his Father from euerlasting to redeeme his elect people was when the fulnesse of time was come borne of a Virgin and became man of his mother without a father by whom we are saued Psalm 2.7 Hebr. 1.5 Iohn 1.14 18. Col. 1.16 17. Reuela 13.8 1. Peter 1.19 20. Galath 4.4 5. Luke 1.26 27 30 31. Luke 2.6 7. Question What is the Holie Ghost Answere The Holie Ghost is the essentiall power and vertue both of the Father and the Sonne eternall and consubstantiall with them in whome he resteth and abideth and from whom he proceedeth By him are we grafted into the bodie of Christ and sanctified and sealed vp to saluation Iohn 15.26 Luk. 11.20 Gen. 1.2 1. cor 12.13 14. Tit. 3.5 Question In that thou saiest there is God the Father God the Sonne and God the Holie Ghost what doost thou els but make three Gods Answere No not so for God is one in essence and simple in nature although thrée Persons distinguished out of the same Beeing of Beeings Deuter. 6.4 1. Corinth 8.6 Ephesians 4.5 6. 1. Iohn 5.7 Question How proue you this distinction of the three Persons in the one Godhead Answere This maye bee prooued most plainelie and firmlie by these places of Scripture Matthew 3.16 17. and 28.19 1. Iohn 5.7 Romanes 8.9 Question Are they three seuerall substances in that they are three distinct persons Answere No for I haue alreadie said that they are but one imcomprehensible infinite inuisible and vndeuidable substance and yet three Persons Question How are they three Persons Answere In respect of their properties and not in diuiding their nature but in distinguishing their properties Question What are their properties Answere We attribute to God the father our Creation to God the sonne our redemption and to God the holie Ghost our sanctification to the father the thing done to the Sonne the wisedome whereby it is done to the Holie Ghost the effects of the thing done Genes 2.7 Titus 2.14 1. Peter 1.2 Actes 14.15 Prouerbes 8.22 to 32. Question What things are proper to the Father alone that agree neither to the Sonne nor to the holie Ghost Answere This the begetting of the Sonne for which cause he is called the Father and fountaine of the Trinitie Iohn 3.16 1. Cor. 8.6 Iohn 16.28 and 15.26 Question What is giuen to the Sonne that is not likewise giuen to the Father nor to the Holie Ghost Answere To be begotten for which cause he is called the Sonne and seconde person in the Godhead as also that he is the Fathers word Hebrewes 2.5 1. Iohn 4.9 Matthew 28.19 Iohn 1.1 Question What is proper to the Holie Ghost that is not likewise giuen to the Father nor to the Sonne Answere To be proceeding from the Father and the Sonne and to be the third person in Trinitie Rom. 8.9 Matth. 28.19 Question Then Iesus Christ was not created in that he was the Sonne of God Answere No verelie but begotten from euerlasting and without beginning Also in that he is God he is the Creator and not a creature for by him all things were made Reuelat. 1.8 Mich. 5.2 Iohn 17.5 Iohn 1.1 2 3 4 5. Coloss 1.16 17. Question Was Iesus Christ created in that hee is man Answere Yea hee was created of God without the helpe of man onely by the worke and operation of the holie Ghost in the wombe of the virgin Marie Matth. 1.20 Luke 1.35 Galath 4.4 Question In that thou giuest Iesus Christ two Natures what dooest thou else but make two Christs Answere No Although we say that in Christ there be two natures as diuine and humane yet we make not two Christes nor two persons but one person and one Christ consisting of two natures Matth. 1.21 23. Rom. 1.3 4. Luke 1.43 Rom. 9.5 Question Is Iesus Christ as he is man the Sonne of God Answere No verelie not in that hee is man but in that he is God and he is the Sonne of man and so called in that he is man Luke 1.35 Matth. 26.64 Question Yet there is but one Sonne of God as there is but one Christ Answere It is most true There is not one eternall and naturall and another created and adopted but that onelie eternal Sonne of God who sustaineth vpholdeth the nature vnited to himselfe Yet must we note that we call the person of Christ the Sonne of God manifested in the flesh 2. Tim. 3.16 Question Then is it thy meaning that the humane nature of Christ is a person Answere No for Christes humane Nature was neuer extant or had beeing but in the Godhead wherefore the humane nature in Christ is not a Person but the humanitie subsisteth and hath his being in the person of the Word and therefore Christ is not either in imagination or in déede a double Person but one Person consisting of two Natures Iohn 1.14 Question What is the personall vnion Answere It is the taking of mans nature which is susteined and vpholden of the diuine nature that is to say such a taking or vniting that there procéedeth or commeth out of that vniting but one subsistence one beeing onely in which subsistence that diuine nature that is to saye the person of the Word beareth swaie and ruleth 1. Ioh. 1.1 2 3. Rom. 1.3 4. Question Yea but he is