Love God aright if we Love him not for himself and this with a Superlative Love Luk. 14.26 No. Can Faith be true that works not by Love Gal. 5.6 or that Love real that shows not it Self in keeping his Commandments Joh. 15.10 14. No. And doth not Love to God make our obedience more willing chearful active and abiding 1 Joh. 5.3 Yes Seeing we cannot Love God without measure as He is good without measure ought we to Love him less then with all our Heart mind might and Strength Deut. 6.5 No. Question What is thy duty towards thy Neighbour Answer My duty towards my Neighbour is to love him as my Self and to do to all men as I mould they should do unto me To love honour and succour my Father and Mother To honour and obey the King and all that are put in Authority under Him To submit my Self to all my Governours Teachers Spirital Pasters and Masters To order my Self lowly and reverendly to all my Betters To hurt no body by Word or Deed. To be true and just in all my Dealing To bear no malice nor hatred in my Heart To keep my Hands from picking and stealing and my Tongue from evil speaking lying and standering To keep my Body in temperance soberness and charity not to covet nor desire other Mens Goods but to learn and labour truly to get mine own living and to do my duty in that State of Life unto which it shall please God to call me § DOTH not the Second Table contain the Six Last Commandments and is not Love to our Neighbour the Sum of them all Mat. 22.39 Yes Are not all those meant by our Neighbours with whom we have any Dealings or converse Luk. 10 29-36 Yes Must we not love our Neighbours with a pure hearty and unfeigned love as we love our selves 1 Joh. 3.18 Yes Yet must we love all equally with the same measure 〈◊〉 kind of love No. 〈◊〉 is not natural affection due to Relations 2 Tim. 3. â— â— love of Reverence to Superiours and of complacenâ—◠〈◊〉 delight to the Godly Psal 16.2 Yes * But must we deny a love of Compassion to all in misery and a love of Benevolence to our very Enemies Luk. 6.32 33. No. †And can we do our duty required in these Commâ—â—dments without this Grace of love and Charity 1 Cor. 13 1-7 No. § NOW you have heard these Commandments explained do you think that you are able perfectly to fulfil the Law of God Eccl. 7.20 Jam. 3.2 No. Must you not lament your sinfulness and weakness and depend on Christ for Righteousness and Strength Isa 45 2â— Yes And do you not stand to your promise that in desire and constant endeavour you will Practice sincere obedience to God's Commandments Psal 119.6 48. Yes Catechist My good Child know this that thou art not able to do these things of thy Self nor to walk in the Commandments of God and to serve him without his special Grace which thou must learn at all times to call for by diligent Prayer § IS not Prayer a necessary part of Worship in order to the obtaining Grace Rom 10 13. and availing much when perform'd aright Jam. 5 16. Yes * Is there any other object of Râ—â—â—giâ—â—â— Prayer but God who alone searcheth the Hearâ— 2 Chron 6.30 No. * Is Prayer a bare speaking the words with our Mouths without the pâ—â—â—â—ng out the dâ—â—iâ—es of our Hearts Psal 25.1 and 42.4 No. * May we omit any 〈◊〉 the kinds of Prayer Publick in the Church Acts 2.42 private in the Family Jer. 10.25 and secret in the Closet Mat. 6.6 No. Must we not often lift up our Hearts in Holy Ejaculations Psal 119.164 and sometimes use extraordinary Prayer with Fasting 1 Cor. 7.5 Yes * Must we not know the matter of our Prayers by our wants but chiefly by the Precepts and Promises of God Heb. 4.16 1 Joh. 5.14 Yes * Have we any other Mediatour whose name we can come in save our Lord Jesus Christ Joh. 14.13 14. No. * Can we perform this duty aright without the Holy Spirit to help our infirmities Rom. 8.26 and to stir up Holy affections and Graces in the Soul Zech. 12.10 No. †Must we joyn with our desires the Graces of Faith Humility and Self-denyal and are you desirous so to Pray Yes Let me hear therefore if thou canst say the Lords Prayer Answer Our Father which art in Heaven Hallowed by thy name Thy kingdom come Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our dayly bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgiven them that trespass against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen § IS not this call'd the Lords Prayer because the Lord himself Composed it and taught it his Disciples Yes * May we refuse to use these words as a Form so excellent for the Author matter and method and as being part of Christ's own word and Prescription Luk. 11.1 2. No. Yet seeing it is so general and Comprehensive Is it unlawful to use other words in Prayer No. * Is not this then a perfect Pattern of Prayer to direct us in the matter