A. It cannot be exprest described it may be darkly and afarre off Psal 36.9 to consist First in an immeditate fruition of God when the Saints shall see know loue and reioyce in him perpetually 1 Cor. 2.9 Secondly in a perfect Sabbath when the Saints shall serue him both for matter and manner according to his owne Will Iohn 17.21 Iere. 31.3 2 Pet. 1.11 without Popish trinkets wearinesse or distraction Thirdly in the continuance and duration of both immutably euerlasting without any possibility of loosing or lessening Q. What is it to beleeue life euerlasting A. First to haue the life of Grace begun here as the manifestation of election and the earnest of glory Iohn 4.14 for none can rightly beleeue it but hee that hath it Reu. 2.17 Secondly Phil. 1.6 to assent vnto the truth of God concerning the immortality of the Soule and the life to come Iohn 20.28 Thirdly to be assured Reu. 2.10 after the examination of my estate that I am one of those to whom this priuiledge belongs Fourthly to resolue vpon fidelity in Gods seruice till death that hee may glorfie his Name by bestowing vpon me this Crowne of life Q. What must a Christian doe to attaine it A. First he must endeauour to keepe the Commandements Eschew euill doe good Mat. 19.17 and liue for euermore Secondly he must sow to the Spirit Psal 34.12 13. and liue holyly He that soweth to the Spirit Gal. 6.8 shall of the Spirit reap Life euerlasting Thirdly he must be constant in both Rom. 6.22 in a right manner Reu. 2.10 to a right end till the Lord call him away Q. How may a man know whether this life bee begun in him A. First by the death of sinne Rom. 6.11.12 for the dominion thereof in his affection Secondly by an inward griefe for corrupt motions blasphemous thoughts and carnall inclinations Col. 3.5 with a daily fighting against them Rom. 7.24 1 Iohn 3.14 2 Tim. 4.8 Acts 9.6 Thirdly by a communicating loue to the Saints on earth Fourthly by an inward longing after Christs second comming Fifthly by a hearty submission of himselfe to the whole reuealed Will of God Q. When is this life wrought in the elect A. By degrees and at seuerall times partly in this life by the spirit Iohn 17.3 nourishing the incorruptible seed of the Word more fully immediately after death but most fully compleatly after the Resurrection of the flesh 10.10 Q. What doe you learne from this confession and description A. First that there is a reward for true beleeuers Secondly Rom. 6.23 Psal 19.11 1 Tim. 4.10 Heb. 11.35 that euerlasting life is the end of my faith and labours Thirdly to preferre that life aboue this moment any life I now enioy and the meanes to attaine that aboue the meanes to preserue this Fourthly to assure my heart aboue all things of the beginnings thereof 1 Tim. 6.19 Heb. 10.36 and to endeauour in the vse of meanes all my dayes Fifthly patiently to suffer the Lord to worke it in me how and when he pleaseth saying Amen to his prescriptions Quest Supposing a Christian thus farre right for his faith what is next to be done for saluation A. An endeauour to know and keepe the Commandements of Almighty God Q. How many are there A. Ten Exod. 20.1 2 3 4 c. Q. Which is the first Commandement A. Thou shalt haue no other Gods before me Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. 1. That there is but one true God to whose lawes I am absolutely bound Secondly that all spirituall seruice and diuine worship inward or outward 1 Iohn 5.7 is due and must be performed by me to that God Matth. 4.10 Thirdly that I may not make to my selfe Deut. 6.14 nor worship any other God Q. How can a man make to himselfe other Gods A. By robbing the true God of his honour and glory and giuing it to that which is not God as first by faigning gods which haue no being but in imagination onely Secondly Ios 24.25 2 Tim. 3 4. by admitting dangerously-false conceits of the true God Deut. 6.14 in priuate thoughts or prayer which haue no ground in Scripture Thirdly Ier. 3.11 by giuing diuine worship to any other beside the true God whether Angell Saint c. Fourthly by seeking and affecting any of the creatures before or more then the Creator as the couetous luxurious selfe-seeking vaine-glorious man doth c. Q. What is commanded here A. First that I should cleaue vnto Iehoua as the onely true God submitting to his lawes Mat. 22.37 seruing him and seeking his glory with all my heart Secondly that I doe this to him onely according to his will Q. What duties are you to performe by vertue of this command A. Many first to labour after a sufficient Ier. 9.24 Iohn 17.3 1 Ioh. 5.10 Psal 34.8 and sauing knowledge of the Lord as hee hath reuealed himselfe in his Word Secondly to beleeue the Word of