also called the Sonne of God in that he is God and man Answere It is true but not naturallie in respect of his manhood but by reason of the Personall vnion with his diuine nature Question Proceede vnto the Holie Ghost and tell me is he created or begotten Answere Neither but proceeding from the Father and the Sonne of the same substance and beeing with them equall with the Father and the Sonne in glorie and maiestie and from all eternities as in the definition it was shewed Question Yea but it shoulde seeme that the Father should be greater than the Sonne the Sonne greater than the holie Ghost because the one is placed before the other Answere Not so For although the Father is put before the Sonne in order and the Father and the Sonne before the Holie Ghost yet it is not because the one is greater than the other or more excellent than the other but because the Sonne was begotten of the Father and the Holie Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Sonne Otherwise we shall read first how the Sonne is put before the Father 2. Cor. 13. And also how the Spirit is put in the first place 1. Corinth 12. Whereby we may note that the order of names doth not make difference of dignities Secondlie they be one in essence and substance 1. Iohn 5.7 Thirdly that which is giuen to the one is giuen to the other in giftes and working Iohn 5.21.26.27 1. Cor. 12.4 to 12. Question Then there is but one nature of God Answere It is most true and that vncorrupt infinite vnbegotten neither diuided by place nor included in anie place nor secluded out of anie place nor defiled by person or
Eph. 5.14 17. That we being filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisedome and spirituall vnderstanding may walke worthie of the Lord and please him in all things beeing fruitful in all good works Col. 1.9 10. And that this knowledge faith and fruitfulnesse in all good workes may abound in vs as the elect deer childrē of God let vs diligētly read the book of god cōtinually meditate on the same for the Prophet saith Blessed is the man that doth not walke in the counsell of the wicked nor stand in the way of sinners nor sit in the seate of the scorneful but his delight is in the Lawe of the Lord and in his Lawe doth he meditate day night for he shall be like a tree planted by the riuers of waters that wil bring foorth her fruite in due season whose leafe shall not fade so whatsoeuer he shall do shall prosper Psal 1.1.2 3. Now for the common benefit and better instruction of Gods people and thy selfe christian reader J haue caused this little and short treatise of christian points of religion to be printed and published and although it bee but small in volume yet I doubt not but if it be well read and printed in minde it shall minister great good to further thy knowledge to confirm thy faith and to increase true holines in thee And this I dare promise thee that there are some things handled in this Catechisme both in matter and manner which other Catechismes dooth not as once meddle and intreate of and other things which are intreated of some in their bookes haue J drawne in a briefe method for the benifit of the reader And whereas many things are yet in doubt among the multitude and great controuersies doo rise by them I haue breefely yet soundly opened the trueth of them finally there is not that point which I haue intreated of but I haue first defined the same and haue set downe the definitions of all the hardest words which are commonly vsed by the preachers of the word and in the large and great volumes of the learned that the simple who is altogether ignorant of the true sense of them may vnderstand not onely the Preacher and bookes which they both heare and read but also the verie words as iustification sanctification grace redemption law and such like Therefore seeing my purpose is onely to doo good vnto Gods Church and my paine great herein yet godly I hope all faithfull people will accept the same and both praise God for this litle worke and pray vnto God for mee to increase his good gifts and graces in my soule vnto my liues end Amen Thus I take my leaue from my house at Kingswood the second of September Thine in the Lord Richard Saintbarb Preacher of Gods word Certaine points of Christian Religion Question INto what faith wert thou baptised Answere Into the faith of the holie Trinitie Matth. 28.19 Question What doost thou meane when thou saiest thou art baptised into the faith of the holie Trinitie Answere It is to enter and consecrate the baptised into the faith and religion of one God First that they might beleeue the Father the Sonne and the Holie ghost to bee one God to whom alone they must giue their faith and confidence Psal 37.5 Iere. 17.5 6 7 8. Iohn 14.1 Secondly that they beleeue that the sonne and the holie ghost are nothing els but the verie essence of God 1. Iohn 5.7 Thirdly that they confesse God the Father who hath adopted them God the sonne by whome they are redeemed and God the holie Ghost by whome they are sanctified confirmed Gala. 4.4 5 6. 