A CATECHISM OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION, TAUGHT in the Schools and Churches of the Low-Countries, and dominions of the County Palatine: WITH THE ARGUMENTS, AND use of the several doctrines of the same Catechism By JEREMIAS BASTINGIUS. And now authorized by the kings Majesty, for the use of Scotland. Whereunto is adjoined certain Prayers, both public and private, for sundry purposes. EDINBURGH, ❧ Printed by Robert Waldegrave, printer to the King's Majesty. 1591. Cum privilegio Regiae Maiestatis. The A. B. C. A a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r r s s t u v w x y z &. A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T V W X Y Z. a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r s s t v u w x y z. A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 a e i o u a e i o u ab eb ib ob ub ag egg ig og ug ac ec ic oc uc ak ek ik ok uk ad ed it odd ud all el il ol ul of ef if of of an en in on un In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, so be it. The Lord's prayer. Our Father which art in heaven: hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven: Give us this day our daily bread: And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, power & the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The belief. I Believe in God the Father almighty, maker of Heaven & Earth: And in jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, which was conceived by the holy Ghost: Born of 〈◊〉 virgin Mary. Suffered under Pon●●us Pilate: was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into Hell, the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, & sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty: From thence shall he come to judge the quick & the dead. I believe in the holy ghost: The holy Catholic Church: The communion of Saints: The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. THE TEN Commandments of Almighty God. hearken, and take heed, Israel. I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, & from the house of bondage. 1 Thou shalt have none other Gods before me. 2 Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven Image, nor the likeness of any thing, that is in Heaven above, or in the Earth beneath, nor in the water under the Earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them. For I the lord thy God, am a jealous God, and visits the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third & fourth generation, of them that hate me, and show mercy unto thousands, of them that love me and keep my commandments. 3 Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 4 Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day: Six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy Son, and thy daughter, thy manservant, and thy maidservant, thy cattle, and the stranger, that is within thy gates. For in six days, the Lord made Heaven and Earth, the Sea, & all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, wherefore the Lord blessed the Seventh day, and hallowed it. 5 Honour thy Father and thy Mother, that thy days may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 6 Thou shalt do no murder. 7 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 8 Thou shalt not steal. 9 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 10 Thou shall not covet thy neighbour's house. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his Ox, nor his Ass, nor any thing that is his. A PRAYER TO BE USED before catechizing. We most heartily thank thee, O most merciful Father, for all thy blessings, bestowed upon us, from the beginning of the world, unto this time: for our election, creation, redemption, merciful vocation, justification, sanctification, continual preservation, and for that same assured, and most comfortable hope, that thou hast given us, of our glorification in the world to come. And we beseech thee to direct us, that, considering thy mercies, we may acknowledge and confess our sins, which should provoke thee rather to curse, than to bless us: to confound us, rather than to preserve us. We have sinned against thee, both in thought, word, & deed: grant, that we seeing the horror of our sins, and the fierceness of thy wrath, may without hypocrisy or dissimulation be earnestly sorry, & heartily repentant for our former wickedness: howbeit in such sort, as that we despair not, but that in bitterness of our grief, we may have comfort by faith, in thy Son Christ, that our offences are pardoned. Grant O Lord, that we being assured hereof, in our consciences, may through thy holy Spirit, be renewed in the inward man, to hate, detest, and abhor sin, and to study to live according to thy blessed will during our whole life, and as now, through thy goodness we are here assembled together: so, we beseech thee, to direct us, that at this present, both in our words, hearts, and all our behaviours, may be in such sort ordered, as, that we may truly utter, and reverently receive, the principles of thy holy & heavenly word, to the strengthening of our faith, to the comfort of our consciences, to the amendment of our sinful and lewd lives, and to the glory of thy most holy name, through jesus Christ our Lord, So be it. OF THE ONLY COMFORT OF MAN, IN LIFE AND IN DEATH. THE ARGUMENT. ❧ In the first section is handled, the sovereign good of man, and namely, his only comfort in life and in death: as also, the necessary means to attain that sovereign good: and two questions are propounded for the handling of this preface, or argument. Question. Lord's day. The first WHat is thy only comfort in life & in death. Answer. That in soul and body, a 1. Cor. 6.19. 1. Thes. 5.10. whether I live or die, b Rom. 14.8. I am not mine own, but I belong c 1. Cor. 3.23. unto my most faithful Lord and Saviour, jesus Christ: who by his precious blood, most fully satisfying d 1. Pet, 1.18. 1. joh. 1.7 & 2.2 for all my sins hath delivered e 1. joh. 2.8. Heb. 2.14.15. me, from the whole power of the devil, & doth so preserve f john. 6.39. me, that without the will of my heavenly Father, not so much as a hair can fall g Mat. 10.30. Luk. 21.18. from my head: yea, all things are made h Rom. 8.28. to serve for my salvation. Wherefore by his spirit also, i 2. Cor. 1.22. & 5.5. Ephes. 1.14. he assureth me of everlasting life, & maketh k Rom. 8.24. me ready & prepared, that henceforth I may live to him. The use THe use of this doctrine is manifold, and diverse, partly serving for the confirmation of our faith, partly for the instruction of every godly and faithful man. For first, if Christ have most fully satisfied for all my sins, as he hath, hereof I am persuaded, that all my sins are forgiven, and that I being justified by faith, have peace with God through Christ, and that I am truly blessed, both in life and in death, and hereof also, I conceive certain hope and assurance, that God for Christ's sake, will hereafter be gracious unto me. Secondly, if he have delivered us from the power of the Devil: we are hereby put in mind, every on of us to detest sin, and diligently to beware that it reign not in our mortal bodies, but rather to follow after righteousness, innocency, and uprightness of life, all the days of our life. Then, whereas Satan before reigned through death to our destruction, and Christ also hath subdued death for us, we may boldly despise death, considering that the first death can not otherwise light upon us, but for our salvation, and the second death is overcome by the power of Christ, that is, not able to hurt the godly. Thirdly, if we properly belong unto the Lord, let us not serve any other, but him who hath redeemed us, according unto the counsel of the Apostle. 1. Cor. 7.23. Ye are bought with a price, be not the servants of men: next, let us not judge our brethren, (as the same Apostle saith) Who art thou that judgest an other man's servant? Rom. 14. ● he standeth or falleth to his own Lord. fourthly, seeing the same Christ doth maintain that salvation which he hath purchased for us, and hath sealed the same by his spirit in our hearts, Luke. 11.22. whatsoever Satan that Enemy of ours doth enterprise, so long as we have on our side, so strong and so valiant an armed man, we are commanded not to quail or be discouraged, for that we are always sure to be conquerors, through jesus Christ our Lord. Question 2 How many things are needful for thee to know, to the end thou enjoying this comfort, mayst live and die an happy man? Answer. Three l Luk. 24.47. 1. Cot. 6.11. Rom. 8.16. Tit. ● 3.4.5.6.7.8. things: First, what is the greatness m john. 9.41. Rom. 3. of my sin, and of my misery. Secondly, by what means I may be delivered n john. 17.3. from all my sin & misery. Thirdly, what thankfulness I own o Ephe. 5.10. 1. pet. 2.9. & 3.10.11.12. Rom. 6.11.12 13. Mat. 5 16. 2. Tim. 2.15. to God for that deliverance. THE FIRST PART, OF MAN'S MISERY. THE ARGUMENT. 1. Of man's misery, that is, of sin, & whereby it is known. 2. How great our debt is. 3. Of our inability to pay it. Question. Lord's day. 2 3. How dost thou know thine own misery? Answer. BY the law of God. a Rom. 3.20. The Use. THis use of the law, the Apostle declareth in many places: By the Law, cometh the knowledge of sin. And without the law sin is dead, that is, Rom. 3.8. not perceived: therefore by the Law, it is perceived and quickened: but more plainly when he saith: Nay, I had not known sin, but by the Law, for I had not known lust, except the Law had said, Rom. 7.8. thou shalt not lust. Last of all to the Galath. Gal. 3.9. The Law was added because of transgression. Out of which testimonies it is truly gathered, that it is the moral Law whereof he here speaketh, which is in stead of a glass, wherein we perfectly behold our own uncleanness, even as a glass showeth unto us the spots in our face, that we well knowing and understanding it, and withal, perceiving in what danger we stand, may be ashamed of ourselves, and by this means being truly humbled before God, may sue to the sanctuary of his grace. Question. 4. What doth the Law of God require of us? Answer. That doth Christ teach us summarily, Mat. 22. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, & with all thy strength b Luk. 10.27. . This is the first and the greatest commandment, and the second is like unto this. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandements, hangeth the whole law and the Prophets. The use THe use of the doctrine of the love of God & of our neighbour, briefly consisteth in these points. 1. That when we hear it is required at our hands, to love God with a single affection of heart, we chase away, and remove far from us all hypocrisy, lest that saying of the Prophet be fitly applied unto us: Esa. 29, 13 This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 2. That seeing God requireth of us, perfect love of himself we earnestly consider, how great diligence and endeavour we had need to use, that we may daily profit and increase more and more in the love of God. 3. Seeing God requireth of us to love our neighbour as ourselves, let us beware of pretending any ignorance of this law, as that we know not what, or how much we oughr to give our neighbour, seeing every man is able to dissolve this doubt by the tender love that he beareth unto himself, and therefore is without excuse before God, if he do otherwise. Next, let us restrain all self-love in ourselves, whereby it cometh to pass, that we think ourselves only worthy to be loved, and do either carelessly neglect, or disdainfully and proudly despise all others. Question. 5. Art thou able to keep all these things perfectly? Answer. In no wise c Rom. 3.10.23 1 john 1.8. : For by nature I am prone to the hatred of God, and of my neighbour d Rom. 8.7. Eph 2.3. Tit. 3.3. . OF THE CREATION OF man, after the image of God. THE ARGUMENT. Of the creation of man to the image of God, and of his fall: & in this, of original sin, and of the power of free-will, or of the understanding and the will, in this corruption of nature. Question. Lord's day. 3 6. What then, did God make man so bad and so corrupt? Answer. No truly e Gen. 1.31. : Gut God created him good, & according to his own image f Gen. 1.26. & 27. , that is, endued with true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator, and love him with all his heart, and live in blessedness with him for ever, and that to laud and magnify him g 2. Cor. 3.18. Gol, 3.10. Eph. 4 24. . The use. THe rehearsal, that is, the calling to remembrance of these benefits, which God in the beginning powered upon man, will not only serve to that end, to make us know and bewail the greatness of our sin and misery, by comparison with the good things which we have lost but also will awake us, both to an earnest and fervent desire, to be restored fully unto that blessed estate in Christ, and especially to apply the study of righteousness & goodness, until the Image of God recover his full brightness in us in Heaven: last of all, to be thankful unto God for our restoring, crying out with the Prophet. What is man, that thou art mindful of him, or the Son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the Angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Question. 7. From whence then ariseth this corruption of man's nature? Answer. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eva in paradise h Rom. 5 17 18.19. : where our nature was so corrupted, that we are all conceived and borne in sin i Psal. 51.5. Gen. 5.3. . Question. 8. But are we so corrupt, that we are not at all fit to do well, and are we prone to all vice? Answer. Yea: except we be regenerated by the holy Ghost k john. 3.5. Goe 6.5. job. 10.4. & 15.14.16. & 35. Esa. 53.6. . The use THe use and end of this knowledge and doctrine is this, not to increase in us slothfulness, but that we understanding, how by original sins we are bereaved of all power to understand, to will and to work aright, and also, hemmed in on every side, with most miserable necessity, may learn notwithstanding, to long after that good, whereof we are void, and after that liberty which we have lost, and therefore to hear the word of God, psal. 119.24. whereby our judgement may be reform, to crave the gift of the holy Ghost, that we may learn the commandments of God, and that he would make of our stony heart a fleshy heart, and give unto us strength, as Augustine very well adviseth about this matter▪ O Man (saith he) by the commandment, know what thou oughtest to have, by correction learn, that by thine own fault thou hast it not, by prayer understand from whence thou must receive that which thou desirest to have. So will it come to pass, that thy mind being enlightened, shall judge aright, thy heart being reform by the hand of God, shallbe made willing, & man according to the measure of grace which he hath received, shall endeavour and apply all his powers, and all his strength unto obedience. OF THE CAUSES OF man's misery. THE ARGUMENT. That God doth no man wrong, although he require of man in his Law, that which he is not able to perform: nay, that he doth justly punish sin with punishments present and everlasting, both of soul and body, without any respect of age. Question. Lord's day. 4 9 Doth not God then deal injuriously with man, when he requireth that of him in his Law, which he is not able to perform? Answer. Not at all l joh. 3.5. Ephe. 4.24. : for God so created man, that he was able to perform it: But man, enticed by the Devil m Luke. 10.30. , by his own disobedience, deprived himself and all his posterity of those gifts of God. The use. THe use of this doctrine touching our inability to keep the Law of God, is threefold. 1. That we acknowledge our own guiltiness, and accuse ourselves of falling from God: for God by this just exaction will humble us: for by commanding things impossible, he doth not make men sinners but humble, that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be found guilty before God. 2. That we may defy the Devil and his works, by whose instigation and enticement, we were thrown down into the bottomless pit of these calamities, according unto that saying, Resist the Devil, and he will fly from you. jam. 4.6 3. Seeing our weakness and inability is such, that we are not able to perform that, which God by very good right requireth at our hands, let us pray the Lord with Augustine, and say: Grant O Lord, that which thou commandest, and then command what thou wilt: which was the godly prayer of that holy Father, not that he hoped he was able to attain unto it in this life, but assuredly in the life to come. Question. 