cor 5.6 2. Thess 3.14 15. Thirdly that hee that hath so fallen may through the shame of the world repent and seeke to be receiued into the Church again with all meeknesse 1. cor 5.5 Question Let vs come now to the last meane that is Praier and tell me who teacheth thee to pray Answere The Holy ghost Question What is Praier Answere It is a reuerent talking with God with a pure minde crauing such things as we want according to the holy wil of God Phil. 4.6 psal 145.18 Iam. 2.3 1. Iohn 3.22 23 24. Matth. 15.7 8. Question Seing that God knoweth what need we haue before we aske that all things shall come to passe according to his appointed prouidence wherefore should we pray Answere First to obey and imitate Christ our commander Mark 13.33 Psal 50.15 Secondly to stirre vp our selues to seeke God in truth and humilitie 1. Thess 5.17 18. psal 145.18 19. Thirdly that we may thereby vnload our selues of manie griefes and commend al our waies vnto him Luk. 18 13.14 Fourthly to exercise our faith in meditating vpon the promises of God his works Matth. 7.7 8 9 10 11. Psal 143.10 11. Fifthly to testifie that we confesse there is but one and that a true God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ and that he onely is the Author of all good giftes both earthly heauenly Psalm 37.5 55.22 Iam. 1.17 Psal 104 10 to 16. 145.15 16. Question What things belong vnto praier Answere First that we be inwardly touched and haue a feeling in conscience of those things that wee pray for as either for remission of sinnes spirituall graces or temporall benefits Roma 8.26 27. Luk. 18.9 Psal 6.1 2 3. Secondly whether by our praiers we haue had experience of Gods goodnesse in graunting our former requests to confirme our present faith Psalm 116.1 2 3 4 c. 2. cor 1.3 4. Thirdly that our prayers be in truth and in sinceritie of heart frée from al hipocrisie psa 4.1 and 145.18 19. 2. Tim. 2.19 Fourthly that our praiers procéede from faith with full assurance of the helpe of God a sure beliefe to obtaine that which we doo aske according to his word promises Iam. 1.4 5. Mark 11.24 Fifthly although our praiers be not at the first graunted yet wee must not cease to pray Luk. 18.1 to 9. Rom. 12.12 Question Vnto whom must we make our praiers Answere Onely vnto God for faith onely belongeth vnto him Psal 50.15 Matt. 6.9 Rom. 10.13 14. Iere. 17.5 6 7 8. Question Through whom must wee make our prayers Answere Onely through Iesus Christ who is the onely Mediator and Aduocate that First maketh intercession for his people 1. Tim. 2.5 1. Ioh. 2.1 2. Secondly maketh their praiers acceptable vnto God his Father through the sacrifice of himselfe Reu. 8.3 4 5. Eph. 5.20 Heb. 13.12 13 14 15. Question Then it is not lawfull to make our praiers vnto Angels Saints or images is it Answere No it were altogether sacriledge blasphemous so to doo for First it robbeth God of his honour Esa 42.21 22. Rom. 2.12 Secondly it denieth Christ to be the onely Mediator and Aduocate 1. Tim. 2.5 1. Ioh. 2.1 2. Thirdly It is contrarie to the commandement of God and rule of Christ psalm 50.15 Matth. 6.9 Fourthly they are accursed that do it Ier. 17.5 Fifthly they make thereby as though Saints and Angels were more readie to helpe and more mercifull than God our louing Father and Christ our sweete Sauiour Question By what rule must we frame our praiers Answere Onely by the word of God Matthew 6.9 Luk. 11.12 Question Where shall we finde the same Answere In the Lords Praier Question Rehearse the same Answere Our Father which art in heauen c. Matt. 6.9 Question Into how manie parts may this praier be diuided Answere Two as First in respect of Gods glorie in the three first petitions Secondly in respect of our selues in the three last petitions Also to this praier belongeth a preface and a conclusion Question What learne you in the preface Answere First vnto whom God is a Father namely vnto them that beléeue in the name of Iesus Christ Iohn 1.12 13. Secondly seeing God is become their father who is most mercifull it dooth incourage them to come vnto him not to flie frō him as a seuere Iudge or a cruell Tyrant Micah 7.18 19 20. Psa 103.8 to 13. Heb. 2.10 