with more feruency Thirdly to remoue some present iudgement and to preuent those that are comming and to obtaine some great mercy at the Lords hands Qu. What is an holy feast An. Concerning a holy Feast Num. 10. â—0 Zach. 1.8.10 It is a solemne thank esgining vnto God for some speciall mercy obtained from God especially by meanes of fasting Qu. Wherein doth it consist An. Partly in outward bodily exercises and partly in exercises of godlinesse Qu. What are the outward An. A more liberall vse of the creatures then at other times as meate drinke apparell (r) Nehe. 8.10 Nehemiah sayd vnto the people in the daies of their feast Goe and eate of the fat drinke of the sweete Qu. What are the exercises of godlinesse for that day An. It is in duties to God kindnesses to men Concerning the exercises for the day Qu. What are the duties to God An. A thankesgiuing vnto God for the present benefit that in an extraordinary manner both in regard of the inward ioy and gladnesse of heart and length of time with preaching praying reading the Word of God and singing of Psalmes (Å¿) Nehe. 8.4.5.6 And vpon the feast day Ezra the Scribe stood vpon a Pulpit of wood which hee had made for the Preaching And Ezra opened the booke before all the people for he was aboue all the people and when he had opened it all the people stood vp and Ezra praysed the Lord and all the people answered Amen amen with lifting vp of hands (t) Nehe. 8.8.12.17 And they read in the booke of the Law of God distinctly and gaue the sence and then all the people went to eate to drinke and made great ioy and there was very great ioy Qu. What are the kindnesses vnto men A. 1. To send gifts vnto our friends 2. To send portions to the poore (u) Hest .. 9.22 And Mordecai wrote letters vnto all the Iewes that dwelt in all the Vilages Townes That on the 14 day of the Month Adar they should keep a Feast vnto the Lord euen a ioyfull day to send presents or gifts to their Neighbours and gifts to the poore Hitherto of those thinges that belong to the administration of the Kingdome of Christ Qu. What are the Persons belonging to the administration of Christs Kingdome An. Concerning the Persons belonging to the administration of the kingdome of Christ First such Officers as God hath appointed to gouerne his Church Secondly such as are to be gouerned Qu. VVhat be those Officers An. First such as deale in the Word and Sacraments as Bishops Pastors and Teachers Secondly such as deale not in the Word and Sacraments as Elders and Deacons Qu. What are those that are to be gouerned An. The rest of the people of what calling state or condition soeuer Hitherto of the gouernment of the Kingdome of Christ concerning such as liue here in this mortall life Qu. Rehearse the 16 of Luk. v. 22 An. Concerning the death of the righteous the wicked And it was so that the begger dyed and was carryed by the Angel into Abrahams bosome the rich man died also and was buried Qu. What is the doctrine of this place An. It doth set forth the estate of the dead Qu. What is to bee obserued concerning that point An. First some thing common to good and bad Secondly some thing proper to each Qu. What is common to both An. First a separation of the soule from the body Concerning what is com mon to both and proper to each Secondly the putrifaction of the body in the graue Qu. After death what is proper to each An. First the soules of the righteous goe vnto euerlasting blessednesse Ioh. 14.3 Secondly the soules of the vnrighteous to extreame torments in hell fier for euermore Qu. When do their soules passe to the place appointed for them An. Immediately so soone as the soule leaues the body it goeth to the place appointed Luke 23.43 Then Iesus sayd vnto him verily I say vnto thee To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Qu. Rehearse the 1. of Corinthians Chap. 15. and the 51.52 verses An. Behold I shew you a secret thing Concerning the last resurrection we shall not all sleepe but wee shall all be changed in a moment in the twinckling of an eye at the last trumpet for the trumpet shall blow the dead shall be raysed vp incorruptible and we shall be changed Qu. What learne you from this place of Scripture An. First that the bodies of the faithfull shall rise Secondly in what manner the shall rise Qu. By what arguments doth the Gospel proue that the bodies of the faithfull shall rise An. First because Christ is risen Secondly that else the preaching of the Gospell our baptisme and sufferings should be vaine Thirdly that else we should be stil in our sinnes and then most miserable of all creatures Qu. In what manner shall the bodies of the faithfull be raised An. It shall be changed from a body subiect to weakenesse and infirmities dishonour and corruptions into a body perfectly strong glorious and immortall (x) Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile bodies that they may bee fashioned like vnto his glorious Bodie Qu. Shall all the bodies of the faithfull be thus changed An. The dead shall be first raised and thus changed and then those that are found aliue at his comming shal be thus changed (y) 1 Thes 4.16.17 And the dead in Christ shall first rise then shall we which liue and remaine bee