God both for the precepts threatnings and promises therein contained Thirdly to place my whole affiance in him as reconciled through Christ which includes filial feare sound hope confidence and flexible humility considering his excellency and my vilenes Psal 31.23 1 Iohn 4.19 Reu 3.19 Phil. 4.4 Ephe. 5.20 Rom. 12.12 Heb. 10.36 Fourthly to loue him simply for himself friends we may loue in him enemies for him and creatures as sent vs from him Fifthly to be zealous for his glory sincerely moderately and seasonably Sixthly to reioyce in the Lord alwayes both in times of peace and persecution Seuenthly to be thankefull for euery thing health and sickenesse prosperity and aduersity Eighthly to be patient vnder the crosse ordered by his prouidence for the chastisment and tryall of his children 1 Cor. 6.20 Mâ—l 1.6 and must bee borne cheerefully meekely and constantly Lastly to honour God First priuately by my selfe or with others reading praying conferring singing of Psalmes Col. 3.16 1 Cor. 10.31 Psal 27.4 Prou. 3.9 Deut. 10.20 Mat. 10.32 eating drinking buying selling and all to the glory of God Secondly publikely by ioyning with the true Church which the Scriptures doe demonstrate by furthering the true Religion swearing by his name being lawfully called and by confessing the truth boldly in the face of the enemy Q. What is here forbidden A. To set vp any other God in my heart to giue diuine worship to any other thing not to conceiue aright of the true God Ios 24.23 Gen. 35.2 or not to performe this spirituall seruice to him onely Q. What sinnes are you especially to auoyde by vertue of this prohibition A. Diuers as first denying of God directly or by consequence Rom. 1.19 when men liue as if there were none or none such as the Scriptures declare Tit. 1. ult Secondly multiplying of Gods either with the idolatrous
be that offend Knowing that he keepes the fanne in his owne hand to purge his owne floore at the time appointed Q. What are required from the whole assembly A. First that they stay till the Sacrament be finisht Secondly that they pray heartily for the persons baptized Thirdly that they meditate seriously of the spiritual mystery how the inner man is to be washt in the blood of Christ Q. What bee the fruits and chiefe benefits of baptisme thus administred and receiued A. Many First the persons partaking thereof are declared to be the adopted Sons of God Gal. 3.27 Rom. 6.3 which may be discerned after by their loue of him and likenes to him Secondly their vnion with Christ as members of his mysticall body is thereby made visible which by communication of grace and communion with Saints is after made infallible Thirdly Rom. 4.11 their heauenly inheritance is sealed vnto them breeding in them a longing desire after the possession thereof Fourthly Act. 22.16 their soules are cleansed from the filth of sin which appeares vnto them afterwards by their true faith and repentance 1 Cor. 12.13 Fifthly the Spirit is therein conferred which shewes it selfe in its seuerall operations afterward Sixthly the new couenant is thereby naturally confirmed Ier. 31.31 betweene the Lord and his people Ezech 37.26 all worldly receiuers comming to yeeres of discretion are mindfull of this and carefull in the vse of meanes to procure and nourish the Spirit of Grace Q. Which is the first oâ— those things the Church requires to be done by vs after Baptisme A. Eschewing all euill vnto which we are deceitfully perswaded and tempted by the diuell the world and the flesh Q. Why then dare not you sweare lye prophane the Lords Day drinke drunke wallow in vncleannesse coozen follow euery fashion boldly embrace the corruptions of the time for aduancement as others doe A. No because I haue made a couenant with the great and glorious Lord God of heauen earth to forsake them which I must do as I hope to be saued Q. What is the next thing to be done A. To assent vnto that credible truth proposed vnto vs in that Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed Q. What is the Creed A. A briefe confession of some principles of Christian Religion and no prayer as too many old and young abusiuely make it Rom. 10.10 1 Tim. 6.13 because they haue often seene and heard parents teach their children this Creed together with other prayers kneeling Q. Why is it called the Apostles Creed A. Not because they were the pen-men and disposers of it in this forme of words but first to distinguish it from other Creeds secondly because it is a truth collected out of their writings by some of their immediate followers and in honour of them called after their name Q. What is the chiefe subiect or matter of the Creed A. God and his Church God in the