Principles of Christian Religion Expressed in the Catechism, Catechism · Pages 1-50
Queſtion. WHat is Catechizing?
A. A diuine ordinance perpetually requiſit in the Church,Deu. 11.19 1 Cor. 3.1. Heb. 6.1, 2. wherein the principles of Chriſtian Religion are familiarly laid open, to the capacity of the ignorant, by way of queſtion and anſwer.
Q. Who are to performe this duty?
A. In publike the Paſtor of eueryevery congregation,Mat. 28.19. Gen. 18.19 Deut. 6.7. he is to doe it, or by his Curate or lawfull Deputy to ſee it done. In priuate, Husbands are to Catechize their Wiues, Parents their Children, Maſters their Seruants, Schoole-maſters their Schollers God-fathers and God-mothers their vndertaken charge.
Q. Who are they that are publikely to be Catechized?
A. Either thoſe who being of yeeres of diſcretion are not yet baptized, but deſire to be, whether they be the ſeed of beleeuing Parents or Proſelyt's:Prou. 22.6. 1 Pet. 3.15. Or elſe ſuch as are already baptized, who ſtand bound to learne and giuegive account of their faith, as the Lord ſhall enable them.
Q. Why is this exerciſe ſo requiſite in the Church?
A. Firſt, becauſe it is the beſt remedy againſt naturall ignorance.Prou. 29.18 Gen. 4.3. Secondly, it helpes to cure the backwardneſſe of many ſuperiours who neglect it, till feare of publike cenſure driue them to it. Thirdly, becauſe it is ancient, hath euer beene inioyned to all ſorts in eueryevery age and place; and that profitably, to procure obedience, preſerue order and vnity in the Church for matters of faith, to ground children, helpe weake memories, confirme the ſtrongeſt: to remoue rudeneſſe, and to reſtraine prophaneneſſe in all.
Q. How may this duty be performed publikely?
A. Firſt, by inſiſting on a ſet portion of Scripture, containing a principle of Religion,Luke 4.17. Heb 6.2. touching Mans creation, Fal, Redemption, duty after, &c. Secondly, by vnfolding the ſumme of al things Catechetically neceſſary to be knowne or don…, though without a text: both wayes commendable, yet for vniformity it is beſt, that there ſhould be one ſuch fully compleate Catechiſme generall.
Q. What Catechiſme ſhould Diuines make vſe of in this caſe?
A. That Catechiſme is moſt fit and conuenient,Rom. 13.1, 2. 1 Cor. 10.33.11.16. to be explained in the aſſembly, which is inioyned by publike authority, expreſt for vsus in our booke of Common Prayer, being agreeable to Scripture, containing all fundamentall points, neceſſary to ſaluation both for beliefe and practice, if fully vnderſtood.
Q. How many parts are there in that Catechiſme?
A. Two: the firſt declareth what is done for vsus by the Church in our baptiſme; the ſecond ſhewes what the Church requireth to be done by vsus after baptiſme; as firſt, to forſake the Diuell, and all his workes, the pompes and vanities of the wicked world, with all the ſinnefull luſts of the fleſh, neuer to follow nor bee led by them. Secondly, to beleeue the Articles of the Chriſtian faith. Thirdly, to know and keepe Gods holy will and Commandements, all the dayes of our life. Fourthly, to pray and receiue the Lords Supper often.
Q. What is Baptiſme?
A. The firſt Sacrament of the new Teſtament,Mat. 28.19. Acts 8.36. whereof all within the Couenant muſt with all conuenient ſpeede partake, being waſhed or ſprinkled with water by a lawfull Miniſter, in the Name of the Father, Sonne and holy Ghoſt.
Q. What is done for vsus in Baptiſme?
A. Three things: firſt the giuing of the name, a practice very ancient and vſefull.
Q. To whom belongs it to giuegive the name?
A. VntoUnto the parents properly; by their permiſſion,Gen. 2.19. Luke 2.21. the ſureties or Miniſter may doe it, ſometime neighbours hauehave done it, Ruth. 4.17.
Q. Why are names to be giuen vsus, and why then?
A. Firſt, for diſtinction ſake,Gen. 3.20. 1 Sam. 4.21. Mat. 1.21, 23 that one might bee knowne from another, and eueryevery one called by his right name. Secondly, for ſignification, to put men in minde of ſome good by their names. Thirdly, then giuen, that as often as we heare, reade or write our names,Reu. 17.3. we might remember the Couenant made betweene the Lord and vsus.
