Principles of Christian Religion Expressed in the Catechism, Catechism · Pages 50-100
Q. What doe you learne hence?
Acts 1.9.10.3.21.7.55.A. Firſt, that Chriſt is aſcended, I may not looke for his corporall preſence here till the Iudgement day. Secondly, that if I be Chriſts, I muſt aſcend with him, daily aſpiring after a growth in grace, to hauehave my conuerſation in heauen. Thirdly, that heauen is the place prouided for Chriſts Diſciples, their hearts, hands, and eyes muſt hourely aſcend thitherward.Phil. 3.20. 2 Cor. 5.17. Fourthly, that none can aſcend thither but Chriſt, naturall and myſticall, none but with, in, and by Chriſt, neither in prayer nor perſon.
Q. What is the meaning of Chriſts ſitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty?
A. Firſt, that he hath receiued the fulneſſe of honour and glory in regard of his perſon. Secondly,Mat. 22.44. the fulneſſe alſo of power and authority in regard of his office,Epheſ. 1.20. both of mediation and iuriſdiction.
Q. Why was our Sauiour thus ſeated?
A. Firſt, that he might effectually interceade in behalfe of his children ſending by him their ſad complaints to God the Father.Mat. 11.28. 1 Iohn 2.1. Rom. 8.34. Mat. 28.18. Secondly, that he might gouerne his Kingdome and exerciſe authority ouer all; while he ſits there, he keepes the Keyes in his owne hand and needs no Popiſh Vice-roy.
Q. For whom doth Chriſt intercead?
Rom. 8.27. Heb. 7.25.A. All, for whom he dyed, that they may be conuerted and prepared for glory.
Q. How can you know, whether Chriſt hath and doth intercead for you?
A. By the Spirit of ſupplication beſtowed on me; I could not heartily pray for my ſelfe,Rom. 8.26. but by vertue of his interceſſion for me.
Q. Ouer whom doth Chriſt beare rule?
Pſal. 2.8.9.110.1, 2.A. All, good and bad: ouer his friends to gather, guide, defend and prepare them for a crowne; ouer his enemies by reſtraining their fury and confounding them in their deepeſt plots, &c.1 Cor. 15.25
Qu. What doe you learne hence?
A. Generally two things: Firſt, a point of good manners, to giuegive Chriſt the vpper hand, ſeeing God hath done it:Pſal. 137.6. to preferre his Embaſſadors and ſeruants to others that are not or appeare not ſo. Secondly,Iohn 9.35.15.19, 20.16.33. a point of doctrine, That thoſe commonly are moſt eſteemed with God, who are or hauehave beene leaſt eſteemed in the world, as Chriſt was. More ſpecially I learne. Firſt,Mat. 11.28. being perſt with the burden of preuailing corruption, to runne vntounto Chriſt, who is ready and able to eaſe me. Secondly, that my endeauours in his ſeruice the weake and imperfect ſhall bee accepted through the efficacy of his interceſſion;1 Iohn 2.1. Pſal. 2.11, 12. Acts 7.55. Prayers made by me, are preferred by him. Thirdly, to obey him with reuerence and holy feare that is ſo high exalted. Fourthly, to looke vp vntounto him in all extremities, of temptation, perſecution, death; hee is heauens fauorite, powerfull and compaſſionate. Fiftly, to be heauenly minded, in an humble ſubmiſſion of what is mine to his gouerment.
Q. Which is the ſeuenth.
A. From thence hee ſhall come to iudge the quicke and the dead.
Q. What doth this article containe?
A. A confirmation of the former Article, and a deſcripon of the laſt iudgement.
Q. Who is He that ſhall come to iudge the world?
Ioh. 5.22.A. Ieſus Chriſt the Sonne of God our Lord, who was once iudged by the world.
Q. What meane you by this, He ſhall come?
A. I meane. Firſt, that Chriſt ſhall truely and really appeare in his owne perſon,Acts 1.11. and in his humane nature. Secondly, that Hee ſhall manifeſt to all the world his power and glory in great pompe and ſtate.Mat. 24.30.
Q. From whence ſhall Hee come?
A. From heauen, where He is now ſeated on the right hand of God the Father Almighty:1 The. 1.10. but to what place, whether to Mount Oliuet as ſome Schoolemen thinke,Phil. 3.20. or to the valley of Iehoſophat, as other Graue Diuines, or that it ſhall be in the Ayre: any, may be receiued as probable, none as certainely neceſſary.
Q. For what end muſt Hee come?
A. To iudge and determine of all controuerſies, to paſſe a righteous ſentence from which there can be no appeale;Pſal. 9.7, 8. no not in the thought of thoſe which ſhall be iudged.
Q. Who are they that muſt be iudged by Him?
A. All, quicke and dead: found lying in their graues or liuing vponupon earth:Dan. 12.2. good and bad, high and low: as firſt Angels with the iudgement of a more glorious retribution.Iohn 5.29. Secondly, good men with the iudgement of abſolution.Iude 6. Thirdly, wicked men and Angels of darkeneſſe with the iudgement of finall condemnation.
Q. How will Chriſt come?
A. As a iudge in State and Maieſty, with a ſounding Trumpet, that all the world ſhall heare, and the heauenly hoaſt attending,Mat. 25.31. 1 The. 4.16. which all the world ſhall ſee in their richeſt furniture.
Q. When will Chriſt come thus?
A. It is not reuealed; that men might continually waite for it, and not curiouſly ſearch after the ſeaſons, which God hath reſerued in his owne power: preparation for it,Mat. 24.36. Acts 1.7. is better then any diſputation about it.