10. What then, will God let go the disobedience and backsliding of man without punishment? Answer, No surely: but he is most fearfully angry, n Rom. 5.12. Heb. 9.27. both with our natural sins, and with those sins which we ourselves do commit: and doth punish the same in his most just judgement, both with temporal and eternal punishments, even as himself pronounceth: Cursed is every one, who, continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them o Deut. 27.26. Gal. 3.10. . Question. 11. What is not God merciful also? Answer. Yes truly: he is merciful p Exod. 34.6. : but so he is just too q Exod. 20.5. Psal. 55. 2. Cor. 6.14. . Therefore his justice requireth to have that punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of soul and body, whatsoever is committed against the sovereign majesty of God. The use THe use and consideration of the mercy of God in general, as it ought to keep us in affiance to call upon him, and to hope, and certainly look for salvation from him: finally, to set on fire in us the love of him: so his righteousness and justice is set before us to this end, that it may be as a bridle to us to keep us from sin, persuading us, that except we repent, although God for a time suffer us to carry away our sins without punishment, yet it shall not always be so, but at the last, he will take most bitter and most just punishment upon us: But in this place we may consider of them both. 1. That we despair not of deliverance from our evils, because God is exceeding merciful: 2. That we abuse not his mercy and so deceive ourselves, because he is also exceeding just. 3. That we seriously and diligently consider, by what means God will have his justice satisfied, that so we may be reconciled unto him, and may obtain sound comfort, both in life and in death. THE SECOND PART, OF MAN'S DELIVERANCE. THE ARGUMENT. That man being in the state of perdition, must seek redemption in the mediator. Question. Lord's day. 5 12 Seeing then we are by the just judgement of God, in danger of temporal and everlasting punishment, is there any way or means left, whereby we may be delivered from these punishments, and be reconciled to God? Answer. GOd will have his justice satisfied a Exod. 20.5. & 23.7. : Wherefore we, must needs make satisfaction, b Rom. 8.3. either by ourselves or by some other. Question. 13 Are we able to satisfy by ourselves? Answer. Not one whit: Yea, rather we do c job. ●9. 23. & 15.15. Math. 6.22 increase our debt every day. Question. 14 Can any creature in Heaven or in Earth make satisfaction for us? Answer. None at all: For first, God will not d Heb. 2.14. punish any other creature, for that sin that man hath committed: Secondly, that which is but an only creature, is not able to endure the wrath of God against sin, and to e Psal. 130.3. job. 4.18. & 25.5 deliver others from it. Question. 15 Then what manner of mediator and deliverer must we seek for? Answer. Such a one as is true man, and perfectly just, and yet notwithstanding more mighty than all creatures, that is, who is also true f 1. Cor. 15.21. & 25. jere. 23.6. Esa. 53.11. 2. Cor. 5.14 Heb 7.16. Esa. 7.14. Rom. 8.3. God. OF THE MEDIATOR. THE ARGUMENT. That Christ is that only mediator, true man, and perfectly just, and true God, such a one as in the Gospel is promised, and exhibited. Question, Lords day. 6 16 Wherefore must he needs be true man, and perfectly just? Answer. Because the justice of God requireth, that the same nature of man which sinned, should also pay the punishment of sin: but he g Rom, 5.12. & 17. that were a sinner himself, h 1. Pet. 3.18. could not pay for other men. Question. 17 Wherefore ought he also to be true God? Answer. That by the power of his Godhead, he might be able to i Esa, 55.3. & 18. Act. 2.24. 1. Pet 3.18. sustain the burden of God's wrath in his flesh, & to recover k 1. joh. 1.2. & 4.9.10. Act. 20.28. joh. 3.16. and restore unto us, the righteousness and life that we had lost. Question. 18 But who is that Mediator, who is both true God, and true and perfect man? Answer. Our Lord jesus Christ l Mat. 1.23. 1. Tim. 3.16. john. 14.16 .. 1. Tim. ● 5. Luke. ●. 11. , who is made unto us of God, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and perfect m 1. Cor. 3.30. redemption. Question. 19 Whereby knowest thou that? Answer. By the Gospel: which God first revealed in n Gen. 3.15. Paradise, and afterward, did o Genes 22.18 & 46.10.11. Ro. 1.2 Heb. 1.1. Act 3.12. etc. & 10.43. publish by the patriarchs and Prophets p joh. 5.46. Heb. 10.7. , shadowed out in sacrifices and ceremonies: and last of all, q Gal. 4.4. &. 3.24. Heb 13.8. accomplished by his only begotten son. The use THe uses of this doctrine of the Gospel are four: for first, hereby appeareth the antiquity of the doctrine of Christ our only redeemer, so that to doubt of the truth, thereof were to rob God, for that it hath witness from God himself, from the Fathers and the Prophets, led by the holy Ghost. whereunto also, the sacrifices and ceremonies did lead men, and whereof the Son of God himself, coming in the flesh bore witness. Wherefore it behoveth us, carefully to uphold in the Church, and faithfully to expound and retain this doctrine, both for the worthiness of it, as coming from God, and for the antiquity, and also for the necessity and profit thereof. Another use is, to know, that after Christ is once come, the shadows of the sacrifices have an end, and that now after the Sun is risen, there is no more place for the ceremonies of the Law, and that concerning the use of them, they are fulfilled & abolished in the death of Christ. The third use is, to learn, by despising the World & the transitory delights thereof, to desire with the whole affection of the heart, that sovereign good that is offered unto us in the Gospel. and when it is offered, to lay hold on it. The fourth use is, in all affliction, and even in life and death, to comfort ourselves by these glad tidings of salvation purchased by Christ, which far exceedeth all the joys of the wicked OF THE GOSPEL. THE ARGUMENT. That Christ is a Saviour only of those that believe, and of true faith, and of the sum of those things that are to be believed. Question. Lord's day. 7 20 Is salvation then restored to all men by Christ that perished in Adam? Answer. Not to all: but only to those who are engraffed into him by true faith, r joh. 1.12. & ●. 36. Esa. 53.11. Psal. 2.12. Rom. 11.20. Heb. 4. ●▪ & 10.39. and do lay hold upon all his benefits. Question. 21 What is true faith? Answer. It is not only a knowledge, by which I do steadfastly assent to all things which God hath s He. 11.13. jam 2.19. Gal. 2.20 revealed unto us in his word: but also an assured t Rom. 4.16. & 5.1. & 10.10 etc. jam. 1.8. affiance kindled in my u Rom. 1, 16. & 10.17, 1. Cor. 1.21. Mar. 16.16. Act. 16.14. heart by the holy x Mat. 16.17. joh. 3.5. Gal. 5.22. Phi. 1.19. Ghost through the Gospel, by which I rest upon God, making sure account, that forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and life is y Ha. 2.4. Mat. 9.2. Eph. 2.7.8.9. Rom. 5.1. bestowed, not only upon others, but also upon me, and that freely by the mercy of God, for the z Rom. 3.24.25. Act. 10.43. merit and desert of Christ alone. Question. 22 What are those things which a Christian man must of necessity believe? Answer. All those things that are a john 20 30 Mat. 28, 10, promised unto us in the Gospel: the sum whereof is briefly comprised in the Apostles Creed, or in the chief heads of the Catholic & undoubted faith of all Christians. The use. WHich being so, we gather from hence two conclusions: one, that none of those things ought to be reckoned under the name of the Gospel, which men have added to the written word of God, that is, to the doctrine contained in the books of both testaments: the other is, that they are very Antichrists, and instruments of Satan, who fearing to have their juggling bewrayed, do cry out, that only on certain sort of men must read the Scripture, and therefore it is very unlawful to translate the holy scriptures into the vulgar tongues, which may be understood even of seely Women. Question. 23 What is that Creed of the Apostles? Answer. 1 I believe in God the father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. 2 And in jesus Christ his only son our Lord. 3 Which was conceived of the holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary. 4 Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead & buried, descended into hell. 5 Rose again the third day from the dead. 6 And ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the father almighty. 7 From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 8 I believe in the holy Ghost. 9 I believe the catholic Church, the communion of saints. 10 I believe the forgiveness of sins. 11 The resurrection of the flesh. 12 And the life everlasting. The use THe profit of these articles, thus generally distinguished is this, that they may serve in stead of a rule, whereunto the faith of all men ought to agree, and whatsoever is contrary, to one or to more Articles, aught to be accounted false. Secondly, that they may be unto us in stead of a table, wherein we may perceive distinctly and severally, what things are to be marked in Christ: for as the parts of the body are distinguished by joints, so in this confession of faith, whatsoever we ought distinctly and severally from the rest to believe, is rightly and fitly called an Aiticle. OF THE APOSTLES Creed. THE ARGUMENT. The parts of the Creed: and of God one in substance, and three in person. Question. Lord's day. 8 24 Into how many parts is this Creed divided? Answer. Into three parts: The first is of the everlasting father, and of our creation: The second is of the Son, and of our redemption: The third is of the holy Ghost, and of our sanctification. The use IT is therefore requisite to keep this division, that although our salvation be the work of the whole Trinity, yet we may know how to put a difference between the property of every person, and to know what every of them hath done for our salvation and redemption. Question. 25 Seeing there is a De. 6.4. Eph. 4.6. Esa. 44.6. & 45 5. 1. Cor. 8.4. but one only substance of God, why dost thou name those three, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost? Answer. Because God hath so b Esa. 61.1. Luc. 4.18. Psa. 119.1 Mat 3.16, 17. & 28.19. john. 14 26. & 15.26 Tit. 3.5.6. Ep. 2, 18 2 Cor. 13.13. Gal. 4.6. 1. john. 5.7. revealed himself in his word, that these three distinct persons, are one true and ever lasting God. OF GOD THE FATHER. THE ARGUMENT. Of God the Father, and of the creation and preservation of ourselves and of the whole world, that is, of heaven and earth. Question. Lord's day. 9 26 What believest thou when thou sayest: I believe in God the Father almighty? etc. Answer. I believe in the everlasting father of our Lord jesus Christ, who c Gen. 1. & 2 Psal. 33, 6. job. 33 4. Act. 4, 24. & 14 15, etc. Esa. 45.7 created of nothing the heaven and the earth, and all things that are therein, and doth uphold and d psal. 104, 3, & 125.3. Mat. 10 19 Heb. 1.3. Rom. 11.36. govern the same by his everlasting counsel and providence, to be, by the means of Christ, e joh. 1.12, Rom 8.15. Ga. 4.5, 6.7 Ephes. 1.5 my God and my Father: Therefore I so trust in him, I so repose myself upon him, that I doubt not, but he will provide all things f psa. 55.23, Mat. 6, 26. Luc. 12, 22. necessary, both for my soul & for my body: And moreover also, that whatsoever evil he sendeth upon me in this miserable life, he will g Rom. 8.28 turn the same to my salvation, seeing he is both able to do it, as being h Esa. 46.4. Rom 10.12. & 8.38 God almighty, and willing to do it, as being my i Mat. 6. & 7.8.9. merciful father. The use THis article of our faith & the doctrine therein contained, maketh much for the comfort of the godly: For seeing we are joined in league with that God who is our Father, who is almighty, who created heaven and Earth, who governeth us, and preserveth us, what is there that we may not look for from such a Father? What is there, whereof we may not make ourselves sure? For example, the Leper was persuaded only of the power of Christ, he knew not his will, therefore he said, Lord, if thou wilt, Mat. 8, 2. thou canst make me clean, and he was cleansed: how much more shall we obtain those things which we ask, if both we be persuaded of his almighty power, and also doubt not of his promises? From hence is our love to our neighbour set on fire: for when God hath promised that he will increase his blessings upon them, who are liberal to the poor, and he is God almighty, who would not be pricked for ward to bestow alms liberally and cheerfully? thirdly, by the same doctrine I am admonished, not to doubt of any man's salvation, though he seem cast away of God, and withal to keep myself in the fear of God, How? namely, because God is able to raise up again my brother that is fallen, and to call him home into the way of salvation, and also to suffer me to fall into grievous sins, and to cast me off, unless I abide in faith. OF GOD'S PROVIDENCE. THE ARGUMENT Of Providence, belonging to the common place of Creation, and of the use of both. Question. Lord's day. 10 27 What is providence? Answer. The almighty and every where present power of God, k Act. 17.25. etc. psal. 94.9, etc. Isa. 29.15. etc. Eze. 8.12 whereby he doth as it were, bear up with his hand, and l Heb. 1.2.3. govern the heaven & earth, with all creatures: so that whatsoever groweth out of the earth, also rain and drowght, plenty & dearth, meat and m jere. 5.24. Act. 14.17. drink, n john 9.3. health & sickness, o Prou. 12.2. riches & poverty: finally, all things that are, fall out not rashly or by chance but by his fatherly counsel and will. Question. 28 What profit have we by this knowledge of the creation, and providence of God? Answer. Hereby we are in adversitity made p Ro, 5.3. etc. jac 1.3. job. 1.21. etc. patiented, in prosperity q Deut. 8.10. 1. Thes 5.18. thankful, for the time to come, we have a r Rom 5.4.5. very good hope, reposed in God our most trusty father, knowing assuredly, that nothing can s Ro. 8.38.39. draw us from his love, seeing all creatures are so in his power, that without his pleasure they are not t joh. 1.12. & 26 Pro. 21.1. Act. 17.25 etc. able, not only not to do any thing, but not so much as to stir. OF GOD THE SON. THE ARGUMENT. He cometh now to handle the second part of the Creed, of the Son of God, and of our redemption, and first is declared the meaning of the name jesus, and they are refuted, who in word do acknowledge the son of God to be jesus, that is, a Saviour, but in deed do detract from his merit. Question. Lord's day. 11 29 Wherefore is the Son of God called jesus, that is, a Saviour? Answer. Because he saveth and delivereth us from all our a Mat. 1.21. Heb 7.25. sins, neither aught salvation to be sought for in any other, neither * Act 4.12. can it elsewhere be found. Question. 30 Do they that believe in the only Saviour jesus, who seek for happiness from Saints, or from themselves, or from any thing else? Answer. No: for although in word, they glory in him as a Saviour, yet in deed they deny the only Saviour c 1. Cor. 3.13. & 30. etc. Gal. 5.4. jesus: For it must needs be, that either jesus is not a perfect Saviour, or else whosoever by true faith embrace him as a Saviour, they also are possessed of all things in him, which are d Heb. 12.2. Esa. 9.6. Col. 19.20. & 2, 10, Esai, 43.11. & 25. Ioh 1.16. required unto salvation. OF GOD THE SON. THE ARGUMENT. Of the name Christ: and of his three offices, and why we are called Christians. Question. Lord's day. 12 31 Wherefore is he called Christ, that is, anointed? Answer. Because he is ordained of the father & anointed with the holy Ghost, to be the e psal. 45.8. Heb 1.9. Deut. 18, 15 Act. 3.22. chief Prophet and f joh. 1, 18, & 15 15. teacher, to reveil g Mat. 11.27. Psal. 110.4. Heb. 7, 21, & 10.12 unto us the secret counsel, & all the will of the Father, concerning our redemption: and to be our high & only Priest, to redeem us by the only sacrifice of his own body, h Rom. 8.34, & 59.10. daily to make intercession unto the Father for us: and to be the everlasting i Psal. 2.6 Luc. 1.33 king to govern us by his word, and with his Spirit to preserve and k Mat. 28.18. john. 10.28. maintain that salvation which he hath purchased for us. Question. 32 Why art thou called a Christian? Answer. Because by faith I am a member of jesus l Act. 11, 26. 1. Cor. 6.15 Christ, & partaker of his m 1. john. 2, 26 Esa. 59.21. joel. 2.28. anointing, so that I both n Mat. 10.33 confess his name, and present myself unto him, a lively o Ro. 12, 1, Reu. 4, 8, 10. 