11 12. Thirdly who they are that can truely call God their Father namely they that haue the Holie ghost Rom. 8.15 Gal. 4.8 Fourthly as God is become their Father through his owne Loue so he will loue them vnto the ende Rom. 1.7 Ioh. 13.1 Rom. 11.29 Fifthly in that heauen is his throne it is manifest that he is of power to helpe at all times Luk. 1.37 Rom. 8.31 32 33. Question What learne you by the first petition in the first part of this heauenlie praier hallowed bee thy name c Answere First that God himselfe dooth neither increase nor decrease in respect of his glorie and the greatnesse of his holinesse Psalme 48.10 Malac. 3.6 Iam. 1.17 Secondly what his name dooth signifie That is his word and workes for in them is his mercie power goodnes and iustice made knowne 1. Tim. 6.1 Psalm 102.21 Pro. 18.18 Thirdly how wee must sanctifie the same that is First in words Matth. 5.16 Titu 2.9 10. 1. Pet. 3.15 16. Ro. 11.36 16.27 Secōdly in works Matth. 5.16 Titu 2.9 10. 1. Pet. 3.15 16. Ro. 11.36 16.27 Question What learne you in the second petition thy kingdome come Answere First what this kingdome of Christ is namelie spirituall and externall Iohn 18.36 2. Pet. 1.3 to 12. Secondly wherin it consisteth in this life to raigne in the hearts of the faithful that is Luk. 17.20.21 Rom. 14.17 First by his word Matth. 3.2 Secondly by his holy spirit and both to increase his gifts and grace in vs. Col. 1.9 10.13 14. Thirdly that he wil defend his kingdome against the diuel world sinne eternal death and all her cruell enemies Matth. 28.19 Ephe. 6.18 19. Fourthly that hee would come to iudgement and end the daies of sinne and bring vs to the kingdome of his eternall and perfect glorie Reuel 22.25 Phil. 1.23 Question What learne you by the third petition thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Answere First what this will of God is vz. his reuealed will and not his secret for we ought not rashely to seeke after the same Deut. 29.29 Rom. 9.20 11.33 Colo 1.9 10. 1. Thes 4.1 2. Secondly that our wills which are most corrupt and foolish may bee plucked downe Ro. 8.7 8. 1. Cor. 2.14 Ephe. 4.17.18 19. Thirdly that the holy will of God may be obeyed of vs in all things without resistance as the holy Angels in heauen obey with all redines and cheerefulnes Psal 103.20.21 Psal 143.10.11 Matth. 7.21 22. Luk. 22.42 Fourthly if we bee obedient to the
affirmeth by his holie Word that Adam was created into the same image which we are now restored into by Christ Question But dooth not immortalitie represent the image of God in some measure Answere Yes trulie in some part but as I haue said before it is not Moses meaning to call Man the image of God onelie in that respect Question But true righteousnesse and holinesse c. are the properties of God Answere I grant the same yet it is the image of God wherein man was created and the faithful now restored into through Christ Question What is this image of God wherin they were created Answere It is the naturall conformitie of the soule all the functions of it to the law of God whereby fréely and voluntarily it inclineth vnto true perfect holines righteousnes Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10 Question Where was this image placed Answere In the soule as the especiall seate to rule all the powers thereof to perfect and faithfull obedience Eph. 4.23 Rom. 12.2 Question Wherefore was man created thus Answere To serue God his Creator in true righteousnes holines Ge. 2.16 17. Lu. 1.75 Eph. 4.24 Question Why saist thou true righteousnes holines Answere First because the same must be in sinceritie Ioh. 4.24 Esay 29.13 Matth 15.7 8. Secondly according to the truth of Gods Word otherwise it is but counterfet false Deut. 4.2 Matth. 15.9 Ioh. 4.24 Question What is righteousnesse Answere It is a perfect rule of equitie which teacheth vs to giue vnto euerie man his due in worde deede and thought Leuitie 19.11 15 35 36. 