1. Corinthians 6.10 11. Question Where shall wee finde the summe of this faith of the holie Trinitie Answere First generallie at large in the holie Scriptures which is called the Booke of God Secondly particularlie and briefely in the Articles of the Faith called the Apostles Creede Question Why is it so called Answere For two apt causes First Because it is a briefe collection of the Articles of the Faith which haue been alwaies in Christs Church Secondly because it was taken out of the pure doctrine of the Apostles Question Why must euerie christian say I beleeue not We beleeue as well as they generally do say Our Father which art c. Answere First because euerie Christian must be saued by his owne faith and not by an others Secondly wheras we say Our Father we must note that it is a prayer and the other the beleefe of euerie Christian and therefore a plaine and great difference Haba 2.4 Ga. 3.11 Heb. 10.38 39. Question Why must we beleeue that there is a Church not in the Church as in God the Father c Answere It were great idolatrie to put our trust in meere man for Faith onely belongeth to the holy Trinitie and although Iesus Christ who is saluation it selfe is no where to be found but in the Church yet Saluation is not of the Church and therefore Ieremie accurseth them that put anie confidence in the flesh of sinfull man Iohn 17.1 2 3. Matth. 28.19 Ierem. 17.5 6. Esay 30.1 2 3 4. and 31.1 2 3 4. Question Into how manie points shall we diuide this confession of our faith Answere Into 3. The first concerning God the Father in the first Article The second concerning God the Sonne in the sixe next Articles The third concerning God the holy Ghost in the fiue last Articles Question How manie things learn you in the first article I beleeue in God the father Almightie c. Answere First what God is Secondly how he created all things Thirdly how he preserueth all his workes Fourthlie how he ruleth and gouerneth all things Question What is God Answere God is a spirite infinite euerlasting vnchaungeable incorruptible immortall most simple in nature in power most mightie incomprehensible both in greatnesse and Maiestie by whom all things were made in the beginning of nothing also distinguished into thrée persons the Father the Sonne and the holie Ghost Iohn 4.24 Esay 66.1 2. Esay 40.28 Mal. 3.6 Iam. 1.17 Rom. 1.23 2. Tim. 1.17 Gen. 17.1 Rom. 11.33 34 35 36. Ier. 10.10 11 12 13. Matth. 28.19 Reuel 15.3 4. Question What is God the Father Answere Hee is the beginning and Authour of euerie thing both in heauen and in earth Who when it séemed good vnto his diuine Nature created all things of nothing in heauen and in earth both spirituall and corporall and ordered them by his eternall Sonne the which are now gouerned and mainteined by the infinite and consubstantiall power of the Holie Ghost proceeding from them both from all eternitie Gen. 1.1 2 c. Gene. 2.1 Prouerb 8.14 to the end Psalme 114.30 Gene. 1.2 Iohn 15.26 Roman 8.9 Question What is the Sonne Answere The Sonne of God is Iesus Christ who was begotten of his Father before all worlds and of his Father without a mother by whom all things were created who being appointed of
hee saieth that they are subdued vnder hope namelie of restoration to that excellent estate that they had by creation Question Proceede to your second place of proofe Answere Whome the Heauens must conteine vntill the time that all things bee restored which God had spoke by the mouth of all the holy Prophets since the world began Actes 3.21 Question What gather you by these words Answere That al things shal be restored to an excellent perfection and therfore S. Peter calleth the day of Iudgement the day of restoring of al things which could not be attributed vnto that day vnlesse that there should be a restoration of them Question To what end or what vses shall they serue after the day of Iudgement Answere That is a wicked curiositie to search after those things which God hath not reuealed vnto vs let vs therefore say with Moses The secret things belong vnto the Lord our GOD and the things reuealed vnto vs and our children for euer that we may doo all the words of this Lawe Deu. 29.29 and so auoide likewise such vaine questions as these whether they shall be perpetuall or not perpetuall for vses or not for vses for they breed but strife and meere babling 1. Tim. 1.4 5 6 7. Titus 3.9 Question What is the vse of this point Answere First how all things were created of God most perfect and good at the first and he therfore holy and iust in his works Psalm 145.10 11. Deut. 32.4 Secondly how our sinne was the ruine and confusion of the perfection and excellencie of the creatures in their first creation so that hereby we may see how horrible and filthie a thing sinne is and therefore so much the more to hate the same Gene. 4.11 12. Ephe. 2.2 3. Col. 3.1 2 3 4. Thirdly the iustice of GOD in