vnitie of essence and trinitie of persons Father Son and holy Ghost with their proper works specially applyed to euery person his Church with the properties and priuiledges thereof both contained in these twelue Articles following I beleeue c. Q. Which is the first article in the Creed A. I beleeue in God the Father Almightie maker of heauen and earth Q. What is faith here meant A. A gift of God Acts 26.27 Heb. 1.1 whereby men are perswaded to assent vnto the truth of God proposed vnto them in this Creed by the true Church with application to themselues Q. What is the manifest act of this faith A. To beleeue with limitation to the person I beleeue not implicitly as the Church beleeues nor blindly Hab. 2.4 Marke 9.23 24. because the people of God beleeue it but obediently because it is a part of Gods reuealed truth Q. Why doe you say I beleeue and not We beleeue A. Because euery one must haue a speciall faith of his own 1 Pet. 3.15 Rom. 14.11 and make confession of these things by and for himselfe distinctly Q. What doe you meane when you say I beleeue A. First I doe acknowledge these articles to be true agreeable vnto the rule of truth Secondly I doe make an outward confession of that my knowledge and assent Thirdly I doe specially apply that confession to my owne particular person Fourthly I doe heartily resolue to maintaine it vnto death Q. What is the proper obiect of this faith A. God and his truth reuealed concerning himselfe and all things else needfull to be beleeued Ioh. 14.1 Q. What doe you beleeue concerning God A. That there is but one God Iohn 5.7 and three persons in essence glory and power coequall and coeternall Q. What is reuealed and contained herein for you to beleeue of the first person in Trinitie A. First that he is the Father Eph 4.6 both in regard of his naturall Son and other his adopted children Secondly that he is Almightie Ioh. 1.18 in the manifestation of his power as his attributes and works declare Thirdly 2 Cor. 6.18 that he is Maker of heauen and earth that is of all things being in Acts 17.24 and betweene heauen and earth Q. What doe you learne hence when you call God Father A. I learne First to magnifie the goodnesse of God Rom. 11.22 that I who am by nature a childe of wrath by free grace am made a childe of God Secondly to honour and obey him as a Father Mal. 1.6 then to expect a childs portion from him Thirdly Matth. 5.48 the dignitie of true beleeuers in this that they are the children of God 1 Ioh. 3.1 Q. What learne you when you say you beleeue He is Almighty A. I learne First to feare his threatnings and so to be daily humbled at the sight of my owne vilenesse Gen. 17.1 Iohn 10.29 Rom. 8.31 Secondly not to doubt of his promises nor be dismayed by a multitude of enemies Thirdly neuer to despaire of the conuersion of others during life nor of victory ouer my owne strong and long-preuailing corruptions God is Almighty Q. What doe you learne from the manifestation of his power in the creation of heauen and earth A. I learne First to behold the goodnesse of God in his creatures Psal 19.1 Iob 38.31 Psal 147.9 not wantonly to gaze on them as on a painted cloth but to see therein and admire his glory Secondly to shun all abuse of the creatures they are the workemanship of God Thirdly that all the vertue beautie comfort and content men reape from and see in the creatures is from God Fourthly that nothing falls out in either but according to his disposing pleasure Q. Which is the second article A. And in Iesus Christ his only Sonne our Lord. Q. What is contained in this Article A. A description of the second person in Trinitie with the necessitie of my apprehension and confession of him Q. How is he described A. By his
and in his humane nature Secondly that Hee shall manifest to all the world his power and glory in great pompe and state Mat. 24.30 Q. From whence shall Hee come A. From heauen where He is now seated on the right hand of God the Father Almighty 1 The. 1.10 but to what place whether to Mount Oliuet as some Schoolemen thinke Phil. 3.20 or to the valley of Iehosophat as other Graue Diuines or that it shall be in the Ayre any may be receiued as probable none as certainely necessary Q. For what end must Hee come A. To iudge and determine of all controuersies to passe a righteous sentence from which there can be no appeale Psal 9.7 8. no not in the thought of those which shall be iudged Q. Who are they that must be iudged by Him A. All quicke and dead found lying in their graues or liuing vpon earth Dan. 12.2 good and bad high and low as first Angels with the iudgement of a more glorious retribution Iohn 5.29 Secondly good men with the iudgement of absolution