and manner of our Supplications Mat. 6.9 Yes Qu. What is the Preface of the Lords Prayer Answ Our Father which art in Heaven § CAN there be a greater encouragement to come to God in Prayer than this that He is the Father of Believers by adoption Luk. 11.13 Psal 103.13 No. Is it not a fearful thing to come before God without a Special Interest in him Heb. 12.29 Yes Can we have access to him any way but by Christ Eph. 3.14 or have an evidence of our Interest but by the Spirit of adoption Gal. 4.6 No. Doth not this Relation require dutiful affections such as filial fear love and confidence when we draw near Him Mala. 1.6 Yes § MUST not they who say Our Father live as the Children of one Father Mat. 23.8 and Pray for and with one another Jam. 5.16 Acts 20.36 Yes § IS not the God to whom we Pray though present every where Psal 139.7 8. most gloriously present in the highest Heavens Isa 63.15 and 66.1 Yes * Is there any thing which a God in Heaven cannot give if it be good for us Psal 115.3 No. * Should not poor crawling worms come with a great awe and reverence before the God of Heaven Eccl. 5.1 2. Yes * Is it fit to have Earthly Hearts when we Worship a Heavenly Father Psal 123.1 Lam. 3.41 No. * Is not the God of Heaven equally near to all his Petitioners in whatsoever parts of the Earth Acts 17.27 Yes Qu. Which is the First Petition Answ Hallowed be thy Name § IS not the Hallowing Gods Name to Honour and Glorify Him in all things by which He makes himself known Yes Can the Name of God be ever impure in it Self or otherwise than
not then in your Name promise or declare the Vow that you should be bound to perform Luke 5 18-20 Yes If you had been Baptized at Age should you not in your own Name have made the Promise Yes †VVhoever then made the Profession in your Name do you not now acknowledge it was your Promise and your Vow Psalm 119.106 Yes § IS not the Baptismal Vow to Renounce and forsake all your Spiritual Enemies Yes 1. Must you not Renounce the Devil under whose Power you were by Nature Eph. 2.2 Yes Is it enough to Renounce the Worship of the Devil which is practised by Idolaters 1 Cor. 10.20 and by Wizards and Charmers Deut. 18.10 11 12. No. Must you not renounce and resist him as an Adversary and a tempter with all his works Jam. 4.7 Yes * Must you not renounce the Suggestions of Satan and his instruments which are the works that He practiseth for your ruin Eph. 2.2 Yes * Must you not renounce the works that Signally bear the Devils Image 1 Joh. 3.8 Such as Lying Joh. 8.44 pride 1 Tim. 3.6 Malice Eph. 4.26 27. Treachery Joh. 6.70 71. and the Seducing others Acts 13.10 Yes 2. Is not the world another Enemy that you are bound to renounce Gal. 1.4 1 Joh. 5.4 Yes Are you bound to leave the Society of men and to dwell alone in woods and rocks or to renounce your Callings and Estates and vow Poverty Acts 20.35 No. * Must we not renounce the examples flatterys and enticings of wicked men Rom. 12 2. Prov. 1.10 Yes May we then like the Company or have a voluntary Fellowship with notoriously ungodly men Eph. 5.11 No. * Must we not renounce the things of the world so far as they are contrary to Christ or would draw us from him Luke 14.26 Yes Did not the first Christians renounce by the name of Pomps and Vanities the Pompous shews in the Pagan Theatres and Processions Yes * May we then be allowed to frequent prophane Stage-plays or the revels in Wakes and drunken Festivals Gal. 5.21 No. * May we immoderately or unseasonably seek or affect the riches honours or pleasures of the world 1 Joh. 2.15 16. No. 3. Is not the flesh with the sinful lusts thereof the other enemy that we must renounce Gal. 5.24 Yes Is not original Sin and corruption the fountain of all actual Sins call'd the works of the flesh Jam. 1.14 Gal. 5 19-22 Yes Doth it no◠lust against the Spirit and draw even the Members of the body to Sin Gal. 5.17 Rom. 6.19 Yes * May we then follow the depraved dictates and reasonings of a fleshly mind Rom. 8.7 Col. 2.18 No. * Must we not especially abhor the gross sins and fleshly lusts that War against the Soul 1 Pet. 2.11 Yes § ARE we not to observe in our Baptismal Vow what we are to believe as well as what we are to renounce Yes 1. Are not the Holy Scriptures Acts 24.14 and particularly the Articles of the Creed the Doctrinal object of our Faith Joh. 20.31 Yes Can we believe these without understanding their meaning and some good esteem of their excellency Luk. 1.4 No. * Must we not assent to the truth of these Articles and live and dye in contending for the Faith Acts 8.37 Jud. 3. Yes Is it enough to profess these Doctrines with the mouth without believing with the Heart Rom. 10.9 10. No. Is it enough to believe them implicitly because the Church believes