Q. What ought Chriſtians to auoid in giuing names?
A. Three things eſpecially: Firſt, preſumption, that none giuegive the Name of God the Father, of Chriſt, of the holy Ghoſt, or of ſome Theologicall graces; As Iehova, Adonai, Elohim, Ieſus, Emmanuel, Holy or Holineſſe; Faith, hope, louelove, &c. Secondly, affected and offenſiue curioſitie, by making a ſingular compoſition of many words, which in another language might, in ours cannot well make a name; as feare God, doe well, &c. Thirdly, ſcandall and prophaneneſſe, by making a ieſt of names, or giuing idle, harſh-ſounding, heatheniſh names.
Q. What is the ſecond thing done in Baptiſme?
A. The bringing and receiuing children into a particular viſible Church,Mar. 10.14. & admitting thē to the vſe of Chriſts ordinances and priuiledges of the ſame.
Q. What is the third thing?
A. The ſignifying, exhibiting, and ſealing to the party baptized,1 Pet. 3.21. his or her ingrafting into Chriſt, remiſſion of ſinnes, and imputation of Chriſts righteouſnes vponupon a conditionall Couenant.
Q. What is that Couenant?
A. That God will bee our God for euer,2 Cor. 6.18. Eze. 36.25, 26. forgiue vsus our ſinnes and ſaue vsus, if we will be his people, cleaue vntounto him with purpoſe of heart, louelove and ſerue him aboue all other.
Q. Can wee doe this of our ſelues?
A. No, God therfore in baptiſme ſeales alſo vntounto vsus, the promiſe of his grace, thereby to enable vsus.
Q. What is that grace?
A. Not any one; but the ſpirit, ſeed and root of all graces: our right vntounto all,Acts 2.38.22.16. is ſealed in baptiſme, although the actuall poſſeſſion and manifeſtation come long after ſometimes, by the vſe of ſome other ordinance.
Q. Is this Sacrament abſolutely neceſſary to ſaluation?
A. No: God may conuey grace without it,1 Cor. 15.29 Rom. 2.28. Iohn 3.5. who hath not tyed his grace to it; none may ſleight it, it is neceſſary in regard of Chriſts inſtitution as an ordinary outward meanes of ſaluation; nor condemne ſuch who depart this life, neither receiuing nor contemning the Sacrament.
Q. Who may receiue this Sacrament?
Mark. 10.14. Acts 8.37.16.33. 1 Cor. 7.14.A. Reaſonable creatures only; either Aliens conuerted, or infants borne of beleeuing parents within the Couenant: Papiſts abuſe it, baptizing Bels and Ships in a more ſolemne manner then children.
Q. By whom ought children to be baptized?
A. By lawfull Miniſters,Mat. 28.19. to whom the ſeale and power to preach the Goſpell is committed.
Q. Where and when ſhould they be baptized?
A. Neither time nor place ſet downe in Scripture; therefore it may be giuen at any time, in any place; if reſpect be had ſtill to the commands of our Gouernours,Mat. 3.6. Acts 8.38.16.33. who hauehave thought the Church to be the moſt conuenient place, and the Lords Day the fitteſt time for adminiſtration thereof, when all the people are aſſembled, to pray, to teach, and to learne the Word of God.
Q. How is this Sacrament to be adminiſtred?
A. According to Chriſts inſtitution; that this may be better vnderſtood, we muſt know, there is ſomething required from eueryevery one preſent.
Q. What are required of the perſon to be baptized?
A. Three things: Firſt, preſentation of him or her ſelfe to the congregation: Secondly,1 Sam. 1.24. confeſſion of the Faith: Thirdly, promiſe of future obedience.Matth. 3.6.
Q. How can infants performe any of theſe?
A. Yes, all: vertually in and with their beleeuing parents, actually by their ſureties,1 Cor. 7.14. who promiſe it for them.
Q. But is not that a raſh and dangerous promiſe?
A. No: if rightly vnderſtood; for firſt it is but a conditionall promiſe, if the Lord giuegive his promiſed grace. Secondly, it is but a charitable expreſſion of Chriſtian hope, grounded vponupon the knowne parents and the continued meanes. Thirdly, for their ſecurity,Gen. 17.7. Prou. 6.3. they hauehave the Word of God, that he is and will be the God, as of the faithfull, ſo of their ſeed: onelyonly men ſhould bee wiſely ſparing and carefull what and for whom they promiſe.
Q. What are required from the Miniſter baptizing?
A. Firſt, that he hauehave what is eſſentially requiſite, as the matter of baptiſme, and that is cleane water. Secondly,Matth. 3.11. Iohn 3.5. that he keep the ordinary forme. Thirdly, that he obſerue conuenient circumſtances;Acts 8.36. Math. 28.19. bleſſing of the water, dipping or ſprinkling water on the parties, and inſtructing of the ſureties, if there be any.