punishing sin and therfore we ought to kil and flie from the same as the only enemy of our health and saluation Psal 5.4 5 6. Co. 3.5 6. Ro. 6.23 Fourthly how all things in Christ shall bee restored to health and the former excellencie but man to a greater excellencie and more perfect happines than at the first Rom. 8.14 to 26. Question As wee haue hetherto intreated generallie of the creation of the world with all things therein so now more particularlie let vs come to the making and creating of man the which is the second point and tell me what order thou wilt keepe herein Answere First who made man Secondly whereof he consisteth Thirdly of his excellencie in his first creation Fourthly of his fall Fiftly how wee come to the knowledge thereof and our sinnes Sixtly of the vses of the lawe and good workes Question Who made man Answere God Question What things may we consider in God in the creation of man Answere First his wisdome Psalm 104.24 Secondly his power Thirdly his goodnes Psalm 8. Question Let vs come to the second thing What is man and whereof dooth he consist Answere Man is an excellent and reasonable creature created after the image of God his creator consisting of two partes Gene. 1.26 27. First a soule Gene. 2.7 Second a bodie Eccle. 12.7 Question What is the bodie Answere A wonderfull Creature of the workemanship of God framed out of the dust of the earth and of a notable proportion in euerie parte made vpright to looke vpward alwaies to God his maker Gene. 3.19 Question Although the bodie bee of the dust of the earth is it not yet more excellent than all other creatures that were made of the earth Answere Yes verelie and that first in respect of the time of his creation Secondly of the forme of his creation Thirdly of the end of his creation Fourthly of the person of the Sonne Question 1 How in the time of his creation Answere When the Lorde made man hee first tooke counsell of his wisdome and power and deliberated on the matter but when he made all other creatures before hee made man hee saide let it be done and it was done presentlie not taking such deliberation on their Creation although his wisdome power and glorie may bée seene in them Gen. 1.26 Roma 1.20 21. and 11.36 Question 2 How informe of his creation Answere God made all other creatures to go groueling on the earth and to looke downeward but he made man a streight bodie to go vpright and alway to looke vp into Heauen and so to consider of his Creator also he hath planted a certaine Maiestie in the face of man to the terror of all other creatures Gene. 1.28 29. Question 3 How in the end of his creation Answere First in glorifying GOD in holy words and also in good workes Ephesians 4.29 30. Matth. 5.16 Secondly in respect of the redemption of the bodie thorough Christ to be the childe of God and heire of eternall life and saluation Ro. 18.7 Thirdly to bee the temple of the holy Ghost 1. Cor. 3.16 and 6.19 Question 4. How in the person of the Sonne Answere In that Christ the sonne of God hath onely communicated with man in taking to himselfe mans nature Heb. 2.16 Rom. 1.3 Question What hath man to consider in that his body is made of the earth and aduanced to such glorie Answere First it beateth downe all pride Iere. 22.29 Secondly his brittlenes is shewed therin Isay 40.6 7 8. Iob. 14.1 2. Thirdly it teacheth man to consider his excellencie in Christ and not to defile in sinne and vncleanenes of life his bodie 1. Cor. 6.15 to the end 2. Cor. 6.14 to the end Question What is the soule Answere It is an immortall and spirituall substance created of GOD and infused into the bodie which quickneth and giueth life thereunto and of it selfe neuer dieth Eccle. 12.7 Iob. 10.12 Matth. 10.28 Reue. 6.9 10 11. Question What are the powers of the soule Answere Principallie two First reason Esay 29.9 1. Thes 5.23 Secondly will Heb. 4.12 Question Are they perfect in vs Answere No but most imperfect Gen. 6.5 Ier. 17.9 Matth. 15.19 20. Rom. 8.7 1. Cor. 2.24 Question Were they so created in vs Answere No but we got corruption by the fall of our first parents Adam and Eue. Gen. 3.1 2 3 4 5 6 7. 2. Cor. 11.3 Question Thou saiest that the soule is a spirituall substance but there are some that doo affirme it is but a motion other some to bee a vanishing breath Answere The Scripture teacheth the contrarie for First God is called the father of the spirits Heb. 12.9 Secondly Christ is called the pastour of soules 1. Pet. 2.25 Now if these sentences shal be applied to motions and a vanishing breath thereby to make God a Father and Christ a Pastour of a thing of naught it were most wicked and absurde Thirdly the soule is subiect to torments and capable of ioy in this world and in the life to come which things cannot be applied to motions and a vanishing breath Luk. 16.24 25. Fourthly it shoulde than followe so many motions and breathes seeing