1. Thess 4.6 Math. 7.12 Rom. 13.7 8. Question What is holinesse Answere It is a reuerent and holie obedience in the worship of God cōioyned with a sincere loue of God which proceedeth from an effectuall faith in the knowledge of God his word workes 1. Sa. 15.22 23. De. 6.5 Ro. 14.23 2. Co. 4.13 Question Let vs come vnto the 4. point tell me how fel we from this excellent image of God Answere We fell through the deceit of Satan the willing consent of Adam and Eua from the image of God vnto the image of Satan which is sinne foolishnesse all kind of blasphemies Gen. 3.1 2 3 4 5 6 7. 1. Ioh. 3.8 Question What were the meanes which Satan vsed to bereaue vs of this image of God and our happinesse at the first Answere Two externall and internall Question What are the externall Answere Three First the serpent Gen. 3.1 Secōdly the forbidden fruit Ge. 3.2 to 6. Thirdly the woman Gen. 3.6 7. Question What are the internall Answere Three First infidelitie Gen. 3.3 Secondly ambition Gen. 3.5 6. Thirdly stubborne vnthankfulnesse Rom. 5.19 Question What hath this fall brought vs Answere It hath wrapped vs wholly in sinne made vs the children of wrath by nature Genes 6.5 Psal 51.6 Iob. 14.4 Matth. 15.19 Eph. 2.2 3. Question What is originall sinne Answere It is the heritable corruption of our nature which once was perfect in the innocencie of mā but by the fall of Adam it was corrupted by propagation this corruption is distilled into all the parts of our mindes so that it maketh vs guiltie of Gods wrath and to bring forth nothing but the fruits of the flesh Rom. 5.12.14 Gal. 5.19 20 21. Question What is sinne in generall Answere Sinne is euerie transgression of anie of the Commandements of the lawe of God either in not doing them or not doing them to their right end or in not doing them so willingly and fully as the Lawe requireth Nehem. 1.7 1. Ioh. 3.4 Iam. 2.8 9. Rom. 7.7 First in soule Matth. 22.37 39. Secondly in bodie Matth. 5.28 Ro. 7.7 8. Question What is it to be the childe of Gods wrath Answere To be subiect to the eternall curse of God which is the due reward of sinne Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 Question What is the curse of God Answere It is all the plagues that doo belong either to the soule or the bodie which are comprehended in the whole booke of God First for this life Leu. 26. the whole Deu. 28. the whole Secondly eternall perdition and damnation both of bodie and soule Roman 6.23 Matth. 25.41.42 Reuel 21.8 Question Then of our selues and the diuell commeth sinne and damnation Answere Yea verely and of no other Gene. 3.1 to 8. Iohn 8.44 1. Iohn 3.8 Question Let vs come to the 5. point tel me how shal we come to the knowledge of our sin miserie Answere Onely by the perfect rule of the holy righteous law of God Ro. 3.20 7.7 Gal. 3.19 Question What is the Lawe Answere It is a most perfect rule and a holie doctrine fined from all corruption prescribed frō God himselfe vnto vs shewing what we ought to doo what not Psal 12.6 19.7 8 9. First in respect of God Matt. 22 37. to 40. Secōdly in respect of our neibors Matt. 22 37. to 40. Question Doth the word of God deliuer all things sufficiently for the perfection of Christianitie Answere Yea that in this sort First for the pure seruice of God which is true holinesse Deu. 13.32 Matth. 15.9 Iohn 4.24 Esay 8.19 20. Gal. 1.7 8. Secondly for our saluation Iohn 5.39 Ioh. 20.30 31. Thirdly for our sufficient righteousnesse vnto men 2. Tim. 3.16 17. Question Maie wee not serue God after our owne inuentions and traditions Answere No verelie for first our vnderstanding is blindnesse 1. Cor. 2.14 Iere. 10.14 Secondly our wisedome is foolishnesse 1. Cor. 1.20 Thirdly the same an enemie to the will and wisedome of God Rom. 8.7 Fourthly They are accursed that serue God with any other doctrine and wisedome than his owne Gal. 1.8 Reuel 22.18 19. Question Where may wee finde a short summe of the will of God Answere In the ten Commandements whereof the foure first belong vnto the first Table the sixe last vnto the second Table Question Wherefore was it giuen in two Tables and not rather in one Answere First it was to shewe a flatte difference betwéene the dutie we owe to God and the duetie we owe to our neighbours Secondly that the first is more excellent to be preferred before the second Mat. 6.33 Question Doo they that breake anie commandement of the first offend greater than in breaking any of the second Answere Yea verelie for the first belongeth vnto God and his seruice and the second to men their duties one towards another Question But out Sauiour Christ seemeth to make them equall when he saith Thou must loue God with all thy heart with all thy soule c. This is the first and greatest Commandement the second is like vnto it thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe Matth. 