Q. Why is Chriſt appointed to iudge the world?
A. Firſt for the honour of his p…ace and office, it being giuen him as a crowne for his ſuffering. Secondly,Ioh 5.22, 23. Phil. 2.9, 10 that Hee might openly take vengeance vponupon thoſe his enemies who would not that Hee ſhould raigne ouer them here in this world. Thirdly,Luke 19.27. that he might bring his owne Subiects into reall poſſeſſion of that glory which Hee did purchaſe for them. Fourthly,2 Theſ. 1.8, 9, 10. Luke 21.28. that the myſtery of iniquity and all hidden workes of darkeneſſe, might be publikely ſeene, ſhamed and ſentenced.
Q. What doe you learne from this Article?
A. Firſt, that Chriſt will certainely come to iudgement. Secondly, that I muſt appeare in my owne perſon before the Iudgement ſeate of Chriſt.Heb. 9.27. Thirdly,2 Cor. 5.10. to iudge none but my ſelfe, not the liuing, I know not how God may diſpoſe of them hereafter;Matth. 7.1. nor the dead, I know not how God hath diſpoſed of them already:Reu. 14.13. it is Chriſts office to iudge both. Fourthly,Acts 24.16. to make my account ready eueryevery day, in a holy preparation for it,Heb. 4.16. ſo to liue as I deſire to ſtand then in the preſence of Chriſt.
Q. Which is the eighth Article?
A. I beleeue in the Holy Ghoſt.
Q. What doth this Article containe?
A. Two things. Firſt, a deſcription of the third perſon in Trinity. Secondly, the duty of a Chriſtian concerning him.
Q. How is the third perſon deſcribed?
A. Two wayes. Firſt, by his name Ghoſt or Spirit. Secondly, by his title or attribute Holy.
Que. Why is he called, The Spirit?
A. Not excluſiuely, both Father and Sonne are equally Spirit, but emphatically, becauſe He is breathed, as it were,Iohn 4.24.15.26.16.13, 14. in his proceſſion from the Father and the Sonne, noting the manner of his ſubſiſtence in the Godhead.
Q. Why is Hee called, The holy Spirit?
A. Firſt, in regard of his nature, He is holy. Secondly, becauſe it is his perſonall office to ſanctifie both the Church and the Children of the Church,Rom. 15.16. Heb. 6.4.ſuch as are effectually called, and that both with common,Rom. 8.9.10 and with ſauing graces.
Q. What is the duty of a good Chriſtian?
A. To beleeue in him.
Q. What is it to beleeue in him?
A. Firſt, to acknowledge him for God.Mat. 28.19. Acts 5.3, 4. Secondly, to confeſſe him. Thirdly, to apprehend him, and relye vponupon him for his comforts, gifts and graces. Fourthly, in reſolution and preparation to dye in defence of this truth. Fifthly, to liue in a conſtant courſe of ſpirituall ſeruice required by Him,Ephe. 4.30. in whom I beleeue.
Q. What doe you learne from the whole Article?
A. Firſt, that there is a holy Ghoſt, in perſon diſtinct from the Father and the Sonne,1 Ioh. 5.7, 8. in eſſence the ſame. Secondly, that I muſt beleeue in him, (as in the Father and the Sonne) who is the ſanctifier and comforter of my Soule.Rom. 8.9. Thirdly, that if I beleeue in Him indeed,2 Tim. 1.14. Hee dwels and hath his abode in mee.
Q. How may a man know whether He hauehave the Spirit abiding in him?
A. 1. By that ſpirituall ſeruice hee is ſtird vp vntounto and enabled thereby to performe:Rom. 1.4. Iohn 6.63.the Spirit quickeneth eſpecially to prayer. 2. By that holineſſe of life, which follows the preſence of the Spirit. 3. By the fruits of the Spirit, louelove, ioy, peace, long-ſuffering,Rom. 6.22. gentlenes, goodnes, faith, meekneſſe and temperance. 4.Gal. 5.22, 23. Rom 8.16. By that inward teſtimony and comfort a man may feele in all ſpirituall conflicts and diſtreſſes. 5.Epheſ. 4.30. By that care he hath, not to grieue the Spirit; but to cheriſh the motions, and follow the directions thereof.
Q. Which is the ninth Article?
Anſ. The holy Catholike Church, Communion of Saints.
Q What doth this Article containe?
A. A confeſſion and deſcription of the houſe of God, the Spouſe of Chriſt, the Church: being the ſecond generall part of the Creed.
Q. Whom doe you meane by (Church) here?
Acts 2.47. Heb. 12.22.A. That Vniuerſall inuiſible ſociety, conſiſting onelyonly of the elect, ordained to eternall life, quickned by the Spirit and ſo prepared for glory.
Q. What doe you confeſſe here touching this Church?
A. Firſt, notwithſtanding the Vniuerſall corruption of mankind and their deſperate eſtate vnderunder ſinne,Ephe. 1.3.4. Tit. 2.14. yet God hath his company in the world, there is ſuch a Church, the Mother and nurſe of Chriſtians, the pillar and ground of truth.1. Tim. 3.15. Secondly, that this Church muſt be beleeued to bee, it is aboue ſence and reaſon,Pſal. 14.1, 2, 3. Acts 13.48. they iudging it improbable, if not impoſſible, therefore called the inuiſible Church, in regard of her diſpertion, ſpirituall condition and myſticall Vnion with Chriſt.
Q. What is it to beleeue the Church?
A. Firſt,Mat. 16.18.18.17. to acknowledge a number of beleeuers alwayes extant in the world. Secondly, to bee perſwaded vponupon good grounds out of Scripture,Rom. 16.1. that I am one of her children. Thirdly, couragiouſly to reſolue to liue and dye in the Vnity of this Church. Fourthly, to aſſent to that truth of God propoſed and maintained by that company, with reference ſtill vntounto the rule.