as Loue is the fountain of al those things which belong vnto God comprehended in the first Table euen so the loue of our neighbor is the head of all those things which are due vnto our neighbor and is expressed in the second Table Mark 12.29 30 31. Question Wherfore is the second Table preferred before the first as appeareth by Hos 6.7 Mat. 9.13 12.13 if they be not equal in excellencie Answere First the Lord dooth thereby reproue hypocrites which especially busie themselues with the outward seruice of God but void of all pietie and their manners alienated from all integritie the fruites of charitie and true righteousnesse is farre from them Mich. 6.5 6 7 8. Hosea 6.6 Matth. 9.13 Secondly herein he noteth his great care vnto mutuall loue in vs one towardes another accounting it not to bee his seruice and worship although commanded if the dueties that we owe to our neighbors be neglected 1. Ioh. 3.15 17. 4.7 8 12. Esa 58.3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. Question May not the two Tables be seperated and plucked asunder Answere No verely for they were ioined of God together therefore not to be seperated Mat. 19.6 Question What gather you thereby Answere First that it is not sufficiēt for vs only to haue a ciuill honestie busie our selues in the second Table but also we must be religious exercise our selues in the first table Deut. 6.5 Eph. 4.24 Tit. 2.12 Secondly not onely religious vnto our God but also we must practise the second table that is to loue our neighbor vse honestie of life Eph. 4.24.25 Titus 2.11 12. Question What if we do the one neglect the other Answere If we doo the first and not the seconde it is but an outward holinesse which is hypocrisie And to doo the second and not the first is but ciuill honestie which is méere Atheisme therefore the one must goe with the other that is true godlinesse and righteousnesse and the second must proceed out of the first or els it is but a counterfet righteousnesse Iere. 7.4 5 6 9 10. Question Why did hee write them in stone and not in parchment or after some other manner Answere First to teach vs that it serueth for al ages as a doctrine of continuance to be a perfect rule of righteousnesse Psal 19.7 8 9. Secondly to shew vs that our heartes are stonie before they are softened by the Spirit of God Ezek. 35.26 27. Thirdly that we must write them in our harts to be our instructers and counsellers Psal 1.2 and 119.24 Fourthly it telleth vs that vnlesse the Lord write them in our harts by the finger of his hand all is but vaine 2. Cor. 3. Question Why was the Law giuen after so fearefull a manner as by thundrings lightnings darknes and shaking of heauen and earth Answere It was to driue not onely the Iewes but all other people of God vnto the end of the world to haue it first in great reuerence Psalm 19.9 Esay 66.2 Secondly to heare it with great attentiuenesse Eccl. 4.17 Matth 13.9 Thirdly to practise it in al obedience 1. Sa. 15. 22 23. Iere. 7.23 Question Why would not wee els regard the Lawe of God Answere No verelie for such is the corruption of our nature that those things which are first most easie secondlie familiar and thirdly not carrying with them a Maiestie and power are contemned in our eyes for which cause God séeing the crookednesse of our Nature did magnifie both his Lawe and Gospell with wonderfull miracles and fearefull signes hauing fixed in them great power and sharpnesse to terrifie and strike downe the froward and rebellious Mark 16.20 Heb. 2.4 2. Cor. 10.4 5 6. Actes 2.5 9 10. and 24.26 Question By whom was the Lawe giuen Answere By the Angels as the holie Apostle Saint Paule witnesseth wherein wee may see a notable commendation of the Lawe to teach vs al holy obedience Acts. 7.39 Gal. 3.19 Question Rehearse those commandements Answere God spake these words and said I am c. Question Is the first which is comprehended in these words God spake c. a commandement Answere No but a preface or introduction to the lawe of God Question What learne you out of the same Answere First that God is the author of the lawe and therefore the same to be obeyed and loued Ioh. 14.23 Psalm 119.97.103.136 Secondly how it is spirituall and therefore it teacheth vs to bee spirituallie minded Ro 7.7 14. Matth. 5.28 Iohn 4.24 Thirdly the might and maiestie of God is set foorth in the same to teach his children to reuerence him with feare and to terrifie the rebellious Actes 5.5 Iere. 10.6 10 to 14. Exod. 20.18 19. Deut. 4.10 Fourthly the goodnes of God is expressed in the children of Israell their and our deliuerance theirs temporal frō a fleshlie Pharao but ours a spiritual Pharao the diuel the eternal bondage of hell al which teach vs true thankfullnes Exod. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14. cha Ephe. 4.8 Heb. 2.14 15. 