22.31 38 39. Answere First the latter is like vnto the former not in the excellencie and equalitie of matter but because it hath some affinitie and agreement with the first Secondly because each of them teacheth the true and perfect will of God Thirdly
Christ subiect to sinne for the Bread and Wine becommeth our substance Eightly they most blasphemouslie affirme by this their opinion that Christ should returne into our draught O monstrous blasphemie Matth. 15.17 Ninthly if it were the very body of Christ that the Apostles did eate at the last supper then where was the body that must suffer for our sakes a fantasticall bodie could not redeeme vs. And if they did eate but halfe of the bodie and left the other halfe to suffer we could not be redeemed by halfe Herein therefore wee may see how foolish a doctrine Poperie is Question Our sauiour Christ who is verie trueth and cannot lie saieth take eate this is my bodie and therefore his verie bodie Answere Our Sauiour Christ calleth himself a doore a vine a waie and is also called a rocke compared to a theefe and saide to bee the daye Starre Iohn 10.7 and 15.1 14.6 1. Cor. 10.4 Re. 22.16 Is Christ therefore a way a vine a rock theefe and a day Sarre O no it were most foolish and wicked so to reason and conclude He is in deed the onely doore thorough whome we must enter into saluation the onely waie to eternall life the onely tree and roote from whence we must drawe all heauenly and comfortable graces the sure rocke to builde on to saluation the theefe to come sodainely vpon the wicked to destruction and the glorious wisdome of his father to inlighten our hearts to knowe God to saluation And euen so he calleth the bread his bodie because it is a sacrament of his bodie that is it sheweth how his bodie was crucified and put to death and the wine his bloud because it is a signe how his bloud was shed Question Dooth the wicked and vnbeleeuing person receiue the benefit of Christs death in receiuing the externall signe Answere No for First they haue not faith Titus 1.1 2. 1. Thes 3.2 Secondly they haue not the spirit of Christ which things should make them worthie receiuers of the benefits of Christs death to the remission of sinnes and euerlasting life Rom. 8.7 8. Question In receiuing the sacramental signes do they not bring great hurt to themselues Answere Yes verely for first they are herein guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ 1. Corin. 11.27 Secondly they eate and drinke their owne damnation 1. Cor. 11.29 Question How can they bee guiltie of the bodie and bloud of Christ to their condemnation vnlesse they eate the verie flesh and drinke the verie bloud of Christ 1. Cor. 11. Answere To be guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ and to eate vnworthelie to condemnation is to come rashely without due examining of themselues also to come like doggs in their vomit and hoggs in their filthie mier making no account of the holy supper and sacramental signes so that this verie contempt reacheth vnto the author himselfe namely Iesus Christ and his death and bloud shedding Question What dooth the bread broken and the wine powred foorth signifie Answere The breaking of the bodie and the shedding of the bloud of Christ 1. Corinthians 10.16 Question What doo you gather thereby Answere First what horrible and vile sinners we are Pro. 20.9 1. Iohn 1.1.10 Secondly how wee deserue the horrible and intollerable tormentes of hell fier euerlastinglie Romans 6.23 Ephesians 2.2 3. Thirdly the great loue of GOD in sending his sonne to take vpon him our nature and to die for vs to our redemption Iohn 3.16 1. Iohn 4.9 10. Fourthly the great loue of Christ and his humilitie to humble himselfe vnto the cursed