Q. What doe you beleeue of it?
A. Firſt, that it is but one, although it may bee diuerſly conſidered. Secondly,Iohn 10.16. Ephe. 4.4, 5. that Chriſt is the ſole head of this Church both in regard of life and gouerment. Thirdly,1 Tim. 2.5. Acts 2.47. Mat. 16.18. that I cannot hauehave God for my Father except I hauehave this Church for my Mother. Fourthly, that this Church is free from errour, finall and fundamentall, ſo differing from particular viſible Churches, which conſiſting of a mixt multitude, are apt to erre & remoue.
Q. Is grace vniuerſall as the Church is?
A. Yes, rightly vnderſtood; this Church is not ſo vniuerſall as to containe all men, nor grace ſo vniuerſall as to ſaue all men.
Q. Cannot a man be wrought out of this Catholike Church: being once in it?
A. No: hee is kept by the power of God through faith vntounto ſaluation.Ier. 32.4. 1 Pet. 1.5.
Q. But cannot a man bee wrought out of a particular viſible Church?
A. Yes, he may be caſt out by two doores: Firſt, of legall expulſion; by that high and fearefull Eccleſiaſticall cenſure of excommunication,1 Cor. 5.2. Math. 16.19 1 Iohn 2.19. rightly ordered. Secondly, of voluntary ſeparation, by hereſie, ſchiſme, or for ſome gainefully carnall ends.
Q. How may a man know ſuch a viſible Church from which hee can not offenſiuely ſeparate?
A. Firſt, by the pure and powerfull preaching of the Word of Chriſt. Secondly,Ioh 8.30.47. Acts 2.42. Mat. 18.17. Pſal. 1.1, 2. by a ſincere adminiſtration of Sacraments, according to Chriſts inſtitution as neere as may be attained. Thirdly, by a good forme of diſcipline agreeable to the Word, at leaſt in the rules and grounds thereof, although there may be many faults and failings in the execution. Fourthly, by a conſcionable practice of obedience in the perfect members of it.
Q. Is this nationall Church here with vsus in England ſuch a one?
A. Yes, as I am fully perſwaded, hauing all the marks of a ſound viſible member, of the Catholike Church, before cited.
Q. What doe you learne from this confeſſion?
A. Firſt, how vnlikely a thing it is,Pſa. 14.1, 2, 3 and ſtrange to fleſh and blood, that there ſhould be any ſuch companie in the world, ſeeing it muſt be beleeued.Rom. 5.12. Acts 2.47. Mat. 10.16.18.17. Epheſ. 4.1. Secondly, the neceſſitie of getting into, and the excellency of being in this Church, like Noah: Arke wherein none can periſh. Thirdly, wiſely to diſcerne of aſſemblies therein, leſt I miſtake a den of theeues, for the houſe of God, all companies laying claime to the Church. Fourthly, humbly to ſubmit to her doctrine, comparing it ſtill with the rule; I may not ſo beleeue the Church, as to take her word before Chriſts; the honour of the Church conſiſting in her dutifull ſubiection to him. Fifthly, continually to behaue my ſelfe, as becomes a child of the Church in all holineſſe of life and conuerſation.
Q. How is the Church deſcribed?
A. Two waies: Firſt, by her properties Holy and Catholike. Secondly, by her priuiledges ſet downe to the end of the Creed, Communion of Saints, remiſſion of ſinne, reſurrection of the fleſh, and life euerlaſting.
Q. Why is the Church called Holy?
A. Firſt, becauſe of her ſeparation in her members, from the prophane multitude in the world. Secondly,Iohn 15.19. 1 Cor. 12.13 Cant. 6.4. Heb. 12.14. Reu. 17.1, 2. becauſe of the imputation of holinſſe from Chriſt her Head and Husband, who endowed her with all his good things on the marriage day, eſpecially faith and louelove. Thirdly, by reaſon of the inchoation of holy practice, and Chriſts acceptation of her endeauours. Fourthly, for diſtinction ſake of the Militant from the Malignant Church, which is a moſt prophane and impure companie.
Q. What doe you learne from this property?
A. Firſt, that if I be in this Church, I muſt be holy; particular viſible Churches containe a mixt multitude of good and bad,Reu. 21.2, 27 Pſal. 93.5. this Catholike Church receiues none but good. Secondly, as in all places and companies, ſo eſpecially I muſt manifeſt holineſſe in the Temple and companie of the Saints, aſſembled holineſſe becomes Gods houſe for euer. Thirdly, ſharpely to reprooue Papiſts, for giuing this title (and more) to the preſent Pope; not only holy but (which is a name of blaſphemie) his holineſſe.
Q. Why is the Church called Catholike?
A. Firſt, becauſe it is diſperſt ouer the face of the whole earth. Secondly,Acts 10.34, 35. Epheſ 2.13. Acts 2.47. it hath been in all ages and ſhall continue to the end of time. Thirdly, it containes penitent ſinners of all ſorts and conditions, none ſimply excluded. Fourthly, in reſpect of the truth ſhe teacheth which is Catholike. Fifthly, to difference her from particular viſible Churches, whereof no one can be called the Catholike Church.
Q. What doe you learne from it?
A. Firſt, a leſſon of comfort, ſeeing Chriſt hath prouided ſo large an Arke to ſaue his children in, let none deſpaire.Hab. 2.3. Eſay 26.20. Ezech. 9.4. 1 Kin. 19.18. Secondly, to reprooue Papiſts, who tye this terme Catholike to the particular Church of Rome, againſt the light and voice of common ſence. Thirdly, what a ſtay good men hauehave here againſt the feare of common corruptions, whereby the Lord is prouoked daily. The Church is Catholike; as God is grieued and diſhonoured by wicked men eueryevery where, ſo he is againe well pleaſed and honoured with the ſeruice of his children eueryevery where: ſeuen thouſand wee reade of, that neuer bowed their knees to Baal.