1. Iohn 3.8 Question What learne you in the first commandement thou shalt haue no other Gods but me Answere First that there is but one onely true God to witt the father of our Lord Iesus Christ Deu. 6.4 1. Cor. 8.4 6. Ephe. 4.5 6. Secondly that I must worship him in spirit and trueth onely in the mediatour Iesus Christ Iohn 4.24 Iohn 17.3.1 Timo. 2.5 Thirdly wherein this worship of God doth consist that is to say First in louing him Deut. 6.5 and 30.16 Secondly in fearing him reuerently Psal 34.9 1. Pet. 1.17 Thirdly in calling on him and praising him continuallie Psal 50.14 15. Math. 6.9 Fourthly in yeelding him an holy obedience 1. Sam. 15.22 23. 1. Pet. 1.14 15 16. Fifthly in putting my whole trust in his iustice mercy and power Ieremy 17.7 8. Actes 17.25 26. Question What is loue towards God Answere It is a burning zeale proceeding from a pure heart in desire to aduance the glory of God in thought word and works according to his will commanded in his word Exod. 32.32 Psalm 69.9 Iohn 2.17 Deut. 6.4 5 6. Question What is reuerent feare Answere It is a sonnelike reuerence kindled in the harts of the faithfull consisting vpon the reuerence of God being most iust and the loue of him being most merciful which is lightned by faith Psal 130.4 Psalme 119.53 Iob. 1.2 Acts. 10.2 Question What is obedience Answere It is a faithfull submission of the minde whereby the word and will of the commander is obeyed without gainsaying according to the strength and ability both in wll in eare in word and deede 1. Sam. 15.22 23. Psal 40. Heb. 10. Ioh. 4. Matth. 7. Phil. 2. Question What is the end of this commandement Answere The Lorde sheweth vs how hee alone will haue the preheminence among his people Question Whie is it set in the first place Answere This precept is not by order onely the first but also such as
hee that beleeueth and is rooted and grounded in the same faith Col. 1.23 and 2.7 Iohn 3.16 Question Where shall we finde this our redeemer and redemption deliuered vnto vs more fullie Answere In the second parte of the articles of our faith which are sixe in number Question Into how many partes may they be diuided Answere Two that is First of the base estate of Christs birth and his humilitie in suffring which the three first articles sheweth Secondly of his exaltation and excellencie in all perfection and glorie in the other three articles The ende of the first parte of the Creede ¶ The second parte of the Creede Question REherse the first article of the second parte of Creede Answere And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord which was conceiued by the holy Ghost Question Of how many partes dooth it consist Answere Of fourth That is First Iesus Secondly Christ Thirdly onely sonne Fourthly Lord. Question What dooth this word Iesus signifie Answere A Sauiour Math. 1.21 Question Whome dooth he saue Answere His people Matth. 1.21 Question How dooth he saue them Answere By the sacrifice of himself Heb. 10.10 29 20. Question What is the propiciatorie sacrifice Answere Iesus Christ is the propiciatorie sacrifice for he as the onely good high priest did once giue himselfe for his that repent and beleeue that the wrath of God his father might be appeased and that his people might be both sanctified and saued in him euermore Heb. 7.26 27. 1. Thes 1.10 2. Cor. 5.20 21. Question Who are his people Answere All those that haue his spirite and doo beleeue in him Iohn 1.12 13. Romans 8.9 Iohn 10.26.27 Question From what hath he saued them Answere From sinne sathan death and hell Titu 2.14 Heb. 2.14 1. Iohn 3.8 Question Why The very elect doo sinne continuallie Answere Yea but sinne shall not raigne ouer them much lesse damne them Roma 6.3 4 5 6 11 12 13 14. 1. Ioh. 3.5 6. Question Also wee see how sathan dooth afflict the godlie Answere Although sathan by the permission and will of God dooth afflict the godlie both to try their faith and exercise their patience yet he cannot hold them in captiuitie to deuoure them Ephe. 4.8 Heb. 2.14 15. Matth. 16.18 1. Ioh. 3.8 Question Also the godlie doo die continuallie Answere Although they die yet death is made to them the gate of immortallitie and they are deliuered from eternall death for which cause Christ especiallie died Heb. 9.27 28. Iohn 5.24 2. Cor. 5.1 to 12. 1 Thes 4.15 to the end Question The elect people are also troubled in conscience with the torments of hell oftentimes Answere But those torments are not their eternal portion for a time they suffer that therby they may know both Christ themselues Psa 34.18 20. Esa 54.7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14. 1. Cor. 10.13 Heb. 12.5 to 24. Reu. 3.19.20 Question Why is he called Christ Answere Because he was anoynted of his father Psal 49.6 7. Heb. 1.9 Question What was his annointment Answere The fulnes of his Godhead Col. 1.19 and 2.3.9 Iohn 3.34 Question What parte was anointed Answere Not his deuine but humaine nature Iohn 3 34. Heb. 1.9 Question Why was he anointed Answere To be our prophet priest king Re. 19.16 Psa 2.6 De. 18.15 Act. 37. Psa 110. He. 55. Question How is he our Prophet Answere First in that he spake by his spirit in the Prophets 1. Pet. 1.10 11 12. 