caught vp with them also in the cloudes to meete the Lord in the Ayre Qu. Rehearse the 25 Chapter of Matthew the 31.32.33.34.35 ver An. And when the Sonne of man commeth in his glory and all the holy Angels with him then shall he sit vpon on the throne of his glory And before him shall be gathered all the Nations of the earth and he shall separate them one from another as a sheepheard separateth the sheep from the Goates And he shall set the sheepe on his right hand and the Goates on the left Then shall the King say to them on his right hand Come yee blessed of my Fathers inherite yee the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world After shall he say vnto them on the left hand Depart from me yee cursed into euerlasting fier which is prepared for the diuell and his Angels Qu. What is the scope of this place of Scripture An. The last iudgement Qu. What haue we to consider concerning that An. Foure things 1. The certainty of it 2. The tokens of it 2. The manner of it 4. The end of it Qu. What is the certainty of it An. Reuel 10.6 Christ hath often foretold it and sworne it Qu. What bee the tokens of it going before An. First a generall apostasie Concerning the signes going before (z) 2 Thes 2.3 Let no man deceiue you by any meanes for that day shal not come except there first come a falling away Secondly adeparting from the Doctrine of Faith and multiplitciy of Heresies (a) 1 Tim. 4.1 Now the Spirit speaketh euidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith and shall giue heed vnto the spirits of errours and doctrines of diuels (b) Luk. 18.8 But when the Sonne of Man commeth shall he find faith on the earth 3. (c) Mat. 24.12 The loue of many shalwax cold Fourthly a generall security (d) Mat. 24.37.38.39 But as in the daies of Noah so likewise shall the comming of the Son of man bee For they did eate and drinke and married and gaue in mariage and knew nothing till the Floud came end tooke them all away So also shall it bee at the comming of the Sonne of Man Qu. In what manner shall Christ come to iudgement An. With great power and glory (e) Mark 13.26 And then shall they see the Sonne of Man comming in the Cloudes with great power and glory Qu. What is the end of Christs comming to iudgement Concerning the end of Christs comming to iudgement An. It is two-fold 1. To giue sentence 2. To execute the same Qu. What consider you in the sentence An. 1. That it is for the righteous (f) Mat. 25.35 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you 2. That it is against the wicked (g) Mat. 35.38 Goe ye cursed into euerlasting fire prepared for the diuel and his Angels Q. What consider you in the execution An. First the casting of the wicked into hell Secondly the triumphant going of the righteous into Heauen Qu. What is to bee considered in that their estate of glory An. Their full fruition and inioyment of their glorious inheritance which Christ their head merited for them prepared for them and kept for them Qu. Shall then the administration of Christs Kingdome haue an end An. Yes It shall then haue an end when he hath deliuered vp the Kingdome to God euen the Father when he hath put downe all rule and all authority and power (i) 1 Cor. 15.28 And when all thinges shall be subdued vnto him then shall the Sonne also himselfe bee subiect vnto him that did subdue all thinges vnder him that God may be All in All. Qu. How shall Christ deliuer vp his Kingdome vnto his Father and be subiect vnto him An. As he is Man Mediatour Head of his Church being perfected with his fellow heires deliuer his kingdome to God his Father and so as hee is man subiect to God the Father with whome as hee is God hee is equall and with the Holy Ghost in the Godhead Qu. How shall God be All in All vnto the Saints An. Concerning God being All in All. By their being perfectly filled with his glory and felicity God his glory shall be all in all To which glory the LORD in his appointed time bring vs for his Sonnes sake to whom be all honour and glory both now and for euermore Amen FINIS
I am perswaded by obserâ—ing your worships care in your family that you will make some good vse of the same Lastly I presumed to dedicate the same vnto your worships and your Ladyes ioyntly together both because of that neere relation that is betweene you and also because of my selfe being so much obliged vnto you humbly crauing pardon for this my boldnesse and humbly suing that these my poore labours may find acceptance I commit both you and all of yours vnto the blessing and protection of Almighty God vnto whom my prayers shall euer bee directed for your continuall ioy and comfort in the inioyment of all out ward mercies so farre as in mercy hee shall see best for you and for your continuall growth and increase in the apprehending and assurance of his free grace and fauour here and the inioyment of euer lasting glory for euer hereafter and so I reft Yours to command in what I may I. G. An Epistle to the Christian Reader CHristian Readers when I writ this Treatise I neuer intended the same should come to publike view I only intended the good of my owne priuate Familie thereby iudging my labours altogether vnworthy of common view But afterwards