Q. What is the meaning of this word Communion?
A. That there is a ſocietie or co-partnerſhip of many together,Acts 2 44. Epheſ. 1.10.4.13, 16. 1 Cor. 12.12, 13. Heb. 11.40. in the poſſeſſion and vſe of ſpirituall riches: implying three things: Firſt, vnion with them with whom we hauehave communion, myſtically and ſpiritually knit, as members vnderunder one head. Secondly, mutuall communication in giuing to one another, and receiuing from one another. Thirdly, an obligation or tie to employ all our ſtrength and gifts to the good of the whole bodie.
Q. Who are meant by Saints here?
A. Not the dead onelyonly, much leſſe ſuch as are canonized by the Roman Biſhop,Rom. 1.7. 1 Cor. ….2. 2 Tim. 2.19. but all that are in Chriſt, ſanctified by his Spirit, and waſht in his blood, whether dead and liuing.
Q. Why are they called Saints?
A. Firſt, becauſe of their ſeparation from the reſt of the world (who are heartie enemies to ſanctifie and holy walking) by an effectuall calling. Secondly,2 Cor. 6.17. Heb. 7.26. 1 Cor. 6.2. by reaſon of the imputation of Chriſts holineſſe, in number, waight and meaſure, to all his members. Thirdly, in regard of their inherent (though imperfect) ſanctification, wrought in them by the Spirit of God in the vſe of his Ordinances. Fourthly, in reſpect of their right to a Saint-ſhip in glorie.
Q. How many parts are there of this Communion?
A. Two: Firſt, of all the Saints with Chriſt their Head. Secondly, amongſt themſelues, one member with another.
Q. Wherein conſiſts the Communion of Saints with Chriſt?
A. In two things: Firſt, in that Chriſt giues ſome things to them which are his as his Bodie and Blood,Gal. 1.4. Eſay 53.4. Acts 9.4. Spirit and Graces, Crowne and Kingdome. Secondly, in that Chriſt takes ſomethings vntounto himſelfe, which belong vntounto them, as ſin, puniſhment, perſecution.
Q. What Communion is there among the Saints themſelues?
Acts 2.44.4.32.A. Threefold: Firſt, among thoſe Saints that are in the Militant Church, a communion of affection, profeſſion, afflictions and diſtribution both of ſpirituall gifts and worldly wealth for the mutual reliefe one of another.Rom. 12.13.16.2. Iohn 17.21. Reu. 5.12. Luke 16.29. Secondly, amongſt thoſe Saints which are in the triumphant part of the Church, there is a Communion, of viſion, conſolation, action or employment. Thirdly, betweene both, theſe on earth and thoſe in heauen, there is a Communion. Firſt, in that the Saints in Heauen doe heartily affect the welfare of thoſe on earth generally at leaſt. Secondly,Phil. 3.20. Reu. 5.8. in that the Saints on earth hauehave their conſolation in Heauen, earneſtly deſiring a diſſolution to enioy their company.
Q. What is it to beleeue this Communion of Saints?
A. Firſt,Heb. 12.22. to acknowledge ſuch a ſociety, whereof Chriſt is head. Secondly,Eph. 4.12, 13 to be perſwaded I am a member thereof. Thirdly, to reioyce in it, as if I ſaw a moſt delightfull ſight. Fourthly, to reſolue neuer to forſake it what euer come.
Q. Suppoſe a man be out, how may hee get into this Communion?
A. Firſt, by regeneration,Iohn 3.5. for except a man be borne from aaboue, he cannot ſee the Kingdome of God. Secondly,Luke 14.33 9.62. Math. 7.21. hee muſt then forſake all other ſocieties that are contrary. Thirdly, he muſt be bound vntounto them as an apprentiſe for terme of life. Fourthly, he muſt faithfully promiſe, and ſeaſonably performe the worke of that companie.
Q. How may a man know hee is admitted into this ſociety?
A. Firſt, by his humiliation and reformation; none are bound, many made free of this companie.Ioh. 8.34, 36 Secondly, by that inward combate he ſhall after find in him, againſt ſinne, Satan, and wicked men.1 Ioh. 2.15. Thirdly, by the earneſt of the Spirit, receiued at his admiſſion.1 Iohn 4.13.3.14.1.6, 7. Fourthly, by his louelove to that ſocietie, and compaſſion of them in all their ſufferings. Fifthly, by his heauenly conuerſation; his language, apparell and behauiour is ſuch as they vſe.
Q. What doe you learne hence?
Col. 1.18.A. Firſt, that there hauehave beene, are and ſhall be till the end, ſuch a ſocietie in the world, conſiſting of Chriſt and Chriſtians. Secondly the neceſſity of cleauing to this corporation,Iohn 15.5. Pſal. 16.3. although it be contemned and oppoſed: will any free towne burne their Charter or be aſhamed of their Priuiledges, becauſe the countrie people enuie and maligne them? Thirdly,Eph. 4.3. Mark. 8.38. to acknowledge it with reſpectiue affection, where euer I ſee or beleeue it,1 Theſſ. 5.14, 15. as the onelyonly repreſentation of Heauen. Fourthly, to ſeeke the good of this companie by all poſſible meanes, comforting ſome, reprouing others, praying for all. Fifthly,Heb 13.1. 1 Theſ. 5.13 I learne that neither diſtance of place, nor meaneneſſe of condition, can diſſolue or hinder this Communion, it is the Catholike Church. Laſtly, to liue in louelove and peace with Gods people, reioycing in their companie aboue all others.