them without ever examining and trying them by the word 1 Joh. 4.1 No. * Must we not believe with application to our Hearts particularly in what relates to Christ Eph. 1.13 Yes 2. Is not Christ Himself then the immediate and Personal Object of our Faith as a Mediator appointed by God and dying for us Rom. 3.25 Yes * Is not Faith to receive Christ as offer'd in the Gospel Joh. 1.12 and to rely on his merits and righteousness Yes Is it enough then to assent to the Articles as true without a consent to the offers and terms of the Gospel Jam. 2.19 20. No. * Is not saving Faith wrought powerfully by the Spirit Eph. 1.19 and doth it not work by love and all good fruits Gal. 5.6 Jam. 2.18 Yes Is Faith then a strong conceit or perswasion that Christ dy'd for you though you live in sin and were never humbled for it Mat. 7.22 23. No. § ARE we not further engag'd by the Baptismal Vow to a continual obedience to the Holy will of God Yes Did you promise a sinless Obedience for the ends of the Covenant of Works 1 Joh. 1.8 9. No. But is not sincere Obedience to the will of God declared in his word indispensably required in the Covenant of Grace Gal. 6.16 Jam. 1.25 Yes * Is not this new Obedience from the efficacy of the Spirit and constraint of Divine Love 2 Cor. 5.14 15. Yes Yet are we forbidden to take Motives of our Obedience from fear of punishment or hope of reward Jer. 32.40 No. * Are not the ends of it that God may be glorify'd Mat. 5.16 Our Neighbour edify'd 1 Pet. 3.1 2. and our Selves made meet for Heaven Col. 1.12 Yes Will God then accept of that partial Obedience that comes from meer custom and Education and is done for self-applause or pretence of merit Gal. 2.16 No. * Must not our Obedience be free and willing without being griev'd at any of his Commands 1 Joh. 5.3 Yes * Must it not be universal with all the Heart and with a respect to all his Commandments and that in all our actions Psal 119.128 Prov. 7.2 Yes * Must it not be constant even all the days of our Lives Luk. 1.74 75. Yes Question Dost thou think that thou art bound to believe and to do as they have promis'd for thee Answer Yes verily and by God's 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 to my lives end § HAVE you considered your Solemn Vow and Promise made in Baptism Luk. 14.28 31. Yes Do you now in the presence of God and this Congregation make a profession of your standing to your Baptismal Covenant Josh 24.22 27. Yes * You say you will now but will you make this profession in the most difficult and costly circumstances when the glory of God is concern'd Rev. 2.3 4. Yes * Do you make this profession only for hereafter without setting about the performance presently Psal 119.60 No. You say you will but can you do it in your own strength 2 Cor. 3.5 No. * Do you then profess this in and by the help strength and assistance of God Phil. 4.13 Yes And is God wanting to his Church as to sufficiency of means for your help therein Isa 5.4 No. § ARE all that live under the Gospel outwardly called to the State of Salvation and knowledge of the
not guilty of Adam's first sin and lyable to wrath thereupon Rom. 5.18 Eph. 2.3 No. Is not our nature by the fall corrupted by Original Sin from whence all actual Transgressions flow Psal 51.5 Yes And is there any sin that doth not deserve death and eternal Damnation Rom. 6.23 No. * Has God left all the posterity of Adam to perish in this State into which they brought themselves No. Having chosen some before all time Eph. 1.4 hath He not â—â—â—red into a new Covenant with them called the Covenant of Grace Ezek. 16.8 Yes Is man left to save Himself by his own wisdom or power Hos 13.9 No. Or is there any other Redeemer from this State of sin and wrath but our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 4.12 No. * Did not the Son of God that He might Redeem us become man and take on him a true body and reasonable Soul Heb. 2.14 Yes Is He not then one Person in two Natures Yes If He had not been man could He have dyed and if He had not been God could he have Merited by dying Acts 20.28 No. § IS not this Jesus the Christ or Messias so long promised and expected Job 8.24 Yes Is He not called Christ because anointed to His Offices by the Spirit which He received without measure Psal 45.7 Joh. 3.34 Yes 1. Were not Prophets anointed 1 Kings 19.16 and had not He the Office of a Prophet Acts 3.21 Yes Could we have known the will of God if his only begotten Son had not revealed it Joh. 1.18 No. Did He not at first preach himself and afterwards send Pastors and Teachers to shew us the whole counsel of God touching our Salvation Eph. 4.11 Yes But is the outward Preaching sufficient without the inward effectual Teachings of the Spirit Joh. 6.45 No. 2. Were