1. pet. 2, 9 2. Tim. 2.12. Ro. 6, 12, 13. reve. 1 6. offering of thanksgiving, & in this life with a free & good conscience fight against sin and Satan, and afterward do p 1. Tim. 1.18, 19 possess with Christ an everlasting kingdom over all creatures. OF THE ONLY BEGOTten Son of God. THE ARGUMENT. Why Christ is called the only begotten Son of God, and our Lord. Question. Lord's day. 13 33 For what cause is Christ called the only begotten Son of God, whereas we also are the sons of God? Answer. Because Christ is the coeternal, & natural son of his eternal q joh. 1.14. Heb 1.2. john 3.16. Father: but we for his sake by grace, are made the r Rom 8.5. Eph. 1.16. john 1.12 1. john. 1, 3 sons of the Father by adoption. Question. 34 Wherefore dost thou call him our Lord? Answer. Because he having redeemed our body and soul from sin, not with gold nor with silver, but with his own precious blood, and having delivered us from all the power of the Devil, doth s 1 pet. 1, 18, & 10, 1, Co●. 6, 20, & 7.23, Ep. 1, 7. 1 Tim. 2,, 6 challenge us properly to belong to himself. The use We ought safely and with true assurance of mind, to commit and deliver over ourselves for ever to be kept of him as our Lord, & to whom we properly belong, and are his own peculiar, both in life and in death: the remembrance of this benefit, may also put us in mind, that we do not hereafter think, speak, or devise any thing, but for his glory. For in that we are the Lords, it is meet that we live and die unto him, and that his wisdom and will, to wit, his word and his spirit, do govern all our actions: for he is appointed by the Father, to be the head of Angels and of the faithful. OF THE CONCEPTION of the Son of God. THE ARGUMENT. The incarnation of the Son of God, that is, the conception of Christ by the holy Ghost, his birth of the virgin Marie, whereof the personal union of both natures, and of the fruit of both. Question. Lord's day. 14 35 What dost thou believe when thou sayest, He was conceived by the holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary. Answer. That the very son of God, who t joh. 1, 1. & 1.5 Rom. 1.4. Col. 1 15. etc. psal. 2.7. Mat. 3.17. & 16.16. is, and abideth true and everlasting u Rom. 9.5. Esa. 7.14. & 9, 6, 1. Io. 5.20. joh. 20.28 God, did, through the working of the holy Ghost, x joh. 1.14. Gal. 4.4 take the very true nature of man, of the flesh y Mat. 1.18.20 Luc. 1.35. and blood of the Virgin Marie: so that he is also of z psal 132.11 Act. 2.30. etc. Rom. 1.3. the true seed of David, a Phil. 2.7 like unto his brethren in all things, b Heb. 4.15. & 7 26. sin excepted. Question. 36. What fruit reapest thou, by the holy conception and birth of Christ? Answer. That he is our c Heb. 2.16.17. Mediator, and by his innocency and perfect holiness, doth cover my sins wherein I am conceived, and keepeth them from coming in the sight of d psal. 32.1. 1. Cor. 1.30. Ro. 8.3, 4. Gal. 44.5, God. The use. FIrst hereby our faith is greatly confirmed, that he that was made man: is also the Son of God: for how should all things not be very true, whatsoever he reporteth unto us of God, seeing he hath revealed nothing to us of God, but what himself saw and knew? Again, our hope is also helped, in that he was so made man, that he also made man God, and us the sons of God, and even his brethren, wherewith we may comfort ourselves under the cross, & in afflictions. Last of all, our mutual love one toward an other is hereby inflamed: for there is no so evident token of love, as that the Creator of all things was made for us a creature, our lord, our brother, the Son of God became the Son of man: who would not then, to the uttermost of his power follow that our mediator jesus Christ, that is, his meekness and kind disposition, who when as there was nothing higher than he, did for our sake cast him self so low, that of his own accord he took on him the shape of a servant (that is, our flesh) and that subject to all infirmities, even to the death of the Cross. OF CHRIST'S SUFFERING. THE ARGUMENT. Hitherto of the person: Now of the office of Christ, as touching our redemption, the parts whereof are two: his humiliation, & his glorification: to his humiliation belong his suffering, and under whom he suffered, and his punishment, that is, the kind of his death. Question. Lord's day. 15 37 What believest thou when thou sayest, he suffered? Answer. That in the whole time of his life, which he continued here upon earth, but especially in the end thereof, e 1, pet. 2, 24, & 3, 18, Isa. 53, 12 he sustained both in body and soul, the wrath of God against the sin of all mankind, that by his suffering, as by the only f 1, joh. 2, 2, & 4 10. Rom. 3, 25, sacrifice of reconciliation, he might both deliver our souls from everlasting condemnation, and might also purchase for us, the favour of God, righteousness, and everlasting life. The Use. BY this history of the grievous and bitter suffering of Christ, we are put in mind, how heinous a matter sin is, for the which, God would receive no ransom, but the death of his only begotten Son: Secondly, how exceeding the love of Christ toward us is, who did not stick to suffer so fearful torments for us, that he might reconcile us unto God, and might purchase unto us life and salvation, which by sin we had lost. Thirdly, to consider what duty we own again, namely, to prepare ourselves according to the counsel of Peter, both to suffer patiently, because we are thereunto called, 1, pet. 2, 21, 24 and Christ suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that we should follow his steps: And also to resist sin, because he bore them in his body upon the cross, that we being dead unto sin, might live unto righteousness. Question. 38 What reason was there, why he suffered under judge Pilate? Answer. That he an Innocent, being a Luc. 23.14. Ioh 19.4. condemned before a civil judge, might b psal. 69, 4, Isai. 53, 4, 5.2, Cor. 5, 21, Gal. 3.13. set us free from the strait judgement of God, which was to fall upon us. Question. 29 Is it any more that he was fastened to the cross, than if he had been put to any other kind of death? Answer. Yea truly, it is more: For by this I am sure that he hath taken upon him the curse, which did hang over me: for the death of the cross was c Deut. 21.23. Gal. 3.13. cursed by God. OF CHRIST'S SUFFERING. THE ARGUMENT. That Christ died and was buried, & why, and what fruit there is of it, where of the death of the faithful, and afterward the meaning of the words, He descended. etc. Question. Lord's day. 16 40 Why was it necessary that Christ should humble himself, even to the death? Answer. Because the justice and truth of God could by no d Genes. 2.71 other means be satisfied for our sins, than by the death of the e He. 2.9.14.15, Phil. 2.8. Son of God. Question. 41 Wherefore was he also buried? Answer. That he might, thereby make it known that he was truly f Acts. 13.29. Mat. 27.60. Luk. 23, 53, joh. 19.38 dead. The use SO often as we hear the burial of Christ spoken off, we are thereby put in mind, of the sanctifying of our graves, that they are now no more pits, Esa. 57.6 wherein the cast bodies of men die and consume to nothing, but chests and chambers, wherein men are laid up and safely kept, against the resurrection that shall surely come. Question. 42 But seeing Christ died for us, why must we also die? Answer. Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, but an utter destroying of sin, and a passage into g joh. 5, 24, Phil. 1, 23. Rom, 7.24. everlasting life. The use. WHerefore, having been taught, that it is the common condition of all men to die, we are all and every one of us put in mind, so to order our life, that whensoever God goeth about to call us out of this valley of miseries, he may find us ready, that is, neither too much entangled with the cares of this life, nor discouraged with the fear of death, both because we know this to be the very way of the whole Earth, Rom. 4.8 and also, because whether we live, or whether we die, we are our Lord jesus Christ's: who is unto us, (as the Apostle saith) both in life and death advantage. Question. 43 What profit receive we further by the sacrifice and death of Christ? Answer. That by the power of his death, our old man is crucified together with him, and is also dead and h Ro. 6.6, 7. etc. buried, that the evil concupiscences and desires of the flesh, may not hereafter i Rom. 6.12, reign in us, but that we may k Rom. 12. ●. offer ourselves unto him a Sacrifice of thanksgiving. Question. 44 Why is this added, He descended into hell? Answer. That in my greatest sorrows, and most grievous temptations, I may uphold myself with this comfort, that my lord jesus Christ, by the unspeakable anguish, torments and terrors of his soul, whereinto he was plunged, both before, and especially as he was hanging upon the Cross, hath l Isai. 53.10. Mat. 27.46. delivered me from the anguish and torments of hell. The use. WHerefore we receive no small fruit and comfort, even of this part of Christ's humbling, whereby we may sustain ourselves in extreme sorrows, and in most grievous temptations: for if our conscience do trouble us with the multitude of our sins, for the which we tremble at God's judgement, who threateneth unto sin everlasting condemnation, this shield of faith is ready at hand: That Christ did most bitterly endure in his soul, the anguish of conscience for our sins, together with the sense and feeling of God's judgement and wrath, when he complained and said. Mark 14.34. My soul is heavy even to the death: If Satan also set upon us, and set before our eyes that gulf, than which, none can be more fearful, as if God had forsaken and cast us away, and would not vouchsafe to hear us, as if he had conspired our destruction, let us then call to mind, that the Son of God, was therefore heard and delivered when he groaned, and cried out. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mat. 27, 46. Heb. 5.7. that we might not for ever be forsaken. Last of all, seeing we have such a Mediator, who did wrestle with the power of the devil, with the horror of death, and with the pains of Hell, who would not here be confirmed against any anguish and sorrow, Heb. 4.15. being persuaded of the good will of so mighty a Prince and high Priest towards him? who both in all things was tempted alike, yet without sin, and in whom straight after his resurrection, that triumphant song which the Prophet made of him was fulfilled, O death, Hosea. 13.14. I will be thy death, O grave, I will be thy destruction: whereunto the Apostle alludeth, as being in us likewise, to be fulfilled in the blessed resurrection. Death is swallowed up in victory, 1. Cor 15.54, 54. O Death where is thy victory? O grave, where is thy sting? whereupon saith Hilary: The Cross, death, and hell, are our life. OF CHRIST'S RISING again from the dead. THE ARGUMENT. Christ's rising again, and the fruit thereof: 2 His ascending into Heaven, and how far he is present at this day in his Church: also of the unseparable conjunction of the two natures in Christ: Last of all, of the fruit of Christ's ascension. Question. Lord's day. 17 45 What doth Christ's rising again profit us? Answer. First, by his rising again, he hath overcome death, that he might m 1. Cor. 15.16. & 54, 55. Rom. 4 25.1. pet. 13. etc. & 21. make us partakers of that righteousness, which he purchased for us by his death. Secondly, we also now by the power thereof, are n Rom. 6.4. Col. 3.1. etc., Ephes. 2.5 raised up unto a new life. Last of all, the rising again of Christ our head, is a o 1, Cor. 15.12 etc. Rom. 8.11. pledge unto us of our glorious resurrection. The use. THis pledge we ought to set against the wicked speeches of some, who say: Who ever came again from the dead, to certify us of that heavenly life? as who say, the resurrection of Christ were not a sufficient testimony and seal of the same resurrection, to be at the last accomplished in our bodies also, and in our flesh. Question. 46 How dost thou understand, that He ascended into heaven? Answer. That in the sight of his Disciples, Christ was p Act. 1.9. Mark. 16, 19, Luk. 24.51. taken up from earth to heaven, and is q Heb. 4.14, & 7 25. & 9.11. Rom 8.34. Ephes, 4.10 Colos. 3.1 yet there for us, & shall be till he come again to judge the quick and the r Act. 1.11. Mat. 24.30. dead. Question. 47 What then, is not Christ with us as he promised, unto the end of the world? Answer. Christ is true God and true s Mat, 28.20. Mat 26.11. Io. 16, 18, & 17. Act. 3.21 man: therefore according to his manhood, he is not now upon earth, but according to his Godhead, his grace, and his spirit, he t joh. 14, 17. etc. & 16.13. is at no time from us. Question. 48 And are not the two natures in Christ, by this means pulled a sunder, if the manhood be not wheresoever the Godhead is? Answer. Not a whit, for seeing the Godhead cannot be contained in any compass, and is present u Act. 7, 49. & 17 27. etc. jerem. 23.24. in all places, it followeth necessarily, that it is without the nature of man which it hath taken, & yet nevertheless, is in it also, and x Col. 2.9. john. 3.13. & 11.15. Mat. 28, 6. remaineth personally united unto it. Question. 49 What fruit doth Christ's ascending into heaven bring us? Answer. First, that he y 1. joh. 2.1.2, Rom. 8.34. maketh intercession in Heaven unto his Father for us. Secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven, that by this, as by a certain pledge we may be assured, that he who is our head, will a joh. 14.2, & 20 17. Eph. 2.6 lift up unto him, us that are his members. Thirdly, that he b joh. 14, 16. & 16, 7, 2, Cor. 1, 22 2, Cor. 5, 5, sendeth unto us his spirit, as a pledge between us, by the working whereof, we seek not things on earth, but things that are above, where he c Cal. 3.1, Phil. 3 20. etc. sitteth at the right hand of God. The use. AS that maketh for our comfort, that he sendeth his spirit unto us, so again, having received this pledge of the Spirit, we are warned, not to seek for the things on Earth, but the things that are above, john. 16.11, for to that end, did he asscend into heaven, and from thence, bestow his spirit upon us, that by the power thereof, shed abroad in our hearts, we might be lifted from these earthly, present, and carnal things, to long after things heavenly, things to come, and things spiritual. Hereupon saith Paul, Seek those things that are above, Col. 3.1. where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God: set your mind on things above, and not on things on earth. OF CHRIST'S ASCENDING into Heaven. THE ARGUMENT. The sitting at the right hand, and the fruit thereof, which is the third degree of Christ exaltation. Question Lords day. 18 50 Why is it added, he sitteth at the right hand of God? Answer. Because Christ did therefore asscend into heaven, that he might d Ep. 1, 20. & 5, 23. Col. 1, 18. thereby declare himself the head of his church, by which his Father e Mat. 28.18, joh. 5.22. governeth all things. Question. 51 What doth this glory of Christ our head avail us? Answer. First, that by the holy Ghost he f Ephe, 4.10. poureth upon us his members heavenly gifts: And then, that by his power, he doth g Ps. 29. & 101, 2. joh. 10, 28, Eph, 4.8. protect and defend us against all enemies. The use. WHich being so, and seeing so mighty a Lord reigneth for us, who is not only able, but willing also to do, whatsoever is good for our salvation, Mat. 8 31 to whom, while he reigned in his humility, even the very Devils became suitors: to whom, governing his kingdom in the days of his flesh, the Sea, the winds, and the storms were obedient: unless we rest in his protection, who now sitting at the right hand of God, is Lord of heaven and earth, and governeth all things at his pleasure, we are most worthy, whom Christ should much more upbraid with our shameful cowardliness, than he did long ago his disciples, because in the storms of adversity our faith doth not rise higher by the consideration of so great matters. OF CHRIST'S COMING again to judgement. THE ARGUMENT. Christ's coming again to judgement. 2 The fruit or comfort thereof. Question. Lord's day. 19 52 What comfort doth Christ's coming again to judge the quick and the dead bring to thee? Answer. That in all miseries and persecutions, I lift up my head, and h Luk. 21.28. Rom. 8.23.24. Phil. 3.10, Tit. 2.13. wait for him, who did before stand in my stead before God's judgement seat, & did i 2. Thes. 1.6.7. 