Q. Which is the tenth Article?
A. The forgiueneſſe of ſinnes.
Q. What doth it containe?
A. A ſecond priuiledge of the Church, to hauehave ſinnes remitted vntounto her, and to be an inſtrument whereby this fauour is procured to others.
Q. What is the meaning of this Article?
A. Firſt, that there are ſinnes in the Church, euen among the Communion of Saints.Cant. 1.5. Num. 23.21. Secondly, that all ſinnes are remiſſible to that ſocietie, and onelyonly to them. Thirdly,1 Ioh. 1.8, 9. that good Chriſtians are to beleeue both the being of ſinne in the Church, and forgiueneſſe thereof to the Church.
Q. What is ſinne?
1 Iohn 3.4.A. A tranſgreſſion of the Diuine Law, in thought, word or deed.
A. How many ſorts of ſinne are there?
A. Many: originall; actuall, of omiſſion and commiſſion, of knowledge and ignorance, of weakeneſſe and preſumption, &c.
Q. What is remiſſion of ſinne?
A. It is an effect of Gods louelove vntounto his Church,Ier. 33.8. Ezec. 18.22. Col. 1.21, 22 whereby he acquits his choſen from the guilt of ſinne, through the infinite merit of Chriſts ſacrifice, ſo that they ſtand vnſpotted and vndefiled in his ſight, as if they had neuer ſinned.
Q. What is it to beleeue the forgiuenes of ſinne?
A. Firſt, to acknowledge ſuch a power in God, that he is able to doe it. Secondly,Math. 8.2.19.26. to aſſent to the truth of God reuealed in Scripture for the manner of it. Thirdly,2 Sam. 12.1… to be perſwaded vponupon good grounds, that I am one of the number to whom this priuiledge belongs; Fourthly, to labour daily during health and life,Acts 2.38.3.19. either to procure or to renew and continue it to me.
Q. Who can forgiue ſinne?
A. He onelyonly, againſt whoſe law ſinne is committed,Marke 2.5. and that is God; for who can forgiue ſin but God onelyonly.
Q. Cannot men and Miniſters forgiue ſinne?
A. No: yet thus much is taught vsus.Mat. 18.21, 22. Luke 24 47. Iohn 20.23. Firſt, that men may remit an offence giuen them, by any of their brethren, not the ſinne committed thereby againſt God. Secondly, men may be inſtruments whereby remiſſion of ſinne is procured. Thirdly, Miniſters may declare Gods will, and pronounce the ſentence of remiſſion vponupon condition; if men preſume to goe further, they trench vponupon Gods prerogatiue.
Q. How is ſin remitted?
Eſay 43.25. Iohn 20.13.A. Principally by the Lord himſelfe, acquitting the ſinner, blotting out the ſinne, and couering both with the imputation of Chriſts righteouſneſſe inſtrumentally by his Ordinances and Meſſengers, preaching, praying,1 Pet. 3.21. and adminiſtring Sacraments.
Q. How may a man get remiſſion of ſinne?
A. By repentance and conuerſion:Acts 2.38.3.19. Mat. 11.28. for firſt there muſt be a ſenſe and feeling of the burden of ſinne. Secondly, a free and full confeſſion. Thirdly, ſelfe condemnation with hatred and deteſtation of ſinne. Fourthly,1 Iohn 1.9. heartie ſupplication for pardon in and through Chriſt.Pſal. 51.1, 2, &c. Fifthly, a purpoſe to leaue all knowne euill, withall appearance of euill.
Q. How may a Chriſtian be aſſured in ſome good meaſure of it?
A. Firſt,Acts 15.9. Eſay 1.18. Prou. 28.13. Iohn 15.3. by faith in the promiſes, ſeeing and beleeuing what the Lord hath ſpoken in his Word to this end. Secondly, by anſwerable reformation of life in obedience to Gods knowne will. Thirdly, by ſpirituall ſtrength, and power ouer ſinne, in the vſe of appointed meanes; which whoſoeuer deſires indeed,Mar. 16.17. 1 Iohn 3.21.5.10. hath and ſhall hauehave vi…torie. Fourthly, by the inward teſtimonie of a rectified conſcience, which being purified, is alſo pacified.
Q. What doe you learne from this confeſſion?
A. Firſt, how miſerable and wretched I am,Rom. 7.24. by reaſon of ſin remaining, although I be in and of the Church.Luke 24.47. Secondly, for my comfort, I learne hence where remiſſion of ſinne is to be had and how.Matth. 7.12. Luke 10.20 Thirdly, to doe as I would be done vntounto, forgiuing as I would be forgiuen. Fourthly,Ephe. 4.32. Acts 8.22. that this is one of the rareſt priuiledges in the world, and hardeſt to be gotten, onelyonly by faith. Fifthly, to ſue out this pardon for my ſelfe; aboue all to auoide multiplying of ſinne, and deferring of Repentance.
Q. Which is the eleuenth Article?
A. Reſurrection of the bodie.
Q. What doth it containe?
A. A third priuiledge of the Church, to hauehave the bodies of of her children raiſed from death to life, and from the graue to glorie.
Q. How can it bee a priuiledge to the Church, when others without the Church: ſhall partake thereof?
A. None can enioy it in that manner the Church doth and ſhall:Iohn 5.29. Dan. 12.2. others ſhall be raiſed by the externall power of Chriſt as a Iudge, commanding them from priſon to the place of execution; but the children of the Church ſhall riſe by the inward vertue of Chriſt, as a head of that bodie, conueying quickning power into eueryevery member vnited to him.
Q. What is the meaning of this Article?
Iob 19.27.A. Firſt, that the bodie after diſſolution, ſhall be reſtored to his former integrity both for parts and proportion.1 Cor. 15.42.43.44.45. Secondly, that eueryevery bodie ſhall hauehave his owne ſoule brought backe, vnſeparably vnited to giuegive life and motion.Phil. 3.20. Thirdly, that all corruptible qualities ſhall be laid aſide and both made wholly immortall like the glorious bodie of Chriſt.