Q. May men lawfully adde or alter Eccleſiaſticall Ceremonies about a Sacrament?
A. Firſt,Deut. 4.2.12.32. to the eſſence of a Sacrament, no man nor men on earth may adde any thing, no more then to the Word.Reu. 22.18. 1 Cor. 14.40. Secondly, to the circumſtances Eccleſiaſticall Gouernors may adde or take away, for weighty reaſons grounded vponupon the neuer failing Word; prouided they no way adulterate the ſubſtance thereby.
Q. What aduice may ſeaſonably here be adminiſtred?
A. Firſt, that none be ſuperſtitiouſly conceited about meere Ceremonies enioyned and vſed by the Gouernours of our State, to make thē a part of Baptiſme, that it ſhould not bee, where they are not. Secondly, that none be ſo offended by them, as to leaue the ſociety; to iudge no Miniſter better onelyonly for refuſing,Rom. 14.13.14. 1 Cor. 11.16 2 Cor. 10.32, 33. nor any worſe only for ſubſcribing vntounto them rightly vnderſtood. Thirdly, that all learne ſubmiſſion to their lawfull Gouernours, as in things neceſſary, much more in things indifferent; ſtudying the peace and quiet of the Church in all things, praying and waiting patiently the Lords leiſure,Matth. 3.12. if any thing there 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. wch may be diſcerned after by their louelove 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 vntounto 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 vntounto 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 o… thoſe things, the Church requires to be done by vsus after Baptiſme?
A. Eſchewing all euill; vntounto 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 eueryevery faſhion, boldly embrace the corruptions of the time for aduancement, as others doe?
A. No: becauſe I hauehave 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 vntounto that credible truth, propoſed vntounto vsus 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 hauehave 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 eueryevery 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 vntounto the truth of God propoſed vntounto 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 eueryevery one muſt hauehave 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 vntounto 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 vntounto 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 Titles; which are foure: Ieſus, Chriſt, his Sonne, our Lord.
Q. What ſignifies that name, Ieſus?
A. Sauiour, Matth. 1.21.
Q. What may that informe you?
A. Firſt, to giuegive all due reuerence vntounto it, as our Church (according to the Scriptures) requires,Phil. 2.10. and to ſhun the Popiſh abuſe thereof, who by their capping, bowing and ſcraping, only to the very bare name, make an idoll of it.Iob 5.1. Secondly, to giuegive neither the name nor thing ſignified to any other Saint or Angel, liuing or dead. Thirdly, to get aſſurance,Hoſea 13.4. that Hee be to mee a Ieſus.
Q. What ſignifies Chriſt?
A. Anointed: Firſt, by Conſecration of His humane nature, to the hypoſtaticall vnion with the Sonne of God;Pſal. 2 2. that ſo he might be a fit Mediatour. Secondly, by qualification of the ſame humane nature, with fulneſſe of grace following the vnion.Luke 2.26.
Q. What doe you learne from it?
Pſal. 45.7.A. Firſt, that as Chriſt, ſo beleeuing Chriſtians are anointed with him. Secondly, that the lothſomeneſſe of ſinne is done away from his ſeruants, by the pleaſing ſauour of his precious oyntment. Thirdly,Cant. 1.3. Epheſ. 4.1.that Chriſtians ſhould endeuour to walke worthy their name and calling; being anointed,2 Pet. 2.22. not to turne with the So… againe, to wallow in the myre of carnall folly.
Q. What is the meaning of His third Title, only Sonne?
A. That this Ieſus Chriſt,Pſal. 2.7. Ioh. 11.27 is the true and only Sonne of God the Father.
Q. How can this be ſo, ſeeing we reade in Scripture, of many other his ſonnes and daughters?
A. It is true,2 Cor. 6.18. God hath other ſonnes and daughters by creation and adoption,Ioh. 10.30. but Ieſus Chriſt is his only Sonne by eternall generation.
Q. What doe you learne from this?
A. Firſt, to magnifie the louelove of God,Ioh. 3.16. in ſending his only Sonne to dye, and ſo pay the price of my redemption.Rom. 5.8.8.32. Secondly, how men become to be the ſonnes of God, euen by the Sonne of God becomming Man. Thirdly, with courage and confidence to goe vntounto God, for a ſupply of all my wants; He that gaue mee his only Sonne, how ſhall he not with Him giuegive me all things?
Q. What is the meaning of His fourth and laſt Title here giuen, Our Lord?
A. The meaning is. Firſt, that Chriſt hath abſolute power, both to compell and direct his ſeruants.Iohn 13.13, 14.10.4. Secondly, that his voyce alone ſhould rule, bee heard and obeyed in his houſe: no Stewards, much leſſe inferiour officers may diſpoſe of his affaires, but according to the will of their Lord.
