may live together as Man and Wife The man may not maâ—ry any of his wifes kinred nearer in blood than he may of his own nor the Woâ—an of her Husbands kindred nearer in blood than of her own V. Adultery or fornication committed after a Contract being detected before Marâ—iage giveth iust occasion to the innocent Party to dissolve that contract In the case of Adultery after Marriage it is lawful for the innocent party to sue out a divorce and afâ—er the divorce to marry another as if the offending party were dead VI. Although the corruptions of man be such as is apt to study Arguments unduely to put asunder thosâ— whom God hath jâ—yned together in marriage yet â—â—thing but Adultery or such wilful desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church or Civil Magistrate is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of Marriage Wherein a publick and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed And the persons concerned in it not left to their own wills discretion in their own case CHAP. XXV Of the Church THE Catholick or Universal Church which is invisible consists of the whole number of the Elect that have been are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the Head thereof and is the Spouse the Body the fulness of him that filleth all in all II. The Visible Church which is also Catholick or Universal undeâ— the Gospel not confined to one Nation as before under the law consistâ— of all those throughout the world that proâ—ess the true Religion together with their Children anâ— is the Kingdom of the Lord Jesuâ— Christ the House and family oâ— God ouâ— of which there is no ordinary possibility of Salvation III. Unto this Catholick visible Church Christ hath given the Ministry Oracles and Ordinances of God for the gathering and perfecting of the Saints in this life to the end of the World and doth by his own presence and spirit according to his promise make them effectual thereunto IV. This Catholick Church hath been sometimes more sometimes less visible And particular Churches which are Members thereof are more or less pure according as the Doctrine of the Gospel is taught and imbraced Ordinances administred and publick Worship performed more or less purely in them V. The purest Churches under Heaven are subject both to mixture and errour and some have so degenerated as to become no Churches of Christ but Synagogues of Satan Nevertheless there shall be alwaies a Church on Earth to worship God according to his will VI. There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ Nor can the Pope of Rome in any sence be head thereof but is that Anti-Christ that Man of sin and Son of perdition that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ and all that is called God CHAP. XXVI Of the Communion of Saints ALL Saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head by his Spirit and by Faith have fellowship with him in his graces sufferings death resurrection and glory And being united to one another in love they have communion in each others gifts and graces and are obliged to the performance of such duties publick and private as do conduce to their mutual good both in the inward outward man II. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God and in performing such other spiritual servicâ—s as tend to their mutual edification as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities and necessities Which Communion as God offereth opportunity is to be extended unto all those who in every place call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus III. This Communion which the Saints have with Christ doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his God-head or to be equal with Christ in any respect either of which to affirâ— is impious and blasphemâ—us Nor doth their Communion one with another as Saints take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions CHAP. XXVII Of the Sacraments SAcraments are holy Signs and Seals of the Covenant of grace immediately instituted by God to represent Christ and his benefits and to confirm our interest in him as also to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church and the rest of the world and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ according to his word II. There is in every Sacrament a Spiritual relation or Sacramental union between the sign and the thing signified whence it comes to pass that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the Sacraments rightly used is not conferred by any power in them neither doth the efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it but upon the work of the Spirit and the word of institution which contains together with a precept authorizing the use thereof a promise of benefit to worthy receivers IV. There be only two Sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel that is to say Baptism and the Supper of the Lord neither of which may be dispensed by any but by a Minister of the word lawfully ordained V. The Sacraments of the Old Testament in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited were for substance the same with those of the New CHAP. XXVIII Of Baptisme BAptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament ordained by Jesus Christ not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible Church but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace of his ingrafting into Christ of Regeneration of Remission of sins and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ to walk in newness of life which Sacrament is by Christs own appointment to be continued in his Church untill the end of the World II. The outward Element to be used in the Sacrament is Water wherewith the party is to be Baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy-Ghost by a Minister of the Gospel lawfully called thereunto III. Dipping of the person into the Water is not necessary but Baptism is rightly administred by pouring or sprinkling Water upon the person IV. Not only those that do actually pâ—ofâ—ss Faith in and obedience unto Christ but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized V. Although iâ— be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance yet â—race and Salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it or that all
require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law he requireth of us repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation Q. 154. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation A. The outward and ordinary means wereby Christ communicaâ—eth to his Church the benefits of his â—ediation are all his ordinances â—specially the word Sacraments â—nd Prayer all which are made effeâ—tual to the elect for their salvation Q. 195. How iâ— the Word made â—ffectual to salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the â—â—ading but especially the preaching â—f the word an effectual means of â—â—lightning convincing and humâ—ing sinners of driving them out 〈◊〉 themselves drawing them unâ—â— Christ of conforming them to 〈◊〉 Image subduing them to his â—ll of strengthening them against â—â—mptations and corruptions of building them up in grace and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation Q. 156. Is the word of God to bâ— read by all A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the word publickly to thâ— Congregation yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart bâ— themselves and with their famâ—â—lies to which end the holy Scripâ—tures are to be translated out of 〈◊〉 Original into vulgar languages Q. 157. How is the word of Gâ—â— to be read A. The holy Scriptures are to be reaâ— with an high and reverent esteem them with a firm perswasion thâ— they are the very word of God