not the Legal Priests anointed Exod. 40.13 and Hath not our Lord the Office of a Priest Psal 110.4 Yes * Was not his human nature Soul and Body offer'd up a Sacrifice to satisfie the Divine Justice Isa 53.10 Heb. 9.13 14. Yes Was this Sacrifice offer'd more than once or is it offer'd dayly in the Mass Heb. 9.28 No. * Doth He not now appear in Heaven to make intercession for us Heb. 7.24 25. Yes 3. Were not Kings also anointed 1 Sam. 10.1 and hath not He the Office of a King Psal 2.6 Yes Can any defend the Church Deliver it and Conquer the Enemies thereof but He Rev. 17.14 No. Hath He not subdued Subjects to himself erected Officers and made Laws to govern his Church by Psal 110.3 Yes Is He not rightly Stiled Lord as being rightful Soveraign and our Lord by right of Redemption and our Resignation of our Selves to him Rom. 14.9 Yes Qu. What is the Third Article Ausw Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary § DID He take upon Him the nature of the Angels Heb. 2.16 No. Had He when He took our nature any earthly Father Luk. 3.23 Heb. 7.3 No. * Was He not Conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Womb of his Mother Mat. 1.21 Yes Did not the Holy Ghost by that wonderful operation sanctifie and purifie that Substance of the Virgin of which He was made man Luk. 1.35 Yes Hath He then by taking on him the same Flesh and Bloud that the Children have the same Original Stain as they Heb. 7.26 No. And was not the Human Nature thus Form'd in the moment of the Conception assum'd into the Person of the Son of God Luk. 1.39 Yes Did He relinquish his Divine Nature or was there a Conversion of the Godhead into Flesh Rom. 9.5 No. But did He not veil his Divinity when in our Flesh He seem'd to many to be no more than a man Phil. 2.7 Yes And is not this wonderful Condescension called his coming down from Heaven for us Joh. 3.13 Yes †Are we capable of Comprehending fully the Mystery of his Incarnation 1 Tim. 3.13 No. * Was it not according to the first promise that He should be the Seed of the Woman Gen. 3.15 Yes Was He not born of a Virgin for further demonstration of his power and purity Isa 7.14 Yes And was He not born of the Virgin Mary as being of the Tribe of Judah and Family of David Rom. 1.3 Yes Was there any thing in his Birth as to time or place which did not fully agree with the Prophecies that went before Gal. 4.4 Luke 2.4 No. Was His Birth in Princes Courts or the splendour of Earthly Grandeut Luk. 2.7 No. Yet did not the Heavenly Host and miraculous Star declare his Dignity Mat. 2.2 Luk. 2.13 Yes * Did He disdain to be made under the Law or to submit to the Ceremonial part thereof particularly in Circumcision Gal. 4.4 5. Luk. 2.21 No. And was He not perfectly obedient to the whole moral Law Mat. 3.15 and 5.17 Yes Qu. What is the Fourth Article Answ He suffered under Pontius Pilate was Crucified Dead and buried He descended into Hell § DID not our Lord Suffer the penalty of the Law for Sinners as well as Submit to the Commands of it Isa 53.5 Yes * Was He not all his life time a Man of sorrows persecuted tempted affronted and Subject to all our natural and sinless Infirmities Isa 53.3 Heb. 4.15 Yes Yet in the midst of the Sufferings of his life did He forbear to Preach work Miracles and to go about doing good Mat. 4.23 Acts 10.38 No. * Was He not betray'd forsaken and deny'd reviled spit on and buffetted accused arraigned and condemned to death Mat. 26 and 27. Yes Was it a small matter that He suffered under Pontius Pilate a man noted for cruelty Luk. 13.1 and by a Death which the Romans would inflict on none but their Slaves No. Was not the Cross a painful lingering shameful and accursed death Heb. 12.2 Gal. 3.13 Yes * But was not his Soul-agony the bitterest part of his Suffering both in the Garden and on the Cross Mat. 26.38 and 27.46 Yes Did He not then as the great propitiation drink the Cup of Wrath which we had deserv'd Isa 53.6 10. Yes § WAS He not really dead by a Separation of his Soul from his body 1 Cor. 19.3 Luk. 23.46 Yes Could He be otherwise than dead when upon the piercing his side there came out forthwith bloud and water Joh. 19.37 No. Did not the darkning of the Sun the rending the Vail the quaking of the Earth and cleaving of the Rocks further confirm this tremendous mystery Mat. 27.51 Yes § AND could there be a greater evidence of his death than his being buried in such a manner as is recorded Mat. 27.59 66. No Yea did not the place and circumstances of his Burial contribute to the assurance of his following Resurrection Joh. 19.39 40. Yes § MAY we doubt of the truth of his descending into Hell because there are variety of opinions about the meaning of it No. If upon his Resurrection He was not left in Hell Acts 2.30 31.