Q. What doe you learne from hence?
A. Firſt, that Ieſus Chriſt is Lord and Sauiour to all true beleeuers:Math. 7.22. Sauiourſhip extends no further then Lordſhip, if I deny him ſubiection, I looſe ſaluation. Secondly,Pſal. 101.7. Iohn 1.1.2.3.4. to condemne the Iewiſh opinion, granting him the name of Ieſus but not of Chriſt, the Arrian tenent, giuing him the titles of Ieſus Chriſt, but denying him to be the onelyonly and eternally true begotten Sonne of God; and the Popiſh conceit,2 Cor. 3.14. Mat. 20.15. affoording him all but the laſt; they depriue him of his Lordſhip in the Church by ſetting vp an Idoll in his roome.Iob 1.21. Thirdly to be patiently content with his diſpoſition and ſubmiſſiuely obedient to his lawes; a rebellious ſinner continuing ſo, hath no part in Chriſt for ought he knowes.
Q. Which is the third Article?
A. Who was conceiued by the holy Ghoſt, borne of the Virgin Mary.
Q. What is contained in this Article?
A. A further deſcription of the Son of God, by his aſſumed ſtate and condition; his incarnation being the firſt branch of his humiliation.
Q. Who was incarnate?
A. Ieſus Chriſt, the onelyonly Sonne of God our Lord; remaining ſtill what he was before,Rom. 1.3. Iohn 1.14. in the fulneſſe of time was made what he was not before.
Q. Why was he incarnate?
A. Firſt, that he might bee faithfull in performance of what hee hath vndertaken on our behalfe.Heb. 2.16.1….18. Secondly, that he might be a perfect mediatour to deale betweene God and Man. Thirdly,1 Tim. 2.5. that iuſtice might be fully ſatisfied in the ſame nature, whereby it was offended.
Q. How came hee to bee incarnate?
A. By aſſuming and vniting to his perſon,Luke 1.35. the true and perfect nature of man in generall; taking his ſubſtance,Heb. 2.17. properties and all ſinneleſſe infirmities.
Q. What doe you learne from his incarnation?
A. Firſt, the dignity of humane nature,Pſal. 8.5. Math. 1.23. Pſa. 42.1, 2. Phil. 1.23. Heb. 2.18. Pſal. 103.13, 14. what it is by this vnſeparable vnion with the Deitie; little inferiour to Angels before the fall, aboue them ſince. Secondly, how holily we ſhould liue, conſidering Chriſt is Emmanuel, God with vsus. Thirdly, how earneſt wee ſhould be in our deſires, to be where our nature is aduanced, with Chriſt in Heauen, which is beſt of all. Fourthly, how comfortable his ſeruice muſt needs be, who is ſo powerfull and pittifull a Sauiour; conceiued and borne that he might conceiue and beare our weakneſſe.
Q. What is the meaning of this word conceiued?
A. Three things are implied thereby: Firſt,Math. 1.20. that fit matter gathered from all parts of the Virgins body,Eſay 7.14. Iohn 1.14. into the houſe or Cell of life was there brought into forme or ſhape. Secondly, that a reaſonable ſoule was brought into that matter to informe it. Thirdly, that both matter and forme were vnited and ſanctified by the infuſion of Grace; and all this not ſucceſſiuely but inſtantly by the efficiency of the holy Ghoſt in the paſſiue wombe of the Virgin.
Q. What was the matter of his conception?
A. True, reall, and the moſt pure blood of the Virgin;Eſay 7.14. Luke 1.31. whoſoeuer adores any Chriſt not thus conceiued, commits idolatry; as moſt Papiſts doe in worſhipping their god of bread.
Q. After what manner was he conceiued?
A. After a miraculous, extraordinarie and ſupernaturall manner; more cannot be ſeene or ſaid;Luke 1.35. the Bleſſed Virgin conceiuing, was ouerſhadowed by the Holy Ghoſt,Eſay 53.8. to ſtay the curious from prying ouer farre into this wonder.
Q. What doe you learne from this conception?
A. Firſt, that the imputation of an impure conception is taken away from beleeuers, by Chriſt his holy conception.Iohn 17.19. 1 Cor. 6.11. Heb 12.14. Secondly, that as Chriſt in his corporall conception, ſo beleeuing Chriſtians in their ſpirituall conception, were and are ſanctified by the holy Ghoſt: No Sauiour without a holy conception, no Saints without ſanctification.
Q. Who was the Mother of Chriſt?
A. The bleſſed Virgin Mary, Luke 1.27.
Q. How is Shee deſcribed in the Creed?
A. Three waies; Firſt, by her name Mary. Secondly, by her condition a Virgin, before,Eſay 7.14. in and after the birth. Thirdly, by her labour and trauell,Luke 2.6, 7. as ſhe conceiued, ſo in the fulneſſe of time after the ordinary courſe of women, ſhe brought forth her firſt borne.