Iude 6. Thirdly wicked men and Angels of darkenesse with the iudgement of finall condemnation Q. How will Christ come A. As a iudge in State and Maiesty with a sounding Trumpet that all the world shall heare and the heauenly hoast attending Mat. 25.31 1 The. 4.16 which all the world shall see in their richest furniture Q. When will Christ come thus A. It is not reuealed that men might continually waite for it and not curiously search after the seasons which God hath reserued in his owne power preparation for it Mat. 24.36 Acts 1.7 is better then any disputation about it Q. Why is Christ appointed to iudge the world A. First for the honour of his pâ—ace and office it being giuen him as a crowne for his suffering Secondly Ioh 5.22 23. Phil. 2.9 10 that Hee might openly take vengeance vpon those his enemies who would not that Hee should raigne ouer them here in this world Thirdly Luke 19.27 that he might bring his owne Subiects into reall possession of that glory which Hee did purchase for them Fourthly 2 Thes 1.8 9 10. Luke 21.28 that the mystery of iniquity and all hidden workes of darkenesse might be publikely seene shamed and sentenced Q. What doe you learne from this Article A. First that Christ will certainely come to iudgement Secondly that I must appeare in my owne person before the Iudgement seate of Christ Heb. 9.27 Thirdly 2 Cor. 5.10 to iudge none but my selfe not the liuing I know not how God may dispose of them hereafter Matth. 7.1 nor the dead I know not how God hath disposed of them already Reu. 14.13 it is Christs office to iudge both Fourthly Acts 24.16 to make my account ready euery day in a holy preparation for it Heb. 4.16 so to liue as I desire to stand then in the presence of Christ Q. Which is the eighth Article A. I beleeue in the Holy Ghost Q. What doth this Article containe A. Two things First a description of the third person in Trinity Secondly the duty of a Christian concerning him Q. How is the third person described A. Two wayes First by his name Ghost or Spirit Secondly by his title or attribute Holy Que. Why is he called The Spirit A. Not exclusiuely both Father and Sonne are equally Spirit but emphatically because He is breathed as it were Iohn 4.24.15.26.16.13 14. in his procession from the Father and the Sonne noting the manner of his subsistence in the Godhead Q. Why is Hee called The holy Spirit A. First in regard of his nature He is holy Secondly because it is his personall office to sanctifie both the Church and the Children of the Church Rom. 15.16 Heb. 6.4 such as are effectually called and that both with common Rom. 8.9.10 and with sauing graces Q. What is the duty of a good Christian A. To beleeue in him Q. What is it to beleeue in him A. First to acknowledge him for God Mat. 28.19 Acts 5.3 4. Secondly to confesse him Thirdly to apprehend him and relye vpon him for his comforts gifts and graces Fourthly in resolution and preparation to dye in defence of this truth Fifthly to liue in a constant course of spirituall seruice required by Him Ephe. 4.30 in whom I beleeue Q. What doe you learne from the whole Article A. First that there is a holy Ghost in person distinct from the Father and the Sonne 1 Ioh. 5.7 8. in essence the same Secondly that I must beleeue in him as in the Father and the Sonne who is the sanctifier and comforter of my Soule Rom. 8.9 Thirdly that if I beleeue in Him indeed 2 Tim. 1.14 Hee dwels and hath his abode in mee Q. How may a man know whether He haue the Spirit abiding in him A. 1. By that spirituall seruice hee is stird vp vnto and enabled thereby to performe Rom. 1.4 Iohn 6.63 the Spirit quickeneth especially to prayer 2. By that holinesse of life which follows the presence of the Spirit 3. By the fruits of the Spirit loue ioy peace long-suffering Rom. 6.22 gentlenes goodnes faith meeknesse and temperance 4. Gal. 5.22 23. Rom 8.16 By that inward testimony and comfort a man may feele in all spirituall conflicts and distresses 5. Ephes 4.30 By that care he hath not to grieue the Spirit but to cherish the motions and follow the directions thereof Q. Which is the ninth Article Ans The holy Catholike Church Communion of Saints Q What doth this Article containe A. A confession and description of the house of God the Spouse of Christ the Church being the second generall part of the Creed Q. Whom doe you meane by Church here Acts 2.47 Heb. 12.22 A. That Vniuersall inuisible society consisting onely of the elect ordained to eternall life quickned by the Spirit and so prepared for glory Q. What doe you confesse here touching this Church A. First notwithstanding the Vniuersall corruption of mankind and their desperate estate vnder sinne