightly called our Lord in respect of that Right that belongs to him as having first Created us Colos 1.16 and then redeemed us 1 Pet. 1.18 19. and being made Lord of all things Acts 2.36 Art III. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary I do believe that Jesus Christ was not conceived after the ordinary way but by the wonderful Operation of the Holy Ghost overshadowing his Virgin Mother Luke 1.35 that he might assume our Nature without the Depravation of it Luk. 1.35 And I do moreover believe that though being conceived in that wonderful manner he had no Man to his Father yet deriving his bodily substance from his Mother he is rightly said to be the Seed of the Woman Gen. 3.15 of the House and Family of David Ps 132.11 Mat. 15.22 Acts 2.30 And so being descended from Adam Luk. 3. he is truly call'd the Son of Man Mat. 8.20 Mar. 9.12 Luk. 9.22 John 5.27 Art IV. Suffered under Pontius Pilate was Crucified Dead and Buried he descended into Hell I do believe that the only begotten Son of God did in our Nature which he had assumed not only really and truly suffer both in his body by tormenting pains Mat. 27.26 29 35. and in his Soul by unspeakable sorrows Mat. 26.38 Luk. 22.44 for the Redemption of Mankind Gal. 3.13 1 Pet. 2.24 but even in the most shameful and ignominious manner also having his Hands and Feet nail'd to a Cross as Thieves and the vilest Malefactors were used Luk. 23.33 there he hung some Hours Luk. 23.44 till he was Really dead Luk. 23.46 and then for the greater certainty of it like other dead Men was embalmed and laid in the Grave Luk. 23.53 his Soul being departed into those unknown Regions where Souls separated from their Bodies are Ps 16.10 Acts 2.31 And I am verily perswaded that all this was done when Pontius Pilate was Governour of Judea under Tiberius the Roman Emperour Luk. 3.1 Art V. The Third Day he rose again from the Dead I do believe that Jesus Christ the Third Day after he died according to his own Promise Joh 2.19 and as the Scripture had foretold Ps 16.10 had his Soul by the Power of the Godhead reunited to his Body Acts 2.31 32. so that he was really and truly alive again Luk. 24.39 Acts 1.3 and is never to return to Death any more Rom. 6.9 Art VI. He Ascended into Heaven and sitteth at the Right Hand of God I believe that after he was risen from the Dead and had conversed with his Disciples Forty Days Acts 1.3 while he was Talking with them he was taken up in a Cloud and went into Heaven Angels attending and ministring unto him Acts 1.9 10. where being exalted far above all Principalities and Powers Eph. 1.20 21. and placed in full Possession of the highest Power Dignity and Dominion he always appears in the Presence of God making Intercession for us by vertue of that Sacrifice which he had before offered upon the Cross Col. 2.16 to 22. Heb. 7.25 and 9.24 Art VII From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe that Christ in his Humane Nature shall continue in Heaven till the end of the World Acts 3.21 and that then he shall come from thence in the Clouds attended with millions of Angels and with the Voice of the Arch-angel and with the Trump of God and shall call all Mankind before him Mat. 24.30 31. as well those that shall be then alive at his coming 1 Thess 4.17 as those that shall have been dead from the beginning of the World Joh. 5.28 and there shall Judge them all according to their Deeds whether they have been good or whether they have been evil 2 Cor. 5.10 Art VIII I believe in the Holy Ghost I believe that there is a Third Person 1 Joh. 5.7 proceeding from the Father and the Son Joh. 15.26 Gal. 4.6 who also is God Acts 5.4 called in sacred Scripture the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost not only upon the account of his own most perfect Holiness and in Opposition to that Vnclean Spirit the Devil but also as he is the cause of all Holiness in us by his Graces sancrifying our Sculs and Bodies to the obedience of God 1 Pet. 1.2 and so making us acceptable to him in Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 6.11 Art IX The holy Catholick Church I believe that Christ by the Preaching of the Gospel has called not only out of Judea but out of all Nations a Society of Men Mat. 28.19 Acts 2.41 42. and 4.32 and 5.14 into which every one is admitted by Baptism 1 Cor. 12.13 and all are united to and under him as their Head Col. 1.18 And that this Catholick or Vniversal Church or whole Society of Christians dispersed over the world containeth in it as its parts many particular Churches such as were those of Jerusalem the first Church planted by the Apostles Luk. 24.47 Antioch Corinth Ephesus c. And that there is no One Governour on Earth whom Christ hath appointed Head of the whole Church or all particular Churches nor any who is sufficient for such a Charge I further believe that this Church is set apart for Holy Services and that the Calling and Profession of the