Q. What may you learne from this birth of Chriſt?
A. Firſt, that Eues tranſgreſſion,2 Tim. 2.14, 15. is anſwered by Maries conception; women ſhould not be diſ-heartned in the worke of ſaluation.Matth. 2.2. Luke 1.24. Reu. 3.11. Secondly, that Chriſt was truely noble, of the bloud Royall, borne King of the Iewes, ſo beleeuing Chriſtians only are truely honourable. Thirdly, that good conceptions ſhould be cheriſht till they bee brought forth: the Word of God is the ſeed, good motions are ſpirituall conceptions; as Elizabeth when ſhe had conceiued, hid her ſelfe, ſo ſhould Chriſtians after Sermons, euen retire themſelues a little, (if conueniently they may) to nouriſh the conception. Fourthly, to yeeld the bleſſed Virgin Mary all due reuerence, as the Mother of Chriſt:Luke 1.48. Ier. 7.18. which may be expreſt. Firſt, in giuing her thoſe titles the Scripture doth: Bleſſed, Virgin, Mary: for thoſe other ſtrange titles of Ladie and Queene, we owne them not. Secondly, in praiſing God for her. Thirdly, imitating her, in chaſtitie, humility, &c. that by faith I may conceiue and beare Chriſt in my heart, as bleſſed Mary did in her wombe.
Q. Which is the fourth Article?
A. Suffered vnderunder Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, buried and deſcended into hell.
Q. What doth this Article containe?
A. The ſecond part of Chriſts humiliation, to wit, his paſſion, with the ſeuerall degrees thereof.
Q. Who was it that ſuffered all this?
Heb. 2.18. 2 Cor. 1.5.A. Ieſus Chriſt the onelyonly Sonne of God, in and after the aſſumption of humane nature; the perſon ſuffered, but in and according to our nature onelyonly, the Deitie remaining ſtill vncapable of paſſion.
Q. What doe you vnderſtand by this terme ſuffered?
A. The paſſiue obedience of Chriſt, not excluding his actiue; there being in Chriſt both a ſuffering obedience and an obedient ſuffering:Phil. 2.8. by the paſſiue part his obedient ſuffering, he tooke away ſinne both in regard of guilt, ſtaine and puniſhment; by the actiue part his ſuffering obedience he purchaſed and conuaied righteouſnes to his members.
Q. What did he paſſiuely vndergoe?
Lam. 1.12.A. All that offended iuſtice had to inflict on guiltie man for diſobedience: as the wrath of God, the curſe of the Law? with all thoſe imcomparable miſeries,Gal. 3.13. vid: The bleeding Vine. meeting him betweene the wombe and the graue, whereof ſo high and heauenly a nature was capable.
Q. How is his paſſiue obedience deſcribed in this Article?
A. Two waies: Firſt, by the Iudge vnderunder whom he ſuffered. Secondly, by the ſufferings themſelues.
Q. Ʋnder what Iudge did he ſuffer?
A. Pontius Pilate.
Q. Who was this Pontius Pilate?
A. A Gentile and a Roman;Luke 3.1. Preſident of Iewry, Deputie for Caeſar and a ciuill Iudge among the Iewes.
Q. Why did Chriſt ſuffer vnderunder a Iudge?
A. Firſt, that he might better repreſent the perſon of a Malefactor, guiltie-man,Eſay 53.12. in whoſe roome he then ſtood. Secondly, that thoſe reprſented by him might be abſolued before the great Iudge of the world.Mar. 15.28.
Q. But why did hee ſuffer vnderunder a Gentile and a Roman Iudge?
A. Firſt, for the fulfilling of ſome prophecies,Mat. 20.19. that he ſhould be deliuered vp vntounto the Gentiles.Iohn 18.31 Secondly, becauſe the Iewes had no power to put him to death, it was taken from them by the Gentiles.Acts 13.46. Thirdly, as the benefit of his paſſion was to be offered firſt to the Iewes, after to the Gentiles: So his paſſion was begun by Iewes, but finiſht by Gentiles. Fourthly, not obſcurely to fore-ſhew the ſufferings of Chriſt Myſticall vnderunder his ſucceſſors, the Roman Deputies, Vicars of Rome, vnderunder whoſe iuriſdiction a good Chriſtian cannot but ſuffer.
Q. What doe you learne hence?
A. Firſt, that worldly aduancement by wealth, honour, preferment to high places of command, is attended with many dangers, and doth often occaſion men to commit greater ſinnes,Math. 4.8, 9 then otherwaies they would or ſhould; Pilats authoritie made him guiltie of this innocent blood. Secondly, that as Chriſt ſuffered vnderunder Pontius Pilate, ſo true Chriſtians vnderunder the Pope and all wicked Gouernours. Thirdly,1 Pet. 2.21.23. to ſuffer patiently with Chriſt, if at any time we be called to ſuffer for righteouſneſſe ſake,1 Pet. 3.14. committing all to him that iudgeth righteouſly.