considering that a publike good is euer to be preferred before a priuate and being publisht it might d ee more good in the hands of many in one day then in my owne priuate Family in many yeares I was moued through the importunity of some friends to present the same resoluing that it will meet with many exceptions and obiections among many people as alwaies the workes and labours of others going before haue done Wherefore Christian Reader I thought good to acquaint you with such reasons as moued me to publish the same and to remoue such obiections as I conceiue may bee made against the same The first reason is because of all these errours and contentions which dee now so much abound is ignorance of the grounds of Religion grounded vpon the Word of God Yee erre not knowing the Scriptures Mat. 22.29 And therefore we haue cause to blesse God for that order of teaching inioyned by publike authority by way of Catechisme that so people may thereby be the better instructed in the grounds and principles of Diuinity and that the publike Catechising may bee the more profitable it is necessary that people doe acquaint themselues in priuate with such Catechismes as do most plainely by the Scriptures set forth the grounds and principles of Religion and among the rest of Catechismes that are published Christian Reader you shall not find your labour lost in the reading of this Catechisme for this I dare presume that those that read the same with vnderstanding shall bee able to vnderstand in some measure any ground of Religion that is taught by the Minister in publicke which would be to no small profit both to the Minister and people Secondly because I haue obserued by experience that the more Ministers contend against those errours which doe now so much abound either in their Sermons or writings the more they spread abroad because such is the corruption of mans nature through pride that the more hee is opposed in those errours which he mayntaines the more strongly hee labours to defend them spread them abroad Whereby the peace and vnity of the Church is much broken and disturbed to the great griefe and wounding of the soules of all Gods people and therefore I conceiue that the best way both to suppresse heresie and to maintaine the peace and vnity of the Church is positiuely to maintaine those grounds of diuinity which are established and inioyned by publike authority grounded vpon the Word of God for one contrary will expell another when light comes darkenesse is expelled and so when the light of Gods Word is clearely set forth and shines in the Church the darknesse of Popery and all other errours will be dayly expelled like as it was with the Philistians Dagon when the Arke was set vp Dagon fel to the ground of himselfe So when Christ and his Gospell is set vp and maintained who is the true Arke then Dagon all false Religion will fall downe to the ground for nothing so much ouer-throwes Sathan and his Kingdome For by the preaching of the Gospell Sathan is sayed to fall from Heauen like lightning and therefore wee haue great cause to blesse God in that wee haue those grounds of Religion grounded vpon the word established by publike authority and inioyning all the Ministers of this Land to teach and maintayne the same the which I could wish were not too much neglected by many For my owne part that loue that I beare to the truth of Gods Word and to the peace and vnity of the Church moued me to cast in my Mite desiring that it may bee a meanes to stirre vp others who are farre more able to cast in out of their treasures that so the truth of Gods Word may be more cleared the doctrine of the Church the peace and vnity of the same more defended and maintayned the ignorant instructed and errours suppressed all of which by this meanes through the blessing of God may be effected I take not vpon me to teach any but I onely shew my iudgement as an inferiour not passing for the censure of any It may be some will be ready to obiect say that this was agreat deale of needlesse labour spent For we haue no need of new Catechismes now seeing we haue so many Printed already made by worthy learned men and seeing that there is publike Catechising in euery Congregation to which I answer I confesse that there are many publike Catechismes made by learned men to whom I iudge my selfe farre inferiour and yet I say that among all those varieties of printed Catechismes you shal find this differing from all other in matter method or manner if not in all for I neuer yet saw two Catechismes that were iust alike in matter method and manner although they were both concerning the same grounds but how-euer in this one thing it is different from all the Catechismes that euer I yet saw namely in the manner of prouing the grounds for in all ordinary Catechismes the places of Scripture are onely quoted to proue the grounds by reason where of people that are not acquainted with the Scriptures knowes not whether those grounds be agreable to the word of God or no and to turne to euery proofe is such a labour as that few will vndertake the same Wherefore to ease the Reader I haue taken the more paynes not onely to quote the proofes of Scripture but also to write them downe framing euery answer so neere as I could to the very wordes of my Text alleadged for the prouing of the same with explication of such thinges as are obscure which labour I shall thinke well bestowed in writing so that it may bee profitable to the Reader Agayne I conceiue that there is the more need of Printed Catechismes in