1. Thes. 4.10. fault away all curse from me, to come from heaven as a judge, to throw all his and mine enemies into everlasting pains, and to k Mat. 25.41. receive me with all the elect unto himself, into heavenly joys and everlasting glory. The use WHich being so, it is likewise most meet that every one of us should so prepare himself, that he may so much the more comfortably look for, and be ready to receive such a judge, that shallbe so gracious and so merciful unto him. And we shall duly prepare ourselves to the judgement of Christ, if following his counsel, We have our loins girded up, and our lamps burning: Luke. 12.36, 37 Mat. 22.11. that is, if first we have faith the true marriage garment, which leaneth upon a sure foundation, to wit, the merit of Christ alone, who delivereth us from the wrath to come. OF GOD THE holy Ghost. THE ARGUMENT. Of the holy Ghost, true, and everlasting God, with the Father and the Son, and of his office, or working, and effects in us. Question. Lord's day. 20 53 What believest thou of the holy Ghost? Answer. First, that he is true God, and coeternal with the everlasting Father, and the l Gen. 1.2. Isai. 48, 16 1, Cor. 3.16, 1, Cor. 6.19. Acts. 5.3.4. son. Then, that he is also m Mat. 28.19. 2, Cor. 1.2. given to me, that through faith he may n Ga. 3, 14.1. pe. 1.2. 1. Cor 6.17, make me partaker of Christ and all his benefits, may o Act. 9, 31, comfort me, and p joh. 16.1, Pet. 4.14. abide with me for ever. The use THe remembrance of this so excellent a benefit bestowed upon us, namely, that God hath made us partakers, of his spirit, ought likewise to prick us forward to holiness of life. For seeing the spirit of the father, & of Christ, is called holy, not only by nature, but also, because in whom soever he is, he doth sanctify, and separate them from the uncleanness of the world, it is meet that by our deeds we should show that he dwelleth in us, and therefore, that that weighty exhortation of the Father, should be always before our eyes: Eph. 4, 30. grieve not the spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed to the day of Redemption: he is grieved and made sad by unclean thoughts, words, and deeds, by licentious and filthy manners, as on the other side, he is delighted, and rejoiceth in true humility, holiness, and gravity, in framing our words, and all the actions of our whole life according to the rule of God's word. OF THE CHURCH. THE ARGUMENT. Of the Catholic Church, and the notes thereof, of the Communion of Saints, and the forgiveness of sins. Question. Lord's day. 21 54 What believest thou of the Catholic Church of Christ? Answer. I believe that the son of q joh. 10.11. God, doth by his holy Spirit and by the r Act. 2.46, Eph. 4.3, 4, 5, word, gather unto himself out of all s Mat. 16, 18. joh. 10.28. mankind, from the t Gen. 26.4. beginning of the world unto the u Ro. 8.29.30. Ep 1, 10, 1, pet. 1, 20 end, a congregation x 1, joh. 3, 21. 2, Cor. 13.5, chosen to everlasting life, agreeing in true faith, and doth maintain and y Isai. 59.21, Ro. 1, 16, & 10 14, 17 Ephes. 5.26. preserve the same, and that I am a lively z 1. joh. 2.19, member of that congregation, and shall so, a 1. Cor. 1, 8, 6 Ro 8.35, etc. psal. 71 18. for ever abide. The use. THe use of this article consisteth in this, that I believe, myself also to be a lively member of that congregation, and that I shall so for ever abide: which every man shall by this means profitably know, namely, if he consider, that even at this day also, the Son of God doth gather unto himself a Church, while he provideth, that his Gospel be publicly preached by ministers lawfully thereunto called, and the Sacraments by them administered, according to that rule which he hath left. Question. 55 What meaneth the Communion of saints? Answer. First, that all, and every one of the believers have b joh. 1.3. Ro. 8 32.1. Cor. 12.13. & 21.1. corinth, 6.17. fellowship with Christ and all his benefits, as being members of him. Secondly, that every one who hath received gifts, aught to employ them readily and c 1. Cor. 16.5. phil, 2.45, 6. cheerfully, for the common profit and salvation of all. The use. THis Communion is double, the one inward, whereby such as the Lord hath in this visible Church always chosen, that is, true believers, are united by the same spirit with the Father, & his Son jesus Christ, and one with an other among themselves: the other outward, standing in the mutual duties of Charity, which the faithful exercise one toward another. Question. 56 What believest thou concerning the forgiveness of sins? Answer. I believe, that God for the satisfaction of d joh. 2, 2, 2. Cor. 5, 19.21. Christ, hath quite put out of his remembrance e jere. 31.34. psal. 103.3.4.10.11. Rom. 7.22.25. Rom. 8.1, 2, 3 all my sins, and even that corruption also, wherewith I must strive all my life long, and doth freely give unto me the righteousness of Christ, so that I shall never f joh. 3.18. come into judgement. The use. THe affection and love of God, which he beareth toward us in Christ, shall serve us to this use: first, to make us take heed, that no doubting of the mercy and goodness of God, in forgiving us our sins, do at any time creep upon us, as if God did not from his heart, truly forgive us. Secondly, to drive out all such security, whereby it usually cometh to pass, that men do carelessly sleep in their sins, considering, that both sin dwelleth in us, wherewith we must strive all our life long, and also, that by this readiness & goodness of God, freely to forgive us our sins, we are the rather provoked, more carefully to avoid sin, according to the doctrine of S. john, joh. 1.9. Rom. 6.11. who when he had taught, that if we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins. Lest any man might hereupon flatter himself in sin, he meeteth with it by this admonition: Little children, ● joh. 2, 1, these things I write unto you, that you sin not: as also Ezechiel, or rather God himself by the prophet, speaketh most severely against such frowardness: When I say unto the righteous man, Ezek, 33.13, thou shalt surely live, if he trusting to his own righteousness commit iniquity, all his righteous deeds shall not be remembered, but in that his iniquity which he hath committed, he shall die. OF THE RESVRRECTIon of the flesh. THE ARGUMENT. Of the resurrection of the flesh, and of life everlasting, and of the fruit of them both. Question. Lord's day. 22 57 What comfort doth the resurrection of the flesh minister unto thee? Answer, Not only, that my soul shall strait way after it is departed out of the body, be g Luk. 23.43. phillip 1.23. taken up unto Christ the head thereof, but that this flesh of mine also, being raised up by the power of Christ, shall be united again to my soul, and shallbe h 1 Cor, 15, 52, job. 29, 25.26, 1, joh. 3, 2. phi. 3, 21, made conformable unto the glorious body of Christ. The use WHerefore, seeing we have this ground of the resurrection of our flesh, from hence is ministered unto us, that comfort which is necessary. 1. To take away all heaviness, which we conceive for the dead, according to Paul's doctrine: 1 Thes. 4.23. I would not have you ignorant brethren, concerning those that sleep, that you sorrow not as others that have no hope: For if we believe that jesus died and rose again, so also shall God bring with him those that are laid a sleep in jesus. 2 Cor. 5.1, ● 2. To drive a way all fear of death by the hope of a better life, to which we shall come by the resurrection, in respect of which end, Tertullian doubted not to call the resurrection of the flesh, the confidence of Christians. 3. To encourage us unto good works, not to deserve any thing, but because life is promised to them that do well. Last of all, that by remembering the resurrection to come, we may be hindered from evil doing, even because of the punishment than threatened to evil doers. Question. 58 What comfort receivest thou by the Article of everlasting life? Answer. That because a 2. Cor. 5.2, 38 in this present life, I feel the beginnings of everlasting joy in my heart, I b 1. Cor, 2.9. joh. 17, 3. shall after this life enjoy full & perfect blessedness, wherein I shall praise God for ever: which blessedness neither eye hath seen, nor ear hath hard, nor any man can conceive. The Use. IT is the duty of every faithful man, by a true faith, and full and steadfast persuasion, to apply unto himself this comfort, generally propounded out of the assurance of everlasting life, where unto this clause leadeth every man: I believe the life everlasting, that is, I am persuaded that both in soul and body, I shall attain that life everlasting, and that the same life which is in Christ jesus, shallbe revealed in me, and that when Christ shall appear, Colos. 3.4. then shall I also be with him in glory. For first, Christ will not break his promise, who as he hath promised everlasting life, to those that are his, so will he raise them up at the last day, that they may enjoy it. Secondly, I am assured thereof, by the very beginning of it, and that he which hath begun that good work in me, phillip 1.6. will also make it perfit, even until the day of jesus Christ. Last of all, we must mark that this is the most principal end of everlasting life, namely, that we should praise God in that life for evermore. For as the rest of the creatures, were created for the use of this present life, although they do also after a sort glorify God: so men were created, much more to glorify God in that everlasting life, psal. 149.1.2. Esa. 51.3. according to the testimony of Esai: joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of praise, which being spoken of that deliverance, which was but a type of this, shall then be really performed. OF THE Righteousness of Faith. THE ARGUMENT. A repetition of the fruit of all the articles of our belief: where, both of justification by faith, and of the word (faith only) Question. Lord's day. 23 59 Now, when thou believest all these things, what profit cometh to thee thereby? Answer. That in Christ I am righteous before God, and heir of life c Heb. 2.4. Rom. 1.17. john. 3, 36. everlasting. Question. 60 How art thou righteous before God? Answer. By d Rom. 3.21.22.24, 25, 28, & 5.1. Galat. 2.16. Eph 2, 8, 9, Phil. 3.9. faith alone in jesus Christ, so that although mine own conscience do accuse me, that I have grievously offended against the commandments of God, and have not e Rom 3.9. etc. kept any one of them: moreover also, that I am f Rom. 7.23. prone to all evil: yet notwithstanding (so that I do g Rom. 3.42, joh. 3.18. embrace these benefits, with true affiance of mind) without any h Tit. 3.5. Ephes. 2, 8, 9, merit of mine own, of the mere i 1, joh. 2, 2 mercy of God, the k Rom, 3, 24. Deut, 9.6, Ezec. 36.22. perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, is l 1. joh. 2.1 etc. imputed and m Rom. 4, 4. 2. Cor. 5.19, given unto me, as if I had neither committed any sin, neither were there any blot or corruption cleaving unto me: yea, as if I had myself perfectly n 1. Cor, 5.21, performed that obedience, which Christ hath performed for me. The use WHich being so, & seeing by all these proofs, it standeth out of doubt, that we are righteous by faith only in Christ, of the mere mercy of God, we receive from hence this most assured comfort, namely, that we are altogether out of doubt of our salvation and of everlasting life, neither can be shaken, and as it were, thrown from our standing by any temptation of the Devil, which surely, is a most notable fruit of the doctrine of justification by faith. For first, if my conscience (that is, that feeling of God's judgement, which is as a witness within us, not suffering us to hide our sins, but drawing us as guilty before the judgement seat of God) do bear witness against me, that I have grievously sinned against all the commandments of God, and have kept none of them, and therefore, that I am unworthy to be saved, and worthy to be cast away, especially, because God is most righteous, and a deadly enemy, and a revenger of all sin, forthwith cometh this answer in the way, that Christ hath performed both, who on my behalf hath both offered himself to be punished by the Father, and most perfectly obeyed the Law, and therefore it cannot be that mine iniquities should dismay my mind, as being wholly raised, and blotted out with the blood of Christ. If Satan yet lay to my charge: Although in Christ jesus thou hast satisfied the punishment which thy sins deserved, and hast put on his righteousness by faith, yet thou canst not deny, but that thy nature is corrupt, so that thou art prone to all ill, and thou hast in thee the seed of all vices: against this tentation, this answer is sufficient, that by the goodness of God, not only perfect righteousness, but even the holiness of Christ also, is imputed and given unto me, as if I had nether committed any sin, neither were there any blot or corruption cleaving unto me, whereto belongeth that of the Apostle: 2. Cor. 8.19 Him that knew no sin, he made sin for us, (that is, guilty of sin in our stead) that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Again, To him that worketh not, Rom. 4.4. but believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is imputed for righteousness: And, Rom. 4.6.7.8 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered, blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth no sin. Question. 61 Why dost thou say, that thou art righteous by faith? Answer. Not because, by the worthiness of my faith I please God, but because the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness, of Christ, is my righteousness in the sight of o 1, Cor. 1.30 etc. 1. Cor. 2, 2. God: and I can lay hold upon, and p 1. john. 5.10. apply the same unto myself, by no other means but by faith. The use. We must at no hand let go the difference of the word alone: Rom. 5.1. 1. That in the matter of salvation, due honour may be given to the Son of God. 2. That our consciences may have steadfast and sound comfort. 3. That the difference between the law and the Gospel may be perceived, because these words, freely, by faith, with out the Law, for the Mediator, do make a difference between the Law and the Gospel: 4. That we may use prayer rightly, which is hindered by the sight of our own infirmities, and that we may come unto God, having affiance in the only Mediator, Ephes. 3.12. according to that saying: By him we have entrance. OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH. THE ARGUMENT. That works are not righteousness, or any part of righteousness in the sight of God, & therefore, that the righteousness of works is gathered amiss from the reward: and yet, that men are not by this doctrine made careless, and profane. Question. Lord's day 24 62 Why cannot our good works be righteousness or any part of righteousness in the sight of God? Answer. Because that righteousness, which is able to abide the judgement of God must be most perfect, and in all points q Gal. 3, 10. Deut. 27.26. agreeing with the law of God: but our best works that we do in this life, are imperfect, and even r Isa. 6.64. defiled with sins. The use. WHich being so, we are here put in mind, to give wholly to God, the glory of our salvation, and to learn to humble ourselves under his mighty hand, of whom, Peter saith most truly, 1. Pet. 5.5. Psal. 4.5. God resisteth the proud and giveth grace unto the humble: whereunto Augustine speaketh agreeably, the more weak thou art in thyself, the more doth God care for thee, etc. For as our humility is exalted before him, so the confession of our humility, hath his mercy ready to secure us. Question. 63 How sayest thou that our good works deserve nothing, whereas God promiseth that he will give us a reward for them, both in this life, and in the life to come? Answer. That reward is given, not of desert, but of s Luk. 17: 10. grace. Question. 64 Doth not this doctrine make men secure and profane? Answer. No: For it cannot be, but they, who are engraffed into Christ by faith, should bring forth fruits of t Mat. 7, 18, john. 15.5. thankfulness OF THE SACRAMENTS. THE ARGUMENT. By whom and by what means faith is begotten and confirmed in us: Of the Sacraments in general what they are, & of the use or end of the word and Sacraments, and of the number of the Sacraments of the new Testament. Question. Lord's day. 25 65 Seeing then, faith alone maketh us partakers of Christ, and all his benefits, from whence proceedeth this faith? Answer. From the holy Ghost, who by the preaching of the Gospel, doth u Eph. 2, 8, & 6.23. Ioh 3, 5, phillip 1.29. kindle the same in our hearts, and doth x Mat. 28.19.20. 1, pet. 1, 22, 23 confirm it by the use of the Sacraments. Question. 