Q. Which are the ſufferings he vnderwent?
A. 1. Apprehenſion. 2.Mat. 26.55.27.13. arraignement. 3. accuſation. 4. ſentence of condemnation. 5. execution; this laſt onelyonly expreſt in the Creed, as preſuppoſing the reſt.
Q. What may this teach you?
A. Firſt, that wicked men agree in nothing ſo well as euill or what tends to euill:Mat. 27.23. Pilate and Herod, Scribes, Phariſes and Souldiers that were diuided before, agree now in oppoſing Chriſt.Luke 23.12 Rom. 8.34. Secondly, that prophane, impenitent ſinners, ſhall be apprehended, arraigned, accuſed, and condemned by and before the Lord, becauſe they hauehave no benefit by his paſſion. Thirdly, that beleeuing penitents ſhall neuer be arraigned,Luke 23.31. 1 Pet. 4.12, 17. accuſed or condemned, becauſe Chriſt ſuffered all theſe for them.Iohn 15.18. Fourthly, not to thinke it ſtrange, if I be thus dealt with by men of the world for Chriſts ſake, and in defence of his truth.
Q. What is the meaning of this word crucified?
A. Faſtned to a croſſe: the word being compounded of two Latin words,Math. 23.34 ſignifying ſo much, and ſhowing the manner of Chriſts death.
Q. Why was Chriſt to be crucified?
A. Firſt, for the fulfilling of certaine types and propheſies, eſpecially that of the brazen Serpent. Secondly,Exod. 15.25 Iohn 3.14. this kind of paſſion was moſt anſwerable to Adams tranſgreſſion;Col. 2.13. Gal. 3.10. what the the firſt Adam loſt by eating the fruit of a tree, the ſecond regained by ſuffering vponupon a tree. Thirdly, that he might thereby vndergoe the curſe for vsus,Iohn 12.32. and redeeme all beleeuers from it. Fourthly, that he might draw our eyes and minds vpward.
Q. What doe you learne from this that Chriſt was crucified?
A. Firſt, that as Chriſt, ſo true Chriſtians are crucified in regard of the world,Gal. 5.24. 1 Cor. 2.2. the power of ſinne and preuailing luſts of the fleſh. Secondly, that all my hope of health and ſafety is in Chriſt crucified;Col. 2.14. I attribute no part to the Croſſe, but all to him that died vponupon the Croſſe, the ſinnes of his bele…uing followers, being nailed with him, that they might neuer riſe vp in iudgement againe.Rom. 5.8. Thirdly, ſo often as I read or heare of this, I cannot but admire the louelove of my Sauiour, grieue for my ſins, that were the nailes to pierce his tender body,Heb. 6.6. and heartily deſire power ouer all my corruptions. Fourthly, now to be euer carefull leſt I crucifie him againe, (as much as in mee is,) by continuing in any knowne ſinne; this bitter death tels me, hee hath ſuffered enough already.
Q. What doe you meane by this, when you confeſſe hee was dead?
Math. 27.46A. Viz. That the body and ſoule of Chriſt were really ſeuered for a time, as in the naturall death of any other.
Q Why did Christ dye?
A. Firſt, to ſhow the truth of his humanity and realty of his ſuff…ings Secondly,G…n. 2.17. Cor. 5 14. …b. ….15. ohn 3.16. Rom. 11.22. to ſatisfie iuſtice …o the full, who had before th…a…ned man with death. Thirdly, to va…qu…ſh death by taking away the ſting and making it a paſſage vntounto life. Fourthly, to manifeſt the infinitneſſe of Gods louelove to mankind with the ſeuerity of his iuſtice againſt ſinne, in one and the ſame act. Fifthly, that by a propitiatory ſacrifice, hee might eſtabliſh the couenant, which could not bee without ſuch bloud-ſhedding.
Q. What doe you learne from the death of Chriſt?
A. Firſt, a threefold aſſurance. Firſt, that by his death I am freed from a double death; in part from the firſt, wholly from the ſecond. Secondly, that being dead with Chriſt,1 Cor. 15.55 Heb. 2.14.15 Rom. 8.1. I ſhall now euer after liue the life of Chriſt. Thirdly, that the new couenant of grace is now of force.
Col. 3.3. Heb. 8.6.7, 9, 16, 17.Secondly, a threefold reſolution. Firſt, neuer more to liue in any knowne ſinne, ſeeing Chriſt dyed for ſinne. Secondly, to cleaue vntounto him with an ardent vnſeparable louelove. Thirdly, to lay downe my life for him and his truth, to ſpend all my time and ſtrength in his ſeruice, who hath not ſpared to ſpend his bloud for me.