Is it not evident that He had first descended thither Eph. 4.9 Yes * Is it any where certainly revealed that He went into the Hell of the damned amongst the Spirits there No. But did He not by his death vanquish the powers of Hell and darkness Col. 2.14 Yes * Is not the unseen State or condition of separation of Soul and Body call'd the Grave and Hell 1 Cor. 15.55 Yes And can it be deny'd that He so descended into Hell as to continue for a time under the dominion of Death in a separate State Rom. 6.9 No. Qu. What is the Fifth Article Answ The third day He arose again from the Dead § DID He always continue in that State of the dead or so long as to see corruption Psal 16.10 No. * Considering who He was and what was Prophecyed of Him was it possible for the bands of death to hold him Acts 2.24 No. Did He not rise again by his own power Joh. 10.17 18. to dye no more Rev. 1.18 Yes Did He not rise as an evidence of our discharge Rom. 4.25 and a pledge of our Resurrection 1 Cor. 15.20 Yes * Did He shew himself to all the people when risen or to his enemies that had so long dispised his miracles before Acts 10.41 No. Yet were they left altogether without convincing evidence of his Resurrection Mat. 28.2 3 c. No. * Was He not seen by a sufficient number of witnesses even 500 at once and that at divers places and times after He was risen from the Dead 1 Cor. 15.6 Yes * Could they be deceiv'd by a Phantasm or Apparition when they did both handle and see yea eat and drink with Him after his Resurrection Luk. 24.38 39. No. * Could so Miraculous a work as raising the Dead for a design so contrary to Satan's Kingdom be done by Magick or power of the Devil Eph. 1.19 20. Mat. 12.25 No. * Could the Disciples roll away the Stone from the Sepulchre Steal away his Body Strip it of the Grave-cloths and not awake the Watch or Guard of Souldiers No. * Is it likely that men noted for sincerity 1 Thes 2.10 would impose on the world in a matter of such consequence for which they expos'd themselves to all manner of persecutions and death it self Acts 5.41 No. * If there had been any deceit could it have been conceal'd from so many envious and watchful enemies in so publick a concern Acts 26.26 No. * Did not the witnesses of his Resurrection confirm their report by undoubted Miracles Heb. 2.4 Yes †Was not this Resurrection on the third day from his death and the first day of the Week which is our Christian Sabbath 1 Cor. 15.4 Joh. 20.1 Yes Qu. What is the Sixth Article Answ He ascended into Heaven And sitteth on the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty § WHEN our Lord was risen Did He continue always on Earth in his bodily presence Joh. 16.16 No. Did He not according to Prophecy Psal 64.18 Forty days after his Resurrection Acts 1.3 Ascend up into Heaven in the sight of his Disciples Acts 1.9 11. Yes Was He not pleased to shew himself to some of his Disciples after his ascention Acts 7.55 1 Cor. 15.8 Yes †Did He not Ascend to prepare mansions for his people Joh. 14.2 and to send his Spirit to prepare them for the enjoyment thereof Joh. 16.7 Yes Are we to expect his bodily presence any more on Earth before the day of judgment Acts 3.21 No. § BEING ascended doth He not sit at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty Mark 16.19 Yes Doth the Right Hand denote any bodily parts in God or His sitting any one particular gesture there Acts 7.55 No. Doth not sitting down denote Rest and the Right Hand dignity and authority Psal 44.3 1 Kings 1.30 Yes * And did not Christ after all his sorrows on Earth rest in the unspeakable joy of his Father Heb. 4.10 Yes * Hath He not the highest dignity and authority Heb. 1.4 and 8.1 and shall He not have compleat victory over all his Enemies Psal 110.1 Yes Qu. What is the Seventh Article Answ From thence He shall come to judge the Quick and the Dead § BEING thus exalted Hath He for ever abandon'd this Earth and his people therein Joh. 14.3 No. Besides his Spiritual presence always with his Church will He not come again in the clouds as He was seen to go up Acts 1.11 Yes Is not this Second coming to judge the world in righteousness and is not the day set and appointed for it Acts 17.31 Yes Do we know the day and hour when this appointed judgment will be Mat. 24.36 No. § WILL He Judge them already Dead and those that are found Quick or alive at his coming Acts 10.42 Yes When all are gather'd before Him will He not Separate between the Godly and the wicked and give to every Man according to his Works Mat. 25.32 2 Cor. 5.10 Yes †Will it not be a day of refreshing to the people of God Acts. 3.19 and exceeding terrible to the wicked 2 Thes 1.7 8 9. Yes Shall any by power or policy be able to escape or hide themselves from the