Q. What is the reſurrection?
1 Cor. 15.52A. A raiſing vp againe of what was fallen and a re-vnion of thoſe things which for a time by death, were ſeparated.
Q. What is it to beleeue the reſurrection of the body?
Math. 3.9.A. Firſt, to acknowledge the mightie power of God, able of ſtones, duſt and aſhes, to raiſe vp children to Abraham. Secondly,Iob 19.25. to be aſſuredly perſwaded my bodie ſhall be raiſed againe. Thirdly, with content and inward delight to aſſent to this worke of God in regard of my owne particular.Pſal. 27.13.
Q. What bodies ſhall be raiſed againe?
A. The very ſame that die,2 Cor. 5.10. 1 Cor. 15.38 with ſeuerall ſtatures, without diminution or imperfection, altered onelyonly in qualities.
Q. Who are they that ſhall be raiſed?
A. All, good and bad,Math. 25.32 Acts 24.15. iuſt and vniuſt, young and old, that euer were.
Q. By whom ſhall they be raiſed?
A. Chriſt, Lord of all things,Iohn 6.44. Phil. 3.20. and the onelyonly head of his bodie the Church: thy dead men ſhall liue, together with my dead bodie ſhall they riſe, ſaith the Lord, Eſay 26.19.
Q. How ſhall they be raiſed?
A. Firſt, the dead in their graues ſhall heare the powerfull voyce of Chriſt,Iohn 5.28. and come forth. Secondly, for thoſe which ſhall be found liuing vponupon the earth at that day,1 Theſſ. 4.15, 16. they ſhall be changed in a moment and prepared to meet him.
Q. Why muſt all bee raiſed thus?
Reu. 1.7.A. Firſt, for the glorie of God, in a further manifeſtation of his merciemercy and iuſtice. Secondly, for the infliction of deſerued puniſhment vponupon the wicked,Math. 25.46 who often flouriſh here. Thirdly, for the performance of Gods promiſe, and perfecting the worke begun in his Children, who were of all, moſt miſerable,1 Cor. 15.19 if they had hope only in this life.
Q. When ſhall this reſurrection be?
A. At the day of iudgement, called by Iob the latter day;Iohn 6.54. by our Sauiour the laſt day; with patience to be expected, becauſe not reuealed.
Queſt. What doe you learne from this Article thus explained?
A. Firſt, that all muſt dye and fall before they can riſe againe. Secondly, that all ſhall vndoubtedly riſe to liue againe in the fulneſſe of time.Heb 9.27. Thirdly, as I dye, ſo muſt I riſe to ſtand in the preſence of Chriſt, with the ſame eyes, parts, &c.1 The. 4.14. Fourthly, I learne to oppoſe this truth againſt the feare of death and immoderate griefe for friends departed. Fifthly,Iohn 11.24. to eſchew ſinne,Acts 24.15, 16. eſpecially the corruptions of that age wherein I liue, phantaſtike faſhions in attire, long lockes, &c. and to adorne my minde with good workes, which will riſe with me. Sixthly, to prepare for it by a daily meditation of it, ſtill ſuppoſing I heare that voyce: Ariſe yee dead and come to iudgement Seuenthly, that the deſpiſed Saints of Chriſt who now lye buried in ſilence and diſgrace, ſhall ere long bee raiſed with credit and reputation. Eighthly, that a ioyfull Reſurrection doth euer follow remiſſion of ſinne, as this Article doth the former, no thinking of the one, till the other be procured.
Q. How may a Chriſtian be aſſured of his Reſurrection to life and glory?
A. He muſt purchaſe it, with prayers, teares and a diligent vſe of meanes all his life:Phil. 3.10.11. for firſt, if he be truely humbled for his ſinnes,Reu. 20.6.14.13. if hee were euer caſt downe and hauehave had his part in the firſt Reſurrection. Secondly, if he hauehave choſen Chriſt for his Lord and Sauiour, caſting himſelfe into his armes and reſting wholly vponupon Him.2 Tim. 4.7, 8 Thirdly,Dan. 12.3. if he endeauour with zeale and cheerefulneſſe to keepe faith and a good conſcience in all things: then may he be aſſured to dye in Chriſt, to reſt with Chriſt, till hee bee raiſed by Chriſt to reioyce and ſing for euermore.
Q. Which is the twelfth Article?
A. Life euerlaſting.
Q. What doth it containe?
A. A fourth priuiledge of the Church, to hauehave life eternall beſtowed vponupon her and all her children.
Q. How is it a priuiledge of the Church, when wicked men ſhall alſo riſe to liue againe?
A. None ſhall riſe to liue the life of glory in heauen,Col. 3.3, 4. Mat. 25.41. but Children of the Church; the life of wicked men in hell, is rather an euerlaſting death.
Q. What is the meaning of this Article?
A. Firſt, that all the beleeuing members of Chriſt, ſhall be partakers of another life,Iob 14.14. Eſay 26.19. far better then this. Secondly, that, of that life there ſhall bee no end.
Q. What is this life euerlaſting?
A. It is the being and exerciſe of ſpirituall actions in man agreeable to the Will of God: begun here by grace,Iohn 6.47.17.3. but to be perfected hereafter in glory.
Q. Wherein conſiſts the excellency of that life in glory?
A. It cannot be expreſt, deſcribed it may be darkly and afarre off,Pſal. 36.9. to conſiſt. Firſt, in an immeditate fruition of God, when the Saints ſhall ſee, know, louelove and reioyce in him perpetually.1 Cor. 2.9. Secondly, in a perfect Sabbath when the Saints ſhall ſerue him both for matter and manner according to his owne Will,Iohn 17.21. Iere. 31.3.2 Pet. 1.11.without Popiſh trinkets, wearineſſe or diſtraction. Thirdly, in the continuance and duration of both, immutably, euerlaſting, without any poſſibility of looſing or leſſening.