2. Pet. 1.21 Secondly in that he hath fulfilled all Prophecies and promises that were foreshewed of him 2. Cor. 1.20 Matth. 5.17 Thirdly because he hath reuealed the wil of his father vnto vs. Iohn 18. Question How is he our priest Answere First in that he offered a sacrifice for vs his people Heb. 9.25 25 and 10.10.12 Secondly in that hee doth cōtinually teach vs his people by his word and spirit Ioh. 15.26 Iohn 14.26 Thirdly in that he maketh continuall intercessiō vnto his father for vs. ro 2.34 he 7.25 Question How a King Answere First in that he hath cōquered sin satan death hel 1. cor 15.54 to 57. he 2.14.15 1. Iho. 3.8 Secondly in that he maketh his subiects cōquerors ouer sinne sathan death and hell Col. 1.12 13. 1. Cor. 15.54 to 57. Thirdly in that hee ruleth and gouerneth his people by his lawes Psalm 2.10 11 12. Ioh. 10.27 28. Fourthly in that he will giue his people a spirituall and eternall kingdome 1. Pet. 5.10 11. Reuel 1.5 Reuel 22.1 2 3 4. Question How is he the onely sonne of God Answere By nature of the substance of his father from euerlasting Iohn 1. Question Why We are the sonnes of God also Answere It is true but it is by adoption thorough the grace of God in Christ Rom. 8.15 16. Ga. 4.4 5 6. Question What is adoption Answere This that God adopteth vnto himselfe his elect not for that he had not another sonne for he had his only begotten sonne Christ in whom he was well pleased but for that in all the nature of man he had yet no children for in Adam wee were all become the children of the diuell and the vessels of Gods wrath wherefore God sent his naturall and legittimate Sonne Christ into the World that thorough his rich grace hee might adopte vnto himselfe many children out of our kinde Matth. 3.17 Rom. 8.15 16. Gal. 4.4 5 6. Question What is grace Answere The free fauour of God not only pardoning the sinnes of his elect children but also in cladding them with innocencie and righteousnes of Christ to their euerlasting iustifications Rom. 3.24 1. Cor. 5.2 Titu 2.11.14 Question What gather you by this word Lord Answere First how Christ hath brought his people with a precious price that is with his death and bloud 1. Cor. 6.20 and 7.23 Secondly how he will deliuer and defende his people from the power of sinne sathan eternall death and hell Matth. 16.18 Thirdly how his people must yeeld obedience to him and his lawes Act. 3.23 1. pe 5.14 15. Fourthly how he is God and Lord of the whole world Iohn 1.1 2 3 4 5 c. Question What learne you in the third article which was conceaued by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary Answere First that hee is verie man of the flesh of the Virgin his mother Matth. 1.21 22. Luke 1.31 32. Rom. 4.3 4. Secondly that his birth was pure and frée from all infection of sinne and the corruption of nature in that he was not conceiued after the common manner of men but by the power and mightie operation of the holy Ghost Luke 1.35 Iohn 17.19 Thirdly that hee was conceiued in the wombe of the virgin by the holy Ghost onely because he might be First an vndefiled priest Heb. 7.26 27. Secondly a pure sacrifice for the redemption of his people Heb. 10.10 1. Pet. 1.19.20 Thirdly that he might sanctifie his people in all holines Iohn 17.19 1. Pet. 2.22 c. 1. Iohn 3.2 Fourthly
and power of the word of God 2. Cor. 4.3.4 Secondly the necessitie of the word for where Prophesie wanteth there the people perish Pro. 29.18 Hosea 4.6 Thirdly the happines of them that haue the worde preached for saluation is both brought and offered vnto them Titu 2.11 2. Cor. 6.1 2. Fourthly as there must needes bee blindnes ignorance infidelitie and al corruption both of religion and manners so the miserie of them that haue not the word preached is here set downe Iere. 88. Rom. 1.21 c. Question Let vs come to Sacraments and tell mee what is a Sacrament Answere A Sacrament is a visible and earthly signe representing inuisible supernaturall graces not to bee seene by the carnall and outward eye of man but with the eye of faith Also a Seale to confirme our faith in the couenant of grace and finallie a badge and marke of Christianitie Gene. 17.11 Rom. 4.11 Marke 1.4 8. Gala. 3.27 Question How many Sacraments are there Answere Not seuen as the Papists haue dreamed but two that is Baptisme and the Lordes supper 1. cor 10.16 21. Question Who is the author of these two sacraments Answere Almightie God ordeined Baptisme frō heauen and Iesus Christ the holy Supper vppon earth Ioh. 1.32 33. Matth. 26.26 27 28. Question Hath man power to make sacraments Answere No For first they are part of Gods seruice Matt. 28.19 20. Secondly they witnesse the goodnesse of God vnto vs. Matth. 26.26 27 28. Thirdly they are seales to confirme our faith in the couenant of God in Christ Roman 4 11. Fourthly the word of saluation and reconciliation must go with the signes or els they are no sacraments Question What thinke you of them that take vppon them to make Sacraments Answere Their folly and presumption is great and herein they blaspheme God as though he knew not what was ncessarie for his Church without their rashnes and diuellish pride Besides neither Moses Salomon nor Paule euer durst to doo the same in any of Gods seruices Exo. 35 36 37 38. c. and 25.4 1. Reg. 6 7 8. 