Judge Rev. 6.15 16. No. And must not all abide in that Condition to which they are adjudg'd for ever and ever Heb. 6.2 Yes Qu. What is the Eighth Article Answ I Believe in the Holy Ghost § IS not the Holy Ghost God Acts 5.3 4. Eternal before the World Gen. 1.2 Omnipresent Psal 139.7 and knowing all things 1 Cor. 2.10 Yes Is not He a person Acts 13.2 distinct from the Father and Son Joh. 14.26 Yes Is not He the Spirit of the Father Luk. 14.19 and of the Son Gal. 4.6 as proceeding from them both Yes Is He inferiour to the Father or Son in essence or nature or with respect to the worship and glory which is due to God alone Mat. 28.19 1 Cor. 6.19 No. § IS He not Holy in himself and also as the Authour of Holiness and Sanctification in us Rom. 1.4 Yes †Must we not then believe in Him as a sanctifier by whom we may have an interest in what Christ has done and suffer'd Yes Are any partakers of saving Benefits by Christ to whom they are not effectually apply'd or communicated Joh. 1.11 12. No. Can Parents or Ministers apply them to your Heart or any but the Holy Spirit Tit. 3.5 6. No. Doth not the Spirit do this by working Faith in the Heart by the Ministry of the word Joh. 6.44 45. Yes Doth He not by the Law convince the Sinner Joh. 16.8 and by the Gospel subdue the will and perswade it to yeild to our Lord Jesus Christ Ezek. 36.26 27. Yes Can we then be sav'd by Christ without effectual calling and Regeneration by the Holy Ghost Joh. 3.5 No. Qu. What is the Ninth Article Answ I believe the Holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints § HATH not God a Church called out of the world to be his peculiar
people 1 Pet. 2.9 Yes Are not believers a distinct Body or Society joyn'd to Christ by Faith Eph. 5.23 and to each other by love Col. 2.2 Yes Can this Church be built on any other Head or foundation than our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 No. Is not part of this Church Triumphant in Heaven Heb. 12.23 and part Militant on Earth Col. 1 24. Yes Is the Church known by external Splendour Pomp or Secular Grandeur Acts 2.42 No. § IS not this Church Holy 1 Cor. 3.17 the Saints above perfectly and the effectually called really so Yes Are not all the visible Members thereof called to Holiness and Holy by profession and obligation 1 Thes 4.7 Yes § IS not the Church Catholick or Universal consisting of all Believers Jews and Gentiles Bond and Free Gal. 3.28 Yes Is the Church confin'd to any one place or Nation Acts 1.8 No. Shall the Gates of Hell ever prevail against it Mat. 16.18 No. †May any of the particular Societys of which it doth consist Rev. 1.20 claim the name Authority and priviledges of the Catholick Church Rom. 11.22 No. § AMONGST the many priviledges of the Church Psal 87.3 is not this one that there is the Communion of Saints Yes * Have not Belâ—â—vers Union and Communion with Christ their Head from whence they are called Saints 1 Joh. 1.3 Yes Do they not Communicate by Faith their wants to him 1 Pet. 5.7 and He by his Spirit Communicate his Merits and Grace to them Isa 53.4 1 Joh. 5.12 Yes And will he refuse to such Communion with himself in Glory hereafter Joh. 17.24 No. * Have not the Saints also Communion one with another 1 Joh. 1.7 1 Cor. 12.26 Yes Can they Communicate Merits to each other Mat. 25.8 9. No. * Have not the Saints above Communion with each other in the same Vision Employment and Glory Mat. 8.11 Yes * Have not the Saints below Communion in the same Gifts and Graces Eph. 4.5 Heb. 3.13 in the same Sufferings Heb. 13.3 and if need be in their Worldly goods Heb. 13.16 Yes Qu. What is the Tenth Article Answ The forgiveness of Sins § ARE there any Sins Original or Actual of Omission or Commission of Thought Word or Deed that do not deserve eternal Death Rom. 6.23 No. Yet are there any that are not Pardonable the Sin against the Holy Ghost only excepted Mat. 12.31 No. * Doth not forgiveness of Sins consist in releasing the Sinner from Guilt and Condemnation Psal 32.1 2. Yes Can any but God who is the party offended forgive Sins to Men Psal 51.4 Mark 2.7 No. Yet must not all forgive injuries done to themselves Mat. 18.21 and Ministers Pronounce forgivenese in Christ's name to the Penitent Mat. 18.18 2 Cor. 2.7 10. Yes * Is there any forgiveness but only through Christ and on the account of his Satisfaction Col. 1.14 No. * Doth the Satisfaction of Christ make forgiveness of Sins to be less Free and Gracious Eph. 1.7 No * Have any the actual forgiveness of their Sins before they Repent and Believe Joh. 3.18 No. †Must you not then have a deep sense of your Sins Acts 2.38 Confess them to God Psal 32.5 with a sincere Resolution of forsaking them Pro. 28.13 Yes Must you not earnestly make Supplication for Pardon with a Fiducial