Church by Baptism pardon I beseech thee all my former Breaches of that holy Covenant which I was then entred into And now that I am going to renew my Baptismal Vows in my own Person so strengthen me with all the graces of thy Holy Spirit that I may make open Profession of thy Holy Religion at all times hereafter and speak and think and live as becomes a true Member of Christ Give me Grace to mortifie all my evil and corrupt Affections and daily to proceed in all vertue and godliness of living till I at last attain the end of my hopes even the Salvation of my Soul through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord Amen A Prayer before the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper O Holy Just and Gracious God it is of thy Mercy alone that I am not consumed and because thy Compassions fail not I have by my manifold Provocations deserved the utmost of thy wrath and indignation against me yet behold thou hast not only spared me but hast now also invited me to the renewing of that Holy Covenant which I have so often and so shamefully broken I am not worthy of that daily bread which sustains my bodily Life how then shall I dare to approach thy Holy Table to partake of that Bread of Life which thou hast prepared for the food of Pious and Holy souls O Lord it is true my guiltiness makes me tremble to come and yet it makes me not dare to stay away For where can my polluted Soul be washed but in the Fountain of thy Sons Blood That alone which was shed for the remission of sins can take away all its stains Hither therefore I come according to thy gracious Invitation and hope that my Person and Service may be accepted in thy beloved Son To that end do thou prepare my heart to draw nigh to thee Let thy Divine Spirit breath into my Soul such holy Thoughts and devout Affections as may become one who commemorates the death of the Son of God who was wounded for our Iniquities and bruised for our Transgressions O let my heart be deeply affected with such a sense of sin as may make me hate the very thoughts of every evil way for the future and chuse to endure any thing rather than to despise the riches of his love And while I remember the love of my Blessed Saviour in dying for me a Sinner may I never forget to exercise Charity towards all Men even Enemies as well as Friends Let every Grace be so confirmed and strengthened in me that I may serve thee sincerely and acceptably all the days of my Life perfecting Holiness in thy fear Fulfil O Gracious Lord all my Petitions and grant that I may be made Partaker of the benefits of Christ's most blessed Body and Blood here and of his glory hereafter through the merits of the same our Saviour Jesus Christ Amen A Prayer at the Sacrament immediately before Receiving O Blessed Lord Jesus I remember with all humility and love and gratitude how thy Sacred Body was broken and thy Precious Blood poured out for sinners And I am now come to receive this Bread and this Wine which thou hast appointed as the Sacramental Representations of them O let that Sacrifice of thine which thou didst once make when thou didst offer up thy Sacred Body upon the Cross be effectual for the Salvation of my Soul and Body Here is that which my Soul longeth and thirsteth after O let me not be sent empty away Give me thy self and with thy self thy Holy Spirit to take possession of me and let me feel that it always dwells in me by those Heavenly Graces moving in my Soul which are the blessed fruits and effects of it Awaken mâ— Repentance encrease my Faith inflame my Charity Thankfulness and Devotion Make me a meet Partaker of thy Holy Supper here and of the Joâ—s of thy Kingdom hereafter through Christ Jesus Amen A Prayer after the Sacrament I Return unto thee O most gracious and glorious God all praise and