1. Cor. 11. Act. 7.44 Question What is Baptisme Answere It is a sacrament ordeined of God of publique washing with water once in the name of the Father the Sonne and the Holy ghost signifying thereby our remission of sinnes mortification and sanctification in the death and resurrection of Christ Iohn 1.33 Math. 28.19 Mark 1.4 8. Rom. 6.4 5 6. Question How many things haue we to consider of in this Sacrament Answere First the institution of God Ioh. 1.33 Secōdly the external thing water mar 1.8 Thirdly the promise to wit remission of sinnes in Christ Mark 1.4 Fourthly faith in the promised séed which is Christ Marke 16.16 Question What doo you gather by Baptisme Answere First that I am a vile sinner and the child of wrath by nature Psal 51.5 Gene. 6.5 Secondly a profession of my faith in the holie Trinitie and of my saluation and remission of sinnes in the bloud of Christ Mat. 28.19 Acts. 2.38 Thirdly the promise that God made to mee to bee my God and that I made vnto GOD to denie the world mortefie the olde man resist sathan and to delight in true righteousnes and holines as it becommeth his obedient child who is renewed Acts. 2.38 39. Fourthly it is the seale of righteousnes and saluation vnto me through the mercies of God in Christ Iesus Rom. 4.11 Fiftly the benefits which God offreth vnto mee by Baptisme as the instrument by which I am ingrafted into Christs bodie 1. Cor. 12. Gal. 3.27 Question What is the olde man Answere Al the corruption of our defiled nature which we got by the Apostacie of our first parents Adam and Eue and all the custome of sinning according to the conuersation of olde Ephe. 4.22 Question What is Apostacie Answere It is an vtter and whole intire falling away from the estate and perfection wherein we were first created or now from the faith of Christ Question What is mortification Answere A continuall killing and subduing of the olde man Col. 3.5 Gal. 5.27 Question What is renewing or regeneration Answere A begetting or newe birth in Christ which is called the new man Ephe. 4.23 Question What is the new man Answere A renewing in the spirit by the Holie ghost into true righteousnes and holinesse Eph. 4.24 Question What are the benefites receiued Answere First remission of sinnes Acts. 2.38 Secondly the power of sinne killed in me Rom. 6.3 4 c. Thirdly the Holy ghost giuen vnto mee Rom. 8.9 Tit 3.5 Fourthly Faith confirmed in me Rom. 4.11 Acts. 8.37 38. Question Can the outward signe that is water giue the inuisible graces which are remission of sinnes regeneration faith and the Holy ghost Answere No for First how can earthly things giue spirituall graces and how can the creature giue the things of the creator Heb. 9.14 Secondly remission of sins is only in the bloud of Christ through faith Ephe. 1.7 col 1.14 Thirdly it is the Holie ghost that must kill sinne and quicken vs vnto righteousnes Titu 3.5 Fourthly faith is the gift of God Ephe. 2.8 Fiftly the holy Ghost giueth himselfe to his children Rom. 8. Ephe. 1.13 Question If sinnes be not washed away by Baptisme Why did Ananias say to Paul Acts. 9 17. that he should wash away his sinne by Baptisme Answere The Apostle Paul is put in minde euen as all true and faithfull Christians are by the signe of Baptisme that his sinnes were forgiuen him Question Yea but the same Apostle saith Ephe. 5.26 that the water in Baptisme cleanseth the Church and sanctifieth her Answere The Apostle in the words going before and in the words following after sheweth that it is onely Christ that dooth by his death and word both cleanse and sanctifie his Church of which Baptisme is both a seale and figure Question Regeneration is attributed to the water in Baptisme by the Apostle in the third of Titus the fifth verse Answere The Apostle in that place sheweth that regeneration is onely the worke of the holy Ghost and of no other of which the sacrament of Baptisme is a sure figure Question What if children die without Baptisme are they damned Answere No for First saluation hangeth vppon election Ephe. 1.4 5 6. 2. Timo. 1.9 Secondly God hath promised hée will bee a God to the faithfull and their seede Gene. 17.7 Thirdly the kingdome of God belongeth to little children Matth. 18.10 Fourthly onely saluation is in Christ and without him no saluation Acts. 12.4 Iohn 3.16 17. Question Our Sauiour Christ saith Verelie verelie J say vnto thee except a man be borne of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God So that hee maketh it a necessitie to bee baptised to saluation Answere First this place dooth nothing belong to the Sacrament of Baptisme for onely in that place our Sauiour Christ sheweth that Nicodemus could not be a fit instrument to receiue the Gospell without he