death of the Crosse and tormentes of hell for our saluation Phil. 2.5 6 7 8. Ioh. 10.11 Question What thinke you of the Papistes which deliuer not the holy supper after the institution of Christ Answere They deale First iniuriouslie against Christ Secondly wickedly against the people in that they bereaue them of such notable vses in the breaking of the bread and powring foorth of the Wine Question How shal we come worthelie to receiue the holy supper Answere First by repentance Mark 1.15 Secondly by faith Ephe. 3.16 17. Thirdly by loue 1. Cor. 10.17 Fourthly by thankesgiuing Luke 22.24 Question How may a christian assure himselfe that he commeth in true repentance Answere If hee bee truely touched with his sinnes and inwardly grieued for them loathing sinne from the bottome of his heart With a true confession vnto GOD and with a full purpose to amende and liue in the feare of GOD Then he hath truely repented Psalme 51.17 Ioel. 2.12 13. Esay 1.16.17 Romans 12.1 2. Question How may he perswade himself that he hath a liue lie faith Answere If he feele effectuallie in his heart the benefits of Christs death to the remission of sinnes and his saluation and confesseth Gods mercies herein hee hath a true and liuelie faith Romans 3.24 Galathians 2.20 Collos 1.21 22 23. Question How in true loue Answere If he hartelie forgiue his neighbours for the offences and iniuries done against him also if he be ready to doo good vnto all especiallie vnto the house of the faithfull and finally if hee haue a care to instruct and teach his family and neighbours in the trueth of GOD and the faith of Christ then he may perswade himselfe he hath true loue Rom. 12.20 21. Eph. 4.1 2 3 4. col 3.12 13 14 15. Question How in thanksgiuing Answere If from the heart both in word and workes he giue all praise and glorie to GOD through Christ for the benefites of saluation and not attribute them to his owne wisedome power and riches neither yet to burie them in the pit of forgetfulnesse and finally doo not turne the grace of God to wantonnesse Psa 103.1 2 3 4 5 c. Iere. 9.23 24. Rom. 15. Iud. 4. Rom. 6.1 Question Let vs come vnto the third meane whereby our faith is increased and mainteined by discipline and tell me what discipline is Answere Discipline is the comely order of holy gouernment appointed of Christ in his Churth to be exercised and vsed of his Ministers and Elders to keep in the good and to punish the wicked and that to be done in great loue and pittie Matth. 16.19 Iohn 20.20 Math. 18.15 16. Rom. 12.3 4 6 7 8. Matth. 18.17 Gal. 6.1 2 3 c. Question Wherein standeth it Answere First in exhortations and admonitions 1. Thess 5.13 14. Secondly in threatnings and corrections 2. Tim. 4.2 3 4 c. Thirdly in excommunications casting foorth the great offenders that will not be amended by these procéedings out of the fellowship of the faithfull and from the partaking at the Lords Table 1. cor 5.12 1. tim 5.20 Matt. 18.17 Tit. 3.10.11 Question What are the endes of excommunication Answere First that a wicked liuer to the great reproach of God and his Gospell be not suffered among Christians 1. cor 5.4 5. 1. Tim. 1.20 Secondly that the good may not be corrupted through the continuall familiaritie of the wicked 1.
To the right Honourable Sir Francis VValsingham Knight Principall Secretarie to her Maiestie and of her Highnesse most Honourable Priuie Counsell And to the godlie and vertuous Ladie the Ladie Vrsula his Wife RICHARD SAINTBARB the vnworthie seruant and minister of Christ wisheth great prosperitie in this life with encrease of grace and peace from GOD the Father and life euerlasting through Iesus Christ our life and Redeemer MIght I not Right Honourable seeme ouer bold or might my presumption therein be pardoned I should not only then hold my selfe freed from one of my chiefest cares but also it woulde minister greate ioy vnto my distrustfull and fearefull mind For now I rest doubtfull to make your Honours defenders of these my first fruites simple labours but I cannot on the sudden comfort my timorous and weake spirit with possession of such your fauours and that it were vnmeete that good thinges should be