And hath by himselfe purged our sinnes (n) 〈◊〉 5.26.27 And gaue himselfe for his Church that hee might sanctifie it and cleanse it by the washing of water through the word that hee might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blame (o) Col. 1.22 In the body of his flesh through death to make you holy and vnblameable and without fault in his sight that is in Gods sight or before God Qu. What is imputation An. It is the reckoning accepting or pronouncing of al beleeuers perfectly righteous in the righteousnesse of Christ (p) Rom. 4 4. But to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse that is Christ or the righteousnesse of Christ which is the obiect of faith and is counted or reckoned for righteousnesse (q) Rom. 4.11 That righteousnesse might bee imputed to them also Qu. Is a beleeuer made thus perfectly righteous now in his Iustification A. Yes for this righteousnes of Iustification is one indiuiduall act wrought at one and the same time (r) Heb. 9.24 But is entred into very heauen now to appeare in the sight of God for vs (Å¿) Heb. 10.14 for with one offering hath he perfected for euer them that are sanctified (t) 1 Joh. 4.7 As he is so are we in this present world (u) Col. 2.10 And ye are compleate in him Qu. Concerning Sanctificaon the second part of Redemption What is Sanctification An. It is the worke of the Spirit of Christ in a beleeuer whereby the body of sinne is dayly weakened and whereby by they dayly grow like vnto Christ their head by imitation in shewing forth the truth of their faith by good workes (x) 2. Thes 2.13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluatioÌ„ through sanctification of the Spirit 1. Pet. 1.2 And therfore called the spirit of sanctification Rom. 1.4 (y) Rom. 8.10 And if Christ bee in you the body is dead because of sinne but the spirit is life for righteousnesse sake (z) Mat. 5.16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good workes glorifie your father which is in heauen (a) Jam 2.18 Shew mee thy faith out of thy workes and I will shew thee my faith by my workes Qu. What are the parts of Sanctification An. They are two First Mortification Secondly Quickning (b) Col. 3.5 Mortifie therefore your members which are on the earth (c) Rom. 8.11 But if the Spirit of him that raised vp Iesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised vp Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortall bodies because that his Spirit dwelleth in you Qu. What is Mortification An. A subduing of the power of sin (d) Mica 7.19 The Lord by his spirit will subdue our iniquities and our sinnes Qu. What is Quickning An. A renewing of the beleeuer to newnesse of life (e) Rom. 6.4 Wee are buried with him by baptisme into his death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father so wee also should walke in newnesse of life (f) Rom. 6.5 For if we be grafted with him to the similitude of his death euen so shall we be likewise of his resurrection Qu. Is this sanctification perfected at once in a Christian in this life An. No it is perfected by degrees and neuer fully perfected till the end of this life (g) 2. Cor. 7.1 Seeing then we haue these promises dearely beloued let vs clense our selues from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit and grow vp vnto full holinesse in the feare of God or perfecting holinesse Qu. Why is not this sanctification perfect in this life An. Because the Lord will haue a Christian liue by faith and not by sence and feeling (h) 2. Cor. 5.7 For we walke by faith and not by sight Qu. What is that other part of Christs priesthood which you called intercession An. Concerning the intercession of Christ. It is that whereby Christ doth continually present before God the vertue of his death sufferings by which the pollution of a beleeuers works are taken away before God (i) 1. Ioh. 2.1 My babes these things write I vnto you that ye sinne not and if any man sinne we haue an aduocate or intercessor with the father Iesus Christ the Iust For the office of intercession and redemption are ioyned together Qu. What is the other part of Christs mediatorship An. His Kingdome whereby all the workes of his Priesthood are made profitable to all the Elect. Qu. What is to bee considered in the Kingdome of Christ vnto the Elect A. Two things 1. The kingdome it selfe 2. The administration of it Qu. What is to bee considered in the Kingdome it selfe Concerning the Kingdome of Christ An. Two things 1. That it is a kingdome of grace 2. That it is a Kingdome of glory (k) Zech. 12.10 And I will poure vpon the house of Dauid and vpon the inhabitants of Ierusalem the spirit of grace (l) Ioh. 17 5.22 And now glorifie me O Father with thine owne selfe or owne glory and The glory that thou gauest me I haue giuen them Qu. What else consider you in this Kingdome An. Two things 1. The greatnesse of it 2. The nature of