trust in the mercy of God through the Merits and Righteousness of Christ alone Acts 10.43 Yes Qu. What is the Eleventh Article Answ The Resurrection of the Body § DID not death come in by Sin as the Sentence of the Law for the Transgression of it Rom. 5.12 Yes * Can any of our Members when turn'd to dust and scatter'd be hid from God's all-seeing Eye Psal 137.15 16. No. Is it above the Almighty power that made the Body at first of dust to raise it out of it again Mark 12.24 No. * And as He is able to raise the Dead so are we to believe that He will do it Joh. 5.28 29. Yes Though all shall be rais'd the just and the unjust Acts 24.15 yet is not the Resurrection the special Priviledge of Believers Luk. 14.14 Yes * Shall the Wicked rise by vertue of an Union with Christ by his Spirit as the Godly shall Rom. 8.11 No. * And will there not be a vast difference between them in the ends for which they arise Dan. 12.2 Yes Is it not agreeable to Divine Justice that the same Bodies for substance which we had here should be raised then 1 Cor. 15.38 2 Cor. 5.10 Yes But will they be raised to the same dying and mortal State they were in before 1 Cor. 15.53 No. Will not the Bodies of the Saints be exceeding Glorious of which the Resurrection of Christ is both an assurance and a Pattern 1 Cor. 15.20 43 44. Yes †And shall not they who are found alive at the coming of Christ be also chang'd 1 Cor. 15.51 52. Yes Qu. What is the Twelfth Article Answ The life Everlasting § SHALL not Believers have a Life of Glory and happiness in the World to come Psal 16.11 Yes * Do their Souls then sleep with their Bodies in the Grave or go to Purgatory Rev. 14.13 No. Are we able to express the Glory of that State which God has prepared 1 Cor. 2.9 and they enter into immediately after Death Phil. 1.23 No. Shall they not enjoy a Beatifical vision and enjoyment of God with Saints and Angels in the highest employment of Praise without Sin or Suffering Psal 17.15 Yes * and shall not their Bodies also partake of this Life of Glory at last 1 Cor. 15.43 Yes § IS it not an everlasting Life in opposition to this fading Life on Earth 1 Thes 4.17 Yes Will the Life above be Subject to decays and changes and interruptions in the happiness of it 1 Pet. 1.4 No. Will they be in danger of forfeiting this happiness or any Enemy be admitted to dispossess them of it Rev. 3.12 No. †Is there not an everlasting Death contrary to this everlasting Life Rom. 6.23 Yes Is this for the Wicked to have their beings taken away and to remain no more Rev. 21.8 No. Is it not to be banished from the presence of God and to undergo the Torments of Hell for ever 2 Thes 1.9 Mat. 25.46 Yes †Do we not say Amen to testifie our firm Belief of these Articles Rev. 22.20 21. Yes Question What dost thou chiefly learn in these Articles of thy Belief Answer First I learn to believe in God the Father who hath made me and all the World Secondly in God the Son who hath redeemed me and all mankind Thirdly in God the Holy Ghost who sanctifieth me and all the Elect people of God § IS there not manifested a Divine order in the Works of the Blessed Trinity towards Men Yes When Creation is ascribed to the Father doth it mean that it was not the Work of the Son and Holy Ghost Joh. 1.3 Gen. 1.2 No. Is it not that the Father did Create all things
by the Son Heb. 1.2 and by the power of his Holy Spirit Job 26.13 Yes And should not we and all the World Worship and adore the Lord our maker Rev. 4.11 Yes § IS not the Work of Redemption peculiarly ascribed to God the Son 1 Tim. 2.5 6. Yes Were we not by Sin bound over to the Wrath of God and in slavery to Sin and Satan Gal. 3.10 2 Tim. 2.26 Yes * Could any meaner Price than his bloud satisfy Gods justice for our Redemption 1 Pet 1.18 No. * Could any less power than of his Spirit rescue our Souls from the bondage of the Devil Luk. 11.22 No. § DO you mean by his redeeming all mankind that all Men have equal benefit in the Price that He laid down Mat. 20.28 No. * Yet is not the Price sufficient for all as being the bloud of Him that was truly God Acts 20.28 Yes * Have not all Men indifferently a reprieve granted them and many Temporal favours by means of Christ's Death 1 Tim. 4.10 Yes * Is it a small matter that hereby there are offers of Pardon and Salvation to every Creature whereever the Gospel comes Mark 16.15 No. * Is He not indeed a ransom for all being for Jews and Gentiles into which two parts all mankind are divided Heb. 2.9 1 Joh. 2.2 Yes * And may not all mankind mean a great many out of every Nation and Language Joh. 12.32 Rev. 7.9 Yes †Should they then live as others do who are in especial manner the redeemed of the Lord 1 Cor. 6.20 No. § IS not the work of Sanctification peculiarly ascribed