hindred buried for anie perticular respect I wil reserue vnto my selfe the hope of your good and godlie likings and so as one who as well by the report of Gods deere children both of preachers and others as in some measure himselfe hath beene made acquainted with your holie religious dispositions not onely in sauouring good things and the truth of the Gospell which is the power of God to saluation Rom. 1.16 but also in furthering by all good godly meanes the building vp of the beawtifull and precious house of God that the sanctified spouse of Christ Ephes 5. might bee edified and furthered in all sound knowledge and holie faith 2. Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. I wholly therefore depend vpon your fauourable acceptance of the cause I handle which I doubt not but throughlie assure my selfe it shall doe great good in the Church of God and bring singuler profite vnto Gods deare Saintes and thus being resolued that in regard thereof your Honours will vouchsafe to beare with my rasâ—nesse and weakenesse and take to your defence this godlie treatise of the grounds and principall questions of christian Religion my proceeding wherein I leaue to be censurâ—d by your wise and sound iudgments little regarding the carping mate and curious reader either of proud papist secret Heriticke dissembling hipocrite or blind Atheist who neuer with godlie reuerence regard the truth of Christ neither the deuiding of the worde of God aright And thus praying that GOD of his great mercies will blesse your Honours with all his good blessings I humblie take my leaue Kingswood in Wilt. the 2. of September 1589. Your Honours most humblie to commaund in the Lord Jesus Richard Saintbarb Preacher of Gods word ¶ To the christian Reader grace and peace in Jesus Christ. DEere Christians if euer good Dauid had iust cause to crie out say My eies gush out with riuers of waters because they keep not the law Psa 119.136 If the same Prophets heart did tremble and shake for feare of Gods iudgements when he saw the flowing wickednesse of his time and the heauie hand of God for the same for these are his words Thou hast troden downe all them that depart from thy statutes for their deceit is vain Thou hast taken away all the wicked of the earth like drosse therefore I loue thy testimonies my flesh trembleth for feare of thee and I am afraid of thy iudgments Psal 119.118 119 120. Jf euer Lot Ieremie and the godlie men that are recorded in Ezekiel had iust cause to mourne pine awaie with great griefe and zeale in beholding the contempt and despising of Gods sacred lawe the most abhominable life of the people in their daies How much more may the godlie Ministers and all good people weepe and consume themselues away and send foorth euerie daie fountaines of teares to behold and continuallie to see this our age and time which should be a most happie time for knowledge faith and holinesse of life considering how long a season God hath lent vnto vs his holie word and powred his benefites vppon vs which are yet a most crooked and stiff-necked generation for the hearts of the people are not onely become hard and stonie but also their eares as the Prophet Ieremie saith are become vncircumcised that they cannot abide to heare Gods word yea it is a reproach vnto them and they haue no delight therein Iere. 6.10 also how sinne aboundeth J neede not to shew for this our land lieth in sinnes and is frosen in the dregges thereof Zephaniah 1.12 Euen so much that we iustifie Zodama and Gomora Ezeki 16. for iust and holie Cities for such are the sinnes of England and so vile that it maie rather be accounted a polluted Land and a seat of iniquitie for alack how deepelie is she sunken in the sinke of sinne and how abhominablie doth shee send foorth euerie day more more all kindes of Pride Whoredomes Incests Murthers Theftes Couetousnes Oppressions Vsuries Cursings Periuries Blaesphemies and such like in so much that we may saie with the holie good Prophet Hosea Hear the word of the Lord ye childreÌ„ of Israel yea rather ye children inhabitants of England for the Lord hath a controuersie with the inhabitants of the lande because