it Qu. Wherein doth the greatnesse of it consist Concerning the greatnesse of Châ—â—â—â—s Kingdome An. In Two things 1. In the extent which is vniuersall 2. In the power of it which is absolute (m) Psal 1.8 Aske of mee and I will giue thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the ends of the earth for thy possession (n) 〈◊〉 3.7 Which hath the Key of Dauid who openeth no man shutteth shutteth and no man openeth Qu. Of what nature is this Kingdome An. Concerning the nature of it First it is spirituall (o) Ioh. 18.36 My Kingdome is not of this world Secondly it is eternall (p) Dan. 7.27 And the Kingdome and dominion the greatnesse of the Kingdom vnder the whole heauen shall be giuen to the holy people of the most High whose kingdom is an euerlasting kingdome and all powers shall serue and obey him (q) Luk. 1.33 And he shall raigne ouer the house of Iacob for euer and of his kingdome shall be none end Qu. Are all beleeuers partakers of this Priesthood and Kingdome An. Yes they are all made Priests and Kings (r) 1. Pet. 2.9 But yee are a chosen generation aroyall Priesthood (Å¿) Reue. 1.6 And made vs Kings and Priests vnto God euen his Father to him bee glory and dominion for euermore Amen Qu. Wherein doth the administration of this Kingdome consist An. In things and persons Concerning the administration of Christs Kingdome Qu. What be the things An. They be of two
sorts First inward Secondly outward Qu. What be the inward An. The spirit peace ioy righteousnesse faith (t) Rom. 14.17 For the Kingdome of God is not meate nor drinke but righteousnesse and peace and ioy in the holy Ghost Concerning Faith with the definition of it Qu. What is Faith An. A receiuing or an applying of Christ and al his benefits vnto my selfe in particular that hee is mine and I am him (u) Iohn 1.12 But as many as receiued him to them he gaue power to bee the sonnes of God euen to them that beleeue in his name (x) Ioh. 20.28 Then Thomas answered said vnto him Thou art my Lord and my God (y) Cant. 2.16 My beloued is mine I am his Qu. What consider you in Faith An. First it is not of our selues (z) Mat. 16.17 And Iesus answered and sayd to him Blessed art thou Simon the sonne of Ionas for flesh and blood hath not reuealed it vnto thee but my Father which is in heauen (a) Ephe. 2.8 For by grace are ye saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God Secondly that it is not in all but in the Elect (b) 2. Thes 3. For all men haue not faith (c) Act. 13.48 And as many as were ordeined vnto eternall life beleeued Thirdly that it is manifested to menward by the fruits thereof which are good workes (d) Iam. 2.18.20 And I will shew thee my faith by my workes But wilt thou vnderstand O thou vaine man that the faith which is without workes is dead Forthly that it is common to all the faithfull and yet in a different measure (e) 2. Pet. 1.1 Simon Peter a seruant and an Apostle of Iesus Christ to you which haue obtained the like precious faith with vs. (f) 1. Cor. 12.11 And all these things worketh euen the selfesame spirit distributing to euery man seuerally as he will Fiftly that it is not here perfect in any but increaseth and groweth dayly (g) Rom. 1.17 For by it the righteousnesse of God is reuealed from faith to faith Sixtly that the least measure of faith receiueth Christ for saluation (h) Mat. 17.20 For verily I say vnto you if yee haue faith as much as is a graine of mustard seede ye shall say vnto this mountaine Remoue hence to yonder place and it shall remoue and nothing shall be vnpossible vnto you Seuenthly that it can neuer bee vtterly lost in any where it is wrought in truth (i) Rom. 11.29 For the gifts and callings of God are withont repentance Qu. What doe you vnderstand by the spirit you sayd was in the Kingdome An. That power of God which worketh in the hearts of men those things which by nature they cannot attaine vnto Concerning the Spirit with its diuers workes Qu. What are the diuers workings of the Spirit in the Church or Kingdome of Christ An. It is first in things common to the Elect and reprobate Secondly in things proper to the Elect. Qu. What is common to both An. Illumination knowledge gifts of preaching praying hearing with ioy and doing of many things (k) Mat. 7.22 Many will say to mee in that day Lord Lord haue we not by the name prophecied and cast out Diuells and done many great workes (l) Mat. 13.20 And hee that receiued the seede in the stony ground is hee which heareth the word with ioy receiueth it Qu. What is the worke of the Spirit proper to the Elect An. To worke a particular Iustifying faith and sanctification of the spirit Qu. What bee those outward things which you sayd were in the Kingdome of Christ An. Concerning the outward things in the Kingdome of Christ First such ordinances as God hath giuen his Church Secondly such as the Church giueth vnto God for seruice according to his word Qu. What bee those ordinances which God hath giuen vnto his Church An. They are three 1. The Ministery of the word 2. The Sacraments 3. The Censures of the Church Qu. What is the Ministery of the word An. Concerning the ministeriâ— of the Word It is an ordinance of God in the Church which he hath appoynted for