66 What are Sacraments? Answer. They are holy and visible signs and seals ordained of God to that end, that he might thereby the more fully declare, and seal unto us the promise of the Gospel: to wit, that he doth freely give forgiveness of sins and y Gen. 17.11. Rom, 4.11. Deut. 30.6. Leu. 6.25. Heb. ● 8.9, Eze, 20, 12. 1. Sam. 17.36. Isa. 6.6.7. & 54.9. life everlasting, not only to all in general, but even to every one, that believeth, and that for the only sacrifice of Christ offered upon the Cross. The use THe principal end of the Sacraments, be, to seal up the promise of God, (by which argument again, the opinion of the work wrought is overthrown, for that faith alone is sufficient, to attain the grace of God's promise) yet the same are also signs unto us, of testifiing our duty, that is, of performing thankfulness to God, that we in like manner, may make known our religion towards him, as well before himself and the Angels, as before men. Secondly, that by these, as it were by marks of one, and the same faith and confession, we may be discerned from all other sects: 1 Cor. 10.20.11 Exod. 12.44. For (as he saith) Men can be gathered together into no name of Religion, either true or false, unless they be tied together by some communion of visible seals or Sacraments, Thirdly, that by the same, and by the use of them, we may be bound and stirred up, to foster and maintain mutual love under one head, which is Christ. Question. 67 What then, do both these, as well the word, as the Sacraments, tend to that end, to lead our faith unto the sacrifice of Christ offered upon the cross, as to the only foundation of our salvation? Answer. Yea truly: For the holy Ghost teacheth by the Gospel, and confirmeth by the Sacraments, that all our salvation standeth in the only sacrifice of Christ, x Rom, 6.3, Gal. 3.27. offered for us upon the Cross. The use. THe holy Ghost must confirm in our souls, that which the Sacraments, do shadow and witness, lest that be drawn to corruptible elements, which God challengeth to himself alone, as to move and affect the heart, to enlighten the mind, to quiet the conscience, which indeed is only proper to the holy Ghost, and aught to be accounted his peculiar work. Question. 68 How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in the new covenant? Answer. Two: Baptism, and the holy Supper. OF BAPTISM. THE ARGUMENT. The application of the former doctrine of Sacraments unto Baptism. 2 Of spiritual Baptism. 3 And of the confirmation thereof. Question. Lord's day. 26 69 How art thou put in mind and confirmed in Baptism, that thou art partaker of that only Sacrifice of Christ? Answer. Because Christ hath y Mat. 28.19. Act. 2.38. commanded the outward washing with water, adding this z Mat. 16.16. Mat. 3, 11. Rom. 6.3. promise, that I shall no less assuredly be a Mat. 1.14. Luc. 3, 3. washed by his blood, and by his Spirit, from the spots of my soul, that is, from all my sins, than I am outwardly washed with water, wherewith the spots of my body use to be washed away. The use. THe use of the sacrament of Baptism, is declared, to wit, that the water is not only a sign, whereby the mystery of salvation is more plainly expressed unto me, which Christ hath purchased for me, by the shedding of his blood: but also a seal, whereby is sealed unto me, that my soul is purified from all uncleanness, as surely as the element of water hath power to wash men's bodies, and to cleanse them from all their spots. Now how these things are imputed unto us, is here declared, but more fully taught in the next question: namely, in respect of God, that giveth them by his spirit alone, who worketh freely in the elect, yet so, that the matter both of our cleansing and of our regeneration, must be required and sought in Christ alone, by whose blood and spirit we must be cleansed and washed. Question. 70 What is it to be washed by the blood and Spirit of Christ? Answer. It is to receive at the hands of God, forgivenesses of sins, freely for the blood of Christ, which he hath b Heb. 12, 24. 1. pet. 1, 2. reve. 1.5, & 22.14. Za. 13.1. Eze. 36.25. etc. shed for us in his sacrifice upon the Cross: and next, to be renewed also by the spirit of Christ, and being sanctified by him, to become a member of Christ, to the end we may more and more die unto sin, and c joh. 1.33. & 3.5. 1. Cor. 6, 11, & 12.13. Rom. 6.4, Col. 2, 12. live holily, and without blame. The use. A Double fruit redoundeth to us by the Sacrament of baptism. For first, we are not only by Baptism assured, that all our sins are forgiven us, so that as often as we sin of infirmity, we neither may, or aught to doubt of it, unless we will call the truth of God in doubt, and be enemies to our own salvation: but also, we are by the same put in mind, what we own unto God, that, forasmuch as by the spirit of sanctification he hath made us his members, we do more and more die unto sin, Rom. 6.4, 14. Col. 2.12 Tit, 3, 5 and do labour for uprightness & inocency of life, that so Baptism may serve to order and rule our whole life, which is the second end of Baptism. Question. 71 Where doth Christ promise that he will as certainly wash us with his blood and with his spirit, as we are washed with the water of Baptism? Answer. In the institution of Baptism, the words whereof are these: d Mat. 28.19 Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, he that believeth, and is baptized shall be saved: e Mar. 16.16. he that believeth not, shall be condemned: This promise is repeated, when the Scripture calleth Baptism, the f Tit. ● 5. washing of the new birth, and the washing g Act. 22, 16. away of sins. The use. BY these testimonies therefore it is made plain, and proved to be most true, that by Baptism, I am no less assured, that by the blood of Christ, and by his spirit, I am washed from the spots of my soul, that is, from all my sins, then outwardly by water, the steines of the body are usually washed away. OF BAPTISM. THE ARGUMENT. That Baptism is the very washing away of sins, and yet, that the holy Ghost doth not without cause so speak, and of the Baptism of children. Question. Lord's day. 27 72 Is then Baptism the very washing away of sins? Answer. It is not: For only the h Mat. 3.11. 1 Pet. 3, 21. Ephe. 5.26. blood of Christ, & the holy Ghost doth cleanse us from all i 1. joh. 1.7. 1. Cor. 6.11. sin. Question. 73 Why then doth the holy Ghost call Baptism the washing of regeneration, and the washing away of sins? Answer. God doth not without great cause so speak: to wit, not only to teach us, that as the spots of the body are cleansed with water, so our sins are k Apo. 1.5. & 7.14.1. 1 Cor. 6.11. purged by the blood and spirit of Christ: but much more, that by this heavenly token & pledge, he may assure us, that we are as truly washed inwardly from our sins, as we are l Mat 16.16. Gal. 3.17. washed with outward & visible water. Question. 74 Ought Infants also to be baptised Answer. Yea truly: For seeing they m Gen 17.7. belong to the covenant and Church of God, as well as those that be at years of discretion, and seeing unto them is promised by the blood of Christ, n Mat. 19, 14. forgiveness of sins, and the o Luk. 1, 14.15, psal 22.11. Isai. 24, 1.2, 3. Act. 2.39. holy Ghost the worker of faith, no less than to the other: they ought also by Baptism to be engraffed into the Church of God, and to be p Act. 10.47. discerned from the children of Infidels, as they were in the old Testament by q Cen. 17.14 circumcision, in place whereof, was ordained r Colos. 2, 11.12. Baptism in the new Testament. The use Out of this defence of baptizing of infants, ariseth a double doctrine and comfort: the one to the parents, when they see, that the Lord will be, not only their God, but the God of their seed, which is confirmed unto them as it were, by a seal printed unto them, according unto that saying. We are all baptised in one body: The other to the children, that they know they are engraffed into the body of the Church, and therefore are somewhat the better commended to the rest of the members, that is, to the faithful: & when they are grown to years of discretion, may thereby, be pricked forward not a little, to an earnest endeavour to serve God, by whom they were received for sons, by a solemn pledge of their adoption, before by their age they were able to acknowledge him for their Father. OF THE SUPPER OF THE LORD. THE ARGUMENT. The application of the former doctrine of Sacraments to the Supper of the Lord: 2. A description of the spiritual Supper: 3. The confirmation thereof. Question. Lord's day. 28 75 How art thou put in mind, and assured in the Supper of the Lord, that thou art partaker of that holy sacrifice of Christ, offered upon the Cross, and of all his benefits. Answer. Because Christ hath commanded me, and all the faithful, to eat of this bread being broken, and to drink of this cup, being divided among us, in remembrance of him, and hath also added this promise: a Mat. 26, 27.28 Mar. 14.12.23.24. Luk. 22.16.20, 1. Cor. 10.16 17, & 11, 23.24.25. & 12 ●● 13. First, that his body was no less assuredly offered, and broken for me upon the cross, and his blood shed for me, than with mine eyes I see, that the bread of the Lord is broken unto me, and the cup reached unto me. Secondly, that my soul is no less assuredly fed unto everlasting life by him, with his body that was crucified, and his blood that was shed for us, than I do with my bodily mouth receive bread and wine, the tokens of the body and blood of the Lord, being delivered unto me by the hand of the minister. The use. WHich being so, it appeareth by this proportion to be most true, that the supper of the Lord leadeth me to the only sacrifice of jesus Christ, once offered upon the Altar of the cross, wherein by faith I obtain forgiveness of sins, righteousness, and life everlasting. Question. 76 What is it to eat the body of Christ crucified, and to drink his blood that was shed? Answer. It is not only, with certain affiance of mind to lay hold of the whole passion and death of Christ, and thereby to b joh. 6, 35. 4●.47.48.51.53, 54. obtain forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting: but also by the spirit of Christ, which dwelleth at one time both in Christ and us, in such sort more and more to be c john. 6.56, united unto his holy body, that although he be in d Act. 3.21. Act. 1.9. etc. 1. Cor. 11 26. heaven, and we upon earth, yet notwithstanding we are flesh of his flesh, and bone of his e Eph. 5, 29 30.32. 1. Cor. 6.15.17.19 1. Io. 3.24. & 4.13. joh. 14.23. bone: and as all the members of the body are quickened and f ●o. 6, 56.57.58. Io. 15.1.2.3.4 5.6. Eph. 4.15.16 governed by one soul, so are we all by one and the same spirit. Question. 77 Where hath Christ promised, that he will as certainly give unto the believers his body and his blood in this manner to be eaten and drunk, as they do eat this bread, being broken, and drink this cup. Answer. In the institution of the Supper, the words whereof are these: g 1. Cor. 11. 1●, etc., Mat. 26.26. etc., Mark. 24.22. etc. Luk. 22.19. etc. Our Lord jesus Christ, the same night that he was betrayed, took bread, & when he had given thanks, he broke it and said: Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you: this do ye in remembrance of me. Likewise after supper he took the cup: saying, h Ezod. 24.8, Heb. 9.2. This cup is the new Testament in my blood, i Exod. 13.9. This do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me: For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye show the lords death till he come. This promise is repeated by Paul, when he saith: b 1. Cor. 10.10.17, ᵏ The cup of thanksgiving, wherewith we give thanks, is it not the communion of the blood of christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the lords body? Because we being many are one bread, and one body, for we are all partakers of one bread. OF TRANSUBSTANTIATION. THE ARGUMENT. Transubstantiation of bread and wine in the use of the supper disproved, and the true exposition and meaning of these words: Bread is the body of Christ. Question. Lord's day. 29 78 What then, are bread and wine made the very body & blood of Christ Answer. No truly: But as the water of baptism is l Mat. 26.29. Mar, 14.24. not turned into the blood of Christ, neither is the very washing away of sins, but only a token and pledge of those things which are sealed unto us in Baptism: No more is the bread of the Lords Supper the very body of m 1. Cor. 10.16, etc. &. 11.26. etc. Christ: although after the nature of Sacraments, and the n Gen. 17.10 etc., Ex. 26.27, 43.48. & 13.9. Act. 7.8. Ex. 24.8. Leu. 16.10. & 17.12, Isa. 6.6.7. Tit. 3.5. Act. 22.16, 1. Pet. 3.21, 1. Cor, 10.1. manner of speech which the holy Ghost useth in speaking of these things, the bread is called the body of Christ. Question. 79 Why then doth Christ call the bread his body, & the cup his blood, or the new Testament in his blood: and Paul, calleth the bread and wine, the communion of the body & blood of Christ? Answer. Christ not without great cause so speaketh, to wit, not only to teach us, that as bread and wine sustaineth the life of the body: so also his body crucified, and his blood shed, is indeed the meat and drink of our soul, where by it may be o john. 6.51.55.56. nourished to life everlasting: but much more by this visible sign and pledge, to assure us, that we are no less truly made partakers of his body and blood, by the working of the holy Ghost, than we do a 1. Cor. 10.16.17. with the mouth of the body receive these holy signs, in remembrance of him: Secondly, that his passion and obedience is as certainly ours, as if we ourselves had paid the punishment of our sins, and made satisfaction unto God. OF THE MASS. THE ARGUMENT. An opposition of the Mass, and the Supper of the Lord, and who ought & may come unto the supper, & whom Christ would have to be kept from the Supper. Question. Lord's day. 30 80 What difference is there between the Supper of the Lord, and the Popish Mass? Answer, The supper of the Lord, doth witness unto us, that we have perfect forgiveness of all our sins, for that only sacrifice of Christ, which himself once offered b Heb. 7.27 &. 9.12.26.28. & 10.10.12.14. joh. 19 30. Mat. 26.28. Luc. 22.19, 20 upon the Cross: and then, that we are by the holy Ghost engraffed into c 1. Cor. 6.17. & 10 16. & 12, 13. Christ, who now according to his humanity, is only in Heaven at the right hand of his d Heb. 1, 3. & 8. ● Father, and will there be e joh. 4.21, 22 23. & 20, 17. Luc. 24.52. Act. 7.55.56. Col. 3.1. Phil. 3.10. 1. Thes. 19.10 worshipped of us. But in the Mass it is denied, that the quick and dead have forgiveness of sins, for the only suffering of Christ, unless Christ be still every day offered for them by the Priests: and then it is taught, that Christ is bodily under the appearance of bread and wine, and therefore aught to be worshipped in them. And so the very foundation of the Mass is nothing else, but a denying of that only sacrifice, & suffering of jesus Christ, and a most cursed Idolatry. Question. 81 Who ought to come to the Supper of the Lord? Answer. Only they who are truly sorry, that they have offended God by their sins: and do believe that they are forgiven them for Christ's sake: and that whatsoever other infirmities they have, they are covered by his passion and death, and who desire more and more to go forward in faith and uprightness of life. But hypocrites, & they that do not truly repent, do eat & g Cor. 10 21. & 11.28. etc. drink unto themselves condemnation. Question. 82 May they also be admitted to this Supper, who declare themselves by their confession and life, to be unbelievers and ungodly men? Answer. No in no wise, For by that means the covenant of God is profaned, & the wrath of God is h 5. Cor, 11.20 34, Isai. 1.11. etc. & 66.3. Ier 7.20 etc. psa. 50.16. provoked against the whole congregation: wherefore the Church, by the commandment of Christ and of his Apostles, using the keys of the kingdom of heaven, aught to keep back such from the Supper, until they repent and amend their manners. OF THE KEYS. THE ARGUMENT. Of the keys, and their number, to wit, of the use and authority of the key of the Gospel, and of discipline, in opening and shutting the kingdom of God. Question. Lord's day. 31 83 What are the keys of the kingdom of Heaven? Answer. The preaching of the Gospel, and Ecclesiastical discipline, whereby heaven is opened to them that believe, and i Mat. 16.19. & 18, 18. shut against unbelievers. The use THe use of the doctrine of the keys is double: for we are first put in mind by them, of our misery, before the Lord call us by his Gospel, namely, that we are banished from the kingdom of God, and consequently excluded from righteousness and salvation. Last of all, that we are fast bound as it were, with the bonds and fetters of Satan. Secondly, how great good God doth bestow upon us, and offer unto us, when he bleseth us with the preaching of the Gospel, putting us in hope: that if we believe in Christ, he will deliver us from the power of darkness, and translate us into the kingdom of his beloved Son: 2. Tim. 1. 