Ephe. 1.3.4 Tit. 2.14 yet God hath his company in the world there is such a Church the Mother and nurse of Christians the pillar and ground of truth 1. Tim. 3.15 Secondly that this Church must be beleeued to bee it is aboue sence and reason Psal 14.1 2 3. Acts 13.48 they iudging it improbable if not impossible therefore called the inuisible Church in regard of her dispertion spirituall condition and mysticall Vnion with Christ Q. What is it to beleeue the Church A. First Mat. 16.18.18.17 to acknowledge a number of beleeuers alwayes extant in the world Secondly to bee perswaded vpon good grounds out of Scripture Rom. 16.1 that I am one of her children Thirdly couragiously to resolue to liue and dye in the Vnity of this Church Fourthly to assent to that truth of God
sleep to commit our spirits and bodies vnto the Lords dispose endeauouring our eyes may close with a meditation vpon some text of Scripture Ephes 6.11 2 Cor. 10.5 Thirdly in both to put and keepe on our spirituall armour of faith and loue daily practising these three duties First 1 Cor. 10.24 to weaken selfe-loue by discouerie and dislike Secondly to curbe and restraine an euill eye Phil. 4.11 looke on nothing that is thy neighbours with enuious delight Thirdly Pro. 30.8 9 pray earnestly for contentednes wherein all present happinesse consists Q. Can any man now keepe all these lawes A. No none of them 2 Cor. 3.5 Gal. 3.21 nor part of any with that perfection of obedience as is required Q. Why then was the law giuen A. First to shew vs our happinesse by creation able to haue kept them all Secondly Eccles 7.29 Gal. 3.19 to lay open sinne vnto vs as in a glasse and our misery since the fall Thirdly Iames 1.23 Gal. 3.24 to pronounce the sentence of death and damnation to all Adams posterity Fourthly to let vs see what God expects from vs and what we must endeauour to doe in this case Q. Why what must we doe A. First acknowledge our weakenesse and wretchednesse with teares vpon our knees often Gen. 6.5 Secondly seeing the curse and wrath of God hanging ouer our heads as a storme Rom. 7.24 25. we must runne to Christ and cast our selues into his armes for succour Psal 119.5 Thirdly wee must pray for grace to haue respect vnto all and God for Christs sake will then accept the will for the deed Q. Which is the next duty required to be done by vs for saluation after Baptisme A. Prayer for faith to beleeue that credible truth proposed by the true Church and for grace to obey the Commandements Q. What is prayer A. A messenger of the soule sent from a contrite heart vnto God by Christ Psal 50.7 for a supply of wants the summe of the message being First 1 Tim. 2.5 Iohn 16 23 a compassionate description of our miserie both generall and particular Secondly Psal 51.1 2.3.4.5.6 an earnest petition for mercy as for life Thirdly a deprecation for the auerting of iudgements deserued Iames 5.16 Fourthly intercession for our liuing brethren Fifthly Psal 50.14 thanksgiuing for all the testimonies of Gods loue vnto vs in Christ Q. What is required in him that would pray with successe A. First affiance in God Heb. 11.6 Eccles 5.2 faith to beleeue he is able and willing to heare Secondly reuerence and filiall feare considering to whom we pray Thirdly Iames 5.16 Mat. 5.23 24 an inward feeling of the want of those things wee craue at his hands Fourthly feruent zeale whereby we wrestle with God till he blesse vs. Fifthly Luke 18.1 charity towards our offending or any way distressed brethren Sixtly patience with constancy till we haue our desire Q. When must men pray A. The time of prayer is two-fold Psal 55.17 Dan. 6.10 1 Thes 5.17 First ordinary morning euening and at noone day Secondly extraordinary such are the times of temptation affliction or any heauy visitation Q. Where must we pray A. The place of prayer is two-fold First publike in and with the Church where the Minister is or ought to be Gods voice to the people in teaching Mat. 21.13.6.6 and the peoples voice to God in prayer Secondly priuate and that first alone in our chamber closet or any other retired or conuenient place then with our charge if we haue any no time nor place amisse if circumstances be answerable Q. Why must men pray A. First because of their wants Math. 20.30 31 32 33. not able to thinke a good thought full of wounds and sores they are and haue nothing of their owne to cure them Psal 50.14 Math. 7.7 Secondly this is the Lords ordinance his meanes appointed to supply our defects ease our heauy hearts enrich vs with health and grace Q. But I cannot pray or not without many troubled thoughts and failings which terrifie me from the duty and distract mee A. First where there is no ability