that he only can enable us to undâ—â—â—stand them with desire to knoâ— believe obey the will of God â—â—â—vealed in them with diligence attention to the matter 〈◊〉 of them with meditation appâ—â—â—cation self-denial and prayeâ— Q. 158. By whom is the word God to be preached A. The word of God is to be preaâ—â—â—ed only by such as are sufficieâ—â—â—ly gifted and also duly approved and called to that office Q. 159. How is the word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the word are to preach sound doctrine diligently in season out of season plainly not in the enticing words of mens wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and power faithfully makâ—ng known the whole counsel of God wisely applying themselves to â—he necessities and capacities of the â—earers zealously with fervent â—ove to God and the souls of the people sincerely aiming at his glory and their conversion ediâ—ication and salvation Q. 160. What is required of those â—hat hear the word preached A. It is required of those that hear â—he word preached that they attend â—pon it with diligence preparatiâ—n prayer examine what they â—ear by the Scriptures receive the â—â—uth with faith love meekness â—nd readiness of mind as the Word of God meditate and confer of it hide it in their hearts and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives Q. 161. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation not by any power in themselves or any vertue derived from the piety intention of him by whom they are administred but only by the working of the holy Ghost and the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted Q. 162. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church to signifie seal and exhibit unto those that are within the Covenant of Grace the benefits of his mediation to strengthen and increase their faith all other graces to oblige them to obedience to testifie and cherish their love and communion one with another and to distinguish them from those that are without Q. 163. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. The parts of a Sacrament are two the one an outward and senâ—sible sign used according to Christs own appointment the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signified Q. 164. How many Sacraments hath Christ instituted in his Church under the New Testament A. Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his Church only two Sacraments Baptism and the Lords Supper Q. 163. What is Baptism A. Baptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost to be a sign and seal of ingrafting into himself of remission of sins by his blood and regeneration by his Spirit of adoption and resurrection unto everlasting life and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible Church and enter into an open and professed ingagement to be wholly and only the Lords Q. 166. Unto whom is Baptism to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church so strangers from the Covenant of promise till they profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him but infants descending from parents either both or but one of them prâ—fessing faith in Christ and obedience to him are in that respect within the Covenant and to be baptized Q. 167. How is our baptism to be improved by us A. The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism is to be performed by us all our life long especially in the time of temptation and when we are present at the administration of it to others by serious and thankful conâ—ideration of the nature of it of the ends for which Christ instituted it the priviledges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby and our solemn vow made therein by being humbled for our sinful defilements our falling short of and walking contrary to the grace of Baptism and our ingagements by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin and of all other blessings sealed to us in that Sacrament by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ into whom we are baptized for the mortifying of sin and quickning of grace and by endeavouring to live by faith to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness as those that have therein given up there name to Christ and to walk in brotherly love as being baptized by the same spirit into one body Q. 168. What is the Lords Supper A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament of the New
Testament wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ his death is shewed forth and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace have their union communion with him confirmed testifie and renew their thankfulness and ingagement to God and their mutual love and fellowship each with other as members of the same mystical body Q. 169. How hath Christ appointed bread wine to be given and received in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. Christ hath appointed the ministers of his word in the administratition of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to set apart the bread and wine from common use by the word of institution thanksgiving prayer to take and break the bread and to give both the bread the wine to the Communicants who are by the same appointment to take eat the bread and to drink the wine in thankful remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given and his blood shed for them Q. 170. How do they that worthily communicate in the Lords Supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein A. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in with or under the bread and wine in the Lords Supper and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their outward sense so they that worthily communicate in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ not after a corporal or carnal but in a spiritual manner yet truly really while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified and all the benefits of his death Q. 171. How are they that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it A. They that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper are before they come to prepare themselves thereunto by examining themselves of their being in Christ of their sins and wants of the truth and measure of their knowledge faith repentance love to God and the brethren charity to all men forgiving those that have done them wrong of their desires after Christ and of their new obedience and by renewing the exercise of these graces by serious meditation and fervent prayers Q. 172. May one who doubteth of his being in Christ or of his due preparation come to the Lords Supper A. One who doubteth of his being in Christ or of his due preparation to the Sacrament of the Lords supper may have true interest in Christ though he be not yet assured thereof and in Gods account hath it if he be duely affected with the apprehension of the want of it unfainedly desires to be found in Christ and to depart from iniquity in which case because promises are made and this Sacrament is appointed for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians he is to bewail his unbelief and labour to have his doubts resolved and so doing he may and ought to come to the Lords Supper that he may be further strengthened Q. 173. May any who profess the faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper be kept from it A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous notwithstanding their profession of the faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper may and ought to be kept from that Sacrament by the power which Christ hath left in his Church until they receive instruction and manifest their reformation Q. 174. What is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in the time