1●. whereto belongeth that of the Apostle, that life and immortality were brought to light by the Gospel. For Christ is the door and gate of salvation, john. 14.6. Act 10.45. and even the only way which we must enter into, to come unto the kingdom of heaven. Whereby it appeareth, that they are deceived, who think that every one, whether he be Turk or jew, may be saved in his own superstition, so he keep some outward shadow and show of justice: for God hath ordained the preaching of the Gospel to be the key, whereby he will have the kingdom of heau●n to be opened, and the faithful to be let into it, and whom in Christ his Son he hath chosen unto salvation. Question. 84 How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the Gospel? Answer. When by the commandment of Christ, it is openly preached to all and every one that believeth, that all their sins are forgiven them by God, so oft as they lay hold upon the promise of the Gospel by a true faith. Contrariwise, unto all unbelievers and hypocrites it is denounced, that the wrath of God, & everlasting condemnation lieth upon them, so long as they k joan. 20.21 22.23 Mat 16.19 continue in their sins: According to which testimony of the Gospel, God will judge aswell in this present life, as in the life to come. Question. 85 How is the kingdom of Heaven shut and opened by Ecclesiastical discipline? Answer. When by the commandment of Christ, they who are in name Christians, but in doctrine or life show themselves l Rom. 12 7.8.9. 1 Cor. 12.20 strangers from Christ, after they have been once or twice admonished, and will not departed from their errors, or sinful living, are presented to the Church, or to those who are appointed to that office by the Church, and if they obey not their admonition, are by forbidding them the Sacraments by them shut out from the assembly of the Church, and by God himself from the kingdom of Christ: and again, and if they possess amendment, and do indeed declare it, are received as m Ma,. 18.15.16.17. 1. Cor, 5.3, 4, 5.2. The. 3.14, 15, 2. john. 10.11. 2, Cor. 2.6.7.10 11. 1, Tim, 5.17. members of Christ and of the Church. THE THIRD part, OF MAN'S THANKFULNESS. THE ARGUMENT. Of the necessity of good works, and the punishment of them, who go on carelessly in their sins. Question. Lord's day. 32 86 Seeing we are delivered from all sins and miseries, without any desert of our own, by the only mercy of God for Christ's sake, to what end should we do good works? Answer. Because, after that Christ hath redeemed us by his blood, he doth also renew us by his spirit according to his own image, to the end, that having received so great benefits, we should all our life long a Rom. 6.13. & 12.1.2, 2. pet. 2.5.9.10. 1. Cor. 6.20. show ourselves thankful towards God, and that he might be b Mat. 5.16. 1. pet, 2.10. glorified by us. Secondly, that we also every one of us, may be c 2. Pet. 1.10. Mat. 7, 17, 18. Gal. 5, 6.22 assured of our faith by the fruits thereof. Last of all, that by the uprightness of our life, we may gain d 1. pet. 3.1.2. Mat. ●, 16. Rom. 14, 19 others unto Christ. The use. WHich being so, it followeth, that the study of good works is necessary: 1. To honour God by our life: 2. To work out our own salvation in fear and trembling: 3. To ed●fie our neighbour by good examples, which is indeed to live worthy of the Gospel. Phil. 2.22. Question. 87 Can not they then be saved, who being unthankful, and continuing securely in their sins, are not turned from their wickedness unto God? Answer. By no means, for as the scripture witnesseth, neither unclean persons, nor Idolaters, nor adulterers, nor thieves, nor covetous persons, nor drunkards, nor railers, nor oppressors, shall e 1, Cor. 6, 9, 10. Ephe. 5.3.6. 1. joh. 3.14.15. inherit the Kingdom of God. OF REPENTANCE. THE ARGUMENT. Of repentance, and the fruits thereof, to wit, good works. Question. Lord's day. 33 88 Of what parts consisteth true repentance, or turning unto God? Answer. Of the f Ro. 6, 4.5, 6. Eph. 4.22.23, 42. Col, 3, 5, 6, 7.8, 9.10. 1. Cor. 5, 7. 2. Cor. 7, mortifiing or killing of the old man, and quickening of the new man. Question. 89 What is the mortification of the old man? Answer. Truly, and from the heart to be sorry, that by thy sins thou hast offended God, and more and more to hate and g Rom. ●, 13. joel. 2.13. Ho, 5.14. & 6.1 fly from them. Question. 90 What is the quickening of the new man? Answer. True rejoicing in God, through h Rom. 5.1. & 14 17. Isa. 57.15. Christ, and a forward desire to frame our life according to Gods will, and to exercise i Rom. 6.10.11, Gal. 2, 20. all good works. Question. 91 What works are good? Answer. Only those that are done of a true k Rom. 11.23. faith, according to the l 1. Sam. 15.22. Ephe. 2.10. law of God, & m 1. Cor. 10.31. are referred only to his glory, and not those which are devised by ourselves upon a good intent, or n Deut. 11.32 Eze. 20.18.19. Is. 29, 13. Mat. 1●. 9. commanded by men's traditions. Question. 92 What is the Law of God? Answer. The Lord spoke all these o Exod. 20, Deu. 5, words saying. 1 I am jehova thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt from the house of servants, see thou have no strange God before my face. 2 Make not to thyself any graven Image, nor draw any likeness of those things, which are either in heaven above, or in the Earth beneath, or in the water under the Earth, thou shalt not fall down before them nor worship them: For I am the Lord thy God strong and jealous, avenging the sins of the Fathers upon the children, and that to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy upon thousands in them that love me and keep my commandments. 3 Take not the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not let him go unpunished, that taketh his name in vain. 4 Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day: Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But upon the seventh day, shallbe the Sabbath unto the Lord thy God: Thou shalt do no work, neither thou, nor thy Son, nor thy daughter, nor thy servant, nor thine handmaid, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates. For in Six days the Lord made the Heaven, the Earth, the Sea, and all things that are in them, and rested the seventh day, therefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it. 5 Honour thy Father and thy Mother, that thou mayest live long upon the land, which the lord thy God shall give thee. 6 Thou shalt not kill. 7 Thou shalt not commit adultery 8 Thou shalt not steal. 9 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 10 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's wife nor his servant nor his maiden, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any of those things that are thy neighbours. OF THE LAW OF God. THE ARGUMENT. The partition of the Law into two ●●bles, and a division of the commandments both of the first and second table: & a laying forth of the vices & virtues which are contained in the first commandment, the end whereof is that God alone may be served. Question. Lord's day. 34 93 How are these Commandments divided? Answer. Into two a Exod. 34.28. Deut. 4.13 & 10.34. Tables: whereof the first delivereth in four Commandments how we ought to behave ourselves toward God: The latter in six Commandments, what duties we b Mat. 22.37.38, 39 own to our neighbour. Question. 94 What requireth God in the first Commandment? Answer. That as I love the salvation of my own soul, so I diligently shun and avoid all c 1. Cor. 6, 9.10, & 10, 7.14. Idolatry, conjuring, enchantment, d Leu. 19.31. Deu, 18, 11 superstition, praying to Saints, or other e Mat. 4, 10 Apoc. 19, 10 & 22, 8.9, creatures: and do rightly f joh. 16.3. acknowledge the only and true God, g jer. 17.5. trust in him alone, h Heb. 10.36. Col. 1, 11. Rom. 5.3.4, 1. Cor. 10.10. Phil. 2.14. submit myself with all i 1. pet. 5.5, 6 humility and patience unto him, k Psal. 104.27, 28 29.30, Isai. 45, 7. jac, 1, 17, look for all good things from him alone: to conclude, with the most inward affection of my heart, l Deut, 6, 5. Mat. 22.37. love, m Deu. 6.2. psal. 111.10. prou. 1.7. & 9, 10. Mat 10.28 reverence, and n Mat. 4.20 Deut. 10.20. worship him: so that I will rather forsake all creatures, than o Mat. 5.29.30, &. 10.37. Act. 5.29 commit the least thing that may be against his will. Question. 95 What is idolatry? Answer. It is, in the place of one God, or besides that one & true God, who hath revealed himself in his word, to devise or have any other thing, wherein to put b 1. pro. 16, 26, Phil. 3.19. Eph. 5, 5, Gal. 4.8. Eph. 2.12.1 1. joh. 2.23.2 2. joh. 9 Io. 5.23 our trust. OF THE SECOND Commandment. THE ARGUMENT What manner of God the Lord is, and with what kind of service to be honoured, where, of painting of images: and whether it be lawful to set them in Churches. Question. Lord's day. 35 96 What doth the second Commandment require? Answer. That we c Deu. 4.15. & 1. Isai, 40.18. etc., Rom. 1.23, etc. Act. 17.29, express not God by any image or shape, neither d 1. Sam. 15.23. Deut. 12.30, etc., Mat. 15.9 serve him after any other manner, then as in his word he hath commanded himself to be served. Question. 97 Ought we then to make no Images nor pictures? Answer. God neither aught, nor can by any means be drawn or pictured: and although it be lawful to resemble the creatures, yet God forbiddeth to have, or make their images, to worship or e Ex. 23.24. & 34.13.14. & 17. Num. 33.52, De. 7, 5. & 12.3. & 16.22. 2. Reg. 18.4. honour either of them, or God by them. Question. 98 But may images be suffered in Churches, to be in steed of books to the ignorant multitude? Answer. No, in no wise: For it becometh not us to be wiser than God, who will have his Church taught, not with dumb f jer. 10.8, etc. Hab. 2.18.19 images, but with the lively g 2. Tim. 3.16.17 2. pet. 19 preaching of his word. OF THE THIRD Commandment. THE ARGUMENT. That God hateth the abuse of his name, and requireth of every one to confess and praise him both privately and publicly. Question. Lord's day. 36 99 What meaneth God in the third Commandment? Answer. That we do not reproachfully, or unreverently use the name of God, not only by cursing or h Leu. 24.11. etc. Leu. 19.12 forswearing, but also by swearing i Mat. 5, 37, jac. 5, 12. rashly, neither yet take part in these horrible sins, by holding our peace, or winking at them: but that we k Isa, 45, 43 use the sacred name of god, nor without great religion & l 1. Tim. 2, 8 reverence: that by true & constant m Rom. 2, 24. 1. Tim. 6, 1, Col. 3.16.17. confession, and n Mar. 10.32. calling upon him, and finally, by all our words & deeds he be praised and magnified. Question. 100 Is it then so great a sin to take the name of God in vain, either by swearing or by cursing, that God is also angry with them, who as much as in them lieth, do not forbid or hinder it. Answer. Surely a most o levit. 5. ● grievous sin: for there is no greater sin, or which doth more offend God, than the reproach of his most holy name: Wherefore also, he p Leu. 24, 11, 1● commanded that sin to be punished with death. OF THE THIRD Commandment. THE ARGUMENT. Of a lawful and unlawful oath: of the first, for the anabaptists: of the latter, for the popish sort. Question. Lord's day. 37 101 But may any man lawfully & in a godly sort, swear by the name of God? Answer. He may: When either the Magistrate requireth it of his subjects, or necessity requireth, that by this means faith be assured, and truth established: to the end that the glory of God may be set forth, and the salvation of other men furthered. For this kind of oath is confirmed by the q Deu. 6, 13. & Heb. 6.16, Gen. 21.14 Gal. 1.20. Deut. 10.20. word of God, & therefore hath been rightly used r Isa. 48.1. je. 12.16, Ios. 2.12. Ex, 23.10, 11. 1. Sam 24, 22.23. Gal, 1, 20 Gen. 21.24. & 31.53 by holy men, both in the old and new testament. Question. 102 Is it not lawful to swear by Saints and other Creatures? Answer. No: For a lawful oath, is a calling upon God, wherein a man desireth, that he being the only beholder of the heart, would give witness to the truth, and punish the swearer, if he s 2 Cor, 1, 23 1. Sam. 20, 12 deceive wittingly: Now this honour t Ier, 5, 7. Amo● 8, 14 agreeth to no creature. OF THE FOURTH Commandment. THE ARGUMENT. Of the true hallowing of the Sabbath. Question. Lord's day. 38 103 What doth the Lord require in the fourth Commandment? Answer. First, that the ministery of the gospel and schools be u Tit, 1.5 Ephes. 4.11. maintained: and that both upon other days, and especially upon holy days, I do diligently x psal. 68.26. & 40.9.10. Act. 2 42, 46, frequent, the holy assemblies, y 1. Cor. 14.19.29.31. hear the word of God attentively, use the z Cor. 11, 33. Sacraments, and to the public prayers, a 1. Tim. 2.1, 2, 3 8, 9, 1. Cor. 14, 16. join also mine own private, and according to mine ability, bestow some thing upon the b 1, Cor. 16. poor: Secondly that in all my life, I abstain from wicked actions, yielding unto the Lord, that by his spirit, he may work his good work in me, and so, that I c Esai. 66.23. begin that everlasting Sabbath or rest in this life. OF THE FIFT COMMANDMENT. THE ARGUMENT. That they are to be honoured, whom the Lord hath set over us, and both to be obeyed, & thankfully to be requited. Question. Lord's day. 39 104 What doth the Lord enjoin us in the fift commandment? Answer. That we perform unto our Parents, and even to all that are set over us, due honour, love & fidelity, and do d Eph. 6.1.2, 5. etc. Col, 3.18.20, 22, 23, 24 Eph, 5, 22, pro. 1.8, 4, 1, & 15, 20 & 20, 20. Ex. 21.17, Rom. 10.1 submit ourselves to their faithful precepts and chastisements with that obedience that is meet. secondly, that we e Prou. 23, 22. Gen. 9.25. 1, pet 2, 18. patiently bear with their faults & manners, always having in remembrance, that God will lead f Eph. 6, 40 Col. 3, 19, & 21, Rom. 13. Mat. 22.27. and rule us by their hand. OF THE sixth COMMANDMENT. THE ARGUMENT. Of avoiding manslaughter, & how many ways it is committed in the sight of God, the end whereof is, that the safety of every one ought to be commended to every one. Question. Lord's day. 40 105 What doth God require in the sixth commandment. Answer. That neither by thought, nor by word, nor by gesture, much less by deed, either by myself, or by any other, I do revile, or hate, or hurt, or g Mat 5, 12, 22. Gen. 9.6. Mat 26.52, slay my neighbour, but h Eph. 4.26. Rom, 12, 19, Mat. 5, 25. & 18, 35 cast away all desire of revenge. Moreover that I i Rom. 13, 14, Col. 2.23, Syr. 3.27. Mat. 4, 7. hurt not myself, nor wittingly cast myself into any danger. And therefore also, that murder might be avoided, he hath k Gen. 9, 6, Exod. 21.14. Mat 26.52. Rom. 13.4. armed the Magistrate with the sword. Question. 106 Why? but this commandment seemeth to forbid only Murder. Answer. For the slaying of murder, God teacheth, that he hateth the root and original of murder, to wit, a jac. 1.20, Gal. 5, 20. anger, b Rom, 1, 29. envy, hatred, c 1. joh. 2.9.1. and desire of revenge, and doth ᵈ account all these for murder. b 1. ioh. 3, 15. Question. 107 And is it sufficient to kill no man in such sort as hath been spoken? Answer. It is not sufficient: for when God condemneth wrath, envy, hatred; he requireth, that we e Mat, 22.59. & 7, 12 love our neighbour as ourselves, and that we use towards him f Rom. 12.10, courtesy, gentleness, g Ephe. 4.2 Galat. 6.1.2 Mat. 5.5. Ro. 12.18. Mat. 5, 7 Luk. 6, 3. meekness, patience, h Exod. 24.5, and mercy, i Mat. 5, 45. and that whatsoever may hurt him, as much as in us lieth, we turn it away from him. In a word, that we be so disposed in mind. that we k Rom, 22.20.81, spare not to do good even to our enemies. OF THE seventh Commandment. THE ARGUMENT. Of Adultery, that is, that we be not defiled with any uncleanness or intemperate lust of the flesh, but that we govern all the parts of our life, chastened and continently. Question. Lord's day. 41 108 What is the meaning of the seventh commandment. Answer. That God doth l Leu. 18.27.28. abhor all filthiness, and therefore that we also ought m jud. 22.23. to hate and detest it, and on the other side, that we ought to live, soberly, modestly, and n 1. Thes. 4, 3, 4.5, chastened, either in holy wedlock or single life. Question. 