thanks for thine infinite and inconceivable Mercies to us the Children of Men and especiall I desire to bless and magnify thy Holâ— Name for that wonderful love of thine in sending thy dear Son to die for Sinners and for that great Grace which thou hast now vouchsafed thy humble Servant in giving me a fresh assurance of an Interest in that precious Death by admitting me to partake of thy holy Sacrament ordained in remembrance of it O may I never forget what thou hast done for my Soul but carry the thoughts of it along with me to all the â—ctions of my life that it may be in me a Spring of entire obedience unto thee all the rest of my daâ—s This is indeed my unfeigned desire that may never break those Vows and Promises of a Holy Life which I have made to thee this day But I am afraid of my own treache ous Heart and the Assaults which will be made upon me by my spiritual Enemies least they should betray me into the breach of thy Holy Commandments O therefore let the assistance of thy holy Spirit be ever with me and the grace always prevent and follow me and then I trust I shall approve my self thy faithful Servant in all things and finish my course with joy With my own I desire the happiness of all Mankind that they who are still in darkness and in the shadow of Death may see the salvation of God and taste how Gracious thou art to Christians and that all those who are called by the Name of Christ may depart from Iniquity and adorn the Doctrine of Christ their Saviour in all things May we all glorifie thy Name in this World and live for ever to praise thee in the World to come through Christ our Lord Amen A Prayer to be used by or with or for a Sick Person Note that in this Prayer when used for another I must be changed to He She or We and Me to Him or Her and My to His or Her O Most Righteous and Merciful Lord the God of Health and of Sickness of Life and of Death I most humbly acknowledge the justice of thy present Visiation upon thy Servant whose Sins had long agoe deserved it from thee Yet since thou designest not the ruine but the amendment of those whom thou scourgest I beseech thee by thy Grace to sanctify this Correction to me that this sickness to my Body may be a means of health to my Soul Deliver Me from all frowardness and impatience under it and give me an entire resignation to thy Divine will If in thy good Providence thou hast appointed that I shall live longer upon Earth Lord bless all means that are uâ—ed for my recovery and give me grace to amend the rest of my Life and with good works to glorifie thy holy Name But if thou hast otherwise determined and this Sickness must be unto Death O fit and prepare me for it Wean my Heart from
the World and all the fading Vanities of it Give me unfeigned Repentance for all the Errors of my Life past and seal my Pardon in Heaven before I go hence and be no more seen O lift up thy Countenance upon me and in all the pains of my Body in all the Agonies of my Spirit let thy Comforts refresh my Soul And when the time of my departure is come receive me into those Heavenly Habitations where the Souls of them that sleep in the Lord Jesus enjoy perpetual rest and felicity Grant this O Lord for the Merits of the same Jesus Christ thy only Son and our only Saviour and Redeemer Amen A Prayer to be said by one whose Friend is dead O Righteous Lord I acknowledge thy wisdom and goodness in all thy Dispensations towards the Children of Men and do therefore submit my self and all I have to thy Dispâ—sal who knowest best what is fit for us It was of thâ— Mercy that I so long enjoyed the comfort of my Friend whom thou hast now taken from me The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away Blessed be the Name of the Lord. From Thee all good things do come and thou canst repair this loss to me by adding to the number of my Friends But however thou shalt deal with me in that particular yet this one thing I most humbly beg be thou my God and my Friend and it is enough In thee shall be mâ— trust as long as I live and when thou shalt call me hence receive me into Heaven where I hope my Friend is that we may there joyn with all thy Holy Angels and Saints to sing thy Praises for ever and ever Grant this for Jesus Christ his sake Amen A Prayer to be said for one who has lost a Friend O Father of Mercies and God of all Comforts who in a more especial manner