of the administration of it A. It is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper that during the time of the administration of it with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that Ordinance did ligently observe the Sacramental Elements and actions heedfully discern the Lords Body and affectionatly meditate on his death and sufferings and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces in judging themselves and sorrowing for sin in earnest hungring and thirsting after Christ feeding on him by faith receiving of his fulness trusting in his merits rejoycing in his love giving thanks for his grace in renewing of their Covenant with God and love to all the Saints Q. 175. What is the duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. The duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein and with what success if they find quickning and comfort to bless God for it beg the continuance of it watch against relapses fulfil their vows and incourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance but if they find not present benefit more exactly to review their preparation to carriage at the Sacrament in both which if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time but if they see they have failed in either they are to be humbled and to attend upon it afterward with more care diligence Q. 176. Wherein do the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper agree A. The Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper agree in that the Author of both is God the spiritual part of both is Christ and his benefits both are seals of the same Covenant are to be dispensed by Ministers of the Gospel and by none other and to be continued in the Church of Christ untill his second coming Q. 177. Wherein do the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper differ A. The Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper differ in that Baptism is to be administred but once with water to be a sign seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into Christ and that even to infants whereas the Lords Supper is to be administred often in the Elements of bread and wine to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual norrishment to the soul and to confirm our continuance and growth in him and that only to such as are of years and abilitie to examine themselves Q. 178. What is Prayer A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God in the name of Christ by the help of his spirit with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies Q. 179. Are we to pray unto God only A. God only being able to search the hearts hear the requests pardon the sins
our own and our neighbours chastity in heart speech and behaviour Q. 72. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions Q. 73. Which is the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment is Thou shalt not steal Q. 74. What is required in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others Q. 75. What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbours wealth or outward estate Q. 76. Which is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour Q 77. What is required in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man and of our own and our neighbours good name especially in witness bearing Q. 78. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth or injurious to our own or our neighbours good name Q 79. Which is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife nor his man servant nor his maid servant nor his Ox nor his Ass nor any thing that is thy neighbours Q. 80. What is required in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour and all that is his Q. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The Tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his Q. 82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the Commandments of God y but doth daily break them in thought word and deed Q. 83. Are all transgressions of the Law equally hainous A. Some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravationâ— are more hainous in the sight of God than others Q. 84. What doth every sin deserve A. Every sin deserveth Gods wrath and curse both in this life and that which is to come Q. 85. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ repentance unto life with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ Communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption Q. 86. What is faith in Iesus Christ A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for Salvation as he is offered to us in the Gospel Q. 87. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace whereby a sinner out of a true sense of his sin and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience Q. 88. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption are his Ordinances especially the Word Sacrament and Prayer all which are made effectual to the Elect for salvation Q. 89. How is the word made effectual to Salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the Reading but especially the Preaching of the Word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation Q. 90. How is the word to be read and heard that it may become effectâ—al to Salvation A. That the word may become effectuaâ— to salvation we must attend thereunto with diligence preparation and prayer receive it with â—aith and love lay it up in our hearts practice it in our lives Q. 91. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation not from any vertue in them or in him that doth administer them but onely by the blessing of Christ and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them Q. 92. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance instituted by Christ wherein by sensible signs Christ and the benefits of the New Covenant are represented sealed and applyed to believers Q. 93. Which are the Sacraments of the New Testament A. The Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism and the Lords Supper Q. 94. What is Baptism A. Baptism is a Sacrament wherein the washing with water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and â—f the Holy Ghost doth signifie and seal our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace and our engagement to be the Lords Q. 95. To whom is Baptism to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church till they profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him but the infants of such as are members of the visible Church are to be baptized Q. 96. What is the Lords Supper A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament wherein by giving and receiving Bread and Wine according to Christs appointment his death is shewed forth and the worthy receivers are not after a corporal and carnal manner but by â—faith made partakers of his Body and Blood with all his benefits to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace Q. 97. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lords Supper that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lords Body of their faith to feed upon him of their repentance love and new obedience lest coming unworthily they eat and drink judgment to themselves Q. 28. VVhat is Prayer A. Prayer is an offering up of ouâ— desires unto God for things agreeable to his will in the Name of Christ with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies Q. 99. VVhat rule hath God given for our direction in Prayer A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer but the special rule of direction is that form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called The Lords Prayer Q. 110. VVhat doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The preface of the Lords Prayer which