109 Doth God forbidden nothing else in this commandment, but adultery and such kind of filthiness? Answer. For as much as our body & soul, are the temples of the holy Ghost, the will of God is, that we possess both them purely & holily, & therefore he doth generally forbid filthy deeds, gestures and behaviours, p Eph. 5.3, 4, Cor. 6, 18.19, 20, speeches thoughts q Mat, 5, 27.23, and desires, and whatsoever may allure r 1, Cor, 15, 33. us hereunto. OF THE EIGHT COMMANDMENT. THE ARGUMENT. Because all unrighteousness is abominable in the sight of God, he forbiddeth greedily to gape after that which is an other man's, and commandeth us to lend our faithful help to every man, for the keeping of his own goods, and by this means he doth allow and ratify the distinction of owners and proper possessions. Question. Lord's day. 42 110 What doth God forbid in the eight commandment. Answer. Not only those s 1. Cor. 6, 10. thefts and t 1. Cor. 5.10. robberies which the Magistrate doth punish, but under the name of theft, he comprehendeth all naughty shifts & occupations, whereby we catch after other men's goods, and labour to u Luk. 3.14 1. Thes 4.6 convey them to ourselves, by force, or by colour of right, as are unequal x pro. 11.1 & 16.11 weights, an unjust metwand, unequal y Eze. 45.9, etc. measure, deceitful ware, counterfeit money, z Psal. 15.5 Luc. 6.35. usury, or any other forbiddin way, or means to thrive & get wealth. Add hereunto all a 1. Co. 6, 10, covetousness, and the manifold misspending and b Prou. 5. ●6, abusing of the gifts of God. Question. 111 What are those things which God commandeth here? Answer. That I further and increase, as much as I am able, the commodity and profit of my neighbour, and so deal with him, as I c Mat. 7.12. desire to be dealt withal myself: that diligently and faithfully I follow my work, that I d Eph. 4, 28 may be able also to help the need of others. OF THE NINTH COMMANDMENT. THE ARGUMENT. That we ought not to abuse our tongue to lying, slandering, and false accusations of our neighbour, but rather to avouch the truth, and to maintain and preserve the life and goods of our neighbour. Question. Lord's day. 43 112 What doth the ninth commandment require? Answer. That I bear no false e prou, 19, 5, 9, & 81.28, witness against any man, that I f Psal, 15.3, falsify or misconstrue no man's words, that I back bite or g Rom, 1.29, 21, reproach no man, that I h Mat, 7, 1, etc., Luk, 6, 87, condemn no man rashly, or before his cause be heard, but that I i Ioh, 8.44, do with all carefulness avoid all kind of lying & deceit as the k prou. 12, 22, & 13.5, proper works of the Devil, unless I will provoke the most grievous displeasure of God against myself: that in judgements and other affairs I follow the truth, and freely and constantly l 1. Cor, 14, 6, Ephe, 4, 25. profess the matter to be even as it is: m 1. Pet, 4.8, Moreover, that as much as in me lieth, I defend and increase the good name and credit of others. OF THE TENTH Commandment. THE ARGUMENT. That even the very smallest desire contrary to Charity ought to be put out of men's minds: 2. Of the proceeding of the godly in the obedience of the Law: 3. And what the use of the Law is in this life. Question. Lord's day. 44 113 What doth the tenth commandment forbid? Answer. That our hearts be never tempted, no not with the least desire or thought against any commandment of God: but that always from the heart, we detest all sin, and contrariwise take a Ro, 7, 7. etc. pleasure in all righteousness. The use. WHich being so, who seethe not that in this last commandment, is required and contained, the perfect obedience of the whole law? for how cometh it to pass, that we sin against every commandment, but because this corrupt concupiscence is in us? without which, we should of our own accord, with our whole mind and body strive to attain to the only good, altogether, without any contrary thought or mammering, but so long as it cleaveth unto us, it cannot be but that we shall all offend, both very o●●en, and in many things, & shall eftsoons groan and lament with the Apostle, saying: O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom. 7.24. Question. 114 Are they able who are converted unto God, to keep these commandments perfectly? Answer. No verily: but even they that are most holy, so long as they live, have only some small beginnings of this b 1. joh. 1, 8, etc. Ro. 7, 14, 15. Eccle. 7, 22. obedience: yet so, that with an earnest & unfeigned endeavour, they c Rom. 7.22 jac, 2, 10. begin to live, not according to some only, but even according to all God's commandments. Question. 115 Why then will God have his Law, so exactly, and so severely preached, whereas there is no man in this life that is able to keep it. Answer. First, that in our whole life, we may more and more d john. 1, 9, psal. 22 5. acknowledge how forward our nature is to sin, and so much the more greedily e Rom. 7, 23, desire forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ. Secondly, that we continually be f 1. Cor. 9.24, etc. phillip 3, 12: 13.14. about this, and daily muse upon it, that we may obtain the grace of the holy Ghost from the Father, to the end we may every day, more and more be renewed according to the Image of God, until one day at the length, after we are departed out of this life, we attain with joy to that perfection which is set before us. OF PRAYER. THE ARGUMENT. The necessity of Prayer, the conditions of good prayer, and a rule for those things that are to be asked. Question. Lord's day. 45 116 Wherefore is prayer necessary for Christians? Answer. Because it is the principal part of that g Psal. 50.14.15 thankfulness which God requireth at our hands: as also, because the Lord bestoweth his grace, and the holy Ghost upon them alone, who with true groanings do continually beg these things at his hands, and do b. Mat. 7.7.8. Luc. 11.9, 13, Mar. 13.12, psal. 50, 15. give him thanks for the same. Question. 117 What things are required to that prayer, wherewith God is pleased, and which he heareth and granteth? Answer. That with true affection of heart, we ask of that true God alone, who hath i john. 4.22. psal 81.8, 9.10. jam 1.5. revealed himself in his word, all things, whatsoever he hath commanded us to k Rom. 8.26. 1, john. 5.14. psal. 145.18. ask of him, and that with an inward l john. 4.21.22, Psal. 145.18. 2. Chron. 20.12. feeling of our own needy & miserable estate, we m psal 2.11 psal 119.120, Esai, 66.2, Pro. 34 17.18. & 51.17. jona. 3.4, etc., humbly throw ourselves down before the majesty of God, n Rom, 10.14. Mar, 11.24. 1 Ioh 5.14.15, Mat, 15.22. etc. leaning upon this strong foundation, that we, albeit unworthy: yet are undoubtedly o Ioh, 26.23. Col 3.17. joh. 14.13. heard of God for Christ's sake, as he hath p Mat. 7.7.8 psal 50.14. promised unto us in his word. Question. 118 What are those things which God commandeth us to ask of him? Answer. All things q jam. 1, 17, Mat. 6.35. necessary both for soul and body, which our Lord jesus Christ hath comprised, in that prayer which he himself hath taught us. Question. 119 What is that prayer? Answer. Our r Mar. 6.9.10. etc. Luk. 11.2. etc. Mat. 7.9, 10.11. Luk. 11▪ 12, 13. Father which art in Heaven: Hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, as in Heaven, so also in Earth: Give us this day our daily bread: And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtor: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen. HOW WE SHOULD PRAY. THE ARGUMENT. The preface of the Lords prayer, and the exposition thereof. Question. Lord's day. 46 120 Why doth Christ command us after this manner to call upon God: Our Father. Answer. That even in the very entrance of prayer, he may stir up in us a reverence, and trust in God, convenient for the children of God, which ought to be the groundwork of our prayer: to wit, that God for Christ's sake is become our Father, & will much less deny unto us those things, that we ask of him by a true faith, than our Parents a Mat. 7.9.19, 11. Luk. 11.11, deny us earthly benefits. Question. 121 Why is that added, which art in Heaven Answer. That we b jer. 23, 24 Act. 17.24, 25.27. should not conceive any base and earthly thing of the heavenly majesty of God: and withal also, that from his almighty power we should c Rom. 10.12 look for, whatsoever is necessary for soul and body. OF THE FIRST PETITION. THE ARGUMENT. Wherein the hallowing of the name of God consisteth. Question. Lord's day. 47 122 What is the first petition? Answer. Hallowed be thy name: that is, Grant first of all, that we may d joh. 17, 3. jer. 9.23, 24 & 31.33, 34, Mat. 16, 17 jam. 1, 5. psal, 119.105 know thee aright, and may reverence, praise, and e psal. 119.137.138. Luk. 1.46. etc. 68, etc. psal. 145.8, 9, 17, Ex. 34.6.7. Psal, 143.1, 2, 5 10.11.12, jere. 31.5, & 32.18, 19, 40, 41, & 33, 11, &, 20, Mat. 19, 17. Rom, 3, 3, 4. & 11, 22, 23 2. Tit. 2.19, set forth thy almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy and truth, that shineth in all thy works. Secondly, that we may so direct all our life, thoughts, words, and deeds, that thy most holy name be not reproached by our occasion, but rather be f psa. 115, 1 & 71, 8, honoured and magnified. OF THE SECOND PETITION. THE ARGUMENT. Wherein the coming of God's kingdom, the preservation and perfection thereof consisteth. Question. Lord's day. 49 123 What is the second petition? Answer. Let thy Kingdom come: that is, so govern us by thy word, and by thy Spirit, that we may g Mar. 6.33 psal. 119.5. & 143.10 be more and more subject unto thee, preserve and increase thy h psal. 51.20. & 122, 6, 7. Church, destroy the works of the Devil, and every power that exalteth itself against thy majesty: make void all the counsels that are i 1, joh. 3.8 Rom. 16, 20. taken against thy word, until at the length, thou k Apoc. 22, 17, 20. Ro, 8, 22, 23 do fully and perfectly reign, when thou shalt be all in l 1, Cor. 15, 28 al. OF THE THIRD PETITION. THE ARGUMENT. The end of this petition is, that all men do submit themselves to the will of God, that so it may appear, that God doth reign effectually in the World. Question. Lord's day. 49 124 What is the third petition? Answer. Thy will be done, as in Heaven, so also in Earth: that is, G●●unt that we, and all men m Mat. 16.24, Tit. 2.12. renouncing our own will, may readily, and without any murmuring n Luk, 22.42, obey thy will, which only is holy: & so may cheerfully o 1 Cor, 7, 24. execute whatsoever the Angels do in p psal. 103.20.21 Heaven. OF THE FOURTH PETITION. THE ARGUMENT. The end of this petition is, that we may acknowledge, that God is he, who must give unto us all things necessary, for the maintenance of this present life. Question. Lord's day. 50 125 What is the fourth petition? Answer. Give us this day our daily bread. that is, supply unto us all things q psal. 145, 15 16, & 104.27, 28. Mat. 6, 2●. necessary for this present life, that thereby we may acknowledge, that thou art the only fountain, from whom all good things do r Act. 17▪ 27▪ 28, & 14.17. flow, and except thou give thy blessing, all our care & travel, and even thine own gifts, will be unprosperous and s 1 Cor 15, 58 Deut, 8, 3, psal. 27, 16.17. hurtful unto us: Wherefore grant, that turning our affiance from all creatures, we may t psal. 62.11. & 55.23, set it upon thee alone. OF THE FIFT PETITION. THE ARGUMENT. Because the conscience of sin hindereth men in praying, by reason that the Devil suggesteth such thoughts, to the end we might not be overcome with these temptations, Christ would have us set against them, as a comfort, this petition of forgiveness of sins. Question. Lord's day. 51 126 What is the fift petition? Answer. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive them that are indebted unto us, that is, for the blood of Christ, impute u psal. 51.1. etc. & 143.2, 1, joh. 2.1, 2, not unto us most miserable sinners, all our sins, and even that corruption, which as yet cleaveth unto us: as we also feel this testimony of thy favour in our hearts, that we have a steadfast purpose from our hearts, to x Mat., 6.14.17 forgive all that have offended us. OF THE sixth PETITION. THE ARGUMENT. This Petition is the second part of the spiritual covenant, which God hath made for the salvation of his church, for we desire in it, that as he hath forgiven us our sins, so he would vouchsafe to write his laws in our hearts, that he would defend us by the power of his Spirit, and sustain us by his help, so that we may stand invincibly against all temptations. Question. Lord's day. 52 127 What is the sixth petition? Answer. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil: that is, forasmuch as we are by nature so feeble and weak, that we y john. 15.5. psal. 103.14. are not able to stand no not a moment of time, & our deadly enemies, z 1. pet. 5.8. Ephe. 6, 12 Satan, the a john. 15.19. world, and our own b Rom. 7.23. Gal. 5.17. flesh, do continually assail us, uphold thou us and strengthen us by the power of thy spirit, that we c Mat. 26 41. Mar. 13, 33. faint not in this spiritual combat, but may so long stand against them, until at the last we d 1. Thes. 3.13. & 5,23. obtain a perfit victory. Question. 128 How dost thou conclude thy prayer. Answer. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever: that is, we ask all these things at thy hand, because thou being our king, & almighty, art willing, and able e Rom 10.11 12, 2. pet. 29. to give us all things, and these things we therefore ask, to the end, that by them, all glory may f joh. 24.13 psal. 115.1. jer. 33.8.9. redound, not unto us, but unto thy holy name. Question. 129 What meaneth the last word Amen. Answer. That the matter is certain and out of doubt: for my prayer is much more certainly heard of God, than I in mine own heart do feel, that I desire it with all my heart. FINIS. A PUBLIC CONFESSION of our sins, commonly used in the Church of Edinburgh in the day of common prayer. O Eternal God, and most merciful Father, we confess & acknowledge here before thy divine majesty, that we are miserable sinners, conceived and borne in sin and iniquity, so that in us there is no goodness. For the flesh evermore rebelleth against the Spirit, whereby we continually transgress thine holy precepts, and commandments, and so do purchase to ourselves, through thy just judgement, death and damnation. Notwithstanding, O heavenly Father, forasmuch as we are displeased with ourselves for the sins that we have committed against thee, and do unfeignedly repent us of the same: we most humbly beseech thee, for jesus Christ his sake, to show thy mercy upon us, to forgive us all our sins, and to increase thine holy Spirit in us, that we acknowledging from the bottom of our hearts, our own unrighteousness, may from henceforth, not only mortify our sinful lusts and affections, but also bring forth such fruits, as may be agreeable to thy most blessed will: not for the worthiness thereof, but for the merits of thy dearly beloved Son jesus Christ, our only Saviour, whom thou hast already given an oblation and offering for our sins, and for whose sake we are certainly persuaded, that thou wilt dedy us nothing, that we shall ask in his name according to thy will. For thy Spirit doth assure our consciences, that thou art our merciful Father, and so lovest us thy children, through him, that nothing is able to remove thine heavenly grace and favour from us. To thee therefore, O Father, with the Son, and the holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. So be it. Another confession & prayer, commonly used in the church of Edinburgh. O Dreadful & most mighty God, thou that from the beginning, hast declared thyself a consuming fire, against the contemners of thy most holy precepts: and yet to the penitent sinners, hast always showed thyself a favourable Father, and a God full of mercy: we thy creatures, and workmanship, of thine own hands, confess ourselves most unworthy to open our eyes unto the heavens, but far less to appear in thy presence. For our consciences accuse us, and our manifold iniquities, have borne witness against us, that we have declined from thee. We have been polluted with Idolatry, we have given thy glory to creatures, we have sought support where it was not to be found, and have lightlied thy most wholesome admonitions. The manifest corruption of our lives in all estates, evidently proveth, that we have not rightly regarded thy precepts, laws and holy ordinances, and this was not only done, O Lord, in the time of our blindness: but even now, when of thy mercy thou hast opened unto us an entrance to thy heavenly kingdom, by the preaching of thine holy