the opening and applying of the scriptures thereby to call men to a sight of their lost miserable estate by nature and to call them to the knowledge of saluation by Iesus Christ Qu. What is a Sacrament A. It is a work of the whole Church Concerning the Sacraments in generall wherin by outward things done according to Gods appoyntment inward things are offered to all and exhibited onely to the faithfull to strengthen their faith in the eternall couenant Q. What do you consider in a Sacrament A. First some things that are outward Secondly some things that are inward Qu. What are the outward things in a Sacrament An. First the persons that doe administer and receiue Secondly that which they doe minister and receiue Qu. What be the persons An. The Minister and the persons that doe receiue Qu. What belongs to the Minister An. Chiefely to consecrate and deliuer the outward Elements Qu. Wherein stands that consecration A. First in the declaring opening the ministration of the Sacrament Secondly in prayer thanksgiuing to God the Church ioyning with him Q. Is not the nature and substance of the Elements changed by this consecration An. There is no change of the substance of the Elements for then there were no Sacrament Qu. Is there no difference then betweene these Elements and others of that kind in common vse An. None at all in substance but onely in their vse during the time of the present action Qu. Why then are the outward Elements called by the name of the thing signified as the Bread the body of Christ the Wine the blood of Christ An. First (m) 1 Cor. 10.16 To shew the vnseparable coniunction of the thing signified with the outward signe to the worthy receiuer Secondly the more fully to assure the worthy receiuer that hee doth as verily receiue the thing signified as he doth the outward signes Qu. How many Sacraments be there An. Onely two Qu. Why were there no more ordained An. Because by these two the faith of the beleeuer is sufficiently strengthned in the assurances of the free grace and fauour of God heere and eternall glory for euer heereafter Qu. Which is the first Sacrament An. Baptisme Qu. What is Baptisme An. It is a Sacrament of the new Testament whereby all that are baptised are entred and made members of the outward visible Church and all the Elect ordinarily are entred into and made members of the inuisible Church the mysticall body Qu. What is the outward signe in the Sacrament of Baptisme An. Water Qu. What doth that signifie An. Washing Qu. What agreement is there betweene the signe and the thing signified An. As water washeth away all the filth of the body so doth the blood of Christ
cleanse the Elect from all sinne originall and actuall past present and to come Qu. What benefits haue the Elect by Baptisme An. Chiefly three 1. The forgiuenesse of all their sinnes 2. Secondly their vnion with Christ 3. Their regeneration (n) 1 Pet. 3.21 To the which also the figure that now saueth vs euen Baptisme agreeth not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but in the answer of a good conscience to Godward that is by hauing remission of sins (o) Gal. 3.27 For all ye that are baptised into Christ haue put on Christ (p) Tit. 3.5 According to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth Qu. Who are to be Baptised An. The children of those that are ioyned members of the true Church and those that are conuerted and turned to be Christians Qu. What is the second Sacrament An. The Lords supper Qu. What is the Lords Supper A. It is a Sacrament of the new Testament Concerning the Lords Supper whereby the faith of the worthy receiuer is strengthened and confirmed in the assurance of the free grace of God in Christ vnto him in particular Qu. VVhat are the outward signes in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper An. Bread and Wine Qu. VVhat doe they signifie An. The body and blood of Christ Qu. VVhat agreement is there betweene the signes and the thing signified An. As bread and wine doe nourish the body so doth the body and blood of Christ nourish the soules of the faithfull vnto eternanll life Qu. VVho are to bee made partakers of this Sacrament An. Onely such as be of the Church hauing knowledge to render a reason of their faith and liue without scandal Qu. VVhat is required of those that come to this Sacrament An. That they be prepared and fitted for the same Qu. VVhat is that which prepareth and maketh fit An. Onely the righteousnesse of Christ apprehended by faith which is the wedding garment by which they are made fit guests for the Lords table Qu. How doth Baptisme and the Lords Supper agree and wherein doe they differ A. They agree in the spirituall matter which is Christ and in the end to strengthen faith First they differ in the signe as Baptisme hath Water and washing the Lords supper hath Bread Wine eating and drinking Secondly they differ in the manner of signifying as first Baptisme signifieth our first entrance into the couenant and receiuing into the Church and the Lords Supper our continuance in the same by Iesus Christ Secondly Baptisme signifieth our new birth that wee are the children of God by Iesus Christ and the Lords Supper our growing more and more in the