Rom. 6.2.8.35. 1 Ioh 3.16. Iohn 7.31. Rom. 6.9.10.13.11. Epheſ. 5.14.Thirdly, to condemne a threefold error. Firſt, of the Iewes expecting another Chriſt, cleauing to ſhaddowes, obſeruing ceremonies which were to dye with Chriſt. Secondly, of Papiſts that maintaine a continuall ſacrifice, offering vp and ſo killing Chriſt often, when as hee was to dye but once. Thirdly, of carnall Proteſtants, who lye ſtill ſnorting vnderunder the dead ſleepe of ſinne, yet thinke to be ſaued by Chriſts death.
Q. What doe you vnderſtand by this, when you ſay, he was buried?
A. Viz. that Chriſts body after death was in a deſent manner laid in a tombe or graue, where it alſo remaines the ſame without alteration or corruption,Mat. 27.60. Pſa. 16.10. preſerued by the preſence of the diety.
Q. Why was Chriſt buried?
A. Firſt, to ſhow vsus, that in his greateſt extremity, hee had ſome wel-willers,Mat. 27.58. Rom. 6.6. Hoſ. 13.14. Mat. 28.6. Heb. 2.15. who performed this office of louelove vntounto him. Secondly, to confirme the truth and certainty of his death. Thirdly, that he might follow death, wreſtle with him in his owne Caſtle, and beate him out of his owne ſuppoſed inuinſible hold. Fourthly, by his preſence to take away the horrour of the graue, to ſanctifie it, to be a chamber of refuge, a ſweet bed of reſt, and a paſſage to immortality.
Q. By whom was he buried?
A. Ioſeph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus; two of his fearefull Diſciples in time of need became boldeſt,Luke 23.50. when ſuch as had made fairer ſhowes denyed or left him.
Q. Why was Hee buried by rich men?
A. Firſt, becauſe they were beſt able to performe it, in a conuenient manner, Chriſt was the Sonne of Nobles, fit it was he ſhould be buried by men of honour.Prou. 3.9. 1 Tim. 6.17 Secondly, to teach rich men two things: Firſt, to be helpefull with their ſubſtance to the members of Chriſt in diſtreſſe. Secondly, not to ſhun as aſhamed, the meaneſt office, which may bring any glory to God,1 Pet. 4.10. Pſal. 84.10. or comfort to his Church.
Q. What may you learne hence?
A. Two things eſpecially. Firſt, a leſſon of conſolation, cheerefully to follow my Sauiour to the graue,Mat. 28.6. Eſay 26.19, 20. where he once lay. Secondly, a leſſon of imitation and that. Firſt, to performe the like vntounto any of my Chriſtian brethren. Secondly,Acts 8.2. Rom. 6.4. Exod. 34.6. to ſpend ſome time eueryevery day in burying of my ſinnes, in and with him who was once buried for ſinne.
Q. What meane you by theſe words, He deſcended into Hell?
A. Firſt, that Chriſt after his death and buriall was detained as a priſoner vnderunder the bondage of death,Pſal. 16.10. Acts 2.31. for one whole day and two nights. Secondly, during this ſpace that he triumphed ouer Satan in his owne Kingdome, the manner how is vnknowne.
Q. Why did Chriſt deſcend thus?
A. That beleeuers in him might not deſcend:Heb. 2.14, 15. that death might not detaine them as priſoners, nor Satan triumph ouer them.
Q. What doe you learne from it?
A. Firſt, to confute Papiſts, teaching that the ſoule of Chriſt deſcended into Hell, to deliuer ſome ſoules there detained, and that the ſoules of iuſt men may ſuffer paine after death, equiuallent to the torments of Hell, croſſing both the end and effect of Chriſts deſcent.Gen. 18.27. Iob 40.4. Heb. 10.36. Luke 21.18.19. Secondly, to deſcend with Chriſt to the loweſt ſtep of humiliation, to be vile in my owne eyes, that I may be pretious in Gods ſight through Chriſt. Thirdly, to poſſeſſe my ſoule in patience and hope: from the loweſt ebbe of miſery, God is able to reſtore, Chriſt was dead, buried, and deſcended into Hell, yet raiſed againe.
Q. Which is the fift Article?
A. The third day he roſe againe from the dead.
Q. What doth this Article containe?
A. The firſt full ſtep or degree of Chriſts exaltation, and that is his reſurrection.
Q. Who was it that was thus exalted?
A. Ieſus Chriſt as God and Man:Acts 2.24. 1 Cor. 15.4. the ſame perſon that was humbled euen to the death of the Croſſe, was raiſed to liue for euer in glory.
Q. What doe you meane when you ſay, Chriſt roſe againe?
A. Firſt, that the ſoule and body of Chriſt were reunited.Acts 2.24.10.40, 41, 42, 43. Secondly, that Chriſt was freed from all infirmities of humane nature, keeping ſtill all the properties of a true Body. Thirdly, that the Diety did more fully open it ſelfe, adorning the humanity with all thoſe finite excellencies, as ſuch a creature is capable of.