Q. What is it to beleeue life euerlaſting.
A. Firſt, to hauehave the life of Grace begun here, as the manifeſtation of election and the earneſt of glory;Iohn 4.14. for none can rightly beleeue it, but hee that hath it, Reu. 2.17. Secondly,Phil. 1.6. to aſſent vntounto the truth of God concerning the immortality of the Soule, and the life to come.Iohn 20.28. Thirdly, to be aſſured,Reu. 2.10. after the examination of my eſtate, that I am one of thoſe to whom this priuiledge belongs. Fourthly, to reſolue vponupon fidelity in Gods ſeruice till death, that hee may glorfie his Name, by beſtowing vponupon me this Crowne of life.
Q. What muſt a Chriſtian doe to attaine it?
A. Firſt, he muſt endeauour to keepe the Commandements, Eſchew euill, doe good,Mat. 19.17. and liue for euermore. Secondly, he muſt ſow to the Spirit,Pſal. 34.12, 13. and liue holyly. He that ſoweth to the Spirit,Gal. 6.8. ſhall of the Spirit reap Life euerlaſting. Thirdly, he muſt be conſtant in both,Rom. 6.22. in a right manner,Reu. 2.10. to a right end, till the Lord call him away.
Q. How may a man know whether this life bee begun in him?
A. Firſt, by the death of ſinne,Rom. 6.11.12. for the dominion thereof in his affection. Secondly, by an inward griefe for corrupt motions, blaſphemous thoughts and carnall inclinations,Col. 3.5. with a daily fighting againſt them.Rom. 7.24. 1 Iohn 3.14. 2 Tim. 4.8. Acts 9.6. Thirdly, by a communicating louelove to the Saints on earth. Fourthly, by an inward longing after Chriſts ſecond comming. Fifthly, by a hearty ſubmiſſion of himſelfe to the whole reuealed Will of God.
Q. When is this life wrought in the elect?
A. By degrees and at ſeuerall times; partly in this life by the ſpirit,Iohn 17.3. nouriſhing the incorruptible ſeed of the Word, more fully, immediately after death, but moſt fully & compleatly after the Reſurrection of the fleſh.10.10.
Q. What doe you learne from this confeſſion and deſcription?
A. Firſt, that there is a reward for true beleeuers. Secondly,Rom. 6.23. Pſal. 19.11. 1 Tim. 4.10 Heb. 11.35. that euerlaſting life is the end of my faith and labours. Thirdly, to preferre that life aboue this moment any life I now enioy, and the meanes to attaine that, aboue the meanes to preſerue this. Fourthly, to aſſure my heart aboue all things, of the beginnings thereof,1 Tim. 6.19. Heb. 10.36. and to endeauour in the vſe of meanes all my dayes. Fifthly, patiently to ſuffer the Lord to worke it in me, how and when he pleaſeth, ſaying, Amen to his preſcriptions.
Queſt. Suppoſing a Chriſtian thus farre right for his faith what is next to be done for ſaluation?
A. An endeauour to know and keepe the Commandements of Almighty God.
Q. How many are there?
A. Ten: Exod. 20.1, 2, 3, 4, &c.
Q. Which is the first Commandement?
A. Thou ſhalt hauehave no other Gods before me.
Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement?
A. 1. That there is but one true God, to whoſe lawes I am abſolutely bound. Secondly, that all ſpirituall ſeruice and diuine worſhip inward or outward,1 Iohn 5.7. is due and muſt be performed by me to that God.Matth. 4.10. Thirdly, that I may not make to my ſelfe,Deut. 6.14. nor worſhip any other God.
Q. How can a man make to himſelfe other Gods?
A. By robbing the true God of his honour and glory, and giuing it to that which is not God: as firſt by faigning gods, which hauehave no being but in imagination onelyonly. Secondly,Ioſ. 24.25. 2 Tim. 3 4.by admitting dangerouſly-falſe conceits of the true God,Deut. 6.14. in priuate thoughts or prayer, which hauehave no ground in Scripture. Thirdly,Ier. 3.11. by giuing diuine worſhip, to any other beſide the true God, whether Angell, Saint, &c. Fourthly, by ſeeking and affecting any of the creatures, before or more then the Creator, as the couetous, luxurious, ſelfe-ſeeking, vaine-glorious man doth, &c.
Q. What is commanded here?
A. Firſt, that I ſhould cleaue vntounto Iehoua, as the onelyonly true God, ſubmitting to his lawes,Mat. 22.37. ſeruing him and ſeeking his glory with all my heart. Secondly, that I doe this to him onelyonly according to his will.