there is no truth nor mercie nor knowledge of God in the lande By swearing and lying killing and stealing and whoring they breake out and bloud toucheth bloud Therefore shall the land mourne euerie one that dwelleth therein shall bee cut off with the beasts of the field and the foules of the Heauen and also the fishes of the sea shall be taken away yet let none rebuke nor reprooue other for thy people are as they that rebuke the Priests Hosea 4.1 2 3 4. and what is the fountaine and cause of these euils and rebellious transgressions suerly infidelitie and ignorance of Gods word as the good Apostle S. Paule affirmeth in these wordes This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in vanitie of their minde hauing their cogitation darkned and being strangers from the life of God through the ignoraÌ„ce that is in theÌ„ because of the hardnesse of their heart which beeing past feeling haue giuen themselues vnto wantonnesse to worke all vncleannesse euen with greedinesse Eph. 4.17 18 19. I beseech you therefore deare brethren and good Christians by the mercies of God that ye giue vp your bodies a liuing sacrifice holy and acceptable to God which is your resonable seruing of God fashion not your selues like vnto this world but be yee changed by the renuing of your minde that ye may proue what is the good will of God acceptable and perfect Rom. 12.1 2. And this time of ignorance as the same Apostle testifieth God regardeth not but he admonisheth al men euerie where to repent Act. 17.30 Againe Awake thou that sleepest and stand vp froÌ„ the dead and Christ shall giue thee light wherefore be not vnwise but vnderstand what the will of the Lord is
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
to bee the sole Sauior of mankinde Matt. 1.21 Fourthly in stéed of heauen euerlasting life they by their good intents and workes doo purchase hell and euerlasting death Ioh. 3.17 36. Question What vse ought we to make of this point Answere First to note how miserable we were of our selues after our fall as First in sinne Psal 51.5 Ier. 17.2 Secondly vnder the wrath of God eph 2.3 Thirdly captiues to the diuell eph 2.2 Fourthly inheritors of hell eternal death Rom. 6.23 Secondly the great and rich mercie of God First in giuing vs a Sauiour that might redeeme vs from sinne satan and hell Eph. 2.4 5. Tit. 3.4 5. Secondly in seeking to reconcile vs to him selfe and to make vs his children righteous 2. cor 5.18 19 20 21. Thirdly in giuing vs thereby euerlasting life and eternall happinesse Ioh. 5.24 Question Seeing we are now redeemed in Christ are we now therfore in a better and more happier estate vnder Christ our head than Adam was in his innocencie in Paradice Answere Yea surely the estate of Gods children is now more excellent Question Why so Answere First because wee haue an excellent head to wit Christ which Adam had not in the time of his innocēcie before his fal Eph. 1.22 col 1.18 Secondly God is more néerer ioyned vnto vs than he was vnto Adam at that time for he hath taken vpon himself since Adams fal our humane nature and ioyned the same to his diuine nature and is become one with vs sinne excepted Ephe. 5.30 Heb. 2.16 1. Pet. 2.23 1. Ioh. 3.5 Thirdly our saluation is more certain thā it was vnder Adam for then we had no power to stand in the perfection of our creation but now in Christ it is most certaine and firme because it is grounded First vpon the euerlasting vnchangable decrée and purpose of God Ephes 1. 11.2 Tim. 2.19 Secondly vppon the euerlasting mercies of God in Christ 2. Tim. 1.9 Thirdly vpon his faithfulnesse truth and righteousnes 1. cor 1.9 1. thes 5.24 Fourthly vpon his inuincible power omnipotencie Iohn 10.27 28 29. Fourthly God doth not onely giue vs heauen which Adam should haue had in his innocencie but also maketh vs heirs yea ioint heires with Christ in glorie the which Adam should neuer haue had if he had stoode in his innocencie so that wee maie see our estate farre better than Adams in Paradice Rom. 8.17 Question And is not man made more excellent than the Angels in heauen Answere Yes verely for First Christ tooke vpon him our nature and exalted it aboue all