evangel, the whole body of this miserable Realm still continueth in their former impiety. For the most part, alas, following the foot steps of the blind and obstinate princess, utterly despise the light of thy Gospel, and delight in ignorance and Idolatry: others live as a people without a God, and without all fear of thy terrible judgements. And some, O Lord, that in mouth profess thy blessed evangel, by their slanderous life blaspheme the same. We are not ignorant, o lord, that thou art a righteous judge, that cannot suffer iniquity long to be unpunished upon the obstinate transgressors: especially, O Lord, when that after so long blindness and horrible defection from thee, so lovingly thou callest us again to thy favour and felloshipp, and that we do yet obstinately rebel: we have, O Lord, in our extreme misery called unto thee: yea, when we appeared utterly to have been consumed in the fury of our enemies, and then didst thou mercifully incline thine ears unto us. Thou foughtest for us, even by thine own power, when there was in us neither wisdom nor force. Thou alone brakest the yoke from our necks, and set us at liberty, when we by our foolishness had made ourselves slaves unto strangers, and mercifully unto this day, hast thou continued with us the light of thine evangel, and so ceasest not to heap upon us benefits, both spiritual and temporal. But yet alas, O Lord, we clearly see, that our great ingratitude craveth farther punishment at thy hands, the signs whereof, are evident before our eyes. For the whispering of sedition: the contempt of thy graces offered, and the maintenance of Idolatry, are assured signs of thy farther plagues to fall upon us in particular for our grievous offences. And this unmeasurable intemperateness of the air, doth also threaten thine accustomed plague of famine, which commonly followeth riotous excess, and the contempt of the poor, wherewith, alas the whole Earth is replenished. We have nothing, O Lord, that we may lay betwixt us and thy judgement, but thine only mercy, freely offered unto us in thy dear Son our Lord jesus Christ, purchased to us by his death and passion. For if thou wilt enter into judgement with us thy creatures, and keep in mind our grievous sins and offences, then can there no flesh escape condemnation. And therefore we most humbly beseech thee, O Father of mercies, for Christ jesus thy sons sake, to take from us these stony hearts, who so long have heard, aswell thy mercies, as severe judgements, and yet have not been effectually moved with the same, and give unto us hearts mollified by thy Spirit, that may both conceive & keep in mind the reverence that is due unto thy majesty. Look O Lord, unto thy chosen children, labouring under the imperfection of the flesh, & grant unto us that victory, that thou hast promised to us by jesus Christ: thy Son, our only Saviour, Mediator, and Lawgiver. To whom with thee and the holy Ghost, be all honour and praise, now and ever. A CONFESSION OF OUR Sins, commonly used in the Church of Edinburgh, before Sermons. IT is of thy mercy, O Lord, and not of our merits, that it hath pleased thee to show thyself unto the world, ever from the beginning, and unto us now in this last & most corrupt age: yea Lord, we further confess, that neither Law nor Gospel, can profit us to salvation, except that thou of thy mere grace, work in us above all power, that is, in this our nature. For albeit thou teach, we shall remain ignorant, albeit thou threaten, we shall contemn, and albeit thou promise mercy and grace, yet shall we despair and remain in infidelity: Unless that thou create in us new hearts, writ thy Law in the same, and seal in us remission of our sins, and that the sense and feeling of thy fatherly mercy, by the power of the holy Spirit. To the old world, thou spakest by Noah. To Pharaoh, & his people, by thy servant Moses. To all Israel, by the fearful trumpet of thy Law. To the City of jerusalem, by thine own wisdom, our Lord jesus Christ, and to the multitude, as well of jews as Gentiles, by the preaching of the holy Apostles. But who gave obedience? Who trembled, and constantly feared thy hot displeasure? Who did rightly acknowledge the time of their visitation? And who did embrace and keep to the end, thy fatherly promises? Only they O Lord, to whom thy Spirit was the inward teacher, whose hearts thou openest, and from whom thou remoouest rebellion and infidelity, the rest were externally called, but obeyed not, they heard aswell mercy offered, as threatenings pronounced, but neither with the one nor with the other, were they effectually moved. We acknowledge, O Lord, that the same corruption lurketh in us, that buddeth forth in them to their destruction, and just condemnation. And therefore we most humbly beseech thee, O Father of mercy, for jesus Christ thy sons sake, that as thou hast caused the light of thy word clearly to shine amongst us, and as thou hast plainly instructed us, by the external ministery in the right way of salvation. So it will please thee, inwardly to move our dull hearts, and by the power of thy holy spirit, that thou wilt write and seal in our hearts that holy fear and reverence, which thou cravest of thy chosen children, & that faithful obedience to thy holy will, together with the feeling & sense that our sins are fully purged, and freely remitted by that only one Sacrifice, which only by itself is acceptable unto thee, to wit, the obedience, death and meditation of thy only son our Sovereign Lord, only Pastor, Mediator, and high Priest, our lord jesus Christ. To whom with thee, and with the holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. AN OTHER CONFESsion of our sins. IVst and righteous art thou, o Lord God, father everlasting, holy is thy Law, & most just are thy judgements, yea, even when thou dost punish in greatest severity, we do confess as the truth is, that we have transgressed thy whole law, and have offended thy godly majesty, in breaking and violating every precept of the same, and so most justly mayest thou power forth upon us, all plagues that are threatened: and that we find powered forth upon the disobedient at any time from the beginning. And so much the rather, O Lord, because that so long we have been called, by thy holy word to unfeigned repentance, and newness of life: and yet have we still remained in our former rebellion, and therefore if thou wilt enter into judgement with us, we can neither escape confusion in this life, nor just condemnation in the life to come. But Lord, thy mercy is without measure, and the truth of thy promise abideth for ever. Unworthy are we, that thou shouldest look upon us, but Lord, thou hast promised that thou wilt show mercy to the most grievous offenders, when so ever that they repent. And further, thou by the mouth of thy dear Son, our Lord jesus Christ, hast promised that thou wilt give thy holy Spirit, to such as humbly call unto thee. In boldness of the which promise, we most humbly beseech thee, o Father of mercies, that it would please thy godly majesty, to work in our stubborn hearts, an unfeigned sorrow for our former offences, with some sense and feeling of thy grace and mercy, together, with an earnest desire of justice and righteousness, in which we are bound continually to walk: but because that neither we nor our prayers, can stand before thee, by reason of that imperfection, which still remaineth in this our corrupted nature. We fly to the obedience and perfect justice of Christ jesus our only Mediator, in whom, and by whom, we call not only for remission of our sins, and for assistance of thy holy spirit, but also for all things that thy godly wisdom knoweth to be expedient for us, and for thy Church universal. Praying as he hath taught us saying: Our Father etc. A MORNING PRAYER TO BE USED IN CHRIstian Families, before they go about their outward affairs. OMnipotent and merciful God, we give thee thanks, that thou hast so mercifully kept us this night, and that thou hast prolonged our life to this day. We beseech thee likewise, that thou wilt protect us this day, and that thou wilt give us grace, that we may bestow it in those things, which are pleasant & acceptable unto thee: And as now thou enlightenest the whole earth, with the beams of thy Son, so likewise thou wilt illuminate the darkness of our souls with the brightness of thy Spirit, lest we wavering from the path of righteousness, we serve either to the one side or to the other: that we may ever set thee who seest all things before our eyes, that we may reverence and acknowledge thee, as a just revenger of all evil thoughts, words, and deeds, that we fear nothing more, than to offend thee so bountiful a Father: and that ever, it continually be our final drift, in all things whatsoever we take in hand or purpose to do, to refer the same only to thy glory, and the profit of others. Moreover, because wholesome counsel, fit occasions, and the happy success and issue of matters are only in thine hand, grant that we may ask and receive all those things from thee alone. Grant also most merciful Father: that we bestow not so much thought, and travel, in purchasing of those things, that pertain to the necessity of this life, that in the mean time we neglect & sluggishly regard heavenly things, but that first, we may seek thy kingdom, and the righteousness thereof: nothing doubting, but that thou wilt give all things needful and necessary to such as do the same: keep also, and defend this frail body and soul of ours. Instruct us with the counsel and power of thy Spirit, against so many and so divers assaults of Satan. Rid us out of all fear and perils, whereby we are in danger always in this world. And because it is nothing to have begun well, except also we carefully persever and go forward: We beseech thee, that thou wilt not only take us into thy protection this day, but likewise, thou wilt continually be our guide and defender all our life, confirming and increasing the gifts, which according to thy bountifulness and mercy, thou hast bestowed upon us unworthy sinners: until such time at last, as thou shalt fully and perfectly, unite us with our head Christ: who seeing that he is that only Son of righteousness, he may replenish us with his eternal light and gladness. In the mean time, while we live in this troublesome life, send out faithful Pastors of Souls, and make thine holy Spirit to be effectual in the hearts of the auditors by the power of thy word, to the end, a great Church may be gathered to thee, and that the works of the Devil may be destroyed. Enarme the Magistrate with thy divine strength, that he may defend thy Church and common weal. Comfort, and confirm every one, that is afflicted in soul or body, and that we may be bold to seek and wait for so great good things at thy hands. Forgive us our horrible sins, for thy most dear Son Christ jesus his sake, who hath promised to us, that whatsoever we crave of thee, in a sure confidence in him, that thou wilt assuredly give it us, and therefore he hath commanded us to pray in this manner. Our Father etc. A PRAYER FOR SCHOLARS. Psal. 119.9.10. Wherewith shall a young man redress his way? If he wisely take heed to guide himself according to thy word. 10. With my whole heart have I sought thee, let me not wander from thy Commandments. I Render thee thanks, most merciful God, for all thy great and infinite benefits, but chief, that according to thy singular mercy, thou hast called me to the knowledge of thy Gospel, & hast given me teachers, that they may bring me up in good letters and sciences, to endue my mind with holy & honest precepts. Grant that I may acknowledge aright, what, and how great these thy benefits are, and that for the same, I may always give thee thanks. Bestow moreover upon me thy grace, and lighten me with the beams of thy Spirit, in removing the dark clouds of my mind, that I may desirously and gladly, learn these things which are taught unto me by my teachers, that I faithfully keep in memory, that I may render account again thereof readily & with judgement, lest my Teacher's labour and mine (the precious time, and this so meet an occasion given unto me of thee, and the fruits which are hoped for of me,) shamefully perish not, thorogh my unthankfulness & sluggishness. To the end this come not to pass, give me thy holy Spirit, the author of all understanding and truth, that he may make me faithful, able and meet to comprehend these things. Grant also, that to whatsoever study I apply my mind, this ever may be before mine eyes, to acknowledge thee, the only true God, and whom thou hast sent, jesus Christ, and so I may worship thee in a pure conscience. Moreover, because thou promisest wisdom to those, which are of a low and humble mind as children: but those that are proud and high, destitute of thy gifts, thou givest them over to vanity: root out of my heart all pride, that being humbled, I may show myself teachable and obedient, first to thee, then to those whom thou hast given me, to instruct, that so I may by little & little prepare myself to serve to thy glory only, and to the profit of others, in walking in that calling, which thou shalt assign unto me, Amen. A PRAYER BEFORE we go to meat. Psal. 145.15.16. The eyes of all things trust in thee O Lord, and thou givest them their food in due season, thou openest thy hand and fillest with thy blessing every living creature. Almighty & most merciful God, which of thine infinite goodness, hast created all things of nothing, and who susteinest and rulest the same perpetually by thy divine power, who led the Israelites through the Desert, feeding them with Manna 49. years: Bless us thy unworthy servants, and sanctify those thy gifts, that soberly and holily we may use them, & know in them, that thou art indeed our Father, and the fountain of all good things. Grant also, that we using these things corporal, we may be always disposed, chiefly, to seek that spiritual food of thy word, that our souls may be nourished to eternal life, which Christ hath purchased unto us by his precious blood. Our Father which art etc. A THANKSGIVING after meat. Deut. 8.10.11. When thou hast eaten and filled thyself, than thou shalt give thanks unto the Lord thy God, 11. And thou shalt beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, and neglect his Commandments. O Lord God and heavenly Father, we give thee thanks for thy great and infinite benefits, which thou bestowest upon us miserable sinners, of thine incomprehensible mercy at all times, in that thou uphouldest us in this mortal life, furnishing unto us all things that are necessary, but chiefly that thou vouchsafest to regenerate us by the holy doctrine of thy Gospel, unto the hope of a better life. We beseech thee merciful God and Father, not to suffer our minds to be occupied in these earthly & transitory things, but that they may look up, and seek the things that are in heaven, waiting for the coming of our Saviour Christ jesus, when he appears in the clouds to deliver us. So be it. Our Father etc. A PRAYER BEFORE we go to bed. O Lord God, and heavenly Father, which according to thy manifold wisdom, hast appointed the day for labour, and the night for rest. We render thee thanks, that thou hast so mercifully kept us this day, and hast heaped continually upon us, so many benefits: Grant likewise, that we now ceasing from our labour and care, may so be refreshed with sleep, that our minds not being buried in sleep with the body, we be slumbering in thy love: but that the memory of our Creation and salvation, be at no time wiped out of our hearts. Grant moreover, that our consciences, aswell as our bodies, may enjoy the own rest. Likewise, that we moderately using sleep, we may have a respect, not unto sluggishness but to necessity, to the end that we returning more apt, and quick to our works, left off for a time, we may the more readily serve thee & profit our neighbour. And in the mean time, while we are taking rest, deliver us from all peril, and keep us undefiled both in body and soul, that our sleep likewise may serve to the glory of thy Name, and seeing this day is passed over with us, not without manifold slidings, (for we miserable wretches, carry always sin about with us) we beseech thee, that as the night now foldeth up all thing in darkness, so according to thy incomprehensible mercy, that thou wilt bury all our sins, lest for them, we be casten out from thy sight. Grant also quietness and comfort, to all those which are afflicted with any kind of sickness, or other calamities for Christ jesus thy Son our Lord's sake, which this way hath taught us to pray. Our Father etc. FINIS.