nor desire to pray there is no spirituall life Secondly Phil. 1.6 euill thoughts dislikt may distract the petitioner 1 Tim. 5.5 but they cannot frustrate prayer resist them by degrees wrestle not with them ouer much nor ouer long at any one time Thirdly if they so farre preuaile at any time as that you cannot speake Psal 77 4. point to your sores as maimed dumbe men vse to doe lay open your wants in thought and tell the Lord plainely what hindereth you Fourthly highly prize the ability to pray and what is omitted at one time resolue if the Lord giue strength to redeeme at another Q. I haue prayed long and often yet feele my selfe nothing the better A. First let such a one search himselfe Psal 66.18 2 Cor. 12.9 Iames 4.3 there may be some beloued sinne not forsaken or neuer repented of Secondly the Lord would haue you to bee more earnest to prize his fauour and grace more Thirdly it may bee the Lord hath heard and granted your request in it self or something better though you apprehend it not a Christian liues and prayes by faith not sence Fourthly else you pray amisse for matter or manner Q. Why how must we pray A. According to Gods will reuealed in his Word Math. 6.9.21.22 especially with reference to that forme of prayer which Christ himselfe who best knew the will of his Father taught and left vs saying Our father which art in heauen c. Q. How many parts are there in that prayer A. Three First an introduction or preface in these words Our Father which art in heauen Secondly the prayer of selfe contained in seuen petitions following Thirdly the close or conclusion in the last words Q. Why is that preface set before the prayer A. First to teach vs that we presume not to present our supplication without some preparation Secondly Eccle. 5.2 Heb. 12.29 to admonish vs of his glorious Maiesty to whom we are about to speake Q. How must we conceiue of God in prayer A. As he hath reuealed himselfe in the Word First resist all carnall conceits that would represent him vnder a forme or shape Secondly Deut. 4.15 keepe in mind some of the Lords attributes Esay 40.18 Exod. 34.6.33.18.19 as holy iust powerfull c. Thirdly conceiue him to bee an excellency beyond conceit apprehension or expression Fourthly fixe your thoughts first vpon the glorified humanity of Christ ascending by degrees towards the Deity admiring and adoring what you cannot apprehend Q. What is the meaning of this Title Father Iohn 17.10 A. First that God is indeed a Father of Christ by eternall generation and personall Vnion of beleeuing Christians by spirituall regeneration and adoption Matth. 6.6 Ephes 3.14 Rom. 8.14 15. Secondly
by degrees of the body of sinne Ephes 4.22 an abolishing of the power of naturall corruption Col. 3.5 Rom. 6.12 13. the guilt whereof was taken away in Baptisme by the efficacy of Christs death if after wee set our selues against the corrupt motions of the flesh Secondly Ephes 4.23 24 25. Viuification which is a renouation of vs in the Spirit of our mindes when Christ by vertue of his Resurrection raises vs vp to be fit temples for him to dwell and rule in by his Spirit Question How may a Christian discerne this worke in himselfe that it is begunne in him A. First by a hearty dislike of himselfe for sinne griefe following euery knowne offence desiring as earnestly to haue power ouer sinne as pardon Secondly 2 Cor. 7.11 by a diligent studie to learne the grounds 2. Pet. 3.15 Col. 3.2 and readinesse of mind to giue an account of that hope which is in him with meekenesse and feare Thirdly Phil. 3.20 Rom. 7.18 Heb. 12.14 by his heauenly mindednesse being freed from the heauy drosse though not from the being of sinne Rom. 6.22 the soule mounts vpward with ease Tit. 2.3 2 Cor. 7.1 Fourthly by a sensible feeling of the want of holynesse grieuing and seeking to haue it encreasâ—d Fifthly by humilitie and frequency in holy duties with delight hauing his thoughts words and deeds answerably holy at least in desire Sixtly by a loue of holynesse in others Q What is conscience Iohn 8.9 Rom. 2.15 2 Cor. 1.12 Answ It is an vnseparable power of the soule continually obseruing and by reflection applying to iudge impartially of euery action past with the manner of doing according to the rules of right reason Q. How is conscience rectified and made good to vs A. First by an act on Gods part Heb. 10.12 9.14 which is a worke of the spirit sanctifying and so restoring the soule to her first regularitie nothing can worke well as God would haue it Acts 24.16 vnlesse it bee such as God made it Secondly by a duty on our part which is earnest prayer finding conscience irregular ignorant secure or seared that the Lord would renew rectifie and