Q. How was He raiſed?
A. Firſt,Iohn 8.18. Ephe. 2.5.6. Mat. 27.53. by his owne power. Secondly, as a publike perſon attended with ſome others who roſe with him as an earneſt of the great and generall reſurrection.
Q. Why was Chriſt raiſed?
An. Firſt, for the cleerer manifeſtation of his Diety. Secondly, for the impletion of types and propheſies, and for confirmation of that truth formerly by him taught.Rom. 1.4. Pſal. 16.10. Mat. 12 39. Rom. 4.25.6.4. Thirdly, that his Diſciples might be aſſured of his victory ouer death. Fourthly, that he might apply the merits of his paſſion and perfect the office of Mediation. Fifthly, to cauſe a double reſurrection to the faithfull, the firſt to newneſſe of life here, and the ſecond to a life of immortality in heauen hereafter.
Q. When did Chriſt riſe?
A. The third day after his death: hauing lyen in the graue aboue the ſpace of thirty-ſixe houres,Mat. 16.21. 1 Cor. 15.4. he roſe the firſt day of the weeke to teach vsus. Firſt, Why the Sabbath was altered, from the laſt to the firſt day of the weeke, that is, in memory of Chriſts Reſurrection. S…condly, when our Sabbath begins, early in the morning, about that time our Sauiour roſe.
Q. Why did Chriſt riſe the third day?
A. To fulfill the Scripture.Mat. 12.39. Luk. 13.32.
Q. From what did Chriſt riſe againe?
A. From the dead, that is, the ſtate of the dead, the power of death and the graue.
Q. What doe you learne from this?
A. Firſt, that Chriſt is riſen, confirmed by infallible teſtimonies, and diuers appearances.Acts 10.40.41, 42. Rom. 4.25. 1 Cor. 15.17 Col. 3.1. Secondly, that hee hath perfected the ſatisfaction, for the ſinnes of all beleeuers. Thirdly, that God will raiſe all ſuch as he caſts downe. Fourthly, that ſuch as are Chriſts, are riſen and ſhall be raiſed with him both in regard of the firſt and ſecond reſurrection.
Q. What vſe can you make of this.
A. Firſt, to examine my ſelfe whether I be Chriſts and riſen with Chriſt for the firſt Reſurrection,Reu. 20.6. Col. 3.1. Iob 19.25. Phil. 3.10.11. which may bee knowne. Firſt, by my ſeperation from the dead that is, wicked company. Secondly, by my heartily, heauenly conuerſation.
Secondly, to cheere vp my ſelfe and all right beleeuing Chriſtians in an aſſured hope of a comfortable Reſurrection.
Thirdly, to endeauour in the vſe of meanes. Firſt, to know Chriſt thus as raiſed. Secondly, to riſe by and with him. Thirdly, to be prepared during life for the laſt Reſurrection.
Q. Which is the ſixt Article?
A. He aſcended into heauen, and ſitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
Q. What doth this Article containe?
A. The ſecond part or degree of Chriſts exaltation, that that is, his aſcention and coronation.
Q. What is the meaning of this, He aſcended?
A. That Chriſt in his glorified humanity, did remooue,Acts 1.9, 10. really, viſibly, locally from earth into the third heauen,Ephe. 4 … 0. where the Lord manifeſteth his glory vntounto his Saints.
Q. When did He aſcend?
A. Forty dayes after his Reſurrection.Acts 1.3.
Q. From what place did Hee aſcend?
A. The mount called Oliuet: whence He came to his paſſion, there is but one way to the Croſſe and to the crowne;Luke 24.50 Acts 1.12. to ſuffer and to raigne.
Q. To what place did He aſcend?
A. To that heauen, which muſt containe his humanity till the reſtoration of all things.Luk. 24.51. Acts 1.11.
Q. Why did Hee aſcend thither?
A. Firſt, that he might triumph ouer the enemies of his Church, leade captiuity captiue and limit the power of ſinne and Satan toward his elect.Col. 2.15. Secondly,Heb. 9.24. to appeare as an aduocate in the preſence of God on the behalfe of his people.Pſ…l. 24.7. Thirdly, to take poſſeſſion of his own Kingdome in our name and nature,Luk. 24.26. to open for vsus heauen gates, which were ſhut againſt vsus by Adams fall. Fourthly, that he might thence ſend the gifts and graces of his Spirit vntounto his Church:Ioh. 14.2, 3. Ephe. 4 8. in a more plentifull manner. Fifthly, that He might prepare a place for eueryevery one of his beleeuing followers, againſt their next meeting.Iohn 16.7.