hast always shewed thy self a helper of the Friendless and a Father of the Fatherless and a Husband to the Widow look down with an Eye of Pity and Compassion upon thy Servant now in great grief and bitterness of heart for the loss of his dear Friend and give him grace to consider that it was thy doing who dost not afflict willingly nor grieve the Children of Men. And let this teach him to moderate all his Passions and to bear his Affliction with an humble meek and patient Spirit Free him from all discontented and distrustiul Thoughts and help him to cast all his care upon Thee who carest for him and canst do infinitely more for him than the most tender and faithful Friend on Earth Lift up his Thoughts towards that blessed Place where thou his God and Saviour art and so assist him with thy grace to follow thâ— blessed Son in purity of living during his Pilgrimage upon Earth that he may hereafter enter into his joy and with all those who are departed in thy fear be made Partaker of everlasting Glory through the same Lord Jesus Amen A Grace before Meat LOrd pardon all our Sins give us grace to make a temperate and discreet use of thy Creatures which thou hast now provided for us that whether we eat or drink or whatsoever we do we may do all to thy Glory through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen After Meat WE praise thâ— Holy Name O Lord for all thy Mercies and especially for this refreshment which thou hast now given us Enable us thereby to do thee further Service Bless thy Holy Church preserve our King the Royal Family and these Realms grant us Peace and Truth here and make us Partakers of thy Glory hereafter through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen A Table of the Contents A. OF Adoration Page 41 Of Moderateness in Apparel Page 71 B. Of Baptism Page 24 50 61 Of Blasphemies Page 38 Not to hurt the Bodies of our Neighbours Page 85 C. Of Charity Page 76 77 Of Diligence in our Callings Page 62 Of Chastity Page 63 Duty of Children 81 Of Consideration Page 59 Arguments for Contentment Page 51 to 58 Duty of Creditors Page 83 The Creed Explained Page 13 D. Of Death Page 32 Duty of Debtors Page 83 Of Secret Devotion Page 46 Certain Forms of Devotion either in a Family of Closet Page 93 Ways of Dishonouring God Page 38 Of Temperance in Drinks Page 66 F. Of the Faith of a Christian Page 5 How he comes to have that Faith Page 6 Of Fasting Page 33 Of the Fear of God Page 29 Things to be Feared Page 89 Duty of Friends Page 82 G. Of Duties towards God Page 27 Not to hurt our Neighbour as to his Goods Page 86 Grace before Meat Page 115 Grace after Meat Page 116 H. Of Honouring God Page 34 Of things to be Hoped for page 89 Of Humility Page 61 Duty of Husbands Page 81 J. Of Justice in dealings Page 74 L. Of the Love of God Page 27 Lords day Page 40 41 M. Duty of Magistrates and Ministers Page 78 Duty of Masters Page 83 Of the Matrimonial Vow Page 81 Of Temporance in Meats Page 65 Of Divine Meditation Page 35 The Benefits of It Page 36 Of Moderateness Page 65 Of Murder Page 85 N. Duties towards our Neighbours Page 73 O. Of Oaths Page 38 P. Duty of Parents Page 79 Of Perjury Page 39 Of things to be Practised by a Christian Page 27 Of Prayer and its Parts Page 42 Morning and Evening Prayer for a Family or single Person Page 93 Paraphrase on the Lords Prayer Page 100 Prayer before Church Page 102 Prayer after Church Page 103 Prayer before Confirmation Page 105 Prayer before the Sacrament Page 106 Prayer at the Sacrament Page 108 Prayer after the Sacrament Page 109 Prayer by with or for a sick Person Page 111 Prayer When a Friend is dead Page 113 Prayer For one who has lost a Friend Page 114 Of singing of Psaims Page 45 R. Of Moderateness in Recreations Page 70 Of Repentance and turning to God Page 30 The Danger of delaying It Page 32 Of Reproof Pae 76 Of Resolution page 60 Against Revenge Page 88 S. Authority of Scriptures Page 8 Duties towards our Selves Page 59 Duty of Servants Page 84 Of Moderateness in Sleep Page 70 Of the Duty of Subjects Page 78 Of the Lord's Supper Page 47 Against hurting the Soul of our Neighbour 84 T. Of Temperance Page 65 66 Of Thanksgiving Page 45 Particularly after Meals Page 37 Of Trusting in God Page 50 Of speaking Truth page 73 W. Duty of Wives Page 81 Against hurting our Neighbour as to his Wife Page 86 Of Worshipping God Page 41 FINIS