to the Holy Ghost 1 Pet. 1.2 Yes * Are not all that are Baptized Sanctify'd or set apart for a Holy use 1 Cor. 7.14 Yes And is not our Office and Ministry by which you were so dedicated from the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 12.11 13. Yes †Dare you then forget your Baptismal Sanctification 2 Pet. 1.9 or tread under Foot the bloud of the Covenant by which you were Sanctify'd Heb. 10.29 No. * Is this dedication enough without an inward Sanctification by the gracious operation of the Holy Ghost in the renewing and converting the Soul 1 Cor. 6.11 No. § IS there not a certain number known to the Lord 2 Tim. 2.19 whom the Father hath chosen to Sanctification and Holyness 2 Thes 2.13 Yes Is there any way for us to know our Election but by Sanctification and effectual calling 1 Thes 1.4 5. No. Question You said that your Bodfathers and Godmothers did promise for you that you should keep God's Commandments Tell me how many they be Answer Ten. Question Which be they Answer The same which God spake in the Twentieth Chapter of Exodus saying I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the House of Bondage I. Thou shalt have none other Gods but me II. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or in the Earth beneath or in the mater under the Earth Thou shalt not bow down to them nor Worship them For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God and visit the Sins of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate me and shew mercy unto Thousands in them that love me and keep my Commandments III. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember that thou keep Holy the Sabbath day Sir days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do out the Seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God In it thou shalt do no manner of work Thou and thy Son and thy Daughter thy Man-servant and thy Maid-servant thy Cattle and the Stranger that is within thy states For in Six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the Seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the ‖ Heb. Sabbath Seventh day and hallowed it V. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy days may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt do no Murther VII Thou shalt not commit Adultery VIII Thou shalt not Steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour X. Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours Wife nor his Servant nor his Maid nor his Oxe nor his Ass nor any thing that is his § IS not the Moral Law as distinct from the Judicial and Ceremonial Law sum'd up in these Ten Commandments Deut. 10.4 Yes Were they not spoken by the voice of God with much Terrour and Majesty on Mount Sinai and written on two Tables of Stone Deut. 5.4 22. Yes § ARE not Unbelievers under the Curse of the Law Gal. 3.10 Yes And when Believers are delivered from the Curse is the Law made void and of none effect to them Rom. 3.31 No. * Have they not by the Law the knowledge of Sin Rom. 7.7 and are they not driven thereby to Christ Gal. 3.24 Yes * Do they not delight in the Law and take it as a blessed Rule for them to walk by Rom. 7.22 Yes Gan He be a true Believer that doth not acknowledge all the Commandments to be Holy just and good Rom. 7.12 No. Are not the Commandments Spiritual reaching the Heart Rom. 7.14 and forbidding all degrees of Sin with the occasions of them Psal 119.96 Yes †Do you think it enough then that you have learnt these words without being taught the meaning of them No. Qu. What is the Preface to these Commandments Answ I am the Lord thy God c. § IS it not sufficient Reason to keep his Commandments that He is the Soveraign Lord Author of our beings and disposer of our Lives Acts 17.24 28. Levit. 22.31 Yes § IS not his special relation to his people as their God in Covenant a further Reason of Obedience Levit. 20.26 Yes Are believing Gentiles excluded from the Covenant Interest in Him that the Jews had of old Rom. 3.29 No. § DID not God wonderfully by the hand of Moses redeem the Children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage Exod. 12.41 Yes * And is it a less Mercy to be delivered from the bondage of Antichrist mistically called Egypt Rev. 11.8 No. * Is not God's redeeming us from the Spiritual bondage of Sin and Satan a further Obligation upon us to obey him Luk. 1.74 75. Yes Qu. Which is the First Commandment Answ Thou shalt have no other Gods ‖ but me ‖ Heb. before me § DOTH not this forbid the denying of the being of God or any of his Divine attributes Psal 14.1 and 10.11 Yes * Doth it not forbid having many Gods or any other save the Lord Gal. 4.8 1 Cor. 10 5 6. Yes May we use Divination or consult with those that do Deut. 18.10 11. No. * May we