assurance of the same Thirdly Baptisme is but once administred because we are but once borne to be children of God by Christ But the Lords Supper is often to be receiued that thereby our Faith may bee strengthened in the apprehending of Christ and his righteousnesse for our Iustification and may dayly grow and increase in sanctification till wee come to the last fruition and enioyment of eternall life Qu. What is common to the Word and Sacraments and what is proper to each An. Common to both to increase faith Proper to the word to begin faith Proper to the Sacrament more fully and effectually and sensibly to confirme faith than the word alone without the Sacrament Qu. What is the reason of this An. Because the Sacrament speakes to more of our outward sences than the word doth Qu. Concerning the censures of the Church What vse is there of the censures of the Church An. First to keepe the members of the same in order Secondly to put from amongst them such as liue not in vniformity to the will of God reuealed in his word (q) 1 Cor. 5.2 That hee that hath done this deede might be put from among you Qu. What is the end of the Censures of the Church An. To bring them to a sight of their sinne and so to repentance Qu. How many sorts are there of these Censures An. Two First Publike Secondly Priuate Qu. What are the priuate An. First priuily and alone to admonish the offâ—nder (r) Mat. 18.15 Moreouer if thy brother offend againsâ— thee goe and tell him his fault betweene thee him alone Secondly if he repent not to admonish in the hearing of others (Å¿) Mat. 18.16 But if he heare thee not take yet with thee one or two that by the mouth of two or three witnesses enery word may be confirmed Qu. What are the publike An. Two 1. Suspension 2. Excommunication (t) Num. 9.6 7. And certaine men were defiled and those men said vnto Moses and Aaron We are defiled by a dead man wherefore wee are kept backe that wee may not offer an offering vnto the Lord in the time thereunto appointed (u) Mat. 18.17 And if hee will not vouchsafe to heare them tell it vnto the Church and if hee refuse to heare the Church let him be vnto thee as an heathen and a publican (x) 1. Cor. 5.4.5 When ye are gathered together and my Spirit in the name of the Lord Iesus Christ that such a one I say by the power of our Lord Iesus Christ bee deliuered vnto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saued in the day of the Lord. Qu. Why are these Censures to be vsed in the Church An. First that the name of God be not euill spoken of by suffering scandalous persons amongst them Secondly least others that are in the Church be corrupted the weake offended Thirdly least some without be hindered from ioyning themselues to the Church Q. What is the power of these Censures An. To binde and loose the sinnes of men (y) Mat. 18.18 Verily I say vnto you whatsoeuer yee binde on earth shall bee bound in heauen and whatsoeuer yee loose on earth shal be loosed in heauen Qu. Who appoynted the censures in the Church A. Our Sauiour Christ himselfe they were practised by the Apostles (z) 1 Tim. 1.20 Of whom is Hymeneus Alexander whom I haue deliuered vnto Satan that they might learne not to blaspheme Hitherto of those Ordinances which God gâ—â—eth vnto his Church Qu. What are those ordinances which the Church performeth vnto God according to his word for seruice An. They be chiefely three 1. Prayers or thanksgiuing 2. Lasting 3. Holy â—â—asting (a) Psal 116.12.13 What shall I render vnto the Lord for all his benefits towards mee I will take the cup of saluation and call vpon the name of the Lord (b) Psal 5â— 23 He that offâ—â—reth prayse shall glorifie mee Qu. What is Prayer An. A calling vpon God alone in the name of Christ â—â—ough faith Concerning Prayer Qu. By what are beleeuers moued and enabled to pray An. By the Spirit of God and the apprehending of their owne wants necessities of the Church in generall or any member of the
same in particular Qu. Why doth the Spirit of God moue beleeuers to pray for others An. Because they haue tasted and apprehended the loue of God by which their hearts are inflamed with loue to God and men Qu. For what things are beleeuers to praey for An. Onely for those things which God in his word hath promised to ginâ— Qu. What patterâ—e is there in Scripture of Prayer according to which the faithfull are to pâ—ay An. That which Christ himselfe taught his Apostles in the 6. of Mat. Concerning the Lords Prayer After this manner therefore pray yee Our Father which art in Heauen c. Qu. VVhat is to be considered in that Prayer A. Two things in generall 1. The Preface 2. The Petitions and Thankesgiuing Qu. VVhat is a preface An. Some thing that goeth before the thing it selfe Qu. VVhat is a Petition An. The requesting or desiring of some thing Qu. What is the Preface in the Lords Prayer An. Our Father which art in Heauen Q. VVhat is contained in the Preface An. Two things 1. The loue of God in that he is a Father 2. The power of God in that he is in Heauen Qu. Why is it sayd our Father and not my Father An. Because wee are to pray for others as well as our selues How is God sayd to be our Father in the Preface An. By Adoption in Iesus Christ Qu. How