guide it to all wholesome motions and operations Q. How may such a rectified good conscience be knowne A. By a speaking power it hath to determine aright of good and euill Rom. 2.15 1. Tim. 4.2 Psal 141.5 Gen. 39.9 Rom. 13.5 stirring vp and restraining excusing and accusing accordingly Secondly by an inward delight in a piercing ministery that wakens and sets conscience a working Thirdly by tendernesse not daring to follow a common custome without warrant abstaining from gainefull corruptions and suffering for conscience sake Q. How may wee keepe it in this good order 2 Sam. 24.10 Psal 119.9 Gal. 6.16 1 Tim. 1.19 A First by hearkning to the voyce thereof acquainting our selues therewith by frequent conference and examination least we be strangers at home and know it not Secondly by referring the dictates of conscience to a superiour rule comparing her sentence with the Word of God lest we make an Idoll thereof Thirdly by esteeming the integrity and tranquillitie thereof in a peaceable purity aboue all riches and treasure in the world Fourthly by cleauing to the plainest and safest side in all doubtfull cases Q. What doe you vnderstand by the terme Church Mat. 7.47 Reu. 12.1 A. First a mixt multitude of men and women baptized professing Christ in the vse of his ordinances performing or faining to performe conformity in practice Luk. 12.32 called commonly the visible Church Secondly a dispersed and despised company of men and women Acts 14.22 rich in faith called by the Word to haue Vnion and Communion with Christ their head in the profession of his Gospell and vse of his Sacraments striuing through many afflictions to enter the Kingdome of Heauen called the inuisible Church Q. What is Christian Religion A. An holy meanes appointed by Christ in his Word for the knitting of his seruants vnto him in all religious duties Iames 1.27 Heb 9.1 the seruice consisting specially in workes of piety purity and charity ioyned with knowledge and loue of the true God Q. Who are true Christians and professors indeed of this Religion A. True Christians are First Rom. 8.29 Ier. 31.3 all such as are the obiects of Gods free loue and mercy in Christ though they neuer liued actually to know Christ or professe his truth Acts 10.35.17.17 Secondly all such as knowing Christ doe loue and beleeue in him although neuer baptized nor called into a visible Church Thirdly all such as knowing and beleeuing doe confesse Christ and professe his truth with zeale and knowledge yeelding due respect to all Christs Ordinances and growing by them Rom. 10.10 Luke 1.6 Psa 119.5 6 allowing themselues in no knowne sinne conscionable in priuate as in publike duties louing helping and encouraging one another Q Is there no Atheisme and irreligiousnesse among Christians in the profession of their Religion A. Yes much in many hauing a name an outward forme and nothing else Acts 5.1 2.3 4 5. which comes to passe by reason First of that deceitfull sinne of hypocrisie whereby men dissemble with God and the world Math. 13.5 deceiuing sometimes their owne hearts Secondly of neutralitie lukewarmnesse and indifferencie Reu. 3.15 16. when men relye vpon their ciuill honestie morall iustice and will goe no further comming short of Heauen Thirdly Iohn 6.64 Rom. 2.24 of infidelitie concerning Gods omnipresency omnipotencie and veritie of his Word in promises and threatnings many want faith that make a faire show in all things else Fourthly of open prophanenesse liuing worse then the worst Heathens so drawing the blacke cloud of scandall ouer the brightnesse of our Christian faith such after admonition should be remooued Q. What is hypocrisie A. It is a glorious pietie without gracious sinceritie and is twofold First grosse Mat. 23.27.19.21 22. whereby a man deceiues other men not himselfe knowing he is not what he appeares to be nor indeed heartily desires it Secondly refined and formall whereby a man deceiues others and himselfe also Q. How may an hypocrite be knowne A. It is verie difficult for in all outward duties he may Mat. 6.20 and doth goe as farre for a time as the soundest Christian professing hearing Mat. 23.23 praying and yeelding some spirituall fruits so passing the ciuill honest man many degrees but may be thus discerned First hee is verie strict in small matters in weightier taking any libertie 2 Sam. 15.30 which may stand with his reputation Secondly he is heartily greedie after preheminencie worldly pompe and glorie 3 Iohn 9. a blocke which a formall hypocrite can neuer leape ouer if religion be so strict as to crosse his preferment he is so bold as to crosse out that part of religion Mat. 7.3 4. Thirdly hee is much employed in searching