Q. What duties are you to performe by vertue of this command?
A. Many, firſt to labour after a ſufficient,Ier. 9.24. Iohn 17.3. 1 Ioh. 5.10. Pſal. 34.8. and ſauing knowledge of the Lord, as hee hath reuealed himſelfe in his Word. Secondly, to beleeue the Word of God, both for the precepts, threatnings and promiſes therein contained. Thirdly, to place my whole affiance in him, as reconciled through Chriſt, which includes filial feare, ſound hope, confidence, and flexible humility, conſidering his excellency and my vilenes.Pſal. 31.23. 1 Iohn 4.19. Reu 3.19. Phil. 4.4. Ephe. 5.20. Rom. 12.12. Heb. 10.36 Fourthly, to louelove him ſimply for himſelf, friends we may louelove in him, enemies for him, and creatures as ſent vsus from him. Fifthly, to be zealous for his glory, ſincerely, moderately and ſeaſonably. Sixthly, to reioyce in the Lord alwayes, both in times of peace and perſecution. Seuenthly, to be thankefull for eueryevery thing; health and ſickeneſſe, proſperity, and aduerſity. Eighthly, to be patient vnderunder the croſſe, ordered by his prouidence, for the chaſtiſment and tryall of his children,1 Cor. 6.20. M…l. 1.6. and muſt bee borne cheerefully, meekely, and conſtantly. Laſtly, to honour God. Firſt, priuately by my ſelfe, or with others, reading, praying, conferring, ſinging of Pſalmes,Col. 3.16. 1 Cor. 10.31 Pſal. 27.4. Prou. 3.9. Deut. 10.20. Mat. 10.32. eating, drinking, buying, ſelling, and all to the glory of God. Secondly, publikely by ioyning with the true Church which the Scriptures doe demonſtrate, by furthering the true Religion, ſwearing by his name being lawfully called, and by confeſſing the truth boldly, in the face of the enemy.
Q. What is here forbidden?
A. To ſet vp any other God in my heart, to giuegive diuine worſhip to any other thing; not to conceiue aright of the true God,Ioſ. 24.23. Gen. 35.2. or not to performe this ſpirituall ſeruice to him onelyonly.
Q. What ſinnes are you eſpecially to auoyde by vertue of this prohibition?
A. Diuers, as firſt denying of God directly, or by conſequence,Rom. 1.19. when men liue as if there were none, or none ſuch as the Scriptures declare.Tit. 1. ult. Secondly, multiplying of Gods, either with the idolatrous Gentiles,Epheſ. 5.5. ſuperſtitious Papiſts, or with carnall Proteſtants who adore their riches,Phil. 3.19. pleaſure, honour, &c. Thirdly, abuſing of the true God either in opinion, as Arrians, Iewes, Turkes. Epicures doe; or in practice and that,Epheſ. 4.18. Firſt, by ignorance of God and his Will, whether affected or careleſſe:Eſay 1.3. as alſo by a meere ſpeculatiue knowledge, ſeparated from obedience. Secondly,Iohn 3.12. by infidelity, when men reſpect neither the power, Word nor workes of God;Iam. 2. ult. bringing Chriſtians, that content themſelues with an hiſtoricall,Pſal. 50.22. idle, counterfeit faith, vponupon preſumption or deſpaire commonly. Thirdly, by forgetfulneſſe of God, not hiding his Word or not laying it as a rule to order our affaires.Luke 12.19. Fourthly, by diſtruſt of Gods goodneſſe, power and prouidence,Matth. 6.25. manifeſted by a carking care,Prou. 30.9. and vſe of vnlawfull means either for deliuerance or aduancement. Fifthly,1 Sam. 28.7. by hatred of God, his truth, graces, or ſeruants,Rom. 1.30. whether naturall or aduentitious;1 Iohn 2.15.16. which is commonly attended by an exceſſiue louelove of worldly honour. Sixthly,Rom. 10.2. by a blind, vntutored zeale, which is furious, immoderate, vnſeaſonable and ſhort;Reu. 3.13. as alſo by coldneſſe and luke-warmeneſſe in matters of Religion.2 Tim. 3.2. Seuenthly, by ingratitude for bleſſings receiued and impatiencie vnderunder the croſſe. Eighthly, by diſhonouring the Lord any way in priuate or publike:Mal. 3.14. louing any thing aboue him, fearing any thing more then him,Nehe. 13.10.11. Mark. 8.38. hindering his worſhip, denying his truth in time of danger, ſwearing by creatures, accompanying familiarly with his profeſt enemies,Ier. 5.7. 2 Cro. 19.2. or breaking any of his knowne commands.
Q. What doe you learne from this Commandement thus explained?
A. Firſt, how holy and ſtrict the Lord is,Deut. 12.32. in the matter of his worſhip and ſeruice. Secondly, therefore ſpeedily and heartily, to abandon all falſe gods,Ioſ. 24 23. withall carnall conceits and blaſphemous thoughts of the true God. Thirdly, to labour to know the Lord, as he hath reuealed himſelfe, which is life eternall. Fourthly,1 Sam. 7.3. to giuegive him ſo knowne, my heart, to ſerue, to depend vponupon him and to put my whole truſt and confidence in him.Mat. 22.37. Fifthly, to admit of no opinion nor practice contrarie to his law.Iohn 12.42, 43. Pſal. 139.7.8 Sixthly, boldly to acknowledge him, by confeſſing him and his truth,Ier. 9.24. ſtanding vp for both in all aſſemblies. Seuenthly, to conſider my ſelfe as alwayes before him and to doe nothing without a ſerious thought of his preſence; glorying moſt, that I am ſeruant to ſuch a Lord.
Q. Which is the ſecond Commandement?
A. Thou ſhalt not make to thy ſelfe any grauen image, nor the likeneſſe of any thing that is in heauen aboue, or in the earth beneath or in the water vnderunder the earth; thou ſhalt not bow downe to them nor worſhip them, for I the Lord thy God am a iealous God and viſit the ſinnes of the fathers vponupon the children vntounto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and ſhew mercy vntounto thouſands in them that louelove me and keepe my Commandements.
Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement.
A. Firſt, that after knowledge and right choice, I muſt make an outward profeſſion of the true God.Rom. 10.10.12.1, 2. Secondly, that this profeſſion muſt be ioyned with ſeruice and ſolemne worſhip. Thirdly, that both theſe be done according to the rules and directions, expreſt in his reuealed Will, the written Word.
Q. How parts are there in it?
A. Two: Firſt, the Commandement it ſelfe. Secondly, the confirmation of it with reaſons to moue obedience.