many Petitions bee there in the Lords Prayer An. Sixe Qu. What doe the three first concerne An. Gods glory Qu. What doe the three last concerne An. Our good both in the things of this life and in the things of a better life Qu. What doe you consider in the three first in generall An. The first concernes Gods glory immediately and the two other the meanes whereby he is glorified Qu. Which is the first Petition An. Hallowed be thy name Qu. What is to bee vnderstood by the name of God in that Petition An. God himselfe his Attributes 1 King 5.5.5 Workes Word Sacraments and Censures Q. What is meant by this word hallowed An. To put apart from common vse to that which is holy Q. What do we pray for in this Petition An. First for the true knowledge of God and his Word and Workes Secondly that wee may glorifie God by beleeuing of his word though it seeme to vs neuer so impossible against our sence and reason (d) Rom. 4.20 Neither did he doubt of the promise of God through vnbeleese but was strong in faith and gaue glory to God Thirdly for zeale for Gods ordinances (e) 〈◊〉 â— 8 Giue vnto the Lord the glory of his name bring an offering and enter into his Courts (f) 〈◊〉 â— 9 For the zeale of thinâ— hoâ—â—â— hath eaten me Fourthly that wee and others may glorifie God before mâ—n by a holy lite and connâ—â—sation (g) 1. Tâ—t 2. â—1 And hauing your connâ—â—sation honest among the gentiles that they which speake euill of 〈◊〉 as of euill doers may by your good workes which they shall see glorifie God in the day of visitation Fiftly that we may prayse God for aâ— his mereies both spirituall and temporall Qu. What doe we pray against in this Petition An. 〈…〉 First against ignorance and hardnesse of heart Secondly against all things that hinder Gods glory Thirdly against vnbeleese coldnesse in Gods seruice Fourthly against profanenesse of life and vnthankefulnesse Fiftly against giuing of worship to creatures Qu. Rehearse the second Petition An. Thy Kingdome come Qu. What is meant by Kingdome An. The Kingdome of power and the Kingdome of grace Qu. What desire wee touching the gouernment of the world An. First that God by his ouerruling power would dispose of all persons things as may bee most for his owne glory Secondly that this gonernment may bee for the enlargement of his Kingdome heere and accomplishing of it at the day of Iudgement Qu. For what things doe we pray in this Petition An. First for the establishment of all Gods ordinances in the Church as the Word Sacraments censures that they may be rightly administred Secondly that God would furnish his Church with fit able and faithfull officers both to teach and gouerne Thirdly that so many both lâ—wâ—s gentiles as belong to Christ may be called Fourthly for the powerfull working of Gods Spirit in the renewing and quickning euery meÌ„ber of the Church Fiftly that Christ would hasten his second comming Qu. What doe you pray against An. First the bondage of sinne satan both in our selues and others Secondly against all plotts counsels and powers that doe oppose the Gospell of Christ and the free passage of the same Qu. Rehearse the third Petition An. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Qu. What is meant by the will of God An. That which hee hath reuealed in his Word Qu. VVhat is meant by these words earth and heauen An. Those things which are in earth and heauen Qu. VVhat doe you pray for in this Petition An. First that wee and all men may know Gods will reuealed in his Word Secondly for patience and chearefulnesse vnder crosses and afflictions submitting our wills vnto the same because it is Gods will Thirdly that we may deny and forsake our owne wills Qu. VVhat doe you pray against in this Petition An. Ignorance and disobedience Qu. What is meant by these words in earth as it is in Heauen An. That we and all others may doe the will of God as the Angels doe it Qu. How doe the Angels doe the will of God An. Most willingly readily and speedily Qu. Rehearse the fourth Petition An. Giue vs this day our daily bread Qu. What is meant by this word Bread An. All things both for necessity and Christian delight Qu. What is prayed for in this Petition An. The inioyning of all outward blessings according to the will of God Qu. What is prayed against in this Petition An. The remouing and keeping backe of outward euills as the Lord sees good Qu. What doe you learne from this word giue An. That whatsoeuer wee haue or inioy we inioy by gift and not by desert Qu. Why doe wee say giue vs when we haue it already An. Because the creature of it selfe hath no power to nourish and therefore we pray for a blessing vpon them Man liueth not by Bread onely Mat. 4. but by euery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord. Qu. Why is it added for the day giue vs this day An. To teach vs to rest contented with our present condition (u) 1 Tim. 6.8 Therefore when we haue foode and rayment let vs there with be content Qu. Why is it called our Bread An. To teach vs to vse all lawfull meanes for those thinges wee haue Qu. What is meant by this word daylie An. All thinges fitting and agreeable to our present condition and calling (h) Pro. 30.8 Giue me not pouerty nor riches feed mee with