principalities powers and Dominions Eph. 1.20 21 22. Secondly man is made the Lord and ruler of the whole world that through grace in Christ which rule and lorldlie authoritie was neuer giuen vnto the Angels Psalm 8. the whole Thirdly the Angels by the free mercies of God are made the seruants of the faithfull to defend and comfort them for they are the ministring spirits sent foorth to minister for their sakes that shall be heires to saluation psal 34.7 Heb. 1.14 Question In that thou saist that man is restored to a better estate than Adam in his first innocencie in Paradice is become more excellent than Angels is thy meaning of all mankinde of all persons generally Answere No surelie but onely of the faithfull who are grafted into the bodie of Christ by the holy ghost as for infidels hipocrites heretikes libertines and atheists their estate is no better than the diuels in hell in shame and confusion for euer and euer Reuel 21.28 Eph. 5.5 Question Why died not Christ for all men as well as for a certaine number Answere No Christ died not for all for if Christ died for all then First there is no election 2. Tim. 3.19 Secondly God should be then vniust to condemne anie Rom. 3 4. psal 51.4 Thirdly al haue not faith 2. the .3.2 tit 1.1 Fourthly the spirit of Christ belongeth onely to the faithfull Rom. 8.9 10. Question Was there anie imperfection in the sacrifice of Christ in that it was not sufficient for all Answere There was no imperfection in the sacrifice of Christs bodie and soule for he was perfect and holy also it was sufficient for all people but effectual onely vnto those which lay hold on him through faith he 10.10 12 14. 9.25 26 28. Question The Scripture saith God would haue al men come to the knoledge of the truth be saued Answere The word all must be considered after this manner that First hee offereth grace vnto all but all receiue not the same Secondly that word must bee vnderstood some of all Nations Thirdly some of all callings as First Princes Secondly subiects Thirdly parents Fourthly children Fiftly masters Sixthly seruants Seuenthly men Eightly women Some of all which euen those that lay hold vpon Christ by a liuely true faith shall be saued and liue 1. Iohn 5.10 11 12 13. Fourthly we must consider that his reueled will is equally ruled by his secret wil and that they be not contrarie the one to the other although they seeme so to our foolish iudgements Fifthly that God is stable and vnchangeable in all his waies and workes Iam. 1 17. Question What moued God to saue some damne other some In that he saueth some is it for that they deserue the same or did he foresee that they would both beleeue and worke out their saluation Answere His owne mercie is the cause that he saueth some out of the sinfull lumpe of Adam for First all deserued damnation for the best worke after regeneration is defiled with sin and the reward of sinne is death how much more then deserue we death before God doth regenerate vs by his spirit 1. cor 13.9 Ro. 7.24 Secōdly faith is the only gift of god eph 2.8 Thirdly we cannot work wel before God regenerate vs vnto good works eph 2.9.10 Fourthly in that he dampneth other some it is of right and according to his righteous iudgements for that it is written if you do this you shall liue if you do not yee shall die Question How shall we bee perswaded of our saluation in Christ Answere Thorough faith Gal. 3.11 Gal. 2.16 Rom. 3.27 28. Question What is faith Answere A firme perswasion grounded vpon a sounde knowledge in sacred Scriptures that God is reconciled and become both our God and father thorough the merits obedience and bloudshedding of Iesus Christ in whome wee shall be saued and haue eternal life so assuredly as though wee possessed the same already which faith is wrought by the holy Ghost in the hearts of the elect thorough the ministerie and preaching of the word Rom. 5.1 2. Rom. 8.38 39. and 3.24 Ephe. 3.17 Ephe. 1.13 1. Ioh. 3.1 2 3. Question Then our faith must not bee wauering but firme in Christ and his promises Answere It must be firme and not wauering as Saint Iames teacheth for note this that not he which doubteth shall be saued but